"What do you think of Ouyang Lianghan, Mr. Wei?"
"You're right about not pouring a thousand cups."
"It's rare for Mr. Wei to praise others."
"Then what does Mr. Yan think of this son? Is there still a chance to fight for him?"
"Let's take a look again." He smiled.
"A thousand cups are not poured out, but drunken words are often uttered. Isn't Duke Yan annoyed?"
"Why bother? From Huai and Yang to Jiang and Hong, I went all the way down to the south of the Yangtze River and looked at the scribes in the south of the Yangtze River. Only then did I meet such a person who could never pour a thousand cups."
"Yan Gong still loves talents." After a pause, he added:
"But Su Youwei, the governor of Yangzhou, can barely be counted as one. That's why Mr. Yan wants to leave."
"Um."
He suddenly smiled and said, "What a coincidence, they are both the sons-in-law of the Xie family in Wuyi Lane, one older and one younger, with a pair of nieces and nephews.
"It is said that the nobles of Shandong are still married, the nobles of Guanzhong are crowned, the nobles of Jiangzuo are good people...
"The humanities of Jiangzuo value people, and what they say is true. A noble girl with five surnames would also marry a poor man. If you put Cui and Lu, the nobles of Shandong, you would never dare to think about it.
"No wonder the Jiangzuo gentry has declined as a whole, but the Xie family of Chen County still sits firmly on the throne of the Five Surnames and Seven Hopes."
A cry of praise.
The man called "Yan Gong" was silent for a while and sighed:
"There is also Xie Xun, who is also a figure and a famous teacher and disciple."
"The master and apprentice have a tacit understanding, and they fool around back and forth. Unfortunately, Mr. Xie is too conservative and difficult to scheme with."
"If you are not conservative, it will be difficult to carry on the legacy of your ancestors to this day."
"Keeping the inheritance, Duke Yan hesitated?"
"No, I'm just sighing. I am a man from Guanlong. My head can be cut off, my blood can be shed, but I cannot be humiliated."
"color."
The atmosphere was silent for a while.
"Mr. Wei, the wealth of Yangzhou is truly unparalleled in the world."
"It's a pity it's such a long way."
"What if we add Jiangzhou? The mouth of the three rivers, the thoroughfare of seven provinces, the most visible place in the world. If you go down the river, you can reach Yangzhou day and night, which is the throat of the south of the Yangtze River."
"Jiangzhou is a good place. The place is good and the people who live there are good. It's a pity that there is another Ouyang Lianghan, just like Yangzhou."
"Look again." After a pause, "Look again."
"Okay, no rush."
"I heard that Junzhi recommended a young man to Mr. Wei these days."
"That's right, this man's name is Yue Zi'ang, he is from Hongzhou and is the leader of scholars in Jiangzhou Prefecture School.
"Junzhi serves as a doctor in Jiangzhou and manages the school. He accidentally came into contact with him. He and Junzhi hit it off. They have been pestering Junzhi for the past few days, during which he revealed a lot of things."
"Oh, Junzhi is smart, observant, eloquent, and really good at making friends. The banquets in Xunyang City these days have really helped him make a lot of friends."
"Don't worry, Mr. Yan. Junzhi has a sense of proportion. He has checked before making friends. He said that Yue Zi'ang has a simple and passionate personality and admires Mr. Yan very much. So far, it seems that there is no harm. By the way, the previous answer from the Most Holy Master Temple in Jiangzhou Yue Ziang started the turmoil."
"The time when Ouyang Lianghan said, 'Study hard and make progress day by day' and became famous all over the world?"
"Yes, Ouyang Lianghan was successful that time. However, despite the setback, Yue Ziang didn't seem too convinced."
The tone was light: "Mr. Wei, what do you think of this son?"
“It cannot be planned, but it can be used.”
"If we accept this son, will it arouse Ouyang Lianghan's grudge? After all, there is a conflict between the two."
"Junzhi said that if he comes to deal with it, it will not cause Ouyang Lianghan to be unhappy. In addition, as the governor of Jiangxi, if Ouyang Lianghan still gets angry with a little scholar, it will be too small."
"That makes sense."
"Come to think of it, Junzhi recommended this guy because he has some connections."
"oh?"
"Yue Zi'ang was previously active in the Scholars Poetry Club in Xunyang City. He was a member of the Juhua Poetry Society and had some friendship with the youngest daughter and princess of Xunyang King.
"In addition, this person's teacher when he was studying in Luoyang was named Yuan Xiangshan. He was a former official of the Ministry of Rites. He was dismissed from office when the Emperor was deposed. He followed Prince Xunyang's family and lived in low-key seclusion in Longcheng.
"Mr. Yuan is now an old member of Prince Xunyang's family. He teaches his son how to read. Prince Xunyang and his son respect the old man very much.
"Originally, Yue Zi'ang had this network and could easily become a disciple of Prince Xunyang's Mansion. Unfortunately, he was kicked out by Prince Xunyang and the Crown Prince a few days ago.
"I heard him say angrily that it was Ouyang Lianghan who said bad things in front of King Xunyang and the Crown Prince.
"But I do think that Ouyang Lianghan is not such a villain, and there is not much need to target him. It is more likely that King Xunyang and the Crown Prince are worried that his character will cause trouble.
"Although he is not favored by Prince Xunyang's Mansion, after all, this son still has connections with poetry clubs and teachers, and can help recommend Junzhi to contact Prince Xunyang's Mansion...
"So Junzhi also introduced Yue Ziang as an exchange."
The air was quiet for a while, and someone sighed:
"In this aspect, Junzhi is better than me."
"Why do you say this? Duke Yan's reputation is just too great, which easily arouses vigilance. There are some things that are more convenient for young people like Junzhi and Shuqing to do.
"However, Junzhi does have the talent of a lobbyist, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to leave Jiangzhou to him."
"Yeah." His tone was noncommittal, as if he had been thinking for a moment:
"Mr. Wei will bring this son to the poetry meeting tonight, let me see you."
"Okay, Yue Ziang must be flattered to be favored by Duke Yan. By the way, there is one more thing."
"speak."
"Yue Ziang is from Hongzhou and has some connections there. I heard from him that he is very acquainted with Zhu Yuheng, the eldest son of Zhu Lingxu, the governor of Hongzhou. The two of them visited Kuanglu together some time ago.
"Right now, the eldest son of the Governor's family in Hongzhou is still visiting scenic spots in Kuanglu Mountain."
"Zhu Lingxu?" He said in a thoughtful tone:
"I have heard of this man. When he was young, he was a captain in the frontier army under my grandfather. He was praised by his grandfather. Later, he made many military exploits in the frontier army and reached the position of governor of Hongzhou. He is indeed a talented general.
"I just heard that this person is a bit fond of money and lustful. He has both advantages and disadvantages."
"Oh? It turns out that there is still this kind of friendship. Mr. Yan has been blessed by the British Duke. It seems that he will get twice the result with half the effort."
"What do you mean, Mr. Wei?"
"I heard that Zhu Lingxu, the governor of Hongzhou, was a guest of the old Prince Teng before he became famous. Now he is very close to the new Prince Teng..."
The atmosphere at the table suddenly fell silent.
I don’t know how long it took, but someone stood up holding the table:
"good."
Turn around and go out.
"Where are Mr. Yan going?"
"Prince Xunyang's Mansion."
"Did that prince respond to Duke Yan's invitation?"
"No."
"Then what are you going to do? This master is clearly turning a blind eye to Duke Yan."
"He can go without seeing me, but I can't help but go. This is... the friendship between the king and his ministers."
…
Ouyang Rong accompanied Li Zhengyan to Prince Xunyang's Mansion.
Li Zhengyan said that he would come to see King Xunyang Lixian.
Ouyang Rong had matters related to the construction of the Donglin Giant Buddha and needed to make a routine trip to report to King Xunyang.
The two of them were on their way.
However, the result of their final visit was:
Ouyang Rong, the governor of Jiangsu Province, was warmly welcomed into Prince Xunyang's Mansion. Prince Xunyang Lixian was very amiable and greeted him with greetings.
Li Zhengyan was blocked outside the palace gate and stood in the cold for a long time. He was looked at frequently by the officials who passed by the palace in an endless stream.
A world of difference.
Ouyang Rong was a little embarrassed.
Although this matter has nothing to do with him at all.
Li Zhengyan, who insisted on refusing to see the former governor of Meizhou and now the Sima of Raozhou and the British Duke, had more of a desire to leave.
After all, one of them was a demoted official who firmly opposed the construction of Tianshu and the Giant Buddha.
One is a filial prince who supports the mother-emperor's decision and respectfully takes over the post of governor of Jiangnan.
How to be too close to each other.
But Li Zhengyan was so ignorant, Ouyang Rong couldn't find a way here, so he came to the door on his own.
Naturally, I received an embarrassing rejection.
On the way back.
Ouyang Rong and Li Zhengyan rode horses side by side and walked on the street.
Ouyang Rong turned his head and looked at Li Zhengyan's face. There was no expression of frustration or anger at all.
On the contrary, he was still leisurely. He stretched out his hand to stroke the mane of Ouyang Rong's horse, Dongmei, and nodded:
"Liang Han, this is a rare horse with good vision."
Ouyang Rong replied casually: "It was given by someone else. I don't know much about horses."
Li Zhengyan said with a smile: "The person who gave the gift was really thoughtful. This gift was very thoughtful. However, giving away famous horses is an important etiquette in Guan Nei. I didn't expect it to be the same here in Jiangnan."
Ouyang Rong thought for a while, closed his mouth, but still did not say that this was a gift from Uncle Li, who had a cold expression on him.
He laughed and shook his head, secretly boasting: "Thousand-mile horses often exist, but bole does not always exist."
Li Zhengyan smiled.
The two passed by the bustling street of Xunyangdu Wharf and saw officials posting lists and people actively watching.
At present, the construction of the double peaks has begun. The workers under Jiangzhou Hall are in charge of this matter and are recruiting workers in Xunyangdu and Xingzifang. This matter has become a hot topic in Xunyang City in the past few days.
The daily wages for digging the canal were very considerable, and the government was so sincere that one could not help but wonder whether there were some harsh and deceptive terms that had been overlooked or hidden.
However, the first batch of brave people have already participated, and various positive feedbacks have been sent back one after another, and the workers in Xunyangdu have actively participated.
"It's a pity that Liang Han has the talent to manage the world, but he lives in a small Jiangzhou."
"Li Gongmiao praised it."
Li Zhengyan shook his head:
"I have been to three of the four states where statues are made, Taiyuan, Yangzhou, and Jiangzhou. Among them, Jiangzhou's plan for building Buddha statues is the clearest and fastest. It is methodical and has very few complaints from the people."
He squinted at the sun above his head and said;
"No matter what the style of the final Buddha statue is, compared to Taiyuan and Yangzhou, Jiangzhou is the most stable and proper, just like a good man, he acts calmly and unhurriedly."
Ouyang Rong pretended to be curious and asked: "Does Mr. Li still pay attention to these things?"
"It's an old habit. I don't mean to criticize the manager. Don't be nervous, Liang Han."
"No." Ouyang Rong smiled and said jokingly: "It just feels like Mr. Li is not demoted and appointed, more like..."
Li Zhengyan looked curious: "What is it?"
Ouyang Rong nodded: "It's a tour of mountains and rivers, visiting great rivers and mountains. There is no trace of frustration at being demoted."
Li Zhengyan laughed:
"Jiangzhou has a rich collection of literature, and many scholars have been born in ancient and modern times. The most famous scholar who has been produced in the past hundreds of years is Tao Yuanming, who was born in the Eastern Jin Dynasty and picked chrysanthemums under the east fence.
"Tao Yuanming didn't give up for five buckets of rice, resigned from office and went into seclusion. Could it be that he left with a sad face? What regrets does he have about being disappointed?"
Ouyang Rong smiled: "In ancient times, there was Mr. Tao, but now I meet Mr. Li. He is kind."
The two looked at each other and smiled.
On the third day, Ouyang Rong received another invitation from Li Zhengyan and others.
It was a dinner held after Wang Junzhi officially took office as a doctor in Jiangzhou.
Ouyang Rong thought for a while and went to participate.
As a result, at the dinner party, I met two unexpected people.
One is Yue Ziang.
Yue Ziang did not come alone, he was accompanied by a tall young man in white.
Ouyang Rong knew Mr. Zhu, the eldest son of the Governor of Hongzhou, whom he had met at the junior sister's birthday party.
Why is he here?
Ouyang Rong calmly looked away and sat down next to Li Zhengyan.
Wang Junzhi introduced the guests to him.
Although he had only been in Xunyang City for ten days, Ouyang Rong felt that Wang Junzhi seemed to be more familiar with Xunyang celebrities than he was.
A very sociable person indeed.
Ouyang Rong's peripheral vision swept across this lively and cheerful young man.
After spending time together these days, Ouyang Rong gradually became familiar with the people around Li Zhengyan.
The first is Wei Shaoqi, who was once the imperial censor.
Li Zhengyan respected him very much and called him "Mr. Wei", so Ouyang Rong followed suit.
Wei Shaoqi's shirt was washed and turned white. Every time Ouyang Rong saw him, he would change into two shirts.
I don’t speak much on weekdays and listen quietly most of the time.
However, as soon as he spoke, Li Zhengyan, Wang Junzhi and others would immediately fall silent. This may be a habit developed when he was a censor. Ouyang Rong found that most of his words were straight to the point and could end the topic.
This person is not ordinary, no wonder he is valued by Li Zhengyan, Ouyang Rong thought to himself.
Wang Junzhi and Du Shuqing are relatively young, but they are four or five years older than Ouyang Rong, but they are still considered young and handsome men.
All of them have passed the imperial examination and come from good family backgrounds.
Du Shuqing, in particular, is a member of the Du family in Jingzhao, and is considered a descendant of the Guanlong family with upright roots.
It's just that Du Shuqing has an ordinary appearance and a bit boring personality, which does not match his name. He has a strong body and looks more like a border military attache than a scholar.
He respected Li Zhengyan and Wei Shaoqi very much and obeyed their advice.
Ouyang Rong, however, naturally had a good impression of Du Shaoqing, perhaps because he saw the shadow of an old friend from Longcheng.
Wang Junzhi lives up to his name, with a white face and beardless appearance, and a tall and straight figure. He is only a little shorter than Ouyang Rong, but he is well-dressed and better at dressing up than Ouyang Rong. He looks like a handsome nobleman.
He is a good talker, and usually he and Li Zhengyan liven up the atmosphere at banquets.
But Ouyang Rong's sharp eyes noticed that Wang Junzhi seemed to be a bit germaphic. He carried several handkerchiefs with him and wiped his hands repeatedly before eating or drinking tea.
Even after toasting with the guests, he put down his glass, took out his handkerchief, and wiped his fingers that were slightly wet with wine.
Today, Wang Junzhi is the host, so the atmosphere at the banquet is naturally good.
Ouyang Rong discovered that Yue Ziang seemed to have a good relationship with Zhu Yuheng, the eldest son of the Hongzhou governor.
Yue Ziang was very enthusiastic about Li Zhengyan and others, even a little bit of admiration.
Ouyang Rong saw it.
I thought that during this banquet, Yue Ziang would be like him and ignore each other tacitly.
Unexpectedly, Yue Ziang suddenly stood up and raised his glass to him:
"Sir, I was young and ignorant. I misunderstood you, and was rude and presumptuous. I hope you will forgive me."
With that said, he punished himself three times in a row.
Ouyang Rong was drinking with his head raised. When he heard this, the wine glass stopped at his mouth.
He turned his head left and right and looked at the people around him, pointed at himself, and said with confusion on his face: "You mean me?"
Yue Ziang's face turned red, and he couldn't tell whether Ouyang Rong was pretending to be stupid.
In front of everyone's eyes, he tried his best to smile and nodded again: "Yes, Mr. Ouyang."
Ouyang Rong waved his hand: "It's okay, it's okay."
After a pause, he turned to Li Zhengyan and his group who were quietly looking at him with an embarrassed smile and said:
"However, I still like Mr. Yue's proud and unruly look before."
Yue Ziang and others: "..."
(End of chapter)
