The sky was dark and gathering, and lanterns were hung in the corridor of the academy. Many students who had not yet left gathered together to talk about scriptures and Taoism, while others took a walk and chatted freely.
When they saw Mr. Zhan Chen coming, everyone said hello. When they looked up and saw the little girl following Mr. Zhan Chen, they all took a few more looks.
Mr. Zhan Chen took the little girl to a small study. He lit a lamp in the room, then closed the door of the study and came over and said, "Tell me, who gave you this word? Tell me these two words."
What’s the meaning of this word?”
Xia Zhaoyi put the basket on the table and said: "Sir, if you think about it carefully, if this person really wanted to let you know who he is, how could he make me do this? I would have done it right away.
I told you, that would save a lot of trouble."
"What do you mean?" Mr. Zhan Chen was a little angry.
Xia Zhaoyi didn't want to dwell on this issue any longer, so he withdrew his gaze and sat down cross-legged in front of the table, saying, "Sir, rumors of a plague are spreading all over the capital. But we came from the south and we know clearly that this plague is
Fake."
"You mean, there is no plague?" Mr. Zhan Chen frowned.
"Yes, sir, who do you think this plague is aimed at?" Xia Zhaoyi asked.
Mr. Zhan Chen walked over and sat down opposite her and said, "It is said that the plague came from Peifeng, because many people died there. If you are talking about targeting, are you targeting General Zhao?"
Xia Zhaoyi smiled lightly: "My brother was a little bit incomprehensible at first, because he also thought so and felt that he was targeting Zhao. However, this seemed unnecessary. For Zhao, it was nothing but a sacrifice.
They were trapped in the south and were not allowed to return to the capital to avoid bringing the plague back. But the current situation is that even if Zhao Miao is allowed to leave Peifeng, he will not leave. Once he leaves, Peifeng may fall.
.So, Zhao Yao has been dragged there tightly, unless Lin Yao's troops are completely annihilated."
Mr. Zhan Chen touched his white beard, nodded and said: "Yes, what you said makes sense, but if the word 'plague' is not meant for Zhao, then who is it targeted for?"
"Nothing happens without a reason, especially rumors with such a strong purpose. The interests behind it are by no means trivial." Xia Zhaoyi said.
"To mess with people's hearts?" Mr. Zhan Chen said solemnly.
"And if we want to destabilize people's hearts, who will be the biggest gainer?"
Mr. Zhan Chen stroked his beard and said thoughtfully: "If you think about it carefully, it involves too much."
"In addition to some politicians, there are also businessmen," Xia Zhaoyi said, "Sir, what is the most profitable thing in the world."
"Mining?"
"How could it be mining?" Xia Zhaoyi said with a smile.
"That's the pen and ink of a famous calligrapher? Every word is worth a fortune."
"Sir, it's panic selling." Xia Zhaoyi said.
Mr. Zhan Chen paused, understood, and nodded: "Yes, what you said makes some sense. There are too many rich families in the capital, and everyone is afraid of death. If the plague breaks out, this city will be afraid."
You must be grabbing herbs and pills like crazy again."
"Once the people's minds are in chaos, the government will definitely use pressure methods. At that time, there will probably be another dispute in the court."
Mr. Zhan Chen stroked his white beard and looked at the bookshelf beside him in deep thought.
After a long time, he turned his eyes and looked at the girl in front of him: "You mentioned your brother just now, so it was your brother who came to tell me this."
"Sir, don't you ask me why I came to tell you this?" Xia Zhaoyi said with a smile.
"Well, why did your brother ask you to tell me this?"
"First, because you can bring these words to those people who can calm the hearts of the people. Second, I want to communicate with you."
"Exchange? What do you want to exchange?"
"A letter of recommendation," Xia Zhaoyi took out a piece of paper from his sleeve, pushed it to Mr. Zhan Chen, and said, "Sir, my brother comes from a poor family, but he is eager to learn. He does not want to study in Dongping University, but wants to study in Dongping University.
Sir, can you recommend my brother to Qingshan Academy? He is highly respected, and if it is a handwritten letter from him, Qingshan Academy will gladly accept my brother."
"Is there such a thing in this world?" Mr. Zhan Chen looked at the girl meaningfully.
"Yes or no, it all depends on Mr. Xia Zhaoyi's thoughts." Xia Zhaoyi looked at him and said.
"Haha." Mr. Zhan Chen shook his head and said, "I am quite interested in this little girl like you. How come your brother didn't come to talk to me about these things, but he sent you here instead?"
"No, I'm here to buy pen and ink for my brother," Xia Zhaoyi looked at the basket aside and said, "Before going out, I just remembered what my brother had mentioned to me before, so I copied the words he wrote casually.
He was brought out and handed over to sir."
Mr. Zhan Chen looked at the basket she was looking at. There was indeed some paper and ink in it. There were many types of paper, with the largest number being cheap Guangde paper.
He looked back at the girl. She had delicate features, bright eyes, and her clothes were not luxurious, but very clean.
What amused Mr. Zhan Chen the most here was that this girl spoke eloquently, without any hesitation, and could grab people's ears and lead them in the direction she wanted.
This is a considerable skill and ability.
"It seems that your brother is quite knowledgeable," said Mr. Zhan Chen. "What is your brother's name? You will ask him to come here to see me tomorrow. I will test him in person. If he likes me, why not go to Qingshan Academy?"
, let’s arrange it directly at Dongping University.”
"No," Xia Zhaoyi smiled, "Sir, those who eat plain food should not sit at the same table with those who eat delicacies from the sea and mountains. If a person who is not blessed should enjoy his blessings, there will be disaster from heaven. Coming to Dongping University to study is indeed in my brother's heart.
What he has always longed for, but what is more suitable for him is Qingshan Academy. The family background there is not much different, and there are many like-minded people, so that he can enjoy the joy of books, don't you think?"
Mr. Zhan Chen also smiled and sighed: "Yes, yes, this Dongping University is full of nobles. It will be really difficult for your brother to keep his true intentions when he comes here."
"Please give me a letter, sir." Xia Zhaoyi raised his hands and cupped his fists.
"However, I have to say it first," Mr. Zhan Chen looked at him, "I don't like to be asked by others. What you said here today has a purpose. This is not the right intention, and then you open your mouth again.
Asking for an exchange is really unpleasant. But you girl happens to be smart and lovable, so I am willing to write you this letter now. It has nothing to do with the plague your brother mentioned, but simply because I like you.
Little girl, you must have a good talk with your brother when you go back."
"Okay." Xia Zhaoyi nodded.
"Huh? I was complimenting you."
This girl is too calm.
"Thank you for the compliment, sir." Xia Zhaoyi said.
