Chapter 21 Antidote: Where have you been today?
Today, carriages are restricted in Chang'an City, and oxcarts only went as far as the city gates before stopping.
Zhu Qing and his group headed into the city. Zhu Qing found a shop selling writing materials and ink to buy paper and pens for Manman.
Zhu Feichuan wanted to take Chen Sangguo to the market. He arranged to meet Zhu Qing outside the East Market and then led Chen Sangguo away.
Zhang Yin followed Zhu Qing into the calligraphy and painting workshop: "I know a bit about calligraphy, ink, paper, and brushes. I'll accompany you to take a look."
Zhu Qing did not refuse, as she didn't really know much about ancient stationery.
She and Zhang Yin entered the literary workshop side by side.
The shop owner warmly greeted them, and on Zhang Yin's recommendation, Zhu Qing chose a children's version of "Biting Words and Chewing Characters" and "Young Book".
We also had a few small brushes, and we chose relatively expensive pine soot ink, because we were worried that cheaper ink would be pungent or stain the baby's skin and be bad for young Manman's health.
It cost a lot of money to buy pine soot ink.
The reward given by Tian Lingzi will probably be spent by now.
After shopping, Zhu Qing and Zhang Yin left the calligraphy shop side by side.
A rich aroma wafted from a nearby restaurant. Amidst the crowded throng, Zhang Yin turned around and smiled at Zhu Qing: "Madam Zhu, I'm about to leave. I am deeply grateful to Second Brother Zhu for saving my life this time. Once I have found my relatives and settled down, I will have someone personally deliver my thanks to you."
Zhu Qing looked up and saw Zhang Yin, dressed in a blue robe, standing out among the crowd. He was handsome and elegant, tall and with long legs, fair-skinned and delicate, and he smiled at her like a gentle breeze.
Zhu Qing was momentarily stunned; the bustling market seemed to fall silent. How could someone dressed simply possess such a refined and elegant demeanor?
After a moment, Zhu Qing came to his senses and said, "My second brother is a doctor at heart, so you don't need to worry about him. However, there is something I need to remind you of."
Zhang Yin asked earnestly, "What is it?"
"Although I don't know which family you plan to seek refuge with, young master, please remember to stay far away from the Feng family if you encounter them."
Zhu Qing was genuinely worried about him.
She noticed the portrait Feng Huaihe had hidden away, as well as the secret room, and felt that Feng Huaihe had some bad intentions.
Zhang Yin was clearly from Lingnan and had no connection with Feng Huaihe whatsoever. Zhu Qing didn't know how they knew each other, but after Feng Huaihe's elder sister died, didn't he disappear for quite a while? Later, he suddenly reappeared as a high-ranking strategist.
Perhaps during the time he disappeared, he went to Lingnan and became rivals with Zhang Yin.
Now that they've reunited, Zhang Yin is so destitute and has no one to rely on. Who knows if Feng Huaihe will try to poison him?
Zhu Qing wasn't stupid; she could only offer a hint, not make it too obvious.
It all depends on whether Zhang Yin can understand it.
Zhang Yin's expression hardened slightly. After a moment of thought, he said, "To be honest, Madam Zhu, my purpose in coming to the capital was not to seek kinship. Back in Lingnan, I was from a prominent family. Without being immodest, if the war hadn't broken out in Lingnan, I'm afraid I would have lived a carefree life forever."
He has no shortage of money or people; he's a pampered young master who never lifts a finger. His only worries are probably how to write poetry and how to amuse birds.
Zhang Yin sighed: "Alas, this battle has destroyed my family and left me with no way to survive in Lingnan. I am not willing to be an ordinary person, so I came to the capital to seek a different way of life. However, due to the current turmoil and my fear for my safety, I have concealed my true purpose and used the excuse of going to the capital to seek relatives."
He hadn't intended to mention it to anyone, but after spending two days with the Zhu family, he felt that they were kind and compassionate. How could anyone casually save someone on the edge of a field during turbulent times?
Zhang Yin felt he should tell her.
Zhu Qing was speechless upon hearing this.
Indeed, in the world of martial arts, eight out of ten things a person says are lies.
Lost in thought, a group of people rushed over and bumped into Zhu Qing, causing her to stumble forward from exhaustion.
Zhang Yin quickly grabbed her wrist, put his other hand on her waist, pulled her into his arms, and wrapped his body around her, protecting her from all sides.
A dizzying sensation spun around her as Zhu Qing bumped into the man's hard chest, a faint scent of soap wafting into her nostrils.
She was taken aback at first, then felt the man's hand gripping her wrist, which was warm and hot. Zhu Qing quickly stepped back and pulled her hand away, saying, "Thank you."
Zhang Yin felt a soft touch flash in his hand, and his ears instantly turned red: "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to..."
"It's alright..."
Zhu Qing was so embarrassed that she didn't know where to look, so she simply looked at the person who had bumped into her.
The man was around fifty years old, dressed in a grayish-brown robe, with jade rings and copper coins hanging from his waist, making a tinkling sound as he walked.
He strode into the literary workshop with brisk steps and without even a word of apology.
Zhang Yin, who was beside him, said, "He is wearing silk robes with intertwined branches embroidered on them, and a silver-gilt belt around his waist. This man is no ordinary person." He sighed, "He is no ordinary person."
No wonder he's so arrogant.
Zhu Qing asked, "Liaoling? What's that?"
"A tribute from Yuezhou, an extremely rare type of fabric. Bai Juyi's description of it as 'like a forty-five-foot waterfall before the bright moon on Mount Tiantai' refers to it."
Zhang Yin said, "The tribute is for the imperial court, yet this person is wearing it. And it's not the bright red or purple of an official; it's probably silk brocade obtained through trade. Is he a merchant? Chang'an City... is it... Feng Ruling?"
Zhu Qing suddenly realized.
No wonder he looked familiar at first; it turns out he resembled Feng Huaihe in his features.
It's the leader's father!
Feng Ruling seemed to be in a hurry, wiping his sweat from time to time. The dozen or so attendants behind him had driven all the other guests out and lined up in an orderly fashion outside the Wenmofang, blocking the entrance.
Zhu Qing clicked his tongue in amazement. No wonder so many big shots these days like to clear the area; they must have learned it from the ancients!
“Madam Zhu, I’m in a hurry, I won’t stay any longer,” Zhang Yin suddenly said.
Zhu Qing turned to look at him and subconsciously asked, "What kind of way out are you planning to find?"
“Although warriors are valued these days, I have studied literature and calligraphy in Lingnan, and perhaps I will take the path of a strategist.” Zhang Yin answered without hesitation, indicating that he had already considered his future path.
He clasped his hands, his slender back bent, and formally bowed to Zhu Qing: "Though mountains are high and rivers are far, we will meet again someday. I, Zhang Yin, will repay your life-saving grace today if I have the opportunity in the future."
Zhu Qingwei paused slightly, then said, "Okay."
Zhang Yin hurriedly turned around, and Zhu Qing watched his departing figure slowly disappear into the crowded flow of people.
A sense of melancholy welled up inside me for no apparent reason.
Zhu Qing's intuition told her that Zhang Yin was a good person.
Zhang Yin wanted to buy paper, pens, and ink for Manman. Unlike others, he didn't spout the pessimistic talk that a woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent, or that learning was useless in this chaotic world.
He carefully helped with the selection and even taught Zhu Qing how to teach Manman according to her individual aptitude.
Women were subjected to both open and covert mistreatment by the world, and even in modern times, a thousand years later, Zhu Qing still suffered the same unfair treatment.
Only Zhang Yin would bow to her from time to time, being polite and respectful.
It's only natural that Zhu Qing would admire such a man.
He said that the mountains are high and the rivers are far, and that they would meet again in the future. Unfortunately, the Five Dynasties were a time of chaos, and Zhu Qing dared not think about those things. He only hoped that they could all live well.
She's always been like this: she has empathy, but not the ability to empathize. But when you lack the ability, empathy is just a form of self-depletion.
Zhu Qing lowered her eyes dejectedly.
"Qingqing!" Chen Sangguo called out from behind.
Zhu Qing turned around, and Chen Sangguo jumped up in the crowded throng and waved to her: "Come on! Let's go!"
Sang Guo grinned broadly, her eyes gleaming as she looked at Zhu Qing.
She had two buns tied on top of her head, with small bells attached to red hair ties that jingled as she jumped.
Even through the crowd, Zhu Qing seemed to hear the tinkling of bells, clear and melodious.
Zhu Qing was immediately infected by her joy and became happy. She picked up the things she bought for Manman and went over: "Didn't we say we'd meet at the East Market?"
Zhu Feichuan took the things from her hands: "Since you hadn't come, we had no choice but to come looking for you. Let's go, let's go, I can't wait any longer!"
He glanced behind Zhu Qing: "Zhang Yin is gone?"
Zhu Qing nodded.
"Alright, I wish him all the best in his search for his family. There's something I've been wanting to say, but I haven't been able to because of him..."
The three walked side by side, chatting as they went.
Sangguo bought some jianbing guozi (Chinese crepes) and gave most of them to Zhu Qing.
Once outside the city, Zhu Feichuan drove the oxcart, with Zhu Qing and Sangguo sitting in the back. Zhu Feichuan said, "I've already figured out what to do with your box of gold and silver jewelry. But since it's yours, I need your permission. Don't worry, if you give it to me, I'll definitely exchange it for something usable and give you double the money."
May you ponder deeply.
Zhu Feichuan's ambition was to become a great merchant. Apart from the two boxes of grain and medicine, Zhu Qing really couldn't spend the remaining box of gold and silver jewelry.
It's like having a whole chest of gold in modern times. Even if you could pawn it and exchange it for silver, it would still be too much.
Leaving aside how much money the pawnshop could possibly have to exchange for Zhu Qing, just taking it over would be fraught with danger. This is the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, a time of moral decay and social upheaval, no longer the peaceful and prosperous Tang Dynasty.
"Here you go." Zhu Qing had made up her mind and smiled, "I'll help Third Brother become a great businessman."
She has made her decision; from now on, she will simply live as Zhu Qing, living out her life with her family in the Five Dynasties period.
If it were the original Zhu Qing, she would definitely support Third Brother as well.
"Really!" Zhu Feichuan was incredibly excited, and he drove the oxcart even faster: "Qingqing, I'm sure I can succeed this time."
He was overjoyed, his face beaming with excitement. The young man, full of ambition, told Zhu Qing about his plan: "I've thought it all out. I plan to use this box of jewels to exchange for grain in batches, hoard it, and become a grain merchant."
"If Huang Chao really manages to capture Chang'an, I will allocate some of the porridge to the refugees and build up my reputation."
Zhu Qing listened silently. As expected of someone who had studied the ways of business, this was definitely marketing!
Zhu Feichuan said, "I will sell the remaining grain to the generals as military rations. I will do it in several batches, and each time I will use different people to sell it. Otherwise, if they find out that I have so much grain, I may be in danger of being killed. After I understand the situation of the officers and soldiers and build good relationships with them, I will make weapons!"
He laughed, his eyes gleaming with a burning desire for success. "With war raging everywhere, only weapon making is the way to go! In the future, I'll not only be a great merchant, but also a master swordsmith! I'll forge the sharpest weapons in the world! With money and fame, will our family be left without worrying about survival? Then, my elder brother won't need to join the army..."
Zhu Qing: "..."
I admire him, but I have mixed feelings.
In her time, countless teenagers were glued to their phones, addicted to all sorts of online videos and pornography.
She had rarely seen such youthful ambition again.
That kind of high-spirited belief that you will succeed and embark on the road to prosperity is like the rising sun, full of vigor and infecting people's hearts!
Zhu Feichuan: "Thanks to you, Qingqing, you made my eighteen-year dream come true. I'm so glad I had you! When we were little, the three of us brothers would catch birds in the river every day, play football, and fight, until our parents had you."
"You're so tiny, sleeping in your cradle, all white and small, so cute!"
Chen Sangguo scoffed, "You're just bragging. You're only two years older than Qingqing, how could you possibly remember so much?"
"I'm serious!"
The oxcart creaked and groaned as Zhu Qing glanced sideways at Zhu Feichuan.
The summer breeze blew against the eighteen-year-old boy, and the stray hairs at his temples danced in the wind, unable to obscure the starlight in his eyes.
He smiled warmly: "The three of us brothers tried every possible way to please you, make you laugh, play with you, and protect you. At first, we only knew how to be good older brothers, but as we grew up, we became responsible people. You changed the three of us. I am truly grateful to our parents for giving birth to you!"
This was the first time Zhu Qing had ever heard such words in her life.
What she used to hear most often was: "You're a daughter, I really regret having you."
Now, people are telling her they are grateful to have given birth to her and that they are thankful to have her.
Zhu Qing's eyes welled up with tears. She sniffed and laughed, "Don't talk nonsense and try to fool me. You'd better be able to accomplish something, and then pay me back double as you said!"
In fact, Zhu Qing knew he would succeed.
In my memory, he worked very hard and always tried to make money through various means, but his family was poor and he didn't have the capital to support his success.
Now that she's here, things are different.
By late afternoon, Zhu Qing had finished her jianbing guozi (Chinese crepe).
Chen Sangguo clapped her hands and said, "Stop talking nonsense, lest you be embarrassed later! Let's go home and have lunch first."
"Why go back home? I'll take you out for a delicious meal!"
Zhu Feichuan didn't deliberately save money; he earned it to spend on his loved ones. He took out the savings he had accumulated through various means and took them to the town.
Lamb hot pot!
The lamb, cut to a suitable thickness, simmered in the pot, filling the air with its aroma.
Zhu Qing picked up a piece and put it in her mouth.
Soft and smooth, leaving a lingering fragrance on the lips and teeth.
Zhu Qing enjoyed his meal immensely. Once he was full, he slumped in a small chair, watching the crowds flowing outside the restaurant.
Unlike the crowded city of Chang'an, the passersby here are leisurely, relaxed and at ease.
Zhu Qing looked away and saw Chen Sangguo and Zhu Feichuan looking at her with tears in their eyes.
Zhu Qing: "?" Why are you looking at her like that?
Sangguo exclaimed excitedly, "You were able to eat so much today! This is such a wonderful thing! When we get back, I must tell my two older brothers!"
Zhu Feichuan nodded: "You used to be weak and couldn't eat much. You were as thin as a leaf. Your second brother tried many different prescriptions, but there was no improvement. You don't know, he was so anxious that he almost went bald on several nights lying in bed, saying things like, 'What should I do if Qingqing doesn't eat? What should I do if she only drinks medicine? What should I do if her health doesn't improve?'... I was annoyed by his nagging, but I also felt sorry for you."
Now that she has a near-normal appetite, Zhu Feichuan is in a great mood. "If I tell my second brother about this, I'm afraid he'll be moved to tears!"
Zhu Qing: "..."
It's unbelievable that someone would pay attention to her eating and even be happy because she ate a lot?
If they knew they weren't Zhu Qing, would they still treat her so well?
At this moment, Chen Sangguo kicked Zhu Feichuan: "What nonsense are you talking about? Second Brother doesn't cry so easily. Do you think he's like you, you monkey butt!"
"..."
After a while of playful fighting, noon had passed and the sun was beginning to set.
As Zhu Qing watched the sun begin to set, she suddenly remembered that she needed to go to the head secretary's office and ask Feng Huaihe to plant the forsythia.
It's still quite a distance to go back to Chang'an! If it gets any later, I'm afraid I'll have to make my way home in the dark tonight.
Zhu Qing hurriedly said, "Sang Guo will accompany you to the place where you store grain, but I won't go. I have to go to the headquarters first."
"You're on your day off, what are you going to do?" Sang Guo frowned. "That's so inhumane!"
Who can argue with that? Zhu Qing chuckled dryly. Fortunately, she was used to working overtime without pay, so she didn't feel that much resentment anymore.
Zhu Feichuan: "Then we'll take you there, and we'll come pick you up later."
Zhu Qing agreed.
By the time the oxcart arrived at the shogunate, the sun was almost setting.
Today is a day off, and the shogunate is quieter than usual. Even the slightest sound is amplified to our ears.
Zhu Qing slowly arrived at the head secretary's courtyard.
The door to the secretary's office was open. Bao Bao was sleeping soundly on her back by the threshold. When she heard her coming, Bao Bao opened her eyes, glanced at her, and then went back to sleep.
Wishing you a safe and successful journey.
As soon as I entered the room, I sensed something was wrong.
Feng Huaihe lay sprawled beside the desk like a lump of soft mud, his head propped up by one hand. When he heard the sound, his gaze was hazy and dreamlike, as if his soul had wandered away.
"You're here?" His voice was a little hoarse.
"I'll plant the flowers," Zhu Qing said, having already thought of an excuse for being late. Before she could speak, Feng Huaihe sighed and sat up straight at the desk.
His pipa player swept aside his wide sleeves, revealing everything on the table.
Zhu Qing clearly saw several broken poppy shells scattered on the official documents.
poppy?
Zhu Qingwei was stunned.
She knew that trade was booming in the Tang Dynasty, and that poppies were already being used in medicine at that time.
But is Feng Huaihe sick?
While pondering, Feng Huaihe raised his head, his peach blossom eyes filled with smiles, and looked at Zhu Qing, asking with a smile, "Where did you go today?"
A note from the author:
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To maintain the continuity of the story, there will be another chapter updated later.
Hehe, I need some nutrient solution! [Please!]
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