kingnovel Chapter 910 Don’t remember
Chapter 910 Don’t remember
Xu was still somewhat uneasy. When that child pinched her philtrum earlier, she felt that his gaze was too profound.
Just like... just like when I first met Zhong Zheng, there was no emotion.
Staring at someone too intently can make people feel uncomfortable.
Seeing that his parents were still somewhat uneasy, Zhang Ping'an seized the opportunity to suggest, "How about this, Father, Mother, now that Xiaoyuer is back, why don't we all go to the Daxiangguo Temple to offer incense tomorrow? Firstly, to pray for our whole family's well-being and peace; secondly, to bless Xiaoyuer so that he may have a smooth examination next year; and thirdly, to tell Buddha about the cause and effect of this child, so that this matter can be put to rest. What do you think?"
“Great, let’s do it this way,” Zhang Lao Er said, making the decision from the side.
Xu nodded without further hesitation, "Alright, then let's go to Daxiangguo Temple tomorrow. I'll prepare some extra money for incense and oil, as a small token of my respect to Buddha."
"Okay, I'll make the arrangements. Mother, you should rest well and not worry too much."
After Zhang Ping'an finished speaking, he gestured for the maid to come and serve him.
After leaving the house, he instructed his servants to eat their fill and wait for him in the study.
"After you've eaten your fill, send someone to Qing County now. As I instructed you before, give Master Miaozhen of Sanqing Temple a heads-up that she must set off for Daxiangguo Temple immediately so that she can arrive by tomorrow morning."
Having eaten his fill, he didn't hesitate, immediately clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, and left.
Before long, it was dinner time, and Xiaoyuer sent a carriage to the inn to pick up the Li family and the Wen family father and son.
The two pairs of fathers and sons looked better than they had been, having freshened up at the inn that afternoon.
Especially Wen's father, who practically bowed ninety degrees to Zhang Ping'an, fawning over him to no end. Wen Xiange could hardly bear to watch, but fortunately, Zhang Ping'an quickly helped her up.
Li's father, however, remained much more silent, bowing nervously.
The most poised and confident was Li Chengye, who was open and uninhibited, without the slightest hint of restraint.
Zhang Ping'an ignored the Wen family father and son, gave them a few perfunctory words, and then turned his attention to his eldest nephew and his adoptive father beside him.
When this man took the child away, he was just a young man in his early twenties. It was at night and in the dim light of early morning. To be honest, apart from the birthmark on his face and his clothes, which left a deep impression on Zhang Ping'an, he didn't really remember what the man looked like.
Now, many years have passed, and this person has many more wrinkles on his face and his back is hunched. He looks very different from the person I remember. But if you look closely, his facial features are still the same. The most noticeable thing is that birthmark. There is no mistake about that.
After a flash of insight, Zhang Ping'an stood with his hands behind his back and a smile on his face, asking, "I heard that you came here to take the imperial examination and also made a trip to the border trade market in Datong? Since ancient times, scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants have been involved in trade. I wonder what your thoughts are on this?"
This is a very tricky and clever question, because at that time the concept of social hierarchy among scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants was deeply ingrained.
But people still need to eat, study, and socialize. The meager salary for entertaining guests is simply not enough. Most families with insufficient wealth will secretly have their servants or stewards run businesses to make money.
However, very few people bring this up in the open; it's too embarrassing!
Therefore, it was indeed a sensitive topic for candidates taking the imperial examinations to do business during their journey, and it was easily subject to moral condemnation.
If not handled properly, one could be isolated from literary circles.
Zhang Ping'an was also testing his nephew's abilities.
Upon hearing this, the father felt a sudden jolt, but fortunately, he was prepared. So he immediately replied on behalf of his son: "Lord Zhang, you may not know this, but I am a small landowner in western Hunan. I have some orchards and forests, and I also run a candied fruit shop and a silk workshop. I heard that these things are more expensive in the border trade market, so... I took advantage of the opportunity to accompany my son to take the imperial examination to bring these things to Datong. This is within the scope of the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty and has nothing to do with my son."
After saying that, he put on a smile, cupped his hands and said, "It is an honor to have dinner at your esteemed residence. I brought some gifts with me. They are just a small token of my appreciation, and I hope you will accept them, Lord Zhang."
Zhang Ping'an gently raised his hand, "There's no need for such formalities. I am a person who appreciates talent. My son told me that your son is quite talented in literature, and I expect he will excel in next year's imperial examination."
After speaking, he looked at Li Chengye and his son.
Mr. Li was naturally taciturn and had no idea how to answer.
Li Chengye, however, was decisive and calmly stepped forward, cupping his hands and replying loudly: "Uncle, this is indeed the case! I often read the books of sages and virtuous men, and I deeply understand the principle of applying what I have learned. In the past, Fan Zhongyan also set up a charitable estate to benefit the local people. I have seen that the local products are abundant, but the circulation is not smooth, and the people are struggling to make a living. Therefore, I am trying to run a business, hoping to facilitate the exchange of goods, revitalize the economy, and benefit the neighbors."
The profits, besides being used for the imperial examinations, were also used to repair bridges and roads and to help the elderly, weak, and widowed neighbors.
This is an application of what I've learned from the book to understanding the people's sentiments and putting it into practice. I have never forgotten the importance of integrity, as honesty and trustworthiness are paramount in business. Therefore, I use this as a mirror to constantly remind myself whether I have truly acted in a righteous way, and whether all my actions are upright and honest. This is not about accumulating wealth, but rather a process of self-discipline and refinement through experience!
Even though Little Fish knew the truth, he still admired the man's eloquence.
This gave him the feeling of finding a kindred spirit, and they couldn't help but feel a sense of mutual appreciation.
Moreover, he wanted to recruit this person to his own service in the future.
So he gently clenched his fist and coughed.
He gave his father a look, signaling him not to take it too seriously.
Zhang Ping'an smiled, giving his son face. He not only didn't press him further, but even praised him a couple of times.
Only then did Mr. Li feel relieved, and he secretly felt proud of his son.
Zhang Ping'an was now certain that he truly did not remember his family.