Chapter 3, The Zheng Family of the Aristocracy (Part 2)

The hall name is also a representative symbol of prominent families and clans

Zheng Shian chose to stay by Zheng Dashu's side to follow his orders, thus leaving Zheng Yanqing in the car with Xu Ma and her son

Zheng Dashi was taken aback and immediately realized that something significant had occurred. He hurriedly asked, "Shanguo, the clan leader wants me to come over. What has happened?"

Although Xu Ma is nearly thirty years old, she still possesses a certain charm and grace, embodying the allure of a mature woman

Although Zheng Shanguo deliberately lowered his voice, Zheng Yanqing still managed to grasp the general idea

Zheng Yanqing

Zheng Dashi, who served as the General of Cavalry during the Sui Dynasty. However, his role as General of Cavalry was quite different from that of the General of Cavalry in the Eastern Han period. In the Sui Dynasty, the General of Cavalry was merely the chief officer of the grassroots military administration under the Fubing system, holding a rank of no higher than the fourth grade.

"Shan Guo, what brings you here?"

Zheng Dashi found it somewhat strange and said, "I was just saying that after washing up, I would go to the scripture hall to pay respects to my ancestors, yet you arrived first."

Each of the seven houses has its own residence, but only the legitimate descendants of the family head are qualified to live in the ancestral home. Although Zheng Dashi has achieved fame, he is also unable to reside in the ancestral home. The place where he lives is called Anyuantang, which is also an important estate of the Zheng family in Xingyang

Gui Chang Gong, the eldest son of Zheng Yi, is named Zheng Shanyuan

Meanwhile, Xu Ma gazed at Zheng Yanqing, her heart filled with curiosity

The reason is that wwwhetushucom.com is indeed related to that little girl, Duoduo, who possesses a green jewel blade and has a very mysterious identity, which should not involve too many entanglements. Instinctively, he wanted to refuse, reaching out from the swaddling blanket, babbling in resistance.

However, he noticed that Zheng Renji seemed to have a particular interest in Xu Ma

However, there is evidently a considerable distance from Sishuiguan. Such an investigation would naturally yield no results. Therefore, two days later, Zheng Shi'an obtained the relevant documents from the hands of the garrison commander at Sishuiguan and set off with Zheng Dashu.

He has accompanied Zheng Dashi since childhood, and naturally understands Zheng Dashi's thoughts the best.

However, in this matter, he had no room to oppose it

Zheng Dashi purchased Xu Ma and her son in Luoyang, solely because Zheng Hongyi's mother had just passed away, and the child needed a wet nurse

If the calculations are correct, it should now be the final years of the Kaihuang era

Zheng Yanqing was feeling quite conflicted when he suddenly saw a white horse galloping towards him from a distance

However, the Sui Shui Pass is not far from Xingyang, and the reputation of the Zheng family is still quite useful

He softly said: "Uncle, news has come from Chang'an that the Yuan Consort passed away ten days ago"

Duoduo has already fallen asleep, curled up beside Xu Ma

Li Jianguo is also unable to clarify the location of Yanjia Village

During the Kaihuang period, Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty implemented very strict management of household registration

Zheng Dashi had to be more cautious. Zheng Renji, being in the prime of his life and having lost his wife, was being considered by Zheng Dashi for a suitable match. Moreover, he had already contemplated this matter, and Zheng Dashi did not wish for any complications to arise at this time

However, the physique is quite robust and strong, exuding a sense of grandeur and vigor

Zheng Dashi glanced at Xu Ma, and after a moment of contemplation, said in a deep voice: "How about this, let Xu Ma go over to take care of it."

To put it bluntly, Xu Ma and her son did not have the qualifications to sit in the car. The reason they were able to get in was because of another infant in the vehicle, Zheng Renji's son, Zheng Hongyi. Zheng Yanqing lay on the tiger skin mat, turned on his side, watching the sleeping Zheng Hongyi. However, in his mind, there was not a moment of rest, as he pondered the challenges that lay ahead.

Contemplation

He was unaware that, while he was planning for the future, a pair of eyes was curiously scrutinizing him from head to toe

It can be seen that the Zheng family of Xingyang has indeed declined since their entry into the Sui dynasty. Although there is still the branch of Zheng Yi supporting them, Zheng Yi has passed away. The descendants of Zheng Yi, relying on the residual blessings, are clearly unable to compare with their former glory.

From Fushuiguan to Xingyang, there was not much delay

Zheng Shi'an, however, smiled, "It seems that this child is quite compatible with Xu Ma, just as the master said."

The Zheng family has a considerable estate in Xingyang

At this moment, Xu Ma approached, holding Zheng Hongyi and Zheng Yanqing.

Unlike most prominent families, the Zheng clan of Xingyang possesses two hall names. One is called Zhuojing Hall, named in honor of the Confucian master Zheng Xuan from the late Eastern Han dynasty. Only the lineage of the clan leader is permitted to reside in Zhuojing Hall. The other hall name is Anyuan Hall, where the Zheng Dashu branch resides, named after Zheng Ji, who pacified the Western Regions during the reign of Emperor Xuan of Han and was granted the title of Marquis of Anyuan.

She is mocking herself; which child begins to ponder while still in the cradle

Zheng Dashi's complexion suddenly turned ashen

Zheng Dashi's only son, Zheng Renji, serves as a court interpreter, holding an even lower rank.

In Zheng Shi'an's embrace, Li Jianguo repeatedly uttered this name

A simple sentence, yet it indicates Zheng Shi'an's extraordinary status at Anyuantang

The most evident thing is that the guard at Sishui Pass, upon learning of Zheng Shi'an's request, immediately sent someone to investigate without a second thought

Xu Ma's lips curled into a faint smile

He knew that from this moment on, he had officially integrated into this era. From now on, he would be called Zheng Yanqing

By the time of the fall of Emperor Yang of Sui, he would have been in his twenties, and what awaited him would be the arrival of a prosperous era

These two titles, to some extent, also reflect the ideal of Zheng's family in both civil governance and military prowess

A scholar promptly dismounted from his warhorse outside the Anyuan Hall and quickly walked up to Zheng Dashi.

Zheng Renji's wife has just passed away. If any rumors were to arise regarding him and a servant, it would tarnish his virtue and negatively impact his prospects for marriage

Particularly concerning the hidden population within the aristocratic families, there is heightened scrutiny. Prime Minister Gao Ying has conducted several censuses to enforce strict household registration management. Of course, if the aristocratic families wish to conceal their members, it is not a difficult task. However, Zheng Shian, having served the Zheng family for five generations, holds a status and identity distinct from that of ordinary servants. Therefore, when he intends to adopt Li Jianguo, he will naturally arrange for his household registration. However, in the relevant documents, Li Jianguo's name has been changed to Zheng Yanqing. Once they return to Xingyang, they will handle the necessary procedures, and he will then possess a formal identity.

Although the man is dressed as a scholar, with wide sleeves and a flowing robe, his attire is adorned with books

However, Zheng Yanqing was unwilling, primarily because Duoduo and her mother had an unknown background, and keeping them close posed too great a risk

How should I go

This is a peculiar baby; over the past few days, he has rarely been heard crying or making noise, remaining very quiet

Zheng Dashi dismounted from the carriage outside Anyuantang and said to Zheng Shi'an: "Shi'an, you first settle the child... By the way, I will have someone arrange a wet nurse for you shortly, which will be convenient for care. Once you have settled down, come find me."

After the Kaihuang era, there were four years of the Renshou era, followed by the reign of the infamous ruler, Emperor Yang Guang of the Sui Dynasty.

He bowed before Zheng Dashu and then said: "Uncle, Duke Guichang has heard that you have returned and asked me to invite you to come over immediately, as there are important matters to discuss"

Upon hearing this, Zheng Yanqing felt a sudden jolt in his heart

Zheng Yanqing must have a plan

Generally speaking, infants have no control over their eating, drinking, and excretion. However, this little fellow seems to understand things, requiring no concern from Xu Ma, and certainly not like young master Zheng Hongyi, who needs several diaper changes in a day. Most of the time, the little one always stares with wide, round eyes, sometimes appearing very curious, and at other times seeming to be deep in thought

However, this is truly an interesting little fellow, is it not

The aristocracy places great importance on reputation in their intermarriages