Zhao Rang stretched out his hand and pointed to a small hill not far away:

"Do you see that green hill in front of you? How about we have a picnic on the green grass at the foot of the mountain? ”

"Okay!"

Qingqing responded happily, lifting the curtains of the car, and her bright eyes shone like stars.

As soon as Ximen Dazhuang heard the picnic, the tip of his nose seemed to be able to smell the tempting aroma of roast lamb shank, and the whole person was refreshed.

Soon after, the three of them reached the foot of the hill.

I saw that the grass there was like an emerald green velvet carpet, and a few wild flowers were dotted among them, and the spring was strong and refreshing.

Zhao Rang and Ximen Dazhuang began to get busy with great interest, preparing everything for the picnic.

Qingqing sat elegantly on the grass, gently supporting her cheeks with her hands, quietly and gently watching the busy figures of the two of them.

The fire was quickly lit, and the leg of lamb and fat chicken were carefully set up on the fire and roasted slowly.

The mellowness of the sake is intertwined with the deliciousness of the meat, and the air is filled with a mouth-watering aroma.

Simon Da Zhuang couldn't wait to tear off a piece of roasted golden mutton and ate it in a big gulp:

"Well, it's delicious!"

He muttered admiration, his face full of satisfaction and happiness.

Zhao Rang smiled and handed a piece of roasted chicken to Qingqing, and said softly:

"Taste it, how does it taste?"

Qingqing took the chicken, took a small sip, and then nodded with a smile:

"Really tasty! I didn't expect you to have such a craft! ”

Unfortunately, the tranquility and beauty did not last long.

A sudden sound of horses' hooves was heard in the distance, breaking the originally harmonious atmosphere.

Zhao Rang frowned slightly, looked up, and saw several knights rushing quickly, they were dressed in bright armor and were menacing.

"Is it for us?"

Simon asked suspiciously, scratching his head.

Zhao Rang shook his head with a deep gaze, indicating that he didn't know what was going on.

But soon, the knights were already running closer.

The person at the head is burly and resolute, and he is Liu Feng of the Zhenyuan Dart Bureau.

Liu Feng saw Zhao Rang and the others at a glance, and immediately turned over and dismounted, and strode over:

"Zhao Gongzi, I finally found you!" He said breathlessly, his face full of eagerness.

Zhao Rang stood up and greeted him:

"Liu Darttou, seeing that you are in such a hurry, is there something urgent?"

Liu Feng nodded, and with a solemn expression, he told Zhao Rang in detail about the business department personally run by Li Hai, the chief butler of the Prime Minister's Mansion, and the mysterious transfer of seventy-two shops.

Zhao Rang frowned after hearing this, this matter is obviously strange, and it must be inextricably linked with Li Shenglin, the prime minister of the current dynasty!

After pondering for a moment, he asked:

"Liu Darttou, do you think this has something to do with Li Li's death?"

Liu Feng sighed and said:

"I don't know. But my gut tells me that it's not easy. So after I got the news, I immediately came to Zhao Gongzi to discuss countermeasures. ”

Zhao Rang nodded approvingly, then turned to Qingqing and Ximen Dazhuang and said:

"You two go back first, I'm going to do something important with Liu Darttou."

After saying that, he turned over and got on his horse and galloped away with Liu Feng.

Qingqing looked at the distant backs of the two of them, and couldn't help but feel a trace of worry in her heart......

Ximen Dazhuang picked up the uneaten leg of mutton and fat chicken, and muttered that he would go home with Qingqing.

After returning to Liu Feng's Zhenyuan Dart Bureau, Zhao Rang sat on the main seat without concessions, but found that Han Lin was not present.

I couldn't help but ask suspiciously:

"Where did Han Lin go?"

Liu Feng shook his head and said he didn't know:

"I said I was going to look for you, he should be in the dart game."

After saying that, he called an executioner and asked about the situation.

"Back to Mr. Liu's dart,"

The executioner replied respectfully:

"The little one has been on duty outside before, and he hasn't noticed the movement of Mr. Han's dart."

Liu Feng waved his hand to make him stand back, then turned to Zhao Rang and said:

"Zhao Gongzi, what do you think we should do next?"

"Li Hai, the butler of the Prime Minister's Mansion, personally went to the Department of Commerce, are you sure?"

Zhao Rang asked solemnly.

"It's true!"

Liu Feng replied affirmatively:

"Everyone who was there saw it. Moreover, Li Hai was very arrogant and domineering at first, but after Shen Qing, the head of the merchant department, came out of the back hall, he immediately restrained a lot. ”

Zhao Rang frowned and pondered:

"That's interesting. Shen Qing, I've heard some rumors about him. It is said that he is an extremely shrewd and upright character, so if Lehi is arrogant in front of him, he will naturally suffer! ”

Liu Feng nodded in agreement:

"What Zhao Gongzi said is wonderful...... It's just that I really can't figure out what the meaning behind this incident is......"

Speaking of this, Liu Feng couldn't help but show a confused look.

"Li Shenglin leaned towards the government and the opposition, but his housekeeper personally went to the business department, there must be something strange in it! And it's not a trivial matter that 72 stores change hands at the same time! ”

Zhao Rang analyzed.

"The most critical question is, who in the Imperial City has such great ability to eat seventy-two shops in one go? If these shops were all tools for Li Shenglin's personal gain, then he would definitely be very secretive. The Prime Minister's Office is definitely not the ability to consider the first thing in employing people, but loyalty! ”

Zhao Rang continued.

Liu Feng listened to Zhao Rang's analysis and nodded in agreement.

He really couldn't think of any reason this person could use to make the shopkeepers of these shops willingly turn against the water!

The two fell silent for a moment.

The only one who can see the clue at the moment. That's the seventy-two contracts of assignment.

However, the basis of the contract is stored in the business department, and although Zhao Rang has heard of the name of Shen Zhangsi, he has not had any intersection with him.

In addition, he is not a member of the government, so if he rashly comes to the door and asks to see the bottom file, it is obviously not in accordance with the rules!

Ximen Da Zhuang strode on the way back home with a leg of mutton and a fat chicken, but he was always at ease in his heart.

After sending Qingqing back to the house, he immediately turned around and went straight to the Zhenyuan Dart Bureau.

The door of the dart bureau was open, and when Ximen Dazhuang stepped into the gate, he heard the voices of Zhao Rang and Liu Feng coming from the inner hall, they were talking about Shen Qing.

"Why is this name so familiar?"

Simon touched his chin and pondered.

Suddenly, his eyes lit up and he shouted excitedly:

"Oops, I remember! Isn't Shen Qing the head of the Business Division! ”

With a move in his heart, he strode to the inner hall, slammed open the door and said loudly:

"Brother Jean, I know Shen Qing very well with him!"

Zhao Rang and Liu Feng were startled by the sudden voice, and when they looked back, they saw that it was Ximen Dazhuang, and both of them showed surprised looks on their faces.

"What did you say? Do you know Shen Qing? ”

Zhao Rang hurriedly asked.

"Why don't you know each other!"

Simon Dazhuang smiled and said:

"Shen Qing, that old guy can be the boss, or is it because my family has something to do with him!"

Zhao Rang's eyes lit up when he heard this, he didn't expect Ximen Dazhuang to have a relationship with Shen Qing, this was really an unexpected joy!

"Da Zhuang, can you help us introduce Shen Qing? We have something we want to ask him for. ”

Zhao Rang said.

"No problem, Brother Jean, I'll arrange for you to meet!"

Simon Da Zhuang readily agreed, then turned around and strode out of the dart game.

Shen Qing is honest and honest.

Trying to impress him with money or power won't work.

The only thing that can move him is the word affection.

Thinking of this, Simon Dazhuang had an idea in his heart.

He stumbled to a remote alley and knocked lightly on the door of a house.

The door creaked open, and a middle-aged man poked his head out to see Shen Qing's servant Shen Chun.

"Uncle Chun is my big man!"

Simon greeted with a smile.

"Oh, it's Master Simon! Come in, come in, come in! ”

Shen Chun greeted him warmly and let Ximen Dazhuang into the house.

The furnishings in the room were simple and neat, and Shen Qing was sitting at his desk flipping through the files.

Seeing Simon Da Zhuang coming in, he put down the file in his hand and stood up to greet him:

"What's the point of a big strong nephew's late-night visit?"

Shen Qing asked gently.

"Uncle Shen really doesn't hide it, I really want your help this time!"

Simon Dazhuang said straight to the point:

"I have a friend who wants to check the contract slips of some commercial companies."

Shen Qing frowned slightly when he heard this.

The contract receipts of the commercial department are confidential documents and are not allowed to be freely inspected by non-government officials.

But seeing Simon Dazhuang's earnest expression, he pondered for a moment and then said:

"The contract bill of the business department is indeed confidential, but since it is a friend of your Ximen Xian's nephew, I naturally want to give some face. It's just that this matter needs to be kept secret, and it must not be leaked! ”

"Uncle Shen, don't worry, only the three of us know about this matter. There will never be a fourth person who knows. ”

Simon Dazhuang patted his chest and reassured.

"That's fine. Tomorrow morning, bring your friend with you. ”

Shen Qing nodded and said.

"Thank you, Uncle Shen!"

After Ximen Dazhuang thanked him, he left in a hurry.

At dawn on the second day, Ximen Dazhuang was already standing in front of Zhao Rang's residence, with a look of eagerness and anticipation.

His figure stood tall in the early morning light, standing like a mountain.

After the two met, there was no extra greeting, and they hurriedly embarked on the road to Shen Qing's mansion.

On the way, Simon Dazhuang's face was full of confidence, as if everything was under control.

"Brother Jean, don't worry! Shen Qing has an old relationship with my Ximen family, and he will definitely help. ”

Zhao Rang didn't say much.

The world is unpredictable, human feelings are complicated, and even if there are old feelings, they may not be able to get their wishes.

When they finally arrived at the Shen Mansion, they were told that Shen Qing had suddenly contracted an illness and would not be able to see visitors.

This news was like a pour of cold water, which made Simon Dazhuang stunned.

"How is this possible? We talked about it last night, how could he suddenly fall ill? ”

Simon Dazhuang shouted anxiously, his voice full of incomprehension and confusion.

In stark contrast to Ximen Dazhuang's restlessness, Zhao Rang still remained calm and rational.

He gently grabbed Simon Da Zhuang, and his voice was low and powerful:

"Da Zhuang, don't be impatient. Since Lord Shen is sick, there must be something unspeakable about him. We must not force ourselves at this time, we need to know that we advance and retreat in an orderly manner. ”

Simon Dazhuang's eyes widened and said:

"Unspeakable? He has received great favor from our Simon family, and now he doesn't want to help with this little favor? ”

Zhao Rang sighed, shook his head and said:

"It's far from being as simple as you and I think. As the head of the business department, Lord Shen may affect his whole body with every decision. I suspect that he is sick today because of the influence of a more powerful force that compels him to do so. ”

Ximen Dazhuang was stunned for a moment, and then suddenly realized:

"A force more powerful than us? You mean...... Prime Minister's Office? ”

"It's hard to say......"

Zhao Rang nodded and continued:

"Although Lord Shen is honest and honest, in this situation, it is difficult for him to turn the tide."

Ximen Dazhuang was silent after hearing this, he understood Zhao Rang's extraneous voice.

The power of the Prime Minister's Mansion is in full swing, and although Shen Qing is in charge of the Department of Commerce, he has to choose to compromise under the oppression of the powerful......

After that, Zhao Rang turned to the servant of the Shen Mansion and asked:

"Did you leave any words for your family?"

The servant was stunned for a moment, then bowed his head and replied respectfully:

"My family did leave a sentence, saying that the eldest young master of Ximen brought Zhao Gongzi to visit, and he must let the two of you drink more tea!"

Zhao Rang smiled slightly when he heard this, and arched his hand:

"Thank you Lord Shen for your advice, Zhao understands."

With that, he turned to Ximen Dazhuang and winked, and the two of them took their leave and left.

Walking on the road, Simon Dazhuang was still indignant:

"This Shen Qing is really ungrateful! I think if my dad didn't help him, he would have been able to sit in this position?! And now he treats us like that! ”

Zhao Rang patted him on the shoulder and comforted:

"Da Zhuang, people are warm and cold, and the world is hot and cold. Lord Shen also has his difficulties, and we don't have to be too harsh. ”

Speaking of this, he paused:

"Besides, Lord Shen has already given us a hint."

"Hint? What's the tip? ”

Simon asked suspiciously.

"Drink tea."

Zhao Rang lightly spit out two words, with a meaningful smile on his face.

Simon Dazhuang scratched his head and looked confused:

"Tea? What does that mean? ”

Zhao Rang did not answer directly, but turned around and walked towards a teahouse.

"Come with me, drink and talk."

After the two of them sat down, Zhao Rang ordered a pot of good Biluochun, and then slowly began to make tea.

Ximen Dazhuang watched Zhao Rang's movements, although he was puzzled, he also waited patiently.

Zhao Rang gently poured the tea into the cup, and the fragrance of the tea was overflowing, refreshing.

He picked up the teacup, took a sip, then put down the cup, looked at Simon Dazhuang and said:

"Da Zhuang, do you know this knowledge of drinking tea?"

Simon shook his head.

He has always liked to drink in large bowls, and he doesn't know much about this meticulous way of drinking tea.

Zhao Rang told the story:

"Drinking tea seems simple, but it is actually profound. The selection of tea, the quality of the water, the temperature of the water, and the technique of making tea, every link must not be sloppy. And the most important thing is the state of mind of this tea tasting. ”

"Only by having a peaceful mood can you taste the charm of tea. If you are irritable in your heart, no matter how good the tea is, you can't taste it. ”

After hearing this, Simon Dazhuang nodded thoughtfully.

"Then Shen Qing asked us to drink more tea, what do you mean?"

Zhao Rang did not answer immediately, but picked up the teacup again and drank it all.

"What else should I pay attention to when drinking tea?"

Zhao Rang asked rhetorically.

"Brother Jean, don't talk about it, you still have a state of mind!"

"What else?"

Zhao Rang asked.

Simon Dazhuang didn't know......

When Zhao Rang said it just now, he listened very carefully, so he still remembered one or two.

But it would be so hard for him to figure it out on his own......

"There's still a place!"

"Brother Jean, do you mean...... This teahouse?! ”

Simon Da Zhuang asked in a low voice.

Even if his voice is lowered, it's still big!

"No, there's nothing special about this teahouse."

Zhao Rang shook his head and said.

"Then why are we here for tea?"

Zhao Rang glanced at him and said:

"Because this teahouse is in, and I'm thirsty!"

Simon Dazhuang's eyes widened, and he was speechless for a moment.

He suddenly found that there always seemed to be an insurmountable gap between himself and Zhao Rang.

This gap does not come from martial arts or intelligence, but from insight and understanding of world affairs.

Zhao Rang is always able to perceive the essence of things in an almost weird way, but he is always an afterthought.

Zhao Rang looked at Ximen Dazhuang's blank expression and couldn't help but smile slightly.

He didn't continue to explain, but stood up and patted Simon on the shoulder:

"Let's go, Da Zhuang, it's time for us to get down to business."

After speaking, he turned around and walked out of the teahouse,

Although Simon Dazhuang was full of doubts, he had no choice but to follow him out.

"Da Zhuang, do you know which teahouse is the most famous in this imperial city?"

Ximen Dazhuang was stunned for a moment, and then scratched his head:

"This ...... I don't know. ”

If you ask him about the wine shop, the restaurant and the gambling house, Ximen Dazhuang can name a bunch of things!

"Have you forgotten that when it opened, even the people from the Investigation Division went to celebrate the teahouse?"

Zhao Rang asked rhetorically.

"Brother Jean, you mean Yunhai Teahouse?!"

Zhao Rang nodded and smiled, as if he had expected Ximen Dazhuang's surprise, but his next words made Ximen Dazhuang feel like falling into the fog.

"That's right, but let's not go."

"Why?"

Simon Dazhuang's eyes widened and he looked puzzled.

He has always been straightforward, and it is always difficult to understand Zhao Rang's twists and turns.

Zhao Rang smiled slightly, and a hint of cunning flashed in his eyes, like a cunning fox. He gently patted Simon's strong shoulder and said:

"Da Zhuang, sometimes, the most conspicuous place, often hides the deepest secrets. Although Yunhai Teahouse is good, it is not where we go today. ”

Ximen Dazhuang scratched his head, although he was still confused, he knew that Zhao Rang always had his reason.

He didn't ask any more questions, but silently followed behind Zhao Rang, walked through the streets and alleys, and came to a remote corner of the imperial city.

There is a small and inconspicuous teahouse with a dilapidated façade that has gone through countless years of vicissitudes.

In front of the door, there is a dilapidated wooden sign with the words "Qingfeng Teahouse" written on it, and the handwriting has been blurred.

Ximen Dazhuang looked at this teahouse and couldn't help frowning:

"Brother Jean, what are we doing here? This place looks tattered, what good tea can there be? ”

Zhao Rang didn't answer, and gently pushed open the door of the teahouse.

The door creaked, as if opening the door to another world.

Inside the door was a small dimly lit hall, with a few shabby wooden tables scattered around, as if no one had visited it for a long time.

An old man was sitting in the corner, his eyes closed, as if isolated from the world.

Hearing the knock on the door, he slowly opened his eyes, glanced at Zhao Rang and Ximen Dazhuang, and then nodded, motioning for them to sit casually.

Zhao Rang and Ximen Dazhuang found a table and sat down, and the old man came over, picked up the teapot and poured them two cups of tea.

Although the old man's hands trembled, he was very skilled in pouring tea, for he had done it countless times.

"What kind of tea do you two want to drink?"

The old man asked, his voice hoarse and deep.

"Let's have two cups of breeze tea." Zhao Rang said.

The old man nodded, turned and went to the back hall.

After a while, he walked over with two cups of steaming tea and placed them in front of Zhao Rang and Ximen Dazhuang. The fragrance of tea overflows, as if it can dispel the dullness in this dimly lit small hall.

Simon Dazhuang picked up the teacup, took a sip, and immediately frowned:

"This tea...... Why is it so bitter? ”

Zhao Rang smiled slightly, picked up the teacup and savored it:

"Bitter and sweet, with an endless aftertaste. This is the real breeze tea. ”

Ximen Dazhuang looked at Zhao Rang puzzled, but Zhao Rang didn't say much, just drank tea quietly.

The two sat like this for a long time, until all the people in the teahouse were gone, and the old man packed his things and prepared to close.

Zhao Rangcai stood up and said to the old man:

"The tea of Tianxiang Tea House is really extraordinary!"

Hearing this, the old man glanced at Zhao Rang again, and said slowly:

"Childe praised it falsely, what is fragrant or not, I can't afford such a big two words."

"But I'm curious about one thing."

Zhao Rang continued.

The old man didn't say anything, but looked at Zhao Rang quietly, waiting for him to continue.

"The tea in Yunhai Tea House is also said to come from Tianxiang Tea House. Why is the orthodox teahouse of Tianxiang Tea House so dilapidated, but the Yunhai Tea House is full of friends every day? ”

Or does my husband think that Yunhai Teahouse is worthy of the word "Tianxiang"? ”

"Childe, everything in the world has its own time. Although Yunhai Teahouse is prosperous, it may not last long; And my Qingfeng Teahouse, although it seems to be dilapidated, has its own reason for existence. ”

When Zhao Rang heard this, his eyes narrowed slightly, as if he was savoring the old man's words.

"What my husband said is very true, but I still want to ask, why is it the same tea, but there are two situations?"

The old man shook his head and sighed:

"Tea is no different, what is different is people's hearts. Some pursue the momentary excitement and hustle, while others pay more attention to the charm of tea and the mood of tea tasting. People are impetuous, and now there are very few people who can calm down and taste tea. ”

Zhao Rang was silent for a long time after hearing this, and finally sighed: "My husband is really a master, Zhao has been taught." ”

After saying that, he stood up and was about to leave, but was stopped by the old man.

"Childe and slow."

Zhao Rang turned around, but saw the old man take out a small package from under the counter and hand it to him.

"What is this?"

Zhao Rang asked suspiciously.

"With a little care, Childe will accept it."

The old man said with a smile.

Zhao Rang did not shirk, took the package after thanking him, and left the teahouse with Ximen Dazhuang.

The two walked on the streets of the imperial city, and Ximen Dazhuang finally couldn't help but ask:

"Brother Jean, what did the old man give you?"