Chapter 13 Chapter Thirteen

Meifeng happily congratulated Nefiri and Pazar in a starched fork-front loincloth and a pleated long oil shirt. "This time I will help you in the most direct way. I will be responsible for the distribution of offices after the reorganization of the central administrative agency. Since you are the elder of the gate hall, you naturally have priority." "I don't have any privileges." "It's not a privilege. It's a legitimate right to control. Not only can you effectively control all documents, but we can also work together in a spacious place. Let me do my part for the efficiency of our office!"

All ministers in the DPRK and China were shocked by the speed of Meifeng's rise, but no one criticized it.He has reinvented otherwise stagnant public institutions, weeded out lazy or incompetent civil servants, and worked tirelessly to solve technical problems that cropped up day in and day out.Subordinates are often scolded for being too eager to do things.Although some sons of officials and officials looked down on his poor background, they had to be obedient, otherwise they might be expelled at any time.No matter what difficulties he encounters, Meifeng will never be discouraged.He exerted his potential to the extreme, and with the spirit of perseverance, "no matter how big the problem is, he can overcome it one by one. For a long time, many big landowners have been indifferent to public property, and often evade timber taxes. Thanks to Meifeng was able to restore taxation to normal, which can be said to be a great achievement. As for the reorganization process of taxation work, Meifeng naturally did not forget to borrow Pazar's judicial expertise. Whenever there is a problem that cannot be solved, Meifeng will come forward It also made sense.

Pazar is indeed very grateful to this heavyweight ally.Fortunately, with him, I can escape countless traps. "My wife's health is much better now." Meifeng said to Nefeli, "She is very grateful to you and has already regarded you as a friend." "Does she still have a headache?" "Rarely. Every time a seizure occurs, she will apply the ointment you gave: it's like a elixir! But Sirix just doesn't listen to your advice, and is still so greedy. I hide the pomegranate juice and honey, She'll sneak out to buy carob juice, even fig juice. Not just you. Even dream interpreters tell her to cut down on sweets."

"If you don't have a strong will, no medicine will help you." Mei Feng smiled wryly. "My toes have also been hurting for a week. Sometimes I have trouble putting on my shoes." After looking at his chubby little feet, Nefiri said, "You boil butter and acacia leaves, mash it into a paste, and apply it on the painful area. If it doesn't work, come to me again." Nefiri commanded the maid in a dignified manner.It seems that she already has a lot of experience in housekeeping.Soon, she will open a clinic in the corner of her house.Her reputation in the palace is also growing. Of course, she has made a name for herself by curing the prime minister. In the eyes of the doctors in the palace who are unable to move because of Nebamun's absence, she is really jealous and envious. .

"This house is so beautiful." Meifeng praised while eating watermelon. "I wouldn't be able to live there if it wasn't for Nefiri." "Be ambitious, dear Pazar! Your wife is very special. Be careful." "Just one nebamon is enough for me." "He is just standing still for now. You and Nefiri have humiliated him, and he will definitely find a way to retaliate. Of course. With your current status, it will be more difficult for him to act." "What do you think of the recently promulgated imperial decree?" Pazar changed the subject.

"It's incomprehensible. Why does the king emphasize his power again and again? No one will deny it." "In the latest flood, the amount of water was not ideal, and a hyena ran to the canal to drink water, and several women gave birth to deformed babies..." "It's just the superstition of the common people!" Although Mei Feng scoffed at these claims, Pazar believed in them, "Sometimes it is also very scary." "So the public servants of the country must come forward to prove that these are all groundless rumors. Are you going to continue to investigate the Asher case. And continue to investigate the bizarre death of the veterans?"

"Isn't this the main task of my appointment as the elder of the gate hall?" "Many in the palace wanted these tragic events to fade away. I'm glad things didn't go their way." "Goddess Maat always has a smile on her face, but she is merciless. As long as you don't betray her, she is your source of happiness. If you don't find out the truth, I will suffocate to death." Mei Feng's voice suddenly became gloomy: "There is no movement from Asher, I am a little worried. He is a rough person and always advocates violence to solve problems. When he heard the news of your promotion, he should have an obvious reaction. "

"Won't his intrigue be exhausted?" "Of course, but don't be too happy." "I'm not that kind of person." "Now you are no longer alone, but the enemy has not disappeared. If I have any news in the future, I will definitely tell you." * * * For two weeks, Pazar has been so busy every day that he gets dizzy.He has to consult a large number of files of the elders of the gate hall; he has to classify the clay, limestone and wooden boards, drafts of complaints, furniture lists, official documents, stamped papyrus scrolls, stationery, etc., and pay attention to the salary. Payments and adjustments, review of deferred litigation, and correction of numerous administrative errors.Although the heavy workload frightened him, he still had no complaints.Soon, the subordinates were convinced and obeyed him.He would exchange views with Meifeng every morning, and Meifeng would also put forward some valuable suggestions.

While Pazar was busy dealing with a difficult land issue, a rosy and fat clerk suddenly appeared.Pazar exclaimed in surprise, "Yalo! Where have you been all this time?" "My daughter will become a professional dancer, that's for sure. But my wife refused, so I had to divorce." "When are you coming back to work?" "I don't belong here," Arlo said, shaking his head. "How come? A good clerk..." Before he finished speaking, Yalo went on to explain: "You have become a big shot. In these offices, the clerks have a lot of work and strict commuting hours. This is inconvenient for me. I would rather be good. I will carefully prepare for my daughter's future. Before she signs a contract with a qualified dance troupe, I will take her to tour the provinces and perform in various villages where festive banquets are held. My poor daughter needs protection."

"Have you decided?" Yarrow said bluntly: "You are too serious, and sooner or later you will conflict with some powerful people. I'd better give up my cane, my uniform and my tombstone as soon as possible, and stay away from these tragic events and conflicts." A little better." "Are you sure you can escape by doing this?" "My daughter respects me and she will always listen to me. I will make her happy." * * * After Dai Nisi won the victory, he couldn't help but feel complacent.This battle was fought really hard, thanks to his wife's use of all connections, he was able to stand out from countless competitors, and watched the pain of his opponent's tragic defeat with a cold eye.That is to say, the congratulatory banquet held for the new gate hall elder will be organized by Dennis and Ninofa.The transporter's manoeuvres, combined with his wife's persuasiveness, once again made the two hosts at Memphis's upper-class gatherings.The news that Parrell took over as the elder of the gate hall was really unexpected, so it should be celebrated, and the celebrities attending the meeting will also attend in the most decent costumes, so as to compete with others.

Pazar himself was not very interested. "I'm really not interested in this kind of event." He told Nefiri honestly. "This is a feast for you, dear." "I'd rather celebrate with you. It's not my job to socialize like that." "We have already declined invitations from all dignitaries, but this time it is a formal banquet." "This Dennis is really brave! He knows that I suspect that he is involved in a conspiracy plan, but he still dares to hold a banquet so cheerfully." "It's a great tactic to trick you." "Do you think he will succeed?" Nefiri's laughter made him feel distraught.She is so beautiful!The well-fitting dress showed her plump breasts; the black wig with azure tinge set off the elegance of her powdered face.She is the embodiment of youth, elegance and love! He held her in his arms, "I really want to lock you up." "Are you jealous?" "If anyone dares to look at you more than once, I'll strangle him to death." "Elder of the gate hall, how can you come up with such terrifying words?" Pazar fastened Nefiri's waist with a belt strung with amethyst beads and embellished with leopard heads embossed in gold. "Even if we're broke, you're still the prettiest one." "I'm afraid you are trying to seduce me." "You saw through it." Pazar said as he took off the right shoulder strap of his wife's dress, but Nefiri stopped him: "We're going to be late." * * * Before putting on her banquet dress, Mrs. Ninoffa went to the kitchen for a tour: in the kitchen there were several forked poles with a long pole on which hung a piece of medium meat, which was just slaughtered by the chefs. Ready for cooking.She personally selected the parts for roasting and roasting, tasted the sauce by the way, and checked whether dozens of roast geese had time to serve.Then she went down to the cellar to see the wine and beer the steward had prepared.After confirming that the dishes and drinks were up to standard, Ninuofa went to inspect the banquet hall, where the servants were busy placing gold cups, silver saucers and marble plates on the low dining tables.The whole villa is filled with the aroma of Laili and lotus.This banquet will never be forgotten. Gardeners pluck the fruit from the trees an hour before guests arrive to keep it fresh and tasty.A clerk is responsible for registering the number of wine jars sent to the banquet hall to avoid fraud.The head gardener is looking around.Checking to make sure the aisles are tidy, while the porter pulls on his loincloths, adjusts his wigs, and fixes himself.As the guard of the entire villa area, he must be strictly guarded. Only people he knows or people with invitation cards can enter. Just as the sun was about to slowly set over the western mountains, the first pair of guests arrived.The concierge recognized them as a royal clerk and his wife, and soon the city's most famous people began to arrive.Guests strolled in the garden planted with pomegranate trees, fig trees and Egyptian fig trees, chatted by the pool, under the pergola or in the wooden pavilion, and admired the carefully arranged flower bouquets at the intersections of the garden paths.Today, in addition to the presence of Prime Minister Baji, who never attended any banquets, several friends of the Pharaoh will also attend in costumes. Just as the sun disc completely disappeared, the servants immediately lit the lamps, and the garden and villa were brightly illuminated.Mrs. Ninofa and Dennis also appeared at the entrance.The hostess wears a thick wig, a custom dress with gold trim, a necklace with ten rows of beads on her chest, a pair of antelope-shaped earrings on her ears, and a pair of shiny golden shoes on her feet; He wore a wig of dark to light colors, a short shawl over a long pleated robe, and silver-trimmed high-heeled leather shoes under his feet.The couple are stylishly dressed, and they are indeed very suitable hosts of the banquet.Why would they not be able to show their wealth and attract the envious eyes of everyone? According to etiquette, the prime minister walked to the host and his wife first.His feet were still heavy and he could not walk easily, so he wore only worn-out shoes, a loose but not very elegant loincloth, and a wide, short-sleeved white jacket: Madame Ninofar and Denis greeted him with great joy . "It's hot," complained the Prime Minister. "It's only comfortable in winter. I just need to be in the sun for a few minutes. My skin starts to burn." "If you want to cool off before the banquet, you can go to our pool to soak in the water, you are welcome." Dai Nisi suggested. "I can't swim, and I'm afraid of water." So the host of the banquet led the prime minister to the VIP seat.Then the friends of the Pharaoh, the dignitaries, other royal clerks, and all classes who had the honor of being invited to this evening's annual event, took their seats.Meifeng and Sirix were also invited, but Ninofa only greeted them lightly. "Will General Asher come?" Dennis asked his wife in a low voice. "He has a temporary mission and can't come." "Where's Chief of Police Monmouth?" "He's not feeling well." In the ballroom, whose ceiling is decorated with vine leaves, guests are seated comfortably in upholstered armchairs.On the small round table in front of the chair, there are all kinds of cups, saucers and plates.A small band composed of three women is playing light tunes with flutes and harps. Several naked Nubian girls shuttled among the guests, and put a small cone-shaped scented wax on everyone's wig. After the wax melted, it would emit fragrance and have the effect of repelling mosquitoes.At the same time, each guest was given a lotus flower.A priest sprinkled water on the sacrificial table in the center of the hall to purify the food. At this time, Mrs. Ninofa found that the main characters of the trade banquet had not yet appeared. "It's unbelievable that you're so late!" Her husband reassured her with a relaxed tone: "Don't worry, Pazar is a workaholic, he must have been delayed in processing official documents." "What day is it today! The distinguished guests are getting impatient, and it's time to start serving the dishes." "Don't be so excited." Annoyed, Ninofa brought in Memphis' top professional dancers early to perform.The twenty-year-old dancer was a student of Shabab, the most famous beer shop owner in Memphis.She wears only a shell belt all over her body, and the shells will make a crisp collision sound every time she dances.On her left thigh are tattoos of the god Beth, the bearded, jolly little god who brings joy to the world at any time of day.The female dancer quickly attracted the attention of the audience; she continued to perform extremely difficult dance moves until Pazar and Nefiri showed up. The guests started with sliced ​​grapes and melon for an appetizer.Just when Ninofa was getting more and more angry and impatient, she suddenly heard a commotion coming from the gate, they finally came! "come on in!" "I'm sorry." Pazar apologized to his master, but how could he explain that he couldn't control the desire to undress Nefiri, that his inner passion caused him to tear off his wife's shoulder straps involuntarily? , Said that he finally made his wife forget the urgency of time?With her hair disheveled, Nefiri had to pick out another dress in a hurry, and tried to persuade Pazar to leave the bed where they made love. When the husband and wife came to the entrance of the banquet hall, the female dancer withdrew and the female musician stopped playing.In an instant, dozens of eyes immediately looked at them straight. Pazar didn't deliberately dress up: with a short wig, long shoulders, and a short loincloth, he looked like a hard-working clerk in the pyramid period.The only loincloth with pleated fronts that caught up a little bit, but it was still unpretentious.The attire befits his austere reputation.Some gamblers have placed bets on when he will follow the path of corruption like everyone else.There are also some people who are not so relaxed. When they think of the authority of the elders of the gate hall, they can't help worrying that Pazar is too young, and there is no guarantee that there will be no consequences of abusing his power.The prime minister's decisions began to come under criticism that he was becoming less serious and that his powers had been distributed too hastily.Many courtiers even urged Ramses the Great to replace him and replace him with another experienced and active administrative rich. Nefeli received very different reviews.She tied her long hair with a simple floral headband, a large necklace stuck to her chest, a pair of light lotus earrings, chains on her wrists and heels, and a transparent gown that made her graceful figure even more beautiful. Eye-catching: Looking at her, even the dullest person will be shocked, and the most violent person will become gentle.In addition to being young and beautiful, in her eyes full of smiles without a trace of contempt, there is also a light of wisdom shining.Everyone could see that her abilities contained a kind of determination, which almost no one could easily shake.How could someone like her be infatuated with a stubborn and inflexible little judge who couldn't guarantee her future at all?Yes, he's prominent now, but the good times won't last long.Sooner or later, the spark of this shaky love will be extinguished, and Nefiri will re-select a better husband-in-law.Even if poor Physician Nebamon failed, someone else would succeed.Some of the older ladies, deploring the daring dress of the Chancellor's wife, did not know that she had nothing else to wear either. The elders and his wife sat down on both sides of the Prime Minister, and the servants hurriedly brought them slices of grilled meat and top-quality red wine. "Is your wife unwell?" Nefiri inquired. "No, it's just that she never goes out. She's content with her kitchen, her kids, her house." "I really feel ashamed of such a big villa." Pazar said honestly. "You're wrong. The reason I turned down the mansion allotted by the pharaoh to the prime minister was because I hated the country. I've been in the same place for forty years and I don't want to move. And I like city life, open air The environment, the variety of insects, or the endless countryside, doesn't appeal to me, and it even makes me uncomfortable." "But as a doctor, I still have to advise you to move as much as possible." Nefeli reminded him. "I walk to and from get off work." "You need more rest, too." "Once my children are stable, I will reduce my workload." "Any troubles?" "My daughter is fine. The only thing that disappoints me is that she has already entered the Hall of Hador as a weaving apprentice, but she is not used to the regular religious life in the hall. Now, she is working as a grain statistician on a farm , and plan to develop on this. My son is more troublesome. He is only interested in playing checkers. More than half of his salary from appraising cooked bricks is spent on watching chess. Fortunately, he lives at home and has his mother Raise him. If he wants to rely on my relationship for development, he is very wrong, because I have no right to do so, and I don't want to. Hope these miscellaneous questions don't scare you, in fact, raising him One generation is the greatest blessing in life.” Exquisite meals and fine wine intoxicated all the guests, and they kept exchanging boring topics while the wine was hot, until the elder of the door hall made a short statement loudly.Everyone seemed to wake up with a start. "The most important thing is the content of the job, not the person who temporarily executes it. From now on, I will follow the path avoided by the goddess of justice for the Egyptian judges. If any mistakes have occurred recently, I think I should be responsible. Since the Prime Minister is willing to trust me, I must do my duty, no matter whose interests are at stake. The situation will not remain ambiguous, even if high-ranking people are involved. Justice is Egypt's most precious treasure, and I hope that I will Every decision you make makes this treasure richer." Pazar's voice was impassioned, clear and decisive.Those who were skeptical of his authority should now be convinced.The judge's youthful appearance never got in the way; on the contrary, it gave him an indispensable vigor alongside his astonishingly mature personality.Many people whispered to each other that the term of office of the new gate hall elder might not be too short. It was late at night, and the guests also left one by one; Prime Minister Budge, who is used to going to bed early, was the first to leave.Everyone at the meeting went out of their way to pay tribute and congratulate Pazar and Nefiri. After finally getting away, the two of them walked out of the hall to the garden together.Suddenly there was a commotion.They approached a strange willow forest and found out that it was Meifeng who had an argument with Mrs. Ninofa. "I hope I will never see you here again." Madam Ling said coldly. "Then don't invite me." Meifeng retorted without showing weakness. "I'm out of courtesy." "If that's the case, why are you still so angry?" Ninofa's anger finally erupted: "Not only do you keep annoying my husband with the back payment of taxes, you even dismissed the post of treasury inspector!" "That's actually an honorary position. The salary the country pays you doesn't match the actual job content. Now that we have rectified the administrative agencies that waste public funds, there is no reason to go back. The elders of the relatives will definitely support me , if it were him, he would take the same action, and even punish according to law. You don’t have to be punished, you should thank me.” "You sound so good, you are more insidious than a crocodile, Meifeng." "Although the lizard is small, it can swallow excess hippos and purify the Nile River. So, Dainis better be careful." Mei Feng warned with a threatening voice. "I am not afraid of your intimidation. I have met people who are more cunning and cunning than you, and I still let them fail." "Then I'll have to ask for luck." The angry Mrs. Ninofa turned and left, and Mei Feng returned to his wife, who was already getting impatient. Pazar and Nefiri welcome the dawn on their roof.They imagined the slowly rising sun, all the more radiant as if with joy and sweet love.Regardless of whether it is heaven or earth, before the end of each life, he will dress up his beloved woman with flowers, and plant an Egyptian fig tree beside the clear water pool, leaving their affectionate eyes here.Their two souls will come to drink in the shade of the tree and listen to the rustling of the branches and leaves in the wind.