Chapter 74 - New Arrival
The following day, Nanny Liu greeted Zuo Shaoqing with an inscrutable expression. However, she remained silent in his presence for the entirety of the day. In contrast, the once-overbearing Manager Chi showered Zuo Shaoqing with flattery, seemingly having forgotten about the previous night's incident.
“Achoo… Third Master Zuo, you truly resemble a dragon and phoenix among men. Your aura is majestic, and your potential is boundless. Achoo…”
Zuo Shaoqing chuckled leisurely, “Manager Chi, are you versed in physiognomy as well?”
“Ah, well, I dabble in it a bit. Achoo…”
“Is Manager Chi feeling unwell?” Zuo Shaoqing inquired with a concerned look. “You didn't get enough rest last night; could you have caught a cold?”
Chi Jinguan inwardly cursed, thinking, How could one not catch a cold after spending the night on the ground?
“You should see a doctor soon. Although Feng Han isn't a severe ailment, it could escalate into something more serious like pulmonary tuberculosis if left unchecked. It's better not to underestimate it.”
Chi Jinguan's mouth twitched; why did that sound so ominous?
“Yes, you're absolutely right,” Chi Jinguan replied with a forced smile.
“I won't disturb your rest any further then… Oh, by the way, I almost forgot to ask, where did all those servants you hired disappear to, Manager Chi?”
Chi Jinguan grew apprehensive, “Why do you want to know?”
Zuo Shaoqing offered a friendly smile, “No particular reason. I simply wanted to check if they are still around. Perhaps tonight, Manager Chi could arrange for them to keep warm. It would be a shame for so many people to catch a cold.”
Chi Jinguan's face turned as pale as a ghost. He hastily waved his hand, “No, no, I'm not skilled at that kind of thing! I sent them away last night.”
“Not a single one left?” Zuo Shaoqing shook his head in disappointment. “Considering they spent money to invite me, it feels wasteful, and earning money for our Cao Sect brethren isn't easy either.”
Chi Jinguan puffed up his chest and stated with a serious expression, “I personally covered the expenses. There's no need to involve the sect's funds.”
“Ah, I see. Manager Chi, you truly possess a sense of integrity!” Zuo Shaoqing saluted him with clasped hands and walked away gracefully.
As he walked away, Chi Jinguan let out a sigh of relief, thinking to himself, “Damn, I've lost quite a bit this time!”
After spending two days resting in Cang State, Zuo Shaoqing sat in the meticulously arranged carriage, his mood sinking to its lowest point.
He had expected to accompany Lu Zheng all the way to the capital, but unexpectedly, last night, Lu Zheng received a confidential letter that led to a sudden change in their plans.
Zuo Shaoqing lifted the curtain and gazed at Lu Zheng, who was riding on horseback. He uttered just one sentence, “Master Lu, take care!”
Lu Zheng lightly urged his horse closer to the carriage with a kick to its belly. Leaning down, he advised, “Don't wander around recklessly in the capital. Instead, spend your time reading for a few days.”
“Yes.”
“This year's examiners are quite strict. They detest excessive flattery the most. If there's no urgent matter, avoid seeking their favor.”
Zuo Shaoqing's heart skipped a beat, and he replied with a smile, “Thank you for the advice.”
Lu Zheng straightened up, retrieved something from his waist, and tossed it into the carriage. In a businesslike tone, he said, “If you encounter any difficulties, take this to Duke Zhen Manor.”
Zuo Shaoqing picked up the jade pendant from his robe, cradling it like a precious treasure. He quipped, “Is this a token of affection from Master Lu?”
Lu Zheng leaned in closer without a hint of tenderness and remarked, “You must return it the next time we meet!”
“Stingy!” Zuo Shaoqing couldn't help but feel that the jade pendant in his hand had a gleaming luster and emanated a warm aura. It seemed to have been worn for many years, possibly an item with sentimental value to Lu Zheng.
Just as he was assessing the significance of the jade pendant, he heard Lu Zheng's awkward voice, “If you like it, I don't mind you keeping it.”
Zuo Shaoqing curled the corner of his mouth and teased, “Seeing how reluctant you are, I'll pass.” Nevertheless, he carefully treasured the jade pendant.
Just as Zuo Shaoqing was about to lower the curtain, Lu Zheng spoke again, “Stay away from your Wu Steeler!”
Zuo Shaoqing's hands paused momentarily, and then he chuckled wryly, “As you wish, Master Duke!”
The two groups parted ways, with one heading north and the other east. Leaning against the carriage, Zuo Shaoqing fondly touched the pouch in his hand. Inside were the beads, the jade pendant given to him by Lu Zheng, and a handkerchief.
After enduring five days of jolting in the carriage, Zuo Shaoqing finally caught sight of the formidable city gate of the capital.
Descending from the carriage while holding his aching waist, he gazed at the towering city wall and sighed inwardly. Finally, he had arrived at this place.
“Shao Qing, I'll have someone from the second uncle's party look for your elder brother's lodging first. Shall we find an inn for ourselves?” Zuo Yunyang, not spotting anyone from the Zuo Mansion at the city gate, held a poor opinion of Zuo Shaoyan.
His brother had fallen ill mid-journey. He could have left earlier to avoid delaying the examination, but he should have at least sent someone to await them at the city gate. Did he not have any concern for Zuo Shaoqing's well-being?
“Second Uncle, your decision is final. We can stay here temporarily while we search for him gradually.” Zuo Shaoqing knew his elder brother's whereabouts. In his opinion, it was best to avoid encountering his good-for-nothing brother before the examination.
After passing the scrutiny of the city guards, the group entered the city. Zuo Yunyang guided them to a discreet inn.
Zuo Yunyang stood before the “Clear Wind Inn” and sighed with nostalgia. “I never expected this inn to still be here after twenty years.”
“Second Uncle, you've stayed here before?”
Zuo Yunyang fixed his gaze on the weathered signboard and spoke, “Back then, Zuo's Mansion was under attack. Everyone was driven out before they could even gather their belongings. In this vast capital, only this inn was willing to accommodate the Zuo Family for the night.”
Zuo Shaoqing detected a hint of loneliness in his uncle's voice. He patted his shoulder and offered reassurance, “Uncle, don't be sad. We're back here now.”
“That's true…” It's a pity we won't be able to return to the Zuo Mansion, and we have no idea who resides there now.”
“If you have the time, Second Uncle, you can purchase a courtyard within the city tomorrow and make it our new home.”
Zuo Yunyang chuckled, “Property prices in the capital are beyond compare with other places. There are locations where even if you're exceedingly wealthy, you still can't buy a house. Second Uncle is holding out for the top scholar to buy a house for him.”
Zuo Shaoqing joined in the laughter, “What kind of family is this? You can stay wherever you please.”
After a brief moment of laughter, Zuo Yunyang grew solemn and said, “Shao Qing, I forgot to inform you—your brother and sister-in-law are also en route to Shang Jing.”
Zuo Shaoqing paused for a moment, not displaying much surprise. He had hoped that Zuo Shaoling's illness would deter the Zuo Family from relocating to the capital, but it seemed the situation mirrored his previous life.
Seeing his lack of displeasure, Zuo Yunyang continued, “Sister-in-law heard about a renowned doctor in the capital, and this gathering of esteemed physicians surpasses other options. That's why she decided to send the entire family.”
A faint smile curled at the corner of Zuo Shaoqing's lips. “I understand. Second brother's health takes precedence.” Whatever will come, will come, but in this life, he refused to be anyone's stepping stone.
Zuo Yunyang sighed, empathizing with Zuo Shaoqing's sentiments. He, too, was a concubine, and while the madame had treated him well, he had always maintained a certain distance. Fortunately, they had parted ways not long after returning to Youuxi Town, sparing him the need to endure her presence.
He patted Zuo Shaoqing's shoulder and ushered him into a tavern. Zuo Yunyang added, “Alright, let's not dwell on it. You're the future Master Yuan, and who would dare not show you respect?”
“Don't jest, Second Uncle. When has anyone appreciated my looks?” Zuo Shaoqing playfully winked at Zuo Yunyang.
“Haha… True, true!”
Upon entering, a middle-aged innkeeper promptly approached them. “Welcome, would you like to book a room?”
Zuo Yunyang teased, “What's the point of being here if we're not staying?”
“Well, even though our Pure Wind Inn is usually quiet, spring is just around the corner. All the scholars in the capital will be seeking lodgings, so we won't have to worry about a lack of customers.”
“Have you rented out the Violet Garden in the backyard?”
“Eh? Has the guest been here before?”
Zuo Yunyang reminisced with a hint of nostalgia, “Yes, it's been twenty years. I still remember you vividly. You were just a kid back then, Ergouzi!”
At the time, this innkeeper had recently taken over his father's business, and no one could have predicted how he'd mature. Yet, he had agreed to accommodate them, marking the night when the Zuo Family's fortunes plummeted from grace to the mortal realm.
“You… Who are you?” The middle-aged innkeeper stared at Zuo Yunyang for a while but couldn't quite place him.
Twenty years had passed, and remembering people he had met only a few times wasn't easy. Moreover, Zuo Yunyang had put on considerable weight and no longer exuded the same elegance as before.
Zuo Yunyang didn't dwell on it and urged, “No need to guess. Just prepare the Violet Garden for my nephew to rest. Wait for him to enroll in high school, and then you'll become famous!”
The middle-aged innkeeper cast a curious glance at Zuo Shaoqing. He found the young scholar remarkably youthful and attractive, but he couldn't envision him becoming a top scholar.
However, business opportunities couldn't be missed, so he offered a friendly smile and led them to the backyard.
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