From a son-in-law to a favorite of the empress

Zhou Yuan had analyzed the current situation.

To move a giant, it requires the maturity of various conditions, and Qu Ling's words are not wrong.

That's why Zhou Yuan asked Wang Ang to go to Jinling, and Zhou Yuan wrote to his father-in-law for help.

In general, Zhou Yuan was not in a hurry, but took his time to dispel the darkness in the south of the city.

He was not without experience in this kind of thing. In his previous life, he had also coordinated similar work, and the situation was much more complicated than it is now.

As long as it is in the highest interest, there is a possibility of success, and now the highest interest of Dajin is undoubtedly the empress.

This empress obviously wants to save the world, so this kind of thing is in line with her will, and then it depends on Zhou Yuan's means.

Speaking of the tour of West Lake, it is essentially still aimed at Zhou Yuan's discussion of Taoism. A large group of people want to see what kind of person Yuan Yi Zhenren is, and they also want to stand up for Shen Qiaoshan.

Don't think these people are so righteous, they just want to regain the face for Hongru and help them become famous.

In this era, a scholar's fame means a promising future.

The carriage arrived at Qianhu Suo early in the morning. When Zhou Yuan got up, these brocade clothes were still sleeping.

The court spent money to raise a group of pigs, no wonder the gambling house can be so arrogant.

Zhou Yuan was not in the mood to discipline them for the time being, so he got on the carriage first and went to Moyunzhai to meet Qu Ling.

After all, it was a meeting of big shots. Qu Ling obviously dressed up and looked more beautiful, full of youthful vitality.

Unlike the gracefulness of other ladies, Qu Ling is as her name suggests, full of spirit, lively and cheerful, eloquent, and very likable.

"So is our Master Yuan Yi ready?"

She tilted her head and looked at Zhou Yuan, chuckling: "There are a lot of people today, and most people will give you a cold look. Of course, it is not ruled out that many ladies from noble families favor you, provided that your identity is not made public."

Zhou Yuan waved his hand and said: "It is impossible for my identity not to be made public. Xu Guangchen will not give me face."

"But these are not important. To be honest, I am just going through the motions and seeing the scenery."

Qu Ling smiled and said: "Then you may be the only one who is going to see the scenery today. Everyone else has their own purpose."

"It doesn't matter."

Zhou Yuan leaned against the wall of the car comfortably, picked up some fruit and started eating, and said: "There will be pressure only when there is a purpose. I feel very comfortable when I have no purpose."

The carriage soon arrived at the West Lake. At this moment, the sun was shining brightly. The weather in early July was very warm, and it could even be described as hot. This also means that the water level of West Lake is the highest and the scenery is the most beautiful.

The willow trees on the shore were lush, their green branches playing with the waves, drooping and dancing in the wind. Looking at the vast expanse, the water was shimmering and extremely beautiful.

The pleasure boat was very large, about ten feet long, like a mountain standing in the water, and could accommodate hundreds of people.

After getting on the boat, Qu Ling took Zhou Yuan to the lobby on the second floor, which was the main venue for today's viewing.

"The reason why we moved the time to the morning is because today's host got the best perch and is preparing to entertain everyone."

"Many people have arrived, and we are relatively late."

Before Zhou Yuan could respond, he noticed countless eyes.

He looked up and saw how beautiful the second floor of the pleasure boat was. There were fruits and snacks on the exquisite tables and chairs, the pillars and beams were carved and painted vividly, and there were mountains and rivers on the screen. Everyone was wearing the most decent clothes and looking over here.

Young and old, men and women, there were scholars in white, great scholars in long gowns, dignitaries in brocade and gorgeous clothes, and beautifully dressed ladies.

The scene was a bit awkward.

At least for Qu Ling.

Although she was generous, she had never experienced this before, being stared at by dozens of people she knew and didn't know. The gazes were not appreciation, not doubt, but scrutiny.

Zhou Yuan was used to such scrutiny. He bowed slightly to everyone and said, "Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the painting boat to enjoy the scenery. Today's weather is sunny and the breeze is warm, which is just right for enjoying the scenery. Please feel free to have fun."

He took Qu Ling's hand, strode forward, and chuckled, "Don't be polite. When you come here, just treat it as your own home."

Shen Qiaoshan and others looked at each other, snorted slightly, and then slowly greeted each other.

One of the girls blushed and whispered, "Well... this is my boat, why do you act like the host?"

Zhou Yuan asked, "What's your name, girl?"

"Luoxue."

The girl was about 20 years old, bowed slightly, and said softly, "Everyone calls me Luoxue."

Zhou YuanNodding, he said, "It matches my title of Yuan Yi Zhenren."

"Bah! What nonsense!"

Luoxue spat lightly, and his face turned even redder.

Other scholars laughed instead, obviously amused by Zhou Yuan.

But soon they realized that they were here to save face for Mr. Qiaoshan today, so they quickly held back their laughter.

Qu Ling finally reacted and chuckled, "Ling'er has met Uncle Li, Mr. Qiaoshan, Uncle Xu, all the scholars and sisters."

She was quite famous in Lin'an Prefecture, and everyone responded.

"Ling'er, your business has been doing very well recently. The whole Jiangnan is full of news about your Mo Yun Zhai."

Li Zhaolu stroked his beard and smiled slowly: "When you came to Lin'an Prefecture, your father asked me to take care of you. I'm afraid you will have to take care of me in the future!"

Qu Ling hurriedly said: "Uncle Li, you are too kind. Ling'er is just running a bookstore to make some money. I just hope Uncle Li won't cause me trouble."

As the chief judge of the Criminal Justice Department, Li Zhaolu will definitely not end well if anyone is troubled by him.

Shen Qiaoshan also bowed and said, "Ling'er, how is Brother Qu these days?"

Qu Ling hurriedly returned the greeting, not daring to look down on him, and said respectfully, "Thank you Mr. Qiaoshan for your concern. Grandfather is in good health and spirits, and often mentions you."

Shen Qiaoshan sighed, "After more than ten years of separation, it's time to go to Jinling Mansion to see Brother Qu."

Qu Ling's grandfather is the head of the Qu family today. He is the nominal prince's tutor and the chief priest of Jinling Academy. He is a leader in the current literary world and a famous scholar in the world.

The empress invited him to enter the palace three times, but she declined every time.

This person is traditional and only recognizes the previous emperor. After being dismissed as the prime minister, he vowed not to enter the capital again.

But as the former leader of the Qi Party, his influence is huge.

After a round of greetings, Qu Ling finally said solemnly: "Let me introduce you to everyone. Next to me is Zhou Yuan, the author of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms", Yuan Yi Zhenren."

She laughed and whispered: "Many friends asked me to bring him to meet them. I went to Yunzhou to invite him in person, and finally lived up to everyone's expectations."

Everyone looked at each other, but they were not as enthusiastic as they imagined.

After all, the incident at Mo Yunzhai a few days ago was too big. Everyone knew that Zhou Yuan and Shen Qiaoshan had a conflict, and Shen Qiaoshan was also defeated.

Now, if we are enthusiastic about Zhou Yuan, wouldn't it be a slap in Shen Qiaoshan's face?

Sure enough, Shen Qiaoshan snorted heavily and said, "I don't know who wrote a letter to Qu Ling to invite such a person to this pleasure boat?"

"Today, we are enjoying the scenery, discussing the way of poetry and the way of the saints and national policies. How can he, a down-and-out scholar and a popular author, participate?"

After this sentence came out, no one dared to respond, but smiled and looked at Zhou Yuan intentionally or unintentionally.