It has been raining continuously for a week, and there seems to be a little moisture in the air. The sound of rushing water can be heard, and my mood has become wet.
In the Zhongyi Hou Mansion, Yang Fan's injured buttocks were not easily healed. He looked like a lazy kitten lying restlessly on the couch, seemingly having nowhere to vent and feeling helpless and peaceful.
The wooden decoration inside the house exuded a bit of musty smell, which was not strong but pungent, making Yang Fan feel a little lonely.
A few pieces of clothes were hanging quietly in the courtyard. With the sound of rain, they seemed so weak. There was no wind blowing, no grass moving, and they were hung there without even placing them.
There seemed to be rustling voices in the front yard, but through the rain, it wasn't very clear.
I can still hear a few birds chirping on the eaves, maybe they were trapped by the rain. I have a home and can't go back. No matter how heartbreaking this situation is, it won't help!
The artificial rainfall that has been going on for several days shows no sign of letting up.
However, this rain has solved the long-term drought problem for the people in Guanzhong. Thousands of households are busy braving the rain.
On the contrary, some things that happened in the court were rumored to become more and more serious.
In order to solve the problem of cattle shortage, Zhongyihou invented the technique of piercing the nose of cattle...
In order to allow the people in Guanzhong to quickly plant a year's grain at the end of spring, Marquis Zhongyi invented the Zhenguan plow and at the same time joined forces with major merchants to promote it nationwide at a very low price.
Each one of them shows Yang Fan's great contribution, and people all over the world are grateful.
The Zhenguan plow, an artifact of farming, not only opened up more wasteland for the people, but also solved the problem of labor shortage. It is simply a great invention that will benefit the future.
As a result, Yang Fan was named the founding county magistrate, and the people clapped their hands and praised him.
Yang Fan solved the problem of difficult farming, and of course the people were full of praise. Many people even thought that His Majesty Li Er was being petty.
A small county official cannot reflect Yang Fan's contribution.
When some common people heard that Yang Fan was originally going to be made a Duke of the country, but due to Hou Junji's obstruction, His Majesty Li Er only made Yang Fan a County Duke, and everyone complained about Yang Fan.
And he was even more indignant towards the initiator, Hou Junji.
The people are actually the most honest people. As long as they can give them food and have enough to eat, they will support anyone.
In fact, I don't have any resentment towards this imperial title to Yang Fan. His title as a second-grade Founding County Duke is already quite high!
During a period when the empire was relatively stable, such a title was simply rare.
Moreover, the number of food towns owned by the founding county magistrate was 1,200 households. These food towns alone, even if they did not do business, were enough to keep a family fed and clothed.
Yang Fan knew that the final reason for not being awarded the title of Duke was not Hou Junji.
The problem is, Hou Junji jumped out to point fingers, which made Yang Fan feel very unhappy.
Although he punched the guy and felt a lot less angry, Yang Fan was still a little depressed. Although there was no expression on his face, he was definitely unhappy.
As the saying goes, it is better to know your husband than your wife. How can a wife not know what kind of character her husband is?
Although Wu Meiniang also felt that Hou Junji was really hateful, she also knew that in the final analysis it was His Majesty Li Er.
I don’t know what His Majesty Li Er was thinking and why he went back on his word...
However, she knew she still had to enlighten Yang Fan.
If the husband is stubborn, Bang Chui will cause some trouble if his temper breaks out.
Not only is it disrespectful, but it is also easily taken advantage of by those who are interested.
If it hadn't been for His Majesty Li Er's protection this time, Yang Fan might have been waiting in the sky prison at this time.
Looking at the lazy Yang Fan, Wu Meiniang gently rubbed Yang Fan's shoulders and said crisply: "Husband, it is not necessarily a good thing to be beautiful in the forest. You are the center of attention now, and everyone is paying attention to every word and deed. You have to understand
Only by keeping a low profile can you navigate the officialdom with ease."
Wu Meiniang's meaning is very simple, Yang Fan's style is too high-profile!
He toughened up major aristocratic families, beat up princes and dukes... these things made him countless enemies.
Now that you are receiving rewards and promotions, it is inevitable that some jealous people will be jealous.
If others object, it is their business. We just need to listen to the emperor.
What's more, no matter how your Majesty awards rewards, it is the dictatorship of the Sacred Heart. As ministers, you can only be grateful and fulfill your duties.
If he is dissatisfied and complains, wouldn't it mean he is resentful towards the emperor and disrespectful?
Whether this crime is serious or not depends on how much His Majesty Li Er attaches great importance to his husband.
Even if he knew that Yang Fan was dissatisfied, he would definitely smile and say nothing.
It can be said that it is not trivial. Once the time is right, it will be revealed and criticized by others, and it will become a handle for the enemy to control.
Throughout the dynasties, the officialdom has emphasized the golden mean, and having both sides is the most basic way to be an official.
To put it simply, it is to try not to show your reasons in front of others and be cautious in your words and deeds.
Even if you don't deliberately make friends with others, you shouldn't make too many enemies. This is the way to be an official.
Of course, Yang Fan was very aware of Wu Meiniang's worries and reminders.
After all, I have thousands of years of Chinese history in my mind. Even if I have never eaten pork, I have seen pigs running away.
Of course Yang Fan knew the consequences of showing his sharp edge, but he had to do so.
As the saying goes, accompanying a king is like accompanying a tiger.
His Majesty Li Er seems to rely on himself a lot, but he is just getting what he needs.
Once he threatens him, His Majesty Li Er will never show mercy.
In the eyes of the emperor, there were actually no relatives or friends, which is why the emperor was called a widower.
However, Yang Fan was still very pleased!
At least His Majesty Li Er is still quite nostalgic, you can tell from how hard he slapped himself.
Otherwise, why would he, the emperor, do it himself? It would be easier to escort him to prison on the spot.
"Haha!" Yang Fan turned sideways slightly, grabbed Wu Meiniang's soft waist, and said with a smile: "Meiniang, don't worry, I don't have to worry about it. Do you think that I don't think of myself as the Duke of the country? I can't do it."
Does the Duke’s wife think it’s a pity?”
"Since your husband already knows, why should you worry Meiniang? Hum, Meiniang will never talk again in the future!" Wu Meiniang did not show any weakness in response to Yang Fan's teasing.
Seeing Wu Meiniang having a bad temper, Yang Fan didn't take it seriously. He stared at Wu Meiniang affectionately and said seriously: "Meiniang, my husband, I was joking just now? How could this family be without you? Without you, wouldn't this family be in chaos?
set."
Wu Meiniang was stunned for a moment, feeling very moved in her heart. It felt so good to be needed.
However, this husband is really bad and always likes to tease others.
In order to express her dissatisfaction, Wu Meiniang used the two-finger Zen technique on Yang Fan's soft flesh.
Perhaps in order not to disturb Yang Fan's wounds, the strength was obviously much smaller than before.
Yang Fan cooperated and begged for mercy again and again: "Oh, okay, okay, Mei Niang, don't be angry, next time my husband will let you be the wife of the prince."
Seeing that Yang Fan was begging for nothing, Wu Meiniang rolled her eyes and said angrily: "Huh, Meiniang is just a concubine, not your wife. As the wife of the Duke of the country, we can't afford it.
Is it better to keep it for your golden princess?"
Yang Fan didn't expect that he would overturn his car and make such a stupid mistake, so he could only comfort him in embarrassment.
At this moment, Xing'er's voice came from outside the room.
"Mrs. Wu, Princess Gaoyang is visiting!"
Wu Meiniang was a little surprised.
Doesn't Her Royal Highness the Princess always feel like going home every time she comes here? Why is she so polite now and actually allows her maid to come and pass the news?
However, Wu Meiniang did not dare to neglect.
In the main hall, Princess Gaoyang was sitting on a chair pouting, obviously a little unhappy.
Her Majesty the Princess was very dissatisfied with the fact that Her Majesty Li Er went back on his word and only gave Yang Fan the title of founding county magistrate.
More importantly, His Majesty Li Er beat Yang Fan violently in front of all the civil and military officials.
At this time, Yang Fan was still lying on the bed recuperating from his injuries, but His Majesty Li Er asked her to come and have a look. Princess Gaoyang was of course reluctant.
The father obviously wanted to play the family card and ask for forgiveness, but Princess Gaoyang didn't know how to speak.
Therefore, entering the backyard of Zhongyihou Mansion in the past was very casual, but now it has become a bit coquettish.
Wu Meiniang has such an exquisite mind. One look at Princess Gaoyang's expression and she knew why her Highness behaved like this.
I couldn't help but smile to myself, it was really like a child's temperament, he dared to love and hate, everything was written on his face.
However, Wu Meiniang felt inexplicably happy, and the trace of jealousy immediately disappeared.
Although Her Royal Highness the Princess is smart and has a noble status, she does not have much scheming.
Even if she became Yang Fan's wife, wouldn't it be a good thing for the concubine?
At least it won't be too difficult to get along with each other, and you don't have to spend all day in intrigues and subterfuges.
Speaking of which, there is not much age difference between the two, but Wu Meiniang grew up in a different environment, and she grew up under the bullying of her elder brother since she was a child.
If you can't calculate every day, how can you survive in that family?
When it comes to the determination of the will, the cunning changes of the strategies, and the lofty thinking, even Princess Gaoyang can't match her.
Arriving at the main hall, Wu Meiniang poured a cup of tea for Princess Gaoyang, then sat next to Princess Gaoyang and asked with a smile: "We haven't seen you for a few days, why is Her Royal Highness so out of touch? Your Highness is also the owner of this place. Can't you just enter directly?"
In the backyard? Could it be that the Langjun was promoted to a noble title, and His Highness became pregnant instead?"
Princess Gaoyang Qiongbi snorted and complained directly: "Father is too much. My husband has done so much, but he only made a county prince. Not only that, he also injured the husband in front of all the civil and military officials. This is not
Are you deliberately making Lang Jun look bad? How can Gao Yang be so embarrassed to meet Lang Jun directly."
Seeing Princess Gaoyang's depressed look, Wu Meiniang couldn't help but chuckle.
Seeing this scene, Princess Gaoyang said angrily: "I am fighting for my husband, why can't Meiniang just help me, but make fun of me?"
Princess Gaoyang behaved like this, and Wu Meiniang felt more and more that this princess was so innocent and adorable.
Although this princess is usually a bit willful and even stubborn.
Speak and do things according to your heart without considering the consequences.
But it is this innocence that Wu Meiniang does not have. After all, this innocence has long been obliterated by the painful life.
People always yearn for things they don’t have.
So Wu Meiniang gently held Princess Gao Yang's hand and said with a smile: "Your Highness, you don't have to be like this. Let me ask Your Highness, is the title of Lang Jun, the founding county Duke, considered high?"
Princess Gaoyang thought for a while and said: "Of course the title of the Founding County Duke is not low, but compared with the Duke, although there is only one word difference, it is a huge difference! However, Lang Jun can step by step with his merits
To obtain such a title is really quite impressive."
"Since Zhenguan, among the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty, except for some people who were influenced by their fathers, the title of the husband can be said to be unique."
Wu Meiniang nodded and said: "Yes, in that case, does Your Highness still think that Your Majesty's edict to the prince is a little low?"
"Well, this is really not low."
"Then think about it again, Your Highness, since Your Majesty can even bestow the title of County Duke on Langjun, why do you have to beat him up in front of the civil and military officials of the court?"
Princess Gao Yang blinked and asked with some confusion: "Yes, since my father knew that Lang Jun had great achievements, why did he deliberately beat him even though he had made some minor mistakes?"
Wu Meiniang was amused by Princess Gaoyang's cute expression, and couldn't help pinching Princess Gaoyang's tender and pretty face.
Princess Gao Yang's expression froze, feeling that she was being scorned, and she glared with some embarrassment: "I am a princess, Mei Niang, you must respect me more, how can you do anything at will?"
Wu Meiniang was overjoyed: "Yes, yes, you are not only a princess, but also the eldest lady of the Marquis's mansion. You will be in charge of Meiniang from now on. How dare I disrespect you? Meiniang is wrong!"
She said something wrong, but her hands naturally wrapped around Princess Gaoyang's slender waist, like sisters.
Princess Gaoyang felt that Wu Meiniang's actions were a bit excessive, but she did not feel any discomfort. Instead, she felt that it was natural.
With her proud character, it would have been impossible for someone to do such an outrageous thing.
But through this period of contact, she discovered that Wu Meiniang was full of wits and managed her family and business in an orderly manner.
His shrewdness and ability are something few can match, even among men.
Princess Gaoyang still admired Wu Meiniang's various methods, so she was not very resistant to Wu Meiniang's intimacy.
On the contrary, I felt very comfortable getting along with Wu Meiniang.
So Princess Gaoyang couldn't help but ask: "Mei Niang, please tell me quickly, what do you think, father? Why do you want to beat Mr. Lang?"
After pondering for a moment, Wu Meiniang explained lightly: "Your Majesty is a rare and famous monarch throughout the ages. His wisdom is unparalleled. Every word, every deed, and every move must contain profound meaning."
"Taiji Hall is an important place of the imperial court. Even if Lang Jun has great merits, beating someone there is a serious crime. If Your Majesty does not take action, Lang Jun will be arrested in the end. If Lang Jun enters the three-level interrogation, then he can only follow the law.
Do things according to law.”
"Now that your Majesty has beaten my husband violently, he has naturally expressed his attitude. It means that I have personally handled the matter of my husband making a big fuss in the court and beating Hou Junji, and others should not interfere."
"Actually, Your Majesty acted to protect your husband. If you don't divert everyone's attention, these aristocratic families will definitely put pressure on Your Majesty collectively. Once the imperial censors and officials in the court gather to impeach my husband, there will be trouble.
"
"After all, your Majesty actually did this to protect Mr. Lang!"
After listening, Princess Gao Yang nodded thoughtfully, and suddenly felt that Wu Meiniang looked like the female Zhuge at this moment.
Wu Meiniang enjoyed Princess Gaoyang's adoring eyes very much. She raised her lips slightly and continued: "The reason why Your Majesty listened to some people's slander and only granted Lang Jun the title of Founding County Duke actually had his own considerations."
"My husband is too young now. If he is already in a very noble position at this time, and if he makes great achievements in the future, wouldn't it be impossible for your majesty to reward you?"
"What's more, once Lang Jun is made the Duke of the country, it will inevitably arouse the resentment of the family members and the generals in the army, which will not be beautiful at that time!"
Princess Gaoyang nodded thoughtfully, but she was still puzzled: "Then why did the father first grant the title of Duke of Qin to the prince?"
What His Highness is thinking about most is Lang Jun's title of Duke of Qin. This title is so valuable that even the princess would envy him.
Wu Meiniang smiled slightly and her eyes moved: "Your Majesty, according to Meiniang's opinion, Your Majesty was too excited at that time. After all, the people in Guanzhong have been suffering from drought for a long time. Only if there is an artifact that can speed up farming, Your Majesty will blurt it out..."
Yang Fan, who was walking slowly from the back hall, had already stopped at the entrance of the main hall for a long time.
After listening to Wu Meiniang's words, I couldn't help but admire Wu Meiniang's political talent.
Although Wu Meiniang's destiny as empress is almost gone, her outstanding political talent and keen insight have not been lost.
It's a pity that this talent can only be used in business in the future!
As the saying goes, what you lose in the east is what you gain.
Perhaps, with her support, Wu Meiniang can create a new world in the business world.
Of course, Wu Meiniang's thoughtfulness can also make the backyard harmonious, which Yang Fan is happy to see.
The smarter Wu Meiniang is, the more she can understand herself, and the more she realizes that she doesn't like the restlessness in the house.