Do you know: I’m Xu Jiazi

By the Jinming Pond,

After seeing the peony jade carving with excellent meaning that the Xie family had obtained, the onlookers dispersed one after another, some returned to their own tents, and some gathered with their good friends.

In Jinming Pond,

The two winning dragon boats sailed towards the big dragon boat moored in front of the Linshui Palace.

On the Dalonglou ship,

"My queen, the Tan family is a duke's mansion after all, and they are also old relatives of the Cao family! Since the Tan family's son is ambitious, it would be better for him to go with the flow and join the Northern Army."

A lady of honor, who was sitting very close to the queen, was speaking with a smile on her face.

Princess Pingning held a handkerchief in her hand and wiped her temples.

Taking advantage of the cover of her action, Princess Pingning secretly rolled her eyes at the lady who was speaking in front of the Queen.

This lady of honor is the Empress's cousin in terms of relationship, and a real relative. Her daughter is married to the third wife of the Duke of Anguo.

After wiping her temples and putting down the handkerchief, Princess Pingning still had a smile on her face. Judging from her expression, those who didn't know her would have thought that Princess Pingning agreed very much with the words of the imperial edict.

The Queen smiled and said, "It's good to be ambitious, able to endure hardships, and want to serve the country. I wonder what position the Tan family's child wants to pursue?"

The lady who had just spoken smiled and said, "Madam, I heard that the second son of the Zheng family was a commander of the infantry as soon as he entered the army! It is great for the son of the Duke of Anguo to be a commander of the cavalry."

As soon as these words were spoken, the Cao family wives around the queen all showed surprise on their faces.

To be called a commander in the army, one must have at least 500 men under his command in the infantry and at least 200 cavalrymen in the cavalry.

This person who was given the imperial decree asked for a military commanding position right away. He really didn't know his place.

As if he had noticed the gazes from all around, the imperial edict that was speaking supplemented the conversation by saying, "Of course, the brothers of the Tan family must start from a small rank, just like the children of the Xu family, the Marquis of Yongyi."

The Queen shook her head and laughed, "The children of the Tan family are, after all, under a patron saint. How can they start from a humble position?"

"That's right, mother." Princess Pingning smiled and said, "I think that the young man from the Tan family should first serve as a lieutenant in the imperial guards in Beijing, train for a year or two, and then go to the north."

When Princess Pingning spoke,

Zhao Fang, who had just finished watching the winning bid at the Dalong Tower boat, walked towards the Queen accompanied by Qi Heng and Liang Han.

"Mother, I just saw someone fall into the water on the east bank for some unknown reason!"

"Fell into the water? Is everything okay?" the Queen asked with concern.

Zhao Fang shook his head: "I didn't see it clearly. No one is shouting for help, so everything should be fine."

The Queen nodded slightly.

"Mother, what are you talking about with the ladies?"

Zhao Fang asked with some curiosity on his face.

The queen spoke briefly.

After listening to this, Zhao Fang looked at Qi Heng and Liang Han with a questioning look in his eyes, and said uncertainly: "Mother, is the Tan family's brother the son of the nobles who fought with the Jin warriors at the polo field before and retreated without fighting?"

"I also heard that a nobleman's son knelt down before the Jin warriors in order to avoid being beaten? Is he also a brother of the Tan family?"

Liang Han came to the side and said with a cupped hand: "Your Highness, it's not the son of the Tan family, but the son of the Jinxiang Marquis family."

"Oh! Yes, yes, it's his."

Listening to Zhao Fang and Liang Han singing the same tune, a lady on the boat and her daughter hurriedly lowered their heads to avoid looking at the people who were looking over.

Before he had said a few words, an eunuch came to the side and said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Your Highness, the two brothers who just won the bid have already boarded the ship and are preparing to express their gratitude."

"Announce it quickly." Zhao Fang said with a smile.

After Chai Jin and Xiong Yan boarded the Dalonglou ship and expressed their gratitude to the emperor and empress, Zhao Fang hurriedly asked, "Brother Jin, what happened by the east bank pool just now? How did I see someone jumping into the water?"

Chai Jin and Xiong Yan bowed their hands, looked at each other, and told each other about the situations they had seen, such as "blocking people", "talking", and "diving".

"So, it was Xu Jiajing's brother who suspected that the children of the Han and Tan families were causing trouble? Then the two gangs didn't fight?" Zhao Fang asked puzzledly.

Just as Chai Jin finished speaking, the imperial lady said, "Everyone knows that Xu's Fifth Brother is a skilled martial artist. I think the two brothers were forced to jump into the water by him!"

Sister Cao Jiazhi, who was sitting near the ladies of the Cao family, shook her head in disapproval and said, "Since it wasn't your fault, even if someone was forcing you, you should still dare to fight back!"

"You dare to say it wasn't your fault! But today, they are equal in number, but you didn't put up any resistance and just jumped into the water. If you lead an army in the future and encounter a strong enemy, won't you have to kneel down and surrender without any weapons or armor?"

Listening to what Sister Cao Jiazhi said, Zhao Fang nodded continuously, and then said, "I think it would be better for a man of this character to stay at home and enjoy his life, so as to avoid being punished by military law and losing his head."

"This is also for the good of the Tan family."

Zhao Fang finished speaking.

The emperor, who was sitting not far away, smiled and nodded.

The ladies who saw this scene understood what was going on.

Everyone on the Dalong Tower boat has disembarked and returned to Linshui Palace.

The big dragon ship was pulled back to the Aowu on the north bank.

Just after noon,

After lunch,

Xu Zaijing and Qingyun stood at the door of their tent, looking at the hazy and dark sky in the north.

“Huh~”

A gust of north wind blew, bringing a chilly feeling.

The north wind made the willow branches on the shore tremble in the wind and also made the surface of Jinming Lake fluctuate more violently.

“Huahuahua~”

The waves pushed to the shore occasionally hit the edge of the pool, making noises.

Gu Tingye walked up to Xu Zaijing and said, "Oh! Brother Jing, it looks like the world is going to change!"

"Well! In this kind of weather, we can't go fishing in the afternoon!" Xu Zaijing replied.

"Then let's wait until the weather is good before coming." Gu Tingye said with a smile.

While the two were talking, Xu Zaijing looked towards the Jinming Lake in the distance.

The background color of the sky in the distance is gray, but near the Linshui Palace by the pool, there are many bright flags of various colors.

At this time, the flag was fluttering in the wind, blown by the north wind.

Not only the flags of the Linshui Palace by the pool,

To the south of Linshui Palace, the flags on the Baojin Tower, which is as tall as the palace gate tower, are also fluttering in the wind.

While the two were talking, there was a noise near Linshui Palace.

The two of them looked and saw that the emperor's procession was moving towards the outside of the pond garden under the protection of the imperial guards, presumably returning to the palace.

“Tsk!”

Xu Zaijing spat out the sand in his mouth, looked at the gray sky in the north, and said, "This is a sandstorm!"

Gu Tingye was about to speak,

“Huh~”

Another gust of north wind blew by, causing Gu Tingye to quickly turn his back and shut his mouth.

The wind is a bit strong.

Xu Zaijing also turned his back to avoid the wind. He squinted his eyes and saw that several tents and curtains scattered along the shore were blown up by the north wind, making rustling sounds.

"Ding-ling ding-ling~"

The broken jade wind chimes hanging at the door of the tent began to ring randomly due to the wind.

The maids and servants standing at the door had their clothes and hairpins and hairbands blown about by the wind, and dust flew in their faces. The maids and servants turned sideways with their backs to the north and covered their mouths and noses.

“Dang~”

I don't know whose copper kettle was not fixed properly and was blown to the ground by the wind, making a noise.

Xu Zaijing lifted up the sleeves of his large spring shirt to block the north wind, and said to Gu Tingye: "Erlang, get ready to go back to the city!"

Gu Tingye imitated Xu Zaijing's movements and raised his arms, nodding repeatedly: "Let's go!"

When the two of them were talking,

The entire area around Jinming Lake has become busy.

First, the maids and servants of each household quickly packed up all kinds of things, and then the officials' families, noble ladies and gentlemen, all rode in cars or on horses in the north wind and dust.

When we left Jinming Lake, there was a crowd at the entrance because there were so many people leaving.

Xu Zaijing and Gu Tingye both wore veils to block the wind and dust. They rode side by side and looked at the crowded entrance of the pond garden. Gu Tingye said, "Brother Jing, we taught those guys from the Han and Tan families a lesson. We didn't expect that they could go back to the city early. We don't have to suffer this anymore!"

Xu Zaijing smiled and nodded, then brushed the dust off the little black colt's mane.

"Sir, please get in the car!"

In the carriage at the end of the Xu family team, Yun Xiang lifted the curtain and shouted.

Right after he finished shouting, Yun Xiang's eyes narrowed due to the wind and he squeaked several times, probably because he had swallowed some sand and dust while he was talking.

"No need! I'm riding a little black colt, it's not that agitated."

Xu Zaijing shouted.

"Got it, sir!"

After Yunxiang finished speaking, he immediately closed the car curtains.

Slowly leaving the Jinming Lake Garden, the sky became increasingly gloomy.

Xu Zaijing was riding on his horse, looking out through the gauze of his veil.

Outside the city,

Some families crossed the Huluo River directly and drove towards the Xinzheng Gate into the city. At this time, there were so many people that the traffic was no less congested than at the Jinmingchi Gate.

Some families did not cross the Hulong River, but drove straight south or north, probably trying to take a detour and enter the city through other gates.

The Xu family's convoy stopped in front, and the servant beside Zai Zhang walked up to Xiao Liju and said, "Fifth Master, Brother Zhang asked me to ask whether we should go north or south."

Xu Zaijing thought for a moment and said, "Let's go north! Although there is a section of the road that is against the wind, it will be fine once we get to the city."

"Yes, Fifth Young Master!"

The Xu family's convoy turned north, and the Gu family's carriages followed, and then several other families' carriages followed behind.

The north wind was blowing hard at this time, and the sandstorm it brought with it not only blocked the line of sight, making it difficult to see far, but also prevented people from keeping their eyes open for a long time, otherwise it would be easy for sand and dust to get into their eyes!

When I exhale, I can feel a lot of sand and dust between my mouth and nose.

Therefore, the coachmen of each family would cover their mouths, noses and eyes with clothes, look around before taking a step, and even stop for a while when the wind was strong.

After much difficulty, we braved the north wind and the dust.

The group arrived at Wanshengmen in the north of Xinzhengmen.

After entering the city gate, you will see Wanshengmennei Street, which is not far from the home of Xu Zaijing's grandparents.

Xu Zaijing rode the slowly walking little black colt behind his own carriage, squinting at the dust in the sky through the gauze.

Following behind, the carriage could help him block the wind and sand.

Suddenly,

Xu Zaijing felt something was wrong. After looking to the side, Xu Zaijing quickly shouted, "It's over! It's over!"

“Tut, tut, tut!”

Xu Zaijing spat out the sand in his mouth.

Qingyun, who was following behind Xu Zaijing, hurriedly rode his horse to catch up.

"Oh~"

The Xu family's carriage was stopped, turned around, and returned to the fork in the road leading to Wanshengmen.

When the carriage carrying Xie and Hualan headed towards Wansheng Gate, Qingyun called out to Xu Zaijing, who was riding a horse with the wind behind him, "Master? Aren't we leaving?"

Xu Zaijing nodded and said, "It's very dusty. Let's stand here for a while to prevent others from passing by like our driver."

"Why!"

Qingyun responded.

soon,

The Gu family’s carriage came over.

Looking at Xu Zaijing who was stationed beside him, Gu Tingye waved and greeted him.

When he wanted to speak, he saw Xu Zaijing waving his hand, so Gu Tingye had to give up in the north wind.

Afterwards, several more carriages and horses passed by. When they saw Xu Zaijing parked nearby, those who were quick-witted knew that Xu Zaijing was giving them directions, and most of them bowed in greeting.

Those who didn't know what Xu Zaijing was doing would often take a curious look at him, wondering why Xu Zaijing was standing still in the wind and sand.

The Chai family carriage is exquisitely crafted.

There are more sandstorms in Hejian Prefecture in the north than in Bianjing, and the craftsmen had already taken into account the impact of such sandstorms.

Therefore, the curtains and door curtains of the Chai family's carriage are double-layered, and there are leather curtains on the inside of the windows, which have a very good sealing effect when lowered.

Although it was dusty outside, the interior of the carriage was not affected and was very clean, except that the light was a little dim.

Listening to the rustling sound of dust outside the carriage rubbing against the ground, Chai Zhengzheng said softly, "Mother, how about lighting a candle?"

Mrs. Chai, who was used to this kind of weather in Hejian Prefecture, closed her eyes and said, "We will be entering the city soon. Why light candles? We are not going to see anything."

"Okay." Chai Zhengzheng said helplessly.

Mrs. Chai opened her eyes, thought for a moment and then said, "Zheng'er, are you a little afraid of the dark?"

"Yes! Mother, my daughter was blindfolded before the accident. Although she is much better now, she is still a little afraid of the dark."

"Light the candles, let's light the candles, I was thinking too little. Yunmu, hurry up!"

As he spoke, Yunmu prepared to light the candles with ease.

The car was quiet for a moment, with only the sound of dust outside the car.

Suddenly,

"Brother Jing, are you here to help guide the pedestrians behind you?"

Chai Jin's voice rang out.

Hearing this, Chai Zhengzheng in the carriage was stunned.

"Brother Jin, why don't you take the carriage?" another voice came faintly.

"This kind of sandstorm is nothing! Brother Jing, I've checked the back, those who haven't caught up, let's go together!"

After a moment, Xu Zaijing seemed to look back and replied, "Okay!"

Chai Zhengzheng looked at his thick, tightly fixed leather car curtains and sighed a little depressed.

In the carriage, Chai Zhengzheng could feel the carriage turning east and heading towards Wanshengmen.

After walking for a while,

Apart from the rustling sound of dust, there was no sound of talking outside the car.

After all, to speak a word is almost like eating a mouthful of dust.

At this time,

There was a burst of talking outside the car, but it was not from Xu Zaijing and Chai Jin.

"Whistle~whistle~"

There came the sound of the coachman steering the horses.

Then, the Chai family's carriage began to move backwards.

"What's wrong?" Mrs. Chai frowned and shouted outside.

"Madam, there is a car ahead with a broken axle! We need to move our carriage backwards so they can get off the bridge."

"Um!"

“Woo~Woo~”

Listening to the sound of the wind, I knew that the wind outside the car seemed to have suddenly become stronger.

The friction between the dust and the carriage also became much louder.

The carriage fell backwards for a while.

suddenly,

The speed of the Chai family's carriage suddenly increased.

Chai Zhengzheng, Mrs. Chai and others in the car were also shaken, before Mrs. Chai could say anything.

“Bang!”

"Shhh~~~"

As the horses neigh,

The Chai family's carriage shook violently and tilted instantly. Zhu Huo, Chai Zhengzheng, Mrs. Chai and others in the carriage fell uncontrollably towards the innermost part of the carriage.

"ah!"

The sudden change made Mrs. Chai, Chai Zhengzheng, Yunmu and the nanny scream in surprise.

Although she was frightened, Mrs. Chai still slapped the candle that was flying towards Chai Zhengzheng aside.

"Be careful! We're going to fall into the river!"

A loud roar was heard outside.

"Sigh~"

The horses continued to neigh, and debris fell out of the tilted carriage.

Before Chai Zhengzheng could react to what was happening,

The entire carriage suddenly stopped again, and then began to move forward slowly.

"Quick! Go and help!" As Chai Jin's voice got closer, a moment later,

"Bang!" After a loud noise, the carriage returned to normal.

Yunmu, still frightened, hurried to the door of the carriage, pushed the door in front of him open, and looked outside.

Before they could see the situation clearly, they were greeted by sandstorms blown in by the north wind, which made everyone in the carriage cover their mouths and squint their eyes.

"Mother, sister, are you okay?"

Chai Jin's anxious voice came.

"It's okay! Brother, mother and I are fine! What happened?" Chai Zhengzheng asked while using his sleeves to block the wind and sand.

"When our carriage was backing up, the wind and dust became stronger, and a wine flag was blown by the wind, blinding the backward horse's eyes! Our coachman was also blinded by the dust."

After Chai Jin finished speaking, he continued, "Brother Jing, are you okay? Are you feeling weak?"