Chapter 10, Catering to Their Preferences (Part 1)

Standing before Butler Zhu, Tao Hong completely lost the eloquence he had displayed in front of Xu Xun. He respectfully bowed while anxiously glancing at Xu Xun. It was only at this moment that the little fellow remembered he had forgotten to ask Xu Xun which branch of the Xu family he belonged to and his rank among them. If Butler Zhu were to inquire, he would undoubtedly be at a loss for words. Therefore, when he caught sight of Butler Zhu waving him off, he felt as if he had been granted a reprieve, and immediately abandoned Xu Xun, exiting the room without a word.

Excuse me, may I ask if Brother Zhu, the steward of Master Xu Liu from the Experience Department, is available

Thus, he smiled and recounted the anecdotes passed down by Mao Ying to Tao Hong, taking advantage of the little one's diminishing wariness. He subtly inquired whether Xu Tiao was still accompanied by Mao Ying, Chen Xuan, and Mr. Zhu. Upon hearing that indeed they were, he felt a stir in his heart. Tao Hong unexpectedly elaborated a bit more: "Mao Ying and Chen Xuan both accompany the master on his outings. Besides serving the young master, I also assist in the study with the writing materials. Mr. Zhu is a friend of the master; it was because of a joke made by Mr. Zhu that the master changed all our names." Tao Hong unexpectedly elaborated a bit more: "Mao Ying and Chen Xuan both accompany the master on his outings. Besides serving the young master, I also assist in the study with the writing materials. Mr. Zhu is a friend of the master; it was because of a joke made by Mr. Zhu that the master changed all our names."

In his previous life, Xu Xun had traveled by train, car, motorcycle, and bicycle, but he had never experienced a horse-drawn carriage. Today, after less than an hour of swaying in the carriage, he already felt a bit dizzy. Now, having disembarked and standing on Fudong Street, he rubbed his temples to steady himself before raising his head to carefully observe and study the bustling Fudong Street outside the East Gate of Yingtian Prefecture, while also glancing at the many buildings faintly visible behind the high walls nearby.

Xu Xun was filled with laughter at this last remark, yet he could only respond with vague affirmations, unable to show even the slightest hint of amusement. He had merely asked a casual question out of curiosity, knowing that he had practiced calligraphy since childhood. His teacher, who had taught him for many years, was notorious for quoting literary references. Once, while discussing Han Yu's "Mao Ying Zhuan," he mentioned that Mao Ying was the brush, Chen Xuan was the ink, Tao Hong represented the inkstone, and Mr. Chu was the paper. Finding it intriguing, Xu Xun went back to read it again, not expecting that he would actually use it this time.

I am Xu Liuye's clan nephew, seeking to discuss some matters with Brother Zhu

After expressing his gratitude, seeing the old man step aside to make way, Xu Xun immediately lifted the hem of his long robe and crossed the threshold to enter. The young servant, referred to as Tao Hong, took a couple of steps forward but glanced sideways at Xu Xun, then frowned and asked, "May I inquire your esteemed name, sir?"

Upon learning that Xu Tiao was promoted, the Xu family became quite lively. Consequently, the old gatekeeper concluded that it was not a troublesome major affair. He modestly nodded at Xu Xun, signaling him to wait, and immediately beckoned the other three gatekeepers. The four of them gathered together, exchanged a few words, and shared the benefits. He then turned around and swiftly went into the inner room

If one wishes to meet the top officials in the government office, even the trusted aides of these prominent figures would not dare to act recklessly. However, if it is merely a clerk from the document management department, particularly the newly promoted steward Xu Qiao, if the rewards are sufficient, then this errand would certainly be worthwhile.

Jin Liuyuan originally felt that this master had changed completely since the last incident. Now, with the intention to please, it indeed proved effective, and he became bolder. He immediately laughed and said: "Young master, you overstate things. How can I deserve a word of thanks? I used to think I was quite adept at social matters, but after seeing you today, I realize what true self-taught ability means. The carriages waiting by the wall, though they all look brand new and bright, their owners are probably all huddled inside them right now! The gates of the Yingtian Prefecture are notoriously difficult to enter. That Wu Daying is particularly stern and upright, and it is said that he despises people who use connections or seek favors. Historically, among those who come here seeking an audience, only one in ten manages to get in..."

Thank you very much

It is said that since ancient times, the gates of the yamen are open to those with connections, while those without money should not enter. The main entrance of this yamen traditionally faces south, thus the door on the east leads directly to the back offices. At this moment, Xu Xun was listening to Jin Liu's explanation while also glancing around, quickly revisiting his calculations in his mind. After all, this Nanjing and the Nanjing of the books are not the same; the government office of Qingtian Prefecture is far more significant than the future Nanjing municipal government.

Master Zhu, this is the Young Master Xu who requested to meet you

Tao Hong was merely thirteen or fourteen years old, and in this moment of joy, he immediately cast aside all caution and vigilance. Leading the way ahead, he spoke with great enthusiasm: "This was given to me by the master when I came to serve the young master. The master was afraid I wouldn't recognize it, so he even wrote those two characters as a reward for me. I specially went out to have it framed and hung it by my bed to look at every day."

As they approached, the old man stepped aside and pointed to a young servant behind him, saying: "This is Tao Hong from the Xu family, you will naturally be able to meet Steward Zhu by following him"

Xu Xun, having moved Tao Hong, smiled and nodded: "Indeed, it is named after Han Changli's 'Mao Ying Zhuan'"

When Xu Xun asked his questions, a gentle smile adorned his face. More importantly, his hand, concealed within his sleeve, discreetly slipped something into the hand of an old man. This old man was also a seasoned veteran in the field; upon receiving the item, he squeezed and weighed it, immediately discerning its quality. His previously indifferent expression softened slightly.

Upon witnessing this scene, Xu Xun retreated to his own carriage to avoid obstructing others who wished to meet. A gust of cold wind swept in, and as he rubbed his hands together to warm them, he suddenly felt a thick sheepskin coat adorned with illustrations draped over his shoulders. Turning his head, he saw it was Jin Liu, and he smiled in gratitude.

Are you looking for Butler Zhu regarding something

Since the yamen is just a wall away, there are several carriages parked at the base of the wall on the other side of Fudong Street, with dozens of brightly dressed coachmen and porters idly chatting. As for the East Gate under the high wall over there, four gatekeepers stand watch, appearing seemingly indifferent and bored, yet their eyes are sharp and alert, clearly well-trained.

Although these names are of little importance, Xu Xun pondered that he might need to use them at some point later, so he mentally noted them all down. In contrast, he only vaguely remembered the locations of the government offices in the back courtyard of the Yingtian Prefecture, not paying much attention to them. After all, even if he were to return later, it would be impossible for him to play the role of a high-minded gentleman. When Tao Hong led him to a room and knocked on the door, a response came from inside. As he stepped through the door, he immediately became fully alert. After all, even if he were to return later, it would be impossible for him to play the role of a high-minded gentleman. When Tao Hong led him to a room and knocked on the door, a response came from inside. As he stepped through the door, he immediately became fully alert.

"How is it that the young man suspects I am not a member of the Xu family, but rather someone who has infiltrated?" Xu Xun said with a smile, looking at Tao Hong. Before he could speak, Xu Xun leisurely continued, "This name, Tao Hong, was given to you by Uncle Liu, right? It shows Uncle Liu's elegance; if it were any other uncle in the clan, no one could come up with such a fine name."

As soon as he left, Butler Zhu immediately put on a stern face and said to Xu Xun with a forced smile, "Seventh Young Master is indeed quite capable. Knowing that others in the clan are difficult to deal with, you simply took the route to come to my master here"

Beside him, Jin Liu was quietly observing while speaking. Upon seeing Xu Xun glance around after listening, he walked leisurely towards the east gate as if no one were around, feeling a twinge of anxiety in his heart. The front gate of the government office is for official personnel, the back gate is for the families of officials, and only the east gate serves as a passage for various idle individuals. Even so, ordinary citizens would inevitably feel intimidated when faced with such towering walls and imposing presence. Even though he was once familiar with such places, he now felt quite uneasy.

Xu Xun did not expect that his recent response would earn him such praise from Jin Liu, who took the time to flatter him. Although he found it amusing, he could not resist Jin Liu's enthusiastic compliments, and a smile gradually appeared on his lips. Regardless of past or present, he had not experienced such continuous flattery for a long time, which at least alleviated the tension he had been feeling lately. When the old master emerged and waved at him, he patted Jin Liu on the arm, returned the fur coat, and quickly walked forward.

Hearing Xu Xun praise his name, Tao Hong immediately revealed a delighted smile: "Do you also think it is good, young master? The master only changed it a few months ago, saying it was inspired by a fine article by Han Changli."