Section X

"Mr. Zhou is actually your teacher?"

In the small garden surrounded by a fence, Wu Ming and Shang Yukun sat opposite each other. He looked at Shang Yukun with a face full of surprise: "And he is also the dean of Chengzhou Dazheng Academy?" ”

Shang Yukun nodded and said, "Exactly!" ”

Wu Ming sighed: "Mr. Zhou's name is like thunder, but it's a pity that he has always been on the same side. When Mr. Tang never passed away, he was full of praise whenever he mentioned it, but I didn't expect to still teach in China and the West. ”

The weather is fine, although it is winter, but the afternoon sun is still a little hot, and the sun is warm on the body. There was also a desk next to the two of them, and a small stove was placed on it, and the fire on the stove was blazing. Not far away, the whole family came out to breathe. He Yi sat on the Huskin chair with a big belly, and taught Esther to thread the needle and thread with her hands. A little farther away, Zhu Yuqing took the book, looked at Wu Siting anxiously, and pointed at the book, not knowing what he was talking about. The latter was probably stumped, so anxious that he scratched his ears and cheeks, and glanced at He Yi pitifully.

Wu Ming smiled secretly in his heart. The ruler is short, the inch is long, Xiaoqing has learned a lot of things, and his views are wide, even if he is compared with Zhou Zihong and other great Confucians, it is not necessarily weak. However, when it comes to teaching and educating people, the gap between the two is so big that it cannot be reasoned. After all, they have received systematic education and are full of experience in preaching and teaching. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but say to Shang Yukun: "Brother Shang, Mr. Zhou is erudite and talented, and he has a very high reputation in Shilin, but he is far away in Chengzhou, if he sends his children to school, is it far away?" ”

The results of the imperial examination of the imperial court, Wu Ming did not know. However, Taisho College is one of the few private academies in China and the West, and it is difficult for him, the governor of China and the West, to know it.

Shang Yukun shook his head and sighed, "If it had been placed in the past, the subordinates would definitely not have introduced teachers to the governor." But this is not the same as it used to be......"

He was about to continue, when the curtain was lifted, and Xiaohui, dressed in a white middle coat and a cyan apron, walked out lightly. In her hand, she was still holding a clay pot the size of a human head. After getting Wu Ming's promise, her whole person was full of clear energy, and she also had a faint smile on her face, which was much more confident than before.

Xiaohui walked next to the two of them and saluted Wu Mingyu: "My lord." ”

Wu Ming nodded, and then beckoned to Shang Yukun: "It's really ashamed to call Brother Shang on a cold day, prepare a thin wine today, chat to relieve boredom, let's talk while drinking." ”

With Wu Ming's permission, Xiaohui put the clay pot that had been prepared long ago on the stove, then opened the jar, aimed at the clay pot, and poured the rice wine inside, and the air was suddenly filled with a thick sweet fragrance. Xiaohui added some boiling water to it again, and then bowed again: "My lord, you use it slowly." ”

Seeing that she slowly retreated and hired Tingting to go to the tent, Shang Yukun glanced around, and said suddenly: "The wind blows the willow flowers all over the store, and Wu Ji presses the wine to persuade the guests to taste." The Governor's seat is really elegant. ”

Shang Yukun is a talented person and very knowledgeable, which is the best portrayal of a romantic talent. Seeing the group of females around Wu Ming, but they got along very well, under the envy of his heart, he inevitably made a joke. Seeing that he suddenly became slender, Wu Ming smiled and said humorously: "Yan An's poison began with sweet wine and addiction, what is commendable ......about this?"

Shang Yukun shook his head, still playing a sharp edge: "Those who want to be clear and virtuous in the world will rule the country first; Those who want to rule their country must first gather their families. It can be seen that governing the country and the family is equally important, not as the governor said. ”

At this time, Esther cheered, took a sole, ran to Zhu Yuqing happily, jumped to her feet and shouted: "Sister Zhu, look at you, I will hook the needle." ”

Zhu Yuqing put down the book, took the sole of his shoe, looked at it over and over, and said with a smile: "Really?" It seems that Sister He is really good at teaching, much better than me. ”

Asther was dissatisfied, pouted, and said, "What, that's because I'm smart, okay?" ”

Taking advantage of Zhu Yuqing's inattention, Wu Siting took advantage of the gap to run in front of He Yi, threw himself into her arms, and said aggrievedly: "Mother, I just can't remember what my mother taught, isn't the child stupid?" I don't want to learn anymore. ”

He Yi touched his head and said with a gentle smile: "The eldest mother is amazing, more powerful than her mother." Our Siting is the best, seriously, you will be able to remember. ”

Seeing that Wu Siting mustered up his courage and ran to Zhu Yuqing to be taught, the two of them retracted their gazes at the same time, Shang Yukun said: "Governor, there is a sentence in the subordinates that is like a fish in the throat, and they don't vomit or feel unhappy." ”

The water is already warm, and as soon as it is heated slightly, the edge of the casserole will foam, and it will make a "sizzling" sound, and it will open after a while. Wu Mingti turned on the stove, used tongs to take out two pieces of charcoal on the noodles, made the fire smaller, and then grabbed the porcelain bowl on the table, filled a bowl of rice wine for Shang Yukun, and handed it to him: "Brother Shang, please have something to say." ”

Shang Yukun respectfully took it, carefully put the bowl of rice wine next to him, and said softly: "Several ladies have extraordinary backgrounds, which can be described as disadvantages. If it is handled well, the family and everything will be prosperous, which is a great help to the governor. Otherwise, the boost will become resistance. Can the Governor figure out how to rank the ladies? ”

What Shang Yukun meant, Wu Ming couldn't be clearer. No matter how many wives and concubines a man has, they are generally one wife, two equal wives, and the number of concubines is uncertain. Although the three wives are divided into sizes in the family, but it is a completely different matter to the outside world, if it is really like this, then it is time to wish Yuqing a righteous wife, He Yi and Esther as equal wives. If it is so divided, the prime minister's side naturally has no opinion. But according to the temper of He Xiaotian, the governor of the northwest, he was so afraid that he was like thunder. Although Persia did not pay attention to Emperor Xinglong, the relationship between the temple and them was good, and their feelings could not be ignored.

Wu Ming smiled and said, "Brother Shang, don't worry, I have already prepared for this." A few days ago, he passed a book to Yang Yi, the general of Nanning, and asked him to ask the court for a seal at the court meeting, so as to correct the status of several wives. ”

Is that so? Who is right and who is flat among those ladies? Shang Yukun was curious, so he continued to ask. But after thinking about it, I still couldn't help but say nothing. After all, this is the other party's family matter, as soon as you introduce your subordinates, you can stop at the point, if you chase and fight hard, no matter how benevolent this boss is, he will be unhappy. Then he continued the topic just now: "Taizheng Academy moved to the hospital, and a few days ago I received a letter from the teacher, saying that he would leave in the near future and move to Tingya. ”

Wu Ming was overjoyed and said, "Really? Does Brother Shang know when Mr. Zhou will arrive? When the time comes, I will meet you. ”

Taizheng Academy moved to Tingya, and Zhou Zihong, as the dean, naturally had to move with him. Wu Ming was worried just now that Chengzhou was too far away, and his son was too young, so it was not convenient to send it after all. But when Zhou Zihong arrived at the court, this problem has been solved.

Shang Yukun smiled and said: "It's probably just a few days, and the governor will be notified when the time comes, but the teacher has a strange personality, and he hasn't accepted apprentices for a long time, and whether he succeeds or not depends on whether he is happy or not." ”

Wu Ming also smiled: "This is natural." ”

Before he finished speaking, Wu Siting on the side let out a burst of cheers, clapped his hands and smiled: "'...... The people may come near, but they cannot go down. The people are only Bangben, and Bengu Bangning. 'Auntie, I carried it. ”

Zhu Yuqing smiled and said, "Siting is so powerful!" ”

This eldest lady is almost exactly the same as her mother, Wu Siting is born to love and be close, and he can be praised by him, he is sweeter than eating honey, and hurriedly ran to He Yi's side, and said as if offering a treasure: "Mother, I can endorse it." ”

He Yizheng chatted with Esther, and said with a smile: "Yes, Siting is smart, do you know what this sentence means?" ”

Wu Siting raised his head, his face full of confusion: "The child doesn't know." ”

He Yi put down the needle and thread in his hand, pointed to the distance with his finger, and taught according to his aptitude: "The meaning of this sentence says." Xiao Siting, Daddy, Mother, and Auntie Sanniang and other people make up this society, everyone is good, this society is really good. ”

"Oh." Wu Siting nodded, still as if he understood or not, scratching his head and muttering: "Everyone is good, this society is really good......"

※※※ "I'm afraid Mr. Zhou won't be able to come." ”

The Queen Mother was stunned and said, "Can't come?" What do you mean by that? ”

Tang Xuan coughed again and took a breath before saying, "A few days ago, a student sent a letter saying that the relocation of Taizheng College has shifted from Chengzhou to Tingya, the capital of Qingting Province. ”

The Queen Mother said: "Turn to Qingting? Isn't Chengzhou good? Why move? ”

"It's not good at all, the relocation of Taisho College is also related to Niangniang." Seeing that the Queen Mother was still unknown, Tang Xuan no longer sold Guanzi, and said directly: "Mr. Zhou has a proud disciple named Shang Yukun, who is not only very knowledgeable, but also the master of the largest merchant in China and the West. After the Governor of Wu occupied Chengzhou, he had a conflict with the Prime Minister's Zuo Ying, and the imperial court took over the heart of Chengzhou. ”

"Of course, I haven't forgotten this." The Queen Mother nodded and said: "Later, my brother was reappointed as the squire of the Ministry of Officials, and recommended his subordinate Huaiying to take over as the provincial governor, and Chengzhou was officially in my hands, is there any problem?" ”

"Ahem, ahem."

With these two coughs, Tang Xuan swallowed back the words that had reached his mouth. The undercurrent of officialdom is turbulent, it is a turbulent and turbid river, and there are countless intrigues and deceit every day. If you want to survive in this big river, you can only be forced to smooth the sharp horns on your head and lie in it harmlessly like a pebble in order to survive forever. In the past four years, Tang Xuan has worked hard in the office of the household servant, and the years have smoothed out his youthful grandeur and become much more sleek. He is no longer the upright Tang Tiezui, but the backbone of the Queen Mother's faction, the old and sophisticated Tang Shilang.

Huai Ying is a human being, as greedy as Tao Ziqian, and has a lot of evil deeds in Chengzhou, which makes him complain, but he can't hide it from him. Because his immediate boss is Tao Ziqian, the two have similar interests, and they lived and died together during the southern expedition of the empire, and the relationship is extraordinary. Speaking ill of him is equivalent to slapping Tao Ziqian in the face, Tao Ziqian is the queen mother's biological brother and confidant among his henchmen. Unless you change to prime minister, otherwise, you can't make enemies lightly and make enemies for nothing.

"There's nothing wrong with that." Tang Xuan thought for a while and said: "But before the occupation of Zhongxi, the prime minister promised the merchants in the name of the imperial court that they would give the merchants enough autonomy, but after the occupation of Zhongxi, most of these things could not be realized. Then, Lord Huai was in charge, and Ma Xianlin was the commander of the former forbidden army. General Ma's character, I know better than me like a mother, lazy but greedy, so when he presided over the military affairs of Chengzhou, he had a very unpleasant quarrel with Mr. Zhou, and embarrassed the Taizheng Academy several times. Later, Shang Yukun switched to Wu Ming, and the entire merchant migrated to Tingya. Mr. Zhou was forced to have no choice but to move to the court. ”

Although Ma Xianlin also has some evil deeds, he is far less powerful than Huaiying. The real situation is that Huaiying acted perversely, which aroused Zhou Zihong's resentment, and there was a bit of conflict between the two, although Taizheng College has some reputation in Chengzhou, but after all, it is only a private college, so can it fight with the officials? In the end, it will definitely suffer. Zhou Zihong was angry, so he wrote to Shang Yukun, asking to move out of Chengzhou and come out of sight.

Seeing that the Queen Mother was silent, but her face was frighteningly cold, Tang Xuan swallowed his saliva and continued: "This time the academy has opened martial arts, and only eight people have passed the guò academy exam, because it is ......"

Before he finished speaking, the Queen Mother sneered: "I don't care about a few people, but the champion of martial arts is Zhu Xiaolong, Tang Qing, how do you say this?" ”

Tang Xuan stubbornly said: "It's not that Weichen is favoritism, but I wish Xiaolong both civil and military cultivation, he is indeed a rare talent, the so-called external move does not avoid hatred, and internal action does not avoid relatives......

The Queen Mother interrupted Tang Xuan's words again, her voice was louder than just now, almost roaring: "Zhu family, Zhu family." It's the prime minister again, the old immortal. Her heart was full of anger, and she said with a pale face: "Do you really think that I Tao Yu is a bully?" Annoyed the main palace, hummed......"

The Queen Mother has come up with a lot of means in the past few years, and she has cultivated a group of henchmen, but in the face of the prime minister's assassination a few years ago, the defense is still as fragile and ridiculous as paper paste. After learning from the pain, she has made more hollow out of her mind to counteract, and has made great progress recently, and she also has a killer weapon for the prime minister, so she dares to make such a bold statement.

Tang Xuan was silent, as the Queen Mother's confidant, he naturally knew what the Queen Mother's killer weapon was. If it is really used, it is very likely that the prime minister will be in trouble, but although he belongs to the queen mother's faction, he does not want the two to merge. The prime minister is too powerful, even if he can really defeat him, the impact on the court is too great, and if it is not good, it will fall apart.

He didn't speak, but it didn't mean that other birds didn't speak, and the red-billed parrot saw the queen mother's voice very loud, thinking that it was teaching it to learn to speak, and hurriedly followed: "Prime Minister, this old immortal, Prime Minister, this old immortal ......."

The Queen Mother smiled, and her voice was as crisp as ice: "Yes, that's right, the prime minister is immortal." ”

With her smile, the whole world lit up, and the winter rain seemed to have a hint of spring. Tang Xuan was no longer confused, but his heart was still fluttering, and he hurriedly lowered his head. Before the Eastern Han Dynasty was divided, the Queen Mother's father was Prime Minister Tao Ren, and his father was the Taixue Pavilion sacrificial wine. The two families belong to the same camp, so they are also diligent, and he and the Queen Mother know each other like this. In my memory, when did this laughter happen, it's very far away......

It was almost September, and in the pond in the backyard of the University Pavilion, lotus flowers were blooming, lotus exhibitions were like umbrellas, and crisp laughter was scattered all over the audience. An eight- or nine-year-old girl jumped up, lifted her trouser legs and went to pick lotus. The water splashed everywhere, and the delicate feet sank in the water, like two looming pieces of beautiful jade.

That year, Tang Xuan was nineteen years old, and he looked at it with a smile on the side, and once sighed at the miracle of God, he gave birth to such a beautiful woman, like a happy elf. Just as he was sighing, the little girl cried, and his heart ached, so he walked over and said, "What's wrong?" ”

The little girl whined and cried, tears welled up in her eyes, and she rose from the water with her hands in her hands. In her hand, she held a frog the size of her fingers, and the frog's head was drooping to the side, moving from time to time, and she saw that it was not alive. The little girl said softly, "I accidentally stepped on it." ”

"Dead is dead, bury it."

So by the small pond, there was a fist-sized tomb, and the sun was setting, and the wind was warm. The little girl stood there speechless.

"Brother Tang, what are you going to do in the future?"

"I, inherit my father's business, teach and educate people."

"By the way, what about you?"

The little girl said, "I want to be a doctor and help the world." ”

"Why?"

The little girl glanced at the little tomb: "So that the frog will not die, it is so pitiful." ”

……

"Mother, mother."

The cry of the little emperor pulled Tang Xuan to reality, he quickly suppressed the sourness in his eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the queen mother had recovered her usual indifference, and the shadow of innocence just now was like snow melting silently, and the wind passed without a trace. The Queen Mother had a cold face and reprimanded Emperor Han Fu: "Concentrate on studying, don't be half-hearted." ”

Xiao Tianzi glanced at the Queen Mother and said cautiously: "Queen Mother, in fact, you really look good when you smile, and Erchen likes to see you smile......"

The Queen Mother was stunned, suddenly sighed, curled up in the chair, and waved her hand to Tang Xuan happily: "Tang Qing, there are two days before the Great Court Meeting, it's okay, you can go down first, the palace is also a little tired, I want to rest early." ”

Tang Xuan stood up and bowed: "Yes, the minister retired first." ”

When I walked out of the imperial palace, it was already late, and it was already dark. But the rain was still falling finely and densely, hitting the face, cold, with a little pinprick pain. The wind roared, and the sky was covered with lead clouds.

The rain kept going on and on, and the weather was cold day by day, and one day, it would snow.

He thought.