Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 487 You and I both have a good future

Li House.

Li Zisheng was tidying up his court clothes in preparation for attending court the next day.

After resting at home for a few days, seeing that the court's attitude had gradually stabilized and the emperor had no intention of taking action against him, Li Zisheng finally decided to come back and test the court officials' attitude towards him.

When Pang Qing came to report the matter, he adjusted his brand new court robes in front of the bright full-length dressing mirror, and stared at them for a long time as if he was proud of himself, seeming to be very satisfied with his attire.

Pang Qing exclaimed: "It is indeed a silver mirror, it reflects very clearly."

"Isn't it?"

Li Zisheng said angrily, "I spent three hundred taels of silver to buy this silver mirror. I thought it was worth it at the time, but now you may not even pay twenty taels of silver to buy one on the market... The Zhang family is really cunning in doing business..."

Pang Qing smiled and said, "Haven't you enjoyed it in advance? Besides, a silver mirror as large as yours is still rare on the market. At least I haven't seen anything like it so far...

"And this mirror is not like ordinary things. You can't just piece together a bunch of small ones to make a big one. Your mirror is definitely the best of the best."

When Li Zisheng heard this, his expression turned from gloomy to bright, and he asked with a smile: "What's the matter? You actually learned to curry favor with people today? What's the good news?"

Pang Qing said: "It is like this, I went to see Qi Niang before."

"Oh? But Laizhan went to that yard again?"

When Li Zisheng heard this, his eyes lit up, the muscles on his face twitched, and he was so excited that he couldn't express it in words.

Pang Qing smiled and shook his head, saying, "He didn't go. He said he was lying in bed recovering from his injuries and couldn't move. But his son Zhang Yanling, the second son of the Zhang family, went."

Li Zisheng stroked his chin and said thoughtfully, "It seems that Lai Zhan didn't ignore the courtyard, but was injured and couldn't visit... Regardless of whether he was faking an injury or not, it's not a good time to go out casually now, otherwise it would be considered deceiving the emperor. However, my little nephew went to that courtyard... What can he do at his age?"

Speaking of the latter part, Li Zisheng frowned again.

Pang Qing smiled and said, "Master Dao, guess what? After he got there, he asked Qi Niang to come to me and said that he had released the person."

"What did you say?"

Li Zisheng was immediately furious.

He mobilized his resources and opened up many connections, and finally got Peng Hua and his students and old friends' families. It seems that Zhang Luan was also tempted. Now Zhang Yanling asked him to release them as soon as he arrived, which was really hard for him to accept.

Pang Qing didn't care about Li Zisheng's ugly face at all, and continued: "He specifically brought up the story of 'Fan Li saving his son'... With your wisdom, you should be able to figure out the reason behind it, right?"

Li Zisheng had nothing to say now. After careful consideration, he nodded and said, "Then let him go! Do you want to play hard to get?
"I don't know how others do it, but at least for me... there's nothing wrong with his approach. I'm not afraid of him doing anything, nor am I afraid of him messing around... I'm just afraid that he'll do nothing and stay at home all day doing nothing!"

Pang Qing said, "Then you wait and see. The Zhang family will definitely have a backup plan in the future! By the way, I just heard that... His Majesty will bring up the Liang Fang and Peng Hua cases again at the court meeting tomorrow. You are not going to the palace for this, are you?"

"what?"

When Li Zisheng heard this, he lost most of his anger and frowned, "What you fear is bound to happen! Do you think I can be involved in the case of these two people? If I happen to be standing in the queue of civil officials during the court meeting, wouldn't it be like standing there as a living target?"

Pang Qing nodded and said, "That's true. Eunuch Liang recommended you, and Peng Hua was able to get promoted to the cabinet because of your relationship... If you were present when the court discussed their case..."

"roll!"

Li Zisheng cursed, "You are such a bad guy, always trying to ruin my good mood... Oh, I have to take off the new court robe I just tried on." Forget it, forget it. I am worried all day long. I am afraid that my career as an official is coming to an end... No, I have to take a good look in the mirror. I may not have the chance to wear it again in the future!

"By the way, Bingkun, have you found a new employer?"

"Ah!? Master Dao, what are you talking about?" Pang Qing asked in shock.

Li Zisheng waved his hand and said, "Why are you pretending? I will lose my power soon. Even a common kid can see this. Don't you understand? Make plans in advance and think three steps ahead. This is your style, Pang Bingkun. Otherwise... it's not like you."

Pang Qing shook his head and smiled bitterly: "Master Dao, you are joking. I have been working with you for so long and know too many secrets. Who would sincerely accept me?
"If I really lost this family, I would probably do the same as you, find a beautiful place with clear water and mountains, and devote myself to practicing Taoism, striving to achieve enlightenment as soon as possible and become an immortal in the future."

"How shameless."

Li Zisheng frowned, with an incredible look on his face, "You want to compete with me in Taoism? Who gave you the face? Do you really think that anyone can do this kind of cultivation? I relied on my real ability to get to the top. Look at all the Taoists and monks in the court. Why am I the only one who can sit in the position I am today?

"Stop talking nonsense and go get some work done!"

"Yes."

Pang Qing smiled, turned around and left.

Li Zisheng hurriedly stopped him, "That... Bingkun, wait a minute. It's like this, the people can be released first, but they can't be sent back to the Jiaofangsi... Oh, that's not right, nominally they will be returned to the Jiaofangsi, but they have to be placed somewhere else. We will announce to the public that there may be a turnaround in Peng Hua's case, and we have to treat these criminals with kindness, and we can also publicize their integrity of keeping their chastity!"

"What are you..."

Pang Qing didn't understand again.

Your boss's words are so confusing and mysterious that it gives me a headache just listening to them.

Li Zisheng patiently explained: "Laizhan wants to be his loyal minister and also wants to show his selfless integrity, so how can I not help him?
"Now I want to get out of this unscathed, and among all the officials in the court, only Lai Zhan can help me! If I want to achieve something in the future, I have to rely on Lai Zhan's care, there is no other way!"

"Master Dao, there is no need for you to be so pessimistic and depressed... Didn't you help the prince a lot in the past? Deng Chang'en and others who are in a similar situation as you have been imprisoned, but you are still in charge of the Yintai Division. Doesn't this prove the point? In my opinion, as long as Lai Zhan supports you, you can always stand firm."

Pang Qing advised seriously.

"Alas, I'm afraid that Lai Zhan will back down at the critical moment... Look at who's coming to visit us now? Think about the past, when the gates of my Li Mansion were almost broken down by those who came to give gifts and seek official positions."

Li Zisheng said with emotion, "Now is different from the past. I know my good days are coming to an end... A new emperor appoints new ministers. I wish I could do everything I can to win your majesty's favor... If your majesty is short of money, I will help you without hesitation. If your majesty has any difficulties, I will do my best... But... I can't sacrifice myself... My life is too precious!"

Having said that, Li Zisheng's face looked a little bleak. He couldn't help but look up at himself in the mirror again, and he became more and more greedy for this official uniform.

At this time, the maid was about to come over to help him change his official robe, but Li Zisheng raised his hand to stop her: "No need to change, the one in front of you is very good, you can wear it for one day.

"Now I am the Minister of Rites! From now on, when you mention me, Li, everyone should call me Minister Li. Haha... Since ancient times, who else could achieve my current position as a Taoist priest? What else can I dare to ask for?"

"Master Tao..."

Pang Qing wanted to say something but stopped.

"What are you standing there for? Go to work! I want to get out of this unscathed... Listen to me, you have to find a good next employer. As long as you serve Lai Zhan well, you and I will both have a good future."

(End of this chapter)