Chapter 128: Being an official is about integrity

Hearing Liang Weiyuan's words, the old lady's doubts disappeared, and she thought that her granddaughter-in-law was very thoughtful and took into consideration the old friends from all parties.

She stood up with the help of her cane. Marquis Huo, also with a flushed face, was about to go and greet her, but Censor Zhang had already strode in.

The patches on his green robe were washed white, his goatee was neatly trimmed, his face was weathered and gaunt, yet he exuded an air of righteousness.

Especially those old eyes, which were bright and vigorous, solemn and spirited, and the other hand was holding a gift.

"Master Zhang," the old lady said in a gentle, old-fashioned voice, "It's been so many years since we last met, and you're still as strong as ever. Come on, please take a seat."

"You are joking, old lady. I cannot compare to your happiness, longevity and health." Censor Zhang bowed and said. Although he was old, he was well-behaved and meticulous.

"I heard that the old lady prepared wild ginseng from Changbai Mountain for her 60th birthday. It's not a great show of respect."

Marquis Huo's face was filled with joy. Seeing this, he quickly stepped forward to accept the gift and complimented him: "Master Zhang, you are so polite. Your presence is a great honor to the Marquis' Mansion!"

"Father always said back then that in terms of talent, no one in the entire court could compare to you, whether civil or military, and that he wanted the younger generation to learn from you!"

This old man is now a key figure in the court, and he actually showed some favor and accepted the invitation. This is really a pleasant surprise!

If he could take the opportunity to make friends and continue the friendship, he would be of some help in the court.

Marquis Huo could not contain his excitement, and Censor Zhang's gaze naturally fell on him.

Although he had some wrinkles on his face, there was still the shadow of Mr. Huo in his eyes and brows, but he was a little more smooth in the officialdom.

And the thoughts on that face can be seen at a glance.

"Lord Hou, you're too kind." Censor Zhang frowned slightly, his tone seemingly calm, yet with an undeniable sense of distance. "General Huo is a true gentleman. It's a pity..."

Before he could finish his words, Censor Zhang stopped talking with regret, feeling sorry for the untimely death of his old friend.

How could Marquis Huo not understand the meaning behind the words of this stranger?

He was on the verge of laughing for a moment, and quickly used his elbow to hint to Huo Siyuan behind him that such a good opportunity must not be missed.

Huo Siyuan was a man of few words, his face filled with smiles. Seeing the opportunity, he immediately stepped forward, bowing and trying to appear respectful. "I wonder if Master Zhang still remembers my nephew?"

"You haven't been to the mansion for a long time. Your nephew specially prepared some fine Longjing tea. You must try it."

He handed over the teacup with an earnest look, which made the old lady and Censor Zhang frown.

"The whole court praises you for your impartiality. I admire honest officials like you the most. I hope you can give me more advice in the future."

"Siyuan, don't be rude!" The old lady suddenly scolded, slamming her cane heavily on the ground, her cloudy eyes revealing useless anger.

"Master Zhang is here to celebrate my birthday, not to listen to your nonsense. Why don't you leave now?"

Fortunately, the guests were all in the outer courtyard. If this scene of fawning was seen, the Marquis' Mansion and the late Mr. Huo would be laughed at so hard that they would be unable to straighten their backs!

Marquis Huo quickly tried to smooth things over, tugging at the hem of Huo Siyuan's robe. "He's just a child, don't be offended, Lord Zhang. He just wants to learn some principles of officialdom from you..."

"The principle of being an official lies in being honest and upright." Censor Zhang interrupted him, his eyes sweeping across Huo Siyuan's flushed face.

"If Second Young Master Huo is really interested, why not learn how to manage accounts first? I heard that the household of the Marquis' Mansion is now managed by the eldest young lady's wife? The old lady is so lucky to have such a capable granddaughter-in-law."

This change of topic gave the old lady a way out.

Liang Weiyuan's face was gentle, and she lowered her eyes slightly and said, "Master Zhang, your praise is too much. However, according to the ancestral teachings, I dare not say that I am capable."

Seeing her measured approach, the old lady felt relieved immediately, and she smiled and nodded.

After Censor Zhang sat down, he took the teacup handed to him by Liang Weiyuan and his eyes fell on Huo Jinjian.

The man has a straight and upright posture, deep eyebrows and broad eyes. When his sword-like eyebrows are slightly raised, he has the awe-inspiring and handsome air of a military general.

Censor Zhang smiled genuinely, his aged expression revealing a nostalgia. "Young Master looks very well, as vigorous and energetic as he was when he was little. Very good, very good."

Seeing him bow in response, Huo Jin replied in a steady and powerful voice, "Thank you for your concern, sir. Besides not having practiced for a long time, my arm strength is still a little lacking."

"Young people recover quickly." Censor Zhang said with a smile, stroking his beard.

"Think back when General Huo was shot by an arrow in Mobei, he lay in bed for three months before returning to the battlefield. Your tenacity is just like his. You are worthy of being his descendant and have not brought shame to him."

Censor Zhang has always been an upright and honest official. When they heard his sincere praise of Huo Jinjian, the old lady and Marquis Huo both looked a little proud.

The old lady was happier that her most beloved grandson was so outstanding and brilliant than her own birthday.

Marquis Huo didn't care which of his sons got the green eye, as long as they had a relationship, it was a good thing.

Only Huo Siyuan, who was standing aside, had his face turned ugly in an instant, and he was so suffocated that he could hardly breathe.

Huo Jin saw that he had won a battle, so why was he so highly praised? He couldn't help but interrupt: "Master Zhang, you don't know that although my elder brother made great contributions at the border, he returned to the capital with a serious injury. The root of his illness is difficult to recover. I'm afraid that in the future..."