Master Kong Zhongni

Chapter 159 Tian Heng, you are on the right track!

Zaiyu and Zigong got into Tian Heng's carriage, and as soon as they sat down firmly, Tian Heng told them the 'strange anecdote' of Qihou with a smile on his face.

"When the king was young, he drank until late at night.

He felt that drinking alone was not enough, so he ordered to drive to Yan Zi's house, intending to take his old man to drink with him.

Unexpectedly, after knocking on the door of Yan Zi's house, he found that he was actually dressed in court clothes.

Yan Zi stood at the door and asked: Did the princes invade?Is something wrong with the country?If not, why did the monarch come to his subjects' homes in the middle of the night?

The monarch said: "The wine is delicious and the music is beautiful. I want to share it with you!"

Yanzi said: There are people in the palace who are responsible for serving wine and food at the banquet, I dare not participate in such things!
Seeing that Yanzi couldn't be persuaded, the monarch ordered: "Then go to Tian Rangju's house to drink!"

Unexpectedly, after knocking on the door of my uncle's house, I found that he had put on his battle armor and stood respectfully at the door.

Uncle Rangju asked, "Is the enemy country invading?"Is the minister in rebellion?If not, why did the monarch come to me in the middle of the night?
The monarch said: "The wine is delicious and the music is beautiful. I want to share it with Sima!"

Uncle Clan's answer was the same as Yan Zi's: There are people in the palace who are responsible for serving wine and food at the banquet, and I dare not participate in such things!
The monarch asked himself to be bored, so he ordered his left and right to drive to the home of our doctor Liang Qiuju.

Liang Qiuju played the music himself, playing the harp with his left hand and the Yu with his right, and accompanied the monarch to drink.

The monarch was very drunk and said: "I'm so happy!"Today I drink, how can the country be governed without people like Yan Zi and Rang Ju?Without someone like Liang Qiuju, how can I have fun? "

After hearing this story, Zaiyu and Zigong couldn't help but look at each other.

In the past, they had heard that Mrs. Tian had wolfish ambitions, but after looking at it today, it was indeed true.

Although what Tian Heng talked about was the anecdote about Marquis Qi, everyone could tell that he had some bad intentions.

But you can't accuse him of speaking ill of Marquis Qi, because after all, Marquis Qi did it himself.

According to the upright temperament of Qi State historians, this incident must have been recorded truthfully.

Since they are all included in the collection of historical materials in Qi State, it is not up to Tian Heng to make fun of them.

If you want to blame, you can only blame Qihou himself for being too sloppy.

But what did Tian Heng mean by saying this to me on purpose?

Could it be that you want me to feel jealous of Qi Hou and stay away from him?
Before Zaiyu could think it through, Tian Heng took out "Yi Zhuan" from his sleeve with a smile, and asked him a question humbly.

Zaiyu couldn't refuse, so he had to answer them one by one.

The two were talking, Tian Heng suddenly changed the topic to paper and their behavior of selling books.

"Being able to invent paper and write so many exquisite classics, your talent and learning really make me admire!

It is said in "Poetry": He is the son of the state, and he is the son of the state.

This describes someone like you, right? "

Zai Yu didn't dare to take his words lightly, but replied: "You are really overrated.

No matter how many classics you have written, no matter how much knowledge you have mastered, if you can't apply it, what's the use?
It is said in "Poetry": For wine, for sweetness, to give to the ancestors.

Store hundreds of millions of new rice grains, brew sweet and fragrant wine, and dedicate it to the ancestors to taste.

The reason why the Qi State is so rich and the common people can live such a good life is all thanks to the assistance of Tian's many talents! "

Tian Heng replied with a smile: "If the scholars of Qi State are as knowledgeable and respectful as you, then why worry about the poor governance of the country?

Even if the Qi State cannot get talents like you and Zigong, if your works can be spread here, it will be a blessing to the country! "

As soon as he said this, Zigong immediately sensed the hidden business opportunity.

"what do you mean?"

Tian Heng replied: "You may know that I have many children, so I have been worried that they will not be able to get enough education.

Zaizi's book "Erya" is a rare enlightenment book, so I would like to pre-order a hundred copies from you privately for ethnological purposes.

However, it would be a bit selfish for me to do so. After all, there are countless people in Qi State who need these books, but there are only so many books shipped to Qi State every month...

Alas, this is really a dilemma...

I have a difficult request. I wonder if I can beg the two of you to increase the supply of books to Qi for the people of Qi? "

Zaiyu never bothered to ask about these details of the trade, and left it to Zigong to deal with it.

But after hearing Tian Heng's request, Zigong also had some troubles.

"I can understand your pleading for the lives of the people of Qi, but if we rashly increase the monthly printing quantity, all the books shipped to Qi will be unsalable..."

Zi Gong said it very euphemistically. After all, he was worried about losing money.

Although the cost of printing books is not high, shipping and labor costs are a considerable expense.

What's more, after the goods arrive in Qi, they will be charged customs and market taxes.

It's okay if you run a few times in vain, but once you run too much, it's easy to lose all your belongings.

When Tian Heng heard this, he laughed loudly and said, "Please don't worry about this. I am the one who raised the request to increase the supply. If the books are unsalable, naturally I, Tian, ​​should be responsible.

How about this, I am willing to make an oath with you and Zaizi, starting from next month, Tian will buy all the books that you two ship to Qi State according to the market price.

As long as you can bring it over, no matter how much it is, I, Mrs. Tian, ​​will eat it all. What do you think of this proposal? "

When Jai Yu heard this, his eyes almost popped out.

What is Tian Heng planning to do?
Big fights come out, small fights come in, and they are used to buy people's hearts.

Now they plan to monopolize the paper book market, use this to cultivate talents for themselves, and buy middle and low-level scholars by the way?

Erdao dealer?

The general agent of Tuqiu Paper in Qiguo Region?
Good guy!
Unlimited purchases.

This kid Tian Heng wants to take a share!
But Zai Yu didn't object aloud.

His book sales in the state of Jin are backed by the Zhao family, so of course he has to find a backer in the state of Qi.

Besides, Tian is willing to give blood to the people of Qi State to popularize education, Zaiyu is simply wishing for it.

And according to Tian's usual style, after they buy books, it is basically impossible to increase the price and sell them profitably.

On the contrary, it is possible to sell at a reduced price to gather people's hearts.

If you're so sensible, then I won't bother with you about the surgery on me in my previous life.

Make money, popularize education, don't be ashamed.

Zai Yu said: "I didn't expect Tian Zi to have such a benevolent heart. Since you are willing to benefit the people, then we should naturally help you."

Tian Heng smiled and was about to continue discussing the relevant details with Zai Yu, but the time passed too quickly, and the carriage had already arrived at the gate of Duke Qi's Palace.

When Tian Heng saw him, he had to ask Zai Yu to get off the car first.

"Don't worry, we can talk in detail about the rest of the matter later. I still have a lot of questions and I want to ask you for advice."

Zaiyu generally refused Tian Heng's request.

After all, his three-inch tongue is usually used to stir up the situation, even if he answers people's questions, it is only limited to his own students.

But Tian Heng is a big client after all, so let's think of him as the one who paid to ask questions!

Everyone got out of the carriage, and before entering the palace, they saw a carriage coming from behind.

Just one look at the plain and unpretentious shape of this car, and you know it must be Yan Zi's car.

Yan Zi's carriage stopped, and the driver respectfully helped him out of the carriage. Before the soles of his feet hit the ground, he heard Yan Zi's questioning voice.

Yan Zi looked at the controller with a strange expression, and asked, "Has something happened to your family recently? Why do you feel that you have become different recently?"

Hearing this, the emperor replied in embarrassment.

"It's true that nothing can escape your observation. Last month, my wife suddenly proposed to reconcile with me, and she didn't want to live with me anymore."

Yan Zi was puzzled and said, "Why is that? Is it because the salary I pay you every month is not enough for you to support your family?
If not, you should tell me as soon as possible!How can you wait until the family members start complaining? "

The steward shook his head and said: "You have always treated us servants very well. The rewards you provide us are also very generous.

My wife wants to leave me, not because of pay.

She heard that after I became your chauffeur, she secretly watched me drive for you through the crack of the door.

She said: "Yan Zi is only six feet tall, but he became the Prime Minister of Qi State, and his reputation is well-known in all countries.

When I see him go out, his ambitions and thoughts are very deep, and he always maintains a humble attitude towards others.

Now that you are eight feet tall, you are no more than someone else's coachman.But judging by your demeanor, raising your horsewhip and shouting loudly, not only is there no shame, but you think you are quite satisfied.

I don't want such an unambitious husband, so I ask for a divorce from you. '

I thought about what she said, and felt that what she said was reasonable, so I was very ashamed, so I corrected my previous behavior, hoping to be a person with ambition. "

When Yan Zi heard this, a smile appeared on his face.

"It's your blessing to have such a virtuous wife! And you can correct your mistakes, which is also a very precious virtue!
Now your character is enough to use, and then it depends on whether you have enough talent to learn. "

As he spoke, Yan Zi took out a book from his sleeve and handed it to him: "You can take this "Book".

I'll give you three months, if you can understand the truth, then it would be a waste of talent to continue driving for me.

At that time, I will recommend to the monarch to let you become an official. "

After hearing this, the ruler took the scroll from Yanzi's hands with overjoyed hands, and thanked him repeatedly.

Yan Zi just smiled slightly, and then walked towards the steps in front of the palace.

When Tian Heng saw Yan Zi, he smiled and wanted to go up to say hello.

Unexpectedly, Yanzi turned a blind eye to him and walked past Tian Heng directly, leaving him standing there stiffly, not knowing what to do.

When Zaiyu and Zigong met, they were also dumbfounded at Yanzi's 'disrespectful' behavior.

They always thought that this short old man who was admired by the people of Qi State was a flexible and changeable person, but they didn't expect him to have such an 'unreasonable' side.

Obviously one moment he was praising the low-status imperial master, but the next moment he could directly flirt with the powerful Tian family's son.

Now they finally understood why the Master praised Yan Zi.

There is benevolence in rigidity, and strength in benevolence.

Be proud but not bear down, bully the strong but not the weak.

It can not only love the people, but also protect the government.

From this point of view, there are striking similarities between Yanzi and Master.

No wonder the master said that he and Yanzi are harmonious but different!

Although they used different methods and political ideas, their goals were highly consistent.

With a sullen face, Tian Heng watched Yanzi go all the way, until he walked into the palace, then he suppressed his anger and said to Zaiyu and Zigong.

"Yan Zi is probably old, and his old eyes are dim so he can't see people clearly. Let's go too, the monarch will be in a hurry."

He turned his head to look at Yanzi's charioteer and carriage, snorted coldly, and then led Zaiyu and Zigong into the palace.

It's probably not the first time Tian Heng participated in the private banquet of Marquis Qi. He brought Zaiyu and Zigong to a side hall with familiarity.

From time to time, there were bursts of drums, zither and flute music, as well as Qi Hou's Lang Lang laughing, and the sound of everyone talking.

Zai Yu stepped into the room, glanced casually, and found that there were not many guests attending the private banquet.

But it seems that everyone has a very close relationship with Qihou, which can be seen from the fact that they can talk and laugh freely with Qihou.

When everyone saw the arrival of a new guest, their chatter and laughter stagnated.

When Qihou saw Tian Heng, he also smiled and shouted: "Son of the Tian family, the two people beside you are both distant visitors from the state of Lu. They don't understand my rules, so they can be exempted from punishment.

But apart from them, you are the last one to arrive today, and according to the rules, you will be punished with alcohol! "

Sitting next to Qihou, the white-bearded old man who looked somewhat similar to Tian Heng also echoed: "Heng! Your Majesty has already issued a drinking order, why don't you hurry up and get punished?"

After Tian Heng heard this, he just smiled, and then saluted: "Tian Heng is late, he should be punished with alcohol. But before that, I ask the king to punish Yan Ying for drinking."

After hearing this, Yan Zi's expression did not change, as if he was used to it.

"Oh?" Qi Hou was halfway through drinking, put down the wine bar and asked, "Why is that?"

Tian Heng said: "Your Majesty, you give high-ranking officials to make them honorable, and reward them with millions of dollars to enrich their families. There is no higher official position among the officials than him, and no higher salary than him.

However, he came to your banquet in black clothes and suede fur, in a simple car, and on a poor horse. Isn't this a way to cover up your reward from your lord in front of the guests from afar? "

Zigong took a breath when he heard that.

He thought Tian Heng had a big belly, and after a long time of trouble, he was waiting for Yanzi here!
Zai Yu looked at Yan Zi with great interest, planning to see how he would respond.

"This..." Qi Hou thought about it for a while: "It seems to be right! Punish, punish Yan Zi for drinking!"

The attendant at the side immediately brought the wine bar and came to Yanzi's side. Yan Zi took the wine bar, left his seat and walked into the hall with old steps.

He bowed to Marquis Qi and said, "Your Majesty, do you want me to drink and then talk? Or talk first and then drink?"

Qihou was a little unhappy, he frowned and asked: "Is there anything else you want to say? Let's have a drink later!"

Yanzi said: "You gave me an official position to make me noble, but I dare not accept an official position because of your honor, but I only accept it to follow the king's order.

Reward millions of money to enrich my family. I dare not accept so much money for the sake of being rich, but only to spread the king's reward.

I have heard that among the wise kings in ancient times, if any of the ministers accepted generous rewards but did not manage state affairs, he would be punished.

In dealing with government affairs, those who are not up to the job must be punished.

If the king's ministers, fathers and brothers of the ministers are scattered to the countryside, it is my fault.

If any of the king's foreign ministers or ministers' subordinates is in exile, it is my fault.

If the weapons are not complete and the chariots are not repaired, it is my fault.

But riding a dilapidated car and riding a bad horse to attend the banquet, how can this be my crime as a subject?

Moreover, I use your rewards so that no one in my father's generation does not ride a car, no one in my mother's family does not have enough food and clothing, and no one in my wife's family suffers from cold and hunger.

There are hundreds of families who have not become officials in the country, and their families are poor and suffering. They are waiting for my relief before they can cook.

If I do this, am I covering up the king's reward?
Or proclaim the king's reward? "

Hearing this, Marquis Qi couldn't help getting up and said: "Well said! I misunderstood you just now, come and punish Tian Heng for me to drink twice as much!"

Yan Zi returned to his seat and sat down without showing any anger, but Tian Heng's face changed when he heard this.

He wanted to give Yanzi a slap in the face, but who would have thought that he would actually deceive himself!

Zaiyu and Zigong couldn't help praising Yanzi secretly in their hearts.

What is satire?
What is top-level yin and yang strangeness?
Yan Zi was able to assist the three monarchs in succession and suppress the Tian family all the time, so he really has two brushes!

Qi Hou stared at Tian Heng as he finished drinking two glasses of wine, a sly look flashed in his eyes, and a faint smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

The officials present may not have noticed it, but they were clearly seen by Zai Yu who was facing him.

There was a sudden thump in his heart, and a trace of suspicion appeared in his heart.

This……

Qi Hou looks like a fake idiot, is he the same as me, in fact, he has read it thoroughly from beginning to end, but he has always been pretending to be stupid?
Zaiyu thought about it carefully, and the more he thought about it, the more he felt that there was such a possibility.

How can a guy who has been able to sit on the throne of Qi for 50 years be a pure, lovely and kind person?

He shouldn't have been using Yanzi and Tian's to check and balance each other, right?
　Reader: I have it.

　　Author: what?
　　Readers: Recommended tickets and monthly tickets?

　　Author (ecstatic): Whose?

　　Reader (shy): Yours.

　　——Excerpt from "Zaiyu's Diary"

　　
　
(End of this chapter)