pondered all the way, and unconsciously the carriage stopped in front of the governor's yamen. The Yamen of the Governor of Liangjiang is a mansion confiscated after the exile of the convict, although it is not luxurious, but it is also magnificent. The former commander who lived here was a salt official. Don't look at the official position of the official who manages the salt affairs is not very prominent, but the power in his hands is definitely a cash cow, it can be seen that the salt officials are familiar with the fat difference, so it can be imagined what the state of the mansion of the salt official who committed the crime is.

Deng Zixuan got out of the carriage and announced his name in front of the door. After a few minutes or so, he was told that he could enter, and although the front of the door looked luxurious, the furnishings in the Doge's Palace were very simple. The residence is like his person, and Zuo Zongtang's living state can be completely seen through the appearance, which shows that he is a simple person. Deng Zixuan was taken into the backyard and into the private domain of the Governor, which demonstrated the hospitality of Lord Zuo. Characters like Zuo Zongtang met guests in the back hall, indicating that the guests may be their favorite subordinates or distinguished guests.

A subordinate in the mansion personally brought Deng Zixuan to the door, and the subordinate made a report. The door opened, and Hu Xueyan's figure appeared, "Brother Zixuan is here, Lord Zuo has already placed the wine and food and is waiting!" Hu Xueyan's meaning is very clear, Lord Zuo is a warm invitation. Deng Zixuan naturally understood what he meant, and nodded with a smile. Entering the living room, I saw Zuo Zongtang sitting at the dining table with a smile on his face. There are a few cold cuts on the table.

"The grass people meet Lord Zuo!" Deng Zixuan bowed slightly. "My lord, this is Deng Zixuan!" Hu Xueyan introduced. "I didn't expect Deng Gongzi to be so young, Brother Xueyan, this is yours, come on, come on! Deng Gongzi, please take a seat! Zuo Zongtang didn't get up, but there was an excited expression in his eyes. The good intentions of the left adults, the grass people deserve it! Deng Zixuan saw a Nature Story journal on the table against the wall, and knew that his judgment was not wrong.

"Deng Gongzi's expression is calm and calm, he seems to be calmer than his actual age, no wonder Brother Xueyan praises you, I haven't heard him praise people for so many years, Deng Gongzi, you are the first!" Zuo Zongtang still greeted him with a smile, and his eyes were still sharp. Deng Zixuan couldn't help but secretly admire in his heart, if he wasn't the one who crossed over, I was afraid that when he saw the penetrating gaze in front of him, he would probably be left without a master. It seems that you must be careful when you speak.

"Lord Zuo, I know you don't want to listen to flattery in person, but when I see Lord Zuo today, I still can't control it. Lord Zuo is the minister of Zhongxing in today's Qing Dynasty, and his far-sightedness and insight into everything are so amazing. The Mawei shipyard you run has blossomed and borne fruit, and your Excellency personally led the troops to the bloody northwest, recovering the territory and returning our rivers and mountains, and its military exploits will surely shine for a thousand years. It is a great honor to listen to the teachings of adults today! "Anyone can say it, but when it comes out of Deng Zixuan's mouth, anyone who hears it will be comfortable.

“haha！ Deng Gongzi is really good at talking, although I don't like to be flattered in person. But Deng Gongzi's words sounded comfortable and refreshing. As the saying goes: you can't use more delicious food, and if you use too much, it won't be the original taste. Just now your words, can be associated with the Westernization Movement, can see the Northwest Strategy, the old man is a little shocked, it seems that Deng Gongzi is by no means an idle person! Zuo Zongtang said a little lightly, but Deng Zixuan felt aggressive.

"My lord! The grass people are proficient in foreign languages, and there are some things that I have heard from foreigners, so I talk nonsense! "Ao, no wonder Deng Gongzi spoke amazingly, I see. I heard Xue Yan say that Deng Gongzi is also a rich party, I didn't expect you to be young and extraordinary! Zuo Zongtang questioned. Deng Zixuan's heart was shocked, it was difficult for Hu Xueyan to reveal all the secrets, and Hu Xueyan's expression didn't seem to look like it. Hu Xueyan is a businessman, and a businessman means respecting the rules of a businessman. The relationship between him and Zuo Zongtang is a certain relationship of interest, and it is impossible for Hu Xueyan to tell everything. For so many years, Zuo Zongtang has not paid attention to himself, which is the most haode proof.

Thinking of this, Deng Zixuan said lightly: "My lord, the grass people have a bit of a peculiar idea. When I heard that Brother Hu was a business wizard, I took the initiative to stammer, so I have the wealth I have today, which is a bit dirty to say, my purpose is to lean against the big tree to enjoy the shade! "My lord, this is true, in order to appease me, this kid gave me a pair of blue and white porcelain vases of the Song Dynasty, worth more than 100,000 taels of silver. This kid is a big deal as soon as he makes a move, and frankly I can't do it. His business acumen is not below me! Hu Xueyan understood the meaning, but stopped in moderation.

"It's a good one to have your back against a big tree. This alone shows that Deng Gongzi's vision is sharp and he knows how to use the invisible shili to make a fuss. I heard that Deng Gongzi set up a Tongren Academy, but I didn't expect Deng Gongzi to have this kind of Yaxing! Hearing about Tongren Academy, Deng Zixuan was relieved. After three rounds of drinking, Zuo Zongtang's face was a little red, but his thinking was still clear, still logical and meticulous, and he felt pressure for the first time: "My lord, I can't hide it, I am a sour talent, I am very sympathetic to literati and artists, and I also have a scholarly plot." ”

Zuo Zongtang said with a smile: "If Deng Gongzi didn't have ideas, Tongren Academy would not be able to run it so well." In addition, the publications published by the academy are superb, and at present, there has not been a publication in the Qing Dynasty that introduces Western countries in detail, so Deng Gongzi must be a person with a heart. "My lord, the grass people have lived in the concession since childhood, and they have never felt good when they see foreigners showing off their power in the land of the Qing Dynasty. When I grew up, I heard that foreigners insulted us, and the strong ships and cannons of foreigners were unscrupulous and showed off their might on the coastline. More than 30 years ago, the British used force to bring us to our knees, and more than 10 years ago, the British and French troops captured the capital with a few thousand people. ”

"That's right, what do you think, Gongzi Deng?" Zuo Zongtang's face was expressionless. Deng Zixuan thought about it for a moment and received: "My lord, since the grass people have a hazy consciousness, they have thought of learning foreign languages. As the saying goes, knowing oneself and knowing one's opponent will not be defeated in a hundred battles, foreigners have become so powerful, foreigners are thousands of miles away, dozens of warships, and thousands of people can make our 40,000,000 compatriots bow down. In order to figure this out, I had to learn foreign languages. Learn about the situation in Western countries. ”

Deng Zixuan must make a fuss about foreigners, so Zuo Zongtang will not doubt it. "Did you figure it out? What is the reason? Zuo Zongtang continued to ask. Adults, the grass people are shallow and courageous to tell a thing or two. The reason why foreigners are strong is that modern science has created Jishu, and at present, Western countries have entered the era of industrial steam. When I had an in-depth understanding of the situation in Western countries, I realized that the dignified Chinese nation was outdated. Human history itself is a history of the jungle, and the law of the jungle is soaked in the marrow of human beings. Fortunately, there were Zuo people, Li Daren, Shen people, Zhang people, etc., who saw the shortcomings of the Qing Dynasty, vigorously promoted the Westernization movement, and humbly learned from Western countries. Only by lying on the salary and tasting courage and cultivating obscurity, can the Qing Dynasty move towards the road of rejuvenation. But. ”

Deng Zixuan stopped to observe Zuo Zongtang's expression and found that Zuo Zongtang had been deeply attracted. "Taoguang is obscure! Very incisive. But what? "Zuo Zongtang's interest has increased greatly." My lord, if you want to change the backward appearance of the Qing Kingdom. It is not enough to just run a few factories, the key is to change the way of thinking, so that the scientific ideas of Western countries are closely integrated with Chinese culture. Foreign science is used in China, secondary school is the foundation, and a large number of modern scientific talents can be cultivated. ”

Zuo Zongtang didn't want to do this, but he couldn't control the court. Zuo Zongtang nodded and said, "I understand, this is the purpose of your Tongren Academy and the publication of Nature Story!" "Yes, the grass people also want to do their best to see Zuo Daren and others promoting the Westernization Movement. Therefore, Caomin ran the Tongren Academy, published nature stories, and took the opportunity to introduce the situation of Western countries. In addition, I have strengths in this regard, and I can be regarded as waving the flag for the Westernization Movement advocated by Mr. Zuo and others! ”

"I can be regarded as a master of Deng Gongzi's talent, young people have such thoughts, which is very rare in the Qing Dynasty. Does Deng Gongzi want to join the company and do things by my side? "Zuo Zongtang loves money and fully believes Deng Zixuan's statement." Adults, grass people are presumptuous. If the adults need the grass people to do something temporarily, the grass people will be smeared with liver and brain, but the grass people are used to freedom and do not want to be restricted. The adults love the grass and the people are terrified! Deng Zixuan showed his heart.

“haha！ Deng Gongzi is really unruly. You were the first to reject me, and that's commendable. Since Deng Gongzi had no intention, the old man did not force it. Everyone has their own aspirations, please do your own thing. The Nature Story of Tongren Academy is good, but there is a lack of articles about the Westernization Movement. At present, the Westernization movement is surging, does Deng Gongzi follow the old man's wishes? "My lord! It is too risky to talk about the government, and the grass people are afraid of causing trouble! Deng Zixuan figured out Zuo Zongtang's original intention.

"What are you afraid of when Lord Ben is in charge, besides, preaching the Westernization movement is the strategy of the imperial court, and no one will stop it." Zuo Zongtang is very crisp, showing the side of his character. "My lord, do you think this is good, how about bringing the sample of each issue of the Westernization Movement for you to review?" "If Deng Gongzi is not troublesome, the old man will have a sneak peek." Zuo Zongtang seemed to remember something and said: "Deng Gongzi, you are proficient in foreign languages, have you translated some books on military affairs from Western countries?" "My lord! No problem, I'll find a few copies and translate them immediately and give them to adults to read! ”

In fact, Deng Zixuan didn't have to bother in this regard, a few years ago he translated several works of German military strategists, and combined with what he remembered, he wrote the military theory and training outline of the military academy. Fortunately, it successfully diverted Zuo Zongtang's attention, and if Zuo Zongtang knew more about the secrets of the economy, he would definitely be suspicious. Walking out of the governor's mansion, it was already completely dark. Deng Zixuan proposed to find a tavern to have a few more drinks, and Hu Xueyan said with a smile: "Brother Zixuan, your shocking words have already impressed Lord Zuo, and it is not enjoyable, and you still want me to be a listener." But I'm not interested in what you said, what I care about is making money. ”

Deng Zixuan smiled and didn't squeak, the two came to a tavern, ordered a few dishes casually, and said: "Brother, I want to know the secrets of the two of us, how much does Lord Zuo know, you have to tell the truth." Deng Zixuan's face was stern and handsome. You're afraid that Lord Lu Fuzuo will raid your home! Don't worry, brother, Lord Zuo cares about silver rather than buying and selling. No matter how stupid my brother is, he won't show his trade secrets casually, don't forget that I'm a businessman! "I'm relieved!" Deng Zixuan let out a sigh of relief.

"Brother Zixuan, I didn't expect Lord Zuo to appreciate you very much?" Hu Xueyan is mysterious. "What do you mean by that?" "It's the first time I've seen Master Zuo talk to a stranger for so long, and it's the first time I've seen it in a soliciting tone. Lord Zuo has always been consistent and decisive. But Lord Zuo humbly asked for advice in front of you, brother, I really admire you. Especially if you refuse Lord Zuo in person, you are too backbone. You must know how many people face the chance of winning the jackpot, they will be six gods and no one, and they will be grateful, Brother Zixuan is indeed extraordinary. Just now, I wondered if my brother wanted to get away with it? Hu Xueyan was skeptical.

"Brother, where do you want to go, am I so dirty? Fake me to accompany the left adult, although the person is prominent in front of the person, but the loss of freedom and restraint, I can't stand it. I'm a person who likes excitement and challenges, and I get disgusted when I do something for a long time. Madame is strict, I don't dare to spend all day drinking, so I have to be free and do my own thing. "Deng Zixuan is full of lies." Your kid is a shopkeeper who shakes his hands, and he makes a lot of money easily, this brother is far from it, you kid has a lot of flowers, maybe one day you sell me and I will count the money for you! ”

"Brother, no! Am I so heinous in your eyes? "Not necessarily, but I really can't guess what you're thinking!" After saying that, the two laughed heartily. Today, Deng Zixuan rejected Zuo Zongtang's love in person, which is not something ordinary people can do. Therefore, Hu Xueyan was very happy, and the fact that his brother was consistent on the outside was particularly praised, but Hu Xueyan was vaguely worried, because he was more and more unable to figure out Deng Zixuan. Especially Deng Zixuan not only quickly won Zuo Zongtang's love, but also was able to sway freely.

Hu Xueyan looked at Deng Zixuan's frank expression, and suddenly realized that the relationship between them was not strong, and he had an idea: "The old man's child is 8 years old this year, born to the fifth aunt, Ling Yan is 7 years old this year, I want to form a family with Zixuan's brother, I don't know if the elder brother intends to?" Deng Zixuan was stunned and secretly rejoiced: "Brother, I can't ask for it!" Deal! "One word is a deal!"