Minister Dong's understanding of Fu Xiaoguan can be said to be quite profound.
He knew that this boy was extremely talented. He wrote the book A Dream of Red Mansions, and his daughter was in charge of its sales. He heard that he made a lot of money and spent 30,000 taels of silver to buy the compound in Xuanwu Lake.
Then, on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, this boy's song "Water Melody" was named in the first column of the characters on the thousand-stone tablet. What a pity that it was his own daughter who submitted the poem.
In fact, since then, he has understood that there is already a hint of relationship between his daughter and this Fu Xiaoguan.
He wanted to sever this relationship because Yan Xiwen was the best son-in-law in every way. That's why Dong Shulan was confined to her house. Later, when Her Royal Highness the Ninth Princess invited Dong Shulan to visit Linjiang, this confinement became a joke. Instead, Dong Shulan flew out of her cage like a bird, heading towards Linjiang once again. This time... she disappeared before her eyes.
Then there were two letters sent back to the capital from the west mountain of Linjiang. The letter from the Ninth Princess went to the palace, and the letter from Dong Shulan came into his hands. After reading them, he knew that something big was going to happen. Sure enough, His Majesty was furious and sent four imperial envoys openly, but in fact there were several more imperial envoys in secret.
The investigation into the relief food and money in the thirteen provinces across the country began. In just two or three months, three provincial governors had been dismissed, and hundreds of officials from prefectures, counties and districts had been brought down.
This was the largest corruption case in the history of the Yu Dynasty, and it remains unsolved as the investigation is still ongoing. The cause was a little-known official named Fu, who lived far away in the western mountains of Linjiang.
Then Fu Xiaoguan came to Shangjing. This kid was also very brave, but this also made Dong Kangping very appreciative.
He actually wrote such a policy paper on disaster relief, and then entered the imperial court. The first time he entered the Golden Palace, he scolded Shi Chaoyuan so much that he vomited blood and fainted. He originally thought that this kid was too bold and didn't know the rules, but now he thinks that this kid probably did it on purpose.
After that, Dong Kangping noticed Fu Xiaoguan and knew that this guy actually had the talent to govern the country, but he chose to return to Linjiang.
As for the assassination of Fu Xiaoguan, Dong Kangping did not think it was a bad thing. In this way, His Majesty would pay more attention to him, which would be of great benefit to his future development in the court.
Moreover, after His Majesty's warning, no one attacked Fu Xiaoguan again. It was not because they were afraid, but because they smelled danger.
Now this kid has come to Shangjing again. I heard that His Majesty intends to let him lead the students of Yu Dynasty to Wu Dynasty to participate in the Cold Food Festival Literary Meeting. This is a good job. If my guess is correct, after completing this task, Fu Xiaoguan will be promoted.
Your Majesty cannot let this kid sit idle, because the Yu Dynasty has too many people to use right now.
So it seems that Fu Xiaoguan's official career will not have many bumps.
Dong Kangping and his wife Dong Yuanshi had a serious talk last night, and Dong Yuanshi only then realized that Fu Xiaoguan had such a background.
"So... he's a good match for my daughter?"
"Not bad, I think."
"My son Xiu Jin is the governor, and he has this kid's face in it?"
"Otherwise, do you think that I, the Shangshu, really have any weight in the eyes of Concubine Shang?"
"My son's business ventures...were they also arranged by him?"
"That's what Shulan said. I think it's true."
Dong Yuan was silent for a long time, then asked, "Why?"
The meaning was not to ask why Fu Xiaoguan did that, but to ask how Fu Xiaoguan was able to do it. Dong Kangping smiled indifferently. He had already sensed a hint of something strange. Through this corruption incident, officials in the court were transferred extremely frequently, and new people were frequently used.
If you pay more attention, it is not difficult to see that the power of the six major families is being reduced, which means... Your Majesty is going to take action. Then, will this kid Fu Xiaoguan be able to create a world of his own in this turbulent era?
…
Dong Kangping and Dong Yuanshi came to the front hall, which was filled with boxes that had just been moved in.
At this moment, Fu Xiaoguan was still chatting with Dong Xiu De in the front yard. The old nanny whispered that the master and the mistress of the family were waiting in the front hall. Fu Xiaoguan then hurried to the front hall, thinking that this idiot must not delay my good things.
Dong Xiu De was talking about Liu Yan'er of Hongxiu Zhao, and said that Miss Yan'er had sung a new long song "Burial of Flowers", which was also composed by Mr. Hu. It was so sad and beautiful... wow, it was simply tear-jerking.
"Brother-in-law, I'll take you to listen sometime."
"OK."
"Brother-in-law, how did you write that lyric?"
“Just write it down and it will come out.”
"No, we analyzed and thought...were you hurt by the word 'love'?"
"roll!"
What the hell, we've already reached the front hall door, and this idiot is still asking such a childish question.
Entering the front hall, Fu Xiaoguan bowed respectfully to Dong Kangping and Dong Yuanshi, "Hello, uncle and aunt. I, your nephew Fu Xiaoguan, have come to pay my respects to you and pay my respects to you."
"Well, come and sit down."
"Thank you, uncle and aunt."
Fu Xiaoguan walked over and sat down opposite Dong Kangping and Dong Yuanshi. Dong Shulan sat nervously on the right side and made tea. Dong Xiude thought about it and sat down next to Fu Xiaoguan.
Dong Yuan's face did not become happy because of what Dong Kangping said to her last night. She thought to herself that Fu Xiaoguan was, after all, the son of a landlord in Linjiang. How could he be compared with Yan Xiwen, who had three prime ministers in the capital?
This was the first time she met Fu Xiaoguan. The boy looked good, and judging from the boxes piled on both sides of the room, the gifts he had sent must be quite expensive. His courtesy was considerate, but she still couldn't get over the hurdle in her heart.
Dong Kangping spoke, his tone was calm.
"Can your injury be healed?"
Fu Xiaoguan replied, "Thank you for your concern, uncle. I have recovered now and there is no trace of the disease left."
"Hmm..." Dong Kangping nodded. "Shulan told me about your business in Xishan. Although your wine and perfume sell well and the profits are indeed high, this business is not a legitimate path after all. I have always been puzzled. Before, in the Golden Palace, I hoped that you would come to the Ministry of Revenue, and His Majesty did not object at that time. Why did you insist on clinging to the Imperial Court Doctor?"
Fu Xiaoguan was silent for a few breaths, then smiled and said, "This is what happened. My nephew has just arrived in the capital and has no foundation. I won Your Majesty's favor simply because of a policy paper... Let me be honest with you, my family. I don't know how much I am in Your Majesty's eyes! I've already gotten an advantage. If I continue to push for more, will Your Majesty, or the many courtiers in the Golden Palace, think that my nephew is too greedy?"
"That policy paper does have some merit, but it's not a huge contribution. So, I could only appreciate your support in the Golden Palace, but I didn't dare to follow you!"
Dong Kangping frowned slightly, stroked his short beard and nodded.
He had not considered this. The boy's thoughts were reasonable. He had already offended many important officials in the court. If he continued to be greedy for power, he would probably get into big trouble soon. It would be better to take a step back.
Dong Shulan suddenly looked up at Fu Xiaoguan. This guy just said we are a family... Didn’t father hear it?
"So what are your plans for coming to Beijing this time?"
"Uncle, I've been back in Linjiang for over a month and have been pondering a question: should a person live a life of seeking gain and avoiding harm, or should he face challenges head-on and create something great? To be honest with you, uncle and aunt, I used to hope to live my life as a carefree small landlord, but since I met Shulan, I think I should change. For Shulan, for the Fu family, and for the Dong family, I should change. So I figured this out, and that's when I came to the capital again."
Dong Shulan's hand that was twisting the pot trembled, Dong Yuan's eyelids twitched twice, but Dong Kangping remained calm.
"So... this time, you're here to fight?"
In fact, what Fu Xiaoguan wanted to say was that this time I came here, I just wanted to live in Shangjing, and it would not affect my life as a free and easy landlord.
But he didn't dare to say that, so he nodded very carefully and said, "Next year, the Wu Dynasty's Cold Food Festival Literary Festival has specifically asked me to attend. I think this is an opportunity."
All the ministers in the court already knew about this. This was indeed an opportunity. If Fu Xiaoguan could spread the name of the Yu Dynasty in the Wu Dynasty, it would be as meaningful as a soldier returning victorious from a battle. Although he would not have made any contribution to expanding the territory, His Majesty would certainly reward him.
"Well, this is an opportunity. With your literary talent, it shouldn't be too difficult. Is there any progress on your assassination attempt?"
"That's not true. I'm like a rootless duckweed in the capital. Even if I wanted to investigate, I wouldn't be able to."
These words were spoken sincerely. Dong Yuan looked at Fu Xiaoguan and felt that this boy was a little more pleasing to her eyes.
"In my opinion, let this matter pass."
Fu Xiaoguan nodded, "Nephew... this is the only way for now."
Only Dong Shulan here knows that Fu Xiaoguan has already controlled a huge intelligence agency, and she knows Fu Xiaoguan's temper. There is no way he will give up on this matter!
But Dong Shulan couldn't say it. Since Concubine Shang let her know, it meant she had to keep it secret.
Dong Yuan picked up the teacup and blew on it before saying, "I won't hide it from you. I do have opinions about you. But now that my daughter is determined to be with you, I have no choice but to compromise. This doesn't mean I agree to let Shulan marry you. Since you know you are rootless, I will wait and see when you can establish a foothold in Shangjing. Only then... will there be a chance for you and Shulan."
“Mother…!”
"Aunt..." Fu Xiaoguan held Dong Shulan's hand and said with a smile, "With your words, I feel relieved."
Dong Yuan was a little surprised. This was not an easy task. Although her original intention was not to scare Fu Xiaoguan away, she also wanted to put some pressure on him. She didn't expect that he seemed very happy.
"From now on, we're a family, Auntie. My house is big, but it's so lonely. It's almost New Year's, and everyone's so happy. Look at me, I'm all alone... Should I stay here for the New Year?"
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