Chapter 18 The Old General of Yesterday

  In Luoyang Tianjin Bridge Street, there is a special group called Jun Hu.

  In those days, Zheng Da's father, Zheng Wei, raised an army and called on over 10,000 people. Among them were not only members of the Zheng family but also many ordinary civilians who depended on the Zheng family for survival. At that time, the Zheng family was at its peak, with tens of thousands of acres of good land in Luoyang. Tens of thousands of people relied on the Zheng family to live, and when they heard that Zheng Wei had raised an army, the Tianjin Bridge civilians could be said to have risen up en masse.

  Eight hundred young and strong men went to Xingyang to join Zheng Wei's army and became his personal guards, known as the Tiger Troop, roaming freely in northern China.

  Later, Zheng Wei achieved fame and success, but the 800 Tigers suffered heavy casualties. As the saying goes, "one general's achievement is worth a thousand dry bones", which roughly conveys this idea. After Zheng Wei returned home in glory, he bestowed Tianjin Bridge to the surviving Tiger generals and soldiers. He also declared: "As long as An Yuan Hall exists, the people of Tianjin Bridge will never have to worry about their livelihood." This was not only a gesture of gratitude but also an attempt to buy people's hearts.

  In a flash, Zheng's family began to decline.

  The surviving soldiers of the Tiger Troop in those days have mostly passed away, but there are still some old soldiers living on Tianjin Bridge Street.

  They don't seek wealth and honor, they just wish to spend their later years in peace.

  For them, this Tianjin Bridge Street is their home...

  But this point, Mrs. Cui is not clear, and Cui Daolin is even less clear. In the eyes of Mrs. Cui and Cui Daolin, Tianjin Bridge is just a group of bitter people attached to the Zheng family. If Cui Daolin had been more low-key when he arrived in Luoyang, Zheng Shian might have made it clear. But Cui Daolin was too arrogant, and Zheng Shian was so angry at the time that he overlooked this matter.

  Later on, when he wanted to tell Choi Do-rin, he was stopped by Zheng Yanqing.

  "Grandpa, don't get involved."

  Even if you explained the situation at this time, Cui Daolin might not be able to listen. It's better to do it this way...

  Zheng Yanqing whispered something in Zheng Shi'an's ear, and Zheng Shi'an nodded repeatedly.

  He did not return to Luoyang, but instead wrote a letter and had someone deliver it to Cui Daolin.

  Also didn't say what thing, just let people tell Cui Daolin: "The side of Tianjin Bridge can't be moved, if it's moved, there will be big trouble."

  Yan Qing said: "Cui Daolin is now probably feeling proud and self-satisfied. The more you say this, the less he will listen. Even if you give him a letter, he won't bother to read it, and might even tear it up. As for you, you've already done your part... If the young master blames you, you can still explain yourself. But as for Cui Daolin, he's probably going to suffer some consequences."

  Zheng Yanqing never thought that Zheng Shian would return to the old mansion in Luoyang because of this matter.

  Because he had already figured it out, Zheng Renji basically wouldn't manage household finances, most of which were taken care of by Mrs. Choi.

  Madam Cui holds power for one day, and it is impossible for Cui Daolin to lose his position.

  After all, to Lady Choi, everyone in the Zheng family is a stranger. After being away for so many years, the only people she can trust are her own relatives that she brought with her. However, this matter can be used to suppress Choi Do-lin as well. At least it can make Zheng In-ki doubt his abilities. For a noble family like theirs, the position of housekeeper is very important. The big shots or famous scholars either pay attention to worldly affairs or focus on trivial matters, which are all handled by the housekeeper. The fact that An Yuantang can stand firm in the region of Hebei and Henan, where many scholar-officials live, is not only due to the remaining influence of their ancestors but also the efforts Zheng Shi'an has made inside and outside the family.

  So, as long as Zheng Renji has a slight dissatisfaction with Choi Daolin, Zheng Shian still has the possibility of rising to power.

  Zheng Shi'an naturally wouldn't refuse Zheng Yanqing's idea.

  He was originally a smooth talker and once he made up his mind about something, Zheng Shi An really wouldn't bother with it anymore.

  Yan Qing was able to create a poem in the style of "Ode to a Goose", and was able to write down a poem about a goose, which already made Zheng Shi'an unable to underestimate him.

  Zheng Shi'an knew that this obedient grandson he had brought back was not a mediocre person. Therefore, even if he would find it strange in his heart, Zheng Shi'an still valued Yan Qing's opinion. Zheng Renji's carriage arrived in Luoyang, and it was him who secretly sent the message.

  To say the least, Zheng Renji has been doing well over the past two years.

  From an ordinary Tongshi She person to the current Luzhou Cao Yuanzi, equivalent to a ordinary civil servant in later generations, suddenly became a deputy director of the municipal bureau, and this span was completed in just a few years.

  So, taking sides is crucial.

  At that time, in the struggle for the throne, An Yundang abandoned the hidden prince Yang Yong and stood on the side of Yang Guang, naturally gaining a lot.

  At present, Crown Prince Yang Guang's position is unshakeable.

  Zheng Renji was also pleased with the spring breeze. Especially Yang Guang, who had no good feelings towards the Guanlong aristocracy, and his heart was very heavy. This made Yang Guang lean towards the Guandong aristocracy and promote some of the southern gentry he had recruited in Jiangdu.

  For example, Wu County Zhang's family is one of them.

  Zheng Renji was appointed as the Cao of Luozhou, which naturally benefited from Yang Su's recommendation to Yang Guang.

  The position of Cao Yuan has been set up since the Eastern Han Dynasty. However, at that time, it was mainly based on the Taifu and Xiangguo Fu Menxia. Now, since the founding of the Sui Dynasty, Emperor Yang Jian of the Sui Dynasty has suppressed the power of the Prime Minister, and the position of Cao Yuan is divided among the various states and prefectures.

  Dong Cao Yuan, lives in Canggu Valley.

  The Yellow River and Luo River are the places where money and grain are abundant. Zheng Renji, as the Dong Cao Cuan, is equivalent to the Director of the Ministry of Finance in later generations, responsible for taxation, managing warehouses, and is a position that no one can underestimate. The abundance of the Yellow River and Luo River makes the whole country rich, although it's a bit exaggerated, but the importance of the Guanzhong region to the Yellow River and Luo River is increasing day by day. As long as Zheng Renji does well in this position, it's not impossible for him to become the governor of a state in the future. Therefore, Zheng Renji attaches even more importance to this position.

  However, Zheng Renji was not very satisfied with Zheng Dashan sending Zheng Shian over.

  Zheng Shi'an is just a slave, and he's not even whole, what kind of thing is that?

  Zheng Renji is a typical scholar, with a strong aversion to people who are not physically perfect. In the past, his official position was lowly, and since Zheng Dashou valued Zheng Shian, he didn't dare say anything. But now that Zheng Renji has also become a successful person, he naturally has his own views. As soon as these views emerged, he strongly disliked Zheng Dashou's arrangement, and even more so, Zheng Shian.

  But he couldn't go against Zheng Da Shi, so after discussing with his wife, they decided to let Cui Dao Lin take over and send Zheng Shi An to the countryside. Since I couldn't refuse, I could only accept. But my acceptance was conditional - Zheng Shi An had to listen to my arrangements. If he didn't want to go to the countryside, then let him return, and Zheng Ren Ji could be held responsible.

  It would be even better if Zheng Shian agreed...

  It's better if everyone doesn't meet up, saves us from seeing each other every day and getting annoyed.

  With this in mind, Zheng Renji brought his wife and children to the outskirts of Luoyang.

  From Chang'an to Luoyang, it's basically along the valley water all the way up. Far away, you can see a large crowd of people blocking the road in the distance. At the forefront of the crowd are more than a dozen old men with half-armed white hair, wearing worn-out leather armor and scattered hair on their shoulders.

  Zheng Renji heard this and couldn't help but feel surprised in his heart.

  "Hadn't I given orders? Not to make a fuss, nor to welcome us, we would enter the city on our own... How did Cui Daolin still manage to stir up such a commotion?"

  By Zheng Ren's side was a young literary scholar.

  Wearing a white robe with an outer cloak, he has a fair face and short whiskers. His demeanor is elegant and refined, carrying an air of nobility that seems to have been born with him.

  Every move and gesture has a certain elegance.

  He furrowed his two sword-like eyebrows and spoke in a low voice: "Brother Zheng Ren, these people seem to not be here to welcome us."

  Before he had finished speaking, a dozen or so white-haired old men strode forward with big steps.

  Between those steps, a fierce and ruthless aura was revealed. If it wasn't for being forged in mountains of corpses and seas of blood, such an aura would be impossible to cultivate.

  Is it a hijacking?

  Zheng Renji also furrowed his brow, gesturing to the guards beside him to come forward and ask questions.

  "May I ask, is this the Grand Commander's son?"

  An old man with white hair loudly asked before the guard could speak: "We were once under the command of the great general, fierce tiger attendants."

  "Oh no!"

  Zheng Renji was also shocked when he heard this.

  "Brother Zheng Ren, what is the fierce tiger attendant?"

  "This was a personal attendant of my grandfather's in those days, an old term for 'fierce tiger attendants'."

  Zheng Renji didn't dare to be slow either, and hastily ordered the guards in front to scatter. He took a few steps forward and smiled: "Several old soldiers, why are you here?"

  Laojun is an honorific title for the attendants of the fierce tiger.

  The white-haired old man opened his tiger eyes wide and asked loudly, "Young Master, Old General has shown respect. I heard that Young Master came today, we several old men have something to ask. Does the words of the Great Commander still count?"

  Da Dudu is an honorific title for Zheng Wei's attendants of the fierce tiger.

  Zheng Wei was enfeoffed as the Duke of Xiangcheng Commandery, with a fief of 3,000 households. However, he preferred to be addressed as the Grand Marshal, reminiscing about his early years of wielding a golden spear and riding iron horses.

  Zheng Renji was taken aback, "Old General, what our ancestors said back then, how can it be considered invalid?"

  "All right, then I'll ask you, young master, why must you forcibly take over the Tianjin Bridge Street market and drive us to live in the countryside?"

  We grew up on Tianjin Bridge from birth, and except for ironwork, we are good at nothing.

  "Let's go to Tianzhuang, isn't it that we are going to cultivate the land? Young master, we are not relying on our age, but just want to ask you for an explanation. If you say that the words of the Grand Commander don't count, we won't say another word and leave Tianjin Bridge immediately. Young master, we are not rascals, as long as you give us one sentence, we will leave right away."

  Zheng Renji felt something was off...

  He still hasn't figured out what happened until now.

  After all, the Tianjin Bridge market was handled by Mrs. Cui alone. Zheng Renji only knew that Mrs. Cui wanted to reorganize her assets in Luoyang, but he really didn't know how she would do it. What does this mean? Why drive away these old soldiers?

  The young masters of aristocratic families value their reputation above all else.

  If Zheng Renji doesn't have a say today, he won't be able to stand firm in Luoyang in the future.

  Only afraid that at this moment, those aristocratic families in Luoyang are smiling and watching the excitement, watching Zheng Renji's joke.

  Zheng Renji took a deep breath, "Old General, it's windy outside the city, you're at this age... let's talk in our old house."

  This was just a kind intention, but unexpectedly the old general became excited.

  "The great prince's beautiful intention, I beg your pardon, we dare not accept."

  "Last time we went to the old mansion to ask, but were asked by the steward to leave the government office and drove us back. The threshold of the old mansion is too high, and we are just ordinary people, so we dare not go again. Young master, we will not go to the old mansion, please give a clear answer, does the word of the commander count or not? If it counts, we'll leave; if it doesn't count, we'll disperse."

  These people, although they are attached to the Zheng family, have made great contributions to the Zheng family.

  Zheng Renji was furious, "How dare Zheng Shian act like this, immediately send someone to bring him to me."

  "Your Highness, this matter has nothing to do with Zheng Guan Jia. Zheng Guan Jia is currently at the ranch, holding back all the old partners of the ranch. If not for that, the twenty-eight fierce tiger attendants who were still alive back then would have gathered here and asked Your Highness."

  "Isn't Zheng Shian in Luoyang?"

  Zheng Renji then remembered and asked Choi Daolin to take over, ordering Zheng Shian to go to the countryside.

  What is Cui Daolin doing?

  Zheng Renji said seriously, "Old General, the words my ancestors said back then still count... Please return to Tianjin Bridge and live a peaceful life. The annual allowance will be sent on time. Although I am not talented, I absolutely dare not disobey my ancestors' orders."

  A dozen old soldiers exchanged a glance.

  "Great Master, we've also heard... Luoyang is no different from other places. With the Great Master taking office here, our hearts are delighted too. No need to be polite, the Great Master has many expenses elsewhere, having a place to settle down is enough for us."

  "Yes, young master, having a place to settle down is enough."

  "Great Master, although the old general is old, he can still wield a large hammer and take care of himself. We came today just to hear one word from you, Great Master. Since you've said so, let's disperse... Everyone, disperse."

  A dozen old soldiers shouted in unison, and the dense crowd immediately dispersed.

  Zheng Renji let out a sigh and turned his head to glance at Wen Shi beside him, "I've made Yan Shao laugh."

  "There, the Zheng family was able to stand for hundreds of years, indeed it's not ordinary."

  "There is such a group of fierce warriors, how can An Yuan Tang fall... Hehe, Brother Zheng Ren's handling of things is really decisive."

  "How embarrassing! How embarrassing!"

  Zheng Renji's face turned red with embarrassment, and he smiled awkwardly on the side.

  In her heart she was extremely annoyed: This Cui Daolin is really, how can he be so unaware of what's important and what's not?

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  Whatever, tomorrow is the beginning of a new week, Lao Xin is ready to rush to the top.

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