Chapter 754: The Man Who Was Beaten [Thank You! Again! 39k Words Owed]

“Greetings, Marquis Gu, may you have a joyful and healthy New Year.”

Xu Zaijing, walking ahead, smiled and bowed his hands in greeting.

Lu Zezong beside him offered the same greeting.

Marquis of Xiangyang scanned Xu Zaijing up and down with a beaming smile and nodded: “Healthy, healthy! Good lad, haven’t seen you in a while—you’ve grown even more handsome!”

“Er, thank you, Marquis, I am unworthy of such praise.”

“Worthy, worthy,” said Marquis of Xiangyang, then nodded to Lu Zezong, followed by a few bows to Lord Lian of Guo.

Glancing back, Marquis of Xiangyang glared: “You three, greet them properly!”

“Jing-ge’er, may the New Year bring you good fortune,” Qi Heng bowed with a smile.

Marquis of Xiangyang’s two sons, barely five by East Asian count, immediately turned to Qi Heng and mimicked his bow and greeting.

Hearing his eldest son call Jing-ge’er, Marquis of Xiangyang turned back, frowning: “How dare you call him Jing-ge’er? Call him Uncle!”

“Oh! Greetings, Uncle,” Marquis of Xiangyang’s eldest son bowed.

Xu Zaijing smiled and nodded.

Previously, Marquis of Xiangyang’s eldest son, after discussion between two marquises, had been betrothed at a young age to Xu Zaijing’s niece, Qing-jie.

When everyone had finished speaking, the elderly Lord Lian of Guo spoke with solemn gravity: “Marquis Gu, teach your son with righteousness. Pride invites loss; humility brings gain.”

Qi Heng beside him nodded vigorously in agreement.

Seeing the old duke’s expression, Marquis of Xiangyang shed his boastful demeanor, glanced around, cleared his throat, and bowed: “Thank you, Elder Duke, for your wise words.”

“Hmm, go on ahead,” the old duke replied with a returning bow, then turned south toward the outer court of the imperial palace.

Marquis of Xiangyang waved his hand: “Yuanruo, take them both and go with Jing-ge’er to the inner court.”

“Yes, Grandfather.”

As they spoke, Xu Zaijing and Qi Heng arrived at the inner court.

Upon seeing Princess Pingning, her two younger uncles hurried over, calling out, “Sister!”

Xu Zaijing also bid farewell to the elderly Lady Lian and joined his own family.

While waiting outside the hall,

Xie Shi and Hua Lan stood behind Sun Shi, glancing occasionally at the surroundings.

When they saw Pingmei and Youlou accompanying Bai Shi and Tingyi approaching, Xie Shi and Hua Lan smiled and nodded.

Zai Zhang whispered to Xu Zaijing beside him, mostly about today’s affairs in the Xu household.

On the morning of the first day of the New Year, many old acquaintances from marquis households came to Quyuanjie to pay New Year’s calls.

Xu Zaijing nodded occasionally,

“By the way, Xiao Wu, this morning, Zhejue’s son came to our house to pay New Year’s respects.”

“Zhejue Zhongding?”

“Yes.”

“Oh! Then after we leave the palace, when we go to Sheng’s, I’ll detour first to Zhejue’s to pay my respects.” Xu Zaijing said.

“Mm! Good idea.”

Before Xu Zaijing, Xu Xingdai looked up, his gaze shifting between his two uncles.

“The Gongfu of Xuanqi State, enter the hall!” came the eunuch’s call from ahead.

As the summons rang out, the crowd steadily moved forward.

Soon they reached the Yongyi Marquis household.

Entering the hall,

After the New Year greetings and well-wishes ended, Xu Zaijing looked up and noticed the attendants beside the Empress this year differed from previous years.

Prince Zhao Fang now accompanied the Emperor in his studies; the Rong Consort, who usually sat nearby, was absent this year due to pregnancy.

Meanwhile, Marquis of Xiangyang’s two sons sat not far below the Empress, occasionally glancing sideways at Princess Pingning.

“Jing-ge’er, did you spend the New Year at the Lian Marquis household?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The Empress smiled: “Oh! So that’s it. Then—”

The Empress’s gaze swept the hall, passing over several noble ladies of high families, then continued: “If you marry a lady of status in the future, will you still go there?”

Princess Pingning, seated nearby, perked up at this and looked around the hall.

Seeing the peculiar expressions of the noble ladies and their wives, Princess Pingning’s eyes sparkled with amusement.

After laughing, she turned to glance at her own elegant son, her gaze filled with daydreams.

“Er,” Xu Zaijing smiled awkwardly: “Your Majesty, I suppose I won’t go then.”

“Mm!” The Empress smiled and nodded, beckoning: “Dai-ge’er, come here, let me look at you.”

Xu Xingdai’s eyes darted, then he stepped forward.

Looking at the child approaching, the Empress smiled at Xu Zaijing: “I heard Dai-ge’er misses his father?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I—I also miss my grandfather.”

At these words,

A soft ripple of laughter echoed through the hall.

“Lady Xu, it seems Marquis Xu didn’t spoil him,” Princess Pingning said to Sun Shi with a smile.

Sun Shi smiled and nodded.

“Good child, go on,” the Empress said.

As other noble families entered the hall, it soon filled with people.

After the Emperor descended from court and entered with the crowd, everyone bowed and shouted in unison: “Long live the Emperor! Happy New Year!”

Zhao Fang, seated beside the Emperor and Empress, kept glancing at Xu Zaijing since entering the hall.

As the Emperor praised several young scions of noble and official families from his throne, Zhao Fang whispered quietly to the Empress.

Hearing the Empress say “when you marry a lady of status,” Zhao Fang’s eyes sparkled as he scanned the hall.

Xu Zaijing’s attention, however, was fixed on the Northern Liao envoys, who entered the hall with the great ministers of Zhou, their demeanor gentle and even humble.

The Emperor spoke a few more words; under the eunuch’s call, everyone again shouted their congratulations, then withdrew from the palace.

On the way out of the palace, Xu Zaijing walked beside several dukes and marquises, listening to their conversation.

After further questions during brief pauses, Xu Zaijing learned that the Northern Liao envoys, at today’s New Year’s grand assembly, had publicly proposed a sincere plan.

“All of Fengzhou from the previous dynasty, to be ceded to our state?”

After leaving the palace,

Gu Tingye, riding beside Xu Zaijing, asked in surprise:

Qi Heng beside him also looked puzzled: “Jing-ge’er, are the Northern Liao giving us land?”

“Yes!”

Seeing Qi Heng’s confusion, Xu Zaijing said: “Yuanruo, it was the Northern Liao who struck first in the twelfth month! If they don’t cede land and apologize, when spring and summer come, our state will strike back!”

Gu Tingye shook his head: “Ceding just that little land? That’s not enough!”

Xu Zaijing smiled: “Exactly! So I heard from several ministers that our condition for peace talks with Northern Liao is that they cede six western prefectures from Yan-Yun Sixteen Prefectures.”

Upon hearing this, Gu Tingye and Qi Heng both raised their eyebrows.

“Tsk! The ministers are ruthless,” Qi Heng sighed.

“Just highballing,” Xu Zaijing said. “The final terms still need negotiation.”

Gu Tingye exhaled a puff of white breath: “Once this demand is made, even if Northern Liao gives us one or two prefectures, it’ll seem reasonable.”

“Hahaha!” All four men laughed.

Turning down a street, watching passersby, Gu Tingye said with slight regret: “Pity Zheng Xiao didn’t return to the capital—we could’ve had a drink together!”

Xu Zaijing took a deep breath, feeling the chill in his nostrils, and smiled: “There are so many young talents in the capital. Brother Zheng must seize the chance to earn merit and promotion—otherwise, the Duke of Ying won’t easily give consent.”

At this, everyone burst into laughter again.

Laughing as they reached a street intersection, Xu Zaijing said a few words, then headed toward Zhejue’s with Qingyun.

After Ma Er trotted a stretch, Xu Zaijing arrived at Zhejue’s residence.

As a former senior minister of Baigaohebei and a key figure in the surrender of the Baigao Emperor, Zhejue’s residence was well-appointed.

The gatekeeper was sharp-eyed; upon seeing Xu Zaijing, he immediately sent a servant to announce his arrival and hurried forward to bow with a smile: “Greetings, Fifth Master! What brings you here today?”

Xu Zaijing dismounted smoothly and smiled: “I came to see the old master.”

Xu Zaijing entered the main gate; after a few steps, he saw Zhejue Zhongding running over.

“Fifth Master, my apologies for not greeting you sooner!”

Xu Zaijing shook his head with a smile: “Zhongding, I’m just dropping by to see the old master—what fault is there?”

Zhejue Zhongding smiled: “Fifth Master, please come inside.”

“After you,” Xu Zaijing smiled.

As they walked toward the back courtyard, admiring the well-arranged estate, Xu Zaijing said: “You’ve been in the capital over a year—haven’t you thought of taking a wife? This house feels too empty.”

“No rush, no rush,” Zhejue Zhongding smiled.

“You’re not in a rush—what about the old master?” Xu Zaijing pressed, stern-faced: “Today I’ll send someone to ask Lady Wu if she knows of any suitable matches.”

Zhejue Zhongding smiled and nodded.

Arriving at the back courtyard,

“Father, Fifth Master Xu is here.”

At Zhejue Zhongding’s call, Xu Zaijing lowered his head and passed through the cotton curtain into the main hall.

“Older Lord, long time no see! Happy New Year.” Xu Zaijing smiled and bowed.

Elder Lord Zuo jue extended his hand and laughed: “Mm! A distinguished guest! Fifth Young Master is a guest of honor—please sit!”

Xu Zaijing had already known the identity of this older lord: he was a jinshi of this dynasty several decades ago.

Even back then, when candidates reached the palace examination, some were still rejected.

This older lord came from humble origins; he failed the palace examination twice, and in anger, he defected to Bai Gao, rising to prominence through his talent and ability.

That was also why the Zuo jue family’s residence in Xingqing Prefecture was built entirely in the Great Zhou style.

Moreover, Zuo jue Zhongding’s wife was a noble lady of the Li clan of Bai Gao’s imperial family.

That he survived the purge at Liang Yi’s household proves this older lord’s talent and wisdom.

“Your Brave and Resolute Marquis has achieved new merit in the northwest. I am here to offer my congratulations.”

“Thank you, Older Lord! My father wrote in his letter that such a great victory was due largely to the infantry of the Zuo jue and Lian nu tribes. Zhongding also contributed greatly.”

As he spoke, Xu Zaijing glanced at Zuo jue Zhongding beside him.

“Oh? Fifth Young Master already knows?” the older lord asked, puzzled.

Xu Zaijing nodded: “Although the Northern Liao’s mobilization came from the Xijin Prefecture’s orders, conflicts among border tribes also played a catalytic role.”

The older lord nodded with a smile: “Today, the Northern Liao envoy presented conditions for peace at the grand court assembly—they demand that the remaining territory of Fengzhou be ceded to Great Zhou.”

Xu Zaijing raised his thumb.

Then the older lord went on to discuss possible future negotiation terms, and Xu Zaijing nodded in agreement.

After speaking for about fifteen minutes, Xu Zaijing rose and bowed: “Older Lord, I must pay my New Year’s respects to my master’s home—I’ll take my leave now. Please don’t see me out.”

“Very well. Fifth Young Master, go slowly. I’m too old and frail to accompany you.”

On the way out of the courtyard, Xu Zaijing nodded and sighed: “This older lord is deeply learned—just a few words have greatly benefited me!”

“Fifth Young Master overstates it.”

At the main gate,

Xu Zaijing mounted his horse, smiled, and nodded to Zuo jue Zhongding, who bowed in farewell: “Go back.”

“Fifth Young Master, go slowly.”

“Alright.”

After riding a short while,

Xu Zaijing’s gaze sharpened as he turned to look at several rugged youths by the roadside, his voice stern: “What are you doing here?”

One youth, face flushed with anger, opened his mouth—but his companion yanked him hard.

“Hmm?” Xu Zaijing asked again.

One of the youths smiled and said: “We… came to pay New Year’s respects and offer greetings to the older lord.”

“Oh! I see.” Xu Zaijing nodded.

After giving them a careful, warning glance, Xu Zaijing lightly kicked his horse’s flanks and continued forward.

Qingyun spurred his horse forward and said: “Young Master, I’ve got a feeling those fellows aren’t up to anything good.”

“Mm. We should mention them to the Imperial Surveillance Office.”

As they spoke, the two riders quickened their pace toward Jiyin Alley.

Watching Xu Zaijing and Qingyun’s retreating backs, the youth who had looked angry spat on the ground.

The group did not proceed to the Zuo jue residence; instead, they turned and left in another direction.

Xu Zaijing recognized these youths—he had personally escorted them from Xingqing Prefecture all the way to Bianjing, and at Jinglong Gate, he had personally punished them.

Jiyin Alley,

Sheng family,

Zhuang the Scholar’s courtyard,

Inside the house,

“Master Zhuang, I come to pay you New Year’s respects!” Xu Zaijing smiled and bowed.

Zhuang the Scholar smiled and gestured: “Come, Zaijing, sit.”

“I heard from your brother that you visited the Zuo jue household?”

“Yes, Master.”

Zhuang the Scholar nodded, studied Xu Zaijing for a moment, sighed heavily, and asked: “That older lord’s surname is Zuo jue?”

Xu Zaijing nodded: “Yes, but he once passed the jinshi examination under Great Zhou. Later, he defected to Bai Gao and became a son-in-law of the Zuo jue family. His original surname under Great Zhou—I never asked.”

“Oh!” Zhuang the Scholar nodded.

Xu Zaijing hesitated: “Master, judging by his age, he’s about your age—could it be…?”

“I don’t know him.” The scholar waved his hand.

Xu Zaijing raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

After chatting a while longer, Xu Zaijing bowed and took his leave.

Watching Xu Zaijing depart, Zhuang the Scholar stared blankly at the gently swaying cotton curtain for a moment, then shook his head.

Xu Zaijing walked toward the front hall of the Sheng residence. When he passed the classroom he hadn’t visited in over half a month, he paused and gazed at it, feeling a faint pang inside.

Smiling and shaking his head, he continued forward.

In the main hall of the front courtyard,

Seeing Xu Zaijing approach, Danju, standing by the door, quickly smiled: “Fifth Young Master has arrived!”

As she spoke, Danju lifted the cotton curtain at the doorway.

Inside the hall,

Minglan, who had been speaking with Pinlan, immediately turned her head toward the door at the call.

Minglan’s gaze passed over Qi Heng as she looked toward the door; seeing Qi Heng staring fixedly at her, she had to force her attention back to the entrance.

As Qi Heng turned his head to catch Minglan’s eye, he suddenly felt another gaze upon him—he turned and saw the girl beside Minglan glaring at him with a frown.

Xu Zaijing stepped into the room,

And quickly bowed to the assembled elders: “Greetings to all my seniors…”

After exchanging New Year’s greetings, Xu Zaijing sat beside Gu Tingye.

Wang Ruofu, seated beside her sister-in-law Lady Li Da, waved her hand for the maidservants to serve tea, then continued beaming at Zhaozhang.

Her satisfaction with her son-in-law nearly overflowed.

On the high Luo Han chair, the two branches of the Sheng family’s matriarchs continued speaking.

Xu Zaijing gently blew on his hot tea, listening as it seemed Pinlan of the main branch had made friends in the capital—all daughters of wealthy merchant families.

After sipping, Xu Zaijing glanced aside and saw Sheng’s Seventh Young Master, Chang Zhen, sitting properly beside Chang Feng, his eyes curious as he studied Xu Zaijing.

After meeting his gaze, seeing the boy’s face resembled Minglan’s but his bearing echoed Chang Bai’s, Xu Zaijing smiled and raised an eyebrow.

(End of Chapter)