54 Chapter 054
◎Fuliang porcelain merchants◎
There are hundreds of postmen at Xunyang Post Station, and they have clear division of labor.
Some postmen were specialized in delivering official documents and urgent military information, and they could be seen delivering the court's express deliveries of 600 or 800 miles.
There are also some technical jobs, such as grooms and donkey drivers who specialize in raising horses and donkeys, coachmen who drive cars, and cooks who cook.
The Kuzi manages the material warehouse, the Fangfu is responsible for the safety of the post station and warehouse, and the Guanqiufu is responsible for guarding the passing prisoners.
The above-mentioned postmen can make some money, so they are not the hardest-working ones. The hardest-working ones are the sedan chair bearers and porters.
They are the lowest class in the post station, making a living by selling their labor all their lives, and they are also the ones who are driven the most.
There were only thirty porters at Xunyang Post. They did the hardest work during the day but could only sleep in the simplest thatched huts at night.
The thatched hut is built with mud and the roof is covered with thatch. When the autumn wind blows, the thatch is often rolled up into several layers. On rainy days, the thatched hut becomes a water curtain cave.
After finishing a day's work, they didn't care about the smell of sweat on their bodies, and lay down directly on the big bunk, huddled together.
"Boy, stop crying."
"Woo woo woo."
"What's there to cry about?" A rough hand slapped the young man's shoulder. "You'll just have to get used to it."
The young man shrugged and choked, "But Uncle Dalin is going to die."
"To die is to die, but to live is to suffer."
“…”
The young man began to cry again.
"Okay, stop crying. Tomorrow morning, let's ask the postmaster to send for a doctor."
The young man cried, "It's too late."
The other porters no longer paid any attention to him. They were so tired that they fell asleep as soon as they closed their eyes. Even if someone was crying next to them, it would not affect their sleep.
Suddenly there was a knock on the door, which made people's hearts skip a beat in the quiet night.
The young man stopped crying and suspected that he was hallucinating.
It wasn't until the knock on the door sounded again that he asked in a hoarse voice, "Who?"
"Open the door, the postmaster wants to see you."
The young man didn't suspect anything and hurriedly got out of bed and opened the door. Before he could see the person's appearance, he was grabbed by the collar and walked forward.
He was born thin and not very tall. Under Yang Yunkai's hands, he was like a little chicken that dared not resist.
The night was pitch black and he couldn't see Yang Yunkai's clothes clearly, but he could tell that this road did not lead to the postmaster's residence, but to the upper house where high-ranking officials and distinguished guests lived.
What's going on?
It was not until he was brought into the brightly lit room and saw the Jinyiwei sitting in the room that he realized that it was the Jinyiwei Captain who brought him here!
These Jinyiwei arrived not too late and did not bring much luggage. They did not ask the postman to move the luggage, but carried it to the room themselves.
Soon, the entire post station knew that high-ranking officials from the Embroidered Uniform Guard had arrived, and the post clerks specifically instructed them to be careful and not to offend these officials.
Fortunately, after they entered the room, they didn't have to order anyone around, and the tense postmen all breathed a sigh of relief.
If only officials in the past were this easy to serve.
"Sir, I pay my respects to you, sir."
The young man knelt on the ground with his forehead pressed against the floor, fearing that the adults would ask him to pay money and apologize, and then beat him up on the grounds that he was perfunctory and disrespectful to the officials.
Seeing how scared he was, Xie Mingzhuo didn't ask him to get up immediately.
"May I have your name?"
"I, the humble Wang Xiaohe, please, please give me your instructions."
Xie Mingzhuo: "Were you crying just now?"
"Yes... please spare my life, sir. I didn't mean to disturb you. I deserve to die. Please forgive me, sir. I..."
"That's enough." Jiang Qing interrupted him sharply, "Just answer whatever the master asks, and don't say anything extra."
Wang Xiaohe trembled with fear and said in a trembling voice, "It's me crying."
"Why are you crying?"
Wang Xiaohe was confused. He didn't have the brains to think about why the adults could hear his crying from such a distance.
He said honestly, "Uncle Dalin is dying. He took good care of me. I feel bad."
"What happened to him?"
"I have a fever, my whole body is burning. If the fever continues, I will become stupid if I don't die." Wang Xiaohe's eyes became wet again.
Xie Mingzhuo felt depressed. She didn't need to ask any more questions because she knew that these postmen could not afford to hire a doctor, and the post station would not spend money to hire a doctor for a "consumable".
"Why does he have a fever?"
Wang Xiaohe had nowhere to complain, so he immediately said, "Yesterday afternoon, a high-ranking official came to the post station. He was very domineering and brought a lot of boxes. He told us to be careful when lifting them. Uncle Dalin had rheumatism, and when he was lifting one of the boxes, it slipped and hit the corner of the box against the pillar. The official was furious and beat him up."
Even so, he had to continue doing hard labor at the post station during the day with injuries all over his body.
"What official?"
"I can't remember clearly, it seems to be something about salt or something." The official title was too difficult to remember, and he couldn't understand it at all.
Xie Mingzhuo: "Salt Tax Administration Office?"
"Yes! The postmaster seems to be called Zhang Tiju!"
The imperial court set up Salt Tax Administration Offices in Guangdong, Sichuan and other places. When Xie Mingzhuo was in the capital, he read the official documents of the Ministry of Personnel. The position of Supervisor of the Sichuan Administration Office was vacant and the appointment had been undecided.
It’s not because no one is willing to go, but because those who want to go are scrambling to go. All forces are trying to squeeze people in, and the Ministry of Personnel doesn’t want to offend anyone, so it uses the tactic of “delaying”.
I don’t know which force is behind this Zhang Tiju.
If the newly appointed Sichuan governor was transferred from the east, it would be reasonable for him to pass through Jiangxi.
Xie Mingzhuo gestured to Yang Yunkai: "Take Qinglang to see the patient."
"Yes." Yang Yunkai accepted the order and looked at Wang Xiaohe, "Let's go back."
"Ah?" Wang Xiaohe couldn't wrap his mind around it.
Jiang Qing explained: "Qing Lang knows medicine. Doesn't your uncle Dalin have a fever?"
"Ah! Yes!" Wang Xiaohe kowtowed immediately, "Thank you, sir! Thank you, sir!"
He had no doubt why a teenage girl knew medicine.
There was no need for the Jinyiwei to lie to him.
When Xie Mingzhuo and his party left Anlu, they specially prepared some medicinal herbs for daily use, including those for reducing fever.
Not long after, Xu Qinglang reported back: "It's still timely. If we had delayed until tomorrow morning, the person would probably be gone."
"Okay, go and rest."
Xie Mingzhuo sent a few people away and lay back on the bed, but he was no longer sleepy.
What you see and hear on the road is just the tip of the iceberg of such a huge country.
If these problems are allowed to ferment, there is no guarantee that the next national crisis will occur.
But trying to eradicate it all at once is like trying to find fire by knocking on ice.
Henan's tax issues, the standardization of private mines, and various problems with the post station system all need to be resolved urgently.
By the way, grassroots yamen runners must also be strictly managed.
We will resolutely refuse to use people like Huang Ding, who are a black sheep.
These thoughts kept spinning in my mind. Although I could only come up with some simple solutions for the time being, I couldn't stop thinking about them.
After returning to Beijing, she will discuss with the top elites of Daqi. She cannot show her weakness, nor can she be fooled by others because she knows nothing.
Her consciousness gradually became blurred, she closed her eyes, and when she woke up again, it was already dawn.
After washing up and having breakfast, the six people left the upper room and came to the front yard. The postman had already led the horses and was waiting outside the gate.
Zou Hui came to see him off in person.
Xie Mingzhuo mounted his horse and said before leaving: "Zou Yicheng, the emperor has always loved his people like his own children. The postmen at the post station are also his people. I hope you will treat them well."
Zou Hui's scalp tightened, his knees weakened, and he knelt down and said, "Thank you for your advice, sir. I will keep it in mind."
At the moment, Xie Mingzhuo can't do more, he can only raise the flag to warn these postmasters that they will be more careful with the postmen at least for the next period of time.
Of course, the postmaster also has his own difficulties. He is of low rank and when he meets an official of higher rank, he can only obey orders.
Ultimately, there are flaws in the system.
The officials of Daqi also need to be given a spell to tighten the reins.
"Captain Yun, please stay!"
Yang Yunkai almost didn't react. He took a step forward and then remembered that he had told Lou Kun his surname "Yun" yesterday.
Lou Kun, dressed in gorgeous clothes, walked over with great interest and bowed politely to Yang Yunkai.
"I just woke up this morning and learned that the assistant minister saved the life of a poor postman last night. I am truly grateful to him."
As he spoke, his gaze naturally fell on Xie Mingzhuo, and he couldn't help but be stunned.
She sat upright on the horse's back, and tilted her head slightly when she heard the sound. Just half of her face was exposed, and one could tell that she was a picture.
"Your Excellency, I am here to show my respect." Lou Kun spoke with his eyes fixed on the emperor.
"How dare you!" Yang Yunkai raised his whip and whipped him in the face.
Lou Kun dodged swiftly, and said apologetically, "Don't blame me, sir. It's really because of your celestial beauty that I was distracted for a moment and was rude."
This assistant official treated the postman well, so he must be a kind-hearted person and would not punish him arbitrarily.
Xie Mingzhuo felt no emotion at all.
This person seems frivolous, but he is actually very thoughtful. I didn't want to talk much with him, but when I thought about the future itinerary, a plan emerged in my mind.
"You are indeed rude." Xie Mingzhuo straightened his back and said proudly, "I heard that you are from Fuliang County and your family runs a porcelain business. I believe you are proficient in porcelain."
Lou Kun stepped forward and said with a smile, "I'm not boasting, but in terms of porcelain, my family is second to none in Fuliang County. If you want to pick out some porcelain to play with, I'd like to volunteer to be your assistant and help check it out to prevent you from being cheated by unscrupulous merchants."
"From what you said, it seems that your Lou family is very honest in doing business?" Xie Mingzhuo raised his eyebrows.
Lou Kun raised his hand and swore: "There is no porcelain merchant more honest than my Lou family."
"Really?" Xie Mingzhuo raised his chin. "In that case, you lead the way. I want to see if your Lou family is just a name for nothing."
Lou Kun understood clearly that this female assistant official looked powerful, but she was just a show-off and could be seen through at a glance.
After deciding to go together, Xie Mingzhuo took special precautions to observe that Lou Kun and his two followers had no unusual reactions towards Xu Qinglang and Lang Qing.
They didn't even know the siblings.
But to be on the safe side, she gave them aliases, one was called Xiaoyue and the other was called Xiaoliang. She found an opportunity to call them both, and everyone would understand.
Lou Kun originally traveled by carriage, but in order to get closer to Xie Mingzhuo on the road, he changed the carriage to a horse, and his followers drove behind him.
He had been doing business outside for many years and had considerable knowledge and experience. He was also willing to show off and was particularly humorous in his conversation. Xie Mingzhuo also changed from being arrogant and contemptuous at the beginning to occasionally giving him a smile later.
The servants followed their masters' changes. After Xie Mingzhuo softened his attitude, Jiang Qing and the others also became a little more enthusiastic.
Lou Kun thought that these Jinyiwei were quite interesting, and his smile became more genuine.
The group hurried on for the three hundred li journey and arrived at Fuliang County three days later.
Before entering the city, kiln factories can be seen everywhere outside the city.
The gatehouse outside the city gate is filled with porcelain shops. The shops are very simple, built with wood and thatch. Various kinds of porcelain are displayed on rough shelves, forming a sharp contrast between exquisiteness and crudeness, but it is enough to attract people's attention.
"Meng Chenshi, these are defective products, unworthy of your status," Lou Kun said with a smile. "Now that we have arrived in Fuliang County, I will do my best to be a good host. Why don't you all stop by my humble abode to rest and have some tea first? When you have some free time, you can go and select some porcelain."
Xie Mingzhuo still maintained his composure, but his tone revealed satisfaction: "You're quite good."
"Meng, please."
Although the Lou family was a wealthy family, they were merchants and could not build their house beyond regulations, so it was not gorgeous and exquisite. The blue brick walls exuded a sense of simplicity and heaviness.
Everyone dismounted and a doorman came up to greet them immediately. He was stunned to see several people in Jinyiwei uniforms.
"Go and tell Dad that a distinguished guest is coming." Lou Kun ordered promptly.
The doorman said, "Master, the master has gone to town and is not at home."
"Then send someone over there."
The concierge responded repeatedly.
"My lords, please." Lou Kun politely walked at the end.
After entering the gate, a middle-aged man who looked like a butler came hurriedly. He first greeted the few people, and then left quickly after receiving instructions from Lou Kun to prepare guest rooms and serve refreshments.
The furnishings in the main hall are also simple and unsophisticated, but the two blue and white long-necked vases next to the altar are very eye-catching.
The long-necked vase has a thin neck and a round belly, with smooth and natural lines. Its simple and elegant shape complements the elegant and refined blue and white porcelain painting.
"This is a porcelain vase made by my father. Although it is not perfect, it represents his love for porcelain." Lou Kun explained with great tact.
Xie Mingzhuo nodded reservedly: "It's definitely not perfect."
Lou Kun: “…”
Never mind, I got used to it along the way.
Just as the tea and snacks were served, Lou Kun invited her to sit in the main seat, personally took out the teacup from the tray and handed it to Xie Mingzhuo.
"Have you ever experienced the clouds and mist of Mount Lu?"
Lushan Yunwu is also one of the famous teas. Xie Mingzhuo had no interest in drinking tea in modern times. After traveling through time, combined with the original owner's memory, he learned more about various types of tea.
"No." Xie Mingzhuo said coldly, "I'm used to drinking Keemun black tea."
"Qimen black tea? Yes!" Lou Kun smiled and ordered the servant, "Why don't you go and change it!"
After the servant brought up another cup of tea, Xie Mingzhuo took a sip and nodded in satisfaction, "Not bad."
Lou Kun was delighted and pushed the plate forward, recommending earnestly, "Try these, they are all Jiangxi specialty cakes."
"I don't know him." Xie Mingzhuo took a look and showed no interest.
Lou Kun was not discouraged and introduced them seriously: "This is Guixi lantern cake, this is Fengcheng frozen rice candy, this is Jiujiang tea cake, this is Nanchang white sugar cake, and this is Yingtan peach cake. They are all delicious."
"Oh, I don't like sweet things."
Lou Kun: “…”
Feng Caiyu and Jiang Qing looked at each other and then smiled secretly.
It's true that His Highness dislikes sweets, and it's also true that he teased Lou Kun. While I don't know why His Highness acted this way, it's quite amusing to watch this frivolous young man get humiliated.
"It's still early, I want to take a walk around the city." Xie Mingzhuo stood up.
Lou Kun swept away his disappointment and immediately said, "I'll lead the way."
He withdrew money from the accounting office in the mansion, took Xie Mingzhuo and six others with him, left the house and went to the market.
"Miss Meng, is there anything you need? I'm familiar with every shop in the city. With me here, I guarantee those shop owners won't dare to bully you."
He changed the address naturally. Xie Mingzhuo just frowned at the right time but did not correct his "Miss Meng".
"I've been away for a few days, so I'm looking for some gifts for my elders and siblings." Xie Mingzhuo looked a bit distressed, "I just haven't figured out what to give them yet."
"Our Fuliang specialty is ceramics, so buying them some porcelain won't go amiss." Lou Kun thought for a moment and said, "If they're for honoring elders, tea sets and vases will do. If they're for brothers, pen holders and pen stands and other stationery items are suitable. If they're for sisters, jewelry and dressing jars will also be suitable."
Xie Mingzhuo's eyes lit up slightly: "Mr. Lou's words have relieved my worries for many days."
"It's my great honor to be able to help Miss Meng with her worries." Lou Kun pointed, "Just to the left is a shop selling small ceramic items. You can choose gifts for your brothers and sisters here."
"What about the elders?"
"If Miss Meng doesn't mind, I'd like to take you to my shop to have a look. I'm not bragging, but the most exquisite porcelain in all of Fuliang belongs to my shop."
Xie Mingzhuo smiled and said, "I only want the best porcelain."
After spending so much time and effort, Lou Kun finally got a confirmation. He felt a sense of happiness that all the hard work had paid off, and he was more excited to go shopping.
After Xie Mingzhuo picked out the gift, he rushed to pay.
The shop owner knew him, but seeing that he was a Jinyiwei, he didn't dare to ask too many questions, nor did he have the energy to greet him. He even sold the items at cost price.
"Lao Yun, you guys should pick some for your family members too." Xie Mingzhuo called out to the others, "Just think of it as a gift from me."
Some people are willing to be suckers and won't give up.
Yang Yunkai and the others understood and picked out some gifts, including Xu Qinglang and Lang Qing.
When it came time to pay the bill, there was another shove and pull, and Lou Kun won.
Xie Mingzhuo said unhappily, "You are not allowed to pay again from now on."
Lou Kun agreed repeatedly, but he could hear the arrogance in her tone. She said that she was not allowed to pay, but it was just for the sake of face. In fact, she was very happy to be coaxed.
Girls are only "arrogant" to people close to them. I think his sweet words and generosity have begun to show results.
After visiting several shops, I walked further and found Lou's Porcelain Shop, which stood out from the crowd.
The Lou family lives in East City, the Xu family clinic and the Lang family porcelain shop are both in South City, so Xie Mingzhuo is not worried that someone will recognize the siblings.
It would be better if she recognized it, she had no intention of hiding it.
As the group walked into the Lou family store, the shopkeeper immediately came up to greet them with a smile on his face: "The young master has arrived, and he has brought a few distinguished guests with him. Please come in quickly. Someone, serve tea quickly."
The Lou family takes a high-end route. The store is spacious and elegantly decorated, and there are small compartments designed to receive VIPs.
Judging from the porcelain displayed in the lobby on the first floor, it is indeed more beautiful and delicate than those in other houses, and the shapes and patterns are more colorful.
Lang Qing was unable to walk as soon as he came in. It was only when Xu Qinglang pulled him that he came to his senses and followed him into the VIP room.
"Dear guests, this is the catalog of porcelain in our store. Take a look at what you like. If you don't see anything you like, our store also accepts custom orders." The shopkeeper gave each person a copy.
This business model is newer than others, and the service awareness is more advanced. The Lou family is indeed worthy of its reputation.
"The newspaper said that at the Beijing Porcelain Competition, your Lou family's porcelain won first place. It seems to be a set of exquisite blue and white porcelain tea cups."
"Miss Meng also knows about this," Lou Kun showed a bit of pride, but said modestly, "It's all thanks to you all for your kindness, it's nothing."
Xie Mingzhuo bowed respectfully towards Beifang: "The emperor loves porcelain, and everyone knows it. Your Lou family's porcelain is very popular in the capital. Maybe it will catch the emperor's eye and rise to prominence from now on."
Lou Kun also immediately bowed to the north, "Thank you Miss Meng for your kind words. If I can really catch the emperor's eye, it will be the blessing of my Lou family for several generations."
The shopkeeper standing by was also proud of it.
After flipping through the album, Xie Mingzhuo said without hesitation, "One set of Doucai and one set of Qingbai glaze, both made into tea sets."
The shopkeeper quickly took note and asked, "Are there any particular designs for Doucai?"
Some customers don't like the porcelain paintings in the store, so they design their own patterns and give them to the kiln workers to burn.
"No, just bring out the best of your store."
The shopkeeper closed the small notebook and said politely, "It takes time to bake. My Lord, you have to wait a few days."
"That's all right." Xie Mingzhuo stood up. "It's getting late, let's go back."
The Lou family's backyard.
The maid Jinxiang walked into the room with a puffed face, hugging the bedding that had been dried in the sun. Seeing the woman practicing calligraphy quietly at the table, she wanted to say something but stopped herself.
"Who bullied you?" The woman noticed it keenly and asked with a smile, looking up.
Jinxiang put the bedding on the bed, bent down to tidy it up, and said angrily: "Young Madam, everyone in the front yard is saying that the young master has brought the girl back and is very attentive."
The young lady was startled for a moment, then burst into laughter and lowered her head to practice calligraphy again.
"Young Madam, why aren't you worried at all?" Jinxiang complained, "Young Master is always rumored to have affairs, and this time he's even gone too far, bringing someone home."
The young lady's hand holding the pen was still very steady. After practicing a word, she replied, "Go and find out how many guests there are and what their identities are."
"ah?"
"Anyone who can be brought into the main hall and treated so attentively must be an extraordinary person. Go quickly."
Jinxiang accepted the order and left.
But a moment later, she came running back, panting softly, "Young Madam, I heard that it was the Jinyiwei who came!"
"Jinyiwei?" The young lady's eyes were filled with surprise. She quickly put down her pen and looked up. "What rank?"
"One is the deputy commander, surnamed Meng, a young girl. Another is Captain Yun, a man in his thirties. The rest are two general flags, both of whom are girls." Jinxiang found it unbelievable as she spoke.
The young lady couldn't help but stand up: "Female Jinyiwei?"
"Yeah, I couldn't believe it even when I heard it." Jinxiang's eyes were filled with confusion. "Young Madam, since when did women become officials? And even officials of the fourth rank!"
The young lady's heart skipped a beat: "Where is the young master now?"
"Take the distinguished guest to the street."
"Where's the master?"
"Someone has gone to town to get him."
The young lady glanced at the sky outside the window and said softly, "It's getting late. They should be back soon. Jinxiang, please comb my hair and change my clothes."
At exactly 3 p.m., Xie Mingzhuo and his party returned to the residence.
A group of people stood outside the gate to greet them. Leading them was a man in his fifties with an elegant face. He was wearing a dark green silk robe with cloud and crane patterns, and was leaning on a pine cane in his right hand.
"My lords, please forgive me for not welcoming you to my humble abode."
Xie Mingzhuo nodded: "Boss Lou, you are too kind. We are sorry to bother you."
"Mr. Meng, I am sorry to bother you," Lou He said, bowing. "I am so happy that you, Mr. Meng, would like to stay at my humble home. Please come in."
He moved his body sideways to invite him, and the woman who had been standing quietly behind him lost her concealment and met Xie Mingzhuo's eyes.
The woman was surprised for a moment, then quickly bowed and said, "I am Xu Zhixiu, a commoner, greeting you gentlemen."
She was born with a pretty and dignified appearance, with eyes and eyebrows showing a scholarly air. At this moment, she lowered her eyelashes and clasped her hands in front of her.
"Who is this?"
Lou Kun was unusually silent, his expression indifferent. It was Lou He who introduced him, "This is my daughter-in-law, the daughter of a scholar, and she's well-educated."
When everyone heard this, they felt like a flower was stuck in cow dung.
It's not that Lou Kun is ugly; on the contrary, he's handsome and well-proportioned. His looks alone make him a perfect match for Xu Zhixiu. It's a shame that Lou Kun, with his playboy ways, isn't worthy of such a refined and elegant wife.
The group entered the dining hall.
The Lou family chef put a lot of effort into preparing tonight's banquet. There are a total of twenty dishes, all of which are delicious and fragrant.
Lou He did not dare to take the main seat, and gave it to Xie Mingzhuo, sitting to her lower right. Lou Kun and Xu Zhixiu took their seats in turn.
Yang Yunkai, Feng Caiyu, and Jiang Qing sat down on the left, one after another. The brother and sister pretended to be servants, standing beside them with the Lou family servants.
"I don't know what Master Meng likes, so I took the initiative to ask the kitchen to prepare some special dishes. Please don't be disgusted by them, Master."
Xie Mingzhuo: "Mr. Lou, you are very polite. I have visited your shop today and the porcelain is indeed exquisite and extraordinary."
"Master Meng, thank you for your compliments. If you need anything, please let me know. I am a very unruly son. If I have offended you by mistake, please forgive me."
"Dad, why do you always embarrass me?" Lou Kun muttered dissatisfiedly.
Lou He glanced at him, ignored him, and continued to chat with the guest.
After the meal, both the host and the guests enjoyed themselves very much.
After dinner, Xie Mingzhuo and his companions rested in their guest rooms.
Lou He called his son to the study to discuss in detail.
"Dad, why are you looking for me so late?" Lou Kun lazily sat on the chair, "I haven't seen Xiuxiu for many days. If you have anything to say, just say it quickly."
Lou He snorted coldly: "You still remember Xiuxiu, I thought you had forgotten about getting married and were hanging out outside all day. Are you worthy of Xiuxiu?"
"I know I'm a bastard, but I really have nothing to say to her. I'm just not worthy of her." Lou Kun looked indifferent.
"If you're not worthy of her, then you're worthy of a Fourth-Rank Assistant?" Lou He glared at him. "I just came back and heard people talking about how attentive you are. You're not so ignorant of your limits. Tell me, what do you want to do?"
"I didn't intend to do anything, I just wanted to cheer him up. More friends mean more opportunities."
"that's all?"
"That's it." Lou Kun stood up and straightened his clothes. "Dad, I'm really a little tired. I'm going back first."
"Go away."
Coming out of the study, I walked along the path in the garden all the way to the living room in the backyard.
The lights were on in the living room, and the orange light penetrated the paper windows, revealing faint figures in the room.
Lou Kun suddenly remembered that the newspaper said that glass windows are now popular in the capital, and His Majesty the Emperor took the lead in installing glass in the palace, making the rooms much brighter.
Xiuxiu likes reading and writing. Dim light is bad for her eyes. I will find out where to buy the glass tomorrow and try to install it.
"Young Master, why are you standing at the door?" Jinxiang brought out the basin and saw him standing there stupidly, so she couldn't help but ask.
Lou Kun came back to his senses and stepped inside. "Go and do your thing."
"Okay, young master!" Jinxiang responded and walked away happily.
In the bedroom, Xu Zhixiu finished washing up and leaned on the Luohan bed to read a book. When she heard familiar footsteps, she couldn't help but sit up straight: "Husband."
"Oh, just watch yours." Lou Kun sat down at the table, poured a glass of water and sipped it slowly.
Xu Zhixiu put the book aside and said softly, "You've been busy for many days, wash up and rest early."
"Yeah." Lou Kun didn't move.
"I met that Assistant Secretary Meng today. He's truly heroic and valiant, with unparalleled grace." Xu Zhixiu's words were filled with admiration and a hint of envy. "I wonder how she became such an official."
Lou Kun held the teacup in his hand, played with it for a while, and then said, "She has ordered some porcelain from the store, so she'll have to wait a few days. She'll be staying at home these days, so please help take care of her. Don't neglect her."
"good."
Lou Kun stood up: "I'll go wash up."
"Wait," Xu Zhixiu stopped him and said hesitantly, "Among the attendants of Meng Chenshi, there's a girl who looks familiar to me, but I can't remember her name at the moment."
Lou Kun turned around in surprise: "Which girl?"
"The one called 'Xiaoyue'."
"Really?" Lou Kun came back and sat down, "Think about it carefully."
Xu Zhixiu shook his head helplessly: "It's dark, I can't see clearly, and I don't dare stare at people too much in front of Meng Chenshi."
"That's fine." Lou Kun said, "Tomorrow, you can go to their courtyard to meet them again, citing your concern for neglect."
Xu Zhixiu agreed.
"You rest, I'm leaving."
Lou Kun left the room and ran into Jinxiang who was guarding the door. Facing her puzzled gaze, he said, "You go and help the lady to rest. I will stay in the study tonight."
Jinxiang: “…”
I really can't understand why the young master doesn't like a woman like the young lady?!
The next morning, the Lou family father and son accompanied Xie Mingzhuo for breakfast, expressed their apologies, and then went out to deal with their affairs.
Xie Mingzhuo was planning to go shopping in the south city when Xu Zhixiu came to visit him.
"Master Meng, I didn't have time to ask yesterday, is there anything in the food at home that you don't like?"
Although Xie Mingzhuo wanted to maintain his arrogant and picky personality, he didn't want to embarrass the cook in someone else's home, so he shook his head.
"That's good." Xu Zhixiu smiled. "I wonder if Master Meng is free today?"
Xie Mingzhuo asked coldly, "Is there something wrong, Madam Xu?"
"The chrysanthemums in the garden are in bloom. If Lord Meng is free, I would like to invite you all to drink tea and appreciate the chrysanthemums together."
Xie Mingzhuo keenly sensed that her peripheral vision would occasionally glance towards Xu Qinglang.
"Mrs. Xu has given me such a kind invitation, I would be disrespectful to refuse."
Xu Zhixiu looked up at her, a smile in his eyes, and said, "When I saw Lord Meng yesterday, I felt that his demeanor was awe-inspiring, and no ordinary man could match him."
This Mr. Meng is very tall, and that General Jiang is even taller, stronger and more sturdy, which is really rare.
Xie Mingzhuo lowered his head and smiled, "Mrs. Xu is beautiful and intelligent, a role model for women."
The two of them complimented each other for a few words and then walked to the garden.
There is a pavilion in the garden, and outside the pavilion are a profusion of flowers. Chrysanthemums of various colors are competing for beauty, and the whole garden is filled with fragrance.
The more Xu Zhixiu looked at Xu Qinglang, the more familiar he seemed.
Suddenly, Xie Mingzhuo said, "I visited some shops in the east part of the city yesterday, and today I want to go to the south part of the city to have a look. I wonder if Madam Xu would like to accompany me?"
South of the city?
Xu Zhixiu immediately had an idea. Isn’t this Xiaoyue the daughter of Doctor Xu from Nancheng?
【Author’s words】
This copy is not long, it just serves as a transition and lays some groundwork.
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