"There is something I don't know if I should say, I don't know if I should say it..." Lin Mengde hesitated for a long time and whispered.
"When did Uncle Meng De become so estranged from me?" Lin Fu said with a smile.
It was raining outside and the light in the tent was dim. Lin Fu looked at Lin Mengde's solemn face and knew that what he said was not trivial. Otherwise, given the relationship between them, there would be no need to use these words as a basis. He waved his hand and said,
The guards in the camp all retreated.
"Then I'll tell you, if you don't like it, just think that I'm talking nonsense..." Lin Mengde lit the oil lamp with a fire sickle, put the oil lamp on the table, and squinted his eyes, as if
Thinking about what to say.
Lin Mengde had been in charge of the Lin clan in Jiangning for many years. He had a bad habit of thinking carefully when speaking and doing things, which made him seem a little slow. Lin Fu ignored him and took an official document and read it while waiting for him to speak.
"In your opinion, the Chu Party is not enough to rely on?" Lin Mengde asked.
"In the past few months, you have witnessed how the Chu party has acted in government and in opposition. I sent everyone back to discuss matters in your secret room. What do you mean by this?" Lin Fu asked, "But the Jiangdong Left Army
Although he has accumulated military merits, his foundation is floating, and for the time being he will always have to take refuge in Prime Minister Zhang, Duke Tang and Lord Gu..."
"Then let me speak frankly," Lin Mengde said, "When the Donglu retreat, it is natural for the imperial court to summon you to the capital to report your merits. Your marriage will be a public discussion, but it is not up to you to make the decision. In your heart, you want to marry someone
The daughter of the clan, or the daughter of a minister?"
Lin Fu's mind flashed to Xun Niang's frightened and beautiful appearance, and then he thought of Su Mei.
If we only consider it from a personal perspective, Xun Niang is certainly a good match. Her talent, appearance, temperament, and the most important factor in marriage in this world: family background, are all perfect.
But things are not that simple.
Before King Qin went north, or even before the Battle of Jiyang, there were rumors about his marriage to Xunniang in Hekou. The Gu family remained calm and it was clear what was on their minds.
Although just over half a year has passed, the situation has developed to where it is today, probably beyond everyone's imagination.
The meaning of Lin Mengde's words was very clear. When he entered the capital this time, the fact that he was unmarried must become a public discussion. Whether it was Zhang Xie, Tang Haoxin or Gu Wuchen, they would suppress the conflict between him and Yue Lengqiu, and push him away from Jiangdong.
The soldiers were firmly tied to the chariots of the Chu Party and charged into battle for the Chu Party. No matter whether they were promoted, rewarded or win over, they were far less reliable and intimate than in-laws.
Whether it was Gu Junxun or the daughters of other important ministers of the Chu Party, Zhang Xie, and Tang Haoxin were all capable enough to arrange Lin Fu's marriage through Emperor Chongguan's mouth, so what excuse did Lin Fu have to refuse?
I'm afraid the moment I open my mouth to refuse is the moment I break with the Chu Party.
If he agrees to the marriage, both the Jiangdong Left Army, the Jiyun Society, and the public opinion of the government and the public will more firmly regard him as a backbone of the Chu Party.
When Lin Fu was in Jinan, he tried every possible means to contact Lu Jingyan, but until Lu Jingyan died on the battlefield, he did not have a single word with him. Lin Fu regarded it as a regret in this life, or was it because of the reputation of the Chu Party?
After the war, the power of the Chu Party in the court was further consolidated, but can a truly knowledgeable person think of what the Chu Party did during this period?
The foundation of the Jiangdong Left Army is still shallow, but the prestige gained by marching north to Yannan will not be weakened. Although it is not possible to break away from the Chu Party at this time, it must maintain an inseparable relationship.
Even if we can't be alienated, we can't be closer.
When Lin Fu thought about this, he felt a headache. He rubbed the Taiyangtang and asked Lin Mengde: "You are probably not the only one who wants to say this to me, right?"
"Zi Ang and the others all think that I am closer to you, so they rushed to the shelves and asked me to tell you about this matter," Lin Mengde said, "This matter cannot be postponed until we come to Beijing to consider how to solve it!"
"What can I do?" Lin Fu sighed inwardly. He had Liu Yue'er and Xiao Man enough in his heart, but his sleeves couldn't be exposed. He didn't care much about whether they got married or not. He didn't expect that his marriage would be delayed.
As of today, it has become a matter that is not his alone. It seems that Cao Ziang and others do not want to have too close relations with the Chu Party. Yes, every team has its own core interests. He spread his hands and asked Lin Mengde, "General Manager
You can't let me just grab a girl in Ukou and get married, right?"
"When we were in Jinan, the Sun family girl was also in the army, did you know?" Lin Mengde asked.
"The Sun family has made it clear that they don't want to wade into this muddy water. Besides, what is Wan Niang's impression of me? You can't let my backyard catch fire every day after I get married, right?" Lin Fu said helplessly.
"The situation before and after is different. When we were in Jiangning, the Gu family was determined not to marry Xun Niang to you. Do you still have this confidence now?" Lin Mengde asked, "The Sun family girl is a girl with general knowledge. Maybe
I had some misunderstandings about you before... Whether it works or not, you have to give it a try to know."
Whether it was Lin Mengde, Cao Ziang, Zhou Pu, Ao Canghai, Ning Zechen and others, or even Sun Shangwang outside the camp and the key members of the Jiangdong Left Army, Jiyun Society, and Jiyun Military Guard, they all only recognized Lin Fu.
They all regard Jiangdong Zuojun, Jiyun Society, and Xisha Island as an independent power group. They do not identify with the Chu Party, the government, or the current court. Their ideal mistress is not that kind of virtuous and kind lady.
Virtue, a lady hiding in a deep house with no way out, they hope that the woman standing next to Lin Fu is the kind of woman who is courageous, knowledgeable, and able to stabilize the rear at critical moments.
By the standards of the scholar-bureaucrats of the time, Sun Wenwan was really not a good match. She was from a lowly background, a girl who wielded swords and sticks, had a wild temper, and also interfered in the affairs of the He Gang. But for Lin Mengde, Cao Ziang, Zhou Pu, Ao Canghai and others
Generally speaking, these are not shortcomings.
Seeing Lin Fu's silence, Lin Mengde asked tentatively: "If you think it's feasible, I'll report illness and stay behind closed doors to recuperate for a few days?"
Lin Fu sighed softly and said: "Be careful on the road. I will ask Ma Pohou to lead a team of cavalry to escort you, but don't force this..."
Lin Mengde breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile: "If this doesn't work out, my mother-in-law has a niece who is pretty..."
Lin Fu smiled bitterly and waved Lin Mengde to leave, calling Sun Shangwang in to discuss the matter.
Outside Jizhou City, the military camp was rolling up and down. It was raining at night, and the raindrops hit the cold gray branches and tents, making a crackling sound. Dozens of fast horses galloped into the military camp.
Hao Zongcheng had narrow eyes and a slightly pointed chin with a fake beard. He actually took command of the Jibei Army in the name of military supervisor. He was wearing cyan armor and a red helmet on the desk, holding an official document.
Reading under the lamp, he looked a bit majestic despite being quite self-disciplined in the camp.
Listening to the sound of horse hooves entering the camp, it seemed that they did not stop until they were in front of the Chinese military tent. Hao Zongcheng couldn't help but frown. Just as he was about to send a guard to see who was so unruly, the guard on duty outside the camp came in and reported: "Master Liu, from
Jinhai is here..."
Hearing Liu Zhi coming, Hao Zongcheng knew that there was hope for what had been secretly discussed last time. He did not blame Liu Zhi for riding into his central military tent, and asked the guards to invite Liu Zhi in.
"Little Liu Zhi kowtows to Mr. Zuo Shi Chang..." Liu Zhi came into the camp and kowtowed to Hao Zongcheng to say hello.
"Get up and sit next to me." Seeing the smile on Liu Zhi's face, Hao Zongcheng also smiled and asked him to sit next to him and sent the guards away from the camp, "How are things going?"
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has two left and right servants, Chang. From the third rank, the position of Chang, the right servant, has been vacant all year round. As Emperor Chongguan's personal eunuch when he was still a prince, Hao Zongcheng gained the trust of Emperor Chongguan. He alone holds the power of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This is especially true at this time.
He was directly in charge of the military power of the Jibei Army, and was in charge of all the troops on the northern front.
In addition to the left and right attendants, there are two young eunuchs and four chamberlain officers, all from the fourth rank. They are subordinate to Ye Ting, Gong Wei, Xi Guan, Nei Pu, Neifu, Neifang and Liu Zhi.
A chamberlain uncle with an official residence of the sixth rank.
There were no outsiders in the camp, so Liu Zhi naturally addressed Hao Zongcheng by his provincial official name.
"Lin Fu, that turtle son, is going to piss people off to death. It's not like he refuses to sell one. He gives two hundred taels of silver a piece, and even if he pays a thousand pieces, he won't sell them in small pieces..." Liu Zhi observed Hao Zongcheng's expression and said
After telling Lin Mengde about what he had privately agreed upon, he was afraid that Hao Zongcheng would be dissatisfied with the price, so he did not dare to boast extravagantly, "The Ministry of War rewarded him with only twenty taels of silver for one grade. Master Chang, the Zuo Shi, did not lower his price."
, I’m already giving him face, Lin Fu, this son of a bitch, really doesn’t know what’s good or bad.”
"If he promised twenty taels of silver for one level, it would be better to hand over all the levels to the Ministry of War for review," Hao Zongcheng said, looking at the swaying campfire and breathing in the cold air, "Two hundred taels of silver is a bit exaggerated..."
"That's right. Isn't this son of a bitch afraid that Jiangdong Zuojun will be too conspicuous and make all the troops jealous and destroy him? He just can't understand the kindness of Lord Zuo Shichang. I can't wait to roll up my sleeves and fight with him!" Liu
He said exaggeratedly. When he saw that the look on Hao Zongcheng's face was not particularly resentful, he said cautiously, "Lin Fu also said that two hundred of them were sold by the Jinzhong Army..."
"..." Hao Zongcheng looked at the candlelight silently for a while, and couldn't help but ask Liu Zhi, "Does Lin Fu really think he can eat all the bones and flesh of the remnant army in Jinzhong?"
"According to what I saw in Hejian Mansion, Lin Xuwen was quite able to win over the remaining defeated generals. However, the remaining defeated generals had different views on the Chu Party, and there were still some differences," Liu Zhi said, "The remaining soldiers in Jinzhong are in Jinhai, Yang
Xin has indeed achieved considerable military exploits. In my humble opinion: Mr. Zuo Shichang is going to hold them accountable now. Is he afraid that he will leave an unfavorable reputation for others?"
"Lin Fu is greedy for money and power. It is easier to deal with than not being greedy at all. Is it possible that he is afraid that they will rebel?" Hao Zongcheng said, "Go and reply to them. I accept the price! You can rest in the camp first."
One day, I will give you money to take to Jinhai..."
"Should we talk about money after we meet our superiors?" Liu Zhi asked.
"I don't believe that a small eunuch dares to hack my money!" Hao Zongcheng said coldly, "If he is a good dealmaker, you are not afraid to have a good relationship with him in Jiangdong Zuojun. I believe he wants something from me.
There’s a lot going on!”
Someone sent Liu Zhi to a side tent to rest, and called his deputy in the Jibei Army: "The Jibei Army has only won forty ranks after fighting until now. It is a shame. Tell those turtles and grandsons that once
A barbarian-level four hundred taels of silver. Don't wait until I am held responsible for avoiding battles and fearing enemies, and then cry in my tent for your father and mother. I am neither their father nor their mother, I only recognize the level of merit!
We should do this more covertly so that people from the Ministry of War and the Metropolitan Procuratorate don’t notice it, otherwise we will have to waste a lot of words!”