Chapter 57. Changes in enemies and friends (Part 2)
Under Zhao Junchen's gaze, Liu Rui's fair face became redder and redder, becoming more gentle and delicate, rather cute and pitiful. 【Read full text】
However, Zhao Junchen's gaze was a little too long, causing Liu Rui's beautiful eyebrows to frown slightly, and she said in a low voice: "Master, please respect yourself."
While speaking, Liu Rui raised his head slightly to glance at Zhao Junchen, and then quickly lowered his head. But in that look, shy and slightly dissatisfied, she seemed to have regarded Zhao Junchen as a disciple.
Zhao Junchen smiled lightly and did not express any displeasure.
In fact, although Zhao Junchen seemed to be looking at Liu Rui, he kept looking at Liu Zimin from the corner of his eye, only to find that Liu Zimin was not unhappy at all about his rudeness, but instead showed joy, and was convinced. In addition to guessing about Liu Zimin's thoughts, he also became more disdainful of Liu Zimin's character.
Liu Zimin acted like this because he obviously wanted to use his sister as capital to sell to Zhao Junchen.
"It's a pity that although Liu Wencai was pedantic back then and was played around by Zhou Shangjing, he was a leader of the Qing Dynasty and was known for his integrity. But he didn't expect to give birth to such a son, a son of a tiger father and a dog, with a reputation that will last forever. It was destroyed in the hands of Liu Zimin."
While Zhao Junchen was secretly sighing, Liu Zimin also heard Liu Rui's soft accusation, his face changed, and after glaring at Liu Rui, he cupped his hands and said to Zhao Junchen: "This girl has never understood the rules and lacks education. Please forgive me, Brother Xu.”
Zhao Junchen smiled and said: "It doesn't matter, it doesn't matter, I just lost my temper."
On the other side, Zhan Shanchang was slightly stunned when he heard Liu Zimin calling Zhao Junchen Brother Xu, but he understood in an instant. After looking at Liu Zimin for a few times, he asked Zhao Junchen: "Mr. Xu, Mr. Xu, who is this young man? He has sharp eyes, but I have never seen him before."
Zhao Junchen smiled and said, "I was negligent."
While talking, Zhao Junchen pointed at Liu Zimin and introduced to Zhan Shanchang: "This is Liu Zimin, brother Liu, from Yantai, Shandong. This year he has won the title of Juren in Shandong. This time he came to Beijing to participate in the Spring Festival in March of the first year of the year. He has a good family background and his father was Senior Liu Wencai Liu, the censor of Zuodu, the former capital procuratorate of our court."
Zhan Shanchang nodded to Liu Zimin and said with a smile: "It turns out she is the queen of a famous family."
Liu Zimin quickly said: "This senior is making fun of me. My father is a convicted criminal and was denounced by the court. How can he be considered a famous family?"
Zhan Shanchang waved his hand and said: "You cannot be called a senior. Since you are the same generation as Brother Xu, how can I be your senior?"
Although he refused Liu Zimin's title, Zhan Shanchang had no intention of introducing himself, and Zhao Junchen had no intention of introducing Zhan Shanchang to Liu Zimin.
How could Liu Zimin not see this? But he did not ask, nor did he show any dissatisfaction. Instead, he flattered Zhao Junchen and Zhan Shanchang one after another with his words, and his expression became more respectful. Zhao Junchen remained calm, but Zhan Shanchang gradually developed a liking for Liu Zimin.
In fact, Liu Zimin has been sizing up Zhan Shanchang since he appeared. He saw that he was also dressed in luxurious clothes and had a certain official authority in the way he raised his hands. It was obvious that his status in the officialdom was not low. However, when talking to Zhao Junchen, Zhan Shanchang was He was extremely respectful. It was obvious that Zhao Junchen, who seemed to be peaceful and approachable, had a higher status than Zhan Shanchang.
However, after he separated from Zhao Junchen yesterday, he actually asked many people about the existence of "Xu Qingyan", but no one knew about it. He had vaguely guessed that this was just a pseudonym, and he felt more and more that his identity was not simple.
Just when Liu Zimin was secretly thinking about Zhao Junchen's identity, Zhao Junchen suddenly asked: "Speaking of which, it's not easy for Brother Liu to be away from home. I don't know where he lives now?"
Liu Zimin quickly replied: "Brother, please be more concerned. My little brother's family is in a state of decline. Prices in the capital are too expensive, but he can't afford to live in those inns. Since he has made up for his meritorious service, he has become qualified to be imprisoned. He has been in the Imperial College these days." Live.”
Zhao Junchen looked at Liu Zimin's luxurious clothes. It was the same one he wore yesterday. It was a little dirty, but he did not replace it. He then looked at Liu Rui's simple clothes and the big package he always held in his arms. There was something in his eyes. After thinking about it, with a hint of pity, he asked again: "As far as I know, the Imperial College only allows students to stay, right? I wonder where Miss Liu Rui lives these days?"
Listening to Zhao Junchen's inquiry, Liu Zimin's face showed an embarrassed look. On the contrary, Liu Rui's expression showed no abnormality. He just paused with the chopsticks in his hands, then continued to eat the tofu pudding in small bites, but left all the fried dough sticks to Liu Zimin. .
After a long time, Liu Zimin finally said: "She is checking in at the inn."
Looking at the appearance of Liu Zimin and Liu Rui, Zhao Junchen felt that things were not that simple. Thinking of Liu Rui's stubborn and tearful appearance yesterday, he felt a little fond of him, so after pondering for a moment, he finally said: "The girl lives alone in the house. I'm afraid it's inconvenient to stay at the inn, but if Brother Liu and Miss Liu don't care, how about cleaning up today and letting Miss Liu live in my house?"
After a pause, he thought that there was no point in hiding his identity like this, and Mr. Liu from the bean curd stall was going back to his hometown to celebrate the New Year, so he added: "Of course, although the Imperial College is the highest institution of higher learning in our dynasty, it is also a graduate of the university. The conditions for being famous are poor. If Brother Liu is interested, he might as well come with your sister, otherwise your sister may not be at ease. Moreover, the Chinese New Year will be here in half a month, so there are more people and more excitement. "
Having said this, Zhao Junchen smiled at Liu Rui.
Hearing that Zhao Junchen wanted to live in his house, Liu Rui looked panicked. He was about to refuse, but when he heard that Zhao Junchen invited Liu Zimin to go with him, he finally felt more settled. Seeing that Zhao Junchen looked at her again, he didn't dare Looking at Zhao Junchen, he looked shy and timid, which was quite cute.
On the other side, Liu Zimin couldn't help but be overjoyed and thanked him repeatedly.
In this way, not only can he know Zhao Junchen's true identity, but he can also get closer to Zhao Junchen, which is a great thing.
Thinking that Zhao Junchen's invitation came from Liu Rui, Liu Zimin glanced at Liu Rui with a thoughtful look in his eyes.
Zhao Junchen called Xu Qingyan over and said, "You go with their brothers and sisters to pack up their belongings, and then bring them to our house together."
Xu Qingyan glanced at the Liu brothers and sisters in surprise, then nodded in agreement.
Zhan Shanchang gave Liu Zimin a meaningful look, cupped his hands and said, "This is a rare opportunity. Congratulations to Mr. Liu."
………
When Xu Qingyan took the Liu brothers and sisters to their respective residences to pack their luggage, Zhao Junchen had no entourage around him. Zhan Shanchang did not dare to let Zhao Junchen return home alone, so he followed Zhao Junchen himself on his way back home.
"That Liu Zimin is quite knowledgeable and worthy of your respect, sir. Spring is approaching. Do you want the people from the Ministry of Rites to give him some convenience?"
On the way, Zhan Shanchang asked Zhao Junchen.
Zhao Junchen smiled and said: "This Liu Zimin is indeed knowledgeable, discerning, and thoughtful, but other than that, I can't find any other advantages in him. He has poor conduct, is cunning, and is unfilial and unfilial." Justice, of course, these shortcomings may not be advantages in the officialdom."
Speaking of this, Zhao Junchen laughed at himself.
After a pause, Zhao Junchen continued: "However, I value his family background more. Although he felt that Liu Wencai had offended Zhou Shangjing and thus implicated him, he did not even dare to explain his family background to others, but he did not know that Liu Wencai had offended Zhou Shangjing back then. As a Qingliu leader, he is quite prestigious and his integrity has been circulated to this day. Most of the officials in the court know exactly what he was convicted of back then. As Liu Wencai's legitimate son, he is the so-called "tiger father has no dog son". ’, if such an identity is arranged, it might be of great use.”
Zhan Shanchang hesitated and said: "Sir, what do you mean?"
Zhao Junchen smiled softly and said: "The difference between corrupt officials and honest officials is not the difference in what they do, but just the difference in the influence of reputation. It's a pity that since ancient times, who is an honest official and who is a corrupt official? It's always the clear streamers who have the final say, and you and I are used to it, but it can't go on like this. But the right to speak is always in the hands of the clear streamers, and people in the government and the public believe in those clear streamers, so we can't fight. In this case, then let's support another group This is the new Qingliu force. Even if it cannot speak for us, at least it will make the world as dark as crows."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Zhan Shanchang was suddenly enlightened and said with a smile: "Your Excellency is wise."
After Zhao Junchen pondered for a moment, he continued: "As for this Liu Zimin, during this period, I will first see if he is worth using. If it is worth it, then I will make arrangements in the future. If it is not worth it, then let him Go and do whatever you have to do. The so-called 'queen from famous families' are everywhere in the capital. It depends on his own choice whether he is more or less."
Zhan Shanchang smiled and nodded in agreement.
While talking, Zhan Shanchang had already followed Zhao Junchen to the vicinity of the Zhao Mansion. Although Zhao Junchen invited Zhan Shanchang to come to the house for a gathering, Zhan Shanchang left knowingly.
………
Not mentioning how Zhao Junchen handled official business after returning home, he said that about an hour later, Xu Qingyan took Liu Zimin and Liu Rui to the outside of the Zhao Mansion, pointed at the huge Zhao Mansion, and said to the two brothers and sisters: "Two Sir, this is my young master’s residence, come in with me.”
Hearing what Xu Qingyan said, both Liu Zimin and Liu Rui were stunned when they looked at the Zhao Mansion in front of them.
The Liu family was in decline. How had they ever seen such a luxurious mansion? I was a little nervous for a while.
Following Xu Qingyan cautiously, the two of them looked at the luxurious decorations in the Zhao Mansion, the various rockery corridors, and the flower forest attic. They looked at the countless maids and servants coming and going, and the clothes they wore were even ordinary. Common people can't afford to wear good clothes, and it's like Grandma Liu visiting the Grand View Garden. Although she wants to be more reserved, she can't help but feel a little embarrassed.
The Zhao Mansion occupies a huge area. Xu Qingyan took them for a long time before reaching the backyard. Then he handed the two brothers and sisters to a steward in the mansion and ordered: "These two are the young master's guests, give them to them." Find a separate small courtyard to entertain, and remember to be polite."
After the steward agreed, Xu Qingyan gestured to the two of them and prepared to leave.
"Please stay." However, Xu Qingyan had just taken two steps when he was stopped by Liu Zimin who finally came to his senses.
Liu Zimin asked cautiously: "The young master of your house calls himself Xu Qingyan. Is it a pseudonym? I wonder what his true identity is?"
After Xu Qingyan hesitated for a while, he finally said: "Xu Qingyan is my name. As for my young master's name...don't you want to see Mr. Zhao, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue? This is the Zhao Mansion. Have you heard that there are other names in the capital?" Which Master Zhao can live in such a mansion?"
Hearing what Xu Qingyan said, both Liu Zimin and Liu Rui were stunned, and then they had different expressions. Liu Zimin was trembling with joy and excitement, but Liu Rui had a complicated expression, his face was slightly pale, and his eyes were changing, but not Know what is really going on in your mind.
………
Zhao Junchen was reviewing the records of the Ministry of Household Affairs in his study. Since he became the Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, Zhao Junchen has paid closer attention to the affairs of the Ministry of Household Affairs.
Because the way of doing accounts has changed, the moths in the household department no longer have any worries, but within three or two days, they gradually became a little unscrupulous. If Zhao Junchen didn't keep a close eye on them and these moths lost their restraint, no one knew what they would do. What kind of trouble will arise.
While Zhao Junchen was reviewing the folder, Xu Qingyan pushed open the door and walked in, holding two scrolls in his hands.
Zhao Junchen looked up and saw the scroll in Xu Qingyan's hand. He smiled and said, "Have you told them my identity as brother and sister?"
Xu Qingyan also smiled and nodded, and said: "Young Master, you haven't seen that Liu Zimin's expression. After knowing your identity, Young Master, he was so excited that his whole body trembled, as if convulsed, and then he took these two scrolls and He stuffed it into my hand and asked me to hand it over to the young master, and also said that he wanted to see the young master."
"Is it the "Spring Dawn in the Han Palace" by Master Qiu Ying, and the "Manjushri Subduing the Spirits" by Lu Tanwei of the Southern Dynasty?"
Zhao Junchen asked.
A trace of excitement flashed across Xu Qingyan's face, and he nodded: "Yes, these are the two volumes. I asked the master in the mansion, and they said that these two paintings together can be sold for two to thirty thousand taels of silver. This Liu Zi Min also knows how to spend money."
Zhao Junchen smiled again and said: "These two paintings are treasures, and their value cannot be measured by money. Put them away."
Zhao Junchen did not have the taste to appreciate famous paintings, so he was not in a hurry to check them out.
After a pause, Zhao Junchen said again: "However, I won't see him for the time being. You have people give the brothers and sisters food and drink, and take the opportunity to see what his temperament is like. If he can satisfy his request, he will be satisfied. But if If he asks to see you again, he will be turned down."
"Understood."
"That's right." Liu Rui's appearance suddenly flashed through his mind, and Zhao Junchen asked: "You followed them to pack their luggage, but do you know where Liu Rui lives these days?"
Hearing Zhao Junchen's question, Xu Qingyan showed admiration and pity on his face and said, "She lives in the stable of the Imperial College."
Zhao Junchen was stunned and subconsciously asked: "Stable?"
Xu Qingyan nodded and said: "Yes, except for these two paintings, our old Liu family has already been in such a state of decline that it is worse than ordinary families. After their brothers and sisters came to the capital, it didn't take long for them to run out of money. The Imperial College There was a stable, but no horses, and the place was empty, so Miss Liu Rui had been living there secretly during this period. Not only that, she also sewed clothes for others in the Imperial College, earning some copper coins every day, and then gave them all to the That Liu Zimin provides food, drink and entertainment for that Liu Zimin and the other scholars in the Imperial College. But that Liu Zimin is not a thing. Due to his face, in front of other prison students, he looks like he doesn't recognize Miss Liu Rui."
At this point, Xu Qingyan had an angry look on his face, and he was obviously very disdainful of Liu Zimin's character. He wanted to say something more, but after taking a look at the scroll in his hand and thinking of the value of the scroll, he finally said nothing.
After Zhao Junchen was silent for a moment, a hint of admiration flashed on his face, and he sighed: "No wonder she keeps carrying the package with her. It's really hard for her. I don't know how she survived. Please ask someone to take good care of Liu Rui these days." Girl, well, the Chinese New Year is coming soon, let the tailor in the house make suitable clothes for these brothers and sisters, don’t treat them badly.”
"Understood."
Xu Qingyan also nodded seriously.
At this moment, I heard a report from a servant of the Zhao family outside the door: "Master, Miss Liu Rui, who just entered the mansion, wants to see the master."
Zhao Junchen thought of what Liu Zimin had done today and subconsciously thought that Liu Zimin had arranged it at this time. He shook his head and laughed, and told Xu Qingyan: "This Liu Zimin has an exquisite mind, but his character is too bad. Qingyan, you Let Miss Liu Rui go back, now is not the time for me to see their brother and sister."
Xu Qingyan nodded and left, but not long after leaving, Xu Qingyan came back with a strange expression on his face.
"What's wrong?"
Seeing Xu Qingyan looking like this, Zhao Junchen felt strange and asked.
Xu Qingyan replied: "Master, Miss Liu Rui insisted on seeing you, saying that her request to see you this time was only of her own accord and had nothing to do with Liu Zimin. I assumed that Master, you were busy and didn't have time to see her, but I didn't expect that this girl was too She was so stubborn that she knelt down, no matter how hard I pulled her, she just refused to get up and she had to see the young master."
Zhao Junchen was slightly stunned. After hesitating for a moment, he finally said: "That's it, let her come in. I don't know what's going on with her insistence."
………
When Liu Rui entered Zhao Junchen's study, Zhao Junchen had stopped what he was doing and just watched Liu Rui's every move quietly.
Before, Liu Rui was quite shy. She always bowed her head in silence in front of Zhao Junchen and did not dare to look at Zhao Junchen. Therefore, Zhao Junchen had only seen her general appearance and only knew that she was a gentle and gentle woman. A girl, but her exact appearance cannot be seen clearly, and she always disappears.
But at this time, when Liu Rui came to the study, she raised her head for the rare moment and looked at Zhao Junchen.
But seeing her delicate facial features, light makeup, curved eyebrows, and big timid eyes, looking blankly at Zhao Junchen in front of her, people couldn't help but feel pity for her.
After looking at Liu Rui for a moment, Zhao Junchen was about to say something when Liu Rui suddenly knelt in front of Zhao Junchen.
"Master Zhao, please, let my brother go."
There was a cry in his tone that he could no longer hold on.
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ps: Is marriage popular recently? People around me are getting married one after another, and it’s like a competition. The scary thing is not the continuous gifting, but the overly eager urging of the insect’s parents...
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