Tang Dynasty Xie Lu Lang

Chapter 61 Min Sun's Reed Clothes
Because Zhang Shuo's resentment towards Yuwen Rong was so deep that he became emotional and couldn't help cursing him whenever he mentioned him. Naturally, the subsequent discussion could not produce any clues, so Zhang Guang and others wanted to get up and let Zhang Shuo rest first.

Zhang Jun glanced at Zhang Dai, who was smiling at him. After a moment's hesitation, he looked back at his father and said, "Although Zong Zhi is a man of both mind and body, he was lucky enough to show his talent when things happened. He hasn't developed a method for studying or practicing art, so it's inevitable that he will show his weakness after being praised for a long time.

So I thought, once my family affairs are settled, I would send this child to the Hongwen Academy to study literature and art. Is that okay, Father?"

Zhang Dai couldn't help but feel unhappy after hearing this. He felt that his father really deserved to be punished. Even when he was trying to get him a chance to study at the Hongwen Academy, he would habitually belittle him.

When Zhang heard this, his expression relaxed. He thought his son had finally come to his senses and knew how to ease the relationship between father and son.

To be honest, he still has no accurate understanding of the depth of knowledge of his grandson Zhang Dai, but he expects that it is difficult for him to accumulate any profound knowledge at his age. Even if he has some knowledge, it is only due to his natural talent and intelligence.

After all, systematic education is still necessary to prevent talents from being buried as you grow older and eventually becoming mediocre in the crowd.

In fact, Zhang wanted to keep Zhang Dai by his side and teach him personally. After all, he would be bored at home after retirement. Moreover, Zhang Dai was a very resourceful boy, which was very much to his liking. He even saw some of his own youthful shadow in Zhang Dai.

However, Zhang Jun's suggestion that he enroll in the Hongwenguan School was not out of the question; at least it would broaden his social circle and allow him to interact more with his peers. Sometimes, connections are more important than talent, and studying hard behind closed doors every day isn't necessarily a good thing.

But before he could open his mouth, a sharp and piercing roar suddenly rang out from outside the hall: "No, I will never agree to it!"

Everyone in the hall looked in the direction of the voice and saw Zhang Jun's wife Zheng standing at the door with a sullen and angry face, holding her son Zhang Chan, who had a black eye and a swollen nose.

"What are you doing here? If you have anything to say, go back home and talk to me!"

When Zhang Jun saw his wife and children outside the door, he suddenly panicked and felt a little embarrassed and angry. He stood up at the table, pointed at Zheng, frowned and scolded her.

Zheng had originally stayed in the east wing. When her son came back crying and told her that he had been beaten by Zhang Dai, she was shocked and angry, but she was still cautious. When she learned that the boy was left in the hall to tell a story, she did not dare to ask directly.

She had been waiting in the backyard for quite a while, and only came to the main hall when she could no longer bear it. However, as soon as she got there, she heard that her husband was going to give up the chance to study at the Hongwenguan to that bastard. How could she bear it any longer!
If anger could be revealed, the flames above Zheng's head would have risen several feet high by now.

She walked into the hall angrily, ignoring her husband Zhang Jun's scolding. Instead, she stared at Zhang Shuo and said in a hurry, "Grandfather clearly promised me the other day that he would send my son to study at the Hongwen Academy after this spring. Why did he choose this evil child today?

This bastard just beat and humiliated my son in the front yard, didn't Grandpa see it?

"All of you in this hall are my Zhang family's flesh and blood. Who do you think is the bastard?"

Zhang Shuo had suffered blows for several days and had been resentful for a long time. Now he was provoked in his own hall. He was not a kind-tempered person. His anger rushed to the top of his head. He raised his finger and pointed at Zheng and asked angrily. He even raised his hand to overturn the table in front of him, and the utensils were scattered all over the floor.

Perhaps still concerned about their status difference, but his anger was unbearable. After a pause, Zhang Shuo shouted angrily, "Come here! Hurry and go to Zheng Ai's house to find him and ask him what kind of family traditions this old man has followed and how he has educated his children. Who gave him the courage to cause chaos in my house?"

Although Zhang Shuo was interested in marrying into a Shandong noble family, his preference for family background did not necessarily imply any accommodating behavior. Zheng Ai, Zhang Jun's father-in-law and the father of Zheng, was publicly accused of calling her grandson a bastard. Zhang Shuo responded by calling her father an old man.

"Don't do that, Grandfather...it was my fault, my words were wrong!"

When Zheng heard Zhang's roar, it was like a bucket of cold water poured over her head. Her mind, which had been overwhelmed by anger, immediately regained some rationality. She knelt on the ground and said sadly, "I have spoken out of turn and offended you, old man. I beg you, I beg you to only punish me and accept the punishment. Please, please don't extend it to others..."

Zhang Jun, who was standing by, saw that his father was truly furious, so he no longer cared about pretending to be angry. After all, he was eager to protect his wife, so he quickly walked around to his father's desk and bowed, saying, "Father, calm down, calm down. My wife has been praised for her virtue since she came to us. Recently, there was a sudden change in our family, and I was disturbed, so, that's why..."

I beg you, Grandfather, to forgive your mother for her past diligence in caring for her parents, supporting her husband and raising her children. Sixth and Seventh, please quickly ask Grandfather to forgive your mother!

Zhang Zheng was just thinking that he could finally get his mother's support and revenge, but he didn't expect his mother's fighting ability to be so poor. She was frightened by her grandfather and knelt down to beg for mercy after just one encounter.

However, he was old enough to understand things, and he sensed that the atmosphere was not good, so he quickly kowtowed to the ground, wailing in a tearful voice, "Please, Grandfather, please spare my mother. I don't blame him, and I don't blame my brother for beating me. Please, Grandfather, please let my mother go!"

When Zhang Dai heard Zhang Jun calling him, he cursed inwardly. He was enjoying what he was seeing.

He had originally wanted to find a time to provoke Zheng again, but he didn't expect this woman to explode today. It turned out that she had never been bullied before, and she really couldn't bear it. If her temper was just like this, she probably wouldn't be able to withstand a few more blows.

As for being called a "bastard," Zhang Dai honestly wasn't particularly angry. He even thought Zhang's reaction was a bit exaggerated: "Don't you know what kind of person your son is? How can this be good? My success today has nothing to do with your offspring."

At this time, Zhang Shuo also looked at Zhang Dai. After thinking for a moment, Zhang Dai stood beside his father, bowed and said to his grandfather: "My grandson is not a kind person, and I regret that he is not loved by kindness. But I have the deeds of the sages to teach me, such as Min Sun wearing a reed coat, and his filial deeds are touching.

Besides, my family situation has just settled, so I shouldn't create any more trouble and give others a chance to exploit it. There's so much sorrow and suffering in the world, but so little joy. If I can save one person and bring happiness to the whole family, why wouldn't I do it?

"Who wants to feel wronged? There is no need to feel wronged! This house was passed down from my ancestors, and I have built it even more magnificently. Zongzhi is my virtuous grandson, and I love and appreciate him. If anyone is tired of this old man's tyranny, leave now and don't stay!" Zhang Shuo walked down the hall, raised his hand to pull Zhang Dai to his side, then lowered his head and looked at the family of three kneeling in the hall.

Zhang Jun felt that he had suffered an unexpected disaster. When he heard these words, he felt that his father's appreciation for this kid was even greater than he had imagined. For a moment, he felt a little sour in his heart.

But in order to defuse his father's anger, he frequently used his elbows to poke Zheng who was kneeling beside him, signaling her to continue to admit her mistakes.

Zheng also knew that her so-called dignity as the eldest wife meant nothing in front of Zhang Shuo, the real head of the family. Moreover, she had indeed spoken out of turn tonight. If she could not gain his forgiveness, she was afraid that her family would be implicated.

So she quickly prostrated herself on the ground, crawled to Zhang Shuo's feet, and said in a sad voice, "I dare not, I dare not... I was in a hurry just now, but I was afraid that my son would miss the opportunity to study in the traditional Chinese school. I was worried that I could not properly educate this child. I beg for forgiveness, old man.

Ah Liu, Liu Lang, please forgive your mother for her words. Although we are not close mother and son during these years, I also hope that you can grow up..."

"Madam, your words are too kind. How can I possibly fathom the depth of your compassion? I respectfully accept all your gifts. Today, I did indeed admonish my younger brother. If Madam is displeased, you can ask for a caning tomorrow morning. Why question my father?"

Life is tough, and Grandfather has worked so hard to support the family and protect the people. We shouldn't be disturbed by trivial matters."

Zhang Dai's breath was as fresh as a cup of Longjing tea before the Qingming Festival. After a brief sigh, he bowed to Zhang Shuo and said, "The curfew has been set and there is no communication between the inside and outside. This is not a serious matter. There is really no need for the family to travel at night."

Zhang Shuo was so angry that he said he would bring his relative Zheng Ai in to be punished. In fact, of course he couldn't do that. After all, the times were different now and the rules still had to be followed.

It's not that he couldn't hear the boy's sarcastic words, but it was indeed comforting to hear these words.

Even if they didn't say it on a daily basis, all the men and women in this family had to understand the reasons for their wealth and splendor. A mere Zheng family girl dared to yell in front of him. It was truly a problem caused by being spoiled!

"It's late, let's go. We can talk about it tomorrow!"

He waved his hand and said in a deep voice with impatience.

After hearing this, Zhang Jun and his family of three felt as if they had been pardoned. They hurriedly bowed to Zhang Shuo and took their leave. When they were about to leave the hall, Zhang Jun raised his hand and pulled Zheng's belt, indicating that she should say a few more words to Zhang Dai.

"Liu, Liu Lang, mother lost her composure today, please don't mind it. From now on, we will still get along as before, you, you..."

Although Zheng was unwilling, she noticed that Zhang Shuo's expression was still unfriendly, so she stopped and nodded to Zhang Dai.

"Min Sun's reed clothing brings joy to his family."

Zhang Dai simply responded with an allusion. He did not comment on whether Zheng was good or bad to him. In short, he just wanted to learn the filial piety of the ancient sages, which was always right.

This answer really hurt Zheng. Her face, which had turned pale with fear, began to turn red with anger. However, she really didn't dare to provoke anymore. She could only hold her son's hand and walk away quickly with her head down. Zhang Jun followed behind with an embarrassed look on his face.

The other members of the Zhang family who had watched the lively event also took their leave. Zhang Shuo didn't say much, but just patted Zhang Dai on the shoulder to comfort him.

"Father, I have a request."

Zhang Dai thought for a moment, then said to his grandfather, "Although it's said that a son should stay with his family, I've been through a rough patch, and my grandfather has seen it. Even if I want a harmonious family, I'm afraid my wishes alone won't change it. Rather than being angry all day, it's better to retreat for now."

When Zhang Shuo heard that he wanted to move out, he couldn't help but think of the gift that had been left at the Henan Mansion. He sighed again, but he didn't agree directly. He just said, "Relax, your father is still well. He can handle state affairs with ease, let alone household chores!"

If some readers think that the Five Surnames women couldn't be so stupid, then they may not have understood the story in a comprehensive and specific way. A deeper understanding is the best way to demystify people and events. Because of their inherent popularity, the Five Surnames have been seriously exaggerated, especially the Five Surnames of the Tang Dynasty.

Or it is impossible for Zheng, as the eldest wife, to be so stupid. I would like to remind book friends who have this idea that this is a traitor family!
Even if this decision was made by Zhang Jun and his son and had little to do with Zheng, it is at least certain that Zheng did not provide Zhang Jun and his son with correct and effective value guidance in family life. So what reason is there to determine that Zheng will definitely not be this kind of image?

People and things must be placed in specific scenarios before we can discuss whether they are reasonable or not. Di Renjie and Yao Chong were both politicians with great wisdom and successful lives. So, must their family education also be full of wisdom and their descendants be virtuous?
I am quite disgusted by the image of philosophers in online articles. They are often kind-hearted and worldly-wise, and they appear with an aura of wisdom and infallibility.

The appearance of this image means that the empty and cunning preaching has begun. Don’t think, just follow blindly, and then applaud and praise how smart and experienced you are.

If this kind of character appeared in my book, I would have the protagonist deal with him immediately, rather than let this old-fashioned person act too sophisticated. I would rather have my protagonist be completely calculating than have this kind of idiot become a demon.

Some of the images of historical figures in my books sometimes do not conform to the image generally recognized by the public, but this setting is not illogical or without basis. I will only start writing when I have a solid grasp of the background of the times.

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(End of this chapter)