Do you know: I am Xu Jiazi

Chapter 622 Know the Basics [Thank you! Goodbye! 37k more to go]

Just as he was about to unfold the scroll, Xiangyang Hou frowned and waved his hand, saying in a slightly reprimanding tone:

"Tsk! You're a father now, how can you be so tactless?"

"Didn't you see the old man was talking to Jing'er?"

"Well, Lord Gu is right. It's my fault for being rude." Rong Xian hurriedly bowed and said.

Glancing up and down at Rong Xian, Marquis Xiangyang nodded and said, "Well! Be more careful next time."

Rong Xian quickly responded.

After saying this, Xiangyang Hou turned his face like turning the pages of a book, a smile appeared on his face, he turned his head to look at Xu Zaijing, and said: "Haha! Wulang, how about this calligraphy of mine?"

As he spoke, Marquis Xiangyang unfolded the scroll in his hand.

The Marquis of Xiangyang came from a family of nobles with a long history. When he was young, he studied under a famous teacher and practiced calligraphy diligently.

There have been few wars in the imperial court in recent years, and Marquis Xiangyang has practiced calligraphy on weekdays, and the words he writes can be considered beautiful.

"Good handwriting!" Xu Zaijing praised with a smile.

"How is it?" asked the Marquis of Xiangyang.

Xu Zaijing looked at it carefully.

Rong Xian, who was standing aside, also stood beside Xu Zai Jing pretending to be serious and looked at him a few times as if he understood something.

After a while,
Xu Zaijing nodded and praised: "The old marquis's calligraphy has a square structure, the horizontal strokes are gentle, and the short strokes are sharp."

When Rong Xian heard this, his eyes were full of agreement, and he nodded repeatedly as if he knew a lot about calligraphy.

Xiangyang Hou stroked his beard with one hand and pressed the corners of his mouth hard: "Haha, Wulang, you know how to read!"

"But" Xu Zaijing hesitated.

As soon as this word comes out,
Rong Xian on the side stopped nodding and frowned as he looked at the calligraphy in front of him, curling his lips.

The hand that Xiangyang Hou was stroking his beard paused for a moment and said, "Hmm? Wulang, what's the problem with my handwriting?"

Xu Zaijing nodded slightly, walked forward a few steps, came to the calligraphy, copied it with his fingers twice, shook his head and said: "Old Marquis, I saw your first word, it seems to be a habit of writing, and there seems to be some melancholy in it."

Rong Xian turned his head to look at Xu Zai Jing, his eyes full of "You can see this? You are really cultured!"

He turned around and looked at the words in front of him, shook his head with a confused look, and his expression of "Why can't I understand it" was obvious.

"The composition of the following words is becoming more and more clear!"

After Xu Zaijing finished speaking, he looked at the Marquis of Xiangyang and said, "Old Marquis, this is just my humble opinion, please just listen to it."

"Good! Good! It seems that I have spent so much effort to write this calligraphy and it has been sent to the right person!" As he said this, Marquis Xiangyang put away the scroll and handed it to Xu Zaijing.

Xu Zaijing took it with a smile and said, "Old Marquis, some words about the boy."

Marquis of Xiangyang: "Hmm? What?"

Xu Zaijing: "You are old, so you should take care of your health."

Marquis Xiangyang turned and walked out, saying as he walked: "I know my limits. The boy from the Rong family doesn't need to pay the money, I have already paid him."

The servant following behind Marquis Xiangyang went out and closed the door together with Qingyun who was outside.

"Brother Jing, how did you figure out these things? Please teach me." Rong Xian said in a seeking-for-advice manner.

Xu Zaijing walked towards his seat and said, "Brother Xian, you have to figure this out yourself."

"Guess?" Rong Xian scratched his head in embarrassment.

There were several illuminated lanterns hanging from the ceiling along the corridor leading outside the house.

Mother Ruan led the way with a smile on her face.

Marquis Xiangyang glanced at the servant following behind him. At this moment, the servant seemed absent-minded and his eyes were scanning around the yard.

"What's wrong?" asked the Marquis of Xiangyang in a serious voice.

The servant immediately retracted his gaze and lowered his head, saying, "My Lord, no, nothing."

"Hmm? Don't let me ask you a second time."

The servant bowed deeply and said, "My Lord, when I came to pass the message, I saw that the maidservant next to Madam Ruan was really pretty, so I wanted to take another look! I..."

Xiangyang Hou waved his hand and said, "Yes, I understand! Madam Ruan, how much silver do you want to redeem the little maidservant who is with you tonight?"

Mother Ruan, who was walking in front, looked surprised and asked, "Ah? Lord, what are you going to do?"

"Since my servant likes it, just buy it back." Marquis Xiangyang said indifferently.

The servant looked at the Marquis of Xiangyang in amazement. He just wanted to take one more look!

In fact, the servant wouldn't even dare to do this in his dreams.

"Well, Lord, listen to me," said Mother Ruan, walking to the side of the Marquis of Xiangyang and whispering, "That little maid is the most outstanding of the new daughters I have taught! I heard that the fifth son of the Xu family today."

"When we went to the private room, this girl wanted to compare herself with the maid from the Xiangyang Marquis's Mansion, but she was convinced by the girl's eyes."

Hearing this, Marquis Xiangyang nodded with a look of pride and regret in his eyes.

The servant beside him seemed to be relieved after hearing this, with a look of "So that's it" in his eyes.

"When this young man came to deliver the message, my daughter was not wearing a veil, so..."

Mother Ruan explained a few more words, looking at Marquis Xiangyang's expression from time to time while speaking.

When she saw the curious look on Marquis Xiangyang's face, a flash of lament passed through Mother Ruan's eyes.

"My Lord, how about I let my daughter come over?"

"Yes!" Xiangyang Hou nodded and looked at the servant beside him, saying, "Don't even think about such an outstanding girl."

"Your Majesty is right." The servant bowed.

After Marquis Xiangyang nodded, Mother Ruan quickly walked to a room and said a few words.

Soon, Miss Shishi, who had appeared beside Mother Ruan before, walked out of the house wearing a veil and holding a rolled-up book in both hands.

"Daughter, this is the Marquis of Xiangyang, please take off your veil." Mother Ruan said.

A flash of surprise passed through Miss Shishi's eyes, and she quickly took off her veil as she was told.

The servant boy beside Marquis Xiangyang's eyes widened immediately.

Xiangyang Hou's eyes were also filled with amazement, and he nodded in appreciation, saying, "Mother Ruan is right, she is indeed extremely good-looking! What a pity."

Hearing this, Miss Shishi looked at Mother Ruan with some confusion.

There was also some confusion in Mother Ruan's eyes.

The Marquis of Xiangyang shook his head and said to the servant beside him, "You should know that in the future, if a young nobleman in the capital does not have several thousand strings of cash, he will not be able to see the appearance of Madam Ruan's daughter."

"You have taken advantage of this! From now on, keep today's incident to yourself. If there are any rumors in the future, don't blame me for being ruthless."

"Yes, sir! I'll keep it in mind." The servant said sincerely.

Watching the back of Marquis Xiangyang walking out, Mother Ruan waved her hand to let her "daughter" go into the house, and hurriedly chased after him.

"My Lord, you just said 'it's a pity', but is there anything that my daughter needs to improve?"

"Mother Ruan, you are worrying too much. I just saw that your daughter is a little thin and it is not easy to raise a child."

"Uh" Mother Ruan was speechless for a moment.
"Brother Jing, come, I'll toast you another glass!"

Rong Xian raised his glass and said.

Xu Zaijing smiled and clinked glasses with him before drinking it all in one gulp.

After eating a bite of food, Rong Xian said, "Brother Jing, do you know about the matter between Nongren and Prince Yong in the south?"

Xu Zaijing nodded: "I just got the news this afternoon."

"Ugh!"

Looking at Rongxian who was sighing, Xu Zaijing asked in confusion: "What's wrong?"

Rong Xian shook his head and said, "When I was on duty in the palace today, the queen sent someone to tell me that..."

Seeing Xu Zaijing listening, Rong Xian said, "Now that there is something going on in the south, please ask for me and His Majesty. I may have to go to the south to help His Majesty with his worries!"

"Brother Xian, we don't know how things in the south will develop yet. What's the situation with Concubine Rong?" Xu Zaijing replied.

Rong Xian nodded: "Brother Jing, it's just as you think. The situation in the south is far more critical than what you heard."

"Are Viscount Xie and Brother Xiong okay?" Xu Zaijing asked with a frown.

"I haven't heard of anything happening! But, the Imperial City Office has received a secret report. It seems that our people have promised us some benefits, and the Kingdom of Jiaozhi is also ready to make a move." After Rong Xian finished speaking, he poured himself a drink.

Xu Zaijing looked at Rong Xian and said, "How long has your daughter been born? There is a pregnant woman in the courtyard. How could Concubine Rong bear to let you go to the south?"

"My sister is pregnant, and she saw the boys that Kang Anbo and Xiong's family brought over. There's nothing serious going on in the south, so..."

Xu Zaijing shook his head: "It's completely different between normal times and war. Xian'er, do you really want to go?"

"His Majesty has already nodded. If I don't go, I will be disobeying his order." Rong Xian said a little depressed.

Xu Zaijing sighed and said, "When will we set off? Which senior official in the court will be appointed by His Majesty to preside over the overall situation?"

"By the end of the month at the latest, it will most likely be Senior Shen who will be in charge of this matter."

Xu Zaijing nodded and said, "Empress Rong has good intentions."

Rongxian hummed.

Xu Zaijing said, "Brother Xian, we have known each other for a few years. I'll say a few more words, please don't think I'm being long-winded."

Rong Xian shook his head: "Brother Jing, what are you talking about! If you, Gu Er and Zheng Er hadn't shown up in Fanlou, I don't know how long I would have been humiliated. What you said must be for my own good."

Xu Zaijing smiled and said, "Brother Xian, you are a royal relative, and you have experience in the imperial guards. If you join the southern army, your military rank will surely not be low! I think there will definitely be a banner of the Rong family in the army."

Listening to Xu Zaijing's words, Rongxian's eyes showed a look of emotion and longing.

After being humiliated in Fanlou a few years ago, Rong Xian had the idea of ​​joining the army, but unfortunately he was unable to leave Xiangzhou.

"We have our own brave soldiers in the army to lead the charge into battle, and there are also people from the Xie and Xiong families who are selected as generals and soldiers." Xu Zaijing continued.

While listening, Rongxian held the wine jug and filled Xu Zaijing's glass with wine.

"If there is a chance to lead the troops, do you know how to establish your authority?"

Rong Xian nodded and said, "I know! Killing people will establish your authority."

"Who did you kill?" Xu Zaijing asked.

Rong Xian put down the wine pot and said, "Brother Jing, is there any reason to kill someone?"

"That's right! When you are in charge of the army, if the son of a noble family of noble status breaks the military law, should he be killed?" Xu Zaijing asked.

"It depends on the person, his family background, and his relationship with me! If he has a good family background and a good relationship with me, I naturally can't do it."

As Rong Xian spoke, he looked at Xu Zaijing's eyes, his voice gradually became lower, and he said hesitantly: "Brother Jing, the people you said you wanted to kill, aren't these the ones?"

Xu Zaijing shook his head: "Brother Xian, what I just said was that he committed a capital crime under military law."

"But, isn't this too cruel? If I really kill someone, I'll be in trouble in Beijing."

Xu Zaijing ignored Rongxian and took a sip from the wine glass on the table. Then he picked up a few bites of food with chopsticks and ate them, saying, "This dish is good!"

"No, Jing'er, I was just asking you for advice, why are you drinking now?"

Xu Zaijing pursed his lips and said, "Brother Xian, you have been in the Imperial Guard for quite a while, but you haven't learned any military law? You have to ask me about this. I think you'd better not go."

Rong Xian scratched his face a little embarrassedly and said, "When I was teaching these things, I was on night shift and was a little sleepy, so I didn't listen much."

Xu Zaijing shook his head in disbelief: "You'd better not go, lest something happens and you become the one being used to establish authority!"

"There is a saying in the Art of War: 'If the killing of one man shocks the whole army, then kill him!' To establish authority in the army, the more noble one's status, the better. As a relative of the emperor and the son of a marquisate, if you commit a crime... Tsk, beheading you would be the most appropriate sacrifice!"

"Gudong."

Listening to Xu Zaijing's casual words, Rongxian swallowed and touched his neck.

"Brother Jing, have you seen him when you were in the northwest?"

"Ah."

"Jing'er, then, then what should I do?" Rong Xian asked hurriedly.

"Find a veteran who is familiar with all kinds of military affairs and is smart and capable, take him by your side, take good care of his family, and listen to his advice."

After Xu Zaijing finished speaking, Rongxian's eyes lit up.

"Snapped!"

Rong Xian slapped his hand on the table and said, "That's right! Why didn't I think of that! If I had known this, I wouldn't have let Hua Rong go under Xu Hou's command."

Xu Zaijing raised his eyebrows and continued, "When selecting people, we should consider many aspects. I think Concubine Rong will consider something for you, Brother Xian."

"Brother Jing, do you have any candidate to recommend?"

Xu Zaijing's eyes turned, and he leaned over and whispered something in Rongxian's ear.

Turn around,

The Imperial Palace of the Great Zhou Dynasty,

In the Queen's Palace,

Looking at Concubine Rong who was sitting beside her, the Queen smiled and nodded: "Sister, what you said makes sense! Since you have this plan, then just summon her into the palace."

Rong Fei quickly stood up and bowed with a smile: "Thank you, Queen."

"Sit down quickly! You are pregnant, so you have to be more careful."

"Yes."

After the two talked for a while, Concubine Rong said goodbye and left.

Looking at Rong Fei's back,
The queen, who was sitting on the chair, took the hot drink handed to her by her personal maid and said softly, "Noble Concubine Rong is really smart. Before I said anything, she actually asked for permission to let Rong's son leave the palace."

The personal female official at the side said, "Rong Guifei has not become arrogant these days because of her pregnancy. Instead, she has become more and more obedient and asks for everything."

The Queen took a sip of the hot drink and said, "By the way, was the idea that Rong Fei mentioned given to Rong Xian by Xu Jiajing'er?"

"Yes, it's in Madam Ruan's courtyard. The captain surnamed Shen is the brother-in-law of Zhao Zongquan, a member of the royal family of Yuzhou. He is now with the son of Xiong, the Earl of Kang'an. The eldest lady's surname is Zou, and she lives with her younger brother and sister-in-law on Quyuan Street."

The Queen nodded: "She is a person who knows the inside story! During the Double Ninth Festival, I summoned Shen and Zou to go to Huayang Mountain with me to climb the mountain."

"Yes, ma'am."

(End of this chapter)