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In the next few days, everyone in the Zheng family used various methods to test the true affiliation between Xu Qingyan and Mo Xiaolin many times.
Then, the two of them followed their original agreement. Xu Qingyan would "secretly observe" Mo Xiaolin's reaction before making many statements. Then Mo Xiaolin would decide whether he should "nod lightly" or "shake his head slightly" based on whether Xu Qingyan frowned at that time. Finally, Xu Qingyan made his position clear.
Seeing this situation, everyone in the Zheng family confirmed their judgment more and more. They felt that Mo Xiaolin was Zhao Junchen's true confidant and the person in charge of this contact with the Zheng family, while Xu Qingyan just pushed it to the front. Just a puppet.
As a result, although the Zheng family members were a little unhappy, they also felt that Zhao Junchen was very scheming and did not dare to feel contempt.
Xu Qingyan's biggest shortcoming is that he can't help but indulge in those little tricks and little tricks, which are often counterproductive and make a small loss. But facts have proved that if these little tricks and tricks are used in the right place and time, the effect is still very good.
However, in order to show that they had seen through the "truth" and were not deceived by such a civet cat-for-prince trick, the Zheng family would occasionally deliberately give Xu Qingyan a cold shoulder. On the contrary, they never neglected Mo Xiaolin, and often They bypassed Xu Qingyan and directly asked Mo Xiaolin for his opinion, hoping to express their dissatisfaction and protest in this way.
Regarding this situation, Xu Qingyan was completely unmoved and just endured it silently, thinking that as long as Zhao Junchen's plan could proceed smoothly, he no longer cared about his own momentary honor and disgrace.
In this way, after several days of careful dealings with the Zheng family, Xu Qingyan and Mo Xiaolin finally got the opportunity to meet An Nan Bo Zheng Zhilong.
As Zheng Zhilong gets older, he has retired behind the scenes and is no longer involved in trivial matters, but the cooperation between the Zheng family and Zhao Junchen is no small matter and must be approved by Zheng Zhilong himself. OK.
*
Under the leadership of Zheng Chenggong, Xu Qingyan and Mo Xiaolin walked into the main hall of the back house of Annan Bo Zheng's house.
Just as he stepped in, before Xu Qingyan could raise his head to observe and take the initiative to salute, he heard an old man laughing loudly and saying in a loud and heroic voice: "You two boys escorted the descendants of the Li family all the way to Taiwan? "
Hearing this voice, Xu Qingyan quickly raised his head and looked around.
When Xu Qingyan saw Zheng Zhilong for the first time, he thought that this person was very difficult to deal with and he must not be underestimated. He had to be very alert when dealing with him.
From the appearance, Zheng Zhilong is a very ordinary old man. He is over eighty years old. His old face is full of wrinkles and his figure is rickety and skinny. Only a few silver-white beards and hair are left. I heard that he He also has severe deafness.
But Zheng Zhilong's mental state was pretty good, his voice was extremely loud when he spoke, his seemingly dim old eyes were still twinkling, and his movements of hands and feet retained the heroic and treacherous spirit of the past.
The reason why Xu Qingyan thought Zheng Zhilong was difficult to deal with was because he noticed a very familiar temperament in Zheng Zhilong. This kind of temperament he had only experienced in Zhou Shangjing before.
It stands to reason that Zhou Shangjing and Zheng Zhilong are completely different beings. One is the central cabinet minister who is in charge of the overall situation, and the other is a maritime warlord who segregates the local area; one is a great scholar who has read poetry and books, and the other is a tycoon with a pirate background; One is calm and sophisticated, wise and restrained, while the other is bold and treacherous... But Xu Qingyan just feels that there are some similarities between the two people.
If Zhao Junchen were here, he would definitely tell Xu Qingyan that these two old people are indeed similar, that is, they both possess the wisdom and calmness that have been accumulated after going through strong winds and waves.
While he was secretly wary, Xu Qingyan's face was full of a flattering smile, and he nodded repeatedly: "Old Sir, it was the two of us who escorted the Li family to Taiwan! Oh, the world is far away, and the south and the north are far away. We are thousands of miles apart, and it's a lot of hard work. You must have heard my joke. When we were approaching your old man's territory, I fell into the sea and had a high fever for several days, which made me embarrassed to see anyone these days. Got it!"
On the other side, Mo Xiaolin still looked restrained, nodded and said: "Exactly."
Before meeting Zheng Zhilong, Xu Qingyan and Mo Xiaolin had been warned in advance by members of the Zheng family that Zheng Zhilong's hearing was very poor and they had to speak very loudly when talking to Zheng Zhilong, so they also used the same voice when they answered. Loud.
However, when Xu Qingyan was so shameless and publicized his scandal in the loudest voice, he not only felt no shame, but also seemed to want to publicize the scandal as his own merit and to seek some benefits from Zheng Zhilong. , everyone in the Zheng family around them couldn't help but express contempt.
Look at Mo Xiaolin. He answered Zheng Zhilong's question with a simple word "exactly". He was direct, straightforward, and calm and sophisticated. How could he be as long-winded and shameless as Xu Qingyan? No wonder he is the real owner this time, and you, Xu Qingyan, can only be a puppet on the stage.
Little did he know that Xu Qingyan's behavior was deliberate. He knew very well the reason why Zhao Junchen arranged for himself and Mo Xiaolin to meet Zheng Zhilong.
According to Li Xun, as Zheng Zhilong gets older, he likes the younger generations more and more, but he still has not changed his pirate style back then. The young people he likes are those who have a strong character and are fearless. The warriors are either the kind of smart people who are mercurial and optimistic - in short, they are what Zheng Zhilong himself looked like when he was young - but are the kind of disciplined, mature and steady young people who have never been attracted by Zheng Zhilong. Take it seriously.
Xu Qingyan and Mo Xiaolin are the two personalities that Zheng Zhilong likes. Zhao Junchen sent them to meet Zheng Zhilong. In the final analysis, they are just to suit his liking.
Therefore, after meeting Zheng Zhilong, Xu Qingyan deliberately showed a shameless attitude.
Sure enough, seeing the behavior of Xu Qingyan and Mo Xiaolin, Zheng Zhilong didn't think it was strange. Instead, he laughed again and said: "Haha, I heard your joke and laughed for a long time. It was your first time to go to sea. How did you know about the storm on the sea? Horrible? How dare you insist on insisting that you want to see something? You are asking for it... Tell me honestly, did you wet your pants at that time? "
Xu Qingyan's expression did not change, he raised his head and said: "Sir, please stop asking me. I was so frightened that I fainted. How do I know if I peed? When I woke up, my pants were wet, but maybe it was the raindrops. Wet."
Zheng Zhilong pointed at Xu Qingyan and laughed loudly, saying: "You shameless person, I was better than you, old man... But, that's right! Anyone who encounters a storm on his first trip to sea will make some jokes. , after a few years, it will be used as a talking point to brag, there is nothing to be ashamed of, it is really shameful to hide talents and not dare to see them!"
Having said this, Zheng Zhilong turned to look at Mo Xiaolin and said: "And you little guy, when I competed with others these days, I hid behind and watched. You are really a hard scumbag with your martial arts skills! Look at you You are good at using guns, did you come from a military camp? You also have a ruthless streak. Have you ever been on the battlefield and often used ruthless moves when competing with others?"
Mo Xiaolin nodded and said: "I have always been too delicate in appearance. It was easy for people to bully me in the military camp. Without my martial arts skills and ruthlessness, I would have been gone in this world for a long time! I have indeed been on the battlefield once. , killed some people."
Zheng Zhilong showed appreciation and nodded: "That's right! You have to be strong in your abilities. If you are bullied, you must pay back ten times the amount on the spot! You are very good. You have the same old man as I did back then."
Then, Zheng Zhilong asked again: "I heard that before you two left Taiyuan, you recognized Li Xun as your adoptive father?"
Xu Qingyan nodded immediately and said: "That's right. If we are seeking a relationship from our adoptive father, Xiaolin and I should call the old master your uncle now!"
Hearing what Xu Qingyan said, everyone in the Zheng family suddenly changed their expressions, feeling that Xu Qingyan was really pushing the envelope.
Do you, Xu Qingyan, deserve to have a relationship with Zheng Zhilong?
Zheng Zhilong also had a slightly solemn expression, but his thoughts were somewhat different from those of his children and grandchildren. He said slowly: "I have heard about the experiences of the Li family! Li Xun is an unlucky man, and he has to bear all the blame." I couldn't save him even though I was too far away, but your Mr. Zhao Ge was able to help Li Xun save his clan and family, and you two worked hard to protect them all the way to Taiwan. After all, you helped me save him. As descendants of my adoptive father, I also want to accept your love... I can bear to have you call me uncle!"
Xu Qingyan immediately climbed up the pole and said in a well-behaved manner: "Then you will be my uncle from now on! Don't worry, uncle, don't think I am incompetent, but with the face of my family, Mr. Zhao Ge, I can usually There is also some use here. If you have anything to do with the court in the future, just let me know and let me have the opportunity to fulfill my filial piety."
Zheng Zhilong was immediately laughed out of anger, but he also felt a little closer and nodded: "Okay, old man, I have something to ask you to help with now... Tell me, your Mr. Zhao Ge has arranged such a thing." What are your thoughts on the drama, rescuing the Li Xun clan, and sending you to contact the Zheng family privately? Mr. Zhao Ge's business is huge. Although the shipping business is lucrative, it is not worth his time. Is it possible that you have other motives for going to war and making such deliberate plans? Master, I just want you to tell the truth without any embarrassment, right?"
Xu Qingyan still deliberately turned his head and "sneaked" a glance at Mo Xiaolin. Mo Xiaolin had been paying attention to Xu Qingyan's movements and nodded lightly when he saw that Xu Qingyan did not frown.
Then, Xu Qingyan smiled and said: "My Mr. Zhao Ge wants to cooperate with your uncle this time, but he is very sincere. He just wants to make some money together."
While talking, Xu Qingyan took out a secret letter from his arms and had someone deliver it to Zheng Zhilong.
This secret letter was written by Zhao Junchen himself, and it was also the key to the success or failure of Xu Qingyan's trip, so it was always wrapped in calfskin and did not get wet because Xu Qingyan fell into the sea some time ago.
After Zheng Zhilong took the secret letter, he opened it and looked at it. His eyes seemed to be useless. When he read the letter, he held the letter far away with his hand, and his old eyes narrowed into two slits.
After reading Zhao Junchen's secret letter, Zheng Zhilong's expression gradually became serious, and he said slowly: "Zhao Ge's reputation is well-deserved, such a big hand! This is not as simple as making some money... If we really cooperate according to his proposal , more than half of the Zheng family’s ships will revolve around his plan from now on... I want to seriously consider it, old man."
Xu Qingyan deliberately turned his head to look at Mo Xiaolin again, then nodded and said: "Okay, uncle, just think about it. Xiaolin and I will eat and drink here and wait for your response at any time."
Zheng Zhilong laughed again and said: "There is no other in Taiwan, but delicious food and drinks! I recognized two grandsons today, so it is a good time to have a family dinner to celebrate!"
Following Zheng Zhilong's instructions, everyone in the Zheng family did not dare to neglect, and quickly set up several good banquet tables.
Then, Xu Qingyan naturally tried his best to please Zheng Zhilong. Zheng Zhilong really liked Xu Qingyan's smart and optimistic character, and was made to laugh by Xu Qingyan many times.
In the next few days, Xu Qingyan and Mo Xiaolin often stayed by Zheng Zhilong's side. Zheng Zhilong never found it annoying. Sometimes they would tell Xu Qingyan some dirty jokes, and sometimes they would test Mo Xiaolin's martial arts. They often said These two people looked a bit like they did when they were young, which made the children and grandchildren of the Zheng family quite unhappy. They did not dare to offend the "rightful owner" Mo Xiaolin easily. However, in their eyes, Xu Qingyan was just a puppet on the stage, so naturally he did not There were too many worries, so Xu Qingyan's treatment became worse and worse, but Xu Qingyan didn't care.
However, since the first meeting, Zheng Zhilong never mentioned the cooperation between the Zheng family and Zhao Junchen, and Xu Qingyan never urged him. He knew that Zheng Zhilong was hesitating and many details had to be discussed, but sooner or later he would give it to him. An answer for yourself.
*
On this day, Xu Qingyan and Mo Xiaolin were summoned by Zheng Zhilong again.
After meeting Zheng Zhilong, he found that several core members of the Zheng family were standing on both sides with serious expressions. Xu Qingyan knew that Zheng Zhilong had already made a decision.
Zheng Zhilong didn't look like his usual arrogant and disrespectful person. After seeing Xu Qingyan and Mo Xiaolin, he nodded and said: "Your cooperation plan with Mr. Zhao Ge is very interesting. I have thought about it, and after all, I don't want to miss it, but I want to You want to see what your Mr. Zhao Ge can do! I have arranged a boat. You can take the boat directly back to Tianjin Wei. Tell Mr. Zhao Ge for me... From now on, the Zheng family will belong to him. ally!"
After saying that, Zheng Zhilong turned to look at Zheng Ming and said: "Third brother, you are responsible for sending the two of them back without doing anything. By the way, you can go see Mr. Zhao Ge and give me my letter." Give him the letter and discuss the details of cooperation with him."
Zheng Ming quickly agreed.
After talking about business, Zheng Zhilong returned to his normal state and joked at Xu Qingyan: "This time, don't fall into the sea again! Look at how much thought you have put into trying to make up for your initial mistakes during this time. How much humiliation have you endured? Remember, it’s okay for a man to brag, but what’s the point of bragging? A man’s bragging means he’s ambitious, but what kind of man is a man who doesn’t brag! But being brave is never an advantage.”
Hearing Zheng Zhilong's response, Xu Qingyan was originally happy in his heart, but after hearing Zheng Zhilong's joke, he couldn't help but be surprised!
Obviously, Zheng Zhilong had already seen through Xu Qingyan and Mo Xiaolin's tricks.
"Uncle, did you...see it?" Xu Qingyan asked tentatively.
Zheng Zhilong laughed again and said: "How can you not see this little trick? Every time you express your position, you will deliberately glance at Xiao Lin, trying to make others think that you are just a puppet on the stage and Xiao Lin is behind the scenes. Righteous Lord, right? You did this because you felt that your initial behavior was too embarrassing, and you were worried that our Zheng family would despise Mr. Zhao Ge because of you, so you pushed Xiao Lin out, right? But what you two did It's too deliberate, especially Xiao Lin, who doesn't know how to disguise himself at all. His attention is always on you, waiting for you to peek at him and respond to you at any time. It's obvious that you two are still the main one, such a trick I just want to deceive those smart people, but how can I deceive the old man!"
Hearing what Zheng Zhilong said, the children and grandchildren of the Zheng family on both sides looked embarrassed - they were obviously what Zheng Zhilong called "smart people". Zheng Zhilong didn't reveal the truth until this moment, and he obviously took the opportunity to beat them.
Xu Qingyan said with an embarrassed expression: "These little tricks really shouldn't be shown in front of my uncle."
Zheng Zhilong smiled and said: "Your various actions are enough to prove your loyalty, and you can correct your mistakes in time, which is even more rare!
Haha, Mr. Zhao Ge arranged for you and Xiao Lin to meet me just because he wants to please me and thinks that your two personalities suit my taste, right? It’s quite well intentioned! But if you only have a clever temper and a good mouth, but have no other merits, how can I take you seriously or even accept you as a step-grandson? You can be taken more seriously by me because of these little tricks! "
Xu Qingyan was stunned for a long time, then he saluted Zheng Zhilong and said, "My grandson, I bow to you!"
At this moment, Xu Qingyan also had some sincere respect for Zheng Zhilong.
*
Just when Xu Qingyan took a boat from Taiwan and planned to arrive directly at Tianjin Wei, the center of the capital also received a response from the Jianzhou Jurchen.
As the Hetao War gradually came to an end, the Jianzhou Jurchens saw that they had no profit, and finally agreed to the negotiation proposal of the imperial court center.
Zhao Junchen had already made preparations. After receiving the Jianzhou Jurchen's response, he immediately left the capital and rushed towards the Xuanfu military town.
At this time, the Jianzhou Jurchen army was deployed thirty miles north of the Xuanfu military town, and the leader was none other than Aixinjueluo Xuanye.
Zhao Junchen and this legendary figure will also be the two protagonists of this negotiation.
However, it was said that on the afternoon when Zhao Junchen left the capital, Zhou Shangjing, the chief minister of the dynasty, also finished his official duties for the day and returned to the Zhou Mansion.
After Zhou Shangjing returned to the mansion, he saw the steward Zhou Zheng walking quickly to his side and reported in a low voice: "Master, there is a reply from Wang Baoren."
Zhou Shangjing asked calmly: "What did he say?"
Zhou Zheng replied: "He fully agrees with your proposal, sir. He will delay the court's rectification of the six departments in Nanjing. He will wait until Zhao Junchen returns to the capital before taking action to promote the next plan!"
Zhou Shangjing asked again: "That's good. Wang Baoren still understands the general situation! Where is the prince?"
"I'm trying to delay it. The prince will never achieve much in a short period of time!"
Zhou Shangjing's expression seemed to be a smile but not a smile, and he said leisurely: "Zhao Junchen, this little fox, wants to take advantage of this opportunity to negotiate with the Jianzhou Jurchens to hide out. He just doesn't want to care about the right and wrong in the future and just waits for the overall situation." After the situation is gradually settled, I will come forward to take advantage... If Shen Changmao is still the chief minister of the cabinet and everything is taken care of by him, I will naturally not care about his little cleverness. But now that I have returned to the position of chief minister of the cabinet, these things will naturally happen. I can't bear the responsibility alone, this little fox must also exert his own strength, and it's useless to try to escape!"
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