[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-i-am-the-xu-family-s-son":3,"chapter-i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-chapter-62":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","I Am the Xu Family's Son",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2307840,4510,"Chapter 62: First Steps at the Zheng Household [Thank You to Our Readers!]","i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-chapter-62",62,"\u003Cp>In the dim yellow candlelight,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Sheng opened a thick envelope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The top letter was a respectfully worded greeting from her illegitimate son, Sheng Hong; the old lady glanced at it once and set it aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Below it was a letter from Bianjing, which Lady Sheng read by candlelight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was news that her nephew’s granddaughter had become betrothed—to the eldest legitimate son of the powerful Gu family of the Great Zhou Dynasty, who, if all went well, would one day be the Marquis’s Lady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath that was a letter from Yu Ge’s wife, her childhood friend, describing the Lantern Festival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Yu had no knowledge that the Sheng and Xu families had mended their ties; still, as the nominal kin of her dearest friend, she felt obliged to mention it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon reading “Lantern Festival under attack,” Lady Sheng’s breath quickened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Mama hurried over and asked anxiously, “Girl?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rest of the letter described “plucking the hairpin to defend herself,” “scolding the bandits,” and “the Empress’s praise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Sheng’s breathing calmed; she closed the letter and murmured, “She’s a good girl.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Girl, what’s wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Sheng briefly recounted the letter’s contents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Girl, it seems having family in the capital still has its benefits. You’ve come to Youyang many times before—never once did the Master write you a greeting letter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Sheng said nothing further; she had long noticed how her status in the Sheng household had changed over the years, but she chose not to dwell on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since Sheng Hong passed the imperial examination, she had begun transferring household authority; by the time he became Assistant Prefect of Quanzhou, she had stopped managing affairs altogether.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The once spirited only daughter of the Brave and Valiant Marquis had been slowly worn down by time into the most obedient widow, strictly adhering to the rule “after the husband’s death, obey the son.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old lady believed her title and former status were enough to ensure her comfort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Fang Mama, who had seen human nature since childhood, did not agree; since Sheng Hong took control of the household, he had repeatedly paid lip service while ignoring her orders outright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheng Hong’s coldness had deeply wounded the old lady, who had poured her heart into raising him to be worthy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was why, when she learned the Marquis’s household wished to reconcile, she urged her mistress to accept.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shi no longer wore that sour expression; a forced smile appeared on her face before the people of Youyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chang Bai, though returned to his hometown, continued his studies diligently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Lan’s dignified bearing made the local sisters—Shu Lan and others—deeply envious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That day, the two old ladies of the Sheng family’s first and second branches chatted idly, with Wang Shi, Hua Lan, Shu Lan, and others in attendance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shi, the eldest daughter-in-law of Sheng Wei, returned from the Youyang women’s Fragrant Garment Gathering with news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother, I heard a rumor at the Fragrant Garment Gathering.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone turned to Li Shi, who hurried to say:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Today, the County Magistrate’s Lady chatted with us and said that last year, a mine near us collapsed, killing and injuring over a hundred people.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After closing her eyes in prayer, the Senior Lady Sheng spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah? Amitabha, how could so many people have died?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They say the timber supporting the mine shafts was faulty—the mine owner used cheap wood to save money,” Li Shi replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She continued: “And worse—the County Magistrate, surnamed Cao, and his clerks took bribes from the mine owner, covered up the incident, and even sent men to arrest the families of the dead and injured miners, blaming them for the disaster.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah?” Everyone was stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How could anyone be so twisted?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Truly, black-hearted and black-gutted.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Sheng asked: “How did this come to light?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A passing official learned of it and reported it to the prefecture, prompting an investigation. They say those black-hearted men nearly sparked a peasant revolt!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh my heavens, how dangerous,” Wang Shi exclaimed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All the clerks in the yamen were beheaded. The County Magistrate was sentenced to exile in the northwest, and his entire family became criminals,” Li Shi said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What of the injured and dead miners?” asked Li Shi’s mother-in-law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The government seized the mine owner’s property, along with the valuables confiscated from the clerks and the magistrate’s household, and distributed them to the grieving families,” Li Shi replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s not enough,” Fang Mama whispered to Lady Sheng. “The miners were the pillars of their households—once they fell, the families collapsed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shi: “Who can deny it? Though some silver was given, the families lost their income for medical care and healing. Many families have sold their daughters to traffickers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alas, such a human tragedy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bianjing\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brave and Valiant Marquis’s Household\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing wore a newly made robe, glanced at the maid Qingcao, and said to Qingyun:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let the little girl ride inside—I’m afraid she’ll vanish if we walk even a few steps.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Young Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Qingyun lifted Qingcao into the carriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing stepped onto the stool and climbed in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The weather had warmed considerably, and Xu Zaijing had accepted several invitations from the Zheng sons to enjoy themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingyun and the household coachman sat on the carriage pole; Xu Zaijing watched the timid Qingcao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To ease the quiet atmosphere, he asked casually:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Qingcao—was that name given to you at the slave market?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master, I received it after entering the Marquis’s household.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you remember your hometown?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiaoliangshan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing paused—he knew that place well, given his familiarity with Zhi Fou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he did not know precisely when the accident had occurred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why were you sold at the slave market?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My father died in the mine. My elder brother was injured. My younger brother fell ill. My mother sold me to the slave trader.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Was it a mine collapse?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing said nothing more; Qingcao remained silent too, her bright eyes filled with longing for home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glanced at Xu Zaijing,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>then spoke up:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In my hometown, many girls were sold to slave traders. Qingzhi, the maid in the eldest daughter’s chamber, is from my village—she had no parents or younger brothers, only an older brother and sister-in-law.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Was Qingzhi’s brother also injured?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No—his wife was about to give birth, and the family had no money, so she came with us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master, may I… may I look outside the carriage?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, look.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Young Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingcao knelt in the carriage, lifted the curtain, and stared in awe at the greatest city of the land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Qingyun.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When we near General Zheng’s residence, let’s walk a few steps.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Young Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the splendor of Bianjing, the carriage crossed several bridges, passed bustling streets, and the scent of street snacks drifted in; Qingcao licked her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they neared Xingguo Alley, Qingyun informed Xu Zaijing,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>who stepped down from the carriage and walked a few paces, letting Qingcao take in Bianjing properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Marquis’s training had been thorough—though Qingcao’s eyes darted everywhere, she kept pace without lagging behind Xu Zaijing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After announcing their purpose at General Zheng’s gate, Zheng family youths quickly came out to greet Xu Zaijing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them was Zheng Xiao, the youngest brother of General Zheng Jun,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>and four young Zheng clan youths named Jiang, He, Hu, and Hai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were one generation younger than Zheng Xiao and thus owed him the title of “Uncle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They entered the household.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During this time, Lady Xie, who was near her delivery, appeared briefly to meet her relatives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After drinking tea in the main hall, Xu Zaijing noticed the curious glances of the Zheng youths and volunteered:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I haven’t seen the Zheng family’s training ground yet—perhaps you’d show me around, so I may learn something?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Zheng youths laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come on, let’s show Young Master Jing!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Zheng family, brothers to the Loyal and Reverent Marquis, sent many of their sons to join the military near the northern borders with Northern Liao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The household atmosphere was much like that of Xu Zaijing’s maternal home,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>and he felt quite at ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>General Zheng Jun, off duty and at home, smiled as he watched it all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of the family division, the Zheng family’s training ground was indeed small, but it had everything a small space could hold—all manner of weapons and equipment were present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Jun, the old general’s eldest son, currently served in the military; his nephew Zheng He stood beside Xu Zaijing, watching the household servants organize bows and arrows and set up targets, when he asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jing Ge’er, I heard you took down five men in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea during the Lantern Festival—true or false?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Xiao was the old general’s youngest son; since the old general guarded the northern frontier, Zheng Xiao had been raised by his elder brother and sister-in-law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was the same age as Xu Zaijing and looked at him with equal curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him, Zheng Jiang, Zheng He, and Zheng Hai also stared at Xu Zaijing with keen interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“False.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Xiao’s face fell with disappointment upon hearing the answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His nephew Zheng He said, “Uncle, I told you—how could Jing Ge’er, at his age, take down five men?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But the uncles in the army said it was five.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle, in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, even the most useless City Patrol soldiers would’ve moved on—how could those thieves have escaped?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they spoke,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing said: “There was also a female thief—I kicked her in the knee.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Zheng boys: “Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank you all for your support!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gratefully thank the kind patrons who tipped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once again, thank you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I only have enough draft material for tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Panicked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1640,"2026-06-20T10:32:38.675Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","59a1f98eb58e62cd1f7bd517a582db71f657d3537c6a26b9d9e732b6a49e3964","i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-chapter-63","i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-chapter-61",790,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fi-am-the-xu-family-s-son-cover.jpg"]