C45

Forbidden City, Qian Ming Palace.

Queen and King of Peace, mother and son alone, no outsiders. After listening to the queen's story, Zhao Qisheng's face was filled with disbelief.

"Imperial Mother really earned two million silver taels?"

"Absolutely true! He personally said it, so it shouldn't be fake. "

"He actually earned that much?"

This number was completely beyond Zhao Qisheng's imagination. After digesting it for a while, he hurriedly asked, "Did he really give all of it to the Queen Mother?"

"Yes, that's true too!"

Zhao now slightly regretted that he should not have said the words "do not want his silver". The Queen did not know what he was thinking, so she continued, "The preparations for this year's Hezhou Duo Assembly, coupled with the transformation of Hezhou City, Zhang Zhou almost invested all of the profits from Ze Xiang's bidding into it. He had great courage and boldness, but who would have thought that there would be such a big profit in the end! Even those large clans would have a hard time seeing and writing like this. It can be seen that although he is very young, he is truly outstanding! "

Zhao also nodded. "He really has a lot of guts!" Zhao muttered.

The empress did not know about Zhang Zhou's personal visit to the manor, and did not understand what Zhao Qieshen meant by "very brave indeed". Zhao Qishui sighed and said, "I've really underestimated him!" During the meeting between the two parties, I sent a man from my family over. This man has always had a very good eye, so he only returned with eight words. "

"Which eight words?"

"This is unprecedented, hard to imagine!"

The empress smiled and said, "Imperial Mother has also heard that the size of this gathering surpasses even the capital's Great Examination. The scene is truly astounding! He had always felt that he was exaggerating. However, after witnessing the performance of the singing and dancing group last night, I feel that it's reasonable for them to cause such a sensation! "

Zhao also thought back to last night.

"I once suspected that it was this fellow who stole the song, but Yu Mancheng was certain that this tune was definitely innovative, and that Zhang Zhou was one of the authors. This meant that this kid either had amazing talent, or had met an expert!"

"Is Yu Mancheng paying attention to him?"

"Yes, I heard that she wants to be sisters with Guan Yuniang!"

The empress thought for a moment and suddenly asked, "Have you checked the background?"

"It's been investigated now. Before he was eighteen, he had almost never left the Hero's Lodge, and he had only served in Hezhou for less than two years. His performance in the case of capturing the Yu party of the King of the Great North River was extremely outstanding, which is recorded in the Ministry of Justice and one of the reasons why he was promoted so quickly. During this time, Cao Yi took a liking to him and accepted him as a student! The people around him had also checked, and there was nothing suspicious at all. Furthermore, it was impossible for him to be in contact with those people. Otherwise, he wouldn't have formed enmity with the Wealth Hall and would not have entered the manor to save others! To dare to do such a thing for a woman, I really don't know if he is ignorant, or if he is fearless! "

"Those people", of course, referred to competitors in "that position". The Queen nodded and said, "That's good!" With the development of the Nine Regions' business over the past two years, it showed that Zhang Zhou was a person with great talent for management. Furthermore, this child had an interesting personality! It is also extremely righteous! "

"The Queen Mother thinks he's interesting too? This son was unable to see it! However, he felt that he was a bit of a monster! However, I agree with you on this point! "

"In the past hundred years of the Tang Dynasty, haven't there been many freakishly talented people?"

"That's true. Haha, a kid from a remote village actually made me jealous. I'm truly ashamed!"

The Empress did not reply, but instead asked, "How is Tang Yu'er now?"

"They're still in the manor. I've already properly settled them down. No one will make things difficult for the sisters!" What are your mother's plans? "

"Shardplate, this Zhang Zhou has a huge potential. If you use him well, he will definitely be a big help to you in the future! Tang Yu'er was temporarily unable to return it to him. This time around, the singing and dancing group from Yaotai and the singing and dancing group from Hezhou were all too eye-catching. The Crown Prince and King Jing would definitely pay attention to him. If his mother was afraid that he would lose Tang Yu'er's control, he would throw himself into someone else's embrace! Let's observe for a while! But remember, Tang Yu'er and her sister must be fine! "

"This son understands!"

"Mother has thought about it. We can't accept those two million silver taels. We have to return them to him. Remember, we want his loyalty, not his silver taels."

Prince Ping said with a wry smile, "Imperial Mother, that is two million taels, ah!"

"Your bearing will determine your ability! Your goal is not silver, but mountains and rivers! Do you understand? "

Ping Wang stuck out his tongue and replied with a laugh. The empress helplessly shook her head and said resentfully, "You are not a child anymore. You can't be willful and you can't be short-sighted! Your grandfather is old, after all, and can look after you in the court for a few years? It was time to nurture his own direct descendants. This Zhang Zhou's ability must not be underestimated! "Such an official was exactly what you needed the most. The Queen Mother even believed that as long as he was willing to serve you wholeheartedly, his assistance would be no less than that of a hall of wealth!"

"Although I don't find this person, Zhang Zhou, any interesting, I assure you, mother, that I will take this matter seriously!"

"It's fine as long as you're not serious. It was not only a matter of affiliation, but also of being treated with sincerity. Zhang Zhou, you have to be careful in this matter! We can't let others take the initiative! "

"It shouldn't be. Tang Yu'er is still here …"

The empress suddenly thought of something and frowned. Zhao Qisheng was startled and asked, "Imperial Mother, what are you …"

The Queen waved her hands to indicate that there was nothing wrong, stood up and slowly walked a few steps, then turned around. She solemnly looked at Zhao Qisheng and said, "You must remember, you must never let Zhang Zhou feel that you are threatening him with Tang Yu'er! Zhang Zhou will not take advantage of the situation. Threatening him will only backfire! "

Zhao Qizhen felt that Tang Yu'er was a bit hot to handle!

King Jing's Estate. Zhao Qi looked at Yu Manchu who was so happy that it looked like she was a child, and felt tender love in her heart. If there was anything in this world that made him feel good, it was just this woman's frown and smile. Yu Mancheng was not happy about the title of "The Number One Beauty in the Fragrance" that Zhang Zhou had personally sent over, but that he had personally promised her permission to work with the Yaotai Song and Dance group. In Zhao Qi's eyes, music was just a form of entertainment and didn't have much meaning. However, the experience at the Flowing Water Pavilion had indeed moved him, the King of Jing who loved to fight on the battlefield, like never before!

If he was not born in a royal family, he would be able to laugh proudly with his beloved woman!

But because he was born in a royal family, as the eldest son, he was unavoidably unreconciled and unreconciled. Could it be that because he was born in a dragon and a phoenix, he could become the successor to the empire? That seemingly smart but actually stupid little brother, how could he be stronger than him? Even if royal father didn't have the status of the eldest son and crown prince, if he couldn't still obtain the rule of the world, why couldn't he? Unknowingly, the blue veins on his fists popped out as a pair of cool and tender hands gently rested on the back of his hands. Duke Jing's anger faltered for a moment before he calmed down. There was only this pair of hands in the world that could calm the anger of a fierce tiger.

"Believe in me. This Zhang Zhou is absolutely not an ordinary person. Prince Jing can try to befriend him!"

"Be friends? This King has this kind of heart, but does he have this kind of guts? "

Yu Mancheng took his hands in front of his face and said lovingly, "I know that you have four seas in your heart, and I also know that you are in a difficult situation. I hate women and I cannot share your burden, but please believe in my eyes. Don't look at how young Zhang Zhou is, but his abilities and methods are all extraordinary."

Zhao Qi smiled and pressed her lips with her finger. She said gently, "I know, I know, you, come back and say it, I have told you countless times, I know he is a genius, but you also saw me giving him a meal just now, he repeatedly rejected me!" He clearly does not want to get close to This King, so what can I do? Do you want This King to take the initiative and curry favor with him? "

Yu Mancheng pouted and said unhappily, "My lord! Being friends is not about using your identity as a prince to donate! "

"Alright, alright, I won't stand your hidden bitterness any longer. I promise you, I'll be friends with this Zhang Zhou!" "How about it?"

"..."

Crown Prince's Palace.

Ning Wang, Zhao Qili, was flustered and exasperated!

This king has already suffered heavy losses in the Hall of Wealth. Today's proposal to increase the military expenditure for the western troops has been rejected by royal father! I reckon that royal father is very likely still angry because of the matter of the Wealthy Hall! This is clearly the fault of your king for not coming to your rescue. He did not even think about it; if it weren't for your old friendship, his rich hall would have long since been reduced to ashes. How could you have had the chance to make me angry! "

"Your Highness, calm down!" Cai Ji, who was sitting across from him, lifted up the teapot and poured a cup for Zhao Qili. He then said, "Zhou Yanxiang is only a chess piece, and he's still in the hands of His Highness the Crown Prince. Is there a need to be hasty?"

"Sir! How can This King not be anxious? Sima Jingyan gave his conditions. The military was relatively close to King Jing in the first place, so it wasn't easy for them to rope in the western troops. But in the end, they were completely ruined by the rich and powerful Hall! "

"Hehe, Your Highness, who doesn't know what kind of trash Sima Jingyan is? Three million silver is just his sky-high price. What Western Army need, it's not just for his own pocket. This old man thinks that Sima Jingyan's matter can be postponed for a while. Your Highness, please remember, master should not let the dog lead the way! "

Seeing the Crown Prince nod in silence, Cai Zhao continued, "That Hezhou's Zhang Zhou, what's your opinion on this matter, Your Highness?"

"Zhang Zhou?"

"It's that Zhang Zhou who asked the Yaotai Dance Group to celebrate Cao Yi's birthday!"

"Oh, got it!" I heard that there was a lot of commotion last night at the Flowing Water Pavilion! Why did you mention him? "

Cai Gui knew that this crown prince would never go anywhere where King Jing appeared, and furthermore, Cao Yi didn't have much weight in his eyes. "Cai Gui felt a little regretful that he was unable to attend last night." Yes, this Zhang Zhou! I think his position in the business world should be extremely important! "

"Mister, what do you think of This King? Do you want me to get some silver from him? As far as I know, it would be inconvenient for This King to extend a hand if he had been trying to please the empress! "

Zhao Qingrui could be considered to have a good grasp of the scope of corruption. He should never cross the line and it was one of the few bright spots he had.

Cai Gui slightly smiled, "Your Highness, don't underestimate this Zhang Zhou. His potential is great, and even today, the shock caused by his trip to the Hezhou was not completely digested. I hope that His Highness can take note of this person's ability, and not the silver in his pocket! As for fawning on the empress, this old man doesn't think that it's a big issue. The reason he's getting close to anyone is simply for his future development! "

"Teacher, you mean that it is worth winning over?"

"It's worth it!"

"Alright, then I'll give him a favor. Hehe, sir, tell me, I'll promote him before the empress, what will the empress be like?" Hahahaha! Interesting, it must be really interesting! "

Cai Gui smiled without saying a word. When he lowered his head to pour some tea, his eyes were filled with disappointment.

The Emperor of Tang, Zhao Qianyuan, was a very serious man. Even when he was facing his own family, he rarely smiled. Today, he looked at the few memorials on the book, then looked at the empress who had come to pay her respects, smiling playfully.

The empress had been married to him for more than twenty years. She was a very skilled and gentle person, and her imperial harem was kept in order. The relationship between husband and wife could be said to be respectful to each other. Originally, according to the Tang Dynasty's ancestral system, the imperial harem couldn't hold a position as an official, and when the Empress married him, he was still a prince, while the Empress's father, Lu Daiwen, was only a minor official. In the crucial moment of seizing the throne, it was Lu Daiwen who had plotted to help him sit on the Dragon Throne, and it was precisely this heavy debt of grace that Zhao Qianyuan had dispelled all public opinion and allowed Lu Daiwen, a younger brother, to remain in the position. This was one of the reasons why the empress had won the heart of the emperor. At this moment, the Queen was gently explaining to him about Zhang Zhou's plan to give her silver taels. After listening to the narration, Zhao Qianyuan smiled and said, "Is the Queen really going to return the two million silver taels to Hezhou?"

"Your Majesty, of course. It was not easy for the officials of Hezhou to think of all the ways and means to control the situation! Even though chenqie doesn't know much, she knows that she should protect such a good official more! Your Majesty has put in a lot of effort and effort. Your concubine is already blaming herself for not being able to help Your Majesty out of his worries. She will be able to warm the hearts of those capable officials and encourage them to work hard for the Empire.

"The empress has worried herself too much. Since that brat was the one who secretly gave the silver, the empress should have secretly given it to him!"

"Your Majesty, he said it in silence, not in secret!"

The empress rarely revealed her daughter's pout, which made Zhao Qianyuan feel very warm in his heart. His heart softened as he smiled and said, "Alright, it's silent. It's not a secret, yet it's all the same!"

"..."

"In a few days, it will be His Majesty's birthday. Although His Majesty has ordered it to be simplified, chenqie will still make a private suggestion for His Majesty's birthday. She will have the Yaotai Dance group perform for His Majesty's birthday!"

"Mm, since it's the empress's wish, I naturally agree! For the past few days, my ears have almost recognized the cocoon and my curiosity has been piqued. I really want to see just what kind of ability this Yao Tai Song Dance Group has to be able to make that old man from Dazhu praise it endlessly! "

"Chenqie has also seen a performance at the Water Flaming Pavilion. The performance of the Nine Prefectures' Song Dance Team is indeed impressive. This time, Zhang Zhou specially made up a song for His Majesty. It will only be shown on the day of His Majesty's birthday! I believe that His Majesty will not be disappointed! "

"I have also understood this Zhang Zhou. In less than two years, he has caused quite a commotion. Tang Wenxuan of Hezhou has already recommended him to the Ministry of Government and the Ministry of Law. He praises him greatly and says that he is a talent that can be used." He didn't expect that Qu Le would have such an ability. No one could underestimate him. The carriage that the Queen invited me to ride was his handiwork, right? Such a person should be given great importance. But after all, he is still too young and lacks experience. I'm afraid that his momentary ambition will only ruin his future! "

The empress smiled, "His Majesty is right. Chenqie had a chat with him, and he said the same thing about himself!"

"Oh? What did he say! "

"Chenqie remembers clearly that he said he was: 'There's no hair on his mouth, and he can't keep his word!'"

"Haha, not bad. To have this kind of understanding, it is also very rare!" Queen, why don't I let you know something interesting! "

After finishing her words, she picked up a few memorials and handed them to the empress. The empress took them and examined them carefully, her expression the same as before, but her fingers were pinching with hidden force.

Tang Wenxuan: "I recommend Zhang Zhou as the sixth grade administrator of the prefecture government yamen!"

Cao Yi: Zhang Zhou is recommended to enter the Ministry of Law.

Crown Prince: Zhang Zhuo is recommended to be accepted into the Ministry of Works, and will be appointed as the Minister of the Sixth Pin Department;

King Jing: Push Zhang Zhou into the Ministry of War, He Zhou pacifies the general's subordinates to become a sixth grade commander-in-chief;

Even though they were all low-grade, they were all upgrades. Tang Wenxuan had recommended him in a reasonable manner. The Law Department's request for him to stay was a reasonable request. The two had openly asked him to stay.

"Empress, which one do you think This Emperor should approve?"

The empress put down the recommendation that she had made to Zhang Zhuo to join the Ministry of Revenue, and smiled at him. "The recommendation is good, but it cannot be made incongruously! It's still the Ministry of Law that makes sense! "

Zhao Qianyuan nodded and thought for a while before saying, "Queen is right. If he can surprise me the day after tomorrow, I might as well give him a higher rank and directly bestow him with a rank 6 vice commander of the torture camp!"

As the ruler of a nation, the things that could truly be worried about were mostly military matters. He had a much deeper impression of the Hezhou Twin Clubs' activities, which tended to be more folk, than the Hezhou Reds and the "close drinking". However, as the name "Nine Regions Business" entered his ears, he became more and more interested.

Zhao Qianyuan's understanding of Qu Le was similar to his eldest son Zhao Qi's, thinking that it was just a small path, so he didn't care about the singing and dancing group that could cause a sensation in the people. Last night, the civil and martial officials gave Cao Yi a birthday party, which made him a little unhappy. Had the Tang Dynasty's civil and military officials fallen? Today, he received three letters of recommendation, each from the Crown Prince, Prince Jing, and Cao Yi. The ones recommended were all Zhang Zhou, so he ordered someone to bring Tang Wenxuan's letter of recommendation. At this moment, the empress came over to talk about Zhang Zhou and the meaning behind her speech was clear to Zhao Qianyuan. His purpose was to recommend Zhang Zhou, the head of the Hezhou police, to actually attract the attention and competition of the five forces!

Now, it was hard to not be interested in Zhang Zhou. Zhao Qianyuan thought to himself, "It's a pity that Lin Lang is not in the capital. Otherwise, this recommendation letter would definitely have one more copy!"