The Red Mansion Big Liar

When the laughter died down, Grandmother Jia raised her glass and said, "Well, since Brother Yi has passed the test, let's all have a drink."

With him setting a good example, people started to come and go like that.

Of course, there are also those who are tongue-tied and unable to humble themselves, like Mrs. Wang, who simply accepts the punishment and drinks a glass of wine.

Zhang Yun逸 was originally the focus of the banquet. Many aunts and uncles of the Jia family came forward to flatter him and try to please him. With the addition of drinking games and jokes, they drank a lot of wine after two rounds.

Seeing that it was getting late, the show was about to end.

Mrs. Wang thought of the scene before the banquet and laughed, "Although the two places are not far from each other, it is freezing cold. I think Yun Yi has drunk a lot. If he gets caught in the wind and catches a cold, it will be very bad if he misses the court tomorrow. He has stayed at Mengpozhai before, so it is ready. We might as well stay there for one night."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xifeng could not help but look at her aunt. The scene of her kneeling on the chair unconsciously emerged in her mind. Her cheeks were flushed, and she didn't know if it was because of the alcohol or some other reason.

Seeing that her daughter-in-law was acting out of character, Jia's mother thought that she had changed her character and had no reason to object. She immediately said, "Madam, you are very thoughtful. Don't go back tonight!"

It doesn't matter where you sleep.

Two months had passed since his last stay, and since Mrs. Wang was so enthusiastic, he had no reason to refuse.

"Then I'd be remiss to refuse!" Zhang Yunyi nodded and said, "Jinchuan is here too, so there's no need to trouble the mansion to arrange for someone else!"

The last time he stayed temporarily, he was transferred from the East Palace, and Grandmother Jia did not insist.

When everyone had left, Zhang Yunyi was a little drunk and, with the help of Jin Chuan, he slowly walked out of Rongqing Hall.

He walked out of the hanging flower gate of Jia's mother's courtyard and passed through the east and west halls in front of the inner ceremonial gate, but he heard a burst of hurried footsteps behind him.

He thought it was Lady Wang or Sanchun who was chasing after him, but when he turned around and took a closer look, he was surprised to find that it was Aunt Zhao.

Aunt Zhao looked around like a thief, and then said in a flattering manner: "It is a pity that Master still remembers me. I will be crushed to pieces and have no way to repay you!"

Seeing Jinchuan beside her, she did not dare to show too much

Zhang Yunyi's eyes lit up. He had been thinking about enjoying the blessing of having two wives. Originally, it was a little late today and it was not convenient for him to go to find Aunt Zhao. Unexpectedly, what a coincidence, she actually came to his door.

Seeing that there was no one around and they were not far from Mengpo Zhai, he put his arm around Aunt Zhao's shoulders, half pressed his body on her, leaned close to her neck, and said with a smile, "There's no need to break into pieces. I've drunk a lot of wine tonight, so you can stay and help me cool off!"

After saying this, he half pushed and half hugged Aunt Zhao, stumbled, and entered Mengpo Zhai as if he was in familiarity with the place.

Pushing open the door of the study, he pushed Aunt Zhao into the room, then turned around and said to Jin Chuan, "Remember to stay outside and bring the second wife over later!"

After saying that, Fang entered the dark room.

Having met Lady Xing and Lady Wang, she was no longer surprised by Aunt Zhao and Jin Chuan.

When she heard him order to lead Madam Wang into the house, a hint of teasing flashed in her eyes.

She had just received the order and arrived at the front door when she saw Madam Wang peeking in.

Without further ado, she stepped forward, grabbed Madam Wang's arm, and said with a smile, "Second Madam, please come in quickly! Don't make me wait anxiously!"

When Mrs. Wang saw that it was her, she immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

He hurriedly took two steps at a time and followed Jinchuan to the front of the house.

Looking at the dark room, he was about to ask why there were no lights on, but he heard Jin Chuan report: "Master, the people are here!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the door opened. Mrs. Wang only had time to see in the moonlight that Zhang Yunyi's clothes were half open, but he had already been carried sideways into the room by him.

Then, I felt dizzy and my toes touched the door. There was a bang and everything went dark. The door was closed tightly.

She felt both ashamed and happy, thinking that Zhang Yunyi was so impatient that he couldn't wait even a moment after knowing that he would come.

He quickly raised his arms that were hanging outside and was about to put his arms around Zhang Yunyi's neck, but suddenly he touched something soft.

Mrs. Wang was startled and blurted out, "What the hell!"

It would have been fine if she didn't speak, but once she did, the other party exclaimed, "Why is it you!"

Hearing this familiar voice, Mrs. Wang felt as if she were struck by lightning.

Then, Aunt Zhao's voice sounded again: "I was a chaste and heroic woman when I was a wife, but I didn't expect that I would..."

"Snapped!"

Before he finished speaking, a crisp slapping sounded, and Zhang Yunyi's intimidating voice rang out: "Family should be harmonious, why are you talking nonsense!"

Or maybe it can be said that the harmony of Rong Mansion depends entirely on him!

With just this one sentence, the two people who were originally incompatible calmed down.

……

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 380 Disagreements

Ever since Emperor Zhengqing became obsessed with cultivating immortals, he rarely held court meetings, but the 16th day of the first lunar month every year was an exception.

Last year, at this time, Zhang Yunyi did not need to participate, but this year he has this honor.

However, standing in the crowd, he was yawning and his mind was elsewhere.

Mrs. Wang and Aunt Zhao are both beautiful and graceful, with distinct characteristics. One has the blessing of status, and the other is good at pleasing people. Her methods are endless, which makes Zhang Yunyi linger.

Aunt Zhao was already grateful to him, and seeing that he did not shy away from his relationship with Lady Wang, she thought he did it on purpose so that Lady Wang would not dare to do anything bad to her in the future.

They were even more grateful and tried their best.

At first, Mrs. Wang was ashamed to associate with Aunt Zhao and was unwilling to let go of her status. However, she had fallen into Zhang Yunyi's trap and Aunt Zhao learned the truth.

Under the double pressure of Aunt Zhao's showing off and Zhang Yunyi's manipulation, he gradually relaxed and got into the mood.

Although Zhang Yun逸 is far superior to Jia Zheng in terms of ability and other aspects.

But it was not enough. Just one sentence could make the two of them put aside their past grudges and unite against a common enemy. It was just that he had an innate advantage.

If we say that, in front of Jia Zheng, the two of them are in a zero-sum game where if you get one more point, I will get one less point.

As for Zhang Yunyi, he jumped out of this shackle and looked for food outside the plate.

Aunt Zhao was seeking shelter, so it was natural for her to work hard.

Although Mrs. Wang had her own reasons due to Jia Zheng and herself, since Grandmother Jia could think of paving the way for Jia Baoyu, how could she not consider this factor?

This is also why, although she rejected Lady Jia's arrangement for Yuanchun, she did not dare to confront Zhang Yunyi in person and could only do it secretly and think of a solution behind the scenes.

Whether from their own perspective or from the perspective of their respective sons, Zhang Yunyi is different from Jia Zheng. Although they happily call him "Master", they know the truth very well in their hearts.

Without the bond of identity, how much he is given depends entirely on his heart, but it is not a matter of course.

In the past, the reason why the two of them were like water and fire was not without the reason of Grandmother Jia.

Aunt Zhao was originally arranged by Grandmother Jia. She wanted to show her self-worth, so she had to compete with Lady Wang.

But now, there is no need to leave the Rongguo Mansion.

On the contrary, when it comes to winning Zhang Yunyi's favor, the two of them have the same goal.

With this reason, everyone can only show their talents, and even put aside past grudges and support each other.

This was a good thing for Zhang Yunyi, as he enjoyed a great harmony that even Jia Zheng had never enjoyed.

He was just recalling last night's fierce battle when he suddenly heard the emperor mention his name. He quickly put aside all distracting thoughts and listened attentively.

"Although the weather has been good and the treasury is full in the past two years, the guano business is beneficial to the country and the people, and this is also thanks to Tianxiang. My dear minister, you must not slack off and must spread the business in Jiangnan as soon as possible so that the people of the world can benefit as soon as possible."

Zhang Yunyi was about to step out when he heard a voice behind him: "Your Majesty, rest assured! I have packed my luggage and will go straight to Jiangnan after the court is over. I will do my best and live up to your command!"

Without asking, Zhang Yun逸 also knew that these words came from the mouth of Mei Hanlin - Mei Lian.

The emperor was obviously talking to him, but this guy rushed to answer, obviously trying to take credit for himself.

Mei Hanlin joined Tiangongyuan years ago, but he had always been staying outside the city and had never met him.

However, during the Spring Festival, Gu Wenhui, Zhang Hua and others came to his house and complained to him that Mei Lian was arrogant because of his position as a Hanlin.

He didn't take it seriously at first, but he didn't expect that the credit would be taken away in the Golden Palace.

Emperor Zhengqing was also stunned, showing a little displeasure, but he did not get angry on the spot. He just waved his hand and said, "This matter was handled by Tianxiang alone. If you don't understand anything, ask him for advice."

"Yes...Your Majesty!" Mei Lian said angrily.

“Your Majesty!” Zhang Yunyi immediately stepped out and bowed, “Mei Hanlin is very knowledgeable and has been selected as a Jinshi in two imperial examinations. I am a humble minister, so how dare I offer you advice!”

He paused, and then said, "Besides, Jiangnan and the capital are far apart, and it is not easy to pass on information. If we have to report everything, it will not only be time-consuming and laborious, but will also delay the opportunity. Moreover, I am not in Jiangnan, and I don't know the local situation, so I may not be able to make an accurate judgment. I believe that Mei Hanlin will do his best and will not disappoint the emperor!"

If one's virtue does not match his position, disaster will surely come. Even if there were no complaints from Gu Wenhui and others, just looking at his behavior in the palace today, he does not seem like someone who can accomplish great things.

The higher you praise someone, the harder they fall.

Since he was trying to take credit for the work, Zhang Yun逸 didn't mind giving him a hand.

In addition, you can also take this opportunity to get yourself out of trouble.

Not only did the emperor not blame himself for the problems in Jiangnan, but he also put the blame for recommending Mei Lian on the emperor to avoid arousing Prince Ning's suspicion.

What he said was actually the truth. Even if one rode at full speed, it would take more than half a month to go back and forth.

Emperor Zhengqing didn't bother about it.

Originally, this matter was a blessing in disguise. Although it would offend Ning Wang's faction if it was handled well, it would also gain the favor of Qin Wang. Although Zhang Yun逸 wanted to let him take the blame, he did not plan to do anything unnecessary.

Now, seeing that Mei Lian was arrogant because of his talent, he simply added fuel to the fire.

After the court was dismissed, Zhang Yunyi took the initiative to find Mei Lian, bowed, and said with a smile: "I have admired Hanlin's talent for a long time. Hanlin has high hopes from the emperor. I can only express my gratitude to you by bringing everyone from Tiangong Academy to see you off."

Mei Lian was not flattered at all, but felt it was natural. He bowed slightly and said arrogantly, "I have the emperor's order. I'm sorry I can't wait any longer!"

"Hanlin cares about the country and the people. I really admire his character!" Zhang Yunyi said with a smile.

He knew that Mei Lian had to go home to get his luggage, so he asked about the city gate, parted ways with him and went straight to Tiangongyuan. He summoned a group of officials and rushed to the city gate without stopping.

When he arrived outside the city gate, he was still worried that he had been delayed for a moment and would not be able to catch up with Mei Lian. After asking the soldiers guarding the city, he took his subordinates and waited with peace of mind.

Unexpectedly, Mei Lian was a man who said one thing and thought another. Perhaps he was worried that he would not be able to catch up and would have no chance to show off, so he made Zhang Yunyi wait for a full hour before slowly coming to the city gate.

After waiting for so long, even Zhang Yunyi, who had done it on purpose, became a little impatient, and his subordinates were full of complaints.

But Mei Lian was not aware of the situation at all. Not only did he not feel the slightest bit of guilt on his face, but he looked arrogant and pretentious.

Zhang Yunyi did a good job on the surface. After sending the man away, Gu Wenhui could no longer hold back and complained, "Your Excellency treated him with such courtesy, how come this guy even forgot the etiquette when he saw his superior?"

Zhang Yunyi waved his hand and said, "Hey! Lord Mei is from the Imperial Academy, so it's only natural that he doesn't bow to his superiors."

It is true that Hanlin scholars may not bow when meeting their superiors, but most of them still understand the ways of the world, especially Zhang Yun逸, who is a viscount.

He hesitated for a moment and whispered, "Besides, he is the candidate favored by His Highness. Why should we bother with some etiquette? As long as he can do the job for His Highness and His Majesty, what's the harm in letting me hold the reins for him?"

You have to make plans for both sides of everything. Although Gu Wenhui's official position is not high, he has been with the King of Qin for quite a long time.

The reason why Zhang Yun逸 had to bring his subordinates from Tiangongyuan to see him off was to make Mei Lian make enemies everywhere.

King Qin saw what happened in the palace today, and as long as Gu Wenhui conveyed these words to his ears again.

In comparison, the difference is obvious.

Before thinking about victory, think about failure first. You have to make plans for both situations.

With this operation, even if Mei Lian really got things done, his favorability in front of the King of Qin would be greatly reduced.

……

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 381 Keeping an Appointment

"Mr. Zhang may be young, but he has a great bearing!"

"No way! Your Excellency, the Minister is too kind. We are all ministers in the same palace, serving His Majesty and His Highness. Why should we be so clear about the distinction?"

In a secret side hall of Prince Zhongshun's palace, Zhang Yun逸, who came to keep the appointment, had a humble attitude.

Prince Zhongshun laughed and said, "Yun Yi, why should you be so modest? Mei Lian is not qualified to serve His Highness!"

In addition to Zhang Yun逸 and Prince Zhongshun, those attending the meeting included Minister of Rites Gu Dashou, Minister of War Li Congwen, Duke of Qing Qi Yuandao, and Vice Minister of Personnel Zhou Xianzu.

Just by looking at the rank and title, Zhang Yun逸 knew that this should be considered the core circle of the Qin Wang family.

Zhou Xianzu, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Personnel, said somewhat embarrassedly: "Your Highness is right! It seems that I have misjudged him. I did not expect that Mei Lian would be like this. This is really unfair to Master Zhang."

"There is no reason to feel wronged when working for His Highness!"

Zhou Xianzu seemed to be apologizing to him, but he was also thinking of taking the blame for the King of Qin. It was impossible for Zhang Yun逸 to take this seriously for both emotional and logical reasons.