Chapter 768: Night banquet explores the blur

Love Shenjing East Suburb.

The sun set in the west, and the sky was covered with large fish-scale clouds, fiery red and enchanting, which was spectacular.

Jia Cong's carriage galloped on the wilderness. Although the carriage was slightly bumpy, it did not affect his thoughts.

Liu Shizhen's accidental discovery of Qian Huai entering the palace confirmed Jia Cong's vague suspicion of Qian Huai.

Qian Huai might belong to the Embroidered Uniform Guard, or to the Zhongche Office. In short, he was an eye-line of Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao in the firearm workshop.

Undoubtedly, everything that happened in the firearm workshop, as long as Qian Huai knew and obtained it, would be presented to Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao's desk in time.

Jia Cong did not show a strong reaction to this in front of Liu Shizhen.

But his heart was filled with vigilance and awe. Although this did not surprise him, the firearm workshop was a heavy place for the military, and it was inevitable to be concerned and monitored.

But having a pair of other people's eyes hidden by his side still made Jia Cong feel inexplicable fear.

He could not even be sure whether there were other hidden eye-lines in the firearm workshop besides Qian Huai.

Although all the craftsmen in the workshop were screened by him personally, and also screened by the Embroidered Uniform Guard and Zhongche Office.

But whether it was the Embroidered Uniform Guard or the Zhongche Office, they were all the Emperor's eagles and dogs. It was not too difficult for them to do something in it.

Even among the six officials who managed the firearm workshop, Qian Huai might not be the only eye-line.

Even Liu Shizhen, whom he trusted and was closest to, could he be completely trusted?

Fortunately, he spoke and acted in the workshop with a righteous heart, impartial, and never left words, so he would not be too worried.

Whether it was Qian Huai, the manager of the workshop, or other unknown people, no matter what purpose they had, they did dark and mysterious things.

The only thing Jia Cong could hope for was that even if these people had different paths, their hearts and wishes could return to the same place, just that the way of being loyal to the king was different.

Perhaps as long as the king ascends the throne, possesses the four seas, and rules the world, facing huge power and wealth, he is destined not to be a simple person.

Regardless of good or evil, chaos of black and white, to protect oneself, imperial power is inherited, and all things in the world can be straw dogs.

For those who are wise and thoughtful, advancing is loyal to the past, retreating is dark and self-defensive, and timely construction of a retreat is the best policy, because accompanying the king is like accompanying a tiger since ancient times……

As the wheels rolled, Jia Cong's thoughts were surging, and suddenly a thunderous sound of horseshoes came from outside the carriage.

He had fought on the battlefield in Liaodong and knew that such an urgent sound of horseshoes must be a cavalry team galloping, which would cause such a movement.

Although this place was not within the scope of the Forbidden Army guarding the workshop, Jia Cong passed by every day when he went to work, and had never encountered a cavalry team galloping.

Such a majestic movement could not be made by ordinary big families.

Jia Cong lifted the curtain of the carriage and saw that on the official road more than ten steps away, nearly twenty horses were galloping, one after another.

The knights on the horses were all wearing leather fur and soft armor, carrying knives and bows, looking fierce and brave, and there were many prey such as birds, rabbits, and wild deer hanging on the saddles.

The knight at the front of the cavalry team was sixteen or seventeen years old, with thin shoulders and straight back, and a tall posture, quite heroic.

He was riding a grass-leaf yellow horse, which was very spirited, and the saddle and reins were inlaid with gold and silver, exquisite and luxurious.

This person was wearing a pitch-black sable fur long jacket, a moon-white group flower long robe inside, and a Han-style bun on his head.

Although he was dressed as a Han man inside and out, his nose was high, his eyebrows were thick and black, his skin was light white, his cheeks were red, and he had the characteristics of a grassland person.

A feeling of familiarity instantly flooded Jia Cong's heart. Wasn't it this group of people who were galloping on Hanzheng Street that day, disturbing the passersby?

Jia Cong felt funny in his heart. This Ordos Prince seemed to like hunting very much.

And he was still the same, so fond of galloping arrogantly. I hope he will restrain himself after entering the city.

Although this person changed into a Han-style dress, Jia Cong recognized at a glance that it was the Nuoyan Taiji he met on Hanzheng Street that day.

……

At this time, Jiang Liu was driving the carriage from the branch road into the official road, and saw the cavalry team passing by, the speed of the horse was very fast.

He hurriedly reined in the carriage, waited for the other party to pass, and then turned into the official road.

It was too late, and the twenty-odd riders were like wind and clouds, stirring up the sky full of smoke and dust, flying past the front of Jia Cong's carriage.

Jia Cong was lifting the curtain of the carriage, and the strong wind and dust raised by the cavalry team rushed towards his face, making him frown slightly.

It was just that the cavalry team had rushed out a hundred paces away, and the leader Nuoyan Taiji suddenly reined in the horse.

The followers acted in unison, and instantly controlled the galloping horses, not only with exquisite and clever riding skills, but also with orders and prohibitions, revealing a chilling military spirit.

Nuoyan Taiji waved his hand slightly, and all twenty-odd followers stopped their horses on the spot. Only Nuoyan Taiji turned his horse's head and galloped towards Jia Cong.

Jia Cong saw him controlling the horse, free and easy, although he was on the saddle, he was as natural and comfortable as walking on flat ground.

The tall and spirited yellow horse under his crotch seemed to be able to understand his intentions, without any whipping, and walked slowly.

Jia Cong was also a person who was proficient in riding, and felt that he was inferior to others by comparison.

Grassland people grow up on horseback since they were young, and their natural tacit understanding with horses is incomparable to ordinary Central Plains people.

Nuoyan Taiji controlled the horse to the front of Jia Cong's carriage, and jumped off the horse, his movements were neat.

He smiled, "I took my followers out of the city to hunt today. I felt that it looked like you from afar, which was an unexpected joy."

Jia Cong smiled slightly, "Taiji's horsemanship is still so exquisite, galloping thousands of miles, with extraordinary momentum."

Nuoyan Taiji smiled brightly and said, "Does the Count of Lord Weiyuan think that I am going to gallop on the street again, making noise in the city, and annoying people?"

"It was just that I was new to the Central Plains last time, and I was used to galloping on the grassland, but I still understand the truth of following the customs."

"It was only when I was in the open space outside the city that I galloped. After entering the city, I naturally walked slowly. I hope the Count of Lord Weiyuan will forgive me for disturbing you."

Nuoyan Taiji's eyes were clear, turning slightly on Jia Cong's face, and said, "I know that a few miles east of here is the Great Zhou Ministry of Works Firearm Workshop."

"It is rumored that many magical firearms of the Great Zhou were built by the Count of Lord Weiyuan in that workshop. Are you returning to the prefecture after work now?"

Jia Cong heard him mention the firearm workshop, his heart felt a bit alert, and said, "Taiji's news is quite well-informed."

Nuoyan Taiji saw Jia Cong's expression was a bit cautious, and smiled, "The Count of Lord Weiyuan pacified the Jurchens in one battle and is a young hero in the hearts of the people."

"The deeds of the Count of Lord Weiyuan are widely circulated in the city, and I have heard a lot after entering the city, which is not a secret."

"The Count of Lord Weiyuan doesn't need to worry. The Ordos Department entered Shenjing with sincerity to negotiate peace and stop the war, and has no covetous thoughts about the Great Zhou firearms."

"We Ordos people are brave, but as long as we have food and clothing, we don't like riding horses and killing."

"Long-lived Heaven is fair to everyone, only giving them what they should get. Excessive expectations and ambitions are not only a heavy burden, but also the source of disaster."

"In your Han books, it is said that a gentleman uses things, and a villain is used by things, which shows that the truth of the world is the same."

……

Jia Cong heard this, and was slightly surprised. He didn't expect this Mongol Prince to be proficient in Han books.

A gentleman uses things, and a villain is used by things. It comes from "Xunzi · Self-Cultivation".

It is a warning to people to restrain their desires and ambitions, not to be swayed by external things, those who know contentment are rich, and those who know when to stop are long-lasting.

He originally heard Nuoyan Taiji mention the firearm workshop, and could not help but feel alert. Now the Great Zhou and the remnant Mongols are negotiating peace.

The Mongols heard that the Great Zhou firearms were sharp, and had covetous expectations in their hearts, and it was extremely possible to spy on them while seeking peace in the capital.

It was just that he had just felt alert, and Nuoyan Taiji noticed his thoughts, and stated his heart directly about the firearm workshop.

Although Jia Cong did not know the truth of these words, Nuoyan Taiji dared to speak them, thinking that he had some scruples in his heart.

And the remnant Mongol delegation entered the capital to negotiate peace. The Great Zhou only let 800 people enter the city, and another 1,000-odd Mongol delegation members were stationed in the western suburbs of the city.

Now Jia Cong goes to the morning court every day, and his official business in the Firearm Division involves military secrets, and he never reports it in the morning court.

Although he also serves as a fifth-rank scholar in the Hanlin Academy, this scholar is mostly a mascot of the Hanlin Academy.

The daily official business of the Hanlin Academy is reported by Ge Hongzheng of the Hanlin Academy.

Therefore, Jia Cong is quite leisurely in the morning court, only listening to the six ministries reporting and discussing politics.

So he knows a little bit about the dynamics of the court departments and the urgent political affairs at present.

A few days ago, the remnant Mongol delegation entered the capital, and the Ministry of War reported in the court, asking to transfer 3,000 troops from the Five Army Camp to station in the western suburbs.

The purpose is to guard against and suppress the 1,000-odd remnant Mongol delegation members stationed in the western suburbs of the city. Moreover, the Embroidered Uniform Guard and Dali Temple went out everywhere to strictly investigate and visit improper actions, and Jia Cong had heard the relevant rumors long ago.

Under this internal and external guard, the Mongol delegation wants to do improper things, which is no different from fishing for the moon in the water and bringing fire to themselves.

Jia Cong and Nuoyan Taiji only had one intersection, but he knew that this person was sensitive and could respond to things, and was by no means an ordinary person. He was one of the three heads of the delegation, and it was impossible for him to know nothing about these things.

He could think of the pros and cons, and such a person could naturally think of it.

And his words were also meaningful, specifically mentioning that the Ordos Department was sincere in negotiating peace and not necessarily fighting.

It seems to distinguish the Ordos Department from the other two major tribes of the remnant Mongols in an unobtrusive way.

According to Jia Cong's vague speculation, this distinction is mainly the distinction between the Ordos Department and the Tumut Department.

The three major tribes of the remnant Mongols each have 10,000 households, and the three major tribes each maintain their own interests, and even have friction and fighting with each other.

Not every tribal leader is as ambitious as Anda Khan, intending to restore the former glory of the Golden Family.

Just like what Nuoyan Taiji said, the Ordos tribe only wants food and clothing, and is not keen on riding horses and killing.

He also said that excessive expectations and ambitions are not only a heavy burden, but also the source of disaster.

Could it be that this is expressing in a hidden way that the Ordos tribe has some disapproval of Anda Khan of the Tumut tribe……

In short, Nuoyan Taiji's few words, which seemed unintentional, made Jia Cong hear many things that were worth pondering.

Perhaps, this is also what Nuoyan Taiji intended to make him realize?

This made him have the idea of examining and pondering this Ordos Prince.

……

Nuoyan Taiji smiled, "I met you on Hanzheng Street last time, and I admired the Count of Lord Weiyuan's style and ability very much, and I often think of it afterwards."

"You Han people have a saying, it is better to meet by chance than to invite. Does the Count of Lord Weiyuan have the interest to go into the city with me for a few drinks?"

"I heard that there is a Chunhua Building in the east of the city, whose dishes are famous in Shenjing, and I have long wanted to see it."

"It's just that there is no one who is compatible with me, and it is too boring to go alone. I don't know if the Count of Lord Weiyuan can go together."

Jia Cong was slightly stunned. He was an imperial official, and Nuoyan Taiji was the head of the remnant Mongol delegation. There was no official business between them.

After the remnant Mongol delegation entered the capital, in addition to negotiating border trade matters with the relevant departments, there was also making friends with officials of various departments.

No matter what purpose this behavior is out of, during the period of the two sides' consultation, mutual courtesy is not strange.

The court did not forbid officials from contacting delegation members, just to add some superficial articles of drinking and feasting for the peace talks between the two sides.

As for how to grasp the scale during contact, the officials know very well in their hearts.

People who can stand in the officialdom are rarely confused people. Everyone understands in their hearts, acting on the scene, perfunctory, each showing their magical powers.

Moreover, Nuoyan Taiji's words just now had aroused Jia Cong's curiosity.

This person is one of the heads of the remnant Mongol delegation. If he can explore his heart's trend, it will definitely be beneficial to understand the overall situation of both sides.

His eyes inadvertently swept over, and he saw a telescope inserted in Nuoyan Taiji's waist, which was exactly the same as the one he gave himself, and his heart moved slightly.

He said, "Since Taiji has this elegant interest, Jia Cong is willing to accompany you."

Nuoyan Taiji was very happy to see Jia Cong agree, and waved to the cavalry team not far away.

A burly man immediately galloped over, it was the Hu'ergan who was punished by Jia Cong on Hanzheng Street that day.

Nuoyan Taiji said, "Hu'ergan, take the prey we hit, and pick the best one to give to the Count."

"Also, you leave a horse, and everyone else returns to the city first. I will enter the city with the Count for a drink, and you don't need to follow."

Hu'ergan said, "Taiji goes out alone, without anyone to follow, we are really worried."

Nuoyan Taiji said, "You are dressed like this, and you are carrying knives and bows. If you go with me, it will be too ostentatious."

"Shenjing is under the feet of the Son of Heaven, and the Count of Lord Weiyuan is a celebrity in Shenjing, with extraordinary skills. With him accompanying me to drink, nothing will happen."

Hu'ergan was rough, but very obedient to Nuoyan Taiji. After hearing his words, he did not dare to say more.

He thought about picking a few guards to change into Han clothes and follow secretly.

He went to pick a batch of good prey and asked people to move it to Jia Cong's carriage. Jia Cong asked Jiang Liu to return to the prefecture to report the news first.

He rode a horse and returned to the city with Nuoyan Taiji. When they arrived outside the Hongde Gate in the east of the city, Hu'ergan led other guards to return to the Tongwen Hall first.

Jia Cong and Nuoyan Taiji entered the city alone, walked to the prosperous place in the city, and it was the time when the light was exhausted, the street was full of people, and the lanterns were lit.

The two dismounted and walked slowly, Nuoyan Taiji was sensitive, cheerful, and quite talkative, often finding topics to chat with Jia Cong.

Today he was dressed in Han clothes, walking in the noisy crowd, no one could see that he was a Mongol.

Even Jia Cong had a strange feeling that Nuoyan Taiji, whether it was his words or daily actions, seemed to be different from Mongols.

That Han-style dress was worn on him, very natural and harmonious, without any feeling of awkwardness, as if he was born to wear Han-style dress.

……

The two had just arrived at Chunhua Building, and it was the beginning of the night. The building was full of diners, and the business was booming.

Jia Cong was famous in Shenjing, and often gathered with Cai Xiaoyu, Liu Xiaoping, and others at Chunhua Building. Many waiters in the building recognized him.

Jia Cong now enjoyed a resounding reputation in the Love Shenjing, and often gathered for small parties at Chunhua Tower with Cai Xiaoyu, Liu Xiaoping, and others, so many of the waiters in the tower recognized him.

Nuoyan Taiji smiled, "Inviting the Count out for a drink, I really found the right person, and there are many conveniences."

After the two entered the room, the shopkeeper personally handed over the menu. Because Nuoyan Taiji was a guest from afar, Jia Cong asked the shopkeeper to invite him to order.

Jia Cong thought that Mongols drinking and eating, mostly ordered some beef and sheep liver.

Nuoyan Taiji looked at the menu for a while and said, "First bring a few plates of fresh fruits to open the appetite. I heard that your rose gold silk honey dates are famous, so bring a plate."

"The rest of the hot dishes are Jiangnan style, just pick what is on the menu, squirrel mandarin fish, ringing oil eel shreds, Gusu braised duck, crab powder tofu, one of each."

"Meat and vegetables are also matched, just order stewed fresh with slow fire, hundred-leaf knot braised meat, meat and ginkgo vegetable heart……"

Jia Cong heard Nuoyan Taiji report a string of dish names, and could not help but be surprised.

He not only ordered authentic Jiangnan dishes, but also ordered fresh fruits and honey preserves first, and then ordered meat and vegetable hot dishes.

This ordering posture can be considered very particular, not at all like a grassland person, but like an old diner who has been in the business for years.

The shopkeeper smiled, "This guest is really an expert, ordering authentic Su Yang dishes, and they are all the shop's specialties."

Nuoyan Taiji smiled slightly, "Bring two pots of the shop's cellar-stored Yutangchun, don't use low-year ones to fool me."

The shopkeeper said he didn't dare. Seeing his posture of ordering dishes and being with the Count of Lord Weiyuan Jia Cong, he thought he was also a son of a noble family, so he didn't dare to fool him.

After the shopkeeper went down to prepare the dishes, Jia Cong smiled, "I didn't expect Taiji to grow up in the desert, but to be so familiar with Jiangnan dishes."

Nuoyan Taiji smiled, "Actually, my mother is a Han person, and I have half Han blood."

"Mother often talked about the customs of her hometown, and exquisite delicious food. I envied the scenery of the south since I was young."

"It's just that there are only birds and beasts in the desert, no chickens, ducks, fish, and eggs. Even if Mother knew the dishes of her hometown, she couldn't cook them."

"This time I went south with the delegation to negotiate peace. The three major tribes were headed by the Tumut tribe, and I didn't need to worry about it. I came to Shenjing more like traveling and seeing the world."

Jia Cong heard this and felt a move in his heart. Mongols called their mother Eji. He didn't expect this Ordos Prince to be born to a Han woman.

And Nuoyan Taiji's words were elegant, his thoughts were meticulous, and he was not rough at all like a grassland person.

He could even quote classics in his words, and was deeply immersed in Han classics. I don't know who his Han mother was.

In this era, women who can read and write and have literary ink in their chests are almost all rich or expensive. I don't know what kind of person his mother is.

It was just that after half a cup of tea, the waiter brought the ordered dishes one after another.

Nuoyan Taiji helped Jia Cong fill the wine glass and smiled, "We Mongols live by herding, have no fixed place, see many gatherings and dispersals, and will regard guests who can drink and talk as lifelong confidants."

"Today you and I can gather from thousands of miles away, which is also a rare fate. Since we are friends, there is no need to be formal in words, so as to show tacit understanding and closeness."

"The Count doesn't need to call me Taiji, just call me Nuoyan. I don't call you Count of Lord Weiyuan, just call you Jia Cong, which is the righteousness of Han friends."

Jia Cong smiled and raised his glass to signal, "Very good."

He had just finished speaking when his eyes glanced at the tightly closed door, and soon he took his eyes back, continuing to drink with Nuoyan Taiji…… (End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 769 =====

Noyan Taiji said, "We Mongols live by herding, with no fixed abode, and see many partings and reunions; we treat guests with whom we can drink and converse happily as lifelong confidants."

"That you and I can meet here from ten thousand miles away today is a very rare fate. Since we are already friends, there is no need to be formal in our speech; only then does it show a tacit understanding and closeness."

"Count, you need not call me Taiji; just call me Noyan. I will also not call you Count Lord Weiyuan, but just address you as Jia Cong, if that is agreeable. Only then is it the way of friends in the Han lands."

Jia Cong smiled, raised his cup in salute, and said, "Very good."

Just as he finished speaking, his gaze flickered toward the tightly closed door, but he quickly withdrew his eyes and continued drinking with Noyan Taiji... (End of chapter)