Chapter 62: Familiar Faces Everywhere

  Looking at his dazed younger brother, Xu Sheng patted him on the shoulder and said: "Old Ninth, we must stand up for Father and not let Third Uncle's family look down on us, do you understand?" In his opinion, Third Uncle's letter summoning his younger brother to Tokyo this time was absolutely not just about reuniting with relatives, there were probably other motives. The old man had spoken before, Xu Shao's promotion and ennoblement were his own business, we shouldn't be jealous. As long as we act uprightly and do things properly, that's enough.

  Xu Wei responded with a murmur, but it was unclear whether he had actually heard. Xu Sheng felt uneasy in his heart and got up to go comfort his father inside.

  Since Third Uncle hasn't had any dealings with our family for many years, it's intriguing that he suddenly wrote a letter summoning us. It's definitely not because of the news about winning a victory and being overjoyed as mentioned in the letter. However, no matter what, this trip must be made, and it's impossible to not do things just because I'm afraid of offending Old Master. September is approaching, and in another month, the Golden Army will invade from the south. The current troops in Jingwei Camp are less than 2,000, and there are only a few dozen people who can make a difference in the overall situation, almost negligible. To stop the Golden Army's first attack, we must start with the imperial court. This trip to Tokyo is an opportunity!

  But the problem is, after Jinguiying's battle returns, the top priority is to seize training. Once he leaves, who will be responsible for this matter? Fourth brother is an excellent candidate, but his military position cannot stay here. Apart from this, who else can take on this burden?

  In the room, Xu Wei was packing his luggage. He didn't even think of discussing it with Lao Yezi because this was his own business. Although the distance to Tokyo wasn't far, it would take at least ten days or half a month to return, so packing some clothes and bringing some money was necessary.

  "Are you really going?" Xu Tai Gong was already standing outside the door, no one knew when he got there.

  Xu Wei stopped and nodded. If Father could understand, he would understand; if not, there was nothing Xu Wei could do about it. Xu Zhang looked at his son for a long time, sighed, and said, "A grown son is beyond his father's control, go ahead." After several long conversations, he understood that Xu Wei had his own ideas and ambitions, and as his father, he couldn't help him even if he wanted to; how could he stand in the way of his future? However, with Xu Wei leaving like this, Father's old face would be completely lost.

  Xu Wei didn't want to explain that he was going to Tokyo, not to pull strings or go through the back door. Time was pressing and there were too many things to take care of, so he really had no way to put his energy into these family trifles, so he closed his mouth and remained silent, lest he provoke a dispute. Seeing his son not speaking, Mrs. Xu entered and sat down, taking the initiative to say: "You went to Tokyo, you won't be back in ten days or half a month. What about the village militia?"

  "I have entrusted Zhang Qing, he is the deputy commander, and is in charge of the training of the troops overall." Xu Wei replied.

  Xu Taigong's eyebrows furrowed into a knot: "Zhang Qing? He's not even as good as you, how can he be in charge? The militia camp has just been formed and should focus on training." Pausing for a moment, "I'll take care of it myself, decades of being a soldier weren't for nothing."

  Did I hear that right? The old man is volunteering to come and direct the training of the village militia? He's not angry with me? Xu Wei couldn't quite believe his ears, this was like the sun rising in the south!

  "What are you staring at? Don't believe me? You little brat, don't be afraid of being scared. The troops I brought out are the elite among the Western Army, and this broken rural camp can't even hold a candle to me?" Xu Taigong scolded.

  "But your old body..." Xu Wei said with concern.

  "What's wrong with me? I'm as strong as ever. You didn't see me wield a sword in the daytime, did you?" Xu Taigong said with a glance at his son.

  That's what I saw, didn't dance for long and got out of breath. At such an old age, still not willing to admit defeat. Anyway, the old man came out of retirement to take charge of the team's training, that's absolutely the first choice. Although he didn't see him in action on the battlefield, cutting down generals and capturing flags, just because many people still remember his name after leaving the battlefield for so many years is enough to prove the point. With this worry taken care of, I can now go to Tokyo with a clear conscience.

  Suddenly feeling a little guilty, the old man values his face more than anything else. The other day when he himself went to Shandong to assist in the war, he could have suggested letting me escape. This time going to Tokyo, he didn't stop me either. And I, thinking of his stubborn temperament, didn't even think of discussing it with him. Although I am a fake son, but the old man's affection for me is genuine. Ashamed...

  He said a few more words, then Xu Taigong urged him to rest early and got up to walk outside. Xu Wei wanted to thank him several times, but the words reached his lips and were swallowed back. A tall and proud man like him had to act like a little girl, which was really embarrassing.

  "That's right." Mr. Xu stopped outside the door, wanting to speak but hesitating.

  "Dad, you speak," Xu Wei said hastily.

  It was as if something was hard to get off his chest, Old Master Xu moved his lips several times but couldn't say it out loud. In the end, he said: "Tomorrow when you pass by the county, buy some big crispy pears and bring them up." After speaking, he seemed to have done something shameful and hurriedly left.

  What's the point of buying a fragile pear?

  The next day, Xu Wei got up early and arranged everything in Jinguiying before setting off with Xu Sheng towards Tokyo. They passed through Xiajin County, where they bought 10 catties of the best crisp pears according to their father's instructions. They rode quickly, whipping their horses as they went, and when they reached Beijing Daming, Xu Wei parted ways with Xu Sheng and headed straight for Tokyo.

  On the fourth day, Xu Wei appeared in Tokyo. Looking at this magnificent city of several dynasties, he had been mentally prepared for a long time, but was still shocked. Before that, there was always a concept that the Northern Song Dynasty's capital, Kaifeng, was an extremely magnificent and prosperous big city. But after all, how magnificent and prosperous it was, no one knew.

  Now that I've seen it with my own eyes, I feel that "grand" and "prosperous" are not enough to describe the vitality of this city. The first impression is that it's bustling, not only with many people, but also with even more shops. It's already early in the morning, and most people haven't even gotten out of bed yet, but the streets are already crowded with cars and horses coming and going non-stop. The second feeling is that although it's bustling, everything is actually very orderly. I was riding my horse through the street when I got stuck in traffic. It wasn't until later that I realized that every 200-300 feet or so, there would be a "Military Patrol Station" where soldiers were maintaining order and directing traffic - they're basically the ancestors of modern-day traffic police and patrol officers!

  Rows of shops stand, people flow endlessly, in an orderly and prosperous manner. This is the first impression Tokyo gave to Xu Wei.

  What he saw was only the tip of the iceberg. Tokyo, as the ancient capital for several dynasties, has been operated for hundreds of years, especially since the founding of the Song Dynasty, and successive emperors have attached great importance to development, especially industry and commerce. Even breaking through the rules of past dynasties that did not allow ordinary people to open doors on the street, and could not do business outside designated markets, even allowing commercial stalls to be set up on both sides of the imperial street, making money for everyone!

  That Tokyo city, the number of goods transported from all over the country is in the tens of thousands. You can find a small stall anywhere and buy 20 or 30 things to go with your wine, and they'll be ready immediately. In Tokyo, thousands of fish are consumed every day, and tens of thousands of pigs are driven in every day waiting to be slaughtered. And that's not all - besides the daytime markets, Tokyo's night markets are also very famous, often lasting until the third watch before dispersing. The imperial court has also opened up convenient gates, with the city gates closing extremely late and opening extremely early.

  Under the encouragement of policies, Tokyo's business is extremely prosperous, with daily transactions reaching tens of millions! Wealthy merchants and businessmen who used to hide their wealth are now boldly wearing silk and satin, showing off in the streets. Even someone like Xu Wei, who has several dozen taels of silver hidden away, feels embarrassed to take it out.

  What left a deep impression on Xu Wei was the ancient Chinese people, who almost all looked pale and emaciated with dull expressions, constantly rushing about for a living. However, Tokyo's residents all seemed to be in high spirits, full of energy and hospitality. Seeing all this, even Xu Wei, a second-generation rich kid, couldn't help but admit that he was indeed a country bumpkin.

  At the same time, I am worried that these millions of Tokyo citizens have been living in peace and tranquility for too long, and have already forgotten about war. What kind of fear will they experience when the Jurchen army arrives at their gates? And how can this prosperous civilized city allow itself to be trampled by the iron hooves of the Jurchen barbarians?

  "Xu Jiu?" Just as he was lost in thought, a voice brought Xu Wei back to reality. He turned his head and, hey, what a coincidence! They had just parted ways a few days ago, and now they ran into each other here. Who could it be? None other than Zhang Shu Ye, the governor of Jinan!

  "Have you seen...?" Xu Wei's words were left unspoken, as Zhang Shuye grasped his hand with a smile and said: "What's the need for formalities on the street? Besides, this is the imperial city of Dongjing, under the emperor's feet. Even throwing a brick can hit a fourth-rank official, so let's keep a low profile." After that, he asked Xu Wei about his purpose in coming to the capital, but the latter only said it was to visit relatives, without specifying who.

  Zhang Shuye, however, had come to fulfill his duties and the two of them were both busy with their own matters, so they didn't chat much. After Zhang Shuye explained where he was staying, he took his entourage and left on his own. Xu Wei also followed the address on the letter to ask around and search for it along the way. The Xu Shaofu residence was located in the southwest corner of Dongjing, and what was different from other places was that it was relatively quiet here, with many large mansions, presumably a place where high-ranking officials lived.

  Arriving at the gate of Xu's residence, Xu Wei dismounted and took out a small silver ingot from his bosom, preparing to go forward and call out. But before he could take another step, someone behind him called out: "May I ask if you are Mr. Xu?"

  Turning his head, he didn't recognize her. The other person was a 15 or 16-year-old girl, staring at Xu Wei with wide eyes.

  "Is your surname Xu? How is it?" Xu Wei smiled and said. With those big eyes, you should also smile at others.

  "Is that Xu Jiuguan of Xujiazhuang in Shajing County, Daming Prefecture?" the little girl asked again.

  This time Xu Wei couldn't laugh it off. How did she know? I have so many acquaintances in Tokyo? Nodded and said, "I guess so."

  "It is what it is, if it isn't then it isn't. What's the point of pretending?" The little girl's mouth was quite sharp, firing off words like a machine gun, crisp and clear.

  "That's it," said Xu Wei with a smile.

  "It is what it is, isn't what it isn't. What's the big deal...?" The little girl shouted again, suddenly shutting her mouth, taking a small step back, and staring at Xu Wei with a fierce gaze, as if to say "You dare to tease me?!"