diskusbooks Chapter 251 Visiting Relatives (3)
Chapter 251 Visiting Relatives (3)
"Miss Shishu, how much longer until we reach the main courtyard? Why is the Imperial Concubine nowhere to be seen?"
After walking for an unknown amount of time, Lin Ziping and the others were getting quite thirsty, and Xiao Chen couldn't help but ask.
Tang Jiawei also exclaimed, "It's getting dark soon. When we get to the main house, is the head of the Fang family already resting?"
The attendant said, "How could the path that the Imperial Concubine takes be the same as ours?"
Seeing that Shi Shu's eyebrows were slightly furrowed and her tone was unfriendly, Lin Ziping smiled and said, "What Miss Shi Shu said is true. Although the road is long, we will arrive when we walk. I see that the stream is flowing and the scenery is beautiful. However, I am worried that we are a few uncouth people who are seeing beauty for the first time. We may be blinded by the scenery and keep the master waiting. That would not be our fault."
After saying that, he winked at Xiao Chen and Tang Jiawei.
Xiao Chen said, "Sister is right. The Imperial Concubine is naturally different from us."
Tang Jiawei also apologized to Shi Shu.
Shi Shu's brows relaxed slightly, and he said to Lin Ziping, "Lord Lin is indeed a man of character. This area within ten miles belongs to the Fang family. You see this flowing water? It is the water from the hot spring on the mountain. It's a pity that it is winter now. If it were spring, the green locust trees, the spotted bamboo, and the green pines would be vying for beauty for thousands of years; the white plums, the red peaches, and the green willows would be vying for beauty in the three spring months." [1]
Looking around, Lin Ziping saw a gentle stream nearby, winding its way through the landscape; distant peaks rising one after another; and wisps of smoke rising from chimneys at the foot of the mountains, a scene of everyday life.
Upon seeing this, Lin Ziping couldn't help but think to himself: This Fang family has continued from the previous dynasty to the present day, so they must have some heritage.
"Miss Shishu's description is truly captivating. I wonder if I'll have the chance to visit this beautiful place in the spring and see it for myself," Lin Ziping exclaimed.
Shi Shu smiled without saying a word and began to lead the way.
Lin Ziping also called Wu Xudong and Xiao Chen to follow.
Fan Ji leaned closer to Lin Ziping and said, "San Tong said there are people nearby."
Upon hearing this, Lin Ziping instinctively tried to look up, but Fan Ji tugged at his sleeve.
"Cough cough..." Lin Ziping touched his nose, concealing his act of looking up, and said, "It must be someone from the Fang family. Let's wait and see, and not make a fuss."
Fan Ji nodded.
Lin Ziping continued, "Have Santong and Xiao Wei keep a close eye on things."
"Okay," Fan Ji said. "Then where is Xiao Chen?"
“I’ll talk to him.” After Lin Ziping finished speaking, he walked to Xiao Chen’s side and patted him on the shoulder. “The mountains are high and the roads are long, so be careful and take good care of Miss Shishu.”
Xiao Chen was taken aback, then nodded and quickly walked over to Shi Shu to chat with her.
After walking for a while, a long howl suddenly came from the group.
The sound was neither bird nor bird; Lin Ziping had never heard it before, so he guessed it was some rare animal.
Before Lin Ziping and the others could react, another sound suddenly rang out, seemingly right next to their ears yet also from afar. The group looked around in surprise.
Shi Shu smiled slightly and said, "Lord Lin, please don't panic. It's my master's pet 'Mr. Tiger.' I reckon it's feeding time right now, so we need to hurry."
Mr. Tiger?!
This doesn't sound like a tiger's roar!
Speaking of tigers, Lin Ziping thought of the tiger meat the emperor had asked him to bring, which he had given to Fang Qingmiao's nanny when they were at the foot of the mountain. He wondered where it was now.
"Lord Lin, please come this way," Shi Shu reminded him as he pondered.
Lin Ziping responded and called Wu Xudong, Fan Ji, and the others to follow.
After several turns and bends, a series of steps come into view, leading to a multi-story building. Two square, box-shaped door piers stand on either side of the entrance, and upon closer inspection, small lions can be seen protruding from them.
"This way, Lord Lin."
Guided by Shi Shu, Lin Ziping and the others entered through a side door.
Before even stepping inside, you can hear children reading aloud, interspersed with occasional cheers and laughter.
The servant stopped and said, "It is the old master testing the young masters' studies. Lord Lin, please wait a moment while I go in to report."
Lin Ziping nodded and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Miss Shishu."
The group waited at the side gate, and soon servants brought out refreshments and tea.
Xiao Chen and Tang Jiawei turned to Lin Ziping: "I wonder when the Fang family head will have some free time. Let's grab a bite to eat first."
Lin Ziping wanted to refuse, but seeing that the corners of their mouths were pale and their spirits were low, he nodded and said, "Let's all have some water and rest."
Wu Xudong said, "The wealthy families in our town have many rules and regulations, and judging from the deep courtyard of the Fang family, they probably have even more."
"The Fang family is a scholarly family, and the Imperial Concubine is even more magnanimous. I have had contact with the Fang family before, and they are all polite and knowledgeable. I imagine the head of the Fang family is even more so. How could he possibly be picky about our food?"
Fan Ji nodded and said, "Ziping is right. It shouldn't matter if we eat less."
Lin Ziping picked up the pastries from the plate, handed one to each person, poured each a glass of water, and took a sip: "Eat up."
"Haha..." At this moment, a burst of laughter came from outside the house. "Lin Ziping is right. How could the Fang family be so picky about food?"
Lin Ziping looked over, but it was backlit and he couldn't see clearly, though the voice sounded somewhat familiar.
The visitor approached and said, "Lin Ziping, it's been many years. How have you been?"
Lin Ziping examined him carefully, and suddenly a flash of inspiration struck him. He recognized the person—it was none other than Fang Zhili!
"Brother Zhili, it's been a long time. How have you been?" Lin Ziping put down the pastries in his hand, stood up, straightened his clothes, and asked with a cupped hand.
Fang Zhili also bowed and said, "I had heard that a Lin Ziping had come to the palace. At first, I didn't think it was you, but it really is you. If it weren't for Ji Xun's letter, I wouldn't have known you left Fuchun. How could you come to the capital without saying a word?!"
Lin Ziping cupped his hands and said, "Young Master Zhili, please don't tease me. It was truly unavoidable that I left Ji Xun without saying goodbye. If he asks about it next time, please put in a good word for me."
He paused, then added, "What's there to talk about in the capital? Wouldn't it be better if we could meet now?"
"Hahaha..." Fang Zhili laughed, "It's been many years, Shaoying is still the same as before."
“Yue Zheng is the same as before,” Lin Ziping said.
Fang Zhili and Lin Ziping exchanged a smile, their unspoken understanding unspoken.
"By the way, these are my brothers." Lin Ziping pulled Fang Zhili's sleeve and introduced Wu Xudong, Fan Ji, Pu Santong, Tang Jiawei, and Xiao Chen to him.
He then said to the five people, "Fang Zhili, courtesy name Lezheng, is my former classmate and good friend."
The five men clasped their hands in greeting and said, "Young Master Zhili."
“Since you are Lin Ziping’s brothers, you are my brothers too. Just call me Zhili,” Fang Zhili said. “Bring some more wine and food.”
"Yes," the servant at the door replied.
“Ji Xun has become a county magistrate. Is Young Master Zhili still in the Hanlin Academy?” Lin Ziping asked. “You said you got married last time. Why didn’t you take me to meet you?”
Lin Ziping raised an eyebrow and said, "You're really fast."