Chapter 1237: Chapter 1237: People from the Prime Minister’s Mansion Speak So Eloquently
The Emperor has issued a decree for a city-wide search for rebels, making it difficult for people entering or leaving the city. As the New Year approaches, people are rushing to the city to buy New Year’s goods, or they’re coming home for the New Year from other places. Because of this search, the city gates have become a major bottleneck.
No related identification documents or witnesses? Sorry, you’ll have to visit the Government Office for tea, and someone will need to bail you out.
So, in the past few days, scenes like this have been common at the city gates: "I’m from such and such place, I have a witness, my cousin’s son’s wife from my great aunt’s side is a maid at some mansion."
Or, "Are you blind? Can’t you see who I am? How dare you stop me? Get lost!"
Or, "You ignorant fool, don’t you recognize this family crest? Who’s in front of you? Move aside!"
Right now, such a scene is unfolding. The captain at the city gate pats the shoulder of a soldier next to him, nodding and smiling apologetically to a man sitting on the carriage seat who appears to be a steward.
"This foolish boy didn’t recognize Mount Tai in front of him, and dared to stop Prime Minister Song’s carriage. I hope you, sir, will be forgiving. I’ll personally ensure this brat comes to your mansion to apologize." The gate captain glared at the soldier, signaling him with his eyes.
The nameless soldier quickly followed with an apologetic smile. He was a new recruit, and due to the city-wide search needing more manpower, he was temporarily assigned to guard the city gate. He managed to secure this job by calling in many favors.
On his first day of guarding the gate, he ended up stopping the carriage of Old Master Song.
This was the father of Prime Minister Song, the ancestor, and he dared to stop him.
Wah, he wanted to cry. He feared he wouldn’t need to report for duty tomorrow, sob sob.
Sitting on the carriage seat, dressed in a thick long robe with a fur hat protecting his ears, Changgui, smiled and raised his hand: "Officer, you are too kind. Since the Emperor has commanded a strict search, you’re just following orders; how could we hold you accountable? You are performing your duties loyally, proving to be loyal subjects of the Emperor. Our Prime Minister often teaches us not to use our status to trouble loyal servants of the Emperor, as they are the Emperor’s loyal subjects. It is thanks to them that Great Qing is stable and not disturbed by petty men."
Listen, isn’t it clear he comes from the Prime Minister’s Mansion? How pleasant his words are?
The captain of the gate was moved and excited, saying: "The Prime Minister’s righteousness is truly a model for us."
Changgui smiled and saluted towards the Imperial City: "We’re all just serving the Emperor. You all have worked hard; I will certainly mention to the Prime Minister how diligent you all are. Are you Zhao Zhouquan by any chance?"
Captain Zhao Zhouquan was delighted, puffed out his chest, and said: "Indeed, sir, you have an excellent memory."
The nameless soldier beside him thought: Didn’t you already announce your name when you first stepped forward, and still they remember?
Changgui nodded: "Zhao Zhouquan, fitting to your name, handling matters comprehensively. I’ve taken note. Since there are still many people in queue, we won’t delay you further and will proceed first?"
"Yes, yes, Sir, please proceed," Zhao Zhouquan waved his hand, and someone stepped aside.
At this time, a wallet flew into his arms, and Zhao Zhouquan caught it and looked at it.
Changgui laughed and said: "In this cold weather, after your shift, have a few drinks with the lads to warm yourselves."
Zhao Zhouquan beamed, smoothly stuffing the wallet into his sleeve, solemnly bowing in gratitude.
Once the Song Mansion’s carriage passed, the nameless soldier smiled obsequiously and said: "Boss, the Old Master Song has quite the presence, even the servants are so impressive."
Zhao Zhouquan spat at him: "If you raise a son who becomes a Prime Minister, you’ll have presence too."
The nameless soldier chuckled awkwardly, glancing at his sleeve.
Zhao Zhouquan saw him and said: "Alright, stop looking. Once you’re off duty, you’ll get your share. Now hurry and get back to your work."
"Yes, yes."
