Zhang Mansion is located on Quyuan Street.
It is separated from the original Cao family's residence by a wall.
Cao An walked to the door and glanced at the next door in a daze, with a hint of reminiscence in his eyes.
In my memory, the Cao family was very big, with dozens of people busy every day.
At that time, Weng Weng was busy with government affairs. Every day I am either reviewing official documents or lecturing those incompetent juniors and subordinates...
But even though Lao Cao has a hot temper, the family is still full of people.
Countless people come to see me every day, and all kinds of congratulatory gifts and face-to-face gifts cannot be returned. Even the ton of stone in front of the door has been stepped on and patinated.
"Dear nephew, are you remembering the past?"
A hearty laugh came.
A middle-aged man in his forties walked out of the door, with a very elegant expression and manner.
Cao An came back to his senses and bowed his hands politely: "I, Cao An, don't dare to ask..."
"My dear nephew, don't you remember Shibo?"
The man laughed and said, "That's right. I left Beijing long ago to take up a post. You were only seven or eight years old at that time, right? It's normal if you don't remember."
"Sorry, this junior has experienced some things before, so I can't remember most of the things in the past."
Since he is an elder, Cao An naturally knows what attitude to use when and how to bow politely.
"It's okay, I'm Zhang Liangdong."
The man smiled grandly and continued: "Now I am planning to return to Beijing to take up a job. If we have more contact with him in the future, we will naturally become familiar with him."
…
Walking into the Zhang family's house, the strange memories became clearer.
This place is similar to the previous Cao family. They were all built in a unified manner by the previous dynasty, and the styles are quite different.
Follow Zhang Liangdong to the study.
Zhang Zhibai is writing.
The book desk is filled with ancient books and regulations from various dynasties, and behind it hangs a painting of ink bamboo painted by Yan Liben, a painter of the pre-Tang Dynasty, in his later years. It is simple and elegant!
Zhang Liangdong came in and said respectfully: "Father, Cao An is here."
"Um."
Zhang Zhibai responded lightly, still lowering his head and focusing on the words.
Cao An watched from the side, feeling a little cursed in his heart.
Is this a show of force?
But I won’t accept this from you!
He lowered his head and got a little closer, pretending to appreciate it with a smile: "Good calligraphy! Zhang Xiang's flying white body is like a divine help, and he has everyone's style!"
Cao An's voice was loud.
Zhang Zhibai obviously didn't expect him to speak. He tightened his hand and a drop of ink fell on the paper.
A beautiful painting was ruined just like that.
"You!"
Zhang Zhibai reluctantly put down his brush.
He was not angry, but just shook his head helplessly and said: "When I used it in the past, I always praised you for your intelligence and stability. But now, I didn't expect you to be like this."
"Zhang Xiang was joking..."
Cao An bowed his hand and said, "People will change, especially after experiencing something."
"There's quite a bit of meaning in those words."
Zhang Zhibai smiled, sat behind the desk, and said calmly: "So, now you are more clear-cut about grievances and grievances. You can't tolerate those around you being criticized."
"yes."
Cao An was also very happy.
Is there any point in pretending at this time?
It is better for everyone to be open and honest and lay out their respective goals and conditions. It would be best if they can reach a consensus. If not, the worst is to have a fight.
"But Fan Zhongyan can't help you much."
Zhang Zhibai's eyes were bright: "If you are willing to join me, within ten years, I can make you one of the important ministers..."
Cao An is just sixteen this year.
...The twenty-six-year-old minister is almost a spectacle!
This temptation is huge for anyone.
"I'm afraid Zhang Xiang made a mistake. In fact, at the beginning..."
Cao An raised his head slightly and smiled helplessly: "Fan Gong insisted on helping XX, but he couldn't stop him! Later, XX had no choice but to let him go."
Zhang Liangdong stood aside, his eyes a little unhappy.
This guy is so arrogant!
From his tone, it sounded like Fan Zhongyan had committed a crime and was determined to get ahead.
"It's the same today."
Cao An changed the subject and said seriously: "Someone also wants to protect Mr. Fan... no matter who it is! Although my abilities are limited, I still have some bones."
"Ha ha!"
Zhang Zhibai smiled when he heard this, very happy.
He said in a relaxed tone: "I have been Prime Minister for fifteen years, and I have seen a lot of tough people. But this is the first time I have seen someone like you, who has both soft and hard skills."
Since Cao An entered the court, he has always been a reckless bastard.
He dares to be a ruthless person, and he dares to fight against the Prime Minister.
Normally, this kind of person shouldn't be alive until now, but he has survived, and his life is quite nourishing, and he is getting better and better.
From this point of view, is he really a tough guy?
Obviously this statement is open to question...
"Okay, let's go."
"Um?"
Cao An looked at Zhang Zhibai blankly.
That's it?
Co-author: You called me here just to talk nonsense?
Lao Zhang stood up slowly and said with a smile: "What? You still want me to control your meal again?"
"That's it?"
Cao An couldn't help but ask.
Zhang Zhibai smiled and said, "I'm done talking to you."
Cao An looked at him blankly: "What's the purpose?"
"you guess."
Zhang Zhibai looked at him playfully.
My little kid, I still guess!
Cao An secretly cursed Lao Zhang for being insidious, his thoughts kept spinning.
After a while...
He suddenly understood: "I understand."
Any talk of 'having something to say' is nonsense.
The reason why Lao Zhang wanted to see him in his study was to send a signal to the outside world.
I can give up my seat, but the conditions must be clearly negotiated.
He is telling Liu E, Lu Yijian, and the vacillating courtiers: My patience is also limited. If you continue to push each other hard, then let's fight to the death!
Just as Cao An guessed before.
The reason why Zhang Zhibai refused to leave was to gain more benefits, and the more he delayed, the more eager the other party became.
So there was this war!
Lu Yijian took the lead to start the attack, followed by Liu E and Zhao Zhen. The ultimate goal of this war is just a fight between several camps.
No one would really risk their lives, especially those in high positions...
Lao Zhang showed an approving smile on his face and joked: "You understand, why don't you leave? I don't have many bowls and chopsticks at home, so I won't let you eat."
"I'll take my leave..."
Cao An walked to the door and suddenly turned back.
With sincere eyes, he looked at Zhang Zhibai and said seriously: "Prime Minister Zhang, I have no intention of being an enemy of you, really. If not... I still respect you very much."
He served as chief minister five times and served as emperor in two dynasties.
Zhang Zhibai can indeed be regarded as a wise prime minister!
At least his resume is clear and there is no trace of filth...
This alone is enough to earn him a posthumous reputation.
"Ha ha!"
Zhang Zhibai's hearty smile was completely devoid of the seriousness of an imminent battle: "In this matter, I did make a mistake. I only saw the pros and cons in the court, but did not see the love outside the court."
He did not expect Cao An to take action, and even underestimated the friendship between him and Fan Zhongyan.
"However, you are willing to save the official family from disaster..."
Lao Zhang looked calmly and continued: "I have benefited from you, and I have an opportunity to relax. In this way, you and I can be considered even."
