Chapter Seven, The Clever Mr. Cui Descends.

So fake

Zheng Ziwen's transformation was completely observed by Cui Gui, who lifted his teacup, took a sip, and then nodded slightly

He remembers that it was his wife, Lady Cui, who was taking care of the little girl. Now that the little girl has arrived, it means that ... ...

In his view, Zheng Ziwen is merely a worldly person who adapts to circumstances, yet possesses an extraordinary talent. Previously, he had already produced works such as "Bamboo and Stone" and "Snow Plum," and now he has come up with a few lines of poetry that leave him feeling astonished.

It turns out you are a scholar from Yongzhou, and it is indeed not easy to come all the way here from the western part of Jiangnan. Since the sage has opened the examination for the benevolent, why do you, having traveled such a long distance, choose not to take the exam but willingly stay to work in the Cui residence? Is there perhaps some hidden reason behind this?

Should one claim to be a time traveler, thus being completely ignorant of the Four Books and Five Classics

Your loyalty to your master brings me great comfort, you are quite remarkable

Husband

Cui Gui, who was just bringing the tea to his mouth, was startled by his blunt truth and immediately choked on the water

I dislike it, my lord, please come here, I have something to say to you!

However, this person will not be born for another hundred years, so does this statement now become original

Zheng Ziwen, you have such audacity to dare to physically assault an official appointed by the court

Knowing full well that the other party is flattering him, he nonetheless feels extremely pleased in his heart, to the point that even he himself cannot articulate why, and his gaze towards Zheng Ziwen softens as well

Zheng Ziwen was startled, and the tea he had just sipped immediately sprayed out. He couldn't even sit steadily on the stool and fell to the ground.

Awakening

Facing his gaze, Zheng Ziwen was completely unconcerned. When the butler handed him the tea, this fellow even nodded and smiled at him, then naturally picked up the teacup and took a sip.

Hearing these words of concern, akin to those from an elder, Zheng Ziwen was momentarily taken aback, and he instinctively blurted out.

I see, the master is indeed knowledgeable and truly admirable

Damn it

Zheng Ziwen, may I ask where you are from? Who is your teacher?

The silkworm spins its silk until death, the candle burns to ash before its tears dry, I laugh with my sword held high towards the sky, whether I stay or leave, my loyalty is as steadfast as the two Kunlun mountains

Ah?

Cui Gui watched Zheng Ziwen nodding while drinking, suddenly slammed the table, and then shouted loudly

One can only learn a few things from the guide.

"Youngster, what else do you have to say?"

Wow ... ... Big Brother Malaysia ... ...

Alright, alright, is this also your doing

Zheng Ziwen also realized that his expression seemed too realistic, so he decided to adopt a more dreamy way of speaking

Well, it is quite fragrant, but the only drawback is that it is a bit salty, probably due to a little salt being added, which is acceptable

Cui An walked over, took the paper from Zheng Ziwen's hand, and handed it to Cui Gui. After the latter read it, he set it aside and nodded.

Ziweng, what are your plans for the future

Very well, please sit down and we shall talk, Cui An, bring the tea

Cui Gui's cough has worsened significantly

Zheng Ziwen was taken aback for a moment, then displayed an expression of sudden realization

Cui Gui's eye twitched twice, his expression quite peculiar, and he said nothing, merely staring at Zheng Ziwen as if there were something on his face

Upon hearing Zheng Ziwen's words, Cui Gui immediately clapped his hands and laughed heartily

Cui Gui could no longer hold back and quickly waved his hand to interrupt him

I have a basic understanding, just a basic understanding

Earn money, marry a wife, raise children

Completely playing against common sense, unexpectedly launching a surprise attack, truly too cunning

A glimmer of brilliance flashed in Cui Gui's eyes

However, this Zheng Ziwen is different; apart from being somewhat reserved at the beginning, he later behaved in a manner that was both gracious and appropriate, showing no signs of fear in his eyes, which left Cui Gui quite astonished

cough cough cough cough ... ...

He spoke while taking out a yellowed piece of paper from his body

Seeing Zheng Ziwen's disheveled appearance, Cui Gui displayed a smug smile on his face, rising to walk over to Zheng Ziwen's side, looking down at him from a position of superiority

Cui Gui waved his hand, revealing a reserved smile

It is important to understand that in this era of "divine right of kings," officials are viewed by the majority of the common people as celestial beings, deserving of both reverence and fear; however, this system seems to be ineffective in the case of Zheng Ziwen

Suddenly feeling a bit embarrassed, he immediately revealed a shy smile

The entire room was silent, and Zheng Ziwen remained motionless on the ground, causing the corner of Cui Gui's eye to twitch again.

As the little girl's cries echoed, Cui Gui suddenly felt a fragrant breeze pass by, and in an instant, he sensed a delicate jade-like hand tugging at his ear

Puff ... ...

Then the only answer is—this kid is playing dead

Seeing Zheng Ziwen standing still, Cui Gui kicked him right in the backside

Cui Gui turned his head and indeed saw a girl in a green dress running in crying

He stood up, with his hands behind his back, gazing at the ceiling at a forty-five-degree angle, his expression solemn.

Good! It is truly rare for someone of your young age to have such an understanding of sharing the burdens of those who provide for you.

It is ! ''

Upon hearing Cui Gui's question, Zheng Ziwen was momentarily taken aback. After a few breaths, he stood up and cupped his hands towards Cui Gui, saying: "I dare not deceive you, my lord. I fell seriously ill while on the road and have forgotten everything."

Zheng Ziwen fell silent, while Old Master Cui twirled his mustache, his brow furrowed.

Yin Yin? What a disaster!

Cui Guiguan held the position of Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, a high-ranking official of the third rank. Ordinary officials would regard him with trepidation, as if walking on thin ice, let alone the common people.

After standing for half a day, Zheng Ziwen's feet were already sore. After receiving permission, Zheng Ziwen expressed his gratitude and then sat down

Young man, can't you hear me asking you a question?

Hearing that delicate and charming voice, Cui Gui turned his stiff head and looked at Cui Lushi, who was smiling brightly behind him. A drop of cold sweat immediately trickled down from the side of Cui Gui's face

There is no need for the master to take offense; this is merely a spontaneous expression of feelings

"Alright, alright, oh dear, please be gentle... it hurts..."

Husband ... ... Madam, let us speak amicably ... ...

The falseness is so glaring that it is hard to look at, even Cui Gui can see through it. It is surprising that this guy can say it without blushing or skipping a beat.

Could it be that the serious illness has caused the forgetting of all past knowledge? Is this what is known as the legendary soul loss syndrome?

Uh!

My intention is to become a person who is useful to the Tang Dynasty; even if I can only be a small candle, I must shine and provide warmth, contributing my share of strength to our great Tang Dynasty

Cui Gui gritted his teeth, just as he was preparing to come up with a way to deal with him, he suddenly heard a loud cry coming from the doorway

Cui Gui smiled slightly and nodded, twirling his beard.

"Your Excellency, you flatter me. It is my duty to share in the benefits and burdens of the ruler. This is what I ought to do"

Zheng Ziwen blinked his eyes, and he suddenly recalled the phrase "To eat the lord's grain is to share the lord's worries," which was said by Liu Zongyuan. As one of the "Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song Dynasties," his words undoubtedly carry depth

In response to Cui Gui's praise, Zheng Ziwen quickly bowed and paid his respects

"A mere child ... ... cough cough ... ..."

Zheng Ziwen's face immediately showed a wry smile. He indeed had a hidden agenda, but he couldn't say.

This is a heartfelt statement from me, please don't laugh at me, sir.

In the face of Cui Gui's doubts, Zheng Ziwen appeared completely composed

If others do not find it strange that Cui Gui is wealthy, then Zheng Ziwen would be stunned by a single sentence from him; even if he were to be killed, he would not believe it