Chang Mao was so angry that his eyes turned black: He had been talking for a long time, but he was wasting his words. This stupid prince didn't even understand the way to enter the palace to see his own father. Let alone help him get a seal or something.
Zhu Xi asked again: "Does Mr. Chang have anything else to do? It's okay. I really want to plant vegetables."
Chang Mao sighed: "It's okay."
Zhu Bai almost died laughing: My fifth brother looks stupid, but he is not stupid at all.
Chang Mao ran around all morning, but in vain. He was exhausted, exhausted, and his mouth was dry. He saw a restaurant nearby and went in.
He sat down in a private seat on the second floor and looked at the bustling crowds in the market. The more he thought about it, the more angry and frustrated he became.
It's all my fault for my short-lived father. If he died a few years later and suffered the death of the Lan family, wouldn't it be for my sake that I would put my own mother back on her feet?
He called out: "Waiter, bring the wine, bring a jar of the best wine you have here, and serve four cold and four hot dishes to go with the wine."
The waiter agreed and immediately brought up a jar of wine, patted open the mud seal, and the aroma of the wine immediately spread in the seating area.
Chang Mao drank by himself, the wine filled his heart with sorrow, and he was half drunk.
Seeing Hu Weiyong coming in from downstairs, a light flashed in Chang Mao's mind. He quickly stood up with a cup, opened the door, stood by the door, pretended to be drunk and called: "Xiao Er."
As soon as Hu Weiyong saw Chang Mao, he immediately raised his hand and said, "Oh, what a coincidence, Mr. Chang is here too."
Chang Mao pretended to have just seen Hu Weiyong: "Hey, Mr. Hu, what a coincidence. I am also alone, how about we have a drink together?"
Hu Weiyong cupped his hands and said, "Okay, okay, then I'll bother you."
Chang Mao never mentioned the reward, only gossiped, drank, and deliberately followed Hu Weiyong's words. He also said that Hu Weiyong was a wise prime minister, and he handled government affairs faster and better after taking office than before. He was really a good helper to the emperor.
Hu Weiyong was always very happy with his achievements and liked to be flattered by others. Hearing the dignified Lord Zheng Guogong praise himself so much, he felt extremely comfortable and a little bit elated.
After all, these military attachés with meritorious honors and awards usually have their eyes on the top of their heads, and they simply looked down on him, who entered the court through the back door by giving gifts.
The two chatted happily.
When he left, Hu Weiyong wanted to pay the bill, but Chang Mao refused firmly, saying that it was rare to find a good friend and a meal of food and wine was nothing.
Chang Mao looked drunk at first, but as soon as he got on the horse after saying goodbye to Hu Weiyong, his eyes immediately regained clarity.
This little wine can't get him drunk at all.
If he hadn't wanted to build a relationship with Hu Weiyong, he wouldn't have been so condescending.
Just now he thought that Hu Weiyong also had the right to submit the reward list.
But he had no friendship with Hu Weiyong. If he told him directly, Hu Weiyong would definitely not agree.
After Lao Zhu announced the incident in court, he immediately asked people to secretly watch Hu Weiyong to see if any general would go to Hu Weiyong to intercede.
It would be fine if Hu Weiyong only interfered with government affairs, but it would be a bit troublesome if he united with generals and coveted military power.
Get rid of him as soon as possible.
As a result, for several days, only Chang Mao and Hu Weiyong had regular contact.
Chang Mao had no military power, so Lao Zhu didn't care.
----
Chang Mao went to court the next day and went to Hu Weiyong's house with gifts.
Hu Weiyong was flattered: "Oh, why is Mr. Chang here?"
Chang Mao is the highest-ranking military commander among those who have visited his house so far.
Chang Mao cupped his hands and said, "I was drunk that day. I don't know if I offended Mr. Hu. I'm here to apologize today."
Hu Weiyong smiled: "Ah, no offense, we had a great conversation. Since Mr. Chang is here today, just stay in my house and have a simple meal. This is my return invitation to Mr. Chang."
Chang Mao was worried that he would not have the chance to stay, so he handed over his hand: "Oh, then it's better to be respectful than to obey. I'm sorry for bothering you."
Hu Weiyong welcomed Chang Mao in, served him fragrant tea himself, and asked others to prepare wine and food.
Chang Mao was very pleased to see Hu Weiyong being so enthusiastic and respectful.
Not to mention military generals, even the civil servants in the court looked down upon him.
Previously, he was drunk and had sex with the families of several guards officers, so he was reported to Lao Zhu by the officer.
Even his father-in-law Feng Sheng didn't like him very much.
Has he ever gone to a civil servant's house to drink and talk like this?
At this moment, he felt a little more sincere towards Hu Weiyong.
When the food and wine arrived, Hu Weiyong persuaded him diligently, and Chang Mao soon became red-faced and slightly tipsy.
His eyes suddenly turned red and he started wiping tears.
Hu Weiyong was shocked: "Oh, Mr. Chang, why are you like this? But the food and wine here are not to your liking."
Chang Mao said: "No, thank you Master Hu for your warm hospitality. Although my cute father Yu Yin won the title of Zheng Guogong, I still can't hold my head high among the officials."
Hu Weiyong smiled: "Hey, what do I think it's about? Can't we just ask the emperor to give your Majesty a royal title?"
Chang Mao sighed: "But I have no military merit."
Hu Weiyong: "I will write your daughter's name on the list and then make a request to the emperor in person. You just say that you are willing to go to the frontier to serve the country. If the emperor praises your bravery, it will definitely be approved."
Chang Mao knocked on the table lightly: "Miao Miao Miao. Mr. Hu is really smart."
Hu Weiyong grabbed Chang Mao's wrist: "Mr. Chang, if you succeed in seeking a title for your family this time, how will you thank me?"
Chang Mao suddenly realized that it seemed that he was approaching Hu Weiyong, but in fact it was Hu Weiyong who had set up a net and waited for him.
But things had reached this point. He and Hu Weiyong had drank wine, given gifts, and said heart-wrenching words, and there was no turning back.
Besides, Hu Weiyong is now extremely powerful, so if you are on good terms with him, you will not suffer any loss.
He could only bite the bullet and say: "When the time comes, I will naturally serve Master Hu."
Hu Weiyong nodded: "Okay, okay. If Mr. Chang is willing to say that, I should try my best to fight for Mr. Chang."
-----
Hu Weiyong handed over the list.
Chang Mao's biological mother was among them.
The lists sent by Zhu Bai and Zhu Biao were roughly the same, but they were completely different from Hu Weiyong's.
On their list were Mu Ying and Lan Yu who had returned from northern Xinjiang this time, as well as Deng Yu and Deng Yu's widow who died of illness on the way, and Guo Ying, who had served as Zhu Yuanzhang's guard, who was Guo Xing's younger brother, etc.
.
All the generals are convinced by this list and feel that they are well-deserved.
Lao Zhu only ordered Muying to be granted the title of Marquis of Siping, and Deng Yu was given a red python warm robe and a jade belt as a reward.
Then he only praised Lan Yu a few words, but did not award him any reward.
Nothing else was mentioned.
In the eyes of others, this is unfair to Lan Yu.
However, Zhu Bai felt that this was precisely a sign that Lao Zhu planned to reuse Lan Yu.
Lao Zhu has been disappointed too many times, so now he will repeatedly check the ability and loyalty before re-employing someone.
Lan Yu's duty is to be straight-minded and loyal to Zhu Biao. As long as she doesn't act like a monster, she will definitely be Zhu Biao's loyal minister in the future.
Chang Mao wanted to ask about this in court.
Lao Zhu's words made him give up his thoughts: "The matter has been decided, there is no point in talking more.
