Sheng Tang: What is Liu Jianjun going to do today?

Chapter 54 Liu Jianjun is looking for Di Renjie
Li Xian greatly admired Liu Jianjun's mental state.

In the past few days, Liu Jianjun has indeed been doing exactly as he said. He either hides in his house and teases the two maids, Yu'er and Cui'er, or he goes out to drink and visit brothels.

There was no sign of nervousness at all.

Recently, rumors have been circulating in Pingkangfang that there is a dark-faced young man who is exceptionally talented and dashing, attracting countless prostitutes who eagerly await his arrival—in other words, he always pays off his prostitution debts with poems, and he always seeks out different prostitutes each time.

But unfortunately, his poetic talent was truly remarkable.

There was even a rumor that a famous courtesan in Chang'an had prepared a bed for him, hoping that Liu Jianjun would compose a poem for her. However, after arriving, Liu Jianjun only said one sentence and then turned around and left.

"I am not Beta."

So far, people have been curious about who this so-called Beta is.

If there's one thing Liu Jianjun has been doing these days, it's probably checking the list of visiting guests every evening.

Li Xian felt that Liu Jianjun seemed to be looking for someone, but it seemed that he hadn't found them.

……

Early morning of the 22nd.

Lately, we've had very few visitors.

Liu Jianjun seemed to be unable to wait any longer and went to find Li Xian.

The first sentence left Li Xian completely bewildered.

"Xianzi, do you know Di Renjie?"

“Di Renjie…” Li Xian frowned in thought. He seemed to have such a person in his mind, but the impression was not deep. So he asked, “Why are you asking about him?”

“To tell you the truth, I’ve been waiting for him to visit me all this time, but after waiting for so long without seeing him, I’ve decided to stop waiting and go to him myself. If you know anything about him, please help me think of a suitable reason to go to his door.” Liu Jianjun frowned, seemingly very concerned about this matter.

Li Xian asked in confusion, "What reason do you need to find him? Just go directly to him!"

"Go directly to the?"

“Yes, if I remember correctly, he should be a Censor-in-Chief in the Censorate now…” Li Xian paused, then realized that Liu Jianjun probably hadn’t heard of any Censor-in-Chief position, so he changed his words and said, “A low-ranking official of the sixth grade, what reason do you, the Chief Secretary of the Prince of Pei’s Mansion, need to find him?”

Liu Jianjun's mouth dropped open: "He's just a low-ranking official of the sixth grade now?"

"Otherwise what?" Li Xian thought for a moment, then suddenly realized, "Of course you won't be able to wait for him at the Prince of Pei's residence. He's just a low-ranking official of the sixth grade; how could he possibly be qualified to visit the Prince of Pei's residence!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Jianjun slapped his forehead, his face full of regret: "Damn it... I really was a wise man who thought things through a thousand times!"

But then, his face lit up with surprise: "Wait... this is wonderful!"

"Very good?"

“Let me tell you, this guy is a hidden gem! Now is the best time for us to win him over, because he’s currently in a lowly position. Once he’s risen to great heights, even if you’re a prince now, he won’t give you a second glance!” Liu Jianjun said with an exaggerated expression.

Li Xian didn't believe Di Renjie was that miraculous, but he trusted Liu Jianjun, so he asked, "Then... what should we do?"

“Let’s go find him, we’ll go together.” Liu Jianjun looked intently at Li Xian.

……

South of Chang'an City lies Cuihua Mountain.

This is a relatively small neighborhood, located on the outskirts of Chang'an, almost outside the city limits.

And Di Renjie lived here. Along the way, Li Xian shared what he knew about Di Renjie with Liu Jianjun: "Didi Renjie served as Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review during the Yifeng era, and later was transferred to the position of Imperial Censor, whose main responsibility was to supervise and impeach officials..."

"His father once served as the Chief Secretary of the Governor's Office of Kuizhou, and his mother was from the Lu family of Fanyang..."

Liu Jianjun interjected, "Tsk tsk, so that means Di Renjie's grandfather also married a woman from one of the five surnames?"

"Otherwise, why do you think I would remember a lowly sixth-rank official?"

Liu Jianjun then asked, "And what about him personally? Does he have any hobbies or preferences?"

Li Xian shook his head and replied, "How would I know that?"

"Alright, let's leave it at that for now. Let's not worry about the details for the time being. Let's go and make a good impression first. Remember, we need to treat you with the utmost respect and courtesy later!" Liu Jianjun added.

Li Xian nodded, feeling inexplicably nervous.

As they spoke, the two arrived at the outside of a small courtyard.

This small courtyard is not large, only about an acre, but it is still considered outstanding in the suburbs of Chang'an, after all, land in the entire city of Chang'an is extremely valuable.

Therefore, Di Renjie's family should not have been poor.

As Li Xian was thinking this, he saw Liu Jianjun walk up to the courtyard gate, knock on the door, and shout, "Imperial Censor Di! Imperial Censor Di! Are you at home?"

A short while later, a response came from the courtyard, followed by light footsteps. The courtyard gate was pushed open, and a child of about ten years old peeked out, curiously looking at Liu Jianjun through the crack in the door: "Grandpa is busy, who is the guest?"

Liu Jianjun affectionately patted his head and said, "This child is so cute! Go inside and tell your grandfather that we are from the Prince of Pei's residence."

The toddler nodded obediently, seemingly understanding but not quite, then rushed into the room. Li Xian could still hear him shouting, "Grandpa! Grandpa! They say someone from the Prince of Pei's mansion has arrived!"

At this moment, Liu Jianjun turned his head and praised with a smile: "No wonder he is Di Renjie's son, so polite at such a young age!"

Li Xian smiled and replied, "This young child should be Di Renjie's youngest son, Di Jinghui, he..."

Before Li Xian could finish speaking, Liu Jianjun's eyes widened: "That little brat Di Jinghui?! I should have slapped him a few times right now!"

Li Xian was taken aback, but then a series of steady and hurried footsteps came from the courtyard. Immediately afterwards, the courtyard gate was pushed open, and an elderly man with a somewhat frail appearance opened the door.

The old man looked somewhat frail, with a long beard. He first glanced at Liu Jianjun with a puzzled look, then turned his gaze to Li Xian. Suddenly, his eyes widened, and he cupped his hands in surprise, exclaiming, "Your subject, Imperial Censor Di Renjie, greets Your Highness, Prince Pei!"

Li Xian nodded, recalling Liu Jianjun's words about treating subordinates with courtesy, so he took three steps forward, took Di Renjie's hand, and smiled: "Imperial Censor Di is too kind. I hope Imperial Censor Di will not take offense at my sudden visit."

Di Renjie looked flattered and surprised.

Li Xian then introduced him, saying, "This man is named Liu Jianjun, and he is the chief secretary of my palace."

Di Renjie was clearly surprised by Liu Jianjun's youth, then quickly cupped his hands and said, "Di Renjie greets Chief Secretary Liu!"

"Mr. Di, you're too kind. Would it be convenient for you to come into the courtyard to talk?" Liu Jianjun replied with a smile, offering a proper greeting.

"Oh! Oh! Your Highness Prince Pei, Chief Secretary Liu, please come in! Please come in!" Di Renjie said politely, making an invitation: "My humble abode is unsophisticated, Your Highness Prince Pei and Chief Secretary Liu, please do not find it offensive..."

"Sanlang, greet them and serve tea to welcome our distinguished guest!"

After the three were seated in the courtyard, Di Jinghui served tea. Li Xian and Liu Jianjun took a symbolic sip of tea before Di Renjie finally asked:
"May I ask what brings Your Highness Prince Pei to my humble abode?"

……

(End of this chapter)