Chapter 619: Old but Stronger, Let's See Tomorrow
When Liao returned home, Zhao Fang asked for his father-in-law's reply.
"Dad said it's best not to offend Jiang Qingzhi." Liao was vague. As for the apology, she didn't want to lose this person, so she went to Xin'an Lane quietly today. She even kept it a secret from Zhao Fang.
Zhao Fang breathed a sigh of relief. "The Confucian-Mohist war has nothing to do with us. We just need to avoid being affected."
"My dear, Jiang Qingzhi is a domineering man. You saw it today. In front of Zhu Xizhong, he actually asked me if I wanted to make an enemy of him."
Liao still gets furious when he thinks back on it.
But she forgot that she also had bad intentions at that time.
Zhao Fang nodded. He was also quite dissatisfied with Jiang Qingzhi's attitude today. "Just stay away from him from now on."
keep away?
Liao sneered, "When we find the opportunity, we should give him a hard blow from behind."
Zhao Fang was not a person who would just sit there and wait. "Let's see how he fights with the Confucians. If he reveals any flaws, I will make him regret it!"
"lady!"
The steward came in with an unhappy look on his face.
"What's the matter?" Liao asked.
"A box was thrown out from Xin'an Lane, saying it was a gift from the Madam to apologize." The steward glanced at the surprised Zhao Fang and said, "What else... Madam has gone too far, this matter is not over yet!"
"You, you went to Xin'an Lane to apologize?" Zhao Fang looked at Liao in surprise.
Liao blushed, "My father forced me to go."
Zhao Fang suddenly slammed the table, stood up and said, "Father-in-law... Jiang Qingzhi, you are going too far!"
He wanted to say that his father-in-law was confused, but he held back.
Liao's eyes showed a fierce look, "He is looking for death!"
Liao Chen received the news later and was also quite surprised.
"How could this boy be like this?" Liao Chen was somewhat surprised. "I have no grudge against him, and the lady and he were only having a quarrel. How could he turn against me for this?"
The master humiliated the minister and died. The housekeeper said angrily: "My lord, I think this boy has gotten carried away."
"That's good. I'm just worried about how to find an excuse to leave the mountain." Liao Chen smiled and said, "Go and tell them... I want to invite Lu Song to drink."
Lu Song was a little surprised to receive the post, and said to Lu Ping, "Liao Chen is not willing to be lonely either."
Lu Ping said: "Uncle, now the situation is like a tide, and those great scholars and celebrities have come out one after another, hoping to gain benefits by calling for the destruction of the Mohist School and Jiang Qingzhi.
Liao Chen was half-teacher of the late emperor and had remained silent for many years. Unexpectedly, Jiang Qingzhi took the initiative to provoke him.
Liao Chen has a high prestige, and many of the old people from the previous emperor are still here. Once Liao Chen ascends to a higher position, the Mo family and Jiang Qingzhi will have many more powerful enemies. How could Jiang Qingzhi be so unwise? "
This was a good analysis. Lu Song nodded slightly. He was also quite puzzled. "Could it be that the Linqing Marquis' Mansion really angered him?"
Lu Song thought for a moment and asked, "How did the two sides become enemies?"
"It is said that Duke Cheng is interested in forming a marriage alliance with the Marquis of Linqing. Both parties have received the other's engagement letter, but the Marquis of Linqing seems to be dissatisfied with the young Duke..."
"What's the reason?"
"It is said that the young duke seems to have a hidden illness."
"This rumor... was probably spread by the Linqing Marquisate." Lu Song sighed, "It is well known that Jiang Qingzhi and Cheng Guogong are good friends, and Zhu Shitai is even Jiang Qingzhi's disciple. Who would dare to marry their daughter to the Linqing Marquisate after this? This would ruin someone's life. No wonder Jiang Qingzhi turned against him."
Lu Ping said: "So, Liao Chen..."
Lu Song said, "This man is highly respected. He took the initiative to invite me, so I can't refuse. Promise him and tell him that I will treat Liao Chen to a drink when I leave the government office today."
That night, Lu Song invited Liao Chen to drink in a restaurant.
Liao Chen was drunk and said that the scholars lacked vigor and courage, and dared not speak out against the evil ways. I am old, but I cannot bear to sit back and watch the Mohists run rampant, so I should speak up for Confucianism.
On the second day, Liao Chen held a poetry reading at home and invited some great scholars and young people to visit.
"It is said that more than a hundred people went there, and the place was packed with guests, wine and meat!"
Xu Wei said sarcastically: "A group of old ghosts conspired, but they had to get a group of young people to accompany them. It's like an old woman who can't bear to be lonely, while she is discussing how to show up in public, looking at the handsome man and feeling itchy in her heart, but she has to sit still..."
These harsh words reminded Jiang Qingzhi of the Fugui ball in later generations.
"Liao Chen is a man who should not be underestimated." Hu Zongxian coughed dryly, reminding Xu Wei that what he said was a bit too much. "In addition, Liao Chen came forward this time and won over Lu Song as soon as he came out. It can be seen that this man has a unique vision."
"Lü Song is the one who should not be underestimated." Xu Wei drank a sip of tea, fanned himself, and looked very excited. "If it were someone else, he would definitely find an excuse to decline Liao Chen's invitation, but he not only went, but also treated himself. This is the attitude of entertaining seniors. Even His Majesty can't make trouble."
Lu Song did his work flawlessly, which made Jiang Qingzhi admire him very much.
"But Liao Chen is a very experienced man. It will be hard for Lu Song to avoid getting involved." Xu Wei sneered, "As the saying goes, a virtuous woman is afraid of a clinging man!"
"You are such a poisonous tongue!" Hu Zongxian couldn't help but say, "If Lu Song hears you comparing him to a heroic woman, he will definitely try to kill you!"
Xu Dushe said calmly: "If he has this ability, I will kill him!"
They are all so troublesome. Jiang Qingzhi waved his hand and said, "Go yourselves."
He hurried back to make up a story for the child, but Xu Wei went to the vegetable market with his hands behind his back.
"Last year, I raised a big fat pig for two years. The fat was five fingers wide."
Yang Zhaodi is shouting.
"Zhao Di." Xu Wei put his fan behind his waist and picked up the butcher knife. "How is business?"
Yang Zhaodi didn't look at him. Ever since she went to Bo's house, Yang Zhaodi had been trying to avoid Xu Wei.
That was her first time seeing a truly wealthy family, and Li Tian made her feel even more ashamed. She was not stupid, and knew that Li Tian wanted to see her not because she was so outstanding, but because he valued Xu Wei.
Who is Jiang Qingzhi?
The powerful and influential people who were so popular that even a female butcher like her had heard about the battles between Confucianism and Mohism from time to time. As the manager of Jiang Qing's family, Xu Wei had no problem marrying the daughter of an official.
After returning, Yang Zhaodi went to inquire about Xu Wei's identity.
The Ten Sons of Echizen!
That man is a famous talent!
He is no worse than those so-called talented people, and even better than them.
Yang Zhaodi became more and more frightened.
So, she looked to the right silently without saying a word.
"There is a trick to selling pork. You have to look at the identity of the person. If it is a woman, she will definitely like fat. Fatty meat can not only be used to make oil, but the oil residue left over from making oil can be eaten for a long time. So you should shout loudly that fatty meat is good. If it is a man who comes, remember to say streaky meat. Fatty with some lean meat..."
Xu Wei kept muttering, and Yang Zhaodi wanted to cover her ears. She really couldn't bear it anymore, so she turned around and saw Xu Wei waiting for her with a sly smile on his face.
"Are you finally willing to turn back?"
……
"Jiang Qingzhi still hasn't made any movement."
Lu Ping sent the latest news, "He stays at home all day. It is said that his wife is pregnant, and this man is actually thinking about how to coax the child all day. Uncle, this kind of person... is he actually a great figure of the Mohist school?"
Shouldn't a Mohist leader be one who draws his sword at the slightest disagreement, roars at every injustice, and punches anyone he dislikes?
Why, the style of painting has changed?
Lu Song was also quite puzzled, "Just watch."
"Shangshu, Mr. Liao is here to visit."
Lu Song sighed, "Here he comes again."
Lu Ping smiled and said, "Jiang Qingzhi has already said that he will never let go of his son-in-law's family. As the father-in-law, Liao Chen will naturally step forward."
When Liao Chen came in, Lu Song also stood up and saluted, and then Liao Chen returned the salute.
"Sanlang, go make some tea." Lu Song sent Lu Ping away. "Did Mr. Liao teach me?"
If you have something to say, let’s talk about it. Don’t waste time. I have a lot more things to do!
Liao Chen seemed not to understand the meaning of this sentence, and said: "The weather is nice, which reminds me of the past."
Liao Chen sighed, "That year, the weather was similar. The late emperor wanted to go boating. I couldn't persuade him, so I accompanied him. Who would have thought that...
The late emperor fell into the water, which would have been fine, but he actually fell ill and passed away. Afterwards, I regretted why I couldn't persuade the late emperor to stay...
Minister Lu, do you know why I retired? It was for this reason. As long as I stay in the court, I will regret it. "
Lü Song had not expected this, and was moved when he heard this, "The late emperor loved to play and have fun, what does this have to do with Lord Liao?"
Liao Chen's eyes were filled with sadness. "After I retired and returned home, I always thought of that moment in my dreams at midnight. At that moment... I only hated myself for not being able to swim."
"I heard that all the children of the Liao family have become proficient in water. Is this the reason?" Lu Song just thought of this.
Liao Chen nodded, "I originally wanted to spend the rest of my life in the forest, but I heard that there are some ugly people who are challenging my Confucianism. How can I sit back and watch them run rampant?"
Lu Song's expression softened, "There's no need to make a big fuss about this."
"The Arms Bureau is an institution within the palace. Even if the eunuch in charge of the seal has many complaints about Jiang Qingzhi, he would not dare to turn against Jiang Qingzhi unless His Majesty gives the order. So don't count on them to help with this matter."
Liao Chen pointed directly to the crux of the matter as soon as he opened his mouth, "Secondly, we must be on guard against the Tiger Guard Zuowei speaking for Jiang Qingzhi."
Lu Song nodded, "I have consulted several military heroes. If the Tiger Guards dare to call a deer a horse, they will be impeached immediately."
"Okay." Liao Chen smiled and said, "It is indeed Minister Lu. Although the Military Equipment Bureau dare not turn against Jiang Qingzhi due to His Majesty, they are bound to pretend to obey but secretly disobey. I still have some connections back then, so I will go and say something, at least let the Military Equipment Bureau speak up..."
Once the Military Affairs Bureau opens its mouth to confront Jiang Qingzhi, the situation will instantly turn towards Lu Song.
Lu Song didn't expect Liao Chen to still have such influence, and couldn't help but feel a little happy, "In this case, Jiang Qingzhi can't sit still anymore."
"There is no time to lose. I will leave now."
Liao Chen stood up and left, and Lu Ping came in. "Uncle, this guy seems a little impatient!"
“That’s not a bad thing.”
"Yeah! Jiang Qingzhi might be in trouble."
Afterwards, news came from the Armoury Bureau that a manager and an old craftsman had announced that the Armoury Bureau was the best in the world in making firearms, and that the craftsmen who had lost to Jiang Qingzhi in the Ministry of Works were all latecomers, and the firearms they made were unusable.
Later, someone broke the news that Huben Zuowei had received firearms made by the Mohist school, which were said to have many problems.
Liao was paying close attention to this matter. After hearing the news, he said proudly, "Jiang Qingzhi said that he wanted to transform the Armory Bureau. Now it would be right for him to first transform the Mohist Workshop."
Xin'an Lane Earl's Mansion.
Everyone gathered in the study.
"The time is almost right." Jiang Qingzhi presided over the meeting. "When will the Armory Bureau send firearms to the Beijing Guard next time?"
Hu Zongxian said, "The day after tomorrow."
"What about the Mohist workshop?" Jiang Qingzhi asked.
Hu Zongxian was responsible for collecting this information. "Tomorrow."
"Leave it for the day after tomorrow!"
Jiang Qingzhi shook off the cigarette ash, with a familiar look of disdain in his eyes, "Let's see tomorrow!"
(End of this chapter)
