Zhurou

Chapter 246 Invitation

Zhang Yi was just casually saying something, but the speaker was unintentional, but the listener took it seriously. Lu Xianzhang's face changed immediately, and he forced a smile and said, "Life is an important matter, the Privy Councilor should not use it to tease me."

Seeing his attitude, Zhang Yi became serious. He looked back and then at Pei Yong, saying, "You two are both young and successful people, and you are both outstanding young men. But now you are both unmarried. I don't know why."

As he said this, he sneered at himself again and said, "I forgot that the country was not doing well in the past, and Xianzhang was also implicated. It's okay. If you don't mind, my wife has lived in the capital for some years and knows a few families..."

Lu Xianzhang quickly shook his head and said, "Thank you for your concern, I am busy with official duties right now and don't have time to deal with such matters. It won't be too late to wait a few years and then talk about it."

Zhang Yi shook his head and said, "When a man sets up a family and a career, they say that he should get married first before he can start a career. If you are not in a hurry, then aren't your parents in a hurry? There are three types of unfilial behavior, and the worst is to have no descendants..."

Not to mention that he was speaking so sensibly and rationally, Lu Xianzhang simply refused to respond, which made the latter take the matter to heart.

What Zhang Yi said just now was not entirely exaggerated. According to people's eyes, the two people in front of him were already outstanding people, rare in the world. It's just that Pei Yong's future may not be good. Lu Xianzhang is a rare talent. He entered the two governments before he was thirty years old. It was naturally due to the circumstances. His own ability was also evident. He was rare in character, rarely showed his edge, and was very calm.

I don't have a daughter of the right age at home, but I can ask my wife to look for someone suitable among them. We can get married when the time comes...

However, Lu Xianzhang's matter was not his purpose today, so he put it aside for now, turned around and looked at Pei Yong, and said, "I heard that there is no one in the Jiedu's family who can make arrangements. The Jiedu has achieved everything, and I wonder if there is a suitable family in Jingzhao Prefecture?"

Pei Yong frowned slightly and said, "It's my personal matter, so I don't need the Privy Council to worry about it."

Zhang Yi did not take it as an offense, put down the cup in his hand, and said in a sincere tone: "Although I have a shallow relationship with the governor, I am willing to mention it - just don't think I am meddling in other people's business - the governor has made such a great contribution, I think he has long expected that he will be promoted to the two governments. Living in the capital is not easy. It is really difficult to rely on the steward to take care of food, clothing, housing, transportation, and foreign affairs. It is better to settle his own affairs early, so that there will be someone to take care of the household affairs in the future, so that he will not have to worry too much..."

Pei Yong said nothing, took the bamboo chopsticks in front of him, picked up a bite of food and ate it, but did not drink any wine.

He didn't say anything, but Lu Xianzhang beside him clenched the wine glass in his hand and stared at him.

When Zhang Yi asked the question, he did not expect to get a definite answer.

The two had no previous acquaintance, and because of the conflict between the Privy Council and the Jingzhao Prefecture, it was normal for Pei not to trust and be unwilling to confide in each other. If he easily showed goodwill, he would be wary in his heart, fearing that the other party would play some tricks.

Pei Yong didn't say anything. Zhang Yi, who had been humiliated twice in a row, didn't want to swallow his pride, but he stopped talking for the sake of face. The two of them remained silent. Lu Xianzhang, who should have come out to smooth things over, was afraid that if he opened his mouth, he would be asked about his marriage again, so he had to keep quiet.

The atmosphere at the table suddenly became awkward.

Just at this moment, a minor official from the Kyoto government office hurried in and said that there was an important matter in the office, which gave Lu Xianzhang the opportunity to plead guilty and leave.

After Lu Xianzhang left, Zhang Yi hesitated for a few breaths. He knew that he was the most anxious one. He suppressed his displeasure and said, "Everyone in the court knows that I, Zhang Poda, am always outspoken. If I offended you in any way when I spoke today, it was really because I was too concerned. The governor should not take it to heart."

He paused, and then continued, "I will not hide it from the governor, and the governor will tell me the truth - the court wants you to join the Privy Council, but I don't know what you think."

"Unlike others, I also come from a martial arts background. I have served in the northwest and southwest for several times. How could I not know the hardships of military governors? You have worked so hard in Jingzhao Prefecture to build your current foundation and ensure the stability of the court. You were transferred without permission and had to explain the military power. It would be strange if you didn't feel unfair!"

"Let alone being in charge of your own family, even if you can hold your own, don't your subordinates feel resentful? If you don't care about yourself, you should also consider the situation below, otherwise how can you be worthy of your brothers?"

"Everyone in the two governments has their own considerations and concerns. Even if the emperor is willing, he still has to consider the overall situation. I am not afraid of being the one who asks questions that are annoying. If the governor is to stay in the capital and join the Privy Council, will the subordinates be dissatisfied?"

He asked several questions in a row, all of which were lobbying words, and his tone was quite empathetic.

Pei Yong stopped writing and said, "We are all teachers of the emperor, and I am just a minister of the emperor. It doesn't matter whether we are equal or not."

His tone was very calm, as if he had no emotional fluctuations. He paused and continued, "I don't have many relatives, but I am alone. It is not difficult for me to be transferred to the north or south. Thank you for your consideration for me."

Zhang Yi smiled and said, "If the governor were to choose, regardless of the job, just talking about your own family, which one do you prefer, the capital or Jingzhao Prefecture?"

Pei Yong paused, put the bamboo chopsticks back on the table, and said, "I have only been in the capital for a short time, and because of the Di people's rebellion, everything is still in ruins. I have never seen the prosperous capital, but now everything is back to normal. I think it won't be long before it can return to its heyday."

"Jingzhao Prefecture is just a small place in the northwest. How can it be compared with the capital?"

Zhang Yi smiled again and said, "I am different from the governor. I was born in Xiangyang and went to Zhending with my father before I could remember anything. Later, I was able to enter the government and served in many places. Comparatively speaking, I have spent the longest time in the capital and have seen its prosperity. Although I am old now, if I were to choose, I would prefer the climate in Zhending. Although it is cold in winter, it is not as hot as here in summer. Besides, I grew up there and have many relatives and friends there, so I can adapt to the taste better..."

At this point, he asked casually, "I heard that the beef and mutton in Jingzhao Prefecture are more fragrant and less smelly than those in the capital, but I don't know if it's true or not?"

Pei Yong said: "There is such a saying."

Zhang Yi asked again, "I heard that the climate in Jingzhao Prefecture is not very good. If you live there for a long time, the wind will be strong and the sand will be heavy, which will easily cause chapped hands and face. But I don't know if it is true or not?"

Pei Yong said: "Not really. There are mountains outside the city and houses inside the city. It's just that the north wind is stronger in autumn and winter. But compared to the Central Plains, the climate is indeed different."

Zhang Yi laughed and said, "People are different in different places because of the climate and soil. I once had a subordinate who was born in Lintao. He was transferred to Jianzhou by chance. When I found out, he complained a lot and wanted to ask me to transfer him. He said he couldn't get used to the plum rain in the south. After only one year, he never mentioned transfer again. I wrote to him later and asked him about the local customs and people, and the soft Wu dialect, which was really intoxicating. After he was appointed, he asked me to name his new children. It turned out that he had two more wives. When he wanted to be transferred, he only asked for a job in Jiangnan and didn't mention anything else."

Pei Yong said "Oh" and just smiled without commenting. He took the wine glass in front of him, held it in his hand, and did not drink.

Seeing his reaction, Zhang Yi couldn't help but speculate in his mind. He had been asking questions in a roundabout way for half a day, but had not gotten any definite answer. He could only talk about this and that, and when he saw that it was getting late, he dispersed with his men.

He returned to the mansion a little tipsy, and someone brought him tea. Zhang Yi had always been particular about tea, and he found it very bland. He was about to get angry, but when he looked up, he saw that the person standing in front of him was not a servant, but a guest of his family. He immediately stopped scolding, and his face calmed down a little, and asked, "Xinde, why is it you?"

The servant said, "Today the government sent a letter saying that the official had gone to the west of the city. I was afraid that he had something urgent to do, so I will wait for a while."

Then he asked, "Does the lord have any comment?"

Zhang Yi briefly recounted his conversation with Pei Yong at the table.

The retainer frowned and thought hard, then shook his head and said, "I am stupid and I can't figure out what Pei Yong is planning."

Zhang Yi said: "Think about it again."

After he finished speaking, he rang the bell to call the steward over, pushed the teacup over, and said, "Take it away and ask the person who makes the tea to taste it himself."

The tone was quite friendly, but the manager didn't dare to say anything and quickly apologized.

Zhang Yi did not say anything more to the other party. He just waved his hand and waited for the people to leave before turning around and looking at the guests.

The latter bowed his head for a long time, and said with difficulty: "In my opinion, Pei Yong must want to return to Jingzhao Prefecture, even if he has to make concessions in terms of assignments and positions, he must keep the military power in his hands. But from his tone today, it seems that whether he goes back or stays in the capital is not a big deal, and he doesn't care at all. This is really hard to understand!"

Zhang Yi shook his head. Although he didn't say it explicitly, one could tell from his facial expression that he was not very satisfied with the answer.

However, when facing his own guests, his attitude was always warm and gentle. He just smiled and said, "Xinde, don't judge a person by what he says, but by what he does."

"Look, Pei Yong said that it's okay to stay or go, it's all up to the court, so what is he doing now?"

The retainer played dumb for a long time, and now he finally found out his master's attitude. Naturally, he would not keep the other party waiting for a long time, and almost immediately said, "Yes! Yes! He said that he would follow the arrangements of the court, but he has been in the capital for many years, and the emperor has already granted him a mansion, but this person has always lived in the West Camp. How can he be willing to stay in the capital at all!"

He patted his forehead and sighed, "Look at my brain!"

He took a step back, bowed and saluted, saying, "As expected, you can see far from a high place. Thanks to the master's advice, I have figured out a few tricks!"

He had followed Zhang Yi for a long time and knew that he should not flatter this man too much. Just a few words, whether lightly or heavily, were enough. If he said too much and it was too obvious, the other party would not like it.

As expected, Zhang Yi slowly stroked his beard and said, "Is there anyone in the world who doesn't have hobbies? Men may like fame, money, sex, wine, or poetry. Even if he is just a pure warrior, doesn't he like weapons and skills? He has been in Beijing twice, and it has been quite a while. I asked you to go out and inquire last time. Did you get any news?"

The guest's expression also became serious, his back straightened a little, and he replied, "I have asked people to make detailed inquiries for a long time. Pei Yong has no preferences. He is not extravagant in food, clothing, housing and transportation. I heard that he has been in Beijing for a month and has never eaten out for a few meals. He always refuses invitations and doesn't like to go to the theater to watch operas. The pavilions in Xiaotianshui Lane have never done business with him..."

Zhang Yi sneered, "He's pretending to be loyal, this is the best way to be a traitor."

He added, "It is precisely because he went so far that his flaws were exposed. When he was in Jingzhao Prefecture, he was not at all unsophisticated. I heard that he would buy women's finest clothing and supplies every year. This year, he also bought a lot of children's things, as well as food and clothing. At the beginning of the year, he also sent people to search for medicinal materials at high prices everywhere."

"Although he claims to have no wife, he may have a mistress in private. Otherwise, what would he buy these things for? Especially not long ago, he sent people to find skilled craftsmen, saying that he wanted to renovate the Jingzhao Mansion. It's just that the distance is far and there is a war, so it's hard to get the news, so it's hard to find out!"

The retainer was actually quite impressed with Zhang Yisheng at this point, but after thinking about it again and again, he still felt that the explanation didn't make sense, and couldn't help but ask: "He is the governor of a place after all, does he have to hide such a big thing as marriage?"

"It is said that Pei Yong was born into a family of prisoners. Pei Yong must have done some banditry while serving under Cao Mang. Bandits are used to committing evil deeds. They are afraid of being caught by their enemies, so they always hide their identities and protect their wives and children. He dared to order his men to kill the deputy transport envoy sent by the court. Even if he was so bold, he should have left himself a way out."

Such a logical analysis made the retainer nod his head and say, "Your Excellency is right! With a newly built residence, trusted soldiers and horses, and his wife and children all in Jingzhao Prefecture, it is obvious that this man must want to go back. But since he is determined to leave, how dare he act so pretentiously after your Excellency's suggestion today? Does he really think he is still sitting in Jingzhao Prefecture with 100,000 elite soldiers under his command?"

He added, "To put it bluntly, he is now in the capital, and the emperor has his guards around him. If you want to punish him, you only need to devise a plan, and you never know what will happen to him."

Zhang Yi snorted coldly and said, "I would like to be Xiang Zhuang, but I am afraid that even Xiang Yu would..."

He didn't finish his words, so the retainer could only bow his head and remain silent for a few breaths before asking again: "Now that you know Pei Yong's thoughts, how can you not let the tiger go back to the mountain?"

Zhang Yi said: "Whether he advances or retreats, whether he returns or not, it has nothing to do with me - just wait for someone from Caizhou to return, and he will be anxious. I will just watch the show."

He said this, but how could he really feel at ease? He waited for the steward to bring in new tea, and forced the retainer to analyze the situation until midnight. He also asked him to draw up a set of rules for the next day. He added three or four more cups of tea before letting him go back to rest.

Regardless of how Zhang Yi stayed awake in the middle of the night, Pei Yong did not get much rest after sending him away.

Although he had not been to Beijing for many years, he had always kept a close eye on the situation in the capital. Especially before leading his troops here this time, he had carefully learned about the situation of the officials.

After returning victoriously, he seldom stayed outside, so other people threw various invitations into the West Camp. In just a few days, a thick stack of them had accumulated. His capable subordinates had already compiled a list, and he quickly selected a few invitations from them and asked people to reply to the invitations as the Summer Solstice holiday was just around the corner.

So when Zhang Yi sobered up the next day with a bitter taste in his mouth and before he could even have a sip of morning tea, he learned from his followers that Pei Jiedu had accepted five or six invitations in a row, covering everything from hunting to flower viewing, from banquets to tasting of utensils.

The retainer had two dark circles under his eyes and asked with a bitter face, "Sir, what exactly does Pei Yong mean by doing this? Does he have other plans?"

There are still tens of thousands of words left to finish, and it's very stuck. This was originally just a short story about love, but I added a lot of messy lines while writing it. I was afraid of being criticized for having a bad ending, so I didn't dare to end it. In the end, I couldn't go back. The extra chapter will be longer and will drag on for a longer time, please forgive me...