Seeing that Yang Ning didn't speak for a long time, Lan Feifeng smiled and said, "Why, Young Master Yang doesn't dare."

"Dare. Why don't I dare? Shopkeeper Lan won't eat me, right?" Yang Ning, still drunk, said immediately without showing any signs of weakness.

Lan Feifeng smiled and said: "Okay. Master, please go upstairs first. I'll greet Commander Mou and them. I'll come back later."

"Okay." Yang Ning agreed, turned around and walked up the stairs to the fifth floor. Lan Feifeng went to the private room of Mou Tai and others.

The fifth floor is brightly lit. The area is much smaller than that of the first, second, third, and fourth floors. It is just a large room. It is luxuriously decorated but not tacky. There is only a red sandalwood round table in the huge space. The windows on all sides are open. .The cool breeze blows in, making the air on the fifth floor seem a bit cold.

Yang Ning walked to the south window and looked down. In the night, with the faint moonlight in the sky, he had a panoramic view of the entire Qipan Street. Only when he looked at it did Yang Ning realize that in the busy city of Beijing, there was no one as natural as this one. It's a taller building. Looking to the west, you can still vaguely see the lights of the palace. Walking to the north, you can see a wide courtyard several meters in. It's not much smaller than the house I was just given. .And looking at the layout of the corridor, the house at the back is actually connected to the back door of Tiantianju. It seems that it is actually a property of Tiantianju. The financial resources of Tiantianju are really extraordinary.

While looking at the scenery around him, gentle footsteps came from the stairs. Before Yang Ning could turn around, she heard Lan Feifeng whisper charmingly: "Master Yang, how is the night in the capital?"

Yang Ning turned around and smiled: "The night is beautiful. But... the people are even more beautiful." As he spoke, he looked at Lan Feifeng with burning eyes.

Lan Feifeng frowned. A trace of displeasure flashed across her face. Then she smiled and said: "Young Master, thank you for your praise. Please take a seat. I have made arrangements downstairs. Commander Mou and General Ma will have Uncle Wu to accompany them." When I asked about you, I told them that you were too drunk and left first."

"Oh. Shopkeeper Lan is really interested." Yang Ning sat down and said meaningfully.

Lan Feifeng smiled and said nothing. She picked up the wine pot and poured it for Yang Ning and then for herself. Then she raised her glass with a smile and said: "Come, Mr. Yang, under such a beautiful night, you and I will have a drink together." Finished. She drank the glass in one gulp.

Yang Ning picked up the wine glass, shook it gracefully, and said: "The beautiful scenery at night, and the company of such a beautiful woman, I deserve this glass." After that, he finished the glass.

Lan Feifeng stood up and filled up the wine for Yang Ning and herself. She raised her glass again and said: "This glass is Feifeng's apology to Young Master Yang. Without Young Master Yang's permission, Tiantianju used the Young Master's wine." I definitely made a door couplet. I didn’t pay the Young Master the copyright fee for the edition. It’s definitely not the right thing to do.” After saying that, she drank it all in one gulp. She didn’t see any reaction from the first glass of wine. After finishing this glass of wine, . Two blushes appeared on her fair and pretty face. She was really pretty.

Yang Ning forced herself to look away. She looked at the food and wine on the table and said with a smile: "Shopkeeper Lan drinks like this. This is not just a small drink. Why does it make me feel like going downstairs to drink."

Lan Feifeng smiled and said: "Young Master's words are serious. Feifeng is just expressing what is in his heart. If you are too drunk, you don't have to drink."

Looking at Lan Feifeng's beautiful face with a beautiful smile, Yang Ning suddenly became a little irritable. He drained the glass of wine in one gulp. His face suddenly turned cold and said: "I have expressed this. I have also made amends. Shopkeeper Lan came to see me. What's the matter with Yang Ning? You can tell me now."

Lan Feifeng said nothing and never expected that Yang Ning would fall out. She was stunned for a moment. She forced a smile and was about to speak. But Yang Ning was the first to say: "Shopkeeper Lan, you may not know me well. I am a person." I like to deal with straightforward people the most. The most annoying thing is beating around the bush. Therefore, there is no need to hide anything Shopkeeper Lan wants from me." As he spoke, Yang Ning looked around at the open windows and continued: "Let's Just like the environment we are in, let’s open the skylight and speak frankly.”

Yang Ning spoke so directly. It obviously disturbed Lan Feifeng's thoughts. She hesitated for a moment and then said: "Okay. Mr. Yang is indeed a happy person. To be honest, Feifeng asked Mr. Yang to come up and talk. It doesn't mean anything. The other purpose was just to hear from the waiter in the store that the young master showed off his talents in my natural residence that day. He single-handedly selected the three most talented people in the capital. Not only did he match their match, but he also used my natural residence's name as a guide. It’s absolutely true that ‘a guest in nature lives in heaven.’ Feifeng has always wanted to have the opportunity to get acquainted with the young master..."

When Lan Feifeng said this, Yang Ning finally lost his patience. He stood up suddenly. Lan Feifeng was startled and stood up too. She said in surprise: "Young Master, you..."

Yang Ning said calmly: "Shop Manager Lan, if you still don't tell the truth, I can only say goodbye."

Lan Feifeng looked at Yang Ning deeply. She suddenly smiled and said: "No wonder Eunuch Yang has achieved what he has today at such a young age. It is indeed not easy. Eunuch, please sit down. Let's talk about business."

Yang Ning was not surprised to see Lan Feifeng change his story and reveal his identity. I am afraid that everyone in the capital knew his current identity. Since Lan Feifeng recognized Mou Tai and others, it was not surprising to guess his identity. .

Yang Ning sat down again. Lan Feifeng also sat down and said with a smile: "Feifeng was playing tricks in front of Eunuch Yang just now. It was really a joke. In fact, I was looking for Eunuch Yang today. It was not for anything else. I just wanted to find Yang. My father-in-law is my natural supporter. My father-in-law must also understand that I come from a womanly family, and my husband died young. It is very difficult to run such a large restaurant at the feet of this emperor who is a mixed bag of people. Without someone to rely on, it will be difficult to continue. Of course. I won’t let my father-in-law worry about this in vain. This natural member of the family has 10% of my father-in-law. What do you think?"

What I guessed earlier was indeed correct. This Lan Feifeng is really a widow.

This widow is quite extraordinary. Looking at the scale and efficiency of Tiantianju, the 10% contribution every year is definitely not a small amount. This Lan Feifeng is so generous as soon as she makes a move. She is really more courageous than many men. Much.

"Shopkeeper Lan. We are wise people and don't tell secrets. Naturally, it can be opened in this prosperous place in the capital and on such a large scale. There must be some backstage and connections behind it. And this backstage must be extremely strong. Shopkeeper Lan Why bother looking for me again."

Lan Feifeng smiled bitterly and said: "Eunuch Yang, it seems that when dealing with you, it is impossible not to be honest. Yes, it has something to do with naturally living in the Yamen before. Even the relationship is not small. But..." Lan Feifeng He drank another glass of wine suddenly, and then he seemed to make up his mind and said: "To be honest, I was blind at first. The backstage I found for Tiantianju inevitably made my appetite bigger. It has made me... reach the point where I can't accept it. To the point..." At this point, Lan Feifeng's face suddenly turned red, and then her expression became excited and resentful.

So Lan Feifeng has already fallen out with her backstage. And from what she means, it must be because of the uneven distribution of the spoils.

Yang Ning was thinking in her mind, but her eyes were carefully observing Lan Feifeng's eyes and expression. He knew in his heart that the woman in front of him was very extraordinary. She had rich experience and was full of scheming. Which of her words were true and which of them were false? Fake. It’s really hard for me to judge. If I’m not careful, I might fall into her trap.

Lan Feifeng poured herself a drink and drank another glass of wine. But maybe because of her excitement, she drank a little too hard. She accidentally choked and coughed. Her face also turned red. Her frail look made people look at it. I couldn't help but feel a sense of pity.

"Are you okay?" Yang Ning asked pretending to be concerned out of politeness.

"It's okay. I made Eunuch Yang laugh." Lan Feifeng finally stopped coughing and calmed down her emotions.

After a pause, she continued what she had just said: "That's why I, Tianranju, had to find a new supporter. To be honest, that day, my father-in-law defeated the three most talented people in the limelight of Tianranju. He said that sentence again. Father-in-law. His reputation spread all over the capital. Later, Feifeng heard from the imperial court that the Western Expedition Army had a very powerful supervisor, the father-in-law. He repeatedly came up with strange strategies, which enabled our imperial army to defeat the enemy all the way. At that time, Feifeng But I didn’t know it was you. It wasn’t until today when Uncle Wu said that a group of you came to Tianju for a drink. After listening to your words in the private room, Feifeng knew your true identity..."

Yang Ning waved her hand to stop her and said: "Manager Lan, now that you know my true identity, you shouldn't look for me. Although I have been promoted quickly recently, I am only an internal supervisor at best. I don't have many subordinates. The influence on some forces and yamen outside the palace is really meager. Shopkeeper Lan is looking for me. I'm afraid I'm looking for the wrong person."

But Lan Feifeng shook her head. She suddenly changed the subject and said, "Eunuch Yang, I wonder if you have heard of the allusions of 'burning a cold stove' and 'burning a hot stove'."

Yang Ning couldn't help but be confused. She asked strangely: "Burn the cold stove and heat the stove. What does this mean?"

Lan Feifeng explained: "The so-called cold stove and hot stove refer to the forces and people of all parties. Those with prominent official positions and great power are the so-called 'hot stove'. You go and beg him to worship him. This It is a "hot stove"; and those who are temporarily frustrated or are rising and are likely to become powerful in the future are the so-called "cold stoves". If you make friends with such people, it is a "burning stove" Cold stove'…….”

Yang Ning suddenly realized and said: "I understand what you mean. The hot stove is already very hot. If you go and light a fire, it will not do much. People don't care at all. But if you go to burn the cold stove. Add a blazing fire to others when they are unhappy. In the future, the cold stove will become a hot stove. People will naturally remember your kindness. By then, the benefits will naturally be endless. Well... this is actually It’s equivalent to the difference between ‘icing on the cake’ and ‘helping in times of need’.”

Lan Feifeng's eyes were full of approval. She said sincerely: "Eunuch Yang, I didn't expect that your reaction would be so extraordinary at such a young age. You also have a very clear understanding of this person's worldliness."

Yang Ning smiled and said: "This is nothing. It's an obvious reason."

Lan Feifeng sighed: "Although the truth is simple, not everyone can see through it, and not everyone dares to do it. You know, burning that cold stove requires a greater investment."

Yang Ning smiled slightly and said, "So, Shopkeeper Lan regards me, Yang Ning, as the 'cold stove' you want to burn."

Lan Feifeng smiled slightly and said: "Although this is a bit rude, it is indeed the truth."

At this point, Yang Ning basically understood Lan Feifeng's purpose of looking for him. It didn't look like she was lying. There should be no trap. But he still didn't understand. He couldn't help but ask: "Shopkeeper Lan .I am still a little puzzled. Normally, there should be many so-called "cold stoves" in the imperial court. Why did you choose me as an internal eunuch?"

Lan Feifeng said frankly: "First, because I, Lan Feifeng, and Tianranju have fallen out. Now is the time when there is no way out. It is very likely that we will close down from now on. And in a hurry, we have nowhere to find new ones." The backing depends on..."

Yang Ning was a little surprised by Lan Feifeng's frankness. Wasn't she afraid that even if she agreed, she would take the opportunity to ask for more benefits?

Lan Feifeng continued: "Second, I, Lan Feifeng, believe in your father-in-law's character. I know that your father-in-law is kind-hearted and is a person worthy of cooperation."

Yang Ning asked curiously: "How can you be so sure that I won't be the same as your previous backer and treat you like a lion?"

Lan Feifeng was so surprised that her face turned red again. Then she smiled and said: "If it had been before just now, I would naturally not be sure. But after what happened downstairs just now, I got to know my father-in-law to a certain extent. Father-in-law is a man. Beggars who have never met each other are so compassionate. How could he be a bad person? To put it bluntly, a man of my father-in-law’s status is so compassionate to a humble beggar. I’m afraid I would have to search all over the Ming Dynasty to find it. Not a few come out."

Yang Ning frowned slightly and said: "Shopkeeper Lan, everyone is raised by their mother and father. They are all dignified and bloody beings. No matter how poor, hungry and cold they are, they are not despicable people. In a sense, they are actually equal to us."

Lan Feifeng looked at Yang Ning in disbelief. Yang Ning immediately realized that he had gone too far due to his habitual thinking in his previous life. He smiled bitterly and said: "Pretend I didn't say it." After saying that, he lowered his head and raised his glass. While drinking, Lan Feifeng turned from surprised to thoughtful.

For a while, both of them were silent. After a while, Lan Feifeng couldn't help but speak first: "Eunuch Yang, I have said so much. I don't know if you agree."

Yang Ning pondered for a moment and then said seriously: "Shop Manager Lan. Please forgive me for Yang Ning's difficulty in obeying my order."

Lan Feifeng was startled, and finally showed a slightly anxious look and said, "Why? Could it be that Eunuch Yang thinks that Feifeng's contribution is too small? We can discuss this later."

Yang Ning shook his head and smiled: "Of course not. If it's because of this, then wouldn't I be disappointed in your praise and respect?"

"Then why." Lan Feifeng asked immediately.

Yang Ning couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. How should she answer Lan Feifeng? She couldn't say directly to her: I won't agree to you. It's because you are not a chaste woman. You are restless as a widow. You seduced her based on your beauty. You have lost your backer. In fact, it is ****. I, Yang Ning, hate you very much in my heart. So I don’t want to help you or have anything to do with you.

He couldn't even say these words to death Yang Ning, but that's what he still thought in his heart. Looking at Lan Feifeng's beautiful face, he thought that she was once the "mistress" and plaything of some high-ranking official. Yang Ning felt as if she had eaten a fly.

Seeing that Yang Ning had a troubled look on her face and didn't say anything for a long time, Lan Feifeng's expression gradually turned cold and said: "Since Eunuch Yang is unwilling to bend the knot, then I, Lan Feifeng, am overestimating my ability. Come, Eunuch Yang, do the business." There is no such thing as benevolence and righteousness. Let’s drink. Feifeng respects you." As she said that, she raised her glass and drank it all in one gulp.

Yang Ning didn't know what to say for a moment. He had no choice but to raise his glass with Lan Feifeng and drink the wine. But as soon as he drank this glass, Lan Feifeng had already filled up another glass for himself. He raised his glass to Yang Ning and said: "Fei I respect you again, Feng." After saying that, he did it all at once.

Before Yang Ning could think of anything good to say, Lan Feifeng was already drinking one glass after another. In a short while, he had drank four or five glasses of wine. The way he drank was as if he was drinking cold water. Yang Ning was fascinated by this. A moment of shock.

When Lan Feifeng poured the wine into the jug again, the wine in the jug was already empty. Lan Feifeng was already a little drunk and her face was red. She stood up unsteadily and said: "No, no I'm going to get the wine." Just after she finished speaking, she couldn't help but swayed slightly, as if she was about to fall. Fortunately, she supported the table with one hand, and sat back down again.

Lan Feifeng's actions made Yang Ning a little confused. At first, he subconsciously thought that Lan Feifeng was trying to pretend to be drunk to seduce him. But looking at this posture, it didn't seem like it. Lan Feifeng seemed to be really drunk. Besides, she Since he knew he was a eunuch, how could he use the "beauty trap"? But after just a while, Lan Feifeng got drunk. This was too fast. The only explanation is Lan Feifeng's drinking capacity It's really limited.

"Lan, shopkeeper Lan, are you okay? Don't get any more wine. Just drink these." Yang Ning tried to persuade.

Lan Feifeng's drunken eyes were blurred and her expression was pleasant. She breathed out the smell of wine and murmured: "Didn't the ancients say, as they said, there is wine today...I am drunk today. Maybe, this natural residence will be closed tomorrow. By then .I’m afraid I won’t be able to drink even if I want to.”

Yang Ning couldn't help but persuade: "It's not as serious as what you said. Even...even if you have a falling out with your backer, he wouldn't dare to do anything wrong in this majestic capital, at the feet of the emperor."

Lan Feifeng smiled sadly and said: "You don't know how powerful that person is. He is a high-ranking minister in the dynasty and a cabinet minister. What a bullshit minister. He looks sanctimonious, but in fact he is just a beast in human skin... .”

Yang Ning's surprise was extraordinary. It seemed that Lan Feifeng was drunk. She actually revealed that the person behind this natural residence was actually a cabinet minister.

As far as Yang Ning knows, there are currently five cabinet ministers in the Ming Dynasty cabinet. The first assistant, Li Chunfang, is said to be a good old man and never makes any decisions on the affairs of the cabinet. The second assistant, Gao Gong, is nicknamed "Gao Beard" and has a strong and domineering personality. He plays the leading role in the entire cabinet; Gao Yi, who has the same surname as Gao Gong, is not a relative, but Gao Gong has always followed his lead and is a timid person; Zhang Juzheng, whom Yang Ning is naturally familiar with; and the last one is... Zhang Siwei, the Minister of Civil Affairs, was recently promoted to the cabinet by Gao Gong.

Then who is this person who is naturally in the background as Lan Feifeng said?
Chapter completed!