As soon as the curtain was lifted, Yang Fan saw Dugu Yu's high-spirited smiling face under the dripping eaves.
The ones who benefited the most from the turmoil of Chang 'an were, of course, Wu Zetian and the Obvious and Hidden Sects who plotted behind the scenes and used Wu Zetian's hands to achieve a great victory. But other than them, there were many others who benefited from it, and the Dugu family was undoubtedly one of them.
Of course, the benefits they obtained were not directly reflected in political power. Shen Mu and Yang Fan had consciously prevented them from getting too involved in the struggle for power, which would only complicate the situation in the future.
But the economic benefits and the rise of the large families would inevitably have a negative effect on politics. The power and influence they possessed had greatly increased compared to before. This was an objective fact. Yang Fan and Shen Mu had no choice but to let it develop.
Yang Fan and Shen Mu, who were born in the commoner family, instinctively did not want to see the large families monopolize power and influence the politics of the court. Logically, they also understood that being born in the commoner family did not necessarily mean that the officials would be honest. The children of the commoner family were not necessarily more talented than the children of the large families. Thinking that only based on class had always been foolish.
And in the past and present, even if the millennium-old families were gone, the political families would still exist. They might not have existed for a thousand years, but they still had influence over several generations. As long as the structure of the family, kinship, and society did not change, as long as humans still had emotions, such things could never be avoided.
Yang Fan and Shen Mu were not arrogant enough to think that they could sway it. This was simply the most basic emotion that originated from humans. If you had the power and resources that others did not have, would you invest them in your own children? Would you wholeheartedly cultivate them, support them, and hope that they could go higher than you?
Shen Mu and Yang Fan were both smart people. Knowing that they could not go against the natural order, they would not act against it. Instead, they would adapt to it. Moreover, they still needed the support of the Guanlong families, especially since the Emperor was about to move the capital. Guanzhong was the foundation of the Guanlong families. After seven or eight generations of operation, their power was deeply entrenched. Even the imperial power could not uproot them. An appropriate division of benefits was the only choice.
Dugu Yu was very happy. Originally, the Guanlong families were in dire straits. Because the Dugu family had chosen to cooperate with the more powerful Shandong aristocratic families, they retained more strength than the other Guanlong families. However, the Shandong aristocratic families had existed for a thousand years and had formed their own system. He had always been excluded.
After choosing to cooperate with Yang Fan, he finally got what he wanted. Now, the Shandong aristocratic families, considering that the Emperor was about to move west, had almost lost all their power in officialdom and would not be able to recover without decades of effort. So, they began to lower their stance and frequently contact the native Guanlong families, strengthening their cooperation. This made Dugu Yu feel even more proud.
When Yang Fan saw it was Dugu Yu, a smile appeared on his face. His feet were already in place, and the fine rain was already like silk. Yang Fan did not wait for Gu Zhuting to hold an umbrella for him before quickly walking down. Pulling on Dugu Yu's arm, he said cheerfully, "Brother Dugu, you've come. Why are you waiting under the eaves? My courtyard is full of rough people who do not know how to treat guests. Brother Dugu, please do not blame me. "
Gu Zhuting was worried that the bright red on her face would be seen by others. She was also worried that her hair and clothes would look disheveled, so she hid in the car and carefully tidied herself up. As a result, she fell behind Yang Fan. It was only when Yang Fan pulled on Dugu Yu's arm and walked shoulder to shoulder to the living room that she slowly emerged from the car.
Ren Wei and the others seemed to be very busy. They either had focused expressions on their faces or hurried footsteps. Although Gu Zhuting didn't know what they were busy with, no one looked at her. Gu Zhuting couldn't help letting out a sigh of relief.
This time, Dugu Yu had come to see Yang Fan on behalf of the Guanlong family. He wanted to clarify some intentions and finalize some details with Yang Fan. At the same time, he also wanted to know how to react to the olive branch extended by the Shandong aristocratic families and to understand the opinion of this powerful ally, Yang Fan.
Right now, Chang 'an was in troubled times. Everyone was very sensitive, and the slightest movement would attract attention. Therefore, the Guanlong family could not make a big deal out of contact with Yang Fan. Because Dugu Yu had long been in contact with Yang Fan, and even Liu Qietian knew about this, it was perfectly justifiable for him to visit Dugu Yu. That was why the Guanlong family had given him this task.
Yang Fan had just returned from Shen Mu's place. His views on the current situation and future plans had already been approved by Shen Mu, so he was confident in his reply to Dugu Yu. Many of the Guanlong family families had been anxious to understand the bottom line and attitude of Dugu Yu, and now they all received a clear answer from Yang Fan.
The Guanlong family was still waiting for news from Dugu Yu. The Shandong aristocratic families' influence in Guanzhong had been wantonly purged and were at their weakest. The Guanlong family was very anxious to occupy the empty space they had vacated. Now that they had confirmed the news, Dugu Yu was anxious to go back and discuss with the Guanlong family families, so he immediately bade farewell to Yang Fan.
"Brother Dugu, please wait!"
Yang Fan called out to Dugu Yu. After a moment's thought, he said, "This little brother still wants to trouble Elder Brother with one thing."
Dugu Yu sat back down and happily said, "There is no trouble between us. Erlang, feel free to speak your mind."
Yang Fan said, "The Emperor has already announced to the world that the capital will be moved this year to Chang 'an. This little brother, as an imperial guard, must inspect and clean up the entire palace before the Emperor arrives in Chang' an and arrange the garrison's defenses. Therefore, I cannot leave, and my family will have to move here from Luoyang …"
Dugu Yu suddenly understood and said, "There are only women and children in the Erlang residence. It is indeed not easy to move. Don't worry, leave this matter to me. When the time comes, I will personally go to Luoyang and escort your family here."
Yang Fan smiled slightly and shook his head. "Although Xiaoman and Ah Nu are women, they have skills that are not inferior to men. Moreover, with my current abilities, there is no need for me to trouble Elder Brother with just moving. What I want to talk about is another matter. Of course … this is also my family. "
Dugu Yu's eyes turned and thought, "Does Erlang have an mistress?" He replied cautiously, "Just tell me. As long as I can help, I will not refuse!"
Yang Fan gently lowered his eyes and said in a low voice, "Ning Ke! I want Brother Dugu to bring Ning Ke back from Luoyang. "
Dugu Yu let out an "ah" and a sorrowful expression appeared on his face. Although his sister had passed away a long time ago, he had the deepest relationship with his sister. Suddenly hearing Yang Fan mention her, it inevitably brought back his sadness. Yang Fan said in a low voice, "I have bought land by the Longqing Pool and am building a new house. I want … to bring her back."
Dugu Yu was silent.
Yang Fan said, "Things are unpredictable. Although Ning Ke is extremely smart, he could not predict the Emperor's move of the capital. Now that I am in Chang 'an, how can I leave her alone in Luoyang?"
Dugu Yu hesitated and said, "Erlang, you and Ning Ke have no status. I am afraid …"
Yang Fan shook his head and said, "Status? Ning Ke is unmarried. After his death, his coffin should be transported back to Chang 'an and buried in the Dugu family's ancestral house. But she didn't. Why? "
"These are Ning Ke's last words. I … can't disobey …"
"You should know very well why she wants to stay in Luoyang, brother-in-law!"
Dugu Yu's body shook and his eyes turned red. After a long silence, he nodded hard and said, "Okay! I will handle this matter! "
Yang Fan stood up and bowed to him. Dugu Yu bowed back and left with heavy steps.
Yang Fan did not mention marrying Ning Ke and giving her a status. Those ceremonies were for the living to see. It was enough for him to remember this woman in his heart for the rest of his life. There was no need to show it to others. Moreover, if he really wanted to marry Dugu Ning Ke publicly, it would cause a lot of trouble.
There must be some people in the Dugu family who were not willing to marry their eldest daughter to a married woman. Even if it was a ghost marriage, they would take the opportunity to challenge Dugu Yu's authority again. And Yang Fan did not want to embarrass Xiao Man. Even if Xiao Man was broad-minded and affectionate to him, she would not have any objection in this matter.
Moreover, once this matter was made public, it would inevitably arouse the suspicion of the Emperor and the vigilance of the Shandong scholars. Therefore, it was better to do it quietly and do his best to show his affection.
By the time Yang Fan returned to the inner residence, the sky had already cleared up. The clouds had stopped and the rain had stopped. On the bright green branches and leaves, there were still drops of water falling along with the gentle breeze. The bright flowers were stained with the sparkling and translucent water droplets, tender and beautiful. The sun shone on the earth and it was warm.
Gu Zhuting ordered the kitchen to stew a turtle and snake soup for Yang Fan. She had just returned to the Inner House when she saw Yang Fan slowly walking towards her. These two days, Yang Fan was like a cock in heat. He harassed Gu Zhuting so much that she wanted to see him but was also afraid to see him. Whenever she saw him, she would subconsciously want to avoid him.
But there was only one woman in the Inner House. She was originally responsible for taking care of Yang Fan. Where could she hide? Gu Zhuting could only brace herself and go forward.
It was not that Liu Qietian was reluctant to send maids to serve Yang Fan. It was because after Yang Fan was assassinated, the Ministry of Justice, the Censorate and Yang Fan's own subordinates were extremely sensitive. Although Yang Fan accepted his kindness and moved to the island to recuperate, everyone on the island was Yang Fan's subordinates. No one else was allowed to go on the island.
After sending Dugu Yu away, Yang Fan was still depressed and had not calmed down. He only nodded at Gu Zhuting and slowly walked into the room. Gu Zhuting saw that he was not in a good mood and was startled. She thought that Dugu Yu had bad news to tell Yang Fan and quickly followed him in.
Yang Fan took off his boots and lazily lay on the bed. He used a cushion as a pillow and looked at the ceiling in a daze.
Gu Zhuting sat on the side of the bed and softly asked: "Is Ah Lang not feeling well?"
Yang Fan shook his head. He grabbed one of her soft hands and gently rubbed it against his cheek. After a long time, he said in a low voice: "It's nothing. I just want to rest."
Gu Zhuting agreed in a low voice and pulled a thin quilt over to cover him gently. Seeing that his face was still gloomy, Gu Zhuting became even more worried. She bit her thin lips and her pretty face blushed before she spoke. She mustered up her courage and said: "Ah Lang, if you are tired, you can return to the inner room to rest. I … I will wait on Ah Lang to sleep … "
Yang Fan looked at her in surprise and a trace of a strange smile slowly appeared in his eyes. Gu Zhuting was embarrassed by his stare. She blushed and lowered her head. She said: "The inner room … should be … quieter."
This was a little too obvious. Yang Fan mischievously asked: "Although it is quiet, are you not afraid that Ah Lang's injury has not healed?"
This was also one of the reasons why Gu Zhuting shyly declined. It was just that at this time she was offering herself as a pillow, it was inevitable that she was flustered and did not notice Yang Fan's teasing. Thus, she lowered her head and shyly replied, "I heard … I heard that when you serve a man, you don't need to tire yourself out."
The smile in Yang Fan's eyes deepened: "Oh? You know? "
Gu Zhuting blushed and said: "How would I know? This is what I heard when I was dealing with people in Jianghu. But … "
She quickly glanced at Yang Fan and said: "But Ah Lang must know. Ah Lang can teach … teach me."
She gathered her courage and said this, her pretty face was tender and beautiful, even more beautiful than the sunset glow on the horizon. Yang Fan could not help laughing quietly. He gently pulled Gu Zhuting into his embrace like a little kitten. Yang Fan gently kissed her smooth cheek and softly said, "What a lovely person. I'm very lucky. I'm lucky that I didn't miss you again!"
At this time, Yang Fan did not have the impulse. He only wanted to hold her soft body. However, Gu Zhufan misunderstood and thought that Yang Fan wanted to have her here. She was as nervous as a bow. Yang Fan sensed her nervousness and deliberately teased her: "Don't worry. It is almost evening. There will not be any big brother or third brother coming to make trouble."
This made Gu Zhuting's misunderstanding even deeper. She blushed and closed her eyes, making a mosquito-like sound in agreement. She then heard Gu Da's excited voice ring out from the courtyard, "Sister! Sister! Our house's blueprint is out. Quickly come and take a look. "
Yang Fan was stunned and muttered to himself: "How could I forget that I still have a bunch of brothers-in-law and brothers-in-law …"
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