"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 feel a little confused when I looked at the scroll in my brother's hand."
While the two were talking, Xu Qingyan and the girl were sitting next to each other, one on the left and the other on the right.
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 Prefecture to eliminate the locusts. Things. The people 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, Zhao Junchen, Master Zhao, was wise and announced to the people that if there was retaliation from heaven, he was willing to bear it with his own strength. So the people were finally persuaded, and under the command of Lord Zhao, they put out the locust plague, stopped the disaster, and saved hundreds of thousands of people. In order to appreciate Lord Zhao's kindness, the people of several prefectures in southern Shanxi worked together to publish 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."
For a moment, Xu Qingyan next to Zhao Junchen looked strange.
Then Liu Zimin glanced at Zhao Junchen's Shu brocade clothes, but asked: "Oh? Brother Xu actually works in the government? Seeing that Brother Xu has 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, "What do you call her?"
When the girl heard Zhao Junchen suddenly ask her, she looked shy and glanced at Zhao Junchen secretly. Seeing Zhao Junchen paying attention to her, she quickly 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 pretend.
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 suspicion, Zhao Junchen had no intention of continuing to explore. He just asked Liu Zimin: "Isn't Brother Liu from the capital?"
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 seemed to turn a blind eye to Zhao Junchen's disregard of the rules when he 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 taste. 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 the 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: "I am dissatisfied with Brother Xu. I participated in Shandong Qiuwei in August this year. However, an official Qiuwei cheated, and I lost my reputation. In desperation, I had no choice but to come to the capital with some friends to complain. Fortunately, His Majesty is wise enough to find out the fraud and bring justice to us. Those who had bribed officials were removed from the list. My younger brother also obtained the title of Juren under the replacement. However, I thought of It's already the beginning of winter, and the Spring Festival will be in March next year. There are only less than four months left. If we go back and forth again, it will not only be troublesome, but also delay the preparation time, so I simply stay in the capital. ”
Zhao Junchen nodded and said, "That's it."
At this point, 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 spoke again: "I see that Brother Xu seems to be very interested in the book "Records of Locust Extermination in Lu'an Prefecture". Brother Xu and I are quite interested. I feel like we are in harmony, 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 of this? What is the reaction of private readers to this book?"
Hearing Zhao Junchen's question, Liu Zimin's face 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 it was just his instinct to try to get closer to him.
However, when he introduced the "Record of Locust Extermination in Lu'an Prefecture" to Zhao Junchen just now, he had been carefully observing Zhao Junchen's expression. When he saw Zhao Junchen's face was calm, he was 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 definitely 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 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 is Zhao Junchen? It is impossible to eat at such a stall.
Now that spring is approaching, Liu Zimin, as a candidate for the exam, does not review the meanings 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 on his mind can be seen by anyone with a discerning eye. It can be seen that he just wants to make some preparations. If he is lucky enough 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 tension and seriousness in Liu Zimin's expression, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but be stunned.
However, after these days of official experience, Zhao Junchen's eyes were so sophisticated that he suddenly understood Liu Zimin's thoughts.
Although he didn't know why Liu Zimin wanted to please him deliberately, and he didn't like Liu Zimin's personality, 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 experience 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". Now among the people, Mr. Zhao's reputation is indeed bad, but the world just follows what others say, and most of them are slanderous rumors, so take Lu As far as the Anfu extermination of locusts is concerned, what Mr. Zhao did, even those so-called honest officials who are famous all over the world, who can do it? It can be seen that the rumors are not credible. If there is no evidence, they are just following what others say, but they are waiting for it. "
"Snapped!"
As Liu Zimin finished his last words, Liu Rui, who was just eating bean curd quietly, 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 his gaffe.
Liu Rui seemed to have lost her mind and was a little hurried. With a little caution, she looked up at Zhao Junchen and Liu Zimin. When she saw Zhao Junchen looking at her, she quickly lowered her head and picked it up. After wiping his chopsticks carefully, 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: "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 continued to avoid talking.
And 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 there will be a generous reward. In the future, if Brother Xu has an assignment, I will never refuse."
Hearing what Liu Zimin said, Xu Qingyan looked strange again, while Liu Rui remained silent, with her hair hanging down, making it difficult to see her expression clearly.
Zhao Junchen narrowed his eyes slightly and was a little curious. Why did Liu Zimin want to meet him when he was just a member of the imperial family? He asked: "I have met Mr. Zhao several times, but Mr. Zhao is the second official. Ping, there are many court affairs, if Brother Liu doesn’t explain to me why he wants to meet 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 younger brother's father is Liu Wencai, the former imperial censor of Zuodu, Metropolitan Procuratorate."
Zhao Junchen suddenly realized.
Many years ago, Liu Wencai was a famous Qingliu leader in the court. However, thirteen years ago, Liu Wencai was impeached by Zhou Shangjing, the current chief minister, for forming cliques for personal gain, corruption and accepting bribes. Unfortunately, Liu Wencai was only a Qingliu leader, so how could he win? Passing Zhou Shangjing? The final result is naturally no evidence.
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, he was not only accused of slandering important ministers of the DPRK, but was bitten by Zhou Shangjing. , and even 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. I wonder 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, but wait and see."
At that time, Liu Wencai fell short precisely because of insufficient evidence. Not only did he fail to bring down 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: "Because of my family background, my father didn't know the depth and offended the current chief minister. Now, although my younger brother has the merit of raising a son, he can participate in the competition next year. In the spring of spring, if the chief minister knows about my younger brother’s background and thinks of my father’s mistakes, no matter how good my writing is, it’s useless to be afraid. I have the intention to go to the chief minister in person to apologize to him and ask him to forgive my father’s mistakes. , but how can the chief assistant be met by the younger brother just as he said? So the younger brother thought of Mr. Zhao, the Minister of Household Affairs. He is now the highest in the holy family and the most popular. If he can help the younger brother to smooth things over, I am afraid that the chief assistant will also It will give you some face. Unfortunately, Mr. Zhao has a distinguished status and is not something I can meet just by asking. I have been worrying about this matter these days, but I didn’t expect that God would be so pitiful that I would meet Brother Xu!"
Liu Zimin was talking seriously, Zhao Junchen was listening casually, but no one noticed. When Liu Wencai talked about "being burdened by his family background", "my father didn't know the depth", "my father's fault", etc., Liu Rui beside him But his face turned pale, and his petite body was shaking continuously.
When Liu Zimin paused and was about to continue saying something, Liu Rui suddenly stood up and whispered: "I'm going back first."
While speaking, before Liu Zimin could agree, Liu Rui lowered her head, hugged the package in her hand, and turned to leave.
Seeing Liu Rui's actions, Liu Zimin felt 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. Her eyes were red at some point, and her gentle and delicate temperament was even more intense, but there was something in her eyes. It reveals a strength that comes from nowhere.
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 talk about daddy like this? Does it mean that as long as you talk about daddy like this, my Liu family will look down upon me?" Liu Rui bit her teeth lightly, her voice was low, but she spoke every word. Dun: "It's a pity that daddy left early. Auntie is too doting on you..."
As he spoke, the strength that still existed in his eyes was finally replaced by sadness. After giving Zhao Junchen an apologetic look, Liu Rui turned around and left quickly, but in a moment, her petite body disappeared. Among 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. Apparently he had never seen Liu Rui reprimanding him like this before.
"Brother Liu." Zhao Junchen's call finally brought Liu Zimin back to his senses.
Looking up, he 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 soon after, but no one taught her the rules, which made Brother Xu laugh."
Zhao Junchen nodded. Although Liu Zimin said it simply, he thought of Liu Zimin's previous attitude towards Liu Rui. Liu Rui, whose parents were both deceased, faced an aunt who only doted on her biological son and an elder brother with some moral problems. Zhao Junchen can also imagine what life has been like 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 that Zhao Junchen would laugh, so he quickly changed the subject and continued: "Brother Xu, please take care of what I asked you just now. 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 Spirits" 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 painter since the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, and "Spring Dawn in the Han Palace" is his pinnacle work, and its value is higher than that of the Southern Dynasties. Lu Tanwei's "Picture of Manjushri Subduing Spirits" is even better.
However, Zhao Junchen paid more attention to the "Picture of Manjushri Adventing Spirits" by Lu Tanwei of the Southern Dynasties. Lu Tanwei was famous for his Buddhist paintings, but Emperor Deqing believed in Buddhism.
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 him when you return."
While talking, Zhao Junchen was ready to leave with Xu Qingyan.
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 and Xu Qingyan were only walking, but before long, the Zhao Mansion was already in sight.
"Master, are you thinking about Liu Zimin?"
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 in front of Zhao Mansion, but they were both stunned.
It turned out that for some reason, some six-door police officers had gathered before the Zhao Mansion. They seemed to want to investigate something, but they did not dare to go in. The leader was discussing something with the servants of the Zhao Mansion.
On the other side, after seeing Zhao Junchen and Xu Qingyan, a servant at the door 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 face, and said softly: "Master, Fang Ru... killed someone!"
c
