[{"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-754":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},2308532,4510,"Chapter 754: The Man Who Was Beaten [Thank You! Again! 39k Words Owed]","i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-chapter-754",754,"\u003Cp>“Greetings, Marquis Gu, may you have a joyful and healthy New Year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing, walking ahead, smiled and bowed his hands in greeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Zezong beside him offered the same greeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Er, thank you, Marquis, I am unworthy of such praise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Worthy, worthy,” said Marquis of Xiangyang, then nodded to Lu Zezong, followed by a few bows to Lord Lian of Guo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Glancing back, Marquis of Xiangyang glared: “You three, greet them properly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jing-ge’er, may the New Year bring you good fortune,” Qi Heng bowed with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marquis of Xiangyang’s two sons, barely five by East Asian count, immediately turned to Qi Heng and mimicked his bow and greeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh! Greetings, Uncle,” Marquis of Xiangyang’s eldest son bowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing smiled and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Heng beside him nodded vigorously in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, go on ahead,” the old duke replied with a returning bow, then turned south toward the outer court of the imperial palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marquis of Xiangyang waved his hand: “Yuanruo, take them both and go with Jing-ge’er to the inner court.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Grandfather.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they spoke, Xu Zaijing and Qi Heng arrived at the inner court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon seeing Princess Pingning, her two younger uncles hurried over, calling out, “Sister!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing also bid farewell to the elderly Lady Lian and joined his own family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While waiting outside the hall,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Shi and Hua Lan stood behind Sun Shi, glancing occasionally at the surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they saw Pingmei and Youlou accompanying Bai Shi and Tingyi approaching, Xie Shi and Hua Lan smiled and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zai Zhang whispered to Xu Zaijing beside him, mostly about today’s affairs in the Xu household.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing nodded occasionally,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, Xiao Wu, this morning, Zhejue’s son came to our house to pay New Year’s respects.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhejue Zhongding?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm! Good idea.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Xu Zaijing, Xu Xingdai looked up, his gaze shifting between his two uncles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Gongfu of Xuanqi State, enter the hall!” came the eunuch’s call from ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the summons rang out, the crowd steadily moved forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon they reached the Yongyi Marquis household.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Entering the hall,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prince Zhao Fang now accompanied the Emperor in his studies; the Rong Consort, who usually sat nearby, was absent this year due to pregnancy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Marquis of Xiangyang’s two sons sat not far below the Empress, occasionally glancing sideways at Princess Pingning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jing-ge’er, did you spend the New Year at the Lian Marquis household?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Your Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Empress smiled: “Oh! So that’s it. Then—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Pingning, seated nearby, perked up at this and looked around the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the peculiar expressions of the noble ladies and their wives, Princess Pingning’s eyes sparkled with amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After laughing, she turned to glance at her own elegant son, her gaze filled with daydreams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Er,” Xu Zaijing smiled awkwardly: “Your Majesty, I suppose I won’t go then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm!” The Empress smiled and nodded, beckoning: “Dai-ge’er, come here, let me look at you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Xingdai’s eyes darted, then he stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the child approaching, the Empress smiled at Xu Zaijing: “I heard Dai-ge’er misses his father?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Your Majesty. I—I also miss my grandfather.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A soft ripple of laughter echoed through the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lady Xu, it seems Marquis Xu didn’t spoil him,” Princess Pingning said to Sun Shi with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Shi smiled and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good child, go on,” the Empress said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As other noble families entered the hall, it soon filled with people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the Emperor descended from court and entered with the crowd, everyone bowed and shouted in unison: “Long live the Emperor! Happy New Year!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Fang, seated beside the Emperor and Empress, kept glancing at Xu Zaijing since entering the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Emperor praised several young scions of noble and official families from his throne, Zhao Fang whispered quietly to the Empress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the Empress say “when you marry a lady of status,” Zhao Fang’s eyes sparkled as he scanned the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor spoke a few more words; under the eunuch’s call, everyone again shouted their congratulations, then withdrew from the palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the way out of the palace, Xu Zaijing walked beside several dukes and marquises, listening to their conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All of Fengzhou from the previous dynasty, to be ceded to our state?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After leaving the palace,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Tingye, riding beside Xu Zaijing, asked in surprise:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Heng beside him also looked puzzled: “Jing-ge’er, are the Northern Liao giving us land?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Tingye shook his head: “Ceding just that little land? That’s not enough!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Gu Tingye and Qi Heng both raised their eyebrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tsk! The ministers are ruthless,” Qi Heng sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just highballing,” Xu Zaijing said. “The final terms still need negotiation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha!” All four men laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, everyone burst into laughter again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Laughing as they reached a street intersection, Xu Zaijing said a few words, then headed toward Zhejue’s with Qingyun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Ma Er trotted a stretch, Xu Zaijing arrived at Zhejue’s residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a former senior minister of Baigaohebei and a key figure in the surrender of the Baigao Emperor, Zhejue’s residence was well-appointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing dismounted smoothly and smiled: “I came to see the old master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing entered the main gate; after a few steps, he saw Zhejue Zhongding running over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fifth Master, my apologies for not greeting you sooner!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing shook his head with a smile: “Zhongding, I’m just dropping by to see the old master—what fault is there?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhejue Zhongding smiled: “Fifth Master, please come inside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After you,” Xu Zaijing smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No rush, no rush,” Zhejue Zhongding smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhejue Zhongding smiled and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arriving at the back courtyard,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Father, Fifth Master Xu is here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Zhejue Zhongding’s call, Xu Zaijing lowered his head and passed through the cotton curtain into the main hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Older Lord, long time no see! Happy New Year.” Xu Zaijing smiled and bowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Lord Zuo jue extended his hand and laughed: “Mm! A distinguished guest! Fifth Young Master is a guest of honor—please sit!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing had already known the identity of this older lord: he was a jinshi of this dynasty several decades ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even back then, when candidates reached the palace examination, some were still rejected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was also why the Zuo jue family’s residence in Xingqing Prefecture was built entirely in the Great Zhou style.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, Zuo jue Zhongding’s wife was a noble lady of the Li clan of Bai Gao’s imperial family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That he survived the purge at Liang Yi’s household proves this older lord’s talent and wisdom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Brave and Resolute Marquis has achieved new merit in the northwest. I am here to offer my congratulations.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Xu Zaijing glanced at Zuo jue Zhongding beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? Fifth Young Master already knows?” the older lord asked, puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing raised his thumb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the older lord went on to discuss possible future negotiation terms, and Xu Zaijing nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Very well. Fifth Young Master, go slowly. I’m too old and frail to accompany you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fifth Young Master overstates it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the main gate,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing mounted his horse, smiled, and nodded to Zuo jue Zhongding, who bowed in farewell: “Go back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fifth Young Master, go slowly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After riding a short while,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One youth, face flushed with anger, opened his mouth—but his companion yanked him hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?” Xu Zaijing asked again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the youths smiled and said: “We… came to pay New Year’s respects and offer greetings to the older lord.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh! I see.” Xu Zaijing nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After giving them a careful, warning glance, Xu Zaijing lightly kicked his horse’s flanks and continued forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingyun spurred his horse forward and said: “Young Master, I’ve got a feeling those fellows aren’t up to anything good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm. We should mention them to the Imperial Surveillance Office.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they spoke, the two riders quickened their pace toward Jiyin Alley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Xu Zaijing and Qingyun’s retreating backs, the youth who had looked angry spat on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group did not proceed to the Zuo jue residence; instead, they turned and left in another direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiyin Alley,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheng family,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuang the Scholar’s courtyard,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the house,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Zhuang, I come to pay you New Year’s respects!” Xu Zaijing smiled and bowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuang the Scholar smiled and gestured: “Come, Zaijing, sit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard from your brother that you visited the Zuo jue household?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuang the Scholar nodded, studied Xu Zaijing for a moment, sighed heavily, and asked: “That older lord’s surname is Zuo jue?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh!” Zhuang the Scholar nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing hesitated: “Master, judging by his age, he’s about your age—could it be…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know him.” The scholar waved his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing raised an eyebrow but said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After chatting a while longer, Xu Zaijing bowed and took his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Xu Zaijing depart, Zhuang the Scholar stared blankly at the gently swaying cotton curtain for a moment, then shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smiling and shaking his head, he continued forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the main hall of the front courtyard,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Xu Zaijing approach, Danju, standing by the door, quickly smiled: “Fifth Young Master has arrived!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, Danju lifted the cotton curtain at the doorway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the hall,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minglan, who had been speaking with Pinlan, immediately turned her head toward the door at the call.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing stepped into the room,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And quickly bowed to the assembled elders: “Greetings to all my seniors…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After exchanging New Year’s greetings, Xu Zaijing sat beside Gu Tingye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her satisfaction with her son-in-law nearly overflowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the high Luo Han chair, the two branches of the Sheng family’s matriarchs continued speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2599,"2026-06-20T10:32:41.888Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","39e7ff687309c69ba20126b1e1342f9a27f2a89efa7e2a475b2319cf3f23c53b","i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-chapter-755","i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-chapter-753",790,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fi-am-the-xu-family-s-son-cover.jpg"]