Chapter 175: By Chance

The dishes and chopsticks were rearranged in the private room, and the sound of stringed instruments began to re-echo.

Zheng Zhaokun introduced both parties.

"This is Mr. Gu from the Yunyang Marquis's Mansion." He pointed at Gu Yu with a smile, and then introduced a man in blue clothes sitting opposite Gu Yu, who had an ordinary appearance but a gentle temperament, "This is the eldest son of the Yan'an Marquis' Mansion," and finally pointed to the handsome man next to Gu Yu, "This is the Marquis of Jining."

He Yu was shocked.

Although he knew that Dou Zhao's fiancé was Marquis Jining, his self-esteem always suppressed his curiosity - he did not know Wei Tingyu.

I didn't expect to meet you in such an occasion!

No wonder Ji Yong looked a little strange just now.

He Yu glanced calmly at the dusty woman who was holding Wei Tingyu's arm and almost half hanging on Wei Tingyu, then turned his gaze to Wang Qinghuai.

Civil officials and nobles are two different circles. They occasionally meet, but they are just casual friends. Even so, he has heard of the reputation of the prince of Yan'an Marquis's mansion for his generosity and righteousness. How did he get involved with Gu Yu?

He couldn't help but look at Wang Qinghuai twice more.

Zheng Zhaokun has already begun to introduce Ji Yong and He Yu to Gu Yu and others.

"This is Ji Jianming, the new top scholar. He is now an editor in the Hanlin Academy. His uncle is Ji Shilang, my superior's superior." He laughed, with a bit of joking in his tone, which did not make people feel offensive, but rather kind. "My father is the left assistant minister of the Tongzheng Department, the prefect of Huai'an, Mr. Ji, and he is Editor Ji's ninth uncle."

There are too many gentlemen, so we have to address them by their official titles.

Wang Qinghuai's eyes couldn't help but flash.

Huai'an is also one of the sections of the canal dredged this time.

Although it had nothing to do with him and Gu Yu, the headquarters of the Grand Canal Transport Commander was in Huai'an. If they wanted to get involved in the canal transport business or the weaving business in Jiangnan, they would have to deal with the Grand Canal Transport Commander. The prefect of Huai'an became one of the people they had to make friends with.

Wang Qinghuai immediately admired Zheng Zhaokun's knowledge and interest.

Zheng Zhaokun had no idea what Wang Qinghuai was thinking. He just thought that since Gu Yu and others had taken over the dredging of the canal, it would be beneficial for them to get to know a few more officials related to river engineering. He now focused all his attention on He Yu.

When he had a conflict with He Yu just now, Ji Yong stood by and watched. It can be seen that this young man who called himself "He" is fully capable of settling such a dispute. The He family in Kyoto is so handsome... He thought of the young master of He Ge's hometown... The order of recommenders is based on seniority. Logically, Ji Yong is a Jinshi from the two lists of Jinshi, and he is also the Tanhua Lang, and an editor of the Hanlin Academy. He is much better than the young master He who has no official title. But things in the world are just unreasonable - the more impatient people are, the more they fear being looked down upon by others, and the more they like to fight for these vain honors. Young master He must not be offended!

Zheng Zhaokun had no choice but to pretend to be confused. He smiled and bowed to He Yu, then said to Gu Yu and others, "This is Master Ji's friend." Then he looked at He Yu and said, "I haven't asked how to address you yet?"

"My name is He Yu." He Yu smiled indifferently and said, "I'm Jianming's friend." He didn't want to say anything else.

Wang Huaiqing stood up to entertain them. His attitude was enthusiastic but not excessive, which made it easy for people to like him.

Gu Yu was different. He peeled peanuts to eat with his wine while laughing and whispering to the ear of the woman beside him. His strange behavior formed a sharp contrast with Wei Tingyu's reluctant and reserved attitude.

He Yu couldn't help but frown.

Why is this Wei guy so petty?

No matter how uncomfortable you are, just deal with the situation according to the circumstances. Why be so shy?

What a pity for the fourth daughter of the Dou family... She is like a pearl covered in dust... A clever wife with a clumsy husband...

He was thinking about whether he should say a few words to Wei Tingyu to relieve Wei Tingyu's embarrassment, but he saw Ji Yong holding up a glass of wine and toasting Wei Tingyu first: "Jining Hou, after all, we are still relatives!"

His words were shocking and made everyone present look surprised.

"Miss Dou Si lost her parents when she was young and was raised by my aunt." Ji Yong said with a smile, "She has always been very close to our family. You should call me 'cousin'!"

Wei Tingyu suddenly realized, and hurriedly picked up the wine cup and stood up, respectfully calling him "cousin".

Ji Yong laughed loudly and drank the wine in the cup.

Zheng Zhaokun and others cheered and shouted things like "Master Ji is so generous", while several prostitutes who were serving wine rushed to pour wine for Ji Yong.

Ji Yong looked at Wei Tingyu with a smile.

Wei Tingyu had already drunk a lot just now, but if he didn't drink... it would be a bit inappropriate, so he gritted his teeth and drank it in one gulp.

"Okay!" Ji Yong smiled and clapped his hands, pointing at Wei Tingyu's wine cup, "Fill it up! I'll have another drink with Marquis Jining!"

The woman sitting next to Wei Tingyu was pouring wine for him, but she was about to sit in his arms.

Wei Tingyu pushed the woman away and couldn't help but look at Wang Qinghuai.

Wang Qinghuai also knew that he had drunk almost enough today, and fearing that he would lose his composure, he smiled and picked up the wine cup, saying, "This cup, Master Ji and I will drink it!" As he said that, he drank all the wine in the cup, "I toast to Master Ji."

The woman sitting next to Ji Yong smiled charmingly and brought the wine cup to Ji Yong's mouth.

Ji Yong ignored the woman, snatched his own wine cup and placed it on the table, then covered it with his hand and said to Wang Qinghuai with a smile, "Let's put things aside - since this cup is a toast to me, I will respectfully obey your order. But this is a different matter with Marquis Jining." After that, he also drank the wine in the cup, and then signaled to Zheng Zhaokun, "Fill it up for me, this cup, Marquis Jining and I will drink!" As he spoke, he kicked He Yu.

He Yu smiled.

Thinking back to when the Chen family came to visit him, his eldest uncle gave him ten pairs in a row to match. Seeing that he had matched them all smoothly, his face looked better.

Ji Yong is going to get Wei Tingyu drunk!

He was the youngest in the family and married the youngest daughter of the Chen family. He was usually the one who got drunk. It was a rare opportunity for him to get someone drunk, so he immediately became interested and raised his wine cup to toast Wang Qinghuai: "Young Master of the Marquis of Yan'an, I have heard of your great name for a long time, but this is the first time I meet you. I offer a toast to you." Having said that, he drank the whole glass in one gulp without waiting for Wang Qinghuai's reaction.

Then he gestured to the woman sitting next to him: "Fill it up for the prince!"

The woman smiled coquettishly and poured wine for Wang Qinghuai.

Wang Qinghuai had no choice but to accept the challenge.

He Yu dragged Gu Yu in again.

One man against two people, but he didn't drink too much. After each cup of wine, they would talk about love for most of the day. Although he seemed to drink a lot and make a lot of noise, he was far less drunk than Ji Yong and Wei Tingyu. They drank one cup at a time, and before long, there were seven or eight empty bottles beside them. Wei Tingyu drank so much that his eyes were straight, and he answered whatever he was asked.

He Yu then realized that Gu Yu and his friends had taken over the dredging of the canal, and the Ministry of Works was responsible for calculating the wages. How could the Ministry of Works dare to suppress their wages? Wang Qinghuai and his friends invited the managers who usually helped with the settlement to have a drink, and the managers were so happy that they ran away...

He couldn't help but sigh.

No wonder everyone says that Wang Qinghuai is worth making friends with, just based on his courtesy and humbleness, which is not something that ordinary people can do.

He Yu actually wanted to have a couple of drinks with Wang Qinghuai.

He drank more and more slowly, but talked more and more.

Gu Yu felt bored. Seeing that Wei Tingyu had drunk so much that he didn't know where to go, and that several officials from the Ministry of Works were flirting with the women around them in an ugly way, with their clothes almost completely taken off, he threw the empty peanut shells on the table and stood up: "Let's stop here today! We'll meet again another day."

Wei Tingyu nodded stupidly.

Wang Qinghuai's steward came out to accompany Zheng Zhaokun and others to continue eating, drinking and having fun.

Gu Yu and his friends left Zuixianlou.

Ji Yong said, "Our old lady has come to Kyoto. I finally managed to sneak out today, and I don't know when I will have the chance to come out again!" He suggested, "Why don't we go to Zhao Zishu's place and continue drinking!"

Zhao Zishu was one of the most famous actresses in Kyoto. She lived in Qianfosi Hutong, in a neatly maintained courtyard with three entrances. She lived there with several handsome apprentices and hired famous chefs from Kyoto to cook for her. Idle people were not allowed to enter.

He Yu was proficient in music and writing lyrics, and was always regarded as a guest of honor by Zhao Zishu. He invited Ji Yong to Qianfosi Hutong to listen to music several times, but Ji Yong declined without showing any interest. This time, it was rare that he took the initiative to bring it up, so He Yu of course said yes.

Wang Qinghuai was just trying to get closer to Ji Yong, so he agreed with a smile.

Gu Yu was a man who loved to play around, and since they were of similar status, seeing that Wang Qinghuai had agreed, he naturally went along with it.

Ji Yong put his arm around Wei Tingyu's shoulders and got on the carriage.

The group went to Qianfosi Hutong.

Zhao Zishu hurried out to greet him.

Wei Tingyu was stunned for a moment.

She has a slender figure, skin that seems to be as delicate as a flower, beautiful features, a graceful smile, and a look that reveals a hint of charm.

He couldn't help licking his dry lips and asked Ji Yong quietly: "Is he a man or a woman?"

Ji Yong rolled her eyes and said, "Have you ever seen an actress?"

Wei Tingyu was embarrassed, but also relieved, and entered the house with Ji Yong and others.

The bright red lanterns are shaded by green trees, adding a touch of beauty to the quiet courtyard.

Zhao Zishu hosted a banquet in the flower hall to entertain He Yu and others.

At this time, Wei Tingzhen's courtyard in Duke Jing's Mansion was brightly lit.

Tomorrow is the annual Dharma Assembly of Daxiangguo Temple. The abbot of Daxiangguo Temple will personally preach the Dharma in a side hall. At that time, not only these Buddhist noble ladies will go, but also the wives of officials and their families.

The maids and daughters-in-law in her room were preparing clothes for tomorrow's trip.

Nanny Jin looked at the scarlet vest with ten patterns of brocade embroidered on it in Wei Tingzhen's hand and flattered her: "This dress is beautiful. Madam, wear this dress to the Daxiangguo Temple tomorrow!"

Wei Tingzhen did not say anything, but asked Aunt Lu beside her: "What do you think?"

Nanny Lu smiled and said, "I think it's better to wear something plain. It's midsummer now. Moon white and lake blue are both excellent colors."

Wei Tingzhen nodded and told the maid, "Let's go for the moon-white silk vest with bamboo leaf patterns!"

The maidservant left immediately.

Nanny Lu glanced at Nanny Jin with some pride.

Nanny Jin was filled with hatred.

Ever since the old fellow said that the fourth daughter of the Dou family was of strong destiny, that her mother died at a young age and her grandfather also passed away, the lady began to look at her differently.

If I had known this would happen, I should have been cruel and said the same thing to the fourth young lady of the Dou family.

Now it is too late to regret.

The lady always treated her with respect. If she argued with her now, wouldn't that be asking for trouble?

It seems that the only way to get back at this is at Daxiangguo Temple tomorrow.

Thinking of this, she felt a little relieved.