The house of Zhang Xi, the servant of Huangmen, is full of guests today, drinking and drinking, and the banquet is in full swing.
Zhang Xi no longer felt as depressed as when he lived in the temple before. His face was full of contentment. He held a cup in one hand and chopsticks in the other. While laughing and chatting with the guests, he did not forget to greet Li Miao attentively.
Unlike his cousin Li Tai, who was born into a poor family, Li Miao had also been a noble son of Luoxia for several years when he was young, so he was certainly no stranger to such occasions.
As the banquet continued for nearly a month, he gradually became familiar with Jiangling's current trends. No matter what the other person's identity or interests were, they could talk to each other with gusto and be fascinated.
Of course, in addition to Li Miao being good at socializing, it was also because the masses were cheering him on intentionally or unintentionally. It was not that they were soft-hearted, but that the rice in Mianbei was too fragrant.
Everyone present had either received financial aid from Mianbei, or had deep interest exchanges with Mianbei. Many people from Jiangling even invested in Mianbei. Of course, they had to treat Li Miao with respect and respect.
Dare to be rude.
However, with the arrival of Zhu Maichen, the atmosphere of the banquet dropped and was no longer as lively as before.
Zhu Maichen was originally an eunuch. Because he was appreciated and promoted by the monarch, he joined the ranks of scholar-bureaucrats. However, he was still regarded as an alien and despised in his heart, and refused to communicate on an equal footing. Another identity of this guy was that he was the emperor's confidant.
, which makes people stay away even more, worrying that one day they may be reported to the police and be unlucky.
Zhu Maichen was also used to being left out in such social situations, so he didn't care deeply about it. After sitting down, he toasted to the host Zhang Xi and the guest of honor Li Miao respectively, and then casually told a few interesting stories to integrate into the conversation.
among.
After a while, Zhu Maichen could not help but sneer in his heart when he saw that the crowd was only interested in discussing current affairs with Li Miao, but did not pay attention to the topics he raised.
He picked up his wine glass and stood up to toast Li Miao. He first interrupted the interactive conversation in the hall, and then smiled and said when Li Miao responded to him: "Yes, not long ago, Xinde upstream sent a message, saying that
Wei Guoshi's army has conquered Xinzhou, so he borrowed the wine from Zhang Huang's gate to congratulate Marquis Li and congratulate his country on another victory."
"What? The Wei army actually invaded Xinzhou?"
"When did this happen?"
"Does Marquis Li know about this? How come I haven't heard of this before?"
After hearing this, the faces of the guests present changed drastically, and each of them exclaimed. The sense of crisis in their hearts suddenly increased, and they looked at Li Miao and asked again and again.
Li Miao was also stunned when he heard this. Although He Ruodun and Li Qianzhe who entered Bashu to fight were still subordinates of the Jingzhou General Administration, due to transportation and geographical restrictions, the voice communication between them was not very good.
Unobstructed. They were only ordered to carry out General Li's order to conquer the eastern part of Bashu. As for the rhythm of the operation and the speed of advancement, it was up to them.
"To be honest, I really don't know about this matter. Because I was just appointed to the government by the general a few days ago, and then came south for a visit, I don't know much about the military and political affairs of the government."
Li Miao soon reacted, and then gave an explanation, and then said with a smile: "If things are really as General Zhu said, it is indeed worth a drink. The two countries have not used military force for a long time, and have a deep friendship. Today we
The army can enter Xinzhou, and from now on, the people of Jiangling will no longer have to worry about the remaining bandits from Shu coming to harass us!"
After hearing this, everyone laughed and raised their glasses in response, but they naturally did not believe this nonsense. The Yu bandits in Shu may really not have to worry, but from then on, they have to live under the sword of the Wei people every day.
, this taste is equally unpleasant!
Afterwards, the atmosphere of the banquet took a turn for the worse, becoming deserted and awkward. Although the crowd was still eager to chat with Li Miao, they were all trying to ask whether the Jingzhou General Manager's Office had the idea of sending troops to Jiangling. They were also concerned about the singing and dancing in the hall.
The fun of the theater has completely lost its interest.
Zhu Maichen saw that Li Miao was a little tired of dealing with the crowd's probing questions, and a smile appeared on his lips.
He did not give Li Miao time to react or buffer, and then sighed: "I heard that Cui, the envoy of Qi who was imprisoned in the state, was a close friend of Marquis Li. Unexpectedly, the world was so evil that they actually met each other in war. Now they are fighting each other.
As a distinguished guest, and as a prisoner in a cage, the difference in circumstances is truly astonishing!"
When Li Miao heard this, he frowned and realized that Zhu Maichen had come to trouble him specifically today.
It is not difficult to find out the relationship between him and Cui Zhan. They were close friends for generations, but they ended up fighting each other in the capital of another country. It is really embarrassing. During this period, Jiangling Shiliu interacted with him.
In order to avoid embarrassment, I deliberately ignored this section, but I didn't want to be questioned directly by Zhu Maichen today.
After pondering for a while, Li Miao also sighed and said: "The Gao family's giant bandits have brought disaster to the world, causing our country to be divided, the world uneasy, family members separated, and relatives and friends to become enemies. It is indeed sad and heartbreaking. Everyone present feels sorry for the Gao family's disaster to the world.
I must have deeply felt that the poisonous Hou Jing in his country has caused chaos in the south of the Yangtze River. Not to mention the tragedies of life and death, there are also countless human tragedies such as feuding and fratricide. The past is enough.
Out of respect, this giant bandit who brought disaster to the world should be found and killed by everyone!"
After everyone present heard this, their faces suddenly became embarrassed, and they couldn't help but stare and blame Zhu Maichen. Even if you want to ridicule him, you have to think clearly before doing it. Our Lord has already done such a bad thing.
If you are covered in fur, how can you still have the nerve to laugh at others as monkeys?
After hearing this answer, Zhu Maichen's expression suddenly froze, and he did not dare to continue the topic. However, thinking of the mission of this trip, he continued to ask: "You are a guest, and your friends are prisoners. If you say anything, you may be able to survive."
"Yes, but it has been many days and I still haven't heard from Marquis Li on this matter. Could it be that he still resents his relatives and friends for the previous attempted murder? Or is he afraid of being blamed when he returns home, so he just sits back and watches his relatives and friends suffer without saying a word?"
Li Miao frowned immediately after hearing this question, and everyone present also stopped and looked at Li Miao, waiting for his response.
Regarding Cui Zhan's issue, Li Miao also sent someone to report to Mianbei, and Li Tai's explanation was to let Li Miao handle it by himself, and if possible, try to save Cui Zhan.
Although it is said that Cui Zhan attempted murder on Li Miao, he did not know beforehand that the assassin was Li Miao. Of course, whether it was Li Miao or not, any apostle he sent who was attacked and killed by hostile forces must be seriously investigated.
, but precisely because it was Li Miao who was the envoy, there was some room for change in this matter.
Apart from anything else, after the Heyin Incident, Cui took in their family and allowed them to make a living in Qinghe County for more than ten years. This favor cannot be ignored.
Li Miao has been unwilling to take the initiative to discuss this issue during this period, hoping to shirk the problem to Nanliang. If Nanliang's treatment was too serious, he would plead for Cui Zhan out of reason. If Nanliang only gently
If he has exposed this matter, he will retain the right to pursue it.
When he heard what Zhu Maichen said, Li Miao said sternly: "The state has national laws, and every family has its own rules. If my old friend was violated and punished elsewhere, I would still need to worry and rush to rescue him. But now I am on an errand in Jiangling."
Wrong, His Majesty the Emperor of Liang is just and wise, and he will surely make a decision that is both public and private. I have no worries about this, so I won’t say anything. Does General Zhu have other plans for this, thinking that the result may be contrary to people’s wishes?”
"how could be?"
Zhu Maichen laughed dryly at first, but continued without giving up: "The principles of law are nothing more than human relationships. Of course my lord will deal with it comprehensively when encountering trouble, but this is the nature of my lord. Li Hou is reluctant to speak out on this.
, I’m afraid I will be ridiculed by public opinion. This is Li Hou’s plan. I hope that Li Hou’s voice of friendship can be heard in this matter.”
Li Miao thought for a while and then said: "General Zhu's words are indeed alarming. Cui Yantong and I are close friends and have a deep friendship. We don't need to put words into words to know each other's feelings. But the world is not all about deep love.
People like this are especially shameless scum who are good at talking and are accustomed to inciting disputes, making noises about favors, and spreading rumors to cause trouble. Therefore, although they are deeply aware of their feelings, they sometimes have to show off to those scum who are right and wrong. I really need to knock on the door tomorrow.
See you, please intercede for my old friend."
Zhu Maichen was furious when Li Miao pointed at him and scolded him. However, when he heard that Li Miao said that he would take the initiative to ask for an audience tomorrow, he couldn't help but secretly breathed a sigh of relief. As long as he fulfilled His Majesty's instructions,
It doesn't matter if someone criticizes someone and says a few words.
Without Zhu Maichen fanning the flames and taking the initiative to stir up trouble, the atmosphere of the subsequent banquet was pretty good, especially Li Miao who became very enthusiastic and refused to refuse anyone who came for a toast. It was not until late at night that everyone returned home enjoying themselves.
After Zhu Maichen returned, he made a brief report to the emperor Xiao Yi. Xiao Yi was quite satisfied with this, so he put aside some unimportant official duties the next day and braced himself to concentrate on dealing with the envoy from Wei.
However, it was almost evening, but there was still no trace of Li Miao. Xiao Yi, who had been left alone all day, was very angry. He summoned Zhu Maichen and scolded him.
Zhu Maichen was also full of grievances. After he repeatedly pleaded guilty and withdrew, he went straight to Li Miao's residence. He saw Li Miao, dressed in Yanju clothes, entertaining guests in the hall and enjoying making tea. He was even more angry: "Li Hou
Are you kidding me? You told me clearly at yesterday’s banquet that I would come to worship my master today, but I ended up breaking the promise?”
"Did I say this?"
After Li Miao heard this, he was stunned. He called his servants to ask, and then said with shame and regret: "I was drunk last night and woke up in the afternoon. I forgot all the previous words. It is really rude! General Zhu, please rest assured, tomorrow will be tomorrow!"
"
Seeing Li Miao's shameful apology, Zhu Maichen's anger subsided slightly. Then he was warmly invited by Li Miao to have a cup of tea. He couldn't save his face, so he sat down.
Just while drinking tea, the topic turned to drinking for some reason. Zhu Maichen tried to avoid it, but Li Miao sent someone to fetch a wooden shackle and locked it with the table, so he continued to drink.
When Zhu Maichen woke up the next day, it was already three o'clock in the morning, but Li Miao was nowhere to be seen. When he hurriedly asked his entourage, he was told that Li Miao had visited Tianju Temple with others early in the morning.
went.
"The Qiang slaves are so dishonest!"
Zhu Maichen covered his head with a painful hangover and cursed angrily. When he saw that the sky had turned so dark, he knew that this day was in vain. For fear of being reprimanded by the emperor, he simply asked his slaves to take sick leave.
, he led his entourage and ran away to another business outside the city.