Chapter 172 Convincing Father
"I was ignorant before, but I've finally come to my senses. As for whether you and mother agree, when I'm thirty or forty and still single and childless, you'll naturally agree."
Zhao Yanshan looked at him in disbelief, and finally said anxiously, "Qi Bi, originally I didn't care about you. But now, you said you want to marry her..."
"Although she came from a poor family before, at least her family was clean. But now she is no longer like that. Not to mention that she is a craftsman, now she has to spend all day with a group of men. Although father admires her courage and spirit, and is grateful for her help to your mother, I cannot accept her as my daughter-in-law..."
Zhao Yan said calmly, "Did father, when he was young, ever meet a woman like this and want to spend his life with her? I'm sure he did. But he ultimately gave up for the sake of his future and married the woman who was most suitable for him. Father and mother have been treating each other with respect for decades. Does he regret not sticking with his choice back then? I think he probably does."
"When I was young, I saw my father on a mission and met a woman. He was unusually silent for a few days," Zhao Yan said again, adding, "I think it's not just my father who feels regret and remorse for the people he once gave up on. Everyone in the world feels the same way."
"But they also knew they couldn't have both, so they treated each other with respect. Each chose a virtuous wife. Those who loved money indulged their true nature, while those who loved sex took in as many as they liked. Even if some married their beloved, they would often make her their concubine, leading to disputes between wives and concubines and unrest. Such a life would be so boring. My son is lucky to have met the person he wanted at this time. She is now within reach, and I am willing to follow her for the rest of my life, never leaving her. I only hope that my father and mother will agree."
Zhao Yanshan looked at him for a long time without being able to speak. He wanted to say something for a long time, but he couldn't.
He thought, maybe Qi Bi and Yu Huatang were the same kind of people, both rebellious, and neither of them would follow the path paved by others. If he had followed the previous path, he would have entered the cabinet long ago.
But he insisted on looking for evidence for Shangshu He, and offended half of the officials in the Ministry of Justice, which is why he was demoted...
Now he is so determined to marry a woman his family doesn't agree with...
Maybe they were wrong. Children should have their own lives. What he advocated was probably meant to be changed...
At this time, Zhao Yan said, "Father just said that artists are of low status and that being with men would damage their reputation. But I think father should understand Huatang's character. Therefore, a person's environment does not mean anything; it is what they do that matters. The previous dynasty's imperial physician, Chu, was also a woman. If she had not been a pioneer, how many women would die from illness today because of concerns about their reputation."
"I understand what father is worried about. But I want to say, isn't your majesty's current queen also from a humble background, even selling straw sandals among vendors? There were countless impeachments in the past, but your majesty never paid any attention. Now, if I marry Huatang, who is also a craftsman, will your majesty think that I am very similar to him and favor me more?"
After he said this, Zhao Yanshan had nothing to say.
Just ask, "Are you determined to do this?"
"Yes, son, I have made up my mind."
After a while, Zhao Yanshan said, "Forget it, it's up to you. I'll explain to your mother. But, Miss Yu, since you don't agree..."
Zhao Yan immediately said, "As for Huatang, I will do my best to win her over. As for mother, I'll trouble you, father."
Zhao Yanshan sighed helplessly in his heart.
As Zhao Yan stood up to say goodbye, he turned back and said, "Father, don't worry. Since ancient times, people have always wanted a life of wealth and glory. Those who have these things also want a career in officialdom. Those who have a career in officialdom also want a virtuous wife and beautiful concubines. But my son is so lucky. He was born with things that the world cannot have. So, my son wants to do something more meaningful. Maybe the future is extremely difficult, but I will protect the Zhao family well with my own abilities, not by marrying a noble lady."
Zhao Yanshan finally nodded and said, "Go ahead. Your mother has been waiting for you to get married. Don't let her down."
Zhao Yan smiled comfortably, "Thank you, father."
Early the next morning, Zhao Yan, dressed in his official uniform, stood quietly in front of the carriage, waiting for Yu Huatang. When it was time to depart, Yu Huatang finally came. She was holding the things she had arranged yesterday, and saw Zhao Yan as soon as she went out.
She said nothing, looked away, and got into the carriage as usual.
The carriage moved quickly and there was silence inside.
Zhao Yan looked at her and said gently, "From today on, An Yuan will follow you. If I get off duty early, I will pick you up. If I get off duty late, he will escort you back."
Yu Huatang was silent for a while, and finally said, "Thank you, sir."
Zhao Yan stopped talking and waited until they arrived at Tianjing Pavilion. He watched Yu Huatang go down, gave An Yuan a few more instructions, and then walked towards the Ministry of Works.
Zhao Yan is now the Minister of Works. All construction projects, big or small, under the Ministry of Works must be reviewed and approved by him.
Many wealthy children in the capital wanted to buy and sell the former royal gardens as private enclosures to make money.
Zhao Yan had seen the report submitted by the son of General Wang and the current uncle of the emperor, Ouyang Zui, in the morning. General Wang's son wanted the deserted piece of land in the western suburbs, which was originally the private garden of the princess of the previous dynasty and was now deserted.
The document also clearly stated the approximate amount of the transaction, and asked the court ministers to check whether there were any relics of the princess to avoid offending the royal family.
Afterwards, he asked someone to perform a ritual, and now he is presenting the documents and a large bag of banknotes, hoping to get the approval seal from the Ministry of Works so that he can start construction immediately before winter.
Zhao Yan was no fool and knew that when the water was too clear, there would be no fish. He accepted the banknote as a subsidy for the entire Ministry of Works and stamped it for him.
After receiving the document from his uncle Ouyang Zui, he smiled. Ouyang Zui wanted the wetland in Donglin. This place was unattended and originally belonged to the Yi family of Jingzhao. However, it was the private garden of the princess of the previous dynasty. If he wanted to buy it, he had to submit a letter to report his intention.
Zhao Yan took a look at the sealed silver and simply left the document there without paying any attention to it.
Ouyang Zui suffered a loss last time, and knowing how ruthless he was, he had no choice but to ask someone to use his connections to invite him to dinner at Huangque Tower as an apology.
Zhao Yan looked at the invitation and accepted it.
At night, the Yellow Sparrow Tower was bustling with singing and dancing. There was a saying from ancient times: "There are ten thousand taels of gold in front of the Yellow Sparrow Tower, and ten thousand taels of silver at the bottom of the moat." This refers to the area around the moat where people are obsessed with money and paper.
Zhao Yan changed into casual clothes and went to the private room he had reserved. Ouyang Zui, who was inside, stood up as soon as he saw him and said, "Brother Qibi, it's been a long time since we last met. It's truly my honor to have you do me the honor today."
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