Daming talker

Chapter 579: A Slight Difference Between the Heart and the Branches

Zhangjiawan in Tongzhou, known as the first post station in the east of Beijing, is the place where land and water meet.

Except for special canal boats, the waterway for ordinary people ends here along the canal.

So they would exchange their boats for horse-drawn carriages and then head to the capital.

Wang Lao, the new leader of the Ministry of Personnel who went to Beijing to take up his post, is a person who pays great attention to his personal image and has a huge idol burden.

Although he traveled day and night, as he approached the capital, he was afraid that his poor condition and bad complexion would affect the effect of his first appearance.

So I deliberately stopped in Tongzhou for a day and a night to adjust my mental state.

In the early morning of that day, when it was still dark, the old leader Wang got up, washed up, and had his meal. He waited for the sky to get light, and then set off immediately.

In this hot summer season, it is definitely most comfortable to travel from early morning to morning, and it is also comfortable to be greeted by others.

As for the specific details, Alliance Leader Wang just needs to set the time and he doesn't have to worry about anything else.

Just like in every place he passed through along the way, there were top-notch offerings of delicious food and drink, and all the treatment was maxed out.

Even if you have to travel by boat in the middle of the night, you can still arrange enough laborers to pull the boat.

Although he was treated well in the past, that was all earned by selling his reputation as the leader of the literary world. Even if he was occasionally treated inconsiderately, he couldn't say anything.

Unlike this trip, wherever I went, I didn't need to say anything, people would automatically feel nervous and afraid that I had been inconsiderate in the slightest.

The ambitious old leader Wang stood in the yard, watching the servants packing the carriage. He could not help but feel excited as he imagined the capital city just around the corner.

I originally thought that my life and career were coming to an end and that I could just lie down and wait for death. Who would have thought that there would be a sunset?

This official position is the number one Minister of Personnel in the outer court, a high-ranking official who can challenge the Prime Minister if he gets angry.

I have held power in the literary world throughout my life, but I have never really enjoyed the taste of power in the political arena.

Suddenly, he caught a glimpse of his second son, Wang Shiqi, who was accompanying him to the capital, wearing a suit that looked a lot like a soldier's red coat. The old leader could not help but scold him, "You are a student after all, how can you dress like this?"

Wang Shiqi replied indifferently: "I heard that Lin Jiuyuan always wore this in March and April. This is the fashionable clothing style!"

Alliance leader Wang was helpless. Every family has its own problems, and his second son was showing signs of rebelliousness.

Originally, Wang Shiqi was a knight-errant in his hometown, fond of archery, horse riding and boxing, and was unwilling to follow his father to the capital.

He thought about establishing a gang in his hometown of Taicang, making it bigger and stronger, and then joining the New Wu Lian - he heard that the New Wu Lian had started recruiting gang members again.

As a result, the old leader Wang was afraid that his second son would cause trouble in his hometown and affect his career, so he forcibly took Wang Shiqi to Beijing.

Then Wang Shiqiong deliberately wore clothes that imitated the style of the little soldier's red fat jacket and paraded around his father.

Don’t ask why, the reason is just to imitate Lin Jiuyuan!
Wang Shizhen saw that the sky in the east was already slightly brighter, so he ordered, "Let's set off for Beijing!"

Today is a great day and we shouldn’t waste it by getting angry with our son.

In the morning, dozens of officials of all sizes who were fond of literature had gathered at the reception pavilion in the eastern suburbs of the capital.

Thanks to Emperor Wanli who did not attend court, otherwise everyone might not have the time to come here to pick us up.

Everyone present secretly rejoiced that they had not forgotten their original aspirations, had never given up their literary dreams, and had persisted in making their mark in the literary world.

Therefore, only at this time can we have a reasonable excuse to welcome the old leader of the literary world.

Otherwise, what reason would we have to welcome the old leader of the literary world?
To get by in the government, one needs not only thick skin, but also good appearance and skills.

If you try to get something without a valid reason, you will only be despised and rejected.

The lineup to welcome the old leader of the literary world was headed by Shi Xing, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War.

Of course, Shi Shilang is now more proud of another identity. He is one of the second-generation five sons of the retro school, that is, one of the five successors.

This was the title he was honored to receive when he followed the old leader Wang in the literary world twenty years ago!
I originally thought that the retro style had declined and the name "Five Sons" had lost its value.

Unexpectedly, in the blink of an eye, "Wu Zi" has become a golden signboard again. It's really unpredictable.

Thinking of this, Minister Shi couldn't help but feel proud and excited. As long as the old leader could hold on, his position as a minister would be secure!

Suddenly someone shouted, "Here they come!"

Minister Shi looked up and saw a convoy coming along the official road, with several official signs in the lead.

Soon, the largest carriage in the middle of the convoy stopped by the roadside outside the reception pavilion.

But without waiting for the old leader to get off the car, everyone immediately stepped forward to salute, so the old leader Wang hurriedly got off the car to return the salute.

Shi Shi, the Minister of War, took another step forward and said affectionately, "It's been many years since we last met. You are still as charming as ever. Mr. Shi from Wei County has always missed you very much!"

After Wang Shizhen looked at Shi Shilang for a while, he couldn't help but sigh: "When I don't want to see you again, you will be over fifty years old and your temples will be gray."

Shi Shi suddenly pulled out a manuscript from his sleeve and answered with a slightly choked voice: "But I still remember clearly what you taught me 20 years ago."

This manuscript is a poem written by the old leader Wang to Shi Xing when he was selecting the next five members of the retro school twenty years ago.

The poem goes like this: "Shi Sheng used to stand tall and proud, climbing the sky and moving the stars, and his fragrance filled the world. Who can avoid seeing him?"

Holy shit! Everyone around was shocked. How could you, Shi Xing, find a manuscript from twenty years ago?

The old leader Wang also fell into a brief confusion. Is this an original manuscript or a high-quality replica?
Twenty years have passed, and I can't tell the difference now.
The capital city is indeed the best place in the world, and it is full of experts.

Logically speaking, today's scene is a gathering of people claiming to be literature lovers, welcoming the old leader of the literary world.

But after reminiscing about the past, Old Alliance Leader Wang did not talk about literature and art. Instead, he asked Minister Shi, "I heard that the court was quite chaotic in the first half of the year?"

It's a pity that the leader is driving the front car, not caring about the literary world but the political situation.

Minister Shi didn't care. His purpose of improving his impression points had been achieved, so he could talk about any topic.

He answered truthfully: "Two or three months ago, it was indeed chaotic, but fortunately it has stabilized recently."

Elder Wang sighed slightly, looked around and said, "I also heard about this when I was far away in Nanjing.

It is said that in March and April, the political situation was turbulent and unrest occurred frequently in the north, and the people of Wumen, Taicang and Shanyin all left the country for a time.

Fortunately, after Wumen returned to the government, the turmoil was quelled, and the government gradually became stable, and everyone was able to enjoy peace. "

Everyone was a little surprised. They didn't expect that the old leader would flatter Prime Minister Shen after getting off the car.

It seems that this old leader Wang has a strong sense of the political situation. Who says that old leader Wang’s ability is only enough to make waves in the literary world but not in the political arena?
Whatever the old leader said today was the truth. Shi Shilang knew the principles of life and agreed:
"Fortunately, the country has Shen Wumen mediating. If Shen Wumen hadn't returned to the court, how could we have the stability we have today?"

But Wang Shizhen asked in surprise: "Why did you suddenly mention Shenwumen?"

Shi Shilang: "?" What do you mean by this? It was you who praised Prime Minister Shen first, and then he followed suit.

Elder Wang suddenly realized something, put his hand to his forehead, and said repeatedly: "Misunderstanding! Misunderstanding! I didn't express it clearly!"

Shi Shilang asked doubtfully: "What's the misunderstanding?"

The old leader Wang replied calmly: "The Wu Clan I mentioned refers to Lin Tailai, a native of Wu, not Prime Minister Shen!"

Holy shit! Everyone was shocked and speechless!

Master, definitely a master! You, old leader Wang, are such a master!

In this era, people like to use their hometowns and place names to refer to top bosses, so there are many commonly accepted names.

Wumen refers to Shen Shixing, Taicang refers to Wang Xijue, Shanyin refers to Wang Jiaping. Going back further, Jiangling refers to Zhang Juzheng, Huating refers to Xu Jie, and Fenyi refers to Yan Song.

But this is a treatment only available to top politicians, but old leader Wang directly used it to promote Lin Tailai!
Moreover, the author used Shen Tong's background as a Wu person to play with some literary narrative techniques, which made it even more impressive.

Is this the skill of praising people who have dominated the literary world for decades? It's really terrible, who the hell can handle it?

Minister Shi felt a little ashamed. The old gentleman was indeed very capable and the old leader would always be the old leader.

The method I used to reproduce old manuscripts from twenty years ago is really childish.

Just when everyone was unable to withstand the old leader's power, a group of people suddenly appeared from the direction of the city gate.

Four servants were seen carrying a large sedan chair, trotting over. There was a man on each side of the sedan chair, shouting, "Master Jiuyuan has arrived!"

Wang Shizhen frowned slightly. Didn't he tell Lin Jiuyuan that he didn't need to come to greet him? Why did he come anyway?

The reason why Lin Tailai was not allowed to go out to greet him was, firstly, to show goodwill. After all, going out of the city to greet him was a courtesy from the lower to the upper, and not having to greet him meant treating each other with equal courtesy.

The second reason is that he is afraid that Lin Tailai’s presence will affect his performance as in the past. After all, Lin Tailai’s interference ability is too strong.

Others felt very surprised. Thanks to the "five black categories" remarks made by the Minister of Justice Lu Guangzu, everyone in the capital now knew that Lin Tailai usually rode a horse and rode recklessly when traveling, and did not ride in a sedan chair.

Why did several people come here carrying a sedan chair today?
When they got closer, someone recognized the two people beside the sedan. One was Lin Tailai's retainer Gu Bingqian, and the other was the left protector Zhang Wen.

Gu Bingqian bowed to the old leader Wang and said loudly: "Master Jiuyuan is too busy to take care of me, so he specially sent Gu Bingqian, a retainer of the Lin Mansion!"

Zhang Wen also saluted and said, "Left Captain of the Lin Mansion Guard, Zhang Wen!"

Then Gu Bingqian lifted the curtain of the sedan chair, and saw that there was no one in the sedan chair, only a Liang crown for an official's ceremonial dress.

Everyone was confused. What was this trick?
Then Gu Bingqian and Zhang Wen shouted together: "Hats! Politeness! Welcome the Heavenly Official!"

Everyone: "."

It was not over yet, the left protector Zhang Wen said loudly: "Congratulations to the leader of the alliance, Duke Yanzhou, for becoming the Heavenly Official!

Duke Yanzhou joined the New Literary Alliance eight months ago, and through his own efforts, he was promoted to Heavenly Official!

The new writers of Wenmeng have the literary world in their left hand and the political world in their right hand, and they are good at both! "

Everyone: "."

It sounds quite festive. Is this some new trick to suppress the explosive power of old leader Wang?
Before everyone could react, Gu Bingqian continued, "Master Jiuyuan has more poems to offer!

The sick cypress in front of the courtyard is sparse and desolate.
There are frightened gulls outside the door, but you can't call them.

I have listened to the sound of the river for ten years.
I came to look for any traces but found none.

Sitting in the wilderness, I feel pity for the fact that people are getting old.
Looking at the empty Lu, I sigh that I am already lonely.

Thanks to the strong will of God,
Slightly separate the liver and gallbladder from the branches and twigs. "

Everyone finally heard some human words. Compared with those non-human words just now, poetry was easier to guess.

It doesn't take much thought to know that the poem Lin Tailai presented was probably intended to please the old leader Wang.

Originally it was "The sick cypress in front of the courtyard is sparse and desolate", then "I am fortunate to have the strong thought of overcoming the heavens", and now "I slightly divide my loyalty and courage with the branches and twigs", isn't it obvious enough?

Only the old leader Wang himself vaguely remembered that he had heard the first half of this poem five years ago.

That was during the Suzhou Literary Conference in the 13th year of the Wanli reign. Lin Tailai had only recited half a poem when he fainted from anger.

I never expected that five years later, Lin Tailai would send me the full article.

So much has changed in these five years, but it feels like fifty years have passed.

After coming back to his senses, the old leader Wang greeted everyone in a casual manner: "Lin Jiuyuan is still interesting! There is a long time to come, let's all go into the city first!"

Shi Xing, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, also got on the carriage and rode with the old leader Wang.

Since there was no one else around, Shi Shi started talking about something more private: "In the imperial court, there are still many people who are jealous of the old gentleman and think that the old gentleman got a high position for nothing."

Old Alliance Leader Wang snorted disdainfully and replied, "Over the past few decades, there have been more people in the literary world who have envied me for being the Alliance Leader."

Those people only saw the thief eating meat but didn't see the thief being beaten. They didn't even think about how much virtue and good deeds they had accumulated in their previous life to have met someone like Lin Tailai.

Then he endured many severe beatings before he finally achieved his goal, which was comparable to the eighty-one difficulties in the journey to the West.

Shi Xing also warned: "It can be predicted that after the old gentleman takes office, he will be subjected to crazy attacks from the censors.

The characteristic of these censors is that they will suppress whoever is in power. This is the prevailing trend in the government today.

The predecessor, Yang Tianguan, was attacked almost all the time during his six years in office.

Yang Tianguan suddenly and resolutely resigned from his post, perhaps because he had reached the limit of his patience and could no longer endure it.

And this time, old sir, you have overwhelmed Lu Guangzu, a Qingliu Party member. The Qingliu Party members will definitely not let this go.”

Regarding this situation, the old leader Wang still disdains it, "I treat them like chickens and dogs!"

Shi Xing was very worried about the arrogant attitude of the old leader Wang, and urged him: "Sir, you haven't been to the capital for twenty years, and you haven't experienced such a trend yourself. You must not underestimate the enemy!"

Elder Wang asked a question: "Compared with Lin Jiuyuan, who is stronger, these censors or him?"

Shi Xing answered without thinking: "Of course Lin Jiuyuan is more powerful."

The old leader Wang, like a young man, said arrogantly, "I have endured Lin Jiuyuan's beatings for four and a half years! These childish censors are nothing!
Could they be sharper than Lin Jiuyuan? Could they be more cruel than Lin Jiuyuan? Could they be more sinister than Lin Jiuyuan? Could they be more cunning than Lin Jiuyuan? Could they be richer than Lin Jiuyuan? Could they be more powerful than Lin Jiuyuan?
I have witnessed Lin Jiuyuan's methods countless times and have been through countless hells. Why would I be afraid of this Qingliu Party member?"

Shi Xing: “.”

I was unable to refute it for a moment. What on earth have you experienced over the years, old man?
(End of this chapter)