Chapter 392 His Majesty’s Good Match (5k)
“Oh? Mr. Lin, what advice do you have?”
Suddenly hearing Zhao Duan’s criticism, Princess Wenzhu was stunned for a moment and asked with a smile.
For those who have been in power for a long time, few people can hear criticism, but Princess Manzhu is an exception. She was close to the common people when she was in the Western Regions. What's more, the other party does not know her identity, so she will not mind any slight offense.
Zhao Duan said seriously:
"The more complicated and long-term the place is, where dragons and snakes are mixed, the more there is a set of rules. Just like donating to save people, the starting point is good, but whether it is coal or rice, how can it fall from high places to the thirsty poor people? But there is a problem in their hands.”
“The poor are weak and will easily attract the covetous attention of the people around them when they suddenly get benefits. Even if this group of gangsters does not take action, the surrounding neighbors will become greedy, jealous, and even because of this. The hatred born of injustice...
As the saying goes, it is not about scarcity but about inequality. How can a group of people who are already poor and weak maintain the word "equity"? , or it is a difficult problem to prevent the neighbors from taking action due to greed..."
Because this encounter happened suddenly and deviated from the "script" conceived by Zhao Duan, so at this moment he It was more or less improvised.
In my heart, whether it is touching the scene or being a teacher...
I can't help but recall all the related work in my previous life...
Even in my previous life, in an era when grassroots control was extremely strong, There are still various difficulties when it comes to "donation" and "relief".
What's more, at this grassroots level, "gang" forces are needed to supplement the Yu Dynasty?
Zhao Duan said from the bottom of his heart:
"The imperial court has a set of procedures for providing relief every year, including donations from wealthy people in Beijing and charity in temples. It has to go through the hands of relevant yamen, and even the hands of many low-level subordinates...
This process naturally has to be handled by some greedy hands. , 10% of the silver was deducted layer by layer, and finally the remaining 20% to 30% was calculated.
You can change your thinking, just because you are willing to feed it layer by layer from top to bottom. Only then are they willing to work hard and give the remaining things safely to the hands of these poor people, so that they will not be robbed...
And if they are not willing to go through the hands of these people, it seems that there is no middle link, but But without the 'protection' of this group of people, this scene in the alley is no surprise.
In this case, madam, if you go past the middle yamen and distribute it directly, you will harm people. "
These words were eloquent and insightful.
It is not new, it is nothing more than the "internal cost" in human society.
However, when it fell into the ears of important people like Princess Manzhu, it was like a sharp ax, splitting the fog in front of them.
Princess Manzhu suddenly realized her negligence.
When she was in the Western Regions, she often helped her people like this, but she ignored the difference between the Western Regions and Dayu.
At this moment, once it was revealed, her gentle face showed surprise at first, and then showed regret and awakening:
"What the young master said is very true..."
She laughed at herself: "I was in vain... Even though she is older, she is not as clear-eyed as Mr. Lin."
As she spoke, her eyes looked at Zhao Duan differently.
If Zhao Duan's action just now was just a "chivalrous spirit" that she admired, then this simple comment now revealed the "wisdom" of understanding the world.
Subconsciously thinking about the memories in her mind, she wondered what famous "Lin family" there were in the capital, but she had lived in the Western Regions for a long time, so she couldn't think of them at the moment.
I only know that none of the top dignitaries in Beijing have the surname Lin.
In this way, he is not a child of a big family, but he behaves like this... The capital is worthy of hiding dragons and crouching tigers.
The eldest princess, who had been married far away for many years, was extra surprised and curious about Zhao Duan.
"As Mr. Lin said, what should we do?" Princess Manzhu asked humbly.
Zhao Duan's expression was natural:
"We have already distributed it, so that's all we have to do. If we need relief again, it would be best to go directly to the various charity halls in Dongcheng to donate... At least, it is better than going down from the Ministry of Household Affairs." The funds should be deducted less. "
Princess Wenzhu's eyes moved:
" Mr. Lin is so familiar with this, he must know the donation method. Can you tell me which charity is better? I would be very grateful. Not enough.”
“That’s it…”
Zhao Duan looked embarrassed, hesitated for a moment, and said:
"I came to Dongcheng today also to make a small donation. If I am trustworthy, madam, you can go together, we are nearby."< br>
Princess Wenzhu nodded happily: "I'm sorry to trouble you, young master."
Surprisingly simple... Zhao Du'an felt that the several plans he had prepared to get close to the opponent before he came seemed redundant.
He turned back and said to his three men who were still cleaning up the mess in the alley:
"Shen Er, you stay to deal with the follow-up and teach these gangsters a lesson. Xiaorou and Hou Da are leaving."
The three people who were nicknamed took action immediately.
Qian Kerou placed the scattered steamed buns on the dustpan filled with charcoal, smiled softly and squatted down in front of the little girl:
“Take it.”
Immediately, she added the scattered large coins to the copper coins in her pocket, and carefully stuffed them into the pocket of the dirty, skinny little girl:
"Slow down on your way back. Don't worry, these people won't trouble you anymore."
The little girl, who was not good at words and was trembling in front of a group of big shots, trembled and lowered her eyes, not daring to pick her up.
Qian Kerou pursed her lips, straightened her clothes, and said seriously:
"Don't worry, my young master gave it to me. Anyone who dares to snatch it will look down on my young master."< br>
There is a hint of evil in these calm words.
"Thank you... thank you..." the little girl stammered out two words, finally turned around after taking a few steps, and ran away timidly holding the dustpan.
Hou Ren glanced at the group of people on the ground and spat: "Why do you want me to deal with the aftermath?"
Shen Juan chuckled and mouthed:
"Let me If you take care of the aftermath, I'm afraid these people will be killed by you."
Hou Ren snorted fiercely and did not refute. He and Qian Kerou walked out of the alley, chasing Zhao Duan and Princess Wenzhu. The group left.
...
The others left.
Shen Juancai sneered and walked to the "unconscious" rogue leader:
"If you don't get up, I will make it impossible for you to get up."
Rogues A man stood up in excitement, and the leader "Master Wen" was so frightened that he got up and kowtowed:
"Sir, have mercy on me... have mercy on me..."
Why don't you know that you have offended the guard of a big shot?
Shen Juan was too lazy to talk nonsense. If it weren't for the unspoken intention of his master, who asked him to deal with the aftermath and ensure that the poor people who received relief were not retaliated against, he would have wanted to kill these bastards, and the government would not dare to find out. On top of Lihuatang.
"Honghua Club... Haha, where is the boss above you? Take me there."
Master Wen was stunned for a moment, looking up at this man with the temperament of his servant in disbelief The very different uncle rolled his eyes:
"There is a hall nearby."
Ruqing.
Shen Juan drove this group of thugs away from the alley and pulled them outside a small courtyard at the entrance of the Honghua Club in this area.
No nonsense, Shen Juan kicked open the courtyard door, causing several big men inside to rush out with fierce looks. The leader, who was actually bald in winter, was holding a knife and cursed:
< br>"Which miscellaneous..."
Halfway through the words, the bald man's voice trembled, and the knife in his hand dropped with a bang. His knees softened and he almost fell to his knees:
"Bad...bad master?"
Shen Juan raised his eyelids unexpectedly. : "Do you know me?"
The bald man forced out a smile and said flatteringly:
"Last time, when Master Zhao arrested Master Meng, I saw you in the crowd. ”
Back then, Zhao Duan had a fight with Xia Jianghou, Princess Yunyang's chief, and Xia Jianghou sent people from the Red Flower Society to capture Feng Ju's daughter.
At that time, "Meng Ye", the boss of the Red Flower Club, was imprisoned and almost lost half his life.
Since then, the entire underground gang in the capital has respected Zhao, the King of Hell, as they respect ghosts and gods.
Shen Juan smiled: "That's just right, the people under your command collided with my master..."
After he finished speaking in a few words, the bald man was already covered in sweat. Zhu was so scared that his face turned pale.
"I'll leave this group of people to you. Remember, if anything happens to anyone who receives relief today and is retaliated against... you know the consequences." Shen Juan patted his butt and left:
"By the way, If the whereabouts of my family's presence here today are revealed, your whole family will not have to live."
When they walked out, Master Wen and other gangsters were already paralyzed on the ground, their expressions were pale, and several of them peed their crotches.
Only then did they realize what big shot they had offended.
The bald man respectfully sent Shen Juan away, straightened up slowly, his face was ashen, and he stared fiercely at the group of naughty boys on the ground.
Not long after, the clicking sounds of broken legs and muffled whimpering screams were heard from inside the hall.
……
……
Two carriages, one behind the other, were driving on the snow in Dongcheng.
In the carriage following behind, Princess Manzhu opened the curtains and felt the cool air coming in from outside.
The fluff of the fox fur scarf wrapped around his neck trembled slightly.
"Princess, there is something wrong with this Link."
Also in the carriage, the tall female warrior who was a personal guard said quickly in the dialect of the Western Regions: "This man's movements can be seen to be a I can't see through the martial arts practitioners. His servants, including the maids, are not simple servants."
Princess Wenzhu said softly:
< br>
"It's not surprising that people who talk like this must have status in their families. Their children practice martial arts and even practice, and they have several powerful guards around them. It was common in the Yu Dynasty."
Be alert, cautious, and curved. The female warrior who never left her sword frowned and said:
"But princess...don't you think it's too coincidental? I don't deny that there are many powerful people in the Yu Kingdom, but it is such a coincidence that we meet like this A person..."
Princess Wenzhu turned her head and looked at the female warrior who was loyal to her:
"You mean, you suspect that you are approaching me deliberately"
The female warrior lowered her head and said respectfully:
"I am just guessing. Princess, your visit to the capital will definitely attract the attention of many people."
Although Princess Manzhu is gentle, she is even overly sympathetic. "Mother", but she is not stupid. She said calmly at this moment:
"What you said makes sense. Let's take a look at it later. But according to my observation, when Mr. Lin talked about donating relief, The words are firm, not like a temporary disguise."
The female warrior sighed:
"Princess, you are too kind, and it is too easy to think the best of others. The people of the Yu country are very deep-minded and good at intrigues. They are not as direct as we in the Western Region."
You are really direct... isn't this princess? Are you talking about people from Yu State... Wenzhu couldn't laugh or cry.
At this time, the carriage slowly stopped.
Wenzhu stepped out of the car, stepped on the snow with her boots, and saw an "Orphan House" appearing in front of her.
Zhao Duan also got out of the car, and he and two subordinates took out rice grains and bundles of winter clothes from the carriage.
He carried a large bundle of clothes in each hand and shouted at the door at the top of his lungs:
"Old Wu! The door is open!"
Then, the door of the charity hall creaked open, and a face The dark-skinned old concierge, who was missing a leg and was thin but energetic, opened the door with his wooden prosthetic leg.
The moment he saw Zhao Duan, he showed a bright smile: "Mr. Lin! You are here!"
This orphanage is the same family that Zhao Duan originally rescued. I have long been familiar with this old concierge and the dean of the entire charity.
At first, he approached with his true appearance, but later he felt that with his "notoriety" and identity, he could easily implicate these poor people.
So, after Zhao Duan obtained the disguise mask, every time he had time to donate, he always used the identity of "Mr. Lin".
He also claimed that he was a good friend of "Mr. Zhao" and that every time he donated money and food, Mr. Zhao had a share.
"Here we come, it has been snowing for the past few days, and it has finally cleared up. Let me get you something." Zhao Duan said with a smile.
Once retired from the Southwest Frontier Army The old soldier, Dean Wu, had a smile on his face. He had trouble with his legs and feet, so he shouted into the room at the top of his lungs.
At the same time, he looked curiously at the group of people from the Western Regions who were following him: "This is..."
Zhao Duan introduced with a smile: "A friend came here by the way."
He turned around again Turning around, she looked at the curious Princess Wenzhu:
“This is Old Wu, the dean of this charity hall, an old soldier who retired from the war.”
Old Wu saw it at a glance Seeing that this lady was an extraordinary person, she greeted her politely:
"Mr. Lin's friend must also be a kind person, please come quickly."
Princess Wenzhu followed Zhao Duan with strange eyes, observing quietly, willing to be a green leaf.
When a group of people walked into the backyard of the charity hall, a group of orphans and children swarmed out. There were boys and girls, the older was in his teens and the younger was four or five years old. When they saw Zhao Duan, their eyes lit up. , shouting titles such as "brother", all smiling.
Rarely, he is not afraid of strangers.
When he saw Princess Wenzhu and others, he showed a reserved look, his voice became a little lower, and he subconsciously moved closer to Zhao Duan who was carrying something.
Seek protection.
Zhao Duan laughed and began to distribute clothes and food to a group of orphans on the spot. While doing so, he talked to a few familiar children and asked about their current situation.
Occasionally, Lao Wu smiled and continued.
In winter, inside the dilapidated charity hall, there are blue bricks and gray tiles.
The "King of Hell", who has an extremely noble status and makes the official circles in the capital change their minds, is so harmonious that he talks and laughs with a group of poor orphans without any pretense.
The scene was extremely harmonious.
Even Qian Kerou and Hou Renmeng were stunned for a while. Fortunately, they had been explained to them earlier, and they were servants and maids, so they didn't show anything strange.
As for the group of people headed by Princess Manzhu, their hearts were greatly shocked.
Just now, I suspected that Zhao Duan was the female warrior who approached deliberately, and he was a little confused.
She couldn't understand that even in the Western Regions, those noble people always treated civilians in a condescending manner, let alone the Yu Dynasty, which was even more strict in terms of dignity.
The reason why she is loyal to Princess Manzhu and respects her from the bottom of her heart is because she is the only noble person she has ever seen in her life who has no airs about common people.
But now, she saw the second one.
Princess Manzhu, who has a gentle temperament and no lack of majesty, has a pair of bright eyes, and the little doubt in her heart has disappeared.
If we say...
The Link in front of me is really deliberately trying to contact him, colluding with Dean Wu, and deliberately trying to please him.
However, it is absolutely impossible for this large group of orphans to have such superb acting skills.
It just can’t be done!
The only possibility is that only if this "Master Lin" really comes to help all the time, and does not have the arrogance of the children of the big family towards the poor, can he use time to eliminate the awe and fear of these orphans towards the nobles. It even creates a certain degree of closeness.
Furthermore, Princess Wenzhu was very convinced that Mr. Lin’s manner of distributing clothes at this moment was definitely not false!
Sophisticated politicians may have superb acting skills, but only in court.
It is impossible to completely go against one's true intentions and look at the weeds at the bottom with equal eyes.
Even Wenzhu himself showed the compassion of a high-ranking person when he came into contact with the poor.
But this Young Master Lin has none of it!
Incredible.
"Take out some silver." Princess Manzhu said suddenly.
A guard next to him immediately took out the banknotes, silver ingots and other property that Dayu could use.
Wenzhu hesitated for a moment, remembering what Zhao Duan had said before. Instead of taking the troublesome silver notes, he only took twenty taels of silver and handed it to Dean Wu, expressing his intention to donate.
The old soldier with the broken leg immediately thanked him and took out the book with his name on the donation as usual. Wenzhu smiled and waved his hand:
"No need."
Old Wu smiled and said : "It is true that Mr. Lin's friends do good deeds and do not want to leave their names behind."
Wenzhu asked curiously: "He... also brought other friends here?"
Lao Wu said without concealing anything:
"Master Lin was also introduced by another master. He is a good person who refuses to leave his name."
"Ahem, Lao Wu, take the children to try on clothes." Zhao Duan came over in time and interrupted the veteran's conversation.
The latter nodded and took the orphans to the house.
...
The courtyard finally became quiet. Zhao Duan made a "please" gesture and sat with Princess Wenzhu at the tables and chairs in the courtyard.
Princess Wenzhu’s face was slightly flushed by the cold wind, and her eyes showed appreciation:
“Master Lin’s kind deeds are really admirable. I have been in the capital for a few days and have seen them. Some heroes are not as good as Mr. Lin. I would like to ask, who is Mr. Lin's official position now? "
She even doubted whether the name Link was real or not.
Zhao Duan smiled and said: "Madam, you want to get to the bottom of this."
Besides, the tall female warrior suddenly said in the Yuguo official dialect:
"It's a good thing for you to ask me. Do you know My... wife's identity..."
As a close confidant, she has seen that the princess has a desire to make friends with this young man.
Zhao Duan smiled lightly, with a calm demeanor, and said leisurely:
"Princess Manzhu's name is naturally well known to me."
The female warrior was stunned and subconsciously pressed the hilt of the knife under the clothes at her waist.
Princess Wenzhu asked curiously: "Do you know my identity?"
Zhao Duan smiled heartily, pointed at the fierce Western Region warriors behind him, and said:
< br>"Although I am not a scion of a big family, I also know that Princess Manzhu has come to the city recently. With such an outstanding grace and willingness to condescend to others, a noble lady who came to the East City for relief is surrounded by warriors from the Western Regions. If It would be weird if you can’t guess the princess’s identity anymore.”
Princess Manzhu was startled, then smiled:
"Yes, it is indeed not difficult to guess. But I can't think of any Lin family in Beijing who has such a talent."
I am from Hela. Lu Dalu, you have to guess the ghost... Zhao Duan complained silently, with an indifferent expression:
"Why does your highness care about the name? After all, it is just a small family."
Little A small household...a military commander who rose to prominence due to his meritorious service? A scholarly family that rose from humble beginnings? Or a small local family... Princess Manzhu thought to herself, but she smiled with relief:
"What Mr. Lin is saying is that with my status, if I have a close relationship with you, it may not be a good thing."
No... It's enough if you don't go to Zhenbao to say bad things about me, but there's no need. What kind of close friendship... Zhao Duan slandered.
I wanted to simply test this princess of the Western Regions, but something went wrong, and it seemed like we had been friends for years.
What next? He should find a way to bring the topic back to business, so that he could use his identity to make insinuations about the other party's intention to come to the capital...
Zhao Duan was thinking about his next plan.
I heard Princess Manzhu sigh softly, and said with deep emotion:
"After a few years, I returned to Beijing again, and my ears and eyes were filled with the sight of many cunning, cunning and arrogant people in the court. People... especially that Zhao Duan, who is from a small family like you, no, even from a much humbler background than you, but he is a cruel and despicable traitor who bullies his superiors and flatters his subordinates, and has risen to the top of the temple. ...
But Mr. Lin, you are such a compassionate, courageous and talented person, but your reputation is not well-known. I see it in my eyes, and it is really sad. If it weren’t for my special status, I would really have introduced you to him. Your Majesty, if you really want a good match, wouldn't it be thousands of times better than someone like you?"
Zhao Duan:? ?
No, Aunt... Are you serious about this? Don't talk nonsense.
(End of this chapter)