Chapter 280 The situation has changed
Peng family.
Peng Mianfu received a message from the warehouse and learned that his goods had been pushed into the water and people had been beaten. He immediately became furious and asked: "Who the hell is going against me?"
The housekeeper of the Peng Mansion said tremblingly: "Sir, we have offended a lot of people recently, especially after contracting the wood supply of Wanhe Temple... Will we be worried about those princes or marquis and uncles? They sent The people who came here didn’t even try to grab anything, but just pushed our timber into the water. If anyone knew that the timber had been soaked in water, the court would probably return it, and then their purpose would be obvious!”
"This business was handed over to us by Eunuch Liang, the Royal Horse Supervisor. Who else dares to cause trouble? So what if those princes and marquises are there? Are you tired of life?"
Peng Mianfu said something, suddenly thought of something, and asked, "Have you seen what that group of people looked like? Are there two boys in there, young and dumb? Let me tell you clearly, the boss of the Zhang family, you Do you know him? It's the Zhang family where the princess came from."
"No!"
The housekeeper shook his head: "But it is said that there is a child among the people who are fighting. He's not big, he's very brave, he knocked down several of our people, he's like a martial artist."
"How old is he?"
Peng Mianfu asked.
"About eight to ten years old."
The housekeeper was also a little surprised and said strangely, "Can he be so cruel at such a young age? But that's what the people below did say. I haven’t seen it with my own eyes, so I dare not confirm the authenticity.”
“It can’t be wrong!”
Peng Mianfu said angrily: “That kid must be the second child of the Zhang family…this guy is a ghost. You must be ruthless. I felt that he was not a good person last time. I thought I was the one who found out about the drug store. I brought someone here to take revenge.” Ordinary business competition, but an old grudge you provoked from outside?
You said you have nothing to do, why bother with the Zhang family?
They are a family of foreign relatives. From now on in the capital, they must not bully the market and commit lawlessness. If we cause such a big trouble out of thin air, will we still be able to do business in the future?
"Where is the old man? I want to see him."
"The old man is recuperating in his room today and didn't come out."
"Huh! He is also a cabinet minister after all. , How difficult is it to deal with a small Hanlin editor? I want to let the Zhang family know the consequences of offending our Peng family!”
Peng Mianfu went to see Peng Hua aggressively, hoping that his father would support him.
In the room, Peng Hua sat on the recliner under the window and read a book. When his son spoke, he didn’t even raise his head. After listening, he just waved his hands, meaning I heard you, you can go now. .
"Father, the people from the Zhang family are so aggressive that they even dare to smash our warehouse. The next step may be to set fire to our house... This is a serious problem, and we must start immediately. It can’t be solved!”
In order to get his old father to take action, Peng Mianfu inevitably made some alarmist remarks.
Peng Hua had an indifferent look on his face: "You must first make sure that it was the Zhang family who did it... As long as you have evidence, report it to the government, and the government will accept it. Don't come to me."
Peng Mianfu was furious: "You don't know the virtues of people in the government? They bully the weak and fear the strong. They dare not offend anyone. They only muddy the waters. How can they stand up for us?"
Peng Hua asked: "Then why do you think you can cure them without going through the government?"
"I..."
Peng Mianfu didn't understand what his old father meant for a while.
“Earlier, Eunuch Qin, the Superintendent of Ceremonies, sent someone to greet me, saying that His Majesty had recently asked about my condition again, and if there were no signs of improvement, he would ask me to retire and return to my hometown... The family background of this capital city My father will leave it to you. You can do whatever you want. My father will leave for the south soon. ”
What Peng Hua means is that you can solve your troubles by yourself. Anyway, I have no intention of making trouble with you.
Peng Mianfu asked unwillingly: "Father, you just gave up your power in vain? After you leave, what influence will our Peng family have in Beijing? Even those rural parties will probably fight against them one after another. Let’s cut the table?”
Peng Hua continued to read, as if he didn’t hear it.
Peng Mian became anxious, blushed and made a request: "Even if my father really thinks about it and wants to leave Beijing and return home, shouldn't he get rid of the serious problem first? It was the Zhang family who came to the door first. In the future, I will only bite my nose and face."
Peng Hua finally put down the book in his hand and said in a lecturing tone: "Let me ask you, what qualifications do you think I have to appoint someone appointed by His Majesty? The Hanlin editor was expelled from the Hanlin Academy? ”
"Isn't he... that Zhang Laizhan just a junior Hanlin? If your ministers want to deal with him, is it not a matter of official documents?"
Although Peng Mianfu heard the meaning of his father's words, But still unwilling.
"When doing things, it's best to use your brain first... Our Peng family has no ability to fight with the Zhang family. Although your father and I are cabinet ministers, we are just ordinary officials. And what is the background of the Zhang family? What is the future of the Zhang family? It must be the father-in-law or the uncle. Who do you think the government will betray? If I were you, I would come to you and admit your mistake. Maybe they will cherish their feathers and let you go. Otherwise, they will only take care of you. !”
Seeing that his son was still unruly, Peng Hua sighed: “If you keep going like this, if the two boys from the Zhang family really come to set fire to your house next time, do you think the government will take care of it for you? Investigate? Even if the Zhang family is found, who will dare to seek justice for you?”
“The prince has not yet ascended the throne. Maybe one day his majesty will be in trouble, and then the Zhang family will have no power at all. ? As for father, if you are timid before fighting, isn’t it because you make other people’s ambitions destroy your own prestige? ”
Peng Mianfu was so embarrassed that even his father began to mock him.
Peng Hua shook his head and sighed, "My son, you can't see the situation clearly! The crown prince's position has been firmly established for a long time, but now the father of the crown prince and the future father-in-law of the country can kill you with just a hand. After being pinched to death, you still think you can fight with the Zhang family, but you don't want to settle the matter. Are you seeking your own death? "
Peng Mianfu said angrily: "Dad, why are you so cowardly?"
"Well, if you are really angry and want to teach them a lesson, then you can find help from people who they can't handle for the time being. For example, Eunuch Liang and Eunuch Wei, can they just sit back and watch the prince's father-in-law make trouble in the capital?< br>
"What you are not capable of doing, others can do. The little power you have gained in the past two years was all given to you by Eunuch Liang and others through their fingers. Also, it is because of me. In terms of face, once I retreat, I'm afraid there won't be any place for you to establish yourself in this capital.
"I still say the same thing, at this moment you should be cowardly, instead of being so arrogant and arrogant like now, always thinking that you can go to heaven, but in the end you are nothing."
Peng Mian After listening to his father's words, Fu's world view almost collapsed.
Being bullied, not only can’t you get back on your feet, but you have to take the initiative to apologize?
Why?
"Actually...even Liang Fang and Wei Xing are like sunset in the west, like grasshoppers after autumn, they can't hop around for a few days. My dear, the pattern of the court has changed."
Peng Hua looked at his son with pity, shook his head and said, "Because the changes are so fast, many people can't see clearly, and they think they can do whatever they want as before. Now only Li Zisheng remains the same in the court, but I don't know if he really He has the ability to manage his relationship with Donggong. Otherwise, his fate will be no different from that of Liang Fang and Wei Xing.
"Okay, that's all. You can do it yourself. As a father, I still need to read a book, and I will formally write a glossary later. Please do it and cherish it! ”
Peng Mianfu held his breath and left the room where his father was.
However, he did not listen to what his old father said, but he believed in two things - he wanted to take revenge on the Zhang family. , the only choice is to go to Liang Fang and Wei Xing, or else go to Li Zisheng... There is always someone who can manage the Zhang family.
"The battle between the old and new factions is also the battle between the Qianqing Palace and the East Palace. That Zhang Laizhan thought he was an in-law from the East Palace, so he was lawless... thought the capital could let him do whatever he wanted? ”
Peng Mianfu prepared a generous gift and went to see Wei Xing. While asking for help, he also explained to Wei Xing that the wood was soaked in water.
The butler following behind said: "Master, from what I know, it seems that we were the first to offend them this time. I can't tell who is right or wrong about this grudge."
"You said What?”
Peng Mianfu stared at the housekeeper.
The housekeeper is also an upright person and continued: "They just smashed up our store and unloaded some wood into the water, but they didn't kill anyone or set fire to it. Previously, we found someone to make trouble at their drug store, but It makes it impossible for them to continue their business! In terms of losses, they are still relatively large.”
"Hmph! Can provoking someone from my Peng family help him live a good life?" Peng Hua said, "I asked someone to go to Huguang to bring a new batch of wood to Beijing. Has it been shipped?"
"Not yet? ...I'm afraid it's too late..."
"Then find a batch of old materials from the place where houses and temples are demolished in Shandong, cover them with oilcloth, and send them directly to Wanhe Temple without anyone noticing. Go ahead, if something goes wrong along the way, you’ll just have to dive in yourself!”
…………
Li Zi's provincial mansion has been crowded with guests recently.
Everyone knew that he was about to preside over the ceremony for the Empress Dowager’s insignia. In addition, Li Zi Province now had the power to decide on the appointment, dismissal and promotion of ministers. As a result, everyone came to curry favor with him, and there was an endless stream of people giving gifts. Nowadays, there are all kinds of good things in the house.
"Master Tao, I have received a lot of gifts, including gold, silver, jewelry, silk, and satin. But are you sure that the third day of April that Zhang Hanlin said will bring auspiciousness?"
At this time, Pang Qing did not forget to cool down Li Zisheng's fiery heart, "If everyone arrives that day and the ceremony starts, but no auspiciousness appears, then you will be humiliated. Then... His Majesty's trust in you will probably be greatly reduced."
Li Zisheng scolded: "You know nothing."
Pang Qing curled his lips: "I don't understand. Aren't we waiting for Master Dao to teach me?"
Li Zisheng dismissed it: "Your Majesty is doing filial piety. Although our Majesty is in court, That's... to put it mildly, it's called headstrong. He never takes anyone seriously, but to the Queen Mother, he is the most sincere and filial person."
"You don't need to tell me, everyone knows it." Qingdao.
"So on that day, who will really care if there is any auspiciousness? It's good if there is, but it won't affect the ceremony if it isn't." Li Zisheng looked a little proud, "Besides, I have to come Zhan has helped him so many times, and it has worked every time before. There is no need to doubt him this time."
Pang Qing muttered in a low voice: "Since Zhang Laizhan entered the Hanlin Academy, there has been no movement, not even. No one is coming to your house.”
"Are you dizzy?"
Li Zisheng continued to curse openly, "He just visited me and gained the reputation of being a scholar. Oh, he turned around and came to visit me again, for fear that others would not know about me. I'm acting with him, right? I haven't had much contact with him recently, but does he know who helped him get the official position in Hanlin?" Pang Qing shook his head and said, "I really can't think of it. Understand, you said that the good-looking Shaoqing of Taichang Temple is inappropriate. He has to go to the Hanlin Academy, and there is no profit at all."
Li Zisheng sighed: "This shows that he has an ideal. And ambitious people, who said that everyone is as greedy for money? Who am I working so hard to make money for? Is it not for His Majesty? This Majesty spends money lavishly and never knows how to control it, which makes me miserable. , It’s hard not only to help him make money secretly, but also to bear the infamy.”
Pang Qing said with a smile: “Is it hard for you? It’s said that the beauties from the south of the Yangtze River sent to the courtyard outside the city can’t live anymore. Maybe we need to find another place for them to live.”
"You just have a bad mouth."
Li Zisheng straightened his back, "I am an outsider, how can I be a person who is greedy for beauty? When I meet someone good, I will definitely think Send it to Your Majesty."
"You...give it to Your Majesty?"
Pang Qing couldn't stop laughing.
You don’t occupy the good ones yourself, but you still want to give them to the emperor?
Just laugh!
Besides, the emperor has never asked you for a beauty before he came, so what are you pretending to do here?
Li Zisheng seemed to be inspired, stroking his chin and saying to himself: "Well, your Majesty has recently received the prescription given by Laizhan, and he is living a very leisurely life, playing and singing every night... in this palace. There are only a few women who are tossing and turning. I’m afraid your majesty has long been tired of seeing them. What’s the point of such pleasure?”
At this point, he told Pang Qing, “Hurry up and arrange a ride for me. I will go out of the city to help His Majesty with the selection and find a few wonderful people who are both good at sex and art... Sigh, you can’t understand this kind of hard work..."
Then Li Zisheng looked expectantly. He stood up and walked away.
"Master Dao, even if you are dedicated to running errands for His Majesty, why don't you wait for the people below to prepare the car first? You'd better take more people with you when you go out. I heard that there is not peace in the capital recently. For some reason, there are suddenly more bandits. There are even people looting at Jishuitan in broad daylight, maybe some people want to fish in troubled waters," Pang Qing reminded.
Li Zisheng nodded: "What you said reminds me. Now that Liang Fang has lost power, the group of people he collected have no restraint and are starting to make trouble. I have to find a way to give him his connections. Take it over. It's also best to replace the Royal Horse Supervisor with someone I can control, otherwise these lieutenants will dislike me every day, and something will happen sooner or later."
Li Zisheng suddenly thought of something, and said, " Oh, by the way, while we were preparing to drive here, we also sent a car to Zhang’s house to pick up Lai Zhan.
“What can we do with a beauty and no wine? With good wine, you also need someone to taste wine with... You go to Zhang's house to explain the situation and then come back. Take a good look at the house and accept any gifts that come to you. For those with less than five hundred taels, tell them that there is no official position prepared for them, and let them figure out the situation before coming back. ”
……
……
Zhang Mansion.
Zhang Heling spent several days recovering from his injuries at home.
He doesn't go anywhere, and only wants to eat meat all day long. He doesn't want Jin to strictly restrict his diet, for fear that he will eat too much and drink too much, which will worsen the wound.
But Zhang Luan didn't seem to care. He had just returned from the Hanlin Academy that afternoon. After hearing the report from his servants, he changed into casual clothes and said, "Don't worry, let him eat whatever he wants. I'll eat him to death." Let the second son inherit the family business, and our old Zhang family will not be affected at all.”
Zhang Heling shouted: "Dad, you are so partial. How can it not affect me if I die?"
"What do you think?"
Zhang Luan looked disdainful and said, "Go out and get a fight." Fight, only a brainless person like you can rush forward. Nephew, please don’t come here. I’m changing clothes, you little brat.”
Jin Qi is also staying these days. In the Zhang family, he likes to join in whenever there is excitement.
Jin went over to take over the work from Tang, tied Zhang Luan's belt, and asked, "Where are we going? Will you be back at night?"
"I probably won't be able to come back."
Zhang Luan said, "You bitch, why are you looking at me like that? Li Zi Province asked me to go, and what I talked about with him were all important confidential matters between the DPRK and China. You Do you think I want to go? In addition to asking Tianji, he just wants me to help him with errands. Fortunately, he has recently known how to reciprocate. Otherwise, why would I, the father-in-law of a prince, get along with him? "
Zhang Yanling? Sitting at the door, he smiled and said: "Dad, hurry up, the carriages are waiting impatiently. Probably Mr. Li is waiting to talk to you about important court affairs."
Zhang Luan said: "Look at it , Even Yanling said this, do you think I am deceiving you? Don’t worry, you are going out of the city to the Li Mansion, not the Jiaofang Division. "
Jin finally mentioned it. A handful of her husband's belt seemed to be retaliating against his dishonesty.
Zhang Luan was so proud that he walked to the door and said to Zhang Yanling: "Son, I will leave the house to you these two days. If my father can't come back early tomorrow morning, he will go directly to the Hanlin Academy from outside the city to attend the wedding... Let's see him off." I'm going out. I have something to tell you on the way."
When Zhang Yanling heard this, he stood up quickly and followed Zhang Luan out.
"Dad, I heard from the butler Pang Pang who came to inform him that Li Zisheng seems to be inviting you to drink wine." When the father and son were alone, Zhang Yanling said with a smile.
"Bah, bah, bah, do you know what flower wine is? For flower wine, you have to go to a brothel. I went to another courtyard in Lizi Province... and so did Mr. Pang. I'll tell you if it's okay. What are you talking about?"
Zhang Luan said, but he did not forget to learn from his son, "What should I do if Li Zisheng asks me about Tianji again?"
"Cold!"
Zhang Yanling responded casually, and then said: "You have mentioned auspiciousness to him before. If he is not satisfied yet, there is nothing I can do. Speaking of which...I think you are also very fond of it, father." Are you looking forward to what happens tonight?"
When Zhang Luan noticed something was wrong with his son's eyes, he smiled awkwardly and said, "You will understand when you grow up, but with your kid's methods, I'm afraid. Not even the ladies or daughters-in-law of the capital can escape your clutches."
Zhang Yanling said dissatisfied: "Dad, are you praising me or hurting me?"
Zhang Luan said: " As a father, I also hope that you can make the old Zhang family flourish in the future. Your father and I are not capable, and it is just you and your eldest brother. Your future will be different. You must have more children while you are young. You will be powerless when you get old. Alas! Why am I telling you this? It’s a great day.”
"Dad, you lost the prescription." Zhang Yanling suddenly shouted.
"Where?"
When Zhang Luan heard this, he immediately turned around and looked around. Seeing Zhang Yanling's evil smile, he realized that his youngest son was making fun of him, glared at him, and scolded him. , "You kid! Wait until I come back to take care of you! There you go..."
(End of this chapter)