Chapter 248 Why Do I Have a Bad Feeling?

Minglan said one thing.

Because of the relationship between Wei Yuan and Haizhou, and the Sheng family's intention to propose marriage to the Hai family.

Therefore, these days, the Hai family and the Sheng family have become very close.

After going back and forth, Minglan also became good friends with Hai Chaoyun, who had not yet married into the Sheng family.

Tonight, Sheng Changbai had been begging Minglan, hoping that she could take advantage of the Mid-Autumn Poetry Festival to ask Hai Chaoyun out.

He said that he had something to say to Hai Chaoyun.

At this moment, Sheng Changbai and Hai Chaoyun were gathering at the Xiangguo Temple Bridge near the Zhuangyuan Tower.

Wei Yuan smiled and said, "You are so willing to be a bridge between the two of them?"

Zhang Guifen added, "Now the two of them are inseparable, and they are whispering. Are you feeling a little bored by yourself?"

Minglan smiled and said: "The two of them said that they will invite me to Fanlou later. Will uncle and aunt go together?"

Zhang Guifen rolled her eyes at her and said meaningfully: "Do you know what is the most precious thing about being a human being?"

What is the most expensive?

Minglan blurted out: "The most valuable thing is to have self-awareness?"

Zhang Guifen shook his head.

Minglan wondered: "What is that?"

Zhang Guifen held Wei Yuan's hand in front of her, "You should be discerning. What does your uncle, me, Changbai, and the Hai family girl have to do with you?"

Minglan was immediately displeased, stamped her feet and pointed at Zhang Guifen, "Uncle, you don't care about aunt!"

Wei Yuan suddenly realized a very serious problem, "Girl Ming, are you going to have your haircut next year?"

Minglan nodded, "To be precise, it will be my birthday at the end of next year."

end of year

In other words, in two years' time, I can advocate for this girl Minglan.

But there's no need to worry.

"Your uncle wants to ask when you will be old enough to get married."

Zhang Guifen covered her mouth and smiled.

Minglan ignored her and took Wei Yuan's other arm.

"Uncle, I am your niece, you have to accompany me."

Zhang Guifen pretended to be angry, "Girl, you are so old, you are not ashamed."

Minglan giggled and said, "No matter how old she is, she is still my uncle's niece."

Wei Yuan coughed twice and said, "Okay, now that we have met, let's go shopping together."

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw Sheng Changbai and Hai Chaoyun coming over.

"My nephew has met his uncle and aunt."

"Who is this"

Just when he was about to introduce Hai Chaoyun, Wei Yuan raised the corners of his mouth slightly, smiled and said:

"The Hai family's first daughter is the only unmarried daughter. I met her last year when I was in the southeast."

Sheng Changbai asked curiously: "Uncle, have you seen Chaoyun?"

After a pause, he looked at Hai Chaoyun again, "Why haven't I heard you talk about it before?"

Hai Chaoyun saluted Wei Yuan and explained to Sheng Changbai:

"Marquis Wei went to Haizhou to meet my uncle. The two of them were discussing business at that time."

The Great Zhou Dynasty did not allow civil servants to do business, so they were generally divided into two branches, one for politics and the other for business, just like the Sheng family.

As for Xungui, you don't need to pay attention to these at all, you can do business openly and make money.

Even if you make too much money, you will be labeled as an 'Imperial Businessman' by the royal family. Then your business will be a lot more convenient, but the profits will be given to the royal family.

Hai Chaoyun knew very well how much profit Wei Yuan had extorted from the Hai family.

Therefore, she can't really say she likes Wei Yuan.

But I have to admit that they have indeed done a lot of practical things for the southeast coastal states, and it is not an exaggeration to even say that they have made the southeast clear.

Moreover, he is a general who has made many meritorious deeds for the country, and he and his brother can be considered friends.

When you meet someone, you always have to give him the courtesy of a junior.

"You two are engaged now?"

Wei Yuan asked curiously.

Sheng Changbai and Hai Chaoyun were obviously stunned.

Zhang Guifen rolled her eyes at Wei Yuan and said softly: "Don't worry about other people's affairs."

Obviously, the Sheng family is still in contact with the Hai family.

Wei Yuan smiled and said, "Now that Changbai is a Jinshi and has Wang Shangshu as his teacher, he has a bright future. Haijia girl, you should cherish it."

Hai Chaoyun felt a little shy and simply lowered his head and remained silent.

When it comes to Wang Anshi, Sheng Changbai feels that since he has met Wei Yuan, he needs to talk about it.

So he invited Wei Yuan aside, bowed deeply and said:

"Uncle, there is no engagement between my nephew and the daughter of the Hai family. Meeting tonight is against etiquette. I hope uncle will not spread the word."

Wei Yuan nodded, "This is natural."

Sheng Changbai added: "In the past few days, Master Wang wants me to go to the Ministry of Civil Affairs to work as an errand. My nephew wants to study in the Hanlin Academy for a few years and then seek to be released abroad."

"This is a chance, but my nephew is worried that he will get involved in the current clique war between North Korea and China."

"My father has always wanted me to ask you, between the two prime ministers Wen and Han, who should I support?"

Nowadays, it is not a matter of whether you want to get involved in party strife, but more of a matter of involuntarily.

Don't want to get involved in party strife? Then any political resources will naturally not be available to you.

Sheng Hong was almost crazy about being promoted, but he didn't dare to come and ask Wei Yuan directly, so he asked Sheng Changbai to pass on a message.

Wei Yuan asked curiously: "What did your teacher say?"

Sheng Changbai said matter-of-factly: "Master Wang said that even if you serve as a civil servant, if there is a dispute between factions, you only need to deal with the matter and not the person. My nephew feels that this is easy to say but too difficult to do."

Wei Yuan nodded slightly, "You made the right choice. You can study hard in the Hanlin Academy. Now that you can hide in the Hanlin Academy and relax, it is a good thing for you, not a bad thing."

"As for your teacher, I will tell him to use you with caution and not let you get involved in clique fights."

Today, among civil servants, the only one who is not involved in party strife is Wang Anshi.

Because they are protected by the emperor.

Does Sheng Changbai have it?

For him, Wang Anshi was a valuable political resource.

Sheng Changbai didn't want to give up, so naturally he didn't dare to go against Wang Anshi's wishes at this time.

Wang Anshi asked him to serve as the Ministry of Personnel to Shizhong, simply because he felt that now even the officials of the Ministry of Personnel had to take sides, there were fewer and fewer people he could use.

The only one who could allow Sheng Changbai to stay in the Hanlin Academy was Wei Yuan.

The other side.

The three girls, Zhang Guifen, Hai Chaoyun and Minglan, had a great time chatting with each other.

Although Hai Chaoyun did not like Wei Yuan, he was deeply impressed and admired by Zhang Guifen's personal charm.

She was born in a Confucian family since she was a child, and the word "rules" was heard in her ears every day. When she first saw a free and easy-going woman like Zhang Guifen, she naturally admired her heart.

Especially since his status is still very high.

"I've heard of Mrs. Hou's name a long time ago, and I finally have the chance to meet her tonight. It's Chao Yun's blessing."

Hai Chaoyun said respectfully.

Zhang Guifen has a natural affinity and makes people unable to help but get close to her.

"Since you are Minglan's friend, you are no stranger to me. I heard that your Hai family's hairpins are one of a kind, so I always wear them."

Hai Chaoyun smiled and said: "If Madam Hou likes it, I will send someone to deliver some to your mansion another day and let Madam Hou choose."

Zhang Guifen shook his head and said, "That's not necessary. Where did you go tonight? Was it fun?"

The three chatted for a while, and after Wei Yuan finished, they took Zhang Guifen to the Zhuangyuan Building.

The two elders staying here would only make Chang Bai and others uncomfortable, so it was better to just let them go.

As soon as Wei Yuan and his wife left, Hai Chaoyun couldn't help but said to Minglan:

"I have long heard that your aunt is so heroic and handsome. Even many women feel happy when they see her. When they see her today, they know that her reputation is well-deserved."

Minglan smiled and said, "If Miss Hai likes to get along with my aunt, how about I take you to my uncle's house to make tea with my aunt someday?"

Hai Chaoyun's face was obviously excited, and then he whispered: "Is there something wrong?"

Minglan smiled and said: "What's wrong? My aunt naturally likes you, otherwise she wouldn't talk much with you."

Hai Chaoyun said with a smile: "Then make a date and I will make preparations and give Mrs. Hou a batch of newly made hairpins this year."

Not to mention whether she and Zhang Guifen really hit it off.

As far as Zhang Guifen's status is concerned, as long as she is a woman, who wouldn't want to get acquainted with her?

After Wei Yuan and Zhang Guifen had enough shopping, they returned to the Imperial College and took a carriage back home.

On the way, Zhang Guifen saw that Wei Yuan was always hesitant to speak, so she said curiously:

"What do you want to say, sir?"

Wei Yuan was silent for a moment, really not knowing how to open his mouth.

Zhang Guifen smiled and said: "The official promised me so readily yesterday that he would accompany me for a stroll in the city tonight. Is it because he has something to tell me?"

Hearing this, Wei Yuan smiled helplessly and said, "Sure enough, I can't hide anything from my sister."

Zhang Guifen said seriously: "What is going on? Let me listen."

Wei Yuan hesitated in his heart, but finally chose to speak bluntly: "Now that the Yanbian war has just ended, Xixia promised to compensate me for the Zhou armor and some territories."

"The imperial court needs to send people to receive the armor, and also make some corresponding arrangements for the acquired territory, such as defense matters."

"My husband rarely fights against Xixia. I would like to take advantage of this opportunity to request an inspection of Yanbian so that I can learn more about Xixia."

"I've done the math. It could be as little as two months or as much as half a year. I'll definitely come back."

His voice grew quieter.

It was because he saw some changes in Zhang Guifen's face.

Full of sorrow and boredom.

Wei Yuan held her in his arms and said sincerely:

"Family affairs, national affairs, world affairs, this is what a husband has to do."

Having said this, what can Zhang Guifen do even if she is unwilling in every possible way?

"Just go ahead, officials. I'm at home. Sister Jing and Brother Zhuang, you don't have to worry."

Wei Yuan felt a lot of helpless resentment from her words.

He hugged her tighter,

"The thing that worries me the most is actually you."

"You just gave birth to a baby and your energy has not yet been replenished."

Before he finished speaking, Zhang Guifen interrupted: "Don't worry, sir, I'm not a child anymore. How can I not know how to take care of myself?"

Wei Yuan said 'hmm', and after a long time, he said, "I'll go and come back soon."

In fact, for things like inspecting Yanbian, as the commander of the front department, there was no need for him to go there in person.

Just to visit Yanbian and strengthen my own strength, I would go there no matter what.

After Wei Yuan said this, when she returned home, Zhang Guifen first asked Mrs. Zhang to rest, and then took care of the two children alone and watched them sleep.

Seeing this, Wei Yuan said: "Madam, please rest first."

Zhang Guifen had no expression on her face and shook her head, "I'm not sleepy. The official has to go to the front office tomorrow, so go to sleep first."

Wei Yuan had no choice but to give up.

Zhang Guifen personally took off her clothes and lay on the bed. After a while, she fell into a deep sleep.

Zhang Guifen looked at Wei Yuan lying on the bed, and then at the two children beside him. Gradually, she shed two tears and murmured:

"Sister Jing, brother Zhuang, you must grow up quickly and learn to share your father's worries."

I do not know how long it has been.

Zhang Guifen sat on the edge of the bed and looked at Wei Yuan quietly.

Baozhu came and wanted her to rest.

As a result, she was kicked out.

She just wanted to see more of Wei Yuan.

Otherwise, when he goes to Yanbian, the couple will not see each other for several months.

The next day.

Wei Yuan opened his eyes and saw a tired-looking Zhang Guifen smiling at him.

He immediately frowned and said, "Why did you wake up so early?"

Baozhu interrupted: "One night, madam."

Before he finished speaking, Zhang Guifen stared back,

"Don't listen to her nonsense. I just didn't sleep well. I've already asked people to prepare things for Yanbian. Prepare them in advance so that you won't be in a hurry later."

"My lord, would you like to get up and have a meal?"

Wei Yuan sighed.

With Zhang Guifen here, he really didn't have to worry about anything.

Afterwards, Wei Yuan went into the palace to meet the saint and expressed his thoughts.

Zhao Zhen asked curiously: "Is it because the party struggle between North Korea and China has been severe recently, and you want to go out and hide?"

Wei Yuan cupped his hands and said, "Yes or no, Yanbianchen always has to go there."

"I'm just afraid that if I go there later, it will be too late."

Zhao Zhen nodded, "Okay, I'll give you the power to appease and recruit people, and you can go there as the commander of the capital in front of the palace."

"I also want to visit Helan Mountain."

Wei Yuan said seriously: "When I go to Yanbian, I will ask the painter to draw the Helan Mountains."

Zhao Zhen had no reason not to let him go.

Because the Xixia campaign was planned and launched by Wei Yuan.

When the war is over, it is time for Wei Yuan to come forward and bring the whole matter to an end.

In late August of the sixth year of Jiayou's reign.

Wei Yuan was ordered to go to Shaanxi to inspect Yanbian.

On the day she left the capital, Zhang Guifen had been busy cleaning up the belongings for Wei Yuan herself.

Wei Yuan couldn't bear to see her like this, so he simply refused to let her go to the city gate to see her off.

Waiting for Wei Yuan to leave the Hou Mansion.

Mrs. Zhang asked Zhang Guifen,

"Yuan'er is too cruel. Before your confinement is over, he is in a hurry to inspect Yanbian."

"Are you really not going to send it off?"

Zhang Guifen lowered her head and said, "He didn't let his daughter give it away because he was worried that her daughter would distract him. If his daughter gave it away, it would be better not to give it away."

Madam Zhang touched her head and sighed, "Yuan'er is doing this for you, mother and son."

Zhang Guifen nodded and suddenly lay on Mrs. Zhang's lap and shed tears.

Outside the city gate.

Wang Anshi came to see him off and couldn't help complaining: "You and I have just finished a game, and now you are going to Yanbian non-stop. Do you want me to face the situation between North Korea and China alone?"

Wei Yuan smiled and said: "Wang Shangshu said it carefully. The main purpose of going to Shaanxi is to build a defense line in the Helan Mountain area. I don't worry about others doing this."

Wang Anshi sneered, "What's the next best thing?"

Wei Yuan looked slightly embarrassed, paused, and said sternly: "Chang Bai is a good young man. You should use it with caution. You should let him study in the Hanlin Academy."

Participating in party struggles at this time may become an extremely serious political issue in the future.

Even with the intention of protecting the rising star, Sheng Changbai should not have been allowed to enter the game early.

He is still too young.

Wang Anshi sighed: "It's the right time to employ people."

Wei Yuan said: "Hai Zhou, he is a good candidate."

Hearing this, Wang Anshi's eyes suddenly lit up, "How could I forget him? This person has made great political achievements in reforming the salt course. If we can get his help, everything in the official department will be worry-free."

Wei Yuan smiled and said: "Wang Shangshu, this is the farewell. See you tomorrow."

After that, Wei Yuan got on his horse and headed for Shaanxi with 300 soldiers from the Manjia Battalion.

Wang Anshi cupped his fists and said, "Have a nice trip."

at the same time.

Haijia.

I had a rest today and had nothing to do. Haizhou, who was studying, suddenly sneezed twice, touched his nose, and murmured:

"Why do you have a bad feeling?"