Mrs. Qin Xiangguo

063

A few days later, Lu's restaurant.

As soon as Ying Zheng walked into the backyard, he could smell sauerkraut all over the yard.

The weather is so warm, haven't you finished eating sauerkraut in winter?Ying Zheng couldn't help but stepped forward to take a look curiously, and found that the vegetables in the jar were still fresh.

Xiao Yingzheng was watching the sauerkraut jar, and Zhao Weizhen's voice came from behind him.

"Cut pork and mutton into thick slices, add tofu and some vegetables, and make a pot." As she walked, she ordered the shopkeeper: "I asked you to make blood sausage before, but you learned it?"

"Learned, learned!"

The shopkeeper, Le Diandian, followed Zhao Weizhen: "It's all dried up, do you want to cut it into the pot together?"

Zhao Weizhen thought for a while: "Bring it here first, I'll try it."

Shopkeeper: "Okay!"

The shopkeeper who received the order ran into the house, and Ying Zheng walked up to Zhao Weizhen.

"Didn't you make pickled fish?" he asked.

"There is a difference between sauerkraut and sauerkraut." Zhao Weizhen asked with a smile, "Mr. Zheng wants to eat sauerkraut fish?"

Ying Zheng lowered his head and said nothing.

This is what it means to want to eat!

One big and one small have been together for so many years, needless to say, Zhao Weizhen can easily read Ying Zheng's thoughts from his small movements.

She immediately beamed with joy, and lightly pinched Ying Zheng's face: "If Mr. Zheng likes it, I'll make it for you next time. But to entertain Mr. Qi today, you have to bring something fresh. If the blood sausage is ready, It's also very good, Mr. Zheng will try it first?"

Xiao Yingzheng muttered, "I've grown up, ma'am, it's inappropriate to pinch my face again."

That's what he said, but Ying Zheng didn't move, and let Zhao Weizhen pinch him.

right.

When Zhao Weizhen heard the words, he couldn't help but feel emotional.

They're all big kids!

Ying Zheng, who is almost nine years old, is no longer the autistic and indifferent little Douding.When she first came into contact with Xiao Yingzheng, the boy looked like a wolf cub raised by a wild beast.

Now the little wolf cub has become docile?No!

To be more precise, it is learning to hunt and judging the situation.Like a qualified hunter, he temporarily hides his sharpness and bloodiness, and only uses them when they should be used, so as not to easily surprise the locked prey.

"it is good."

Zhao Weizhen withdrew his hand with a smile: "Then I won't pinch from now on."

Ying Zheng: "Really?"

Zhao Weizhen: "Yes."

Xiao Yingzheng heaved a sigh of relief, but felt a little disappointed.

The relaxation is that as he grows older, Ying Zheng feels that such behavior gradually becomes inappropriate.

But he also knew that this was Madam Weizhen's way of expressing kindness.She never pinched the faces of other students, and even Ying Chengyu was polite and courteous to each other.

Whether it is in Handan, when Yandan is still there; or in Xianyang, when facing a group of schoolchildren, it is the same.

Only he is different.

Maybe this is the price of growing up, Ying Zheng thought.

Of course, apart from emotion, Ying Zheng did not forget why he came here today.

"Madam intends to entertain Young Master Qi." The boy asked earnestly, "Why are you so solemn?"

In Yingzheng's eyes, although Young Master Qi is the Queen of Chu, but he has neither been an official in the court nor has any strong backing, even if he is invited to dinner, it is not worthy of being taken so seriously.

Zhao Weizhen understood what Ying Zheng meant.

She thought about how to speak, and then asked, "Master Zheng, do you still remember Mr. Chunshen?"

"Madam did."

Ying Zheng nodded: "He is the Prime Minister of Chu."

Chunshen Lord Huang Xie is one of the four sons of the Warring States period who are as famous as Pingyuan Lord, Mengchang Lord and Xinling Lord.

Ask Zhao Weizhen to evaluate this person...

"He is very similar to Lu Buwei." Zhao Weizhen said.

"Madam knows Jun Shen?" Ying Zheng was a little surprised.

I don't know each other, but judging from Chun Shenjun's experience, he is more like Lu Buwei who has already accomplished something.

"When Chun Shenjun was young, he once traveled to Qin." Zhao Weizhen explained: "At that time, the current King of Chu, Wan, was still a prince, and Xianyang was a hostage. Chun Shenjun tried to persuade King Xianzhao to let him go back to the country, but the former king did not." Immediately agree, but intend to get some benefits from Chu State."

Ying Zheng heard the words, with a faint smile on his face: "It is indeed the style of my grandfather."

Isn't it? Taking advantage of the fire to rob and cheat on the spot are old tricks of King Qin Zhaoxiang.Big Boss never disappoints when it comes to being a rogue.

"But at that time, King Xiang of Chu was critically ill, and there were undercurrents surging up and down the state of Chu. Who would pay a big price to redeem the crown prince? If he doesn't go back, then it's up to whoever takes the throne." Zhao Weizhen explained: "That's why Lord Chunshen arranged for Crown Prince Wan to pretend to be an envoy of Chu State to leave the customs and escape from Xianyang to return home. After Crown Prince Wan inherited the throne, he began to use Lord Chunshen again."

Ying Zheng: "This... is really similar to Mr. Buwei and Father."

It's not just like, it's not an exaggeration to say copy and paste.

And that's only part of it!Zhao Weizhen cursed in his heart.

Another part of the record that she didn't mention is that Jun Shen and the wife of King Wan of Chu once had an affair.

This is not far from the gossip about Lu Buwei and Zhao Ji's affair recorded in later generations, and that Qin Shihuang may be Lu Buwei's son.

Zhao Weizhen is really curious about Sima Qian's mood when recording history, doesn't he think this plot is repeated!

It can be stamped and plagiarized in the novel, okay!

"I don't understand." Ying Zheng thought for a while, and then asked, "But what does this have to do with Young Master Qi?"

"Young Master Qi is the son of King Wan of Chu."

She said with a smile: "When the King of Chu fled Xianyang, he left the eight-year-old young master Qi in Xianyang. What do you think, Mr. Zheng?"

Ying Zheng paused and immediately understood.

It is said that Jun Shenjun's experience with Chu Wang Wan is similar to Mr. Buwei's experience with Father.How similar is that Young Master Qi's experience to Ying Zheng's!

The youngest son Qi was also left in a foreign country by his father, but he was not a legitimate son, and his father didn't want to take him home either.

The most important thing is that there is no Mrs. Weizhen around Gongzi Qi who can protect him, support him, and take care of him wholeheartedly.

Mrs. Weizhen treats son Qi seriously, which must be related to him.

Xiao Yingzheng fell into deep thought: Since the son Qi is not the prince, he has not returned to the country...

"Madam, do you want to send Young Master Qi back to the country?" Ying Zheng said cautiously: "With the support of Qin State, Young Master Qi can compete with the crown prince for the throne and muddy the waters of Chu State."

"That's right!"

Zhao Weizhen nodded desperately in surprise.

In terms of strategy, Xiao Yingzheng is almost self-taught.She didn't teach him anything in particular, but when she encountered a case, she analyzed and explained it with him without reservation. After a few years, without Zhao Weizhen's extra points, Ying Zheng himself learned to think about problems along this line of thinking.

"Young Master Zheng is so smart, he can surprise me every time."

Zhao Weizhen never hesitated to praise: "Where am I so lucky to be able to teach a child like you!"

Ying Zheng: "Madam praises you."

Xiao Yingzheng has been used to being praised since he was a child.

After finishing speaking, he added: "Because Young Master Qi has a similar experience to mine, Madam wants me to come here to win over Young Master Qi, right?"

"Yes."

Zhao Weizhen nodded again: "Can I ask Mr. Zheng for a favor?"

Ying Zheng agreed without hesitation: "Madam works for the state of Qin, and I have no reason not to share my worries."

Zhao Weizhen raised a smile: "Then trouble Mr. Zheng to wait for a while."

She turned around and went into the kitchen again, ordering the cook to prepare a few more dishes and bring out the wine in advance.

While Zhao Weizhen was busy in the backyard, Xiao Yingzheng came to the inner hall of the restaurant by himself.

He just sat down, and not long after, he saw Young Master Qi walk in under the guidance of the shopkeeper.

The young prince of Chu State stepped through the threshold, raised his head, touched Ying Zheng's black and white phoenix eyes, and stopped for a while.

Although Yingzheng is not yet nine years old, looking at Xianyang, who doesn't know this precious grandson whom the former king wished to bring with him all the time?

Ying Zheng immediately got up and saluted: "Young Master Qi."

That's what it means to be waiting for him.

Young Master Qi hurriedly stepped forward to return the gift: "I have met Mr. Zheng. Dare to ask Mr. Young Master, you are also today..."

Ying Zheng: "Madame Weizhen is afraid that you will go to the banquet alone and there will be no words at the banquet, so please invite me to accompany you."

It's too much face to let the prince's son accompany him!Young Master Qi instantly realized how much Zhao Weizhen attached to this banquet.

"Thank you sir."

He said politely: "Please trouble me to introduce you to me later."

Ying Zheng: "It's a trivial matter."

When Zhao Weizhen walked in, what he saw was the two people, one big and one young, saluting each other politely.

Needless to say, Ying Zheng is young, but he is not at all shy when facing young people in their 20s.Although the speech and demeanor are a little cold, but when placed on a child, it becomes a calm and mature posture.

In history, Gongzi Qi was also the prime minister of the state of Qin.

This is supposed to be the two future monarchs and ministers, and it seems that they really hit it off.

"What do you recommend?"

Before Zhao Weizhen approached, the voice came first.She said with a smile: "Since Young Master Qi and Young Master Zheng have a good chat, I don't need me to come forward, as long as you two have a good meal and chat."

Young Master Qi turned around, and after seeing Zhao Weizhen, he solemnly saluted again: "I have seen Mrs. Meng Wei."

Zhao Weizhen: "Two young masters, take your seats quickly."

After the three of them were seated, the shopkeeper immediately asked his servants to bring up the wine and tableware.

The huge pot was directly placed on the long case by the servants, not to mention the young master Qi, even Xiao Yingzheng couldn't help but chase after the pot.

Charcoal is burning under the pottery lid, and white mist is constantly rising above the pottery lid.As soon as Zhao Weizhen lifted the lid, the room was filled with fragrance.

In the pot, sauerkraut, sliced ​​meat, blood sausage and dried vegetables were boiled and bubbling, with a strong salty and sour aroma mixed together.

Not to mention eating, Zhao Weizhen couldn't help but start to secrete body fluid just by smelling it.

Woohoo, sauerkraut hot pot!

She had been thinking about it for a long time, but Zhao Weizhen had only eaten blood sausage before time travelling, but had never cooked it before.She ordered the shopkeeper, and the two of them studied for a whole winter, and finally roughly made the food in memory.

There were no onions and peppers in the pre-Qin period. The taste must be worse than modern times, but it is better than nothing.

The familiar smell of food wafted over, making Zhao Weizhen feel good.

When she was in a good mood, the smile on her face became more genuine, and she became acquainted with the guests naturally.

In particular, Zhao Weizhen had already discovered it, and Young Master Qi was a little nervous.

The young man who is just 20 years old this year is sitting opposite Zhao Weizhen.He was born fairly well, and he could tell at a glance that he looked like a young man from the south.

"Young master, try it quickly."

Zhao Weizhen personally poured wine for the young master, and said with a smile: "I don't know if the new dishes suit the taste of Xianyang City."

Nervous, one is because I don't know Zhao Weizhen well, and the other is because I can't figure out why she came.

But at the dinner table, when it comes to food, Young Master Qi can still talk to each other.

"Mrs. Meng Wei was joking." He said sincerely, "No matter how many ministers want to eat the food in Lu's restaurant, how could it not be to your taste?"

After speaking, in order to cater to Zhao Weizhen's eagerly looking eyes, Young Master Qi took the initiative to pick up the chopsticks.

After the servants shared the food, he picked up a chopstick of sauerkraut and put it in his mouth.

The salty and sour aroma is extremely appetizing, and in addition to the refreshing taste of pickled vegetables, Gongzi Qi also tasted the aroma of animal fat.Even the pickles can't cover the aroma of the oil, so there must be a lot of lard in the pot.

With such a willingness to use ingredients, it's no wonder that the food in Lu's restaurant is praised by everyone.

Young Master Qi put down his chopsticks and said sincerely: "It's the same as I thought, madam."

Zhao Weizhen: "What?"

Young Master Qi: "Looking at the entire Qin Kingdom, the food in restaurants is also very good."

Zhao Weizhen couldn't help smiling.

He was honest.Zhao Weizhen likes honest people, so he has a better impression of Mr. Qi.

No matter what kind of person he was in history, at least at the moment, the one sitting opposite her is indeed a handsome young man who is neither humble nor overbearing, and can treat each other calmly even if he is nervous.

"Master likes it, so Meng Wei can rest assured."

She kindly said: "If you want, you can come here often in the future."

Young Master Qi: "I will definitely."

Between the words, the room was a little more polite and less embarrassing.

Zhao Weizhen didn't forget to pick some chopstick meat and blood sausage for Ying Zheng, and then she asked curiously, "Young Master, will you be crowned this year?"

"One more year."

"No wonder." Zhao Weizhen pretended to be clear: "I heard that Mrs. Huayang is planning a marriage for the son. It turns out that she has reached the age."

When it came to marriage, the young man was a little embarrassed: "It is true."

Zhao Weizhen: "Is there anyone to choose?"

It is said that the Chu State is barbarian, and the Chu people are aggressive and tough, but Young Master Qi did not inherit this lineage at all. When he heard Zhao Weizhen's direct question, he immediately blushed from his face to his neck.

He's still a shy guy!

Zhao Weizhen didn't know whether to laugh or cry: You are the future king of Chu, the vanguard against Qin!Now it's okay to blush to the point of bleeding when you mention a daughter-in-law.

"Mrs. Huayang said that she has taken a fancy to two of them."

Feeling ashamed, Young Master Qi still answered seriously: "Mrs. Meng Kai is willing to be your... uh, give me some advice."

Zhao Weizhen said generously: "Okay, may I ask you, which two families are you from?"

Seeing that Zhao Weizhen's words and expressions did not change, not only did he not tease, but instead maintained a casual attitude of chatting about family affairs, Young Master Qi felt a little better.

"One is the daughter of the Duke of Qin."

Young Master Qi looked at Xiao Yingzheng: "Strictly speaking, she is still Young Master Zheng's cousin."

Zhao Weizhen: "My son is the descendant of the Chu royal family, he is the son of the Chu king, and he is the right family with the Qin princess."

Young Master Qi: "The other one is the daughter of Yangquan Junmenke. It is said that this girl is talented and talented."

From this point of view, Mrs. Huayang is quite concerned about Mr. Qi's marriage.

Zhao Weizhen still agreed: "A talented girl is also worthy of a son."

Young Master Qi: "I wonder how Mrs. Meng Kai would choose?"

What do you mean if it's her? It's like she's marrying a wife!

Zhao Weizhen thought about it, but it's a pity that she came over here, and the novice gift package she gave came with a cheap husband, so she didn't have the opportunity to choose by herself.

"Young Master marries a wife, not me." Zhao Weizhen couldn't help but laugh: "According to Meng Kai, don't think too much about it. You can marry whoever you like."

"This……"

Young Master Qi blushed, hesitated for a long time, did not say why.

The more shy he was, the more fun Zhao Weizhen felt.She tilted her head, and couldn't help teasing: "Could it be that the young master likes everyone? That's okay, just talk to Mrs. Huayang, just marry them all."

Young Master Qi was shocked when he heard the words, even waved his hands and shook his head: "How can this be done!"

When he got excited, he almost took all the cutlery off the table.

After losing his composure, looking at Zhao Weizhen again, he was still smiling.

That's right, Lu Buwei even refused to accept the concubine concubine bestowed by the former king, how could Mrs. Meng Kai easily accept that others would marry two?Young Master Qi immediately understood that this was teasing him!

"Ma'am, don't make fun of me." Young Master Qi was shy, but also laughed out loud: "I haven't seen the two girls a few times, how dare I talk about feelings? To be honest, I feel the same."

"Almost, what does that mean?"

"They're...unfamiliar with each other."

I just don't feel it.

"Even so, Meng Wei can analyze the pros and cons for the young master."

After the joke was over, the last bit of embarrassment in the long case was swept away, and Zhao Weizhen restrained his teasing and spoke formally.

"Meng Wei thinks." She said frankly: "Young master, it is better to choose the daughter of the office."

"Why?"

Young Master Qi responded in surprise: "I thought...Mrs.

Zhao Weizhen: "Because the daughter of a doorman is of the same origin as me?"

Young Master Qi: "He is as talented as Mrs. Meng Kai."

Although Zhao Liang, the father of the family, can be regarded as a descendant of the noble family, in fact, he left his name in Handan entirely because he was a guest of Lord Pingyuan.

She is also the daughter of an aristocratic disciple and is famous for her talent, which is indeed similar to Zhao Weizhen's situation.

It's not surprising that Young Master Qi said that.

"I know why Madam chooses the daughter of the office."

Having said that, Xiao Yingzheng spoke without haste.

He didn't feel at all that he was young and there was nothing wrong with interjecting into the topic.Ying Zheng seriously explained to Young Master Qi: "Madam said that marriage is the best way of alliance. If you choose my cousin, you will form an alliance with Qin; if you choose the daughter of a disciple, you will form an alliance with Lord Yangquan. In contrast , Which alliance can be more relied on by the young master, no need to say more."

Young Master Qi was shocked when he heard the words.

It was not only because Ying Zheng dared to speak out with him that he was shocked, but also because...

The little boy in front of him is not even nine years old this year, right?

At such an age, it is rare to be able to think at this level, even if Mrs. Meng Kai taught it in advance, so she can speak so well.

The whole city of Xianyang is talking about the young genius of Gongzizheng, and seeing him now, it is indeed so.

Young Master Qiben treats each other with courtesy, so he dare not be negligent.

He didn't mean to belittle Ying Zheng when he was young, but he asked seriously, "What about Young Master Zheng?"

Seeing that he did not ignore his own opinion, Ying Zheng was slightly satisfied in his heart.

The boy was satisfied, and he spoke more frankly.

"Besides, it depends on what the young master needs."

He said: "If you need to increase your social status, it is naturally the former; if you choose to be assisted, it is naturally the latter."

Young Master Qi nodded.

"And..." Zhao Weizhen changed into a relaxed tone, and followed Ying Zheng's words: "Meng Wei is a woman, so I have to think from the position of a woman. If it were Meng Wei, Meng Wei would not marry the son. "

That is to say, the daughter of Mr. Yangquan's retainer will not be willing to marry the son Qi.

"Why did Mrs. Meng Wei say that?" Young Master Qi asked curiously.

"If after marriage, the wife has ambitions other than assisting the son, is the son willing to assist?" Zhao Weizhen asked: "Does the son want his wife to advise you in terms of official career and political affairs?"

Young Master Qi: "..."

Thinking about Mrs. Meng Wei's status today, Young Master Qi immediately understands it.

She was the first woman to formally enter the dynasty!And Mrs. Meng Wei can have this status, in addition to her own strength, Lu Buwei also provided considerable assistance.

From Mrs. Meng Kai's point of view, she knew that if she married a person with a higher status than herself, such as the offspring of the official family, she would definitely not get the respect of her husband.

Moreover, Mrs. Meng Kai's analysis is very reasonable.

At first sight, Young Master Qi really couldn't make a choice, but after her analysis, the assistance of his wife was indeed not as valuable as being Qin's son-in-law.

"I have selfishness too."

Ying Zheng cooperated again: "That's why I persuade you to choose your cousin."

Gong Ziqi: "Why did Gong Zizheng say that?"

Ying Zheng blinked, he remained expressionless, looking at Young Master Qi with black and white eyes, showing a somewhat serious attitude.

"If you don't have the protection of your wife and family, can you guarantee that your wife and children in Xianyang will not be threatened?"

"..."

Young Master Qi certainly understood what Ying Zheng meant.

In the past, he was abandoned by his father and stayed in Qin.Although Qin Chu's relationship is not bad, and his life is not bad, but the specific situation, Young Master Qi is very clear.

If he hadn't reached his age, and Mrs. Huayang intended to promote Chu's power, how could he have such a right to choose?

He knew that Yingzheng was in the same situation. When he was in Handan, the situation of little Yingzheng was even worse than when he was young.

No one can penetrate into the heart of Young Master Qi better than Ying Zheng's words.

For a while, the long table became quiet, only the sound of bubbling water from the pot continued.

Seeing Young Master Qi drooping his eyes, Zhao Weizhen raised a faint smile again.

"Why did you suddenly get down?"

She smiled and said, "Young Master Zheng, it's true, you've returned to Xianyang now, why bother to mention the past? It's Young Master Qi..."

There was a subtle pause in the words, Zhao Weizhen finally seized the opportunity after so much preparation.

"Marrying a wife is a major event in life, but let's count it as the first step." Zhao Weizhen said softly, "Have you ever thought about the second step, my lord?"

"Madam, please advise."

"How about marrying a Princess of Qin and sending you home?"

Zhao Weizhen dropped the bombshell with a bright smile.