C43

The queen loved the new bright carriage! The four white Snow Dragon Horses that were pulling the carriage were also decorated, making them look even more handsome. These four horses were borrowed from the imperial family by Fu Xiang, so Zhang Zhou couldn't get them. There were only two seats in a row, which allowed more space for exquisite decorations and other functional designs. The coachman's seat was also lowered, and he thought very carefully about some of the rules. It could be said that he had spent a lot of time and effort on every detail, displaying his nobility and reverence.

The empress sat in a circle and was even happier. He continuously praised, "Not only is the furniture made from the businesses of the Nine Regions novel, it is also comfortable to use. Quite a lot of thought has been stirred up, I never thought that the designed carriage would also have this kind of whimsical thought. It doesn't feel tired at all when sitting on it, and it also feels very different. Zhang Zhou was just thinking. What did his letter say? Hmm, now that he thought about it, it must be that his face was covered! Fu Xiang, you don't know about this, but the last time we went out of the city and got on a carriage, it made my back ache for several days! If there had been a carriage like this, it would not have been so hard! "

Fu Xiang smiled and said, "Not only is Zhang Zhou smart and obedient, but he also has this kind of filial piety! "This servant had talked too much and mentioned that the Empress toiled hard, causing him to sometimes suffer from low back pain. Thus, he specially designed a chair with adjustable angles, saying that it could relieve fatigue!"

"Oh, how do I adjust this?"

Having been guided by Zhang Zhou's handlebar, Fu Xiang changed several angles of his seat after a simple operation. The empress gave it another try and was very satisfied. She couldn't help praising it again! Finally, he said to Fu Xiang, "Mm, I've heard about his good fortune from you every day. I'm sure you have a very close relationship with this Zhang Zhou!"

Fuxiang hurriedly bowed and explained, "I only got to know him because of this matter with Ze Xiang. This child has only turned twenty years old and doesn't have any relatives. It's truly not easy to climb and roll up to this day. It is true that I was fated to be a servant, so I chose to be your uncle and nephew. There is nothing else. "

The empress laughed. "It seems you're very nervous, as long as you're human, there will be affection between family and friends. How could I not know your character and conduct? This child is quite capable. The people of Hezhou have never seen him in person, so they can't say if the rumors were exaggerated or not. But the smell of Zerom, the furniture, and the carriage, I have seen them all clearly and am very satisfied with their use. Since you and he have already become uncles, you are no longer considered an outsider. Is he waiting outside? Let him in! I wish to meet him! "

The most impressive thing about people like Fu Xiang was that they could quietly affect their masters' moods and influence their master's thoughts, thus determining the host's attitude towards the visitors. The higher the status of a true master, the more people he or she would like to meet. Thus, the fewer people he or she would like to meet, the less chance they or she would have to do so. Offending them was equivalent to offending the rightful owner. One day, they might even send a reminder to their rightful owner, inciting disgrace with a few words. This would bring about a calamity that would descend from the heavens.

And if they want to help you, even if they don't have a chance, they will still give you a chance. After all, they know their master's habits and preferences very well. It was because of this ability and confidence that Fu Xiang reminded Zhang Zhou that the Empress would summon him today.

The first time Zhang Zhou entered the palace, he was both excited and nervous. He was excited because he could finally see the empress that he wished to join. He was nervous because he had experienced the equality and freedom of his previous world and the rule of law, so he was even more afraid of the imperial power of today. Especially this harem, from the movies and TV dramas in his previous life, this was definitely the darkest world with the most schemes and schemes, where one ate nothing but meat and bones. How terrifying was it? Although he also wanted to see what this palace looked like, he did not know much about the taboo within the palace. He was afraid that he would accidentally make a mistake and see something that he shouldn't have.

When Fu Xiang, who was leading the way, saw his expression, he was both angry and happy.

"What are you doing?" "What are you looking for on the ground?"

Zhang Zhou looked around to see that there was no one around, and whispered: "Uncle, aren't you nervous? "I was afraid that if I saw something that I shouldn't have seen …"

"Look at your weak future. This main road is the only path that one must take to enter every corner of the palace. With so many people here, who would dare to do something that cannot be revealed? Just straighten your back and don't look around, just do it! "

"Ai, uncle, why didn't you say so earlier? You made me walk with my back bent for so long!"

"It's not wrong for you to be cautious. At the very least, you should know how to respect and respect the imperial power! But you don't have to worry too much. The empress is a kind person, you don't have to be too nervous, understand? "

"Good, good, good!"

Entering the palace where the empress lived, Zhang Zhou once again bowed. Even after entering the outer room, he didn't dare to raise his head to look at her. He followed the instructions given by Fu Xiang and ordered her to stay. Fu Xiang went into the inner room to make his report. He then came out and said softly, "Go in! "Don't be nervous!"

Zhang Zhou nodded. After entering, he did not make any unnecessary movements and walked quickly to the center of the room. He dropped to his knees and kowtowed in an extremely solemn and exaggerated manner.

The empress who sat on the chair couldn't help but laugh when she saw this. Zhang Zhou was still waiting for instructions, but he was kicked in the butt by Fu Xiang first. "Where's the empress?"

Only then did Zhang Zhou dare to raise his head to look and realize why Fu Xiang had kicked him. He thought the empress was sitting directly opposite to him. Who knew she would be sitting right next to him, kneeling in the wrong direction!

He hurriedly found his bearings and kowtowed once again, "This humble subject wishes the Empress the best of fortune and life!"

"Hehe, this child is too interesting! This is the first time I've heard something like this! No wonder Fu Xiang was so full of praise for you. "Get up!"

Zhang Zhou's first step was a success. Then he got up and bowed a second time. "Because of the empress's title of" one word, one word, one piece ", that's why we have the great success of this year's Hezhou beauty contest. How could Hezhou Prefecture and the Nine Prefectures have the right to enjoy all the profits?" The empress didn't understand the reason why she heard Zhang Zhou add, "Because of the empress's title of" one word, one word, one word, one word, that's why we have the great success of this year's beauty selection.

"Oh, then tell me, how much did you earn this time?" The empress only asked him if she knew of their deceit and wanted to test his honesty. Unexpectedly, Zhang Zhou raised his head and said with a beaming smile, "The empress definitely won't think of it, guess?"

"How dare you!" Fu Xiang pretended to be angry. The empress found this interesting, so she stopped him and looked at Zhang Zhou. After thinking for a while, she said, "Let me guess which palace it is! "I heard from Fu Xiang that this time, both parties will reap a great harvest. However, the initial investment in the Nine Regions' business is also very huge. If I were to convert it, I should be able to reap a profit of 500,000 silver, right?"

"Reporting to the Empress, it's an entire two million taels!"

"Two million silver?"

The empress felt that the number she said should be more or less enough, she didn't expect this child to be so deadly! He had not expected so much either.

"Logically speaking, you have already used the Zephyr Fragrance's welfare to honor me. I shouldn't be too greedy, but I really want to know how much you intend to give to me!"

The empress had calculated that he would spit out several hundred thousand taels at the very least. He heard Zhang Zhou say, "2 million!"

The empress was taken aback. "Why?" she asked softly.

"Empress, this humble subject doesn't know how to speak, so I'll be honest. I hope the empress won't blame me!"

"Just tell me the truth!"

"Esteemed Empress, this humble official believes that no matter how much silver there is, there will be a time when all of it is spent. However, with the assistance of the Empress, the Nine Regions' businesses will be greatly protected. So, this humble official feels that what I need the most now is not silver, but the wealthy and powerful people of the Great Tang Empire and the Empress's blessings and good health. Ze-xiang and Hezhou Lie were both profit-making industries. They were strong enough to feed this humble subject! I have discussed the income of this meeting with the lords of Hezhou. We should not keep it for ourselves, so after deducting the expenses, we should contribute the two million. But esteemed wangfei, this humble subject also has a presumptuous request! "

"What presumptuous request?"

"Esteemed wangfei, this humble subject can't be a straightforward person, much less be a thorn in the side of others. This humble subject will silently gift you the silver, and the empress will take it. We won't say a word, can't we?"

The empress burst out in laughter. Fu Xiang was right, this child was too interesting! Too sensible!

"Sure! I have done it! Get up and speak! You are not allowed to kneel anymore! "

Zhang Zhou didn't get up, instead, he blinked his eyes and said.

"Empress, this humble subject still has something to say!"

"Then get up!"

"Thank you, esteemed empress!"

"What else is there? Speak! "

"Your Highness, do you know of the Yaotai Song and Dancing Group?"

"Yes, I've heard of it. The common folk of the capital have been discussing it these past few days!" I also want to see the glory of this singing and dancing group! "

"It will be His Majesty's birthday in a few days. This humble subject has specially rehearsed a set of singing and dancing, intending to present it on His Majesty's birthday. I hope that the Empress can grant my wish!"

"Hehe, this is a good thing. I will help you arrange it. There shouldn't be any big problems."

"..."

At first, it was the Empress who asked, but Zhang Zhou answered. Finally, Zhang Zhou sat cross-legged on the ground and began chatting with the empress. The empress asked him to sit up, and Zhang Zhou said, "When this humble subject likes to speak, I'll also maintain my admiration for the empress!" The empress was extremely amused.

The reason why Zhang Zhou was so generous was because the Queen was the birth mother of Ping Wang. The Ping Wang was a sword that hung over his head.

Zhang Zhou had absolute knowledge, but he didn't dare to say that he had done everything right, especially when interacting with the top figures of the empire. He had to gamble, fight, and scheme in hundreds of thousands of ways, in order to keep every step safe while considering how to create favorable conditions for the next step in his development. In this regard, he was absolutely willing to put in a lot of effort. He knew very well that now wasn't the time for him to accumulate wealth and keep his old age. As long as he was able to preserve his life and have a stable future, what would silver amount to him? Whether it was using money or loyalty, he would do everything in his power to please the empress. Firstly, he could ease the tension between him and the Ping Wang, and secondly, he could seek a strong shield for himself! The other is that you don't have to worry about triggering the sensitivities of political teams. Of course, there was also one other person who could satisfy these conditions, and could possibly reap even more benefits. That person was the Emperor. However, Zhang Zhou would not make such a choice. The position of Emperor would determine that he did not have someone he trusted forever! No matter how much you fawn on them, you will never be able to determine your end! Furthermore, Zhang Zhou was very clear that if he wanted to develop in a direction, sooner or later he would provoke the imperial power. The emperor's attention should be on those ministers who held great power. He shouldn't care too much about himself, this' lackey 'who only knew how to please the empress. It would be safer this way. Since he knew that accompanying Jun Ruo was like accompanying a tiger, then he might as well keep his distance!

"..."

"So you're saying that you brought your singing and dancing group to the capital this time to celebrate your teacher's birthday?"

"The main purpose of entering the capital this time is to have a chance to perform on His Majesty's birthday! If His Majesty was happy to like them, he could give them a compliment or two. Then, the singing and dancing group would truly become famous throughout the world! However, at that time, I still did not get your permission, Empress, so I might as well give my teacher a birthday party to cheer him up, which could also be considered a warm-up! "

He could not admit that in his heart, his caution was more important than his Majesty. The empress approved of his words!

"Based on the heated discussions of the commoners, I'm afraid your teacher's birthday will be the focus of attention!"

"Empress, to tell you the truth, Teacher's kindness to me is as heavy as a mountain. Right now, he's living a uncomfortable life in the capital, and as a student, I naturally feel very uncomfortable. I also want to use this opportunity to give my teacher more connections, so that he can be more at ease in the capital."

How could the empress be unfamiliar with the matters of the imperial court? She understood Cao Yi's current predicament very well.

"But will this work?"

"Hehe, actually, this humble subject is not sure either. But since the teacher is in a difficult situation, it's my duty to do something as a student. Regardless of how useful it is, it's still better than not doing anything at all! "

In front of the empress, it would be inconvenient for Zhang Zhou to share his thoughts. The empress, on the other hand, was very fond of Zhang Zhou's act of repaying her kindness.

"Is it still the Hezhou song?"

"No, it's a new song. This time in the capital, two new songs have been prepared. One of them was long prepared in the past, so we can find a chance to show our faces!" And His Majesty's birthday, this humble subject was seriously preparing a new song! This song is for Your Majesty. Please rest assured, Empress. This humble subject is confident that I will not embarrass you, and will not disappoint His Majesty. "

"I'm telling you, I'm really looking forward to it!"

At this moment, Zhang Zhou glanced at Fu Xiang, who was standing to one side, and suddenly said to the empress, "Empress, may this humble subject discuss a matter!"

"Speak!"

"This humble subject does not understand too many rules, if there is anything wrong, please do not be angry?"

"Hehe, I'm very happy right now. Just say it!"

"Esteemed wangfei, my uncle is too old. He stood for too long, I can't take this leg …"

Upon hearing this, Fu Xiang, who had been silent the entire time, froze for a moment before quickly falling to his knees.

"Empress, this child is insensible. Please don't blame him!" He turned around and scolded Zhang Zhou, "Little bastard, you don't understand the rules! Nonsense! Hurry up and admit your mistake!"

Zhang Zhou hurriedly got up and kneeled down to show his respect. He was filled with fear and trepidation as he thought to himself, "There are so many royal rules. This old man loves his children, but he's already committed a crime?"

The empress, on the other hand, could clearly see that there were tears in Fu Xiang's eyes, and that Zhang Zhou's concern was not a lie. The empress was certain that this was the first time the emperor had made such a request since the founding of the Tang Dynasty! She naturally understood Fu Xiang's nervousness. From a certain point of view, Zhang Zhou's request could be understood as a complaint. He said he didn't care about his uncle's health. It was true that Fu Xiang was a loyal servant, but he was a servant. It was his duty to stand and guard. The empress would never feel that something was amiss, nor would Fu Xiang feel that something was amiss. From Zhang Zhou's expression, the empress could tell that he was only concerned about Fu Xiang, a junior who was concerned about his elders without any other complex emotions!

The empress slowly stood up and said softly, "Fuxiang, get up. I won't blame him!"

After Fuxiang thanked him, he got up. His body was obviously not as agile as before. Zhang Zhou hurriedly went to help him, but his hand was ripped off by Fuxiang. He scolded in a low voice, "No need for your help. Uncle is not that old yet!" He quickly rubbed his eyes.

The Queen looked at Zhang Zhou, who seemed to be at a loss as to what to do, and said, "Zhang Zhou, I am very happy to have you present me with two million taels of filial piety. I shall grant you your filial piety!"

"..."

Zhang Zhou had originally thought that the simple sentence that had caused him to break out in a cold sweat was the end result. Although he knew that the empress wouldn't punish him, he couldn't help but feel apprehensive.