Lin Jue arranged the banquet for today's meeting with Yan Zhengsheng in a spotless box in the east corner of Yude Building. Originally, as Lin Jue, he was not qualified to hold a banquet in a place like Yude Building, but fortunately
He had Prince Liang's Mansion as his backer. With the recommendation of the young prince Guo Kun, Lin Jue successfully became one of the members of Yude House. And for this box and today's banquet, Lin Jue paid five hundred
Two silver deposits. If word of this spreads, I'm afraid a bunch of ordinary people will be scared to death on the street.
In the box, Lin Jue stood in front of the long window with his hands behind his hands and looked at the street intersection below. Several pedestrians in ordinary clothes were walking slowly in the street, but those were the people hired by Yude Building. After entering Yude Building
Within a hundred steps, you will be closely monitored by these people. You can pass messages in at any time. And if someone wants to rush in, he will definitely fail, because the message will be delivered here earlier, and the guests will be here in a short time.
Disappeared within a period of time.
Lin Jue chose to meet with Yan Zhengsun in such a place today because he wanted to discuss an important deal with Yan Zhengshen openly and honestly. He wanted to propose a plan that would impress Yan Zhengsun in exchange for Lin Bonian's pardon. Therefore,
He neither visited Yan Zhengsheng's home nor went to see him at the Zhengshitang Yamen. He only made an invitation verbally through Yan Kuan. This was of course to ensure the safety and confidentiality of the meeting. Because Lin Jue could not
Knowing how many pairs of eyes are staring at him, he is a serious person. And the content of this meeting and conversation must not be known to outsiders. Lin Jue did not even tell Fang Dunru, because he knew that where Fang Dunru was, he
He couldn't break through. It's not because Fang Dunru is more stubborn than Yan Zhengshen, but because Fang Dunru cherishes his own feathers too much and even goes too far. Even if what he says makes sense, he will still reject it because he is afraid that someone will
It was said that he was partial to himself and used power for personal gain. Yan Zhengsheng would not have such a problem, not to mention that Yan Zhengsun was the only person who could make Fang Dunru listen to his words.
Lin Jue had actually been here since noon and was waiting. He had been paying attention to the movement in the streets and alleys below, waiting for Yan Zhengsu to arrive. But he was actually not sure whether Yan Zhengsu would come. Lin Jue himself was actually not convinced.
He is not sure. But one thing is clear to him: if Yan Zhengshen refuses to even see him, then from now on, the little friendship between him and Yan Zhengsun will disappear. Maybe outsiders know what is in Lin Jue's heart.
If you think about it, you will laugh at him for actually having a friendship with Yan Zhengsu. But Lin Jue knows that he is qualified. He is qualified to have a friendship with Yan Zhengsu. If Yan Zhengsu is not stupid, he should also understand this. If he doesn't come,
, Lin Jue will be completely disappointed with him.
It was nearly noon, and the sun was shining brightly. The bluestone path below the street reflected the dazzling sunlight, and there were obviously fewer pedestrians on the street. The box Lin Jue was in was on the second floor, but there were several tall sycamore trees above his head.
The canopy provided protection, and there was an ice basin in the room to cool down, so the temperature was not high. But even so, fine sweat broke out on Lin Jue's forehead. It was not because of the heat, but because of the anxiety in his heart. At this time,
Yan Zhengsun did not show up, which only means that he will not come. In other words, Yan Zhengsun has completely ignored his invitation and his existence as a person.
Lin Jue sighed and smiled helplessly. He did not want to use the backup plan. In order to save Lin Bonian, Lin Jue had indeed made two preparations. As the saying goes, if the east is not bright and the west is bright, if Yan Zhengsu and Fang Dunru have no way, there will be no way.
But if he can leave, then Lin Jue will have to take another road. But if it reaches that point, the price to pay will be very high. Maybe he will have to turn against many people, and maybe he will be reviled by many people. But, he can only go.
Now, rescuing Lin Bonian has become a standard for Lin Jue to measure himself. Whether he can rescue Lin Bonian is not only related to Lin Bonian's life and death, but also a test of Lin Jue's own abilities.
While Lin Jue was pondering, there was movement in the alley below. Several plainclothes waiters from the restaurant suddenly looked towards the west alley entrance, and then dispersed as if nothing had happened. With just this movement, Lin Jue knew that someone was coming.
.
Sure enough, in the gap between the thick shades of trees, Lin Jue looked down and saw three or four people walking from the alley. They were all wearing ordinary clothes and hats covering their heads and faces. From Lin Jue's point of view, it was not obvious.
Their identities were recognized. But soon, the capable second shopkeeper of Yude Building appeared at the door of the box, cupped his hands and said with a smile: "Mr. Lin, the guests you invited have arrived. The food and wine are ready to be served."
…
Yan Zhengshen walked into the box with a gust of hot air. There was a slight flush on his dark and thin face. I don't know if it was because of his mood or because the weather outside was too hot.
Lin Jue stood in front of the door, bowed to the ground, and said with a smile: "Master Yan, Lin Jue is very polite. Thank you Master Yan for coming. I thought you wouldn't come."
Yan Zhengsun returned the gift with his hand, reached out and took off the bamboo hat on his head and handed it to Yan Kuan who was standing behind him. He laughed and said: "I almost couldn't come. The official is really too busy. But you, Lin Jue, invited me, so I won't come.
It seems inappropriate. After all, I didn’t even go to congratulate you when you got married. This time, I also wanted to make up for the congratulatory gift. Yan Kuan, bring it over."
Yan Kuan agreed and took out a black inkstone with a dark green color from the package he was carrying and handed it to Yan Zhengsu. Yan Zhengsu stretched out his hand to take it and handed it to Lin Jue.
"This is..." Lin Jue asked.
"I don't have much savings, and I'm not like other people who can give out hundreds or thousands of taels of gifts at will. After thinking about it, I only have this inkstone around me. It has been with me for more than 20 years. When I went to the northwest to meet friends, my friends
I gave him an inkstone as a gift. After I came back, I asked someone to make an inkstone. Later I found out that the stone was expensive. I went to Taozhou again to pay my friend, but my friend had already
He died of illness and I no longer have the opportunity to thank him. I have used this inkstone for more than 20 years and it is my cherished thing. It should be okay to give it to you as a gift." Yan said solemnly, stroking his beard.
Lin Jue naturally knew the value of Tao Inkstone. Tao Inkstone is one of the four famous inkstones in the world. Its color is green, its quality is as hard and fine, crystal clear as jade, struck like a bell, and the ink can be stored for a long time without drying out. It is extremely cherished by literati.
Fang Zhibao is valuable. This square inkstone is worth a thousand taels of silver. What's more, this inkstone has been with Yan Zhengsu for many years and contains a piece of his friendship, so it is even more priceless. Lin Jue
How could you accept such a treasure?
"No, no, no, I will never accept it. A gentleman will not take away what others love. How can I accept this thing that is dear to your heart? I understand your thoughts, and I am very grateful." Lin Jue waved his hands repeatedly.
Yan Zheng smiled solemnly and said: "Don't think too much. This is just a study item. It's not much different from an ordinary inkstone. It's just used for grinding ink and writing. Naturally, it has little value in the eyes of the world.
Fei, but in my eyes, it is just an ordinary thing. I am not giving it to you because of its value, but because I hope you can use this inkstone to write more beautiful things like "Theory of Six Kingdoms"
It’s just articles and penetrating insights. If you don’t accept them, you’re showing disdain for me.”
Lin Jue waved his hand and said: "I will remember your words, but I cannot accept this inkstone. It would be a great honor for you to come and congratulate me. I will never accept this thing."
Lin Jue was determined not to accept it, but Yan Zhengshen was determined to give it. The two of them were arguing back and forth, and finally Yan Zheng was angry and said angrily: "Lin Jue, I gave you a gift, but you refused to accept it? Isn't this wrong?
Do you want to give me face? You must accept it. If you don't accept it, I will throw it downstairs and smash it to pieces."
Lin Jue smiled bitterly and scratched his head, knowing that he could not resist Yan Zhengsheng, so he sighed: "That's it, I will accept it, thank you sir. I will keep this inkstone well."
"It's not for you to collect and keep. I want you to grind ink and write articles in it. It's for use, not for worship. In the past twenty years, when have I not used it? Do you understand?"
He stared solemnly.
Lin Jue looked at the inkstone with a wry smile. No wonder it looked dark green at first glance. It turned out to be full of ink dirt. You must know that the color of the Tao inkstone is fresh green, as clear as blue. It can be seen that in Yan Zhengsu's eyes, this
It's really just an inkstone.
"Okay, okay, I understand, I understand. Please take a seat and have a cup of tea to quench your thirst. The food and wine will be served soon." Lin Jue said with a smile. He stretched out his hand to pick up the inkstone and put it aside preciously.
On the small table.
"Don't tell me, I'm really thirsty." The smile returned to Yan Zhengshen's face, and he walked to the big carved chair and sat down. Lin Jue took it upon himself to pour a cup of tea for him.
"Did Sir come alone? Just now I seemed to see someone coming with Sir. When Butler Yan came out, there seemed to be others. Do you want to invite us to sit together?" Lin Juexiao asked.
Yan Zhengsu picked up the tea cup and was stunned for a moment, then waved his hand and said with a smile: "No, no, there is no one else. Those are my two followers. Yan Kuan will arrange for them later. I am the only one here today."
Lin Jue said oh, turned around and sat down next to Yan Zhengsun. After a while, the wine and food were put on the table. More than a dozen dishes were placed on the table, but they were not delicacies, just some ordinary dishes. The meat dishes were nothing more than steamed fish.
Just two kinds of roast chicken.
Yan Zhengsu had a look of approval on his face. Lin Jue felt a little pleased that he had put a lot of thought into it. He knew that Yan Zhengsu did not like extravagance and waste, and his favorite food was home-cooked food, so he did not serve delicacies from mountains and seas. At this moment, it seemed that,
Sure enough, Yan Zhengsheng is satisfied. But in fact, the price of this table of home-cooked food is the same as the price of a table of delicacies. No matter what dish you order at Yudelou, the total price is there, whether you eat it or not, they can
in spite of.
The wine is quite good. Yan Zhengsheng likes good wine, so Lin Jue naturally took this into consideration. What he drank today was Bianliang's local Zaoji ancient wine. According to legend, this kind of wine has been around since the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period.
The wine that the sage and I loved to drink the most was of course expensive, but Lin Jue didn't care about that.
