Anyang Hou's enthusiasm was beyond Zhao Shu's expectation. As soon as he sat down, Anyang Hou asked his servant to call his children to meet Zhao Shu.
"How old is your nephew now?" Anyang Hou asked.
"Seven out of twenty this year." Zhao Shu replied uncertainly.
"Never married?" Anyang Hou saw Zhao Mi shaking his head and said to Zhang Duanjing: "Mr. Zhang, although people who cultivate immortals live a long life and get married late, I haven't gotten married yet at this age, so there may be something wrong!"
Zhang Duanjing just said: "Among the halls, Qing cultivation is the best."
Anyang Hou did not hide his resentment and clapped his thigh: "Mr. Zhang! It is not the fault of the younger generation, but you are diligent and determined, and you cannot delay the young people. What's more, since ancient times, there are many couples who have joint citizenship and dual cultivation, and it does not hinder marriage and starting a family.
Let’s ascend the path of immortality together.”
Zhang Duanjing didn't say anything. At this time, two men and one woman arrived. They were all the children of Anyang Hou. Anyang Hou asked them to exchange names with Zhao Shu and get acquainted with them. Then he said: "Zhao Shu is older than you. When we meet in the future,
He should be treated with the courtesy of an elder brother and always ask him for advice on everything. If the elder brother has anything to teach him, he should be very respectful!"
The more Zhao Miao listened, the more outrageous he became. He quickly stood up and handed over his hands: "Master Hou, you don't have to be like this! I really don't dare to overstep my bounds."
Anyang Hou glanced at Zhao Shu, raised his hand and pressed him down: "Call him Lord Marquis again? Call him Uncle Shi!"
Zhao Mian had goosebumps all over his body. He turned around and looked at Zhang Duanjing with difficulty, begging the teacher to help him out, but the other person just sat still without even raising his eyelids.
"Uncle Shi." Zhao Shu suppressed his displeasure and called in a low voice.
Anyang Hou nodded in agreement, and then asked his three children to step back. This battle made Zhao Shu uneasy. Fortunately, Anyang Hou's children were well-educated, and the sixteen-year-old daughter occasionally peeked at him.
"Mr. Zhang, how long will you stay in the capital this time?" Anyang Hou asked.
"It's not determined yet." Zhang Duanjing said: "You should know that Huaiying Hall has always been good at making ritual objects. Previously when Xingluo County suppressed bandits, the soldiers held talismans and defeated many enemies. It was built by Huaiying Hall. I
If you wish to advise the king of the country, set up a special department to manufacture various kinds of talismans and weapons for the imperial court."
Anyang Hou's face straightened. This kind of matter was very important and he should discuss it in detail in a secret room and avoid others. But when he saw Zhao Shu's expression next to him as normal, he felt a little clearer.
"Does Mr. Zhang hope that the younger generation will win over the head of this company?" Anyang Hou asked.
"Yes." Zhang Duanjing said: "You are in charge of the Arms Department, supervise the manufacture of armor for the imperial court, and have won the trust of the king."
Marquis Anyang mused: "Gong Zhang has said that the juniors should fight for it. Just let the juniors be in charge of two departments at the same time. Even if the king is willing, what will others think? I'm afraid it will attract criticism."
Zhang Duanjing said: "I remember that Grand Sima's eldest son was serving under you, so he was asked to act as the Arms Department, and you became the head of the newly established department."
"That's fine." Marquis Anyang nodded and said with a smile: "By the way, Luo Xixian of the Grand Sima family has been very popular recently. After the king summoned him, he directly made him the captain of the cavalry, and he also intended to let him take charge of the government. Maybe
It's in Xingluo County. I remember that this person was also from Huaiying Hall?"
"He earned this achievement by himself." Zhang Duanjing said calmly.
When Zhao Shu heard these words, he didn't feel much envy or joy in his heart. He found that he and Luo Xixian were gradually drifting away. His father and brother each had their own appointments in the court, and General Wei was on the battlefield to support him and ask for merit.
The future and prospects have been planned for a long time, and he will embark on an official career from now on and reach a high position step by step.
Zhao Shu thought about himself, he was still a talisman official who was just wandering around. Apart from trying to find ways to retrieve the True Essence Lock, he didn't seem to have many lofty ambitions.
"Zhao Shu, you have been staying in Anyang Hou Mansion recently." Zhang Duanjing said.
"Yes." Zhao Shu stood up and answered.
Anyang Houyan said: "Don't worry, Mr. Zhang, I guarantee that my nephew will be safe and sound in Dongsheng."
Zhang Duanjing nodded slightly and stood up to leave. Marquis Anyang tried to persuade him to stay, but he still said goodbye and left.
After Zhang Duanjing left, Marquis Anyang said to Zhao Shu: "My nephew, you don't have to see anyone outside. From now on, you will treat this Marquis' mansion as your own home. I know that you are a cultivator and don't like to be noisy, so I have asked my servants to clean up a quiet place."
In the courtyard, we will also arrange servants for you. If you are lacking anything, just ask. Uncle Shi, I have no chance to cultivate, but I can find all the treasures, elixirs and elixirs for you."
Anyang Hou's enthusiasm made Zhao Shu a little bit intolerable, so he had no choice but to ask: "Uncle Shi, do you have an old friendship with my father?"
"Didn't Mr. Zhang tell you anything?" Marquis Anyang led Zhao Shui around the house and recalled: "My father and I worked together in the army. He finally became Feijiewei, and I was the Feijiewei at that time.
Joined the army under the shogunate. Once I was responsible for guarding the granary, but the Xiong Kingdom sent troops to attack me. I was about to lose my position, but my father and his elite cavalry came to rescue me. Only then did I save my life, so I made friends with you."
Zhao Shu's father died young and he was away fighting all year round. He was basically raised by his grandfather and didn't know much about his father's battlefield achievements.
However, the more he understood the relationship between his father and Anyang Hou, the more Zhao Shu could not accept his mother's remarriage.
"I know that my nephew has a grudge." Marquis Anyang glanced at Zhao Shu and said helplessly: "Back then, I had an appointment with your father. If either of us died in battle, we would entrust his wife and children to the care of the other party. It's just that Mr. Zhang will take care of you."
He stayed in the Huaiying Hall and never came with his wife."
There was no expression on Zhao Mi's face. He remembered that after learning about his mother's death, he seemed to have dreamed about some things from that year. His mother seemed to have other motives for remarrying, but he didn't know whether it was true or not. After all, most of the things in dreams are bizarre and cannot be exhausted.
letter.
As for sacrificing his life on the battlefield and entrusting his wife to sacrifice his son, it is not easy for Zhao Shu to criticize the other party. The Five Kingdoms War was in full swing and everyone was in danger. Zhao Shu's family background was already luckier than most people.
During the war, many women whose husbands lost their lives would remarry with their children to protect themselves, and it would not be surprising for their children to change their surnames.
However, Zhao Shu felt uncomfortable when it happened to him. However, Marquis Anyang was not the evil person he had expected. This kind of warm hospitality made Zhao Shu even more overwhelmed.
It was already dark, Anyang Marquis sent Zhao Shu to the courtyard, and the two of them said goodbye. Zhao Shu couldn't sleep.
"Lingxiao, do you have parents?" Zhao Shu asked out of nowhere while lying on the bed.
"Yes." Lingxiao did not show up.
"What kind of people are they?" Zhao Shu then said, "If you don't want to say it, forget it."
"My father was a warrior in the clan and died in hunting." Lingxiao did not hide anything: "My mother was a witch in the clan, and she originally wanted to train me to be a witch to serve the gods."
"The results of it?"
"I ran away." Lingxiao replied simply: "In ancient times, most of the gods worshiped by tribes were spirits with shallow spiritual intelligence. I didn't like this kind of people, so I ran away from the tribe and became a savage in the mountains and forests.
Eating sesame and grass, drinking rain and dew, I suddenly felt something in my ignorance. For a moment, I saw a bright and clear vision, and saw aloneness in the void. Unknowingly, I entered the immortal path. When I came back to my senses, dozens of years had passed in the mortal world, and most of the ethnic groups had disappeared.
, my mother was also harmed by spirits.”
Zhao Shu was a little surprised and asked: "Do you regret it?"
"I don't regret it, this is my own choice." Lingxiao said bluntly.
"You still have to be open-minded." Zhao Shu sat up, and the sky outside gradually became brighter: "Sometimes I also feel that I think too much, which is neither useful for practice nor for cultivation. I just care about myself here.
Thinking sadly."
"In ancient times, people's livelihood was more difficult. Not to mention food and clothing, just trying to survive between heaven and earth exhausted all physical and mental strength." Lingxiao said: "But you don't have such difficulties, so you naturally have more worries."
Zhao Miao sighed: "This kind of thinking is useless!"
After saying this, Zhao Shu opened the door and went out of the house, stretched in the courtyard, practiced breathing and exhaling, and swept away all kinds of useless thoughts.
When a thin layer of sweat broke out on his body, a servant came quietly outside the courtyard. When he saw Zhao Mian, he immediately said respectfully: "Young Master."
Zhao Shu felt uncomfortable hearing this title: "You don't have to call me that."
"The Marquis has given orders that you will act like the young master of the Marquis' residence for one day, and my servants will treat you like the young master and the young lady." The servant lowered his head and said.
Zhao Shu also figured out that there was no need to worry about these things, not to mention the people's good intentions. So he asked: "I want to pay homage to my mother, but I don't know where the tomb is?"
The servant hurriedly said: "My lady's shady house is located in Zhongxiu Mountain in the eastern suburbs outside the city. Why don't you have breakfast first, and let the young master prepare the carriage and horses in the front yard."
Zhao Shu nodded and said: "That's fine, you can go ahead and do it."
The servant turned and left. After a while, another servant came with a maid, holding a basin and towel to wash Zhao Shu's face. The servant said: "Master, your mustache is a little long. If you tidy it up, it will look more lustrous."
I'm sure she will be happy when she arrives at Madam's funeral."
Zhao Mo touched the short beard around his mouth and did not refute, so he said: "Then I will do as you say."
These servants of the Hou Mansion are ingenious and can shave and clean their faces comfortably and neatly. This is the first time Zhao Shui has enjoyed being served by others since he was a child. At first, he was not used to it. It felt like he didn’t have to do anything at all. Just say a word and someone would help him cook.
Good for all the trivial matters.
After washing up, the maids brought a few sets of clothes. After their explanation, Zhao Shui learned that there are many fashions in Dongsheng City, and there are different styles of dressing up for different occasions. From those who are paying homage to nobles to those who are traveling with women, even if they are the same
There is a difference between going out of town, safari and outing.
Zhao Shu felt like he was listening to a book from heaven. These details were even more difficult to understand than the insect, talisman, and bird seal script. Considering that he was going to pay homage at the tomb, he chose a black and blue plain suit without any embroidery.
After Zhao Shu finished dealing with this, Marquis Anyang also arrived and said with a smile: "Does my nephew usually get up so early?"
Zhao Shu first saluted and said hello, and replied: "Huaiying Hall has a practice of taking morning glow, and usually you have to climb the mountain behind the hall before dawn."
"Life in Huaiying Hall is quite hard, right?" Anyang Hou asked.
"I can't say I'm poor. In addition to practicing day and night, I also have to study spells, make ritual objects, and take care of the affairs of the alchemy cauldron. Once I get busy, I don't think I have time to study." Zhao Shuyan said.
Marquis Anyang asked curiously: "You actually study when you have free time? Doesn't my nephew have fun and play on weekdays?"
Zhao Miao thought for a while: "There are also games among the monks in the hall. They may use paper figures and grass horses as soldiers and horses to imitate battlefield fighting in the open space;
There are also games of chess, but gambling is not allowed in the hotel...well, gambling on spiritual materials and charms does not count."
Zhao Shu was embarrassed to say some things, but he was extremely skilled in these things, almost overwhelming everyone in the Huaiying Hall, so that everyone no longer liked playing with him. As time went by, Zhao Shu had no choice but to spend his free time in the pile of books.
After hearing this, Marquis Anyang was slightly startled and said with a smile: "The cultivators are really extraordinary, but I'm afraid even Dongsheng doesn't have these."
Zhao Shu shook his head and said, "I don't have these thoughts anymore."
"I heard from my servants that you are planning to go out of the city to pay homage?" Anyang Hou asked.
"Yes, please ask Uncle Shi for permission." Zhao Shuyan said.
Marquis Anyang sighed: "Of course I agree, I just hope you won't be too sad."
Zhao Shu had breakfast, and Anyang Hou sent four more healthy servants to escort him in a car. This scene made Zhao Shu almost mistakenly think that he had really become the young master of the Hou family.
However, he did not lose his mind. Marquis Anyang valued him so much not only because of his life-and-death relationship with his father, but also because of his teacher Zhang Duanjing.
From the conversation last night, I learned that Anyang Marquis is responsible for supervising the production of military weapons and armor. This responsibility should not be underestimated. Even one of Luo Xixian's brothers also serves under Anyang Marquis.
Chongxuan Hall and the Liang family in Yongjia are very authoritative, but that does not mean that others will only obey. Zhao Shu could vaguely see that his teacher Zhang Duanjing also had a high status in the court, and was not just the head of the hall.
These people have close contacts, communicate with each other, support each other, and can arrange important positions in the court with just a few words.
Zhao Shu didn't think much about this. He sat on the carriage and occasionally looked outside. There were rows of green tiles and red towers from aristocratic families. The carriages and horses of dignitaries galloped through the streets. There were also guards in the capital patrolling in heavy armor and holding long swords.
alert.
There are many high gates and deep houses in the north of Dongsheng capital, which makes it appear quiet and deep. After the carriage leaves the city, there is a bustling market, and there are a large number of pack animals and horses waiting to enter the city.
In terms of prosperity, Yanze City in Xingluo County cannot be compared with Dongsheng Capital at all. Even the common people here appear to be wealthy and white, and all businesses on the streets are prosperous. Even the stalls selling fragrant drinks are in groups, and even hawkers can be seen in groups.
The carriages and horses here in Zhaomi are high, and there are vendors who take the initiative to offer newly prepared fragrant soups and teas in order to win the favor of wealthy families.
In the past, Zhao Shu would have definitely joined in the fun, but how could he have such leisure now?
The carriages and horses traveled all the way eastward, leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind, and arrived at the secluded countryside. The suburbs of Dongshengdu are not vast farmland, but mostly luxurious manors and villas in the capital. After crossing Hejin, they came to the rolling Zhongxiu Mountain
, looking at the lush green trees from a distance, there are almost no pedestrians nearby.
This is the place where the tombs of the rich and powerful people of Dongsheng City are placed. There are also private soldiers guarding the tombs of rich and powerful families in the mountains.
Following the instructions, they arrived at the cemetery. The other servants put down the sacrifices and stayed away. Only Zhao Shu was left kneeling in front of the grave, silent.