There are many philosophical discussions in Confucian and Taoist culture, such as "Zhuang Zhou's Dream of Butterflies", such as from "ritual and music" to "benevolence" and so on.

Many scholars really only study to broaden their knowledge and enrich their lives and thoughts, and they do not study for the purpose of taking scientific examinations and becoming officials. In fact, even if real scholars become officials, it is not for personal gain, but because they really want to serve.

The emperor guards a place and brings benefits to the people in a corner.

It's just that thousands of years later, later generations have misinterpreted historical books and always labeled ancient scholars as utilitarian, thinking that all scholars wanted to be officials.

In fact, there are people who don’t want to be officials and study just for the sake of studying.

For example, Duan Wuji looked up from the vast book, with a lot of confusion in his eyes. Books could no longer answer his confusion, let alone the imperial examination, so he thought of practicing his own life.

Zhang Huaiyu could not tell whether his choice was right or wrong. The scholars trained in Shiqiao Village were not slaves. They had no obligation to be used by Gu Qing. This was what Gu Qing told Zhang Huaiyu in a very serious way when he started the school.

Of course, it would be better if you voluntarily choose to assist Gu Qing.

Although Zhang Huaiyu could not understand why Duan Wuji was not interested in the imperial examination, she did not object to him going to Anxi to assist Gu Qing. From the battle report in Anxi, Zhang Huaiyu could roughly judge that although Gu Qing had many warriors under his command in Anxi, he lacked counselors.

A secret servant who can help him check for gaps and make suggestions.

"Since you have chosen to go to Anxi, I won't stop you. After a few years of training with Gu Qing, if you still want to take the scientific examination, you can go back to Chang'an then." Zhang Huaiyu smiled encouragingly at Duan Wuji.

Duan Wuji bowed his head and said, "Thank you so much, sister."

"When you arrive in Anxi, you will help Gu Qing. He is short of people around him. You must fulfill your duty as a counselor. When he makes a confused decision, you must stop him. When he makes unclear decisions, you must help him make up for it."

"Yes. The students will definitely be loyal to the secretaries and advisers."

Zhang Huaiyu remembered that when he mentioned the imperial examination, another young man also showed hesitation, so he turned to look at the other person and asked: "What about you? What do you think?"

Another boy was about seventeen years old, with lively eyes and a lively smile on his face. He was restless standing in the yard and his body was always moving around unconsciously, as if he had ADHD.

Yes, at first glance, he looks like a restless person.

The boy's surname is also Feng, and his name is Feng Yu. In Shiqiao Village, Feng is a common surname, and many families named Feng in the village are related to each other.

Feng Yu smiled when he heard this and said: "Sister, I don't want to take the science test, but I don't want to study anymore, what should I do?"

Zhang Huaiyu looked at him funny. This Feng Yu was quite lively in school, had a naughty temper, and often teased his teachers, but he was very talented in reading. The teachers who taught him said that he had some success in learning.

He has talent, but he refuses to calm down and study knowledge. He may be able to become a Jinshi in this life, but it is difficult to become a great scholar.

"If you pay more attention to your studies, you will already be the youngest Jinshi in our Tang Dynasty. You don't want to make progress but you still have a playful face. You don't want to take the scientific examination and you don't want to study. What do you want to do?" Zhang Huaiyu said in a bad tone.

Feng Yu blinked and said with a smile: "I can be a businessman, like Brother Gu. He was also a businessman before he became an official. I will follow Brother Gu's old path, and maybe I can become an official and get a title.

"

Zhang Huaiyu sneered: "Do you have Gu Qing's skills?"

"Brother Gu's ability lies in his understanding of people and his tenacity. He does not rely on studying to become an official."

Zhang Huaiyu said helplessly: "Stop talking nonsense, what do you want to do? If you have no idea, I will send you back to Shiqiao Village. You can continue studying or go back to the village to farm. It's up to you."

Feng Yu looked at Duan Wuji, then at the other two classmates who were determined to take the scientific examination and become officials, scratched his head vigorously, and said: "Why don't I go to Anxi with brother Wuji? The scientific examination is really boring.

It’s better to follow Brother Gu and see the world.”

Zhang Huaiyu stared into his eyes: "Have you thought clearly?"

"I haven't thought about it clearly, but... Hehe, okay, now that I've thought about it clearly, I'll go find Brother Gu and make a living under him." Feng Yu said with a playful smile.

Zhang Huaiyu nodded: "Okay, you and Duan Wuji go to Anxi. I will find the caravan heading to Saixi tomorrow. You follow the caravan and have someone to take care of you along the way. When you get to Anxi, follow Gu Qing and don't cause trouble for him."

Both of them should be at the same time.

…………

When Gu Qing walked into the Fuzhi Inn, he took steps as if he didn't recognize his relatives. Even the guards behind him inexplicably straightened their waists.

It's a strange feeling that after the Marquis got rich, the guards became more confident, even though the Marquis' money had nothing to do with them.

Huangfu Sisi sat behind the screen in the front hall, quietly watching Gu Qing and his group walking towards them with strange steps. Gu Qing, the leader, had his nostrils turned upward and an aura of wealth and wealth on his face. Huangfu Sisi couldn't laugh or cry.

Is this guy... really the majestic commander who annihilated the Tibetan army of 20,000 men?

The contrast is too great.

Today, he looks like a playboy who just stole his father's beloved treasure in exchange for money and invited friends to visit a brothel.

Gu Qing walked into the inn, chose a seat and sat down, looking left and right, looking threatening.

Huangfu Sisi came forward to greet me, but the person who didn't say anything smiled first: "I would like to congratulate the Marquis first. It seems that the Marquis will make a lot of money this time. He will have to take care of my business more in the future."

"That's easy to say. Hurry up and cook. You'll be able to cook what you're best at."

Huangfu Sisi said in a sweet voice: "Without even saying a few words, the Marquis urged me to cook. It's a rare time for you to come here. Is it just to eat?"

Gu Qing looked at her strangely: "Isn't it just to eat? Is it because I came to see you?"

Huangfu thought for a moment, and his smile suddenly stiffened.

Okay, familiar style, one mouth can make people half angry to death.

"We are considered friends after all. Shouldn't friends talk more to each other?"

Gu Qing glanced at her and said: "Friends who have not been seen for many years are worthy of talking more. We live in the same city and see each other almost every day. You and I really have nothing to talk about."

Huangfu Sisi sighed and said: "Master Hou, why are you so heartless? Last time you said you were a friend, but you really meant it."

Although the woman in front of him was a bit suspicious, as she was too proactive in approaching him, Gu Qing suddenly remembered the last time she happily lent him a hundred taels of silver cake, and felt a little touched in his heart.

Regardless of whether it was purposeful or not, if he was able to give out a hundred taels of silver cake without hesitation when he was in the most poverty-stricken state, he was ultimately kind to him, and he should be more polite towards his benefactor.

"Come, let's talk about things that friends should talk about. Let's call it a pleasantries after a long absence." Gu Qing extended the invitation enthusiastically.

Huangfu Sisi was overjoyed and immediately sat down next to him, holding her chin in one hand and looking at him dreamily, saying: "Master Marquis is chatting, I am listening."

Gu Qing thought for a while and said seriously: "What do you think of the current situation in Anxi? The Anxi Protectorate has four towns under its jurisdiction. Which town do you think the garrison troops should be directed to? Among the four towns, which town is the center of our defense of the Tang Dynasty?

Heavy?"

Huangfu Sisi was dumbfounded and said, "Is this what the Marquis wants to talk to me about?"

"Otherwise? Let me tell you what kind of skin care and makeup I should use?"

Huangfu Sisi suddenly felt so powerless. It was really difficult to get close to the Marquis. The two of them were not on the same page at all.

What is it about this person that attracts him? Huangfu Sisi couldn't help but start to reflect and repent.

"Master Hou, how about changing the topic? Master Hou must have made a large fortune last night, right? Can you tell me how much you made from selling your shop?"

Gu Qing looked at her alertly: "Are you trying to collect a debt? You only lent me a hundred taels for a few days. There's no need to be in such a hurry. We'll talk about repaying the debt later."

"I'm not collecting debts..." Huangfu Sisi sighed and suddenly stood up: "I'm still... I'd better cook for you."

Gu Qing shook his head: "Woman, your name is 'Fickle', you were the one who said I wanted to chat, and you were the one who got up and ran away after a few words. As a friend, you need to reflect on yourself."

Huangfu Sisi almost sprained his ankle and stood there taking a deep breath.

Not angry, not angry, this is his virtue.

The dishes were so exquisitely prepared that Huangfu Sisi seemed to have an idea overnight. Every dish he made was very suitable to Gu Qing's taste and tasted better than what Gu Qing cooked himself.

Although Gu Qing wanted to be reserved, he couldn't restrain himself in front of the delicious food, so he quickly ate it all without realizing it. He burped and looked at the empty plates in front of him. Gu Qing suddenly felt a little uneasy on his face. There was a feeling of being attracted by this.

It feels like a woman has a handle. If she often tempts herself with delicious food in the future, she may really be unable to handle it...

After Huangfu Sisi finished cooking, she sat across from him, looking at him with a smile on her chin. She felt happier every time she saw him take a bite of food. There was a secret joy in her heart, filled with a full sense of accomplishment and success.

A faint sense of... happiness.

"Master Hou, is my cooking delicious?"

Gu Qing knew what she meant and wanted to praise her, but as a man who wanted to save face and was a consumer of money, how could he make her proud?

"It's barely okay. My condition has declined compared to last time. I need to be vigilant, guard against arrogance and impetuosity, and keep up the good work." Gu Qing said calmly.

Huangfu Sisi blinked innocently: "The four dishes were not even glossy. It turned out to be just 'barely okay'. If the Marquis had eaten something more delicious, wouldn't he have bitten off the plate?"

Gu Qing suddenly felt humiliated, his old face turned red, and he yelled: "Han Jie, smash the store!"

Han Jie didn't move.

Huangfu Sisi was not anxious at all, and coquettishly said: "Oh, Mr. Hou, don't make trouble. He is obviously not a playboy. He always likes to smash other people's shops. He acts domineering but doesn't act like it. After doing so, he still has to pay for it.
Chapter completed!