Chapter 53: Outside the Abundant Cottage, Encountering an Old Servant

  Xiao Qi didn't snap out of it until they left the brothel, still feeling bewildered and unsure of what to do. Originally, he was eating well, but couldn't help asking: "Guan Ge, who was that person just now?"

  "Our school students"

  "What does it mean?" Xiao Qi was confused and followed Tang Guan's footsteps.

  "That man's name is He Zhi Zhang, he had received kindness from our father before, so sometimes he also calls our home 'Shifu Jia'". Tang Guan recalled this origin, and indeed felt a bit tongue-tied, but things were just that coincidental.

  "Oh, no wonder" Little Qi scratched his head and immediately threw it behind his mind.

  At this time his playful heart was reined in, and he closely followed Tang Guan back to their dormitory.

  Two people looked far away and saw a figure hesitating outside the door of Baoshu's house. Xiaowei squinted her eyes and pointed at him, saying: "Guangge, does that person look like Ershu?"

  Tang Guan heard the words and also raised his head, walking while looking in that direction, excitedly shouting: "Second Uncle!? How are you here?"

  The man known as Second Uncle also raised his head to see Xiao Qi and Tang Guan, with an excited expression on his face, shouting: "Young Master! You really came to Chang'an!"

  It turned out that this person was Tang Er, the protector of the Tang family who had been sent to Chang'an for help by Tang Weixi. Tang Guanlian was also excited to meet an old acquaintance.

  "Second Uncle, how did you get here?"

  Tang Er carefully sized up Tang Guan, excitedly laughing and saying: "Haha, young master! You've really been released?"

  Tang Guan was slightly stunned by the words, and Xiao Qi seemed to remember something on the side: "I remembered that Brother Guan, you were taken away that night, and Father asked Er Shu to come to Chang'an"

  Xiao Qi spoke incoherently, but Tang Guan's heart skipped a beat upon hearing his words. He hadn't expected himself to arrive so quickly, sending Tang Erbai on an errand, and now it seemed he had arrived in Chang'an before the other even got there.

  Tang Guan couldn't help but shake his head and sigh, while Tang Er was still excitedly sizing him up from head to toe: "I went to that Shao Qing's mansion, and the official almost took me for a swindler and chased me out."

  Tang Er scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed. Although they had been traveling non-stop, they couldn't compare to Tang Guan's smooth journey with the tiger tally in hand. Despite being delayed for a day or two on the rivers of Jiangnan, they still arrived faster than Tang Er.

  "Second Uncle, a lot of things have happened at home, do you still recognize him?" Tang Guan smiled and pulled Xiao Qi to his side. Tang Er looked Xiao Qi up and down, feeling somewhat familiar, but couldn't quite recall the name.

  After a long while, he wondered: "Little Seven?"

  "Haha, Second Uncle, we used to eat pig's trotters together!" Little Seven burst out laughing.

  Tang Er only then came back to his senses, looking at Xiao Qi with some surprise. He had only seen Xiao Qi's disheveled appearance before, and now he was somewhat unrecognizable.

  "Second Uncle, from now on you have to call me Second Young Master"

  "Why?" Tang Er heard this and asked in puzzlement.

  "Let's go in and talk," Tang Guan said as he pushed the door open. This mansion was originally an official institution, with attendants and servants inside. At this time, seeing Tang Guan lead someone back, no one stopped them.

  In the meantime, the small official in charge had already heard from the coachman about Tang's entry into the palace, although he didn't know what it was all about, but it wasn't something they could afford to offend.

  "Second Uncle, Xiao Qi and Niu Ge are now younger than my brother," Tang Guan said to Tang Er as they walked.

  Tang Er was stunned on the spot and suddenly realized something, "The old master has accepted them as his adopted sons!?"

  Tang Guan saw his reaction was not slow, smiled and nodded slightly.

  Tang Er gazed at Xiao Qi again, sizing him up for a long time before sighing silently at the whims of fate. A poor temple beggar could actually enter and live in a wealthy household, becoming his own master.

  "It seems I'll have to call you Young Master from now on." Tang Er said with a smile after a long while.

  Xiao Qi waved her hand and said: "Second Uncle, if you like calling me Xiao Qi, then call me Xiao Qi."

  A few words were spoken, and a house door opened. Chen Yusheng walked out of it, looking at several people in the courtyard.

  "Going to cure the illness, who is this strong man?"

  Tang Er saw that it was actually Chen Yunsheng and exclaimed with great joy: "Magistrate Chen!"

  Chen Yunsheng was surprised to see that the other party knew him and walked up, Tang Guan said ahead of time: "Uncle Chen, this is my family's guardian Tang Er"

  "Tang Er?" Chen Yunsheng muttered to himself, and then seemed to remember that he was a frequent visitor to the Tang Mansion, and was somewhat familiar with the old servants at home. The deepest impression was undoubtedly Lao Wang, followed by Tang Er and Tang San, two guards.

  "Tang Er, how did you come?" Chen Yunsheng saw that Tang Er was also in Chang'an and felt slightly puzzled.

  Tang Er saw Chen Yunsheng recognize himself and let out a light sigh, saying: "Ah, County Magistrate Chen, take a look for yourself."

  He then took out a letter from his pocket and handed it to Chen Yunsheng, which was the "distress letter" written by Tang Weixi.

  Chen Yunsheng took it, opened the letter, and stared at it for a long time before shaking his head and laughing: "The official is anxious to save his son, but he doesn't even consider the principle that distant water cannot put out a nearby fire."

  He then folded the letter and handed it back to Tang Er, saying: "You've come just in time, help take care of the sick and Liang Jun, I have something important to attend to outside."

  Tang Er nodded upon hearing this. Although he was also unfamiliar with the place, as an adult, he still had confidence in taking care of two children.

  Chen Yunsheng then gave two more orders and turned around to go out of the house.

  Until Chen Yunsheng walked far away, Tang Guan spoke up and said: "Second Uncle, when did you arrive in Chang'an?"

  Tang Er heard this and smiled slyly: "The day before yesterday"

  Tang Guan heard this and smiled: "We're just in time, one after another, thanks for your trouble along the way"

  "After all, they were going through great lengths for their own sake. Tang Guan immediately expressed his gratitude, and Tang Er waved his hand repeatedly, saying 'it's only right'".

  Tang Er couldn't help but ask in confusion: "Young master, how did you come out? The official said that you even saw the Empress?"

  Tang Guan let out a soft sigh and said: "It's a long story, let's go inside and talk."

  Several people entered the house immediately, and Tang Guan recounted his experiences. When he told the story of Xia Qi's misfortune, someone on the side occasionally added oil to the fire, listening to Tang Er's face changing color. He was a simple and straightforward man with some strength, but after hearing about several decades of experience, he felt that it wasn't as exciting as Tang Guan's few months of work. At the same time, the danger in his story made people gasp in amazement.

  This lecture went on for so long that it lasted until the sun was low in the west. Tang Guan felt a bit parched and picked up the tea from the table to take a sip.

  Tang Er heard this and his face was filled with joy: "If Master were to hear this, I don't know how delighted he would be."

  "Don't, don't tell him, if he finds out, he might not be able to take it." Tang Guan shook his head with a smile.

  Tang Er also smiled slightly, after all, he was a servant, although he sometimes complained that his master was a bit stingy, but it could not be denied that compared to most wealthy families, the Tang family was indeed quite generous to their servants.

  This can be seen from the fact that Old Wang has been following Tang Weixi for decades with a willing heart.

  Just as they were talking, there was a commotion outside the door. Tang Er thought it was Chen Yunsheng coming back and got up to open the door, but found that it was a villager holding a meal.

  "It's time for dinner, gentlemen."

  Tang Crown and Little Seven had just finished their meal in the brothel in the afternoon, and they were not hungry yet. Tang Er took over and closed the door to come in.

  "Second uncle, you eat by yourself, we're not hungry yet."

  Tang Er was indeed hungry at this time and did not decline, so he started eating.

  While having dinner, Tang Guan asked: "Second Uncle, when are you going back home?"

  Tang Er, who was eating with his head down, stopped moving and wiped his mouth, saying: "We'll set off at the latest after tomorrow."

  "How can it be so early?" Tang Guan was taken aback by his words.

  "Second Uncle, why don't you stay and keep me company? Every day, Guan Ge and Chen Bo Bo disappear early in the morning." Xiao Qi couldn't help but invite him to stay.

  Tang Er hesitated for a moment before saying, "No way, I still have the family's savings on me. It's been too long, my brother Tang San will think I've embezzled it."

  "Haha" Tang Guan heard this and couldn't help but laugh, Xiao Qi also couldn't hold back her smile.

  At this, Tang Guan's heart moved, and he took a piece of paper from the desk, spreading it out on the table. This humble abode was after all an official residence, not to be considered simple or crude, each room being equipped with writing utensils and stationery.

  Tang Guan picked up his pen and said, "Since that's the case, Second Uncle, would you help us take a family letter back home? That way, Father won't have to worry."

  Tang Er nodded and said: "Good"

  Tang Guan immediately buried his head and started writing, while Xiao Qi also came forward and said: "Write me, write me"

  "Don't worry" Tang Guan smiled slightly, the letter basically just said that the two of them were safe all along, naturally avoiding the heavy and focusing on the light, not even mentioning the shipwreck, it's as if reporting good news but not bad news.

  Tang Guan raised his head again and said: "Second Uncle, what I told you, don't let my father know a single word before I leave?"

  Tang Er heard this and hesitated no more. Seeing that Xiao Qi and Tang Guan were safe and sound, he also felt relieved and said, "Good."

  Tang Guan nodded and continued writing. When he came to Lin Yuxun, he stopped again. After a long time, he sighed softly and wrote the two words "Don't think about it".

  "Write down my name, write down my name." Little Qi saw that Tang Guan seemed to be about to sign his name and urged him forward.

  Tang Guan smiled and nodded, writing down both of their names before finally putting down his pen.

  At this time, the sky had already darkened somewhat. Tang Guan lit the oil lamp on the table and looked outside, muttering to himself: "Why hasn't Old Man Chen come back yet?"

  Yu Hang, dock.

  This is an ordinary dock, a merchant ship is loading and unloading cargo, it's already near dusk, the workers are all distracted, thinking about going home after receiving today's wages.

  The dock was not a place to linger, ordinary merchant ships would leave within one or two days at most, but this ship had been moored for many days without anyone daring to ask about it. The reason was simple: this was a Tang family merchant ship, and since Liu Xun's mysterious misfortune, officials in the area had all become somewhat wary of the Tangs.

  Everyone knows that Liu Xun and the Tang family are sworn enemies, and Tang Guan was summoned to the capital by the emperor. No sooner had he left than Liu Xun encountered disaster.

  These local officials, the county magistrate and the captain, are not fools. Although they calculated the time and this matter should have nothing to do with the Tang family, they still feel that it is too suspicious. Those soldiers who searched Liu Xun's house were clearly from the palace guard.

  A sturdy young man wearing a green robe looked completely different from the workers around him, with several large packages on his back.

  "Come on, a few more!" The young man looked up with a smile.

  "Little master, forget it, hurry up and finish, you'd better go back now, or the official will scold again."

  "It's nothing, I can handle it!" This young man was surprisingly Tang Niu, who had been accompanying the Tang couple at home. At this moment, he didn't know why he came to the dock to work.

  The workman hesitated for a moment, then carefully placed another bag on the young man's back. Just then, a shout came from not far away: "Ah Niu!"

  Tang Niu was taken aback by the words and involuntarily took a few steps back, dropping his large package on the ground.

  A middle-aged man with a fortune walked up and directly scolded: "You don't study hard at home, but come to do this hard labor every day."

  Tang Cow saw the man and smiled, saying: "Dad, I'm not looking at you too much, I'm afraid you're tired, nothing else can't help, give you a hand with this, it's still okay"

  "Ah," said the middle-aged man, who was Tang Wei Xi. Seeing Tang Niu's silly appearance, he let out a light sigh and then said: "Let's go home for dinner, your mother is waiting."

  "Ah, okay." Tang Niu responded with a single word and turned to walk towards the horse carriage not far away. Tang Wei Xi then secretly glared at the foreman, who also smiled wryly. He had no way out either. This eldest son of the Tang family was indeed capable, but he wouldn't listen to advice.

  Two men boarded the horse carriage. Chen Yunsheng then wiped the sweat from Tang Niu's face with his sleeve and shook his head, saying: "Don't come tomorrow."

  "It's okay, Dad. The second and third brothers are all outside, I'll help you a bit more, so you can take it easy." Tang Niu smiled stupidly.

  Tang Weixi saw the situation and slightly shook his head. In fact, he was also a little regretful now. Since Tang Guan and Xiao Qi left, there had been no news from them. He was worried that something unexpected might have happened on the way, fearing that Tang Guan's careless words would offend those big shots in Chang'an.

  But what surprised him most was that Liu Xun's house was inexplicably searched, which in Tang Wei Xi's opinion was simply a well-deserved retribution. Of course, if he had known about Liu Xun's actions, he would have been furious and might have even bitten him.

  Two men conversed in a skilled manner, the horse carriage stopped, and two people got off the carriage and entered the mansion.

  When he saw Zhong Tang, the lights had already been lit, and Mrs. Tang was already waiting at the table.

  When she saw the two return, Mrs. Tang went forward and directly scolded Tang Weixi: "How could you let the child do that hard labor?"

  Tang Weixi shook his head and smiled wryly, "Let's eat first."

  Mrs. Tang didn't say much, sat down and ate, Tang Niu's appetite was extremely large, it could be said that he was tongue-tied, fortunately he wasn't like Tang Guan who only ate but didn't digest, Tang Niu ate a lot and grew fast, becoming stronger day by day.

  Madam Tang occasionally picked dishes for Tang Niu from her bowl. Before long, dinner was over and the servants hastily cleaned up. Only then did Tang Niu bid farewell and return to his room to rest.

  For a moment, only Mr. and Mrs. Tang were left in the room. Then Tang Wei Xi asked, "Where's Xun Er?"

  Xiao Hua brought the dishes into the room.

  Tang Wei heard this and secretly shook his head. Mrs. Tang saw the situation and smiled, "You say that Xun'er has some meaning to go to the doctor, otherwise why would she be distracted every day, not thinking about tea or food?"

  Tang Weixi frowned and said: "What nonsense are you talking about? How old are they?"

  Mrs. Tang slightly pinched Tang Weixi and said: "When I married you, wasn't I only thirteen or fourteen years old?"

  Tang Weixi smiled lightly, the two old couples had been through wind and rain for decades, now they only hoped that their children and grandchildren could live in peace and stability. Tang Guan was already an unexpected joy, and the two adopted sons were even more delightful.

  "Let's settle this before Guan'er comes back, and we'll just consider it settled after a few years."

  Tang Wei immediately waved his hand and said: "No way, Mrs. Lin's body is still warm, don't mention the crown..."

  Tang Wei Xi let out a soft sigh, and Madame Tang was silent for a moment before raising an eyebrow and saying: "What's the meaning of this? Are you cursing our child?"

  Tang Weixi shook his head upon hearing the words, rarely disregarding his wife's words. As a scholar who had been in the imperial court, he knew the dangers of the Great Ming Palace and still felt a lingering fear when thinking of the woman behind the curtain.

  After a long time, Tang Weixi let out another soft sigh...

  It was late at night and everyone was quiet, but the door of the cottage was opened by the owner.

  Chen Yunsheng had an extra bag on his back as he walked in.

  Looked around the room that had no light, shook head slightly.

  "Magistrate Chen, you're back?"

  Suddenly a voice came from the darkness, Tang Weixi turned his head to look, it was actually Tang Er.

  "Have they all fallen asleep?"

  Fell asleep

  Chen Yunsheng nodded slightly and said: "You'd better go rest too, you've come just in time to help take care of these two young masters at home."

  Tang Er's arrival was indeed a good thing for Chen Yunsheng, who didn't have to worry about taking care of Tang Guan and Xiao Qi. However, Tang Er shook his head and said: "County Magistrate Chen, I've come to bid you farewell."

  "Goodbye?"

  I have to go home

  "When?"

  Now

  Chen Yunsheng was taken aback by his words and said, "What's the hurry?"

  Tang Er heard this and replied: "I'll go hurry up the boat"

  Chen Yunsheng couldn't help but let out a soft sigh. He had thought that he was getting some help, but didn't expect him to leave so soon.

  "All right, you go back and report to Yuan Wai that everything is fine with me and Liang Jun in Chang'an."

  Tang Er nodded and thought of the family letter in his bosom from Tang Guan, so he didn't say much more and said: "Farewell"

  Chen Yunsheng waved his hand, and Tang Er finally turned around and left.

  Chen Yunsheng picked up the bulging package on his back, looked at the room where Tang Guan was located, shook his head slightly, and then pushed open the door next to it.

  Lighting the lamp, Chen Yunsheng untied his bundle and found a brand new court dress. What made Chen Yunsheng feel strange was that these officials who used to drag their feet in handling affairs were now much faster in making up for lost time. He had thought he would still have to wear casual clothes to court tomorrow, fortunately, one was hastily made overnight.

  "Hey, Brother Dehua! This son of yours is really unpredictable!" Chen Yunsong stared blankly at the official robes, muttering to himself, feeling a bit apprehensive about tomorrow's early court session. After all, Tang Guan had been summoned for the second time, and who knew what strange things would happen again.

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