The lobby in Zigui County has never been so lively, decorated with lights and festoons, full of joy, and smiling faces everywhere.Some are novel and interesting smiles, some are yearning for prosperity and wealth, and some are self-satisfied smiles, but there are also smiles that use makeup to cover up the tears and force themselves to make up. Generally speaking, as long as the beauties in Zigui County are unmarried, they are all concentrated here-the imperial court selects women from good families to enrich the harem, although the imperial edict clearly states that virtue is the main thing, and appearance is not important. The face and the body have no serious diseases, so they are all eligible for the selection.But everyone knows that the main condition for being selected is sex!

Therefore, those who are usually well-known but do not want to be selected into the deep palace, as early as the edict was issued, they hurriedly searched for their sons and married them hastily.In the past six months, there have been three times more people hosting weddings than usual.There are not many beauties left after things come together.The imperial envoy of the beauty pageant, Ye Ting Ling Sun Zhen, was greatly disappointed, frowning and shaking his head constantly, muttering to himself: "A thousand cities are easy to get, but a beauty is hard to find!" "What are the imperial envoys talking about!" A candidate for election, Pengmen Biyu, protested bluntly and unconvinced, "There is a beauty who is not only the number one in Zigui, but also the number one in the world!"

"Oh," Sun Zhen was moved, "Tell me, who is it?" The words were spoken, but greatly regretted.She murmured, "I'm just kidding! Is there the most beautiful woman in the world there?" Sun Zhen has served as Ye Ting Ling for twenty years, and there are more than three thousand beauties in the harem?Rolling around in the thick of makeup all day long, I got a good grasp of the girl's psychology, and knew that what she said was true, but I suddenly became scruples, so I changed my words.If you are forced to ask, of course you can tell the truth, but it may cause side issues, which is not good, so just laugh it off.Just ask her name.

"My name is Lin Cai. Shuangmu Lin, Caixuan." "Seeing that you are eloquent, there is something to be said for it!" Chen He, the county magistrate of Zigui who was accompanying him, immediately said loudly: "Take Zhonglincai!" Sun Zhen just said that, whether he was selected or not, he was still considering. Chen He made such an announcement on his own initiative, which made him quite unhappy, but it couldn't be counted, so he had to admit: "Take Zhonglincai." Because of this, he refused to speak easily. Looking around, he saw that there were only five or six people left at the end, and the second one had not been selected. Chen He couldn't help being anxious, and asked with a smile: No one can hit the magic eye?"

Before Sun Zhen could answer, a girl with a round face and a happy smile greeted him with a smile, and said in a crisp voice, "The imperial envoy is well!" "You know the etiquette very well." "It's good to know etiquette!" Chen He said aside, "Etiquette is the most important thing in the court." Chen He was noncommittal and only asked, "What's your name?" "My name is Zhao Mei." "Zhao Mei?" If it is a questioning tone, it means that there is a sense of not being worthy of the name.Chen He hastened to become a beauty, "Imperial Envoy," he said: "There are all kinds of beauty. Some people are good at first glance, but they don't like it anymore, and the more they look at it, the more they don't like it; It’s mediocre, but it’s a bit tasteful when you look at it, and it’s more beautiful when you look at it. What do you think in my humble opinion?”

"Hmm! Mmm! High opinion, high opinion." Sun Zhen perfunctory. "Imperial envoy," Chen He said again, "this Zhao Mei is the minister of the official and male, and is in charge of the noble son." These words moved Sun Zhen, he nodded and said, "This is probably the best choice! Let's choose her." So when I saw the end, I looked back again, and finally managed to choose another one, named Han Wen, with a quota of four, and one short.Chen He saw that Sun Zhen had the intention of not paying any more attention to him, so he said, "Imperial envoy, please take a look again, is there any leftover pearl?"

"You don't need to look any further, there are no pearls, so what is there to say?" "Then, isn't there one more place?" "Yes, I know." After finishing speaking, Sun Zhen went back to the other room to rest. Chen He knew something was wrong, but it was inconvenient to follow up and ask, so he first prepared the goat wine gifts that should be sent by the selected Lin, Zhao, and Han families, and then went to the door to congratulate them in person.After walking one by one, they returned to the yamen, and it was almost dusk.When buying wine to entertain the imperial envoy, Fang began to ask questions calmly.

"Imperial envoy, there is still one short, should I rather be short than excessive, or be re-elected?" "It's indispensable, and it can't be abused. It's too troublesome to re-election." Sun Zhen replied, "I think, the most beautiful woman in the world in Lin Cai's mouth, you might as well call me to have a look." Chen He's heart skipped a beat when he heard this. "Lin Cai is talking nonsense!" He said: "Where is the most beautiful woman? Ever since Zigui was born as the 'Sanlu Doctor' junior, she has lost all her charm. Up to now, men are not literate and women are not beautiful. Imperial envoys should not believe lies! "

"Sanlu doctor" is Qu Yuan, who wrote "Li Sao", and his disciples.Song Yu, a generation of talents, is said to be an aboriginal of Zigui.The juniors and younger brothers are all good at diction and Fu, magnificent and magnificent, unsurpassed in ancient and modern times, so Chen He said this, but it didn't work. "Brother Chen," Sun Zhen said solemnly, "beauties are like the sun, the moon and the stars. Even if they are hidden by floating clouds for a while, they will eventually show their brilliance and be seen by the world. The younger brother has been exhausted. Up to now, men are not literate and women are not beautiful. I have nothing to say. If the most beautiful woman in the world really appears, and she has long been a subject of the people under my feet, at that time, Brother Chen, I am afraid that you will be accused of deceiving others. I can't bear it!"

The situation is serious!Chen He, the master, was very disturbed like a thorn in his back—it turned out that Lin Cai’s words were true, and Zigui was indeed beautiful, but his parents regarded her as their life and were reluctant to leave her away from their knees. He and there paid heavy bribes and were able to be excluded from the list of candidates.I don't want Lin Cai to talk too much, but Sun Zhen is shrewd, it seems that he can't hide it. From Chen He's face, Sun Zhen saw in his heart that he knew that the four words "deception" that could be punished by death frightened him.It's just that the words are too strong to be able to turn around, and he has to find an excuse for him to turn things around.

So, he thought for a while and said, "Brother Chen, you haven't been in office for long, I'm afraid you are not familiar with the local situation. You might as well send more people to visit tomorrow. The deep palace, favored by the emperor, is the icing on the cake for your future!" How could Chen He's mouth be hardened by acting as a coercion first, followed by temptations, and leaving room for him to make amends?Repeatedly said: "Yes! Yes! I will obey the orders of the station." Early the next morning, Chen He sent someone to call for a gentleman named Wang Xiang. After earning a huge fortune, he was homesick in old age, abandoned and returned to his roots, and returned to Zigui to settle down. It was only over a year, but because of his rich family fortune and generous nature, he soon became a great gentleman in the local area. He was respected by Chen He. I was called to the county government office and met in the back hall.Wang Xiang was taken aback when he saw the cases - the neatly arranged four yi golds, he recognized, were the originals he had given to Chen He. "Prince! Things are out of harmony!" "Why did the virtuous parents say that?" Wang Xiang asked anxiously, "Did something happen?" "There was an accident!" Chen He replied with a frown, "It's just because of a person surnamed Lin who said 'the number one beauty in Zigui'. If I don't apply for the election, I will be punished in the future with "crime of deception".This is no child's play!Your Majesty, thank you very much.Fang Ming, and begging for forgiveness. " Speaking of which, I shouted: "Come on!" A boy who waited on the living room responded, and under Chen He's command, wrapped the four yi of gold in a cloth and placed it in front of Wang Xiang. "A generous gift of biscuits!" Chen He arched his hands and said, "I'm so sorry for not doing enough service." "No, no! It's just a show of modesty, please accept it." Wang Xiang pushed a bag of gold over, then got up and said: "Farewell!" "Prince!" Chen He held his arm and was stunned for a long time without saying a word. Wang Xiang is fully aware of his unspeakable thoughts that must have results.The gold is returned, and the daughter is about to give it away!However, he couldn't make any promises at this time, he could only pretend to be deaf and dumb and keep silent. This forced Chen He to speak.While thinking about how to word it, Tong'er came to announce: "The imperial envoy is here!" People followed, and Sun Zhen had already come slowly from another room.Chen He felt very embarrassed. The four yi golds that had to be disposed of first, were full of bribes, and it was extremely inappropriate for Sun Zhen to fall into it.Fortunately, the Tong'er was very vigilant, taking advantage of Wang Xiang's stepping forward to meet him and blocking Sun Zhen's sight, he quickly moved the bag of gold away. Now, Chen He was relieved, and he made up his mind to introduce Wang Xiang: "This is the envoy Sun Qin specially sent by the imperial court." "Wang Xiang sees the imperial envoy!" "Don't dare to be, don't dare to be! Prince, please sit down." Wang Xiang hastily bowed and thanked: "I dare not take the title of honor!" "It's not considered a respectful title. I have worked too hard for the country. Now you are traveling in the forest, young and old, why can't you be called this? Please sit down, please sit down!" So Sun Zhen and Wang Xiang sat facing each other, and Chen He accompanied him in the guest seat.After a few greetings, the host gradually got to the point. "Your Majesty," Chen He said, "the imperial envoys have traveled thousands of miles, so it can be said that they came here just for Qianjin." "Exactly!" Sun Zhen said, "I've heard for a long time that the daughter of a daughter is virtuous, and she possesses the four virtues. Once elected to the deep palace, she will be favored. I would like to congratulate you first!" "How dare, how dare!" Wang Xiang panicked, "The imperial envoy has praised the little girl so much, she will definitely be disappointed in the future." "Where is it?" Chen He took the opportunity to say: "Why don't you ask your lord to pick up the daughter at this moment, and let us have a look?" "It's a bit difficult!" Wang Xiang replied, "The little girl is not in Guizhou." "Not in Guizhou?" Chen He couldn't help being surprised. "Yes. The little girl went hunting with her two brothers." As soon as these words came out, Sun Zhen and Chen He glanced at each other.Both of them refused to believe his words, and Sun Zhen was a little displeased, "This is also strange!" He said with a downcast face, "A deep boudoir is weak, can she still ride a horse and shoot an arrow?" "There is a reason for this. Xiao Ke has been doing business in the northwest border for a long time since she resigned from office, so the little girl can ride a horse and hunt like a Hun girl." Sun Zhen's face softened a little, "I see!" He asked: "Your son and Qianyuan went hunting, when will they come back?" "I think, before the heavy snow closes the mountains, we have to go home." Because of this sentence, the flesh on Sun Zhen's face became tense again. Looking at Chen He, he said coldly, "It's only early autumn, and there are still two or three months before snowfall." "How can the imperial envoy wait for two or three months?" Chen He's expression turned ugly, "I think we can definitely find them back! You can't just go hunting with your son and daughter, there must be a direction, right?" "Probably to the north." "Where is in the north?" Chen He said with a straight face, "It's good to meet each other with sincerity!" This is a bit of a lesson!Wang Xiang felt very uncomfortable, but also deeply vigilant, thought for a while and replied: "Probably on Eighth Bachelor's Hill." Being able to explain the exact location is an expression of willingness to cooperate. Chen He then said in a comforting tone: "Baxueshi Mountain is only ten miles away from the city, and it is very convenient to come and go. Please send someone to bring Qianyuan back quickly, my lord." !With a daughter who is both talented and beautiful, why worry about not being favored? Prince, you honor your ancestors, and the opportunity to brighten your family has come!" Wang Xiang nodded and got up to leave, but Sun Zhen still had something to say: "This is a business matter, there must be a procedure. Prince, what is the name of the daughter, how old is it?" "The little girl's single name is Qiang, and her alias is Zhaojun. She is eighteen years old this year." "That's right!" Sun Zhen summoned the little official who registered in the register, and confessed face to face: "Now there is Wang Xiang, a citizen of Zigui County, who reported to his face that his Queen Qiang, alias Zhaojun, is eighteen years old and is a candidate for the palace." It turned out that this was a trick, and Wang Xiang signed up himself, so he could no longer deny it. "I don't want this opportunity to honor my ancestors and my family!" Mrs. Wang said firmly, "I only want my daughter!" "Ma'am, don't be too stubborn! How can I be willing? It's just because someone said too much, and even the county magistrate can't protect her. Who dares to disobey the emperor's order? You have to think more broadly." "I don't care. You can have my daughter, but first take a knife and kill me!" It has reached an unreasonable level.Wang Xiang was so anxious that she didn't know what to do. After rubbing her hands for a long time, she sighed and said, "It's only your fault that your stomach is too strong to give birth to such a girl who is the number one in Zigui. For my daughter, I have thought of everything, you Now I still refuse to listen to persuasion, so there is no other way, so I have to go to prison and suffer." Of course, Mrs. Wang has also thought about this level.Her point of view is that "the big lawsuit, the big money", as long as you don't hesitate to lose your family, you can always save your husband. But this point of view can only be made, and cannot be said. Once it is said, it seems to have the heart to let the husband go to prison. What is the bond between husband and wife?Therefore, at this time, I had to be silent. So Xiao Cui, the servant standing behind her, pulled Mrs. Wang's clothes.Wang Xiang saw it with sharp eyes, and reprimanded loudly: "Xiao Cui, what the hell are you doing?" "The manager is waiting for his wife to give the key to open the warehouse." Mrs. Wang understood as soon as she heard it, and immediately said: "Ah, I forgot!" She stood up, "I will talk about it after I give the key first." It turned out that Zhaojun was asked to go hunting with his two elder brothers and a cousin in order to keep her away.At this time, Xiaocui offered a plan, instead of arguing with Wang Xiang, she just sent someone to Baxueshi Mountain to look for Zhaojun, and told her to stay at her cousin's house temporarily, wouldn't it be easy to escape the difficulty? Mrs. Wang thought it was a great plan and ordered it to be done.Then I went back to my husband, pretended to argue for a while, and then gave in with a helpless expression, sighed and said, "Okay, it's up to you! Anyway, my daughter is not mine alone." So Wang Xiang sent Wang Xing, a young and strong servant, and solemnly confessed: "You immediately go to the Eighth Scholars Mountain to find the uncle, the second master, and the lady, and tell them to come back immediately! Needless to say, if I ask you What's the big deal, just say you don't know." Although Wang Xing was quick-witted and capable, after all, he was one step too late, so he missed the opportunity.However, through the search and investigation, the whereabouts of the little master can be roughly inferred. It cannot be said that there is no explanation to the master, so he rushed back overnight to report. "Uncle, Second Master, Miss, they must have returned to Padang with Young Master Biao!" Wang Xing reported like this: "I asked many people, and they all said that they went out of the mountain to the west. It is the main road to Padang." "Then why didn't you hurry?" "It's too late. The investigation was delayed all the way. When I asked clearly, I counted the time, and it was already half a day's journey. I was afraid that the master would miss it, so I rushed back to report. If the master and the others must come back, I will rush to Padang." "Alright! You go to Padang again right away." As soon as Wang Xing was sent away, someone from the county came to invite him, naturally asking about Zhaojun's whereabouts.Wang Xiang had no choice but to answer truthfully, but there were many doubts that could not be explained. "My lord, I would like to ask, do you know that your son and daughter are going to visit relatives in Padang?" Chen He added, "I heard that the tutor in the house is very good!" If there is a tutor, how can the children not follow orders?This clearly refers to his prevarication.Wang Xiang couldn't argue, so she had to answer like this: "I have sent people to Padang to chase after it, and I will definitely find it back." "How many days will it take?" "It takes five days to go back and forth." Chen He didn't dare to make a decision, so he turned his face and asked, "What does the imperial envoy think?" Sun Zhen pondered for a while, and then resolutely replied: "Okay! It's five days. But after five days, people must be needed." "yes." "What if there is no one?" "Then," Wang Xiang replied generously, "you can be punished." "This crime," Sun Zhen reminded him, "is not a light crime!" "That's something that can't be helped. I have a clear conscience. If you don't allow me to search slowly and find out the matter, I will be charged with resisting the order, and I have to accept my fate." The words are soft but hard, which makes people unusable.So after he resigned, Sun Zhen complained to Chen He very much, and inevitably he also blamed Chen He for accepting Wang Xiang's "entrustment" without knowing the seriousness of the matter.He also said that things have really changed, and there is only "business as usual" and no favoritism. Even Chen He is a little anxious about this business!Because the so-called "entrustment" means accepting bribes. This matter can be big or small, depending on Sun Zhen's intentions.Now Sun Zhen is quite sullen, and he can only use the eight words of "doing business as usual, and never showing favoritism" as a way to protect himself. Therefore, the four yi golds that were returned to Wang Xiang but refused to accept were returned to the Wang family again.Seeing this situation, Wang Xiang knew that the matter had reached a stalemate, so he sent people to Padang overnight, urging Zhaojun to return to Zigui within a few days. On the fourth day, Wang Xing came back from Padang and brought a very unexpected news that Zhaojun and her two brothers had never been to Padang. Where is this going?Can't help but doubt, is it in danger in the mountains? Mrs. Wang was so anxious that she burst into tears and was restless.Naturally, Wang Xiang also had deep worries, but just to comfort his wife, so he didn't want to show any color, so he only summoned the strong men from his relatives and offered a reward.Ask them to split into Eight Bachelor Mountain to search. Just after the messy initial disposal, the county called for people again.Naturally, Wang Xiang reported the truth, but Sun Zhen refused to believe his words, and just sneered repeatedly. "To tell you the truth," Wang Xiang said with a sad face, "At first my wife was reluctant to let my daughter be selected into the palace, but now she has changed her mind. Life is better than death. If my daughter can return safely, I would rather be selected. In case of danger, Farewell from now on, what's the point of the foolish couple living? At that time, the imperial envoy will punish me, and it doesn't matter to me at all." It was so painful that Sun Zhen couldn't believe it.But from his words, we can even imagine what a crystal clear and mellow rare pearl Zhaojun is!Therefore, he was more concerned about her life and whereabouts, and discussed with Chen He that he might as well send someone to help search. Of course Chen He complied.A dozen or so servants were sent into the mountain to pack grain and investigate carefully. After three days like this, the small mountain of eight scholars was almost searched, but there was no trace.If you are in danger, whether it is falling into a deep valley, or being killed by a fierce tiger and poisonous snake, there are always signs to be found, but there is nowhere to be seen.What's more, the brothers of the Wang family also brought their servants. Even if they are in danger, not all of them will be killed. There will always be someone who can escape and report back home, but there is no one. Isn't it a big deal strange. Sun Zhen was harsh at the moment, thinking that this was a scam deliberately arranged by Wang Xiang, and felt quite insulted by others, so he became more annoyed and decided to "do business with business". So he ordered Wang Xiang to be arrested and brought to the case for interrogation in person. "Are you convicted?" he said, "This scam is full of doubts. How can you explain it yourself?" "I don't need to explain anything, please punish the imperial envoy." Wang Xiang felt that there was no need to argue, and it was useless to argue. If her beloved daughter was in danger, everything would be ignored, so she answered like this. But Sun Zhen misunderstood it, thinking that he had pleaded guilty, just to prove that his opinion was right, so there was no need to investigate the case, but only how to punish the crime. Turning to this idea, I immediately realized that I had encountered a problem: first, there was no judicial power and responsibility, so Wang Xiang’s crime could not be punished; second, even if the crime could be punished, I didn’t know which law to invoke?The so-called "resisting the decree" and "deception" are just verbal intimidation words, which are written into the "prison speech" and used to convict them, which is another matter. but.Although Wang Xiang's crime cannot be punished, Chen He can be arrested and taken back to Beijing.Stop thinking like this, and then said: "Wang Xiang, since you can't explain yourself, you admit it's a scam—" "Imperial envoy!" Wang Xiang protested, "You can punish me, but I can't admit it's a scam .” Sun Zhen was taken aback, "Why did you retract your confession again?" He said, "It's not a scam. So, what about people?" "The little girl's death is unknown, teach me how to make friends?" The answer was plausible, and he couldn't refute him.However, Sun Zhen was not a weak person, so he did not argue with him on this point, but only said: "Okay! Even if life and death are unknown, there will always be a day when the truth will be revealed. You can't shirk your responsibility, and I can't let you go. I can only bring you in." Go to Beijing, hand it over to the Tingwei Yamen, and punish her according to the law. As long as your daughter can report for duty, or if you can prove that it was an accident, I can still let you go." This kind of treatment is not too much, Wang Xiang asked: "How can it be regarded as a definite proof that an accident happened?" "If there is an accident, there will always be a dead body, right?" Sun Zhen made a conclusion: "Anyway, there are no living and dead! If Wang Zhaojun has no whereabouts, you will never want to go home." Wang Xiang was dejected and speechless, and let Sun Zhen confess to Chen He and put him in prison.Mrs. Wang was so anxious that she almost fainted when she heard the news.Begging the clansmen to come forward and ask for bail, Chen He flatly refused, but Sun Zhen decided to increase the pressure, take care of Chen He, and send Wang Xiang to Beijing as soon as possible. Therefore, Chen He prepared the paperwork overnight and dispatched a solution.Before getting up early the next morning to explain, as usual, you have to "appear in court", and first send two interpreters to the court to answer. "Have you received your money and paperwork?" "I got it." "This Wang Xiang is accused of resisting the decree, which is equivalent to being ordered to commit crimes. You must be extra careful when escorting you all the way!" "yes." "Okay! Go back first." Chen He ordered loudly: "Take Wang Xiang." Wang Xiang had already changed into a criminal's attire, wearing ocher cloth, with handcuffs on his wrists, went to the hall with a dismal appearance, knelt down on his knees, and waited for questioning. "Wang Xiang! Under the order of the imperial envoy, I will send you to Beijing, and I will leave today." "Yes!" Wang Xiang agreed feebly. "You have to understand that this is not because the county is deliberately embarrassing you, nor is it because the imperial envoy has any prejudice against you. It is really a sacred order, so I have no choice but to send you to Beijing to argue for myself. Along the way, the solution will not be difficult. You. If your daughter has been found, you can also be chased back and released home. In short, don’t blame the county for being ruthless!" "I don't blame my parents and officials, I only blame my daughter for being unfilial." "It's good that you understand!" Chen He said loudly, "Come on! Take Wang Xiang and send him to the carriage." The sill car, commonly known as the prison car, is specially used for long-distance transportation of criminals.It is a wooden cage with wheels, and the cover is two planks with a semicircular gap in the middle.The prisoner squatted in the cage, covered with two wooden boards, the gap just choked the neck, and the head was exposed, as if wearing a yoke. At this time, Mrs. Wang had already received the letter and arrived.Seeing her husband end up in such a state, she was sad and remorseful, and tears rolled down her eyes.However, she is resolute by nature, and wiped away her tears to comfort Wang Xiang: "Old man, please rest assured: I will try to rescue you back!" She looked around, and there were so many people that it was inconvenient to say what was in her heart, so she only added two sentences: "I am sure , I will definitely be able to save you back! It’s my fault that I’ve had to work hard for two days.” "There's no need to talk about it! It's just that the two sons, one daughter, and nephew are all missing. This matter really worries me!" "I sent people to Padang again. Maybe when Wang Xing went last time, they were still on the way and missed it twice." Mrs. Wang said again, "Both of us have never done anything wrong in our lives. God. You won't be so blind and take away our two sons and one daughter. Don't worry, you will be there well." "As soon as you come back, you have to send someone to notify me overnight." "Of course, of course!" Mrs. Wang pointed to Wang Xing and said, "I sent him to follow you all the way to Beijing. Luggage, clothes, and money are all handed over to him." Then, Mrs. Wang entrusted two other messengers to take care of them along the way.It implies that a heavy gift will be sent to their home.The two messengers all understood, and they agreed that they would never let Wang Xiang suffer. So, the old couple broke down in tears and left the east city in a rumbling car.In the middle of the day, I took a break at a post booth and opened the sill car to let Wang Xiang get out of the car for activities. Wang Xing, who was accompanying him, was very capable. He first bought wine and meat for the servant to enjoy, and then served Wang Xiang for dinner and chatted with him. This post booth is located in an important place, and there is an endless stream of cars and horses, which is extremely lively, but everyone cares about each other and does not disturb each other.Unexpectedly, all the shopkeepers stood up suddenly, some rushed out the door, some poked their heads to pay attention, Wang Xiang couldn't help being surprised, and asked Wang Xing to go and see what happened. Wang Xing rushed out to have a look, and was pleasantly surprised.After being stunned for a moment, Fang Shi came to his senses and should hurry to tell the master. "My lord, my lord!" He ran all the way, shouting all the way: "What a happy event!" "What's the happy event?" Wang Xiang jumped up and walked out of the door, wanting to see for himself. That is to say, when the words were just out of the mouth, the horse stopped outside the door, and then an elegant shadow appeared, spreading magical power along the way, attracting all eyes. "Zhaojun!" Wang Xiang shouted. "Father!" Zhaojun rushed over, leaned on her father's shoulder, and rubbed her long hair that was as shiny as lacquer black and silky as silk, with tears in her eyes and a satisfied smile on her lips. There was silence for a while, and everyone looked at their father and daughter holding their breath, and could almost hear a needle drop on the ground.Finally, it was Zhaojun's silver bell-like voice that broke the strange silence. "Father! Have you suffered a lot?" "No! No!" Wang Xiang had thousands of questions to ask, but he didn't know which one to mention first?It took some concentration to realize that he and his daughter were so much attention. A sense of pride and uneasiness arose in his heart, so he arched his hands and said loudly, "I'm sorry for disturbing everyone! Please go your own way, please go your own way!" This said, most of the passers-by in the post booth stared at them in embarrassment, eating, talking, what they were doing, or what they were doing.However, no matter what he was doing, his gaze always drifted over from time to time, circling Zhaojun intentionally or unintentionally. The excitement of the father and daughter became calmer, and they sat down to talk about Zhaojun's whereabouts first. "Where have you been?" Wu Xiang could not help complaining, "Didn't you never think that your mother and I would be so anxious?" Hearing this, Zhaojun was very disturbed.But there are some things that she can't say yet—it's all because of her mother's fault, and it's really superfluous to send someone to notify her to take refuge in Padang. If it weren't for this, he wouldn't be lost and trapped in the mountains, almost trapped to death. Secondly, she had to blame her elder brother Wang Chuan. At that time, she said that her mother's method would not work.The emperor's restriction was not something that could be avoided, but Wang Chuan insisted on obeying his mother's order, and went to Padang first.It was inconvenient to tell her father this, so she just smiled apologetically and said: "Father, isn't your daughter by your side now?" "How did you come back?" "I lost my way in the mountains. When I arrived in Badong, I didn't know that my father had sent Wang Xing here. I rushed back from the waterway, and I didn't know that I had caused a big disaster when I got home! I didn't even have time to change my clothes, so I was in a hurry to see my father. Unfortunately, it was a day late. , I wish I had arrived yesterday." If he had arrived yesterday, Wang Xiang would not have to go to court to explain.But he doesn't care about taking a ride, what he cares about is his wife's attitude, whether she still sticks to her original intention? "Have you seen your mother?" he asked. "See you." "What did your mother say?" "Mother," Zhaojun said with a slight frown, "she seems to be happy and worried at the same time." This is conceivable.Of course she will be happy if her daughter is safe.However, going to Beijing and living in the deep palace for a long time, thinking of seeing her beloved daughter indefinitely, why not worry? It's useless to worry, it's a foregone conclusion now.Wang Xiang could only tell his beloved daughter like this: "Zhaojun, you should relax your mind first, don't cry, it will make your mother even more reluctant." "Yes!" Zhaojun said with lowered eyes, with some resentment in his voice. Wang Xiang was also immersed in mourning, silent.So Wang Xing took this opportunity to come up and talk back. "My lord," he said, "the two messengers said that the situation will be different once the young lady comes back. It's better to stay in this post office today and wait for the news in the city." This reminded Wang Xiang, "Does the county know the news of your safe return?" He asked Zhaojun. "Mother sent my eldest brother to the county to report." "So," Wang Xiang replied to Wang Xing, "You two have a good idea. As long as they are willing to bear the burden, I will naturally end up with less suffering, and I will live here today." "The two messengers are willing to guarantee it. But—" Wang Xing deliberately stopped talking, and gave a wink. "Of course, of course, I should be rewarded." Wang Xiang hurriedly replied, "You have decided." The thing to consider is the amount of reward.Wang Xing was as generous as his master, spending a lot of money, and the two managers were very satisfied.In order to show his gratitude, he was very courteous and negotiated with the head of the post booth. Under the guise of the county magistrate, he asked for two good rooms for Wang Xiang's father and daughter to stay overnight. It is necessary to reveal Zhaojun's background, the head of the pavilion was very excited, and hastily prepared ready-made food and wine, and came to congratulate Wang Xiang and his daughter. "Zhaojun," Wang Xiang said compassionately, "You must be tired, go take a nap." Zhaojun didn't want to take a nap, but saw that his father seemed to be tired. If he didn't go back to the bedroom, his father would not be able to rest, so he replied: "Father also take a good rest." "I have something on my mind, I won't be able to sleep." "It's also good to close your eyes and rest your mind." Zhaojun helped his father sit by the wall, gently wiped his eyelids off, then closed the window, and only then quietly went to his bedroom next door. Under Zhaojun's gentle service, Wang Xiang fell asleep peacefully.After an unknown amount of time, he felt that someone was shaking his body.Opening his eyes, it was Wang Xing who was full of excitement. "My lord, my lord, the county magistrate accompanied envoy Sun Qin to visit." "Oh," Wang Xiang rubbed her sleepy eyes, and said unconsciously, "I don't need to stay at the post booth today." So Wang Xiang stood up and left.But Wang Xing grabbed him and said: "Master, this outfit——" Wang Xiang remembered that he was wearing a ochre-colored cloth, which was a crime uniform, and asked, "What's wrong?" "Would you like to change it?" Wang Xing replied, "There are the master's plain clothes in the cage." Wang Xiang thought for a while and replied, "No! You can't replace it without authorization, otherwise you will be blamed." After finishing speaking, he walked outside, only to see Sun Zhen and Chen He standing in the yard to greet him, his clothes were very eye-catching, Chen He shouted anxiously when he saw it, "Your Majesty, please change!" This is an expression of exoneration.When Wang Xiang thought of being treated as a prisoner for no reason, she couldn't help but feel a little indignant, and wanted to stay angry.However, he was honest and honest, so he finally turned around and went in, changed into plain clothes, and then came out. "Prince!" Chen He pointed to Sun Zhen and said, "I specially accompanied envoy Sun Qin to congratulate him." "Congratulations?" Wang Xiang replied, "I don't know what kind of happy event it is?" "It's a joy for the daughter to come back safe and sound; it's even more a joy to be selected into the palace. As for me, I should apologize!" Chen He bowed deeply. This attitude of arrogance and respect swept away Wang Xiang's remaining anger, and he replied politely: "Don't dare to do it, don't dare to do it! Please sit down, both of you." "My lord, please sit down," Sun Zhen said again, "I heard that Qianyuan is here?" "Yes. She heard that I was leaving the car and was on the road. She was not at ease, so she came here specially to see her." "True filial piety is not lacking! Can you let me see you?" "It's serious!" Wang Xiang said to Wang Xing, "Go and have a look, please come out, Miss." After Wang Xing left, Sun Zhen and Chen He explained again.Constantly apologizing. It turned out that Sun Zhen only suspected that Wang Xiang was hiding his beloved daughter on purpose at that time. His feelings were abominable, and his handling was unavoidable.Now that I heard that Zhaojun showed up, I didn't intend to be elected. I would naturally think that Zhaojun entered the palace and was favored. Thinking of his rudeness, he might retaliate; !Therefore, Chen He was invited to come together, called congratulations, which is really an apology. Of course Wang Xiang understood what he meant, but comforted him and said: "Nothing! Nothing! I don't mind; the youngest girl is also the most sensible, and she can forgive the second husband, and the situation is helpless." Sun Zhen and Chen He were very pleased, bowed their heads solemnly to express their gratitude, and when they looked up, they happened to see Zhaojun who was ordered by his father to come out.Sun Zhen felt his eyes light up and his heart trembled.He has been in Ye Ting for many years, and he has seen more than a thousand beauties in the harem.And this feeling is the first time. Chen He was also dumbfounded!I regret endlessly, such a talent.Not only is Zigui number one, it is truly unparalleled in the world.If I had known this before, I should have written a letter to recommend it. This peerless beauty, as soon as it entered the royal eye.Must be conferred the title of one person below the queen, and all the concubines above the palace family. At that time, the emperor would pay attention to the merit of "recommending the virtuous", and the Zhaojun thought about the reason for being favored.Just for Wang Xiang's four yi of gold, it is really stupid to be greedy for small things and lose big things! However, it's not too late to make up for it, as soon as he thought about it, he got up from the banquet, greeted Zhaojun, and bowed to the ground. "Don't dare to do that!" Zhaojun calmly avoided, and asked Wang Xiang first: "Daddy summons my daughter." "That's right!" Wang Xiang stood up and said to Sun Zhen: "My little girl is here, waiting to be dealt with." "Your Majesty's words, Sun is terrified." Sun Zhen was really terrified, bowed his head and said, "It's nothing. Please forgive me, my lord!" "'Nobleman'!" Zhaojun said softly to himself, feeling that this title was inconceivable. "Yes! The women selected from a good family are temporarily called nobles, but," Sun Zhen turned to Wang Xiang and said, "Your daughter is a real noble. A peerless celebrity, besides having both talents and virtues, she will be honored, you can say that. Congratulations !" Then, Sun Zhen and Chen He congratulated again.Wang Xiang couldn't help but say a few polite words, but Zhaojun kept quiet and didn't answer, so he made a plea and went back. "It's time for us to send the prince and nobles into the city." Sun Zhen asked Chen He, "Have the horses and chariots been ready?" "It's already ready. May I ask the prince, are you going to leave immediately?" "Yes, yes! I obey Taiwan's orders." At this time, the Wang family also sent someone to welcome him. It was Zhaojun's second elder brother Wang Xue, with two servants of Zhaojun and a curtain cart.这辆车，自不如陈和带来的蒲轮安车来得舒服。因此，孙镇为了献殷勤，坚持让昭君坐公家的车。王家父女拗不过意，只好接受。 进城已经黄昏，孙镇关照陈和亲送王襄与昭君回家。其时左右邻居，一干亲友，都已得到消息，齐集王家，一来道贺，二来探听详情。陈和本来还想在王家作一番周旋，见此光景，只得作罢，殷殷致别而去。 在王家，宾客去一拨来一拨，门庭如市，上灯未已，少不得还要张罗饮食。远道慰问的亲友，变成贺客，更须安排宿处。闹哄哄地直到三更过后，王襄夫妇方能在一起叙话。 当然，王夫人不会有笑容。长子王传向着父亲，刚脱缧绁之灾，所渴望的是家人的慰藉。母亲这副神情，未免太过，所以劝慰着说：“娘，这是喜事——”一语未终，已触怒了王夫人，接口喝断，“什么喜事？”她说：“骨肉分离，再无见面之日，还说是喜事！你做长兄的，天性这等凉薄，莫非竟没有一点点手足之情？” 王传无端挨了一顿骂，心里委屈万分，但也不敢顶嘴；昭君自是老大过意不去，急忙说道：“娘，你老人家也别冤屈了大哥！听说我要离别膝下，大哥已哭过一场了。” “娘！”老二王学能言善道，另有一番解释，不过他也怕挨骂，所以言之在先，“我要说个道理你听，若是不通，等我说完了再骂，行不行？” 王夫人除了女儿以外，便爱次子，当即答说：“好！我听你说。若是花言巧语哄我，看我拧你的嘴。” “娘，大哥说得不错。实在是喜事！娘一心念着将来不能跟妹妹见面，这是过虑。在别人，就像这次选上的那林、韩、赵三位，也许一人掖庭。除非有放回家的恩诏，再也不得与家人见面，可是妹妹不同！进得宫去，皇帝不是没有眼睛的，一见当然中意。等一封了妃子，推恩母家，爹会封侯，娘就是呼妇。大汉朝最重外戚，那时全家搬进京去，不但娘可以时常进宫去看妹妹，就是妹妹，一年也总有一两次回来看看爹。这不是喜事是什么？” 这一大篇话。说得王夫人心境大变。虽不能尽祛离愁。但已不觉得这是件难堪的事，这一下。脸上也就微有笑意了。 “话是不错。不过，也不能太大意。以为凭自己的性情、模样，一定就会得宠。红花虽好，还要绿叶扶持！”王夫人想了一下说，“老相公，我有个主意，你看使得使不得？我想把林、韩、赵三家的女儿连他们父母一起请来。联络联络感情，将来进宫也好有个照应，你道如何？” “当然好！”王襄答说，“我想林、韩、赵三家，一定也有这样的意思。” 果然，到得明朝，不待王襄发柬邀请。林、韩、赵三家约齐了先来拜访，异口同声地表示：一入长安，首蒙荣宠的必是昭君。到那时务必请昭君念着乡谊，照应林采、韩文与赵美。东西说罢，三家父母一起下拜。王襄夫妇逊谢不遑，少不得也有一番郑重拜托的话。王夫人看林采端庄稳重俨然大姊的模样，格外笼络，拉着手问长问短，一再叮嘱：“你昭君妹妹不像你懂事，脾气也嫌太刚，务必请你当自己的妹子那样看待。”又当着昭君的面说：“你妹妹如果有什么不对的地方，你尽管说她！” 感于王夫人的诚意，林采很诚恳的答说：“照顾昭君妹妹就等于照顾我自己。” 这话说得再透彻不过，韩、赵家亦都以此语告诫爱女。见此光景，王夫人自然深感欣慰，因而离思别恨也就比较容易排遣了。