Chapter 2, The Young Master Next Door
"The young man with the surname Chen has good news!" The steward, increasingly full of himself, said to Chen Laosan, "His Majesty the Emperor has personally conferred upon you the title of Qian Niu Bei Shen, the eldest son of Duke Chai of Julu! I have come here personally to pay a visit to the young man with the surname Chen! What are you still standing there for? Hurry up and call the young man with the surname Chen to kneel outside and welcome me!"
The shouting from outside the courtyard interrupted Young Master Qiao Song's words. Chen Yingliang and Young Master Qiao Song turned their heads to look, only to see a man dressed as a servant from a wealthy family, who had run over at some point, pointing at the courtyard gate and shouting towards the road, "This is it, the one with the surname Chen lives here."
Who has arrived
Upon hearing this, Chen Yingliang displayed a look of disdain and was too lazy to move. However, the young master Qiao Song beside him patted Chen Yingliang on the shoulder and gently said: "Yingliang, my younger brother, I am a bit older than you, so I shall call you brother. Heed my advice: regardless of the circumstances, the Chai family has longstanding ties with the Chen family. Young Master Chai has personally come to visit you; no matter his intentions, out of respect and propriety, you should go out to greet him and not neglect the courtesy."
What position does Chen Shenshen, the future father-in-law, actually hold? Chen Yingliang is not particularly interested—after all, the other party has already come to request a withdrawal from the engagement, and no matter how high Chen Shenshen's position is, it has nothing to do with Chen Yingliang. What Chen Yingliang is more curious about is how he ended up in this body and how he got involved with the Chai family, even forming a marriage contract with the eldest daughter of the Chai family.
Having entered the police department through the civil service examination, and after enduring numerous hardships to rise from a low-ranking officer to the position of captain in the municipal criminal police team, Chen Yingliang, who has already suffered enough, certainly does not wish to become cannon fodder, enduring a second round of hardship and suffering. Therefore, Chen Yingliang plans to act with careful consideration, first devising a way to impress Li Yuan, and then seeking to align himself with him.
Of course, if Chai Shen's wife gives birth to a son, this marriage proposal will naturally cease to exist
Chen Yingliang wore a cold expression, too indifferent to pay attention to the arrogant servant. Young Master Qiao Song smiled but remained silent. Only the timid and fearful Chen Laosan approached, bowing and scraping to the servant, saying: "This young man, Chen Yingliang is the young master of our household. What instructions do you have for our young master?"
What methods could make Li Yuan regard him with new eyes? Chen Yingliang still had no clear ideas, but fortunately, Emperor Yang of Sui would remain active for several more years, and Li Yuan would not rise in rebellion for a while yet. At just seventeen, Chen Yingliang had plenty of time to prepare. Thus, he, who had not fully integrated into this era, was not overly anxious. He temporarily set this matter aside and took a keen interest in observing the residential houses of this time.
Young Master Chai has come in person?" Old Man Chen exclaimed in surprise.
Chen Yingliang was taken aback. After the neatly dressed servant pointed out the location of Chen Yingliang's small courtyard, he directly barged into the dilapidated courtyard of the Chen family, confidently shouting at Chen Yingliang and Young Master Qiao Song: "You two, who is Chen Yingliang?"
Why? Is there a Lei Feng comrade in the Sui Dynasty who does good deeds without seeking recognition? Chen Yingliang became even more curious
The plight of the old Chen family has reached such a tragic state, it would indeed be strange if the prosperous old Chai family no longer entertained thoughts of breaking off the engagement. Meanwhile, Chai Lie, who was betrothed to Chen Wan as children, had already passed away three years ago. Chai Shen's decision to send someone to formally break off the engagement only after observing three years of mourning can be considered a testament to his filial piety. Thus, the subsequent events unfolded: the young boy Chen Yingliang hanged himself, and the police captain Chen Yingliang, who had misappropriated public funds to purchase a kidney machine for office use, took over his body.
The only headache for Chen Yingliang now is how to seek refuge with Li Yuan. It is not difficult for a prominent figure like Li Yuan to find him, but once found, how can he make himself indispensable and secure an opportunity to showcase his talents? Chen Yingliang cannot simply tell Li Yuan that he is a time traveler with over a thousand years of historical knowledge and insights. Without a special opportunity to demonstrate outstanding abilities that would impress Li Yuan, even if Chen Yingliang were to seek refuge with him now, he would undoubtedly have to start from the most basic level as cannon fodder. Chen Yingliang cannot simply tell Li Yuan that he is a time traveler with over a thousand years of historical knowledge and insights. Without a special opportunity to demonstrate outstanding abilities that would impress Li Yuan, even if Chen Yingliang were to seek refuge with him now, he would undoubtedly have to start from the most basic level as cannon fodder.
Chen Yingliang possesses absolute confidence that the Chai family will regret their actions. As a time traveler and the captain of the municipal criminal police team, he combines both martial prowess and intelligence. Not only does he have knowledge and insights that exceed those of this era by over a thousand years, but he also possesses the greatest advantage of a time traveler—foreknowledge of the course of history! He knows that in just a few years, the Sui Dynasty will fall, and Li Yuan will replace the Sui Emperor Yang Guang, establishing the greatest dynasty of ancient China, the Tang Dynasty
Chen Yingliang, who has not yet fully integrated all his memories, felt that this tall man looked somewhat familiar. He seemed to be the neighbor of the deceased Chen Yingliang. When Chen Yingliang first crossed over to this era, among the neighbors who came to inquire about his rescue situation, there appeared to be this tall man as well. However, Chen Yingliang could not recall his name at the moment.
Just as the regretful porridge was being served, Chen Laosan's voice pierced into Chen Yingliang's ears. Immediately after, Chen Laosan entered the room holding a wooden tray, placing a large bowl of brown rice and a large bowl of fragrant meat soup on the table. His gaunt old face was filled with warmth and affection as he gently said to Chen Yingliang: "Young master, please eat. This is your favorite lamb soup, and I have added pepper to eliminate the gamey taste."
Indeed, it should be this reasoning. Old Chen San applauded and praised, "Young Master, you are truly clever. That young master must be afraid that everyone will come to him for help, which is why he does not allow me to tell others about this matter. Otherwise, just among the poor in our area, even one person helping another would be too much for him to bear"
"The young master next door? Is he our neighbor?" Chen Yingliang discovered the clues in Chen Laosan's words, and then quickly realized, laughing, "I understand now. No wonder he is unwilling to reveal his name or let others know about this matter; this young master is indeed very meticulous"
Suddenly, applause and cheers came from outside the courtyard wall. Chen Yingliang turned his head to look and saw a tall man standing outside his dilapidated and low courtyard wall. The man appeared to be in his thirties and had a remarkably handsome appearance. When he noticed Chen Yingliang looking at him, the tall man smiled warmly and politely cupped his hands in greeting across the wall, saying with a smile: "Young Master Chen, please do not take offense. I happened to pass by and inadvertently heard you reciting poetry to express your feelings. I found your talent extraordinary and your verses exquisite, and I could not help but applaud and cheer. I hope you will forgive me for the disturbance."
Young master, I have already eaten at the stove, you may eat by yourself
Later, it became even simpler. Chen Shi, who had lost all his family fortune, could not bear the blow and fell ill with anger, passing away when Chen Yingliang was ten years old. Several distant relatives of the old Chen family divided the last remnants of the family fortune and then turned their backs on them. Chen Shi's wife worked hard to raise Chen Yingliang to the age of fifteen, but two years ago, she also fell seriously ill and passed away, leaving only an old servant, Chen Laosan, who was nearly sixty, to rely on Chen Yingliang. Life became extremely difficult.
Later, when Yang Jian replaced the Zhou dynasty and established the Sui dynasty, although Chen Wandi and Chai Lie were unable to timely align themselves with the Yang family to become loyal ministers, they did not choose the wrong side or fall out with the Yang family. Their family fortunes were relatively equal, and their relationship remained close. Therefore, sixteen years ago, when Chen Wandi was about to pass away, he made an agreement with Chai Lie, allowing his grandson Chen Yingliang, who had just turned one year old, to marry the yet-to-be-born daughter of Chai Lie's son, Chai Shen—who was then still in his wife's womb. Thus, sixteen years ago, when Chen Wandi was about to pass away, he made an agreement with Chai Lie, allowing his grandson Chen Yingliang, who had just turned one year old, to marry the yet-to-be-born daughter of Chai Lie's son, Chai Shen—who was then still in his wife's womb.
After spending more than a day meticulously organizing the memories brought by his new body, Chen Yingliang found the answer. It turned out that Chen Yingliang's great-grandfather, Chen Xin, once held the position of Governor of Xiongzhou during the Northern Zhou dynasty and was granted the title of Duke of Xuchang. At that time, he could be considered part of a prominent family. Great-grandfather Chen Xin's legacies were inherited by his grandfather, Chen Wandi. Meanwhile, Miss Chai's grandfather, Chai Lie, was a General of the Northern Zhou and served as the Governor of Suizhou and Liangzhou, being conferred the title of Duke of Guanjun. The two families had a very close relationship, and there was a thought of a marital alliance between them. Unfortunately, due to various unforeseen circumstances, the marriage between the Chen and Chai families could not be realized in the generation of Chen Yingliang's parents.
Chen Laosan hurriedly tried to decline, but Chen Yingliang was not convinced. He insisted on going to the kitchen to fetch a bowl, dividing the white rice in half and personally serving Chen Laosan a portion of mutton soup. Chen Laosan was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes, and he choked up for a long time. It took considerable effort for Chen Yingliang to persuade him to stop, and he forcibly pulled him to sit down and eat together.
"Young master, please forgive me. This old servant has promised that young master not to reveal his name, nor to disclose this matter to anyone else." Chen Laosan shook his head
"Young Master Qiao Song, what brings you here? Please come in," Chen Laosan ran out from the kitchen, bowing to the tall man while glancing at Chen Yingliang to signal him. He introduced, "Young Master, this is Young Master Qiao Song, our neighbor."
Chen Yingliang smiled and called out to Chen Laosan: "Third Uncle, let's eat together. It's not easy to have some meat, so let's share it equally."
I see. Young Master Qiao Song nodded, finally understanding the reason why Chen Yingliang had forgotten. At the same time, Young Master Qiao Song felt a bit puzzled and asked, "Uncle Chen, what did the physician say about your son's condition? Is it true that those who are rescued after hanging forget their past? I don't recall any such records in medical texts."
A mountain is not high; it is spiritual if there are immortals. Water is not deep; it is spiritual if there are dragons. This is a humble abode, yet my virtue is fragrant
"Young Master Chen, are you feeling better now?" Young Master Qiao Song took the initiative to ask, his expression filled with concern and sincerity
That day, after the physician hastily revived the young master, he left without giving the old servant a chance to ask. Chen Laosan explained while opening the courtyard door, "Yesterday, I originally intended to inquire with the physician, but the young master could not be left alone, and I had no money on me, so I was unable to gather any information. However, thanks to you, young master, I will go and ask shortly."
"I do not know, the old servant has also asked him, but he is unwilling to speak." Chen Laosan continued to shake his head and urged, "Young master, please eat quickly. The old servant has already thanked that young man from the neighboring family several times. When you become successful in the future and restore the glory of the Chen family, we will properly express our gratitude to him again"
"Who is so kind-hearted?" Chen Yingliang asked in surprise—he had seen many who added flowers to the brocade, but he had rarely encountered those who provided timely help in times of need.
Young master, it is time to eat
Right here! Right here!
At this moment, the young master Qiao Song had already stepped into the courtyard at the invitation of Chen Laosan. Chen Yingliang was quite surprised to see that this generous and courteous young master Qiao was dressed very simply; his coarse linen long gown was so worn that it had turned pale, and there were patches on his cloth shoes and trousers. His attire seemed hardly better than that of the impoverished Chen Yingliang. However, Chen Yingliang soon realized that the demeanor and temperament of this young master Qiao were quite remarkable. He exuded an air of elegance combined with authority, and even in simple clothing, he gave Chen Yingliang a sense of being extraordinary and refined.
"It's fine as long as you're okay." Young Master Qiao Song nodded and smiled, saying, "Young Master Chen, the day before yesterday you nearly scared your third uncle to death. Try to think positively, for the sake of your deceased parents and also for your third uncle who has worked hard to take care of you. Don't do such foolish things again. You are still so young, and in the future, you need not worry..."
Knowing this, Chen Yingliang naturally first thought of the quickest and most effortless way to stand out, a method to make the Chai family regret, which was to seek refuge with Li Yuan! To ally with Li Yuan, who does not kill his meritorious subjects, and with the father and son Li Shimin, to cling to their support
Chai Shen's wife indeed gave birth to a granddaughter for Chai Lie, which also means a future daughter-in-law for Chen Yingliang, named Chai Qian. However, no one expected that the year of Chai Qian's birth would become a watershed moment for both the Chen and Chai families. After Chai Qian's arrival, Chai Lie's son Chai Shen suddenly gained the favor of Emperor Wen of Sui, receiving successive promotions and ultimately being appointed as the Right Inner Commander of the Crown Prince, with his noble rank elevated to Duke of Julu, leading to an increasingly prosperous family business. In the same year, after Chen Wandi passed away, the old Chen family faced a series of misfortunes. Chen Yingliang's father, Chen Shi, not only failed to inherit the title but also repeatedly chose the wrong allies, with each official he supported falling from grace faster than the last. The political investments made in their favor all went to waste, and ultimately, the family fortune was completely exhausted. Chen Shi was also implicated due to the downfall of his political backers, losing the modest official position he had worked so hard to obtain.
Thank you, Young Master Qiao Song, for your concern; I am fine now. Chen Yingliang expressed his gratitude with a cupped fist salute
Chen Laosan's culinary skills are quite average; even with the addition of pepper, the mutton soup still has a pungent gamey smell. However, Chen Yingliang and Chen Laosan, who rely on each other, both enjoy their meal heartily, continually urging each other to take more dishes, creating a warm familial atmosphere. After the meal, Chen Laosan goes to wash the dishes, while Chen Yingliang steps into his dilapidated little courtyard, taking a stroll to stretch his legs, organizing the memories left by the deceased Chen Yingliang, and pondering his current situation and future prospects.
Given the circumstances, Chen Yingliang certainly did not dare to hope for a return to modern society. He also did not concern himself with the marriage matters on the Chai family's side. If the Chai family were to come again to request a cancellation of the engagement, Chen Yingliang would readily agree. The Chai family, looking down on the currently impoverished Chen Yingliang, held a certain arrogance, and Chen Yingliang, who had a bit of pride, was not willing to cry and plead to marry Miss Chai. So, if it is to be canceled, then let it be; who knows who might regret it in the future.
Listening to Sanbo's tone, could it be that the one who is helping me and Sanbo with money is this Young Master Qiao Song? Chen Yingliang detected the flaw in Chen Laosan's words and suddenly felt a great fondness for this Young Master Qiao Song—such a person who can provide timely assistance is indeed rare throughout history.
Having finished speaking, Old Chen San repeatedly cupped his hands towards Young Master Qiao, explaining: "Young Master, please do not take offense. After my young master was revived, he was somewhat disoriented and has forgotten many things, including your esteemed name."
Of course. The steward was quite pleased with Chen Laosan's astonished demeanor and proudly shouted, "Your Chen family's ancestors have accumulated virtue; quickly call the young man with the surname Chen to come out and kneel to receive! If you delay, do not regret it later!"
Good! Excellent prose! What a fine line: "This is a humble abode, yet my virtue is fragrant"
By the way, Chen Yingliang does not actually believe that the old Chai family’s request to break off the engagement due to their disdain for the poor is an act of moral depravity or inhumanity. If Chen Yingliang were in the position of the current head of the Chai family, Chai Shen, he would certainly be unwilling to marry his daughter to a lonely and impoverished young man. Chen Yingliang's greatest dissatisfaction with the old Chai family is that they directly demanded to break off the engagement without attempting to support their future son-in-law, giving him a chance to see if he could develop further. If that were the case, Chen Yingliang would at least be able to afford a thin porridge that could reflect a shadow.
Chen Yingliang is also someone who is open to advice. He found the words of Young Master Qiao to be reasonable, so he nodded and replied: "Thank you, Brother Qiao, for your guidance. I understand now. Please wait a moment, I will step out to welcome him and excuse myself for the time being."
Living in such a ghostly place, Chen Yingliang, who fancied himself a connoisseur of elegance, could not help but recite a well-known ancient text that was fitting for the occasion. With his hands clasped behind his back, he recited aloud: "The moss stains the steps green, the grass color enters the curtains blue. In conversation and laughter, there are learned scholars, and no commoners come and go. One can tune the plain zither and read the golden classics. There is no clamor of silk and bamboo to disturb the ears, nor the toil of paperwork to weary the body. The thatched cottage of Zhuge Liang in Nanyang, the pavilion of Ziyun in Western Shu. Confucius said: What is there to be ashamed of?" There is no clamor of silk and bamboo to disturb the ears, nor the toil of paperwork to weary the body. The thatched cottage of Zhuge Liang in Nanyang, the pavilion of Ziyun in Western Shu. Confucius said: What is there to be ashamed of?
"Young Master, do you know why he is doing this? Why?" Chen Laosan asked curiously
"Young master, you need not worry; this old servant neither stole nor robbed," Chen Laosan replied with a smile. "There is indeed a kind-hearted young master who donated one guan of silver to help our family, allowing me to buy some rice and meat to nourish you. I have already expressed my gratitude to him on your behalf."
He is afraid that he will not be able to cope in the future, overwhelmed by troubles. Chen Yingliang replied, "As the saying goes, one helps in emergencies but not in poverty. In our area, everyone is poor. If he lets others know about this matter, in the future, every household will come knocking when they have issues, and they are all neighbors. How can he handle that? Therefore, he sees our family's plight and feels pity, willing to help us in an emergency, but he does not want others to know about it.
The small courtyard where Chen Yingliang currently resides is the only real estate left behind by the deceased Chen Yingliang. It is located in the impoverished area of the southern part of Daxing City, surrounded by urban poor. The location is extremely poor, and the property is small and narrow, worth very little. It consists of three dilapidated and low earthen houses, a tiny kitchen that can barely accommodate one person, and the courtyard lacks even a single well. There is only an old locust tree with mottled bark. The crumbling earthen courtyard wall is so low that one can see outside without even leaning over, covered in moss, and it could collapse with a slight push. It consists of three dilapidated and low earthen houses, a tiny kitchen that can barely accommodate one person, and the courtyard lacks even a single well. There is only an old locust tree with mottled bark. The crumbling earthen courtyard wall is so low that one can see outside without even leaning over, covered in moss, and it could collapse with a slight push.
Chen Yingliang's address to Young Master Qiao Song was clearly somewhat inappropriate. Although Young Master Qiao Song noticed it, he did not take it to heart. He thought that Chen Yingliang was extremely angry and had misspoken, and thus advised, "Brother Yingliang, be more magnanimous. You are still young and have a future ahead of you"
"Lamb soup?" After drinking thin porridge for more than a day, Chen Yingliang was overjoyed and hurried over to grab the chopsticks. However, after picking up the rice bowl, Chen Yingliang suddenly remembered something and quickly asked Chen Laosan, "Third Uncle, where did you get the money to buy lamb and rice? If I remember correctly, our family has been out of money for a while now. The day before yesterday, you paid the doctor’s consultation fee, and it seemed like there was still one coin left unpaid."