Chapter 33: Accidental Planting of Willow (Part 2)

  The mansion with green walls and blue tiles, two stone lions squatting at the entrance, standing under the steps of the black lacquer gate, the momentum of the Yangliuqing family seems to come rushing over.

  At this time, the scene inside the Shi family's residence was quite different. In the east wing study, two people sat facing each other at a long, rectangular table made of red wood inlaid with cloud-patterned stone. The man sitting on the west side was an elderly gentleman in his sixties, exuding an air of stability and composure. He wore a grey satin robe with a high collar, over which he had put on a black silk riding jacket, its buttons fastened neatly and symmetrically, conveying an aura of dignity from head to toe.

  The master on the other side of the tea table looked a few years younger, dressed simply in a green robe and hemp shoes, but his eyes were piercing, and occasionally, when he inadvertently revealed his gaze, it was sharp as a knife, making people dare not look directly at him.

  The old man sitting in the east wing is the master of the Shi family mansion, Tianjin's first wealthy family, Shi Lao Ye, courtesy name Xing De, a leading figure in Tianjin, even the Tianjin government officials respectfully call him "De Weng".

  Across from Shi Gongyuan was his younger brother, Shi Xuehui, also known as Mingyuan and Qinglu Sanren. He was the number one person in the administration of Governor-General Guilin, with the title of Minister of War, and he devoted all his energy to helping Guilin plan and strategize. Guilin's smooth career advancement was largely thanks to Shi Xuehui's assistance. Guilin had once proposed promoting him to a prestigious position, but Shi Xuehui declined, which left Guilin deeply grateful and even more reliant on him, referring to him as "Mr. Qinglu" and saying "The talent of Qinglu is unmatched, even by Zhuge Liang in his heyday."

  As for these two, they are indeed figures who can trample the Three Mountains and Five Peaks underfoot and traverse the Five Lakes and Four Seas as if it were a common path. What could make them sit in the study chamber to confer secretly must be an extremely troublesome affair, which is precisely what happened when Ye Zhao, this second-generation ancestor, killed his way to Tianjin without regard for life or death and gave the Stone family a severe blow with an iron rod.

  "Silver light, shine!" Shi Qing Lou slowly said with her eyes slightly closed.

  "This... " De Yong felt a bit heartbroken, having been fined thirty or so people and six thousand taels of silver, which was not a small amount. Moreover, after yielding, the new house that had already been planned with rough sketches also went down the drain.

  "Enduring small evils leads to great beauty. Prince Zheng's brother, what's the harm in giving him some sweet treats?" Shi Qingluo's eyes flashed with a hint of sinister intent.

  De Yun sighed, nodded slowly: "Alright, I'll listen to you, Ming Yuan, are you sure the person coming is Zheng Qinqing's brother, isn't it said that imperial princes aren't allowed to leave the capital?"

  "There will always be a black horse in the herd." Shi Qingluo sneered and lightly picked up his teacup, lost in thought.

  De Yun slightly frowned and said: "That, can't you think of a way to ask the Governor-General to handle him? The Emperor is an understanding person, how can he be allowed to act arbitrarily?"

  Shi Qinglu slowly shook his head and smiled, saying: "I have my own way of dealing with him! I'll make sure he loses the emperor's favor without making it difficult for Governor Zhang."

  De Yun felt relieved in his heart and naturally knew that Qing Lu's words were 90% true, and this foolish kid from Beijing would probably have a hard time later on.

  ……

  In the east wing of the Zhao family's house, Ye Zhaoslowly savored the tea and examined the letter in his hand, while Rui Si stood beside him, counting the silver notes sent by the Shi family.

  Zhao Ergou fully played the role of a servant, having just gone to the courtyard to serve hot tea to the masters, and then hurriedly came to the side hall to attend to Ye Zhao.

  Ye Zhao looked at the letter in his hand, only to sneer. Before coming to Tianjin, he had naturally figured out the bottom line of the Shi family. As for Shi Qingluo who wrote this letter to him, Ye Zhao's understanding of him was much deeper than Shi Qingluo's understanding of himself.

  Even if you're from a wealthy family, you still can't afford to offend people easily, right?

  This letter from Shi Qinglu starts by addressing the recipient as "Young Master", and then goes on to offer a lengthy and sincere apology. He says something like "I had intended to come in person to apologize, but since Young Master is currently residing in the capital, with such an esteemed status, I dare not be presumptuous". Later on, Shi Qinglu also subtly advises "Young Master" to cultivate his character and nurture his nature, speaking in a way that sounds extremely pleasant. If he weren't truly despicable, one might even think he's being genuinely considerate of "Young Master"'s well-being.

  Unfortunately, Ye Zhao is not a scoundrel, but he is actually a hundred times more clever than Mr. Qinglu thought. Looking at this letter, Ye Zhao just sneered coldly. Your words are sincere and true, you can really deceive ghosts! I don't believe it, extorting so much silver from your family, you can remain calm? If you really want to fawn on me, why did you only send 6,000 taels of silver? You have a great reputation, but do you know how many people want to fawn on this second-generation ancestor? What kind of means haven't I seen? But there has never been anyone who flatters people just by moving their lips. Whether this flattering is true or false, you, my brother, are far from understanding me.

  Put the letter aside, Ye Zhao glanced at Zhao Ergou who was smiling foolishly at himself, then turned to Rui Si and said: "Fourth son, count out 1,000 taels of silver for Zhao Ergou, and divide the rest among you all. It's been a hard journey."

  Zhao Ergou was stunned and quickly knelt down: "Thank you, young master, thank you for the reward."

  Ye Zhaowaved his hand and said: "It's not for you to decide on your own, take it to the old lady and ask her to make a decision."

  "Yes, yes!" Zhao Ergou thought for a moment, then knocked his head on the bluestone floor twice, gritting his teeth in secret, it hurt so much.

  "Sir, are you from the Prince's mansion?" Zhao Erge overheard the soft discussion of the guards who were captured by the Shi family while serving these big men, so he asked this question.

  Ye Zhaosheng smiled and nodded slightly.

  "Ah, then you...you know..." Zhao Ergou naturally wanted to ask if Ye Zhaoye knew his sister, but was cut off by Ye Zhaoye waving his hand and saying: "You'll find out later!" Ye Zhaoye didn't want to make up nonsense with him. As for later when he and Madam Zhao communicated, she could say whatever she wanted.

  "Yes, yes." Zhao Ergou replied repeatedly.

  Rui Si'er whispered beside Ye Zhao at this time: "Master, I don't dare to accept these rewards all at once."

  Ye Zhaosheng smiled and glared at him: "I told you to take it, so just take it. This year, everyone is working hard, so let's just consider it a advance payment for everyone's hard work!"

  "Yes, yes, we humble servants are fortunate to have a master who is so considerate of us, it's truly a great blessing."

  Wei Si's flattery had already made Ye Zhao numb, he just smiled slightly and didn't take it seriously.

  ……

  Jia Chun Garden is the imperial concubine's bedroom, with warm pavilions shining brightly and colorful, luxurious and magnificent.

  The king and queen smiled at Rong'er, who was delighted with her dignified and virtuous demeanor. The queen couldn't help but think of her younger self when she saw Rong'er, and the kindness in her eyes was beyond words. As for the royal palace, only Ye Zhao had enjoyed such treatment before, but now Rong'er had joined their ranks.

  It never occurred to Fu Jin that Rong Er, who was both virtuous and talented, was being led astray by Ye Zhao step by step, nor did she know that her beloved daughter's only wicked thought about the new bride was to turn her into a playful child.

  "Tomorrow is the day we move into our new home, isn't it?" asked the gentle and loving Madame Fu with a smile.

  "Yes, Mother." Rong'er replied in a childish tone, the little one sat up straight, afraid of not pleasing the King's wife.

  Ye Shao and Rong'er have been married for almost a month. According to Manchu custom, Rong'er should return to her natal home for a month-long visit.

  The king seemed to have something on his mind, and was distracted all the time. Ye Zhao looked at him slightly strangely and asked: "Ama returned from the palace yesterday with a lot of heart, but did he encounter some difficulties?"

  The king smiled bitterly and said, "It seems that nothing can be hidden from you. Anyway, you will know sooner or later. Yesterday, Guiliang recommended you to the emperor to go to Guangzhou to handle foreign affairs."

  Ye Zhaolong was taken aback, "Guiliang, why did this Governor of Zhili suddenly remember me?"

  Ye Zhaodao knew that Britain and France had already gone to Shanghai to negotiate with the Governor of Liangjiang, and even heard that they would sail their large ships straight to Beijing. The imperial court was also preparing for this by having the Governor of Zhili, Gui Liang, deal with these barbarians.

  Foreign gunboats are expected to anchor at Taku (Tianjin), and Guiliang is afraid that he will soon go to Tianjin to prepare for battle.

  Ye Zhaowu suddenly realized that Shi Qinglu was also in Tianjin a few days ago, and he was probably there for the same reason.

  The king sighed and said: "His Majesty seems to be quite moved, yesterday he inquired about you, preparing to entrust you with the mission of being a deputy minister for trade negotiations."

  Ye Zhaowu nodded slightly.

  At present, the Qing Empire does not have a specialized department for handling foreign affairs. The Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs, actually handles diplomatic affairs with various countries. In other words, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Qing Empire is currently located in Guangzhou, and the Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi, Ye Mingchen, concurrently serves as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. This strange official, who is notorious for ignoring Western nations, is a peculiar phenomenon.

  In fact, when the Anglo-French Allied Army entered Guangdong, they asked Ye Mingchen to negotiate within ten days. Ye Mingchen ignored them and did not organize troops to resist. Later, when the Anglo-French Allied Army approached Guangzhou City, they demanded that Ye Mingchen surrender within 48 hours. Ye Mingchen had no reaction, neither resisting nor negotiating, nor fleeing. It was not until the Anglo-French Allied Army broke into Guangzhou City and captured him.

  He was ridiculed as the "Six Not Governor": "Not fighting, not making peace, not defending, not dying, not surrendering, and not fleeing. The minister's tolerance, the governor's ambition, are rare in both ancient and modern times."

  Ye Zhaixin said that if he were to work with such a strange official and run errands for him, it would be quite refreshing.

  Suddenly, a flash of lightning flashed through Ye Zhao's mind. Was it possible that Gui Liang, the Governor of Zhili, had recommended him? Needless to say, it must have been Shi Qinglu's idea.

  What a vicious move! Shi Qinglu's eyes are extremely accurate. Nowadays, dealing with foreign affairs is the most difficult task. After the Opium War, almost all officials who signed treaties with foreigners were eventually dismissed from their posts. However, many officials were brought to justice years later for past mistakes, some of whom were punished for crimes unrelated to foreign affairs. In reality, the root of their troubles lay in the treaties they had signed. The Xianfeng Emperor disliked this, but it was a leftover from the Daoguang Emperor's time, and he couldn't openly bring up old scores. Therefore, the Xianfeng Emperor sought other excuses to deal with these ministers. Later historical records clearly show that it is easy to understand at a glance, but in today's world, those who can see through this are rare, knowing that dealing with foreign affairs is a dead end. This Shi Qinglu must be said to have eyes like a torch!

  But anyway, Ye Zhao was a bit amused. Shi Qinglu thought he had dug his own grave, but he didn't know that these days he was worried about how to leave the capital, and this poisonous plan actually helped him greatly. He should have thanked him with a heavy gift instead.

  Ye Zhaoming felt even more helpless and innocent, his luck was always so good, why?

  If Shi Qing Lou knew what Ye Zhao was thinking now, I don't know if he would be so angry that he would vomit blood.

  ………………………………

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