novel-bin Chapter 63 Chongxun Mansion
Chapter 63 Chongxun Mansion
After exchanging pleasantries with the city guards, the lead courier counted the number of people and then called the other couriers to escort Su Zixu and his entourage to their destination—Chongxun Prefecture.
Mustering his courage, Su Zixu asked the courier guard escorting him, "Sir, do you know what tasks the general wants us to do?"
The courier didn't speak, but gave Su Zixu a cold glance and shoved him hard.
"Sir, please have mercy! If I can see the General, I will put in a good word for you," Su Zixu pleaded earnestly, refusing to give up.
"Hmph, who do you think you are?"
If a high-ranking criminal were to speak well of me, wouldn't that make me an accomplice to you? You'd better not say a word.
The courier chuckled, his tone full of sarcasm.
"Sir, sir." Yue Zheng Fengye's voice came from behind.
The courier escorting Su Zixu turned around and saw the old man calling him. He shouted impatiently, "Just keep walking and don't talk!"
"Sir, please allow me to finish speaking."
Seeing that the other party did not intend to interrupt, Yue Zheng Fengye continued, "Sir, have you recently been experiencing difficulties in accumulating wealth or financial losses?"
Upon hearing this, the courier stumbled, but still did not respond.
"Old man, I see that your nose is bluish-black, your left cheek is bluish, and your forehead is pale and dry."
This is due to blood stasis and obstruction of the heart meridian. Is it often accompanied by persistent pain?
"If what I say makes sense, you should go for treatment quickly, or you may lose your life if you delay any longer."
Le Zheng Fengye spoke slowly, his tone truly exuding an air of superiority.
After a moment of silence, the courier spoke softly:
"I don't know. Every month, General Lu would recruit some people who had committed serious crimes. General Lu was kind and hoped that the prisoners could also reform themselves."
"As for what the general specifically wants you to do, I don't know, and you shouldn't ask anymore."
After saying that, the courier turned his head away and stammered as he asked Yue Zhengfengye about ways to avert financial loss and about his own illness.
As the two chatted, a group of people arrived at the main gate of Chongxun Mansion.
Although it was night, the general's mansion was still visible.
Directly in front of them were two large vermilion wooden doors, over ten feet high and eight feet wide, with copper door studs inlaid on the door panels.
Two waist-high blue stone lions stand on either side of the vermilion gate, heads held high, chests puffed out, eyes wide open in anger, exuding majesty.
In front of the main gate stands a four-foot square screen wall, on which are engraved the four large characters "镇边安邦" (meaning "to pacify the border and secure the country"), which look vigorous and powerful.
As if they had anticipated the arrival of the guests, the vermilion gates opened as everyone settled in front of the mansion.
A young man dressed simply and neatly stepped over the threshold and came out.
He looked around before speaking: "Everyone has worked hard. This is a small token of the master's appreciation."
After saying this, the young man took out three packets of loose silver from his pocket and handed them to the leading courier.
The courier accepted the money bag with both hands, offered a few flattering words, and then called the other couriers to leave first.
The young man glanced in the direction the courier had gone, and after everyone had walked a distance, he spoke:
"You are all prisoners of the imperial court, but thanks to the magistrate's extraordinary mercy, you have been allowed to spend seven days here."
"From this day forward, all matters shall be under my command. Those who strictly abide by the rules and perform their duties diligently will be rewarded with twenty taels of gold and released immediately."
Even the slightest negligence or disobedience will result in being handed over to an officer in chains and punished severely; do not be surprised if you are shown no mercy.
Le Zheng Feng Ye immediately replied:
"We are prisoners who have been given a second chance by the master. How dare we not do our utmost to serve him! From now on, we will obey the steward's orders and will never dare to be negligent in the slightest."
The young man nodded slightly, waved to the crowd, and walked inside.
Seeing this, the others followed closely behind and entered the mansion.
The young man seemed fairly satisfied with Yue Zheng Fengye's reply, and his tone softened slightly:
"Please follow the five maids to your quarters to bathe and change your clothes."
At 1:15 AM, all personnel must be on standby in the front courtyard square, without fail.
"Rest assured, sir, we will proceed immediately and arrive by the hour of Chou (1-3 AM)," Lezheng Fengye replied quickly.
After giving his instructions, the young man left, and everyone looked at the five female attendants standing to the side.
Seeing that none of them intended to leave, and that no one was willing to take the initiative to ask, they realized that none of them were willing to leave.
Why aren't they taking us with them?
Li Zheng scratched his head, looking dejected, and complained, "Why are they carrying a bunch of clothes?"
By this time, although most of the team members were exhausted, their fear had lessened considerably compared to when they first arrived, and they began to chat.
Only a few elderly people remained vigilant, looking around.