Chapter 3, Gratitude.
Xu Xun vaguely remembered that these two individuals were indeed the young servants of the Xu family. At this moment, upon hearing the words, he pondered briefly and then rose to leave the courtyard. As soon as he stepped outside, he saw a young gentleman standing there, fanning himself.
Xu Liang laughed heartily at Xu Xun's teasing words and readily accepted the title of "uncle." The two of them, one old and one young, sat together and chatted casually. As Xu Xun was new to the area and his memories were still quite jumbled, he took the opportunity to inquire about the circumstances inside and outside Nanjing. Xu Liang, being extremely talkative, was able to discuss everything from local legends to the various government offices in Nanjing, engaging in conversation on any topic for a minute or two.
I thought it was someone else; isn't this the Seventh Young Master?" The old man clapped his hands, glanced at the tightly shut door of the house, hesitated for a moment, and then awkwardly said, "The house hasn't been tidied up either. If the Seventh Young Master doesn't mind, why not sit outside instead?
"You are so much older than I am, and you have saved my life. Isn't it only appropriate for me to call you 'uncle'?" Xu Xun reacted swiftly, quickly suppressing a hint of surprise. Before Xu Liang could speak, he smiled and said, "Did you not just say that no one cared about your attempts to establish connections? Then let’s consider today as me establishing a connection with you. I will call you 'uncle', so you needn't keep referring to me as 'Seventh Young Master'!"
Young master, what are you mumbling about
Fool, you believe everything others say. Those old folks are not lacking in common sense; how could it be that things are lost every day
Seeing Xu Xun's face full of curiosity, Xu Liang smiled and began to speak: "In Nanjing, there are at least one hundred to one hundred and eighty families of the Xu clan. Just from the lineage of the King of Zhongshan, there are two prominent families: the Duke of Wei and the Duke of Dingguo. The Duke of Dingguo has always been based in the capital, but there are also collateral branches remaining in Nanjing. The Duke of Wei, on the other hand, has almost always been stationed in Nanjing, with countless collateral branches."
"Young Master, your injury has just healed, so please refrain from drinking..." Ruisheng offered a word of advice, but upon seeing Xu Xun glare at him, he could only discreetly glance at the old man. However, the latter merely smiled and did not respond. With no other option, he turned to leave, muttering under his breath, "Not caring for one's own health is one thing, but one must also consider the purse; nowadays, this wine costs forty wen per jiao..."
If you are worried about home, you can go back and take a look first; I will stay here a little longer
By the time Ruisheng returned with the food and drinks, the two had seemingly become close friends despite their age difference. As the dishes were served, Ruisheng attended to the cups, and after a few rounds of drinks, Xu Xun gradually began to sip only intermittently. Xu Liang, on the other hand, appeared to have not drunk for a long time and was somewhat indulgent, gradually becoming more loquacious, his face flushed with a vibrant red. Observing this situation, although Xu Xun intended to draw him out, he did not dare to let him drink excessively and inevitably placed a hand over the small wine jar.
Xu Xun had just inquired about the old man from Rui Sheng, but apart from knowing that most of the neighboring youths referred to the old man as "Grandpa Liang," Rui Sheng knew almost nothing else. Therefore, upon hearing that both he and the old man shared the surname Xu, he naturally became intrigued
Xu Xun felt a stir in his heart, but he merely waved his hand at Ruisheng. Once the person had left, he sighed softly and said: "One misstep can lead to five hundred years; indeed, the heavens truly have eyes..."
A single misstep leads to eternal regret, and turning back now finds a century has passed
On that morning, when Xu Xun quietly took Rui Sheng out, he did not see the couple who were likely busy in the vegetable garden. Walking on the bustling street outside, he glanced at the throngs of vehicles and pedestrians passing by, noticing that bright carriages frequently went past, and he couldn't help but ponder, "So there are so many adults passing by our door every day"
That being said, Xu Xun found this straightforward old man to be quite interesting, and immediately laughed, saying: "Uncle, you are being overly modest. Although you are in a difficult situation today, who knows what great success you might achieve in the future? Moreover, those who spend their days trying to curry favor with the powerful are hardly regarded with respect. To put it nicely, they are relatives; to put it bluntly, they are merely seen as opportunists looking to take advantage of others."
That works. Xu Xun was not a hesitant person; he followed the old man to a stone table and stone bench in the corner of the courtyard and sat down. Seeing Ruisheng coming over, he casually instructed, "Ruisheng, go get some wine and snacks to go with it"
Hahaha, then I won't be polite at https://m.hetushu.com. However, Brother Xun, you shouldn't keep addressing me as 'you' either; it sounds awkward!
In the past, there were even more! Rui Sheng felt that the young master had been much easier to serve these days, as he no longer lost his temper like before, and his words gradually became more relaxed. I heard from Aunt Su next door that during the time of Lord Hongwu, our Taiping Li was quite remarkable, as it was home to many nobles who had to attend the morning court. Every day before the rooster crowed, it was bustling in front of the door, with waves of carriages passing by. It is said that some people even found fans and fragrance pouches dropped by the nobles on the road, and there were even coins!
It is good that you understand. Those people are not trustworthy. Otherwise, after lying at home for so many days, has anyone come to see you? Friends who indulge in wine and meat are unreliable; it is not surprising that they would sell you out for a trifling benefit! Especially since you have no parents to rely on, many of your relatives from the Xu family in Taiping are even gossiping behind your back, saying that you are not your father's biological child. Aren't they just eyeing your family's small fortune? The head of your Xu family has always been the type to take advantage of others. He must be coveting the marriage your father arranged for you, not to mention your family's possessions; he would certainly wish for your demise. Especially since you have no parents to rely on, many of your relatives from the Xu family in Taiping are even gossiping behind your back, saying that you are not your father's biological child. Aren't they just eyeing your family's small fortune? The head of your Xu family has always been the type to take advantage of others. He must be coveting the marriage your father arranged for you, not to mention your family's possessions; he would certainly wish for your demise. There is also that Sixth Master who works in the government of Yingtian Prefecture, who is said to be a decent person. However, without a good reputation or talent, it will be difficult for you to catch his eye.
What is the taste of drinking alone? It is rare to have someone accompany me; how can I not drink to my heart's content!
Despite the loud muttering from Rui Sheng, Xu Xun had come to understand his nature over the past few days and chose to act as if he had not heard it. Once the courtyard gate was closed, he stood up, adjusted his clothing, and performed a deep bow to the old man. Just as he uttered a word of thanks, he felt a pair of iron-like hands firmly gripping his arms. Immediately after, his body was lifted and supported by someone, and without any chance to protest, he was pressed down onto the stone bench.
Great kindness goes unspoken, Uncle first saved my life, then offered guidance, I have nothing to thank you for, I will treat you to drinks often in the future
So you also have the surname Xu
As for the house in the front courtyard, it is occupied by a couple with the surname Jin. The couple and their two hired servants, Tu and Shu, have specific roles: Jin Liu serves as the gatekeeper, responsible for purchasing supplies and taking care of the carriage in the stable, and when Xu Xun has matters to attend to outside, he occasionally acts as the coachman; Jin Liu's wife is in charge of cooking, boiling water, washing, and cleaning, and unless summoned, she does not enter the second gate. Most of the time, the couple tends to a small vegetable garden outside the west screen door of the front courtyard, and in the past, Xu Xun rarely paid them any attention when he had nothing to do.
As the voice spoke, Xu Xun was momentarily taken aback and looked up, only to see a head peeking over the eastern wall. It was the old man who had saved him under the Dazhong Bridge earlier. Upon recognizing him, the old man immediately smiled, turned back, and shouted something to those behind him. With one hand propped against the low wall, he effortlessly flipped over, landing steadily without any sign of age.
The two doors of the small courtyard were merely ajar, and the paint from years past was no longer discernible. The bricks of the wall were also uneven. Standing outside, one could easily catch a glimpse of the interior by merely standing on tiptoe, indicating that the owner's financial situation was quite dire. Xu Xun stood outside and peeked in, then gently knocked twice on the door. After a while, hearing no response from within, he hesitated for a moment and decided to push the door open and enter. Following closely behind, Rui Sheng raised his voice and began to shout.
Knowing that the young master had a stubborn temperament, Ruisheng hesitated repeatedly but ultimately nodded. Before leaving, he couldn't help but explain: "Young master, with Brother Jin Liu and Sister-in-law Jin Liu at home, I am not at ease. You rest here, and I will be back to pick you up shortly!"
The white hair, the knife-like wrinkles, the hands covered in calluses, and that voice resembling a broken gong all vividly reveal Xu Liangjiu's weathered experience. Xu Xun merely thought that elderly people in modern cities prefer to be seen as younger, so he casually called out "uncle," only to find out that the person was actually not yet fifty
Uncle, you are getting older, drinking too much alcohol is harmful to your health. It is better to exercise some moderation; you can always save the rest to enjoy slowly later.
After shouting a couple of times, there was no response from inside the room, but a loud voice came from next door: "Who is looking for me?"
Hearing Xu Liang mumble just these two sounds, Xu Xun knew he was completely drunk and couldn't help but chuckle. At this moment, Rui Sheng in the inner room had not yet come out. Standing in the courtyard, he was gently blown by the breeze, and with the alcohol taking effect, he couldn't help but start laughing.
Upon hearing these words, Xu Xun could not help but smile wryly: "What the elder said is true. I now consider myself to have lived two lives, and I have come to realize how reckless I was in my youth, being so naive and foolish..."
In the end, he found Xu Liang's words to be extremely vague, and the man gradually slumped over the stone table. He turned his head to instruct Ruisheng to take the food and drink back inside, and then he stepped forward to support the man. However, despite exerting all his strength, he could not move this elderly man nearing fifty at all, and in the end, he himself sat down, panting. After a while, he stood up again and gave a deep bow to Xu Liang
The words of the Seventh Young Master were somewhat harsh, yet they were not without truth; the more prominent the family, the more they look down upon their poorer relatives. Thank you for your kind words; in twenty years, fortunes may change, and the old man also hopes to prosper in the future! Xu Liang smiled so broadly that his eyes nearly squinted, and the wrinkles on his face seemed to smooth out. "However, Seventh Young Master, your little one calls me Grandpa Liang, which is polite, but how can I accept being called Uncle? Although your family does not employ me to fetch water, I have helped out before. It would be better for you to just call me Xu Liang. While I do refer to myself as the old man, I still have a few years to go before I reach fifty."
Good Grandfather, is Good Grandfather there? My young master has come to thank you!
Xu Liang has been a long-time resident of Taipingli, and he spoke at length about the various matters concerning the Xu family of Taipingli. Naturally, Xu Xun, who was troubled by only knowing the facts without understanding the reasons behind them, listened attentively.
The courtyard of the Xu family, situated in the mansion-dense area of Nanjing, cannot be described as large, but it is certainly not small either. The three-entry courtyard was established by Xu Bian twenty years ago, with the masons and bricklayers being well-paid for their work, ensuring that the craftsmanship was impeccable. Even after many years, there have been no significant damages; only minor repairs to the tiles have been necessary. Due to limited manpower, the east wing of the last entry courtyard has been locked and left unoccupied. Xu Xun lives alone in the main house, with only Rui Sheng as his companion.
When Ruisheng was born, Xu Xun did not respond, only allowing him to help Xu Liang into the house. After Ruisheng settled him down and came out, he urged him to hurry back, but he shook his head and directly sat down again on the stone bench.
"Seventh Young Master, isn't this just making things difficult for the old man? It's merely a trivial matter, so there's no need for you to come and thank me specially!" The old man pressed Xu Xun down to sit, and then he himself sat on a nearby stone bench. "Moreover, one cannot write two 'Xu' characters with a single stroke. Although we may not be of the same clan or family, we share the same surname. Since the old man has seen it, he certainly cannot just stand by and watch.
Moreover, among the other noble officials, there are many with the surname Xu, and after some twists and turns, there are quite a few fellow townsmen and relatives. Therefore, with so many members of the Xu family, it is quite fashionable to seek connections and mutual support, much like your relative who works in the Ministry of Justice in Yingtian Prefecture, who is said to have established a noble connection after much effort. However, for someone like me, an unknown individual, no one pays attention to such connections
Well, drinking is good, drinking...
Xu Xun shook his head in displeasure, while Rui Sheng, feeling awkward, carefully supported him and refused to let go. It was not until they reached a crossroad that he pointed to a low, small courtyard nearby and said: "Young Master, we have arrived, that is Grandpa Liang's home"
I am an old man with the surname Xu, and my given name is Liang. However, there are many people with the surname Xu in Nanjing
Sitting in the wind, half-drunk, he couldn't help but feel a bit dizzy. As he stood up, intending to head home, he suddenly heard a loud bang outside; someone had kicked open the door to Xu Liang's small courtyard. Following that, two young men dressed as servants barged in. Upon seeing Xu Xun, they were momentarily taken aback, and one of them, with a forced smile, said: "So the Seventh Young Master is also here. That's just perfect; my young master is outside and has a message for you to convey."
Xu Liang, without further ado, snatched the small wine jar and filled his bowl to the brim. He then downed nearly half of it in one go, and with bleary eyes, he said: "In my youth, I lacked restraint; now that I am older, what use is restraint? But you, Brother Xun, in your prime, should not let yourself go. I have heard about your activities outside; those ruffians like Zhang San, Li Si, and Wang Ermazi, you, a well-bred young man, mingling with such people and even giving them money, isn't that foolish? A tarnished reputation is easy to ruin but hard to restore. You have read enough to understand this principle better than I do."