Jiuxi

Chapter 217 215 [Peach Blossoms on the Face]

"Greetings, my lord father."

In the brightly lit main hall, Lu Chen saluted meticulously.

Lu Tong quickly helped him up, observed him for a moment and said, "He is a little thinner and a little darker, but my son is still talented and handsome."

Lu Chen accepted his father's inspection calmly and asked with a smile: "Is father still in good health recently?"

"Everything is fine with me. Our business is running smoothly in Huaizhou and is making progress in various parts of the south of the Yangtze River. I'm just worried that you will encounter trouble in the north. I learned earlier that you made a lot of noise in Heluo City. Don't allow it in the future. This happens again. You have to know that this is Heluo City, and the masters of the Puppet Yan Procuratorate and Jing Dynasty are hiding dragons and crouching tigers. If you are not careful, you will be in danger."

The father and son sat across from each other, and Lu Tong gave instructions seriously.

Lu Chen was never a hypocritical person, but in front of the old man, he would always feel a little soft in his heart, so he listened honestly and said, "Yes, father, I have written it down."

When Lu Tong saw this, he stopped teaching him and asked with concern: "Did you encounter any trouble on the way back?"

Lu Chen said calmly: "It's safe. The warp weaving department and our family have made good arrangements. Father, I have something to discuss with you. I plan to hand over the family's manpower in the north and those secret agents to Tan Zhenghe. Zou Zunian and the others will take care of it. These people have followed me to the capital and the north. They are loyal enough and not weak in ability."

Lu Tong said bluntly: "From now on, you can make the decision about your family affairs. You don't need to ask me specifically."

Lu Chen didn't say anything more. He knew that even if the old man said this, he would definitely keep some tricks secretly. This was not because he didn't trust him, but because he was cautious as a veteran who had been immersed in the ghosts of people's hearts for decades.

After talking about their farewell, Lu Chen decided to get straight to the point and said slightly nervously: "Did father receive the letter I sent back to Guangling earlier?"

Lu Tong looked at him with a smile, and Lao Huai said with great comfort: "I got it, you and that girl Lin Xi are a match made in heaven, and it couldn't be better for you to become husband and wife. But the wedding is not in a rush, you both have just turned twenty. , is in a critical period of laying the foundation for the future, just wait for a year or two. Anyway, Lin Jie and I are like brothers, and you have made a marriage in the mountains, even the emperor can't ruin this marriage."

His reaction was expected by Lu Chen. After all, Lin Xi went to Guangling to teach Lu Chen martial arts. The two young men got along day and night, and the smile on Lu Tong's face never disappeared.

But this "one or two years" seemed a little strange, so Lu Chen took advantage of the situation and said: "Father, now the Northern Expedition is inevitable, our army will definitely regain the Puppet Yan Dongyang Road, and then Huaizhou and Baotai Mountain will be connected. I estimate that this will take about half a year, which means that I can marry my senior sister in half a year, and there is no need to delay for too long."

Lu Tong rubbed his hands and changed the subject: "You went to see Xiao Wangzhi just now. Did he say anything to you?"

Lu Chen had already realized that there was something strange in the old man's heart, and he recalled how Xiao Wangzhi was hesitant to speak before. He couldn't help but become more and more curious. What was it that was so difficult that it was difficult for these old brothers who had gone through many hardships and vicissitudes to talk about it?
  He was able to keep his composure and replied calmly: "We only talked about some military topics. Also, Uncle Xiao told me that Wang Zhailin showed his kindness to us and seemed to want to change his mind."

"That's it."

Lu Tong sighed and said with a mixture of laughter and tears: "The Wang family has other requests."

Lu Chen was not surprised by this. The Zhai Lin Wang family had been passed down for hundreds of years, and the family had a flourishing business. It was not easy to turn around, and it was impossible to become an internal agent of the Qi Dynasty without any requirements. They were just playing tricks on both sides, not to be loyal ministers of the Qi Dynasty, otherwise they would not have easily defected to the Jing Dynasty.

When Lu Chen thought about it, the Wang family needed to be accepted by Nan Qi, and there was a real guarantee that they would not be liquidated in the future, and it was best to still be able to make enough profits.

Obviously this matter cannot be decided by Xiao Wangzhi alone, it must be approved by the emperor in the capital.

Although Lu Chen is now on the stage and can participate in the general direction decisions of the border army, he is still far away from the real center of power and is not yet qualified to participate in the contact between the Qi Dynasty and the Zhai Lin Wang family.

"Father, whatever the Wang family wants, it should be a matter decided by Uncle Xiao and the Emperor. It has nothing to do with our Lu family, right?"

Lu Chen stared into the old man's eyes and asked slightly suspiciously.

Lu Tong shook his head and said, "It was originally supposed to be like this, but Wang An made a request. He hopes that you can marry Wang's daughter."

It was like a muffled thunder falling out of thin air.

Even though Lu Chen was quick-thinking and experienced, and had two lifetimes of experience, he never expected that there would be such a turning point here.

When he first heard this, although he didn't lose his composure, he still looked strange and said slowly: "These high-ranking families...have never been able to break out of that door for thousands of years. Does Wang An think that I have to marry Wang An?" Only then will the Huaizhou Army regain Dongyang Road? Or, after I marry Wang’s daughter, she will be able to influence my thoughts? "

"Marriage is indeed the only way for these aristocratic families to maintain their power and become entangled."

Lu Tong sighed leisurely, and then said: "It's just that I didn't expect that they would set their sights on you. But later, after Xiao Wangzhi reminded me, I can understand those people. You are in the limelight now. Your own abilities are impeccable, and Xiao Wangzhi and Li Tianrun have shown their high regard for you, and the emperor is full of praise for you. You are about to get older, so I really can't choose a more suitable candidate than you."

Lu Chen laughed and said, "So, it's an honor for me to be favored by them?"

"Of course Xiao Wangzhi and I don't think so."

Lu Tong's expression became serious. He didn't want Lu Chen to have any misunderstanding, thinking that the elders were forcing him to marry a woman he had never met before. He then explained: "The Wang family's attitude is very low. They said to Xiao Wangzhi, At that time, the Wang family of Zhai Lin was pointed out by the soldiers of the Jing Dynasty and had to bow their heads and surrender. However, they never wanted to surrender to the enemy. It was just that the Wang family had a population of thousands, and if they did not obey, they would be in danger of annihilation. Now they have some power. Naturally, I hope to return to the rule of Daqi, but I am also worried that it will be liquidated in the future."

Lu Chen said calmly: "So they hope to use this marriage as an additional means of preservation?"

"Yes."

Lu Tong nodded slightly, picked up a cup of tea to moisten his throat, and continued: "The emperor's appreciation of you is second to none. The key lies in your status in the border army and your relationship with the two powerful governors. This determines your You will definitely be in a high position in the future, and even the royal family will not touch you easily. Your marriage to the Wang daughter means that the Lu and Wang families are one, which is far more useful than the verbal promises from the Qi court."

Lu Mo remained silent. Wang An's consideration was thorough - but he didn't consider what kind of person he was.

Lu Tong said warmly: "As for the benefits of this matter, it is obvious. The Wang family of Zhai Lin has a deep foundation in the north, and its influence among the people is particularly great. It is even more important than the position of prime minister that Wang Anming is threatened by. Once you By marrying Wang's daughter, you will have a profound family force, and no matter what you want to do in the future, this force cannot be ignored."

"Secondly, after this relationship is established, the Wang family's support for our border army is not as simple as a topographical map of Dongyang Road. Whether it is the power that Wang An can control in the puppet Yan court, or the Zhai Lin Wang family itself Their strength, and even their hundreds of years of connections in the North, can play a great role. For example, when Jianghua City defender Meng Zhixiang was persuaded to surrender by Wang Shao, our army avoided a lot of trouble. Loss, and Wang Shao is just a branch of the Zhai Lin Wang family."

Lu Tong finished speaking in one breath, his expression still gentle, and finally explained: "Shen'er, I just hope you can be safe and happy, but you have to know about such a big thing, so I will tell you the cause and effect. How to choose is up to you. That’s fine, we won’t interfere in any way.”

"Thank you for your understanding, father." Lu Chen nodded and immediately asked, "Wang An plans to betroth his biological daughter to me?"

Lu Tong shook his head and said: "Wang An is modest and says that his daughter is arrogant and coquettish, so he plans to betroth his niece, the eldest daughter of his brother Wang Cheng, to you. Wang Cheng is a scholar who is not good at common affairs. Therefore, Wang An has always been in charge of the Zhai Lin Wang family. Wang Cheng's daughter is named Wang Chulong. It is said that she is knowledgeable, courteous, gentle, kind, and talented. I have asked people to inquire, and this evaluation is not false. Wang's daughter has a very good reputation in the North."

"Two years ago, I might have considered accepting Wang An's proposal, but now -"

Lu Chen paused for a moment, stared into his father's eyes, and said calmly: "Father, before I came back, I made a lifelong promise with my senior sister, and then married another woman in the blink of an eye. I can't do this kind of thing. Not to mention that she is Wang An's biological niece , even if the emperor wants to marry me, I will refuse it outright. "

Lu Tong now understands the character of this only son very well, but it is really difficult to change anything he decides, so he smiled and said: "Silly boy, you can't just guard that girl Lin Xi all your life. As a father, you are the only one. We must open up branches and leaves for our old Lu family."

Lu Chen had expected this and said firmly: "My wife will only be a senior sister, there is no doubt about it. Father, I understand your good intentions, and I also know that marrying Wang's daughter will be of great benefit to my future, but a real man has There is nothing wrong with what I do, unless Wang An is willing to give his niece to me as a concubine, but is this possible?"

How could Zhai Lin, the leader of a well-known family like Wang, allow his legitimate daughter to be a concubine?
  People in the world would laugh at him if he did such a thing, unless Lu Chen was a noble person, or at least a prince, whose status as a concubine would be worthy of their faces.

Faced with Lu Chen's resolute attitude, Lu Tong was not in a hurry and said with a half-smile: "Of course it's not okay to be a concubine. Wang An can't hold back that face. But there is no way to solve this matter. You are now at least A man from Shanyang County will be rewarded with a title if he performs meritorious service, so having an equal wife is also the way to go."

Lu Chen laughed and said, "Equal wife? Then he can wait a long time."

"But I guess... the Wang family is not willing to wait forever. Without a clear guarantee, an old fox like Wang An will not let go. He acts very carefully. The people he sends are clearly dead soldiers, and there is only one picture without head or tail. map, we can’t use this to threaten him.”

Lu Tong said with a little regret.

He originally wanted to let Lu Chen marry the daughter of the Wang family first and help the border troops regain Dongyang Road. Under the premise that the emperor made it clear that he wanted to reuse Lu Chen, this contribution was enough for him to be promoted quickly. At this time, he would marry Lin Xi in the name of his equal wife. It can be said to be the best of both worlds.

But Lu Chen was very determined, so he had to take back those words to prevent this kid from getting stubborn and going all the way.

Lu Chen naturally knew what the old man was thinking, and said calmly: "Father, don't worry, I have my own plan for this matter. I will not hurt my senior sister, but I can also take care of the overall situation."

Lu Tong smiled, nodded and said, "Okay, you can handle it yourself."

At nightfall, Lu Chen returned to his residence and saw Song Pei standing on the porch to greet him with red eyes.

Looking at this beautiful, naturally carved face, and feeling the other person's caring eyes, Lu Chen felt a little emotional in his heart.

"Master, how have you been in the past six months?"

Song Pei was short and blessed, and his tone was slightly trembling.

"I'm fine, what about you? Is anyone bullying you at home?"

"Everything is fine, my maid. I heard that the young master has done great things in the north. I am happy for the young master from the bottom of my heart."

Although Lu Chen acted as if nothing had happened in front of Lu Tong and Xiao Wangzhi, he was actually very tired. After all, the journey in this era was very difficult compared to the previous life, so he briefly chatted with Song Pei, washed up, and then undressed and went to bed.

After lying down, I will not be able to sleep for a while.

Lu Chen put his arms under his head and looked at the dark top of his head with very clear eyes.

Of course he knew that from a profit perspective, marrying Wang's daughter seemed to be the best choice. He had heard similar stories in history in his previous life.

For a young man who is gradually becoming more determined to compete, the help from Zhai Lin Wang’s representative cannot be ignored. Even though the Seven-Star Army has now begun to show its prowess, Lin Jie is the number one in the martial arts list. Compared with a family that has been passed down for hundreds of years, he is still much weaker.

But in fact, this incident is fundamentally different from the stories he heard in his previous life.

The Zhai Lin Wang family just wanted to use his identity to increase some security, not to really support him with all their strength. If Lu Chen was in danger in the future, the Wang family would definitely withdraw immediately. It would be a fantasy for them to help him in the nick of time.

This has nothing to do with Wang An's personal character, but the instinct that a family that has been passed down for hundreds of years must possess.

In comparison, those who would come to help him at all costs must be Lin Jie and Lin Xi, as well as those reckless heroes of the Seven Star Gang.

Of course, now that the Wang family has taken the initiative to extend an olive branch, there is no room for Lu Chen to take advantage of the situation and make plans. It just depends on how he operates.

"Song Pei, which one is more important, providing help in times of need or adding icing on the cake?"

"Ah, Master, where do you start with this?"

Stepping onto the bed outside, Song Pei responded immediately. Apparently she hadn't slept.

"It's nothing, just sleep."

Lu Chen said with a smile, his tone filled with relaxation and joy that Song Pei didn't quite understand.

She wanted to get up and take a look, but was afraid of disturbing Lu Chen's rest, so she had to open her eyes wide and look sideways at the bed inside.

The young master did come back this time looking more mature and stable than before, and he became more and more dignified and graceful like a big shot. Fortunately, I was just a little maid beside him, so I didn't need to care whether he was as successful as ever or whether he was still the same.

As she thought, a smile bloomed on her lips, and she gradually fell asleep.

(End of this chapter)