Chapter 34: Sheng Hong

Yangzhou

It is a crucial salt-producing region of the Great Zhou.

Nearly thirty percent of the Great Zhou’s salt comes from Yangzhou.

The substantial salt profits and relatively developed commerce have made Yangzhou one of the wealthiest prefectures and counties in the Great Zhou.

Among the wealthiest families in Yangzhou city, the most prestigious is the Bai family.

The head of the Bai family was a poor soul who lost his father in childhood and was raised solely by his mother.

After his mother passed away, the head of the Bai family boarded a sea vessel and made his fortune on the ocean.

Somehow he attached himself to a powerful figure and became a renowned salt merchant in Yangzhou.

A few years ago, his only daughter married into the Ningyuan Marquis Gu family; although this elevated their status further, the Bai family grew even more discreet.

The previous Assistant Prefect of Yangzhou was promoted to another less affluent prefecture and became Department Magistrate.

Thus, the position of Assistant Prefect remained vacant for a time.

But the vacancy did not last long—rumors spread through official circles that the post had likely been filled.

Bianjing

Quyuanjie, Yongyi Marquis Mansion

After visiting his father’s old friends in the capital and his contemporaries, Sheng Hong sat in his carriage, eyes closed in thought.

He had returned to the capital for his official evaluation, and his performance was rated excellent.

Particularly in a case in Quanzhou, he discerned every detail and rescued an elderly lady, Lady Zhuang, who had been falsely accused.

Lady Zhuang’s son was a renowned scholar in the capital, whose students frequently passed the imperial examinations.

Upon learning of his mother’s ordeal, he personally wrote a letter of thanks and delivered it to the Ministry of Personnel.

Sheng Hong, following the wishes of his mother and mother-in-law, did not seek a posting in the capital but was transferred to Yangzhou.

He was promoted half a rank.

Though technically a lateral move, relocating from Quanzhou to Yangzhou amounted to a promotion.

Moreover, Yangzhou is a vital tax region, unlike ordinary prefectures.

After completing these matters, he drank a banquet with his brother-in-law, Commissioner Kang.

Today, Sheng Hong prepared gifts and came to visit the Yongyi Marquis Xu mansion.

Through the servant manager left by Sheng Wei in Jiyin Alley, Sheng Hong learned the general situation of the Xu family.

He prepared several gifts suitable for boys and girls.

When Sheng Hong passed the imperial examination, there had been some friction between the Xu and Sheng families.

The Xu family had wanted to marry a collateral Shu daughter into the Sheng family,

showing a certain degree of disdain for Sheng Hong.

Sheng Hong had been an official for over a decade; he had long since made peace with the Xu family’s past conduct.

He was now pondering how to gracefully smooth over the past during his visit to the Xu household.

At that moment, the Sheng family carriage came to a stop.

The alley entrance was congested—traffic was blocked.

The Sheng family servant outside the carriage said:

“Master, the carriage that just passed gave way to us—it bore the insignia of the Yuan family of the Zhongqin Marquisate.”

“Stop the carriage.”

The Sheng family carriage halted. Sheng Hong stepped out and saw the Yuan family’s carriage, now pulled to the side, preparing to depart.

“Park your carriage at the Marquis’s gate—I’ll walk over immediately.”

Yuan Wenshao, who was driving alongside the coachman, spotted Sheng Hong and hurriedly said:

“Father, the owner of the carriage across the way has gotten out—he seems to be coming to thank us.”

Yuan Bing, inside the carriage, did not act haughtily.

He stepped out and returned Sheng Hong’s bow.

“I am Sheng Hong of Jiyin Alley. Thank you, my lord, for yielding the road.”

“Master Sheng, you are too kind. We are the Yuan family of the Zhongqin Marquisate.”

“Oh, Marquis Yuan! What brings you here?”

Yuan Bing bowed and said: “His Majesty granted a gift to the third son of the Marquis Xu family; I delivered it today. Master Sheng, are you also going to the Marquis’s mansion?”

“Yes, yes.”

“Then please hurry, Master Sheng. Merely yielding the road—yet you stepped out to thank me. Truly, you are a gentleman.”

“You yielded first—that is true gentlemanly conduct. I shall take my leave then. When you have time, please join me at Fanlou.”

“Good, good. I shall certainly come if Master Sheng invites me.”

The two families parted. Sheng Hong turned and walked toward the Marquis’s mansion.

He wore a pleased expression—this chance to connect with the capital’s noble families was indeed a fine thing.

At the Xu mansion, upon hearing of Sheng Hong’s visit, Sun Shi naturally summoned her children to greet him.

By generation, Xu Minghua should address Sheng Hong as cousin, being his maternal uncle’s son.

Xu Zai and his siblings should address Sheng Hong as World Uncle.

“Sheng Hong greets Lady Xu.”

“Hong-ge, no need for such formalities. Come, children, greet your World Uncle.”

Xu Zaijing bowed deeply, then raised his head to see his World Uncle clearly.

Sheng·Assistant Prefect·Hong-lang·Dad Who Abandoned Us·Face-First·Yùqīng Temple Screamer·Caught-in-the-Act Guy·Sucker·Hong

It was said Sheng Hong inherited his father’s looks—the third-place imperial scholar.

Xu Zaijing believed it—Sheng Hong truly was a handsome middle-aged man, his demeanor polished and composed by years of official service.

He was good-looking, and he spoke well.

Moreover, Sheng Hong chose to visit in the afternoon,

after lunch had been eaten and long before dinner,

so the Xu family had no reason to offer a meal—fewer complications.

A quintessential feudal scholar-official.

In the main hall of the courtyard, Sun Shi sat to one side of the central seat.

Those of her same generation could not sit below her; fortunately, servants and nursemaids were present, so Sheng Hong sat on the other side of Sun Shi.

The Xu siblings naturally sat below.

Sipping tea, Sun Shi said:

“Hong-ge, people in the capital often say His Majesty praises your calligraphy endlessly.”

“Lady Xu, you flatter me—my calligraphy is but a trivial skill.”

“Hong-ge, you are too modest. Could you perhaps write a few characters for these children, so they may study them daily?”

Sheng Hong waved his hand quickly: “How could that be allowed?”

Xu Zaijing knew his mother spoke truthfully—His Majesty himself remembered Sheng Hong the Grand Coordinator because of his calligraphy.

So the moment his mother spoke, Xu Zaijing rose:

“Mother, I’ll fetch paper and ink.”

Saying this, he bowed to Sheng Hong, then hurried out.

“This boy—making Master Sheng laugh.”

“World Uncle, I heard that Jings-ge showed great talent at His Majesty’s birthday banquet—he truly brought honor to our Xu family.”

“World Uncle, today His Majesty’s gift arrived—it was a black stallion, so beautiful.”

Said Xu Zaihang, whose temperament was somewhat lively.

“Oh, His Majesty’s gifts are surely exceptional.”

Sheng Hong’s remark made Sun Shi smile and lift her handkerchief.

This gift had been earned by her own son; Sheng Hong’s curiosity pleased her deeply.

It was like praising someone: don’t say “you’re great”—say “your child’s grades are good,” “your dog listens well,” “your home is tidy.”

Xu Zaijing walked slowly; it took a long while before he returned carrying a stack of paper.

Behind him followed his servant Qingyun, holding brushes and ink.

“Master Sheng, forgive the mess.”

Said Sun Shi,

because Xu Zaijing carried a great deal of paper.

Before Sun Shi finished speaking, Xu Zaijing brought in a table.

Sheng Hong watched Xu Zaijing bustling about, aided by his brothers and sisters,

“Lady Xu, your children are truly admirable.”

This hall was meant for receiving guests.

You couldn’t have Sheng Hong write on a tea table or square table, could you?

Xu Zaijing bringing the table was a sign of thoughtfulness.

“Hong-ge, since the children have prepared everything, then—”

“Lady Xu, then I shall humbly show my poor skill.”

Saying this, Sheng Hong walked to the desk, took the premium incense ink offered by Xu Zai, ground the ink while thinking, mentally shaping the characters as if they were already fully formed in his mind.

(End of chapter)