Chapter 94

The next day, when Xu Hao arrived on time with his people, he found that the two stone lions had been thoroughly cleaned, restoring their original appearance. The stone steps were also swept clean, and the ground was washed with clear water.

In front of the vermilion gate stood four or five servants, both old and young, all with joyful expressions. Without waiting for Xu Hao to dismount, they all came forward, kneeling on the ground and preparing to kowtow.

Xu Hao's face immediately brightened like the clear blue sky, and he smiled, extending his hand, "No need for such formalities, I didn't bring any rewards with me."

Zhang Jiu led the family members and sincerely gave Xu Hao a deep kowtow. Rising, he said solemnly, "Without kowtowing, we cannot express our gratitude. If it weren't for your repeated help, the Zhang family would have been ruined long ago."

Xu Hao dismounted and said, "I've always said that I and your late young master were like brothers. Since we are also engaged, there's no need for such formalities between relatives."

Zhang Jiu smiled and extended his hand, inviting Xu Hao and his group to enter the mansion. As they walked, he said, "You are a true relative; the others are just scoundrels without morals. From now on, we won't let any of them in."

Xu Hao stopped and laughed, "Don't be so absolute. After your family's incident, some relatives did indeed help a lot. They were forced to come with others and couldn't speak up, or they would have offended the entire clan. Relatives are still relatives. I, as an outsider, can act recklessly, but you can't.

"Remember, without relatives, your young master and miss would be left alone and unsupported, like withered flowers in the wind. It's not good. In the future, if any relatives without bad records come to visit, you should let them in. Even if they come because of poverty, you should treat them well and not close the door on them. I will come by from time to time, and if I hear anything, you know my temper."

"Yes, yes," the servants all nodded obediently.

Xu Hao knew the faults of the servants. Without constant reminders, they would forget everything.

Actually, he didn't want to lecture the Zhang family's servants in a domineering manner. Although they appeared respectful, they would surely think otherwise in their hearts. He didn't have the right to do so. He was worried about future problems, so he had to be the one to make them dislike him. Just like yesterday, he didn't want to hit people or act like a rogue, but it was necessary.

Because no matter how angry Zhang Yueyun and her brother were at the time, once their anger subsided, they would blame him for being too harsh and not considering their feelings, making their relationship with their relatives very tense.

Relatives are still relatives, no matter how many times they fight or even become enemies. It's like outsiders shouldn't meddle in a couple's quarrels because they are outsiders.

Xu Hao didn't intend to be a benefactor. He planned to take care of them for ten years. If Zhang Yueyun and her brother were grateful, the two families would continue to interact. Otherwise, they would never meet again.

Xu Hao didn't want to see Zhang Yueyun, a young lady, in the inner chambers. To avoid suspicion, he stood outside the gate and had Zhang Jiu bring Zhang Yu out to meet him.

His actions deeply moved the Zhang family's servants and the neighbors, who secretly praised him as a righteous gentleman.

Whether he was a gentleman or not, Xu Hao was thinking from their perspective. He liked the honest and sensible little Zhang Yu, hugging him and asking about his studies. When he learned that Zhang Yu hadn't been to school, Xu Hao was a bit worried.

Due to Zhang Yu's status as a son of a traitor, he couldn't be arranged to study with the royal family's children. The Imperial Academy was the best, but it was too close to the Crown Prince Zhu Yunwen.

Xu Hao thought for a moment and said, "Choose a reputable school nearby. It costs only a few dozen taels of silver a year. I'll have someone send 500 taels of silver. Your family should have skilled guards. Zhang Yu, you must study hard and practice martial arts to inherit your family's title and serve the Ming Dynasty. Don't let your sister down."

"I understand," Zhang Yu hugged Xu Hao's neck tightly, his face resting on his shoulder, and whispered, "My sister wants to thank you in person and says she can't accept your silver. She feels guilty for troubling you so much."

Xu Hao gently patted Zhang Yu's back and smiled, "There's no need to meet in person; it wouldn't be good if it got out. I often borrowed money from your brother and ate and drank at his expense. He never said anything. We were brothers, not just about money. Tell your sister that material things are trivial; don't worry about them. In the future, if I'm in trouble, I'll come to your house for food and drink."

Zhang Yu looked up and said seriously, "Good people don't always get good rewards! I remember, if my brother is in trouble, I'll give all the silver we have. If I don't keep my word, I'm a dog."

Good people don't always get good rewards? Xu Hao looked deeply at the young Zhang Yu, thinking that the child's mind was gradually changing, but he couldn't tell if it was good or bad. Most likely, he would become successful in the future.

Thus, Xu Hao bid farewell to the reluctant Zhang Yu and his family, leading his guards back to the Mu family to continue his studies.

The hired ruffians had already dispersed, and the relatives like Uncle Six had returned home with their benefits. Both sides didn't go too far, avoiding future awkwardness for the Zhang siblings. As for the financial loss, it was better not to mention it. It was like spending money for peace.

Inside the Zhang family's inner chambers.

Zhang Yueyun, who had been waiting to personally thank her benefactor, was very disappointed when she learned he had left. She dismissed the maid and her brother and sat alone on a chair, lost in thought.

Since returning home, she had never seen her benefactor again, even for a moment. She sighed, wishing to express her gratitude in person.

That night was still vivid in her mind: the handsome young master descended from the sky, rescuing the distressed young lady from the darkness. His warm hand and gentle smile made him seem like a ray of light. He held her hand and led her out, comforting her with gentle words. She would never forget that moment.

Sadly, she never saw him again. Even when such a big incident happened at home, he appeared but didn't come in to comfort her. Zhang Yueyun became more and more angry, thinking he only mentioned her late brother and never talked about her. Was she so unattractive? Was she so ugly? Was she, a noble lady, not worthy of meeting him?

Since you don't want to see me, I don't care about you anymore. I'll treat it as a spring dream, and when I wake up, it will be gone without a trace.

Zhang Yueyun, sulking, had tears on her face. She picked up the lute and, after a moment's thought, sang a "Nian Nu Jiao" she had learned at the flower house. This song, which had been popular in the Qinhuai River for several years, was said to have been written by a scholar for a beauty.

"Residual moon hooks the soul, how can one not think of old intentions! Mist locks the jade tower, the lute speaks, the goddess often speaks of loneliness. Talent surpasses the heavens, discarding cosmetics, elegant and independent. Free from dust, wishing to find a true friend.

"The lute whispers, the goddess is gone, only the beautiful makeup remains. The fan's fragrance follows the wine, the elegant mood is lost. The dance spins, the smile is forced, tears fall. Trembling, she holds the jade pen, not knowing how to write her feelings."

After the song, Zhang Yueyun stared out the window, tears streaming down her face.

Moved and reflecting on her situation, the most painful thing was that the flowers had intentions, but the water had none. She was completely immersed in the song's mood, unintentionally making the "Nian Nu Jiao" a mournful and moving performance, with a lingering and soul-stirring effect!

If the author knew that a beautiful woman in the capital had completely expressed his heart, he would surely be deeply moved and consider her a true friend, enough to 'smile in the grave' after a hundred years!

Speaking of Xu Hao, who had arrived at the Mu family, the imperial examination was only two days away. On the way, he bought some gifts and sent them to his classmates, wishing them success in the exam and a bright future! He also received many gifts from various sources, mostly elegant items like pens, ink, paper, and fans.

Unexpectedly, Mu Ningsnow also sent a handmade sachet through Zhiyan. It was made of light yellow satin, exquisitely crafted, and fragrant.

Xu Hao lifted it to his nose and gently sniffed, guessing it was filled with high-quality incense. When he opened it, he saw that the stitches were densely sewn, and he couldn't tell how many stitches there were. The sachet had a row of tassels hand-woven from red and black silk threads and a chain of black pearls woven with gold threads, matching the light yellow sachet perfectly. In the middle was a delicate and translucent ancient jade ball.

Xu Hao was deeply moved, seeing that the girl had put a lot of effort into it. He was familiar with such small items and knew that the difference between using effort and not using effort was significant. The quality of the sewing was completely different.

He carefully put it around his neck, afraid that sweat would dirty it, and placed it outside his shirt. Thinking it might get lost, he put it close to his skin. Feeling it was still not right, he took it off and examined it in his palm, playing with it repeatedly.

As for the exam, Xu Hao didn't care. Passing was good, but failing was also fine.

As a military officer, he would follow the military path. Whether he would lead troops or fight in battles was unknown. He would just accumulate experience. As an eighth-rank official under the Yan王府, he would surely become a hereditary thousand-household in ten years.

In the early Ming Dynasty, the status of military officers was not inferior to that of civil officials and was even slightly higher. There was no conflict between civil and military officials, and it was a period of the best official atmosphere. Xu Hao didn't want to deal with the cunning civil officials, as it was too tiring.

Serving as an official to benefit the people was nonsense. As a穿越者, he might be considered a heretic if he made any changes, which could be seen as a challenge to Confucian rites. Even if he could persuade the emperor, he didn't want to deal with the upper and lower levels.

Military officers were relatively free, able to do what they wanted in their own territory. They just needed to please their superiors, and the best was to get a leisurely position.

Moreover, Xu Hao was still a minor and couldn't take office to realize his ambitions. Calling it ambition seemed to be overestimating him.

PS: The senior said not to just work in isolation but to communicate with everyone. I always follow good advice. Sirs, please give more recommendations! I'm very motivated now.

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