imperial commissioner

Imperial envoy [Nikolai Nikolai Gogol, Russia].

In the luxurious living room of the county magistrate's house, the county leaders are gathered: the county magistrate, the director of the charity hospital, the inspector, the judge, the police chief and the medical officer. A meeting that seems very important is being held here.

"I just got a reliable but very unpleasant news: an imperial envoy will come from Petersburg for a service visit with a secret order." The voice came from the dry throat of the county magistrate. "I invited you here to inform you and get ready." He paused, his eyes wandered in the crowd, and finally stopped in the face of Artemis, the director of the charity hospital. "As a rule, officials who come to see us must first visit the charity hospital you run-so you should put everything in order: wash your hats and don't let patients dress casually like a group of blacksmiths." "It doesn't matter. You can tell them to wear clean hats. " "It's best to accept fewer patients, otherwise people will blame you for poor management or bad doctors." "I also want to advise you." The county magistrate pointed to Judge Amos again. "You should pay attention to the order of the court. In the waiting room of your yamen, there are often many people coming in and out there, but the doorman keeps a few geese there and a group of goslings are running around at people's feet. Of course, some sideline businesses are worth rewarding. However, you know, it is not appropriate to raise geese in this place ... I have long wanted to remind you of this, but I don't know why I always forget to tell you. " "I'll let the goose rush to the kitchen today. If you are happy, please come and have a meal. " Amos's long, husky voice still has a snort, like an old clock, which hisses first and then beats. "In addition, there are all kinds of rags hanging in the court, and a hunting whip is hung on the cabinet where the files are placed. This is so embarrassing. I know you love hunting, but it's better to put the whip away for the time being, and it's not too late to hang it up after the imperial envoy leaves. And the smell of your jury, as if he had just come out of the brewery. " The county magistrate glanced at the medical officer Helisz ji yang: "However, as long as our medical officer gives him various medicines, he will be able to cure the disease." "No, his smell has no rule of law: he said that when he was a child, he was told by a wet nurse to fall on him, and since then, he has always smelled the smell of shochu." Amos was eager to protect his soldiers. "I was just reminding you." County magistrate Anton waved and stopped his eyes on Inspector Luca's face: "You should pay special attention to the teachers. Of course, they are all learned people, educated in various special schools, but their behavior is very strange, which is naturally inseparable from their academic status. For example, there is a guy with a fat face. As soon as he got on the platform, he wouldn't stop until he grimaced, and then he stroked his beard under his bow tie with one hand. The history teacher, when it comes to excitement, will run down from the podium, grab a chair and throw it on the ground. If the imperial envoys or anyone else see all this, they will think it is for them, and who knows what will happen. " "I have advised them several times. Can't help it! God bless me not to ask me to work in the academic field in the future. I am afraid to see everyone. " Luca shook her head in dismay and sighed. "Damn traveling incognito!" The county magistrate secretly cursed. What am I afraid of? I'm not afraid, just a little ... those businessmen and citizens worry me a little. I always take this and that from them and never pay them. They have always held a grudge. Will they take this opportunity to complain to me and sue me? Thinking of this, the county magistrate went up to Ivan, the postmaster general, took him by the hand and led him aside: "For our common interests, can you open every letter that passes through your post office for me and see if there are any accusations against me?" If there is nothing, you can re-write the letter, but you can even send it without sealing it. " "Out of curiosity, I would have done so. Those letters are much more interesting than reading Moscow Times. After reading it, people feel comfortable and benefit a lot. Some time ago, a lieutenant wrote a letter to a friend, which was very good. I stayed here on purpose. Don't you want to hear it? " The postmaster was very happy and completely immersed in the enjoyment of reading other people's letters privately. "That's a waste of your heart, Ivan: If you encounter a letter accusing or accusing me, you don't have to think about it, just buckle it." "Do it."

The living room is full of noisy buzz, and the dignitaries in these counties are secretly worried about their future, for fear that their handle will fall into the hands of the official traveling incognito.

At this moment, Buchinski and Bo Buchinski ran into the living room panting, trying to tell everyone that in the hotel, there lived a young man who was not ugly and dressed in casual clothes. The hotel owner told them that the young man was an official named Starkovs from Petersburg. He wants to go to saratov to save money. His behavior is very strange: he stayed here for more than a week and never left the gate. He bought everything on credit without paying a penny.

"Since going to saratov to save lives, why does he want to live here? It must be an imperial envoy. " They all speculate. "There is neither effort nor beginning, yes, it must be him." People all agree with them.

This sudden news made the county magistrate open his mouth in horror: in this week or so, the corporal's wife was beaten! Detained the prisoner's rations! The streets are dirty and messy! God, have mercy and help me! But the experienced county magistrate soon came up with countermeasures. He ordered his men who were still in a panic: "rectify the city in a short time! Let the tall and strong policeman Pugoweiqin stand on the bridge to strengthen the city. Tear down the old fence and put on the green landmark, which is like planning municipal construction. Because the more places are demolished, the more the county magistrate has a way. Inform every police officer that if the official asks him if he is satisfied, he will always answer' Everything is satisfactory, my Lord' and quickly clean the street leading to the hotel. Otherwise, he looks good ... "Decorated properly, the county magistrate decided to go to the hotel in person.

Just as he put on his hat and got into the prepared carriage, his wife Anna and his daughter Maria followed him, but now he has no idea to answer their questions.

two

In a messy room in the hotel, Osip, a servant, was lying on his master's bed. At the moment, he is hungry and his stomach is growling, as if there were a group of soldiers playing the trumpet inside.

Osip and his master Starkovs have been away from Petersburg for more than four weeks, and their money has been ransacked by their master. Show off everywhere, have a good room and a good meal. The most hateful thing is that when you play cards at a table, you won't stop until you lose everything. This 14 pin civil servant is not an official in the yamen, but hangs out in the street all day, playing cards and gambling. Sometimes even the last shirt is lost, leaving only a big dress and a coat. Now the hotel owner has refused to give them dinner on credit because the previous account has not been paid back.

"Oh, my god, I can't even drink a little soup. I can't wait to swallow the whole world now. " A knock at the door interrupted Osip's soliloquy, and his master came back. Haley Starkovs is a thin young man. Hunger made his shriveled body look more and more like bean sprouts without water and sickly. He just went out for a walk, thinking that he could survive this hunger, but it didn't work, but he felt even hungrier. He has some regrets: if I hadn't spent my money on sideline business, I would have had enough money at home. He paced up and down the room uneasily and hesitated several times.

"I said, Osip!" Hurley Starkovs seems to have made up his mind. "What is it?" "You go there for me." "Where?" "Downstairs, in the restaurant ... ask them ... to give me dinner." Helie Starkovs said easily in a voice close to pleading. "No, I can't go. You haven't been paid for three weeks, and the boss says you are a liar and a hooligan. He said he was going to see the county magistrate. " Osip continued with a little gloating and intimidation: "He will send you to the yamen and prison ..." "Bastard, that's enough. Go and call the boss for me. " Hector column Starkovs roared.

Osip was ordered to go, but failed to invite the boss, only a servant from the hotel came. This servant always follows the boss's "no meals until the accounts are settled" rule and refuses to provide accommodation for Starkovs. Starkovs swore, so the boss had to send a servant to deliver his meal, and declared that it was the last meal. Even so, Master Starkovs, who got the food, was full of temper, with too little food and poor soup. Scold while eating, but this does not affect the speed of his eating. The food in front of him was swept away by him like a breeze. He still feels full, but the boss doesn't give him anything anymore.

"rogue! Bitch! Give me some juice or pie. Rogue! Just to pick up guests. " Hector column Starkovs straight scold with anger.

Suddenly, Osip ran in in a panic: "The county magistrate doesn't know anything, he's asking about you outside." He said carefully. "Oh, this is not good! Hotel owner, this bastard, really sued me! If you really want to send me to prison, how good will it be? " Haley Starkovs was shocked, turned pale and curled up into a ball.

"Greetings to you." The county magistrate came in and bent down respectfully. "Hello." Holly Starkovs hurriedly upon. "Forgive me for disturbing you." "It doesn't matter." "As the county magistrate of this city, my responsibility is to be careful not to let passers-by and all noble people suffer a little injustice ..." "What can I do? ..... This can't be blamed, the account will always be paid back ... The state will send me the money. " Hurley Starkovs stammered. "It's all the boss's fault; The beef I eat is as hard as wood; Where is the soup? God knows what he drank. I should throw it out the window. He made me hungry for days ... this tea is really strange. It smells like fish, and it doesn't even smell of tea. Why should I suffer this kind of crime ... it's a joke. " Originally, I was arguing, but at some point, I felt wronged and angry. Haley Starkovs's words became fluent and her voice became louder. "I'm sorry, it's really not my fault." The county magistrate was afraid. "If there is anything you are not satisfied with ... I dare advise you to live in another place." It's over! Really put me in jail. Hector column Starkovs immediately mind a blank. "How dare you? I am ... I am an official in Petersburg. " The falling sound seems to remind Helie Starkovs. Encouraged, full of energy and confidence, he said, "I won't go if you drive the team here!" " I'll go straight to the minister! What are you doing? "

Seeing the "official" angry, the county magistrate shook like chaff and decided that his privacy was caught by the big official in front of him. Those damn businessmen must have sued me! He thought bitterly. "You know, I really have no experience." There is a vibrato in the words of the county magistrate. "Said I was bribed, it was a small sum of money, just something to eat and wear. As for saying that I was the wife of a lay widow, it was all rumors. This is fabricated by a group of people who hold a grudge against me! They still want to murder my life. "

County magistrate irrelevant answer, let Gesta's like falling into the clouds. But at this moment, he has no intention of taking care of other things, just trying to excuse himself: "The account is to be paid. I live here only because I have no money with me. The county magistrate recognized this as an opportunity to help, and immediately took out a pile of money from his underwear pocket and handed it over. Hurley Starkovs, like a thirsty person for a long time, took the money and thanked the county magistrate!

At this time, the county magistrate put down a hanging heart. And thought: since he didn't tell me his identity and put smoke bombs on me, then I pretended not to know that he was an imperial envoy, and maybe the result would be more favorable to me.

Therefore, the county magistrate tirelessly showed himself to be an honest official in front of Starkovs, who devoted himself to the country and the people and died. And visited the "imperial envoy" again and moved to his home. He prepared a suitable, bright and quiet room for him. This is a wonderful thing for the master and servant of Starkovs.

In the hotel, the "honest" county magistrate will naturally not let the distinguished officials pay the bill, and certainly will not pay the bill himself. The hotel owner had to admit that he was unlucky.

three

Anna and Maria were ecstatic when they learned that the imperial envoy was coming to their home. They turned out all the clothes, tried them on one by one, and took pains to dress up, hoping that they would be more beautiful and radiant.

The luggage has been delivered and arranged by Osip. However, their long-awaited guests had already left, and the mother and daughter anxiously ran to the window facing the street at home and craned their necks to look around.

After leaving the hotel, Helie Starkovs, accompanied by the county magistrate and his subordinates, first visited the charity hospital. Here, Hurley Starkovs is most satisfied with a good meal. He is in a good mood and keeps asking questions, just like a big official.

Out of the hospital, they came to the county magistrate's house. The county magistrate introduced his beautifully dressed wife Anna and daughter Maria to Holly Starkovs. Starkovs frequently winked at them, making the mother and daughter swoon, thinking that the official was in love with him.

Starkovs, satiated with food and drink, is getting more and more carried away by this group of officials. Never had the pleasure! So he blew it away at will.

"You know, my reception room is always full of dukes and earl; The official letter sent to me by the minister said' Your Excellency'; Because I am fair and heartless, even the cabinet meeting is afraid of me; I go to the palace every day, maybe tomorrow I will be promoted to marshal ... "His nonsense actually stopped these officials. They believed it and trembled with fear. They don't know how to please and curry favor with this "dignitary". Osip also played with him, helped to support his master and boasted for him. Because he doesn't want to starve any more.

Officials began to get busy. They visited Starkovs one after another. I used various excuses to send him money, hoping to win the favor of this official and ensure the existing official position. At the same time, I hope to get more support from this official in the future. This is a great event for Starkovs, who is down and out. With so much money, he can be awesome in the casino again. How lucky! Good luck! Hurley Starkovs was so happy that she didn't even shout "Ulla".

It is said that an "imperial envoy" has come, and businessmen bullied by these officials have also ganged up to complain. Another chance to make money is coming! Holly Starkovs said secretly. He felt pity when he heard the businessmen complain about the officials headed by the county magistrate. However, sympathy belongs to sympathy. He did not forget to "borrow money" from the businessman, and even accepted the merchant's money plate. Send someone to complain. Starkovs counted the money and made a fortune! He immediately wrote a letter to his good friend Troy Protsch King in Petersburg, telling the story of this unexpected gain. At the same time, he accepted Osip's suggestion and decided to take the money and slip away as soon as possible.

When Maria came in, Starkovs put away the "borrowed" money and whistled leisurely. Starkovs immediately rushed forward with excitement and hugged Maria ecstatically: "I feel extremely happy to be accompanied by a beautiful woman like you. I really hope to hold you in my arms forever." "You have gone too far, treating me like a country woman ..." Maria angrily broke free from his arms and turned to go. Holly Starkovs stopped her way: "Out of love. I am really out of love, don't be angry, I am willing to kneel before you and ask your forgiveness. " Said really knelt down. As it happens, Anna came in and was surprised to see the "imperial envoy" kneeling down to her daughter. She angered Maria, who ran out with wronged tears.

Looking at Xu Niang who was standing in front of him, Hurley Starkovs suddenly felt that this woman had a little taste, and she was not bad. So I burned my "fire of love" to this romantic mother.

"My Lord! Have mercy! " The county magistrate shouted and came in with Maria: "Those people who complained just now are all smelly mouths! ...... ""You know what an honor Starkovs has given us. He proposed to our daughter. " Anna interrupted the chatter of the county magistrate. "Oh, my God, where have you been!" The county magistrate doesn't believe in the good news from the sky, how can he climb such a big official! "Really, I proposed, and I fell in love with her." Holly Starkovs confirmed it very solemnly, then went over and kissed Maria. The magistrate wiped his eyes in disbelief, convinced that they were dancing with joy after kissing: "Haha, now you can shake it!" " "

At this moment, Osip, who was ready for the carriage, came in to remind his master that it was time to start. Starkovs explained to the county magistrate who suddenly felt unwell, "I will spend a day visiting my uncle, a very rich old man, and come back tomorrow."

When getting on the bus, Starkovs reluctantly kissed Maria goodbye. Of course, I didn't forget to take out the money in the county magistrate's pocket, "borrowed" another 400, saying that it was enough for 800, and then left contentedly in three carriages personally equipped by the postmaster.

four

After seeing Starkovs off, the county magistrate, his wife and daughter excitedly returned to their rooms. They are completely immersed in infinite happiness. Ah, from now on, you can make a career thousands of miles away! Thought of here, Anton smiled happily. "Dear Anna, we are moving to Petersburg." "Naturally, I live in Petersburg. How can I live here? " "Holly Starkovs has powerful magic. As long as he is willing to support me, I can rise rapidly and become a general in the future. " The county magistrate is full of hope.

Of course, the county magistrate did not forget his "rebel" because of excitement. He ordered his men to call those who reported him and let the police tell everyone that the "imperial envoy" from Petersburg is the son-in-law of his county magistrate, and God has given him great glory!

Those unlucky businessmen were summoned to the county magistrate's house, all depressed, and no one dared to say a word. "You tell me what's the harvest? That officer is going to marry my daughter. From now on, you must obey me absolutely, otherwise ... hehe. " The magistrate blinked his little eyes proudly, and the sparse beard on his lips kept shaking with the dry smile from his mouth. "You cheat, cheat things less? As long as I show your bottom, I can send you to Siberia. " He stopped laughing and took a dignified look at the businessmen who knelt at his feet in fear. "My Lord, please have mercy. We will never dare again." Businessmen begged for forgiveness. "My daughter's wedding gift layer ... understand? She didn't marry an ordinary aristocrat, so she couldn't bring some dried fish or sugar towers. God forgive you, ok, let's go. " When the county magistrate finished speaking, he waved and the businessmen left one by one.

As soon as the merchants left, Amos, Artemis, Lars Takovski, Mr. and Mrs. Corobchin and other celebrities in the county came to congratulate them. The home of the county magistrate is full of congratulations, laughter and excitement.

Suddenly, the frightened postmaster rushed in with an open letter in his hand. "Men, a strange thing happened! We thought he was an imperial official, but he was not an imperial official. " The postmaster was out of breath: "I opened his letter and I read it to you." He held his breath and hurried through the letter. "As Pijin's friend, we express this letter to inform you that I met a once-in-a-lifetime miracle. I bet cards with an infantry captain on the road, and he won all the money. The hotel owner almost sent me to prison. Suddenly, because of my appearance and clothes in Petersburg, the whole city regarded me as the governor. I now live in the county magistrate's house, desperately having fun and pursuing his wife and daughter unscrupulously; Do you remember how my brother and I used to endure poverty and freeloading? Once, because I ate some pie without paying, I was caught by the collar by a pastry shop owner and kicked out! Now it's really luck. Everyone is willing to lend me the money they want. They are really monsters, and you will laugh to death. I know you often write some articles; You can write them in the article. First of all, the county magistrate is as stupid as a gray closed horse ... "

"no! There will be no such sentence on the letter. " The magistrate's eyelids turned white and he couldn't believe everything he heard, especially the last sentence. The postmaster handed him the letter: "read it yourself." "Like a gray castrated horse. I won't! This sentence was written by you. " "Why should I write like this?" The postmaster replied, took the letter and continued reading: "The county magistrate is as stupid as a gray castrated horse ..." "Shit! Repeat, it seems that without this sentence, the letter is not worth reading. " The county magistrate scolded.

"The postmaster is also a good man ..." Ivan refused to read any more when it was his turn. Artemis volunteered to take the letter, put on glasses and read: "The postmaster looks exactly like Mikhaev, the janitor of the Ministry. He is probably also a bad guy and an alcoholic. charity hospital

"My eyesight is better." Corobchin grasped the faith and said, "The director of a charity hospital is like a pig in a hat. The inspector smells like onions ... "Ruka protested:" I have never eaten onions. " Judge Amos breathed a sigh of relief; Thank god for not talking about me at last. "The judge is a completely uneducated person." Corobchin glanced at the judge who suddenly looked like a deflated ball and continued to read: "However, they are all hospitable and kind people. I decided to learn from you and engage in literary creation ... ".

The county magistrate was livid: "I really suffered this time, get him back quickly!" " "He couldn't help it and let out a howl." Give it back! I specially asked the postmaster to prepare three good carriages for him. "The postmaster looked sad." How can I lose my head? Blind? I am an old fool! I am so old, I am such a fool! ..... "The magistrate kept cursing himself:" I have been an official for 30 years, and no businessman or contractor can fool me, even the most cunning liar has been cheated by me; Even those old foxes and slick people who have cheated the world with one hand can't escape from my palm, have suffered my losses and been trapped by me; I lied to three governors ... "He listed his brilliant achievements one by one. I kept knocking on my forehead, as if my brain would be clearer and my fiasco would be saved.

Anna is thinking about her daughter's engagement. The county magistrate stamped his foot angrily: "Engagement, damn it, that's great. The whole city will laugh at me. How could I suddenly lose my mind? That frivolous hooligan is nothing like an imperial envoy. " Possessed by a ghost! Who said he was an imperial envoy first? "

The county magistrate's question immediately prompted the gang, and they were full of comments. Bobtchinsky and Tuo Buchinski became the focus of condemnation, and they also wrangled with each other and put the blame on each other. At the moment, the county magistrate's house is like a frying pan. It's so noisy and noisy that the roof is about to be torn off.

Just as everyone was in a mess, a gendarme came in and announced with a straight face: "The officer from Petersburg on imperial edict wants you to see him at once. Travel far away in the hotel. "

The gendarme's words rolled over like a muffled thunder, shaking all the people in the hall. They all stood there stiffly without any response.

The hall is very quiet. ……

References:

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