The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 401 Angry youth, Zhu Xiuye

In the Hongyan Pavilion on the third floor of Ziyun Tower, Zhou Zong's family has been waiting for a long time.

In addition to Zhou Min and Zhou Yan, Zhou Xian is also on the list.

Madam Zhou wore a light green skirt, her black hair was combed into a more dignified concentric bun, and a jade hairpin was inserted sideways. She looked elegant and tranquil, yet noble and gorgeous.

Zhou Xian rarely participated in similar occasions. Today, for some unknown reason, Zhou Zong strongly asked her to participate. After dressing up, she was allowed to go out only after getting approval from her old father.

Two years ago, on the first day of the Yuan Dynasty, the emperor held a banquet in Yanfu Hall to entertain important ministers. He allowed his wife and children to accompany him, but Zhou Zong only brought Zhou Xian into the palace.

At that time, her old father also personally supervised her makeup.

But today was just an ordinary banquet, and Zhou Xian didn't understand why his father paid so much attention to it.

Is it because someone is present?

Zhou Xian glanced at Zhu Xiu unconsciously, his bright eyes flashing. Well, today the evil villain was also dressed quite handsomely. He had a tall figure and a jade-like face. Although he was young, he did not show any signs of it while talking to a group of dignitaries. Shy, talk and laugh freely.

Zhou Xian's mind suddenly recalled what her father asked her that day, that the emperor intended to marry the Zhou family to the Northern Dynasty.

No need to guess, the targets are naturally her and someone Zhu
Zhou Xian spat in embarrassment, and two clouds of red rose on his cheeks.

Zhu Xiu's hands were held tightly by Zhou Min. This old man didn't know why, but he shook hands affectionately as soon as they met, with fiery eyes as if the two were long-lost brothers.

Zhou Min kept chattering and trying to make friends with Zhu Xiu. Zhu Xiu reluctantly responded with a stiff smile. Suddenly, he turned his head and glanced at him like a tacit understanding, and realized that Zhou Xian was staring at him with a pair of shining jewel-like eyes.

Their eyes met, and they were all stunned.

The corners of Zhu Xiu's mouth curved up, and she pursed her lips frivolously.

Zhou Xian turned his head in panic, feeling ashamed and angry. How could he, such a disgusting villain, do such a shameful act in public.

"My dear brother, why don't you come to my house for a walk these days? Brother, I also said that I would take you on a boat tour of the Qinhuai River!"

Zhou Min patted Zhu Xiu's hand resentfully.

Zhu Xiu pulled away hard, but she didn't expect that just as she let go, Zhou Min held on tightly again.

"Second Young Master is now promoting the Water Transportation Department, and he is busy with business, so he dare not go to disturb." Zhu Xiu smiled stiffly.

"What second young master? Call me second brother!" Zhou Min feigned anger and put his arms around Zhu Xiu's shoulders.

He is not as tall as Zhu Xiu, so he has to stand on his tiptoes a little.

"Brother Er Er!" Zhu Xiu shouted so hard that he couldn't speak.

Zhou Min grinned happily, with yellow teeth, fine crow's feet, and slightly white temples.

This guy is already 40 years old, just a few years younger than his wife. I heard that his son is a year or two older than him.

Just like that, forcing yourself to call me brother?

It was hard to refuse such kindness, so Zhu Xiu could only recognize this old brother.

It's just that Zhu Xiu is a little strange. This old man seems to be too enthusiastic about him.

Zhu Wu stood aside and noticed that Zhu Xiu was uncomfortable. He stepped forward and clamped Zhou Min's wrist, and said with a smile: "Second Young Master, may I talk to you?"

Zhou Min felt pain in her wrist and let go, but was held tightly by Zhu Wu. Zhu Xiu took the opportunity to dodge to the side.

"Hehe, my elder brother used to run a boat at the Banqiao store, and he and the second son are also considered to be traveling together. You must have a lot in common, so why not talk about it!"

Zhu Xiu winked at Zhu Wu and stood beside Xu Xuan and Li Congjia without waiting for Zhou Min to speak.

Zhou Min looked at the dark, rough man in front of him, feeling depressed.

He was the big proprietor of thirteen shipping companies in Jiangning, and he was assigned to promote the Water Transport Department. He was regarded as the king of waterways in Jiangning city.

Zhu Wu is just a laborer who runs boats and does work. Who do you think he is a companion with?

Zhou Min secretly cursed, but without changing the smile on his face, he affectionately pulled Zhu Wu to sit aside.

No matter what, if you have a good brother, you can't offend him.

So the two started chatting hard. Zhu Wu talked about his life of running a boat in Banqiao shop, how hard it was to work day and night, and how hateful the black-hearted boat owner was.

Zhou Min said how troublesome the scheduling of the thirteen shipping companies was. Different shipping companies formed cliques and often fought and caused troubles. It was a headache for him to deal with it.
While chatting, the two of them drank. Zhu Wu didn't like changing glasses. What was important was that the wine was dry. Zhou Min drank several glasses in a row. His face turned red and his tongue was already enlarged.

Zhou Zong and Han Xizai are old friends, so they don't need too much politeness. They greet each other and sit down at the table.

The banquet was naturally divided into separate tables. Zhou Zong and Han Xizai sat alone at the top, and Xu Xuan, Li Congjia, and Li Deming sat alone at the left.

On the right side are placed a screen, a piano stand, and for the waiters in the restaurant to serve food. There is only room for three tables.

Zhou Min was drunk by Zhu Wu before the banquet started. Zhou Zong was so angry that his beard curled up, and he waved his hands in disgust and asked someone to carry this useless thing off.

Zhou Yan consciously walked to the last table and sat down. Zhu Wu and Pan Mei sat on the second table. There was only one case left. Zhu Xiu and Zhou Xian looked at each other.

Zhou Xian was about to sit with his third brother Zhou Yan, but Zhou Zong suddenly smiled and said: "Wencai and Ehuang are both young people. Let's sit together on the same case. We should be closer so that I and my uncle can ask questions."

Zhu Xiu was startled, smiled calmly, and bowed slightly as an invitation in a very gentlemanly manner.

Zhou Xian blushed. Unexpectedly, his father asked her to sit with Zhu Xiu. He hesitated and stood there for a while.

Han Xizai's face remained as usual, he poured himself a drink, and occasionally looked at Xu Xuan from a distance.

Li Congjia and Li Deming both showed ambiguous smiles.

Xu Xuan winked at Zhu Xiu, as if to say, this opportunity is rare, so seize it!

Zhu Wu grinned happily. In his eyes, Zhu Xiu and Zhou Xian were a match made in heaven.

Seeing the two of them awkwardly standing there, Pan Mei secretly clenched her fists anxiously, wishing she could rush forward, knock Zhou Xian out with a palm, and push him into Zhu Xiaozi's arms.

Zhou Yan naturally knew what his old father was up to. He coughed dryly and reminded him: "Emperor E is better to sit with Mr. Zhu, as he is closer to Confucius Han, so that it is easier for him to ask for advice."

An extremely lame reason made everyone nod in unison.

The corner of Zhu Xiu's mouth twitched. Who has the time to ask for advice at a banquet?
Zhou Xian suppressed his shame and saluted gracefully, then straightened his clothes and sat down after a while.

Zhu Xiu was next to her.

Fortunately, there is a low cushioned stool under my butt, so I don't have to kneel down. Although it is still a little short and uncomfortable, it is still better than having my butt pressed against my heels.

At the beginning of the banquet, Zhou Zong and Han Xizai frequently raised their glasses and said congratulatory words.

The waiters of the restaurant filed in and brought plates of exquisite dishes to everyone's table.

Behind the screen, there are musicians playing chimes and playing harps, and the tunes are soothing, which is meant to be enjoyed with wine.

Pan Mei and Zhu Wu put on large bowls to drink. The tables in front of them were all cleared out as soon as they were filled. The waiter in the restaurant expressed shock at the amount of wine and food they drank.

Zhou Yan drank alone with his chin propped up, his eyes blurred, and his whole body exuded the temperament of a melancholy poet.

Li Congjia and Li Deming also knew each other because of Han Xizai's relationship before, but their friendship was not deep.

Now we sit down and talk carefully, and we find that we have a good rapport with each other and have a great time talking.

Xu Xuan joined the conversation between Zhou Zong and Han Xizai, leaving only Zhu Xiu and Zhou Xian at a deserted table. "Ahem~"

Zhu Xiu glanced at the beautiful woman next to him and found that the young lady had her back straight and her eyes and nose looking at her heart, looking like she was sitting upright.

Zhu Xiu put a piece of steamed fish with chopsticks onto the plate in front of Zhou Xian, and said with a low smile: "The taste of this perch is very delicious, Emperor E might as well try it!"

Zhou Xian's eyelashes trembled, and he whispered shyly: "Don't call me that!"

She glanced at Zhou Zong nervously, fearing that her old father would hear her.

"Are you afraid?" Zhu Xiu joked with a low smile, "The old lady arranged for you and me to sit together, your intention is obvious."

Zhou Xian resisted the urge to get up and run away, pinched his wrists and sleeves, and tried to keep the expression on his face calm and normal, just like chatting casually with a friend:
"You, don't make random guesses"

Zhu Xiu picked up a piece of thinly sliced ​​goose meat and tasted it. The taste was okay, but the taste was relatively simple and the fishy smell of poultry was obvious.

"I entered the palace that day, and in front of His Majesty, I said that I broke into Jujingyuan because of you, and because of you, I was jealous of the prince. This matter has been widely circulated now. I think you must know it?"

Zhu Xiu seemed to be smiling but not smiling.

Zhou Xian nodded lightly and said reservedly: "I heard it. I know you have no choice but to break into Jujingyuan. After all, you need a decent reason to clear yourself of the crime of maliciously kidnapping the prince. Don't worry, I can do this. I understand, and my father won’t blame me.”

"E Huang is not afraid of ruining Qing's reputation from now on?" Zhu Xiu smiled and pondered.

Zhou Xian's face darkened for a moment, and he said softly: "Compared to Dongmei, I am already considered a lucky person. A little fame is irrelevant. Being able to help you clear your name is the most important thing."

Zhu Xiu smiled and said, "When did Emperor E care about me so much?"

Zhou Xian's face turned red, his beautiful eyes rolled at him, and he bit his lip: "Don't worry too much, and don't think too much! You broke into the Forbidden Garden to save my life, and I should repay you. I only hope that this mere reputation can be exchanged for your life"

Zhu Xiu smiled, filled herself a glass of wine, and handed Zhou Xian another glass.

Zhou Xian thanked him in a low voice, picked up the wine glass and took a sip. Under the aroma of the wine, his cheeks became more and more rosy and shy.

"Why on earth do Emperor E think I want to break into Jujingyuan?" Zhu Xiu asked coldly, her eyes bright.

"I, how would I know?" Zhou Xian lowered his head and said like a gnat.

"Haha~" Zhu Xiu laughed to himself and played with the small and exquisite glass wine glass, "Maybe I am obsessed with it, or maybe Li Hongji and I have a natural hatred."

Zhou Xian glanced at him, then quickly looked away.

"Ahem~ You're such a talented person!"

When Han Xizai's voice sounded, Zhu Xiu hurriedly sat up, leaned forward slightly, and acted as if listening.

Zhou Zong glared at Han Xizai in dissatisfaction. He had been secretly paying attention to his daughter and Zhu Xiu just now. The two young people had a very happy conversation. It is too ignorant for you, Mr. Han, to intervene at this time.

Han Xizai said solemnly: "I ask you, what is your purpose in composing a song for sentient beings to sing to Jiang Ning?"

Zhu Xiu smiled and said authentically: "It was written out of emotion, with no other intention. A few messy words and phrases put together can be liked by the people of Jiangning, all because of the music composed by Lady Zhou."

"Hmph! Sophistry!"

Han Xizai put down his wine glass with a sullen look on his face: "You let a song about the sufferings of the people be sung in Jiangning. You clearly want to stir up public opinion, confuse people's hearts, stir up people's dissatisfaction with the court, and ultimately cause turmoil in the government and the opposition!
Your move can be described as heart-breaking, and your intention is extremely sinister! "

Everyone present was shocked. What Master Han said was serious.

Zhu Xiu looked indifferent and raised her eyebrows slightly. It was rumored that Master Han had a bad temper, and today it turned out to be true.

Zhou Zong smiled and eased the atmosphere: "It's just a piece of music, it's not that serious. Uncle Yan was joking!"

Han Xizai said sternly: "What the old lady said is wrong! The song of sentient beings can arouse a warm response in Jiangning, which shows that the content of the lyrics and songs is recognized by the people of Jiangning. The more enthusiastic the response of the song of sentient beings, the more excited the public opinion will be. If you are not careful, you will be It will arouse dissatisfaction among the people and antagonize the imperial government!
This is a conspiracy, seemingly harmless, but it subtly separates the people of Jiangnan and the court. "

"This" Zhou Zong was speechless.

Of course he knew that the music of sentient beings was too sad and miserable. The more deeply the people felt about this music, the more it showed that the resentment among the people was deep.

It's just that Zhou Zong didn't think Zhu Xiu did it on purpose, it just happened at the right time.

Zhu Xiu smiled and said nothing. Of course he would not admit that he deliberately wrote the song of all living beings to anger the people of Jiangnan.

Even though Han Xizai almost made his intentions clear.

Frankly speaking, Zhu Xiu did not expect that the song of sentient beings could spread throughout the streets and alleys of Jiangning in a short period of time.

Such a good effect cannot be achieved without the music composed by Zhou Xian.

Zhu Xiu couldn't help but cast an approving look at Zhou Xian, and found that this girl was looking at him curiously, with a pair of bright eyes as bright as the stars.

Xu Xuan hesitated for a moment and said with a wry smile: "To be fair to Wencai, when I first heard this piece of music, I had the same doubts as Brother Shuyan.

The people's sufferings sung in the song of all living beings are deeply touching and resonate with the people of Jiangning.

Although the lyrics and music are good, they are not conducive to the stability of the people.

I wonder if Wen Cai did it unintentionally or intentionally? "

Li Congjia looked at Zhu Xiu worriedly, while Li Deming looked calm and wanted to hear Zhu Xiu's explanation.

They were friends with Zhu Xiu, but they did not want Zhu Xiu to destroy the harmony and stability of Jiangnan with a song and song.

After all, each has its own master, and Jiangbei and Jiangnan will not be at peace for long.

Pan Mei stretched out her arm to give Zhu Wu an elbow and said in a low voice: "Be careful, I'm afraid we're going to fight!"

Zhu Wu was so excited that he suddenly sobered up from being drunk.

Zhu Xiu looked around the crowd and smiled slightly: "I would like to ask you all, if a person kills someone with a knife, does the crime lie with the person or the knife?"

Han Xizai said without hesitation: "Of course the person holding the knife is guilty!"

Xu Xuan, Li Congjia and others all nodded, Zhou Zong stroked his beard and narrowed his eyes slightly.

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "This is exactly the truth. Master Han accused me of composing a song of sentient beings to slander your country's court, stir up public anger, and confuse people's hearts.

But please think about it, is the fault really mine?

If the sufferings of the people sung in the song of sentient beings are fake, why do people feel the same way?

The peasant woman raising silkworms is busy all year round, but why can the silk she worked so hard to buy only be worn by nobles?And she, a silkworm farmer, couldn't afford to wear even a piece of clothing?
Bricklayers used the soil in front of their homes to bake clay tiles, but in the end they could only live in a hut with no tiles above their heads.

But some people are born rich and can enjoy the fruits of their wealth without producing anything!
The fine wine in the golden bottle was bought with blood and tears, and the people's wealth became delicacies on the plates of corrupt officials!

If the people were not suffering, why would they shed tears when they heard the music of sentient beings?
And where does the suffering of the people come from?

A song of resentment can stir up public opinion. Who makes people harbor resentment?
Who is the original sin in this? "

Zhu Xiu got up abruptly, her tone suddenly raised, her tone was cold and harsh, as if a bone-piercing cold suddenly struck in the air, making everyone present chill all over!

Zhu Xiu raised her head and drank a glass of wine, tears welling up in her eyes.

The image of an angry young man whose eyes filled with tears as he mourned the sufferings of the people's livelihood rose up in everyone's hearts!

(End of this chapter)