Chapter 5: The Letter of Indenture Sent by Wang Lin

Chao Gai, the head of Xixi Village, is a wealthy local resident known for his righteousness and generosity, famous far and wide

If it is still necessary to spend money to obtain silver, I will take care of it all.

The housekeeper quickly arranged fruits, vegetables, and a plate of sauced lamb, and also brought two bottles of fine wine. Chao Gai personally poured the wine, then raised the large bowl and said: "Professor, please!"

Wu Yong shook his head and sighed, saying: "Alas, it is too late, Baozheng. That young servant, for some unknown reason, has offended the master of the house and has been framed and slandered by that wealthy family, accused of stealing property. Now he has been coerced into a confession in the prison."

Well, since it is so, you and I shall drink heartily today and not return until we are intoxicated

Immediately, Wu Yong burst into laughter

Wu Yong's ingenuity is evident in a glimpse

Wu Yong pondered over it repeatedly and found it quite appropriate, feeling greatly benefited in his heart

Chao Gai clung to Wu Yong's shoulder, and the two of them walked towards the flower hall, a scene that appeared somewhat incongruous. However, Wu Yong remained unfazed, his laughter continuous

The tall man is Zhang Sheng, the maternal uncle of the impoverished scholar. He repeatedly cupped his hands in greeting, conveyed his future intentions, and then handed over Wang Lin's blood letter.

Chao Gai shook his head

Chao Gai drank it all in one gulp and then said: "Last night, I dreamt that the Big Dipper fell directly onto the roof of my house. There was another small star on the handle of the Dipper, which transformed into white light and vanished. I pondered over the meaning of this starry dream, unsure whether it was auspicious or ominous. Just as I was about to seek the professor's interpretation, I unexpectedly heard today that this scholar has been given the elegant title of 'Star of Wisdom' by the professor. Is this not in perfect harmony with my dream?"

If he were to directly mention the rescue of Wang Lin, it would inevitably seem abrupt. After such a long buildup, especially with the poem "Linjiang Xian" on the token of allegiance, which praises Wu Yong, it also makes Chao Gai feel a sense of comfort in his heart, subtly awakening his appreciation for talent

Wu Yong smiled and said, "There is no need for such formalities, you and I have formed a heartfelt friendship, and we are inseparable. I have merely been at home reading these past few days, and have not had the leisure to meet.

Zhang Sheng's nephew? It is true that his sister married into Qinghe County...'' Chao Gai waved his hand, ``Since it is the professor who wants to make the introduction, then let him come. As for money, we certainly will not treat him poorly!''

Qinghe County is not too far; he actually has an acquaintance over there, Zhou Ping, the head of the county office.

Chao Gai was practicing martial arts in the training ground, honing his muscles and practicing with a staff. He had never married in his life, as he preferred to practice martial arts and make friends across the world. Upon hearing from a servant that "Scholar Wu has arrived," he was overjoyed and went out to greet him, saying, "Professor, you have come at just the right time; I was about to send someone to invite you to the manor for a drink!"

Wu Yong, seeing that the time was right, took out Wang Lin's letter of allegiance and began to recite the poem "Linjiang Xian" for Chao Gai. Upon hearing it, Chao Gai laughed heartily and said: "Professor, is this written for you by Zhang Sheng's nephew? Good, very good! Indeed, he possesses considerable talent, and the key is that he is truly a remarkable person. The elegant title of 'Star of Wisdom' is simply exquisite!"

In fact, he is also aware that it is rather presumptuous to engage in such matters with someone he is not closely related to and with whom he has no prior interactions, as it is inherently difficult to delve into deep conversations with someone he barely knows

After the two of them finished three bowls, Chao Gai finally set down his bowl and said: "It has been a long time since we gathered at the village, could it be that I have been remiss in my duties?"

In those years, Zhou Ping was down on his luck, destitute and wandering in Yongcheng. ... Chao Gai not only generously offered financial assistance but also promised him a young woman from the village as his bride, along with a substantial dowry. ... Over the years, the two families maintained constant interactions.

The Confucian scholar is naturally the learned Wu Yong of Xixi Village

Zhang Baozheng? The Confucian scholar was slightly taken aback and said, "Save your nephew? Where does this come from?"

Afternoon

In the southeast corner of the Zhuangnei area, there is a small courtyard surrounded by a wooden fence, featuring two thatched cottages and a grapevine that provides ample shade.

In Qinghe County, a stranger, a down-and-out young scholar, went to great lengths to present himself with such a token of allegiance, seeking help, and bestowed upon himself the elegant title of "Wisdom Star".

Therefore, it can be considered fate; it would not hurt to offer him some help

The stream flows gently, and the green willows form a forest

... ...

He cannot boast of himself; he must rely on the mouth of Chao Gai to spread this elegant title.

Zhang Sheng sighed deeply

Wu Yong smiled and nodded, but then said slowly: "Isn't there a lack of a tutor here? Have you found someone yet?"

After Wu Yong waited for Zhang Sheng to leave, he still opened the white shirt

Having decided to save the person, Chao Gai, who was quick-tempered and disliked procrastination, immediately called over the steward Chao Er and instructed, "Chao Er, go to the accounts room and withdraw five hundred taels of silver. Take a fast horse and personally make a trip to Qinghe County. Find the county magistrate's assistant, Zhou Ping, and tell him that my nephew, Wang Lin, has been wrongfully imprisoned. Please make sure to find a way to rescue him."

I have heard that Zhang Sheng, the head of Dongxi Village, has a nephew who is teaching at a wealthy family in Qinghe County and possesses considerable talent. A while ago, I intended to recommend him to the estate.

The two laughed heartily, and that day ended in joy.

He directly ignored the previous plea for help, above which was written a crooked poem titled "Linjiang Xian," stained with blood, causing him to stroke his beard in silence

For a hero like Chao Gai, who regards money as worthless as dirt, although he lives in the countryside, he actually has quite a bit of interaction with people in the officialdom

Wu Yong raised his bowl and praised: "The protector is righteous and generous, with loyalty at the forefront; truly, he is one of the best heroes in the world!"

Although Wu Yong received the folded white shirt, he did not open it to look. Instead, he smiled faintly and replied, "Zhang Baozheng, I am merely a poor scholar, with empty sleeves and no possessions, and lacking the strength to even bind a chicken. How could I possibly go to Qinghe County to rescue your nephew?"

Chao Gai could not tolerate such injustices throughout his life, especially since Wu Yong had deliberately provoked him with words for quite some time. He immediately slammed the table and exclaimed: "Scholars are knowledgeable and reasonable; how can they be likened to thieves? Such wealthy scoundrels, who slander honest people, truly deserve to be punished! If this were in Yun City, I would go directly to their door and see if that scoundrel would still dare to harm others!"

Zhang Sheng forced a smile, once again bowing to Wu Yong, and said, "I apologize for the disturbance, sir," before turning to leave.

Chao Er clasped his fists and accepted the order before departing

Chao Gai laughed heartily, raised his cup, and clinked it with Wu Yong's: "Professor, wealth is merely an external possession; one cannot bring it into this world at birth, nor take it away at death. What significance does it hold? A mere five hundred taels of silver, if it can save that scholar's life, would be considered a great merit!"

Outside the eastern gate of Guancheng County, there are two villages: Dongxi Village and Xixi Village, separated by a large creek in between

If in Yuncheng, Chao Gai would indeed be present

A robust man in his forties hurriedly crossed the blue stone arch bridge, entering Dongxi Village from Xixi Village

Wu Yong smiled without speaking

This poem, which is clearly flattering him, cannot be said to be adorned with beautiful language; however, it is neat and orderly. The key point is that it expresses what Wu truly wants to say but cannot articulate.

Moreover, this Wu Xuejiu possesses inherent talent, yet he is merely a schoolteacher from Xixi Village, of low status and little influence; how could he possibly have the ability to save people in Qinghe County

Ensure, please

Having read countless scriptures, I possess a clever and agile mind throughout my life. I have delved deeply into the Six Strategies and the Three Tactics. Within my heart lie the generals of war, and within my belly are hidden the valiant troops. My strategies can rival Zhuge Liang, and Chen Ping cannot match my talents. A slight application of my schemes can astonish even the gods and spirits. I am known as Wu Xuejiu, and people call me the Star of Wisdom.

Wu Yong furrowed his brow; he was merely an acquaintance of Zhang Sheng, the headman of Dongxi Village, nothing more. Was it not strange that the latter had suddenly come to his door to plead for help for his nephew?

Although he lives a secluded life in the countryside, he holds himself in high regard, often comparing himself to Zhuge Liang, believing that he is merely a talented individual who has not yet found his opportunity

It was merely the heartfelt plea written by my nephew, as he felt that his life was at stake. Out of respect for my deceased sister, I reluctantly decided to make the journey.

A scholarly young man, around twenty-eight or twenty-nine years old, with delicate features and a long beard, was pacing in the courtyard while holding a scroll. A tall man approached, knocked on the door, entered, clasped his fists in salute, and respectfully said: "I implore Master Liang to save my nephew's life!"

Another day

Certainly, there are also some thoughts that attract Chao Gai's attention towards Wang Lin.

Wu Yong's face was slightly flushed