Chapter 51. Beside the Douhua Stall (Part 2). Three-in-one chapter
"These Shanxi merchants acted very quickly. I didn't expect this book to be published in the capital. I just don't know what the response will be."
Zhao Junchen thought secretly.
Seeing Zhao Junchen's expression of surprise after seeing the book in his hand, the young man who was looking for a topic couldn't help but feel happy. He raised the "Record of Locust Extermination in Lu'an Prefecture" in his hand and asked: "Brother, what do you think of this book?"
interest?"
Zhao Junchen nodded with a smile and said: "I went to Lu'an Mansion for business a few days ago and happened to encounter a locust plague there, so I couldn't help but have some doubts when I looked at the scroll in my brother's hand."
While the two were talking, Xu Qingyan and the girl were sitting on the left and right beside them.
The young man explained: "This book is about how Zhao Junchen, the current Secretary of the Ministry of Household Affairs, inspected the locust plague in Lu'an, and worked together with the officials and people of Lu'an to eliminate the locusts.
.The people of Lu'an Prefecture were ignorant and thought that the locust plague was a natural punishment. Although the locust plague was widespread, they did not dare to cull the locusts. In the end, Mr. Zhao Junchen was wise and announced to the people that if there was a natural punishment for revenge, he would be willing to use his own power to retaliate.
Therefore, the common people were finally persuaded, and under the command of Lord Zhao, the locust plague was put out, the disaster was stopped, and hundreds of thousands of people were saved. In order to thank Lord Zhao for his kindness, the people of several prefectures in southern Shanxi worked together to publish it.
This volume, "Records of Locust Extermination in Lu'an Prefecture," has now been published all over the world."
As he spoke, the young man carefully looked at Zhao Junchen's expression. When he saw that Zhao Junchen did not show any displeasure, a hint of joy suddenly flashed in his eyes.
After a pause, the young man seemed to have just remembered, and said to Zhao Junchen: "I was negligent. I have been talking to Xiongtai for so long, but I forgot to introduce myself. My surname is Liu, and my first name is Zimin. I don't know Xiongtai."
How to be called? Where will you be promoted?"
Zhao Junchen smiled and said: "My surname is Xu and my name is Qingyan. I work in the government."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Xu Qingyan next to him couldn't help but look strange.
Liu Zimin glanced at Zhao Junchen's Shu brocade clothes and asked, "Oh? Brother Xu actually works in the government? Looking at Brother Xu's extraordinary bearing, I'm afraid his official position is not low, right?"
Zhao Junchen avoided talking about this. Instead, he crossed Liu Zimin and asked the girl: "I wonder what you call her?"
When the girl heard Zhao Junchen suddenly ask her, she looked shy and glanced at Zhao Junchen secretly. Seeing Zhao Junchen looking at her, she hurriedly lowered her head and said softly: "Liu Rui."
Zhao Junchen nodded and said with a smile: "It turns out to be Miss Liu Rui."
As he spoke, Zhao Junchen confirmed his suspicion. Although Liu Zimin and Liu Rui looked like the young master's maid, their appearance and facial features were somewhat similar. They also had the same surname Liu, so they were probably related by blood.
This is normal. Many families are from ordinary families and cannot afford to hire maids and servants, but for their own reasons, they want to show off their wealth, so they have to let their family members dress up.
However, looking at the way Liu Zimin yelled and accused Liu Rui before, and Liu Rui's fear of Liu Zimin, but it didn't seem to be hypocritical, it seems that there is something hidden in the relationship between the two people.
However, after confirming his guess, Zhao Junchen had no intention of continuing to explore. He just asked Liu Zimin: "Brother Liu is not from the capital, right?"
Seeing that Zhao Junchen avoided talking about his problems, Liu Zimin not only did not feel angry at all, but his expression became more respectful and polite. He also turned a blind eye to Zhao Junchen's disregard of the rules and talked to Liu Rui, and his expression did not change at all.
After hearing Zhao Junchen's question, Liu Zimin quickly replied: "Brother Xu has good eyesight. I am from Yantai, Shandong, but I don't know why Brother Xu saw that I am not from the capital?"
Zhao Junchen pointed to the big package Liu Rui held in his arms, and said: "Brother Liu's Beijing Mandarin is not very pure, with some flavor of local dialect."
Liu Zimin suddenly said: "Brother Xu is smart, so that's it."
While the two were talking, Mr. Liu served them some bean curd fried dough sticks. Zhao Junchen asked while eating: "I think Brother Liu is a scholar. I wonder why he came to the capital at this time?"
When Liu Zimin heard Zhao Junchen's question, he couldn't help but look happy, and quickly replied: "To be honest with brother Xu, I participated in Shandong Qiuwei in August this year. However, some officials took advantage of Qiuwei to cheat, and I lost my reputation. I had no choice but to do so."
I had no choice but to come to the capital with some friends to complain. Fortunately, Your Majesty is wise enough to find out the fraud and bring justice to us. Those who bribed officials were exonerated. My younger brother also obtained the title of Juren under the replacement.
.However, considering that it is already the beginning of winter, and the first trial of spring will be in March next year, there are only less than four months left. If I go back and forth again, it will not only be troublesome, but will also delay the preparation time, so I simply stay in the capital.
Lived in."
Zhao Junchen nodded and said, "That's it."
Having said this, Zhao Junchen said nothing more and just ate the tofu fried dough sticks with great relish.
However, although Zhao Junchen didn't want to speak anymore, Liu Zimin wanted to say something more for some unknown reason.
After a while, seeing that Zhao Junchen had eaten nearly half of the tofu pudding in his bowl, Liu Zimin finally couldn't hold himself back and said again: "I saw that Brother Xu was very interested in the book "Records of Locust Extermination in Lu'an Prefecture".
Brother Xu is in love, if Brother Xu doesn't mind, I will give this "Record of Locust Extermination in Lu'an Prefecture" to Brother Xu, so that Brother Xu doesn't have to waste time looking for another one, what do you think of Brother Xu?"
Looking at the "Record of Locust Extermination in Lu'an Prefecture" that Liu Zimin held in front of him, Zhao Junchen did not pick it up with his hands. Instead, he asked: "I have already read this book, but there is no need for Brother Liu to give it to me as a gift."
, but I am curious. Although Mr. Zhao Junchen and Mr. Zhao are now the ministers of the Ministry of Household Affairs and are in great favor, they have a poor reputation among the people. However, this book is meant to praise Mr. Zhao. I wonder what Brother Liu thinks about this?
What is the reaction of private scholars to this book?"
Hearing Zhao Junchen ask this question, Liu Zimin's expression actually flashed a little nervously.
………
Previously, when Liu Zimin saw Zhao Junchen wearing official boots and tribute Shu brocade clothes, he understood that his status was not low, and he tried every means to get closer, which was just his instinct to gain wealth.
However, when he introduced the "Record of Locust Extermination in Lu'an Prefecture" to Zhao Junchen, he had been observing Zhao Junchen's expression. When he saw Zhao Junchen's calm expression, he couldn't help but be overjoyed.
Because if the upright officials of the Qing Dynasty heard the contents of "The Record of Locust Extermination in Lu'an Prefecture", they would not be able to help but criticize loudly. If the officials of Zhao Junchen's hostile faction heard the contents of "The Record of Locust Extermination in Lu'an Prefecture".
, can't help but show disdain and sarcasm on his face, and Zhao Junchen's expression is so calm. In Liu Zimin's opinion, there is only one explanation.
That is, the "Xu Qingyan" in front of him is very likely to have some relationship with Zhao Junchen, at least he is a friend rather than an enemy.
Of course, Liu Zimin couldn't imagine that the person in front of him was Zhao Junchen himself. In Liu Zimin's opinion, how noble was Zhao Junchen? It was impossible to eat at such a stall.
Now that spring is approaching, Liu Zimin, as a candidate for the exam, does not review the meaning of those poems and books. Instead, he reads "Records of Locust Extermination in Lu'an Prefecture", which praises Zhao Junchen, and reads carefully. What is in his mind, anyone with a discerning eye can see
It can be seen that he just wants to make some preparations. If he has a chance to see Zhao Junchen in the future, he can take the opportunity to please him.
It's a pity that Liu Zimin is just an ordinary civil servant. How easy is it to meet Zhao Junchen?
But now, Liu Zimin felt that he had an opportunity!
If the next words are answered well, please the "Xu Qingyan" in front of him, and even reach the ears of Zhao Junchen, then it will be of great help to Liu Zimin.
………
Seeing the nervousness and seriousness in Liu Zimin's expression, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but be stunned.
However, after these days of officialdom experience, Zhao Junchen's vision was so sophisticated that he changed his mind and understood Liu Zimin's thoughts.
Although he didn't know why Liu Zimin wanted to deliberately please him, and he didn't like Liu Zimin's temperament, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but secretly praise Liu Zimin's exquisite thoughts.
On the other side, after a moment of reflection, Liu Zimin already replied: "In my opinion, this "Record of Locust Extermination in Lu'an Prefecture" is really a strange book. It is based on Master Zhao's story of exterminating locusts in Lu'an Prefecture.
His deeds have made it clear to the world that "three people make a tiger" and "seeing is believing". Nowadays, Master Zhao's reputation among the people is indeed bad, but the world just follows what others say, and most of them are slanderous rumors, so take Lu
Regarding the Anfu extermination of locusts, how many of the so-called upright officials who are famous all over the world can do what Mr. Zhao did? It can be seen that the rumors are not credible. If there is no evidence, they are just following what others say, but it is
Just wait and see.”
"Snapped!"
As Liu Zimin finished his last words, Liu Rui, who was just quietly eating bean curd, turned pale, and the chopsticks in his hand fell to the table.
Seeing this situation, Liu Zimin seemed to have thought of something, and looked a little embarrassed, but did not reprimand Liu Rui for her gaffe.
And Liu Rui seemed to be confused, a little hurriedly, and with a little caution, she looked up at Zhao Junchen and Liu Zimin. Seeing Zhao Junchen looking at her, she quickly lowered her head, picked up the chopsticks and carefully examined them.
After wiping it off, he continued to eat the tofu puffs in front of him, but he seemed a little distracted.
Seeing the two of them looking like this, Zhao Junchen's eyes showed a thoughtful look, and he suddenly smiled and said: "Brother Liu deliberately got close to me today, maybe he wants to ask for something?"
Liu Zimin was stunned for a moment, and his expression became more and more embarrassed. After hesitating for a moment, he finally said: "I think Brother Xu has an extraordinary bearing and luxurious clothes. I'm afraid he has a high official position in the court, right?"
Zhao Junchen smiled softly and still avoided talking.
But Liu Zimin continued: "I wonder if Brother Xu knows Mr. Zhao, the current Minister of Household Affairs? If so, can you introduce me to me? If Brother Xu is willing to help me, I will be grateful and will be rewarded generously.
From now on, whenever Brother Xu is asked to do something, I will never refuse."
Hearing what Liu Zimin said, Xu Qingyan looked strange again, while Liu Rui remained silent, with her head lowered and her hair hanging down, making it difficult to see her thoughts and expressions.
Zhao Junchen narrowed his eyes slightly and was a little curious. Why did Liu Zimin, who was just a member of the imperial family, want to meet him? He asked: "I have met Lord Zhao several times, but Lord Zhao is the second official "Ping, there are many court affairs. If Brother Liu doesn't explain to me why you want to see Mr. Zhao, I won't be able to talk to Mr. Zhao."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Liu Zimin was overjoyed, but even more hesitant. After a long time, he explained: "My father is Liu Wencai, the former imperial censor of Zuodu, the Metropolitan Procuratorate."
Zhao Junchen finally realized.
Many years ago, Liu Wencai was a well-known Qingliu leader in the court. However, thirteen years ago, Liu Wencai publicly impeached the chief minister Zhou Shangjing for forming cliques for personal gain, corruption and bribery, etc. Unfortunately, Liu Wencai was only a Qingliu leader, so what? Can you beat Zhou Shangjing? The final result is naturally that there is no evidence and nothing can be done.
At that time, Zhou Shangjing had just become the chief minister of the cabinet and was worried about how to establish his prestige. He was not as low-key as he is now. Liu Wencai was caught in the crossfire, and naturally he would not end well. In the end, not only was Zhou Shangjing bitten back and slandered one of the most important ministers in the DPRK, Among other crimes, Zhou Shangjing's disciples impeached Liu Wencai for secretly buying and selling royal items in the palace.
It turns out that Liu Wencai likes to collect ancient paintings the most, and I don’t know if he was framed by Zhou Shangjing. Several of the ancient paintings he collected were actually treasured by the palace!
In the end, Liu Wencai's fate was unbearable. Not only was his reputation ruined, he was demoted to the people, and his home was confiscated.
It's no wonder that Liu Rui suddenly lost her composure after hearing Liu Zimin's words just now, "If there is no evidence, just follow what others say and wait."
At that time, Liu Wencai fell short precisely because of insufficient evidence. Not only did he fail to overthrow Zhou Shangjing, but he himself was convicted.
Zhao Junchen did not expect that the descendants of Liu Wencai would appear in front of him.
On the other side, seeing the look of understanding on Zhao Junchen's face, Liu Zimin continued: "Hey, I am burdened by my family background. Back then, my father did not know the depth and offended the current chief minister. Now, although I have the honor of raising a son, You can take part in the spring examination next year, but if the chief minister knows about my origin and thinks of my father's mistakes, no matter how good my writing is, it will be useless. I also want to go and apologize to the chief minister in person, but the chief minister will not be afraid. How can I meet Mr. Fu just as I said? So I thought of Mr. Zhao, the Minister of Household Affairs. Mr. Zhao is the most prosperous Holy Family now and is in the limelight. If he can help me clear the way, I am afraid that even Mr. Zhao will do the same. To give you some face. It’s a pity that Mr. Zhao has a distinguished status and is not something that I can meet just by asking. These days, I have been worrying about this matter, but I didn’t expect that God would be so pitiful that I would meet Brother Xu!”
Liu Zimin was speaking seriously, while Zhao Junchen was listening casually, but no one noticed. When he heard Liu Wencai talking about "being burdened by his family background", "my father doesn't know the depth", "my father's fault" and other phrases , Liu Rui on the side turned pale, and her petite body trembled one after another.
When Liu Zimin paused and was about to say something more, Liu Rui suddenly stood up and whispered: "I'm going back first."
While speaking, Liu Rui lowered her head, hugged the package in her hand, and turned to leave without waiting for Liu Zimin's reply.
Seeing Liu Rui's actions, Liu Zimin felt that he had lost face in front of Zhao Junchen, and shouted: "Stop, you just left like this, you broke the rules, do you still have a tutor? What if Brother Xu looks down on our Liu family's tutor?"
,you……"
Hearing Liu Zimin's shout, Liu Rui stopped, turned around, and looked up at Liu Zimin. At some point, Liu Rui's eyes were already red, and her gentle and delicate temperament was even more...
There was strength in his eyes that he didn't know where to come from.
Under Liu Rui's gaze, Liu Zimin, who had always been arrogant and shouting casually in front of her, did not dare to look at each other at this moment, and looked away slightly in panic.
"Are you the tutor of our Liu family when you say daddy like this? Does it mean that as long as you talk about daddy like this, our Liu family will be looked down upon?" Liu Rui bit her teeth lightly, her voice was low, but she spoke every word.
Dun: "It's a pity that daddy left early, and auntie was too doting on you..."
As he spoke, the stubbornness that still existed in his eyes was finally replaced by misery. After giving Zhao Junchen an apologetic look, Liu Rui turned around and left quickly, but in a moment, her petite and thin body was already
Disappeared into the bustling crowd.
This was the first time Zhao Junchen heard Liu Rui speak after they met. It was crisp and slightly trembling, which was very nice.
"This girl was almost crying just now. She left in a hurry before she could finish her words. Is it because she didn't want others to see her cry? I thought she was just a gentle and delicate woman, but I didn't expect that she could be so strong and tenacious.
one side."
Thinking like this, Zhao Junchen looked towards Liu Zimin, only to see Liu Zimin staring blankly at Liu Rui who was leaving, with a dazed look on his face. Obviously, Liu Rui reprimanded him like this, which he had never seen and never seen before.
Thought about it.
"Brother Liu." Zhao Junchen's call finally brought Liu Zimin back to his senses.
Liu Zimin looked up and saw Zhao Junchen looking at him with a smile but not a smile, and asked at the same time: "I think Miss Liu Rui is not the maid next to Brother Liu, right?"
After Liu Zimin hesitated for a moment, he finally said: "Brother Xu is wise, she is my second mother's daughter. Before my younger brother came to Beijing, my mother at home was worried that I would have no one to take care of me, so she asked her to come with me. Alas, my father passed away long ago.
Er Niang followed her not long after, but no one taught her the rules, which made Brother Xu laugh."
Zhao Junchen nodded. Although Liu Zimin said it simply, he remembered Liu Zimin's previous attitude towards Liu Rui. Liu Rui, whose parents had both passed away, was helpless and faced with an aunt who only doted on her biological son.
As for his brother who has some moral issues, Zhao Junchen can also imagine what kind of life he has lived in the Liu family over the years.
"I'm afraid this girl's temperament has been honed through such experiences, right?"
Zhao Junchen thought secretly.
On the other side, Liu Zimin was afraid of Zhao Junchen's joke, so he quickly changed the subject and continued: "Brother Xu, I would like to ask Brother Xu to pay more attention to what I just asked you to do. Although I say that my family is in decline, my father loved to collect ancient paintings.
Two of them are still preserved, one is the "Spring Dawn in the Han Palace" by Qiu Ying, a master of this dynasty, and the other is "Manjushri Advents the Spirit" by Lu Tanwei of the Southern Dynasty. This "Spring Dawn in the Han Palace" is my favorite.
I plan to pay tribute to Mr. Zhao, but if Brother Xu allows Mr. Zhao to meet me, I am willing to give the "Manjushri Picture of Subduing Souls" to Brother Xu."
"Oh?" Hearing what Liu Zimin said, Zhao Junchen's heart moved.
Although "Spring Dawn in the Han Palace" is a work by Qiu Ying of the Ming Dynasty and is not considered an antiquities, Qiu Ying is the best painting master since the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, and "Spring Dawn in the Han Palace" is his pinnacle work, and its value is comparable to The "Picture of Manjushri Adventing Spirits" by Lu Tanwei of the Southern Dynasties is even better.
However, Zhao Junchen paid more attention to the "Picture of Manjushri Adventing Spirits" by Lu Tanwei of the Southern Dynasty. Lu Tanwei was famous for his Buddhist paintings, but Emperor Deqing was a Buddhist.
Although he was slightly moved, Zhao Junchen did not answer. He just stood up, patted Liu Zimin on the shoulder and said, "What Miss Liu Rui did today was out of her true nature. Don't embarrass her when you get back."
While talking, Zhao Junchen was already preparing to leave with Xu Qingyan.
Seeing that Zhao Junchen was about to leave, Liu Zimin quickly said: "Brother Xu, what is my request?"
"I'll think about it." Zhao Junchen said without looking back: "I come here to eat tofu pudding every few days. If there is any news, I will let you know."
………
The bean curd stall was not very far from the Zhao Mansion. Zhao Junchen took Xu Qingyan with him. Although they were just walking, it didn't take long before the Zhao Mansion was in sight.
"Master, are you thinking about Liu Zimin?"
On the road, seeing Zhao Junchen thoughtful, Xu Qingyan asked.
After Zhao Junchen was stunned for a moment, he said casually: "Yes, that person has bad conduct and is even a little unfilial. I don't like him very much, but he has a good mind..."
While they were talking, the two of them had already walked to the door of Zhao Mansion, but they couldn't help but be stunned.
It turned out that before the Zhao Mansion, for some unknown reason, a group of six-door police officers had gathered. It seemed that they wanted to investigate something in the Zhao Mansion, but they did not dare to enter. The leader was talking to the concierges of the Zhao Mansion. What are you discussing?
On the other side, after seeing Zhao Junchen and Xu Qingyan, a servant at the entrance of the Zhao Mansion looked happy and hurried to the two of them. After saluting Zhao Junchen, he ignored Zhao Junchen and whispered to Xu Qingyan. something.
After hearing the servant's whisper, Xu Qingyan looked surprised, then came to Zhao Junchen, with a serious look on his face, and said softly: "Master, Fang Ru... killed someone!"