Chapter 0003: Wealth is Hard to Enjoy, There are Always Trials

Su Huiniang was taken aback and looked towards Kou Zhong

Kou Jixin's thoughts turned rapidly

The way he was addressed by Ke Kouzhong conveyed a different nuance to him

An elderly man, around sixty years old, with white hair and beard, thin and frail, dressed in a long shirt made of Shu brocade, tapping his fingers on his knees.

Young Master

Menzi bowed and exited the front yard

At the main entrance of the residence, there is a massive shadow wall that obscures the scenery behind it

"Master, Young Master, the young master has arrived and is waiting at the main hall entrance"

Kou Jiwen did not express much in response to this.

After the apology, he still calmly said: "The master and the son-in-law have important matters to discuss, concerning state affairs, and it is indeed inconvenient to be disturbed"

The young master has arrived

The young man before me clearly possesses a greater presence than those who came before him to deceive.

The purpose is to enjoy wealth

If one becomes a mere nominal descendant, how can one still enjoy wealth

Whether to pay respects to Kou Zhun or not is of no consequence to Kou Ji

Su Huiniang's face immediately broke into a smile as she waved to Er Bao, "Young Master is going to pay a visit to the Master, you should come with me to the side room and settle down first"

Little Woman Su Huiniang, has met the young master

The courtyard of the central hall is far more luxurious than the front courtyard

After the woman had looked over, both of them bowed to Kou Jishi in unison

It seems that the identity of this young master is not highly regarded in the Kou residence

This younger generation entered the residence without first paying respects to the grandfather and settled in, which would be considered a breach of filial piety

On both sides of the courtyard, various bonsai are arranged, with the pines and cypresses all green, while the others are merely sprouting the tender green buds of early spring

The front yard is paved with blue stones, and in the center stands a large water trough, which houses several lotus flowers. Occasionally, koi fish surface, blowing bubbles.

Kou Zhong let out a cold snort

Similarly, his cheap father is likely to receive little attention at the Kou residence

The ancients placed great importance on filial piety

Kou Li does not seem to have received the recognition of Kou Zhun

On the screen wall, there is a bold essay written in cursive script.

Kou Ji handed the bundle in his hand to Er Bao and looked at Kou Zhong, saying: "Where is Grandfather? Just take me there. Grandfather should not be disturbed; I can wait!"

Kou Ji frowned and said coldly: "No need!"

Kou Zhong cupped his hands and said lightly: "The master and the son-in-law are conversing in the main hall. If you wish to pay your respects to the master, I fear you will have to wait until the evening. How about letting Huiniang arrange a guest room for you to rest for a while?"

Upon bypassing the shadow wall, one could see the main courtyard, which occupies an area of approximately one mu in square dimensions.

After Kou Zhong arrived at the pavilion, he did not enter but instead stood outside, respectfully paying his respects.

What did he come to Bianjing for

Menzi, upon hearing that Kou Ji bore no grudge, immediately accompanied him with a smiling face and led him into the residence

Kou Zhong's gaze fell upon Kou Ji, carefully scrutinizing him before bowing slightly and proceeding forward

Kou Ji led Er Bao and stood at the entrance of the main hall

According to common reasoning, Kou Zhun acknowledged Kou Li as his nephew, and since Kou Li has a son, Kou Li would then become the master of the household, while Kou Zhun would be elevated to the status of the elder.

He is holding a small grinder, grinding the cardamom, salt blocks, spices, and tea cakes in front of him into powder

Wang Shu stopped his hand and asked suspiciously, "Is Yuan'er here? Shouldn't he be studying in the Taixue at this hour?"

He pulled out the official fuse from his pocket, along with the letter that Kou Li had sent him, and casually threw them in the face of the doorkeeper

He quickly picked up the official fuse from the ground, and after carefully flipping through it, his expression changed repeatedly

The middle-aged man is around forty years old, with some gray hair among his locks. He appears to be well-fed, sitting cross-legged on a blanket, with a subtly pronounced oval belly.

The doorkeeper tactfully presented the official credentials.

Unfortunately, Kou Ji does not recognize a single character

He, as a descendant of Sun, will naturally become a descendant of Sun who is merely a name without substance

A woman and an old man came out to greet after hearing the call

The young master has arrived

Seeing that Kou Ji's attitude was firm, Kou Zhong could no longer act as an obstruction

Kou Zhong and Su Huiniang had no intention of continuing the conversation

In the face of the threat posed by the door, Kou Ji showed no fear

Then, with a mournful expression, he lamented: "I, a lowly person, failed to recognize the greatness of Mount Tai, and did not know the young master in person; I am truly deserving of a thousand deaths."

An elderly man and a middle-aged man are sitting cross-legged on a thick blanket, brewing tea and engaging in casual conversation

Kou Zhong led Kou Ji and walked a few steps until they reached the front of the main hall door

"Alright, I do not blame you. Take me to the residence to meet my grandfather and father"

The elderly man was dressed in a long gown and wore a black square hat; the woman was in a green silk skirt, with a golden hairpin inserted in her head, indicating her distinguished status

In the pavilion

Kou Jisheng sternly said to Kou Zhong: "Are you trying to stop me from showing filial piety to my grandfather?"

Menzi's expression grew even more bitter, and he spoke in a pleading voice: "Young master, it is not that I am being rude, but rather that there are countless people who come to the residence every day to flaunt and deceive. I too have been frightened by those swindlers."

Kou Zhong has met the young master

The main hall door is wide open, and one can faintly see the arranged calligraphy and paintings inside, as well as the curling incense smoke, yet no figures are visible.

The two of them, having served as the stewards of the Kou residence, must have followed their grandfather Kou Zhun for many years. From the attitudes they exhibit, one can somewhat infer Kou Zhun's attitude upon meeting him thereafter

Rockery, pavilions, lake water, swimming fish, trees and flowers, everything is available

After the old man looked it over, he frowned and handed the official document to the woman

Kou Zhong left the front courtyard, allowing Su Huiniang to open a small door beside the corridor

Could it be that during the time he was rushing to Bianjing, some events occurred that changed Kou Zhun's perception of Kou Li?

In the face of Menzi's furious gaze, he coldly said: "Look clearly before you respond. If you wish to deceive your master as a servant, I do not mind teaching you the rules."

You are welcome! You are welcome!

Still not going down

Menzi was also taken aback upon hearing this.

At this thought

The old man approached Kou Ji, scrutinized him from head to toe, and asked suspiciously: "You are..."

Kou Li did not receive the recognition of the Kou family, and it is feared that he will become a mere nominal descendant of Kou Zhun in the future

Both Kou Zhun and Wang Shu were taken aback

After reading the official document, the man did not say a word and immediately slapped himself twice.

He burrowed in and appeared in the courtyard.

You may stand here. Once the master has finished discussing important matters with the son-in-law, he will naturally summon you in.

Kou Zhong was taken aback and repeatedly said he did not dare

Kou Ji sensed a faint feeling of estrangement from these two individuals

After saying this, he prepared to lie down on the ground

He gave Su Huiniang a meaningful glance

Er Bao decisively shook his head and said in a silly manner: "I want to follow the young master"

Kou Zhong bowed slightly and said a word, giving Su Huiniang a glance, and the two left this place

The servant enthusiastically introduced: "Young Master, Steward Kou is the chief steward of the residence, and Steward Su is in charge of the inner courtyard"

Kou Ji furrowed her brows even tighter

thus causing Kou Zhun to be even more disappointed in them and their father-son relationship

... ...

Snap ~

Come with me

If he did not receive Kou Zhun's approval, why would Kou Zhun acknowledge him as his disciple?

Kou Ji was unaware of the identities of the two individuals, so he merely nodded slightly and said, "There is no need for excessive formalities"

Upon passing the shadow wall, the door attendant shouted loudly

Kou Ji furrowed his brow and said, "Lead the way ahead, I wish to pay my respects to my grandfather"