A touch of warmth filled the tavern. Asahi smiled, and the old man also had a smile on his face. After a while, the waiter cooked the tea and brought it to the guests together with the copper pot. Although it was the most common coarse tea in the market
, 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 to Shanggu. It's not far from your old place, just over two hundred miles away!" Li Xu put down the teacup 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, and while clearing the dishes on the table, he struck up a conversation. He had already heard the old shopkeeper describe the behavior of the guests.
, not only does he not eat for free, but he also gives generous rewards. I haven’t encountered a customer like this in the shop for several years. If he is taken good care of, if he can also receive a penny or two, he will have more wives and children.
A smile.
"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, observing people's behavior is the first skill. When the waiter saw the expression on the customer's face, he knew that he had flattered him just right. He picked up the leftovers and added without leaving any trace. "Look at what you said, how can you say that?"
It's a remote place, and your family is full of big shots. I won't talk about the remote ones, let's talk about the past few years. There is a Mr. Li in the Li family in Shanggu, 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.
"Yes, haven't you heard? There is a man named Li who is well-read and has good skills! He was appointed as a general by the emperor, and he was given the title of Uncle Zhongyong. The whole place is covered with glory for hundreds of miles!
"The boy in the shop used his feet to hook 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 what the younger brother said.
"It doesn't matter, 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 the one who said this. But the evaluation of reading a good book is not very embarrassing, making Yishou
What a good horse? Asahi thought about the long horse hanging on the back of another horse used to carry luggage, and felt very ashamed.
"There is a rumor among the neighbors that there is a Mr. Li in Shanggu, who is both civil and military. When the emperor went to Liaodong last year, the general who led the army accidentally fell into the trap of those barbarians, and he died. Only Mr. Li was able to guide the horse.
, traveled thousands of miles and fought back and forth. He saved tens of thousands of people, and he was not even hurt. No, when the emperor was happy, he named him Uncle Zhongyong. All of a sudden, the old Li family was in Shanggu County.
It is so famous that it is said that even the county governor himself went there several times!" The old shopkeeper was filled with envy, wishing he could raise a similarly promising son.
"Oh. I haven't been home for several years. I really didn't notice!" Li Xu picked up the stoneware tea bowl and blew lightly to disperse the mist in front of his eyes.
When I was a boy, I dreamed that I was a galloping horse, full of heroic spirit. I remember that when I went to the border with Xu Dayan, I was really upset several times because I had no money to buy a horse. But since I got a long horse, I just felt that it didn't matter.
Dare to play with it when you are in danger. At the critical moment, 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, Asahi felt a sudden sense of being in another world. The figure of that boy seemed to be within arm's reach, but that boy was completely 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 in Liaodong, and secretly thought about it. It's not like that, he commented in his heart. The military master in front of him is at best a
The captain of the team ate simply and had no airs about him. People said that the general would eat two pork shoulders for a meal, so how could he eat so little? And the general would not eat such worthless naan.
But the demeanor of the young man in front of me is indeed unusual. What does it mean, 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 from a big family. I heard that there is a young man from the Zhang family in Shanggu County who is Mr. Li's cousin. He traveled to Liaodong with him. They worked together as brothers and made great achievements!" As he spoke, his hands and feet were moving.
The waiter at the Mali shop rushed back again, holding a greasy lotus leaf bun in his hand. "This is three pounds of donkey meat, with ribs and translucent meat. You can put it away and come back next time if you like it!"
This must be the fifth brother of the Zhang family! Xuzi sighed in his heart. Brothers are of the same mind, and he had thought so too. But the fifth brother had very high ambitions, and he could not catch up with his dream. He stood up slowly, and then
He took five copper coins and pressed them into the waiter's hand. Then he picked up the donkey meat and said goodbye to the shopkeeper.
"Thank you, Master. Master, please go slowly! Next time you come, I will pick the best meat for you!" The second brother thanked him repeatedly. Why did Master Jun's face suddenly change? Did I say something wrong?
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 haven't even gone into the house to clean up. You're just lying!" Shopkeeper Wang, who came out to see off the guests, turned around and saw the lost look on the younger brother's face. He raised his hand and gave him a hug on the neck.
"Hey, hey. Shopkeeper, shopkeeper, look at the horse under the military master's crotch, look at the long guy on the second horse. Look, is that a cock? Is it a cock?" The waiter pointed at the horse going away.
Smoke and dust, shouting softly.
"槊, it's him, my grandma, it's really him!" Shopkeeper Wang suddenly woke up and slapped his thighs in excitement. "Hurry up, give some of the leftover naan from the day before yesterday to the talkative Liu Si'er and the others.
Go and 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 looked at each other and smiled, 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 hurried on his way. If my father and mother ask about my affairs in the army when I get home, how can I tell them? I can't tell them about Master Yang's affairs.
Tell them? Do you want to talk about Fifth Brother?
Some words, if told to parents, will only increase their troubles. Some choices are difficult to explain clearly. Asahi on horseback is timid in his hometown. The more he thinks about it, the more troubles surround him like a dark cloud.
wrapped in it.
After passing through Yishui, we were getting closer and closer to our hometown. Xuzi carefully hid all her worries, first found a forest to get into, changed into clean clothes, and then hurried home along the official road. The northern sun
It fell early, and it was only after midnight, and it was already completely dark. There were no pedestrians on both sides of the road, and long-lasting howls of wolves could be heard from time to time in the wilderness. The moonless night is the best time for wild beasts to hunt.
Heifeng pricked up his ears, and his whole body was full of alertness. The other war horse was trembling with fright at the howling of the wolf. No matter how Xuzi scolded it, it refused to go faster. There was no other way, so Xuzi had to jump off the horse and lead it forward.
Walking. Following the smell of cooking smoke, we slowly approached our hometown.
After half a year of absence, the village has not changed much. It is still quiet, exuding peace and harmony. His home is in the east and north corner of the village, very secluded. The family situation has improved in recent years, and his father hired someone to renovate the wall, so
The courtyard looks very neat and tidy, showing prosperity in its simplicity.
The courtyard doors were all open. It seemed that there were guests here today. Even far away, Li Xu could see the lights at home. He lightly jumped off his horse and prepared to enter the house through the side door. Last time he went home to recuperate, some things he had never seen before
The elders of the clan who were willing to sit at home came to visit like a lantern, either because they wanted to recruit their nephews to serve as officials in the army, or they just wanted to get away with the autumn wind. Thinking about those false smiling faces, it still makes people feel uncomfortable.
Xuzi didn't want to socialize with them today. She just wanted to sit with her family, listen to her mother's nagging, and look at her father's gray hair.
There was a lot of noise in the courtyard, and many people were walking outside chatting about their daily routine. Li Xu quickened his pace and hid his horse and himself under the shadow of the courtyard wall. People in rural areas were reluctant to light too many lanterns in the courtyard, so
He doesn't have to worry about anyone noticing his 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 envy in the politeness. It was the second uncle Ruo Mu, the eldest brother. Xu Zi remembered this person. This person was this person back then.
In order to raise money for incense for the clan, they would come to block the door of Li's house more and more every year.
"Isn't that right? When it comes to Uncle Li from all over the country, who doesn't know that he has great blessings and great fortunes? Xuzi has been 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 duke. Damu
Uncle, maybe you, a veteran general, will be rewarded by the emperor, and you will be granted the title of Marquis of some country or county!" The person who said this should be Uncle Junmu from the third room. Except for the autumn wind, he rarely comes to visit. What's going on recently?
Are you free again?
"Hey, that kid Xuzi is lucky. Don't praise him. If he has a future, he won't be a junior of our Li family!" The father's voice also came out, with a hint of pride.
"You can't say that, but his uncle is good at teaching his children. Our Li family has been dormant for so many years in Shanggu, and now we are finally proud. Uncle uncle, don't worry about money. How many clans are there to make up for it? The county magistrate put down his words.
, before it gets cold, we must finish the work on Uncle Zhongyong's mansion. When it is completed, his old man will come to congratulate you!" Another drunken voice passed into Li Xu's ears, the sour crepe
Except for the clan leader, no one else can really describe the tune.
"No, no need. The county has allocated a lot of money. A few days ago, Xuzi's soldiers returned with some cloth and meat, saying they were gifts from the emperor. A general named Murong also sent a message,
He said that if it is not enough, ask me to write to the army at any time. I calculated that it will be enough until the new house is completed." My father smiled loyally, feeling as friendly as ever.
"Brothers have already delivered my belongings! Dad should know that I have resigned from office, why didn't I hear him 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.
snapping sound.
"No shortage, no shortage! Asahi always brings money to the family, and I have been saving it without spending it. Now even if I ask someone to trace the beams and paint the doors and windows, I am still a little rich!" The father followed behind the guests, proudly
The old man walked out of the door. In the cold 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 was sore and something was pouring out of his eyes.
I am not seeking fame for myself. Standing in the shadow of his own courtyard wall, Li Xu finally understands the full meaning of immediately gaining fame. He is not fighting for himself, and he has never fought alone. Father, mother, uncle, loyal
Uncle, everyone who cares about him has been standing behind him silently.
He stood in the shadow of the courtyard wall, silently watching his father send 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 abnormal noise.
He knew that he could not go home. In fact, from the moment he left, his past life had become the past. He had grown up and it was time for him to shoulder his responsibilities for his family. He could no longer face difficulties and hardships like he did when he was a child.
He shrinks back and escapes from pressure, 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 the Emperor's chariot was heading south along the canal, and it was still too late to catch up.
"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 weird, as if Xuzi is back. But General Murong's personal soldiers said that Xuzi was transferred to work by the emperor. How can he have time to come home?" Old Li Mao blew out the lantern in the yard and said,
He smoothly took the lamp from 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 land for Xuzi to build Zhongyongbo Mansion.
After the repairs are completed, the whole family will move in. Uncle Zhongyong feels 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 heard and then disappeared completely. The door of the house was closed tightly with a creak, blocking out all the noise outside the house.
In the long night outside the house, Li Xu galloped, 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. He could never go back.
This road has no end.
Note 1: One foot in the Han Dynasty was about 23.1 centimeters today.
Note 2: In the military system of the Sui Dynasty, the army was directly divided into regiments and above. However, during combat, the army could be further divided into front, rear, left, center, right and other parts, so there is a saying of division of troops within the army.
Note 3: Huangtianyuan, also known as Dongduyuan, is located in the northwest of Lingbao County, Henan Province.
Volume 3: The Song of the Wind, the end of the volume. (To be continued)
