"Young master, Xi Zhong from Yingchuan has come to pay a visit."
Chen Fu bowed and entered the study of the Marquis's residence, looking at Liu Hong who was reading.
(Xi Zhong, Xi Zhicai, birth year unknown, historical records only record that he died young. Dying before or even at the age of fifty is within the range of being young. In contrast, Attila in history died at the age of 47, which is recorded as dying young!)
Based on historical facts, Xi Zhicai came from a poor family and did not have a distinguished background to rely on. Even Xun Yu was only twenty-eight years old when he was valued by Cao Cao, and Cheng Yu was over fifty years old when he was recruited by Cao Cao. Therefore, it can be concluded that Xi Zhicai was around forty years old when he joined Cao Cao.
Of course, I'm only saying this to let everyone know that I'm not making this up or writing it down...
Some people talk about average lifespan, but historically, aside from a few who died young, which famous figure or scholar didn't live to their seventies or eighties? The low average lifespan is due to war and the high rate of infant mortality.
Liu Hong put down the book in his hand, thought for a moment, and realized that Xi Zhong and Xi Zhicai were figures who were only mentioned briefly in historical records.
"Did this character appear a little too early?" Liu Hong was slightly surprised! According to those so-called experts' speculations, Xi Zhicai shouldn't be this old, right? Could it be that his arrival has subtly disrupted the timeline?
Unable to understand such mysterious things, Liu Hong stopped thinking about them.
"please."
"promise."
Liu Hong straightened his clothes and then went to the living room to wait.
Before long, guided by Chen Fu, a young man of about seventeen years old, thin and slightly sickly, came to the living room to pay his respects to Liu Hong.
"I am Xi Zhong from Yingchuan, and I greet Your Excellency."
Seeing that the man's clothes were old but clean and tidy, and that his words and actions exuded confidence and extraordinary demeanor, Liu Hong couldn't help but take a second look.
"You're too kind, sir. Please come inside and have a talk!"
Xi Zhong nodded slightly: "Thank you, my lord!"
Upon entering the hall, Liu Hong looked at the butler, Chen Fu.
"Serve tea!"
"promise!"
Chen Fu agreed and then walked towards the back hall.
"Please have a seat, sir!"
"Thank you, Lord Marquis."
Xi Zhong bowed and thanked him, then knelt down on the guest seat.
"Since you come from Yingchuan, sir, do you know Master Ciming?" (Master Ciming was Xun Shuang, Xun Yu's uncle.)
"I am a close friend of Mr. Ciming, despite our age difference. Having heard of your reputation, I have come to pay my respects..."
Xi Zhicai smiled and then explained his purpose to Liu Hong.
Liu Hong smiled lightly, "Mr. Ciming, you flatter me. Although I am not talented, I dare not disgrace my father's name. That is why I am like this. All I can do is this hundred-mile fiefdom. What use is a little reputation?"
"My lord, there is no need to be modest. Along the way, I have passed through hundreds of miles of barren land with few people. The people I have seen are all emaciated and struggling to survive."
However, this place in Hejian has truly impressed me; it is worlds apart from other places... This alone demonstrates Your Excellency's exceptional abilities!
There was not a trace of flattery in Xi Zhong's words, and his gaze toward Liu Hong was full of admiration.
Born into a poor family, he traveled far and wide, deeply understanding the suffering of the common people. Besides bringing glory to his family, his greatest wish was to restore the prosperity of the Han Dynasty and comfort the spirits of his ancestors in heaven.
"Thank you for your kind words, but human strength is limited, and this is all I can do..."
Liu Hong's words revealed a hint of loneliness, which Xi Zhong interpreted as a kind of bitterness stemming from having lofty ambitions but being unable to realize them.
Just as the two were talking, Chen Fu came from the back room carrying a tray in both hands. Two cups of hot tea were steaming on the tray, and a unique aroma wafted into the living room.
Xi Zhong's eyes lit up when he smelled the fragrance.
"Could the contents of this cup be the fragrant tea that Mr. Ciming spoke of?"
Xi Zhong stared at the teacup on the tray, his Adam's apple bobbing involuntarily.
"Indeed, this is a stir-frying method that my young master developed himself. It is the only one of its kind in the world and has always been treasured by the Marquis. It is only available to distinguished guests. Please use it, sir."
Seeing Xi Zhong's expression, Chen Fu chuckled and explained, then served the dish to Xi Zhong.
"In that case, thank you for your kindness, Lord Marquis," Xi Zhong said politely to Liu Hong.
Liu Hong smiled slightly, "Sir, please don't stand on ceremony."
Xi Zhong then picked up the teacup and brought it to his lips. As the tea entered his mouth, he felt a surge of energy, and his mouth was filled with a sweet and fragrant flavor. The taste was so delightful that he couldn't help but close his eyes to savor it.
"At first, I only heard Mr. Ciming talk about how sweet and lingering this product was. Now that I have tasted it myself, I can understand its wonder. It is indeed extraordinary that the Marquis can make this product."
"This is just something I acquired by chance in my spare time. It is not worthy of such a gift from you, sir. If you like it, I have some more here that I can give to you!"
Thank you so much!
Although there is a saying that a gentleman does not take what others love, since it is a gift from someone else, there is nothing wrong with accepting it out of kindness.
The two then had a conversation, with Liu Hong asking many questions, which Xi Zhong answered one by one. Before they knew it, it was getting late outside, but the two were completely unaware.
Noticing the sky outside, Liu Hong tried to persuade him to stay, saying, "I have benefited greatly from this conversation with you, sir. Why don't you stay here for a while, so that I can learn more from you?"
"In that case, I thank you for your kindness, Lord Marquis."
The host invites guests to stay, and guests are not turned away.
And so, at Liu Hong's invitation, Xi Zhong stayed at the Marquis's residence. Xi Zhong's purpose in coming here was not only to try the fried tea that Xun Shuang had mentioned, but also because he had heard of Liu Hong's talent and wanted to come and discuss it with him.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
