Chapter 8, Deadlock

The person slightly nodded and revealed a gentle smile

Chen Youwen let out a soft hum: "Seven thousand two hundred coins is not enough... Wu Chengzhi is still locked up in the Kaifeng Prefecture prison! Does Wu Haogu not care about his father's life and death? Moreover, where is he supposed to find that much money? Who in Panlou Street would dare to support his family's business?"

"Grandma Wang, you should rest first. Er Lang and I still have matters to discuss."

Zhao Tieniu asked with some concern, "But what if the Wu family produces seven thousand two hundred strings of cash within a month, what should we do then?"

"How long has it been preserved?" Chen Youwen asked

The man known as Chen the Great Official quickly stepped forward and sat down at the table

This person is indeed Chen Youwen, the waiting scholar of the Hanlin Academy of Painting. This evening, Zhao Tieniu obtained the scroll of Zhang Fang's "Guardian Deities" which was identified by him as a counterfeit.

The meaning of your father, let your elder brother take care of the matters of the painting studio from now on

Chen Youwen smiled gently, picking up a piece of glistening Dongpo pork, "This deadlock was not set by me, but rather is the calamity of the calligraphy and painting industry; I am merely acting in accordance with the circumstances..."

Chen Youwen frowned, "Could it be that the Wu family has put forth seven thousand two hundred coins?"

"What of the Ghost Market?" Chen Youwen scoffed, "Do you think the people at the Ghost Market do not recognize me, Chen Youwen, the Chen Daisao? Moreover, what good things could the Wu family possibly have that I am unaware of? I will certainly have someone keep an eye on it; I will not let their schemes go unspoiled"

......

Is there any way to make it work? Feng Ernian rubbed his temples and said, "You don't still think that the family painting studio can hold on, do you?"

Good meat! It truly is the skill of the roast pig workshop

After all, during the Northern Song Dynasty, the true power was not held by the nobility or the royal relatives, but by the scholar-officials. The Imperial Academy was one of the important sources for these officials. According to the "Three Dormitory System," as long as one was promoted to the upper dormitory, they would at least receive the benefit of being exempt from the preliminary examination. If they achieved a moderate score in the upper dormitory examination, they could be exempted from the Ministry of Rites examination

Feng Erniang and Wu Haowen sat facing each other in the study. A woman in her fifties, still possessing a hint of beauty, entered the room, placing two bowls of freshly brewed tea, still topped with a layer of milky foam, in front of the mother and son. With a soft sigh, she was about to leave, but was called back by Feng Erniang just as she reached the door.

The roasted pork dishes from the Roasted Pig Courtyard are not only sold retail at the dining establishment located in the Daxiangguo Temple, but are also wholesaled to external clients. As a result, many restaurants and eateries have directly purchased roasted pork dishes from the Roasted Pig Courtyard for resale

"Indeed, indeed." Zhao Tieniu finally felt relieved, "As expected, it is still Master Chen's brilliant strategy; the Pan family of the Wu clan cannot escape the trap you have set this time."

Zhao Tieniu sat down in the tavern, wearing a white silk robe and a scholar's cap on his head

The imperial examination system of the Northern Song Dynasty was divided into three levels: the provincial examination held in the prefectures, the Ministry of Rites examination conducted at the Ministry of Rites, and the palace examination theoretically presided over by the emperor himself. However, candidates who passed the Ministry of Rites examination were generally not eliminated in the palace examination.

Is that so

"No, not at all..." Zhao Tieniu shook his head

What is going on?

Yes, someone has provided protection for the Wu family

Come, come, come, the Dongpo pork knuckle from the roast pig shop has just been served, and you, my esteemed guest, have arrived at the perfect moment

Can Brother Ke do it?

Watching Granny Wang close the door and leave, Feng Erniang said to Wu Haowen: "Second brother, starting tomorrow, do not go to the painting studio anymore"

Wang Shen is indeed a prominent figure, on par with Pan Yi as a son-in-law of the Zhao family, and he has a close relationship with the highly favored Prince Duan Zhao Ji, who is a strong contender for the throne, making him a person of considerable influence and status

Aren't you going?

"No?" Chen Daguang was taken aback, "Could it be that he dares to deny my official document?"

Alright! Chen Youwen nodded, "In a month... After a month, if Wang Shen stands up for the Wu family, I will let them off the hook. If Wang Fuma does not stand up, then the Wu family's painting studio and official seal will all be mine. At that time, you won't lose out either. But Fifth Brother, don't worry too much about Wang Fuma; what he values is that item, not the Wu family. If nothing happens, how could he possibly stand up for the Wu family? But Fifth Brother, don't worry too much about Wang Fuma; what he values is that item, not the Wu family. If nothing happens, how could he possibly stand up for the Wu family? And as for that item, I believe the Wu family most likely does not have it. Otherwise, how could Wu Chengzhi still be stuck in the Kaifeng prison? He has been an expert in calligraphy and painting for many years; what has he not seen? How could he risk his life and fortune for a treasure?

When the dishes were served, the person Zhao Tieniu was waiting for also arrived

It turns out that today, when Feng Erniang visited the prison, she had already discussed the family's way out with her husband, Wu Cheng. Having spent a lifetime in the calligraphy and painting business in Kaifeng, Wu Cheng knew that the Wu family's painting studio could not be preserved. Even if Wu Haogu were to sell off the collection and pawn the studio to gather enough money to return to the palace, it would only provide a temporary reprieve.

The night has deepened, and a light rain has begun to fall

One month

Brother Zhao Wu, it is quite easy for me to find you

Although Su Dongpo has been relegated to Danzhou (on Hainan Island) and has suffered a political defeat, the Dongpo pork he created has become immensely popular in the city of Kaifeng

Zhao Tieniu saw that person and quickly raised his hand to greet him

Chen Daguoren smiled and did not continue with Zhao Tieniu's topic, but instead asked in a calm tone: "Brother Zhao Wu, has Wu Dalang mortgaged the painting studio?"

"No, I have not heard of it," Zhao Tieniu shook his head, "I only know that Wu's family has some connections with Pan Xiaoan of the Pan family, who are also a military family."

How could he dare not to acknowledge your document

He ordered a portion of wine, a pound of square-cut roast pork from the Great Xiangguo Temple, and a few side dishes

Zhao Tieniu smiled obsequiously, "You are indeed a master of the Kaifeng Calligraphy and Painting Gallery. If he does not acknowledge the surname Wu, does he still wish to engage in this business?"

However, with his dignified demeanor and imposing presence, there is not a trace of the elegance of a scholar; he is nothing more than a robber masquerading as a literati.

Zhao Tieniu warmly greeted the guests, pouring wine and serving meat, showing no trace of the arrogant and overbearing ruffian demeanor. The guests, in turn, did not refuse, boldly drinking and eating.

Therefore, as long as one can gain admission to the Imperial Academy and then proceed step by step to ascend to the upper class, it is equivalent to having one foot in the esteemed ranks of the civil service.

Master Chen, over here

Zhao Tieniu still felt some concern, and he said in a low voice: "On Panlou Street, it is indeed your word, Chen Daizhao, that matters, but there is also the ghost market..."

Hehe, the Dongpo pork from the Roast Pig Courtyard is undoubtedly the best in Tokyo. Zhao Tieniu wore a smile reminiscent of a hawk or a dog, saying, "It is said that the abbot of the Roast Pig Courtyard was the chef in the home of Dongpo Jushi before he became a monk, and his culinary skills with meat and vegetables are unparalleled in the world.

It turns out that the waiting officials Chen Youwen from the Hanlin Academy and Zhao Tieniu, the ruffian leader from the Panlou Street market, were not after the treasures of the Wu family, but rather the shops and official seals of the Wu family.

"Can't hold on any longer?" Wu Haowen looked at his mother in surprise

As for myself and my eldest son, Hao Gu, we are both individuals in the realm of calligraphy and painting, and we can only grit our teeth and endure the great difficulties faced by the calligraphy and painting industry

The Prince Consort Wang and the Governor... Wang Shen?" Chen Youwen suddenly felt a bit nervous, "Does Wang Shen have a past with the Wu family?"

Therefore, Wu Chengzhi prepared to sever his arm in order to seek a way to survive, and he divorced his wife, Erniang. He left the residence in Tianshui Alley and a precious piece of calligraphy and painting to his wife and second son. He then intended to use the valuable artwork to open the doors of the Imperial Academy for Erlang. As long as Wu Haowen could enter the Imperial Academy, then both Wu Chengzhi and Feng Erniang would be able to preserve their lives

Chen Youwen waved his hand dismissively, saying, "Pan Xiaoan is not of the direct line, he cannot protect the Wu family."

Feng Erniang forced a smile and lowered her voice, saying: "This is also your father's intention... It is inevitable that our family will suffer some injuries this time. However, Erlang, do not worry. Once your father comes out of the prison in Kaifeng, he will divorce me, and the house in Tianshui Alley along with the painting 'Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers' left by your father-in-law (referring to Wuzong Yuan) will be given to you and me. This way, even if those villains continue to target your father and your elder brother, it will not immediately implicate us mother and son. But Erlang, do not worry. Once your father comes out of the prison in Kaifeng, he will divorce me, and the house in Tianshui Alley along with the painting 'Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers' left by your father-in-law (referring to Wuzong Yuan) will be given to you and me. This way, even if those villains continue to target your father and your elder brother, it will not immediately implicate us mother and son. With that paper to pave the way, I will ask Lord Pan again, and I will surely be able to get you into the Imperial Academy. By then, those people will not dare to touch you.

The woman referred to as "Aunt Wang" by Feng Erniang is a servant of the Wu family, who has been attending to her since Erniang's days as a courtesan, and it was she who raised Wu Haowen single-handedly

However, the quietness of business has made it more convenient for those who wish to meet and exchange whispers on this night

The Pan family lineage began with Pan Mei and has been passed down for over a hundred years. Currently, there are more than a thousand male descendants. Therefore, ordinary members of the Pan family are not particularly valuable; only the direct descendants of the Pan family are considered more precious. For instance, the upcoming marriage to the German princess (not a blonde, blue-eyed German princess, but the youngest daughter of Emperor Shenzong of Song) of General Pan Yi of the Left Guard (who is a nephew of Pan Xiaoan and Pan Qiaolian) is sufficient to secure the future of the martial family

The night in Kaifeng under the rain appears somewhat desolate, with the pleasure boats on the Bian River reduced to only half of what they were last night, and the tavern beneath the Xingguo Temple Bridge is also eerily quiet

The Daxiangguo Temple in Kaifeng during the Northern Song Dynasty surprisingly still had a shop selling cooked meat! Moreover, it was quite famous within the city of Kaifeng, known as the "Roast Pig Courtyard of Daxiangguo Temple." The abbot of the "Roast Pig Courtyard" was referred to as the Roast Pig Monk, who was skilled in preparing delicious meat dishes, and he was indeed the master of Monk Fu, a close friend of Wu Haogu.

That person claimed to be a minor official under the Duke Wang, named Gao Qiu

A civil official who has graduated from the Taixue or the imperial examination, even if he holds the rank of a ninth-grade official, is not someone who can be easily manipulated by nobles and high-ranking officials who hold fifth or sixth-grade military titles. Even those students from the Taixue who are temporarily without official positions, whether from the lower or inner dormitories, are not so easily bullied. This is because the Taixue has long been known in the Northern Song Dynasty as the "No Official Censorate." Once the students of the Taixue rise up and collectively petition the throne, even the current prime minister would feel a chill, let alone the nobles and high-ranking officials who wield little real power.

A person in their forties or fifties, of short stature, with fair skin, well-defined features, and a few strands of long beard, appeared elegant and refined. Judging by his attire, he resembled a scholar, wearing a black Dongpo cap on his head and holding a folding fan, as he walked in slowly

The Wu family's courtyard, located near Bianhe Street in Tianshui Alley, is still lit up

"To stand up for the Wu family?" Chen Youwen was taken aback, "Who is so righteous?"

Therefore, the only way that Wu Chengzhi, who is currently imprisoned in the Kaifeng Prefecture jail, can think of to find a way out is to find a way to send his second son, Wu Haowen, to the Imperial Academy

"Where would they have the money?" Zhao Tieniu scoffed, "If they had that much money, they should have used it to save Wu Cheng first."