At Dading Restaurant, firecrackers sounded one after another.
The first and second floors were already filled with tables, and there was an endless stream of people coming and going.
There are certain differences between the people on the first floor and the second floor. Most of the people on the first floor are ordinary businessmen or ordinary disciples of Hongmen. However, the people on the second floor are all famous people or those who dominate the area. The powerful or wealthy businessmen are all Chinese who have been rooted in the United States for many years. In addition, there are also a very small number of foreigners.
There was a lot of joy in the restaurant to welcome Hong Yi, who had just been released from prison.
Everyone has already arrived, waiting for Hong Yi to come back.
Li Zhen had never met Hong Yi and didn't know Hong Yi's situation. He looked at Tang Huaide who was sitting next to him and asked with a smile: "Old Tang, how is this person, Master Hong?"
Tang Huaide said with a smile: "Master Hong is a generous man and generous with his wealth. He is an upright man and is highly respected by people in Chinatown. Most of us who work hard in the United States have received favors from Master Hong, and many of us who are doing business have been favored by him. Whenever you encounter some troubles, Hong Clan Master sends people to solve them, and Hong Clan Master can fight for a disciple, which shows his moral character."
Li Zhen nodded and smiled, that was indeed the case.
Being able to go to great lengths for an inconspicuous disciple shows Hong Yi's character.
"Come back, the master is back."
Downstairs, cheers full of joy came.
Immediately afterwards, the sound of crackling firecrackers sounded, and there was a hustle and bustle downstairs. Countless people took the initiative to greet Hong Yi, the owner of Hongmen. The scene was heated, and rapid footsteps came from the corridor. Huang Qiang walked over quickly, and quickly Next to Li Zhen, he whispered: "Lincoln and Seward have publicly apologized and admitted their mistakes, and they have followed your instructions to explain to the people. Now the people's anger has been gradually suppressed, and there is no incitement from the Hongmen disciples. , the situation will calm down soon."
Li Zhen nodded and said: "I understand."
Huang Qiang retreated, and the noise downstairs got closer and closer, coming towards the corridor.
"Dong, dong,,."
Not long after, steady footsteps sounded in the corridor, and soon, a burly middle-aged man appeared in Li Zhen's sight. This man had a Chinese character face, still had pigtails, thick eyebrows, big eyes, and clear and bright eyes. , a high nose bridge, two mustaches on his lips, and a curvy beard under his chin, giving him a resolute and rugged look.
As soon as he appeared, he felt like he stood out from the crowd.
Even Li Zhen's eyes lit up and he cheered for the man who appeared in front of him.
The businessmen stood up one after another and saluted repeatedly.
There is no doubt that this person is Hong Yi, the head of the Hongmen. He saw Li Zhen sitting next to Tang Huaide and immediately took steps. Almost in the blink of an eye, he came to Li Zhen and pushed the golden mountain and knocked down the jade pillar. He knelt down and said loudly: "Hong Yi, a country man, has met the President. This time Hong Yi was in deep trouble. He only survived with the help of the President. Thank you very much for the President's life-saving grace."
Li Zhen nodded and said: "The gift I received from you will be offset by my need to save my life. I don't like people kneeling down, and I don't like the practice of kneeling. Master Hong Clan will not do this in the future."
After a pause, Li Zhen continued: "We are all Chinese. As the saying goes, we are all brothers within the four seas. We are brothers. If you are in danger, I must come to your rescue. No need to be so polite. Sit down."
Hong Yi stood up, his face extremely excited.
Unexpectedly, he could see Li Zhen in person. What was even more bizarre was that Li Zhen personally saved his life. Hong Yi was grateful for Li Zhen's life-saving kindness and liked Li Zhen's easy-going attitude. He clasped his fists and said, "President. Hong Yi will keep his kindness in mind. If the President is of any use to Hong Yi in the future, just send someone to inform him. Hong Yi will not even blink an eyebrow and is willing to obey the President's instructions."
As the saying goes, Taoists respect me one foot, and I respect others one foot.
Hong Yi was easy to talk to, and Li Zhen was also polite when speaking, and the atmosphere between them was warm. In addition, Tang Huaide and Asaman livened up the atmosphere from time to time, and there was constant cheer. After the banquet started, everyone congratulated Hong Yi for being released from prison. , kept toasting to Hong Yi, and also took the opportunity to say a few words to Li Zhen. The atmosphere was warm. This day was undoubtedly worth remembering for Dading Restaurant. The banquet did not end until the evening.
Late at night, the laughter in Dading Restaurant has dispersed.
Hong Yi left with the Hongmen disciples, leaving only Li Zhen, Zuo Zongtang, Zeng Jize, Zeng Jihong and others who stayed in Dading Restaurant. Huang Qiang hurried to Li Zhen's residence and reported: "President, Lincoln and Siward's visit."
"please."
Li Zhen nodded in agreement, got up and walked towards the living room.
However, Li Zhen had some doubts in his heart. What were these two people doing here at night? Could it be that something had happened? Li Zhen just went to the living room for a while, and Lincoln and Siward also entered. Li Zhen waved his hand for them to sit down and smiled. He said: "Mr. President, Your Excellency Secretary of State, come to see me so late. Do you have anything wrong?"
Lincoln nodded and said solemnly: "Thanks to the assistance of the president, the people's sentiments against the government have been calmed down and the situation has been brought under control. Now that the mayor of San Francisco has come forward to appease the situation, things will calm down soon."
After a pause, Lincoln continued: "We have been in San Francisco for a few days, and it is time to set off north to return to Washington. The purpose of coming today is to tell President Lee the next arrangements. Please be prepared."
Li Zhen changed his mind and said, "Mr. President, I'm afraid we can't be together."
Siward raised his eyebrows and asked, "Why is that?"
Li Zhen replied: "This trip to the United States, on the one hand, I am here at the invitation of Mr. President to see the situation in the United States; on the other hand, I want to visit the United States, and Hong Yi's matter has been completed." To solve the problem, you two have to return to Washington to deal with the matter, and I also plan to go to the next location, West Point Military Academy. This is one of the purposes of my coming, so I can't be with you two for the time being."
Lincoln smiled and said: "It is a good thing that President Lee is willing to go to West Point. I believe they will welcome it."
Seward stood up and said: "In that case, we will not disturb President Lee's rest and take our leave."
Li Zhen said: "You two go slowly, I won't send you far."
Immediately, Li Zhen asked Huang Qiang to send Lincoln and Siward out of the house. It was already the end of December and the weather was cold. It was freezing after leaving the room. Li Zhen was too lazy to go out. After sending Siward and Lincoln away, Li Zhen Call Zuo Zongtang, Zeng Jize, Huang Qiang, Rong Hong and others to announce their decision to go to West Point Military Academy.
Rong Hong looked excited, but also a little uneasy, and said: "President, you must go to West Point, but I think Yale University is also quite good. Please drop by. I believe it will be helpful to those who follow us." It will be beneficial.”
"good."
Li Zhen nodded and agreed without hesitation.
At this time, there was a knock on the door outside the room, and a soldier's voice sounded: "President, Tang Huaide wants to see you."