Chapter 39 Chapter Thirty-Nine

All night Pazar sat cross-legged in meditation before a statue of Thoth, a baboon wearing a moon crown.The temple was silent; on the roof, an astrologer was observing the stars.Still stunned by his conversation with the pharaoh, he wanted to enjoy some last moment of peace before taking office and starting another new life he couldn't have imagined.He thought back to the wonderful moment when Neferi, the warrior, the north wind, the little rascal, and he were about to take a boat to Thebes, thinking of the quiet life in the small village of Upper Egypt, thinking of the tenderness of his wife, and the passing of the seasons. , thinking of happiness far from the affairs of state and human ambition.But these have all become distant dreams.

Two ceremonial scholars took Pazar to the Hall of Longevity and handed him over to Baldy.Zazar knelt on a straw mat: the bald man tapped his head with a wooden ruler first, then took out water and bread and said, "Eat it. You must be alert at all times, otherwise the food will become soggy. It is only by your actions that you can find pleasure in suffering." Pazar washed, shaved, sprinkled with lilac water, put on an ancient loincloth and linen robe, and put on a short wig.The scholar of ceremonies led him towards the palace, which was already crowded with curious crowds, for the herald had announced the appointment of the new prime minister the day before.

Pazar restrained himself.Ignoring the noise around him, he walked into the Grand Viewing Hall. In the hall, the pharaoh sat high on the throne, wearing a red and white crown, which symbolized the integration of upper and lower Egypt.Nine of his friends sat on either side of the king, including the former Prime Minister Baji and the newly appointed president of the White Academy, Mei Feng.There are also many court nobles who are arranged to stand between the halls and schools.Bozar immediately saw the Chief Physician, Nefili, with a serious expression but a smile on her face, her eyes never leaving her husband.

Pazar stood facing the king.The decree opened the imperial decree and declared: "I, Ramses, today appoint Pazar as the prime minister to serve the judiciary. It is not my grace to serve the country, because the post of prime minister is by no means easy to perform, but more Bile is bitterer. You must obey the law at all times and everywhere; treat all people equally, regardless of rich or poor. You must use wisdom and impartial words, so that everyone respects and trusts. When commanding others, it is necessary to guide others, not to Attack sweat or use violence. You must not escape in silence. You must face difficulties and bow to the power in a hurry. The trial process must be clear and transparent, without any concealment, so that everyone can understand and be convinced. Your words and deeds will be conveyed to the people with the water and wind. Do not rush to cause public grievances by covering up audiovisual judgments and injustice. Never take personal preferences as the basis of behavior. No matter you are familiar or unfamiliar, you must treat everyone equally. Don’t deliberately please or offend people. Be sure to punish rebellion, arrogance, and talkativeness, for they are the source of chaos and destruction. You must take the law of the goddess Maat as your only reference, which has not changed since the age of the gods. Even if mankind perishes, this law It will also last forever. Your only attitude in life is integrity."

After the official announced the decree, Baji bowed to Pharaoh, and stretched out his hand to take off the copper heart around his neck and return it to the king. "Keep it." Pharaoh said, "You have been very competent for so many years, and you have the right to take it to another life. Now, enjoy a happy and peaceful old age, and occasionally remember to give pointers to your successor." After the old and new prime ministers embraced each other, Ramesses put on Pazar a new copper heart carefully crafted by the royal craftsman. "You are now the chief justice." Pharaoh Qi encouraged, "You must work harder for the happiness of Egypt and the Egyptian people. You are the prime minister who protects the pharaoh, just like copper guarding gold. From now on, you must act according to my will , but don’t be too weak and humble. You must report to me every day about your work.”

The rest of the courtiers greeted the new Prime Minister with admiration. * * * Governors, lords, clerks, judges, artisans, men and women throughout the country, all sang the praises of the new Prime Minister.Everywhere feasts were held in his honor, with the finest meats and state-sponsored beer of the highest quality. What could be more enviable than a prime minister?As soon as he called for Baino, he took a cedar boat for a long trip, and enjoyed delicious food for three meals, and musicians played to add to the fun: the grape grower presented him with purple grapes, and the steward prepared roast chicken and duck with spices and delicious food. fish.The Prime Minister sat on an ebony chair and slept on a gilded wooden bed lined with a comfortable mattress. In the massage room, there was a masseuse at any time to relieve his fatigue.

However, all this is just a beautiful illusion.As the pharaoh said at his inauguration, his task would be "bitter than bile".Nefeli became the Chief Physician, Kani was the High Priest of Karnak, and Kem was the Chief of Police... Didn't the gods also choose righteous people to dedicate themselves to Egypt?At this time, it should be a clear sky and a happy mood, but Pazar felt painful and melancholy. In less than a year, is this paradise favored by the gods about to fall into darkness? Nefiri wrapped her arms around Pazar's shoulders, hugging him tightly.Pazar told her everything Pharaoh had said, and the two of them kept the secret together and bore the pressure together.They raised their heads in bewilderment and looked up at the sky, where the stars and Blarney's soul were shining brightly.

* * * Pazar did not decline the pharaoh's offer of a garden villa to the prime minister.The vast manor is surrounded by high walls, and the gate is guarded by the guards sent by Kemdai. In the adjacent houses, there are also police officers who take turns to monitor the movement of the mansion 24 hours a day.Anyone who enters must show a pass or a formal invitation.The prime minister's official residence not far from the harem is like a green island with 500 lush trees, including 70 Egyptian fig trees, 30 avocado trees, 70 date palms, 100 There are three Egyptian ginger palms, ten fig trees, nine willow trees and ten willow trees.There are also some rare varieties imported from Nubia and Asia, each with only one plant.The famous wine produced in the vineyard is only for the prime minister to enjoy.

Nefiri's green monkey is even more excited to imagine the fun of countless climbing and enjoying a feast of fresh fruit.The entire manor is maintained by more than twenty gardeners; the planting part is divided into squares by irrigation canals, where kudzu baskets, garlic, onions, etc. are planted, and some cucumbers even grow up the steps. There is a five-meter-deep well in the center of the courtyard.There is a gentle slope leading to the wind shelter, where you can enjoy the superb view of the winter sunset; go to the other end, under the shade of tall trees, there is a summer pavilion built to face the north wind. The pool is also a good place to soak in water to cool off.

Pazar looked at so many furniture items, who could not be satisfied?He was particularly pleased with the detailing of the mosquito nets.And the countless exquisite brushes and brooms also made Nefili, who was worried about Tingli's big house, a little relieved. "The bathroom is really nice," Pazar said. "The barber is waiting for you. He will come to comb you every morning." "And so is your dresser." "Is it possible to avoid these occasionally?" He put his arms around his wife and said, "Less than a year, Nefiri. Less than a year to save Ramesses."

* * * Dai Nisi once again won the unconditional support of his wife who needed a long-term recuperation but was also permanently disabled.Preserving the marriage is equivalent to preserving his wealth, and he also got rid of the threat of Tapene.But he was still worried about Zhong Zhong.Pazar's unexpected promotion to prime minister came as a shock to them and the whole plan fell through.Fortunately, they still hold a trump card in their hands: the will of the gods, so the final victory can still be expected. Xie Qi was even more nervous, constantly emphasizing that he must be cautious in his words and deeds.Now that they have lost the positions of Chief Physician and Prime Minister, they can only secretly use their most powerful weapon: time.The high priests of the major temples have just announced that the pharaoh will hold a regeneration ceremony on the first day of the new year in July, which is when the Sotis star in the palace of Cancer appears, heralding the imminent start of the flooding of the Nile River.The day before Ramses abdicates, he will learn of his successor and publicly hand over the throne. "Will Pharaoh reveal the truth to Pazar?" Dennis doubted. "How is that possible?" Xieqi said. "The Pharaoh must remain silent. If he reveals his status, it will be even more dangerous. Pazar is no different from others. He will definitely gather troops to deal with the king immediately." "Then why did he pick Pazar?" "Because this little judge is ambitious and cunning enough. He knows how to pretend to be upright in order to gain Ramses' trust." "You are right." Dennis also agreed with him, "The king has made a big mistake now." "We have to be careful with this character, he still has a good way of playing tricks." "He's got power now, and he's bound to get carried away. If he's smart, he should join us." "Too retreat. It seems that he would rather fight alone." "We can't let him catch us any more." "As long as we say more pleasant words and give more gifts, he will think that we will not give in." * * * Suti waited patiently for the storm to pass.In his rage, the leopard not only broke bowls, plates, and stools, tore clothes, but also trampled an expensive wig.There was a mess in the cabin, but her anger still couldn't be appeased. "I don't agree," she said. "Be patient for me, will you?" "It was originally agreed to leave tomorrow." "Pazar should not have been appointed prime minister," retorted Suti. "I don't care." "But I care." "What do you want? He has forgotten about you! Let's fix Tianba according to the original plan." "Anyway, there's no rush." "I want to get the gold quickly." "Gold can't escape again." "Yesterday you kept talking about the trip yourself." "I must meet Pazar and ask him about his intentions." "Pazar, it's always Pazar! When can we get rid of him?" "you shut up." "I am not your slave." "Ta Penny has asked me to kick you out." "How dare you go to that bitch again!" "I met by accident in a restaurant at home. She called me first. She thinks she is my legal wife." "madness." "So I should seek the protection of the Prime Minister." * * * The first person to visit Pazar's house was the previous prime minister.Budge had no crutches, though his feet hurt badly.He was greeted by his master to sit in the winter pavilion, his back still hunched, and his voice still hoarse. "Pazar, your promotion this time can be said to be well deserved. You are also the most ideal candidate in my heart." "You will also be the object of my emulation." "My last year was so heavy with work and poor performance that it was imperative to leave. I'm glad Pharaoh accepted my advice. You're young but that's not too much of an issue as this role will give you more maturity and mellowness .” "What advice do you have for me?" "Don't be influenced by gossip, don't have to interview courtiers, study every case thoroughly, and definitely hold the strictest attitude. I will introduce you to my most powerful Staff, I believe you will agree with their abilities." The sun broke through the clouds and entered the gazebo.Seeing that Baji seemed uncomfortable, Pazar opened the parasol for him. "Do you like this mansion?" Budge asked. "I haven't had time to fully experience it yet." "Too big for me: the grounds alone are annoying enough. I still like a place in the city." "Without your help. I will fail. Will you continue to stay by my side and guide me?" "Of course it is obligatory. But please let me deal with my son's affairs first." "Is there any trouble?" "His boss is not happy with him and will fire him, and my wife is also worried." "If I can help..." "No, privilege is a sin. Let's get down to business!" * * * After Pazar and Suti embraced enthusiastically, the latter looked around. "I like your big house. I just want a home like this, where I can hold a grand banquet at any time." "Do you want to be Prime Minister too?" "This kind of work is horrible. How can you accept such a difficult task?" "I have no choice but to." "I'm rich now. Why don't you come with me and enjoy your life." "impossible." "You have a secret you can't tell me?" "Pharaoh entrusted me with a task." "Don't become a pedantic and old-fashioned high-ranking official who always thinks that the country cannot do without you." "You blame me for accepting the Prime Minister's job?" "You know how I got rich, will you condemn me?" "Su Ti, stay and help me." "Isn't it a sin to let an opportunity slip by?" "If you sin, I will not defend you." "It means we've broken up." "You are my friend and always will be." "Friends don't threaten each other." "I just don't want you to make a fatal mistake. Cam will not give up, and he will never show mercy." "Then let's have a fair duel." "Don't provoke him, Suti." "Don't tell me what to do either." "Please, stay. If you knew how important my mission is, you would definitely stay without hesitation." "Upholding the law is really Tianfang Yetan! If I obeyed the law, Asher would still be alive now." "I did not testify against you." "You seem nervous and worried. What are you hiding from me?" "We smashed a conspiracy. But this is only a stage. Let's continue to work together." "I would rather have gold." Suti still did not change his original intention. "Give back the gold to the temple." "Will you betray me?" Seeing that Pazar didn't reply.Suti added, "The prime minister has to get rid of friends, right?" "Don't get lost in the desert, Suti." "It's a beautiful and dangerous world. When you lose interest in power, come find me there." "I don't want power, I just want to defend our country, ourselves, and our laws." Suti still left without looking back.He forgot to mention Tapene's request, but it's not important anymore, is it? * * * When Su Ti was about to step into the house, four police officers rushed out and hugged him by the waist, and tied his hands behind their backs. Leopard heard the sound of fighting in the house.He quickly took the knife and ran out, trying to save his lover from trouble.He broke the arm of one vicious officer and pushed another, but was eventually subdued. The police then arrested the couple on charges of adultery and sent them to court.Tapene was overjoyed to imagine how well it would turn out.In addition to failing to fulfill the obligations of husband and wife, there was another charge of resisting arrest with weapons.Tapene spoke pitifully about her experience of being deceived and abandoned, and the jury expressed deep sympathy, while Leopard cursed at the side.As for Su Ti's rhetoric, it seems unconvincing. Later, because Tapene asked the jury for compensation, Leopard was only sentenced to be deported immediately, while Suti was sentenced to one year in prison. After he was released from prison, he had to work to compensate his wife who had lost face.