Chapter 33

PS: I'm really sorry, I had some things to deal with today and came back late. To show my apologies, and in response to the request from my fellow reader 'Angel Flying in Hell' for an extra chapter, I'm adding an extra chapter today! Also, please vote and favorite!

Just as the words outside faded, the cotton curtain at the entrance of the shed was lifted, and a young man with a long face walked in, bowing deeply to Wang Lun and saying, "Your humble nephew Shenzhong pays his respects to Uncle Wang!"

The person who entered was Xu Shenzhong. Previously, he had obtained a method from Zhou Zhong that could make the wealthy merchants of Songjiang, who were unkind to the poor, donate again. After he returned home and told his father, Governor Xu was also overjoyed and believed this method was very feasible. After two days of preparation, it was finally time to implement it today. The reason he came to see Wang Lun was to ensure the smooth implementation of Zhou Zhong's method.

Seeing that the person who entered was Xu Shenzhong, Wang Lun warmly smiled and said, "In such cold weather, how do you have the time to come here, Shenzhong? Come in and sit down quickly, don't catch a cold!"

Wang Lun and Governor Xu were close friends, and Xu Shenzhong had learned some medical skills from Wang Lun when he was young. Although they were not formally master and apprentice, their relationship was almost like that.

"Hehe, your humble nephew is here to inform Uncle Wang of something on my father's behalf!" Xu Shenzhong, who had grown up under Wang Lun's watch, felt very at ease in front of him and spoke without much reservation. However, he then asked, "By the way, I heard Uncle Wang was angry just now. What happened? Is there someone who dared to upset you?"

Hearing Xu Shenzhong ask about his anger, Wang Lun couldn't help but say indignantly, "Hmph, it's all because of my good son-in-law, Zhou Zhong. A while ago, something happened at his home, and it's almost resolved now. But he hasn't even visited my residence to tell me about the situation, so I can be reassured. He hasn't come even once, how can I not be angry?"

"Zhou... Zhou Zhong?" Xu Shenzhong was taken aback, "Uncle Wang, are you talking about Zhou Zhong, the author of 'Journey to the West'?"

"Hmph! Who else would waste time writing such a strange and wild tale except that good-for-nothing rascal?" Wang Lun snorted coldly. Although he also liked 'Journey to the West,' he didn't want to show it in front of his junior, to maintain his dignity as an elder. Additionally, he felt somewhat proud that even a newcomer to Songjiang like Xu Shenzhong had heard of Zhou Zhong's name, but he didn't show it on his face.

Hearing that Zhou Zhong was Wang Lun's son-in-law, Xu Shenzhong was truly amazed at how small the world was. He also felt a bit sorry for his cousin, Xie Lingyun. When he saw Zhou Zhong and Xie Lingyun standing together, he had the idea of bringing them together, but now it seemed impossible.

Although Xu Shenzhong was like a disciple to Wang Lun, it was understandable that he didn't know about Wang Lun's daughter's engagement to Zhou Zhong. Wang Lun had six daughters, and the one engaged to Zhou Zhong was the youngest, nearly ten years younger than Xu Shenzhong. They had never met, and when the engagement took place, Xu Shenzhong was already studying in Suzhou, so he didn't know about it.

After his initial surprise, Xu Shenzhong quickly recovered. Seeing that Wang Lun seemed genuinely angry at Zhou Zhong, he hurriedly smiled and explained on Zhou Zhong's behalf, "Uncle Wang, you've misunderstood Wenda. Although I've known Wenda for a short time, he is definitely not someone who lacks manners. Besides, he has been very busy lately, and it would be hard for him to find time to visit you, even if he wanted to!"

"Hmph, what could he be so busy with? Is someone forcing him to write 'Journey to the West'?" Wang Lun said, still somewhat angry.

"Hehe, Uncle Wang, you guessed right this time. Indeed, someone is forcing him to write 'Journey to the West,' and I am one of them!" Xu Shenzhong explained how he wanted to copy 'Journey to the West' as a birthday gift for his teacher, but due to time constraints, Zhou Zhong and Zheng Jing helped him. He also mentioned how Xie Lingyun bought 'Journey to the West' and asked Zhou Zhong to complete the first half of the manuscript before the New Year.

"Is that so!" After hearing Xu Shenzhong's explanation, Wang Lun's anger towards Zhou Zhong had subsided by a large margin, but he still said stubbornly, "Even if he is busy, it wouldn't take much time to visit my residence once. It's a shame he is a scholar, and none of his five brothers-in-law are as unmannered as he is!"

"Yes, yes, yes, Wenda not visiting Uncle Wang was indeed impolite. The next time I see him, I will definitely scold him on your behalf!" Xu Shenzhong, seeing that Wang Lun's anger had subsided, still went along with his words to save face for the elder.

"By the way, Uncle Wang, you might not know, but Wenda has done a great favor for my father. I came to see you today because of Wenda." Xu Shenzhong finally remembered the purpose of his visit and quickly said.

"Oh, Zhou Zhong is just a minor scholar, how could he help your father?" Wang Lun was surprised again.

"Uncle Wang, don't worry, this matter is a bit complicated to explain, but with your experience in the bureaucracy, you will understand immediately once you hear the few words my father asked me to convey to you!" Xu Shenzhong smiled in a way very similar to Zhou Zhong.

"What does your father want to tell me?" Wang Lun was even more confused.

"Hehe, actually, my father just wanted to inform you that to commend the people of Songjiang for their support in the disaster relief, especially those who generously donated, the government has decided to erect a monument outside the North Gate. The names, origins, addresses, and donation amounts of the donors will be inscribed on it, to be remembered by future generations. In a thousand years, everyone will remember their good deeds!" Xu Shenzhong couldn't help but laugh when he mentioned the word "merit."

"Ha ha ha ha!" Wang Lun was first stunned, then burst into uncontrollable laughter, his beard trembling with his laughter, looking quite amusing.

After laughing for a while, Wang Lun finally stopped, panting and asked, "Shen... Shenzhong, this... this method is really despicable. If this monument is really erected, your father will be cursed by those unkind rich people! Ha ha ha ha!" Wang Lun burst into laughter again.

Erecting the monument was Zhou Zhong's idea. Don't underestimate this simple stone. If it were really erected, all the names and donation amounts of the donors would be inscribed on it. The Li, Xie, and Wang families donated at least several hundred taels of silver, while others donated only a few dozen or even a few taels. As wealthy families in Songjiang, those who donated too little would be too ashamed to face others.

Even more despicable was Zhou Zhong's suggestion to inscribe the donors' origins and addresses. This way, those who donated more could be remembered for generations, and even their descendants would feel proud. However, those who donated too little would not only be embarrassed but also have their descendants mocked, which would be more painful than death.

However, Wang Lun, who was laughing uncontrollably, soon felt something was off. Xu Shenzhong had mentioned that Zhou Zhong had done a great favor for his father. Could this "great favor" be...

Thinking of this, Wang Lun finally realized and his laughter abruptly stopped. "Wait, Shenzhong, you're not telling me that the despicable idea of erecting the monument was Zhou Zhong's, right?"

"Uncle Wang, although I also find it hard to believe, this method was indeed thought of by Wenda." Xu Shenzhong then recounted the gathering at Zhou Zhong's house, what everyone said, and how Zhou Zhong proposed this method.

Wang Lun also looked incredulous after hearing this. In his impression, Zhou Zhong was just a young man who only knew how to read, with a rather rigid personality, sometimes even appearing dull. Therefore, Wang Lun couldn't believe that Zhou Zhong would come up with such a despicable method.

"Strange, did Zhou Zhong pretend to be foolish in front of me all along? How could he think of such a method?" Wang Lun muttered to himself. Since Xu Shenzhong had seen it with his own eyes, it must be true, but Wang Lun still found it hard to believe. It was like watching a child grow up, always thinking they were a boy, but suddenly discovering they were a girl. The contrast was too great!

"Uncle Wang, I don't think it's strange. Wenda can write a book like 'Journey to the West,' which, although based on strange tales, has a deep understanding of human nature. This shows that Wenda has a keen mind. It's just that he was well-off and focused on his studies before, so he didn't have the opportunity to show it. Now, after the family's misfortune, Wenda has finally revealed his extraordinary abilities!" Xu Shenzhong explained on Zhou Zhong's behalf. Although his explanation sounded unbelievable, it was the only way to understand it.

Wang Lun nodded after hearing this. Having been in the bureaucracy for many years, he had seen more people and experienced more things than Xu Shenzhong. He knew that some people and events in the world could not be explained by common sense, and his future son-in-law, Zhou Zhong, might be one of them.

No more thinking! At worst, I'll have Zhou Zhong visit my residence after this, and see how he explains it. Wang Lun thought to himself. Of course, when Zhou Zhong comes, he must bring the remaining manuscript of 'Journey to the West.' The tenth chapter ends with Emperor Taizong entering the underworld; I wonder if he can return to the living?

Thinking of 'Journey to the West,' Wang Lun couldn't help but feel excited and forgot his doubts about Zhou Zhong. He then thought about the monument and couldn't help but laugh again. He was eager to see the expressions of those unkind rich people in the city when they heard this news.