So Zhao Ceying said first, "Uncle, I haven't come to see you for a long time. This is always good."
Li Jian replied: "It's true that I haven't seen you for a long time. It seems that you haven't visited me since Li Hao got engaged."
Zhao Ceying didn't know how to answer these words. He had originally intended to introduce his aunt to Li Hao, but suddenly he was offered a marriage by the emperor.
Later, he approached Li Hao and asked him to help match up his aunt and Gu Tingye. In the blink of an eye, Gu Tingye married Li Hao's cousin.
After these two incidents, Zhao Ceying really became estranged from Li Hao, and basically never visited the Li family again.
Although Li Jian was somewhat wrong in what he said at this time, Zhao Ceying couldn't defend himself. Otherwise, when Li Jian pressed him, he would have said that he had pimped both Li Hao and Gu Tingye and failed.
So I simply ignored the question and continued, "Yes, but even though I haven't seen you for such a long time, you still look so good."
Hearing Zhao Ceying's compliment, Li Jian said: "Ah, I don't have anything to do in Bianjing City. I stay in the mansion every day, so my pampered body will naturally not be bad.
On the other hand, you who are traveling around all year round should pay special attention to taking care of your health. I think your complexion is not as good as before. "
Zhao Ceying was speechless after hearing this. Why did she look so bad?
However, with these words, Zhao Ceying was able to bring out the topic he wanted to talk about, so he did not pursue it.
"I can't help it. There are too many things going on in Bianjing City recently. I am very tired from dealing with these things.
I think it was quite hard for Li Hao during this time. He had to meet a lot more people and deal with more things than before, so he wasn't exhausted. "
According to what Zhao Ceying thought, Li Jian would definitely answer the question. After all, the concept of good or bad health was very imaginary, and in addition to official business, Li Hao also had a wife to appease.
After working hard every day, Zhao Ceying didn't believe that Li Hao could still have a glowing face every day.
Just when Zhao Ceying was looking forward to it, he heard Li Jian say: "No, I have seen Li Hao's complexion look much better recently than when he first returned to Beijing.
And I didn’t see how busy he was, let alone how many people came to see him. "
After saying that, he glanced at Zhao Ceying with a puzzled look on his face. His eyes seemed to say, you are weak, you have to make up a reason for yourself.
Although Zhao Ceying was indeed quite thick-skinned, he couldn't help but glance at her nakedly.
And at this time, Zhao Ceying was also a little doubtful whether Li Jian was teasing her.
After a while, Zhao Ceying regained his composure and said tentatively: "This man is in high spirits during happy events. Brother Li just gave birth to a son, and his health is indeed better when he is happy.
Some time ago, your government hosted a full moon banquet. I happened to be busy and was unable to attend, so I brought a special gift today.
Originally, I planned to hand it over directly to Li Hao, but now I think it would be the same to hand it over to you. "
After saying that, he asked the boy who was carrying things outside to come in, put the things on the table, opened them for Li Jian to see, and introduced them one by one: "This is a jade Ruyi, and the whole thing is carved from mutton-fat jade. And inlaid with pearls as decoration.
This jade ruyi was a gift from Ouchi when my father was canonized as a prince.
This time, my father knew that I would come to visit today, so he specially asked me to bring it.
In addition, below is a set of paper, ink, pen and inkstone, which I am planning to give as a gift.
After all, Brother Li was born in the Han Dynasty, and the Li family will naturally become a scholarly family in the future. Although this set of things is not very expensive, it is also specially made in the palace and can be used. "
The Four Treasures of the Study are not bad, because Li Hao himself has been rewarded a lot by the palace, and it is not a rare thing for Li Jian.
But the jade Ruyi given by the emperor seemed very precious, so Li Jian politely said: "This study room is very precious."
I will accept the four treasures on behalf of Li Hao, but this jade Ruyi is too valuable, so you should take it back. "
Zhao Ceying replied: "Uncle, what are you talking about? This jade Ruyi is my father's heart.
If I really brought it back today, I don't know how my father would blame me.
And although I don’t have much contact with Brother Li, we are still close friends, so this gift is nothing. "
Originally, Li Jian had no intention of really rejecting it. He was just being polite. Seeing Zhao Ceying say this, he took advantage of the situation and agreed.
Said: "Okay, then when you go back, remember to express your gratitude to the prince on behalf of my father and son."
Then he ordered his servants to collect the things and send them to Li Hao's yard.
After giving the gift, it was obvious that the relationship between the two was further drawn into.
So Zhao Ceying went on to inquire about the matter. Of course, Zhao Ceying still had some basic sense.
The questions asked were basically trivial matters, roughly the specific people who had visited Li Hao's house in recent days and the approximate length of stay.
I want to use this to test out Li Hao's recent developments and see if he will take any action.
However, although Li Jian has never seen much of the world, he doesn't know much about officialdom.
But after following Li Hao in Beijing for many years, I still understand some common principles.
Although Li Jian didn't understand the current situation in Bianjing, based on his simple values, he still felt that Zhao Ceying's visit this time was probably not a good thing, so he made it up himself.
After all this, Zhao Ceying was really confused, because Zhao Zongquan and the others also sent people to keep an eye on Li Hao's house.
According to Li Jian, although some information is consistent, a large part of it is inconsistent.
In addition, the person following him was not his confidant. Now looking at Li Jian's resolute look, Zhao Ceying couldn't tell where the problem was for a moment.
While Zhao Ceying was distressed, Li Hao had already returned from Salt and Iron Division.
After meeting Zhang Guifen at the door, she knew that Zhao Ceying was coming.
So he rushed over directly. When Zhao Ceying was deep in thought, the courtyard was quiet, and he said loudly: "Brother Zhao is such a rare visitor. Why did you think of coming to my house today?"
Hearing Li Hao's voice, Zhao Ceying and Li Jian looked over at the same time.
Then Zhao Ceying stood up and said, "It's not that I was so busy a while ago that I forgot about your young master's full moon banquet.
I happened to have nothing to do today, so I thought of coming to visit and apologize to Brother Li. "
Li Hao didn't believe this at all, but there was no need to expose it.
At this time, Li Jian also spoke for Zhao Ceying: "Yes, he came here and brought gifts. A jade Ruyi given by the emperor and a set of the Four Treasures of the Study. I have asked my servants to collect them and send them to your room."
Hearing this, Li Hao hurriedly said to Zhao Ceying: "This is really costing you money. In fact, as long as you come, you don't need to bring these things."
As he spoke, he walked into the main hall and was about to sit down.
Li Jian was very conscious. Of course, the main reason was that he was too lazy to stay here any longer. He might as well go fishing in the backyard.
So he said: "Since you are back, you can directly accompany me to talk, and I won't stay here."
After saying hello to Zhao Ceying, he left.
After the people walked away, the two started talking again.
But this topic became much more direct, Li Hao said: "You came here today, I guess it's not just to give you a replacement gift.
There are only two of us left here. If you have something to say, you can just say it. As long as you ask me, I will answer. "
Zhao Ceying heard this and replied: "Brother Li is quick to talk to others, so I won't hide it.
I think Brother Li must know about the Ningyuan Marquis Mansion. I came here today to ask about your position. "
Li Hao said: "As you said, the affairs of Ningyuan Houfu have nothing to do with me.
Although Gu Tingye respects my opinion very much
, but today’s matter is a household matter of their Hou Mansion, and I can’t get involved in this. "
Hearing this, Zhao Ceying looked at Li Hao with a speechless expression.
Seeing this, Li Hao smiled and said, "Okay, I won't joke with you anymore, but I blame you for not telling me the truth.
Aren't you aware that I entered the palace and want to know what I said in front of the Queen? "
Hearing this, Zhao Ceying also smiled and replied: "It is indeed because of this that I came here this time. You told me to remain neutral at the beginning.
Now I still want to ask whether you can still keep your original promise. "
Li Hao replied directly: "Of course it counts. I still say one thing now. When it comes to choosing the crown prince, I only follow the official edict.
Whether it is in front of your father or the Queen, I say the same thing. "
For the sake of saying it all, at least on the surface, Li Hao's attitude has been very public. As for whether he believes it or not, it is Zhao Zongquan's own business.
However, it was obvious that Zhao Ceying seemed to be uneasy about this and wanted to test the specific content of the conversation between Li Hao and Empress Cao that day in the palace.
Li Hao didn't think it was necessary to hide this matter. Anyway, Bi Zhongyou had been arranged to enter the palace by Zhao Zongquan.
With the speed of news spreading in the palace, this matter may not be kept secret for long.
Then he said: "The Queen didn't ask for too much when she came to me, she just asked me to remain neutral.
The other thing is to ask me to find a way to supervise the western suburbs camp to ensure that no one can take the opportunity to mobilize the troops of the western suburbs camp to cause trouble. "
In fact, it was not the first time that Zhao Ceying heard what Li Hao said today.
Bi Zhongyou had already sent back similar news, but Zhao Zongquan and Han Qi didn't believe it at the time.
It's not that she doubts Bi Zhongyou's loyalty, but because this move is too strange. In any case, Queen Cao's current situation is not such that she can rest easy.
Therefore, it is really incomprehensible for her to only let people stay neutral instead of letting people work together to help.
But there was nothing they could do if they didn't understand. Anyway, Li Hao told them the truth. No matter how much Zhao Ceying used other words later, the answers he got were the same.
Unable to confirm the authenticity of what Li Hao said, Zhao Ceying could only take the original words back and leave them to Han Qi and Zhao Zongquan to judge for themselves.
But in addition to Li Hao, Zhao Ceying also wanted to ask clearly about the attitudes of Ouyang Xiu, Gu Tingye, Yang Wenyuan and other people closely related to Li Hao.
Li Hao replied: "How can I know the attitude of Mr. Ouyang?
I believe there must be people arranged by you watching outside the gate of my house and the Yantiesi Yamen. I believe you know very well whether I have seen Mr. Ouyang. "
When Zhao Ceying heard this, he immediately wanted to defend himself.
But before he could speak, Li Hao stopped him: "I can understand it without explanation.
I believe there must be more than one person outside my house. The Queen will soon know the news of your arrival today.
When I say this today, I don’t mean to ask you to accuse me, I just want to explain the situation to you.
As for Gu Tingye and the others, they naturally remain neutral like me. "
After confirming these issues with Li Hao, Zhao Ceying left, and Li Hao personally escorted Zhao Ceying out.
Afterwards, Li Hao returned to his yard. When he came in, he saw Zhang Guifen playing with a jade Ruyi in his hand, and immediately said, "This is what Zhao Ceying sent. It looks pretty good."
Zhang Guifen heard this and said: "Of course that's good. This jade is a fine mutton-fat white jade. Even my father's, there are few pieces that can compare with this one.
It can be seen that they really spent a lot of money this time. "
After Zhang Guifen's reflection, she remembered to ask about today's outcome: "By the way, how was your discussion?"
Li Hao sat next to Zhang Guifen and said, "I told Zhao Ceying the whole truth, but I feel like he doesn't believe it."
Zhang Guifen
Replied: "What should I do? If they still don't believe it, won't they still target you?"
Regarding this issue, Li Hao didn't care much and said, "I can't bully your husband at will, especially when I have declared my neutrality.
As long as there is no evidence to prove that I have indeed turned to one side, neither side will dare to attack me. You can rest assured about this.
But in this way, I estimate that when the new king takes over, I may be free for a while. "
Zhang Guifen consoled her, "It's good to have some leisure time. In the last few years that I've known you, you've been running away every year.
Nowadays, with children around you, you can spend more time with your children when you are free.
Moreover, my husband is still very young. After a few years of settling down, he will naturally have the opportunity to work hard. "
While Li Hao was talking, news about Zhao Ceying's visit had reached Cao Jingxiu's ears through the channels of the Imperial City Department, and then Queen Cao naturally knew about it.
When Cao Jingxiu heard about this, he couldn't sit still and asked, "Sister, do you think Li Hao will really fall in love with them after seeing Zhao Ceying this time?"
Queen Cao replied: "Don't worry, Li Hao will not express his position easily at this stage, and with Han Qi here, he may not be willing to let Li Hao join in like this.
Your next task is to continue to keep an eye on these people to avoid any surprises. "
After saying that, he sent Cao Jingxiu away and went to Funing Palace to look after Zhao Zhen.
Speaking of which, since Zhao Zhen became seriously ill, Queen Cao spent most of her time in Funing Hall, except for dealing with matters.
Of course, by the way, Zhao Zonghan has also stopped taking classes and has been following Empress Cao to accompany Zhao Zhen.
As for Zhao Zongquan, because the prince was outside the palace, he could not always serve Zhao Zhen, which made him somewhat uneasy.
But this is not entirely bad. At least it gives Zhao Zongquan more time to deal with other chores.
For example, today, Zhao Zongquan is waiting for Zhao Ceying to come back, and Han Qi has also arrived at this time.
