Chapter 241 It's more satisfying to smash bones
Two flowers bloom.
At this time, Yuzhou was much colder than Dingzhou.
It's not just cold, it also exudes a desolation reminiscent of the northern and western regions.
Yuzhou has never been as prosperous as Dingzhou. Now, across the Xiao River to the north, it faces half of the barbarian tribes. If it weren't for the Fu family holding the fort, it might not even be possible to maintain the current stability.
The Fu family is nothing special. Not only is their ancestral home not in Yuzhou, but the number of Fu family members serving as officials in the imperial court is also less than that of families like the Wang family, which are based in Dingzhou.
However, the Fu family, which produced an imperial tutor, is a family with a history so long it rivals that of the Great Xiao Dynasty. Its low profile and silence do not indicate weakness.
In fact, the Fu family wielded considerable influence among both civil and military officials.
Moreover, this family is passionate about lecturing and running schools.
Since the Fu family moved south to Yuzhou three years ago, they have spared no effort in developing the official schools in Yuzhou. In recent years, many young people from poor families have gone out of Yuzhou.
Of course, this wouldn't have been possible without Fu Mingyi's strong support in the imperial court.
Besides these obvious things, there are naturally some unknown dark secrets.
At this moment, the old master of the Fu family slowly stroked his beard, circling around the newly completed painting of flying snow and plum blossoms, admiring it while pondering.
It seems the fallen plum blossoms are too red, and the flying snow too cool.
A servant standing nearby said, "Young Master Sun is back."
Old Master Fu paused for a moment.
The Fu family has many descendants, but only Fu Mingyi can be addressed as "Young Master" in front of Old Master Fu.
Fu Mingyi's parents died early, and he grew up in the care of his grandfather.
"At this time of year, rushing back in such a hurry, humph." Old Master Fu's expression was not very good.
As soon as he finished speaking, Fu Mingyi shook off the snowflakes and stepped into the house.
“Grandfather,” Fu Mingyi bowed.
Old Master Fu has always been the undisputed leader of the Fu family, holding power for many years and wielding considerable influence.
He glanced at Fu Mingyi and said calmly, "Sit down."
We hadn't seen each other for three years, yet we weren't particularly close.
Fu Mingyi knew that the old master was dissatisfied with his actions over the past few years.
Amidst the flames of war, too many people in the Northern Frontier suffered—either they died or were terrified, and those who remained who could handle things were few and far between.
Putting aside everything else, the Fu family's relocation to the south was a huge deal. For a family rooted in the north to rebuild its power in the south, sending talented people to the imperial court was the most important thing.
Moreover, the Fu family is not without capable recommenders.
However, in the past three years, Fu Mingyi has never taken the initiative to arrange for members of the Fu family to enter the court, and he has openly or secretly rejected the members recommended by the Fu family. In the end, he only selected some poor people from Yuzhou who had no connections.
Two years ago, Old Master Fu would still give a lecture in his letters, but this year he simply stopped mentioning it altogether. However, he is not as attentive to Fu Mingyi's needs as he was two years ago.
Fu Mingyi knew that the old man was holding a grudge.
The servant served tea and then quickly withdrew, closing the door behind him, knowing that the grandfather and grandson must have something important to discuss.
"What, haven't you grown up and started coming back to find food?" Old Master Fu's eyes were not very polite, and his tone was neither warm nor cold.
In fact, he had received the news as soon as Fu Mingyi entered Yuzhou.
This kid hasn't returned for three years, avoiding all the benefits from the Fu family. Even as his struggle with that old man Wang Xiang in the court intensifies, he has never taken the initiative to ask his family for help.
Hmph, does he think he can defeat Wang Xiang by himself and those poor disciples who are not particularly close to him?
The previous case of Zhao Ziyuan from Yingzhou embezzling state taxes was a signal.
Why hasn't the Dali Temple found out the truth yet?
Why did he promote conscription for so many years, but the further away the states went, the less they took it seriously?
Why is Nan Din receiving less and less tax revenue from the various states?
Why was the scheduled trip for state officials to Nan Hua to report on their duties moved forward this year?
What? Now that you've lost the Emperor's favor and are about to let that old man Wang Xiang take the title of Imperial Tutor, you've only just remembered that his surname is Fu?
Old Master Fu had indeed been holding back his anger for several years, and now he was determined to give his grandson a good dressing down no matter what he said!
Fu Mingyi grew up with the old master since he was a child, so how could he not know the old master's temper?
He didn't say anything at this moment, but simply lifted his robe and knelt down straight in front of the old master.
Old Master Fu raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything.
I thought to myself: Is this person here to admit their mistake?
That won't do! He hasn't even gotten angry yet, how can we let him off so easily?
Just as he was about to speak, Fu Mingyi kowtowed, "Grandfather, the opportunity has come."
He spoke calmly and slowly.
Old Master Fu's pent-up curses, which he had been holding back for three years, suddenly caught in his throat.
That bastard is a bastard. He's been slippery since he was a child. Not only is he full of ideas, but he also knows how to fool the elderly!
The more Old Master Fu thought about it, the angrier he became. He snorted, "Such a great opportunity? It took three years to come up with it?"
Fu Mingyi said in a serious tone: "My grandfather taught me from a young age that one should accumulate knowledge and skills before unleashing them, and that the weak can overcome the strong. I will always remember this."
"Stop giving me this useless nonsense. What did you come back for? If you're here to be scolded, then act like you're asking for it. Stand up right now, I'm going to give you a piece of my mind today!" He said, reaching for his cane, which he usually just used as decoration.
The old man was usually very composed, and since Fu Mingyi was intelligent, well-behaved, and well-mannered from a young age, he rarely laid a hand on Fu Mingyi.
However, the old man had a short temper when he was young. Fu Mingyi never got beaten by the old man, but his father and uncles did not escape it.
At this moment, the old man felt that his grandson deserved a beating.
Instead of standing up, Fu Mingyi crawled forward on his knees and moved closer to the cane.
Old Master Fu was furious. He was about to raise his hand when he saw this, so his hand slipped and his cane struck the ground next to him.
The old servant guarding the gate from afar heard the noise and trembled in fright.
Old Master Fu was stunned for a moment, then angrily pounded the ground several more times before he felt his anger subside.
Fu Mingyi sighed, "Grandfather, is it more satisfying to hit the ground than to hit the bones?"
Old Master Fu dropped his cane. "Speak, what do you want?"
Fu Mingyi remained kneeling, but looked up at Old Master Fu.
"We want the Fu family."
Old Master Fu's eyes widened, and he sneered, "You can think about it again after this old man is buried!"
Fu Mingyi was prepared.
"My grandson wants to drive the Wang family out of Dingzhou." He presented a roster, on which names, official titles, and other information were neatly written.
Having vented his anger, Old Master Fu now looked at the roster with a deeper, enigmatic light in his eyes.
After a long while, the old man finally asked, "Do you know what you're doing?"
Fu Mingyi nodded.
Old Master Fu stared intently into his eyes. "Tell me, do you intend to eliminate the Wang family or the aristocratic families?"
Fu Mingyi was silent for a while, then said, "This time, my grandson is eliminating the Wang family."
Old Master Fu sneered, "Then I can't give you the Fu family."
The old man had lived a long life and seen it all. He had been watching for three years and knew that his grandson's heart probably belonged to more than just this.
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