Xi Chun was busy when Grandpa Hu arrived at the restaurant with another old man: "Chen girl, are the private rooms we booked still available?"
"Grandpa Hu, you've arrived! Yes, yes, you've already arranged for someone to make a reservation for me, so of course I'm waiting. I'll personally take you upstairs." Xi Chun came out to greet him when she saw him.
"This is our newly developed hot pot. Grandpa Hu, you haven't tried it yet, have you? This is our menu, and the spiciness level is marked on it. One chili pepper is mildly spicy, and five chili peppers are super spicy. You can choose according to your own taste."
Of course, there's also the yin-yang hot pot, which is a pot divided into two sections: one for spicy food and the other for a clear, non-spicy broth.
"Hmm, very thoughtful. Old Ma, come on, take a look and choose for yourself. It's my treat today, so eat whatever you like." Grandpa Hu smiled as he looked at the old man beside him.
"I didn't expect there to be such a good place in your county. No wonder you don't want to go back. Alright, this hot pot with two broths is fine. I know you can handle spicy food." The old man didn't stand on ceremony and ordered quite a lot of things.
"Alright, I'll bring you the hot pot base and dishes right away. Grandpa Hu, Grandpa Ma, please wait a moment." Xichun noted it down, closed the door, and left.
"Taozi, take the food to Grandpa Hu's table upstairs yourself. If they don't understand, explain it to them."
"Alright, don't worry, shopkeeper." Taozi was also familiar with Grandpa Hu, so sending Taozi personally was a way of showing respect.
After a hearty meal and drinks, Xi Chun started selling wine again. The new magistrate, upon taking office, said that everything was as before, and that he was even younger and more flexible in handling affairs, which reassured the business owners.
"Shopkeeper, Grandpa Hu is looking for you. He says he has something to say to you."
"Okay, I'll go up right away." Xichun didn't delay and went upstairs after leaving Taozi to watch over the bill.
"Grandpa Hu, Taozi told me you were looking for me?"
"Yes, I heard you're engaged. The boy is the newly appointed scholar from the Fu family." Grandpa Hu hadn't eaten so heartily in a long time, but now that he's older, he doesn't dare to eat as freely as he used to when he was young.
"Yes, the two families have already exchanged betrothal gifts, and the wedding will take place next winter."
"Then invite that kid to my house tomorrow. I've had a few years of schooling, so I can give him some pointers," Grandpa Hu said confidently.
"Really? Grandpa Hu, thank you! I know you must be a very learned person. To receive your guidance is something many people would love to do." Xichun said with delight. In this era, someone who could claim to be able to guide a scholar must be quite learned. In addition, she had been to Grandpa Hu's house before, and the decoration there clearly exuded a scholarly atmosphere.
"Hehe, this little girl has some sense. She knows how capable you are. Little girl, do you know that he can even guide a scholar who has passed the imperial examination?" Grandpa Ma, who was standing to the side, also laughed heartily when he heard Xichun's words.
"That's wonderful! It's our honor to meet two such outstanding talents. By the way, Grandpa Hu and Grandpa Ma, I've already paid for today's meal as a token of my gratitude for your guidance."
"Old Ma, you see? This girl is really smart. Now you can't help but give her some pointers." Grandpa Hu said heartily, not caring about such a small matter.
"Alright, alright, we're beholden to your kindness. Let's make room for them quickly, there are already quite a few people waiting outside." Grandpa Ma didn't say much, but he did indicate that he agreed.
After seeing the two off, Xichun asked Taozi to stay and watch over things. She was going to go to the Fu family herself to tell Fu Changfeng about this matter, and that they must take it seriously tomorrow.
"Xichun, did those two old folks really say this?" Fu Changfeng didn't want to meet with Xichun in private, so since Mr. and Mrs. Fu and his elder brother were all home, Xichun spoke to them here.
"It's true. I can tell from Grandpa Hu's background that he's extraordinary. Last time, when he helped us find the Guanyin statue, it was like finding a needle in a haystack for us, but Grandpa Hu was able to bring it in a short time. That shows his ability."
Today, another grandfather said he was someone who could guide those who passed the imperial examinations, so I think he must at least be a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations). Perhaps he's just retired and returned to his hometown, but he must have been a high-ranking official in the past and knows a lot about the imperial examinations. I could learn a lot from him, which is why he came to tell me personally. I should pay more attention when I go tomorrow.”
“Xichun is right. Such a person is not someone that ordinary people can come into contact with. He took the initiative to send Changfeng. Changfeng, you must treat him with courtesy and not show the slightest disrespect. No, why don’t we all go in person? Last time, that Guanyin statue must have cost a lot of money to get back, but we couldn’t even get into Master Hu’s house.”
I think we should just bring the Guanyin statue with us this time and give it to Old Master Hu. For our family, possessing such a treasure is a crime.
Master Fu immediately nodded in agreement, and said that he would have someone prepare a box to carry the Guanyin statue over the next day, and also prepare more gifts, making sure that he would arrive with both the person and the gifts.
"Okay, our whole family will go and thank them in person."
The next day, the Fu family picked up Xichun and headed towards the Hu residence. The Hu residence's gate was tightly closed, and they were only allowed to enter after hearing a knock.
"Grandpa Hu, Grandpa Ma, these are Fu Changfeng's parents, Mr. Fu and Mrs. Fu, and this is his elder brother, Fu Changjin." After exchanging greetings, Xichun introduced the group to them.
“Grandpa Hu, this is a statue of Guanyin. It is a great honor for our family that my son was able to receive your guidance today. We have thought about it and have no suitable gift to express our gratitude. This is what we are offering as a token of our respect.”
"Alright, then accept it. You two can go back first. The two young masters and Miss Chen can stay here." Old Master Hu was always very proud in front of outsiders.
"Alright, then my wife and I will head back now." Mr. Fu was also sensible, knowing that his presence would be in the way, so he left with his wife.
"Fu Changfeng, let me test you." Without any preamble, Grandpa Hu threw out a question. Grandpa Ma over there was not idle either. Looking at Fu Changjin's appearance, he also began to ask questions. After learning that he had failed the preliminary examination and was stuck on the prefectural examination, he gave him a few pointers.
The group went back and forth, while Xichun drank tea on the side, feeling drowsy as she listened. She couldn't even quite understand the questions.
"Your knowledge is still a bit shallow, but it's quite solid. In the future, you should put more effort into studying the classics and exchange ideas more often. It's only a matter of time before you pass the imperial examination and become a scholar." Grandpa Ma ended his questioning first.
"Thank you very much, senior. Your explanation has been enlightening. I will definitely study hard in the future." Fu Changjin hadn't expected to gain anything from his visit today, so he quickly expressed his gratitude.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
