Chapter 21: Reaction of the noble families, composing poetry and painting

At the same time.

Changan City, inside the Xingyang Zheng clan residence.

The clan leader Zheng Qian and several elders were all present.

At this moment, the complexion of the third elder, Zheng Yuanhua, was clearly not good, because Zhang Shenji was the one he had arranged beside Zhang Liang.

He was afraid that he would be implicated.

Zheng Qian was sitting in the first seat, his sharp eyes scanning the elders.

He said immediately: "Elders, don't do certain things in the future."

"Su Liang's move is nothing more than showing it to our noble families."

Upon hearing this, the third elder, Zheng Yuanhua, also had lingering fears and let out a deep breath...

He had also heard about what Zhang Shenji had done.

Then he said: "Clan leader, fortunately, Su Liang killed Zhang Shenji on the spot, otherwise the consequences would be unimaginable..."

"Hmph!"

Zheng Qian stood up and slammed the table, shouting angrily: "Do you really think Su Liang is a reckless person?"

The first elder, Zheng Yuanqing, then followed up: "Third elder, Su Liang is giving you a chance."

Then he wiped his pale beard and continued:

"If he had investigated further, how could the third elder be here?"

"Zhang Shenji did so many harmful things, how could the third elder not know? How could he not know?"

"Many of these things were probably arranged by the third elder!"

"Hehe..." Zheng Yuanhua chuckled upon hearing this, and then retorted: "Could it be that the first elder did fewer of these things than I did?"

Suddenly.

A "bang" sound.

Interrupted the two people's words.

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound...

Only to see Zheng Qian angrily throw the teacup he had just picked up onto the ground.

For a time.

The meeting hall was extremely silent, eerily silent; the elders had never seen the clan leader so angry.

Then only Zheng Qian stood up and said calmly:

"Let's not expose each other's secrets; over the years, everyone has had some unspeakable things in their hands."

"Everyone, think of a countermeasure!"

"The first elder is right; Su Liang is giving our noble families a chance."

"If we are still the same as before, I'm afraid it's not just His Majesty who won't tolerate us."

"Su Liang won't tolerate us first!"

After Zheng Qian finished speaking, he sat down and had the servants bring tea again.

At this moment, the scene also quieted down.

Everyone also frowned and thought about countermeasures.

A moment later.

The ninth elder, Zheng Qiu, who had not spoken, suddenly said: "Our Xingyang Zheng clan has existed for over 1,400 years; could it be that His Majesty wants to destroy our Zheng clan?"

"Hmph!"

Zheng Qian snorted coldly and said: "His Majesty naturally won't do that, but I can't guarantee Su Liang won't!"

"Before Su Liang entered Changan City, our noble families occupied a full eighty percent of the Great Tang's wealth!"

"But what about now?"

Everyone remained silent upon hearing this; Su Liang had only been in the capital for half a year and had already earned nearly ten percent of the noble families' wealth.

Just relying on a few businesses like ice, sugar and salt, Drunken Tang, tea, and honeycomb coal.

Now, the tobacco business that all the noble families had been coveting for a long time was in Su Liang's hands.

Currently, only Su Liang knew how to do it!

The noble families were all racking their brains, trying every possible way, but to no avail...

They were never able to develop it.

Now, Su Liang's wealth could truly be called rich enough to rival a nation; no noble family could compete with him!

A full quarter of an hour later.

The third elder, Zheng Yuanhua, suddenly said: "Why don't we have someone kill Su Liang..."

Everyone dared not speak upon hearing this, unable to believe that the third elder was so bold.

Although their noble families had cultivated quite a few assassins to handle some dirty and filthy things.

But facing Su Liang, most people didn't have the confidence.

That was the existence that wiped out three kingdoms alone; I don't know where the third elder got his confidence.

Zheng Qian frowned slightly upon hearing this.

Then he stood up, paced back and forth in the hall with his hands behind his back.

I don't know what he was thinking...

Only to see Zheng Qian nodding slightly from time to time, shaking his head slightly from time to time...

At this moment.

There was only the sound of footsteps in the meeting hall.

Everyone dared not make a sound to disturb him.

I don't know how long it had been.

Zheng Qian looked at the third elder and said calmly: "Do you know what this will bring?"

Zheng Yuanhua said immediately: "If this matter is discovered, my Zheng clan will never recover and will fall out of the five surnames and seven prominent families!"

"I'm afraid we will fall into a second-rate noble family."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Qian said immediately: "Since the third elder knows, why say such words."

"You haven't been in Changan City for a long time, so you might not know some things."

"Su Liang not only has the White-Robed Guards in white clothes and white robes, although there are only three thousand of them, they can deal with ordinary assassins."

"But there is also a force in black clothes and black robes; I don't know the specific number, but I'm afraid it's no less than the White-Robed Guards."

Zheng Qian was still terrified when he thought about it to this day.

When fine salt came into the world, many noble families sent experts to investigate.

In the end, not a single one returned.

Zheng Yuanhua was stunned upon hearing this, unable to believe it.

He was also nearing the end of his life when he returned to Changan City.

Hearing this from the clan leader today, he was also terrified and couldn't speak for a long time.

Su Liang swept across the 100,000-strong Turkic army with just over 3,000 White-Robed Guards, and the specific number of Black-Robed Guards was still unknown...

Thinking about it carefully, he was suddenly sweating profusely.

Fortunately... fortunately...

Fortunately, the clan leader did not agree to this matter; if the matter was exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable.

I'm afraid there would be no Xingyang Zheng clan in this world from then on!

Can't afford to gamble!

Even less dare to gamble!

Just at this moment.

The first elder suddenly said: "Clan leader, I'm afraid Su Liang won't let us go."

"Oh?"

Zheng Qian asked immediately: "What does the first elder mean?"

The first elder, Zheng Yuanqing, continued: "Over the years, we have smuggled salt, iron, and other materials to the Turks; if we investigate, this..."

Everyone also recalled it one after another; if they really investigated, their noble families would all be guilty of treason.

After hearing this, Zheng Qian waved his hand and said: "This matter doesn't matter; this is not something our family is doing alone, all noble families are involved."

"As the saying goes, the law does not punish the masses!"

"Besides, the Turks have already surrendered to our Great Tang, so it shouldn't be like this."

"If they really investigate, our noble families will be on the same boat by then."

"Everyone doesn't need to worry about such old things."

At this moment, the first elder was also hesitant to speak.

The third elder was about to speak, but was interrupted by Zheng Qian.

"Third elder, no need to say more, I understand what you mean."

"If our noble families were still the noble families of twenty years ago, there would be no need for the third elder to speak, but unfortunately..."

At this moment, Zheng Qian had also sat back in the main seat, and also recalled those things from twenty years ago...

At that time, the noble families were infinitely glorious...

It is no exaggeration to say that whoever they wanted to be emperor could be emperor!

It's just a pity that they were harmed by the muddled emperor Yang Guang...

Expanding the imperial examination, building the eastern capital, and digging the canal were all aimed at their noble families.

The three expeditions to Goguryeo were constantly consuming the foundation of the noble families, capturing and releasing them, over and over again...

In order not to be harmed by Yang Guang, the noble families also supported various rebel kings...

Most of the noble families today are already in their twilight years.

This is still under the condition of a stable country.

A full quarter of an hour.

Zheng Qian saw that everyone was still silent, and flicked his sleeves and left...

At the same time.

The same thing was happening in the residences of various noble families in Changan City.

Inside the Qinghe Cui clan residence.

Facing the suggestions of the clan elders.

The clan leader Cui Li also stood up and scolded angrily: "Most of the Great Tang's territory was fought down by Li Er; do you want the Cui clan to be destroyed!"

"Don't mention this matter again!"

"Go back and think of a safe way; whoever can think of it will be the tenth clan leader of my Cui clan!"

Inside the Longyou Li clan residence.

The clan leader Li Chong also ordered: "Everyone should be safe in doing things in the future, don't make it difficult for His Majesty."

"After all, His Majesty comes from my Longyou Li clan; as long as we are not guilty of treason, he won't be ruthless to us."

Inside the Fan Yanglu clan residence.

The clan leader Lu Ming looked at everyone present and said: "Use your minds elsewhere, take a good look at the Taiyuan Wang clan, why can't we develop fine salt!"

"Now, the fine salt business is all being done by Su Liang and the Wang clan."

"Everyone, don't forget, without money, where does the noble family come from!"

Inside the Zhao Junli clan residence.

The clan leader Li Ji said: "Now Su Liang is a noble family by himself, you are all talking about useless things."

"Look more at what the Taiyuan Wang clan is doing!"

"Notify everyone to let the clansmen learn more from the Wang clan!"

Inside the Boling Cui clan residence.

The clan leader Cui Yuan scolded: "You people, use your brains more."

"Is the current Li Er as easy to talk to as Li Yuan?"

"Without Li Er speaking, Su Liang's White-Robed Guards can trample our noble family's private army!"

Inside the Taiyuan Wang clan residence.

The clan leader Wang Xing sat happily in the first seat.

Many elders present were also full of smiles; ever since they developed fine salt, they had been following Su Liang's footsteps.

Wang Xing said happily: "Elders, our Wang clan is now thriving. Not only is fine salt selling well, but the taste of the wine brewed is also getting better and better."

"Isn't His Majesty going to open an agricultural academy, an engineering academy, a business academy, and a medical academy? Let's cultivate more of these talents."

"When the imperial examination comes next year, our Wang clan will surely have a place."

"Everyone, work harder; in time, our Taiyuan Wang clan will surely replace the Cui clan!"

Ninth year of Wude, December 21st.

Inside the Taoyuan Villa.

After three days of recuperation, Empress Zhangsun was able to get out of bed.

When Su Liang was making a wheelchair for Li Chengqian, he also made one for the Empress.

Li Chengqian and Empress Zhangsun also sat in wheelchairs and recuperated well.

At this time.

Su Liang, Zhangsun Yue, Li Chengqian, and Empress Zhangsun were basking in the sun in the courtyard.

The four of them were sitting around a hexagonal table, boiling wine and drinking tea.

Changle and Little Sizi were having a snowball fight in the courtyard.

A heavy snow had just fallen last night, a full half-foot deep.

Overnight, the plum blossoms in the courtyard had all bloomed.

There were plum blossoms of various colors, such as purple-red, light yellow, white, and pink.

Some were as bright as the morning glow, some were as white as auspicious snow, and some were as green as jasper, forming a spectacular scene of plum seas and clouds.

Empress Zhangsun looked at Su Liang and said: "Good son-in-law, with such beautiful scenery, why not compose a poem?"

Su Liang smiled awkwardly and said: "Okay, since the Empress has spoken, I will accept."

Empress Zhangsun's brows furrowed slightly upon hearing this, and she said immediately: "Still calling me Empress? In less than a month, you will be married to Changle, it's time to change how you address me."

Su Liang smiled awkwardly: "Okay, Mother-in-law."

Empress Zhangsun then beamed with joy.

Su Liang then composed a poem...

Several branches of plum blossoms in the corner of the wall, blooming alone in the cold.

Knowing from afar that it is not snow, because there is a faint fragrance coming.

Zhangsun Yue was quietly watching Su Liang compose the poem at this moment...

Supporting her chin with one hand, rubbing her hair with the other, her face full of obsession...

Li Chengqian on the side also clapped and cheered; he was already able to walk on the ground with the help of a crutch today, and his mood was also great.

Empress Zhangsun looked at the corner of the wall not far away, where there were indeed a few white plum blossoms.

Her son-in-law's talent was unprecedented in ancient and modern times.

This poem composed today was very fitting for the scene.

Her face was full of smiles...

The two who were playing in the snow also heard Su Liang's poem and ran over immediately.

Little Sizi also threw herself into Su Liang's arms and acted like a spoiled child.

She shook Su Liang's arm and said: "Brother Su, do it again, the one just now doesn't count, I didn't hear it."

"Okay, okay, okay..."

Su Liang agreed helplessly; he loved Little Sizi very much.

These past few days, whatever Little Sizi wanted, Su Liang gave her.

A moment later.

Su Liang had already brewed...

Ten thousand trees frozen and about to break, the lone root warms and returns alone.

In the deep snow of Taoyuan, ten thousand flowers bloom overnight.

The wind sends out a faint fragrance, the birds peek at the plain face coming.

Alone next year, first bloom on Taoyuan Mountain.

After finishing another one, Su Liang felt a bit guilty; he should compose fewer poems in the future.

Although he changed it a bit, it was still not very good in the end...

Changle was unhappy when she saw this and also demanded that Su Liang compose another one.

Su Liang was speechless and refused to die.

If he needed to use it in the future, wouldn't this be killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.

At that time, he would have to waste brain cells.

A moment later.

Su Liang asked Zhangsun Yue to bring pen, ink, paper, and inkstone.

He started to paint...

This was the first time everyone had seen Su Liang paint, and they all gathered around.

Especially the painting paper Su Liang asked Zhangsun Yue to bring, which was six feet wide and ten feet long.

Everyone wanted to see what kind of painting Su Liang could make.

Half an hour later.

A painting appeared before everyone...

The Taoyuan Mountain and the Chan River not far away were vividly on the paper...

Ten thousand plum blossoms were charming and vivid...

The birds resting on the plum branches were even more lifelike...

Not only that.

The villa in the painting, the people in the painting, were even more vivid...

It was exactly the scene of this time and place!

Looking at Su Liang's painting.

Mountains are far and water is distant in the ink, flowers on the other shore bloom with continuous meaning, writing the passing years with the brush.

The fine brushwork structure is rigorous, the brushwork is round and free, and the colors are elegant and beautiful.

The freehand brushwork is vigorous and smooth, the ink is rich and natural, and the thickness and agility complement each other.

After watching, everyone remained silent for a long time.

They were all conquered by Su Liang's painting skills.

Empress Zhangsun then asked: "Good son-in-law, have you thought of a name for this painting?"

Su Liang didn't answer upon hearing this.

Then he picked up the pen again and wrote in the upper right corner of the painting...

Taoyuan Tour · Winter.

Then he inscribed the poem just now.

Ten thousand trees frozen and about to break, the lone root warms and returns alone.

In the deep snow of Taoyuan, ten thousand flowers bloom overnight.

The wind sends out a faint fragrance, the birds peek at the plain face coming.

Alone next year, first bloom on Taoyuan Mountain.

The calligraphy style is vigorous and charming, the bone strength is strong, it is exactly the Slender Gold Script!

At the same time.

I don't know when Li Er came over, looking at Su Liang's painting, standing not far away in a daze.

He didn't come back to his senses for a long time...

The few people who were already in the courtyard were slightly calmer, after all, they had been watching from beginning to end.

Su Liang naturally knew about Li Er's arrival.

Then he looked at Li Er and said: "Why does Your Majesty have time to come over today?"

Li Er couldn't be bothered to pay attention to Su Liang for this.

Only to see Li Er, who had come back to his senses, walk straight to Empress Zhangsun.

He held Empress Zhangsun's hand and said: "Guanyinbi, how do you feel today?"

"I feel much better today, the good son-in-law said that I will recover in a few days."

Empress Zhangsun patted Li Er's hand and smiled happily.

Li Er immediately glanced at Su Liang, full of displeasure.

Wouldn't she feel better with acupuncture twice a day? His own wife was almost seen through.

Although a physician does not avoid clothing, Li Er just felt unhappy in his heart.

That was his most beloved Guanyinbi... ===== CHAPTER 22 =====