The atmosphere at home was somber for a few days, but then it became lively again when the Zhang family came.

Zhang Zhaozhi and Zhang Zhaoqin brought several younger members of the Zhang family with them. Zhang Zhaozhi was the third master of the Zhang family, while Zhang Zhaoqin was the fourth master and the youngest of the current generation, even younger than Zhang Zhaoci.

The children the Zhang family brought were all quite young and born in the south. Some had been to Hexi before, while others were visiting for the first time. The south is hot at this time of year, but Ganzhou is different. The sky is high and the clouds are light, and even at the hottest time of the year, it doesn't feel that hot.

Xu Di led a group of people to ride horses on the grassland and have a barbecue in the backyard. At first, Xiao Yuan was a little reserved, but in the end, he was having so much fun that he forgot all about it and didn't even have time to finish the homework that Xu Rao had assigned him.

As the uncle of the Zhang family children, Xu Rao was kind and gentle, so the children were not afraid of him and could even joke with him.

Xiao Yuan was busy doing his homework in Xu Rao's study when several children came to find him. Xiao Yuan looked at his unfinished calligraphy with some difficulty. The youngest child of the Zhang family, named Zhang Yukang, was Zhang Zhaoqin's youngest son. At the age of seven or eight, he was at the age where he was just starting to get annoyed by cats and dogs. When he saw Xiao Yuan's expression, he snatched the brush from Xiao Yuan's hand and threw it onto the inkstone, saying, "What are you afraid of? My uncle is such a good person, would he hit you? Listen to me, come and play with us first, and you can finish your writing when we get back. We won't be staying here for long, and we won't have much time to play together."

Xiao Yuan glanced at the blank calligraphy practice paper and said, "But my uncle said I have to finish four large characters every day before I can play."

Zhang Yukang said, "Why are you so stubborn? Do you have to write it now? You can write it after we come back from playing. Come on, come on, my cousin is taking us to play in the mountains outside the city. We'll have barbecue there for lunch."

Xiao Yuan was thus led away by Zhang Yukang, and they ended up playing until dark before entering the city.

Xiao Yuan was so tired that he fell asleep on the guard's back. When he woke up at home, it was already past midnight. Xiao Yuan remembered that he still had his homework in the study, so he quickly got up and cried as he went to do it.

Xu Rao naturally knew what Xiao Yuan had been doing during the day, so she stayed with him in the study until he finished writing the large characters and helped him memorize what needed to be memorized. Only then did she lead him back to the backyard.

When Zhang Zhaoci saw that Xu Rao had come back so late, he asked him what had happened. Xu Rao told him about Xiao Yuan doing his homework. Zhang Zhaoci said, "This child is a very honest one."

Xu Rao said, "He has a good temperament and learns things quickly, but he is too soft-hearted. It would be difficult for such a person to become the ruler of a country."

Zhang Zhaoci said, "Children are still young, and there are some things that cannot be taught too early. If they are taught too early, their temperament may be easily altered."

Xu Rao said, "Overall, he's a good child. I can still teach him now that he's in our family, but when he gets older, I won't be able to teach him anymore, and we'll have to hire a famous teacher for him."

Zhang Zhaoci thought for a moment and said, "That's right, you're always giving lectures to grassroots cadres." Then they both laughed.

After laughing, Xu Rao sighed and said, "It's been several years since we came here. Sometimes when I think about it, it feels unbelievable. We're both practically half-buried in the ground, yet we've caught up with the times. It's like a dream from our past lives. But as long as our family is together, it's fine wherever we are."

Zhang Zhaoci said, "Yes, as long as our family is together, it's good no matter where we are. We also have a well-behaved and sensible daughter here, and we found a daughter-in-law early on. I feel very satisfied."

Xu Rao said, "This is a happy thing, especially for Xu Di's wife. Our Xu Di used to be a very good young man. Why has his problem been delayed for so long? I'm afraid he'll bring a man home and say that he likes him."

Zhang Zhaoci laughed heartily and said, "I'm not in a hurry. Each generation has its own ideas. We can't make decisions for our children; we can only respect their choices. But things are fine as they are now. My son is still the same son, smart and capable. He'll be able to get married in two years, and then our family will have a new member. Things that we hoped for in our past life but couldn't achieve have come true in this life. Thinking about it makes me feel quite comfortable."

Xu Rao said, "I have something to tell you. Originally, it was a good thing to take the children out to see the world, but Xiao Yuan is too conspicuous. I think it's better not to go for safety reasons. Look at your nephews and nieces. Whoever wants to stay and study with me can study with me. The capital is turbulent right now. It's better to stay still than to make a move."

Zhang Zhaoci nodded in agreement and said, "Then I'll talk to Xu Di tomorrow. It's Xu Di who wants to go south to take a look."

Xu Rao said, "I don't plan to let Xu Di leave either. Right now, Ganzhou is the focus of many people's attention. Every move we make will attract attention. We should be careful."

Xu Di understood Xu Rao's meaning and thought about it, so it made sense. When he told Xiao Yuan about it, Xiao Yuan was still somewhat regretful.

Xu Di said, "The situation is still a bit tense. Those people in the Southwest suffered a great loss on our side, and they're always holding a grudge. It's best not to let them find any fault with us."

Xu Rao said, "If you don't want to stay in Ganzhou, then go to Hexi. When Wei Lang came last time, he said he wanted you to train the soldiers with him. There are no more hidden dangers in the Northern Di, but the Jin are said to be making some moves. It's always good to be on guard."

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