Chapter 703: Peace [Many thanks! Bowing again! 37k words owed]

Earlier in the morning,

Zaizhang took Xingzhong and Hualan back to the Sheng family; this trip allowed Zaizhang to pay New Year's greetings to Scholar Zhuang and the elders, Xingzhong could visit his maternal family, and Hualan returned to her maiden home—it was three birds with one stone.

On the way to the main hall in the front courtyard, Xu Zaijing looked up at the sky.

It was cloudy today,

The sun appeared and disappeared in the clouds.

The snow that started in the early morning stopped early, and it didn't look very heavy.

Looking around,

The grass and trees outside were still a withered yellow color.

Under the trees and on the branches, there were still some white fallen snow and water stains from melted snow.

Most of the accumulated snow on the sunny roofs had melted, making the roofs and the ground wet.

The accumulated snow swept into the shady parts of the courtyard had melted less, still a gray-white color.

On the eaves and walls facing north, where sunlight rarely shone, one could still see a lot of white fallen snow.

Under the veranda,

A Sheng family maid was walking toward the main hall, wearing a light green cloak, which was clearly newly made.

The maid was also holding a tray, on which were porcelain plates containing pastries, and steam was rising above the porcelain plates, clearly just out of the pot.

Seeing Xu Zaijing walking over with a tall and upright figure, the maid at the door hurriedly announced inside: "Fifth Young Master of the Xu family has arrived!"

Just as the maid finished speaking,

The thick cotton curtain at the entrance of the main hall was propped open from the inside.

Xu Zaijing also arrived at the door, took a look, and saw that it was Cuiwei, who was beside the paternal great-aunt, who propped open the curtain.

Looking at the Sheng family maid standing at the door waiting, Xu Zaijing did not be modest, smiled, and walked directly through the curtain into the room.

After nodding to Cuiwei, who propped open the curtain, Xu Zaijing bypassed the screen at the door.

Scanning the room, he was slightly stunned by the lively and crowded crowd he saw.

The reason was that besides Old Madam Yu, Old Madam Sheng, Hualan, and others he knew, there was also an Old Madam from the Sheng family's First Branch.

Xu Zaijing then smiled, bowed, and cupped his hands: "Paternal great-aunt, paternal great-aunt, Old Madam Yu, wishing you health and peace in the New Year; Aunt, sister-in-law, wishing you auspiciousness in the New Year; younger sisters, wishing you joy in the New Year."

The elders, including Old Madam Sheng, nodded with smiles.

Rulan, Pulan, and Minglan stood up one after another, two of them supporting the pregnant Yanran, and bowed to Xu Zaijing.

Wang Ruofu looked at Xu Zaijing with a smile and waved her hand: "Mama Liu, hurry and move a stool for the young master."

Xu Zaijing smiled and cupped his hands: "Aunt, no need to move it yet; nephew must first go to pay New Year's greetings to Scholar Zhuang, then find Changbai; I still have to wait a while before coming back to the main hall to talk."

"That's fine, that's fine," Wang Ruofu nodded with a smile.

The Old Madam sitting in the seat of honor smiled and urged: "Jingge'er, hurry and go; among your classmates, you are the only one who hasn't gone yet."

Hearing this, Xu Zaijing smiled at everyone again, bowed, and turned to walk outside.

Front courtyard,

Near the school,

Bamboo was planted on both sides of the path leading to the scholar's courtyard, and some unmelted snow could still be seen at the roots of the bamboo and in the shady corners of the wall.

Walking along the path into the courtyard, Xu Zaijing's gaze froze as he looked at the two men in strong attire in the courtyard.

Before Xu Zaijing could speak, the two men in strong attire bowed and saluted: "Greetings, Fifth Young Master."

Xu Zaijing nodded with some confusion in his heart.

At this moment, the cotton curtain of the room door was lifted, and Scholar Zhuang's son-in-law walked out, smiling and reaching out to invite Xu Zaijing, saying: "Fifth Young Master, hurry and come in."

Xu Zaijing smiled and hurriedly walked a few steps to the door: "Brother, wishing you health and peace in the New Year."

Scholar Zhuang's son-in-law nodded with a smile.

Entering the warm room, Xu Zaijing then saw an old man with quite a bit of prestige, sitting in the seat of honor with Scholar Zhuang, stroking his beard and looking at himself.

Xu Zaijing felt the old man's appearance was somewhat familiar, pondered for a moment, and then hurriedly bowed and cupped his hands, smiling: "Junior greets Lord Gu, greets Scholar; wishing you health and peace in the New Year, Scholar, wishing you auspiciousness in the New Year. Student is here to pay New Year's greetings to you."

Lord Gu, the Prefect of Kaifeng, stroked his beard and nodded with a smile, his gaze both appreciative and scrutinizing.

Scholar Zhuang smiled and beckoned: "Fifth Young Master, come and sit."

"Yes, Scholar."

Xu Zaijing did not stay long; after sitting down and talking with Scholar Zhuang for a while and discussing academics, he stood up to say goodbye.

It was not that Xu Zaijing was afraid that the scholar would ask too many questions, but just by looking at the attire of Scholar Zhuang and Lord Gu, Xu Zaijing knew that these two were mostly going out for a banquet.

If he delayed the two for a long time, it would really not be beautiful.

Watching Xu Zaijing's back disappear at the entrance of the moon gate, Lord Gu, Lord Gu Lin, stood with his hands behind his back and smiled: "I always thought this kid was a reckless and impulsive person who loved to fight! Seeing him today, I have greatly changed my view of this kid."

Scholar Zhuang glanced at his old friend and said with some disdain: "My student is reckless and impulsive? If that were the case, could he sit steadily in the school for several years and pass the exams step by step? I really don't know how you judge people?"

Lord Gu stared and said: "You old fellow, you don't know what's good for you! I was just afraid that his temperament would delay his future; loyal words are unpleasant to the ear but beneficial to action, do you understand?"

"Hmph, I don't understand! Just wait and see; the imperial examination next year will show the truth!" Scholar Zhuang said somewhat proudly.

Lord Gu looked at Scholar Zhuang and smiled: "Yo, it seems you value this child very much?"

"I value all the children in the school!" Scholar Zhuang continued: "Let's go, take advantage of the post-snow weather to see if that person who changed his name and surname and is hiding in the mansion dares to come out to see us."

Lord Gu curled his lips and shook his head: "That person is now a surrendered official; invitations have been delivered several times, but he doesn't dare to come out to see us; I imagine this time will be the same!"

Changbai's courtyard,

Outside the main room,

Yanghao stood at the study door and called out softly: "Young Master, Fifth Young Master of the Xu family has arrived."

"Let Fifth Young Master come in," Changbai's voice came.

Hearing this, Xu Zaijing smiled at Yanghao, pushed open the study door, and walked in.

Changbai, who was sitting behind the table writing, looked up at Xu Zaijing who entered the room and smiled: "Fifth Young Master, make yourself at home; I will finish this lesson immediately."

"Just do your work," saying this, Xu Zaijing walked around the room with his hands behind his back.

Xu Zaijing had not come to Changbai's study many times.

Thus, Xu Zaijing first turned around in front of the bookshelf, took out a book and read it for a few glances, nodded, and then walked toward the large white porcelain water tank in the study.

This large water tank was similar to the one in Xu Zaijing's study, and there were goldfish of various colors swimming inside.

Not knowing what he thought of, Xu Zaijing tapped his fingers on the edge of the water tank with great interest.

Looking at the dust faintly visible on his fingertips, Xu Zaijing curled his lips and smiled.

At this time, Changbai happened to look up, glanced at the smiling Xu Zaijing, lowered his head to continue writing, and said: "Fifth Young Master, what are you smiling at?"

Xu Zaijing shook his head with a smile: "Changbai, nothing, just thought of something fun."

Taking advantage of Changbai not paying attention, Xu Zaijing rinsed his fingers in the fish tank.

Subsequently, Xu Zaijing walked toward the long table by the wall and picked up the large Gao sword placed on the sword rack.

"Clang."

Xu Zaijing drew the precious sword, looked at the hilt and the blade for a few glances, and said: "Yo, Changbai, do you still use this precious sword often?"

"Hmm, when I exercise in the morning, I will dance a few sword moves for health," Changbai said without raising his head behind the table.

Xu Zaijing nodded, sheathed the sword, and put it back on the sword rack.

After a while,

Changbai put down the writing brush, examined the lesson, placed it under the paperweight, and stood up: "Fifth Young Master, let's go."

Exiting the study,

On the way,

Xu Zaijing said: "I heard from Dongrong, the personal attendant of the paternal uncle, that Yuanruo brought a scroll of good calligraphy; shall we go over and take a look?"

Changbai nodded: "Let's go! By the way, Old Madam Yu is coming in the afternoon; we must ask for advice when the time comes."

Xu Zaijing nodded and said: "Hmm! Second Brother is really something, actually bringing the eldest daughter of the Yu family today; she is quite far along in her pregnancy."

Changbai said: "The eldest daughter of the Yu family can be said to have been raised by Old Madam Yu; seeing her today, her mood might be much better."

"That's true."

While talking,

The two arrived outside Sheng Hong's study.

Buwei and Zhique, who were standing at the door, saw Xu Zaijing and the other, and hurriedly announced to the study.

"Paternal uncle."

"Father."

Looking at the two who entered the room to salute, Sheng Hong, who was standing behind the table, beckoned with a smile and said: "Jingge'er, Bo'er, come over and look at this calligraphy."

After Xu Zaijing finished appreciating it, and just as Changbai was about to speak, Changfeng slipped to Xu Zaijing's side and whispered: "Jing-ge, are you going to Qiao Jiu's poetry gathering in the afternoon?"

Before Xu Zaijing could answer, Changfeng continued: "I heard from Sixth Brother that this poetry gathering spent a lot of money to invite the famous Shishi girl from the capital!"

Xu Zaijing shook his head: "Old Madam Yu is coming in the afternoon; we can ask for more advice, which will be beneficial and harmless to the future imperial examination."

Beside the desk, Sheng Hong was already leading his nephews to discuss the brushwork.

Changfeng smiled, whispered: "Jing-ge, the Shishi girl is now unparalleled in fame in the capital and has always been difficult to invite; I don't know when we will be able to see her after today!"

"I heard that the Shishi girl is extremely beautiful, and all the noble children who have seen her have become her supporters; I really don't know what she looks like."

Saying this, Changfeng looked infinitely imaginative and continued to whisper: "Jing-ge, you say, what should I do if I am favored by the Shishi girl and she lets me stay overnight!"

After finishing, Changfeng sighed with his fist hitting his palm: "Difficult, difficult, difficult!"

Xu Zaijing shook his head with a smile, and just as he was about to speak, Sheng Hong said from the side: "Come, Yuanruo, try this brushwork."

Qi Heng nodded with a smile upon hearing this.

Changfeng stood on tiptoe to look, waved his hand at Xu Zaijing, and said: "Jing-ge, let's go and see too."

A moment later,

Qi Heng said in some surprise: "Uncle, after your guidance, this nephew truly feels that there is a different feeling in writing with this brushwork!"

"It is also because Yuanruo has excellent comprehension," Sheng Hong smiled.

Zaizhang and Gu Tingye on the side also smiled and flattered a few times, making Sheng Hong laugh and wave his hands.

There were also Sheng Hong's calligraphy works in Xu Zaijing's study; over the years, he had often copied Sheng Hong's calligraphy, and it had to be said that Sheng Hong's calligraphy was extremely aesthetic.

Using this kind of font to answer the exam, not to mention anything else, at least the "paper score" could get a full score.

At this moment,

The voice of a maid came from outside the study: "Master, the Madam says Old Madam Yu is about to arrive; she asks you to go to the main hall to talk and wait for a while."

"Alright, I know," Sheng Hong said loudly.

Outside the house, the maid responded and left.

Sheng Hong wiped his hands with a wet handkerchief, raised his chin toward his son-in-law and son, and said: "Zaizhang, Changbai, Feng'er, you guys go over first."

Hearing this, Changfeng's eyes lit up and he hurriedly responded, pulling Qi Heng and Gu Tingye's clothes and walking out.

Changbai and his brother-in-law Zaizhang exchanged a glance, and also reached out to invite each other to prepare to leave.

Sheng Hong looked at Xu Zaijing on the side and smiled: "Fifth Young Master, what are you waiting for?"

Xu Zaijing smiled: "Paternal uncle, I want to ask you for a few more pieces of calligraphy, so it is convenient for me to copy them at home before the Lantern Festival."

Sheng Hong nodded with a smile, looking very satisfied, and said: "Fifth Young Master, wait a moment."

Saying this, Sheng Hong flipped through a few practice papers left on the desk, pulled one out, and smiled: "I was quite satisfied after writing this one; Fifth Young Master, take a look?"

After Xu Zaijing took it and glanced at it, he nodded with satisfaction repeatedly and bowed: "Many thanks, paternal uncle."

Sheng Hong smiled: "Let's go."

Exiting the study,

The sun happened to emerge from the clouds,

The bright sunlight was somewhat dazzling,

Waving his hand toward the few people waiting in front, Xu Zaijing said: "Paternal uncle, I see that you have a love for calligraphy that far exceeds that of ordinary people."

Upon hearing this, Sheng Hong smiled and stroked his beard, his eyes full of memories, and nodded: "Fifth Young Master, your eyes are truly sharp."

Pondering for a moment, looking at Xu Zaijing, who was carefully rolling up his practice paper, Sheng Hong had a look of recollection in his eyes and said: "When I was a child, my father was still alive! At that time, my father held my hand and taught me how to write."

"He said I had quite a bit of talent for writing."

After finishing, Sheng Hong smiled with some self-deprecation and some nostalgia.

Xu Zaijing nodded, knowing that Sheng Hong was talking about his father, the top scholar, who was also his own paternal great-uncle and the husband of Old Madam Sheng.

Sheng Hong took a deep breath, looked at Xu Zaijing, and smiled: "Fifth Young Master, when I was young and hadn't started preparing for the imperial examination, I didn't really admire my father."

"But since I started the imperial examination..." Sheng Hong sighed and continued: "As I passed the county exam, the prefecture exam, and the academy exam, I began to admire and respect my father more and more."

Xu Zaijing nodded repeatedly: "Paternal uncle is right."

Suddenly, Xu Zaijing thought of something and said softly with a smile: "Without entering the imperial examination, seeing paternal great-uncle is like a frog in a well looking at the moon; entering the imperial examination, seeing paternal great-uncle is like a mayfly seeing the blue sky."

Sheng Hong was stunned, turned his head to look at Xu Zaijing with a smile, and said: "Fifth Young Master, although this sentence is slightly exaggerated, it also deeply touches my heart."

Back then, there was a famous teacher hired by the Old Madam with a lot of money to pave the way for Sheng Hong, and Sheng Hong exhausted his heart and blood to only pass as a Jinshi in the top two hundred of the Great Zhou.

But the father in Sheng Hong's eyes was directly in the top three of the Great Zhou.

Sheng Hong naturally knew that the further forward, the harder it was to advance, so this admiration became even more intense.

Zaizhang and the others in front stopped and continued to wait, looking back at Sheng Hong and Xu Zaijing.

Zaizhang glanced at the paper tube in Xu Zaijing's hand and smiled: "Father-in-law, Little Five, what are you talking about so happily?"

Xu Zaijing and Sheng Hong approached, and Sheng Hong smiled: "Nothing, just talking about some past events with Fifth Young Master."

While talking,

Everyone arrived at the main hall in the front courtyard.

After sitting down on the two rows of chairs facing the door, the Sheng family maid walked over with a tray containing tea soup.

Suddenly,

The room brightened,

It was someone who lifted the cotton curtain, and the sunlight outside shone in.

Xu Zaijing and the others looked toward the door and saw the tall Seeing Mo Lan walking in, holding a hand warmer, followed by Luzhong and Yunzai.

Seeing the maid holding the tray, Seeing Mo Lan walked up with great discernment, first helped Sheng Hong, who was sitting in the seat of honor, serve a cup of tea soup, and then turned to serve tea to Zaizhang and Changbai.

When serving tea to Qi Heng, Seeing Mo Lan looked at Qi Heng affectionately, which was exchanged for a smiling nod from Qi Heng.

When the satisfied Seeing Mo Lan wanted to serve tea to Xu Zaijing, she found that Xu Zaijing had already stood up and taken the teacup himself.

Looking at Seeing Mo Lan's surprised look, Xu Zaijing smiled: "It was just a convenient thing for me, so I won't trouble Fourth Younger Sister."

Seeing Mo Lan smiled, bowed to everyone, walked to the other side of the screen, bowed, and said: "Paternal great-aunt, grandmother, Old Madam, Madam, eldest sister... peace."

(End of chapter)