The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 36

Zheng Xie said, "The military governor favors him greatly, and often asks for his opinion on many matters, treating him like an advisor."

However, after some time, I've observed that while this person is indeed intelligent, quick-witted, and resourceful, he is also cunning and somewhat dishonest in private. I need to find an opportunity to remind Commander Li to be wary of him in the future.”

“I’m mistaken, Brother Zheng. I know this man is wicked, but you should be aware of his cunning. However, you must not try to sow discord between General Li and his men. It will only do you harm, not benefit you,” Xu Tian quickly said.

Zheng Zhuangyuan was no ordinary man either. He turned his head and thought for a moment: "You're right. I was confused because I was worried. Thank you for reminding me. I almost made a big mistake."

If Li Jiedu were to ask me for my opinion of him, I might be able to tell the truth, but I couldn't proactively file a complaint before then.

Seeing that he had figured it out, Xu Tian asked, "I have a small grudge against this person, but I didn't expect him to be so successful now. How did he cause trouble?"

"When he learned of this, he told the governor that the idea of ​​improving printing technology was a fabrication and impossible to achieve. He accused me of using fraudulent methods and slandered me for having ulterior motives," Zheng Xie said.

"Hmph, to be honest, I don't have any major grudges against this person. We just can't get along. Yet he dares to slander me like this. So, Brother Zheng, how did you deal with it?"

Xu Tian was furious. He never expected that someone he had previously looked down on would suddenly become an obstacle after gaining power.

"The governor asked me about it, and I said that I was willing to spend a lot of money to hire government craftsmen, and that it was just to build an iron smelting furnace, not to forge weapons."

Having served in the army under Li Jiedu, I know that most of the powerful weapons in the army are forged. Li Jiedu must have known this as well.

I then suggested that we summon you directly for a detailed inquiry, to ask if your idea to improve printing technology was feasible, and to discuss it clearly in person. However, for some reason, Li Jiedu ultimately did not adopt my suggestion, but he did not retract the previous order either.

"Thank goodness, it wasn't canceled," Xu Tian said, relieved.

“Sigh, I was thinking of introducing Zheng Zhu to you, but judging from the situation, you should be careful of him in the future. He doesn’t seem like the type to let things go easily.”

"Yes, I will keep an eye on this. Brother Zheng, you often come into contact with him, so you should also be careful and try not to let him notice you."

After all, he cured Li Jiedu's illness, and he was not the kind of petty person who gained favor through mere words. As long as this relationship existed, it would be difficult for others to touch him.

Even in the future, as long as Li Jiedu is a man of deep feelings, it will be difficult to sway him even if he makes a small mistake.

"Indeed, Li Jiedu has always been a man of deep feelings and clear distinction between gratitude and resentment. It's hard to say what will happen in the future."

"Brother Zheng, to avoid any unforeseen complications, the iron furnace should be built as soon as possible. I wonder when the government's craftsmen will be able to come?" Xu Tian asked worriedly.

"Since it's an order from the military governor, it will naturally be very fast. There are people specifically in charge below, so it should be within the next two days. I'll go back today and inquire and urge them again."

The next morning, two people came to visit, one young and one old.

The older man had a weathered look on his face, probably a craftsman, while the younger man was neatly dressed and introduced himself as a military advisor surnamed Tang.

Tang Guanren spoke very politely and didn't say much. He directly asked Xu Tian to take them to see the construction site where the iron furnace was to be built.