Today, Zhang Potian invited Chang'an magnates to re-appoint, but the place was not in Zhang Potian's own mansion, but in Zhang Ruohao's old mansion, since Zhang Ruohao's death, his concubines have been dismissed, and the mansion has been empty, but since last month, Zhang Potian began to order people to clean up, half a month ago, Zhang Can, who came from Longyou, and dozens of other Zhang family children moved in.

The mansion is located in Chongrenfang, it is a mansion that the Zhang family bought with 50,000 yuan ten years ago, covering an area of hundreds of acres, and it is also one of the best in Chongrenfang, early in the morning, the people in the square were awakened by the sound of firecrackers, almost everyone knows that today is the day of the reconstruction of the Zhang family.

Zhang Huan's carriage drove into Chongrenfang under the escort of hundreds of cavalry, the carriage was very large, owned by Zhang Huan's family, the interior of the carriage was upholstered in brocade, covered with Persian carpets, there were exquisite small tables and soft couches, and even a small makeup cabinet, copper mirrors and ornaments were readily available, as if it was a moving room.

In addition to Zhang Huan and Cui Ning in the car, two personal maids Mingyue and Mingzhu also sat in the car.

"Huanlang, can you see if my hair is messed up in the back?" Cui Ning was holding a bronze mirror in her hand, and she had been looking at her temples left and right, when she got into the car just now, her hair touched the car door, and she always felt that her hair behind her was messy.

"It's neat! Not a single hair was scattered. Zhang Huan saw that her snow-white neck still hung the jade pendant he gave her back then, and a sweet feeling poured into his heart, he glanced at the two maids behind him with the corner of his eye, and saw that they were pointing to the scenery outside the window and whispering, so he hugged Cui Ning's waist and whispered to her and smiled: "After lunch, let's go to the cave in Leyouyuan to have a look." ”

Cui Ning quietly held Zhang Huan's hand, glanced at him coquettishly and charmingly, and complained to him as if she was a little coquettish: "I thought you had forgotten a long time ago?" ”

"How could you forget?" Zhang Huan smiled and said: "I have a knife that I still lost in the river, and I have been thinking about it, and I will go to fish and fish it later." ”

"Dead guy! What the hell are you forgetting? Cui Ning raised his pink fist and punched him twice in the shoulder.

"Madame, your bun is a little loose." The little maid is sharp-eyed. I saw a strand of hair behind Cui Ning spread out. She immediately shouted in confusion.

"Really?" Cui Ning panicked, she hurriedly picked up the bronze mirror and looked at it carefully, "Mingyue, you be careful, you can help me get it right." ”

Zhang Huan saw that women had a lot to do, so he couldn't help but smile and shook his head. Lift the corner of the curtain and look out, at this time the carriage has entered Chongrenfang, the sun is shining outside, and people are coming and going on the street. It seems to be very lively, and there are many carriages that are also rushing to Zhang's mansion like them, and the attendants of the guards are as few as dozens or as many as hundreds, but he is the only one who uses the army to escort them.

At this moment a carriage attracted his attention, about five feet away from him, guarded by more than two dozen attendants, and the curtain was opened a crack. The people inside were peeking at him, and they couldn't see the faces of the people. The gaze was complicated, it seemed to be a woman's eyes, and these eyes felt unusually familiar to him, as if he had seen them before?

The person on the other side and Zhang Huan touched their eyes, and the curtain of the carriage was immediately lowered, and the carriage also sped up and went away before him. Zhang Huan groaned. Then he instructed a soldier: "Go and inquire who is in the carriage ahead?" ”

After a while, the soldiers went up and asked to report back: "Governor." The other party refused to say everything, only said that they came from Taiyuan. ”

"Taiyuan?" Zhang Huan realized, he already knew who was in this carriage.

The front of Zhang's mansion is already very lively, hundreds of carriages are neatly parked on the street, most of the guards have left, despite this, the whole street is still blocked by traffic, and even Jing Zhaoyin has used nearly a hundred officials to maintain order, standing in front of the steps to greet the guests is Zhang Potian and his eldest son Zhang Yun, Zhang Yun has been promoted to Changsha County at the beginning of the year, at the end of the year back to Beijing to visit relatives, just in time for his father to re-enter the officialdom.

Zhang Huan came to participate in today's banquet, and had communicated with Zhang Potian in advance, and told him that he would not participate in today's completion of the Zhang Family Sect and the subsequent sacrifice, and promised him that he would make up the sacrifice afterwards.

At this moment, in front of Zhang Potian's house, gathered many children of ministers of the DPRK and China, exchanging news of this gathering in twos and threes, this time Zhang Potian invited Chang'an magnates, of course, to expand the influence of the reconstruction of the Zhang family, but this is also the largest social event in Chang'an before the New Year, which has a huge attraction for these young officials and eunuchs, and this will be a good opportunity for them to find a great opportunity to enter the ladder

"Do you know that Pei Shilang of the Ministry of Officials has arrived, and he has also accepted my name thorn." A young man said triumphantly.

"Whew!" He sneered, and a fat man next to him said disdainfully: "What's the use of accepting your famous thorn, the alternate officer of the Ministry of Officials has been arranged until five years later, instead of looking for the Ministry of Officials, it is better to try your luck in the local area." ”

"Aren't local officials also appointed by the ministry?"

"I see that you are stupid to read, do you think it is still the prosperous era of Kaiyuan?"

"Qin Gongzi is not stupid to read." Another young man covered his mouth and said with a smile: "His real mind is on Miss Ruyan of Pei Shilang's family, he is a drunkard, not in wine." ”

"You are presumptuous! Miss Ruyan's name is Can you call the earth? ”

"No ambition!" The disdain in the fat man's eyes became even stronger, and he pouted: "Let me tell you, I will go to take the Longyou Academy exam after the New Year, my father can know Zhang Huan, and when the time comes, he may be able to go to Shuzhong as an official." ”

Hundreds of cavalry guarded the carriage slowly stopped in front of Zhang's mansion, immediately caused a slight attention on the street, at present, the entire Chang'an uses cavalry as an attendant, except for the right minister Pei Jun, the rest are several local warlords, many young people thought that Pei Xiangguo had arrived, and they were ready to come forward to salute.

Zhang Huan got out of the carriage and helped Cui Ning out of the car, Zhang Potian greeted him with a smile, "I thought my nephew couldn't come, I'm worried!" The virtuous nephew arrived. ”

He bowed to Cui Ning again, and said with a slight smile: "Congratulations to Miss Cui." ”

Cui Ning pursed his lips and smiled, "See Fourth Uncle Zhang." ”

"I can't afford it! Can't afford it! Zhang Huan's arrival made Zhang Potian feel very good, and he hurriedly asked his wife to lead Cui Ning to the backyard to rest for a while. He personally took Zhang Huan into the door.

"Wang Yanluo is also here." Zhang Potian took advantage of people's inattention. whispered to Zhang Huan.

Zhang Huan nodded to the person and said with a smile: "I have already met on the road, is Zhang Xuan here?" ”

"No, just Wang Yanluo came alone, I don't think she is as simple as celebrating her birthday."

The two of them came to the front yard of the lobby, which was full of groups of officials, each gathered in one place to chat. Zhang Potian handed Zhang Huan's post to the emcee, and the emcee immediately reported loudly: "The king of Zhangye County, Longyou, the envoy of Hexi Jiedu, and Zhang Shangshu of the military department have arrived." ”

This report attracted countless eyes, and they swept towards Zhang Huan in unison: sneering, or gratifying, hateful, or appreciative, and so on. There was silence in the courtyard, and various expressions were intertwined, forming a complex map of the world.

"We're betting that Zhang Shangshu won't come today, I didn't expect it to come, but now I'm losing." Lu Qi, the waiter of the household department, brought the two of them and greeted them with a smile.

"Virtuous nephew take care of himself! I won't accompany you. Zhang Potian achieved his goal, he patted Zhang Huan's shoulder proudly, nodded to Lu Qi and the others, and went straight away.

Zhang Huan bowed to Lu Qi and smiled: "Today is the reopening of Zhang's Mansion, how can I not come?" Ha ha! Lu Shilang will be fined three glasses of wine later. ”

"Deserve the punishment! Penalties! Lu Qi stepped forward with a smile. He pointed to the two behind him and introduced to Zhang Huan: "Shang Shu has been in Longyou for a long time, and he may not be familiar with the situation in the court. Let me introduce Shangshu to you, these two are the gods of wealth of our Tang Dynasty. ”

He pointed to a tall and thin man in his forties and said with a smile: "This is Yang Yan, the salt and iron supervisor in charge of the salt tax." ”

Yang Yan was originally Cui Dang, the official worshiped Taifu Siqing, rich experience in financial management, after the fall of Cui Yuan, he was demoted to the left counselor, because Cui Qinggong cut off the Cao Yun, so that the Jianghuai tax could not be transported to Chang'an. Pei Jun was helpless. I had to reuse him as the Salt and Iron Supervisor, hoping that he could solve this problem. Yang Yan immediately put forward a plan, suggesting that Cao Yun change to the Yangtze River, take the Han River to Xiangyang and then transfer the Danshui into the customs, because the Danshui must be re-dredged the river, not to mention it will take two or three years, so Yang Yan put forward a temporary plan, the ship directly into Bashu, by Zhang Huan to adjust, that is to say, the tax in Bashu into the warehouse, and then Zhang Huan directly from Longyou to Chang'an to allocate the corresponding money, but in this way, it is a bit unconventional, it needs Zhang Huan to cooperate vigorously.

Yang Yan immediately stepped forward to give Zhang Huanshen a salute, "I invited Zhang Shangshu to dinner many years ago, and later canceled the invitation, so I am ashamed!" ”

Yang Yan was referring to the fact that Zhang Huan was appointed as the commander of the Yulin Army by the former Emperor Li six years ago, and later Zhang Huan was dismissed by the Empress Dowager, so he canceled the invitation, and he has been haunted by this matter for all these years.

Zhang Huan saw that he confessed cutely, and he felt good in his heart, and hurriedly returned the salute with a smile: "You might as well, one day Yang Yuanjun will invite me again, won't you settle the matter?" ”

Yang Yan was overjoyed, "Definitely!" Certain! ”

At this time, another person next to him stepped forward and saluted Zhang Huanshen and said: "In the Lower Taifu Temple, if there is no Zhang Shangshu's food, I am afraid that I have been beaten to death by the Chinese people at this time, so I am very grateful and ask Zhang Shangshu to accept my salute." ”

"Don't dare! Since he is the secretary of the Ministry of War, Zhang Huan should contribute to the country. Speaking of this, Zhang Huan smiled again and said, "Speaking of which, I still want to ask Fang Envoy Jun privately, when will my materials be sent?" The family is so poor that they can't open the pot. ”

The three of them laughed in unison when they heard him say something funny.

"What's funny about you, would you like to share it with you?" The voice came from the steps, everyone turned around together, but saw Wang Ang walking out of the lobby with a smile on his face, he had been talking to Wei Ge in the lobby, and he thought that the lobby was stuffy and came out to breathe, just to see a few people looking up to the sky and laughing.

Walking down the steps, he saw Zhang Huan with cold eyes at a glance, Wang Ang's smile disappeared without a trace in an instant, and his face immediately sank, he got the news yesterday that Zhang Huan's army occupied Baling County and Changsha County, and drove his garrison across the Yangtze River.

If the previous jealousy of Zhang Huan only came from long-term disgust, then he is no longer as simple as jealousy, Zhang Huan has invaded his sphere of influence and upgraded to his enemy.

In fact, Xiangyang, controlled by the Wang family, was already under enemy control on all sides, and Zhu controlled Hanzhong in the northwest, and its tentacles had reached Shangyong; To the east is the new warlord Lee Hee-yeol, who is relatively low-key at the moment. But he's a growing jackal; And due west. Zhang Huan's army has been stationed in Sister Gui, which is connected to the mountains and rivers of Yiling County, and now Zhang Huandi's army has suddenly appeared in the Dongting Lake basin, how can Wang Ang not be able to sleep and eat.

Wang Ang didn't expect that he would meet Zhang Huan in this situation, his face was as cold as ice, and his hateful eyes stared at Zhang Huan for a long time before he snorted heavily. I turned around and went back to the lobby.

"Wang Shangshu is this yin and yang temper, Zhang Shangshu must not take it to heart." Seeing that the atmosphere was awkward, Lu Qi laughed dryly and said to a few people: "It's cold outside." I couldn't stay long, so I went in first. ”

"I'll go in too." Fang Zongyan, the Qing of Taifu Temple, also smiled, and asked Zhang Huan again: "Why don't Zhang Shangshu go and have a cup of hot tea together?" ”

"No!" At this time, Zhang Huan suddenly caught a glimpse of Mrs. Wang in the courtyard next door, standing alone under a plum tree to enjoy the flowers, but the corner of her eye seemed to be looking at herself. "Go in first! I walked around casually and got nostalgic. ”

Lu Qi and Fang Zongyan understood his nostalgia, so they smiled and bowed their hands to him, and went to the lobby first, but Yang Yan hesitated, lowered his voice and said to Zhang Huan: "Zhang Shangshu is free tomorrow night?" I'd like to invite Shangshu to my house for a light meal. ”

Zhang Huan happily nodded in agreement. "Since Yang Yuanjun opened his mouth to invite, how dare Zhang Huan disobey. Arrive tomorrow night. ”

Yang Yan saw that Zhang Huan agreed, he didn't say anything anymore, hugged his fists, and hurried away.

At this time, the master of ceremonies made another long report: "Zongzheng Siqing, His Royal Highness King Luo has arrived!" Li Tong, the king of Nanyang County and the general of Jin Wuwei, has arrived! ”

Zhang Huan saw that everyone's attention was attracted by the two heavyweights, so he walked through the moon gate with his hands behind his back and slowly walked in front of Mrs. Wang. He bowed to him and said, "Madam." Don't come unharmed? ”

Madame Wang looked at him with a complicated look in her eyes. After a long time, she sighed softly and said, "Eighteen Lang, if the head of the family is still alive, he will be very happy for you." ”

Zhang Huan shook his head, "If the head of the family is still alive, I think he may not be happy, he may still be disappointed, he may not want to see a warlord who divides one side." ”

"Warlord?" Mrs. Wang sneered and said, "Who has done great things since ancient times, which one does not hold the power of the army?" Which is not a honey-bellied sword? has no strength, no wrists, can only be slaughtered, can only make wedding dresses for others, Eighteen Lang, can you get to where you are today, is it because of the gentleman's frank wind? ”

Zhang Huan didn't want to talk about it more, so he smiled and asked, "Why didn't Zhang Xuan come?" On the contrary, it made the wife tired for thousands of miles. ”

When it comes to her son, Mrs. Wang's eyes were gloomy, that is a person who can't afford to support Adou, has money in his hands, and indulges in lust and lust all day long, how can he have the demeanor of the head of the family, today Chang'an Zhang's family is rebuilt, it won't be long before the children of the Zhang family in Hedong will all return to the south, what use does Pei Jun want them to do at that time?

Mrs. Wang seems to have seen the miserable life in the future, does she want her to spend the night copying scriptures and washing clothes?

No! She didn't want to go back to that miserable day, and after a moment of silence, Mrs. Wang said in a low voice: "I'm not actually here to participate in any Zhang family's celebration, I came to Beijing this time specifically to find you, I know a Wang family secret, and I want to exchange a condition with you." ”

"Do you have any letter in Madame's hand?" Zhang Huan smiled coldly and said, "I'm sorry, the secret of the Wang family, I'm not interested." ”

With that, he bowed, turned and walked away.

"Eighteen Lang! You stop. ”

Mrs. Wang bit her lip tightly, she tried to restrain her emotions, and said in a trembling voice: "Then take it as if I beg you, I know that there are many places that are sorry for you in the past, and you must hate me in your heart and despise me very much, but, but my Diye'er has never done anything evil, please help him stay in the only flesh and blood in the world for the sake of the head of the family." ”

Zhang Huan slowly turned around, looked at her coldly and said, "You finally admit that Zhang Xuan is not the son of the head of the family." ”

Mrs. Wang shook her head painfully, "I was just a pawn of the Wang family back then, I never couldn't help myself, Zhang Xuan is hopeless, I don't care what happens to him, but Ye'er wants to study and want to participate in the imperial examination, he has been off the list for two years, and I, the mother, can't help him, Eighteen Lang, please give him a future for the sake of the head of the family, please!" ”

"Madame Wang! I just hope you understand that you don't want to trade everything in the future. Zhang Huan said lightly with his hands behind his back: "I once told you before that Zhang Ye can join the army in my Longyou, and now this promise is still valid, as for Madame, I will give you a decent life, and I will not let you copy scriptures for others for a living." ”

After that, Zhang Huan didn't look back, and strode away, Mrs. Wang stared at his back blankly, a hundred tastes poured into her heart, and her mood was difficult to calm down for a long time.