After the rebirth of Madam Hou Clan, her heart was sealed with cement

Chapter 355 Prefect Xu bows, Prefect Xu kneels

In Jing'an Hall, the old lady's majestic eyes swept across Song Ling'er, her tone full of blame and helplessness.

"When did your vision become so narrow? The honor and disgrace of the Hou family is not just tied to you and me. Tan Zhixu can stand alone in northern Shaanxi and run the shop prosperously. That is her ability , is also the blessing of the Hou Mansion. Without her, those shops would have lost money long ago. "

"Mother, how can you protect her like this!" Song Ling'er retorted unconvincingly, tears welling up in her eyes, "She is just the daughter of a county magistrate, how can she be worthy of marrying into the Marquis Mansion, let alone take charge of our family's property? .”

The old lady snorted coldly, showing off her anger.

"Status is important, but talent and character are more important. Do you know how many people in northern Shaanxi told the story of how Tan Zhixu treated people with sincerity and convinced them with virtue? Her wisdom and mind are You are far beyond your reach. Also, I have my own discretion in letting Tan Zhixu take charge of the shop above the house, so I don’t need you to say anything."

In the streets and alleys of the capital, news about the fight between Song Ling'er and Tan Zhixu and the competition in northern Shaanxi spread like wildfire.

People talked a lot, some praised Tan Zhi and Xu for being both wise and brave, while others regretted that Song Ling'er was proud and complacent.

"Have you heard? Miss Song lost to the second lady in northern Shaanxi. This is really shocking." In the teahouse, an old man shook his head, his face full of disbelief.

"Isn't that right? Although the second lady is from a merchant background, she has a certain way of doing business. What she talks about is credibility and people's hearts." Another tea guest agreed.

In the shop, Tan Zhixu, faced with Gu Yu's worries, just patted her shoulder lightly and smiled calmly: "Young Master Gu has his own important responsibilities. I only need to do what I should do. As for Song Ling'er, she will eventually understand that this world cannot be dominated by power."

At the same time, in a hidden study room of the northern Shaanxi government office, Gu Huaijing was having a secret conversation with Commander Teng.

What they talked about involved the war in the northwest frontier and the undercurrents within the imperial court, and all of these were closely related to the future of the Hou Mansion.

"Master, are you sure Miss Tan can take on this important task?" Commander Teng frowned, with doubts in his words.

Gu Huaijing's eyes were firm and he responded in a deep voice: "I believe in her, just as she believes in me. Regardless of anything else, her performance in northern Shaanxi alone is enough to prove her ability and tenacity. This test is not only for She personally is the key to whether our Hou Mansion can stabilize its position in the turbulent times."

As soon as he finished speaking, a burst of noisy voices suddenly came from outside the window, as if a large number of people were approaching the government office.

The two of them looked at each other and saw the seriousness in each other's eyes - it seemed that the peaceful days were about to be broken...

Prefect Xu was dressed in official uniform and stepped into the government office with steady steps. There were many followers behind him, making a great noise.

For a moment, the originally quiet study room was filled with the echo of leather boots on the ground and the cold sound of metal collision.

Gu Huaijing's face was as calm as usual, and he stepped forward with a smile, "Prefect Xu is here today, what's the important matter?"

Prefect Xu pretended to salute with his hands raised, but his eyes showed contempt and disdain, "I have been out guarding the border a few days ago. Now I heard that the admiral is coming, so I came here to pay a visit. It's just that I missed it by chance. I hope to see the admiral Haihan."

Teng Xi couldn't help but whispered: "Master, this Prefect Xu came here strangely, and his words were all perfunctory." Gu Huaijing gently waved his hand to stop Teng Xi, and said to Prefect Xu: "The prefect is busy with official duties , I don’t dare to do anything. But since I’m here, we might as well have a cup of tea and talk about the northwest frontier.”

A sneer appeared at the corner of Xu's mouth, and he sat down seemingly casually. While sipping tea, he said slowly: "The admiral has so much power in the capital, how could he come to my place in northern Shaanxi? I'm afraid it's not because of Tan Tan who was born as a merchant. Do you know Xu?"

A sharp look flashed in Gu Huaijing's eyes, and he responded calmly: "Although Miss Tan is from a merchant family, her talents and character are of the highest quality, and she is deeply loved by the people in northern Shaanxi. She and I are both from the capital. , it should be taken care of by multiple people, right?"

There were whispers from the people outside the window. Some were surprised by the admiral's trust in Tan Zhixu, while others were indignant at Xu's arrogant attitude.

"Huh, the people the admiral values ​​​​must have something extraordinary." Prefect Xu smiled pretending to be profound, and changed the topic, "It's just that the situation inside and outside the court is turbulent, and I'm afraid that one mistake will lead to the Hou Mansion being involved. into the whirlpool. By then, no matter how capable Miss Tan is, she will not be able to turn the tide."

Gu Huaijing already understood the intention behind Prefect Xu's back. He smiled calmly, put down the tea cup in his hand, and said firmly: "What Prefect Xu said is true, but I believe that as long as people's hearts are not lost, there is no need to fear the wind and rain."

Prefect Xu's provocation was in sharp contrast to Gu Huaijing's calmness, and the atmosphere in the study became tense for a while.

Gu Huaijing raised his eyes to look at Prefect Xu and responded calmly: "The situation inside and outside the imperial court is indeed changing, but I firmly believe that the entire Hou family can withstand any storm if they work together. Besides, as the second wife of the Hou family, Miss Tan It has nothing to do with these things.”

When Prefect Xu heard this, his face changed slightly, but he still pretended to be calm: "The admiral has great ambitions, and I admire him. However, the affairs of the court are complicated and changeable, and I am afraid that if I am not careful, I will be deeply involved."

Gu Huaijing chuckled, raised his glass and invited Prefect Xu to drink with him.

After bidding farewell to Gu Huaijing, Governor Xu did not return to his residence. Instead, he dismissed his subordinates and went to a secret house in northern Shaanxi alone.

"master!"

In the main room, a man in black was sitting on the forehand position. Prefect Xu was livid after saluting, and his head was lowered.

"Trash, do you think Gu Huaijing is really that stupid?"

Listening to the man in black's reprimand, he felt angry but did not dare to express it.

He cupped his hands and said, "This subordinate is incompetent, please punish me."

The man in black snorted coldly, staring at Prefect Xu with a sinister gaze like a poisonous snake: "Although Gu Huaijing is on the border, he is deeply favored by the Holy Spirit. If you don't be careful, you will be led by him sooner or later. I have received news that Tan Zhixu is not only loved by the people in northern Shaanxi, but also has inextricable connections with certain dignitaries in the court. Once they join forces, Gu Huaijing will be even more powerful, and our plans may change. "

"I understand that I will pay close attention to the movements of the admiral and the second wife of the Marquis." Prefect Xu had cold sweat on his forehead, knowing that he had a heavy responsibility on his shoulders.

Returning to the government office, Governor Xu immediately deployed manpower to closely monitor every move of the Hou Mansion and Tan Zhixu.

At the same time, Gu Huaijing also received the news, but he did not panic. Instead, he secretly made plans to prepare for possible crises.