Zhao Junchen didn't know how much impact the news of his return to Beijing would have. At this time, he was just sitting in the carriage, opened the curtains on the carriage, and looked at the prosperity of Beijing city.
This city is worthy of being the capital of the Ming Dynasty. As the largest city in this era, it is even more prosperous than Zhao Junchen imagined. There are people coming and going, traffic, noise, and vitality. Whether it is the clothes or the mental outlook of the people,
, much better than the towns Zhao Junchen passed by when he returned to Beijing.
After walking around and watching the lanterns, Zhao Junchen watched the excitement and forgot about the distance and time. Before he knew it, he had arrived at his destination - his mansion in Beijing.
"Master, we are back home."
Xu Qingyan's slightly excited voice rang out from outside the carriage. This trip to Lu'an Mansion had left him suffocated. Returning to the capital gave Xu Qingyan a feeling of being released.
Zhao Junchen did not reply, but jumped off the carriage and looked towards his residence in Beijing.
Then, Zhao Junchen was a little stunned.
When he was offering sacrifices to heaven in Lu'an Mansion a few days ago, Zhang Qi became one of the crimes listed by Zhao Junchen. His mansion in the capital covers an area of hundreds of acres and is luxuriously built. To this day, it is still being expanded.
It is said that hundreds of thousands of silver were spent and many houses were occupied, leaving hundreds of families homeless and displaced.
During the debate with Zhang Qicheng that day, Zhao Junchen refuted almost all of Zhang Qicheng's arguments. Only about the charges against this house, Zhao Junchen just changed the topic and did not even dare to answer the question.
Because no matter how good your eloquence is, you can't refute the ironclad facts.
At this moment, Zhao Junchen finally realized how luxurious and huge his mansion in Beijing was.
The mansion in front of you has wide doors, high walls, carved bricks and lacquered wood, and high eaves and teeth. There are alleys left and right. At this time, in order to welcome Zhao Junchen back to the mansion, the courtyard door is wide open. Looking inside, it is even more magnificent.
, it is huge in scale, with tall pavilions, trees and rockeries that can be seen everywhere, double eaves and heavy arches, and long corridors like belts, making it even more luxurious.
And what Zhao Junchen saw was just the tip of the iceberg. It was detailed and he didn't know how luxurious it would be.
Facing such a luxurious mansion, Zhao Junchen not only had no joy at all, but only felt helpless. He knew that as long as this mansion existed, it would be a living sign, and the world would never be able to change its view of him, because this place was by no means a
The residence that an upright official deserves.
On the other side, Xu Qingyan was still unconscious. Instead, he sighed towards Zhao Junchen: "Master, we are finally back. It is better to be at home. How can a remote place like Lu'an Prefecture be as prosperous as the capital city, where even a little sight can be seen?"
I haven’t even seen a house, but fortunately I’m back. These days have been really hard for us.”
Zhao Junchen shook his head subconsciously and asked: "Qingyan, do you think our mansion is so luxurious and huge that it is no less than any other royal palace? Is this going to be overstepping the rules?"
Xu Qingyan didn't care about Zhao Junchen's worries. Instead, he looked at Zhao Junchen doubtfully and asked: "Master, why are you worried about this? Our Zhao family has even had the emperor come here and didn't say anything, so how can we exceed the limit?"
Overstepping the mark?”
Zhao Junchen nodded, did not refute, and just walked towards the mansion.
At this moment, the people in the mansion also received the news of Zhao Junchen's return. There was a lot of noise, and a large group of people, led by a petite and charming woman, hurried towards Zhao Junchen.
Then, Zhao Junchen finally met the legendary "Mrs. Ruyi" Fang Ru.
………
She is dressed in a light blue dress, showing off her enchanting figure. She has a fair oval face, almond-shaped eyes that look happy but not joyful, and smokey eyebrows with two curved eyebrows that look like frowning but not frowning. She is full of charm and charming.
If there is any shortcoming, it is that her height is slightly insufficient, only slightly higher than Zhao Junchen's chin, but her petite figure makes her charming and enchanting, but also a little more charming.
Although Zhao Junchen was used to seeing all kinds of beautiful women in his previous life, he still couldn't help but be stunned for a moment after seeing Fang Ru.
On the other side, Fang Ru led a group of servants of the Zhao family to Zhao Junchen. When others knelt down to salute Zhao Junchen, Fang Ru walked to Zhao Junchen and, regardless of other people's eyes, directly held her arm.
Zhao Junchen's arms, delicate and soft, were half leaning on Zhao Junchen's body. He exhaled like blue and whispered in a soft voice: "Master, you are finally back."
Zhao Junchen was not used to being so close to a strange woman, but Zhao Junchen was surprised by Fang Ru's bold style, but he still nodded, smiled slightly, and said, "Yes, I'm finally back."
Fang Rudai frowned slightly, feeling that something was wrong with Zhao Junchen's reaction, but thinking that Zhao Junchen must be tired from running all the way, she felt relieved. She turned to look at the servants who were still saluting and saying hello, and shouted softly: "You guys are still here?"
What are you doing standing here? You’ve worked hard all the way, why don’t you welcome me back home to wash your hands?”
As soon as he finished speaking, dozens of servants rushed away, welcoming and preparing.
This Fang Ru, in the final analysis, is just a concubine in the Zhao family. The so-called concubine is only slightly higher than the status of a servant. In ancient times, officials and wealthy officials often sent their concubines away with a raise of their hands.
This is evident from the low status of people and concubines.
But this Fang Ru, as a concubine, gave orders to the servants of the Zhao family, and drove her like an arm. Even with Zhao Junchen's favor, it would be difficult to do it, but looking at the reverence of the people in the Zhao family for Fang Ru,
But it has become deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, and they treat her completely as the mistress of the Zhao family. Zhao Junchen can't help but be surprised by her ability.
"Hmph~!"
On the other side, seeing such a scene, Xu Qingyan snorted heavily to express his dissatisfaction.
But Fang Ru didn't seem to hear it. She still smiled slightly and said to Zhao Junchen: "Master, you have worked hard all the way. Let's go back home and talk."
Zhao Junchen nodded, and under the leadership of Fang Ru, walked towards Zhao's mansion.
Entering the Zhao Mansion, just as Zhao Junchen had guessed before, it was luxurious and magnificent, far beyond imagination. Just the servants and maids coming and going, Zhao Junchen alone saw no less than sixty or seventy people.
When everyone came to the main hall, Fang Ru first led Zhao Junchen to sit down at the main seat, then took the tea brought by the maid next to him, put it in Zhao Junchen's hand, and then walked around behind Zhao Junchen, pressing it with her soft little hands.
Massage gently on Zhao Junchen's shoulders.
Zhao Junchen couldn't refuse, so he could only enjoy it and drink tea, but he didn't know what to say for a while.
And when Fang Ru saw that Zhao Junchen was silent, she didn't speak either. She just massaged Zhao Junchen seriously in the silence.
Xu Qingyan, on the other hand, became even more disgusted when he saw Fang Ru acting like this. He mumbled something softly, and could vaguely hear the word "foxing".
I have to say that Fang Ru's massage skills are very good. Under the gentle pressure and kneading of her small hands, Zhao Junchen's fatigue gradually disappeared and he felt quite comfortable.
After another moment, Zhao Junchen finally spoke and said with a smile: "Okay, okay, I don't need to press it anymore, it feels much more comfortable."
After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Fang Ru came to Zhao Junchen's side and stood there like an ordinary concubine. Her apricot-like eyes were full of happiness and she said with a smile: "Master, just feel comfortable." , it’s been a long and bumpy journey, which will be hard on you.”
Seeing Fang Ru standing like this, Zhao Junchen pointed to the seat next to him and said: "Sit down, sit down, I'll sit and you stand. It's uncomfortable to talk like this."
After saying that, Zhao Junchen turned to look at Xu Qingyan again and said with a smile: "You too, sit down and talk. I didn't see you so polite in Lu'an Mansion. Why did you behave yourself when you got home? We are all our own people. Why are you so polite?"
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Fang Ru didn't refuse, just sat next to Zhao Junchen, and said with a chuckle: "Master, when you went to Lu'an Mansion this time, didn't you say you would be back within a month? But as soon as you left, you For two months, there hasn’t been a single letter from home, but what happened to delay it?”
Xu Qingyan also sat aside. After hearing Fang Ru's words, he muttered softly: "Whatever the young master does, a concubine can't control."
However, Fang Ru didn't seem to hear it. She just looked at Zhao Junchen with bright eyes, waiting for Zhao Junchen's answer.
Seeing Fang Ru's behavior, Zhao Junchen pondered for a moment, and then he had to explain to Fang Ru what he had done to sacrifice the locusts in Lu'an Mansion.
After hearing Zhao Junchen's explanation, Fang Ru opened her mouth slightly with a look of surprise on her face. She felt that what Zhao Junchen did in Lu'an Mansion was completely different from his past style.
Then, Fang Ru spoke to Xu Qingyan for the first time, but she was accusing him: "Working with the people to exterminate locusts, getting up early and going to bed late, working hard every day. How come I have never suffered such a crime? Why didn't you stop me?"
Without waiting for Xu Qingyan's reply, Fang Ru turned to Zhao Junchen, her eyes full of distress, and complained softly: "Master, you are too, where have you done any physical work in these years? Those days were really hard on you, I'm afraid Are you exhausted?"
Zhao Junchen smiled softly, shook his head and said: "It's just culling locusts. A group of local officials are helping me around. I can't do it even if I don't want to be lazy, and I won't be tired."
Fang Ru took a breath and said, "That's good."
Then, Fang Ru frowned slightly and said: "However, if you want to destroy the locusts, just destroy them. Master, why do you need to do it yourself with the people of Lu'an?"
Zhao Junchen sighed and said: "This trip to Lu'an Mansion made me think about a lot of things. After I was hit on the head with a stone by the people that day..."
"ah!"
Halfway through the words, Fang Ru heard a soft cry, then stood up and walked quickly to Zhao Junchen, carefully examining Zhao Junchen's head with a worried look on his face.
When Zhao Junchen spoke before, Fang Ru just listened quietly and never interrupted even if she had doubts. But this time, she lost her composure.
"Don't worry, it's nothing. I fainted at the time, but I'll be fine the next day."
While talking, Zhao Junchen finally understood why the original Zhao Junchen trusted Fang Ru so much. It was not just because of Fang Ru's appearance and skills.
Being with Fang Ru, Zhao Junchen's most profound impression was that no matter what time, Fang Ru's bright eyes were always staring at him, as if there was no room for anyone else in the world except Zhao Junchen.
, every move, every cry, every smile, is all because of Zhao Junchen.
After hearing Zhao Junchen's relief, the worry in Fang Ru's eyes eased slightly, but what shocked Zhao Junchen was that the next moment, Fang Ru had a frown on her face, a look of resentment flashed in her eyes, she bit her teeth lightly, and turned towards Zhao Junchen.
He asked: "How did the people who attacked you, Master, die? Attacking an imperial envoy is a serious crime, but we cannot let them die too happily."
Zhao Junchen finally knew why Xu Qingyan said that Fang Ru had an extreme temper. Who would have thought that Fang Ru, who was so sweet a moment ago, could say such vicious words?
After being stunned for a moment, Zhao Junchen explained: "I let all the people who attacked me go!"
"What!?"
Fang Ru looked at Zhao Junchen in disbelief.
On the other side, Xu Qingyan slapped the table and shouted: "How can a mere concubine still dictate the young master's decision?"
Fang Ru ignored Xu Qingyan as always, and just looked at Zhao Junchen, waiting for an explanation, with an unacceptable expression on her face.
After Zhao Junchen sighed, he said to Fang Ru: "Sit down and talk. Don't be surprised. I have thought deeply about it."
Ever since he heard Xu Qingyan say that this Fang Ru was his right-hand man when he was involved in corruption and bribery, Zhao Junchen planned to find an opportunity to explain his current thoughts to her. This was the opportunity.
"After I was hit on the head with a stone by the common people that day, I was thinking that the people of Lu'an were so resentful of me and they knew it even though I knew it. My reputation among the government and the public is now in disrepair. Throughout the ages, officials like me have
No one can end well. The reason why no one dares to touch me now is because His Majesty is still alive. But His Majesty is now over fifty, how many years can he protect me? That’s why I took advantage of Lu’an Mansion.
By doing this during the locust plague, I hope to earn a good reputation."
After listening to Zhao Junchen's explanation, Fang Ru suddenly understood and said: "Master, you are doing it to save face. The people are ignorant. No matter what we do below, if you look like an upright official to the outside world, your official reputation will naturally
It will gradually change. By that time, Master, you will have gained a reputation among the people. Even if the emperor changes, you will be able to deal with me at will."
Xu Qingyan responded and said: "Young master, that's what he meant. This time in Lu'an Mansion, the young master took a lot of money, with an income of more than two hundred thousand taels of silver. But if you do a good job of saving face, the people of Lu'an now regard the young master as his own."
When Qingtian was alive and left Lu'an Mansion, I must have collected more than a hundred Wanmin Umbrellas alone."
After a pause, Xu Qingyan glanced at Fang Ru with malice, and then said: "As the saying goes, even if you are a bitch, you have to build a memorial arch."
When saying this sentence, Xu Qingyan added an accent to the word "bitch".
Since they met, Fang Ru has always turned a blind eye to Xu Qingyan's cynicism, but those days in Baihualou were her taboo and heartache. After hearing what Xu Qingyan said, her body trembled, her face turned pale, and her fists were clenched under her clothes.
's tight.
Zhao Junchen glared at Xu Qingyan and was about to say something, but the next moment, Fang Ru not only returned to normal, but her expression became even more charming. After glancing at Xu Qingyan, she said softly to Zhao Junchen: "Master, even so.
, For the sake of the overall situation, it’s okay for those people not to punish you, but those followers who followed you to Lu’an Mansion watched helplessly, Master, you were attacked, and the protection was weak and unable to save the savior. It is not an exaggeration to say that they are useless,
There is no use keeping such people in the house, why not drive them all out."
Hearing what Fang Ru said, Xu Qingyan snorted coldly and turned pale.
Seeing the two people fighting openly and secretly, Zhao Junchen shook his head secretly and changed the subject: "Actually, it is not just a matter of being infamous between the government and the opposition. It is not an exaggeration to say that my current situation is full of dangers. There are countless political enemies in the court.
The eunuchs in the inner palace are dissatisfied, especially the prince in the East Palace. Once I let him succeed, I will definitely not end well. Some of these problems can be solved, some can be tried to be solved, and some cannot be solved at all, but no matter what,
From now on, our style of work also needs to change. Not only should we improve our official reputation between the government and the opposition, but we should also contact the eunuchs internally and make friends with external parties. We must also give them many benefits. In this way, even though we have obtained
The benefits will be less, but it is a long-term solution.”
After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Fang Ru also looked cautious. After pondering for a moment, she nodded and said: "Master, you are right. Now we really need to find some allies, otherwise if something happens, we will not even have one to help us."
None, I was indeed negligent in the past."
Having said that, Fang Ru looked at Zhao Junchen with more and more doubts. She felt that Zhao Junchen seemed to be a different person after his trip to Lu'an Mansion.
In fact, Fang Ru had raised these questions to Zhao Junchen before, but at that time Zhao Junchen only had money in his heart, so how could he listen to them? Fang Ru had no choice but to go along with her husband.
Noticing the confusion in Fang Ru's eyes, Zhao Junchen quickly changed the topic again and asked: "Stop talking about me, what's the matter with leaving you alone in Beijing during this period?"