Thirty-five, my son-in-law likes new and old

When Chen Ji learned that Zhou Xuan was granted a title of marquis, he was very happy for his good friend. He came to congratulate him early in the morning and smiled: "I remember when I was in Hongzhou, Brother Zhou said that when I was in Hongzhou, he was proud of his wife and lords in the forest. He didn't expect that Brother Zhou would be proud of him today."

Zhou Xuan laughed and said, "I can't avoid the common people, but I can't avoid the common people." Chen Ji was left behind and said that a music tea party would be held tonight. Chen Ji was overjoyed and went to find the Sun brothers.

Guanglu Temple sent a seventh-rank chief clerk named Ding and asked Mr. Zhou to go to Qingxifang and Xiangluanfang to see the house. Zhou Xuan asked: "Is it a ready-made house?"

The chief clerk Ding said: "The mansion in Qingxifang was originally the former residence of Han Xizai, and now it is no one living there. The inner treasury is preparing to allocate 5,000 taels of silver to be repaired as the marquis of Xinzhou."

Zhou Xuan heard that it was Han Xizai’s former residence, so he was very interested. This prime minister who was indulging in love with Zhou Xuan’s appetite and asked: “How long will it take to repair it?”

Ding Zhubu said: "Han Xiang’s old residence was deserted and he was afraid that it would not be repaired for three months."

Zhou Xuan said: "Please wait. I will explain some things first, and then follow the master to Qingxifang to take a look."

The chief clerk bowed and said, "The Marquis asked for help, and the officials will wait."

Zhou Xuan asked someone to find Hu Shang Abu quickly. Not long after, Abu trotted and shouted from a distance: "Marquis, Marquis Zhou, I am preparing gifts for the Marquis. Unexpectedly, when the Marquis saw the summons early in the morning, I came first."

Zhou Xuan pulled Abu to the side hall affectionately, removed the servants, bowed to Abu solemnly, and said, "I congratulate you to Brother Abu."

Abu said in surprise: "Young Master Zhou, Mr. Zhou, what does this mean? Why do I like me? Even if I am a little happy, it is also a blessing to Mr. Zhou."

Zhou Xuan told him to sit down: "Brother Abu, the Secretariat will soon spread an important mansion report, advocating the rise and fall of the country, every man is responsible for calling on the people of Tang to provide advice on enriching the country and strengthening the army. There is an excellent opportunity for promotion here, and I have won you."

"Purify yourself!" Abu was startled and waved his hand in a hurry: "Young Master Zhou, I don't want to go to the palace to be a eunuch. I have eleven concubines, so I have to serve you!"

Zhou Xuan laughed: "I didn't say that you were going to castrate you as a eunuch, but that you were going to be an official."

Abu opened his eyes wide and asked in disbelief: "Young Master Zhou, don't deceive the villain."

Zhou Xuan then talked to Abu about his conversation with the Prince of the East Palace yesterday, and emphasized that the Prince of the East Palace was going to give the first opportunity to donate silver to the wealthy businessman in Jinling. Zhou Xuan spent all his time and recommended the Abu of Hu Shang, and the Palace finally agreed.

Abu was so excited that he couldn't speak, and his eyes were filled with tears. He suddenly knelt down and bowed several times before speaking: "Young Master Zhou is so kind, Abu is unforgettable!"

Zhou Xuan helped him up and said, "Think about it, you are brave enough to donate silver as a Hu merchant to enrich the national treasury. Who is disrespectful to this loyalty and patriotism? At that time, the Eastern Palace begged the Emperor to give you an official title, which should be a natural thing. Eighth-rank official positions are indispensable. Although it is a false title, who dares to look down on you again from now on? You are an official and businessman!"

Abu was filled with his heart and his blood was boiling. He imagined that others would call him "Mr. Abu". He was so happy that the Yintang was shining and his eyes were shining. By then, not only would his status soar, but his business would be much smoother in the future. He would benefit his descendants for life and ask anxiously: "Mr. Zhou, how much money do you think I can donate? This time I went to Beijing, I only brought 100,000 guan, or 100,000 taels of silver, and it had already cost a lot. Otherwise, I would send someone to Jiangzhou to get the silver immediately."

Zhou Xuan didn't know how much money this Abu had. One hundred thousand taels of silver was 50 million yuan. A thousand years later, there were many merchants with a net worth of hundreds of millions. It was nothing. Even the big salt merchants in Huaiyang in the Ming and Qing Dynasties could also cost millions of silver. But in this Tang Dynasty, there shouldn't be many rich merchants who could afford 100,000 taels of silver? He said: "Don't donate too much, but it's not enough to donate less. How about donating 50,000 taels?"

Abu agreed immediately: "Okay! The young master said when will he pay the donation?"

Zhou Xuan said: "Don't worry, when the news comes out, when the public is talking, you stand up and be a role model for the businessmen of the Tang Dynasty. It will surely cause a sensation in the government and the people. Not only will you put on the official robe, but your shop in Jinling will also have a prosperous business."

Abu was overjoyed and said, "The young master is far more talented than Mr. Tao Zhu. The young master said that Xuanjing was a royal tribute. When I promote it, there are many people who come to buy it. Thirty top-quality Xuanjings have been sold, and twenty-five middle-quality ones have been sold. I have sent someone back to Jiangzhou to transport the second batch of Xuanjings. After some time, it will be settled, and then the Xuanjing workshop will be moved from Jiangzhou to Jinling."

Zhou Xuanxi said: "It's great! When doing business, you have to affiliate with the government to make money. We are even more amazing when joining the royal family, haha-by-by-by-one, Brother Abu, I have something to ask for."

Abu was worried that Marquis Zhou had no idea how to repay his kindness. When he heard that he had something to ask for, he was excited: "Mr. Marquis wanted to give him any orders. As long as Abu can do it, he would do it for the young master to go through fire and water."

Zhou Xuan smiled and said, "It's not that exaggerating. Why do you have to go through fire and water? Tonight is Miss Lin's birthday. Miss Lin said she is a monk and refused to celebrate, but this gift is indispensable. Brother Abu prepared one for me. It doesn't need expensive things. Don't want gold, silver and jewelry. You need rare and elegant things. You are knowledgeable and help me think of a way."

Abu asked: "What do Miss Lin usually likes?"

Zhou Xuan said: "Tea ceremony, flower arrangement, music."

Abu nodded and said, "I know what I know. I will search now. I will definitely live up to my son's trust. I will definitely deliver it to you before the evening."

Abu left in a hurry. It is not difficult for people to help you. It is difficult for people to help you excitedly!

Zhou Xuan was relieved when Abu gave a gift. The "Star of the Dragon Scale" given by Lin Hanyun and the hairpin gift last time was also organized by Abu. Lin Hanyun was very happy, and this time it would definitely satisfy Fairy Jingyi.

Zhou Xuan walked with Sanniang, Siniang, Lai Fu, and Gu Changshi, and followed Ding Zhubu to Qingxifang to see the house. He saw a dilapidated house, which was large and covered with about a hundred acres, but the ground was covered with weeds and the building was covered with crows. How could this make people live? Thinking about Han Xizai's day of life, he kept raising fun and recruited guests. The guests were always full of guests, and the wine in the bottle was not empty, and he was extremely luxurious. Unexpectedly, he passed away for only twenty years and his door was so dilapidated!

Lai Fu grinned and shook his head, saying, "How can this mansion be lived in? It cannot be repaired at all, or it can be rebuilt."

Zhou Xuan thought to himself: "The treasury allocates 5,000 taels of silver, which is only enough to repair the wall and clean the house. The house must be renovated, and the 50,000 taels of silver is about the same." He said: "Zheng Zhuan, go to Xiangluanfang again to have a look."

Director Ding was a little embarrassed and said, "There is a new house in Xiangluanfang, but - but -"

Zhou Xuan said: "Mr. Ding has something to do with difficulty."

Ding Zhuan hesitated for a while and finally said bluntly: "To be hiding from the Marquis of Zhou, the house in Xiangluanfang is the newly built mansion of General Huangfu Jixun. Because he was impeached and used his power to build a mansion, he was forced to withdraw. He was given three times in a year by the emperor to live in other ministers, but the three ministers resigned one by one-"

Gu Changshi on the side knew that Zhou Xuan didn’t know who Huangfu Jixun was, and whispered: “Marty, Huangfu Jixun was the son of Huangfu Hui, a military general who was outstanding in the late emperor. He is now a general of the Guard, the second rank, and is in charge of the army in the capital. He has a close relationship with King Jing.”

Zhou Xuan shook his head secretly and said to himself: "Brother Jian, what's wrong with you? Even such an important person has been taken over by Li Kun. Once Li Yu returns to heaven and Li Kun wants to usurp the throne, you really have to be protected by the throne." He smiled and said: "Since other ministers have resigned and dare not live in General Huangfu's new mansion, how can you dare to solve General Huangfu's tiger beard? There is no hurry to do things in Xinzhou Marquis' Mansion. Anyway, my family has not yet taken it, so living in the Fenghua Military Residence is even more lively."

Director Ding breathed a sigh of relief, but Zhou Xuan said again: "It shouldn't matter if you don't go over and take a look. Lord Ding please lead the way."

Ding Zhubu had to take Zhou Xuan and his party to Xiangluanfang. He saw a mansion built against the mountain, which was magnificent, pavilions and towers, exquisite buildings, polo courts and Cuju fields, all kinds of amusement, real mountains and lively waters, and magnificent land.

Zhou Xuan rode around the mansion for a long time, and without saying anything, he resigned from Master Ding and returned to the shore of Mochou Lake.

Siqi saw the polo court inside, and the Cuju venue was very envious and said, "Master, since it is a mansion given by the emperor, why did you refuse? Are you still afraid that Huangfu Jixun will succeed?"

Zhou Xuan smiled and said, "Don't worry, it's mine, don't make too many enemies first, take it slowly, you have to finish the 18th game of chess, and you'll talk about it. Also, Wei Bo is coming to Beijing soon, so you can't take it lightly - Hello, third brother, what are you thinking?"

Sanchi was a little taciturn these two days, and he was absent-minded when riding on the horse. When he heard Zhou Xuan ask him, he suddenly said, "I didn't think about anything, I thought about the game of chess yesterday."

A strange look flashed in the eyes of Sichacha, and she turned her head aside, not looking at Zhou Xuan and Sanchacha.

Zhou Xuan said: "Ms. Lin held a birthday party tonight, which is very elegant, called a music tea party. You two come together. Miss Lin is a master of tea ceremony and will cook a rare famous tea at night. The fourth brother has a good taste."

In the afternoon, Zhou Xuan began to set up a venue for the music and tea party, so he chose the main hall of the residence. While sending Gu Changshi to the East Palace to invite Li Jian to attend. Gu Changshi replied that His Royal Highness happily accepted the invitation and arrived on time at the Zhengyou hour.

Lin Hanyun followed Zhou Xuan all afternoon and watched Zhou Xuan command the servants to arrange the venue. There should be screens separated here, a large piece of it should be vacant there, and what equipment should be prepared, in an orderly manner.

Lin Hanyun asked: "Brother Zhou Xuan, what gift do you give to my sister? Others don't care about your gifts, my sister cares the most. Don't tell me that you are not prepared."

Zhou Xuan asked: "What gift did Sister Hanyun give?"

Lin Hanyun said a little embarrassedly: "My sister deliberately made things difficult for me and asked me to embroider a dough fan to give it to her. My fingertips were pricked several times. The embroidered ones didn't look like flowers at all. Later, it was Mingfeng who helped me, so I handed over the job."

Zhou Xuan laughed: "Miss Lin Er embroidered flowers, staring at her big eyes."

Lin Hanyun was so angry that she rushed over and pinched Zhou Xuan and asked, "What is your gift? Tell me quickly?"

Zhou Xuan hid from her and said, "I have sent someone to do it, so I can guarantee that Sister Guandaoyun likes it."

Lin Hanyun stopped pinching Zhou Xuan and sighed in a rare light: "No matter what you give, my sister will like it."

Zhou Xuan glanced at Lin Hanyun and thought to himself: "What does this mean? Lin Hanyun has something to say." He smiled and said, "Then I will wait and hold a big stone by the lake to give it to Sister Daoyun. Do she like it?"

Lin Hanyun smiled and said, "I like it too. My sister will say, Oh, this is a stone chosen by Brother Xuan himself. It is indeed a good stone, very big and very hard, and the female doctrine likes it."

Why is this ambiguous? Lin Hanyun is of course unintentional, but Zhou Xuan was not interested in hearing it. He wanted to laugh but didn't dare to laugh, and said, "I saw my gift at night. When I went back, I told my sister Daoyun that everyone who attended the music and tea party must perform their talents, such as piano, chess, calligraphy and painting, tea and singing, everything is fine, it's just to be interesting."

Zhou Xuan went to tell Yang Xiaopin and Niannu again. Yang Xiaopin listened to Zhou Xuan talking about the music and tea party on the pillow in the morning, and began to prepare for dressing up in the afternoon, and tried various instruments one by one. Niannu saw Yang Xiaopin and all kinds of instruments, and admired her so much that she was impressed.

Seeing Xiao Xun's depressed look, Zhou Xuan teased her and said, "Xiao Xun, what's wrong? Are you angry with your son-in-law?"

Xiaoqian said: "How dare you? Xiaoqian just misses Miss Que'er."

This little girl is very smart and speaks very cunningly.

Zhou Xuan said: "I miss Que'er very much, and I haven't practiced the Five Animal Show for a long time - after a while, I will take you back to Jiangzhou and take Que'er and the others here together, okay?"

The little girl was immediately happy and asked, "Son-in-law, when will I go back?"

Zhou Xuan said: "It should be before the Dragon Boat Festival."

Xiaoqian said "um" and looked at Zhou Xuan and said, "Son-in-law, Xiaoqian asked me a word, please don't be angry."

Zhou Xuan smiled and said, "Okay, you said."

Xiaoqian said: "My son-in-law likes Yang Xiaopin now. Will he not like our Miss Que'er? Yang Xiaopin is so beautiful, it is indeed a little bit more beautiful than Miss Que'er-"

Zhou Xuan smiled and said, "Que'er is the first woman I like in Tang Kingdom, and I will always like her."

Xiaoqian asked: "It is said that people will be tired of the old and the old. Why do my son-in-law like one after another? They like the new and the old?"

Zhou Xuan was sweating, and the little girl asked too sharply, and she was so sharp that she was hit by the nail on the head, and she said vaguely: "This is my son-in-law, this is more special. It's fraternity, yes, it's fraternity."
Chapter completed!