Free Web NovelChapter 2243: Chapter 12: Nothing to Hold Dear
In the courtyard, there was a spring jujube tree, growing out of season, and now it was laden with fruits. The tree was so full of red fruits that they were almost touching the ground.
Zhongxuan Sheng walked over, casually plucked a handful, and shared some with Jiang Wang while eating as he went.
The gardens of the Marquis of Bowang’s Mansion were deep and secluded.
When Jiang Wang first arrived in Linzi, he felt as if he was seeing the sea.
Should there be a grand feast compared to the proxy marriage banquet at the Shuofang Earl’s Mansion three months ago, the standards would only be higher, not lower. frёewebnoѵēl.com
After all, this was a top noble family of Daqi, now with three Marquises in their lineage, currently at their peak. They overshadowed the Bao family by far.
Of course, today was a private feast with only a few outsiders.
Following the old housekeeper through the corridors and around corners, they arrived at the main hall, where Zhongxuan Yunbo was in high spirits chatting with a middle-aged man.
"Hahaha, it seems he couldn’t resist being mentioned, and then he returns!" the old man laughed loudly.
Gesturing, he said, "Come, come, A Sheng, Qingyang, quickly pay respects to Imperial Court Adviser Ye!"
Today’s guest at the Marquis of Bowang’s Mansion was Ye Henshui, an Imperial Court Adviser from the Political Affairs Hall.
Ye Henshui had a distinguished literary reputation and was especially skilled in writing green words.
Green words, also known as green Chapters, refer to the ritual prayers and tributes to Cangtian and the emperors of the past, written in red ink on green vine paper, hence the name.
The goal was to achieve a magnificent literary style, showcasing the grandeur of an era.
Ye Henshui was acclaimed for his magnificent writing style, known as the "Dragon Palace Garden," described as so luxurious that reading it felt like walking in the Dragon Palace Garden.
He had many imitators and was highly influential in Qi Country’s literary circles.
Nowadays, every major festival in the Qi Court was predominantly penned by Ye Henshui, indicating his status.
Even considering Zhongxuan Sheng, Jiang Wang couldn’t possibly show disrespect to Zhongxuan Yunbo, especially since he had consistently maintained the etiquette of the younger generation before the old Marquis.
When the old man spoke, Jiang Wang hurriedly stepped forward to greet them.
Zhongxuan Sheng, always skilled at navigating social settings, was unexpectedly unenthusiastic, slowly walking beside Jiang Wang and reluctantly paying his respects.
In terms of seniority, both Jiang Wang and Zhongxuan Sheng were of the junior generation, and Ye Henshui certainly accepted their respects.
But just as Jiang Wang was about to bow, Ye Henshui rose with a broad smile: "I have a close relationship with the Zhong Xuan Family, and since you and A Sheng are brothers, we are family, so there’s no need for formalities."
Jiang Wang was unaware of Ye Henshui’s close ties with the Zhong Xuan Family, but seeing Ye Henshui’s cheerful demeanor, he couldn’t fail to reciprocate: "Today, being able to sit with the distinguished Ye Adviser and enjoy the ink’s fragrance, though I am crude, my joy is beyond expression!"
"A Sheng." The only one left sitting in the room was Zhongxuan Yunbo. He looked at Zhongxuan Sheng with concern: "Is cultivation at the Under Jixuegong tiring you out? Your grandfather thinks your spirits are not very high."
He then smiled at Ye Henshui and said: "This child is usually quite lively; clearly, Under Jixuegong is a tempering place."
Ye Henshui also looked at Zhongxuan Sheng, smiling: "I have reviewed the entire East Line campaign against Fa Xia this time. A Sheng’s character doesn’t need much refining. In the future, compared to the Marquis of Ding Yuan, he won’t be lacking!"
"Ye Adviser praises me too much, how could I compare with my uncle?" Zhongxuan Sheng seemed to come to his senses, responding to Ye Henshui, then said to Zhongxuan Yunbo: "Not hiding from grandfather, I am exhausted from being constantly harassed and beaten by my cousin at the academy, accumulating hidden injuries, hence my low spirits... I won’t eat, I’d better rest first."
Zhongxuan Yunbo smiled and waved his hand: "You child, don’t joke in front of your Uncle Ye. Otherwise, if you worry him, how would that be good?"
"I’m not joking." For once, Zhongxuan Sheng’s usually smiling chubby face showed seriousness.
He bowed to Ye Henshui: "I apologize, Ye Adviser, but Zhongxuan Sheng is not well and won’t accompany you further."
"No problem." Ye Henshui didn’t show any signs of displeasure, and gently said: "If you’re unwell, you must really take care of yourself."
He added to Zhongxuan Yunbo, "Marquis, A Sheng’s health is important. I don’t intend to bother further, and I’ll visit another day for tea."
Having finished speaking, he turned and left directly.
Even though Jiang Wang was often slow to catch on, he felt the awkward atmosphere now.
He hurried to follow outside: "Ye Adviser, let me see you off."
The main hall of the Marquis of Bowang’s Mansion was naturally bright with large windows, offering excellent lighting.
Once the guests had departed, the spacious room left only the grandfather and grandson, sitting and standing, with an atmosphere that wasn’t relaxed.
Zhongxuan Yunbo sat in the upper seat and hadn’t risen nor spoken for quite a while.
Zhongxuan Sheng no longer spoke of going back to rest and remained standing in place.
The silence lasted for quite some time.
Finally, Zhongxuan Yunbo broke the silence.
"Ye Henshui’s position in the Political Affairs Hall is esteemed and powerful. Looking across all of Qi Country, such figures are few. His personal visit today shows the importance, doesn’t it?"
Zhongxuan Sheng remained silent.
Zhongxuan Yunbo continued: "He has only one sister, married to the Prefectural Governor of Pingyuan County, Xing Yundao. Although Xing Yundao is merely a prefectural governor, due to historical reasons, their family has been entrenched in Pingyuan County for years. The Xing family has the nickname ’Pingyuan Minister’. Compared to other appointed prefectural governors, their strength is far beyond, as you ought to be aware!"
Zhongxuan Sheng remained silent.
"Ye Henshui’s only sister, together with Xing Yundao, has only one daughter who is deeply cherished. Xing Qiongxue’s reputation is unparalleled in the Empire’s western region, truly beautifying the scene!"
Zhongxuan Sheng still remained silent.
"I know you love to compete with Bao Zhongqing. The marriage I arranged for you surpasses the Bao family’s two sons by far more than tenfold." Zhongxuan Yunbo’s aged voice was not loud but bore evident anger: "What tantrum are you throwing today, what chaos are you causing!"
