Chapter One, The Sound of Autumn (Volume Four)

Hearing others' compliments about their father, the Qin brothers and the Ma family felt a sense of pride, thus they did not mind whether these compliments were appropriate. In fact, looking across the entire Tang Dynasty, there were probably no more than ten individuals in the court and among the people who were as upright and self-disciplined as Zhang Xun. It was precisely because he refused to accept bribes that Zhang Xun could not provide enough money to curry favor with his superiors. As a result, although he consistently received top evaluations in his position as county magistrate, he was unable to advance even a single step.

Brother Lei, your words are rather distant. What you said yesterday was justified, and besides, Zida is not someone who lacks understanding! If he dares to get angry, we can drag him out and each give him a couple of kicks to see if he can vent his anger! Qin Guozhen smiled and quietly helped to smooth things over for Yuwen Zhi

Early the next morning, Wang Xun arrived at the Changlefang Fighting Cock Arena, filled with questions. To his surprise, Yu Wenzhi, who usually wished to spend all twelve hours of the day at the fighting cock arena, had suddenly changed his demeanor and had not shown up for a long time.

Second brother, you are too polite! Wang Xun was left speechless and could only express his gratitude with a clasped fist.

Qin Guozhen is two years younger than his elder brother and does not share his brother's calm demeanor. He waved his hand and said impatiently, "Er Lang, what you said is pointless. We are also shareholders of the venue, aren't we? We can't just take dividends every year without contributing, and then leave you to bear all the responsibility when something goes wrong!"

Everyone laughed, and the conversation quickly shifted to other topics. Then, they heard Lei Wanchun recount a few amusing anecdotes from Zhang Xun's tenure. As the time approached the si hour, the sound of bells echoed through the streets. Tea houses, restaurants, gambling houses, and pawn shops all opened their doors simultaneously, ready to welcome customers. The entire East Market immediately became lively, with people shopping, watching the commotion, and searching for work, all jostling against one another in a continuous flow.

"What is this, Brother Lei!" Upon seeing this, everyone had no choice but to stop him and distribute the gifts in front of him. Lei Wanchun then became happy, stroked his own beard, and said with a smile, "Is this how it should be? If I really wanted to make money, I could easily return to my old profession and make a round in the capital. I just didn't want to trouble my family recently. Originally, my family intended to visit you all today, but I told him that you definitely wouldn't be home. If I really wanted to make money, I could easily return to my old profession and make a round in the capital. I just didn't want to trouble my family recently. Originally, my family intended to visit you all today, but I told him that you definitely wouldn't be home. So he went directly to the Ministry of Personnel and sent me here to arrange a visiting time with you all."

Hehe! Ma Fangma Shouzhide smiled proudly, revealing a set of neat teeth. "My grandfather was on duty at the Ministry of Revenue yesterday and didn't come home at all. It seems that there have been particularly many matters in the court recently. I estimate that for at least ten days to half a month, it will be very difficult for him to find time to take care of me"

"Are you looking down on my low rank?" Lei Wanchun said with a stern face, his eyes wide open. "If you think my rank is low, I will leave immediately and not dare to disturb you esteemed guests!"

The fighting cocks in the cage were all tall and robust, with glossy and smooth feathers, clearly indicating that they were high-quality breeds raised at great expense. Although there is a principle of sharing wealth among friends, Wang Xun still stepped forward, cupped his hands, and smiled as he said: "You two brothers have really gone to great expense! In fact, there is no need for you to do this; we have several impressive 'Generals' in our arena as well!"

Unable to find Yu Wenzhi, Ma Fang's attention shifted to another matter, "Er Lang, two elder brothers, did you catch that group of outsiders yesterday? Damn it, they really beat me up badly! When I got home, I couldn't even sit on the bed; I had to sleep on my stomach all night!"

Furrowing his brows slightly, Wang Xun turned his gaze towards the Qin brothers. The two brothers also smiled wryly and shook their heads, saying, "Don't look at us; we were also caught up in this mess without knowing how. When we heard the commotion, Shou Zhi was already lying on the ground. We are all brothers; how could we just stand by and watch him get beaten..."

Ah! Ma Fang responded with a sound and rushed over like the wind to open the package. Inside, besides two sheathed broad-bladed curved swords, there were also several strings of pearls and a few pieces of jade. All were notable for their weight and size, typical of goods from the frontier. The Qin brothers and Wang Xun knew that since Lei Wanchun had followed Zhang Xun, he had not been very well-off, so they hurriedly stepped forward to repack the parcel and cupped their hands in thanks, saying: "How can we trouble Brother Lei with such expenses again? You are just a county lieutenant, earning only a modest salary!" The Qin brothers and Wang Xun knew that since Lei Wanchun had followed Zhang Xun, he had not been very well-off, so they hurriedly stepped forward to repack the parcel and cupped their hands in thanks, saying: "How can we trouble Brother Lei with such expenses again? You are just a county lieutenant, earning only a modest salary!"

"Where is Yu Wenzi? He didn't come today?" In the blink of an eye, Ma Fang also noticed that the fighting cock arena was lacking a bit of lively atmosphere today. With a glance around the venue, he quickly identified the specific reason.

I, an old man, see that the young scholar, who appears even more delicate than the horse, nervously touched his face, his brows slightly furrowed. "I, I don't need you to convey messages for me, and don't brush me off. I know that in this cockfighting arena, he is a behind-the-scenes investor..."

"Where is Zida? Why hasn't he come?" After chatting for a while, Lei Wanchun also noticed that an important figure was missing from the fighting arena. He frowned slightly and inquired in a low voice.

In fact, it was not just him who was perplexed; the Qin brothers also returned home yesterday feeling utterly confused about the battle that took place during the day. Therefore, they took the opportunity today to come early under the pretext of supplying fighting cocks to the arena, eager to uncover the truth. At this moment, unable to find Yu Wen Zhi and noticing the faint dark aura rising from Wang Xun's brow, they understood that the intricacies of the situation were likely more complicated than they had imagined, and with a smile, they chose to change the subject.

What a battle this is! Wang Xun shook his head in bitter amusement, increasingly convinced that Yu Wenzhi was deliberately stirring up trouble, dragging everyone into it. However, Yu Wenzhi was not the type to betray his friends, so what could be the reason for his actions? What benefits could he possibly gain from this?

Indeed, although Zida appears to smile easily on a daily basis, the burden on his shoulders is heavier than that of both you and me! Yesterday, in a moment of anger, I spoke a bit too harshly. Today, I hurried over, intending to apologize to him...

"The Lady of Guo State has invited you two brothers for dinner! My goodness, you actually had dinner at the Lady of Guo State's house!" Before Wang Xun could respond, Ma Fang's figure suddenly flashed in from outside the door, a large bandage stuck to the bridge of his nose, yet it still could not make his woman-like high-pitched voice sound even slightly rougher.

Indeed, we thought that Shou Zhi would definitely be lying in bed for ten days or half a month recently! Knowing that Ma Fang has such an outspoken personality, the two brothers of the Qin family do not hold it against him too much. They stepped forward a few paces, their eyes scanning Ma Fang from top to bottom.

Some people's names are simply hard to forget. As soon as Ma Fang's words fell, Lei Wanchun's tall figure had already squeezed in through the door. "Who is talking about me? I thought so; I've been sneezing since this morning. Alright, stop talking about it. Old Lei is here to deliver the books to your door!"

It was not yet opening time, and three people stood in the lobby, supervising the staff as they tidied up the place while engaging in casual conversation. After exchanging a few words, Qin Guomo looked around and, quite astonished, asked: "Why haven't I seen Zida? Normally, he would have arrived by this time."

The Qin brothers, who usually do not make much of an appearance, arrived early today. After exchanging greetings with Wang Xun, they promptly instructed their strong servants to unload a dozen or so black lacquered and gilded chicken cages from a convertible carriage behind them

Who knows where he has run off to?" Wang Xun smiled and shook his head

Note 1: The Guanghua Gate is located at the northwest corner of Chang'an City, while the Qujiang Block is situated at the southeast corner

Having said that, he chuckled and threw a heavy package onto the counter where chips were exchanged, causing it to thud loudly. "These are all gifts from friends I made while wandering the world. Everyone can pick a few items to take home and honor their elders; it is my way of showing my regard. Xiao Ma Si, the curved knife you wanted is also in the package. Be careful, it has already been sharpened, so don't cut your hand!"

Oh my! Oh my! Oh my! Ma, disregarding the hidden meanings in others' words, simply clutched his head and shouted, "You actually had the fortune to attend the banquet at the residence of the Lady of Guo State. How could you not take me along? You must know that throughout the capital, those who wish to experience the grace of the Lady of Guo State could line up from Guanghua Gate to Qujiangfang! What do you think? Is the Lady of Guo State truly as legendary as they say, like that... You must know that throughout the capital, those who wish to experience the grace of the Lady of Guo State could line up from Guanghua Gate to Qujiangfang! What do you think? Is the Lady of Guo State truly as legendary as they say, like that..." (Note 1)

Zida is the courtesy name of Yuwen Zhi. At this moment, upon hearing the Qin brothers mention him, Wang Xun couldn't help but let out a faint bitter smile through his nostrils. "I was just looking for that little rascal too. Usually, I can't get rid of him, but today, I don't know where he has run off to! Did the two of you meet the Lady of Guo State last night? She didn't make things difficult for you, did she?"

Wang Xun and others are considered individuals of status, and they cannot gamble with casual patrons in the main hall. Therefore, at the suggestion of Qin Guomo, they planned to go to a nearby teahouse for a brief respite. Before they could set off, a young scholar, looking even more delicate than Ma Fang, suddenly squeezed in from the flow of people at the entrance. He tossed a handful of copper coins onto the counter for exchanging chips and arrogantly asked, "Is Yu Wen Zida here? Please have him come out to see me." Before they could set off, a young scholar, looking even more delicate than Ma Fang, suddenly squeezed in from the flow of people at the entrance. He tossed a handful of copper coins onto the counter for exchanging chips and arrogantly asked, "Is Yu Wen Zida here? Please have him come out to see me."

I have no idea, and the books! Ma Fang's response left everyone both amused and bewildered. I was inside the small room watching the commotion when Brother Zida had already gotten into a fight in the hall. Seeing that he was at a disadvantage, I hurriedly stepped in to lend a hand. To my surprise, those outsiders, who all looked like weak scholars, were hitting harder than one another!

Only the Malaysian side is oblivious, unable to read the expressions of others, and continues to inquire about the details of yesterday's other "battle": "How could it end in a draw? Erlang, they were actually able to draw with you? What is their background, to be so formidable!"

My family members are just like this. They uphold integrity and are very strict, whether it is about governing others or themselves. To avoid any misunderstanding of Zhang Xun, Lei Wanchun took the initiative to defend him, saying, "But he is the only official I have seen who is wholeheartedly willing to do practical work for the people. I apologize, both uncles are not local officials, and I have not interacted with them, but they must also be men of integrity and public service, brave enough to take on responsibilities for their reputation"

If your name is known by your uncle, you might as well hide for another ten days or half a month, but you will still find it difficult to escape a family punishment!" Looking at him, Wang Xun replied with a bitter smile, "The guy I fought with is named Li Bai. There are also Gao Shi and Cen Can, both of whom are graduates of the imperial examination. So, how about it? Are you satisfied now?"

Before the words were finished, a keen gaze had already spotted Wang Xun and the others. Immediately turning around, they quickly squeezed a few steps closer and said, "In front is the great hero Lei, I finally found you. My master asked me to deliver a message to you..."

No wonder you've been so proud today! The crowd nodded in agreement, each displaying a look of sudden realization.

Uh! Ma Fang let out a loud burp, nearly gasping for breath. His family had strict discipline; his father, an official in the Ministry of Revenue, constantly used the talents of the day as examples for him. The poet Li Bai was one of them, while the names of Gao Shi and Cen Can were heard less frequently than Li Bai's, yet they were also figures he aspired to learn from. If he showed no ambition and even undermined his study goals, if this crime were to be discovered by Ma Fang's father, it would likely result in a punishment severe enough to leave him in tatters.

Seeing Ma Fang's face turn pale with fright, Qin Guozhen couldn't help but step forward and pat his shoulder, "Don't worry, we have already turned enemies into friends. Old Lei is hosting a gathering at Lingfeng Tower tomorrow at noon, allowing us and a few of the scholars to shake hands and make peace with Li Bai and the others. Remember, tomorrow at noon. This time, the people you are befriending are all talented individuals of the moment; even if you drink too much, your uncle will definitely not reprimand you"

They did catch up, but it ended in a draw! Wang Xun nodded with a smile and then casually asked, "What exactly happened yesterday? Those outsiders didn't seem like the type to intentionally cause trouble."

"It's just a meal!" Qin Guo Mo turned around and explained with a smile, "Last year, a relative of mine wanted to take a second wife, and it was the Lady of Guo who facilitated the match. The new wife is a distant cousin of hers. Therefore, in terms of seniority, I still have to call the Lady 'Aunt' in relation to Guo Zhen!"

Upon hearing the name of Lei Wanchun, Ma Fang immediately became excited again, "Old Lei? Is it the great hero Lei? When did he return to the capital? Why didn't he give us a heads-up? The curved saber from the Bohai Kingdom that he promised me has yet to be delivered!"

In front of several shareholders, how could the staff dare to accept the money? They immediately put on a smiling face and pushed the coins back, softly responding: "Young Master Yuwen is not here. He actually doesn't come here often. Is there something you wish to discuss with him? May I convey a message to him?"

"Alright, you're everywhere." As Ma Fangyue continued to speak nonsense, Wang Xun had no choice but to step forward and interrupt, "Shou Zhi, did you have any issues returning home yesterday? Did your uncle not reprimand you?"

Zhang Hedong is indeed very polite! Everyone laughed and shook their heads. Lei Wanchun's superior, Zhang Xun, also has some connections with the group. However, compared to the free-spirited Lei Wanchun, Zhang Xun, who always speaks and acts in a structured manner, is certainly more difficult to integrate into the group's circle

"They are all gifts from friends, not worth much! Keeping them at home will only lead to increasing lethargy. It is better to bring them out to the field to gain experience early on." Qin Guomo glanced at him and smiled, providing a reason that sounded very agreeable.

Not clear! Wang Xun responded with a smile, "I guess there must be something urgent at home, so he can't get away. Old Lei, you know well that their family has dozens of mouths to feed, and it all depends on him to keep things going!"

No, we just chatted casually for a bit and she even invited the two of us to dinner. She is actually quite kind-hearted!