Do you know: I am Yuan Wenshao

Chapter 228 Yuan family motto
The couple talked all the way back home.

Just as he was about to enter, the concierge reported: "Your Majesty, Your Highness Prince Huan has sent an invitation. Please come to Prince Huan's Mansion for a banquet in the evening."

Yuan Wenshao accepted the invitation without thinking too much, and helped Hua Lan into the house.

"His Royal Highness King Huan suddenly entertained officials. Is there anything going on?" Hualan asked.

"I guess it's still a matter of Uncle Shen. The officials and the empress felt that Uncle Shen was reluctant, so they asked His Highness King Huan to persuade him. His Highness King Huan asked me to accompany him," Yuan Wenshao guessed.

"Oh, Uncle Shen Guo is also infatuated." Hua Lan sighed.

……

In the evening, Yuan Wenshao arrived at Prince Huan's Mansion in a carriage.

As soon as Yuan Wenshao got off the carriage, he saw a carriage not far away and went to greet it.

"Zhong Huai, I knew His Highness must have invited you too." Yuan Wenshao said with a smile after the carriage stopped.

Shitou opened the curtain and jumped out of the carriage, followed by Gu Tingye.

"What a coincidence." Gu Tingye bowed his hands.

"Is it because His Highness invited us to the banquet because of Uncle Shen's affairs?" Yuan Wenshao asked.

Gu Tingye looked around and whispered: "Today I went into the palace to ask the officials for a marriage, and the officials agreed. King Huan was there when I went, and later I left the palace with King Huan. Listen to him I mean, the guest of honor at this dinner is you."

"I?"

Yuan Wenshao was stunned and asked, "Do you know why?"

Gu Tingye shook his head and said: "Your Highness didn't say anything, so I can't ask more questions. Anyway, you have to be prepared. I don't think it's a trivial matter."

"I understand." Yuan Wenshao nodded.

The two handed the invitation to the boy at the door, and the boy enthusiastically led them into the palace.

As soon as they entered the front yard, they saw Zhao Ceying and Shen Congxing waiting at the door of the front hall.

As Zhao Ceying, greeting them at the entrance of the front hall was already very important to them.

"I pay my respects to His Highness King Huan!"

Yuan Wenshao and Gu Tingye saluted.

"No need to be polite, I invite you here today just to get together, please come inside." Zhao Ceying said with a smile.

Entering the front hall, after the guests and hosts sat down, Zhao Ceying said with a smile: "Last time Zhongyong Hou saved me, I always wanted to have a few drinks with Zhongyong Hou, but was delayed. Today I have to have a few drinks."

"How many drinks are enough? You have to get drunk before you stop. Dalang, hurry up and let someone go to the bar." Shen Congxing urged.

"Uncle, I heard that you have been drunk every day these days. This is not okay." Zhao Ceying said.

Zhao Ceying knew that Shen Congxing was very dissatisfied with the marriage arranged for him by his parents, and he had been drinking to drown his sorrows in the past few days.

He invited several people to the banquet this time. Firstly, he was completing the tasks assigned by his father. Secondly, he was following the order of his mother and wanted to persuade Shen Congxing.

He had been persuading him for a while before Yuan Wenshao and Gu Tingye came, but Shen Congxing couldn't listen at all.

When Shen Congxing heard Zhao Ceying's words, he said perfunctorily: "I understand."

Zhao Ceying shook his head helplessly and ordered his servants to serve food and drinks.

"Wen Shao, I thought carefully about the point you raised last time for a long time. The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. I sorted it out and sent a memorial to my father. After reading it, my father praised you for your great talent. "Zhao Ceying said with a smile.

"Haha, Your Majesty, he is ridiculous, I am just talking on paper." Yuan Wenshao shook his head.

"Oh?" Gu Tingye became interested and asked, "What's your point of view?"

"Wen Shao feels that if he wants to regain the sixteen states of Yanyun, he must first solve Xixia. And if he wants to solve Xixia, Hehuang is crucial." Zhao Ceying said.

Gu Tingye was born as a general, and he had determined to regain the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun since he was a child. He didn't know how many times he had read the map of the frontier.

Hearing this, he thought for a long time, his eyes lit up, and he said: "Recovering Hehuang and appeasing the Qiang people will make Xixia vulnerable to enemies from both sides!"

Many tribes such as Tubo and Qiang live in Hehuang on the northwest border.

Although these tribes are not strong, if they unite together, they cannot be underestimated.

However, these tribes are independent in their own affairs, some support Xixia and some support Zhou Dynasty, and most of them are wavering between the two countries.

Because it was too scattered, tribes often fought with each other. It posed no threat to Zhou and Xixia, and the two countries did not pay much attention to it.

However, if a war to destroy the country is launched, the tribes in Hehuang Land will have to guard against it.

If the Zhou Dynasty could regain the land of Hehuang and recruit those tribes, Xixia would be attacked from both sides.

Shen Congxing said excitedly: "Dalang, brother-in-law... is your Majesty going to launch troops against Hehuang? Tell your Majesty, let me lead the troops!"

He didn't want to marry the daughter of an English duke. If he could lead an army on an expedition, it would take a long time.

How could Zhao Ceying not know Shen Congxing's thoughts? She shook her head and said: "This strategy is good, and my father also appreciates it very much, but it is impossible to send troops in a short time."

"Why?" Shen Congxing asked confused.

At this moment, a group of maids walked in carrying exquisite dishes.

After the dishes were placed, a maid knelt down next to everyone, holding a flask and pouring wine.

Zhao Ceying raised his glass and said, "Come on, have a drink first and let's talk slowly."

"Your Majesty!"

Yuan Wenshao and Gu Tingye raised their wine glasses and said.

The four of them drank the wine in their glasses. Zhao Ceying put down his glass and said with a wry smile: "The reason why we can't mobilize troops is because the treasury has no money at all. Even the money to reward and pension the soldiers this time cannot be obtained now."

"How is that possible!" Shen Congxing said in disbelief: "How long did it take for the autumn tax to be collected last year? Last year, the weather was good everywhere and there were no major natural disasters. How could the national treasury have no money?"

"Of course there is money, but the annual tax revenue is basically enough for normal expenses, and there is not much left over. Once rewards are paid out in full, officials may not even be able to get their salaries. The princes in the court mean to reduce Rewards and pensions for soldiers." Zhao Ceying said.

"How can this be done?" Shen Congxing said excitedly: "The soldiers fought bloody battles. If the rewards and pensions are reduced, the soldiers will definitely not use their lives in future wars."

"Yes, how could the princes in the court be so short-sighted and make such a foolish move?" Gu Tingye frowned slightly.

Yuan Wenshao was also very surprised when he heard this. The most important thing in the army is to distinguish rewards and punishments.

It is enough not to give generous rewards for winning battles, but to reduce rewards and pensions. If this is done, it will inevitably cause chaos.

It is impossible for Zhao Zongquan not to know this.

However, Yuan Wenshao did not speak in a hurry, but thought of what Gu Tingye had said before, that Zhao Ceying's banquet was not mainly for him.

Yuan Wenshao felt that Zhao Ceying must have mentioned this topic intentionally.

However, he couldn't figure out what Zhao Ceying's purpose was for a while. Could it be that he wanted him to find a way to solve this matter?
Zhao Ceying smiled bitterly and said: "My father is very angry about this, but the princes in the court can't do anything about it."

After speaking, Zhao Ceying looked at Yuan Wenshao and said: "Speaking of which, catching Jiang Jingming will get a lot of money, and it can also solve an urgent need. When I interrogated Jiang Jingming, I learned a piece of news from him, which was very popular among the nobles of Xixia and Liao. Liuli, I wonder if your Liuli workshop, Wen Shao, can produce large quantities of Liuli?"

Yuan Wenshao was startled and suddenly realized that the purpose of Zhao Ceying's banquet was the formula of Liuli.

To be honest, he was far from angry about this.

He has always limited the quantity of colored glaze and has not produced it on a large scale. This is not only because he is afraid of the proliferation of colored glaze, but also because he does not dare to make too much money.

He is a noble military commander. If he were to be as rich as any other country, any emperor would be suspicious of him.

There are so many officials from aristocratic families in the Great Zhou Dynasty, and there are many surrounding countries, and they can also be sold overseas. If he really relaxes the quantity, it will be impossible for it to flood in a short time.

It can be said that Liuli is a huge gold mine. Yuan Wenshao is not afraid that the gold mine will dry up, but he does not dare to dig too much for fear of attracting covetousness.

"Your Highness, colored glaze can be made in large quantities." Yuan Wenshao said. "That's great! I wonder if Yuan Shao can make it in large quantities. I will find someone to sell it to other countries in exchange for gold and silver." Zhao Ceying said.

"Your Highness, I have received the favor of the Emperor and am willing to dedicate the method of making colored glaze to Your Majesty!" Yuan Wenshao said.

Yuan Wenshao is not stupid. He doesn't believe that Zhao Ceying just wants to be a second-rate dealer when he mentions this. Moreover, he himself is jealous of Zhao Zongquan. If he doesn't hand it over, who knows what Zhao Zongquan will think.

On the contrary, if handing it over can eliminate Zhao Zongquan's suspicion, it will be a good deal for him.

"Yuan Shao understands the righteousness, and I am very pleased. However, after all, this is your private property. How will the world view the royal family when word spreads? You can just give the glass to me to sell." Zhao Ceying shook his head.

"Your Highness is kind, I understand." Yuan Wenshao said.

"Haha, let's talk about this later. I invited you here today because I wanted to have a drink and reminisce about old times, but while we were chatting, we ended up talking about state affairs. I will punish myself with three drinks!" Zhao Ceying said with a smile.

"Your Highness must be greedy for wine!" Gu Tingye joked.

"You have seen this!" Zhao Ceying said with a smile: "Father has promised to grant you a marriage. When you get married, let's see how I play tricks on you."

"Zhong Huai is getting married? Which girl do you like?" Shen Congxing asked in surprise.

"Haha, she is the sixth girl from the Sheng family who advises the doctor." Gu Tingye said with a smile.

"Sheng family?" Shen Congxing was stunned and said in surprise: "Then you and Yuan Shao are brothers-in-law?"

"Yes, he will have to call me brother-in-law when the time comes." Yuan Wenshao said with a smile.

Shen Congxing forced a smile and raised his glass: "Congratulations!"

To be honest, he was really jealous of Gu Tingye, but he knew that Zhao Zongquan did not ennoble Gu Tingye because he wanted him to inherit the unique talent of Ning Yuanhou.

The Sheng family's family status is quite high, not to mention that the sixth girl of the Sheng family is still a concubine.

Gu Tingye could marry whomever he wanted, but he couldn't.

Thinking of this, Shen Congxing drank quietly.

When several people saw that something was wrong with Shen Congxing suddenly, they all guessed it and stopped talking about this topic.

……

"My lord, please slow down."

Zhang An helped the drunk Yuan Wenshao all the way to the inner courtyard.

"Why did you drink so much?"

Hualan got the news and led people to greet him. As soon as he got close, he smelled a pungent smell of alcohol.

"Hurry and help the officials in."

"Yes!"

Zhang An helped Yuan Wenshao into the room, placed him on the bed, and then retreated.

Hua Lan asked her servants to bring hot water for Yuan Wenshao to wipe his body and wash his feet. He worked for a long time.

"Okay, you all go down and rest." Hua Lan said.

"Yes."

The maids responded and retreated with basins in hand.

"You don't know how to cherish your body at all."

Hualan complained and lifted the quilt for Yuan Wenshao.

"Who said I don't know how to take care of my body?" Yuan Wenshao opened his eyes and smiled.

"My lord, are you not drunk?" Hua Lan asked in surprise.

"Well, Uncle Shen Guo is such a drinker. If he didn't pretend to be drunk, I don't know how long he would have to drink. I'm a little thirsty, so let someone get me some water." Yuan Wenshao said.

"You lie down and I'll go."

There was warm hot water on the stove in the room. Hua Lan poured a bowl for Yuan Wenshao and brought it over.

Yuan Wenshao took it and drank it, breathing a sigh of relief.

"Anything else?"

"No more."

Hua Lan put down the bowl and said, "It's getting late. The officials have to go to court tomorrow, so go to bed early."

"Ah."

Yuan Wenshao nodded, and after Hua Lan went to bed and lay down, he hugged her and said, "Prince Huan invited me to go today..."

Yuan Wenshao told King Huan the purpose of inviting him there and his intention to hand over the method of making colored glaze.

Although Zhao Ceying said that the method of making colored glaze was his private property and could not be taken away from him.

But Yuan Wenshao had already heard the implication of his words.

The ancients liked to do things that were done and established.

When the emperor ascends the throne, he likes to make three invitations and three concessions.

If he gave Zhao Ceying the method of making colored glaze in private, neither Zhao Zongquan nor Zhao Ceying would want it.

Yuan Wenshao also understood this and did not mention it again at that time, preparing to present it to the public tomorrow morning.

"The official must have had his own intentions in doing this, and I have no objection." Hua Lan said.

Yuan Wenshao was surprised and said: "You know how much money Liuli makes, are you really willing to do it?"

He originally thought that Hua Lan would not be willing, but he wanted to persuade her.

Unexpectedly, Hua Lan didn't give up at all.

"Our family is already a marquis, and we have millions of taels of silver in our family. Too much money is not a good thing," Hua Lan said.

"Don't you want to leave more family property for your son?" Yuan Wenshao said with a smile.

Hua Lan shook his head and said: "Officials all say that parents love their children for their own purposes. But in the years I have been in Bianjing, I have also heard of many families whose descendants failed to live up to expectations and lost their family fortune. I have said that many descendants strive to bring glory to the family. Seeing this, I also want to understand the truth. If the descendants strive for success, they can earn it themselves even if there is no big family fortune for them to inherit. If they do not live up to the expectations, they can leave No matter how much you try, you will be defeated."

Yuan Wenshao looked at Hua Lan in surprise, not expecting that she could say such philosophical words.

Lin Zexu once said: "If my descendants are like me, they will do nothing with their money. If they are wise and rich, they will harm their aspirations; if their descendants are not as good as me, they will do nothing with their money. If they are stupid and rich, their faults will be aggravated."

Hua Lan's words just now are very similar to Lin Zexu's words.

"Guanren, why are you looking at me like this?" Hua Lan asked doubtfully.

Yuan Wenshao kissed Hua Lan on the face and said with a smile: "I didn't expect my wife to be so virtuous. With what you just said, I am going to make a family lesson to warn future generations."

"what?"

Hua Lan blinked in surprise and said, "Isn't the family motto set by the head of the family?"

"Who said that only the head of the family can establish the family? I think what you just said is very good. I not only want to establish it as a family motto, but also indicate that it was you who said it." Yuan Wenshao said with a smile.

"Will this... be laughed at if people spread it out?" Hua Lan asked worriedly.

"No, everyone in Bianjing will praise my wife for her virtuousness." Yuan Wenshao said with a smile.

(End of this chapter)