Chapter 435: Writing
In the early morning, Zhu Lan and Zhu Qingyan talked about what happened last night while washing up.
It turned out that last night Zhu Qingyan left the government office under the cover of darkness and went to the home of Lu Feng, the magistrate of Qingzhou. He wanted to find an opportunity to meet Lu Feng, but when he arrived, he discovered that there were many people following him at the door of Lu's house.
In order not to alert the enemy, Zhu Qingyan did not act rashly and turned back first.
"The Qingzhou Tongpan is not a lowly official, he is only below the prefect and the co-prefect. The only way they dared to blatantly follow the Tongpan at his doorstep could be arranged by the prefect."
Zhu Lan combed her long hair in front of the mirror and said, "It seems that Lord Shi deliberately does not want us to meet with Lu Tongpan. There must be something hidden."
Zhu Qingyan sat on the bed, thought for a moment and said:
"Lu Feng claimed to be ill and could not go out, but his family would definitely go out, right? I don't think Shi Yuanzhong would dare to confine everyone in the Lu Mansion, no matter how bold he is. He is on guard against Lu Feng, but he may not keep such a close eye on Lu Feng's family.
I will try to find a way to contact Lu Yiner today."
Zhu Lan nodded. "Oh, there is one more thing that I am still a little worried about. If you have a way to meet Miss Lu, you must find a way to get this done."
She approached and said something to Zhu Qingyan, and at that moment, there was a knock on the door.
"My Lords, Mr. Shen is hosting a banquet at the attached high school and would like to invite you to come."
Zhu Lan and Zhu Qingyan looked at each other, and Zhu Lan said to the outside of the door: "Since it is Master Shen who invited me, I would be disrespectful to refuse it."
She turned back and gave Zhu Qingyan a few instructions before opening the door. She found an excuse to keep Zhu Qingyan and went to the banquet herself.
…
Zhu Lan arrived outside the Shen residence in a sedan chair. Shi Yuanzhong and Li Moxu had already arrived, and Shen Wanxiong was personally welcoming Zhu Lan at the door.
After following Shen Wanxiong's guidance and entering the Shen residence, Zhu Lan discovered that the garden of the Shen residence was as big as two prefectural yamens, and all the water, rocks, flowers and birds were precious.
Shen Wanxiong was also quite satisfied with his garden. As they walked, he explained to Zhu Lan which expert had designed the various layouts of the garden, and how much money it cost to transport the various strange stones from far away.
Zhu Lan smiled widely and listened very attentively, showing surprise from time to time.
She used her peripheral vision to keep an eye on Shi Yuanzhong and Li Moxu beside her. Although the two of them were chatting, they did not look around, as if they had already seen the scenery inside the Shen residence.
As the prefect of Qingzhou, it is not surprising that Shi Yuanzhong has some dealings with the local tyrant Shen Wanxiong.
But Li Moxu came from the capital, so this behavior is worth pondering.
The banquet was held in a two-story building with an exquisite design. When the group arrived downstairs, Zhu Lan looked up with a look of surprise on his face:
"Master Shen, why is the plaque on this small building empty? Is there any deeper meaning behind it?"
Shen Wanxiong smiled and explained: "Hahaha, you are overthinking. This building is called Wangyue Tower, and it is the most satisfying place in the whole garden.
I have invited dozens of famous artists to write the plaque, but none of them have been satisfactory, so the plaque has been left empty until now... Alas, I don't know if my wish can be realized in my lifetime."
When Li Moxu heard this, he immediately joked:
"Mr. Shen is really blind to his talent. Our Imperial Envoy, the Minister of Justice, was once a famous female champion in Daliang, with unparalleled literary talent.
You must have heard of the world-famous calligraphy in Qingzhu Academy in Qingxi Town, Tongzhou. It was created by our imperial envoy!
If I were you, I would quickly seize the opportunity to beg the Imperial Envoy. If he is so happy that he writes a plaque for you...tsk tsk, we would be so envious."
Shen Wanxiong seemed to suddenly realize something, and looked at Zhu Lan with shining eyes.
"Oh, how could I have forgotten this... If I could receive a calligraphy from the Imperial Envoy, I would be willing to spend all my money to do so!"
"Master Shen." Shi Yuanzhong glanced at him with a hint of reproach. "What kind of status does the Imperial Envoy have? How dare you, a commoner like you, ask for the Imperial Envoy's calligraphy?"
“This…” Shen Wanxiong looked at Zhu Lan with great entanglement, and finally sighed with great reluctance, “The prefect taught me that I was wishful thinking, and I hope the imperial envoy will not take it to heart.”
"What are you talking about, Master Shen?" Zhu Lan pursed his lips and smiled, obviously very pleased with the flattery from everyone.
"You have made such a great contribution to Qingzhou's taxation. You just want a piece of calligraphy. As long as Mr. Shen doesn't mind, I will do my best to present it to you."
Shen Wanxiong was overjoyed when he heard this, and immediately had someone bring up a table, writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, and personally ground ink for Zhu Lan.
Zhu Lan picked up his brush and dipped it in ink, then wrote the three beautiful and elegant words "Wangyue Tower" in one go.
Several people took the words and took a look at them, all of them were shocked.
"You are truly worthy of being the top scholar. Your calligraphy is like the reincarnation of the Sage of Calligraphy, unrivaled in ancient and modern times!"
Shen Wanxiong was so excited that he wiped the corners of his eyes with his sleeve, saying that he would die without regrets if he could own such a calligraphy work in his life.
Zhu Lan appeared modest on the surface, but was secretly laughing in his heart.
Although his calligraphy and painting skills are pretty good, he is a latecomer after all, and his talent and attainments are far inferior to those of Ding Xiaoqiu.
These people in front of me are flattering me so disgustingly, it's really... overacting.
“Someone come!” Shen Wanxiong wiped his eyes, called the servants, and brought up a heavy wooden tray, on which were two layers of glittering silver ingots!
Zhu Lan's face darkened, "What does Master Shen mean?"
Shen Wanxiong was so excited that he sobbed, "Your Excellency the Imperial Envoy has fulfilled my lifelong wish. I have no way to repay you. This two hundred taels of money is not just a token of respect. I hope that Your Excellency the Imperial Envoy will accept it!"
Behind Zhu Lan, out of sight, Li Moxu curled his lips.
Based on his observations of Zhu Lan along the way, this trick would not work at all.
"Since it is Mr. Shen's kindness, I am grateful for it." Zhu Lan smiled slightly and looked at Li Moxu behind him.
"Sir Li, please exchange this silver for winter supplies and distribute them to the poor people in the city."
Li Moxu forced a smile, thinking that Zhu Lan had both gained face and won the hearts of the people, and most importantly, she asked him to go and collect the money directly, but she didn't even touch it!
What a cunning old man... no, really a very cunning young man.
Zhu Lan looked at Shen Wanxiong a little embarrassedly and touched his belly.
"Master Shen, please excuse me for wasting this moment. I..."
“It’s all my fault, it’s all my fault!” Shen Wanxiong reacted immediately.
"The food and wine are ready, please come in and take your seats!"
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