Peaceful Cloud County city. 云平县城。 In region that east, noble aura converges, occupies a land area of several mu, green Vanuatu whitewashes a wall, the Tingxiege room continuous wealthy and powerful dwelling. 东边,贵气云集的区域内,就有一座占地数亩,绿瓦粉墙、亭榭阁房连绵的豪贵之宅。 Before the dwelling, is the red lacquer front door, the entrance is squatting two threatening stone lions , the plaque, writes the Zhou Residence two gold lacquer large characters. 宅前是朱漆大门,门口蹲着两尊张牙舞爪的石狮,又有一匾,写着“周宅”二个金漆大字。 At this time the main entrance does not open, the family household of several green clothes skull caps sit the bench, somewhat has the yawn lazily, the side gate is opening actually, passes in and out. 此时正门不开,几个绿衣小帽的门子坐着长板凳,有些懒洋洋地打着哈欠,侧门倒是开着,供人进出。 This is in the district Great Household, the Zhou Family dwelling! 这便是县里大户,周家的宅院！ According to Zhou Dynasty custom, only then the family/home of Prefecture Gentry(s), or the 5th Grade drying-floor, some qualifications called ‚mansion’! 按照周朝规矩,只有郡望之家,又或者五品明堂,才有资格称‘府’！ Although Zhou Family is tyrants, but affects one district, was called that ‚dwelling’ was very then suitable. 周家虽是豪强,但影响不过一县,称‘宅’便很适宜了。 Although Zhou Dynasty was toppling, the etiquette system ruined, but some customs, was strictly observed, especially in County City and county mansion. 虽然周朝倾颓,礼法制度败坏,但一些规矩,还是被严格遵守了下来,特别是在县城与郡府之内。 At this time, in the study room, two hold Yi chess, is playing weiqi. 此时,书房之中,就有两人持着奕棋,正在手谈。 These two facial features are unadorned, three wisps must, wear the scholar kerchief steadily floating, some quite Scholar spirit, the bold side unyielding flavor, a pair of pupil is actually dark mild, deep and unmeasurable, this was Zhou Family present age Patriarch Zhou Tongan. 这两人一人面容古拙,三缕长须飘然而下,戴着文士头巾,颇有些书生意气,挥斥方遒的味道,一双眸子却是黝黑温润,深不可测,这便是周家当代家主周同安了。 Opposite of him, is actually a youth, like the jade, grasps the white mildly, is dealing with total concentration. 在他对面的,却是一名青年,温润如玉,手持白子,正聚精会神地应对着。 Soon, the youth forehead sees the perspiration slightly, a big dragon was suppressed kills, scatters the child saying: „Lord Father chess strength is profound, the son feels ashamed of one's inferiority!” 不久,青年额头微微见汗,一条大龙就被剿杀,不由撒子道:“父亲大人棋力高深,儿子自愧不如！” This person is the Zhou Tongan son of first wife, Zhou Binglin, the youth train of thought is agile, can ability to improve rapidly, be honored as ‚child prodigy’, some fame. 此人乃是周同安的嫡子,周秉林,少时文思敏捷,能七步成诗,被誉为‘神童’,很是有些名气。 Zhou Tongan sees this, sighed slightly. 周同安见此,却是微微一叹。 Always Patriarch of respected family, although there is authority in the hand, is is extremely not good to work as, although oneself help this son propagandize some reputations, many disciplines, but looking back now, only has Skin and Flesh. 历来大家族的族长,虽有权柄在手,却是极不好当,自己虽帮着这儿子宣传出一些名声,也多加磨练,但现在看来,还是只有一层皮肉。 Naturally, the world of safe and secure, this Skin and Flesh was also enough, but now is not good. 当然,平安之世,这层皮肉也足够了,但现在可不行。 Is also asking: „Festival approaches, in the district various officers, can various presents prepare proper(-ly)?” 就又问着:“佳节临近,县内各官,还有各房的礼品可备妥当了？” „Has arranged, according to Lord Father's told, compared with usually thick 50%!” “已经备好,按照父亲大人的吩咐,比平常均厚了50%！” Zhou Binglin said respectfully: „In addition...... that side Second Uncle, sent to 1000 taels of silver bar, was sent under escort by Song Martial Master personally!” 周秉林恭敬道:“此外……二叔那边,也送去了纹银千两,由宋武师亲自押解！” „Good!” “好！” Zhou Tongan jaw head: „Your Second Uncle remote is an officer, high and low arranges, will probably have this...... he is my Zhou Family hopes in the future, may guarantee 40 years of family property fully again, does not may neglect......” 周同安颌首:“你二叔异地为官,上下打点,少不了这个……他是我周家未来希望,足可再保四十年家业,万万不可怠慢了……” This said that is the Zhou Tongan Second Brother, Zhou Tongren. 这说得,是周同安的二弟,周同仁。 This person resulted in the juren academic honor early, although has not tested the successful candidate, but also made up the person in office, at this time has achieved the position of 8th Grade County Deputy. 此人早早得了举人功名,虽然未考中进士,但也补了官身,此时已经做到了正八品县丞之位。 County Deputy is the county magistrate assistant, usually non- chief steward, but the county magistrate must give some thin surface, comes up again, the 7th Grade county magistrate, hundred li (0.5 km) waits. 县丞乃县尊副手,平时不大管事,但县尊亦要给些薄面,再上去,就是正七品县令,百里候。 Not in Peaceful Cloud County. 只是不在云平县。 This is very good to understand, Zhou Family the potential is big, if comes 8th Grade County Deputy again, and even the county magistrate, that entire Peaceful Cloud County was surnamed Zhou? 这很好理解,周家本来已经势大,若是再来一个八品县丞,乃至县尊,那整个云平县岂不是都要姓周了？ No matter what the division, is the instinct of high-rank. 分割远任,乃是上位者的本能。 Now Zhou made/system ruins, but also with the county, is not too far, if before, even cannot in a state. 现在周制败坏,还在同郡,不算太远,若是之前,甚至都不能在一州。 „Son awakes!” “儿子醒得！” Zhou Binglin should be respectfully, at once also says: „Also, the matter of Wu Family...... suppression extremely? Therefore wicked with Dao Institute relation(s), some as if gains don't equal the loss...... reputation also......” 周秉林恭敬应是,旋即又道:“还有,吴家之事……打压是否太过？为此恶了与道院关系,似乎有些得不偿失……名声方面也……” „Snort!” “哼！” Zhou Tongan coldly snorted, made on Zhou Binglin one shake immediately: „Fears incessantly so? I know, you have intended...... somewhat to love it and everything that comes along with it to that Wu Qing unavoidably......” 周同安冷哼一声,立即令周秉林身上一抖:“怕不止如此吧？我知道,你对那吴晴一直有意……难免有些爱屋及乌……” This world etiquette system is stern, the son cannot the disobedient father slightly, otherwise is secular world despises, disaster is imminent, Zhou Binglin the cold sweat flows out immediately, apologizes: „Son does not dare!” 此世礼法制度森严,儿子不能忤逆父亲丝毫,否则就为世俗不齿,大祸临头,周秉林顿时冷汗流出,谢罪道:“儿子不敢！” „You really so want good......” “你真如此想才好……” Zhou Tongan dense say/way: „Suppresses Wu Family, is not only we with the county in that only channel that makes contact with relation(s), let alone...... Wu Qing this female, is not you enjoys competently, understands?...... Had a liking for by the honored person early!” 周同安森然道:“打压吴家,不仅乃是我们与郡里那家搭上关系的唯一渠道,更何况……吴晴此女,也不是你够资格享用的,懂么？……早被贵人看上了！” In the Zhou Binglin heart appears a beautiful figure, at heart is a pain, but does not dare to reveal the slightest at this time, said: „Son knew!” 周秉林心中浮现出一个倩影,心里就是一痛,但此时不敢表露分毫,道:“儿子知晓了！” No matter how the innermost feelings think, at least this statement, Zhou Tongan is very satisfied, complexion transfers warm say/way: „Has the arrangement for the father, so long as takes Wu Ming that young child, in Dao Institute, then some people launch an attack for us immediately...... employ two methods to achieve one goal, when the time comes......” 不管内心如何想,至少这个表态,周同安就很满意,面色转温道:“为父已有布置,只要拿下吴明那小儿,道院之中,顿时便有人替我们发难……双管齐下,到时候……” In an instant, rapid sound of footsteps actually broke the Zhou Tongan words. 刹那间,一阵急促的脚步声却打断了周同安的话语。 His brow wrinkles, Zhou Binglin immediately at heart greatly cold, knows that this is the father gets angry the performance of pinnacle, acts servilely, does not dare to have the sound. 他眉头皱起,周秉林顿时心里大凜,知道这是父亲发怒到极致的表现,更加卑躬屈膝,不敢有声。 „Patriarch , the villain has the important matter to report!” “家主,小人有要事禀告！” „Comes in!” Hears outside sound, Zhou Tongan from depressing the anger, knows at this time the servant, knows that his disposition, does not have the matter urgently, does not dare to come to disturb. “进来！”听到外面的声音,周同安强自压下怒气,知道此时下人,知道他的脾性,没有十万火急的事情,根本不敢前来打扰。 „reporting Patriarch !” “启禀家主！” Comes, is one wears the black vigor attire, the complexion Yin zhi middle age, is bowing to salute to Zhou Tongan: „Deacon Yu and Qingping Guest-Official one day night has not had the contact, according to the lead news, Qingshi Village discovers demon, says Qingping, operates the corpse, practice Evil Art, had been killed, soaking in dung pit, corpse to become dust!” 进来的,是一名身穿黑色劲装,面色阴骘的中年,对着周同安屈膝行礼:“余执事与清平客卿已经一日一夜未有联络,根据线报消息,青石村发现一妖人,自称清平,操纵尸体,修炼邪法,已经被打死,浸粪坑,尸首成灰！” „What?” “什么？” This earth-shaking news, made Zhou Tongan lose one's voice immediately, swept the black white on checkerboard falls one piece. 此石破天惊的消息,顿时令周同安失声,将棋盘上的黑白子扫落一片。 „Daoist Elder Qingping......” “清平道长……” Zhou Binglin somewhat is also absent-minded, once remembers that Daoist bamboo crown feather robe, the natural scene in direction landscape, even the fathers respect, unexpectedly died? 周秉林也有些恍惚,曾记得,那道人竹冠羽衣,指点江山的潇洒情景,连父亲都非常敬重,居然就这么死了？ Even, is out so miserably? 甚至,还是下场如此凄凉？ „How...... does Daoist Qingping die? Whether to reverse a verdict?” “……清平道人到底如何死得？可否翻案？” After Zhou Tongan loud breath, coldly is asking. 周同安粗重呼吸过后,却还是冷冷问着。 „Previously Daoist Qingping has the arrangement, must capture Wu Family, should be happened to spar, does not beat is killed! As for reversing a verdict......” “此前清平道人已有布置,要擒拿吴家子,应该是发生斗法,不敌被杀！至于翻案……” The black clothes is artificial: „In has the Zheng Village AFORD named card, there is realizing Copper Corpse Iron Corpse, in several counties stolen, has the case history......, when True Daoist card matter witness all, conclusive evidence, difficult!” 黑衣人为难道:“有着里正村民联名为证,又有练成的铜尸铁尸,有几具还是县里失窃,有着案底的……当真人证物证俱在,铁证如山,难上加难！” Hears this, the Zhou Tongan complexion is black like the bottom of the pot: „Deacon Yu? Others where?” 听到这个,周同安脸色更是黑如锅底:“余执事呢？他人在哪里？” „Deacon Yu does not know the trace, the suspicion has fallen into the hand of Wu Family!” “余执事不知所踪,怀疑已经落入吴家之手！” The black-clothed person brace oneself, said that saw that Zhou Tongan has not flown into a rage again, instead transfers gloomy. 黑衣人硬着头皮,说了出来,就见到周同安没有再大发雷霆,反而转为阴沉。 Long time later, Zhou Tongan sneers saying: „Good! Good! Good! Cannot think in Wu Family, there is expert!” 良久之后,周同安才冷笑道:“好！好！好！想不到吴家之中,也有高人呐！” Immediately next assigns/life: „You get down, will issue Daoist Qingping one receives on the treatment,...... the manufacture evidence, odd/surplus to become is the wealth of embezzlement main family, was expelled the front gate wall early, understood?” 立即下命:“你下去,将发给清平道人的一应待遇都收回来,还有……制造证据,余成乃是贪污主家之财,早早被赶出门墙的,懂了么？” Zhou Binglin is listening, looks black-clothed person who bows to leave, actually somewhat feels cold at heart. 周秉林怔怔听着,看着躬身离开的黑衣人,心里却是有些发冷。 Once has an accident, pretending non-involvement relation(s) is normal. 一旦出事,撇清关系是正常的。 After all, Wu Family similarly is also in the district Great Household, copes with the method of civilian unable to use, once goes to court, somewhat is passive, this gives up a rook to save a king, is actually the way things should be. 毕竟,吴家同样也是县内大户,一些对付小民的法子就不能用上,一旦对簿公堂,就有些被动,这弃车保帅,却是人之常情。 But knows is a matter, doing was actually a different matter. 但知道是一回事,做出来却又是另外一回事了。 Although odd/surplus to become and Qingping later generation, if knows the affair, but can also take care in secret, how could it not be but to hear fickleness of life? Where perhaps the fate good to not to go. 虽然余成与清平的后人,若是晓得事理,还能暗中得些照应,但岂不闻人走茶凉？下场恐怕都不会好到哪去。 So the conduct, is actually scared! 如此行事,却是令人胆寒！ ...... …… Meanwhile, in Wu Family fortress. 与此同时,吴家坞堡之内。 Wu Ming wears the fox fur coat, wears the silver crown, the abundant god like the jade, the room inner point the good incense burner, the fresh air is curling seriously, like Immortal Realm. 吴明身穿狐裘,头戴银冠,当真丰神如玉,屋内点着上好香炉,清气袅袅,有如仙境。 The Zhou Dynasty custom, the male ten Five Elements capping ceremonies, the merit was expensive, 3rd Grade used the jade crown by high official Huan, Prefecture Gentry(s) or the 5th Grade family residence with the gold/metal, the hereditary scholar class with the silver, as for the civilians, that can only use the wooden crown and bamboo crown. 周朝规矩,男子十五行冠礼,勋贵、三品以上官宦人家用玉冠,郡望或五品家宅用金,士族用银,至于平民,那就只能用木冠、竹冠了。 At this time listens to Feng Han saying: „The Zhou Family world occupies cloud even, may go upstream for 270 years, Zhou Yongsui big General Wu gets up to still chaotic of Shu place, army horse half a lifetime, obtains the fiefdom, Zhou Family therefore, several generations had/left the juren, makes use greatly rise, has the field more than 5400 mu by the present, the clansman crosses thousand, the retinue is floating about like clouds, the person in office is highest at present, is the Patriarch Zhou Tongan Younger blood brother Zhou Tongren, is Qingmu County Deputy, in Peaceful Cloud County, what most own is thick with Zhou Family relation(s) is reckless Official Registrar, this person can become district Official Registrar, the Zhou Family reality left vigorously, therefore regards by the benefactor...... in addition, Zhou Family also sends the retinue., Supported several family member doing business in secret, makes a profit richly......” 此时就听封寒道:“周家世居云平,可上溯二百七十年,周勇随大将军吴起平定蜀地之乱,戎马半生,获得封地,周家因此而起,又几代都出了举人,趁势大兴,到现在有田五千四百余亩,族人过千,仆从如云,目前官身最高的,乃是家主周同安的胞弟-周同仁,为青木县丞,云平县内,与周家关系最为亲厚的是胡主簿,此人能当上县主簿,周家实出了大力,故以恩主视之……此外,周家还派遣仆从,暗中扶持了几家人经商,获利丰厚……” Wu Ming often nods, Feng Han was attentive. 吴明不时点头,封寒可谓是用心了的。 In the short time, searched clear Zhou Family strength roughly, making Wu Ming as if see took root in cloud even, the colossus of influence spread number district. 短短时间内,就将周家大体的实力探清,令吴明仿佛看到了一个扎根云平,势力蔓延数县的庞然大物。 „And...... the lord is thin, some difficult offices!” “并且……还有一个主薄,有些难办！” In Wu Ming pupil cold light flashes. 吴明眸中冷光一闪。 The Great Zhou district system, in the district has county magistrate, 7th Grade, has overall authority, its under also has 8th Grade County Deputy and County Magistrate respectively one, County Deputy usually all things, no matter, County Magistrate actually may the palm result in the theater box soldier. 大周县制,县中有县令一人,正七品,总揽大权,其下又有正八品的县丞、县尉各一,县丞平时万事不管,县尉却可掌得厢兵。 But under this core, some government official household punishment labor various Cao, such as small six, various Merit Evaluator 9th Grade. 而这核心之下,又有吏户刑工各曹,如小小的六部,各功曹都是正九品。 In addition, 9th Grade Inspector, is responsible for the bandits and thieves matter, as well as a Official Registrar person, is responsible for running various copy clerks, the communication high and low, the finishing rolls want, the position is quite important. 除此之外,还有正九品巡检一名,负责盗贼事,以及主簿一人,负责掌管各房文书,沟通上下,整理机要,位置相当重要。 This Official Registrar weight is incomparable, is almost the prime minister is then ordinary, if the grade is high, even can be built on stilts the county magistrate, therefore only then from 9th Grade. 只是这主簿权重无比,几乎便是宰相一般,若是品级再高,甚至可以将县令架空,因此只有从九品。 Besides these people in office, gets down again, is various petty local officials, serving the rich and powerful by literary hack work that storehouse Si Li, the fast class chief of police, various Township Inspector(s), quantity many government official even could not have entered. 除了这些官身之外,再下来,就是各房吏员,仓房司吏,快班捕头,各乡巡检,还有数量更多的连吏籍都入不了的帮闲。 Merely one county administration, is the sparrow, although is small, is fully equipped, a Guan however small center. 仅仅一个县衙,便是麻雀虽小,五脏俱全,莞然一个小中枢。 At this time Wu Ming contrasts, Wu Family and Zhou Family is in the district Great Household, in the surface treats impartially, copes with the civilian, made its method of being with one's family broken up and decimated sufficiently, cannot display. 此时吴明对比一下,吴家与周家都是县中大户,表面上一视同仁,对付小民,足以令其家破人亡的手段,就不能施展。 However compares to relation(s) to come truly, Wu Family must miss planned incessantly. 不过真正比起关系来,吴家就要差了不止一筹。 When four presents, the ice respects winter-time gift from lower local officials to their superior anything must have, but also is only this, compared with supporting Official Registrar high-rank Zhou Family, somewhat was superficial. 虽然四时礼品,冰敬炭敬什么的都少不了,但也只是这样,比起扶持主簿上位的周家,就有些浅薄了。 At least, Wu Ming affirmed, if really must arrive at the tribunal noisily, perhaps the county magistrate can also treat impartially, perhaps but main thin below must favor Zhou Family. 至少,吴明肯定,若是真的要闹到公堂,县尊或许还能一视同仁,但主薄以下恐怕都要倾向周家。 When the time comes, even if oneself hand grasps the ironclad proof, is still some suspenses. 到时候,就算自己手握铁证,也是有些悬念。 „Perhaps not to mention...... under the worst situation, Zhou Family can also borrow in the county relation(s), Lianxian makes to press...... to have the defeat not to win simply!” “更不用说……最坏情况之下,周家或许还可以借得郡里关系,连县令都可压下去了……简直是有败无胜！” Therefore, Wu Ming had not planned that solves this matter in the Duke surface. 因此,吴明根本就没打算在公面上解决此事。