After sending Wang Anguo away, Zhang Yue repeatedly thought about the other party's words: "A minister should not avoid the resentment of the world and return it to the king. Therefore, there is no better way to dedicate yourself to the country than this." He was deeply moved.
For thousands of years, those in power have always liked to say that what we lack most is people. Without you, there would still be so and so.
But as for the reform, Zhang Yue couldn't accomplish it, Han Jiang couldn't accomplish it, and if it weren't for Wang Anshi, no one would be able to accomplish it.
This man's stubbornness, perseverance and talent are second to none in thousands of years. So Zhang Yue had an idea and planned to meet him tomorrow before he left the capital.
After Wang Anguo left, there was a family dinner.
Zhang Shi and Yu Shi laughed from ear to ear when they found out that Zhang Yue had not only come back but had also been promoted.
Seventeen Niang and Lu served Zhang Shi, and Yu was attentive. They did not rely on the hands of others to hold the meal, put chopsticks into the soup, etc., but did it themselves to show respect.
Zhang Yue saw that although two items had been added to the dishes, many of them were just home-cooked dishes that he had eaten in his hometown in the past. He was very satisfied with the thoughtfulness and lack of luxury.
The Lu family has a very good family tradition, and they run the family by being frugal and not extravagant. In recent years, Mrs. Lu gave birth to a daughter to Zhang Zhi, but she still took care of the affairs of the inner house by herself.
Qi Niang takes the general approach to running the family, but Lu takes care of every detail. Although their methods are different, both of them are experts in managing the family.
A good daughter-in-law can prosper three generations. Even if the family is separated in the future, Zhang Yue can believe that with the Lu family in charge, his brother's family can continue to prosper.
But there was one more thing to do during today's meal. The Seventeenth Mother told her about Yu's family.
Yu's natal family is a tea merchant in Jianyang, and she used to make a living in Jianyang. Later, when she learned that Zhang Yue and Zhang Zhi, her uncle and nephew, had become high-ranking officials, they brought their business to the capital.
The Yu family didn't ask the Zhang family for anything, they just said they came to visit relatives, but everyone understood why.
This kind of relationship is not used on weekdays, but if it is placed there, it is a talisman. It is enough to reveal the slightest bit to the outside world casually, so that people in the officialdom will not dare to weigh it easily, and will not weigh it easily.
It is not necessarily right to avoid being an official if there is no one in the court, but it is correct to avoid doing business if there is no one in the court.
Based on the kindness of the Yu family, there is nothing wrong with this. However, if the Yu family's children use the name of the Zhang family, they must consider some excessive actions.
The Seventeenth Mother and Mrs. Lu wanted to mention these things, but it was hard to talk to Mrs. Yu because of her kindness. This time, while Zhang Yue was returning home, it was a good time to talk about it.
As Zhang Yue's brother-in-law, he is responsible for all the glory and wealth of the Zhang family, and his right to speak in the family is unquestionable.
Zhang Yue briefly mentioned at the table how smart Mr. Yu was, and she understood it before Zhang Yue even got to the point.
After the banquet, Zhang Zhi said to Zhang Yue: "Third uncle, I want to go out to serve as an official."
Zhang Yue asked: "Have you discussed it with your niece-in-law?"
Zhang Zhi nodded, and Zhang Yue said: "That's fine. Before, one of our uncles and nephews was in the court and the other was outside. Now that I'm back, you can go somewhere and do things."
Zhang Zhi saw Zhang Yue agreeing and his face was filled with joy.
Zhang Yue said: "If you find anyone here useful to you, you can use it. If you like any talents, I will come forward to hire them for you."
"Thank you, uncle."
Zhang Yue said: "Be careful when you get there, and don't point to me to support you in everything."
Zhang Zhi said: "Don't worry, third uncle, I know it myself. Everything in the court is suppressed, and I have accidentally let go. Moreover, I feel that Lu Jifu doesn't like me, so I want to get out as soon as possible."
Zhang Yue knew that two people had been added to the list, namely Lu Huiqing's younger brother Lu Shengqing and Wang Anshi's sister-in-law Shen Jichang.
Zhang Zhi found it boring, so he asked to leave. Along with Zhang Zhi, Wang Yu also left Jingyan.
Zhang Yue said: "You are going to Hebei to serve as an official. Recently we have been discussing the demarcation of the border with Khitan in Hebei. It will also be a training opportunity for you to deal with it there."
Zhang Zhi asked: "Third uncle, has the official family appointed you on this matter?"
"Not yet..."
Zhang Yue said to Zhang Zhi, "But Lu Jifu is afraid that I am in the court, so he will arrange such difficult things to trap me so as not to interfere in his affairs. I am just taking precautions for now."
Zhang Zhi laughed and said, "Third uncle, I almost thought you and Lu Jifu were close friends."
Zhang Yue smiled and said: "The person who knows you best in the world is your enemy. I can know him, and how can Lu Jifu not know me?"
…
The next day, there was a strong wind and a beautiful day in Bianjing City.
As soon as the news came out that Zhang Yue would not only pay homage to Duanming Palace's bachelors, but also Hanlin bachelors, all the officials in the court came to congratulate him.
Visitors came to Zhang Mansion like clouds, making it lively.
However, Zhang Yue was not in the mansion at this moment. Instead, he was riding in a carriage and went quietly to Wang Anshi's mansion in Dong Taishi Lane.
When Zhang Yue arrived, he saw that the mansion was deserted.
Zhang Yue remembered a poem by Cai Jing from another time and space in history: "I paid homage to the Prime Minister five times in the Golden Palace, and Xuan Ma ten times in the Jade Hall, recalling the prosperity of the past, and here it is translated into a dream talk."
The former prime minister's residence is so deserted now. It's not that everyone doesn't want to take the time to send you off, or even pretend to do it. It's just that you, Wang Anshi, are a politically frustrated person. If I come to see you off, wouldn't I be exposed to verbal and written criticism?
This is why it is said that "it is easy to add icing on the cake, but difficult to provide help in times of trouble." When people are in trouble, that little kindness can be remembered for a lifetime.
When you are proud, greeting guests will cross the threshold. When you are frustrated, even in the bustling city, you become an island.
When Zhang Yue arrived at the door, only one concierge came out to greet him. When Zhang Yue asked his name, the other person showed an incredulous look and immediately went inside to report.
At this time, Zhang Yue entered, but saw that the servants of the palace were busy packing their bags, looking like they were in a hurry.
Yesterday, he heard from Zhang Zhi that Wang Yu was also ill. When Wang Yu learned about the news that his father had been dismissed as prime minister, he cursed Zheng Xia and finally fell ill. When the emperor found out, he sent an imperial doctor to treat him.
When Zhang Yue arrived at the living room, he saw Wang Anshi meeting guests.
One of them was Liu Zong, the man who was ridiculed by Wang Anshi as "not worth a penny". He also ridiculed Wang Anshi in return.
Wang Anshi and Cai Que had ridiculed Liu Zong for his unforgiving mouth. He offended many people because of his foul mouth, and he also opposed the new law.
However, the facts prove that those who are unforgiving with their mouths are forgiving in their hearts. Those who are forgiving with their mouths are unforgiving in their hearts.
Today Liu Xun came specially to see off Wang Anshi.
Zhang Yue and Liu Fengshi, Liu Zong's nephew, were of the same age and had a good relationship.
There is also Lu Heqing, Lu Huiqing's other younger brother. Lu Huiqing likes to promote his brothers to become officials, but in fact, the Lu family brothers are all talented and capable, and they are not the back door.
Zhang Yue met with Liu Zong and Lu Heqing.
Both of them were surprised. Today was the time for Zhang Yue to pay his respects. However, Zhang Yue did not accept congratulations from the guests at his residence. Instead, he came to Wang Anshi's residence to give gifts to Wang Anshi.
If it were Zeng Bu, Lu Huiqing, and Zhang Dun, this would be normal, but Zhang Yue and Wang Anshi were not on good terms. If not for Wang Anshi's suppression, Zhang Yue would have been a Hanlin bachelor by now.
You, Zhang Yue, didn't come to show off today. You came here on purpose to annoy Wang Anshi.
After Liu Xun and Lu Heqing left, Wang Anshi motioned to Zhang Yue to sit down and said, "Du Zhi, why do you have time to see me today?"