I trade in both worlds

Chapter 310 Chen Zeyun

Xu Jianli felt a pang in his heart, but he still suppressed his sadness and said, "Boss, please give me one pound of each, and any cakes that his family likes, so that we can make it an even number for good luck."

The shopkeeper thought for a moment and said, "Mrs. Chen likes Poria cocos cake, so let's get another pound of Poria cocos cake. She is such a gentle person, and she has been working hard for this family over the years."

Xu Jianli nodded in agreement, and watched the shopkeeper carefully pack the pastries, feeling deeply moved.

After leaving the pastry shop, Xu Jianli and Ah Fu set out on the road to Chen Zeyun's home.

The winter sun shines on the bluestone road, bringing a bit of chilliness but also being bright enough to make people happy.

This area in the east of the city is where the Xu clan members live together, and the well-arranged houses demonstrate the prosperity of the family.

The towering five-story house in the middle is home to the direct branch of the Chen family. The eldest master of that branch serves as the Minister of Rites in the capital. He is currently the highest-ranking official in the family and is looked up to by everyone.

Chen Zeyun's home is a simple small house with one entrance, hidden in an alley behind the bustling city. It looks particularly quiet, as if it is at peace with the world.

Xu Jianli gently knocked on the doorknob. Soon, the door creaked open and a middle-aged woman with simple clothes and a gentle face appeared in front of him. She was Chen Zeyun's wife, Li.

There was a hint of doubt in Li's eyes, but she still asked politely: "Who are you? What's the matter?"

Xu Jianli bowed his hands quickly and said with a smile, "We are sent by County Magistrate Liu Shenzhi to visit General Chen Zeyun to discuss important matters."

When Li heard this, her expression eased a little and she welcomed them into the main room. The light in the room was soft and although it was not gorgeous, it had a unique charm. Li quickly poured tea and then turned to invite Chen Zeyun.

Xu Jianli gently placed the pastries on the table and began to look around the room.

The furnishings in the house are simple, with a table, a chair, a cabinet and a couch, but they are neatly arranged, exuding a warm atmosphere. There is a landscape painting hanging on the wall, the brushwork exudes a light and elegant meaning, which makes people yearn for it.

Not long after, Chen Zeyun slowly walked out from the inner room.

Although his right leg was injured, he has recovered well over the past year and it no longer affects his normal walking. However, a slight limp can still be seen when he walks fast.

His face was firm and angular, and his eyes revealed the calmness and depth of a man who had experienced many vicissitudes of life.

Xu Jianli quickly stood up and greeted him with a smile, but he felt sad inside. It was a pity that such a tough hero could not realize his ambitions on the battlefield.

The Chen family members are not good people either. Seeing this kind of bullying, Xu Jianli desperately hopes that he can help him out of this predicament.

"Mr. Xu, you have come from afar. I am sorry for not welcoming you in person. Please take a seat." Chen Zeyun's voice was low and powerful, revealing an aura that should not be underestimated.

Xu Jianli said with a smile: "General Chen, you are too polite. It is our sudden visit. I hope you will not blame us."

After some greetings, Xu Jianli explained the purpose of his visit. He gave a detailed introduction to the Xu family school. His words were sincere and his eyes were full of expectation.

"My grandfather and County Magistrate Liu were close friends, and County Magistrate Liu admired your heroic deeds in the past. When he learned that our Xu clan school wanted to hire a martial arts master to teach the children martial arts, he recommended you to my grandfather. What do you think?" Xu Jianli said sincerely, his eyes full of expectation.

Chen Zeyun was silent for a moment after hearing this. He looked around every corner of the house, feeling mixed emotions.

This simple house carries too many memories and hardships for him. He was once a powerful general, holding a long sword and galloping on the battlefield.

However, he was seriously injured in a battle and had to retire from the world and return to this ordinary life.

The contempt of his clan and the hardships of life made him discouraged and as if he had lost the direction of life.

However, Magistrate Liu's father-in-law had already mentioned this matter to him, and he had been tempted.

After all, for a general who was once full of passion, being able to once again display his strengths, teach martial arts, and train future generations is also a rare honor and comfort.

"Mr. Xu, although I used to be a general, I am just a disabled man now. How can I take on such an important task?" There was a hint of self-mockery and helplessness in Chen Zeyun's voice, and a bit of loneliness in his eyes.

He was well aware of his physical condition and worried that he would not be able to do the job. He was even more afraid of disappointing the Xu family school's expectations.

Hearing this, Xu Jianli waved his hand and said, "General Chen, please don't say that. County Magistrate Liu said that you were a famous brave general in the army, with great martial arts skills and awe-inspiring power."

"Although you are injured now, you still have experience and skills. The Xu clan school needs a master like you to teach the children of the clan, so that they can learn martial arts and defend their country."

Chen Zeyun was silent again, he lowered his head and thought. His parents were old and sick, his wife Li was virtuous but hardworking, and his two sons and one daughter were still young, so they needed him right away.

However, the contempt of his tribe and the pressure of life made him more and more eager to get away from it all and start over.

This job may be a new beginning, an opportunity for him to find himself again and realize his value.

"Mr. Xu, to be honest, my life is quite difficult nowadays." Chen Zeyun spoke slowly, with a hint of bitterness and helplessness in his voice.

He looked up at Xu Jianli, his eyes flashing with complex emotions: "My parents are old, my wife and children are weak, and they all need me to support them."

"Because of my disability, many people in the tribe look down on me, and life is quite difficult. Although I have the intention, I am afraid that I will not be able to do it, and I will delay the children in the tribe's school."

Hearing this, Xu Jianli felt even more sad.

He was well aware of Chen Zeyun's difficulties and understood what this opportunity meant to him.

He patted Chen Zeyun on the shoulder and said firmly, "General Chen, don't worry. My grandfather has already considered your difficulties."

"As long as you are willing to go to the Xu clan school, we will not only provide generous tuition, but also help you solve various difficulties in life. Your children can also study in the clan school for free."

"We, the Xu clan school, sincerely invite you. We hope you can give us a chance, and also give yourself a chance."

When Chen Zeyun heard this, a gleam of light flashed in his eyes.

He looked up at Xu Jianli, as if he saw the dawn of hope.

He knew very well that this was a rare opportunity, a chance for him to stand up again and prove himself.

Chen Zeyun was silent for a while, then looked up at Xu Jianli and asked, "Mr. Xu, can you provide me with a piece of land to build a house?"

"I plan to rent out the land in Youzhou, stay away from my clan members, and move my family to Xuzhuang. This way, I can concentrate on teaching the children in the clan school, and also avoid unnecessary disturbances."

Xu Jianli was delighted when he heard this, and nodded quickly, saying with a smile on his face: "General Chen, don't worry about this. Our clan has already discussed it, and your house will be provided by my Xu family."

"We have a large area in Xuzhuang with few people and a lot of vacant land. Just tell us what kind of house you want to build and we will do our best to meet your requirements."

After hearing this, Chen Zeyun's eyes flashed with surprise and gratitude.