~~~~~~

In the evening, Li Yuanqing returned to Zhang Baozhu's room to rest.

After Zhang Baozhu became pregnant, her entire treatment level instantly increased by several levels. There were several more maids and mothers-in-law serving around her, and the alert level was also raised a lot. Every night, there would be maids and women on duty outside.

.

These days, there are countless social activities and intrigues every day, and Li Yuanqing is also a little tired. Unfortunately, at least at this time, no one can share these tasks for him.

Although he could no longer have "in-depth communication" with Zhang Baozhu, simply eating some late-night snacks with her, talking about love, and enjoying this rare quiet tenderness were just right for Li Yuanqing's state of mind at this time.

However, after Zhang Baozhu was pregnant, even though it was less than two months old, her body had already begun to feel a little heavy and she was very lethargic. After chatting for a while, she leaned into Li Yuanqing's arms and fell asleep deeply, like a beautiful baby.

Persian cat.

He carefully carried Zhang Baozhu into the bed, covered her with a quilt, and blew out the candles. Li Yuanqing came to the window, opened a small crack, and quietly examined the night scene outside the window.

In later generations, many people believed that in China's feudal dynasties, men enjoyed it very much. They could marry as many wives as they wanted. In polygamy, wives must not resist easily.

But in fact, this is a very wrong perception.

The fundamental core of Confucianism, which has ruled China for thousands of years, is 'loyalty, filial piety, integrity and shame, and ethics and ethics'!

The importance of order among these scholar-official elites has probably been written deep into their genes. They will never allow anyone to break this rule, not even the emperor!

Therefore, fundamentally, the Ming Dynasty was also a system of monogamy, but ~~, there should be a bracket after it, monogamy and multiple concubines.

However, there is absolutely no comparison between concubine and wife.

The wife is the master, and the concubine is just a servant, even a slave.

Of course, over the years, China's scholar-official elites have also used various means to constantly "create clever names" and improve their back houses through various means.

For example, a common wife.

If I wanted to discuss this topic, I would probably be able to write a paper of tens of thousands of words.

The simplest and most straightforward way to distinguish the difference between a wife and a concubine is two key points.

First, the wife's status is basically equal to that of her husband. Second, the wife has a dowry, has, and has the right to own her own property, slaves, and land.

At this time, although Zhang Baozhu entered Li Yuanqing's house as a "concubine", her identity was extraordinary after all.

Although she had no dowry, Li Yuanqing wanted to give her enough courtesy.

According to the specifications of Li Yuanqing's concubine, she is now the fourth lady, ranking only after Zhang Yunniang, Qu Minqiu, and Yang Jiao~niang who has never returned to Changsheng Island. Even Ren Ying'er, who brought a dowry and was supported by her father and brother, also

She can only be ranked as the fifth lady.

At this time, Zhang Baozhu was pregnant. If she asked, Li Yuanqing would always stay with her, and Li Yuanqing would hardly be able to refuse.

Fortunately, Zhang Baozhu has gone through so much and has become quite indifferent to these false reputations. She will not make Li Yuanqing so embarrassed.

However, she was very happy that Li Yuanqing could accompany her, with a sweet smile on her lips in her sleep.

The night is good tonight, with a clear night sky and bright moonlight. The sea, which was originally a little violent, has calmed down a lot. The waves are very small, and the densely packed group of ships has very little fluctuations.

At this time, although Li Yuanqing's goal of going to the Indian Ocean has not been completed, the basic plan and basic layout have been generally carried out. Li Yuanqing's mission to Nanyang has been basically completed.

The next most important thing is the opening ceremony of Pan Pacific Trading Company, and the subsequent military deployment and planning.

Li Yuanqing is very clear.

Nanyang is different from the Asian continent. There are densely populated island groups, and the sea is the mainstream.

Here, no matter how strong the army is, it is difficult for him to have a chance to perform. No matter how difficult it is, he must take the first step out of the navy.

Fortunately, at this time, the Western powers did not understand China and the Ming Dynasty well enough. In addition, the inherent pattern was not as stable as imagined. They were also eager to open up the Ming Dynasty's market. The overall situation was not too bad.

It can even be said to be excellent.

However, Li Yuanqing is also very worried about a problem.

In history, at the end of the Ming Dynasty, due to the rise of maritime trade and various reasons, a large amount of overseas silver flowed into the Ming Dynasty. Especially at the end of Tianqi and the Chongzhen Dynasty, silver was no longer called silver! Prices soared and inflation was at its worst.

Two taels of silver could not even buy a bushel of rice, and the people were living in dire straits.

At this time, Li Yuanqing had already opened this Pandora's box in advance, and he was particularly worried about this aspect.

It's a pity that this is an issue for the central court and cabinet bosses. Even though Li Yuanqing is anxious, he still can't change much!

"We still need to get greater rights!"

"Only with supreme power can we implement our ideals, break the inherent shackles, and let the Chinese nation be at the top of the world again!"

Li Yuanqing let out a long breath and frowned tightly.

…………

Throughout the entire day of September 17, the focus of almost all affairs shifted to the opening of Pan Pacific Trading Company.

Including Li Yuanqing's display of force, a parade of thousands of Changsheng campers, including probably tens of thousands of catties of fireworks, two groups of lion and dragon dance teams specially brought from Jakarta, and almost a thousand tables.

The flowing water banquet.

However, Li Yuanqing did not need to do these things personally and distribute the affairs to different people. Li Yuanqing went deep into the Chinese businessmen, communicated cordially with them, and continued to strengthen ties.

In the evening, it was still the imperial concubine building, and there was still a big banquet. Even though Li Yuanqing had an amazing capacity for drinking, he still drank a lot of meat and vegetables.

However, at tonight's banquet, Li Yuanqing unexpectedly met someone, a woman.

At this time, it was almost ten o'clock in the evening, and the banquet was coming to an end. Li Yuanqing was about to find an excuse to go to the backyard for a while, relieve his hangover, and leave.

At this time, a short and fat Chinese businessman came to Li Yuanqing's main table with a smile and an extremely graceful young woman.

"Li Shuai, I am Meng Tang. I have admired Li Shuai for a long time. It is a pity that we have not been able to meet him until today. Meng is really ashamed!"

Although this Chinese businessman is short and fat, he is very handsome. It can be seen that when he was young, his appearance must have been extraordinary.

And the woman next to him, although her face was covered with white gauze, but just looking at her figure and the snow-white skin between her eyebrows, Li Yuanqing could almost conclude that this must be a stunning woman.

"Haha. Hello, Mr. Meng! We are all compatriots of the same origin, so there is no need to be so polite!"

Li Yuanqing already had rich experience in dealing with these Chinese businessmen. He nodded with a smile and said they knew each other. He then smiled and said: "Listen to Mr. Meng, did you just arrive in Brunei tonight?"

Meng Tang hurriedly smiled and said: "Li Shuai, originally, Meng wanted to come early. Unfortunately, he encountered a storm at sea and was delayed for four or five days. He only arrived this afternoon. Fortunately, God opened his eyes and there was no delay.

We attended the opening ceremony of Pan Pacific Trading Company! Li Shuai and Meng punished themselves with three cups of wine first!"

This Meng Tang was also very neat. He picked up the wine pot, carefully filled three glasses of wine, and drank them all one by one.

There was a burst of applause from all around, "Master Meng is so powerful!"

"Haha! Master Meng is still as heroic as before, and his sword is still young!"

"Master Meng..."

Li Yuanqing's eyes couldn't help but narrow slightly. He could tell that Meng Tang seemed to have a high status in the Chinese circle. Many people knew him.

At this time, Chen Yougen and his son also hurried over.

When Chen Yougen saw Meng Tang, his tired old face immediately relaxed a lot. He introduced Li Yuanqing to Li Yuanqing with a busy smile: "Li Shuai, this Master Meng is the future Lord Taishan of Quanzi."

Li Yuanqing was stunned and reacted instantly.

If Meng Tang is Chen Zihua's father-in-law, then~~, isn't this beautiful woman next to him his fiancée?

This silly boy is so lucky!

"Haha. Since we are not outsiders, there is no need to be so polite. Master Meng, please, please sit here!"

The banquet was almost coming to an end, but when Meng Tang came over, it naturally couldn't end so soon. Li Yuanqing smiled and invited Meng Tang to take a seat.

Meng Tang was not polite and sat down neatly at the lower head. He smiled and said: "Li Shuai, in the afternoon, Meng had wanted to come over for a long time, but there was a small problem with the fleet, which was just dealt with.

, please also invite Li Shuai Haihan!"

Meng Tang is sitting here, and his beautiful daughter is standing obediently behind her. Chen Zihua has tried to talk to this beauty several times, but she obviously doesn't want to talk to him.

With a beautiful woman by his side, the boring banquet suddenly became more exciting. Li Yuanqing smiled and said: "Mr. Meng, you are so polite. Your safe arrival in Brunei is the best gift for Yuan Qing!"

Mengtang didn't expect that the famous Li Yuanqing would be so easy to talk to. He couldn't help but be overjoyed for a moment and hurriedly handed over his hands to express his thanks.

The atmosphere at the banquet quickly became lively again.

The wine has passed three rounds, and the dishes have passed the five flavors.

The atmosphere at the table became more lively.

Li Yuanqing also understood at this time that Meng Tang's precious daughter, named Meng Qingzhu, had received a semi-Western nun's education since she was a child. She was famous not only in Jakarta, but also in the Chinese community throughout Southeast Asia.

The main reason why Chen Zihua got this bad luck was because his father, Chen Yougen, had a fateful relationship with Meng Tang back then. His parents' orders and the words of his matchmaker settled the matter.

However, Li Yuanqing could tell that Meng Qingzhu didn't seem to be interested in Chen Zihua at all, but her beautiful eyes were always looking towards him.

this……

Although Li Yuanqing liked women, and even more beautiful women, at this juncture, he didn't want to cause trouble, so he deliberately avoided these beautiful eyes and smiled and chatted with everyone around him.

The drinking continued from around ten o'clock until almost a little later, and this banquet was finally coming to an end.

At this time, Li Yuanqing was already seventy or eighty percent drunk and a little top-heavy.

He forced himself to say goodbye to everyone one by one, and quickly came to the backyard. Just as he was preparing to put some water in to relieve the alcohol, Li Yuanqing suddenly found a familiar figure sitting blankly beside the well, looking at

The moon in the sky is in trance.

After hesitating for a moment, Li Yuanqing decided to say hello, stepped forward and said with a smile, "Miss Meng, the banquet is over, aren't you ready to leave? I'm afraid your father and brother are already waiting impatiently?"

Meng Qingzhu obviously did not expect that Li Yuanqing would appear here. He was slightly startled, and a flash of panic flashed in his big eyes. For a moment, he quickly behaved and said, "Thank you, General Li, for reminding me."

As he spoke, like a frightened deer, a gust of fragrant wind blew up and he quickly ran towards the front yard.

Feeling the lingering fragrance in the air, Li Yuanqing couldn't help but narrow his eyes slightly. What is going on?

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Chapter completed!