Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 56 Secret Communication Style

A corner of the clinic.

The Zhang family father and son gathered together and conspired in a low voice.

A few people who were chatting happily nearby looked over from time to time, but they were too lazy to ask Zhang Luan what was the matter. On the one hand, they were afraid of getting into trouble, and on the other hand, no one took Zhang Luan seriously.

"Who are these guys?"

After Zhang Yanling gave Zhang Luan instructions, he glanced around and asked out of curiosity.

Zhang Luan followed his son's gaze and shook his head, "They are all people sent by the Imperial Hospital... Imperial Doctor Zhong came once before, sat for a cup of tea and left, and then he disappeared. Later, these people stayed here to help.

"I asked them. They all run medicine shops in the capital and have close ties with the Imperial Hospital. They are also familiar with medical knowledge. They know that I am not well received by the people in the Imperial Hospital, so they didn't treat me well."

Although Zhang Luan had scolded his son before, when he thought that his son asked Li Zisheng to come and see him in person to help him vent his anger, he felt more like a father, thinking that his son's heart was at least on his side.

Zhang Yanling smiled and said, "I heard that in the capital area, in autumn and winter, wealthy families would buy some medicine from the pharmacy to prevent smallpox. This time, my father promoted this medicine to completely eradicate smallpox, which is equivalent to completely cutting off their business. That's why they are so indifferent to my father."

"The world is bustling with people, all for profit; the world is bustling with people, all for profit. Sima Qian really didn't lie to me!"

Zhang Luan sighed and said, "No matter what, I think you shouldn't talk nonsense about the Taishan earthquake.

"Ningxia is located in a remote area after all. Even if there is no earthquake, the impact will not be great. At most, we will be blamed by Minister Li. At worst, we can go back to our hometown to farm and live a hard life.

“But if you predict an earthquake on Mount Tai, it will affect the stability of the country. If it fails, it may bring disaster to our family and even our heads!

"I can't do that! I can't do that!"

Zhang Yanling asked back with a smile: "Didn't Ningxia confirm that an earthquake had occurred? Dad dared to say it last time, why not this time? Does it mean that father doesn't believe me?"

"I believe you?"

Zhang Luan's voice suddenly rose an octave and he shouted angrily, "Are your words even half credible?"

Zhang Yanling said seriously: "But father... if you want to help the prince keep his position as the crown prince, there must be a major disaster to happen before the current emperor will change his mind, otherwise the replacement of the crown prince may be imminent.

"Dad, please trust me this time. I even predicted the earthquake in Ningxia before. Don't you want to take another gamble this time? If you succeed this time, you will be the great benefactor of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and my sister will be the Crown Princess for sure."

"You...are things as easy as you say?" Zhang Luan hesitated.

Zhang Yanling’s prescription for the disease can be said to be very accurate.

With the speculative mentality of my cheap dad, he has a strong desire to gamble, especially when he thinks of the huge profits that can be brought about. It is really...

My heart is pounding!
Just as the father and son were pulling each other back and forth, Zhang Luan didn't have much time to think, as Li Zisheng's carriage appeared at the end of the street.

When Li Zisheng traveled, he was surrounded by a large crowd, and the streets suddenly became lively.

Seeing Zhang Luan tidying up his clothes and about to go to greet him, Zhang Yanling hurriedly reminded him, "Dad, don't forget, I told you that you have something important to tell Minister Li, and that's why he came to the consultation room in person. If you don't mention it, you're just kidding him! He won't give you any face."

"Shut up, you little brat! You're going to kill me sooner or later! Get out of here!"

Faced with his chattering son, Zhang Luan could only curse him helplessly and then calm down to meet the boss.

……

...Li Zisheng's arrival did not cause a sensation in the consultation room, because this popular figure in front of the emperor today was wearing ordinary clothes and no one recognized him. Although he was followed by many servants, people knew that they were powerful and wealthy, but the capital was not short of high-ranking officials and nobles.

Shen Lu walked in front with a smile on his face. When he got closer, he quickly led Li Zisheng to his front and solemnly introduced him to Zhang Luan.

Li Zisheng smiled and bowed: "I have heard of Mr. Zhang's name for a long time, and today I finally have the honor to meet him.

"Eh... why is this place so shabby? Didn't we ask the Imperial Hospital to come over to support us? Where did all the people go? Why isn't there even a familiar face?"

Since he was here to support Zhang Luan, Li Zisheng naturally had to do enough superficial work.

At this time, Li Zisheng was looking forward to Zhang Luan's "brilliant ideas". This was the key point that determined whether he could win the battle with the monks and Taoists around the emperor.

If Zhang Luan wanted to rely on prophecies to get to the top, it goes without saying that they are in competition with each other. How could Li Zisheng possibly look favorably upon him?

But Zhang Luan's request was only to let his daughter be selected as the Crown Princess, which was very much in line with Li Zisheng's interests. Even if Zhang Luan became the Crown Prince's father-in-law, he could only establish an alliance with Li Zisheng for mutual benefit.

Someone came over. They were the people who were asked by the Imperial Hospital to come to the clinic to help. They usually ran a medicine shop and had seen a lot of things. Seeing that Li Zisheng was in casual clothes, they couldn't help but ask curiously, "I wonder who you are...?"

Shen Lu angrily shouted, "This is the Minister of Rites, Li Zisheng, the Minister of Public Administration. Who are you to be so rude... Go and ask the person in charge of the Imperial Hospital to come and see him!"

When the other side heard this, he was surprised.

Li Zisheng has always been a mysterious figure in the court. Everyone knows that he is a treacherous minister to the emperor. How could we actually see him alive today?
Shen Lu said: "Who is in charge of this matter in the Imperial Hospital? Call them over immediately! Tell them that Minister Li is here in person to supervise the planting of medicine to prevent smallpox and epidemics in the capital!"

Several people who came out to support the Imperial Medical Service were completely confused for a moment. Suddenly, a man who claimed to be a top-notch official in the court appeared in front of them. He seemed unreliable in any way.

But the other party's words were very convincing, and this place was under the emperor's feet, so the only countermeasure they could think of was to report it quickly.

Anyway, verifying Li Zisheng’s authenticity is not within their scope of responsibility.

"This group of people has no vision. I don't know why the Imperial Hospital hired such a group of people to cause trouble."

Shen Lu scolded Zhang Lu repeatedly, and his words were also for Zhang Luan to hear. Then he asked respectfully, "Since you two have important matters to discuss, why don't you find a place, a nice house nearby?"

Li Zisheng smiled widely: "Hey, how can I delay Mr. Zhang's medical practice? It is the imperial court's intention to open a clinic here. I am here uninvited today. I am really sorry to bother you...

"We can't let you down, sir. We can just talk here."

Zhang Luan was extremely terrified and said, "I am unworthy of this."

Li Zisheng said with a smile: "It's a bit polite to say that. You are a great talent in the world. I am very lucky to be able to come to you and ask for your advice in person."

Shen Lu shouted at the person beside him: "What are you looking at? Hurry up and move a chair over!"

"No need for a chair, a stool will do."

Li Zisheng was not at all arrogant and behaved very friendly, even moving the stools himself.

The people invited by the Imperial Hospital looked at each other in surprise, their hearts beating fast.

How come this is still being performed?

Li Zisheng, one of the most powerful ministers in the Ming Dynasty and a big shot like the Grand Tutor, actually came to a place like this in person and seemed so approachable?
Who would believe it?
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(End of this chapter)