Chapter 197 Before the gate is closed
The family moved things twice and finally filled all eight cars, but at this time the sun began to set.
When Meng Changqing went through the formalities with Manager Xie again, it was completely dark.
When Meng Changqing's people were inspecting the vehicle, Xie Hongda leaned over and said, "Master Meng, although this is a suburb of Beijing, it is not safe to drive in the dark. It is better to rest in Huangzhuang for one night and return tomorrow morning."
Meng Changqing was surprised by this kindness. She took out two silver ingots and stuffed them into Xie Hongda's hands while the vehicle was blocking them.
"I'm sorry to bother you all this time. I wanted to rush to Liangzhou tomorrow, but now I have to go to the capital. Farewell."
Xie Hongda weighed the silver coins and hid them in his sleeves while listening to Meng Changqing's words.
"The curfew in the capital has been early recently, and the city gates will also be closed early. If you go over there now, the city gates may have been closed.
Although you are an official of the imperial court, what you are pulling in your carriage is a gift from the Holy One, but if it is not a national event, the city gate will not be opened at night. ”
"Thank you for the reminder, supervisor, but I have to go back whether I can make it in time or not. Even if I wait outside the city gate all night, I can save an hour or two tomorrow."
Xie Hongda took two steps back and handed over his hands, "Then I wish Master Meng a happy journey."
After Meng Changqing returned the gift, he immediately got on the carriage and said, "Let's set off."
The car was loaded with goods, so going back was much more difficult than coming back empty. The road was uneven, and the people following the car had to dismount from their horses and push the cart from time to time.
On the way back to the city, Meng Changqing kept counting the time, hoping that the convoy would arrive before the city gate closed.
Perhaps it was hope that it would really work, or perhaps it was because the Royal Forest Army and the Meng family were willing to put in the effort to push the cart. In short, before the city gate was completely closed, the convoy arrived.
"Wait!" Meng Changqing jumped out of the car, shouted and ran to the city gate, stopping the soldiers who were pushing the door open.
"Bold! Who dares to come here to cause trouble!" A soldier a few steps away came over with a knife.
Meng Changqing immediately explained, "I am the magistrate of Beishan County. There was a misunderstanding. My motorcade is almost at the door. Please be accommodating and let us in."
"The city gate will be closed at that hour. This is a rule set by the above and cannot be accommodated. Mr. Magistrate, since you are already at the city gate, you can enter the city after you prove that you are behind you, but your motorcade is closed at the city gate. If they haven’t arrived before, let’s ask them to wait outside the city all night.” The soldier said to the people closing the door: “Close the door!”
While talking, the motorcade had already arrived at the door.
The soldier who was closing the door hesitated when he saw the Royal Guards standing next to the convoy. He did not continue the action of closing the door, but called the soldier over.
"Head, is that the Imperial Guard?"
Bingtou's heart skipped a beat, "Don't worry about the door for now, but you two should pay attention."
The soldier turned around and asked Meng Changqing, "May I ask what this gentleman is doing?"
Meng Changqing took out the name card and seal in his arms, "I am Meng Changqing, the son of Dingbei General Meng Sixing. This time I returned to Beijing from Beishan County on the emperor's order. His Majesty graciously gave me grain and seeds, so I left the city in the afternoon and went to Huangzhuang in the southern suburbs. Some seeds came back, but the return trip was delayed until now.”
"It turns out to be Mr. Meng." The soldier saluted Meng Changqing with clasped fists, "May I ask, did you also leave the city through the south gate in the afternoon?"
"Yes."
"Wait a moment." Bingtou went to check the records left by the previous class.
The Yulin Army belongs to the Royal Guards, and they must be registered when entering or leaving the city gate. If what Meng Changqing said is true, there must be records.
Soon the soldier came back to verify that Meng Changqing's words were true.
They happened to be stuck at the closing time. The city gate was about to close, but it wasn't closed yet.
Whether they can pass at this time depends on whether the person guarding the door is willing to let them pass.
The soldier checked the items and personnel, and after confirming that there were no problems, he allowed them to enter the city.
It can be determined that if there were no imperial guards following, the convoy would definitely have to wait outside all night.