Home/ I [Imperial] Am This Type of Man/ Chapter 17
Ji Jinrong and his group returned with a full load.
In addition to the goods, the caravan also brought back Western merchants who came to “trade” with Daqi. These people have undergone strict screening and have a high background and good upbringing.
Honglu Temple has been handed over to Han Shizhi for rectification, and now it works very different from how it did in the autumn hunting season.
After receiving the Western merchants, the officials of Honglu Temple were extremely shocked. Maritime transportation is unfamiliar to them, and other overseas continents are even more unimaginable to them— but these Westerners dressed in beautiful clothes brought many new gadgets. Although it cannot be said that Daqi is inferior, it is not far behind.
This was very surprising to the courtiers who were used to being “exclusive” in culture and civilization.
In their minds, Westerners should be barbaric and vulgar, and any person from the Daqi could deceive them so much that they couldn’t find the north from south. But upon seeing these well-educated Western nobles, the most cultured and powerful group of people in Daqi fell silent, unlike usual.
In the end, the human heart is the most wonderful thing. Previously, they were beaten to the point of being unable to find north from south by the Western Liang, and were humiliated by the Turks and suffered terribly. Therefore, they didn’t have much sense of crisis.
Whether it was Western Liang who “imitated” others and couldn’t learn much from Daqi, or the completely uncivilized Turks, these courtiers of Daqi looked down on them in their hearts. After all, only Daqi could make the most sophisticated weapons and the most exquisite artifacts.
However, such a group of people suddenly emerged from outside— they had no idea how this group of people came about, what kind of history they had been through, or what kind of temperament they had— this group of people just showed up like this, taking out equally exquisite goods, as well as equally terrifying weapons——
It feels like the preferential treatment God has given them over the past thousands of years is not unique, but it has also been given to another group of people in the world!
The courtiers are all feeling uncomfortable.
At present, Ji Jinrong didn’t write a letter to persuade the Zhennan King to stop fighting. The battle still has to be fought, and it has to be fought harder and more beautifully so that everyone can see clearly. In a few days, the Emperor of Western Liang will arrive to surrender and submit to Daqi. He must let these Westerners see it for themselves and don’t let them have any thoughts they shouldn’t have!
Changsun Meng was still dizzy.
In the past, whenever the word “war” was mentioned in the court, everyone would remain silent and avoid it. Now it was completely different. His grandfather was invited back, and other generals were also praised. Speaking of the envoy from Western Liang who was mentioned a few days ago, these courtiers all came up with hundred and eighty ways to deceive people. It seemed that they wanted to turn “Western Liang” into “Western Qi” under Daqi.
Changsun Meng spoke to Han Shizhi: “You literati are too scary…”
Han Shizhi’s gaze paused and he said slowly: “What’s so scary?”
Changsun Meng couldn’t tell it either. He just felt that if it were him, he would definitely die a hundred and eighty times!
Scholars don’t need swords to kill people.
Changsun Meng said: “I don’t know, I just feel scared.”
Han Shizhi said: “First of all, the knife in your hand must be sharp enough to put these strategies into use.” If you can’t even beat them in the battle, who cares about all your calculations?
Hearing what Han Shizhi said, Changsun Meng felt a little relieved. He said: “What you said makes sense. But I’m still a little scared. If I accidentally offend you scholars, I don’t know how I’ll die!”
Han Shizhi pursed his lips and stopped speaking.
Changsun Meng said again: “After the incident in Western Liang, Your Majesty will probably think of ways to attack the Turks, right?”
Han Shizhi glanced at him and asked, “Have you finished copying the “Essentials of King Wu”?”
Changsun Meng’s handsome face suddenly stiffened.
Han Shizhi said: “Copy it and give it to me at night.”
Feeling dissatisfied, Changsun Meng complained: “I just don’t understand, what’s the use of copying books! You just said it yourself, you still need to be sharp with the knife, otherwise everything will be in vain. If I practice martial arts well, won’t it be enough?”
Han Shizhi remained silent.
Changsun Meng said, “Whenever I see a book, my scalp tingles…”
Han Shizhi said, “That’s good.” He looked at Changsun Meng, “You don’t need to come to me anymore.” After saying that, he picked up the documents on the table and walked out.
Changsun was stunned. He just wanted to bargain a bit, at least give him an extra two or three days, but he didn’t expect Han Shizhi to say that!
After Changsun Meng came to his senses, he became anxious and chased after him: “Shizhi, Shizhi, wait for me!” He had long legs and quick feet, and immediately caught up with Han Shizhi. He tightly grabbed Han Shizhi’s hand and refused to let him go.
Amidst this push and pull in public, Changsun fiercely shouted, “It’s appropriate.” The busy officials around couldn’t help but quietly lift their heads to look at them.
With a hint of anger on his face, Han Shizhi scolded, “What are you doing?”
Changsun said anxiously, “Don’t be angry, Shizhi. I was wrong. I will copy it carefully and send it to your home.”
Han Shizhi said, “No need, I shouldn’t force you.”
What Changsun Meng is most afraid of is Han Shizhi’s cold and indifferent appearance. He swore to the heavens, “I will really read and copy well! Don’t be angry with me, you didn’t force me, it is out of my own willingness. Previously, my grandfather almost beat me to death, and I still couldn’t finish reading a single book. After getting to know you, I have read seven books in total! Really, I am willing to read it myself!”
Han Shizhi frowned and said, “Let go.”
Changsun Meng said: “I won’t let go! It’s appropriate -“
Han Shizhi’s expression was calm: “Copy it one more time.”
Changsun Meng was stunned for a moment, and then smiled happily: “Okay, okay!” But when he realized what he had promised, Changsun Meng opened his mouth as if he had swallowed Coptis chinensis, feeling unbearably miserable, “Essentials of King Wu” has several thousand words… “
Han Shizhi looked at him.
Changsun Meng didn’t dare to say anything anymore and silently let go of his hand holding Han Shizhi.
After Han Shizhi handed over the documents, he went to see Ji Jinrong.
When Ji Jinrong saw Han Shizhi, there was a smile on his face, and he shouted: “Shizhi.”
Han Shizhi’s heart has always been tied to Yanbei and he has long been secretly observing Ji Jinrong. It’s just that in the past, there were too few opportunities for the new emperor to show his face, and his chances of encountering the new emperor were almost non-existent. His desire to approach the new emperor was simply wishful thinking. Now that he has obtained Ji Jinrong’s respect and witnessed his methods, he extremely admired Ji Jinrong in his heart.
Han Shizhi bowed respectfully to Ji Jinrong: “Your Majesty, Honglu Temple is preparing to let those Western merchants watch the surrender ceremony.”
Ji Jinrong understood the courtier’s plan as soon as he heard it: “That’s fine.”
Han Shizhi said, “The matter of Xuanwu has already spread to the court and the public. A few days ago, I ordered someone to draw a picture of the situation at that time. Now the painter has drawn a rough sketch according to everyone’s description. I wanted to ask Your Majesty to take a look and see if there are any areas that need to be corrected.”
Ji Jinrong nodded and got up to follow Han Shizhi to see the painting.
The painting depicts the scene where Ji Jinrong bid farewell to Xuanwu.
It’s just that the wind and waves are a bit exaggerated, and Xuanwu’s appearance is also exaggerated. Facing the towering waves and the monstrous creature, Ji Jinrong stood still at the bow of the ship, with a calm and composed face, without any hint of panic.
Ji Jinrong felt that the painter drew him quite handsomely. He shamelessly praised: “It’s excellent.”
Han Shizhi said: “As long as your Majesty is satisfied.”
Ji Jinrong and Han Shizhi walked out and strolled in the palace garden. Han Shizhi followed Ji Jinrong respectfully without saying anything.
Ji Jinrong asked: “How is Ah Meng?”
When Han Shizhi heard Ji Jinrong ask about Changsun Meng, he thought about the little dispute just now. Changsun Meng didn’t like literary texts. He only had the word “wu” in his mind but not “wen”. In fact, being willing to listen to him and read military books carefully is actually giving Han Shizhi a lot of face.
(‘Wu’ (武) = related to bravery, conquest in terms of war)
(‘Wen’ (文) = related to literary talent)
Han Shizhi said: “Ah Meng is very good. His temper has been restrained a lot. With more exercise and training, he can lead troops into battle.”
Ji Jinrong said: “Ah Meng must be happy to hear this.” Changsun Meng is strong-willed and does things without thinking. However, God sent Han Shizhi, who can sharpen Changsun Meng’s edges. Ji Jinrong is very clear that no one is born suitable to do something, and they all need to be polished well. If he can teach one Wei Tingjun, he can naturally teach another one.
But now that there is a bad wolf guarding beside him, he couldn’t teach others in person— otherwise the bad wolf would go crazy.
So he could only leave it to Han Shizhi to polish Changsun Meng’s character.
Ji Jinrong looked at Han Shizhi approvingly.
With Ji Jinrong’s recognition, Han Shizhi immediately became delighted, but he didn’t take credit: “I am happy that Your Majesty is willing to trust me.”
Just as Ji Jinrong was about to say more, he saw the Zhennan King approaching not far away. Before the person arrived, his dagger-like gaze had already arrived. Of course, it didn’t fall on him, but on Han Shizhi.
Ji Jinrong laughed and said to Han Shizhi, “You go down first.”
Han Shizhi also noticed the arrival of the Zhennan King.
As Ji Jinrong’s most trusted close minister, Han Shizhi was vaguely aware of the subtle relationship between Ji Jinrong and the Zhennan King. Seeing Ji Jinrong’s calm expression, Han Shizhi couldn’t help but feel a little heartbroken. According to his guess, the Zhennan King must have taken advantage of the situation and wanted to do something inappropriate to His Majesty. And for the sake of Daqi, their smart and lovely Majesty is willing to deal with this barbarian from a rough background. I don’t know how many grievances His Majesty has to suffer on a daily basis!
In contrast, his dislike towards Changsun Meng was nothing.
Han Shizhi secretly regretted that he was too emotional and almost ruined Ji Jinrong’s plan. Ji Jinrong wants to train Changsun Meng to take over the position of Duke Wei and compete with the Zhennan King!
Han Shizhi decided to treat Changsun Meng better in the future and not be so demanding.
Ji Jinrong didn’t know what Han Shizhi was thinking about.
After Han Shizhi retreated, Ji Jinrong looked at the Zhennan King who was striding towards him with a smile.
As soon as the Zhennan King approached, he grabbed Ji Jinrong’s hand.
Ji Jinrong didn’t resist either. Previously, Wei Tingjun also looked like this when he saw him getting close to others. At that time, Ji Jinrong thought it was because others secretly brought him food that made Wei Tingjun’s face look so bad. Looking back now, he can see that this guy had actually had that kind of intention towards him for a long time, yet he even lied to him and said he already had a sweetheart— which made him curious for so long.
The Zhennan King saw that Ji Jinrong had a smile on his face, with a hint of obvious ridicule in his eyes, and knew that his “broad” mind was not very broad in front of His Majesty. He said without changing his face: “Your Majesty, I may never learn not to care.”
Ji Jinrong looked up at the Zhennan King, and a smile spread to his eyes: “I agree.”
The Zhennan King was stunned.
Ji Jinrong smiled and said, “I hope you care.”
The Zhennan King felt that there were flower buds blooming one by one in his heart.
He felt overjoyed.
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