Tang Dynasty Little Godfather

Chapter 208 Pressing forward step by step

Wang Xi hesitated not because he was unwilling, but because he hadn't expected Li Linfu to want to go to Anye Bureau.

It should be noted that Li Linfu had worked very hard to get into the Ministry of Rites, but now that his opportunity had come, he proposed to go to the Anye Bureau.

This puzzled Wang Xi.

Little did they know that Li Linfu was extremely ambitious and petty.

Although the initial idea to reform the Jiaofang was not Li Linfu's, the idea to rehearse and promote operas about the spirit of the Tang Dynasty was Li Linfu's. He had no reason to side with Wuming Academy. He was only unhappy because he found that more and more people were involved, especially Cui Qiao and Zhang Jiuling.

In this respect, he is actually a bit like Wang Xi: I can give you something, but you can't ask for it.

Furthermore, his initial reason for winning over Wang Xi was because of this opera, and now that others also want to get involved, it is conceivable that if successful, Zhang Jiuling, who wrote the script, would be the most deserving of credit. Li Linfu was naturally unwilling to do the work for others, and after a night of consideration, he decided to completely side with Wang Xi and wanted to go to Anye Bureau.

The Zhang Jiazhen incident made him realize some of the conflicts between Yuwen Rong and Anye Department. Since he was already working for both sides, if he went to Anye Department, he could better cooperate with Yuwen Rong and make this reform more successful.

He knew he had room to make a difference in that role.

Of course, this is also related to his personality. He is very petty, not just vindictive, but jealous of talent and ability. Even if you have not offended him, as long as you can overshadow him, he will be very unhappy.

After Li Linfu left, Wang Xi informed Huangfu Sengnian, Li Jieman, and Wang Shuang about the matter.

"That's not fair."

Li Jieman said unhappily, "Your aunt is clearly using the court to pressure us, but she's also persuading His Majesty and the Empress not to interfere. This is so unfair to us. How can we possibly fight against her?"

Huangfu Sengnian said, "That's not quite right. Compared to the previous Ministry of Rites and Imperial Academy, this is already considered fair. We were able to get through it back then, so we certainly can this time too."

He gets more excited when things are challenging.

Li Jie glared at Huangfu Sengnian and said, "That's how you are. But if you lose, it'll all be over."

Wang Xi said, "Whether it's fair or not is not worth worrying about. After all, this is not a competition. Everyone relies on their own methods. Worrying about this will not change anything."

Wang Shuang asked, "Then when will we retaliate?"

Wang Xi frowned. "I have to say, it's really annoying that they're poking at us here and there. If we retaliate now, people will think we're targeting the Ministry of Rites, which will inevitably invite suppression from the court. You know, Zhang Shuo has just taken office as the Chancellor, and new officials are always eager to make their mark. So, we must back down in this matter."

Wang Shuang asked, "What do you mean?"

Wang Xi said, "Let's wait and see. In short, we can't go against them on the matter of the music academy. On the contrary, we have to cooperate with them. We can't offend the Grand Secretary over such a small matter."

Huangfu Sengnian nodded and then asked, "What about Li Linfu's desire to go to Anye Bureau?"

Wang Xi asked, "What do you think?"

Huangfu Sengnian said, "I think it's worth a try. After the charity banquet incident last time, it's clear that Li Linfu has some ability."

"After Yuwen Rong's denunciation of Zhang Jiayou last time, it's inevitable that your father will be dissatisfied. My father is caught in the middle, so why not let Li Linfu mediate?"

Wang Xi nodded and said, "Perhaps this is why Li Linfu wants to go to the Anye Bureau. He might be more at ease there. Hmm, it's worth a try."

Anchangfang.

"Reporting to Madam, everything has been arranged at the Ministry of Rites, and the three chief judges are on their way to Chang'an. They are just waiting for the script."

Guang Sheng reported.

Madam Zixia nodded. "Who wrote the script?"

Guang Sheng said, "It is Zhang Jiuling. This is probably hard to change because he was personally appointed by the Grand Secretary."

Madam Zixia nodded slightly and said, "Mr. Qujiang's talent goes without saying, but that is precisely what I am worried about."

Ultimately, opera must be interesting and entertaining. The problem is that if Mr. Qujiang focuses solely on highlighting integrity and moral character while neglecting the story's appeal, it may only create a temporary sensation but fail to achieve the profound impact of works like "Dream of the Red Chamber."

"Once this script is written, I must see it first."

Guang Sheng said, "I obey."

Madam Zixia then asked, "What's the situation at the Nameless Academy?"

Guang Sheng said, "Not yet. They've been busy with the girls' enrollment lately."

Lady Zixia then asked, "Do they know that this is all being targeted at them?"

Guang Sheng said, "It's unclear for now, but with Mr. Wuming's intelligence, he should be able to figure it out."

Lady Zixia sighed softly, "Actually, my only worry about this battle is that they have no desires or wants, so we will have no way to deal with them."

After saying that, she pondered for a moment and said, "By the way, where are the Sun family members now?"

Guang Sheng said, "Hongxiu's uncle and cousin will be arriving in the capital soon."

"Once they arrive in the capital, send him directly to Hongxiu."

Madam Zixia nodded and said, "Hongxiu holds a very special place in their hearts. If we target Hongxiu, they will definitely fight back."

Guang Sheng said, "I really don't know how they will retaliate?"

"Don't be careless. The very existence of the Nameless Academy is enough to prove that Mr. Nameless is no ordinary person."

Madam Zixia smiled slightly, as if she remembered something, "By the way, I went to Yixianjue yesterday and found that the owner of Yixianjue, Manager Bai, is quite different from ordinary merchants. His speech and mannerisms are more like those of a scholar. You should send someone to investigate the background of the Bai family."

"I will immediately arrange for someone to investigate."

early morning.

Today, Wang Xi, who was having breakfast in the hall, was not sleepy as usual, but full of energy.

He glanced furtively at Wang Shouyi, "Father!"

"Shut up!"

Wang Shouyi said without looking up.

Wang Xi said dejectedly, "I haven't said anything yet."

Wang Shouyi said, "What good things can you possibly say out of that mouth of yours?"

".?"

Wang Xi said, "Father, I have something important to discuss with you."

Wang Shouyi glanced at him sideways.

Wang Xi said, "Father, are you aware that the Ministry of Rites is currently reforming the Imperial Music Bureau and is also preparing to rehearse operas?"

Wang Shou nodded, a smile playing on his lips.

He clearly knew that this was the work of Lady Zixia.

Wang Xi said, "But this will be difficult for Uncle Li."

Wang Shouyi asked, "Uncle Li?"

"It's Uncle Li Linfu."

"Why is he in a dilemma?" Wang Shouyi asked curiously.

Princess Xue, who was standing to the side, also put down her chopsticks and looked at Wang Xi with a puzzled expression.

Wang Xi said, "Because Uncle Li also knows that the other party is targeting our Wuming Academy, but Uncle Li is unwilling to do so, so Uncle Li wants to go to Anye Bureau to help Father."

Wang Shouyi asked in surprise, "Li Linfu wants to come to Anye Bureau?" Wang Xi nodded, "I also think that Uncle Li can be of some help to Father."

Wang Shouyi pondered for a while and said, "Father knows about this matter and will consider it."

After Wang Xi and Ashina Mi left, Princess Xue asked, "Husband, what do you think?"

Wang Shouyi pondered for a while and then asked, "What does Madam think?"

Princess Xue asked, "Does my husband mind Yuwen Rong's denunciation of Zhang Jiayou?"

Wang Shouyi said, "Your Majesty knows this matter very well, and I think there is another reason behind it."

Princess Xue said, "But Yuwen Rong probably wouldn't think that way; he would definitely be wary of her husband."

Wang Shou nodded. "So, Madam also agrees to let Li Linfu go to Anye Bureau?"

Princess Xue said, "My husband needs someone who can deal with Yuwen Rong, since His Majesty cares most about whether this reform can proceed smoothly."

Wang Shouyi pondered for a while and then said, "Alright, I'll go and discuss it with Prince Sipu."

Wang Xi and Ashina Mi had just arrived at the academy when Li Jieman pulled them behind a pillar in the corridor.

"Xiaoman, what are you doing?"

"Shh!"

Li Jieman made a shushing gesture, then cautiously peeked out again, "Look!"

Wang Xi turned his head and saw Hongxiu walking towards the gate with an old man and a young man. "Who are those two people?"

Li Jieman said, "They said they were the teacher's uncle and cousin?"

"Cousin?"

Wang Xi was taken aback. "What are they doing here?"

Li Jieman said, "I don't know about that, but the teacher just cried."

Wang Xi couldn't help but frown.

In front of the gate.

"Uncle, cousin, after I've explained everything, I'll go back with you."

"Ah."

The old man nodded and said, "But you have to hurry. After all, your parents have been wandering for too many years and should be buried in their hometown as soon as possible."

Hongxiu nodded and said, "I understand."

The young man cupped his hands and said, "Sister Chang, then I will take my leave now."

Hongxiu hurriedly said, "Uncle, cousin, please take care."

After they left, Wang Xi suddenly appeared behind Hongxiu, "Teacher!"

"what?"

Hongxiu exclaimed in surprise and turned around, "Why are you always so reckless?"

"Is this too reckless?" Wang Xi had just opened his mouth when he saw that Hongxiu's eyes were red and swollen, and couldn't help but say, "Teacher, why are you crying? Did that old man bully you just now?"

Hongxiu said, "Don't talk nonsense, he is my uncle."

"A dignified elder?" Wang Xi asked, feigning surprise.

Hongxiu nodded.

Wang Xi then asked, "Why haven't I heard the teacher mention this before?"

Hongxiu said softly, "Actually, this is also the first time I've met Uncle Tang."

Wang Xi was even more confused upon hearing this.

After a slight hesitation, Hongxiu told Wang Xi the reason.

Hongxiu's father was a prefect, so naturally they were not an ordinary family. Their family was the Sun family of Le'an. Although they could not compare with large families like the Cui family of Qinghe, they were still considered a small but prominent family.

When Hongxiu was very young, her parents were executed, and she went to the brothel. She never returned to her hometown, and given the circumstances, it was impossible for her relatives to come looking for her.

Now that their family has been exonerated, their uncle came over and asked her to take her parents back to their hometown for burial.

Wang Xi asked, "So your uncle wants to send your parents back to their hometown for burial?"

Hongxiu nodded. "I'm afraid I'll have to leave the academy for a while."

Wang Xi said, "I understand."

For people in ancient times, this was a major event, so Wang Xi couldn't say much.

But he was curious. Her parents had only been exonerated for a short time, and the Sun family had arrived so quickly. Was it too fast? Had they really been secretly caring for Hongxiu all along?
Wang Xi thought it was unreliable.

If someone truly cared about Hongxiu, they wouldn't have let her wander alone in Pingkangfang.

But the answer was soon revealed.

As Wang Xi was about to turn back, he noticed a fine carriage parked at the end of the street out of the corner of his eye, and he immediately went over to it.

Upon reaching the carriage, he immediately said irritably, "Is it really necessary for Aunt to personally handle such a trivial matter as surveillance?"

A giggle came from inside the car, "Auntie doesn't have time for that. Auntie came to see you today. Get in."

Wang Xi jumped onto the carriage and entered the compartment, where he saw Madam Zixia looking at him with a smile, as if she had the victory in her grasp.

"I wonder what business Aunt has with Que'er?" Wang Xi asked, glancing upwards and pouting.

Madam Zixia smiled and said, "Hongxiu's uncle has already visited your academy?"

Wang Xi frowned and looked at Madam Zixia, "Was this arranged by Auntie?"

Madam Zixia smiled and nodded, "You mustn't tell your teacher, because your aunt doesn't like to leave her name when she does good deeds."

Wang Xi snorted, "Is this a good thing, or is Auntie deliberately targeting our Nameless Academy?"

Madam Zixia laughed and said, "This is killing two birds with one stone. Moreover, I might as well tell you that as long as Hongxiu goes to Le'an, she will never be able to come back."

Her uncle will arrange her marriage, and her aunt will also have someone fund a school opened by the Sun family in Le'an, where Hongxiu can teach.

Wang Xi said with dissatisfaction, "Auntie, this is too despicable."

Madam Zixia said, "I have said before that I am determined to get that Beauty Wine. If your husband is willing to cooperate with me, all of this will change immediately."

"Don't think about it."

Wang Xi said, "Even if you agree now, I won't. We'll see."

After saying that, he stormed off.

Lady Zixia chuckled.

(End of this chapter)