Volume 2: Residence in the Capital Chapter 250: Stars Support the Moon
During the New Year, everyone from high officials to common people naturally rested, but the brothels and brothels in the capital were busier than usual. Because the highlight of these days was not welcoming and seeing off guests, but attending parties according to invitations, singing and dancing, and showing off their talents, just to gain a reputation.
Therefore, the note sent by Ge Yong at the last minute really made Wan Wanbao feel overwhelmed. However, there was nothing to think about. Grand Tutor Ge was one of the best in the capital in terms of reputation and status, so he went to the originally scheduled Chuguogong’s house to apologize without thinking. Sure enough, as soon as he said that Ge Yong was inviting people, the third master in charge of the Chuguogong’s house sighed and said that the Ge family had sent a letter a long time ago.
So, after the afternoon, the Twelve Rains arrived at the Ge Mansion. When everyone got off the car, their faces were full of surprise and joy. After all, even their predecessors in Tingyu Cottage had many admired the talent of Grand Master Ge, but had never been able to have him as their guest of honor, let alone enter the Ge Mansion. And now, they were actually able to enter openly!
When they met Zhang Chen, Lu Sanlang and others, and learned that Ge Yong wanted to see Peach Blossom Fan, the girls looked at each other, all of them were surprised and nervous. They were surprised that they had already gradually found the core of their own characters based on Zhang Shou's original story and character settings while writing and rehearsing. They were nervous because they had not yet been fully adjusted and were afraid of omissions in the performance.
Lu Sanlang acted like a gentleman who cherished flowers, and he consoled them with a smile. However, Zhang Chen was much more rude and simple. He glanced at them and said unhappily, "A quarter of an hour on stage is the result of ten years of hard work off stage. You haven't worked hard for ten years, so it's good enough if you can perform roughly. Besides, if you don't perform well in Ge's mansion, at most you will be scolded by Ge Zushi, which is much better than making mistakes in the future."
After hearing this, Shi Er Yu was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, but her nervousness faded a lot. Moreover, the Ge Mansion did not have a stage, but only a large hall that could accommodate more than a hundred people. This was where the ancestors of the Ge Mansion gave lectures in the past. Ge Yong, who was known for his many students, rarely used it because most of his students were disciples or grandchildren of disciples, and there were very few direct descendants.
It is said that the old man of the Ge Mansion has hundreds of students, many of whom are even troublemakers in the army. This place was just cleaned up before the New Year. Although Chen Shang and others felt that it was inappropriate to use this place for a group of singing girls, Ge Yong was in high spirits, so they could only let it go. It was not until dinner was served that someone raised an objection, but was choked speechless by Teacher Ge.
"Since they are here, and I shamelessly stole someone else's reservation, I will naturally eat and watch the show at the same time. Maybe after the show, I can still have time to ask them to check in at the house of Duke Zhang of Chu!"
Just as the middle-aged and elderly people were exchanging glances with each other, a clear voice suddenly came from outside the door: "Grandpa Ge, I'm here to wish you a happy new year! Zhang Wu, Zhang Lu, Qiliang, and Deng Xiaodai are all here with you, Grandpa Ge, right? Eunuch Lu was ordered to pass the message to them. If they are all here with you, Grandpa Ge, it will save you from running around to four places!"
Outside the door, the smiling tiger Lu Chan who followed Zhu Ying couldn't help but twitch his mouth slightly when he heard the rapid-fire words. When the emperor gave him the task today, he saw Zhu Ying there, and he knew that he would definitely not be able to get rid of this little girl.
Sure enough, when they went to Shuntian Prefecture, Miss Zhu followed them and encountered another "big thing". When they arrived at Ge's house, she rushed in with him as if nothing had happened, and no one in Ge's house stopped her.
The next moment, he saw the thick door curtain embroidered with pine, bamboo and plum trees in front of the door being lifted high, and then a large group of people came out. He had expected Zhang Shou's students to come to pay New Year's greetings, but he didn't expect so many people; and he had expected Ge Yong's disciples to come to pay New Year's greetings, but he didn't expect that all the highest-ranking officials below Chen Shang would come.
The sun was about to set, but there were still so many people. And the one who was surrounded by stars was not the three-dynasty veteran Ge Taishi, but Zhang Shou!
Of course, Zhang Shou was not willing to go out like this. But when Ge Yong said, "Take someone out to have a look," he had to obey. When he found that Chen Shang and other senior brothers were also driven out by Ge Yong, he had already occupied the middle position. At this moment, he could only ignore this and waved to the four people that Zhu Ying had just mentioned to go over first.
Compared with Zhang Wu and Zhang Lu, who came from aristocratic families, Qi Liang and Deng Xiaodai could not figure out what the emperor wanted to say to them, so when they came in front of Lu Chan, they couldn't help feeling a little nervous.
Zhu Ying had already tiptoed to Zhang Shou's side, squeezing out Lu Sanlang and Zhang Chen who were originally on his left and right. She didn't forget to greet Chen Shang and the others with a smile, and then she winked at Zhang Shou.
"If this matter gets out today, I don't know how many people will be jealous and envious!" Let's put that bad thing aside for a while. During the New Year, let Ah Shou and the others be happy first!
Because it was a message, not an imperial edict, nor an oral instruction, Lu Chan did not speak in a pretentious tone.
"Zhang Wu, Zhang Lu, the emperor has ordered you two to go to Xingtai to promote the new textile machinery. You two are granted the title of Sixth Rank Honor Guard Cavalry Sheren. Please let the emperor know what people and things you need."
At this point, Lü Chan saw Zhang Wu and Zhang Lu both stunned, so he said earnestly: "The eldest prince was ordered to go to Cangzhou, and you two were ordered to go to Xingtai. In fact, there was no need to appoint a special person for such a matter, but the emperor hoped that those ordinary spinners would not be left without food and clothing because the new spinning machines were controlled by the rich families, and would not be forced to work like slaves for the big spinning machines owners. That's why you are here."
Zhang Wu and Zhang Lu then woke up as if from a dream, and hurriedly bowed to express their gratitude. While agreeing repeatedly, they also praised the emperor for his wisdom.
As soon as they agreed, Lu Chan turned around and looked at Qi Liang and Deng Xiaodai with a smile.
"Qi Liang, Deng Ai, after the grand court today, the emperor appointed Wang Dayin of Shuntian Prefecture as the Right Censor-in-Chief and Governor-General of Xuanda, in charge of many matters such as rewards and punishments for military merits in this northern expedition. However, Xuanfu and Datong are now in a mess, and Wang Dayin must have a few helpers around him. Wang Dayin is proficient in mathematics and is not easy to fool, so the emperor said that it would be better to transfer a few people from Jiuzhang Hall to follow him."
Hearing this, Deng Xiaodai couldn't help but ask, "But I'm not from Jiuzhangtang?"
As soon as he said this, he realized that he had made a huge mistake, and he hurriedly wanted to apologize. But Lu Chan did not take it as an offense, instead he smiled and said: "But you are from Shuntian Prefecture! Wu Ge Lao heard that after you entered Shuntian Prefecture, you did a great job in the household department, so Wang Dayin Chao promoted you to be the clerk, and recommended you. Why don't you want to help Wang Dayin?"
"No, no, of course I am willing!" Deng Xiaodai nodded repeatedly, but he realized a bigger problem in a moment. He was just a minor official with no rank, but how could he be recommended by Elder Wu? This must be a joke, right?
Qi Liang was less stupid than Deng Xiaodai, so he asked cautiously, " Since several people are being transferred from Jiuzhang Hall, may I ask, Eunuch Lu, which people are being transferred?"
Zhang Shou saw Deng Xiaodai was still struggling with a frown, and then saw Qi Liang grasp the key point at once, he couldn't help but laugh secretly. However, it was a bit strange that Qi Liang was selected before he recommended him.
Sure enough, Lu Chan's smile deepened immediately, and he said lightly: "How many people to transfer and who to transfer, this is naturally up to you, Mr. Qi, to choose. Anyway, the emperor means that Jiuzhang Hall will take turns to send people to assist Wang Dayin, and you will lead the team."
The person who recommended Qi Liang was his immediate superior Chu Kuan!
Qi Liang was sure that he would understand such clear words. He turned around and glanced at Zhang Shou, then at Lu Sanlang and the other people from Jiuzhangtang who came to pay New Year's greetings today, and finally made up his mind. He took a step back and solemnly bowed to Lu Chan.
"Eunuch Lu, I can't propose the candidate or the rotation period right away. I need to discuss it with the teacher and Master Lu. In addition, if we want to rotate people to assist Wang Dayin... we should also ask for his opinion."
At this point, Qi Liang looked at Deng Xiaodai, who was still confused, and coughed gently, finally waking him up: "Xiaodai, you'd better go see Wang Dayin, explain the whole story, and ask him for instructions."
"Oh... OK!" Deng Xiaodai woke up with a start and nodded hurriedly, "I'll go right away!"
When Deng Xiaodai ran away, Lu Chan was slightly stunned, then he smiled and nodded to Zhang Shou and said, "How long has Dr. Zhang been in the Imperial College? So many talents have emerged. What will happen in the future? The emperor said that a good teacher produces good students. The ancients said that sincerity is not deceiving us. Therefore, Dr. Zhang should enjoy three portions of the special gift of the Lantern Festival, just like the winter solstice!"
Until Lü Chan left, most of the others were still pondering the message revealed by the words of the eunuch. But soon, Lu Sanlang smiled and dragged Qi Liang to the Jiuzhang Hall, and everyone started to discuss intensively. And then, Zhang Chen was still frowning and thinking, while Zhang Wu and Zhang Lu were surrounded by the people of Banshan Hall, all of whom were talking about recommending themselves!
Of course, there were people who tried to squeeze in next to Zhang Shou and follow the teacher's path, but when they saw Chen Shang smilingly inviting Zhang Shou into the circle of elders, a few smart people had to give up the idea reluctantly.
"Junior brother, you are truly impressive. When I first heard that the teacher had accepted a closed disciple at such an old age, I thought I had made a mistake or had misheard... When I returned to Beijing, I heard and saw everything, and then I realized that the teacher had a keen eye for talent."
Chen Shang said this in front of Ge Yong after inviting Zhang Shou back to the house, and it really made the old man smile. Although the other people were notorious for not being good at flattery in the court, they could not do it in front of the teacher, so they naturally spoke well. So Zhang Shou found that he had transformed himself into a rare and unparalleled person in the world.
Fortunately, Ge Yong had already shown off enough today. Seeing Zhu Ying had already slipped into the house, he stretched out his hand to signal everyone to stop, and then said with a smile: "Yingying, I invited Twelve Rains from Tingyu Xiaozhu to act in the play. Do you mind?"
"Why should I mind?" Zhu Ying greeted everyone generously, then raised her chin slightly and said, "I'm not such a stingy person!"
Even though everyone present was middle-aged or elderly, and not showing one's emotions on one's face was a basic etiquette in officialdom, some people still couldn't help but reveal quite subtle looks.
Ge Yong laughed and said calmly, "Yes, yes, Yingying, you are tolerant and generous. When I come to your and Ah Shou's house for dinner during the New Year, I will invite those famous people to join in the fun!"
"Oh, I'm already old now, and I really miss the time when I was surrounded by pink peach blossoms and green willows..." He sighed for a moment.
Seeing Zhang Shou smiling but not saying anything, Zhu Ying snorted unhappily, "Grandpa Ge, don't say sarcastic words. Of course I can't tolerate Ah Shou having someone else, but as long as he likes me, he won't have anyone else! And if he changes his mind, then it will be useless for me to be on guard a thousand times or ten thousand times! So, I won't be on guard against him. I believe he won't find anyone better than me!"
“Cough, cough, cough…”
This time, not only Chen Shang, but several middle-aged and elderly officials started coughing violently almost at the same time. They were surprised that a young woman of such age expressed her feelings so passionately and boldly, and the young lady was a unique young lady like Zhu Ying. But what was even more surprising was that her last sentence was so confident!
Chen Shang couldn't help coughing and looked at Zhang Shou, wanting to observe the reaction of this junior fellow apprentice, but all he saw was Zhang Shou's irrepressible smile. It seemed that he was actually very happy about such shocking words.
"Teacher, please stop teasing Yingying. You should know her temper. As for me, I will get drunk even if the wine doesn't make me drunk in front of a beauty. This is of course human nature, but my principle has always been to just watch from a distance . Since you want to know how Shier Yu's "Peach Blossom Fan" is rehearsing, let Shier Yu perform it right now for you to see."
Zhang Shou was in a very good mood as he spoke. Zhu Ying's frank and truthful words were quite to his liking.
Just as Zhang Chen did not like virtuous wives and mothers and bluntly expressed his desire to marry an eccentric wife in front of the emperor, he also felt that if he married one of those virtuous wives and mothers who were so kind as to arrange concubines and maids for their husbands, he would probably enjoy a happy time but would then get bored.
Since the husband and wife treat each other with respect from the beginning, it is natural for them to become cold to each other in the future.
When Ge Yong heard Zhang Shou's words, he smiled and nodded, "Okay, I went to great lengths to snatch this person from the Zhang family of the Duke of Chu. If I don't invite the Zhang family over, it would seem like a demonstration. I would like to have more people so that the New Year will be more lively! Zhang Shou, go outside and give the order, we can start!"
