Chapter 005: Jizhou

Upon reaching this point, just a few dozen miles to the west lies Tongzhou, which is already very close to the capital. Moreover, the population is dense, and the dangers encountered in the previous two days will no longer arise. Yang Da and the others have significantly relaxed their minds.

Yang Daxin thought: "After all, he is a country boy. He seemed clever a few days ago, but now that he is in the city, his true nature is revealed." While thinking this, he said: "Fifth Brother, you are the son of our esteemed British Duke. Your mother was a maidservant by the side of the old lady back in the day. After giving birth to you, the Duke was afraid that the old master would be angry, so he had your mother live separately from the estate, saying it was only until things settled down before you and your mother could return. Who would have thought that your mother, with her fiery temperament, did not stay in the separate residence arranged by the Duke and actually left without a word... Six or seven years have passed in the blink of an eye, and you have grown so much, yet your mother is no longer in this world. How can one even begin to speak of this... Six or seven years have passed in the blink of an eye, and you have grown so much, yet your mother is no longer in this world. How can one even begin to speak of this... Speaking of your mother, she was exceptionally beautiful and well-known in our household...

Chun Ge'er just remarked that he does not speak as melodiously as Qiu Ge'er, thus finding himself at a disadvantage. At this moment, he particularly made an effort to flatter, saying: "The master does not know whether to be happy or angry, hehe"

It seems that my mother has already moved far away to remarry, and my biological father does not seem to have made any effort to search for me. What is the situation with this Yang Da?

What kind of nonsense is this

The military stronghold of the Ming Dynasty is nothing more than this

Ultimately, it is Brother Qiu who is alert, although Wei Gong is still sitting at the table, eating heartily. However, speaking in such a manner in front of him is still quite inappropriate

After days of travel, everyone felt extremely fatigued. Yang Da had previously visited Jizhen and was familiar with the area. He led the group into the city through the East Gate, where they verified the travel permits and other documents, and successfully entered the city.

Some people were unconvinced, and a few young officers at the corner of the table were also watching from the window. At this moment, one of them sternly remarked: "What little officials, this is our General Qi!"

Such matters, of course, Yang Da would not speak of; the noble house's servants would not be able to comprehend this point of advancement and retreat.

Cough, Master Yang, Brother Chun...

Qi Shuai

Yang Da continuously served dishes to Wei Gong, creating a small mountain of food in front of him. Seeing that Wei Gong was enjoying his meal, he turned his head and casually chatted with the two companions.

Zhang Weigong was visiting a large Ming dynasty city for the first time, sitting in the carriage and observing his surroundings with both eyes.

After more than a hundred years, the rules have long since changed from those of the past. Yang Da strode in with great confidence, hesitating slightly as he passed by the throng of courtesans, but ultimately suppressing his impulse and waving away those flirtatious women.

The entire city possesses a unique vitality due to the presence of these soldiers

In the restaurant, there were quite a few guests and serving staff, and at this moment, it became clear that this table was occupied by individuals from the Duke's residence in the capital, which inevitably raised their status in the eyes of others.

Thanks to Uncle Yang's blessings

Although there were some minor setbacks this time, it ultimately proceeded smoothly

Come, Fifth Brother, try the goose feet from this place; they are fresh, tender, and delicious

Apart from the city defense facilities and official buildings, most constructions are built from compacted earth and thatch, with very few made of brick, stone, or wood. The roads are a mixture of dust and garbage, and no one cleans them, making them extremely dirty. The drainage ditches on both sides are all open channels, emitting waves of foul odor.

With his reminder, Yang Dali and Tu realized it, shot a glare at Chun Ge'er, and immediately changed the subject, burying the conversation they had just had.

Originally orderly, a number of cavalry suddenly arrived, their whips cracking loudly in the air. The sharp sound of the whips was like lightning, startling people into hurriedly dodging in all directions. In an instant, the marketplace was in chaos, with chickens flying and dogs barking.

When the ladder was sent down, Yang Tai quickly caught it, looking relieved as he said: "General Qi has also visited our residence to pay his respects to the old master. I have served tea before, and there is no need to say anything further."

However, after such a commotion, the three of them lost all their drunkenness. The tavern hastily served some staple foods, which were merely noodles, steamed buns, and meat buns. After filling themselves up, they intended to go downstairs to settle the bill and continue their journey

At this moment, a sudden uproar arose from downstairs. The area surrounding the restaurant was filled with commercial zones, where numerous itinerant merchants led mules or camels. Additionally, farmers and fishermen from outside the city pushed their handcarts into the vicinity, selling their fresh vegetables and freshly caught fish around the restaurant.

Since the time of the Jiajing Emperor, when Qi Jiguang eradicated the Japanese pirates in the southeast, he has become a legendary figure akin to a military deity in the Ming Dynasty. Numerous folk tales and storytelling traditions have emerged, recounting the exploits of the Qi family army. Qi Jiguang himself is depicted as a tall and imposing figure. Having served as the General-in-Chief of military training in Jilin and Liaoning, and as a commander for many years, he wielded substantial power. Furthermore, he enjoyed the strong support of the then Chief Minister, Zhang Juzheng. In terms of actual power and influence, the British nobility truly had no means to compare with him.

Only Gong stuffed his mouth with food, his lips glistening with oil, and he could only smile foolishly and shake his head. With - pictures - books

Yang Da looked at Wei Gong and sighed, "Fifth Brother probably has a vague understanding of what kind of people we are"

The subsequent journey was quite smooth, passing through several relay stations from Yutian, all calm and peaceful. After two days, we finally arrived at the foot of Jizhou City.

At this point, Zhang Weigong's doubts were also resolved. No wonder his mother, although married to a farmer in the mountain village, was literate and spoke elegantly; it turned out she was a maid who had escaped from a nobleman's residence.

Yang Da had visited Jizhou several times, familiar with the area, leading Weigong and two companions westward. At the end of the long street by the west gate of Jizhou, there stood an impressive three-story restaurant, about ten zhang high. In front of the entrance, two rows of long benches were placed, and more than twenty elegantly dressed courtesans, adorned with heavy makeup, sat in a line. Upon seeing Yang Da and the others approach, they immediately came forward to greet them.

The elder of the Duke's household is the current Duke of England, Zhang Rong, who inherited the title of Duke early in the Jiajing era and has been in power for several decades. The other dukes in the court are all his juniors.

He knows that if he presents himself as clever and perceptive, these timid and cautious servants might not dare to continue speaking. At this moment, it is better to conceal his talents.

It is said that one is highly respected and should certainly be entrusted with significant matters by the emperor in the court. However, during the reign of Longqing, when the court discussed the peace and trade proposal with the Mongolian Khan Altan, more than twenty officials, including Duke Chengguo, agreed to the trade, while the old Duke of England and a dozen others opposed it. In the end, the opposition lost in the court debate, which already resulted in a considerable loss of face. A few years later, as the effects of the trade began to manifest, the old Duke of England found himself in an even more embarrassing situation. Consequently, he has become less involved in state affairs and has rarely attended court meetings.

Although this squirrel salmon is not as authentic as that from the south, it is still rare to find in Jizhou

This city, truly a military stronghold, is filled with soldiers clad in various types of armor. The number of civilians, clerks, and merchants combined is far fewer than that of the soldiers. The soldiers exhibit a commendable spirit, their heavy armor gleaming, and their weapons polished to a bright shine. Each one walks with an air of confidence. The officers ride on tall steeds, draped in colorful cloaks, marching in formation under the protection of their personal guards, all looking quite impressive.

During the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, in order to accommodate the common people and merchants from all over the world, the emperor issued an edict to construct taverns in major cities. Sixteen were built in Nanjing, while other cities constructed them according to their needs. Within these taverns, official courtesans from the Bureau of Music served the guests and earned silver. Military personnel and commoners could enter freely, but nobles, officials, and scholars were not permitted to do so.

He still had doubts in his heart, yet Yang Da continued to clink glasses with the other two and resumed drinking heartily. As the effects of the alcohol surged, Yang Da became even more cheerful, slapping the table and laughing, "This time we have achieved such great merit, the two elders will surely reward us handsomely"

The journey was suddenly interrupted, and Yang Da was quite displeased. Wa Dao's face was filled with disdain as he looked at the commotion and said decisively: "I don't know what minor official is passing by, making such a big fuss. Even our old master doesn't make such a scene when he goes to court!"

My brother and I hope that Mr. Yang will provide us with more support. In the future, if there are any tasks, we will definitely follow along and will not dare to have any objections

This sea cucumber is extremely delicious, with a smooth texture and a fragrant aroma that captivates the senses

The several young military officials began to whisper among themselves. After a moment, one middle-aged military official clasped his fists and said: "My elder brother has previously met your esteemed lord in the capital and is aware that the relationship between the Duke of England's residence and our General Qi is rather superficial. We have just now committed an offense and caused offense to you."

Upon hearing that Qi Jiguang had arrived, Yang Da's expression showed a hint of displeasure. Qi Jiguang had defended the frontier for many years, and many of the noble families in the capital were filled with jealousy. However, with Zhang Juzheng backing him, there was little that anyone could do about Qi Jiguang.

Yang Da clicked his tongue, unsure whether he was lamenting the impermanence of life or reminiscing about Wei Gongniang's beauty in her youth with a sense of regret

This city was the usual garrison of the Governor of Jilin and the General of Jizhen at that time, with a circumference of over 10 miles. It was a grand and imposing fortress on the northern border, and due to its significant military function, there was an additional sheep and horse wall extending over 20 miles beyond the city. Between the sheep and horse walls, various fortifications and arrow towers were constructed, equipped with military facilities such as deer antler barricades. Coupled with soldiers patrolling in gleaming armor and wielding spears and halberds, the entire city exuded an atmosphere of solemnity and grandeur

Autumn Brother is much more talkative than Spring Brother. Da Guan Yang Da is quite pleased and begins to toast and drink with the two of them.

Yang Da then recalled who the chief military officer in Jizhou City was, the current Crown Prince's Grand Guardian, the Left Commander, and the General of Jizhen, Qi Jiguang

After several rounds of drinks, the three of them talked more, and their words were no longer so guarded

Four types of pastries, four kinds of dried fruits, four seasonal vegetables, eight cold dishes, and eight hot dishes. Old Master Yang is indeed a prominent figure from a distinguished family, managing affairs with great wealth. In no time, the restaurant laid out a full table with silver platters, presenting a variety of colors and exuding a delightful aroma that whetted the appetite.

Qingrui Building ... ... is right here !