Chapter 213 Zhao Duan: How can people like you change?
At this family dinner, the atmosphere had subtly changed without anyone noticing.
Zhao Duan watched calmly. With his ability to judge people, he could understand the thoughts of the You family, although not as clearly as if he were seeing through them, but it was almost there.
In his opinion, the You Zhande family had been secretly testing and adjusting their attitude towards the Zhao family since they entered the family.
It is obvious that You Zhande's sudden visit must be because he learned about Zhao Duan's success. As the saying goes, a poor man in a busy city has no one to care about him, but a rich man in a remote mountain has distant relatives.
The You family believed that the Zhao family was worthy of being associated with and befriended.
But how much this "value" is exactly is unclear.
Although You Zhande is not a main branch of the You family in Xiping Road, he is still the head of a family and not a country bumpkin or a poor relative.
When dealing with the Zhao family, it is very important to know how to strike a balance between respect and inferiority.
After entering the city, he asked someone to inquire about Zhao Duan's recent situation as a test.
Paying a visit, observing the expressions, looking at the size of the house, the number of servants in the house... are all ways to judge the strength of the Zhao family.
Of course, what is more important is to look at the "people".
So, although Youshi seemed to be commenting on the cook, tableware, and her niece's clothes and jewelry... in fact, she was also observing the Zhao family's reactions.
If You Jinhua acts bossy, Zhao Pan looks haughty, and Zhao Duan is dignified and unyielding...it is naturally a manifestation of "confidence".
However, the attitude of the Zhao family in front of them caused some misunderstandings.
In the eyes of the three men, their niece was a weak and vulnerable person with a smiling face, and they respected them very much.
Zhao Pan remained silent, looking like a beautiful girl from a small family, without any of the arrogance of a young lady.
As for the rumored arrogant and tyrannical Zhao Dalang, he also has a good temper and a smiling face.
Furthermore, the Zhao family's house was not as good as his own. He had to hire people to entertain guests, the utensils were antique, and he wanted to wear all the good clothes...
All these things are far from the word "wealthy family".
Invisibly, the You family, who had a humble attitude when they entered the door, gradually straightened their backs and their awe of the Zhao family continued to decrease.
Zhao Duan watched this scene with great interest, but no one knew what he was thinking in his eyes.
The conversation and reminiscing about the past continued.
But the topic had quietly turned to the middle-aged woman's teachings and criticisms of Eugene Hua's family.
…
…
"...So, Jinhua, don't think that just because you give birth to a child and manage the household, you become a mistress. It's okay in small families, but it's very difficult to be a good mistress in a truly wealthy family."
Yu Shi had an arrogant look on her face, with a smile on her lips that was customary when educating younger generations:
"As your aunt, I have to take charge of all the household affairs at home, and I have to manage dozens of servants in a clear and detailed manner. If you don't understand something, I will teach you.
Just like when we entered the house, the old servant who led the way was really ignorant and didn't even know how to use honorifics. Such servants should be taught a lesson."
It's so Versailles.
Eugene Hua looked embarrassed and glanced at her stepson apologetically.
Zhao Duan looked calm and gave her a look that said "it's okay", which made her feel at ease.
Yu Shi became more and more addicted as she spoke, and said:
"And Zhao Jiadalang... After we entered the city, we heard..."
Beside him, You Zhande, a middle-aged man with a wealthy appearance, frowned and interrupted:
"Stop talking."
Then, he turned to Zhao Duan and said with a smile:
"Don't be offended by my wife, Dalang."
Haha... Why didn't you stop them before? Now you know it's inappropriate... Zhao Duan smiled, pretending not to see through the couple's double act, pretending to be ashamed, and said:
"It's okay, I'm sorry to make you laugh, but my reputation, haha, is really not that good."
Zhao Pan looked at him strangely, wondering why this guy had changed his personality today?
If he had the same temper as before, wouldn't he have been angry by now?
He actually looks like a humble and ashamed junior... Is it to save his mother's face?
The girl bit her lip, feeling a little touched.
When You Zhande saw his humble and submissive look, the awe in his heart faded even more.
He also put on some elder airs and taught earnestly:
"Da Lang is now fortunate enough to be appreciated by the Sage, so it's not surprising that he's been slandered by some villains. As the saying goes, a talent who isn't envied is mediocre... However, you should also be mindful of your reputation. Otherwise, if bad words reach the Sage's ears, it will inevitably affect your career."
He always remembered that he had heard that Zhao Duan was thrown into prison and was tried by the three courts.
The version that You Zhande heard was that during the joint trial of the three courts, the big shot from the Dali Temple was accidentally involved in an old case, and Zhao Duan was released.
Afterwards, the rampant Zhao Yanwang suddenly stopped and became low-key.
As for the details, at his level, he is not able to access them.
Therefore, combined with Zhao Duan's humble and low-key appearance, You Zhande had an idea in his mind:
It must be because Zhao Duan fell out of favor that he changed his behavior.
This made him quite disappointed - he didn't know how much energy a concubine who had fallen out of favor could still exert.
"Haha, that's true..."
Zhao Duan was about to speak when suddenly, there was a scream beside him.
Zhao Pan jumped up and stared at the fat boy at the same table, covering his messy hair with an unpleasant expression.
"what you do?!"
Everyone looked over and saw that You Luer, who had been eating quietly, had stood up at some point and moved to the side of the girl, holding a golden hairpin in his fat hand.
He actually took advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention and reached out to pull it off Zhao Pan's head.
This will be nonchalant:
"I just took it to see if it's gold-plated. Why are you shouting?"
Zhao Pan's hair, carefully braided this morning, was disheveled. Her autumn-water eyes were filled with disbelief, her pretty face was cold, and her face turned pale with anger. She snatched the hairpin back and shouted:
"Who allowed you to steal my hairpin?! Do you have any manners?!"
As soon as these words came out, You Shi stopped working. The middle-aged woman's face darkened and she said unhappily:
"What's the point of making such a fuss? It's Pan'er, right? Lu'er was wrong to pull your hairpin, but he is your elder. According to seniority, you should call him your uncle. How can you talk to your uncle?
Being angry at an elder is punishable by a beating in our clan."
The obese boy was very confident because he had his mother's support.
But when he met Zhao Pan's almost murderous gaze, he couldn't help but feel a little scared and stepped back.
“This…this…”
Eugene was in a dilemma and was about to smooth things over when she saw her daughter turn her head and say:
"I'm going to fix my hair!"
Then he walked straight out of the hall.
"Pan'er..."
Eugene Hua panicked and tried to chase after him.
But his stepson raised his hand to hold him down. Zhao Duan looked calm and said:
"Auntie, please stay here with the guests. I'll go see my sister and be back soon."
Eugene Hua's eyes were filled with guilt. She didn't know why a good family dinner had turned out like this. She could only instinctively rely on her stepson.
Zhao Duan chased out of the hall, but stopped when he was out of sight of everyone in the house.
He did not chase the girl who ran back to her room, but just waved and called the maid, ordering her to keep an eye on Zhao Pan.
As for himself, he walked to a pillar outside the hall, folded his arms, closed his eyes and waited.
The hearing of this ordinary high-class warrior is so stimulated that any conversation in the room cannot escape his ears.
…
…
In the room.
As the two of them left one after another, only the You family members were left at the dining table.
Eugene Hua sat on a stool, her brows slightly furrowed, and she could only force a smile as she looked at the two elders:
"Second Uncle... Although Pan'er is usually a bit willful, she has good intentions. Today, she will..."
You Zhande raised his hand and said:
"No need to say this, since I'm a junior, I can understand."
beside.
Seeing that Zhao Duan had finally left, You Shi cheered up and became even more courageous. She said calmly:
"Niece, some of my words may not be pleasant to hear, but you are not acting like a mistress in this family. If a child is not raised and taught, it is the father's fault. Now that the child has lost his father, you, as a mother, should also take responsibility. How can you allow them to be like this? They should be strictly disciplined."
Eugene Hua's smile was stiff, and she wanted to explain: "Actually..."
Yu interrupted her, speaking in a condescending tone:
"When elders speak, the younger generation listens quietly. This is the rule of our You family. Have you forgotten it because you have been away from home for too long?"
Eugene Hua was speechless and had to lower her head and remain silent.
Yu's tone softened slightly:
"Of course, this is not your fault. You are our Youshi's daughter. You were already at a disadvantage when you married a soldier. The Zhao family is also a military family. It is normal that they don't follow the rules and have crude etiquette.
Don't think your aunt's words are harsh. They are all for your own good. It's okay for Pan'er. After all, she is a girl and will get married sooner or later. But your stepson, I don't think he is afraid of you at all. How can you accept this?
The mistress needs to put on airs, otherwise, he will cause chaos in the future. The saying of "the husband dies and the son follows" is just to fool the small families. In theory, it is the Zhao family who is marrying up and we..."
“Enough is enough!”
Beside him, You Zhande frowned, thinking that his wife was using too much force.
He immediately became red-faced and scolded his wife, then turned to his niece and said softly:
"Your aunt is just like that. Don't pay any attention to her. Now that you've married into the Zhao family, you're a member of the Zhao family. Although I'm your second uncle, I'm also an outsider..."
Eugene Hua was somewhat moved:
"What are you talking about, Uncle? Blood is thicker than water..."
You Zhande smiled hypocritically and said:
"It's good that my niece still recognizes me as her uncle. I'm just worried that this will be difficult for you."
Seeing that he was hesitant to speak, Eugene Hua said:
"If you have anything to say, just say it directly."
You Zhande slapped his thigh and sighed:
"It's nothing, but we came to Beijing to see you and to find some opportunities for our family business. Business in the Western Regions is becoming increasingly difficult.
These past two days, I've heard that the imperial court is pushing for a new policy, seemingly designating areas for opening markets and allowing some merchants to participate... Second Uncle wants you to ask Dalang if he has any connections who can help the family."
"This..." Eugene Hua calmed down instantly, and the slight emotion in her heart stopped abruptly.
She was not stupid and knew that her family came to her house to ask for something.
But the behavior of my second uncle's family after they came in today, and my second uncle has made such a direct request until now.
Even with the demand of "opening the market with new policies" which involved huge interests, she knew it was a bit too much even though she cared about family ties.
"Uncle, you're joking. The new policy is such a big deal, how can we just interfere with it?" Eugene Hua declined politely.
Although, she vaguely knew that with Dalang's current status, if he was willing to help, it would not be difficult.
After all, the New Deal was proposed by Dalang...
However, Eugene Hua would never put her stepson in a difficult position just for her own family. She would never do such a shameless thing.
"Is that so? Considering the relationship between Dalang and the saint, this shouldn't be difficult." You Zhande asked doubtfully.
Eugene shook her head, looked at the table full of delicious food, and said:
"Eat now, it will get cold if you don't."
Seeing this, the fake smile on Youshi's face gradually disappeared, and she felt disappointed that she had worked so hard for a long time but got nothing in return.
He glanced at his niece, who looked much better than him and had a delicate demeanor. His voice turned cold and he threw down his chopsticks.
"So we came all the way from Xiping just to have a meal with you?"
He sighed deliberately again:
"After all, a married woman is like spilled water. Once she becomes successful, she will no longer care about the relationship."
You Zhande said unhappily, "What are you talking about?"
Yu Shi sneered, "Isn't it? It's a shame that you've been thinking about your niece all the time and even came to visit her, but you're not willing to help in the slightest."
You Zhande said in a deep voice: "It's too big a matter, Dalang is in a dilemma."
Yu Shi said, "When I was at home, I heard people coming back from the capital saying how great the Zhao family's eldest son was. Now it seems that they were all lies."
The two of them sang a duet, while Eugene Hua remained silent, her heart growing colder and colder.
She thought that the reunion with her family was actually just about "interests" in the eyes of her family.
“Bang!”
At this moment, a sudden sound attracted the attention of three people.
I saw the fat boy next to me, feeling bored, fiddling with the wine cup on the table. He accidentally dropped it on the ground and it broke into pieces.
Eugene's expression finally changed, and she stood up suddenly:
"Why did you drop something?!"
She was so heartbroken that she could hardly breathe. This was an antique, and she usually felt so distressed that she couldn't bear to look at it.
Yu Shi stood up, hugged her son, and examined him carefully:
"Did you cut your hand? How could you be so careless?"
Then he turned back and frowned:
"It's just a broken wine cup, how much is it worth? Why are you making such a fuss?"
Eugenie's lips trembled, her chest trembled, and her hands and feet felt cold:
"This wine cup..."
You Zhande was also a little unhappy and said:
"It's just a replica. A few dozen taels of silver should be enough, right? I'll give it to the Zhao family as compensation."
He also felt that his niece was making a big deal out of nothing.
Eugene Hua felt her words were pale and powerless, as if the air in the hall was filled with indescribable depression and discomfort.
And just at this moment, footsteps were finally heard outside the door.
And a voice that had been waiting for a long time and felt that the time was almost right:
"How many taels? Ha, I'm afraid the master has underestimated a few zeros."
Zhao Duan walked in expressionlessly, staring at the You family, and said coldly:
"For breaking an antique from the previous dynasty, for the sake of my aunt, I'll pay you three thousand taels of silver, and forget it."
Three thousand taels?
Hearing this amount, Youshi almost jumped up, shocked and angry, and turned to look at her niece:
"Jinhua, is this how you teach your children?"
However, this time, Eugene Hua just walked silently to Zhao Duan's side, drew a clear line between them, and said calmly:
"Uncle, Auntie. This set of utensils was sent from the residence of the current Grand Tutor Dong. It's worth more than three thousand taels, not less. I was reluctant to use it to entertain guests, but Dalang said that we should respect our elders, so I did this."
After a pause, as if guessing what the other party was going to say, Eugene Hua looked up at her tall stepson with a calm expression:
"Uncle, please don't use seniority to pressure me anymore. What you said just now is very true. Since I married into the Zhao family a long time ago, I am a member of the Zhao family."
At this moment, the filter that had been applied to the family for the past decade or so was shattered.
Zhao Duan smiled and blocked her behind him.
The gentleness, courtesy, and frugality he had pretended to have on his face were completely gone, the corners of his mouth turned up, and his eyes were arrogant.
How can he still be a well-behaved and gentle junior?
More like a dandy with an evil look on his face.
"Golden Flower...you...ah, that's all."
When You Zhande saw this, his face changed several times. The current scene was not what he had expected.
Finally I realized it...
I seem to...
It's too much.
"It was Second Uncle's fault today for not disciplining Lu'er well. No wonder you are sad. In that case, we will say goodbye now." You Zhande said.
He didn't take the so-called "gift from Grand Tutor Dong" seriously at all.
joke.
What kind of person is Grand Tutor Dong? He is a true giant in the court.
It is said that he was also the Empress's mentor.
How could a mistress be able to commit fraud?
You Zhan De certainly didn't know much about the capital, but he was not stupid. He used his brain and knew that even if he was the empress's lover, it would be impossible for him to ask the Grand Tutor to give him gifts to curry his favor.
The opposite is true.
I just thought it was my niece's angry words, meant to scare people.
"Wait a minute,"
Seeing the three of them about to leave, Zhao Duan narrowed his eyes and smiled:
"Didn't you hear what I said before? I said, pay three thousand taels, and this matter will be over."
You Zhande frowned. He was also a warrior, and a surge of anger rose in his heart.
Behind him, Youshi said loudly:
"Are you crazy? Okay, now I know. This isn't a family dinner. It's a setup to scam people. Are you guys here deliberately to extort money?"
Zhao Duan raised his eyebrows and thought to himself, you just realized it, you are not that stupid.
At this time, the sound in the room also attracted the curious servants of the Zhao family outside to gather together.
Zhao Pan, who had simply tied her hair up in a hurry, also heard the quarrel and ran over with her maid.
You Zhande frowned and said:
"Zhao Jia Dalang, you are going too far. Even if you don't care about family ties, you should at least be reasonable."
Zhao Duan sneered: "Am I unreasonable?"
You Zhande suppressed his anger and said:
"You may have status and position in the capital, and my family wouldn't dare to offend you, but I'm here to visit relatives today, so how can I be blackmailed?"
Zhao Duan sighed softly, his eyes cold:
"It seems you still don't understand, huh, visiting relatives? What a visit, it's nothing more than currying favor with the powerful. I haven't seen you for the past ten years, now that I'm on the rise, I'm here to curry favor with you.
It's human nature. If you were to be kind and humble today, I really didn't intend to embarrass you. It's just a small favor, and I'd help you if I was in a good mood. But you don't know how to cherish the opportunity...
Well, how can people like you change?"
At this time, the fat boy in the room probably realized that he was in trouble and looked panicked.
Suddenly, while no one was paying attention to him, he took a step and ran out.
Zhao Duan glanced, and his right leg was like a whip, kicking You Luer in the stomach in a flash.
"Bang!"
It was as if a sandbag was kicked to pieces. The obese boy weighing over 200 pounds seemed as light as a feather under this kick.
With a scream, he turned into a black shadow, flew out of the room for several feet, fell headfirst to the ground, vomited blood and filth, his eyes went black, and he fainted.
“Lu’er!!”
Yu's face changed drastically, she screamed, and rushed towards Zhao Duan.
But he was caught off guard and was kicked out by Zhao Duan again.
His two kicks were so fast that fellow martial artist You Zhande was unable to react.
Or rather, he had never imagined that Zhao Duan would actually take action.
"How dare you, you little brat!"
You Zhande was furious, his whole body was roaring with energy. He took a step forward and threw out a martial arts punch.
As a high-level martial artist, even though he has been the head of the family for too long and his cultivation has been a little bit weak, the power and momentum of his fists are not something that other martial artists can contend with.
However, facing the fierce punch from the imposing middle-aged warrior, Zhao Duan simply took an unpredictable step, dodged it lightly, and flashed to his side.
With the palm of his right hand, he gently pressed against his ribs.
boom--
You Zhande only felt a sharp pain coming from his side, his feet left the ground uncontrollably, and the qi of his internal organs was disordered, like a pheasant seeing a tiger, or a vicious dog looking at a dragon.
In full view of everyone, he was knocked out.
"How can people like you change?"
Zhao Duan muttered to himself in a low voice and gave the answer:
"It can't be changed."
…
ps: typos will be corrected later
(End of this chapter)
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