Chapter 58 Buying a plaster, causing trouble for the county magistrate…
The morning light shone through the window, sparrows chirped on the branches, and the faint sound of roosters crowing could be heard.
Zong Suyi, still half asleep, turned over while holding the quilt and leaned against the pillow, sleeping even more soundly.
The door was pushed open from the outside, and light footsteps could be heard inside.
He was woken up, rubbed his eyes sleepily, and sat up while still wrapped in his blanket.
Seeing that he was awake, Zhang Ting hurried over and noticed that his robe was open, so she considerately helped him straighten his collar.
His fingertips accidentally brushed against hers, and he hissed softly, then abruptly slapped her hand away, glaring at her with a mixture of resentment and malice.
Zhang Ting cursed herself for being rash and, knowing she was in the wrong, repeatedly apologized to him.
Now that you're awake, it's best to eat something early.
Zong Suyi yawned, her eyes misty, and, supporting her aching back, offered her hand, softly saying, "Help me."
Zhang Ting pulled him up, but just as she was about to let go, she saw his legs trembling slightly, so she quickly supported him again.
As expected, she received a glare, and Zhang Ting gave an awkward smile.
Zong Suyi felt like she was walking on cotton, and she was about to collapse at any moment. She leaned weakly against Zhang Ting, pinched her angrily, and snorted resentfully, "It's all your fault!"
Zhang Ting accepted the punishment, apologized again, and had a robe brought to him to wear.
After they were dressed, the two went to the dining room together. Zhang Ting took advantage of Zong Suyi's slow pace and noticed that he had furrowed brows and looked very uncomfortable. She pursed her lips, leaned over, and whispered to him, "Does it still hurt?"
Zong Suyi walked very carefully, and upon hearing this, she didn't dare to look up at her. Her face flushed, she nodded, and her tone was very aggrieved: "It hurts when it rubs against me."
Zhang Ting recalled the scene she had just witnessed. The lotus tips, shyly peeking out, were much more swollen than when they first met. She coughed lightly, her cheeks flushing crimson, and stammered, "I...I'll go out and buy some ointment later."
He lowered his head even further and replied in a soft, cat-like voice, "Mmm."
Zhang Ting suddenly remembered that there was something important she needed to clarify with him. She took out a contract from her sleeve and handed it to him.
“This is the contract for that incense shop in the capital. That shop will be your betrothal gift. Cough, it should have been given to you yesterday, but… but yesterday…” Zhang Ting scratched his head, unable to finish his sentence.
“I know.” He suddenly turned his head away, his eyelashes drooping as he looked elsewhere.
Zhang Ting gave a dry, "Good to know." Then she closed her eyes in regret. What did she know?
Feeling awkward, she walked ahead and gave a dry laugh, saying, "Let's eat first, let's eat."
Zong Suyi followed quietly behind, gazing tenderly at her back, a slight smile playing on his lips.
While things were peaceful and serene on one side, Zhang Shu was furious and jumping up and down with anger on the other.
Zhang Shu has been in Lutian County for seven days, and has never deliberately concealed his whereabouts during this time.
These days, her house is always bustling with visitors, and students from all over the county are vying to see her and ask for her guidance. But there's one person missing! Zhang Ting is the only one missing, which makes Zhang Shu so anxious that he gets blisters on his lips.
A pot of herbal tea was delivered from Qingfenglou in the county. Zhang Sheng knelt on the mat, poured a bowl for her aunt, and looked at the person pacing back and forth in the room. She sighed, "My aunt, don't be in such a hurry. Let this cool you down first."
Zhang Shu frowned, his aged face full of solemnity. He clicked his tongue in confusion, then suddenly turned to her and asked, "Why don't you think Zhang Ting comes to pay his respects to the old woman?"
"If you've only been here for a day or two, perhaps you're out of the loop. But it's been seven days now, why haven't you come to pay your respects yet?"
Zhang Sheng handed over the teacup and said kindly, "Never mind anything else for now. Aunt, please drink this cool tea first."
Zhang Shu turned her back with her hands behind her back, still puzzled. She stroked her chin and pondered, "Could it be that she looks down on this old woman?" But she immediately dismissed the idea, "Absolutely impossible. This old woman believes she is no less than anyone else."
She stamped her foot in frustration, "Why?!"
Zhang Sheng pouted and took the teacup back. She also wanted to ask: Aunt, why can't you hear me?
However, she was used to it. She picked up the teacup and drank it all in one gulp, sighing to herself: I never thought that such a small county town would have such refreshing herbal tea!
Seeing that Zhang Shu was still pacing around anxiously, she said directly, "Since Aunt is so fond of Zhang Ting, and we have found out her address, why don't we just go straight to her and take her as a disciple?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Shu immediately rejected it: "How can this be? Although I have no official position, I am still a literary figure. How can I be so eager to take on disciples?" If those old dogs in Jiangnan knew about this, they would laugh at her to death!
Zhang Sheng shook his head. His aunt was just being stubborn and suffering for it. She deserved it!
Suddenly, a maidservant came to report that someone was requesting an audience.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Shu was overjoyed and quickly stepped forward to ask, "Who is it? Speak quickly."
Maid: "Reporting to my master, it is the county magistrate and the county assistant who have come to visit."
Zhang Shu was extremely disappointed upon hearing this. He waved his sleeve, pursed his lips, and said, "I won't see you!"
The maid bowed to her and went out to report.
"Wait!" Zhang Shu called out to her, "Let's invite them in." Having just arrived, it's best not to offend the local bullies.
Zhang Shu straightened his clothes and returned to his seat in the main seat.
Zhang Sheng poured another bowl of tea and placed it on her table. "Aunt, this herbal tea is really good. Please drink it to cool down!"
Zhang Shu glared at her angrily. What time is it? She's still thinking about this mere tea.
Zhang Sheng shrank his neck and sat back down on his side.
Soon, the maid led Magistrate Song and Assistant Magistrate Niu in.
Magistrate Song walked ahead with a smile. As soon as he entered the door, he bowed respectfully to Zhang Shu and said, "I have long admired you, Master Zhang. I am sorry for being late in paying my respects!"
County Magistrate Niu, who arrived a little later, also bowed and greeted them, saying, "This humble official has been impolite; please forgive me, Master Zhang!"
Zhang Shu smiled faintly and invited the two of them to take their seats.
"It is because I am new to your esteemed place that I have not informed you two gentlemen. Please do not blame this old woman."
Magistrate Song and Assistant Magistrate Niu repeatedly said, "We dare not, we dare not."
This Ms. Zhang was a literary giant, and her life was nothing short of legendary.
He achieved the highest rank in the imperial examination in his youth and entered the imperial court as an official, enjoying immense prestige. However, when he was promoted to a higher rank, he resigned and even declared that he would never serve in office again in his life! He then disappeared without a trace.
However, during his youth, he traveled extensively throughout the mountains, rivers, and lakes, leaving behind countless masterpieces of calligraphy and painting that have been passed down through generations, attracting widespread admiration.
Although she did not hold an official position in the court, she was extremely famous among scholars and literati, especially students in the Jiangnan region, who almost revered her.
Previously, only the former Grand Secretary Zong Xuanyue was her equal, and they were both called great scholars. Now, she is the only one of unparalleled talents in the country, and no one dares to underestimate her prestige and power.
Zhang Sheng ordered the maidservant beside her to serve tea to the two gentlemen. She smiled and said, "This is something from your esteemed place. It just so happens that I'm bringing it here today to offer as a token of my appreciation."
Magistrate Song and Assistant Magistrate Niu looked at each other in bewilderment. How come they didn't know what good tea Green Field County had?
The two nervously accepted the bowls and cups, and only after the soup entered their throats did they realize and say, "So that's what it is."
Zhang Sheng asked in confusion, "Do you two gentlemen also enjoy this tea?"
Magistrate Song pointed to the teacup, shook her head, and smiled, "Not at all." She then showed Zhang Shu her achievements: "This tea was specially prepared by Zhang Ting, a talented man in the county, to alleviate the suffering of the people, and I, too, have..."
She said a long string of words after that, but Zhang Shu ignored them and only heard the first sentence. She picked up the bowl and took a sip, and couldn't help but exclaim, "What a fine tea! This old woman has never tasted such sweet and refreshing tea before."
Zhang Sheng glanced at her furtively upon hearing this, pouting as he thought: "My aunt's face changes so quickly!"
Magistrate Song was overjoyed, thinking that Zhang Shu was praising his achievements. He thought that Zhang Shu's reputation was far-reaching, and if she spread his name, his promotion would be just around the corner. So he flattered Zhang Shu even more diligently.
After a few more conversations, the two even agreed to go to the countryside to enjoy the scenery the next day.
Magistrate Song glanced at the steaming ground outside the door and hesitated slightly: "Isn't this too hasty? Shouldn't we find a cooler day to go?"
Zhang Shu said there was no rush; the sun was shining brightly, and it was the perfect time to enjoy the scenery and go on a spring outing.
Magistrate Song felt ashamed thinking about how he had been sweating profusely on his way here and about tomorrow's itinerary, but he could only bite the bullet and agree.
After agreeing on a time, Zhang Shu saw the two off with satisfaction.
She returned and sighed, "If the mountain won't come to me, then I'll go to the mountain." She patted her niece on the shoulder, "Sheng'er, help me prepare the carriage and luggage for tomorrow."
"By the way, prepare more ice, the old lady is too old to stand the heat."
Zhang Sheng smiled and agreed.
The next day, the sun was high in the sky and a hot wind blew in our faces.
Zhang Shu led Magistrate Song from the southern suburbs to the eastern suburbs, and then around to the western suburbs. Magistrate Song was so hot that he felt dizzy and even wanted to vomit, but he had no choice but to follow her itinerary.
Magistrate Song had lost all interest in composing poetry. He waited patiently for her to finish enjoying the scenery, but when he saw that she wanted to go to the northern suburbs, he regretted agreeing to her arrangement the day before.
Magistrate Song was heartbroken and his face was ashen. He grabbed his servant's hand and almost stumbled. He quickly stopped her, saying, "Master Zhang, the sun is scorching hot, this..." Suddenly, he caught sight of a beautiful, shady house ahead and pointed at it, saying, "Why don't we go there to cool off?"
Zhang Shu feigned regret but, understanding of Magistrate Song's sentiments, said, "Alright then."
Magistrate Song received approval and returned to his carriage without stopping.
Zhang Sheng stared at her impatient back, pursed his lips to suppress a laugh, and followed his aunt back to the carriage with his head down.
As soon as Zhang Shu got into the carriage, he collapsed onto the small couch, tugged at his silk robe, and told Zhang Sheng to fan the ice basin vigorously. Only after feeling the coolness did he exhale a sigh of relief, "So refreshing!"
Zhang Sheng recalled Magistrate Song's disheveled appearance and covered his mouth with a laugh: "Aunt, why did you make things difficult for Magistrate Song?"
Although Zhang Shu was far away in Taizhou Prefecture, he was well aware of Magistrate Song's evil deeds and couldn't help but scoff, "This corrupt official who commits all kinds of evil and disregards human life is getting off easy!"
She felt the cool breeze had lessened a bit, and clicked her tongue lightly, "Sheng'er, didn't you eat today? Quickly fan me!" Then she sighed, "Oh dear! This old woman is getting old and can't take it anymore."
In an instant, the cool breeze on my face became even stronger, and the carriage became very cool.
Magistrate Song was not so lucky. Although he had prepared an ice basin in his carriage, it had already melted into ice water. Even though it was not sunny, it was still very hot and humid.
Magistrate Song leaned weakly against the carriage wall, feeling as if boiling water was being poured into his brain from the Baihui acupoint on the top of his head, making it extremely unbearable.
The carriage arrived at the house after a short while, and the plaque above the main gate clearly read "Zhang Residence".
The servant beside Magistrate Song quickly went to knock on the door and announce that the master of the house had come to greet him.
Before long, a graceful figure in cyan robes slowly appeared before everyone's eyes.
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