novelaction Chapter 1057 One Iron Plate
Chapter 1057 One Iron Plate
The journey was very smooth thanks to the escort provided by the Li family, and no bandits dared to be so reckless as to cause trouble.
Regardless of the Li family's reasons for helping, Zhang Ping'an was very grateful. As soon as he settled in, he asked his deputy to lead his men to stay for a meal and to rest for the night before leaving, as a way of expressing his gratitude.
The deputy general didn't stand on ceremony. After thanking him in a boisterous manner, he and his men rested in Huainan for one night, had a sumptuous dinner and breakfast, and then left.
Before leaving, Zhang Ping'an and his family saw him off very solemnly, thanked him, and said, "We are very grateful to Vice General Li for his help along the way. Our whole family will remember this kindness. If you need any help in the future, please don't hesitate to ask."
Hearing this, Lieutenant General Li felt reassured. These words were tantamount to a guarantee and a promise, and it was worth the severe scolding he received from his master.
After all, he's not a bodhisattva who does good deeds without expecting anything in return.
However, he still returned the greeting politely: "Haha, it's my duty, it's my duty to ensure that you, Lord Zhang, are safely delivered to your post. I have certainly lived up to my master's expectations!"
Zhang Ping'an understood that this was a subtle reminder that the Li family of Xuzhou had also contributed greatly to this matter and deserved credit, so the main family should not be overlooked.
It seems this lieutenant is quite loyal. No wonder he was promoted and given important responsibilities despite not being very bright. For those in positions of power, ability is important, but loyalty is even more so.
After seeing off the deputy general, Zhang Ping'an and his family attended the welcoming banquet prepared for him by local officials in Huainan.
It was originally supposed to be held last night, but it was postponed by a day because we had to entertain Vice General Li and others.
Today is the official welcome banquet!
Although Zhang Ping'an hadn't seen some of the faces for many years, he still vaguely remembered them. After asking carefully, he learned that they were some local scions of prominent families he had met when he was an official in Huainan. These people were now old, most of them were heavily overweight, and only a blurry outline remained, still bearing the shadow of their youth.
From now on, he will be the regional governor of Huainan. Naturally, these people will rush to curry favor with him, not only coming themselves but also bringing their family members to become familiar with him.
Their conversation was very warm and friendly.
Zhang Ping'an has never been afraid of interpersonal relationships, which is one of his strengths. Moreover, now that he is in a high position, he doesn't need to deliberately flatter anyone, making him even more adept at handling these situations. In just a short while, he became familiar with these people again.
After chatting for a while, he also felt a bit emotional. They used to be spirited young people, the best among their peers, and trendsetters of the times. Now they have all become slick and worldly, with big bellies and greasy and cunning looks.
The saying "time is a butcher's knife" is indeed true.
Fortunately, I've always loved eating vegetarian food and exercise a lot, so I look alright; in comparison, I'm much better off.
Although Xiaoyuer was a newcomer and did not hold any official position, he was the only son of a military governor, and he was also a third-place scholar in the imperial examination. He was low-key, humble, cheerful, generous, and had a broad mind.
Before long, he became one of the younger generation, and they became sworn brothers amidst the clinking of glasses. He shone brightly in the crowd, standing out like a crane among chickens.
Those who saw this couldn't help but offer a few compliments: "Your son is truly outstanding; Zhang Gong has a worthy successor!"
"Not at all, he still has a lot to learn, and I hope you will all forgive him for any shortcomings in the future," Zhang Ping'an said politely with a slight smile.
Although he appeared mild-mannered, his seasoned experience in officialdom still instilled considerable pressure in everyone, making them hesitant to underestimate him.
In the end, no one ate much at dinner tonight; everyone was busy drinking and socializing, and on the surface, things seemed very harmonious.
By the time it ended, the moon was high in the sky. Zhang Ping'an arranged for people to escort everyone back to their respective residences. After everyone had left, he then took his son back to the inner office.
At this moment, Madam Li had already directed the servants to put Zhang Lao Er, Madam Xu, and the two children to bed.
She was in the women's section, and the party ended much earlier than the men's.
Seeing that her father-in-law and husband had returned, she quickly ordered the maid to bring them some hangover tea.
Xiaoyuer downed two cups in one go before wiping his mouth with a handkerchief, exhaling a breath of hot air, and said, "These officials in Huainan can really drink. They must have practiced a lot at the drinking table."
Seeing this, Madam Li silently poured another cup and pushed it over before sitting down next to her and saying, "I can't interfere with what you men do, but I met those officials' wives tonight. They weren't too difficult to deal with. They all dressed appropriately and knew what they were doing. It's actually easier to deal with such smart people. I've also found out about the relationships between the families. I'll tell you about it when I have time."
"Thank you for your hard work," Little Fish said with a smile.
Li smiled knowingly and said nothing.
The two looked at Zhang Ping'an again; he was the pillar of the family.
Zhang Ping'an was quite satisfied with the atmosphere of today's welcoming banquet and analyzed for the two of them: "After all, the new dynasty has only been established for a few years. These local families in Huainan are either those who moved back later, or those whose members rose to prominence during the chaotic times and led the way. Their foundations are not that deep, so they are not as entangled as the aristocratic families in the capital. They all have their own agendas. I tested them at the dinner table today, and there are no troublemakers among these people. They are all perceptive. The rest is up to us to see how to manage things and build Huainan into a united front. I am confident that this will not be too difficult."
As he spoke, a sharp glint flashed in Zhang Ping'an's eyes. He had been lying low for too long, and now that there was nowhere left to retreat, it was perhaps time to rebuild his own unique power.
The right timing, the right location, and the right people—we have it all!
Xiao Yu'er was not surprised to hear this. He had sensed it before, but not deeply. However, since the assassination at the post station, he could clearly feel that his father was no longer following the middle way as before.
He was seething with anger.
After thinking for a moment, he said, “Father, now that I have resigned from my post, I am without any official position and it is not convenient for me to move around in the government office for the time being. So, why don’t I spend the next few days clarifying the intricate relationships between the various families in Huainan, and then we can discuss a specific plan to see how to achieve twice the result with half the effort.”
“Yes, that’s the way to do it. It’s always good to get to know the local bigwigs when you’re new here. I trust you to handle things,” Zhang Ping’an said, glancing at his son with admiration in his eyes.
"As for the official position, you don't need to worry too much. After a few months, once you're familiar with Huainan, I'll let you know, and your subordinates will naturally help arrange it. That will be much more logical."
“Okay, I’ll listen to Dad!” Xiaoyuer is a very adaptable person. Even though he felt a bit disappointed when he first arrived in Huainan from the capital, since Huainan is not as prosperous as the capital, he immediately became full of energy again after arriving in Huainan.
Being far from the capital also has its advantages. With the emperor far away, the Zhang family basically calls the shots. They have more freedom and room to maneuver than in the capital, and they don't have to be restrained in their actions.
When the men were speaking, Li usually didn't interrupt. Only after her father-in-law and husband had finished speaking did Li bring up the issue of their two children's education:
"There is another matter. Heng'er's studies cannot be interrupted. We need to find a good teacher for him as soon as possible. Although Zhuo'er is not yet of school age, we also need to find someone to carefully teach him manners and etiquette."
"Don't worry about that. Although Huainan is not as prosperous as the capital, it has many talented scholars who have passed the imperial examinations. After I find out more in a couple of days, I will invite someone to my residence to examine them and select a good one," Xiaoyuer replied, waving his hand.
The couple seemed to be discussing things carefully, which made Zhang Ping'an secretly nod in satisfaction.
A virtuous wife brings prosperity to three generations; the old saying is true.