"Just kneel here and think carefully. When you have figured it out, you can leave. As for Mr. Fu's visit, let this old man go meet this young man."
"Also, His Majesty's decision to execute a prisoner without trial is not good news. You should think carefully about the reasoning behind this."
Old Master Shi stood up and walked out with his cane.
Only then did Shi Chaoyuan carefully review the process of His Majesty's thorough investigation into corruption.
This incident originated from Yao County. Fu Xiaoguan accepted more than 30,000 refugees from outside Yao County. It happened that the ninth princess Yu Wenyun and Dong Shulan were in the west mountain of Xiacun.
After witnessing the tragic plight of the victims, they each wrote a letter and sent it back to Beijing.
This was the beginning of His Majesty's rage over the letter. I still remember that day in the Golden Palace, His Majesty scolded all the ministers, and even the old Prime Minister Yan Beixi was not spared.
Under such circumstances, His Majesty directly issued the imperial edict and appointed the imperial envoy without consulting the Secretariat, and started this vigorous inspection operation without giving anyone time to react.
This is what Your Majesty did openly.
However, Imperial Concubine Shang secretly cooperated with His Majesty and directly called in the heads of the six major clans to give them a lecture, stating His Majesty's determination and also stating that he hoped they could cooperate - it's your choice to cut off your wrist or your life!
These were Concubine Shang's original words. Shi Chaoyuan believed that every head of the family had kept them firmly in mind.
This situation started small and has become the big situation today.
Although His Majesty summoned them again a few years ago, saying that because the matter involved too many people and was afraid of damaging the foundation of the country, those criminals were killed without trial - to the heads of the families, this meant that the matter ended here and would not be pursued further. Although the six major families suffered losses, their foundations were still there and they would still bear fruit in the future.
Your Majesty's compromise is the best outcome, and during this process, the six major clans had no power to resist at all.
After listening to what my father said today, there seemed to be another deeper meaning - could it be... Shi Chaoyuan's heart trembled, those people shouldn't be so brave, right?
The thought that someone wanted to take the opportunity to rebel only flashed through Shi Chaoyuan's mind, and he rejected this idea because it was too bold.
So what role did Fu Xiaoguan play in this incident?
Shi Chaoyuan frowned in thought. Fu Xiaoguan was the instigator of this incident, yet it just happened to suit His Majesty's wishes. And his disaster relief strategy just happened to provide His Majesty with a complete solution to this matter. His Majesty naturally wanted to use him, and certainly no one would want to harm him.
But who exactly planned to kidnap Fu Xiaoguan?
This incident happened right after the conflict between him and Fu Xiaoguan in the Golden Palace. No matter how you look at it, he cannot escape the responsibility.
Who wants Fu Xiaoguan to die the most?
He thought of someone, but couldn't believe it.
The eldest prince!
My father asked to see Concubine Shang and ask the Fifth Prince to destroy the two properties of the Shi family, which was to show Concubine Shang that the Shi family was not involved in the kidnapping of Fu Xiaoguan.
If you think about it more deeply, my father's action also shows everyone that it was the Shi family who kidnapped Fu Xiaoguan!
This is not contradictory, because my father's request to see Concubine Shang must have been extremely secret, and Concubine Shang really asked the fifth prince to pacify those two places, which was of course done for everyone to see.
Since the Qingfengxiyu Tower controlled by the Fifth Prince attacked the Shi family, and the Shi family has remained silent on the matter until now, then the Shi family is the mastermind behind the kidnapping of Fu Xiaoguan.
The Shi family took the blame in order to cater to this game within a game.
So, who will join the game?
Shi Chaoyuan figured out part of the problem, but there was still a deeper part that he couldn't see clearly.
…
The gate of the Shi Mansion was wide open. Shi Yiming, following his grandfather's order, stood at the door, looking out at the wind and snow, waiting for Fu Xiaoguan's arrival.
He was full of doubts. His grandfather had not asked about the affairs of the Shi family for at least ten years. During these ten years, his uncle was in charge of the Shi family.
Fu Xiaoguan’s visit today is a very small matter, why did it alarm grandpa?
Could it be because of yesterday’s article?
Although the article was wonderful, it was not necessary for grandpa to receive him in person!
Just when Shi Yiming was puzzled, Fu Xiaoguan's carriage arrived at Shi's house. He felt quite regretful. Those bandits were indeed not that stupid.
After getting off the carriage, Shi Yiming saluted him with a fist, and Fu Xiaoguan also returned the salute.
"It's the same thing I said yesterday. Although your article is good, I still don't like you as a person. I'm waiting for you here under Grandpa's orders, but it wasn't my original intention. Don't be so happy about this."
Fu Xiaoguan was amused. This guy was quite a character and very stubborn.
"Whether you like it or not, I'm here anyway. You've definitely been waiting for me at this door. That's enough. From now on, I'll have something to brag about while drinking. As for your original intentions, that's not important anymore."
Shi Yiming glared at him. This guy was really annoying!
"It's snowing so hard, why don't you invite me in?"
"snort!"
Shi Yiming turned around and took Fu Xiaoguan into the Shi Mansion and went to Yiweixuan.
They didn't know that there was a man in white watching them from an old banyan tree in the backyard of Shi Mansion. It was not until they entered Yiweixuan that the man in white disappeared.
The man in white didn't know that Su Rou was sitting in an attic not far from him, embroidering. When she saw him leave, Su Rou did not leave. It was Su Su who left, who was watching the snow under another pavilion.
Yiweixuan was as warm as spring. Old Master Shi was hunched over with his hands on the stove to warm his dry hands.
When he saw Fu Xiaoguan come in, he stood up tremblingly, a smile flashing across his wrinkled face. He said kindly, "I've heard of Master Fu's great name for a long time, and I've longed to meet him. Last year, I heard that Master Fu was injured by that bandit, so I wanted to go to the Fu Mansion to visit him. I didn't expect that Master Fu was seriously injured and couldn't get up, so I had to regret it. Yesterday, I learned that Master Fu would visit today, and I was very happy. I'm honored to meet you today. You are indeed a rare talent. I am honored to meet you!"
As he spoke, he actually bowed to Fu Xiaoguan. Fu Xiaoguan wanted to move away, but changed his mind in an instant. He just stood there and accepted the bow from Old Master Shi.
It turned out to be the old man of the Shi family, so what about Shi Chaoyuan?
Now that it's this old man who's taking action, this matter will be easier to handle.
During this brief contact, Fu Xiaoguan had already figured out the reason.
"Accepting the old man's greeting is to make me feel at ease." Fu Xiaoguan said this, and Shi Yiming frowned, thinking that this guy had no respect for his superiors!
This is the Shi Clan, one of the six major clans in Shangjing!
The old man standing in front is the most powerful person in the Shi family!
Even in such a huge city like Shangjing, how many people can bear the gift from Old Master Shi?
For peace of mind, for whose peace of mind? Isn't this guy afraid of shortening his lifespan by accepting such a gift?
"Actually, I feel guilty. I've heard a lot about your reputation, Old Master. I should have come to see you earlier, but I've been so caught up in worldly matters that I've delayed until now. I beg Old Master to forgive me!"
As he said this, Fu Xiaoguan also respectfully returned the greeting to Old Master Shi. Old Master Shi laughed and felt greatly relieved in his heart.
This guy is just a pawn!
Pawns are inconspicuous on the chessboard.
But if this pawn is in the hands of the emperor, he will kill gods and Buddhas who stand in his way!
Since he accepted that gift, it meant that everything was over. This was what Mr. Shi expected, because Shi Chaoyuan made a mistake at the beginning. He now had to correct the direction of the Shi family, and Fu Xiaoguan represented the direction indicated by His Majesty.
"Come, come, Mr. Fu, please take a seat. I just brewed a pot of authentic Longjing tea. Please have a taste."
Fu Xiaoguan sat down without any hesitation and said with a smile: "That's perfect. I don't have any other hobbies except farming and drinking tea."
Old Master Shi poured tea for Fu Xiaoguan with a smile and said, "I know that Master Fu's family is the largest landowner in Linjiang, but as for farming... I think the one in Nanling County is quite good at it. I wonder if Master Fu has heard of it?"
Fu Xiaoguan lifted up his sleeves, held the teacup, closed his eyes and sniffed carefully. A rich fragrance hit his face, and he seemed to feel a lot more energetic.
"Good tea!" He took a sip and smiled calmly, "The fields cultivated by the general must be good. However, I'm not coming here to discuss farming with you today."
Old Master Shi narrowed his eyes slightly and said with a smile, "Master Fu, if you have any problem, please tell me. I will naturally handle it for you if I can."
"Look, doesn't the Shi family sell rouge and powder? I have a recipe here..." Fu Xiaoguan took out a piece of paper from his sleeve pocket and handed it to Old Master Shi. He added, "This isn't rouge or powder, of course. This is called lipstick. It's much better than the red paper sold on the market now. It has something in common with your rouge and powder, and it's also very simple to make. It's a profitable business. Give it a try."
Old Master Shi looked at it very carefully, but Shi Yiming didn't understand what this guy was trying to do.
This is clearly a case of a weasel paying a New Year's visit to a chicken with no good intentions!
If this was a money-making venture, wouldn't he do it himself?
That lipstick is something that Tingmei sells, but it is something for women. If this lipstick is really good, why would he give it to the Shi family?
But then Mr. Shi's expression became more and more cautious. After reading it, he thought about it seriously and nodded, "Based on my experience, this thing will indeed sell well."
"So that's it?"
"Well, that's it!"
Just as Shi Yiming was stunned, Old Master Shi took out two land deeds from his sleeve pocket and handed them to Fu Xiaoguan.
"Years ago, I heard from my grandson that you were quite interested in those two plots of land. Your lipstick formula is worth far more than those two plots of land. I've taken advantage of you."
Fu Xiaoguan had not expected that this matter would go so smoothly. This old fox... is indeed a powerful master!
Then Old Master Shi leaned over again and whispered, "There's a wonderful place outside Jinling City that I think Master Fu hasn't been to yet. If you have time, you could go and see it. It's called Purple Gold Mountain, known for its beautiful scenery and one of the four famous mountains in Jiangnan. I'm sure you won't be disappointed."
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