Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 753 Squishy

Qin Ji and Zhang Yanling said goodbye and left.

When Qin Ji bid farewell to Zhang Yanling at the door, his tone was humble and his face showed a relieved smile: "With the Second Young Master here, I can rest assured."

Zhang Yanling laughed and said, "Isn't Eunuch Qin afraid that what I'm doing is against the rules?"

"Absolutely not."

Qin Ji said, "As long as you think it's appropriate, even severe torture is acceptable."

"How could I dare!"

Zhang Yanling said helplessly, "He is, after all, the Grand Secretary of the current dynasty. Many scholars who do not understand the reasons still regard him as the best civil official."

“If we really torture Liu Ji, we will be condemned. I am not afraid of being condemned myself, but I am afraid that Your Majesty will be criticized by the world for not treating the old minister well.”

Qin Ji laughed and said, "With your forward-looking vision and thoughtful consideration, what do I have to worry about?"

Zhang Yanling sighed, "Everything depends on whether our current chief minister can understand His Majesty's good intentions and whether we can all compromise. That would be better for everyone."

"Yes."

Qin Ji understood Zhang Yanling very well.

Especially now that Qin Ji knows that the emperor has only given Zhang Luan a nominal position as a cabinet minister and has not allowed Zhang Luan to directly seize power in the cabinet, he feels even more that the Zhang family is selfless.

As for fighting Liu Ji, that was just a side effect, because no one in the court thought Liu Ji was a good person. Even Liu Ji's own followers were thinking about how to protect themselves and distance themselves from him.

"Farewell."

Zhang Yanling cupped his hands in greeting.

"May the Second Young Master rest in peace."

Qin Ji saw him off with a smile.

The scene was unusually harmonious, which allowed Zhu Ji, who was standing nearby, to clearly see the current power structure in the court, and he became even more wary of the Zhang family.

……

……

The Zhang Family Villa near the Left Gate of Chang'an.

Zhang Luan and his two sons, Zhang Heling and Zhang Yanling, rarely got together.

Zhang Luan specially asked the kitchen to make three bowls of noodles, the kind with meat, and big chunks of fatty pork. After sitting down, he found that his eldest son didn't want to eat a single bite.

Why aren't you eating?

Zhang Luan frowned and asked, "Your brother is usually a picky eater, so why do you have so many health problems now?"

Zhang Heling was displeased upon hearing this and asked, "Father, what kind of talk is that? Why can my younger brother be picky, but I can't? Who can eat something this greasy?"

Zhang Luan said, "I can eat this... What kind of good food is this? When we went out before, did we ever eat this? Back then, all I wanted was to have meat noodles every day. If that were the case, why would I need to take the imperial examinations? I wish I could live this kind of blissful life forever..."

"Hey, no ambition."

Zhang Heling made sarcastic remarks.

Zhang Luan glared at his eldest son, then turned to look at his youngest son, who was engrossed in eating noodles. He smiled and nodded, saying, "See, our second son is the most sensible, unlike his older brother."

Zhang Yanling ate half of his meal, put his chopsticks down on his bowl, and said, "Father, what do you mean by suddenly organizing this nostalgic feast? Even if I'm not busy, my elder brother doesn't have that much free time."

Zhang Luan said, "Are people in our family so restless these days that we can't even sit down and have a bowl of noodles together?"

"Dad, if you want noodles, go home and have Mom make them for you... Why make such a fuss?"

Zhang Heling offered this reminder.

“You really know how to rub salt in the wound,” Zhang Luan said. “Isn’t your father recuperating from an illness? ...Could it be that you’re deliberately not coming home? You’ll have to ask your brother; it was all his idea.”

Zhang Yanling protested, "Father, why do you blame everything on me?"

The father and his two sons had a fairly harmonious relationship, but after these few words of argument, things got a bit heated at the dinner table.

Just then, Chang Shun came over with a plate and said, "Master, as you ordered, the braised beef is here."

"Look, the good food is here," Zhang Luan said. "I hardly ever ate this kind of food when I was in Xingji. Now it's great, I can eat as much as I want."

"This is okay."

Zhang Heling finally found a dish that suited his taste, and a smile appeared on his face.

Zhang Luan said, "Yanling, the reason I called you two here today is to find out that after the three-day observation period, my body should be fine. So, it's time to... you know what?"

Zhang Heling looked up, puzzled, and asked, "What is that 'what'? Why are you being so mysterious?"

Zhang Yanling picked up his chopsticks again, took a slice of beef, and complained, "Dad, why did you call my older brother over when you were asking about your illness? Just to have him interrupt?"

"Pah, you brat, how dare you disrespect your elder brother!"

Zhang Heling protested, "What? Can't I know about Dad's illness?"

"Humph!"

Zhang Yanling said, "I've never seen you care about your father before."

"I...I was too busy with other things and didn't have any free time."

Zhang Heling said, "You have no idea how many social engagements I have."

Zhang Luan cursed, "You brat, you still have social engagements? Are you busy organizing people to cause trouble on the streets? Don't think I don't know, even though you're working in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, you're not doing your job properly. You rarely go to the yamen to report for duty and just wander around all day. I'll tell your brother-in-law to take your position down later."

"do not."

Zhang Heling looked anxious. "As a father, don't you want your son to be well?"

Zhang Yanling sighed and said, "Alright, Father, we don't have much in common anymore, so why force it? Your illness is no longer a big deal, just don't overwork yourself. As for the rest, you can handle it yourself."

"That's fine, that's fine."

Zhang Luan smiled and said, "Don't worry, I will not drink a drop of alcohol from now on, and I will also be very restrained in that matter... absolutely! If I get seriously ill again, then blame my own lack of self-control, not yours."

With his mouth full of beef, Zhang Heling mumbled incoherently, asking curiously, "Why are you all talking in such mysterious ways, like we're playing riddles? Dad, what good news is it? Can you take me with you?"

"roll!"

Zhang Luan cursed without any politeness.

……

……

After nightfall, Li Rong went to the courtyard where Liu Ji was being held. Together with Zhu Ji, they went to the window and saw Liu Ji inside, weeping over the food on the table under a candle.

The pitiful state of the place greatly surprised Li Rong. He turned his head to look at Zhu Ji, pointed inside, as if asking, "How come it's become like this after only one day away?"

Zhu Ji gestured for them to talk outside, so as not to disturb Liu Ji.

So Li Rong followed Zhu Ji to the courtyard gate.

Zhu Ji truthfully recounted to Li Rong what had happened that morning when Zhang Yanling and Qin Ji came together.

Li Rong asked in shock, "You mean, after the second young master of the Zhang family made the previously stubborn Grand Secretary Liu... change his mind?"

"I don't know if he really compromised."

Zhu Ji said, "But he seems a bit unusual today."

Li Rong sat down to the side and muttered, "I was wondering why His Majesty sent the second young master of the Zhang family to see Liu Ji. It was a warning shot. No wonder this young imperial brother-in-law became the number one figure in the court in less than half a year. His methods are truly extraordinary."

Zhu Ji asked, "Is it possible that Zhang Guozhang instructed him to say that?"

Li Rong asked, "You don't know the situation in the palace... Today His Majesty just issued an order to the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs, requiring the resolution of Zhang Guozhang's entry into the cabinet within the next two days. However, Zhang Guozhang will not be working in the cabinet afterward, and will continue to mainly perform the duties of the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue."

"Once Zhang Guozhang enters the cabinet, we will arrange for Hanlin Academician Liu Jian to enter the cabinet, and after that, it may be Li Dongyang and Xie Qian. In this light... Zhang Guozhang and Liu Ji actually have no direct conflict."

"Regardless of whether Zhang Guozhang serves in the cabinet in the future, he has entered the cabinet, so how can you say there is no conflict?"

Zhu Ji didn't quite understand.

In his view, if Li Rong's statement is true, once Zhang Luan enters the cabinet, regardless of whether it is a nominal position or not, he will be the second-in-command.

If anything happens to Xu Pu in the future, or if he retires, Zhang Luan will become the Grand Secretary.

Li Rong waved his hand impatiently: "Don't you know the truth? Why do you have to argue with us? Today's events were definitely orchestrated by the young imperial uncle of the Zhang family. He acted swiftly and decisively, seizing Liu Ji's Achilles' heel in one fell swoop."

Zhu Ji said, "But Liu Ji seems... not willing... to give in easily."

Li Rong nodded and said, "Then tonight, you and I will have to have a good talk with him and add fuel to the fire. Otherwise, if Liu Ji really steps down, what role will you and I play? We invited him here, and we created this favorable environment for the conversation. We can't let anyone get the credit for nothing. His Majesty cares a lot about making Liu Ji back down. Whoever can make him step down will have done a great service."

Zhu Ji hurriedly replied, "I will obey Eunuch Li's orders."

……

……

Just as Li Rong and Zhu Ji were plotting how to make a name for themselves, Zhang Luan was already off to have some fun.

Unfortunately, just as he arrived at his private residence inside Chongwen Gate, ready to spend the night with his mistress, Li Zisheng sent someone to invite Zhang Luan to his residence for a chat.

The gist is, if you don't come and I go south with you, we might not see each other for a while. Let's make everything clear before I leave.

"Is this just looking for trouble?"

Zhang Luan was furious.

Qi Niang was already waiting in the courtyard. Seeing Zhang Luan's reluctant expression, she smiled and comforted him, "Master, go to your appointment with peace of mind. We'll leave the gate open for you no matter what time you return tonight."

Zhang Luan scratched his head, then suddenly thought of something and said, "How about this, you come with me, we can chat on the way, so you won't feel so empty and lonely."

"what?"

Qi Niang was surprised that Zhang Luan was so impatient.

She thought to herself, "Why didn't you do this sooner?"

Why must we act in such a desperate manner, disregarding all decorum, under such circumstances?
Zhang Luan leaned closer and whispered a few words: "...In this way, there is no sound at all. Even the carriage driver can't hear it. The streets are always noisy..." Qi Niang said: "Wouldn't it be better for you to save your energy and vent it here at night? Why does it have to be like this?"

"Let's go."

Zhang Luan urged her to hurry, and told Qi Niang to tidy herself up a bit before they went out together and got into the carriage.

……

……

The carriage moved slowly down the street.

Unfortunately, there is always an end to everything.

After traveling for a while, the carriages came to a stop. Chang Shun outside was urging Zhang Luan to get off the carriage. He hadn't finished yet, and he couldn't help but feel a little irritated.

"Hurry, hurry, all you do is rush. Can't you shut your mouth? If the master wants to come down, he'll do it himself. Why do you have to nag him?"

Zhang Luan angrily rebuked him.

In the darkness, Qi Niang pleaded, "Master, we've arrived."

Just then, Li Zisheng's voice came from outside: "Brother Lai Zhan, I've been waiting for you for so long. Why are you so late?"

Zhang Luan's interest vanished instantly, and he whispered, "Wait for me."

After saying this, he straightened his clothes, and a moment later lifted the curtain and jumped off the carriage. Unexpectedly, he lost his balance and almost strained his back.

"Lai Zhan, be careful... Why don't you use a horse treadmill?"

Li Zisheng quickly called to Pang Qing behind him, saying, "Come and help me up."

"fine."

Zhang Luan then realized that his legs and arms were weak, and he was like a limp shrimp.

He managed to stand up, forcing a smile, "I thought I'd be as light as a swallow and as nimble as a bird as before, but I never imagined that an illness would change everything."

Seeing the unusual movement inside the carriage, Li Zisheng asked curiously, "Has my nephew Yanling also come?"

"Never."

Zhang Luan quickly changed the subject, "Let's go inside and talk."

Seeing that Zhang Luan's expression was unusual, Li Zisheng pondered for a moment and guessed what was going on. He smiled and said, "Alright, let's go into the mansion first and then talk."

As they spoke, they invited Zhang Luan inside.

……

……

The central courtyard of the Li residence was brightly lit.

To Zhang Luan's surprise, two tables of food and wine were set up in the banquet hall.

He looked around and asked curiously, "How many guests are there today?"

"Just you and me."

Lizi Provincial Highway.

"That……"

Zhang Luan pointed with his finger, as if asking, "Is it necessary for the two of us to have two tables of food and drinks?"

Li Zisheng sighed, "I'm not quite sure about your condition or what you should eat, so I can only go along with what you have and prepare two tables of food with a mix of meat and vegetables... one side is vegetarian, and the other side is regular dishes. Lai Zhan, I really put a lot of thought into inviting you here."

Zhang Luan shook his head and said, "At this time, we shouldn't be extravagant. Let's just eat a few bites and make do."

"It doesn't matter."

Li Zisheng said, "There are many people in the manor. If there's leftover food, just give it to them. There won't be any waste. Now that His Majesty advocates frugality, how can we not pay attention? Don't worry, I mean what I say."

Zhang Luan thought to himself, "I hope you don't just throw away the food we can't finish, or feed it to the dogs."

The two then sat down.

The food and wine were plentiful, but the environment was very simple and elegant. There was no opera singer or maidservant serving them.

This puzzled Zhang Luan quite a bit.

Li Zisheng said, "Lai Zhan, I will be heading south tomorrow, and it will be three years before I can see you again during that time."

"It can't be that bad, can it?"

Zhang Luan asked in surprise, "Once you've sorted things out, can't you come back to the capital to visit more often?"

Li Zisheng sighed, “Since I am working for His Majesty, I must do my best and dare not slack off in the slightest. Unless I return to the capital to report on my duties and have a brief meeting with you, all my thoughts will be focused on river management.”

"That……"

Zhang Luan said, "It seems I should give you a proper farewell party."

"That's why we have this banquet tonight."

Li Zisheng sighed, "I even prepared some fine wine, hoping to drink with you until we're both drunk."

Zhang Luan quickly waved his hand: "No, no, my son said I can't drink alcohol, otherwise I'll be risking my old life... This illness has changed too much."

Li Zisheng nodded slightly and said, "I understand. A serious illness is like being reborn... Shall we talk about something else?"

"Minister Li, please speak."

Zhang Luan gestured for them to proceed.

Li Zisheng waved to Pang Qing, who was not far away, and Pang Qing, along with the servants of the Li family, withdrew from the courtyard where the two were.

In the huge banquet hall, including the small courtyard outside, only Zhang Luan and Li Zisheng remained.

Li Zisheng whispered, "What I wanted to ask is, do you still have your original hobbies?"

Zhang Luan was taken aback at first, then suddenly realized, and shook his head with a look of unbearable regret, saying, "Of course we'll keep it, but only in moderation. Sexual relations are, after all, human nature; how can they be completely avoided?"

"Haha."

Li Zisheng smiled and said, "That's good."

Zhang Luan felt uneasy after hearing this, thinking to himself, "Judging from your expression, you're clearly gloating."

Are you mocking me for being like a half-eunuch?
Li Zisheng poured Zhang Luan a full cup of tea and then said, "Lai Zhan, I have something to ask of you... Before heading south, I want you to tell me the truth so I can be prepared."

Zhang Luan said, "Minister Li, please rest assured. My son has made proper arrangements. The coal mining in Xishan is now basically in place... You don't know, he can earn at least 100,000 taels of silver from this trip."

"Just a trip to Xishan, and you can earn 100,000 taels?"

Li Zisheng never expected this.

With such a money-making efficiency, if this were during the Chenghua era, what chance would I, Li, have?

Zhang Luan nodded: "Absolutely true... After the coal is mined, it will be transported to the capital and made into various products for sale. Once the money is earned, it can be converted into food and other supplies and transported to the south in a continuous stream."

"Okay, okay!"

Li Zisheng first showed a look of surprise, then shook his head, "However, it seems... even 100,000 taels is far from enough!"

The implication is, you think you can get rid of me with just 100,000 taels?
I could raise more money and grain for you in the Northwest than this amount.

Repairing the river will cost several million taels of silver. Am I supposed to bear the burden alone?

I am willing but unable to help.

Zhang Luan said, "My son will also expand into other industries. He said he plans to open banks in various provinces of the Ming Dynasty."

"A bank?"

Li Zisheng frowned slightly, clearly not understanding what he meant.

Zhang Luan laughed and said, "It's similar to a money shop. Taking advantage of the convenience of Huizhou merchants traveling all over the world, people can deposit their silver in local banks. They can then travel to different places with just the receipts and withdraw the silver at the branch in their destination. Or, people can deposit their silver in banks to earn interest and withdraw it when needed. Meanwhile, the banks can lend the silver out... In short, everyone gets what they need."

"That's fine."

Li Zisheng said, "But with such a large-scale operation, I'm afraid it's..."

Zhang Luan nodded and said, "It still depends on how we plan."

Hearing this, Li Zisheng finally felt much relieved. After all, with his experience, he could tell that lending was still the most profitable business these days.

With the supreme imperial power and the reputation of Huizhou merchants, lending money to the people was incredibly profitable.

"Lai Zhan, I salute you."

The enthusiasm in Lizi Province surged instantly.

Zhang Luan coughed twice and said, "To be honest, I should indeed be sensible and have a couple of drinks to bid farewell to Minister Li, but... look at my health, it really doesn't allow it!"

"It's alright, I'll stay here today if I get drunk."

Li Zisheng said, "You may stay here for the night."

"what?"

Zhang Luan got angry as soon as he heard that.

I clearly stated that I was unwell and that drinking alcohol would cause trouble. Did you think I was just worried about the road being difficult to travel on late at night?

Besides, there's Qi Niang waiting for me outside.

Should we let her spend the night in the carriage?

Li Zisheng asked with a smile, "Do you know why I made this arrangement?"

He looked around as he spoke.

Zhang Luan asked, puzzled, "Is there another arrangement?"

(End of this chapter)