There were banging bangs and bangs in the study room of Prince Wei's palace, which of course attracted the attention of other people in the palace.
After a while, a woman wearing a purple palace dress with gold trim and a phoenix bun on her head walked in.
Although this woman is not a beautiful woman, she is dignified and elegant in every move she makes.
This girl is about 16 years old, has a graceful figure, and always has a slight smile on her lips, which makes people fall in love with her at first sight.
Seeing the woman walking in, Zhang Zhongye bowed and saluted: "Wei Chen has met Princess Wei."
The woman raised her little hand to support him and said with a smile: "Your Majesty is in a bad mood today. I have offended you so much. Please forgive me, sir."
Li Tai was furious just now, but Zhang Zhongye's heart didn't change much, but Princess Wei's words at this moment made him a little at a loss and flattered.
He waved his hands repeatedly and said quickly: "How dare you, how dare you, the princess calls you this, how can you bear this humble minister? It's really embarrassing for me!"
However, the excitement in his eyes is self-evident. This is not because Zhang Zhongye is pretentious and likes to be praised.
You must know that in ancient times, the word "sir" was not something that just anyone could accept.
Among the scholarly aristocrats, apart from their mentors, only some world-famous scholars or people with whom they can confide can be called so.
Now that Princess Wei has said this, it represents her trust and respect for Zhang Zhongye.
The identity of this Princess of Wei is not simple. Her surname is Yan Mingwan, and she is the daughter of Yan Lide, a member of the Guanlong gentry. Yan Lide was the minister of the Ministry of Industry, a proper third-rank official.
You may not be familiar with who Yan Lide is, but he has a very famous younger brother named Yan Liben, who was a famous painter in the Tang Dynasty.
Yan Wan came from a well-known family, had a good upbringing, and had broad knowledge. Of course, this method of winning over people was easy to come by.
Moreover, as her name suggests, Yan Wan is gentle and amiable, and can easily win the favor of others, making her a perfect helper.
Just a few words made Zhang Zhongye, like an old fox, feel grateful.
Of course, this does not mean that Wei King Li Tai did not understand these methods, but as a master, he had to reflect his position and majesty.
Li Tai and Yan Wan are both strong and soft, so they complement each other, so Yan Wan's status is still very high in the palace.
After comforting Zhang Zhongye, Yan Wanlian moved lightly and came to Li Tai's side, patting Li Tai's round back with her small hands.
After seeing Li Taiping calm down, he signaled to the maid behind him: "Find a few people with flexible hands and feet to clean up this place quickly, but don't let these things hurt the prince; besides, it's getting late, so tell the kitchen to prepare a table of wine and food in the evening.
Let Mr. Zhang stay and have a casual meal."
How could Zhang Zhongye dare? He waved his hands and refused: "I don't dare to disturb the prince, princess, and ministers..."
Li Tai stood up, his fat body shook a few times, glared at Zhang Zhongye and shouted: "The palace of a certain person is not a mountain of swords and fire, so what are you afraid of? Besides, the princess can't do what she says. If I ask you to stay, you will stay."
,What nonsense..."
"Uh..., you don't dare, your Majesty. Your Majesty taught me that you will obey your orders..." Zhang Zhongye couldn't laugh or cry. He never expected that Li Tai, who had always been elegant, would use swear words and was almost beaten to death.
Seeing Zhang Zhongye's cautious look, Yan Wan secretly glared at Li Tai and said in amazement: "Your Majesty is really mad today. He is so rude. I have been here for many years and I have never seen the Prince before."
Such a side! It is always said outside that the prince is a literary star who descended to earth, has superb poetry and painting, and has unparalleled talents. From my perspective, it is simply nonsense..." After saying this, he pursed his lips and laughed.
This world is really full of things!
King Li Tai of Wei, who was usually fearless, showed rare embarrassment and could only raise his voice and said: "What's wrong with me speaking more casually in my own house? This is human nature. It's normal for me to open my mouth and shut up. I, too,
If I’m not an old master, I won’t be so bitter! Mr. Zhang, what do you think?”
Zhang Zhongye complained secretly, even complained a little, saying that you two were bickering for fun, and instead of avoiding the old man, you wanted me to stand up to him. It was really...
But he did not dare to do so, and coughed dryly: "Ahem..., the prince is right, this is called down-to-earth spirit, and many ancient great scholars are like this. Among scholars, it can also be called returning to nature..."
After so many years in the officialdom, who knows how to flatter someone? Anyway, it doesn’t require money, all you need is a thick skin.
Li Tai didn't take it seriously. He glanced at Yan Wan triumphantly and laughed loudly: "Shilang Zhang is indeed good at talking. His ability to flatter you is much better than your ability as an official, but I like it."
Zhang Zhongye had a grimace on his face and asked, "Is this human talk?" He was speechless for a moment.
While they were chatting and joking, several servants with quick hands and feet had already cleaned up the study. Seeing that Li Tai's mood improved, Yan Wan smiled slightly and said to Zhang Zhongye: "Sister Zhang, please sit with the prince for a while..."
After saying this, he waved his hand and led all the servants to retreat together.
Zhang Zhongye hurriedly stood up to see him off, and then he sat down again next to Wei King Li Tai until his back was gone.
"Secretary Zhang, please analyze and analyze. There is still a chance of improvement in this matter. Should I, King Gu Bingcheng, save me?" After his mood calmed down, Li Tai regained his wisdom. Of course, he had to solve the serious matter.
Zhang Zhongye shook his head slightly and sighed: "I'm afraid that Yang Fan, the host and guest, is a done deal. It would be difficult to seize it again... but Wei Chen believes that Gu Bingcheng can be saved, otherwise some people may have distracting thoughts."
"Huh, he's just a guy who succeeds more than he does!" Of course Li Tai also knew that the matter was a foregone conclusion, but he knew it, but he was unwilling to do so.
In order to win the Ministry of Rites, he spent a lot of effort, but now he lost it so easily. How could he not hate the iron?
Thinking of this, Li Tai was so angry that he was itching his teeth again: "It's all the fault of Bangchui Yang Fan, isn't he just a little talented? At most he can make some money, and I don't know what kind of ecstasy soup he poured into his father. That kid is simply an ignorant Bangchui."
, how can you be promised a high position?"
These words were a bit disrespectful. Zhang Zhongye turned pale with fright and could only quickly lower his head and count the ants.
Presuming and judging the Holy Will on your own is a great sin of disrespect.
What you two want to say is your business. As a minister, Zhang Zhongye dare not listen to such words, cannot speak them, let alone discuss them, even in the palace.
After Li Tai finished venting his dissatisfaction, Zhang Zhongye changed the topic and said: "Your Highness, although the principal can't win back immediately, it doesn't mean that he can't in the future. There is still room for maneuver in this matter, and it can even be said that it can be given
We’re giving you a big gift!”
Hearing this, Li Tai immediately became interested: "How to operate?"
Zhang Zhongye pretended to be profound and authentic: "If the great dynasty meets..."
"Isn't there something wrong with this? The Imperial Court will be an occasion to show the might of the Tang Dynasty. If something goes wrong, it will insult the majesty of the Heavenly Dynasty. It won't work, it won't work. Don't mention this plan again, otherwise..."
Although Li Tai really wanted to capture the host and guest, he also knew the importance and refused without thinking, even a little unhappy.
As a citizen of the Tang Dynasty, the national pride was very high. Of course, Li Tai did not want to see anything go wrong in the Tang Dynasty. This was not a personal issue, but related to the face of the entire royal family.
Zhang Zhongye saw that Li Tai had misunderstood what he meant, and hurriedly explained: "Your Highness has misunderstood what I mean. No matter how courageous I am, I would not dare to do anything that insults the majesty of the Tang Dynasty. Please listen to me slowly."
Come……"
"The great dynasties will communicate with each other. Is this method really feasible?" Although Li Tai was still a little hesitant, he did not object again.
Zhang Zhongye said confidently: "Of course it can be done. The mallet crippled Deputy Envoy Fusang, and the other envoys were also scolded by His Majesty. I think all the envoys will not have a good look at Yang Fan, as long as the mallet is lost at the court meeting
How can you still have the nerve to stay in the Ministry of Rites, if you have face? As long as His Highness lets a subordinate with the ability to turn the tide regain his face, wouldn't this host and guest department be able to return to His Highness's hands, and also show the power of His Highness' subordinates?"
Li Tai thought for a while and nodded, but still said with some uneasiness: "This matter must be arranged. Don't let anything go wrong. I, a strong man who is good at fighting, will find it myself."
Zhang Zhongye was full of confidence and patted his body and assured: "Your Highness, please rest assured. Although the stick is now in charge of the affairs of the Host and Guest Department, it does not mean that I, the Minister of Etiquette, cannot direct the Host and Guest Department. Besides, Wei Chen has been in the Ministry of Etiquette for many years.
Some people are looking towards us."
Li Tai was overjoyed: "That's great!"
After being praised, Zhang Zhongye looked proud and said, "Is your highness feeling depressed?"
"Are I angry? This time I not only want to disgrace the stick, but also let my father and the entire court know how powerful I am." Li Tai laughed loudly, rubbing his chubby hands excitedly.
Looking at the beaming Li Tai, Zhang Zhongye praised: "I think by then the position of the Minister of Rites will also be vacant. By then, His Highness will have the support of the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Rites, plus the Jiangnan family that supports His Highness in the imperial court.
The time, place, and people are favorable, so why worry about great things not happening."
Li Tai was stunned for a moment, and then he became full of excitement. His two narrowed eyes were full of longing, as if he was looking at the scene of his domination of the world in the distance.
In a good mood, Li Tai clapped his hands and said in a loud voice: "I am in a good mood today. Please go to the guest building to see me."
"Welcoming guest building?"
Zhang Zhongye was stunned, who wouldn't want to, but he said carefully: "Didn't the princess just say that she would stay in the palace..."
Before he finished speaking, Li Tai's eyes widened: "Do you want to listen to me or the princess?"
"Well……"
I can't afford to offend either of you!
Zhang Zhongye smiled bitterly.
What is going on? I just said that I would listen to the princess, and now...
Oh, it’s so difficult! Zhang Zhongye kept complaining in his heart.