Chapter 3: Crossing 3

I, a humble young lady, express my heartfelt gratitude to Brother Wang. Our family has long been out of grain, and my father is ill. Brother Wang has diagnosed my father's illness and saved his life, generously providing us with food and tea. I am deeply grateful and have no way to repay this kindness. Zhu Weiwan's style is quite reminiscent of later generations; her speech is straightforward, and her character exudes a natural generosity.

Wang Shuhui ignored those two, took out a cutting board and a knife, cut a large piece of pork, set the prepared rice aside, and brought out an iron pot to boil water. He blanched the pork, added rock sugar, soy sauce, and cooking wine, and began to make braised pork. Wang Shuhui noticed that the two of them were fixated on the rice pot; wherever the rice pot went, they followed, completely disregarding everything else, holding their bowls and guarding the rice pot. It wasn't until the aroma of the braised pork wafted out that they shifted their focus and began to guard the meat pot instead. Wang Shuhui noticed that the two of them were fixated on the rice pot; wherever the rice pot went, they followed, completely disregarding everything else, holding their bowls and guarding the rice pot. It wasn't until the aroma of the braised pork wafted out that they shifted their focus and began to guard the meat pot instead

Wang Shuhui felt both surprised and somewhat lamented that a phoenix that has landed is not as good as a chicken. If we were to go back a hundred years, these two would have been a prince and a princess of the Ming Dynasty.

There are quite a few things, but they will be moved in a short while. At this time, the meal is also ready. Fortunately, after all, coming from a royal background, basic manners are still observed, and there is no need to fend for oneself, waiting for Wang Shuhui.

Under conditions of poverty, people become more pragmatic. The presence of a cart, an object that only appears in a purely industrialized society, is noted in the abandoned garden of the King of Zhi Jiang during the late Ming Dynasty. Surprisingly, neither Zhu Youzi nor his daughter showed any interest in the cart. Both pairs of their eyes were fixated on the bags of rice and flour placed on the cart, as well as on a half piece of pork.

When Zhu Youzi was young, his family's conditions were relatively good. The Pan Wang residence, which had been established for over two hundred years, still retained some wealth despite the misfortunes caused by several generations of the Zhijiang Wang. Although his father was also quite reckless, they managed to sustain themselves at that time with some calligraphy and antiques left by their ancestors. It was not until his father brought about his own demise that the family fortune of the Zhijiang Wang was completely squandered. The days that followed were those of an ordinary family.

It is but a small effort, no need to trouble yourself. Uncle and Aunt are also connected to me, this trivial matter is nothing at all. Wang Shuhui originally approached the ancients with a sense of curiosity; he truly did not take these matters to heart.

Father said, what use is this? The virtues of our ancestors, can they ensure that we, their descendants, are well-fed and warmly clothed? It is still Brother Wang who is helping; otherwise, we might even lose our lives. Zhu Weiwan and Wang Shuhui's imagined ancient women are quite different; their personalities resemble those of children from poor, ordinary families, characterized by a relatively straightforward and candid disposition. It is evident that Zhu Weiwan feels dissatisfied in her heart for not properly thanking Wang Shuhui, despite her father's self-aggrandizement regarding his status.

After finishing their meal, the two individuals finally relaxed. The tea was also brewed, but the tea leaves were jasmine dragon pearls brought by Wang Shuhui. Burping contentedly while sipping the fragrant tea, Zhu Youzi and his daughter felt a bit embarrassed, likely aware that their earlier behavior was not very refined, and they hesitated to speak. It was Wang Shuhui who noticed something unusual; the tea cup used for brewing the tea looked quite nice. Upon closer inspection, he realized it had a somewhat distinctive quality, reminiscent of "Xuande blue glaze".

Wang Shuhui turned and exited the room, initially intending to have the two individuals assist in moving the items from the car into the house. However, upon turning back, he noticed that the two had somehow procured two large bowls and were stationed by the pot. Wang Shuhui let out a soft sigh and went outside to move the items.

After the dishes were ready, Wang Shuhui took out two stainless steel bowls and served the food to the two gentlemen. Before he could even take a bite himself, as Uncle Degang would say, the two of them put on a spectacular show, as if they were stirring up a tempest and sweeping away the clouds, eager to pour the food directly down their throats.

Wang Shuhui knows that during the Qing Dynasty, the average lifespan of Chinese people was around thirty-three years. The Ming Dynasty was not likely to be much better, probably around thirty to forty years. Zhu Youzi is thirty-three this year; although he considers himself to be twenty, his desire to act like his uncle clearly suggests an intention to get close and take advantage. However, objectively speaking, not only Zhu Youzi but also Zhu Weiwan, who resembles a turnip, is an antique from four hundred years ago in his eyes, and he does not particularly care about the issue of titles.

Zhu Youzi noticed that Wang Shuhui was carefully examining the porcelain in his hands, and he was certain of one thing in his heart. This monk named Wang Shuhui must come from a distinguished background. Although he was not very old, his complexion was fair, clearly indicating that he had not experienced much hardship. His fingers were long and delicate, showing no signs of having done any labor. Despite being tall and robust, his manner of speaking and acting was elegant and amiable, indicating that Wang Shuhui, who had returned to secular life, possessed excellent upbringing. The Wang and Tu Book House had previously hosted guests of high status, but very few could recognize official kiln porcelain. Although he was tall and strong, his demeanor was refined and approachable, and Wang Shuhui, having returned to secular life, clearly had a good education. The Wang and Tu Book House had hosted distinguished guests long ago, but truly few could identify official kiln porcelain. Of course, while the remaining porcelain at home was all from official kilns, they were not ancient artifacts from previous dynasties, but rather items from the current dynasty. However, no matter how inexpensive they might be, they were still products of official kilns, and this Wang Shuhui certainly had discernment.

As a history enthusiast and a university professor, Wang Shuhui has encountered several treasures. Take porcelain, for instance; monochrome and polychrome glazes from the Yongle and Xuande periods of the Ming Dynasty can fetch prices in the millions in the antique market today. He is well aware of this, as he has seen the actual items. The teacup he holds now appears rich and full, with a robust texture; its shape features soft, rounded lines, imparting a sense of simplicity and solemnity.

Upon seeing the state of the two individuals, Wang Shuhui did not engage in any unnecessary conversation. He instructed Zhu Weiwan to first find the pot from his home. He then prepared the iron stove in a spot near the door, connecting the sections of the tin flue one by one, and lit the honeycomb coal. Wang Shuhui asked Zhu Weiwan to wash the rice pot thoroughly, added three bowls of rice, thought for a moment, and then added two more bowls of rice. After a simple rinse, he placed the pot on the stove.

However, upon hearing Wang Shuhui's words, the young girl Zhu Weiwen's face noticeably turned red. Zhu Youzi, who had already recovered, also coughed a few times, which left Wang Shuhui somewhat perplexed

"Your Highness, this is the official kiln from the Xuande period, isn't it?" Wang Shuhui asked curiously

The esteemed nephew possesses great insight; although it is not a valuable item, the porcelain in my humble abode is indeed authentic imperial kiln ware. It is also a testament to the virtues inherited from our ancestors. According to regulations, this imperial kiln porcelain is not something that ordinary families can possess. Zhu Youzi remains ever mindful of his royal lineage.

"Young Master Shu Hui, there is no need for you to be so polite with me. My family has already been stripped of its title by the court since the time of my ancestors. From my father to myself, we have not received even a grain of official rice, so how could I be considered a noble heir? Moreover, it was you who saved my life, so you may address me casually. I see that you are not yet of age, so I will be a bit presumptuous and call you 'young nephew.' If you do not mind, you may call me 'old uncle.'" Zhu Youzi said with a smile.

Then I shall be presumptuous, my little nephew. The tea set in your family, is it all from the official kiln of the Xuande period?

By the time Zhu Weiwen was born, the Wang family of Zhijiang had completely fallen into destitution. Zhu Weiwen was actually already fourteen years old, but due to malnutrition, her physical development was stunted. In Wang Shuhui's eyes, this little girl resembled a child around ten years old.