Chapter 343 The Princess Invites Xiao Feng and Huo Zhiyu
There were some commotions outside, as if someone was coming. Xu Yunfan looked up and saw the person who happened to look at him. When they looked at each other for a moment, Xu Yunfan glared at him.
Qin Run was not dressed like this when he came from Xiao Qin's house. Xu Yunfan stared at the newcomer and his heart beat faster for no apparent reason. It was probably because he had just talked too much and eaten too many sunflower seeds and peanuts, so his mouth was very dry.
"Yunfan." Charcoal was burning in the house, so it was quite warm. Qin Run took off his cloak and handed it to the servant beside him, then glanced at the others.
Qin Run was not surprised that the people sitting next to Xu Yunfan were either women or husbands. When he was in the village, Xu Yunfan was the same. He loved to squeeze in among the group of people and strive to be the first to eat the freshly baked melon.
Xu Yunfan stood up, his Adam's apple moving slightly. He took a few steps to Qin Run's side and took his hand as if to assert his sovereignty. "What took you so long? Xiaobao missed you so much that he was fussing with me just now."
Then, he said softly, "I miss you too."
Qin Run felt his body soften and his ears turned red after hearing this.
Qin Run glanced around the house and did not see the child. He knew very well that Xiaobao was the most obedient person and would definitely not make a fuss. The person making the fuss was probably someone else.
"I'm here now, sorry, I was delayed at home for a while and came a little late. I hope you're not waiting too long."
"Luckily, there are aunts and uncles to chat with me. Come, let me introduce them to you."
Xu Yunfan took Qin Run's hand and introduced him to the husbands who came looking at him curiously.
When everyone learned that this handsome and tall man was Xu Yunfan's husband, they couldn't help but stand up.
There was no way. Xu Yunfan's official position was not high, so Qin Run was just a scholar's husband. But he had several other identities. Just for this, it was worth them getting up.
"Oh, this is Lord Qin. He is really good-looking. No wonder Lord Xu mentioned my husband every three out of five sentences."
Xu Yunfan laughed and said, "Uncle, I don't like what you said."
The husband who had just praised Qin Run was shocked when he heard this, thinking that he had said something wrong. But Xu Yunfan came up again, "My husband doesn't have this face, but I still like him. I don't care about his good looks, I just care about him being nice to me. No matter how good-looking a person is, he may have 18,000 features when wearing clothes, but he is only 206 bones when he takes off his skin. How could I like him just because of this face? I'm not such a superficial man."
"Weren't you staring blankly at it just now?" Qin Run said with a smile.
Xu Yunfan: "That's different. I appreciate beautiful things. Appreciation is different from liking. You, brother, are really ignorant, but..."
Xu Yunfan didn't say it directly, but just held Qin Run's hand tightly, "But uncle was right just now, my husband is really handsome, although he is a little bit inferior to me, but he is already a rare handsome guy, no wonder I can look at him without blinking, my husband is beautiful and kind, and he treats me well, no wonder I like him to death."
"What are you talking about? There are so many people here." Qin Run blushed and felt embarrassed, but his heart was as sweet as if he had eaten honey.
The other women and husbands looked at Xu Yunfan and then at Qin Run, as if they could never look enough. The two of them standing together were truly a match made in heaven.
Qin Run came, and Xu Yunfan just kept following Qin Run, following wherever Qin Run went.
Seeing this, Fang's mother, who was not far away, shook her head and laughed, then said to Fang Zixi beside her, "Your brother-in-law really loves his husband. He follows Run Ge'er wherever he goes. If you don't know, you would think someone is trying to steal his husband. If... then won't he take Run Ge'er with him?"
Fang Zixi knew her mother's concerns. She was afraid that Xu Yunfan would commit suicide and would not stay in the capital, but would ask his superiors to send him out of the capital. In that case, not to mention that Qin Run would go with Xu Yunfan, Xiaobao and several other children would also go. Then, she would definitely have to go with them.
"Yunfan and Run'er have a very good relationship. Mother, you don't have to worry. According to Uncle Xiao, Yunfan can't leave the capital even if he asks for permission. His Majesty admires his abilities very much. Moreover, his accumulated achievements are enough for him to be promoted several levels."
Although Xu Yunfan doesn't seem to have done much, every one of his things is a matter of national importance.
"Really?" Fang's mother didn't know about these things and was very surprised. "What are his political achievements?"
Fang Zixi shook her head, "I don't know either." But according to what Xiao Hengzhi said, once Xu Yunfan passed the imperial examination and became the top scorer, he would become the person with the fastest promotion in the history of the Great Yan Dynasty, an unprecedented person.
"That would require him to pass the imperial examination and become the top scorer." Fang's mother was not pessimistic about Xu Yunfan. Outsiders all thought that Xu Yunfan had passed the imperial examination and become the top scorer, which was extremely impressive.
But they forgot that the difference between the master and the top scholar is not just one step, it is no exaggeration to say that there is a huge chasm between them.
To put it bluntly, the top scholar is like a carp that has crossed the Dragon Gate and turned into a dragon, and is able to soar into the sky.
And Master is just a loser who cannot jump over the dragon gate, so the difficulty of Master's competition is actually quite simple when you really think about it.
Compared to Fang's mother's worries, Fang Zixi was not nervous at all. "It's just a matter of getting the top score in the exam. It's very easy."
Fang's mother: "..."
This kid, when did he become so arrogant?
I don't know why Xiao Hengzhi and Xu Yunfan are so confident. Sometimes they talk as if the top prize is already in their pockets. Fang Zixi heard it a few times and felt embarrassed for Xu Yunfan at first, but later she thought, it's just the top prize, it's no big deal.
"Even if he passes the imperial examination and becomes the top scorer, Fourth Brother, can Yun Fan's political achievements really allow him to be promoted several levels in a row?" Fang's mother still didn't quite believe it.
Fang Zixi didn't believe this before. For example, the cement road is only in the survey, land acquisition and loan issuance stage, and the road has not been actually built yet.
There's also the issue of loans for studying, which I heard was only implemented this year. In short, some of the reforms and suggestions proposed by Xu Yunfan before may not produce results in the short term.
"Mom, have you forgotten what Yunfan said about one person serving in the army bringing honor to the whole family, and about the implementation of preferential policies for soldiers?"
"I remember. Your father told me that both General Qin and King Xiao mentioned this matter during the court session." Fang's mother still remembered this incident clearly.
There is no other reason. According to Xu Yunfan's meaning, the first batch of soldiers must be recruited. These soldiers will be conscripts and can return home after a few years of military training. By then, if foreign enemies invade and the permanent troops are not enough, these conscripts will become a sharp sword that has not yet been unsheathed. Once necessary, they can be urgently recalled to the army.
These conscripts have received training and have already developed muscle reactions, so they are no better than soldiers who were temporarily drafted. This will greatly reduce the casualty rate.
This suggestion can be said to be a very beautiful idea.
Yes, it’s a beautiful thought.
At that time, many ministers were whispering to each other, thinking that the suggestions of General Qin and King Xiao were just wishful thinking.
What are people most afraid of today?
One is to increase taxes. Increased taxes mean that the whole family will not have enough to eat again.
The second is conscription.
Conscription means war, and war means death. Therefore, the people hate conscription. They turn pale when talking about it. They are extremely resistant to it, so how could they sign up to participate? Isn't this a fantasy?
Another thing is, if we recruit soldiers, don’t we need to maintain them?
Why must the permanent garrison be reduced? Because the imperial court no longer has enough food to support the people.
Xu Yunfan's suggestions of conscripting soldiers and paying them monthly allowances are really unrealistic.
Many people find this funny. Who is the idiot who came up with this suggestion?
But General Qin and King Xiao actually took it seriously. Are these two stupid?
"Your Majesty," Jing Mingze stood up at this time, "In fact, this is not a fantasy."
"Master Jing, please think twice before you speak. Do you think this impossible thing is feasible?"
Jing Mingze then asked, "Why not? Why not? The reason why ...
Without waiting for others to refute, "Perhaps, Lord Zhao will think this is a foolish dream, but Lord Zhao should wait and see the autumn harvest grain output in the second half of the year before making any decisions."
At that time, the ministers in the court were polarized and arguing over this issue. However, later, with the implementation of some policies, the families of soldiers received unexpected preferential treatment. After the propaganda of joining the army to defend the country was deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, many people signed up enthusiastically.
There is no other way. In the past, scholars did not have to kneel when meeting officials, but now, families of first-class meritorious soldiers can also enjoy this treatment. Moreover, as long as there is someone in the family joining the army, his parents, wife and children do not have to queue up when going to the clinic, and they can even enjoy a 20% discount.
This is incredible.
As for food, it became even more amazing after Jing Mingze and Xu Yunfan cooperated.
Seed shops and fertilizer stores are opened on all continents. In the past, one acre of land could only yield three or four hundred kilograms of millet. Since using seeds from seed shops and planting according to the sowing methods instructed by superiors and then sprinkling fertilizers, one acre of land can produce eight or nine hundred kilograms.
In this way, how much grain collection can the imperial court increase in a year?
It’s impossible to count it all, it’s impossible to count it all.
In the past, the fertilizer store did not sell much fertilizer, but as Xiao Qin’s family built more and more factories, the fertilizer store had more and more fertilizer, and basically maintained a balanced supply.
Not to mention other things, just these two things are enough for Xu Yunfan to move up a level.
Some people may think it is an exaggeration, but is it an exaggeration? Solving the problem of food and clothing for the people is not a trivial matter.
How could Fang's mother not know about these two things? Thinking of this, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. As long as Xu Yunfan was not transferred out of Beijing, it would be fine. Otherwise, she didn't dare to think about how sad she would be if she couldn't see her children and her youngest son in the future. However, there was one thing Fang's mother still wanted to say.
She pulled Fang Zixi into the room and said, "Fourth Brother, I heard that Yunfan attacked the Huo family. Why didn't you stop him at the beginning?"
Fang Zixi was inexplicably blamed and was full of confusion. "Mom, why should I stop him? Yun Fan did nothing wrong. The Huo family is too arrogant. Yun Fan attacked them because he respected them. Why should I stop him?"
"Oh no." Fang's mother blamed herself. Why didn't she keep a closer eye on him before? It was too late to say this now. "Blame me. If you take Run'er out for a walk more often, you'll find out. Huo Zhiyu of the Huo family and Xiao Feng, the eldest of the Xiao Xuan family, are a couple. What do you think Huo Zhiyu would think if he knew Yunfan had dealt with their family? What would Xiao Feng think?"
If something like this happens, the brotherhood between the two brothers Xiao Hengzhi will be destroyed if they are not careful.
Fang Zixi was shocked. "Huo Zhiyu and Xiao Feng are together? How come I didn't know about this?"
In the past, he only knew that wherever Xiao Feng appeared, there would be the shadow of Huo Zhiyu. Huo Zhiyu was extremely domineering. If any boy or girl got close to Xiao Feng, the other party would definitely be in trouble the next day. Later, the eighteen-year-old Xiao Feng went abroad with his father, and Huo Zhiyu also went there happily.
"Mom, I remember Xiao Feng used to be indifferent to him and even avoided Huo Zhiyu. How did they end up together?"
"Why not? This guy is just like that. When a man chases a woman, it's like a mountain between them. When a woman chases a man, it's like a layer of gauze between them. It's the same with this guy. Maybe Xiao Feng was moved by Huo Zhiyu's sincerity? After all, to be able to chase a man to the border and do it for several years, this kind of perseverance and persistence is not something most guys can do."
Fang Zixi thought to herself, perseverance and persistence?
Bullshit, it’s true that he is persistent.
Others don't know, but he doesn't know yet, but in the past Huo Zhiyu kept chasing Xiao Feng, going to Xiao's house every few days. Xiao Feng was fed up with it and told Huo Zhiyu several times that he was not interested in him, but this man remained infatuated with him and reported to Xiao's house every day.
It's not that Fang Zixi looked down on Huo Zhiyu's relentless pursuit of a man, nor did she despise Huo Zhiyu for chasing after a man and thought it was shameful, but Huo Zhiyu was too much. Whenever other brothers got close to Xiao Feng, this guy would humiliate them, and even spread the word that the two of them were in love without Xiao Feng's knowledge. As a result, after Su Yan had to come out to clarify, everyone secretly said that the Xiao family was not kind and did not know how to teach their son.
"Mom, I don't think this is possible. Lord Su and the Huo family had a fight back then. If they were to make peace, wouldn't it be awkward for both families?"
Fang's mother shook her head. "I don't know. That's what people in the circle say. Huo Zhiyu used to be unruly and headstrong. Xiao Feng might not like that about him, but he's been at the border for so long. Who knows if he's changed, to the point where Xiao Feng looks at him with new eyes and falls in love with him? Matters of the heart are unpredictable. Go back and talk to Run'er. Go to the Xiao family and find out what's going on. Don't let Huo Zhiyu cause trouble when he comes back."
…
After Qin Run came, Xu Yunfan found that the person who had just stared at him stared at Qin Run for a long time, but did not come forward to say a word.
Unable to figure out what was going on, Xu Yunfan didn't think much about it. He originally wanted to stay at Fang's house for dinner before going back. The person sent by Qi Yuanyang told him that Demonno wanted to see Xu Yunfan and hoped to meet Xu Yunfan tonight.
The imperial examination will be held in a few days. It would be foolish of them to stay any longer. The imperial examination is a matter of utmost importance to a country. It would be inappropriate for the envoys from both countries to stay any longer.
Demonno decided to return to Dongwu the day after tomorrow. Naturally, he wanted to have a good talk with Xu Yunfan about pesticides, sugar factories and other matters tonight.
Since he wanted to meet Xu Yunfan, he also had a reason to politely decline the visit from the Shang envoy.
At the Fang family, Xu Yunfan was taken away by the housekeeper Qi before he even had his meal.
Xu Yunfan was so upset that he kept muttering on the way that Demonno was really ignorant. Why didn't he treat us tomorrow night instead of choosing today?
When they arrived at Yunrun Restaurant, Demonno, Demonzali and Demonzagi had been waiting there for a long time.
When he got outside the box, Xu Yunfan's expression changed. He no longer looked unhappy and pushed the door open with a smile.
"Lord Xu, you are finally here. I have been kept waiting for so long. Lord Xu, you know that no one has ever dared to make me wait." Demonno said, still sitting. Only Demonzagi stood up to show his respect.
Oh, it didn’t exist before, but it exists now. What’s the big deal?
Xu Yunfan thought to himself, Demonno is so arrogant. Now that she is in someone else's territory, does she really think that everyone has to respect her?
Qin Run is so handsome today, don't think he didn't see it. Many men saw him and wanted to approach him secretly. It's a pity that I was guarding him. Now that I'm not here, I don't know which jerk will take the opportunity to make a move.
Thinking of this, Xu Yunfan looked at Demonno again, his mood becoming even more unhappy. He pulled out a stool and sat down. "Princess Demonno, you are really joking. What do you mean by finally? You didn't submit your invitation in advance, so how could I have predicted that you would meet me today? Many people who wanted to see me before had to submit invitations in advance. Unfortunately, I have never met them even once."
In front of a princess, Xu Yunfan kept calling her "Young Master". What did this mean?
So many people submitted visiting cards, but Xu Yunfan never met them. You, who didn't submit a visiting card in advance, were able to come to the banquet. Don't be ungrateful. This is already a face for you. Just sit there and do nothing. Who are you trying to show off to?
Demonno almost laughed out of anger. "Master Xu is really arrogant. Master Xu, please remember that you are just a fifth-rank official."
It was because Xu Yunfan was just a small fifth-rank official and felt a little embarrassed to call himself "Sir" that he kept calling himself "Young Master".
But what about a fifth-rank official?
He is just a fifth-rank official, but he can still sit here with you, a princess, instead of standing.
Xu Yunfan raised his eyebrows and smiled, "Thank you. I have a good memory and don't need the princess to remind me of this for now. However, I understand that the princess may have been busy recently and may have forgotten about the deworming."
"Princess Damon may not know this, but I'm only eighteen years old and haven't seen much. If someone threatens me, I'll easily get nervous and scared. Once I get scared, my mind gets confused, and once it gets confused, I won't be able to remember anything."
Demonno: "..."
This boy has some courage!
But it's not surprising. This guy even dares to confront Guo Minglei, so what else is there that he dare not do?
Compared to those who are respectful and submissive, people like Xu Yunfan actually win Demonno's favor more.
Demonno glanced at Xu Yunfan and laughed, "This is the first time this princess has been threatened. You are the first person who dares to speak so sarcastically in front of me. You are indeed quite courageous."
Xu Yunfan: "Princess Demeng is wrong. How can this be called sarcastic? I am a very polite person. This is the proper way to reciprocate."
"Oh, you mean, this princess treats you badly?"
"What does Princess Damon think?"
"This princess thinks it's very good."
Xu Yunfan poured himself a cup of hot tea and said, "I don't want you to feel that way."
"Then what do you want to do?" Demonno was really curious. What kind of status did Xu Yunfan's parents have? They could raise such a fearless child who didn't care about the princes or the princesses.
Xu Yunfan: "Today, we are just partners. Princess Demeng, please don't act like a princess to me. If you are discussing cooperation with me as a princess, how can I discuss it?"
This is very unfair.
The princess is of noble status. If he puts himself in a position lower than the other party, he is bound to suffer losses when negotiating this business.
"Second Princess," Demonzagi looked at Demonno who was silent and kept staring at Xu Yunfan. There was a huge spark between the two of them. He was really afraid that if one of them got unhappy with the other, they would start fighting.
Demonno remained silent, and neither did Xu Yunfan. Zhali looked left and right, then reacted a little late. "Mom, did you have a fight with Yunfan? Why? It's New Year's Day, and there are so many delicious foods to eat. Why would you argue?"
"We didn't argue." Demonno glanced at Zalli. "Are you hungry?"
"I'm a little hungry." Zha Li nodded and glanced at Xu Yunfan, "Yunfan, you're not hungry yet. If you are hungry, let's eat together. It won't taste good if it gets cold."
Xu Yunfan picked up the chopsticks and said, "Yes, you have to eat while it's hot. I came in a hurry and haven't had dinner yet. Let me tell you, the chef in this restaurant is a great cook. I used to love his dishes."
Once the two started eating, they couldn't stop. Zhali had a big appetite and had eaten a lot since he was a child. After coming to Dayan Dynasty, he couldn't control his mouth when he saw delicious food.
Xu Yunfan was accompanying him tonight, and the two of them had the same topic and started chatting right away. Demonno and Zagi seemed like supporting roles. Zagi coughed and motioned for Demonno to say something.
Demonno was not really angry that Xu Yunfan was late. She knew that it was New Year's Day today, and Xu Yunfan was already giving her face by coming here. Perhaps as a princess, she should think this was natural, after all, her status was so noble.
That’s not true.
Because she was a princess, she had to stay awake at all times and understand the situation clearly. "Master Xu, I know you were able to come here tonight because of my status as a princess."
Xu Yunfan, who seemed to be busy eating, finally took the time out of his busy schedule to look at Demonno and asked, "Princess, are you here tonight regarding the anthelmintic medicine?"
You kept calling me your princess just now, now you know you're behaving yourself.
"Yes and no." Demonno shook his head. Xu Yunfan was not afraid of imperial power, which was exactly what Demonno wanted.
If Xu Yunfan was afraid of her, this fear would accumulate over time and eventually turn into hatred.
Moreover, this is not an ordinary business, but an anthelmintic, something that is taken orally. What if Xu Yunfan added something else into it?
If Xu Yunfan became resentful out of fear, or if he gave in tonight out of fear or even because of his status as a princess, and if he held this anger for too long, would he secretly retaliate?
Surprisingly, Xu Yunfan made his attitude clear: tonight they were not Lord Xu, and she was not the princess; both parties were just ordinary businessmen.
Merchants value profit, but they must also adhere to the word "trust".
Xu Yunfan didn't know what Demonno was thinking, and he didn't want to guess. "I'd like to hear the details."
Demonno came and said that she wanted the anthelmintic and the sugar factory.
Xu Yunfan: “…”
Demonno has a big appetite, he wants this and that, and he doesn't even think about the prerequisite - whether he is willing to give it.
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