Chapter 1: Another Painting Saint

Looking at the tall city walls of Chang'an, Chen Wanrong couldn't help but feel a little moved. This was his third time to go to Chang'an. The first time was to get rid of poverty and to work hard for five dou of rice. His future was bleak. The second time was to send Chen Zairong, but he was just a companion. The third time was different. He was an official, his wealth and his family had changed. More importantly, he got engaged and had half a family.

This change is not big, it is big. Chen Wanrong could not imagine it anyway. Thinking about the sorrow when he first arrived in the Tang Dynasty, he couldn't help but feel a little funny.

It is not God’s favor, it’s all achieved by my hard work. People have to rely on themselves, and men should be self-reliant!

"Brother, let's go directly to the East Palace. If you want to see the emperor, you must see the prince first and let the prince go and tell the emperor." Chen Zairong suggested.

This is the right reason, but Zheng Jianqiu disagreed: "No matter how grateful you are, you have no reason to say this. Of course, you will go to your home to linger and then go to the East Palace. How can you go to the East Palace directly without going to your home?"

Chen Zairong was stunned at first, and then understood: "Uncle Xie."

The son-in-law is also half a son. When he arrived in Chang'an, he naturally had to go to the Zheng family compound first. Chen Wanrong smiled and said, "Let's go home." He followed Zheng Jian and his wife's car and ran away.

I came to Pingkangfang, walked through the gate, and came to Zheng Mansion. This was my second visit. The first time I came to see Chen Zairong take the school entrance exam, which was considered a stay. This time I was a son-in-law and I was also the master.

The servant came over to take the reins and arranged his residence. After a little settled down, Chen Zairong thought to himself and said, "Brother, you rest first. I will go to the East Palace to talk to the prince, and then come to pick you up."

It is best to arrange this way. If you go rashly, you either cannot or are not experienced enough. After all, the prince and the emperor have a lot of affairs and time is tight. Even if you want to see Chen Wanrong, you have to squeeze in time. Ruizong just wanted to express his gratitude. It was not urgent. When will you meet him when you have time? It was too inappropriate to hurry.

"It's so good, you go first." Chen Wanrong agreed happily.

Chen Zairong brought the bellows sample and said goodbye to Zheng Jianqiu's family and went to the East Palace. Although Zheng Jianqiu was anxious to rush to Luoyang, he thought about how glorious it would be for his son-in-law to see the emperor. If he was not here, wouldn't it be too disappointing. He could only endure that he did not go to Luoyang and talk to Chen Wanrong in the mansion.

I originally thought Chen Zairong would come back soon, but I didn't expect that there would be no one when I went there. It was not until the evening when Chen Zairong arrived. Chen Wanrong asked, "Have you agreed?" This matter was over early, and I wanted to rush back to work. Although Ou Sheng is in charge of daily affairs now, it is much easier, but it is too boring to be idle.

"It's not that easy. I haven't even seen the prince." Chen Zairong's words were disappointing: "The prince entered the palace yesterday and has not come back yet. Brother, wait, I will report it as soon as the prince comes back."

Chen Wanrong smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'll just wait. Military and national affairs are important."

Chen Zairong lowered his voice and said, "Brother, you may have to wait for several days. Now there is a big event in the court, and the prince and the emperor cannot get away for a while."

"What's the matter?" Chen Wanrong asked by the way.

Chen Zairong was a little suspicious, and Chen Wanrong waved his hand and said, "If you are not convenient, don't say it. Although we are brothers, we should not know about things in the court."

"Brother, that's not the case. This matter has spread a long time ago, so what's the point of saying?" Chen Zairong hurriedly explained: "The left and right are attacking Shibao City. Shibao City is not that easy to fight, and the place is not big, so the price must be not small. The court must first be prepared. If you want to conquer Shibao City, I guess it is impossible without a 100,000 army. It will cost about 50,000 or 60,000 yuan."

Chen Wanrong had long heard that Shibao City was difficult to fight and the price would be very high, but he didn't expect it to be so high. He was shocked and blurted out: "The price is too high."

Chen Zairong knew much better about Shibao City than Chen Wanrong, and shook his head and said, "Brother, this is still going well. If it doesn't go well, the price will be higher."

"What is going well, what is going bad?" Chen Wanrong was still curious even though he didn't understand military affairs.

Chen Zairong smiled and said, "Brother, do you still need to ask? It's a success to conquer it in one go. If it doesn't work, you will be ineffective and you will have to take it again."

"How many people will die? There is nothing I can do?" Chen Wanrong was secretly shocked.

Chen Zairong shook his head and sighed: "The Fortress in Shibao City is the most terrible soldiers who died under it. When fighting in Shibao City, there is no way to do anything except for a hard attack. There is only one path in that place, and one man is the pass, and tens of thousands of men cannot be opened. No matter how many troops are, it is useless. If you can't expand, you can only rely on consumption. The price for 50,000 Tubo is a bit higher, and it is worth it. If you win this battle, Tubo will inevitably change his course and can no longer pose a threat to the land of Hexi. The price you should pay must be paid." After all, it is to exchange people for it. The most tragic and stupidest way of fighting, but in the face of such dangerous obstacles, there is no point in making a strategy.

After a long time no see, I didn't expect that he had such a brain. Chen Wanrong was surprised and smiled and said, "Another reunion, you have grown up."

"Brother, if you stay in the Prince's Mansion for a long time, you will also improve. There are so many secrets and contacts with them, you have to think about it. Wouldn't you improve after thinking about it?" Chen Zairong said calmly.

Chen Wanrong encouraged him: "It's great to just think about it. Many people just don't think about it and miss the opportunity. If you have this opportunity, you should seize it."

Chen Zairong was very helpful and nodded, "Brother, do you know who wants to buy alcohol?"

"Crown Prince!" Chen Wanrong replied with a smile.

Unexpectedly, Chen Wanrong actually knew it. Chen Zairong was a little surprised and said in a daze: "The prince heard that it was the alcohol you made. He asked the military doctor to try it. The effect was good. The prince then asked the Ministry of War to buy some for the Longwu Army to try it out. Brother, I didn't tell you, the soldiers of the Longwu Army like alcohol."

That was inevitable. Chen Wanrong was not surprised at all. Chen Zairong continued: "I heard that the prince was preparing to give alcohol to the army that attacked Shibao City, and two thousand kilograms of alcohol had been sent to the border."

Unexpectedly, I actually did my best to attack such a shocking battle in Shibao City. Chen Wanrong was very excited and smiled and said, "That's good, that's good! I'll say it earlier, I don't want money."

"Brother, are you happy too? Although the battle in Stone Castle City is difficult, the people of the country are united and will definitely be able to fight!" Chen Zairong was greatly infected and couldn't help but clench his fists.

The two brothers said a while, and then Chen Zairong said goodbye and went back to the East Palace. Chen Wanrong sent him away and told Zheng Jianqiu that the prince was absent. Zheng Jianqiu sighed: "I originally wanted to hear the result and know how the emperor summoned you, but now there is no future. Well, I will go to Luoyang tomorrow. Wanrong, you can do whatever you want when you meet the emperor." I was very sorry to know the result of this summoning and sighed again.

Chen Wanrong nodded and said, "Don't worry, father-in-law, I understand." The whole family got together and said for a while before they could sleep.

Early the next morning, Zheng Jianlai took his people and rushed to Luoyang. As soon as he left, the Zheng Mansion became much deserted all of a sudden. He had nothing to do, and Chen Wanrong wanted to go out for a walk. Zheng Qing was naturally happy to accompany her. They didn't want Qing'e to follow her, so she went out to enjoy the gentle days of relying on each other.

"Brother Chen, where are you going?" Zheng Qing was particularly excited. This was the first time they had been together since they were engaged, and their pretty faces were full of happiness.

Chen Wanrong said with a stern face, "Call me!"

"If you don't call me, just call Brother Chen!" Zheng Qing didn't buy it.

Calling your husband is certainly a pleasure, but it is a bit reckless and very restrained, but it is better to call your elder brother to come close to you. Chen Wanrong let her go, saying, "Let's go to Qujiangzhibin first and visit Brother Ma."

Go to Mazhizhong to learn about soap, and the alcohol market is also the right one. Zheng Qing naturally didn't say anything: "Okay, let's go to catch a car. This is far away."

"No need, walk over. There is no hurry anyway. You can see the scenery while walking and appreciate the prosperity of Chang'an." Chen Wanrong motioned.

Zheng Qing was exactly the same as Zheng Qing. If she had gone too early and had Ma Zhizhong accompanying her, there would always be some inconvenience. It would be better to browse casually now. She said happily: "Okay!" She snuggled beside Chen Wanrong and walked around.

Walking south along Zhuque Street, there are flowers blooming, pedestrians are passing by, cars come and go, and it is very lively. When you see the joy, you give me some advice and make a few jokes from time to time, and you will be happy.

The shore of Qujiang is very lively all year round, with people flowing like weaving, breathing into clouds, sweating like rain, and making it even more lively. The shouts of shouting and hawking are heard one after another, as loud as the waves of the shore, making it unforgettable at first sight.

"Brother Chen, let's go later, okay?" Zheng Qing didn't want to go to Majiadian so soon. After all, the world of the two is sweet, let alone after getting engaged, it's just a mix of oil in honey.

Chen Wanrong naturally had to obey her and took her to visit Xingyuan. This was a revisiting place. I remembered the scholar I met here by chance that day. I could only say a few words and drove the officers and soldiers apart. I couldn't help but sigh.

Zheng Qing was very surprised and asked in surprise: "Brother Chen, what did you sigh?"

Chen Wanrong told the truth: "I remember the scholar I met here that day. They had a great time talking to each other, but they didn't even know his name. Such a talented person, he missed it. Do you think it's a pity?"

Zheng Qingyan smiled and comforted her: "Don't take it to heart. If you are destined to meet, you will meet. Even if you can't meet again, he will definitely remember you. This is called a confidant. Although you only met, you can never forget it for your life."

"Good explanation! It's insightful! In this way, I'm inferior!" Chen Wanrong exclaimed.

Zheng Qingyan laughed at the banquet, and didn't want Chen Wanrong to be in love with the scene, so she changed the topic: "Where! Let's go to Majiadian, okay?"

After visiting for a long time, it was time to go and have no objection. The two of them went to Majia Store together. The Majia Store is very familiar with Chen Wanrong, and for the guys in the store, they are even more impressed by Chen Wanrong. As soon as Chen Wanrong entered the door, he saw a guy smiling and greeted Chen Wanrong, "I have met the shopkeeper Chen."

Chen Wanrong held his fists and replied: "I'm working hard! May I ask, is Brother Ma here?"

The guy smiled and was very happy: "Shopkeeper Chen, you are not an outsider. I'll tell the truth. The shopkeeper is still the same, just like a fool. Shopkeeper Chen, please, I'll lead you."

Chen Wanrong knew that the cat he was talking about was dozing off. Ma Zhizhong was not so strict with his subordinates, and as long as his subordinates did their work well, he always didn't ask what method he used, and he just said that he would not have a process. Therefore, when he was fine, he would rather hide in the house and dozing off than interfere.

"No need, I'll collect the number money!" Chen Wanrong joked.

The guy knew that their relationship was good, so he stopped leading the way and went to work with a smile. Chen Wanrong took Zheng Qing straight away and came to the door. He saw that the door was half-closed, pushing a crack open, Ma Zhizhong leaned his head on the chair, sleeping soundly, his breathing slightly, and Harazi flowed down the corner of his mouth.

If someone who is not clear about the subject, just looking at his indecent sleeping appearance, he would never have thought that he was the shopkeeper of the Ma Family Store. Zheng Qing burst out laughing, hurriedly covered her mouth, pointed at Ma Zhizhong, and blinked naughtyly.

Chen Wanrong gently pushed open the door, tiptoed in, pulled off a piece of hair, folded it into several pieces, twisted it together, and gently inserted it into the horse to make his ears turn.

Ma Zhizhong was sleeping heavily, and he slapped his hands and moved a few times and fell asleep again. He looked cute, and Zheng Qing couldn't help but feel funny and tried hard to hold it. Chen Wanrong turned a few more times, but still didn't wake up. He couldn't sleep too heavily, so he had to raise his throat and shout: "It's time to collect the money!"

"Who? It's scary!" Ma Zhizhong woke up in shock, almost jumped up, rubbed his eyes and looked at Chen Wanrong, and his displeasure immediately dissipated: "Haha, who am I talking about? It turned out to be Brother Chen. Shen Feng blew you, and he didn't say anything, I'll go to greet you."

Chen Wanrong smiled and said, "If Brother Ma comes to greet me, how can I tease you? Look, this hair can't wake you up."

"So it's your annoying mosquito! It's my troublesome sleeping." Ma Zhizhong suddenly realized.

Zheng Qing stepped forward and Yingying said, "I have met Brother Ma."

Ma Zhizhong was stunned, looked at the two of them for a while, and then said with a fist, "Congratulations to brothers and sisters!" He was a person who had experienced it, and he knew that the marriage between them had been settled at a glance, so he had to thank him.

Zheng Qing blushed, she was very shy, and she pursed her lips. Of course, Chen Wanrong had to deal with this matter and said with a smile: "Thank you Brother Ma. Brother Ma, I'm here to find out the situation, how is the soap and alcohol sold?"

"Nothing can be given!" Ma Zhizhong blurted out.

What is this? It is natural to understand the situation here. He didn't even say it. Chen Wanrong and Zheng Qing were stunned. He heard Ma Zhizhong scolding him: "Brother Chen, look at you and you know that you make money and smell like money. This is a major event in life. If you don't go to celebrate, you always think about money, is it vulgar?" After a pause, he continued: "Let's go and drink!"

Chen Wanrong hurriedly said, "Brother Ma, I appreciate your kindness. Just have a cup of tea, there is no need."

Ma Zhizhong said, "Who said it? I'll call Lao Gao and have fun. My brother and sister help you so much, so don't you think about it?"

Zheng Qing smiled and said, "My sister is grateful for Brother Ma's kindness, but she just doesn't dare to alarm the two of you."

Ma Zhizhong patted on the table and said in an unquestionable tone: "This matter is settled!"

His attitude was very firm. Chen Wanrong had no choice but to say, "Thank you Brother Ma."

"Thank you very much, isn't this supposed?" Ma Zhizhong and others went out, closed the door, and then walked in front of them to lead the way.

After leaving the store, after a while, the friend rushed to two carriages, Chen Wanrong and Zheng Qing took one, Ma Zhizhong took one, left the Majia Store and headed straight towards Gaojia Store.

Zheng Qing glanced at Chen Wanrong and pursed her lips, very shy. Chen Wanrong teased her: "What a great brother, I know I'm getting married, so I'll come to congratulate you."

A pink punch hit Chen Wanrong on the thigh, and Zheng Qing angrily said, "Nothing is really a marriage, it's an engagement!"

"Is it different to get married and engage in marriage?" Chen Wanrong smiled and grabbed her jade hand and held it tightly in his hand.

Zheng Qing let Chen Wanrong hold his hand and defended him: "Entering is engagement, getting married is getting married, it's different."

"What's the difference?" Chen Wanrong asked back, his eyes flashing with a cunning light.

Zheng Qing was not fooled by his evil intentions, and said angrily: "You are bad, bad guy!" Xichen and laughed so beautifully, Chen Wanrong was overjoyed, and asked with a smile: "Why don't you say it anymore? I don't understand yet."

He wanted to blame again, but heard a noisy voice on the side: "You are so unreasonable. I rent a shop for you. You don't pay. Want to cheat? No way! If you have money, you will rent you. If you don't have money, you will leave."

"This big brother, Wu didn't say he wouldn't give you money, but he was a little tight and couldn't get it for a while. Please forgive me." A voice discussed.

The debt-seeking voice said angrily: "I promised to give it half a month ago. Half a month later, you didn't give a penny and you're still lying on it."

"Brother, why don't you do that? I'll draw a picture for you, which will count the rent."

The debt-seeking voice said contemptuously: "Your painting is useless, who will buy it? After drawing so many paintings, it is useless for a person to buy it."

Zheng Qing stared at Chen Wanrong who was sitting foolishly like a stone sculpture and asked in confusion: "What's wrong with you? You won't be possessed by evil, right?"

Chen Wanrong clenched his fist and jumped up in excitement. His head hit the top of the compartment, making a bang, without feeling any pain at all, and shouted: "Stop, stop, stop quickly!"

Zheng Qing hurriedly grabbed Chen Wanrong, stroked her head, and asked with concern: "Does it hurt? If you have anything, say it well, don't do this, it will hurt."
Chapter completed!