OBS Chapter 117 Recognition Banquet
Chapter 117 Recognition Banquet
The next morning, Zhao Liangchen arrived early at Su Qin and Zeng Lao's residence. He was seen riding a tall, majestic horse, looking very heroic. Not far behind him, an exquisitely decorated carriage was driven by the middle-aged man named Wang Qing who had left the Zhao Mansion with Zhao Liangchen.
Zhao Liangchen was in high spirits today, dressed in a brand new suit that Su Qin had personally sewn for him. The garment was perfectly tailored, with fine stitching, and it made him look even taller and more handsome. Zhao Liangchen held his head high, his face beaming with a brilliant smile, as if filled with boundless joy. If it weren't for the conspicuous bandage still wrapped around his head, anyone who saw him would have mistaken him for a groom arriving to marry his bride!
This time, they were headed to Wenxuan Building, a place where scholars and intellectuals often gathered for conversation. The building's ambiance was tranquil and elegant, its decor adorned with antique charm. The lobby was decorated with paintings and calligraphy by famous figures, and tables and chairs were neatly arranged. Outside the window, green trees shaded the ground, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a sense of tranquility and peace.
Mr. Zeng invited not many people today, they are all his good friends, and they are all great scholars or officials with status in the literary world.
But some people came uninvited. They didn't care who Su Qin was, especially some scholars. It was a rare occasion for so many great scholars to gather together, and these students wanted to take this opportunity to see if they could get close to Mr. Zeng and others and ask for some advice.
These scholars were brought by Zhao Liangsi. His classmates had heard long ago that Su Qin was going to recognize her relatives on this day. They wanted to come, but they had not received an invitation. It would be a bit impolite to come rashly. Then they remembered that Zhao Liangchen was Zhao Liangsi's elder brother, so they asked Zhao Liangsi to bring them here.
Zhao Liangsi originally didn't want to bring them here, but Zhao Jian's official position was not high, and he himself had poor academic performance, so he had no status in the Imperial College. In the past, when he had money, he could win over some poor scholars who were short of money by entertaining them. Now that Zhao Jian maintained his frugal personality, he could not win over anyone without money, and his status in the Imperial College plummeted.
Therefore, he could not refuse his classmates' request and had to bite the bullet and take them there. He originally thought that Zhao Liangchen would humiliate him in front of his classmates and not let him bring anyone in. However, Zhao Liangchen just frowned slightly when he saw him and welcomed them in. He not only introduced Mr. Zeng to those scholars, but also accompanied them throughout the whole process, as if he and Zhao Liangsi were really close brothers.
The person who hosted this family reunion banquet turned out to be the chief academic officer of the Imperial College, which was a huge honor for Su Qin. Suddenly facing so many scholars, Su Qin was inevitably a little nervous, but relying on her social experience in dealing with major leaders and foreigners in her previous life, she managed to cope with it.
Those who came to watch the ceremony heard that Su Qin was a refugee, and even if she could read, she was too petty to be presentable. They were just being polite to Su Qin to give face to Mr. Zeng. However, they did not expect that when they really got to know her, Su Qin was no worse than those ladies from wealthy families, and was even more generous and decent than them. This made many great scholars want to marry her home as a daughter-in-law for their sons.
Although it is said that one should pay attention to a wife's family background when marrying, Su Qin was born into a refugee family, but you can tell from her conversation that her previous family background was not low. Her knowledge and conversation are not something that Zeng Lao can change in a few days. It is the result of years of accumulation. Besides, even if her family background is not good, she now has Zeng Lao as her grandfather, and she can be considered to be from a scholarly family. With Zeng Lao around, no one will talk about her family background.
With this idea in mind, everyone immediately surrounded Su Qin, and from time to time during the conversation, they would promote their own sons. Among these people, Marquis Wuning was the most obvious. Originally, he wanted to see Su Qin not for Su Qin, but for Zhao Liangchen.
After Qi Lusheng returned, he told Marquis Wuning about the business that Zhao Liangchen mentioned, and also showed him the plan written by Su Qin. After careful consideration, Marquis Wuning wanted to find another way out for his family, so he wanted to participate in this business.
But he didn't think that this business was Su Qin's idea. He thought that the idea was proposed by Zhao Liangchen, but it was just said by Su Qin.
The reason why he wanted to meet Su Qin instead of Zhao Liangchen was that he didn't want people to think that he was suspected of forming a clique by contacting Zhao Liangchen. Contacting Su Qin could also be explained as wanting to make friends with Mr. Zeng through Su Qin. After all, he is now considered a member of the literary circle.
Unexpectedly, after such contact with Su Qin, he completely changed his mind. He felt that Su Qin was intelligent and wise, had a generous manner of speaking, knew when to advance and retreat, and had very unique views on some things. It was not surprising that she could come up with this idea.
After talking with Su Qin for a few sentences, he became more and more impressed with her. Seeing that more and more people gathered around, Marquis Wuning became unhappy and directly proposed to talk to Su Qin alone. However, the great scholars were not willing to do so because they had not yet recommended their own sons.
Looking at the people arguing, Mr. Zeng knew the purpose of Marquis Wuning's visit and stepped forward to take his friends away.
Su Qin brought Marquis Wuning to a separate room. Because Zhao Liangchen was staring at Zhao Liangsi the whole time, he did not follow them in. Qi Lusheng followed his father in instead.
As soon as they sat down, Marquis Wu Ning asked straight to the point, "Miss Zeng, could you please tell me more about the business you're planning? This brat didn't explain it clearly when he went back."
Qi Lusheng pouted and didn't dare to refute, so he could only roll his eyes secretly.
Su Qin handed the plan that she had prepared long ago to Marquis Wuning. This was a revised version that Su Qin made after the emperor decided to get involved. It was much more detailed and larger than the previous one.
Marquis Wuning took it and began to read it carefully. Qi Lusheng was anxious and wanted to get closer to take a look, but was glared back by Marquis Wuning. It was no use for him to be anxious, so he could only stare at Su Qin. Su Qin smiled and handed him another copy. Su Qin had copied a copy as a backup in case of any accidents. This was her habit in her previous work, and she always kept a backup for everything she did.
Qi Lusheng happily took it and gave Su Qin a thumbs-up, praising her repeatedly: "Ms. Zeng is so thoughtful and well-prepared. She is worthy of being Mr. Zeng's granddaughter."
The father and son looked at the plan intently. The more they read, the more surprised they became. Finally, Marquis Wuning stood up in shock.
Unable to conceal his surprise, he lowered his voice and asked Su Qin, "The Emperor is also involved?"
Su Qin nodded and answered concisely: "The emperor needs money to support people."
Marquis Wuning fell back into his chair, and even Qi Lusheng's expression looked very unhappy. Originally, his father said that he would come to see Su Qin, and he thought that he had finally found something serious to do in the future. But now that the emperor was involved, with his father's cautious nature, he would definitely not get involved in this matter again.
Seeing Marquis Wuning frowning in thought, Su Qin didn't try to dissuade him. Instead, she analyzed the future situation for him: "My Lord, if the Emperor gets involved, this business will definitely become very big. In the short term, no one may notice it, but over time, the more money you earn, the more jealous others will be. If King Liang finds out about such a big deal, he will definitely want to take it for himself.
We are not doing this business simply to make money. Liangchen and I are doing this to protect ourselves. The emperor wants to get involved because he wants to take the initiative in ruling the country.
But the Marquis' Mansion is safe now, and there is no reason to get involved, so you must think carefully before making a decision.
I don't know how powerful King Liang is, or whether the Marquis' Mansion has the ability to fight against him, but we don't want to drag the Marquis' Mansion into this rashly.
However, I can assure you that if you are willing to participate, we will not necessarily lose. In the future, the Emperor will certainly think that the Marquisate has served the Emperor well. As long as the Emperor can rule the country smoothly and maintain control of the court, the Marquisate will be safe."
Marquis Wuning's brows were furrowed tightly. He asked Su Qin in confusion, "I can understand Zhao Liangchen's confrontation with Prince Liang because he wants to get rid of his father, and I can understand the emperor's involvement. But why do you, Miss Zeng, a girl, have to get involved in these men's power struggles? Aren't you just a disaster victim? Do you have some deep hatred with Prince Liang?"