At the end of the Han Dynasty: a stingy husband from his hometown

Chapter 77 Little Meng Taste

"I'm Yuan Shao, whose character is Benchu, and I've seen Zhou Eng."

After Zhou Qi heard the name Yuan Shao, he couldn't help showing a surprised look on his face.

In his inherent impression, Yuan Shao belonged to the kind of person who is lenient on the outside and taboo on the inside, self-willed, and he was born in a wealthy family, so he must be full of arrogance.

Just like Yuan Shao looked down on the horse archer Guan Yu when the princes begged for Dong in the novel, Yuan Shao will definitely not get too close to people with bad backgrounds.

However, he did not expect that the handsome young master in front of him, who was graceful in posture, very handsome, and quite magnanimous, and could make people fall in love with him at a glance, was actually the Yuan Shao in his impression.

After being surprised, Zhou Qi did not dare to neglect, and hurriedly bowed and saluted: "I never thought that it would be Yuan Benchu ​​in front of me. I have admired him for a long time!"

However, Yuan Shao said somewhat impressively: "It's just a humble name, why should it matter? On the contrary, Zhou's feats in the Pei Kingdom made Shao Jijie admire him, and he couldn't help himself."

After finishing speaking, he turned to look at Xiang Hong, who was standing beside him, and asked, "Is this the Zhao guest described in "The Journey of a Chivalrous Man"?"

Zhao Keman and Hu Ying.

When Zhou Qi wrote this poem, he also combined it with Xiang Hong's life experience, which was quite appropriate.

Xiang Hong also knew about the Yuan family, and when he heard Yuan Shao's question, he hurriedly saluted and said, "Xiang Hong, Xiang Bode, met the young master."

Even if the word "gongzi" was not more noble in the late Han Dynasty than in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, ordinary people were not qualified to be called such a title, but it symbolized status and identity.

With Yuan Shao's background, he naturally deserves these two words.

Seeing Xiang Hong's admission, Yuan Shao immediately returned the courtesy and said, "Shao has admired Bode for a long time, and seeing him today is a great honor."

Xiang Hong, who came from a humble background, felt a little at a loss when he received such praise from Yuan Shao, and hurriedly postponed.

Seeing this, Zhou Qi was more and more surprised.

If Yuan Shao treats him so kindly and gently, it can be justified. After all, he has done those important things in Peiguo, and he has also written a few poems, and he is also an official under the Sili Xiaowei.

However, Xiang Hong was able to receive such courteous treatment from Yuan Shao with such a background, but it completely overturned Zhou Qi's inherent impression of Yuan Shao.

With Yuan Shao's appearance and background, if Zhou Qi hadn't already befriended Xiang Hong and gained the other's approval and loyalty, it would have been very easy to attract Xiang Hong just because of Yuan Shao's praise today.

Many times, people from poor families care more about the attitude of others towards them, especially noble children like Yuan Shao, if they can hand over to the poor family, it will be easy to get the allegiance of others.

Compared with Yuan Shao, Zhou Qi is naturally at a disadvantage in this aspect, even if he wants to recruit Xu Chu, it is extremely difficult.

Changing places, if the person who recruited the Xu brothers in Xujiazhai was not Zhou Qi, but Yuan Shao who was born in the Yuan family, I am afraid that the Xu brothers would bow down after accepting their heads, and would follow them regardless.

Yuan Shao praised Xiang Hong, then looked at Zhou Qi, and said, "Meng De and I are close friends. Not long ago, I wrote a book with me. Yan Ziyi has great ambitions, has the talents of the world, and can stabilize the country."

"I have known Meng De for a long time, and I know that he seems to be unrestrained, but he is extremely proud, and he has never praised others so much."

"Zi Yi is able to receive such praise from Meng De, there must be something extraordinary."

"Shao is not talented. I would like to prepare some wine and invite you two to a banquet. Is it okay?"

Zhou Qi really wanted to make friends with Yuan Shao.

But when he turned his head and saw the soldiers of Sili Xiaowei's mansion following behind him, he smiled wryly and bowed: "I'm really sorry, I still have official business, so I'm afraid I won't be able to go to the banquet."

At this time, Yuan Shao also saw the soldiers of the Sili Xiaowei Mansion behind Zhou Qi, and immediately smiled and said: "I was the one who was abrupt, don't blame me for being different."

Zhou Qi waved his hand: "If you don't give up, when I am free, I will prepare a little wine and ask my brother to go to the banquet as an apology. Is it possible?"

Yuan Shao smiled and said: "I have lived in Luoyang for many years, and Ziyi has just arrived. How can I make Ziyi spend money?"

"It's up to me to invite Ziyi to drink."

Zhou Qi heard this and did not postpone further.

After coming to Luoyang, he realized how high the consumption level is here. Zhou Qi can be regarded as a poor guy at this time, and he has no extra money to entertain Yuan Shao in a better restaurant.

Since Yuan Shao insisted on hosting a banquet, he naturally did not continue to shirk it.

After bidding farewell to Yuan Shao, Zhou Qi led Xiang Hong and others to continue patrolling the city, during which he asked Xiang Hong: "Brother Bode thinks, how does Cao Mengde compare with Yuan Benchu?"

Zhou Qi's words stumped Xiang Hong.

In terms of appearance, appearance, family background and demeanor, Yuan Shao almost outshines Cao Cao. Compared to Yuan Shao's magnanimity, Cao Cao can at best be regarded as a nouveau riche.

However, after Xiang Hong had a close relationship with Cao Cao, he could also feel Cao Cao's personality charm.

Yuan Shao, on the other hand, gave Xiang Hong a very good first impression, but they did not have a close relationship after all. Xiang Hong didn't know what Yuan Benzhu was like, so he didn't dare to make any more comments.

Seeing that Xiang Hong was in distress and didn't know how to answer, Zhou Qi smiled casually and said, "Let's talk about this topic when we meet Yuan Benchu ​​tonight."

Xiang Hong heard the words, but lowered his voice and said: "The Shijun has already said that he wants to do something to Yuan's children. Will Ziyi meet Yuan Benchu ​​privately at this time, will it make the Shijun displeased?"

When Zhou Qi heard this, he smiled slightly and said: "I will report this matter to the envoy. If he is unwilling, I will postpone it."

The two of them took the soldiers under the command of Sili Xiaowei's Mansion. After the inspection, they returned to Sili Xiaowei's Mansion to hand over the work.

Zhou Qi went to visit Yang Qiu and said, "Your Majesty, when I was patrolling today, I happened to meet Yuan Benchu, who invited me to a banquet."

"I don't know what the envoy wants you to do."

Hearing this, Yang Qiu looked at Zhou Qi with a slight smile in his eyes, and asked, "Did you agree?"

Zhou Qi said truthfully: "The kindness is hard to turn down, and the subordinates have already agreed."

The smile in Yang Qiu's eyes grew stronger and he said: "In that case, why do you come back to ask me? You go to the banquet, lest you be known as someone who doesn't believe what you say."

Zhou Qi bowed: "Thank you for your understanding."

After watching Zhou Qi leave, the false assistants standing around asked, "Why did Yuan Benchu ​​invite Zhou Ziyi to the banquet?"

Yang Qiu stroked his beard and said, "I'm afraid it's to test my attitude towards Yuan."

Jia Zuo suddenly realized, and then asked: "Is the envoy asking Zhou Ziyi to go to the banquet, is he showing his favor to Yuan Shi?"

Yang Qiu slowly restrained his smile, and then sighed: "If I want to help Your Majesty Qingping the treacherous court, I must be a lone minister, not only to be an enemy of the eunuch, but also to go against the aristocratic family. Only in this way can I gain His Majesty's respect." .”

"However, the Yuan family is extremely powerful. If we turn against them, I'm afraid I won't even be able to serve as a lone minister."

"Thus, although I threatened to investigate the Yuan family, I delayed the matter and ordered Zhou Ziyi to go to Yuan Benchu's banquet. Seeing this, the Yuan family must know what I mean."

"Perhaps Zhou Ziyi guessed my intentions and came here to test me on purpose."

"If he doesn't come to ask for instructions, but goes directly to the banquet, he has a different heart and cannot be reused. Now that he tells the truth, we can see Ziyi's loyalty."

After hearing the words, Jiazuo suddenly realized.

He also echoed: "Zhou Ziyi is affectionate and righteous, with both wisdom and courage, he is indeed capable of taking on great responsibilities."

Yang Qiu stroked his beard and nodded, and then sighed: "With Ziyi's background and reputation, even if I recruit him into the Sili Xiaowei Mansion, his future will be limited after all. If possible, I would like to recommend him as a filial and honest person. This way For the right way."

In this era, promoting filial piety and integrity is like promoting success in later generations. It is the most orthodox way for scholars to climb up. Other than that, it is conquest.

However, except for those highly respected celebrities who can be enlisted by the imperial court to entrust important tasks, most of the rest are only enlisted as petty officials, which naturally has no future compared to Ju Xiaolian.

If Zhou Qi can be promoted to Xiaolian, it is equivalent to knocking on the door of the bureaucratic system of this era. As long as he makes meritorious deeds and someone from above is promoted, he will be promoted very easily.

Hearing this, Chizuo showed envy.

As a confidant of Yangqiu, he has followed him conscientiously for so many years, but he has not been promoted to Xiaolian.

But he didn't expect that Yang Qiu would be willing to give such a precious spot to Zhou Qi.

As if he had seen through Chizuo's mind, Yang Qiu patted him on the shoulder and said, "To be filial piety is not just based on relationship, but also on character, talent, learning, and reputation. Your character is not a problem, but you are not as good as Xiaolian." Match talent, learning and fame.”

Ji Zuo said hurriedly: "Your Majesty, my subordinates do not dare to expect to be promoted as filial and honest. As long as they can always be by your side, this life is enough."

Hearing this, Yang Qiu sighed deeply.

Since the emperor of the current dynasty used the three-mutual method, it has become more and more difficult for the gentry to make their own family members filial and honest through the exchange of interests.

Behind every Xiaolian quota involves a very complex exchange of interests. Even with Yang Qiu's current status and power, it is not easy to obtain a Xiaolian quota.

Moreover, people with high positions and positions like them tend to cherish their feathers and would never recommend people easily.

Otherwise, if the recommended person does not have real talents and knowledge, it will make the recommender feel bad and damage the reputation of the recommender.

He walked to the door of the attic, stared at the bustling Luoyang City outside, and said, "Although I intend to promote Zhou Ziyi, it is not easy."

"First, Zhou Ziyi was born in a humble background, and he has no help in the court. With my own strength, it is not easy for him to gain a firm foothold in the court."

"Secondly, Zhou Ziyi has not yet reached the age of crown, so it is not suitable for him to be filial and honest."

"Third, and most importantly, Zhou Shifu died and Zhou Ziyi did not observe filial piety. This may be criticized by others. It is extremely difficult to promote him as filial and honest."

Yang Qiu has been in the officialdom for so many years, and he knows many unspoken rules very well, so it can be concluded that even if he has his own promotion and reuse, it is impossible for Zhou Qi to make a name for himself in the officialdom in a short time.

Of course, if it comes to the era when princes rise together in the future, there will not be so many restrictions on whoever wants to be promoted. As long as the princes are willing, they can make people ascend to the sky in one step.

But now the world is not in chaos, and everything must be done within the rules of the system.

Failure to honor his grandfather has become Zhou Qi's biggest weakness in this era. Unfortunately, even if Zhou Qi knows this, there is no good solution for the time being.

He was born in a bad family, and it was the old miser who risked his life to create such an opportunity for him to be able to achieve what he is today.

If Zhou Qi doesn't seize this opportunity, it will be difficult for him to get a chance to succeed.

After he killed Wang Ji, if he did not join Yang Qiu's command, he would not be absolved, and he might be wanted by the court for years to come.

Zhou Qi knew that the world was about to be in chaos. If he didn't do something in advance and hid because he was wanted by the court, then his careful planning to assassinate Wang Ji would be of no use.

He is not like Yuan Shao, even if he has kept his filial piety for six years, it still does not prevent the other party from taking care of him and making friends with heroes in the world.

As long as Yuan Shao is willing, he can serve as an official at any time, and he can gain the respect of those in power and soar to the sky.

Zhou Qi had a bad background and had no choice but to risk his life.

Yang Qiu put his hands behind his back and was silent for a long time before saying: "If there is an opportunity, let him return to his hometown to serve as Zhou Shifu's filial piety. After the filial piety period is over, it will not be too late to promote him to a more important position."

Zhou Qi didn't know Yang Qiu's importance and plans.

After saying goodbye to Yang Qiu, he rushed towards the restaurant he had made an appointment with Yuan Shao without much delay.

Luoyang is no worse than Zhou Qi's hometown. There is a curfew here at night. If you dare to run around at night, you will be beaten to death by the officers and soldiers for nothing.

Therefore, Zhou Qi planned to end the banquet and return home before the curfew, so he went to the banquet in such a hurry.

When Zhou Qi and Xiang Hong arrived at the restaurant, they found that the business inside was somewhat sluggish.

Logically speaking, a restaurant of this caliber in Luoyang should be absolutely full of guests every day. The current situation is obviously a bit strange.

But soon, Zhou Qi figured it out.

The restaurant's business is so poor, I'm afraid it has something to do with Yang Qiu.

Luoyang was so troubled by Yang Qiu that many of the rich and powerful children trembled and hid in their homes and did not dare to go out, let alone spend money in such a high-end restaurant.

Presumably all the wine shop owners and brothel madams, as well as the other gold-selling caves in Luoyang City, also hate Yang Qiu.

As soon as Zhou Qi entered the restaurant, a waiter came up to greet him.

The clerk looked at Zhou Qi's clothes and asked, "I wonder if the guests have an appointment here?"

Zhou Qi nodded and said, "Yuan Benchu ​​asked me to come here, I wonder if he came here?"

When the clerk heard the name Yuan Benchu, his face was filled with a smile, and he said enthusiastically: "Vipiente guests, please go to the private room on the second floor. Mr. Yuan has been waiting here for a long time."

In this way, Zhou Qi met Yuan Shao under the enthusiastic guidance of his staff.

When Yuan Shao saw Zhou Qi and the others coming in, he had a warm smile on his face, and hurried forward to greet him, saying, "Ziyi, Bode, we won't return today until we're drunk!"

Yuan Shao's smile was very contagious, not artificial at all, but full of sincerity.

After he welcomed Zhou Qi and Xiang Hong into the box, he actually thanked the bartender.

Yuan Shao's move immediately made the wine shop waiter's face glow. He bowed deeply to Yuan Shao, and then asked with excitement on his face: "What dishes will you order today?"

Yuan Shao didn't answer, but turned to look at Zhou Qi, and asked, "What would Ziyi want to eat?"

Zhou Qi shook his head and said: "Being with Yuan Benchu ​​is like drinking fine wine, and if you are eating delicious food, how can you care about what is in your mouth?"

"Yang Shijun is frugal in nature and doesn't like extravagance. Brother Benchu ​​can order some wine and food at will."

Yuan Shao nodded and said, "That's exactly what I mean."

After speaking, Yuan Shao ordered a few delicious but not expensive dishes from the restaurant staff, ordered a few jugs of fine wine, and invited Zhou Qi and Xiang Hong to sit down.

Zhou Qi couldn't help but praised: "Brother Benchu ​​was born in a noble family, and his family has a long history of education, but he treats all the staff in the restaurant like this. I really admire him."

Yuan Shao shook his head and said: "Mr. Mengchang is a nobleman of the public family. He can still be humble to ordinary people. He can still be entrusted with important tasks even by roosters, dogs and thieves. Compared with that, what am I?"

The food and drink were served quickly.

Zhou Qi looked at tonight's banquet. Although it was not sumptuous, it did not look shabby either. It not only showed Yuan Shao's sincerity in inviting people to the banquet, but also did not appear extravagant and wasteful. It was just right.

During the banquet, the three exchanged cups.

Compared to the lofty talk between Zhou Qi and Yuan Shao, Xiang Hong only said a few words at the beginning, and then just drank and said nothing.

Yuan Shao persuaded Xiang Hong to drink a few times, and also took time to interact with Xiang Hong during the period, but found that Xiang Hong's knowledge was indeed a little shallow. After the two of them didn't have many topics in common, although they still maintained a warm attitude, they met with Xiang Hong later. Communication also gradually decreased.

On the contrary, he chatted with Zhou Qi and discussed the situation in the world, and found that the young man in front of him was indeed like what Cao Cao wrote in his letter, he was really knowledgeable and talented.

Yuan Shao's attitude towards Zhou Qi also became more enthusiastic.

Both parties wanted to make friends with each other, so all the guests at this banquet were happy, and the three of them exchanged glasses, and the time passed quickly.

During the banquet, someone heard that Yuan Benchu, who was eager to be righteous and generous, was here, and people came to visit from time to time. No matter what the identity of the visitor was, no matter whether Yuan Shao recognized the visitor or not, he would stand up and salute. There was no official. The arrogance and arrogance of the younger generation, on the contrary, seem very approachable.

What impressed Zhou Qi the most was that two knights in the restaurant had no money to pay after finishing their meal. After Yuan Shao heard the quarrel downstairs, he actually took the initiative to pay for the two of them.

Yuan Shao's move naturally made the two knights burst into tears of gratitude. The diners in the restaurant also praised him lavishly, and even strangers who had never met him visited Yuan Benchu ​​upstairs many times.

By the end of the banquet, more than a dozen people had already visited.

Yuan Benchu ​​really knew very few people, and most of them were people who came here to make friends after hearing his name, and he couldn't get his name at all.

Yuan Shao had such a reputation in Luoyang, which made Zhou Qi envious. Most of the people who came to visit Yuan Shao were the sons of officials. They treated Yuan Shao very warmly, but they didn't care much about Zhou Qi, a young man from the countryside.

"The gap, this is the gap, this Yuan Benchu ​​really has some demeanor of Mr. Mengchang!"

Zhou Qi couldn't help but sigh secretly in his heart.

After the banquet was over, Zhou Qi, Xiang Hong and Yuan Shao bid farewell, instead of continuing to wander around the city, they returned directly to Sili Xiaowei's mansion.

After returning home, Xiang Hong suddenly said: "Although Yuan Benchu ​​is like Meng Chang, he is not as good as Cao Mengde."

"Oh?"

Zhou Qi raised his eyebrows slightly, with a look of interest on his face.

　The content of today's chapters is a bit messy, so I won't separate them. The two chapters are merged into one.Don’t worry, brothers, I definitely didn’t cut any corners on the word count. There will be no chapter at [-] o’clock.

　　Finally, read on!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)