The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 465 Cuifengzhai Private Meeting

"Master Hou, Wu Jin is still too young. If Guanghe Commercial Bank is left to him, there won't be any problems, right?"

Ma Qing offered tea, Zhu Xiu took it and said with a smile: "Young people are just getting some experience, and with Wu Dachuan watching over them, it shouldn't be a problem."

Ma Qing said: "I sent people to keep an eye on him. I hope this kid doesn't get confused."

Zhu Xiu smiled and drank tea slowly.

Ma Qing muttered in his ear, looking strange.

"Pfft~" Zhu Xiu spat out saliva mixed with tea.

Wiping his mouth, Zhu Xiu widened his eyes and said, "Zhao Kuangyi? Are you really that kid?"

Ma Qing said: "Brother below saw it with his own eyes and heard him register his number. There should be no mistake."

Zhu Xiu is angry and funny, and Zhao Kuangyi should be less than 15 years old, and he knows how to play tricks to please women.

The key is that this kid actually set his sights on Zhou Xian!
Two people who were originally incompatible became connected by chance because of him!

Ma Qing sneered and said: "It seems that the person who followed Madam Zhou not long ago should be him! There is also another one, Han Lingkun's younger brother Han Lingjun. The two are fellow Guozixue students and have always been close to each other."

Zhu Xiu put down the tea cup and rubbed the stubble on his chin with a strange look on his face.

At present, Guozixue in Kaifeng is still in a stage where everything is waiting for improvement. The affairs of the imperial court are complicated, and Guo Wei has not bothered to reset the highest institution of official education.

Guozixue is just a place where officials, nobles and nobles can make friends and connect with each other, and it has no practical significance.

Zhu Xiu took two steps with her hands behind her back, and Ma Qing said: "Zhao Kuangyi invites Madam Zhou to meet at Cuifengzhai in Jingdez City tomorrow. Do you want me to send someone to keep an eye on Madam Zhou and prevent her from attending the appointment?"

Zhu Xiu smiled strangely and said, "Why do you have to watch her? Just let her go."

Ma Qing was stunned: "Master Hou doesn't like Mrs. Zhou?"

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "Zhao Kuangyi is barely a figure. You might as well pay more attention to him in the future. Naturally, everyone likes beauties, but in the end who can win the beauty back depends on his ability!"

Zhu Xiu smiled a little sinisterly: "I like beating the couple with a stick, fighting for love with a knife, catching someone in bed, etc. I like it the most. You might as well have fun with him and make him give up! Let him know that you can't do anything with him. This prince is too young to snatch a woman!"

Ma Qing gave a thumbs up and said with a chuckle: "Master Hou, do you want to lose this guy's face in front of Madam Zhou? This is better than catching him and beating him up!"

Zhu Xiu rubbed her chin, feeling faintly excited. Stealing a woman was already exciting, and it was with Zhao Kuangyi.

Although this guy is still a young boy, it doesn't stop Zhu Xiu from having fun in his heart.

"By the way, send someone to investigate the whereabouts of those green-skinned hooligans, catch the leader, and bring them to Cuifeng Zhai tomorrow!"

Zhu Xiu ordered calmly.

Ma Qing said: "The villain has sent people to check, and they will be found within a day!"

~~~
In front of the Cuifengzhai teahouse, Zhao Kuangyi was dressed in a white satin robe with a crescent moon, a jade-inlaid turban on his head, and shook a folding fan. He was obviously dressed up carefully, and he looked elegant and suave.

It's just that he put some powder on his face, he looks oily and powdery, his youthful air is a little lighter, but it feels a little greasy, like a wanderer who hangs around in Yanliu Lane.

He was already thinking about how Mrs. Zhou was impressed by his temperament and how she fell in love with him under his careful design.

Originally, Zhao Kuangyi planned to impress Madam Zhou with his talent and appearance, but then he thought about it. Zhu Xiu was recognized as a handsome man, a hermit disciple, and a recognized intellectual and famous person. Compared with Zhu Xiuyi, he, Zhao Er, was in these two positions. seems to have no advantage.

But it doesn't matter. As a member of a family of officials, Zhao Kuangyi believes that he has a natural nobility that Haozhou villagers like Zhu Xiu don't have.

He has already found out the origin of Madam Zhou. She is the daughter of Zhou Zong, the Grand Tutor of the Southern Tang Dynasty.

The two of them have similar family backgrounds, are about the same age, and have a relationship with Yesterday's hero who saved the beauty. If they get in touch with each other a few more times, I believe Mrs. Zhou will like her.

if not
Zhao Kuangyi frowned, and Han Lingjun told him that stalking might work.

But with Zhao Kuangyi's arrogance, he had never used this kind of trick on any lady.

After all, his father, Zhao Hongyin, is quite a figure in Kaifeng City, but among the women he likes, there are very few who look down on him.

Except for Miss Gao who was suspected of suffering from eye disease last year.
Zhao Kuangyi came into contact with the wives of those officials, not because he wanted to do something, but because he wanted to find a girl he liked before his old father made an engagement for him. It would be better if his family could help him and the Zhao family.

The appearance of Zhou Xian perfectly met the criteria of his dream lover. At that moment, Zhao Er felt that he had fallen.
In other words, Zhao Kuangyi paid a heavy price to make Han Lingjun give up fighting with him. He made many promises to Han Lingjun without telling Zhao Kuangyin and his father.

Especially Zhao Kuangyin, this good brother has been betrayed by him countless times.

A carriage stopped and the driver brought a footstool. Zhou Xian opened the curtain and stepped on the footstool to get out of the car.

"Please find a place to wait for me." Zhou Xian ordered the driver.

The coachman was a servant of the Hou Mansion, and he respectfully agreed, not forgetting to look at Zhao Kuangyi a few more times.

"Ms. Zhou!" Zhao Kuangyi greeted her happily.

I thought Mrs. Zhou would also dress up carefully, but unexpectedly she turned out to be bare-faced just like yesterday. She didn't even change the wooden hairpin on her bun, but just changed into a printed skirt.

Zhao Kuangyi was a little disappointed, it seemed that Mrs. Zhou didn't pay enough attention to this tryst.

However, he encouraged himself in his heart, the so-called hibiscus comes out of clear water, and the original one is the most beautiful if it is carved naturally.

"Mr. Zhao." Zhou Xian nodded, his expression calm, with no unnecessary emotional fluctuations.

"Mrs. Zhou, please come in! I have reserved a seat at Wangshu Pavilion on the second floor."

Zhou Xian said apologetically: "My time today is limited. I have to take care of other things later. I'm afraid I won't be able to stay for a long time. Please forgive me, Mr. Zhao."

Zhao Kuangyi was startled and said hurriedly: "Why don't you accompany Madam Zhao later?"

Zhou Xian declined politely: "I don't dare to bother Mr. Zhao. I can just have the carriage driver follow me."

Zhao Kuangyi could only force a smile: "No problem, Madam Zhao, please go up to the attic for tea first."

Zhou Xian nodded, walked into the teahouse, and was led by the waitress to the private room on the second floor.

Zhao Kuangyi followed behind, looking at the swaying slender figure, feeling more and more disappointed in his heart.

Madam Zhou didn't seem to have any unnecessary feelings for him, and she showed a clear sense of distance while being polite and thoughtful.

Zhao Kuangyi took a few deep breaths and told himself not to rush, to take his time and start as a friend.
In the elegant room of Wangshu Pavilion, Zhao Kuangyi showed off his exquisite tea-making technique. This is a method of making tea that was popular among northern nobles and inherited from the Tang Dynasty. Several of the steps have shadows of the tea-making methods of later generations.

Only the aristocratic children with profound knowledge are proficient in this tea ceremony technique. Zhao Kuangyi showed off several times at the gatherings of Guozixue and Kaifeng Yamen, and he often attracted attention and applause.

The decoration of the tea house is antique, the attic private room is even more elegant and noble, the tea sets are almost all high-end goods, and with the blessing of Kaifeng's famous Cuifeng green leaves, it is indeed an elegant place to entertain relatives and friends.

The first time Zhou Xian came, he just looked around with a little curiosity, but soon lost interest.

There are many teahouses with similar decorations in Jiangning. Her father Zhou Zong is a tea lover himself, and there are many kinds of tribute tea at home. If he wants to drink tea in such a place just to be elegant, Zhou Xian has no interest at all.

"Ms. Zhou's accent sounds like that of the Jiangnan area. Do you want to learn Kaifeng Mandarin soon?"

Zhao Kuangyi had nothing to say, so as not to make the atmosphere too awkward.

Zhou Xian said softly: "I am from Jiangning, and I came to Kaifeng not long ago." Zhao Kuangyi deliberately provoked the topic: "Ms. Zhou, are you here to visit me?"

Zhou Xian forced a smile to himself: "That's right."

"Have you been in contact with your relatives?" Zhao Kuangyi asked with concern.

Zhou Xian nodded, seemingly unwilling to say more.

Zhao Kuangyi said sincerely: "I see Madam Zhou looking sad, but is there something on her mind? Or is life not going well?"

Zhou Xian smiled bitterly and shook his head.

Zhao Kuangyi said: "My Zhao family has some connections in Kaifeng, and I have acquaintances in various government offices. If I need help, Mrs. Zhou can just ask."

Zhou Xian sighed softly: "Thank you, Mr. Zhao. I can't help you with my concubine's matter."

Zhao Kuangyi felt a rush of blood rushing to his forehead, and he almost blurted out: "Isn't it just for Zhu Xiu?"

Fortunately, now is not the time to swallow the words as they reach your lips.

Distracted, Zhao Kuangyi dropped the cup in his hand and fell on the soft carpet, and the tea spilled on the table.

"Mistake." Zhao Kuangyi was embarrassed and hurriedly wiped away the water stains.

"It's better to come as a concubine."

Zhou Xian smiled, took the tea stove with his bare hands, picked up the charcoal and boiled the water. He held the teapot in one hand and used a spoon in the other to quickly stir the teacup. A beautiful layer of tea powder soon formed on the surface of the teacup.

Regardless of the level of familiarity or skill, he is far superior to Zhao Kuangyi.

"It turns out that Mrs. Zhou also knows this method." Zhao Kuangyi smiled dryly.

Zhou Xian smiled and said: "My father also likes this way. I have been exposed to it, and I have only learned a superficial knowledge."

Zhao Kuangyi praised twice unnaturally.

With such a superficial appearance, I'm afraid there won't be anyone else in Kaifeng City.

When it comes to eating, drinking and having fun, Kaifeng at that time could not compare to the reveling Jiangning City.

After sharing the tea, the two of them drank tea in silence.

Zhao Kuangyi was frantically looking for topics, while Zhou Xian didn't want to say anything.

"I think Madam Zhou's sadness is probably caused by homesickness. If Madam Zhou is homesick, why doesn't she go back to Jiangning?" Zhao Kuangyi said casually.

Zhou Xian was stunned, put down the tea cup, and said quietly: "It's a long journey, I have no money and no way to protect myself, how can I go back?"

Zhao Kuangyi said hurriedly: "If Madam Zhou really wants to leave, I can help you find a way! It's a trivial matter. Our Zhao family also has a caravan that we are familiar with. We can ask them to send Madam Zhou south!"

Zhao Kuangyi had a wonderful thought in his heart. When the time comes, he will find an excuse to go on the road with Madam Zhou. They will travel thousands of miles and enjoy the mountains and rivers all the way. He is afraid that Madam Zhou will make a secret promise to him when they reach the Huaihe River!
Zhou Xian was silent, and after a moment, he said softly: "Langjun Zhao's kindness, I accept it mentally and physically, but I am in a special situation and no one can help me."

After a pause, Zhou Xian stood up and said politely: "I will never forget the kindness of rescuing you yesterday! I will definitely give you generous gifts in the future to express my gratitude! I have other things to do, so I will leave first!"

Zhao Kuangyi was a little panicked. He didn't expect Zhou Xian to leave so soon. He hadn't finished the words he had prepared so hard!
"Mrs. Zhou! Mrs. Zhou!" Zhao Kuangyi chased Zhou Xian and ran out of the private room.

The several maids serving in the hall and the passing guests all looked at him.

Zhao Kuangyi ignored him and stopped Zhou Xian to persuade him: "I haven't finished the tea yet. Madam Zhou, please sit down for a while."

Zhou Xian frowned slightly, but his tone was gentle but he was determined to leave: "Thank you Mr. Zhao for your hospitality, but I can't stay here for a long time today, please forgive me!"

Zhao Kuangyi said helplessly: "How about inviting Mrs. Zhou to meet again tomorrow?"

Zhou Xian put on the veil, glanced at him with wonderful eyes, hesitated for a moment, and whispered: "I understand Zhao Langjun's heart and soul. Zhao Langjun has a prominent family background and a talented person. There must be other marriages waiting for you. There is no need." You're wasting your energy here."

"Uh" Zhao Kuangyi was speechless. He didn't expect Mrs. Zhou to speak so decisively.

It was also the first time for Zhou Xian to reject someone in person. He was still a strange man whom he was not very familiar with, so he felt a little embarrassed and his face was slightly red.

After the blessing ceremony, Zhou Xian avoided him and prepared to go downstairs to leave.

A group of people poured in at the main entrance of the teahouse. They were all big, muscular men with Hexi accents. They were wearing long swords and looked fierce. They guarded the door as soon as they entered. Another group of people rushed up the stairs.

The waitress at the teahouse was shocked, thinking that a group of gangsters had appeared out of nowhere.

The tea guests panicked and ran away through the back door.

Bi Zhenhai led his men to rush up to the second floor, blocked Zhou Xian's way, clasped his fists and said in a low voice, "Miss Zhou, Master Hou is here to invite you!"

Zhou Xian was stunned, panic and surprise flashed across his almond eyes: "Zhu Xiu? Where is he?"

In another private room opposite Wangshu Pavilion, Ma Qing opened the curtain, Zhu Xiu shook the folding fan, and Shi Shiran walked out.

Zhou Xian's apricot eyes were wide open, never expecting that Zhu Xiu was really here.

Zhao Kuangyi was startled, and his first reaction was to lower his head and sneak away among the fleeing tea guests, but Bi Zhenhai put a Yanling knife on his shoulder.

"Zhao Langjun, my Marquis didn't let you go!"

Zhao Kuangyi was horrified. Not only did Zhu Xiu find this place, he also recognized him at a glance!

The steward of the tea house trotted over in a hurry, looked around, and ran directly to Zhu Xiu, bowed and said: "Master Zhu is here, and the plum blossoms in the lower building are shining! May I ask Master Zhu what this is..."

The steward smiled apologetically and pointed at the thirty or fifty fierce men holding swords upstairs and downstairs.

Zhu Xiu glanced at him sideways and said with a smile: "Take care of some housework, don't be afraid, all the business that was delayed today is mine!"

"Ouch! Lord Zhu, just do whatever you want! Cuifengzhai will only do your business today!" The steward patted his chest.

This guy is a smart man. He could guess what was going on by secretly looking at Zhou Xian and Zhao Kuangyi.

Zhu Xiu also smiled, "Who is your boss?"

The steward puffed up his chest slightly and said, "I am the servant of Mr. Zheng's house."

"Oh~ It turns out to be the property of Uncle Zheng's family! No wonder this teahouse is so tastefully decorated, it's obvious that it was created by everyone!"

Zhu Xiu smiled and after working for a long time, it turned out to be Zheng Renjie's territory.

The steward smiled and cupped his hands: "Master Marquis, just do your work. I guarantee that there is no outsider in this teahouse!"

With that said, the steward glanced at Zhao Kuangyi meaningfully, waved his hands, and the waiters and maids left quietly.

The only people left in the teahouse were those brought by Zhu Xiu.

Look at what this means, even if Zhao Er is killed here today, I'm afraid no one will know.

Zhu Xiu's eyes were strange, staring straight at Zhao Kuangyi.

(End of this chapter)