Daming talker

Chapter 536 Let’s Do Something Bad Together

After Lin Tailai came out of the Ministry of Industry, he looked at the sun and saw that it was already slightly westward.

It was time to get off work. Lin Tailai waved his hand and told the servants, "Go home!"

The main reason is that there is a party at home today and I need to entertain some friends.

Shen Yongmao, the Deputy Director of the Ministry of War's Chariot Department, also returned home early, but found that his father Shen Shixing had returned even earlier.

Although he was quite surprised, he didn't care. After greeting his father, Shen Yongmao washed his face, changed into casual clothes, and was about to go out.

Shen Shixing asked the servant to call back Haodaer, "Where are you going?"

Shen Yongmao replied, "I met Lin Jiuyuan at the Ministry of War today. He said there was a party at his home in the evening, mainly for young officials of the new generation. I am going to attend it."

Shen Shixing asked again: "Did Lin Jiuyuan mention when he would come to visit me at home?"

After thinking about it, Shen Yongmao answered impatiently, "It's a false accusation," and then left in a hurry.

Shen Shixing, who wanted to say a few more words to his son, was speechless for a long time. His son looked like his rebellious youth had come eighteen years late.
In the front hall of the Lin residence, the servant Gu Bingqian was directing the servants to arrange the tableware and fruits in an orderly manner.

This should have been the job of a housekeeper, but there was no proper housekeeper in the Lin Mansion in the capital, so Gu Bingqian, a retainer, had to do it part-time.

Zhou Yingqiu, a Hanlin Academy scholar who arrived early, stood nearby and watched coldly. He sensed a sense of like repels like from Gu Bingqian.

A year ago, it was Zhou Yingqiu's job to help Lin Tailai organize parties and arrange banquets.

Before the 17th year of the Wanli reign, he helped Lin Tailai organize at least ten banquets to make friends with scholars from various provinces and eliminate the pressure of public opinion after the examination results came out.
At this time, Lin Tailai returned to the mansion, strode into the front hall, and asked Gu Bingqian: "How are the preparations going?"

Gu Bingqian replied: "It's all ready, just waiting for the guests to arrive."

Then Gu Bingqian reported again, "Banquets are trivial matters, but this house has limited space and insufficient houses, so the host should make plans early.

If there is no other instruction tomorrow, I will try to solve this problem first."

The last time Lin Tai came to the capital, he purchased this house in Li Ge Lao Hutong with the purpose of accommodating dozens of servants.

But this time the number of servants has expanded to 220, and with dependents like Secretary Bai, the original Lin Mansion is definitely not enough.

Now the main force of 150 people is still behind, and the accommodation problem must be solved before arriving.

At this time, Zhou Yingqiu walked over, took out a few sheets of paper and handed them to Lin Tailai.

He then said, "Regarding the placement plan for the Lin family servants, I have already drawn up several plans based on the standard of 200 people. Brother Jiuyuan can take a look at them first."

As he spoke, he glanced at Gu Bingqian meaningfully.

The most important thing in life is to distinguish between the big and the small, and not to reach out for things that you shouldn’t.

Gu Bingqian was cursing in his heart, "You, Zhou Yingqiu, are already a Shujishi at the age of 36, and you are trying to snatch the opportunity for me, a juren at the age of 41, to show my abilities. Do you have any shame?"

Don't look down on the poor middle-aged! Wait until I pass the imperial examination in two years, and then I will compete with you, Zhou Yingqiu!
Perhaps it was God's will that in another time and space, the Prime Minister Gu Bingqian and the Minister of Personnel Zhou Yingqiu were both listed as "Ten Dogs of the Eunuch Party".

But Lin Tailai could never understand why Zhou Yingqiu was regarded as the leader of the ten dogs?

Guests arrived one after another, including the scholars Zhou Yingqiu and Dong Qichang, the censors Wang Yusheng and Pan Shizhang, the directors of the Ministry of Rites Chen Yunjian and Shen Yan, and the deputy director of the Ministry of War Shen Yongmao.

They have two major characteristics. The first is that they are all relatively young, ranging in age from their twenties to thirties. The second is that they are all Lin Tailai's peers, fellow townsmen, or are considered to be his close friends.

There was another special guest, Wang Xiangmeng, the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Personnel's Selection Department.

Although Wang Xiangmeng was already forty years old, he was of a lower generation and had a younger mentality, so he was able to get in.

After three rounds of wine and five dishes, Lin Tailai put down his wine cup and said to everyone, "Today, so many like-minded people have gathered together. We should form a society."

It was very common for scholars and literati to form alliances in this era, and no one was too surprised.

Lin Tailai continued, "I once formed a Renewal Society, but unfortunately the admission criteria were too high, so there are only three members today.

Looking back, it was indeed a mistake on my part to use 'becoming a general or a prime minister' as the standard for joining the society.

I have decided to make up for the loss and lower the standards to accept fellow members into the company."

The crowd applauded loudly, and there was definitely no opposition. Forming alliances and associations is a very fashionable behavior nowadays.

Zhou Yingqiu asked: "First, the name is right, then the words will flow. Is the leader of this society Brother Jiuyuan?"

Lin Tailai replied, "It is the second son of the Prime Minister, Shen Yongjia, who is still at home in Suzhou."

Everyone couldn't help but look at Shen Yongmao. Everyone wanted to ask, how could your second brother be so embarrassed?

Let alone the Nine Yuan True Immortal, who here can be inferior to Master Shen?
Shen Yongmao immediately took the initiative to say: "This is a historical issue! I will write a letter to my brother as soon as possible and ask him to abdicate immediately to avoid being laughed at!"

Now when everyone looks at each other, they feel like a group.

Lin Tailai then said loudly: "In this society, no matter our age or seniority, we are all brothers!
In order to avoid being accused of forming a faction, I hope that the Renewal Society is known only to our own people!

Don’t mention anything about our company to outsiders, even to your closest relatives!”

"Good!" Everyone applauded and approved Lin Tailai's proposal.

Although everyone did not understand the significance of keeping it secret, the group was originally centered around Lin Tailai, so whatever Lin Tailai said was what mattered.

In fact, Lin Tailai didn't expect to keep any secrets, but he still had to shout out the tone of confidentiality.

Doing so is very beneficial. It helps to enhance cohesion internally and increase mystery and appeal externally.

Lin Tailai proposed: "In order to celebrate your joining our club and to foster your mutual understanding, I suggest that we do something together to commemorate your joining!"

Uncle Shen finally felt that he had broken away from his father's wings and had his own circle today. He asked very actively, "Is there anything we can do?"

Lin Tailai said: "Discipline Zhao Yongxian, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites!"

Everyone looked at each other, wondering what to do. Most importantly, they had no idea.

Lin Tailai smiled and said, "It's not difficult for those who know how to do it, but it's difficult for those who don't. I can provide clues, but you need to do the work. Just treat it as a practice!

More than ten years ago, Zhao Yongxian and his fellow villager Wu Zhiyan made an agreement on marriage, promised his newborn daughter to Wu Zhiyan's son Wu Zhen, and accepted a betrothal gift.

But later, Zhao Yongxian took the initiative to regret and cancel the engagement, and returned all the betrothal gifts to the Wu family, but this matter was not made public at the time.

You can use this clue to deal with Zhao Yongxian! I don't care how you do it, I just want to see the result!"

Everyone was shocked when they heard this. Is there such a thing?
In the concept of this era, regretting and breaking off an engagement can be regarded as a moral stain, not to mention that Zhao Yongxian still served as a moral gentleman, and could not tolerate stains. So if this matter was handled well, it could indeed be regarded as Zhao Yongxian's handle.

Wang Yusheng, who was born into a wealthy family, was the great-grandson of Wang Ao and was a decent person, and asked, "Do you have any necessary reason to punish Zhao Yongxian?"

Lin Tailai answered very straightforwardly: "There is no reason! We just want to punish him! We are the bad guys this time and do bad things!"

Doing some bad things together is the fastest way to promote cohesion. If someone is not willing to do some bad things together, then he cannot be trusted!

Wang Yusheng hesitated and said, "Zhao Yongxian is known for his honesty. Is it okay to expose his shortcomings for no reason?"

Lin Tailai said earnestly: "The future court environment will be like this, either adapt to the environment or be eliminated.

Helping you to seek official positions is not really helping you. Helping you to adapt to the environment is the real help.

I brought out Zhao Yongxian as your training partner in order to help you adapt to the environment as soon as possible.

As the saying goes, it is better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish. I hope you can understand my painstaking efforts! "

Zhou Yingqiu raised his wine cup and said loudly: "Today is the day we become sworn brothers! No need to say anything extra, just drink this cup of wine and then go get Zhao Yongxian!
Those who don't want to do it can just quit now. I'm sure Brother Jiuyuan won't force you!"

In the end, no one present expressed their intention to quit. This is the culture of a small circle. No one wants to be the one who is excluded.

Even if Wang Yusheng is a relatively upright person, if he leaves this circle, where can he go? The clean circle will not accept him.

After the party at the Lin Mansion broke up, Lin Tailai did not rest. Taking advantage of the dark and windy night, he fled to the Ningyuan Earl's Mansion.

Li Rusong, the son of the Earl of Ningyuan and the deputy governor, was still a little confused when he saw Lin Tailai staying up late at night and harassing him.

What's the urgent matter? Can't we talk about it tomorrow?
Lin Tailai asked in confusion: "How is our relationship?"

"Of course we are close friends!" Li Rusong answered without hesitation. No matter what the specific situation was, this was the only answer he could give at this time.

Lin Tailai added: "I think our friendship can be further deepened."

If someone else had said this, Li Rusong would definitely have thought that they were here to solicit bribes. But Lin Tailai was not the kind of person who would take money just for the sake of taking money.

"How can it be deepened?" Li Rusong was also a little curious.

Lin Tailai replied: "The friendship between you and me cannot be filled with only gold, silver, wine and meat, it needs more new content.

Doing something bad together can greatly promote friendship between the two parties, for example, framing and humiliating a minister with an upright reputation.

Li Rusong became even more curious and continued to ask, "Who is it?"

Lin Tailai answered without hiding anything: "Sun Yu, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue and Governor-General of Taicang."

Li Rusong: "."

Brother, you came to the wrong door, didn't you? This is the Ningyuan Marquis's residence, not the Prime Minister's Shen residence.

How can a military attaché participate in such a high-level political struggle? If you want us to be cannon fodder, just say so!
Lin Tailai patted his pectoralis major and assured, "Don't worry! I just want you to participate, I won't let you fall into danger! Do you still not trust my reputation, Lin Jiuyuan?"

On the next morning, Lin Tailai and Lin Xiuzhuan finally stepped into the Hanlin Academy and entered the Dengying Gate.

He first went to the Zhuangyuan Hall in the west courtyard and saw that his desk and chair were clean and spotless, obviously someone had cleaned them in advance. He nodded with satisfaction.

It seems that the Office of the Imperial Household, which is in charge of miscellaneous affairs in the Hanlin Academy, is quite respectful to me.

When I was walking out of the Champion Hall, I happened to meet Tang Wenxian, the champion of the 14th year of Wanli.

Tang Zhuangyuan was in a very complicated mood because he had learned that Lin Tailai had extended his claws into his hometown, Huating County, Songjiang Prefecture.

He said jokingly, "Why doesn't Jiuyuan practice spear in the morning? I haven't seen spear flowers outside the Zhuangyuan Hall for a long time. I miss it very much."

Lin Tailai replied: "I have already practiced today, outside the gate of the Censorate, and then came to the Hanlin Academy!"

Tang Wenxian was speechless, why don’t you go practice outside the Meridian Gate?

After talking to Tang Zhuangyuan, Lin Tailai came to the courtyard as usual.

As expected, the group of new scholars selected by the academy last year were lining up to listen to the lecture, which was called morning class.

Lin Tailai strolled over and stood outside the team with his hands behind his back.

On the platform, Tian Yijun, a scholar, caught a glimpse of Lin Tailai, who was pretending to be cool, and subconsciously said, "What? Why don't you come up and say a few words?"

"Then I'd rather obey you than be disrespectful!" Lin Tailai immediately sprinted and jumped directly onto the platform, turned around and said to the new Shujishi: "I'll just say a few words."

Xueshie Tian: "."

I am such a bad mouth! I didn't remember for a moment that Lin Tailai really dared to speak up!

At this time, Lin Tailai had already spoken: "As a member of the Hanyuan Academy, you should always pay attention to the developments in the literary world to avoid the drawbacks of being ignorant and closed-door!
I came here today to convey to you the spirit of last year's Suzhou Literary Conference!"

Someone in the audience started to make a noise, "Isn't the most important thing the fact that you were elected as the first vice-leader of the literary world?"

Lin Tailai quickly said a few humble words: "My election as the first deputy leader is also very important, but it is not the most important thing!
At the literary conference, the most important thing was to smash a group of literary rebels!
The main backbones of the group are Shen Li, Zhao Yongxian, Sun Jigao, Gu Xiancheng and Zou Diguang!

Among these five people, three of them came from Hanyuan, which makes me very sad!
So I hope you will learn from the lesson, take it as a warning, and don’t follow in their footsteps!

Especially Zhao Yongxian, who went against the current and went to the capital to serve as the Minister of Rites!
I hope you can take the initiative to draw a clear line between yourself and Zhao Yongxian, don’t go along with him, and don’t be his accomplices! "

Someone in the audience said, "Senior Zhao won the imperial cane thirteen years ago and his reputation shook the world. How could he be so unbearable?"

Lin Tailai said disdainfully: "Has anyone ever told you that Zhao Yongxian's teacher was Zhang Juzheng? Did Zhao Yongxian gain fame and status by stepping on his teacher Zhang Juzheng?

If he really wanted justice, he could have resigned after stepping on the teacher, but why is he still pursuing fame and fortune now? "

The man retorted: "You are attacking people's hearts with evil intentions, so naturally everyone will be evil!"

Lin Tailai was too lazy to debate with Xiao Xiami, so he pointed at Mr. Tian next to him and asked:

"Master Tian is now your teacher. Who among you dares to say in front of Master Tian whether Zhao Yongxian did the right thing?"

Xueshie Tian: "."

It is against the rules for you, Lin Tailai, to debate like this!
At this time, a servant came running over and said, "Lin Xiuzhuan, don't waste your time here. Chen Xueshi wants to see you!"

(End of this chapter)