Chapter Six: The Li Residence Appreciates Chrysanthemums

At this moment, the Li family mansion in the west of the city

Upon seeing his son arrive, Cao Song immediately let out a light laugh. "I simply do not wish to disturb A Man. Now that the situation in Yanzhou is initially settled, A Man must be burdened with military affairs. I plan to leave a letter and travel lightly to Huaxian, not wanting to cause him any unnecessary trouble."

But now, in this situation, I find myself wandering outside, having thought for several days and nights without coming up with a solution. For Cao Anmin, this elder, who has been in his life for nearly 10 years, is like his own grandfather and father. Watching the other party about to go to Xuzhou to face death, yet feeling utterly helpless, I can't help but smile bitterly in my heart

"What kind of guests has your master invited?" Quickly stopping the steward, it was Cao Anmin who spoke this time.

"Butler Li, we have guests today," Zhou Fang inquired.

The butler is a corpulent middle-aged man, with a prominent brow and a bushy mustache, clearly a quintessential figure of a traditional butler

Only Li Guanjia remained in place, puzzled and confused. "What a strange person..."

Upon hearing these words, everyone was even more astonished. Cai Yong, in particular, trembled at the scene, his eyes suddenly brightening as he looked at Li San and hurriedly asked:

In the hall, chrysanthemums and tulips bloom, among them a solitary cluster resembling frost, akin to today's song and banquet, where the old man mingles with the youth.

However, there is a calligraphy style known as "Feibai" (Flying White), which is renowned for its spirited and powerful strokes, attributed to Cai Bojie. Although I do not have much knowledge of calligraphy, anyone who enjoys the Three Kingdoms period has certainly heard of the name Cai Yong, a distinguished figure of the Eastern Han dynasty. He is further recognized for his unique creation of the Feibai calligraphy style, earning him the title Cai Feibai.

This was merely a casual question, yet it caused Cao Anmin to be suddenly alarmed

Upon hearing this, Cao De could not help but blush. Seeing the old man so concerned, he felt a sense of shame. "It is all due to my failure to properly educate my child, which has led to such remarks at the banquet..."

Father, what is this?" Cao De was holding a volume of the Book of Songs and was walking quietly in the courtyard when he suddenly reached the door and found Cao Song preparing clothes with the help of several servants, which made him unable to help but ask in confusion

Am I really this incompetent?

Nodding slightly, Cao Song smiled and said: "Indeed, you should stay in Xuchang. Firstly, you can serve as a chief clerk in Aman's army, assisting him in handling state affairs. Secondly, you can teach Cao Pi and Cao Zhang to read and write. Thirdly... it is essential to restrain Cao Xin, preventing him from becoming arrogant and speaking recklessly; otherwise, in the future, Xin may face punishment under military law."

As for the matter concerning Xin'er... you are not unaware of it..." With a sigh, Cao Song instructed the servants to continue tidying up, while he sat on the couch and said with a tone of disappointment: "In recent days, the news about Xin'er has been circulating throughout Yanzhou City, with people saying things like... Yanzhou Ah Xin is crying and lamenting her plight. I fear that if Xin'er is left alone in your brother's army without anyone to watch over her, and if she were to utter any inappropriate words, it is likely that even your brother would not be able to protect her..."

People often say that raising a pet can foster feelings within a month; how much more so for humans, especially family members

Suddenly, a loud shout startled Cao Anmin, who was lost in a dreamlike state. He saw the two people in front of him staring in shock, and he realized that he had lost his composure.

Cao Anmin shook his head, but at that moment, he suddenly felt a sense of unease. He immediately declined, saying: "No, Butler Li. Since there are matters at the Li residence today, my brother Zhou and I will come another day. I have something to attend to and need to return to the residence."

Xuchang, within the provincial capital, the rear courtyard

Suddenly, at that moment, five individuals slowly emerged from within the residence and approached the entrance

At this moment, Li Zhen was the first to walk to the door and saw the butler reprimanding, "Li San, why is it so noisy? Do you not know that I am entertaining distinguished guests? You have disturbed the gentleman's poetic inspiration; can you bear the responsibility for that?"

Chrysanthemums, my grandfather really likes chrysanthemums...

Zhou Fang, what brings you here? Have today's tasks been completed?

Pointing to some clothes in the room, Cao Song said: "Aman has given me enough money and silk. This morning, I have already sent someone to prepare the carriage. The books and money have all been placed in the carriage. I will leave immediately with these clothes, not wanting to disturb anyone."

At that moment, when Cao Anmin and Zhou Fang were heading to a large residence in the western part of the city, little did they know that Cao Song had already set off. Perhaps Cao Anmin never imagined that his grandfather would leave in such a manner, without alerting anyone, and depart ahead of time. Moreover, Cao Song had no idea that once he left, he would never be able to turn back.

Then father, why did you leave without informing me? I am just about to prepare my luggage..." Saying this, he turned to go back to his room

The steward cast a disdainful glance at Zhou Fang and Cao Xin, stroked his eight-pointed beard, and coldly remarked: "Is this the kind of matter that someone of your lowly status should inquire about?"

After a while, as everyone listened to the steward's account from the beginning, each person's expression became serious, and Cai Wenji was even murmuring softly:

Seeing that Cao Song had made up his mind to leave, Cao De felt reluctant in his heart but was powerless to change the situation. He then spoke with tears in his eyes: "Then... child... bids farewell to father"

As soon as these words were spoken, seeing the master reprimanding him so harshly, Li San was immediately drenched in sweat, his previous arrogance vanishing in an instant, and he truthfully reported everything that had just happened from beginning to end

Why ... ... father

As soon as these words were spoken, the household servant by the door was taken aback, yet he could not comprehend what had driven this usually impoverished and boorish man to such madness

Regardless of whether Zhou Fang was willing or not, Cao Anmin stepped out without looking back

As for the other two individuals, one is a somewhat pale and sickly young scholar, while the other is the master of the Li residence, Li Zhen

At this moment, however, Cao Anmin seemed to be lost in some kind of contemplation, only hearing the phrase "let us enjoy the chrysanthemums together," while the rest completely failed to register in his mind

Is it that the father wants the child

Suddenly taken aback, Cao De felt inexplicably puzzled by his father's words. He halted in his tracks, momentarily stunned, and turned around in surprise to say: "Of course, I will return to my hometown with you."

Yet it is the poetry of Bai Juyi, where ten years of emotions have resulted in the old gentleman's white hair, and similarly, it has bestowed upon Cao Anmin a trace of familial affection that was seldom cherished in his past life

The ordinary eye may not perceive it, but this steward is certainly not an ordinary person. Observing Zhou Fang standing tall and straight, and then looking at the young scholar behind him, whose attire and demeanor also suggest he is not from a common family, could it be... that this fellow has befriended some high-ranking officials or nobility

Cao Anmin agreed to meet Zhou Fang at www.hetushu.com.com in the west of the city at the Li family residence to redeem him. However, he did not expect that the Li family was quite lively.

However, what Cao Anmin did not expect was that this "the spirit of the book is profound and refreshing, possessing divine power" would be an evaluation of Cai Yong many years later, yet at this moment, it was unknown to anyone

"I must say, if I go to Xuzhou, I will surely meet my end there? Hahaha!" The words that Cao De hesitated to say were spoken out loud, and the old duke's murky eyes suddenly flashed with a hint of amusement, as he burst into laughter, saying: "I am determined to pass through Xuzhou, to have a good discussion with Tao Gong. This time, I want to make it clear to Xin'er that matters of the world are not so simple, hahahahaha..."

Upon being questioned by the other party, the steward stood upright, pointed with his thumb towards the inner courtyard, and said with great confidence: "Cai Yong, Cai Zhonglang"

Where do you wish to go

At that moment, Li San suddenly interjected, saying: "That person is quite strange. When I mentioned that Cai Zhonglang had come to the residence, that person asked, 'Is it the Cai Bojie who is truly eloquent and possesses remarkable spirit?' It really leaves me perplexed."

These three individuals are naturally Cai Yong and his daughter Cai Wenji

One of the individuals appears to be around sixty years old, with a face full of white beard. Although he has reached the age of gray hair, his gaze remains bright and spirited, and he exudes a robust demeanor, reminiscent of a learned scholar. Following this elderly scholar are three young individuals: a girl of about sixteen or seventeen and a gentle, graceful woman. From a distance, while both possess stunning beauty, it is the gentle woman who appears more ethereal and dreamlike, as if she has stepped out of a painting, captivating all who behold her.

After a moment of contemplation, with eyes darting around, he hesitated and stammered: "Um... hetushu.com... The contract is with the master, and today there are guests in the residence. The master is busy attending to the distinguished visitors. Allow me to inform him shortly, and I kindly ask both of you to wait a moment."

"Elder brother, would you like to join in the fun?" At this moment, Zhou Fang asked with some confusion.

Smiling and nodding, Cao De inquired again, "So... this time when we go to Huaxian, has my father's money, silk, and clothing been prepared? When shall we set off?"

Hearing the other party say this, Zhou Fang was not angry; it seemed he was accustomed to the other person's arrogance. He scratched his head and said in a rough voice: "I am here to redeem myself. Steward Li, it is good that you are here. Quickly return the contract to me."

The garden is filled with golden chrysanthemums, among which stands a solitary cluster resembling frost. It is reminiscent of today's song and wine banquet, where the old man joins the youthful gathering... Indeed, it is a fine poem. " As he spoke, he turned to look at the pale scholar and inquired, "Brother Fengxiao, do you recognize this person?"

Upon hearing this, the old man Cao Song furrowed his brows, as if he had thought of something, and said displeasedly: "At this moment, it is absolutely not permissible."

Indeed, upon hearing Cao Anmin's words, the steward was momentarily taken aback. However, accustomed to flattery, he quickly rolled his eyes and responded, "Oh, yes, yes, it is indeed that Cai Bojie, Cai Zhonglang, who has been invited to my residence to appreciate the chrysanthemums. There are also numerous nobles and officials from the city, and his beloved daughter, Cai Wenji, has also come..." At this point, the steward occasionally cast lewd glances, appearing exceedingly lascivious.

Elder brother? Elder brother? What is wrong with you, elder brother?

Alas, brother, this...

Do you know that person's name

At this point, Cao Anmin could not help but recall a poem taught to him by his grandfather in his previous life