Northern Dynasties Imperial Industry

Dugu Xin wears a black hakama pleat and a large fur robe on the outside. He is still as graceful as ever. No matter where he is, he will become the focus of attention, making people feel dwarfed by him.

Aside from the wine stains and soup stains on his robes, which made him look slightly embarrassed, Li Tai was the only one among the guests in the hall who could equal Dugu Xin in terms of manners. But he didn't feel proud of it at this moment. Instead, he hoped that he would be ordinary and not be noticed by Dugu Xin.

Dugu Xin did not pay more attention to Li Tai, at least not on the surface. He went straight to the central hall surrounded by everyone's courtesy. While the master was out to welcome the distinguished guests, the servants in the mansion had already packed up and rearranged the banquet.

Because Dugu Xin was present, it was naturally not Li Tailai's turn to take the guest of honor seat. He gave up his seat and sat under Dugu Xin.

After Duguxin looked at the decoration in the hall, he still couldn't hold himself back and glanced at Li Tai meaningfully.

Li Tai had a guilty conscience when he was caught on such an occasion. Without waiting for the host to say a toast, he took the initiative to fill the wine glass on Dugu Xin's desk with wine, and said with a respectful face: "Dugu Kaifu is in charge of the western border. , The hard work is rewarded, and this glass of wine will comfort you from the fatigue of the journey."

Although Dugu Xin was a little unhappy with Li Tai, he did not deny him face in front of everyone. He picked up the wine glass and drank it in one gulp, then pointed at him and said: "Since we know that our elders work hard, young people should work harder." "It is better to stay together while sharing state affairs while staying at home to support the family and feasting in a luxurious hall."

When Li Tai heard this, he naturally did not dare to say anything more and nodded in agreement.

Next to him, Yu Wenhu was a little dissatisfied with Dugu Xin's tone of relying on his old age, so he defended Li Tailai: "The Duke of Hanoi has lived in Longyou for a long time, and it is difficult to know the state affairs in time. Boshan is not a idle young man who has nothing to do. A few months ago, he joined forces with several generals in Beizhou He defeated tens of thousands of thieves and returned home to discuss his merits. I am honored to invite him into my home and make my hall shine! "

Thank you so much!

Hearing Yu Wenhu's enthusiastic defense of him, Li Tai saw that Dugu Xin's expression became a little unnatural, and he quickly said: "It was all up to a few envoys to take care of everything, and I was just lucky to take care of it. Brother Sabao It’s really disrespectful to invite and entertain people so warmly, but I’m so embarrassed to attend and bother you. Unexpectedly, I’m lucky enough to meet Dugu Kaifu here, and to be able to listen to the teachings up close, it’s even more worthwhile.”

When Dugu Xin heard this, his expression improved slightly, and he said to Li Tai: "Although I am in Long, I have heard about it. It is indeed a wonderful victory. Don't underestimate yourself because of your age. How many of them can achieve such feats? But there is no need to be proud of it. Your talents and talents are already superior to those of ordinary people. Even if you have any impressive deeds, it is natural. You should not put ordinary people's judgment on yourself!"

Li Tai blushed a little when he praised Dugu Xin, but he was secretly relieved. His father-in-law was still very optimistic about him and was not angry because he didn't go out of town to greet him during the blind date today.

But then again, he really didn't know that Dugu Xin was returning to Beijing today. Perhaps because the situation in Longbian and Hexi was a bit delicate, Duguxin's whereabouts were kept secret, and relatives and friends in Beijing were not informed in advance.

Not only Li Tai was curious about the situation in Longxi, but as Duguxin sat down and opened the topic, Yuchi Jiong, He Lanxiang and others couldn't help but ask about the situation in Longxi.

Although they are all Yu Wentai's nephews and can gain high status by virtue of their status, they are also full of ambitions and are not the ordinary dandy who likes to be idle and indolent. Especially when they saw what Li Tai was doing in Beizhou, but they were a little idle, and they were also looking forward to going to the frontier to make contributions.

Naturally, Duguxin would not publicize military and political secrets at will. He only said that although there were some personnel disturbances in Longbian, they were all within control. This time, he returned to Beijing to discuss and finalize a stable and comprehensive personnel plan. .

After some small talk, time passed quickly. Due to Dugu Xin's control and guidance of the topic, the original intention of this banquet was never mentioned again.

This also made Li Tai a little depressed. Although it was embarrassing to meet his father-in-law on a blind date, if he could simply refuse in front of Dugu Xin, he could save a certain impression and avoid the fermentation and entanglement after the incident.

But everyone stopped talking about it. If he took the initiative to bring it up, he would be looking for trouble. He could only secretly blame Won Hyo Nor and others for having such a passive attitude. You deserved not to be able to get me!

Finally, Dugu Xin stood up to say goodbye, and Li Tai stood up in a hurry, not daring to stay alone any longer, so he left Yuwen Hu's house with Dugu Xin.

"A few of you are also at the table and taking a closer look. You should know that Li Boshan is indeed a handsome young man worthy of the reputation of the times. It would be a real pity to miss such a good man!"

After seeing off the two of them, Yuwen Hu returned to the hall and looked at his uncles and said.

Although Dugu Xin arrived to interrupt, the Yuan family members also fully observed Li Tai. When they heard what Yu Wenhu said, they all nodded in agreement, and they were indeed not dissatisfied.

Hearing several uncles praising him for being easy to introduce, Yu Wenhu also smiled with satisfaction, and said: "Since there is no objection, I will invite Boshan to be a guest someday, and also invite a few guests to the table to present this meeting." I will formally inform you that if we are in good terms with each other, we can carry out various rituals after the new year!"

Not to mention that Yu Wenhu was delighted with the success of the matchmaking. After Li Tai left his house, he immediately cheered up and carefully followed Dugu Xin on his horse, not daring to speak rashly. .

Dugu Xin also had a house in the capital, not too far from Yuwen Hu's house. After walking on the street for more than half a minute, the group arrived at the neighborhood where Dugu Xin's house was located. A group of family generals and soldiers were waiting to welcome them.

It was not until Dugu Xin waved his hand to dismiss them and saw them go back to their own places that Li Tai realized that the entire residential area was occupied by Dugu Xin's subordinates, who surrounded the house.

Although this house has no owner living in it for many years, it has been well managed inside and out. Although the hall is not extremely luxurious, it is comfortable and livable. The servants have already lit the lamps and the ground dragon fire channel for heating, making the hall bright and warm.

After entering the hall, Dugu Xin first motioned Li Tai to sit down, and he went straight into the inner room to change into a light and comfortable Yanju robe. When he returned to the hall, he saw Li Tai looking at the layout of the hall, and smiled and said: "This mansion is not given by the court. Next year, I will add my wife's dowry to it for you and your new couple to stay in Beijing temporarily." Hearing that his father-in-law was so generous, Li Tai was naturally happy. He was talking about the dowry for his daughter, and he couldn't refuse on behalf of his wife. He didn't ask the family generals and their houses around the mansion whether they should be added to the dowry. Anyway, he felt that this should be a matter of course, otherwise his father-in-law would not be open enough. He is now a person of some importance, and a mere mansion in Beijing would not make him forget himself. "Today, Yuwen Sabao invited me..." After a brief pause, he decided to confess and admit his mistake, but as soon as he opened his mouth, he was interrupted by Dugu Xin. "You can't be blamed for this. It's inevitable that people will visit you. If you just avoid and refuse, you will give people a sense of loneliness and indifference." Hearing that his father-in-law was so considerate of him, Li Tai was moved and nodded repeatedly. He didn't dare to take advantage of him, so he quickly expressed his attitude and said, "I can't help but have some reckless words and deeds occasionally. I must pay more attention in the future to avoid such misunderstandings from happening again. Even if the elders understand and don't blame me, I am really ashamed that you didn't have time to rest after a long journey to Beijing." He was actually a little strange in his heart. He didn't notice and confirm this matter until he arrived at Yuwen Hu's house. Dugu Xin and Yuwen Hu were not so close that he didn't have time to go home and visit him. How did he know about this? Dugu Xin could hear the questioning intention in Li Tai's words, so he did not hide it and answered directly: "Helan Shengle visited Heba Bohua before and said that Yuwen Sabao had such feelings. That stupid lady was deeply in love. After knowing this, she was panicked and had no idea. She asked the servant to go west to cry to me. I was worried that you would not be able to resolve this dispute by yourself, so I hurried to Beijing in advance."

After hearing this twists and turns, Li Tai was flattered. This feeling of being noticed was really good.

Dugu Xin was in a high position and had great power. His parents and family members could be left in the east. He would never change his itinerary and plan for a mere love affair. The reason for doing so was obviously because he valued him.

When the servant brought the sobering soup, the father-in-law and son-in-law continued their conversation with small sips.

Dugu Xin asked carefully about the whole process of the previous battle in northern Shaanxi. When he heard that Yang Zhong had traveled thousands of miles to the battlefield just because Li Tai summoned him with a letter, he said proudly: "This is what he would do. He values ​​his promise and is not afraid of danger. It is rare that you have lived up to his promise and seized the opportunity to prosper together!

I have been up and down in the world for many years. Although I have not accumulated any solid and profound achievements for the younger generation, I am definitely not short of helping each other. If you can take over these affairs, you will definitely benefit a lot!"

Li Tai certainly believed this. Dugu Xin's network resources are really a great treasure that can make him salivate. As long as these potentials are fully tapped and utilized, he can even create a powerful empire!

The atmosphere of the following conversation has been very harmonious. In addition to some of his personnel arrangements in northern Shaanxi, Li Tai also told Dugu Xin about some recent personnel changes in the Bafu and his own understanding. Dugu Xin also gave some comments and supplements. The slight embarrassment caused by the previous incident also gradually faded in this atmosphere of mutual understanding between father-in-law and son-in-law.

Only when talking about Li Tai's recent official position change, Dugu Xin's face became serious, looking at Li Tai and said seriously: "What do you think the intention of the Grand Secretariat to appoint you to this position is, is it good or bad for you?"

Li Tai was stunned when he heard this question. This was an obvious arrangement for promotion. He had been very happy during this period. As long as the matter of the Circular Mound was officially concluded, his official rank would definitely be greatly improved. How could he see what Dugu Xin meant? Was this still a sugar-coated bullet with evil intentions?

Seeing that Li Tai was somewhat bewildered, Dugu Xin sighed and said, "The Grand Administrator is very cunning and full of thorns. Everything he does has its own hidden meaning. Even if one is extremely intelligent, he will seize his mind and become a pawn in his hands if he is not careful..."

Such an evaluation can be said to be very negative. Although Li Tai knew that Dugu Xin had not completely given up the idea of ​​competing with the Grand Administrator, it was the first time he heard such a blatant negative evaluation from Dugu Xin.

For a moment, he could not help but become nervous. After thinking for a while, he shook his head and said, "I am indeed a little slow in this regard. I can't figure out the malice behind it..."

"Officials and honors are envied by everyone. The amount of weight and the amount of sincerity need to be used with caution. Once the award is biased towards the truth, evil feelings and slander will inevitably breed. With your current qualifications and experience, it may not mean that the higher the position, the better. , If the foundation is not solid enough, it will be difficult to withstand the devastation. You have a career plan to serve the country loyally, and there is really no need to rush for promotion based on favors!"

Dugu Xin said sternly: "What's more, if you have offended Zhao Yuangui, it is inevitable that a group of villagers who share their friendship will be hostile to you. Daxingtai promoted you at this point, and it is really ulterior motives to trap you. I am afraid that if I stay within his grace, I will no longer be able to handle practical affairs as calmly as before. If I become too vain and my foundation becomes weak, the situation will definitely be bad if I am troubled by jealousy again!"

When Li Tai heard this, he couldn't help but take a breath, but he was not as far-reaching as Dugu Xin thought.

Seeing the change in his expression, Dugu Xin must have heard it in his heart, so he did not continue to elaborate further, but patted him on the shoulder and comforted him: "Now there is still room for redemption, so you will stay here today. Wait for me After meeting with His Majesty the Emperor and Daxingtai tomorrow, we will discuss the remedy in detail when we return home."

After Li Tai stood up and went to rest worriedly, Dugu Xin's expression changed again, and he murmured: "My son-in-law has me to plan his future. Black Otter is really uneasy about his special favor. Good intentions..."