Chapter 16: Volume of Progress (4)

Li Yuanfang shook his head and smiled, "How dare I give orders to Uncle Gao. I just thought that since I just took over the management of Bazaar, I knew nothing about the situation here. If Uncle Gao could stay for a few days, I would definitely help me get to familiar with Bazaar as soon as possible. I was afraid that it would be troublesome to Uncle Gao." "This..." Gao Changfu hesitated and said hesitantly: "It's not a problem, but it's not something that can be managed by one person. I have always had a team of ten people under my command. Did Lord Qian not send it to Captain Li?" Li Yuanfang sighed and said, "No. Lord Qian's military order is very clear, because the entire Shatuo regiment has been transferred, and no one can be assigned to me."

"What?!" Gao Changfu was stunned, looking at Li Yuanfang with wide eyes, and murmured, "Why is this master Qian... why did you do this?" Li Yuanfang smiled indifferently: "It's nothing, let me try it." Gao Changfu frowned and shook his head repeatedly, and then said for a while: "So, I'll stay for a few more days to help you Captain Li." Li Yuanfang was overjoyed and hurriedly hugged his fists: "Thank you, Bo Gao!" Gao Changfu waved his hand and smiled, "What's the point? Everyone is a brother of Navy Han, so there's no need to thank him. However, when I was asked to retire, General Wang Qian took special care of me and asked me to set off today and not to linger in Tingzhou. If he knew about it in the future, please ask Captain Li to explain it to me." "This is natural."

Di Jinghui said disapprovingly: "What's the point of explanation? Since you are no longer in the army, you naturally don't have to obey their orders." Li Yuanfang said softly: "You don't know, don't talk nonsense." Di Jinghui glared at him, and thought about it and still suppressed it. Then he heard that Li Yuanfang had changed the topic: "Brother Gao, have you ever planned to do what you will do after returning to Shanxi? Is it a farming or..."

Gao Changfu replied enthusiastically: "Haha, Li Zhengwei, you are asking. I am planning to go and find some carbonite ore to bring the carbonite to Tingzhou after returning to Shanxi." Di Jinghui heard this, his eyes lit up and said: "Carbonite! I know this, this specialty near Bingzhou. Why, does Tingzhou also need carbonite? What to do? How high can it be sold?" Gao Changfu asked in surprise: "What? Master Di is also interested in this business?" Li Yuanfang muttered in a low voice: "He is interested in all business." Di Jinghui curled his lips: "Oh, the world is only allowed to say three words to you and never leave your business?"

Gao Changfu couldn't help but laugh and explained: "That's right. Tingzhou originally had no charcoal. I didn't think there was anything wrong with charcoal that I usually use for fire. But a few years ago, I found that there were more carbide dealers from our Shanxi in Bazaar. They all said that someone here was buying charcoal at a high price, so I came here to make a fortune." Di Jinghui asked: "Who is going to collect charcoal?" Gao Changfu shook his head repeatedly: "I don't know, I have asked, but I have no idea at all. There are some rumors that Han Navy is collecting charcoal, but I have never seen anyone use charcoal in the army. It's probably rumored that it's rumor. However, the price is indeed high. I think it's always useful. I'm in Shanxi and I have managed Bazaar in Tingzhou for many years. Wouldn't I lose if I don't do this business?"

Di Jinghui nodded repeatedly: "It's right! Uncle Gao, since that's the case, let's join forces to do the charcoal business. In the next few days, we will plan this matter well. Although I am not talented, I still have some experience in doing business. If you don't believe me, please ask him!" He pointed at Li Yuanfang, and Li Yuanfang glanced at him and shook his head to drink.

This night, the air was extremely fresh. Gao Changfu and Li Yuanfang and others kept drinking and chatting until the third day before stumbled and got up and went home. Li Yuanfang was worried and sent most of the journey. Until outside the neighborhood where Gao Changfu lived, the old man asked Li Yuanfang to go back again and again, he watched Gao Changfu sway into the depths of the alley and slowly walked home.

Gao Changfu staggered to the door of the house, and was about to raise his hand to knock on the door. He thought that the old woman must have fallen asleep long ago, so he should not wake her up! So he touched his body, finally found the key, trembled and opened the lock. As soon as he pushed the door open, he suddenly stretched out a hand from the room and dragged him in. Gao Changfu was caught off guard, and was awakened halfway through the wine, and was about to shout, but his mouth was tightly covered.

The door of the house closed again, and the candle on the table lit with a "puff". Gao Changfu narrowed his drunken eyes and tried hard to identify the person who was grabbing him. Suddenly, he was shocked, raised his hand and shook his hand that covered his mouth, and said from the gap of his teeth: "What? Why is it you?!"

Since the news that Di Renjie became the chief examiner of this subject examination, the Di Mansion, which has been neglected this year, suddenly became lively again. Not to mention those colleagues in the court, who can talk to Di Renjie on weekdays, they have come to Di Mansion like a lantern these days. Some people inquired about the news, some recommended relatives and friends, and the true and false were true and false during chatting and laughing, making people unable to understand where these drunkards are intended.

However, Di Renjie's mood became very good, and he refused everyone, and he received them patiently, with a smile on his face. Even Di Chun was a little surprised. This was the first time he had seen such a good mood on his master since his trip to Bingzhou last year. Because of this, Di Chun has been busy in and out these days and has been more active than usual.

Of course, the most frequent exchanges around Di Mansion these days are the candidates who come to pass the paper. Although the trend of the academic examination papers was not as popular as it was after the prosperous Tang Dynasty, it also showed signs. Generally, candidates with some tricks will turn their heads to the examiners or celebrities' mansions and present them with their carefully prepared beautiful articles. However, for ordinary civilian candidates, the Marquis' deep courtyard is out of reach, and it is still not easy to complete the papers. So when Di Renjie ordered the door to open to all candidates who come to pass the papers and accept them all, Shen Huai and Di Chun were very surprised.

The two of them, one is responsible for the security of the Di Mansion and the other manages the order of the Di Mansion. Although they can understand Di Renjie's love for talent, they still feel a little numb when they hear the order of opening the door. So the two quickly reached a consensus that all the candidates who came to take the papers could only be presented to Di Renjie first and delivered to Di Renjie through Di Chun or Shen Huai. As for the various gifts sent by the candidates and the various requests that Di Ge Lao hoped that Di Ge Lao would personally receive, they all refused.

Di Renjie's greatest pleasure these days has become a review of the scrolls sent by the candidates. He read very carefully, commented on every poem and Zeng Tai often came to accompany him when he had time. That afternoon when Zeng Tai came to Di Renjie's study again, Di Renjie happened to open a bunch of newly delivered scrolls and was reading them intently. Zeng Tai saw Shen Huai sitting aside, and the two smiled and nodded to each other. They both knew Di Renjie's habits and could never disturb him at this time, so Zeng Tai sat down on his own and waited patiently with Shen Huai.

Just as I was waiting, Di Renjie buried his head and said, "Hey, you two come here to see, this hand scroll is a bit extraordinary." Zeng Tai and Shen Huai jumped up together and came to Di Renjie's desk. A hand scroll was spread out on the desk, and the handwriting of flying dragons and phoenixes on the light yellow silk paper seemed to be a fu.

Di Renjie looked up at the two of them, and a cunning smile appeared on his face, saying, "Zeng Tai, have you seen the difference between this scroll?" "This..." Zeng Tai leaned his head up, looked left and right and looked at it, which was just a very ordinary scroll, and shook his head unconsciously, "Mr., this scroll is very ordinary, and the students can't see anything special." Di Renjie looked at Chen Huai: "What do you think?" Chen Huai thought for a while and replied carefully: "Sir, among all the scrolls that Bei Zhi has accepted for you so far, this scroll is the most shabby." "Yes!" Di Renjie nodded heavily, looked at Chen Huai with some surprise, and patted his arm: "You are so good at teaching, it's a sharp tip!"

Zeng Tai asked with a smile: "What's going on with this shabbyness? Mentor, please explain it to the students." Di Renjie pointed to the other scrolls piled on the edge of the table and said: "Zeng Tai, look at the scrolls of these scrolls, which are not precious and carefully framed? Even gold and silver papers are common, and the axis is mostly made of jade and ivory. But this scroll is probably the simplest one sold on the market, with poor silk quality and bamboo and wood axis, If you use such a scroll to perform the paper, either the candidate is really poor, or he is arrogant and considers himself to have poetry and books, and nothing can be decorated with it." Zeng Tai nodded repeatedly and sighed: "It makes sense, it makes sense. Who dares to joke about doing such a book for his mentor? Since that's the case, then you have to savor his poems and essays." As he said that, he quietly squeezed his eyes at Chen Huai and gave him a thumbs up. Chen Huai smiled and shook his head, not talking.

Di Renjie bent down, looked at the title of the article, and said, "Oh? This is actually a "Lingzhou Fu"." After reading the preface, he said to himself: "Lanzhou candidate Yang Lin? He was inspired by traveling to Lingzhou? Haha, interesting. Lanzhou and Lingzhou are both important towns in the northwest border. Candidates from there should not be any different knowledge than students in the wealthy places in the Central Plains." Chen Huai walked forward: "Sir, sit down and read."

Di Renjie nodded and sat down after the desk. He read it carefully from the beginning, and he gently read it: "Transporting north and south, the Five Barbarians face Chang'an; building east and west, and the Six Floods go deep into the secluded place." He looked up at Zeng Tai: "What do you think?" Zeng Tai bowed and said: "The beginning of the geography, Lingzhou, this location is clearly explained. Although it is cliché, the tone is widespread." "Hmm." Di Renjie slightly and continued to look back.

After a moment, Di Renjie said again, "Look at this sentence again: 'The ox and horse of Wu family must measure the valley; the orchard of Helian is called the city." Zeng Tai praised with a smile: "Even if we trace the origin of history, it is a bit meaningful." Di Renjie also said: "Yes, this young man should have been born in a humble family. It is good to know history at this point. I believe that he has indeed spent some hard work in his studies."

Looking back, Di Renjie suddenly lit up his eyes and said loudly: "The Hu Ba is noisy and the five camps are all thrilling, and the sirens are hanging, and thousands of horses are silenced." He praised: "This sentence is indeed impressive. This son can see the threat of Xifan just by traveling. He seems to be ambitious in his heart. He is not a sour scholar who is obsessed with sages." Zeng Tai nodded repeatedly: "It turns out that good sentence, mentor, it seems that this Lanzhou candidate named Yang... Yang Lin is really talented."

Di Renjie has already read to the end: "The Jade Emperor Pavilion is still here, when will the real dragon be returned again?" Di Renjie frowned and pondered: "This sentence is a bit extreme. Why is the current trend? There is a vague ominous meaning." Zeng Tai and Shen Huai looked at each other, lowering their heads and staying silent. Di Renjie concentrating on his mind for a moment, then read the "Lingzhou Fu" from beginning to end, and looked up at Zeng Tai and said: "It is indeed a rare and good article. This Lanzhou candidate Yang Lin looks like a talent that can be made. Besides, he is from a humble background and comes from a major area in the border area. If he can be well trained, perhaps one day he can really make achievements for the Great Zhou, which is unknown!"

Zeng Tai listened to Di Renjie's slightly excited tone and quipped: "Mr., it seems that you, the chief examiner, finally found a thousand-mile horse today." Di Renjie smiled and drank tea, but Chen Huai frowned and asked: "Sir, is Yang Lin the only one fu in his hand?"

Di Renjie was stunned and looked at the scroll and said, "It seems that only this one article? It's strange. Usually, candidates have at least ten poems and essays. Could it be..." Zeng Tai leaned over and said, "Isn't it Yang Lin who is self-reliant to rely on this "Lingzhou Fu" alone to make his mentor appreciate his talent?" Di Renjie snorted softly, "Then he is a little too conceited!"

As he said that, Di Renjie unveiled the scroll again, and there was no further text. He stood up and put it back on the scroll. Something seemed to fall down where the sleeves of the robe were brushing. Chen Huai's eyes were sharp, and he stepped over the chair with a quick step, grabbed a thin piece of plain paper in his hand, and placed it on Di Renjie's desk. Di Renjie looked at the paper with surprise and said suspiciously: "There is still a poem hidden in it? This style is a bit strange."

Zeng Tai beat him up and said, "Master, why don't you be careful?" Di Renjie picked up his beard and picked up Su Jian from the desk and read it silently. He didn't expect to take a look. His face suddenly changed, and his hands holding the paper trembled violently. Zeng Tai and Shen Huai on the side were shocked and didn't understand what was wrong. Zeng Tai hurriedly asked, "Master, what's wrong with you?"

Di Renjie shook his head, unable to even speak, but he still stared at the piece of Su paper in his hand. Chen Huai snatched to him and helped him sit back on the chair. He felt Di Renjie's whole body tremble. The two of them stood helplessly on the edge of the desk, watching Di Renjie's face turn from red to blue, and then turn from blue to white. Zeng Tai called "teacher" a few times, but Di Renjie did not react at all. Zeng Tai had no choice but to come over with the courage to see what was written on the Su paper.

This is a piece of yellow paper of the same inferior quality as the scroll, with ink on the paper. Zeng Tai said softly: "Ode to the orchid in the valley." It turned out that he wrote a five-character quatrain, but he saw that the poem was like this:

There is no time in the mountains, and there is a world in the valley.

A beautiful shadow is appreciated by stones, and an orchid is heard by grass.

Spit jade liquid in the morning and evening, and gold marks are left in the sun and the moon.

When will the flying immortal go? I will cultivate billions of springs.

Zeng Tai recited it several times in his heart. Poetry is a good poem, but there is nothing special about it? How could Di Renjie become like this?! Just as he was puzzled, he heard Di Renjie say tremblingly: "Chen Huai, prepare the carriage, I want to see this Yang Lin." Before he finished speaking, he was about to hold up. "Ah?!" Zeng Tai and Shen Huai couldn't help but exclaim, but Chen Huai was still quick to hold Di Renjie and advised softly: "Sir, don't worry first. Not all the candidates in these papers have left their addresses. You can sit down first. Bei Zhi will go to the doorman to check to see if you can find Yang Lin's address."

Chen Huai hurried out of the study. Zeng Tai looked at Di Renjie's expression nervously, and wanted to speak but stopped. Just as he was embarrassed, Chen Huai stepped in again and reported loudly: "Sir, Yang Lin's address has been found. He lives in an old Longmen shop next to Luoshui." Di Renjie said "um" and was about to start. Zeng Tai saw that his face was too bad, so he hurriedly stopped him: "Teacher! You are not feeling well, so you should not leave the mansion!" Chen Huai said: "Sir, if you want to see Yang Lin, why should you visit him in person? Just go and bring him!"

Di Renjie then came to his senses and hesitated: "Go..." Zeng Tai also hurriedly advised: "Yes, mentor, let General Chen go. Now the inn next to Luoshui is full of candidates. You, the examiner, go and visit a certain student in person. If it is reported, it will cause misunderstandings!" Di Renjie was stunned for a moment, finally nodded, and ordered with a hoarse throat: "Chen Huai, then you can go and go back quickly, and you must bring Yang Lin!" "Yes!"

Chen Huai's footsteps disappeared, and the study room fell into silence again. Zeng Tai hesitated for a while, but still didn't know how to ask, so he had to look at Di Renjie's old silhouette in a daze. After a long time, Di Renjie sighed and said, "Zeng Tai, I have just lost my composure." "Teacher!" Zeng Tai called, feeling very uncomfortable, and hesitated: "You, you, this orchid poem..." "This orchid poem was written by an old friend of my husband."

"What?!" Zeng Tai widened his eyes in surprise. Di Renjie looked ahead, his plain voice seemed to be telling something that had nothing to do with him, but the hidden pain in his eyes made Zeng Tai feel palpitations. "This song of the orchid of the valley was written by a woman named Yu Rong many years ago. Ah, Zeng Tai, I have already told you her. Yu Rong is Xie Rucheng's wife, that is, Xie Lan's mother."

Xie Lan! Zeng Tai finally understood Di Renjie's excitement. After searching for so many years, will he really be unintentionally planting willows and willows today? Zeng Tai's heart couldn't help but jump up, and he was full of curiosity and expectation for Yang Lin: Could he be Xie Lan? Or is it related to Xie Lan? And Yu Rong, what kind of woman is she? This five-character poem chanting the orchid of the valley is timeless and elegant, and has a kind of romantic and sincere nature, which makes people imagine its author. Especially Zeng Tai has long seen that every time he mentions Yu Rong, Di Renjie's expression will be intertwined with indescribable tenderness and deep sadness, and even regretful, which makes Zeng Tai, who is unknown and bystanders like him, are moved by it.

Yu Rong... Xie Lan... What kind of entanglement has happened between them and Di Renjie? How can this old man, who is known for his calmness and reason, never forget it for so many years, and his soul is in chaos?

The waiting time passed quickly and slowly. In less than half an hour, Chen Huai's voice sounded in front of the study door again: "Sir, Mr. Zeng, Yang Lin is here." Zeng Tai saw Di Renjie's body trembling, but he quickly recovered his calmness and called out: "Ah, Chen Huai, bring him in."

The two of them appeared in front of them was a tall and thin young man, a common man with a scarf and a head lowered. Although he could not see his face, he could still feel the panic and uneasiness emitted from his body. Under the leadership of Shen Huai, Yang Lin walked to the front of the desk and bowed to him: "Yang Lin, the son of Lanzhou, has seen Lord Di." As he said that, he raised his head in panic.

I have to admit that when I saw Yang Lin, Di Renjie felt lost. Could this be the child he had been worried about for twenty-five years? The young man in front of him had a pretty facial features, a restrained temperament, and a pretty good image, but would he be the son of Xie Rucheng and Yu Rong? No, unlike Di Renjie, who said in his heart, although he had never seen Xie Lan before, he was unforgettable to his parents, what a kind and charming pair of men and women.

Di Renjie calmed down and spoke with a pleasant look: "Oh, you are Yang Lin. Your poems are well written."
Chapter completed!