Chapter 14: Lu Men Disciple (Part 2) 2/2

  Dizzy, forgot that one more chapter has been updated at dawn...

  Still half left.

  The number of words may be a bit less, please forgive me.

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  There was a very strange pattern on the carriage of the horse-drawn vehicle that Sima Hui gave to Cao Peng.

  It was a bamboo slip with the words "Shang Shu" written on it. At first, Cao Peng didn't know what this symbol meant, but later when he passed through Tanghe Town, a scholar told him that it was the emblem of the Pang family from Lumen Mountain. The three generations of the Pang family were famous for their mastery of the "Shang Shu". By the time of Pang Ji's generation, his understanding of the "Shang Shu" was unparalleled in all of Jingzhou.

  It was also for this reason that the people of Jingzhao respectedly referred to Pang Ji as 'Pang Shangshu'.

  This is not a Shangshu of the three provinces and six departments, but a respect for the Peng family by the people of Jingzhou, and also represents that they are experts in "Shangshu".

  Wang Meng didn't quite understand Cao Peng's meaning, but Cao Peng spoke with full confidence, and Wang Meng also had a bit of admiration for the current Cao Peng, so he didn't ask further. He urged his horse forward, heading towards the county government office. On the way, Cao Peng had already asked Hong Niangzi about the location of the county government office. So Wang Meng didn't have to exert too much effort and drove the carriage straight to the entrance of the county government office in Ji Yang County.

  "Also, please announce that Cao Peng, a disciple of Lumen Mountain, requests an audience!"

  The county government office's main gate was tightly closed and it seemed like there was no one inside either.

  But after Wang Meng's loud shout, a rustling sound came from behind the gate.

  Right behind, the gate opened and a steward-like man walked out from inside, "May I ask, are you a disciple of the Pang family of Lumen Mountain?"

  The aristocratic families of Jing and Xiang are quite numerous, but they are different from those in Jiangdong.

  The so-called aristocratic families are mostly those with a long history of inheritance, and their status is high; while the scholar-official class is relative to the common people.

  The Kua family is a noble clan!

  Deng's family was just a scholar-official clan...

  A difference of one word, yet a difference of heaven and earth.

  A prominent family with prestige extending throughout the imperial court and the common people.

  The scholar-gentry class was a relatively high-ranking group compared to ordinary people, enjoying certain privileges.

  If it were in Jiangdong, due to the mixed living of civilians and barbarians, the aristocratic families would still have a certain private armed force. However, in Jingzhou, this private armed force is relatively weaker. Under the rule of Jingzhou, there are not many prominent families that can be mentioned together with the Kuai family... such as the Cai family, the Pang clan, they can hold their own against the Kuai family. Moreover, among these aristocratic families, the relationship is intricate and extremely close.

  Kuai Zheng is a collateral branch of the Kuai family.

  He was able to take up the post of magistrate of Rongyang County also because of the efforts made by his family behind him.

  When he heard that the disciples of Lumen had come to visit, Qu Zheng was in his study reading a book. He hastily put down the book and ordered someone to invite the disciples of Lumen to the living room, then tidied up his clothes and came out to meet them.

  As I entered the living room, I saw a young man in casual clothes sitting upright in the main hall.

  The young man was not very old, and looked rather weak and sickly. His clothes were also very simple, a white cotton gown that had been washed to a faded whiteness, without the slightest hint of luxury. However, in his eyebrows, there was a hint of heroism, which made Kuai Zheng also pay attention.

  "Is he a Lu Men disciple?"

  The housekeeper said in a low voice: "Exactly!"

  "Can confirm?"

  "It has been confirmed... The vehicle he was riding in had a Kamen Rider mark."

  "Young master, don't underestimate him just because of his simple attire. I've heard that the entrance to Lumen Mountain is extremely strict, and the fact that Grand Secretary Pang gave him a carriage as a gift means he must be a core disciple of Lumen. If we can get along with him, it will definitely benefit you greatly..."

  This housekeeper is Guo Zheng's confidant.

  Kuai Zheng originally had some disdain, but after hearing the housekeeper say so, he immediately put away his lazy heart and stepped into the main hall.

  In the hall, Cao Peng also got up early.

  Upon seeing Ku Zheng enter, Cao Peng hastily stepped forward and bowed, "Student Cao Peng has seen County Magistrate!"

  In ancient China, there was a habit of calling officials 'gentlemen'. However, this 'gentleman' had many meanings, so at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, it was still advocated to promote such habits.

  A great person can be referred to as a noble family or a wealthy and influential family, but it can also be used to refer to someone with high moral character.

  Cao Peng was not clear about the difference and habitually called him "Sir", but unexpectedly, it just happened to match the meaning of the two words "Sir".

  In Cao Peng's ears, this was praise for him...

  "Ah, younger brother, no need for excessive courtesy."

  "Kuai and Pang's families have been friends for generations. You are also a disciple of Elder Pang, which makes us equals. The two words 'adults' shouldn't be used, shouldn't be used!"

  Kuai Zheng stepped forward and returned the courtesy, his words were also exceptionally warm and cordial.

  Cao Peng didn't know that this title actually contained many subtleties.

  But Kua Zheng was so familiar and affectionate that he felt at ease. It seemed that his impersonation of a Pangmen disciple had been successful.

  He also knew that this would eventually be exposed.

  However, Cao Peng had other plans in mind: Firstly, Kuai Zheng might not go to Lumen Mountain to verify; Secondly, even if he did verify, Pang Ji might also tacitly approve. After all, Sima Hui gave him a carriage with the mark of the Pang family on it, which to some extent represented Pang Ji's recognition of him.

  When a cart comes to the foot of a hill, it will always find a way. If one day it really gets stuck, then think of another plan...

  After the two men sat down as host and guest, Kuai Zheng asked: "Younger brother, who did you learn from?"

  Is your teacher Pan Da or Pan Xiao?

  "In response to Brother Zhang's words, I also met Mr. Yuan An a few days ago in Yangqu Town and listened to his teachings."

  At that time, Mr. De Cao was also there...

  It is heard that the young master is coming to Jiangyang to visit his relatives. Master Pang sees that the young master's body is not suitable for traveling, so he presents him with a carriage and horses to help him on his way, and also asks his elder brother to take care of him more.

  Cao Peng's answer was very vague and didn't mention him worshiping Pang Ji as his master.

  It is said that he met Bao Ji on the way and got this carriage. But when heard by Kuai Zheng, it seems to have changed its tone! Sima De Cao was also a famous scholar of Jing Xiang, and at the same time, he was also a witness to Cao Peng's apprenticeship. It seems that Pang Ji is very fond of this newly acquired disciple, otherwise he would not have given him the carriage.

  Wait, is he coming to Jiangyang to visit relatives?

  Isn't that saying you have more opportunities to get close to yourself?

  I am at home and cannot be taken seriously... but if I were to get close to the Pongmen disciples, there will definitely be many more opportunities in the future.

  The smile on Ku Zheng's face grew thicker.

  "Brother, you have come to Jiangyang to visit relatives? May I ask, who is it that you are visiting?"

  This doesn't even need proof, with Pang Ji's name on it, Kuang Zheng is too lazy to investigate Cao Peng's background.

  "In response to Brother Zhang's words, Xiaozi's sister's husband is from Deng Village."

  "Because of offending some people in our hometown, we had no choice but to move here... Hehe, later on, the young one will be under your care, so please take good care of him."

  Deng Village?

  That's even closer!

  Kuai Zheng smiled and said, "Of course."

  "But since you've come looking for me, brother, I'm afraid there's something else on your mind."

  "Brother is indeed formidable, guessing little brother's thoughts in an instant... Not hiding it from brother, little brother came today to ask for one person."

  "Looking for me?"

  Kuai Zheng became even more curious and asked: "I don't know what kind of person you are looking for, brother?"

  Cao Peng's pale face suddenly flushed with a hint of red. He seemed to be very angry, clenched his fists and said: "My brother-in-law is serving in the mansion of my elder brother, and has not returned home for many days. My sister's body is also not very healthy... I just arrived at Jiyang today, didn't expect my sister to have a conflict with the village shrew, now she can't get out of bed. I had to come here presumptuously, please ask brother-in-law to return home and take care of her."