The impact of this incident seemed to be much more serious than Sun Tu had judged.
In just one or two days, the rumor that the Salt Tea Department had found illegal salt in Liufang's residence had become very popular and spread throughout the city. Although it was later added that the illegal salt matter was not true, many people only chose the first half and put the second half aside, and then concluded that this was because Liufangju was the property of an important official in the court, so the government Will show mercy.
That's all. As the matter further fermented, even the Yushitai began to pay attention to this matter. As soon as they took action, their target was directly at Tong Guan. First, they said that he was greedy for profit, and in such a capacity, he actually allowed the people below to buy and sell private salt. Soon after, they changed the subject and began to target the origin of these private salts. , proposed that these illegal salts should have been obtained from Xixia, thus imputing the charge of colluding with foreign enemies on Tong Guan. One after another impeachment memorials came into the Yintai Department like snow flakes, and were sent directly to the Political Affairs Hall and the emperor.
This attack caught Tong Guandu off guard, and he could only barely parry, which also made him furious. After returning home from abroad that day, his whole face was droopy and so gloomy that it could drip water. He was so frightened that the servants in the house did not dare to make a sound.
After he came to the main hall and sat down, he called Tong Rui, who was in charge of foreign affairs, and said, "Go and call Sun Tu. I want to ask him why such a thing happened. I tacitly allowed him to run the restaurant with Mu'er, but I didn't want him to cause trouble like this for me."
Tong Rui didn't even dare to take a breath, let alone speak for Sun Tu. After quickly agreeing, he went out to arrange for people to call Sun Tu over. After learning the result, Zhou Yun was shocked, but also secretly happy. Although something went wrong, Sun Tu would definitely be severely punished this time.
The only one who could speak in front of Tong Guan was Fang Qian, but at this time, he also looked solemn and did not speak. Being suspicious, he had already developed some suspicions about Sun Tu. This person suddenly appeared, deliberately approached the Second Young Master Tong, and now caused such a storm. Wasn't he really being instigated by someone else
It was under such unfavorable circumstances that Sun Tu came to Tong Mansion and met Tong Guan. However, the latter actually looked calm at this time, with no trace of anger at all, and even a faint smile on his face. As soon as they met, he said: "Sun Tu, you have been working really hard recently. Not only do you have to prepare for the imperial test, but you also help Tong Mu manage the restaurant. Our Tong family really wants to thank you."
Only those who are familiar with Tong Guan's character, such as Fang Qian, can detect the slightest trace of murderous intent in his expression and tone. Only when he is really suspicious of someone or has murderous intentions, he will be so gentle and gentle.
"I'm ashamed of what Tong Shuai said." Sun Tu said with cupped hands: "And if you really want to talk about it, I have to apologize to Tong Shuai. If I hadn't been negligent before, I wouldn't have let others take advantage of me. "
"Really? Come and listen." Tong Guan replied noncommittally.
However, Sun Tu had clearly felt the huge pressure coming from the other party, so that he did not dare to relax at all, and immediately said seriously: "Before I went down, I only focused on improving the business of Liufangju, and ignored that this would offend my colleagues in the city, and even more I didn’t expect that they would resort to despicable and dirty methods in order to deal with us.”
"That's all? What about the secret affair?" Tong Guan snorted.
"Tong Shuai Rong Geng, in fact, although the salt in Liufangjuli is not official salt, it is not private salt that can be found in the market, but high-quality refined salt that I found elsewhere. Originally, I only considered it to be suitable for the dishes of the restaurant. The taste is better, but the problem of being exploited by others is ignored. This is indeed caused by my poor thinking."
"What a careless person. Do you know how much impact this will have on my Tong family? Tong Mu is not an official yet. Once he is really convicted, his future may be ruined by you. Got it!" Tong Guan slapped the table and yelled angrily. After all, he is not a civil servant, and he is not good at self-restraint. At this time, he can no longer hold back his anger.
Sun Tu remained calm in the face of the angry Tong Guan and said: "Tong Shuai is right to blame, but I have done enough to make up for it. In fact, the Yancha Division failed to do anything to me, Liu Fang Ju." Punishment is the best proof of this.”
"Sun Tu, this alone is not enough. You should have also heard the rumors outside, as well as the memorial to impeach Commander Tong in the court. These are not something you can suppress with just one explanation." Fang Qian suddenly said. .
Sun Tu nodded: "What Fang Jiyi said is that in the final analysis, all this happened because of me, and I have to take full responsibility. And I am already trying to make amends."
"Remedy? This is easier said than done!" Fang Qian shook his head, but Tong Guan, seeing Sun Tu's calm appearance, was much less suspicious of him, so he asked: "What countermeasures have you thought of?"
"Actually, I have found out the inside story of this matter clearly. Everything was planned behind the scenes by the Niu Lou Hotel, who coveted the fried chicken I created. And the owner behind the Niu Lou Hotel is the family of Zhang Bingcang, the right doctor of the Ministry of Revenue..."
"Zhang Bingcang..." Hearing Sun Tu mention this name, a sharp look flashed in Tong Guan's eyes, and Fang Qian's expression also changed slightly.
Although Zhang Bingcang is only a sixth-grade court official now, he was actually demoted two years ago. The reason why he was demoted two ranks from the Minister of Household Affairs was because he failed to prevent Tong Guan from using troops against Xixia. When Tong Guan achieved a series of victories in the Western Expedition, he became a victim. It can be said that Zhang Bingcang was one of the few officials in the court who dared to confront Tong Guan head-on.
Sun Tu didn't know the inside story, so he just told everything he knew truthfully. From Zhang Jian's previous request for a large amount of money to buy the fried chicken recipe to the last moment when he appeared in Liufang's house in disguise, he didn't hide anything.
After saying these words, Tong Guan believed in him a little more, and his expression softened a little: "So, everything happened because of the Zhang family?"
"Actually, I cannot absolve myself from the blame. After all, it was me who exposed my flaw to them." Sun Tu said, and then added: "That's why I will try to make up for it. Since the Zhang family is using this evil method, I can only retaliate in kind." .”
"What do you mean?" Fang Qian asked curiously.
"Since Zhang Bingcang wants to frame Tong Shuai with the private salt matter, we can naturally retaliate in kind. We have found out some information the next morning. In fact, the Niulou Hotel itself is not clean. As long as it is used properly, Zhang Bingcang will definitely be implicated. . When the time comes, if the previous reasons are revealed, all criticisms against Tong Shuai will be defeated." Sun Tu expressed his countermeasures.
Tong Guan was somewhat satisfied with this statement, but Fang Qian was a little worried: "They have taken the lead in this matter. Will you be accused of retaliation? How many people in the government and the public will believe it?"
"Fang Jiyi should just rest assured, because the person who caused trouble to the Zhang family was none other than Zhang Bingcang's own son!" Sun Tu said, before briefly explaining what he had been doing secretly these past few days. come out.
After saying this, Tong Guan and Fang Qian were stunned for a moment, and then both showed gloating smiles. The former even touched his palm and said: "Sun Tu, Sun Tu, I didn't expect you to have such thoughts. I really underestimate your ability. It seems that the Zhang family is already in your hands. Okay, as long as this If you can succeed this time, I let out this bad breath, I will definitely give you a chance to get ahead in the future."
"I don't dare to take credit, I just want to make up for my mistakes." Sun Tu replied very calmly: "Don't worry, Tong Shuai, it won't take long before the Chinese New Year, I will definitely make the Zhang family suffer the consequences!"
"Very well, go ahead."
When Sun Tu walked out of the hall safe and sound, Zhou Yun, who was waiting outside to see what would happen to him, couldn't believe his eyes. Why did this kid pass the test again? What ability does he have that can make his uncle look at him differently
In the hall, Tong Guan looked at Fang Qian and said, "Liangyu, if this person can really become an official, he will be put to good use in the future. He might be able to help us a lot."
Fang Qian nodded with deep understanding: "What Tong Shuai said is that this boy is definitely not a creature in the pool. Not only is he brave, but he also has unconventional methods. Now we will have one less thorn in our side." This was a direct verdict. The result is Zhang Bingcang!