Chapter 21: Aristocratic Reactions, Reciting Poetry and Painting

At the same time.

Changancheng, the mansion of the Zheng clan of Xingyang.

The clan head, Zheng Qian, and several elders were all present.

At this moment, the Third Elder, Zheng Yuanhua, had a noticeably grim expression, precisely because he was the one who had arranged for Zhang Shenji to be by Zhang Liang’s side.

He was afraid it would implicate him.

Zheng Qian sat upright at the head of the table, his sharp gaze sweeping over the elders.

He immediately said, "Elders, from now on, there are some things you should not do."

"Su Liang’s actions are nothing more than a show for us aristocratic families."

Upon hearing this, the Third Elder, Zheng Yuanhua, felt a lingering fear and let out a deep, heavy sigh...

He had also heard rumors of the things Zhang Shenji had done.

He then said, "Clan head, it is fortunate that Su Liang killed Zhang Shenji on the spot; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable..."

"Hmph!"

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

The First Elder, Zheng Yuanqing, then spoke up, "Third Elder, Su Liang is giving you a chance."

He then stroked his gray beard and continued:

"If he were to investigate thoroughly, how could the Third Elder still be sitting here?"

"Zhang Shenji committed so many heinous acts; how could the Third Elder not know? How could you not have known?"

"Many of those matters were likely arranged by the Third Elder himself, were they not!"

"Heh..." Zheng Yuanhua chuckled upon hearing this, then retorted, "Could it be that the First Elder has done fewer of these things than I have?"

Suddenly.

A "thud" sound.

Interrupted their words.

Everyone looked toward the sound...

They saw Zheng Qian angrily smash the teacup he had just picked up onto the floor.

For a moment.

The council hall was extremely silent, an eerie silence; the elders had never seen the clan head in such a rage.

Then, Zheng Qian stood up and said coldly:

"Let us stop exposing each other’s secrets; over these years, everyone has had more or less unspeakable matters in their hands."

"You all should think of a countermeasure instead!"

"The First Elder was right about one thing: Su Liang is giving our aristocratic families a chance."

"If we continue as we did before, I fear it will not just be His Majesty who cannot tolerate us."

"Su Liang will be the first to not tolerate us!"

After speaking, Zheng Qian sat down and had a servant bring fresh tea.

At this moment, the scene quieted down.

Everyone frowned, each lost in thought, considering countermeasures.

A moment later.

The Ninth Elder, Zheng Qiu, who had not spoken until now, suddenly said, "Our Zheng clan of Xingyang has existed for over fourteen hundred years; could it be that His Majesty truly intends to destroy our clan?"

"Hmph!"

Zheng Qian let out a cold snort and said, "His Majesty naturally would not do such a thing, but there is no guarantee that Su Liang won't!"

"Before Su Liang entered Changancheng, our aristocratic families held 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, yet he had already earned nearly ten percent of the aristocratic families' wealth.

This was achieved solely through businesses like ice, sugar and salt, Drunken Tang, tea, and honeycomb coal.

Now, the tobacco business, which the aristocratic families had long coveted, was also firmly in Su Liang’s hands.

Currently, only Su Liang knew how to produce it!

The aristocratic families had racked their brains and tried every possible method, only to end in failure...

They were never able to replicate it.

Today, Su Liang’s wealth could truly be described as rivaling a nation; no aristocratic family could compete with him!

After a full quarter of an hour.

The Third Elder, Zheng Yuanhua, suddenly said, "Why don't we have someone take care of Su Liang..."

Everyone was too afraid to speak upon hearing this, unable to believe the Third Elder was so bold.

Although their families had cultivated many assassins to handle dirty and sordid affairs,

most of them lacked the courage to face Su Liang.

That was a man who had wiped out three nations single-handedly; they did not know where the Third Elder found such confidence.

Zheng Qian frowned slightly at these words.

He then stood up and paced back and forth in the hall with his hands behind his back.

It was unclear what he was thinking...

Zheng Qian was seen nodding slightly at times, and shaking his head at others...

At this moment.

Only the sound of footsteps filled the council hall.

No one dared to make a sound to disturb him.

It was unknown how much time had passed.

Zheng Qian looked at the Third Elder and said calmly, "Do you know what this action would bring?"

Zheng Yuanhua replied, "If this matter were discovered, my Zheng clan would never recover and would fall out of the Five Surnames and Seven Clans!"

"I fear we would be reduced to a second-rate family."

Zheng Qian immediately said, "Since the Third Elder knows this, why would you say such things?"

"You have been away from Changancheng for a long time, so there are some things you may not be clear about."

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

"But there is also a force in black clothes and black robes; their exact number is unknown, but I fear it is no less than the White-Robed Guards."

Thinking of this, Zheng Qian still felt terrified.

When fine salt first appeared, many 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 had only returned to Changancheng in his twilight years.

Hearing this from the clan head today, he was terrified and remained speechless for a long time.

Su Liang had swept through over a hundred thousand Turkic troops with just over three thousand White-Robed Guards, and the exact number of the Black-Robed Guards was still unknown...

Thinking about it carefully, he broke into a cold sweat.

Fortunately... fortunately...

It was lucky the clan head did not agree to this; if the matter were exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable.

I fear that from that day on, the Zheng clan of Xingyang would cease to exist in this world!

It is a gamble we cannot afford!

And a gamble we dare not take!

Just at this moment.

The First Elder suddenly said, "Clan head, I fear Su Liang will not let us off."

"Oh?"

Zheng Qian immediately asked, "What does the First Elder mean by this?"

The First Elder, Zheng Yuanqing, continued, "We have not done little to smuggle salt, iron, and other supplies to the Turks over these years; if this were to be investigated, this..."

Everyone present began to recall; if truly investigated, their families would all be guilty of treason.

After hearing this, Zheng Qian waved his hand and said, "That does not matter; this is not something only our family has done; all the aristocratic families have participated."

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

"Besides, the Turks have already submitted to our Great Tang, so it should not go that far."

"If it were truly investigated, our families would all be in the same boat."

"You need not worry about such old, stale matters."

At this moment, the First Elder was also hesitant to speak further.

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 families were still the families of twenty years ago, there would be no need for the Third Elder to speak, but unfortunately..."

Zheng Qian had already sat back in his main seat, and he, too, recalled the events of twenty years ago...

Back then, the aristocratic families were infinitely glorious...

It is no exaggeration to say that they could make whoever they wanted the Emperor!

It is only a pity that they were harmed by the foolish Emperor Yang Guang...

The expansion of the imperial examination, the construction of the Eastern Capital, and the digging of the Grand Canal were all aimed at their noble families.

The three expeditions to Goguryeo were even more of a constant drain on the noble families' foundations; capturing them only to release them again, repeating the cycle...

In order to no longer be harmed by Yang Guang, the noble families also successively funded various rebel kings...

Most of the noble families today are already in their final flicker of life.

And that is while the empire is still stable.

A full quarter of an hour.

Seeing that everyone remained silent, Zheng Qian immediately flicked his sleeves and left...

At the same time.

The same thing was happening in the mansions of every noble family in Changancheng.

In the mansion of the Qinghe Cui Clan.

Facing the suggestions of the clan elders.

The Clan Head Cui Li also slammed the table and stood up, angrily scolding: "Most of the Great Tang's empire today was won by Li Er himself; do you want the Cui Clan to be destroyed!"

"Do not mention this matter again!"

"All of you go back and think of a safe method; whoever can come up with one will be the tenth Clan Head of my Cui Clan!"

In the mansion of the Longxi Li Clan.

The Clan Head Li Chong also instructed: "Everyone should act more cautiously in the future, and do not make things difficult for His Majesty."

"After all, His Majesty comes from our Longxi Li Clan; as long as we are not guilty of treason, he will not deal with us harshly."

In the mansion of the Fanyang Lu Clan.

The Clan Head Lu Ming looked at everyone present and said: "You should put your minds to other things; take a good look at the Taiyuan Wang Clan, why can we not refine fine salt!"

"The business of fine salt today is all being done by Su Liang and the Wang Clan."

"Do not forget, everyone, without Qian Cai, how can there be noble families!"

In the mansion of the Zhaojun Li Clan.

The Clan Head Li Ji spoke up and said: "Su Liang is now a noble family unto himself; you are all just babbling about useless things."

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

"Send word down, let the clansmen learn more from the Wang Clan!"

In the mansion of the Boling Cui Clan.

The Clan Head Cui Yuan cursed loudly: "You people, use your brains a bit more."

"Is the Li Er of today as easy to talk to as Li Yuan was?"

"Without Li Er even speaking, Su Liang's White Robe Guard could trample our noble families' private armies!"

In the mansion of the Taiyuan Wang Clan.

The Clan Head Wang Xing sat in the seat of honor, beaming with joy.

The many elders present were also full of smiles; ever since they refined fine salt, they had been keeping pace with Su Liang.

Wang Xing said happily: "Elders, our Wang Clan is now thriving. Not only is the fine salt selling well, but the wine we brew also tastes better and better."

"Is His Majesty not going to open an Agricultural Academy, an Engineering Academy, a Business Academy, and a Medical Academy? We should also cultivate more talent for these."

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

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

The twenty-first day of the twelfth month, the ninth year of Wude.

Inside the Taoyuan Shanzhuang.

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

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

Li Chenggan and Empress Zhangsun both sat in their wheelchairs, recuperating well.

At this moment.

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

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

Changle was having a snowball fight with Little Sizi 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.

Plum blossoms in various colors—purple-red, pale yellow, white, and pink—were all there.

Some were as bright as the morning clouds, some as white as auspicious snow, and some as green as jasper, forming a spectacular scene of a sea of plum blossoms condensing clouds, with clouds steaming and rosy mist swirling.

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 immediately said: "Very well, since the Empress has spoken, I shall accept."

Hearing this, Empress Zhangsun frowned slightly and immediately said: "Still calling me Empress? You will be married to Changle in less than a month; it is time to change how you address me."

Su Liang gave an awkward smile: "Very well, Mother Empress."

Empress Zhangsun then beamed with joy.

Su Liang then began to compose a poem...

In the corner, a few branches of plum blossoms, braving the cold, bloom alone.

From afar, one knows they are not snow, for a faint fragrance comes.

Zhangsun Yue was currently watching Su Liang compose the poem quietly...

One hand supporting her chin, the other brushing her hair, her face full of infatuation...

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

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

Her son-in-law's talent was unprecedented in history.

This poem composed today was truly fitting for the occasion.

Her face was full of smiles...

The two playing in the snow also heard Su Liang composing a poem and ran over immediately.

Little Sizi threw herself into Su Liang's arms and began to act spoiled.

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

"Alright, alright, alright..."

Su Liang helplessly agreed; he was incredibly fond of Little Sizi.

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

A moment later.

Su Liang had already prepared himself...

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

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

The wind carries the faint fragrance out, birds peek at the plain beauty arriving.

Next year, it will bloom alone, first to emerge in Taoyuan Mountain.

Having finished another poem, Su Liang felt a bit guilty; he should compose fewer poems in the future.

Although he had changed it a bit, it was still somewhat not quite right...

Seeing this, Changle was unhappy and also demanded that Su Liang compose another one.

Su Liang was speechless and refused to comply.

If he needed to use them later, wouldn't this be like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs?

He would have to waste brain cells again by then.

A moment later.

Su Liang had Zhangsun Yue bring over the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.

He began to paint...

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

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

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

Half an hour later.

A painting was displayed before everyone...

The Taoyuan Mountain not far away and the Chan River seemed to leap off the paper...

The ten thousand plum blossoms were charming and enchanting, and even more lifelike...

The birds perched on the plum branches were even more vivid...

Not only that.

The Shanzhuang in the painting and the people in the painting were all depicted with striking resemblance...

It was exactly this scene and this moment!

Looking at this painting by Su Liang.

Mountains distant and waters far, left in the ink; flowers on the other shore bloom, meanings connected; the brush moves with the ink, recording the passing years.

The fine-brushwork structure is rigorous, the brushwork is rounded and natural, and the coloring is elegant and graceful.

The brushwork is spirited and vigorous, the ink rich and naturally formed, with a harmonious contrast between density and liveliness.

After viewing it, the crowd remained silent for a long time.

One after another, they were all conquered by Su Liang’s painting skills.

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

Su Liang heard this but did not answer.

He immediately picked up the brush again and began to write in the upper right corner of the painting...

A Tour of Taoyuan County: Winter.

Afterwards, he even inscribed the poem from just a moment ago.

Ten thousand trees freeze and seem ready to snap, yet a lone root finds warmth and returns alone.

Deep in the snow of Taoyuan County, ten thousand flowers bloom in a single night.

The wind carries a faint fragrance out, while birds peek at the pale blossoms.

Next year, it shall bloom alone, the first to emerge on Taoyuan County mountain.

The calligraphy style is vigorous and charming, with strong, resilient bones—it is none other than the Slender Gold script!

At the same time.

It is unknown when Li Er arrived; he stood not far away, staring blankly at Su Liang’s painting.

He did not recover his senses for a long time...

The few people already in the courtyard were much calmer, as they had been watching from beginning to end.

Su Liang was naturally aware of Li Er’s arrival.

He then looked at Li Er and said, "Your Majesty, how do you have the time to come here today?"

Li Er could not be bothered to respond to Su Liang regarding this.

Seeing Li Er recover his senses, he walked straight toward Empress Zhangsun Wugou.

He took Empress Zhangsun Wugou’s hand and said, "Guanyinbi, how are you feeling today?"

"I am much better today; my worthy son-in-law says that after resting for a few more days, I will be fully recovered."

Empress Zhangsun Wugou patted Li Er’s hand and said with a smile.

Li Er immediately cast a glance at Su Liang, his face full of displeasure.

With acupuncture twice a day, how could she not be getting better? His own wife was almost being seen in her entirety.

Although a physician does not avoid clothing, Li Er was simply unhappy in his heart.

That was his most beloved Guanyinbi...