The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 400 Ziyun Tower

"I have to use this silk thread to weave a long life thread for Brother Xiu."

Wu Youdi muttered, hunched over and rummaging through a pile of cloth pockets to find a bundle of silk thread.

Her gray hair is slanted with mugwort flowers, a headdress woven from mugwort, and paper-cut shapes made of poisonous insects such as grass worms and centipedes are dotted around the side.

During the Dragon Boat Festival, women dress up like this to ward off evil spirits.

Zhu Xiu hurriedly stopped her: "You don't have good eyesight, so don't waste your energy. Isn't there something ready-made here?"

In a pile of cloth pockets, there are still a few threads of longevity woven from straw ropes, painted colorfully.

Wu Youdi shook her head and said, "Mother and your eldest brother will wear these. You are an official, so you have to use silk threads, and you have to make them with mother's own hands. Only then will you be blessed!"

Zhu Xiu was stunned and smiled helplessly.

Zhu Wu grinned and said, "Brother, let me make it myself, for good luck!"

Zhu Liang held up the silver drum and played with it: "Brother-in-law, in the past, grandma only made up the longevity thread for me and Da Ya. This year, we can't take the turn, so I can only make it for you!"

Zhu Xiu smiled and touched his nephew's head, bowed to Wu Youdi, and said softly: "My dear, thank you mother!"

Wu Youdi was stunned, her cloudy eyes gradually filled with mist, she turned her head and quickly wiped the corners of her eyes, reproaching: "I'm so happy that my mother can weave a long life thread for you! I'll do something for my son." There is no need to thank you for anything!"

After Wu Youdi finished speaking, she walked slowly into the room with her waist bent.

She suffers from cold legs all the year round. When the humidity is high and the weather is cold, the pain in her legs is severe. Sometimes it is difficult to land on the ground, and she can only walk with a hunchback. Over time, her waist is damaged.

It has been raining continuously in Jiangning city for the past two days, and her legs have become cold, which can be seen from the heavy steps when walking.

But today, Wu Youdi seemed to have forgotten the pain in her legs. Her wrinkled, dark yellow face was filled with a smile, and she walked so briskly with the silk thread in her hand.
When Zhu Xiu called out her mother, Wu Youdi was not the only one who was happy. Zhu Wu and Yang Qiaolian were also smiling, as happy as if they were celebrating the New Year.

This mother's voice seems to completely integrate Zhu Xiu into the Zhu family. It is a kind of warmth derived from blood connection, constant separation, and a natural sense of closeness.
Zhu Xiu also smiled sillyly, and there seemed to be a gurgling warmth flowing through his heart.

The call from mother came earlier than he expected.

They didn't get along for a long time, but from a look, a smile, and more casual behaviors, he could clearly feel the mother's deep affection for her son.

A desire for intimacy mixed with a little alienation, and even a hint of humility.

What's more, it's a feeling of guilt and self-blame.

It was the heartbroken emotion of a mother who failed to protect her young son when the Khitans were raging. It was heavy and profound.

Zhu Xiu clearly remembers Wu Youdi's excited but at a loss when he faced the Zhu family for the first time and recognized that he was the Zhu family's missing youngest son.

This mother's voice melted away the last thin barrier between him and the Zhu family.

From then on, he was no longer alone in this world. He had a mother, brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and a small family that he needed to maintain and protect.

Zhu Xiu felt that the responsibilities on her shoulders had increased a bit, but her heart was more fulfilled.

For a whole afternoon, the whole family sat around the courtyard, weaving long-lasting prayers, wrapping fragrant fruit rice dumplings, and using white rice dumplings, perilla, calamus, and papaya to arrange the dishes and boxes. The whole family was enjoying themselves.

For more than four years, he had the most warm and down-to-earth holiday.

In the afternoon, someone from Taifu's Mansion sent an invitation. Tonight, Zhou Zong held a banquet at Ziyun Tower to celebrate Han Xizai's conferment of a Bachelor of Diligent Government and the title of Crown Prince's right concubine. He invited Zhu Xiu to accompany him.

At that time, Xu Xuan, Li Congjia, and Zhou Zong's family will all attend.

Zhu Xiu wrote a reply and said that she would definitely go to the banquet on time.

Originally, Zhu Xiu wanted to bring the Zhu family with him and have a separate banquet at Ziyun Tower.

Wu Youdi and Yang Qiaolian didn't want to go, saying that the price of a table in the restaurant was too expensive and they couldn't afford it. They also had the habit of going to bed early and were afraid they wouldn't be able to stay up late.

Zhu Xiu did not force them and asked them to stay with the two babies. Hu Guangyue also left guards behind and only took Pan Mei and Zhu Wu there.

Zhu Xiu knew that they were not used to the etiquette of welcoming and seeing off officials, and they were unfamiliar and resistant to how to socialize with bureaucrats and nobles.

It doesn't matter, just get used to it slowly.

No matter what the Zhu family is like, as long as Zhu Xiu is around, no one in the world dares to look down upon them.

Dinner was early, and Zhu Xiu accompanied his family to use whatever they wanted. When the time was almost up, he, Zhu Wu, and Pan Mei rode horses to Ziyun Tower.

~~~
At the beginning of the lanterns, the Sangjia Wazi was already brightly lit, big restaurants hung high red lanterns, the streets and alleys were bustling with people, and the air was filled with the aroma of wine and meat.

Jugglers breathed fire, stepped on stone balls, swallowed swords, and performed tricks. Crowds gathered around the main street and cheered continuously.

Sellers of sugar figurines, sugar balls, jujube cakes, rice dumplings of various colors, and white balls of animal flowers and fruits in various shapes are constantly selling.

There were sounds of punches with different accents coming from the wine shop, opera songs and dances were performed in the tiles, big girls and young wives gathered in groups, and little children were squeezing in and out of the crowd, chasing the parents who kept yelling and cursing behind them. .
"Wow! It's so lively!" Zhu Wu's eyes widened with novelty, and he turned around while riding his horse.

When the three of them entered Sangjia Wazi, they could not move forward. The crowds of people passed by closely on both sides of the horses.

"Operate your own stable and tie your mounts!

150 cents, you can stay there for one night, water and materials included! "

Two young men in brown clothes, about seventeen or eighteen years old, crowded in front of Zhu Xiu and shouted loudly.

Zhu Xiu waved to them, turned over and dismounted.

"We have three horses and need stables."

"Okay! Don't worry, little man. Just leave it to us!"

One young man picked up the reins neatly, while the other dipped a pen into his tongue and wrote down the horse's number, coat color, and characteristics on three wooden plaques.

Zhu Xiu took it and took a look. The writing was crooked, but it was accurate and quick.

"This is five hundred coins, and the rest will be used as a reward to look after the good horses."

Pan Mei handed over half the money and shouted with a tigerish face.

The two young men took it over with smiles and bowed to express their thanks.

"Don't worry, uncle, my stable is also famous in Sangjia Wazi. Look, it's right over there!"

The young master pointed in a direction, and Zhu Xiu looked around and saw a banner erected on the corner of a side street in the distance, with a few large characters vaguely written on it: Hongji BMW Storage

The three of them walked towards Ziyun Tower. They didn't need to lead the horses, but they walked faster on this bustling street.

"Mother, it costs 150 Wen to tie the horse overnight, which is too expensive!" Zhu Wu felt distressed.

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "These horse-tying shops do business based on who orders the food. During the holidays, the prices go up. You pay the price for the horse you ride. You are very smart!"

Zhu Wu said with emotion: "We have been busy running boats in Banqiao shop all summer, and we might as well tie a few horses to the stables overnight."

Pan Mei held her hands in front of her chest, her eyes kept scanning the beautiful ladies on the street, and hummed: "Every inch of land in the Sang family's tiles is precious. If you can open a stable here, there are some connections behind you. This kind of earning money while lying down Good things about money are not the fault of ordinary people."

Zhu Wu smacked his lips. After coming to Jiangning for half a month, he gained more knowledge than he had in the previous 28 years of his life combined.What Zhu Xiu is more concerned about is the relaxed business atmosphere in Jiangning City, which directly promotes the prosperity of the city's handicraft business.

Because the political situation of the imperial court was stable and the current emperor Li Jing was well-known for his generosity, the atmosphere in Jiangning city became more peaceful.

In comparison, Kaifeng City has a more severe and solemn atmosphere. Street patrols, government officials, and city soldiers can be seen everywhere, making the atmosphere in the entire capital more serious.

"Brother Zhu!"

In front of Ziyun Tower, a shout came from behind. Zhu Xiu looked back and saw Li Congjia and Xu Xuan coming hand in hand.

There are two people behind him, one is Li Deming, who used to fan friends at Hongfu Tower, and the other is an old man, over fifty years old, wearing a scarlet silk robe and a black scarf, with elegant appearance, obvious age, and a pair of weathered eyes. There is God.

Judging from the facial features, the old man must have been a handsome and handsome man when he was young.

"You two came by car?" Zhu Xiu bowed his hands in greeting and asked with a smile.

Li Congjia said: "There are too many pedestrians on the street and it is difficult for cars and horses to move. I leave it to the horse tethered men to find a place to park."

Several people looked at each other and smiled, feeling helpless at the difficult-to-walk Wazi streets.

"I'll introduce you." Xu Xuan stepped aside and was about to speak when Zhu Xiu took a step forward and took the lead in saluting:
"Brother Deming, let's say goodbye to Hongfu Tower. I didn't expect to see you again today."

Li Deming held the exquisite folding fan presented by Zhu Xiu in his hand and said with a smile:

"Li did not expect that the wise friend Chu Xun who generously gave the fan was actually the Marquis Zhu who caused a storm in Jiangning!"

"Haha~ I made brother Deming laugh! I met brother under a pseudonym that day, please forgive me!" Zhu Xiu said.

Li Deming smiled and said: "Master Zhu was in jail that day, but he still had the time to listen to music. This calmness and calmness are admirable!"

Li Deming raised the folding fan in his hand: "This fan was a gift from Mr. Zhu Hou, and its value has doubled. Li has taken a big advantage!"

"No, no, brother Deming, cousin of the number one scholar. This fan has been played with by me and has been contaminated by the wealth of the number one scholar. If brother De Ming doesn't want it in the future, remember to give it back to me and resell it under the banner of brother De Ming. You can still make a net profit. Quite a few!”

The two of them complimented each other back and forth, with the intention of making fun of each other. For a while, no one could take advantage of their words.

Li Deming took a step back, cupped his hands and said helplessly: "Master, you have also seen that Master Zhuhou is eloquent, but this disciple can't match it."

The elegant old man smiled slightly, twirling his beard and looking at Zhu Xiu calmly.

"Junior Zhu Xiu, I have met Mr. Han!" Zhu Xiu looked solemn and bowed respectfully.

The person who could make Li Deming the dignified number one scholar be honored as his master was naturally Confucius Han Xizai, who was famous in Jiangzuo.

He is also the protagonist of today’s feast.

Taking a secret look at Han Xizai, he looked slimmer than the portraits passed down to later generations.

"Master Zhu, there is no need to be polite."

Han Xizai smiled and nodded, and accepted a bow from him, acquiescing to the status of senior and junior between him and Zhu Xiu.

"I and Dingchen are close friends of each other. Prince Anding also calls me Master Han. Today is a private banquet for friends, so I will call you Wencai." Han Xizai said with a smile.

Zhu Xiu said hurriedly: "Master Han is a famous figure in the south of the Yangtze River that is respected by the disciples. It is an honor for the disciples to listen to Master Han's teachings!"

Han Xizai's smile did not change and he looked directly at Zhu Xiu with stern eyes: "I heard that his literary talent and eloquence are unparalleled. I just heard a few words from De Ming and it was really not enough for me. I would like to argue with you later."

Xu Xuan and Li Congjia looked at each other and smiled bitterly.

Zhu Xiu blinked: "I wonder what the topic Master Han wants to debate?"

Han Xizai twirled his beard and looked serious: "There is no defense topic. I want to scold you. You can defend yourself or even scold you back, no need to worry!"

"Uh~" Zhu Xiu was stunned. It was the first time they met. Did Master Han want to fight with him?

Li Deming gritted his teeth and smiled bitterly: "Teacher, why don't we go upstairs first? The old master's family must have been waiting for a long time."

Xu Xuan also urged: "Brother Shuyan, please don't be impulsive. If you have anything to say, please speak it out."

Li Congjia whispered: "Master Han, let's go upstairs and talk. There are many people here and Master Han is a well-known figure in Jiangning City. He can't do anything that damages his image."

Han Xizai twisted his beard and snorted coldly: "I never care about reputation or image. Whatever, I and you, Zhu Wencai, are both guests today. We'd better meet the master first! Please~"

Han Xizai stretched out his hand to invite, but Zhu Xiu dared not walk in front of him, so he cupped his hands and said, "Master Han, please go first!"

Han Xizai nodded, not politely, and took the lead to climb up Ziyun Tower.

Xu Xuan and Li Deming winked at Zhu Xiu and followed Han Xizai closely.

Li Congjia whispered: "Brother Zhu, please say a few soft words later. No matter what Master Han says, you must not take it seriously!"

Zhu Xiu said confusedly: "Why did Master Han scold me?"

Li Congjia wrinkled his fat face: "I don't know, it seems that Master Han is a little angry because he knows that you composed the song "Sentient Beings"

"Oh?" Zhu Xiu thought slightly and seemed to understand why Han Xizai was angry.

"In short, as a junior, Brother Zhu should be as tolerant as possible. Master Han is old and has a short temper. Don't really make him angry."

Li Congjia warned worriedly.

"...I don't have to." Zhu Xiu smiled bitterly.

Follow Li Congjia into the Ziyun Tower pavilion door, take the stairs to the third floor of Ziyun Tower.

Pan Mei came closer and whispered, "Have you ever bullied Mrs. Han's daughter?"

Zhu Xiu rolled his eyes, opened and closed his lips and said softly: "Fart!"

"That's because literati look down on each other. Old Man Han doesn't look down on your poetry!" Pan Mei looked stunned.

Zhu Xiu couldn't laugh or cry: "Don't talk nonsense! Although Master Han only has one disciple, Li Deming, he never hesitates to teach the younger generations knowledge."

Pan Mei's eyes widened: "Then why did Old Man Han say he was going to scold you as soon as we met?"

Zhu Xiu shrugged and said he didn't know.

Zhu Wu said angrily: "If there is a fight later, I will be the first to rush up and grab the smelly old man and ask him what my brother did to offend him!"

Pan Mei saw the excitement and didn't think it was a big deal, hehehe said: "I have been in Jiangning for so long, and the most famous person I have heard is this old man Han. If I beat him up, I'm afraid it would be more sensational than the kidnapping of the prince in Jujingyuan. !”

Zhu Wu showed fierceness on his face: "The crown prince dares to beat you up, why are you afraid of a bad old man? Dare to scold my brother, tell him to taste the power of Zhu's iron fist!"

Zhu Xiu was funny but helpless, and quickly tried to dissuade him: "Brothers, please be patient. Master Han is a truly noble and upright man. If he wants to teach me a lesson, I will just listen. There is no need to get angry!"
Besides, Master Han may not be as good as me when it comes to lip service! "

Pan Mei laughed: "That's true! I have never seen anyone in this world who can tell lies better than you!"

Zhu Wu chuckled and said: "Kungfu is also kung fu, and my brother is really good!"

(End of this chapter)