Chapter 5 Return (Part 8) A touch of warmth filled the tavern. Asahi smiled, and the old man also had a smile on his face. After a moment, the waiter cooked the tea and brought it to the guests together with the copper pot. Although it was a market
The most common rough tea in Inoue, the petioles and stems are clearly visible in the tea cup, but the taste is pure and sweet. Drinking it in your mouth will warm you to the bottom of your heart.
"Master Jun, where are you going on business!" Seeing that there were no other guests to greet in the tavern, the old shopkeeper sat opposite Li Xu and sifted a bowl of tea for himself.
"Go home. It's not far from your old place in Shanggu. It's only more than two hundred miles away!" Li Xu put down the tea cup and replied with a smile.
"Shanggu, that's a prosperous place. It's said to be prosperous!" The waiter came over with an apologetic look on his face. While clearing the dishes on the table, he was chatting up the guests in a manner he had already heard from the old shopkeeper.
Not only does he not get free food, but he also gives generous rewards to this kind of customer. I haven't met one in the store for several years. He is taken care of well. If he can also receive a reward or two, my wife and children will have more smiles.
"The scenery is nice, but it's a bit remote!" Li Xu felt very touched when he heard people praise his hometown, and the smile on his face became even stronger.
When running a shop, one's first skill is to observe people's emotions. Seeing the expressions on the customers' faces, the second brother knew that he had flattered him just right. He picked up the leftovers and added without leaving any trace, "Look what you said, how can you call it remote?"
Your family is far away from the big shots. Let’s not talk about it. Let’s just say that in recent years, the Li family in Shanggu has a Mr. Li, who is both civil and military..."
"Mr. Li?" Xuzi's eyes widened. He couldn't figure out when such a famous person appeared in his hometown.
"That's right, haven't you heard? There is a man named Li who is well-read and has great skills! He was appointed a general by the emperor, and he was given the title of Uncle Zhongyong, and the whole area is covered with glory!"
The boy in the store used his feet to open the door curtain, and the voice gradually went towards the kitchen.
"This kid is crazy. Master Jun, don't be as knowledgeable as him!" Lao Zhang was afraid of neglecting the distinguished guest, so he quickly took over the younger brother's words.
"It's okay, I heard what he said was interesting!" Li Xu smiled and shook his head. Mr. Li, who is both civil and military, and Zhongyong Bo, should be talking about himself, but the evaluation of being a good reader is not very embarrassing, which makes him a good man.
?Xu Zi thought about the long pole hanging on the back of another horse used to carry luggage, and felt very ashamed.
"It is said in the neighborhood that there is a Mr. Li in the upper valley, who is both civil and military. Last year when the emperor was campaigning against Liaodong, the leading general was accidentally fooled by those barbarians and died in the sea. Only Mr. Li was able to pick up the horse and ride on it.
He fought thousands of miles and saved tens of thousands of people, but he didn't even get hurt. The emperor was so happy that he named him Zhongyongbo. The old Li family suddenly became famous in Shanggu County. It is said that
Even the county governor himself went there several times!" The old shopkeeper was full of envy, wishing he could raise a similarly promising son.
"Oh, I haven't been home for several years and I really didn't notice it!" Li Xu picked up the stoneware tea bowl and blew lightly to disperse the mist in front of his eyes.
When I was young, I dreamed that I was indeed a prancing horse, and I was so heroic. I thought about how when I went out to the border with Xu Dayan, I was really upset several times because I had no money to buy a spear. But since I got a long spear, I have no choice but to risk my life.
Whenever you dare to use it to play tricks at critical moments, the only way to save your life is with the black knife on your waist.
Thinking about the dreams she had when she was a teenager and the reality before her, Xuzi felt like she was in another world. The back of that boy seemed to be within reach, but that boy was very different from who he is now.
"What's your surname, the military master?" The shopkeeper had a lot of knowledge. He compared the Li Xu in front of him with the legendary hero who jumped on the horse from Liaodong, and secretly felt that they were not alike. He commented in his heart that the military master in front of him was at most a team leader.
, he eats simply and has no airs about him. No one said that the general always eats two pork shoulders for a meal. How could he eat so little? And he doesn’t know how to eat this worthless naan. But this young man in front of him
His demeanor is indeed unusual. What is it called? Calm, yes, calm. Even when Mr. Qian is walking in the yamen, he can't find such a calm feeling.
"Excuse me, my surname is Zhang!" Li Xu hesitated and reported his uncle's surname.
"The surname is Zhang. He is also a big family. I heard that there is a young man from the Zhang family in Shanggu County who is a cousin of Mr. Li. He and he traveled to Liaodong side by side. They worked together as brothers and made great achievements!" As he spoke, his hands and feet were quick.
The waiter rushed back again, holding an oily lotus leaf bun in his hand, "This is three kilograms of donkey meat. You can keep the meat with ribs and translucent parts. Come back next time if you like it!"
This is about Xiaowu of the Zhang family! Xuzi sighed in his heart that brothers are of the same mind. He had also thought about it before, but the fifth brother had very high ambitions and he could not catch up with his dream. He slowly stood up and took five more
The copper coins were pressed into the waiter's hand, then he picked up the donkey meat and said goodbye to the shopkeeper.
"Thank you, Master Jun. Please go slowly! Next time you come back, I will pick the best meat for you!" the second brother said repeatedly. Why did Mr. Xie's expression suddenly change? Did I say anything wrong? He
He clenched his fist tightly and felt the weight of the copper coins. The military master didn't like people talking about Zhang! He watched Li Xu jump on the horse and took a closer look at Hei Feng's appearance. His heart trembled and he was stunned.
on the spot
"It's so silly that you like it. You're always telling me off before you even go into the house to clean up!" Shopkeeper Wang, who came out to see off the guests, turned around and saw the lost look on his younger brother's face. He raised his hand and gave him a hug on the neck.
"Hey, shopkeeper, shopkeeper, look at the horse under the military master's crotch. Look at the long guy on the second horse. Is that a cock? Is that a cock?" The waiter pointed at the smoke and dust that was going away.
shout softly
"槊, it's him, my grandma, it's really him!" Shopkeeper Wang suddenly woke up and slapped his thighs with excitement. "Hurry up, hurry up and give some of the leftover naan from the day before yesterday to the talkative Liu Si'er and the others.
Use his mouth to shout to the neighbors, saying that Mr. Li from Shanggu, Mr. Li, the loyal and brave uncle appointed by the emperor, has eaten our donkey meat and he is applauding loudly!"
This time I met a noble person! The shopkeeper and the waiter smiled at each other, feeling that life is full of chance and hope.
Xuzi didn't know what legend he had left behind. He just thought about his thoughts and was on his way. If he gets home and his father and mother ask about my affairs in the army, how should I tell them? Should I tell them about Master Yang?
Will they talk about Fifth Brother’s affairs?
Some words, if told to his parents, would only increase their troubles. Some choices were difficult to explain clearly. Asahi on horseback was timid in his hometown. The more he thought about it, the more troubles enveloped him like a dark cloud.
in
After passing through Yishui, we were getting closer and closer to our hometown. Xuzi carefully hid all her worries. She first found a forest to get into, changed into clean clothes, and then hurried home along the official road. The sun set early in the north.
, it was only after midnight, it was already completely dark, there were no pedestrians on both sides of the road, and long wolf howls could be heard from time to time in the wilderness. The moonless night was the best time for wild beasts to hunt.
Heifeng pricked up his ears and was full of vigilance. The other war horse was frightened by the howling of the wolf. No matter how Xuzi scolded it, it refused to go faster. There was no other way. Xuzi had to jump off the horse and lead it forward.
Slowly approaching my hometown with the smell of cooking smoke
We haven’t seen each other for half a year, but nothing has changed in the village. It is still quiet, exuding peace and harmony. His home is in the east and north corner of the village. It is very secluded. In the past few years, the family situation has improved. My father hired someone to renovate the wall, so the courtyard looks good.
Dressed neatly, simplicity reveals prosperity
The courtyard doors were all open. It seemed that there were guests far away today. Li Xu saw the lights next to the house. He jumped off his horse lightly and prepared to enter the house through the side door. Last time he went home to recuperate, some people who had never been willing to come to the house for a small meal before
The elders of the clan came to visit like a revolving door, either because they wanted to recruit their nephews to serve as officials in the army, or they just wanted to make some fun of the autumn wind. Thinking about those false smiles still makes people feel uncomfortable. Asahi doesn't want to be with them today.
When socializing, I just want to sit with my family, listen to my mother’s nagging, and look at my father’s gray hair.
There was a lot of noise in the courtyard. Many people were chatting about their daily routine and walking outside. Li Xu quickened his pace and hid the war horse and himself under the shadow of the courtyard wall. Rural people were reluctant to light too many lanterns in the courtyard, so he also
Don't worry about anyone noticing your presence
"Our Li family is what we are today, thanks to Uncle Da Mu who raised a good son!" A voice came from inside the courtyard wall, with a hint of envy in his polite words. He was the eldest uncle Ruo Mu. Xu Zi remembered that this person was the eldest son in the past.
The clan members ask for money for incense, and as the New Year approaches, they come more and more to block the door of Li’s house.
"Isn't that right? When it comes to Uncle Li from all over the country, who doesn't know that he is very blessed? It's good fortune that Xuzi was granted the title of uncle and general at such a young age. In the future, he will not be granted the title of marquis or the title of grand uncle.
, you veteran general may also be rewarded by the emperor, and you will be granted the title of Marquis of some township or county!" The person who said this should be Uncle Junmu of the third room. Except for the autumn wind, he rarely comes to visit. How come there are so many people recently?
Free?
"Hey, that kid Xuzi is lucky. Don't praise him. If he is successful in the future, he won't be a junior of our Li family!" His father's voice also came out, with a hint of pride.
"You can't say that. His uncle is still good at teaching his children. Our Shanggu Li family has been dormant for so many years. This time he is finally proud of his uncle. Don't care about money. How many tribes are there to make up for the county magistrate?"
It's not cold yet. We must finish the work on Uncle Zhongyong's mansion. When the work is completed, his old man will come to congratulate you!" Another drunken voice came to Li Xu's ears, and the sour tone of the literary crepe, except for the patriarch
Other than adults, other people actually say it.
"No, no need. The county allocated a lot of money. A few days ago, Xuzi's soldiers brought back some cloth and meat. They said it was a gift from the emperor. A general named Murong also sent a message, saying that if there is not enough
, ask me to write to the army at any time, I will calculate it, it will be enough until the new house is completed." My father smiled loyally, feeling as cordial as ever.
"Brothers have already delivered my belongings! Dad should know that I have resigned from office, so why didn't he mention it to others?" Li Xu stood in the shadows, his heart full of surprise.
"If you need anything, just tell me and I'll take care of it! Our Li family has had a noble man in so many years. No matter what, his mansion can't be repaired to make others laugh!" The patriarch drank wine and patted his chest.
crackle
"No shortage, no shortage! Xuzi always sends money to the family, and I have been saving money for a long time. Now even if I ask someone to trace the beams and paint the doors and windows, I am still somewhat rich!" Father followed behind the guests, proudly
Walking out of the door, in the bleak autumn wind, the old man's waist was straight
"Dad is protecting my face. He doesn't want others to know that I have lost my dignity." Li Xu suddenly felt his nose sore and something gushing out from his eyes.
I am not fighting for myself. Standing in the shadow of my own courtyard wall, Li Xu finally knows the full meaning of immediately gaining fame. He is not fighting for himself, and he has never fought alone. Father, mother, uncle, loyal uncle, all
People who care about him have always stood behind him silently
He stood in the shadow of the courtyard wall, watching silently as his father sent all the guests away. He did not dare to come out to meet his father, and was afraid that the two war horses would make any unusual noises.
He knew he couldn't go home. In fact, from the moment he left, his past life had become the past. He had grown up and it was time to shoulder his responsibilities for his family. He could no longer shrink back from difficulties and pressure like he did when he was a child.
, escape, because in the eyes of his parents, he is already the backbone of the family and the son they are most proud of.
In the shadow of the courtyard wall, Li Xu finally grew up completely
He led the horse and walked slowly out of the village. His Majesty's carriage was traveling south along the canal. It was still too late to catch up now.
"I seem to hear the sound of horse hooves, it's Xuzi's black horse!" Mrs. Zhang Li walked out of the house with a lantern and greeted her husband who was closing the door.
"I also feel strange, as if Xuzi is back. But General Murong's personal soldiers said that Xuzi was transferred to official duties by the emperor. How could he have time to come home?" Old Li Mao extinguished the lantern in the yard and took it.
He passed the lamp in his wife's hand, and then he and Li Zhang supported each other and walked towards the main house. This small courtyard was about to be transferred to someone else. In the summer, the county specially designated a land for Xuzi to build Zhongyongbo Mansion. After it was repaired,
The whole family is about to move in with Zhongyong Bo, which makes me proud just thinking about it
"Yes, the child is so busy, how can he come back!" Ms. Li Zhang stretched out her hand to wipe her eyes and sighed softly.
The sound of horse hooves was faint, and finally completely disappeared. The door of the house closed with a creak, blocking out all the noise outside the house.
In the long night outside the house, Li Xu galloped on his horse, leaving the small village behind.
He knew he shouldn't hide home this time. In fact, the moment he left his hometown, he could no longer go back and would never go back.
This road has no end
The third volume of Gale Song ends
Note to drunkards: Please continue to pay attention to the fourth volume of Homeland, "Yangzhou Slow"