Before going to Lanyuan, there was a tit-for-tat confrontation that ended in an anticlimax. After expressing his stance and arranging manpower, Dang Jin stopped talking to Pan You. Still with a contemptuous attitude, he turned around and went back to his manor.
Although he was slightly stooped, his unruly temperament was clearly revealed. When the dignified official in charge of Gyeonggi Province arrived at his house, he was not even allowed to enter.
In the cold wind, although Pan You still kept a smile on his face, everyone could feel the embarrassment. Seeing this, the staff who followed came closer and complained to Pan You: "Your Majesty, although this party prince is a hero, You are so noble, but you are too arrogant! You are the chief minister of Gyeonggi Province."
Pan You waved his hand to stop his complaints and smiled faintly: "There is no need to say useless words! Right now, the most important thing is to find out the land of the Dang family. After the Dang family, there are other nobles who will take advantage of this tour. , just sort out the situation in Yangdi first!"
"yes!"
Although he showed a magnanimous look of doing things for his country, Pan You couldn't help but reveal a feeling of resentment in the depths of his pupils. How could a big official like Pan You not care at all? His reputation, and today in front of the Orchid Garden, he, Pan, had really lost his face. If word spread, he would be ridiculed again and become the butt of jokes among his enemies.
Although it is winter, there is not much desolation in the Orchid Garden. On both sides of the road made of bluestones, some colorful silk cloths are wrapped around the bare trees. The cloth is used instead of flowers. The colors are bright and become the theme of the Orchid Garden in winter. A famous scene.
With the support of his second son, Dang Chonggui, Dang Jin slowly walked towards the palace where the imperial court lived. He was so hunched over that he no longer had the energy to carry himself in front of Pan You and his entourage.
Seeing the thoughtful expression on his old father's face, Dang Chonggui asked hesitantly: "Father, is this appropriate?"
"What's appropriate or inappropriate?" Dang Jin glanced at Ci Zi.
Dang Chonggui said softly: "Pan Shijun is the chief envoy of Gyeonggi Province after all. He was originally in a high-power position, but now he is deeply trusted by the court and has great power. His power is overwhelming. Is it right to offend him so ruthlessly? Isn’t there something wrong?”
When he said this, Dang Chonggui lowered his head. He knew his father's temper well, and such depressing words would most likely make him angry.
However, this time, Dang Jin's reaction was somewhat unexpected. He thought about it first and then said: "It seems that Pan You's series of performances after taking up his duties have scared you juniors!"
Hearing this, Dang Chonggui quickly explained: "How can I be afraid? I just feel that it may not be necessary to offend Pan You so relentlessly!"
"Isn't it necessary?" Dang Jin glared, then calmed down his expression and asked calmly: "How do you think my Dang family's wealth can last forever?"
Hearing this question, Dang Chonggui hesitated to speak. He obviously had something to say, but after a slight hesitation, he still made a modest gesture: "Please teach me, father!"
"You still need me to teach you about this matter?" Dang Jin showed his dissatisfaction and rebuked in a stern tone: "Of course I am loyal to the Han and your Majesty!"
After saying that, probably feeling that these two points were not convincing enough, Dang Jin then added: "Of course these are just basic principles. More importantly, people should be clear-headed and have a smart mind. What can be done and what can't be done?" Do it with a clear mind!
Take this tax reform as an example. I have long seen that it is unstoppable. Those who fail to recognize the situation clearly and attempt to confront the imperial court will never have good results.
Why do you think Pan You dared to be so arrogant and domineering? When he took office, he took advantage of members of our party? If there is no one behind him, how can he not be afraid of the powerful?
Since the momentum is unstoppable, we should act according to the trend, be generous and open-minded. As for small tricks such as hiding the land, it is not so much deceiving the court as it is deceiving ourselves."
Hearing Dang Jin's words, Dang Chonggui couldn't hide his surprise and asked anxiously: "In that case, why did my father humiliate Pan Shijun like this and humiliate him in public? Isn't this just creating a strong enemy?" carry
Hearing what the second son said, Dang Jin immediately sneered and said: "A powerful enemy? How about an ugly guy? You just said that the chief minister of Gyeonggi Province is extremely powerful. You really think too highly of him."
If Zhao Pu were to face him, I might still give him three points, three points of fear and three points of respect for him. As for Pan You, he just got an opportunity through some luck.
A mere surrendered minister actually set his sights on me, wanting to use my reputation to gain prestige, just like a clown.
People like this are just used by Your Majesty to crack down on lawlessness and restrict noble families like us. In the final analysis, they are nothing more than a sword.
I don’t want to be troublesome, but if this knife wants to hit me, I naturally can’t let him have an easy time.
It seems that such a civil servant is well-dressed and well-dressed. It is best to gain fame and reputation. If he loses his face, he will also feel bad. If this breath is not released, I may be angry to death the next day."
Dang Jin explained solemnly, and as he spoke, he regained his rough temperament. When Dang Chonggui heard this, he hurriedly said: "Father, please don't make such unlucky words!"
Hearing this, Dang Jin laughed: "Isn't it just death? What's so unlucky? I crawled out from the dead. When I followed Du Chongwei in the rebellion in Yecheng, my head was already in my belt. .
The wealth and glory you people enjoy today are all built on thousands of corpses.
What's the fear of death? It's just a matter of time. When the time comes, you can just bury me in glory."
Seeing his father being so "open-minded", Dang Chonggui was speechless for a moment and could only smile bitterly at him.
Dang Jin calmed down and sighed softly: "If you are puzzled by my behavior, it only means that you don't understand me well enough!
What I did was just what the party members would do! As is known to everyone in the government and the public, it is normal for party members to be perverse, moody, vulgar, do extraordinary things, and say ridiculous things. If one day they can behave themselves. , there is no movement at all, I’m afraid it will arouse suspicion!”
After a pause, Dang Jin continued: "Of course, a mere Dang Jin is not worth fussing about. It is not my turn to be suspicious, and how can ordinary people have the qualifications and strength to interfere with my matter?"
This is how I have been here for more than thirty years! It’s not easy for you and me either. Sometimes, I don’t know which part is true and which part is just pretense!
It is not easy to balance both with constant slander and stability. But to this day, our family is still rich and well-treated, and their wealth is increasing. The most important thing is that I am arrogant.
He can be arrogant and domineering, and he can even make mistakes occasionally and give others a thumbs up, but he has never done anything he couldn't do or said things he shouldn't have said, and he has always adhered to a basic bottom line!"
After listening to Dang Jin's words, Dang Chonggui was thoughtful. After a long time, he was a little impressed and said: "My father's intention is somewhat clear to me! My son admires my father's wisdom very much!"
"I don't have any wisdom, I'm just doing what I want!" Dang Jin shook his head, stared at Dang Chonggui again, and said in a stern tone: "But please remember this for me, these things can only be
I do what I do, and only I can do it. You people, enjoying the blessings that I have created for you, please be more at ease and behave yourself."
"Yes! I will keep it in my heart! Father, don't worry. How can I compare to you with all my virtues?" Dang Chonggui said.
Dang Jin refused to accept this trick and looked at his second son with a serious look on his face: "I don't know how many years I have to live, but I don't want to one day have to tie you up and deliver you to the government. Instead of doing that, what better way?"
It's better to kill him directly. As for me, I can't control it after I die. If you want to cause trouble, you can do whatever you want!"
Hearing what Dang Jin said, Dang Chonggui smiled awkwardly and replied: "No."
"No?" Stepping into the courtyard full of "red flowers" trees, Dang Jin stopped and angrily shouted: "What do you say about Dang Tao?"
When mentioning the nephew who was arrested by Pan You for execution, Dang Jin became furious: "This evil beast, I trust him, support him, and let him take charge of Wan Guan's family wealth. Is this how I repay the Dang family?
On the surface, he is submissive, but behind his back, he is a thief and a prostitute, preying on the common people! It's just killing people. If it is justified, I will try my best to save his life. Stealing wives, occupying women, and killing parents, what can this person do? A beast.
Not as good as that!”
Seeing that his father was agitated, Dang Chonggui hurriedly stroked his chest, helped him calm down, and comforted him: "Father, calm down, Dang Tao has done harm to nature and justice. He deserves the punishment he deserved!"
"He has ruined the family tradition and reputation of our party, so he will die happily. He has also caused me to suffer a great loss of face, and let that ugly guy Pan You bully me. I have been galloping around for decades, wading through mountains of swords, seas of fire, and rains of guns and arrows.
When have you ever experienced such humiliation?" Dang Jin cursed, looking completely indignant.
