Chapter 23: Chinese and Italian(1/2)
"Miracle! It's indeed a wonderful chess! I thought hard, but I didn't think of this move!" Yang Ge Lao praised, looking up at Ji Xiaotang.⊥, he had a pair of narrow eyes, and his eyes were gentle, just like his whole person. It was not that he was born like this, but that he had been through many years of experience, which specially created such a temperament.
"Mr. Xiaotang is really humble just now. Fortunately, I invited you to me, otherwise I would have missed a rare chess friend like Xiaotang. Making friends with chess is a pleasure." As Mr. Yang said this, his interest in Ji Xiaotang was obviously over the chess game.
"The Master Ge is too rewarded. The authorities are confused, and the bystanders are clear. Perhaps, the younger generation also feels that there is no way out, so they took this step at will. But in the eyes of everyone like the Master Ge, they can see many wonderful things." Ji Xiaotang smiled and made a call to Mr. Yang.
"What a fool who is in the authorities is confused, and the bystanders are clear." Yang Ge Lao nodded and praised, "But the county lord Xiaotang is humble again. If this move is made casually, then I will have played chess for decades in vain."
Only then did Mr. Yang lower his head and stare at the chess game. After a while, he picked up a piece and took a step.
Yang Pianpian and Yang Xuanrang stood by the table, paying attention to the chess game. Yang Ge Lao talked to Ji Xiaotang while playing chess.
"I have heard of Xiaotang County Lord Xiaotang for a long time. I have heard of all the deeds of Xiaotang County Lord Xiaotang in Anfu."
"The rumors are inevitably exaggerated or false. Whenever the refugees are in trouble, they will be grateful and regard them as benefactors and as reincarnation of Bodhisattvas. The younger generation has only done something within their ability, and it is really not worth it."
"Before the disaster came, County Lord Xiaotang stored a large amount of food two years in advance to save the people. During the disaster, the court was helpless. It was still County Lord Xiaotang who contacted the fleet to transport life-saving food to the South China Sea, which not only helped the victims, but also protected the military rations of the northern defenders. These two pieces were already an incredible contribution. The court had a crown and belt. It was not as good as County Lord Xiaotang's skirt!"
"There are both things, but it is not the only one who is the younger generation. The unparalleled achievements are because the old lady loves the younger generation too much." Ji Xiaotang took a chess piece in his hand and took another step.
"In addition, we can also predict the enemy's initiative. If there were no Xiaotang and the Ji family in the siege, I was afraid that Ren An's mansion would have fallen into the hands of a rebel."
"That was all due to Lord Qi and the generals. Our family was also rescued by Lord Qi's troops."
"Mr. Xiaotang County Lord, although I am in the capital and a civil servant, I am not ignorant of military affairs. Qingyuan City is easy to defend but difficult to attack. Xie's rebels are in the city. Once they gain power, even if Lord Qi is extremely heroic and powerful, it will be difficult to take down twice as many troops. And if Lord Qi and Xie's rebels can't hold on for a long time, the rest of the rebels can take advantage of the situation..."
"After taking down Qingyuan, Ren An's mansion is under control."
Ji Xiaotang held a chess piece in his hand and his heart suddenly moved.
During the Qingyuan battle, the court praised a lot. Qi Younian made the greatest contribution in this battle. Everyone in the court knew the importance of this battle, but Yang Ge Lao was the only one who analyzed the battle situation so sharply and thoroughly and truly understood the key role played by the Ji family in it.
Of course, Ji Xiaotang himself and Qi Younian also knew about this. However, for some tacit reasons, they tacitly hid this cognition.
"It is difficult to do even though you know that the strong enemy is surrounded by enemies. You can only guard Qingyuan and use yourself as bait. It is not great wisdom or courage!" Yang Ge Lao's voice was gentle. However, it seemed like a bell in Ji Xiaotang's ears. "If you don't have great ambitions,... it is difficult to do it if you can..."
Ji Xiaotang's heart was overturned, and he only smiled slightly, and a son fell down: "I don't know yet, but it turns out that the old master likes to listen to books. ∏∈,"
"Oh...oh?" Old Master Yang's eyes kept on Ji Xiaotang's face. He laughed for a while. "I'm not listening to books, I'm still telling me about it."
"I was fascinated by what Xiaotang told the county lord that day. When I came back, I told my grandfather. My grandfather loved to listen to it, so I asked me to tell it twice, but I thought I was not clear and detailed. At that time, I said that I would invite Xiaotang to come to my house and listen to Xiaotang's speech with my own ears." Yang Pianpian said.
That day she talked about Qingyuan, but she was talking about how heroic Qi Younian was, and she didn't even say that she had made a contribution.
"I am about to hear the story of the Lord Xiaotang County to fight wits and courage with the Xie thieves." Yang Ge Lao smiled, "The rebels of Xie have always been raised by their parents and children, and they are actually descendants of the Qi family of the Song Dynasty. This is more tortuous and bizarre than those teahouse storytelling stories, and it is amazing."
"It's just impermanence, things in the world are impermanent." Ji Xiaotang was very calm.
"What an impermanent thing, the world is impermanent." Yang Ge Lao looked at Ji Xiaotang, "The three major bandits of Qi Sha, Po Jun, and Greedy Wolf have been hiding for many years, and are ready to wait, but they are still being punished by Ren An all day. It is also impermanent. No, it should be said that it is the will of heaven. Impermanent is the will of heaven." If Xie Ziqian's group is still there, it should be the largest rebellious force in the territory of the Great Qin Kingdom at this moment, and the rebels in Shu are somewhat inconsistent with it.
However, this is the case in the world, and the strongest group of thieves were the first to be wiped out.
It’s not that they are not strong enough, nor that they can’t figure it out, but that they encounter a powerful problem as soon as they emerge.
The so-called impermanence...
"Did Master Ge believe in Buddhism?" Ji Xiaotang asked suddenly.
"I have read a few volumes of scriptures." Yang Ge Lao replied, "Mr. Xiaotang is young, but he can be unsurprising to praise and criticism, and has a clear understanding of the world, but..."
"I have experienced some things in the past two years, so I have read a few more volumes of scriptures." Ji Xiaotang replied immediately.
When Aunt Zhong brought the newly cooked tea again, the chess game on the table had already fallen into a more stalemate.
Mr. Yang did not receive the tea, but only signaled Aunt Zhong to put the teacup on the table, while continuing to talk to Ji Xiaotang and play chess.
"Ge Lao's chess skills are old, I admit defeat." After Yang Ge Lao made another piece, Ji Xiaotang pondered for a while, but refused to pick up the chess piece again.
"Why are you giving up now?" Yang Ge Lao said in surprise, "I haven't won yet. County Lord Xiaotang should not give in to me just because of my age. In that case, I will be unhappy."
"When I play chess with the old master, how dare I not try my best? It's just like this, and I can't do anything about it. If the old master insists, then I can only ask for help." Ji Xiaotang smiled.
"Oh? Mr. Yang was obviously interested in Ji Xiaotang's words, so he asked Ji Xiaotang, "Who is Xiaotang County mainly looking for as foreign aid? Among the guests who came today, there are chess masters whom I don't know about?"
"Even if there is really a master, he is far from a match for the Master. If I want to find a helping hand, I will naturally not look far away. I will only look for it in this pavilion, so as not to worry about the Master waiting."
"Look in this pavilion..." Old Master Yang looked around. The only ones standing next to the table nearest were Aunt Zhong, Yang Pianpian and Yang Xuanrang.
Ji Xiaotang didn't say which one he would find, but Mr. Yang smiled.⊥,
"We'll get along in this game."
When he finished speaking, Yang Pianpian and Yang Xuanrang both showed a surprised expression on their faces. Yang Ge Lao was immersed in piano, chess, calligraphy and painting for many years. They have made great achievements, and are very serious, or have a high opinion of themselves, especially in the chess field.
When playing chess with others, Yang Ge Lao always has one or one and two.
Ji Xiaotang's identity and age may have to give in to her, but Yang Ge Lao does not have to give in. Moreover, Yang Ge Lao's appearance is not to let Ji Xiaotang. Instead, the two of them really got into trouble in this game.
"My master is too humble, I am ashamed." Ji Xiaotang did not give in too much, but said with a smile.
"Xiaotang, I didn't expect that your chess skills were so superb, and I never heard you say it." Yang Pianpian was very happy when he was on the side, "I will ask you for advice in the future."
Even Ji Xiaotang said repeatedly that the rest of the Yang family would call her county lord. However, Yang Pianpian was different. Ji Xiaotang said that the two of them were still the same as before, and Yang Pianpian agreed and still called her name.
"I really don't like chess, but if it's graceful, I should accompany you." Ji Xiaotang said.
"The smartest among my grandchildren and the most loved by me are Pianpian and Xuan Ran. These two children are also very close to the Lord Xiaotang County Lord, which is very good, very good." Master Yang Ge laughed. "I have already taken Lord Xiaotang County Lord as my confidant, but I don't know if Lord Xiaotang dislikes me and is willing to make friends with this old friend!"
"I dare not ask for it as I wish." Ji Xiaotang said.
"It would be even better. In the future, I will have another chess and a friend who talks about poetry. Life is so happy, it should be clear!" Yang Ge Lao obviously had the temperament of a talented man.
Aunt Zhong stood behind Mr. Yang and smiled. After Mr. Yang said this, she looked at Ji Xiaotang several more times, and her eyes were subtle different from the moment.
Ji Xiaotang finally knew what was different from Aunt Zhong in front of Qin and Aunt Zhong in front of Yang Ge Lao. In front of Yang Ge Lao, Aunt Zhong not only had a more relaxed figure, but also had a more flexible look.
It was not too late, and someone came to pass the message saying that the banquet had been arranged.
Both Yang Ge Lao and Ji Xiaotang stood up and left the stone table. Yang Ge Lao took a step and turned around to remind Aunt Zhong, "Please put the chess game together."
Aunt Zhong agreed gently.
It was also at this time that Ji Xiaotang's sleeves drooped as she stepped on her feet, and she accidentally brushed across the table. When her sleeves left, the chess game on the table was no longer what she was like, but was messy.
Aunt Zhong saw it and quickly looked up at Ji Xiaotang.
Ji Xiaotang seemed to have not realized it, and accompanied by Yang Ge Lao, accompanied by Yang Pianpian and Yang Xuanrang, left the pavilion and went down the mountain.
Aunt Zhong had no choice but to retract her gaze, stroked the chess pieces on the table with her hands, and recalled carefully that the seats of these chess pieces were just now.
After leaving Meilin and walking not far away, Ji Xiaotang and his group met Mr. Ji and his group accompanied by Yang Shao.
Seeing Ji Xiaotang and Yang Ge Lao together, the expressions on the faces of several people changed slightly.
"...I'll send someone to get the bottle of imperial wine given by the Empress Dowager before the New Year," Yang Ge Lao ordered Yang Shao with a full face, "to celebrate that I have just become a friend of mine and have forgotten my age."
Mr. Yang told everyone that he had just played chess with Ji Xiaotang and the two of them had a good time.
"It's ashamed to say that, I'm afraid that County Lord Xiaotang secretly gave in to me, haha."
"...I read a few more books than usual girls, but I am still young and have been used to being doting by her mother. If there is something offensive, please don't take it to heart..." Master Ji Er immediately clasped his fists at Master Yang.
"Wenmin, you still have the same temper as before, you are too humble." Mr. Yang called Master Ji Er's name directly.
Mr. Ji Er went to Beijing to take the exam, but because of Mr. Ji, he met Mr. Yang. At that time, Mr. Yang also proposed that Mr. Ji Er could be arranged to work in Beijing.
If Master Ji Er stayed in Beijing back then, he would definitely be the Hanlin Academy.
But because of the instructions from Mr. Ji and Mrs. Ji, Mr. Ji, he did not accept it. Instead, he did a job outside like most other Jinshis.
The Yang Mansion held a banquet, and two banquets were set up. One was in the theater in front to entertain male guests, and the other was in the warm pavilion in the garden to entertain female guests.
Everyone stood in the garden. After a few words, they divided into two routes. Yang Pianpian and Ji Xiaotang came to the garden warm pavilion to attend the banquet.
Qin was originally weak and did not intend to sit on the table, but he also appeared at the banquet. Although his spirit was indeed not good, he was in a good mood. Needless to say, Yang Pianpian and Yang Shanshan were the eldest wife of the Yang family, and their attitude towards Ji Xiaotang was more gentle and intimate.
Ji Xiaotang felt the change in the attitudes of the female relatives of the Yang family, and knew that the etiquette on his face was not bad, but he was not intimate.
...
After noon, the people in Xinhua Hall left the Yang Mansion, but Ji Xiaomu and others surrounded him. Master Ji and Master Ji were both left in Yang Mansion by Master Yang to speak. It was almost evening that Master Yang let the two brothers go back to the mansion.
Yang Mansion Study Room
"Father, county lord..." Yang Shao sat upright on the chair and looked at the old master Yang behind the desk.
"What do you think when you and your wife met her today?" Yang Ge Lao knew what Yang Shao was going to ask, but he didn't answer, but asked Yang Shao first.
However, this question is not so easy to answer for Yang Shao. What do they think of Ji Xiaotang? Whether it is him or Mrs. Yang, they only have one good word for Ji Xiaotang.
The Anle County Lord was sitting and lying down, and his words and deeds were not a mistake. Such a woman, let alone being a wife for their youngest son Xuan Rang, even as a clan wife of the Yang family, there was nothing to be picky about.
However, for some reason, Yang Shao was a little reluctant to say this good word.
If you look into the reason in depth, maybe it can only be because Ji Xiaotang is so good.
"The county lord is impeccable and matches Xuan Rang. I'm afraid... Qi Dafei." Yang Shao thought for a while before saying this.
Mr. Yang's expression moved slightly, but he felt a little relieved. He claimed to be extraordinary talent, but the son he gave birth to was all ordinary. He always felt that this was a shortcoming in his life.
However, the fact that Yang Shao could say such a sentence today is enough to prove that his son is still much smarter than ordinary people. Perhaps Yang Shao couldn't explain the reason, but he felt it after all.
But it is precisely this that cannot be explained, and it also proves that Yang Shao is not an extremely smart person.
An ordinary smart person is still different from a genius. Although diligence can make up for your shortcomings, most of the time, this difference determines everything.
To be continued...