Along with those Westerners with different hair colors, Cheng Zhiyuan was the only one from the Zhou Dynasty. When Emperor Tai'an heard that he was the adopted son of General Lin, and that his son Cheng Shu was a member of the royal guard, he recruited him

It's no surprise that he entered the palace.

"Cheng Zhiyuan, a common man, has met your Majesty. Long live your Majesty."

Emperor Tai'an asked Cheng Zhiyuan to stand up with a gentle tone and asked about overseas matters.

Cheng Zhiyuan traveled to the West for several years and even built up a considerable power single-handedly. His words are certainly meaningful, and every word is a brand-new insight and valuable experience for Emperor Tai'an.

The sea is the best example of the unpredictable power of nature. Which routes on the sea are less risky, how to avoid danger, where pirates are rampant, what are the grievances of various forces, and the laws and customs of overseas countries, etc. These are not

It is said that the imperial court has liberalized maritime trade and can easily establish a caravan to understand and master it.

If you have someone who is familiar with these and trustworthy to lead the way, you will undoubtedly get twice the result with half the effort.

Emperor Tai'an talked with Cheng Zhiyuan for a long time before letting him go. Because he talked too much, he drank two cups of tea before he felt his throat was better.

Liu Chuan hurriedly congratulated Emperor Tai'an on finding a useful talent.

Emperor Tai'an had rarely been in a good mood for many days, and his expression remained calm: "Although Cheng Zhiyuan is the adopted son of General Lin, he has not been in the capital for many years. Even if he is indeed talented, he must be used with caution."

Although he said this, Emperor Tai'an couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth.

In the days that followed, ministers held numerous meetings, large and small, on maritime trade, almost all of which were attended by a non-staff member, Cheng Zhiyuan. Therefore, people knew that the adopted son of old General Lin was probably going to become a new rich man.

After further inquiry, it was found that Cheng Zhiyuan's only son, Cheng Shu, was not married yet. How could this be possible? Immediately, countless matchmakers stepped on the threshold of the General's Mansion.

After asking again, Cheng Zhiyuan himself did not have a wife? So the new threshold of the General's Mansion ushered in a wave of matchmakers.

Mrs. Lin couldn't help but sigh to the old lady: "I didn't expect that my eldest brother would be so popular at his age."

The old lady smiled and said nothing.

Fathers are more popular than sons, not only because Cheng Zhiyuan was favored by the emperor, but also because of his coveted wealth.

Those houses were all hiding from rabbits. Ever since Emperor Tai'an revealed the idea of ​​liberalizing maritime trade, he had sent people to the coast to explore, or they had been secretly running maritime business. Therefore, when Cheng Zhiyuan appeared in the capital, even if

I couldn't find out all his details, but after a little inquiry I found out that he was the son of a very wealthy man.

Are you old? Don't be kidding me. I'm only in my early forties, and I'm still handsome.

"There is actually a teenage girl!" Ms. Lin felt that these past few days had been an eye-opener.

"Then what do you think?" the old lady asked calmly.

The man who walked to the door paused.

Lin was suddenly asked, and she couldn't think of it at all. She curled her lips and said, "I don't think it's appropriate. Aren't you afraid of being punished by God when you marry a girl who is old enough to be your daughter?"

The old lady twitched her lips fiercely: "It's not like..."

In this world, there are many old couples and young wives who are twenty years apart.

"Why not? I just thought that if Chan'er and Ah Hao find a son-in-law who is about the same age as me -" Seeing Cheng Zhiyuan come in, Mrs. Lin said nothing more.

"Zhiyuan is so busy these days, why are you back now?"

"A batch of consigned goods has arrived. I'll send them home." Cheng Zhiyuan restrained the urge to look at Mrs. Lin and asked calmly, "Why did I just hear that my son-in-law——"

The old lady was happy: "It's not Wanqing. I'm a little worried when I see a girl of Ahao's age coming to kiss you."

Mrs. Lin felt that her mother's words were a bit strange. She was not worried, but clearly shocked.

Cheng Zhiyuan's smile was exceptionally bright: "Wanqing, don't worry, I will definitely not marry a little girl, that would be inappropriate. I was about to tell my adoptive mother, please help me reject all those who come to propose marriage, and then I will

I’m busy with maritime business, so I don’t have time to spare for the time being.”

God knows how nervous he was standing outside the door when his adoptive mother asked Wanqing what she thought. But Wanqing's words made him understand that she still had no idea about him.

It was a very sad and helpless fact, but he still felt lucky. At least he could wait openly and no longer had to bear the shackles of coveting a married woman.

"Since you don't have the intention for the time being, let's push it aside first." The old lady knew her adopted son's thoughts well and was happy to see it come to fruition.

Mrs. Lin smiled and said, "Brother, you can wait until you are no longer busy to make plans, but it's time to start planning Shu'er's marriage."

Cheng Zhiyuan took a break from his busy schedule to discuss Cheng Shu's marriage with the old lady and Mr. Lin.

The one who was also interested in the father-son marriage was Emperor Tai'an in the palace.

This period of time was enough for the Jinlin Guards on the coast to send back some information about Cheng Zhiyuan.

Emperor Tai'an had read it over and over again, and at least from what he heard, Cheng Zhiyuan had never done anything serious. Of course, if he wanted to get a share of the sea, he would have to resort to some means, which was nothing in Emperor Tai'an's opinion.

What he wants is a talent who can fill his treasury with gold and silver, not a morally flawless gentleman.

If you can make money and don't have treasonous intentions, then you can use it.

Wanting to feel more at ease, Emperor Tai'an thought of getting married.

If Cheng Zhiyuan is re-employed, he will leave the capital soon. Even if he marries the princess, it will be difficult for a wife who spends less time and leaves more and has no affection at all to influence his decision at some point.

The people who can really influence Cheng Zhiyuan are his only son Cheng Shu and the Lin family members of the General Mansion.

Emperor Tai'an thought about it for two days and went to Cining Palace. As he approached, he heard the Queen Mother's laughter.

He couldn't help but soften his facial expression and walked in with a smile.

"The Emperor is here." The Queen Mother said in a gentle voice, obviously in a good mood.

Kou Wan, who was by her side, bowed respectfully and said hello.

Emperor Tai'an smiled and told Kou Wan not to be polite, and chatted for a while before letting him leave.

"The queen seems to be in a good mood." Without the junior around, the conversation between mother and son became more casual.

The smile on the Queen Mother's lips deepened: "This child Wan'er is lively, pure and kind. She is a pistachio."

These words made Emperor Tai'an couldn't help but think of Kou Wan's sister, Princess Kou Jiao of Yi'an.

The girl who called him "Father" has not entered the palace for a long time.

He didn't have much affection for Kou Jiao, especially since Kou Jiao's temperament couldn't be hidden from his eyes, but at this moment, he could not help but have the idea that the Queen Mother was hard-hearted.

Of course, Emperor Tai'an knew better that it was normal to be hard-hearted in this palace, so this thought dissipated in his heart without even causing a ripple.

"How old is Wan'er this year?"

The Queen Mother's eyes flashed: "Sixteen now."

"Sixteen, what a good age." Emperor Tai'an smiled and said the purpose of coming, "My son thinks that Cheng Shu, the grandson of Mrs. Lin's old lady and serving in Jinwu Guard, is a capable and upright young man, and he is a good match for Wan'er.
Chapter completed!