After a snowstorm, the sky became clear and every household came out to sweep the snow.
Hu Xu and Xu Jiang, one holding a shovel and the other holding a broom, first knocked the snow off the door, and then swept it together with the snow in front of the door and swept it under the tree.
Just as I finished and was about to sit down and have some hot tea, Yuan Zuzhi's carriage arrived.
Xu Jiang hurried forward and welcomed the person down.
Yuan Zuzhi took out several gift boxes from the carriage and ordered the servant to bring them into the shop for Xu Jiang. Xu Jiang wanted to stop him but failed, so she had to give up.
She invited him into the bookstore, and Hu Xu was very tactful and poured him some hot tea. Yuan Zuzhi couldn't help but smile when he saw that the two of them had such a good understanding.
After they sat down, Yuan Zuzhi began to talk about how he went to Jisheng Bookstore to return the money.
"I went there, and I did what you said. I didn't make a fuss or a scene. I simply pulled the manager aside and explained my purpose. He promptly returned the money." I tore up the fake deed right in front of me, and the manager didn't suspect anything. Then he snorted, "Although I'm indignant, a little impatience can ruin a big plan. I'll just have to swallow my anger for now. But from now on, I won't buy books there anymore. I won't even go there again, lest I get my shoes dirty."
Seeing that he was about to get angry again, Xu Jiang quickly invited him for tea. After drinking the tea, his anger subsided, and then he explained his purpose: "This collection is gone, and my heart is always empty. Madam Xu, since you have a pair of discerning eyes and can distinguish the authenticity of ancient books, can you help me look for it and see if you can find another set?"
He was really stubborn. Xu Jiang didn't want to persuade him, knowing that the more she tried, the more he would rebel. So she said, "I can promise to help you find it, but I don't guarantee I can find everything. A rare copy is a rare copy, and there is no other like it in the world. I can only do my best."
"I know this can't be forced, but I have a feeling this book is meant for me, and it will be mine sooner or later, so I always have a little hope in my heart. Madam Xu, don't feel any pressure. Just do your best, as you said."
What a fool.
After saying this, Yuan Zuzhi brought up another matter, which he said to Hu Xu: "I will have a banquet at my house in a few days. I have invited only a few old friends, including those enemies who came the other day. If you have time, you can come and have a chat. It doesn't need to be too formal, just come."
Hu Xu happily replied, "Thank you, sir. I will definitely attend the banquet on time."
After finishing his story, Yuan Zuzhi did not stay any longer. After repeatedly asking Xu Jiang to help him find the book, he got on the carriage and left in a hurry.
Hu Xu watched him go away until he could no longer see his shadow, then he returned to the bookstore with a face full of joy.
Xu Jiang was also happy for him and said, "Mr. Yuan, although you don't need to be too serious about the banquet, you can't go empty-handed. Since it's your first visit, you should prepare some gifts."
Hu Xu nodded in agreement, but when it came to gifts, he was at a loss: "I don't know what to give."
Xu Jiang thought about how the others usually behaved and suggested, "It doesn't have to be too expensive, but it should make people feel that you are thoughtful."
Hu Xu thought for a moment and understood, "I understand."
Not too stupid. Xu Jiang narrowed his eyes and smiled.
"According to the date, it's time to teach that brat to read. Zhuchun, you keep an eye on the bookstore while I go to Shoukangfang."
"Don't worry, I'm here."
Xu Jiang put the things Yuan Zuzhi brought into her own bedroom in the backyard, then led the donkey out through the corner gate, went to the front door of the bookstore, temporarily tied the donkey under a tree, and went in to look for books.
Hu Xu was sorting books, so he asked, "What book are you looking for?"
"He already has the Thousand Character Classic, so let's get the Three Character Classic and the Hundred Family Names."
"good."
While Hu Xu was looking for a book, Xu Jiang went to cut paper, and then found an unused inkstone, ink stick, and an old brush.
"You little brat doesn't need anything too good to practice with."
Hearing her mumbling, Hu Xu laughed. Xu Jiang glanced at him and left with the book.
She untied the donkey, climbed on, and walked a few steps with it. Then she remembered something and said to Hu Xu, who was standing at the door, "If anyone comes to return a book or an umbrella, remember to give them the loan agreement. It's in the third drawer of the counter. If they don't want it, just tear it up in front of them."
"Got it." Hu Xu waved at her.
Xu Jiang also waved her hand, then patted the donkey's butt, and the donkey raised its legs and ran away with a "da da".
As soon as the weather cleared, the streets became bustling with activity. Adults swept snow, and children ran around playing snowball fights. As Xu Jiang passed by, she was greeted by many people and hit by many snowballs. The donkey, which hadn't been out for a few days, wanted to run free, but Xu Jiang held it tightly, so it could only bark "ahh ...
"What are you shouting for? You're not allowed to run away!" There are so many people on the street, and it will be troublesome if they bump into each other.
She recalled the day when she and Zhaoyue almost bumped into each other on the street, and she couldn't help laughing.
I don’t know if he has finished reading the book he borrowed.
When we arrived at Uncle Cao's house, he was also sweeping the snow.
When Cao Dali saw her coming, he hurried over to lead her donkey, "I thought the boss couldn't come today."
"It's the agreed day, and there's nothing else delaying me, so of course I have to come." She took out the book from her bag and let Cao Dali lead the donkey to the stable to eat grass.
As soon as she entered the yard, she shouted to Aunt Cao, "Aunt, I'm here to eat your delicious meal."
"Hey!" Aunt Cao handed the broom to her daughter-in-law, came up, took Xu Jiang's hand and led her into the house, "I've prepared everything, just in case you didn't come."
"Uncle Cao, sister-in-law, sorry to bother you." Xu Jiang greeted the two as she walked. The two of them still had work in their hands, so they just asked her to follow Aunt Cao into the house and sit down.
The two of them didn't go to the main hall, but went straight into Lu Zhen's room. As soon as Xu Jiang entered, she saw a newly made table on Lu Zhen's bed. It had short legs and a wide belly, and it was obvious that Uncle Cao had made it specifically for him.
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