After reporting to the Ministry of Personnel and visiting the Right Prime Minister's Residence, Li Pin stayed in the capital for the time being.
Theoretically speaking, in a place like the capital, where high-ranking officials, nobles, and all kinds of second generations gathered, even if a seventh-grade county magistrate was promoted, no one would pay more attention to him. However, because of the hospitality of Ning Yi and the Right Prime Minister's Residence, he was not given the cold shoulder for a period of time. Instead, he had all kinds of social activities and lived a very fulfilling life. Among them, the one who often looked for him was Qin Shaoyu, the sixteenth young master of the Qin family, Qin Siyuan's nephew.
Speaking of this Qin Shaoyu, his relationship with Ning Yi was just a casual arrangement by Qin Siyuan. After Qin Siyuan's resurrection, all his relatives came to seek refuge with him. He couldn't refuse them, so he used soft and hard tactics to get rid of some of them. He also kept a few relatively smart and ambitious young people by his side, and Qin Shaoyu was one of them. However, in a place like the capital, if one wanted to make a name for himself or keep up with Qin Siyuan's teachings, a little bit of intelligence couldn't do it. Because of the influence of the Prime Minister's Residence, Qin Shaoyu soon got lost in it and even mixed with Gao Muen and other famous people in the capital.
After Qin Siyuan learned of this, he gave him some advice. Fortunately, although Qin Shaoyu was afraid of this uncle, he would more or less reflect on himself. Later, Qin Siyuan arranged for him to entertain Ning Yi. After Qin Shaoyu learned that his uncle favored him, he observed him modestly and was soon convinced by what Ning Yi had done. After Ning Yi settled in the capital, he often came to the Ning Mansion to visit.
In fact, there were many staff and guest officials in the Prime Minister's Residence, and there were also many smart people, such as Yao Zunian, Ji Kun, Cheng Zhouhai, and some other disciples of Qin Siyuan. However, these people were either too old, too mediocre, or too driven. Only Ning Yi, who was about the same age as him, would often chat with him very happily. He admired both Qin Siyuan and Ning Yi. After that, he began to learn from Ning Yi.
A man would always look at the back of another man as he moved forward. Qin Shaoyu was in such a stage. Of course, he couldn't imitate Ning Yi's domineering aura and strategy. At the beginning of imitating, he often learned how to speak and act. Not long after, after a few conscious conversations with Ning Yi, he gradually found his own position.
In terms of intelligence and wisdom, no matter what, he could not catch up to these powerful people, but as a relative of the Right Minister, he could not catch up to them, but if he wanted to befriend them, it was a relatively simple matter. In the process of befriending Ning Yi and the others, he still mingled in Bianliang's social circle. This time, he no longer befriended Gao Muen and the others. Instead, he deliberately came into contact with some circles of scholars and celebrities, treating them with humility and interacting with them. He tried to get close to some famous and talented scholars and flatter them. Most importantly, he deliberately got close to some young people that Ning Yi and Qin Siyuan felt were capable, especially Qin Siyuan's old friends and students.
He was a member of the Right Minister's Residence. Even if he wasn't talented enough, when he wanted to act friendly, no one would really slap his face. In this way, as he befriended more people, his way of dealing with people also became more like a young master of a famous scholar.
Among Qin Siyuan's nephews, there were also some who stayed in the capital and studied hard. But in the past six months, Qin Siyuan became increasingly satisfied with him and praised him for his progress. In the past two months, Monk Jueming, who had a lot of connections in the Minister's Residence, would occasionally say a few words to him and give him some pointers. And after interacting with these people, his understanding of ancient books and poems improved even faster than before.
Because of these reasons, Qin Shaoyu was more and more convinced of Ning Yi. After Li Pin came to the capital, Ning Yi said, "This person is extremely talented and knowledgeable, and he's not bad at doing things." Qin Shaoyu took the initiative to take on the task of entertaining them, arranging sightseeing trips, poetry gatherings, and banquets in brothels. He was quite enthusiastic.
Li Pin was actually better in this aspect, and she didn't reject these social gatherings. The guidance of the young master of the Minister's Residence was a stepping stone for him. Not long after, a few poems at the literary gatherings made the former Jiangning scholar famous again in Bianliang. At this time, his experience as an official had made him more mature and stable. If he had the vanity and pursuit of fame like a young man in the past, now he only wanted to experience the prosperity and joy, and wouldn't indulge in fame too much.
And in fact, recently in Bianliang, because of Medicine Master Guo's victory over Xiao Gan, there was a boiling excitement everywhere. From the private celebrations of the high officials, to the poetry gatherings of the literati, to the enthusiastic activities of the brothels, to the discounts and promotions of some merchants, including Takeshi, to show their patriotism. The atmosphere of the city was hyped up as if it was the New Year.
Some people knew the inside story of Tong Guan's recapture of Yanjing and his subsequent victories. The victory had dispelled everyone's suspicions of Golden Era.
Xiao Gan, King Xi of Liao, was one of the true central generals of Liao. Even when the Female Zhenren rose up and swept across the Northern Land, it was difficult to suppress this person's brilliance. Prime Minister Liao, the King of the Six Tribes of Xi, and the person who finally controlled the troops of Liao and resisted the attack of the Female Zhenren. Although most people said that the Liao Kingdom could not withstand a single blow, when Medicine Master Guo really killed him, the people were indeed overjoyed.
Li Pin was also immersed in this joy. Together with Qin Shaoyu, she met some famous women in the capital, and also made friends with a few famous and talented young people. Among them was the famous Imperial College student Chen Dong, but Qin Shaoyu didn't like this guy, because he once came to Ning Yi and accused him of not making progress and being a scholar in vain.
The capital was a good place, where all the complicated affairs of the world gathered. While feeling this atmosphere, he also thought about all kinds of things as an official, including the worries about the disasters in various places, how to distribute the relief, how to stabilize the soaring food prices, and many ideas about making the country strong and powerful after being in contact with the grassroots for more than two years. He even hoped that the court would be more vigilant when dealing with Medicine Master Guo.
Of course, after becoming an official, he felt that there were endless things to do every day. Even though he was thinking about these things, he didn't feel that he was extremely anxious. Just like the nationalistic youths of the later generations who were worried about national affairs, although they sometimes said that the country was on the verge of destruction, in fact, the world around them was still spinning peacefully. If everyone was worried about this, it would be hard to live.
In private, he wrote a few documents and memorials, ready to submit them to the higher-ups or talk to Qin Siyuan when there was a chance. At the same time, he was thinking about who specifically summoned him to the capital this time. Of course, it must be the Department of the Right Prime Minister, as well as what position he would be assigned to and what his intentions were.
Qin Shaoyu didn't know these things, and Ning Yi didn't say either. Li Pin didn't know whether he knew or not, but in his opinion, it was very likely that Ning Yi didn't know. Because even if Ning Yi could talk to Qin Siyuan, as the Prime Minister, it was impossible for him to tell the arrangement of the officials to a businessman who worked for him.
As for Ning Yi, his opinion was not as extreme as Chen Dong's, but he more or less sighed and felt that it was a pity.
Recently, he had been in contact with Ning Yi several times, and Ning Yi was still kind and took care of him. Sometimes he talked with him about things when he was a county magistrate and the situation of some of the people at the bottom. Ning Yi was not a person who was not down to earth, but in Li Pin's eyes, he obviously knew these things for the sake of business. He didn't understand Ning Yi's thoughts. When they first met, he was amazed by Ning Yi's operation of the century eggs. He had also participated in helping, but these were small things after all. How could a man concentrate on these things?
On the other hand, in many words of worship from Qin Shaoyu, he actually deepened this impression.
He was good at business, and now he even helped the entire Prime Minister's Office to operate the income. All kinds of powerful means made the enemies in the Green Forest tremble with fear. The means of doing business were also endless, and all kinds of luxurious and fresh products quickly swept the market. He knew about Takeshi's expansion. This time, he lived in the upper room behind Takeshi's, so he could see all this with his own eyes.
The packaging was beautiful, and expensive perfume and soap were added. The extravagance was probably dozens of times higher than the cost. A small jar of quail eggs in a fine porcelain bottle could be sold for more than ten taels of silver. It was also said that precious herbs were added to it and had the effect of prolonging life. The paper fans, bookmarks, and other things were sold at an astonishing price. Those Takeshi carts that went out sold all kinds of expensive and strange things to the rich businessmen in the surrounding counties. Even the clothes and fabrics of the Su family run by his wife were said to be carefully designed. They looked beautiful and spirited, but they added a good-looking logo that was said to symbolize "Su Ning" on them. The asking price was frighteningly high, and it was said that a small number of rich businessmen even began to wear such clothes as pride.
These things, in addition to Ning Yi's entourage when he went out several times, in addition to the Bamboo Shop's requirements and restrictions on the employees, and the employee rules and regulations that were read every day — this was the beginning of the domineering, greedy, and xenophobic nobles. Although the means were powerful, it was not the way of a gentleman.
Before leaving the capital, he had to find a good opportunity to persuade Liheng, so that he would not betray his friendship.
The autumn sun shone brightly in through the window, and yellow leaves fell from the courtyard. During the Little Candle Hall's gathering, when someone came over to toast him, he was still thinking about this matter. Then he smiled and raised his cup to socialize.
At the same time in the afternoon, Ning Yi led seven or eight guards into the rear courtyard of the Right Minister's residence. After entering, the rest of the guards dispersed, and only Zhu Biao followed him into the inner courtyard. As they neared the courtyard where the Prime Minister's residence usually held official business, he greeted Yao Zunian who came from the side. "Duke Zunian, how was it today? Is there any progress? "
Yao Zunian stroked his beard and smiled. "The news this morning is that the battle of Fengshan has ended. Medicine Master Guo defeated Kui Li, and he is still expanding his victory. But the remnants of Xiao Gan's troops have been wiped out."
"That's great." Ning Yi also smiled. "To be able to win this battle means that it was not a fluke. I'll treat you to an extra meal tonight. "
A few days before the end of July, news came that Medicine Master Guo and the remnants of Xiao Gan's troops were no longer at odds. After Xiao Gan's death, this was the last army of the Xi Nation under his command. Medicine Master Guo already had the advantage, but the other side was still not to be underestimated. Now that the dust had settled, Ning Yi and the others were all sincerely happy. However, the things that they had to worry about during this period of time were far more than that.
While Ning Yi was still smiling, Monk Jueming also came over. "An extra meal is a good thing. But I'm afraid that after the extra meal, we won't be free for the rest of the day."
"I've already expected this. Having something to do is better than doing everything and waiting for the results." Ning Yi put his palms together and smiled as he greeted Monk Jueming.
Before long, everyone entered the study. The people included Yao Zunian, Ji Kun, Monk Jueming, Ning Yi, and the other three advisors stationed in the Prime Minister's residence. The seven of them, along with Qin Siyuan, basically controlled the entire situation of the Right Minister's residence. Ning Yi had been invited to participate in this kind of meeting because he had displayed his strong ability to plan and control over many things. In the past, Cheng Zhouhai could also be counted as one. There were other talents in the Prime Minister's residence. Some of them were even more capable, but as talents in charge, they were not suitable to participate here.
In a country, there were millions of people and many things. The Right Minister's residence was not the only one truly doing all sorts of things. Right now, in Li Gang's residence, Cai Jing's residence, Tong Guan's residence … and so on, the same situation was probably happening, taking care of all sorts of things. And on the side of Ning Yi and the Right Minister's residence, perhaps Medicine Master Guo's victory had shocked the world. But recently, everyone was far from just paying attention to this side or celebrating. In order to deal with the situation of the world, internal and external troubles … In fact, there were many things that were hundreds or thousands of times larger than the business he was currently managing. They were all being pushed forward without stopping.
Because of this, Qin Siyuan, who had just returned from the Imperial City, only slightly expressed his joy before he began to talk about serious matters.
"… this great victory at Mount Feng has allowed many things to take shape, including what we have been working on before … His Majesty's spirits are also good. In the future, many things should be finalized. Today in the hall, Tan Zhen's actions were very fast. He said that Medicine Master Guo was originally a starving citizen of Liaodong. Today's victory shows that there are loyal and brave people among the wilderness. In order to prevent the Jins from turning against us in the future, he suggested recruiting Han people from Hedong and Hebei to form a volunteer army. Today's bandits, like Tian Hu, can also be recruited if they are loyal. Tong Shumi also supports this, so it should be approved very soon. "
After Qin Siyuan finished speaking, Ning Yi frowned slightly. Yao Zunian said, "The matter of Tong Shumi's retirement is clearly one of them."
Monk Jueming sat to one side, smiling faintly. "Tong Guan wants to retire completely and Tan Zhen wants to go up. This is something to be expected … Liheng, on the other hand, had always believed that the Golden Men would come south. Now that he has another safeguard, why is he still so serious?"
Hearing his question, Ning Yi smiled and shook his head. "The north of Yanmen Pass originally belonged to the Kingdom of Liao. Medicine Master Guo surrendered. It's not a problem to give him provisions and recruit starving people to fight. The south of Yanmen Pass was originally our own territory. It doesn't feel right to imitate them … But I don't know how to use troops, maybe it's a good thing."
Qin Siyuan nodded. "Actually, what Liheng said makes sense. Especially the enlistment of Tian Hu and the others. Giving them status is like nurturing a tiger and inviting calamity. Dong Pang'er is a good example. Humph …"
Qin Siyuan's cold snort had its origins. Dong Pang'er was a rebel leader who rebelled against Liao years ago. He was defeated by the Liao people and surrendered to the Wu dynasty. Tong Guan recruited him to surrender as a merit for resisting Liao. Now, he was appointed as the Chengxuan Envoy of Hedong Road and had become a local disaster. But such a person could not be touched for the time being. That was Tong Guan's face. For the past few years, especially recently, Tong Guan was responsible for the great merit of recovering Yan Yun. In addition to Medicine Master Guo's victory, he wanted to retire and leave a good reputation. Qin Siyuan had been unhappy with people like Dong Pang'er for a long time. Unfortunately, when he came to power, Dong Pang'er had already surrendered. Now he could not touch him.
Of course, with his self-restraint, he only snorted. "No matter what, Minister Li's side is in charge of external affairs. Most of us are in charge of domestic affairs. Like what Liheng said, in the north … it is better to be prepared than not. His Majesty has already ordered the consolidation of the border. In Shanxi, he is also recruiting people from Ying, Wei and other places to surrender. As for what we need to do, there are two main things that everyone knows. One of them, we can already act. The other, we still have to wait for the attitude of Grand Preceptor Cai, Tong Shumi and the others … "
Qin Siyuan tapped the table. "In the north, as I said before, the contact with the Pingzhou Zhizhou Zhang Jue can start to change. In Youyan, the Golden people have broken the contract and refused to return. His Majesty is also a little angry. He said earlier that he would teach them a lesson. Now that Jiedu Guo has defeated Xiao Gan, I believe he can intimidate the Golden people. Zhang Jue has long wanted to lead Pingzhou to surrender to our dynasty. Now is the time. This is the matter in the north … "
"As for the other matter, it is even more troublesome." Qin Siyuan paused. "In the north and south, the disaster has been saved. But the problem has just begun. Now that the price of grain has risen so quickly, the rich and powerful families of the various places are involved. Once the disaster relief grain enters the heart of the disaster zone, there will not be nine out of ten left. In this way, no matter how much grain there is, it is useless. Not to mention that we still need to ensure the Northern expedition. This year … nearly sixty million coins have been transported to the north. These rich and powerful families have paid for it. Now they want to get some back. I also do not know what the result of negotiating with Grand Preceptor Cai, Tong Shumi and the others will be, whether we can get their approval … "
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