GBP Chapter 1032 A Wise Person
Chapter 1032 A Wise Person
Zhang Lao Er and Xu Shi had already boarded the boat, but now, as Xiao Yu Er helped them off the boat again, they had many doubts in their hearts.
Xiao Yu'er naturally wouldn't let the two elders worry. With a smile on his face, he simply comforted them, "Father, on this trip to Huainan, there are many familiar classmates who are serving in local positions along the way. I plan to visit them on the way, so it's more convenient for us to take the land route."
Zhang Lao Er and Xu Shi didn't think much of it. Upon hearing this, they nodded repeatedly, finding it very reasonable. "We should indeed make more connections with others. A hero needs three helpers. Although we don't understand the intricacies of officialdom, we know we can't be too selfish. We need to cultivate good relationships with our colleagues. Who knows, we might need their help in the future!"
"Yes, that makes sense. It will be hard for you two, Grandpa and Grandma, to ride in the carriage. But we will try to go as slowly as possible. There are thick blankets on the carriage, and a doctor will be traveling with us. If you feel unwell, you can tell the doctor at any time."
Zhang Lao Er waved his hand, not caring about these things, and instead comforted his grandson: "These conditions are already very good. Back when your grandpa was young, I went to the Fucheng docks to carry goods. I walked there, enduring wind and rain. For safety, I went with the escort agency and also had to do other people's work. Now we are enjoying a life of luxury!"
"You old man, you said it yourself, it was when you were young. Things are different now. You've injured your back and legs, and your eyesight isn't good. You need to take better care of yourself, you know?" Mrs. Xu admonished. Only when people get old do they realize how precious it is to have a companion by their side.
Zhang Lao Er smiled and nodded, without refuting.
Then she felt a little disappointed: "Little Fish, we left Beijing in such a hurry this time. I haven't even figured out what's going on yet, and we've already arrived at the dock. It's a pity about the burial plot our family bought in the suburbs of Beijing. I originally planned to use that plot as the ancestral grave for our branch of the family. I didn't even go to see it before we left."
And what about the third son? Why are we sending him to a temple to be raised by monks? I... I really can't understand it. Now that our whole family is gone, he's all alone in the capital. I feel so guilty! And if we bring him back when he's older, he probably won't be close to his family anymore. Xiaohu is just a member of the clan after all, and I'm still not entirely at ease relying on him."
When Xiaoyuer mentioned his youngest son, the smile on his face faded a little. The rumors in the capital and the news of his death that were made public were all kept from the two old people.
The maids and servants were given strict orders not to mention it in front of the two elders, so to this day, Zhang Lao Er and Xu Shi still do not know how many twists and turns their grandson has gone through.
The family explained that the child was born with a strong destiny according to the Eight Characters of Birth. A master had calculated that the child should stay under the Buddha's tutelage for eighteen years before being brought back, otherwise his life would be in danger.
Since it concerned the matter of destiny and fate, Zhang Lao Er and Xu Shi believed in it quite a bit, so they didn't doubt it much. They were just a little resentful that the whole family hadn't gone to the temple to see the child before leaving, leaving the child in the capital like that. The child was really pitiful.
"Grandpa and Grandma, it's alright. After we settle down in Huainan, we can see if there are any popular temples or eminent monks there. If so, we can take the child to a temple in Huainan to be fostered," Xiaoyuer said.
Upon hearing this, Madam Xu sighed, "That's all we can do. We must prioritize your father's career; the affairs of the government cannot be neglected!"
As they were talking, the group disembarked. When Li saw them, she came over as well. She was always filial to the two elders and always behaved very well in front of her father-in-law and husband.
He took Xu's hand and helped her into the most spacious carriage.
Xiao Yu'er helped Zhang Lao Er into the carriage and then went to check the luggage with the steward. They had to reach the nearest inn before dark. Fortunately, it was summer and it got dark late, so they had time and didn't have to rush.
Watching Xiaoyuer busily directing the servants in the distance, while Li Shi respectfully served the two elders beside the carriage, the other two little ones were being looked after by the servants and playing nearby, chasing each other and laughing and frolicking. The two buns on the sides of their heads had been pulled loose because of the children's mischief. They no longer had the usual air of young masters, but they had more of the authenticity of children. It was a peaceful and idyllic scene.
The man with the beady eyes turned to Zhang Ping'an and teased, "So many years have passed in the blink of an eye. You're surrounded by your children and grandchildren now. We've known each other for many years, and I know you quite well. Your sudden decision to travel by land instead of by boat must have its reasons. I won't ask any more questions. I wish you a safe journey!"
"Thank you!" Zhang Ping'an smiled and cupped his hands in thanks. "Take care of yourself too!"
"As for me, you know me. I've never been interested in power struggles. I'm just stuck in a mediocre position in the court now, not in anyone's way. If it weren't for fulfilling my father's wish and taking care of my family in the court, I would have resigned long ago. You don't need to worry about me."
After saying that, the man with the beady eyes took out a token from his pocket and handed it over: "Take it!"
"What is this?" Zhang Ping'an asked.
"This is my personal token, which is only valid within our Ge family. It represents my status and position within the family. Our Ge family may not have much else, but we do have some wealth. If you ever encounter financial difficulties and need help, you can use this token to exchange for cash at any of the money shops under our Ge family's name. It is valid throughout the country!"
After speaking, the man with beady eyes chuckled softly, holding a folding fan in his right hand with a somewhat cynical air, barely revealing a trace of his younger self.
He paused, then continued, "Don't say you won't accept it. If you don't, I probably won't be able to sleep tonight. To be honest, I've felt a bit guilty these past few years. Since the locust plague a few years ago, the whole country has been plagued by natural and man-made disasters. Our clan has indeed made a lot of ill-gotten gains from these things. I've tried to dissuade them, but the country has its laws, and the family has its rules. Our Ge family has been imperial merchants for generations, and we have a large family. The rules are not something I can change by myself. I can only say that I won't get involved in these things, but I can't stop them!"
And last time, when the Cui family tried to trip us up behind our backs, it was you who personally stepped in to resolve the crisis. I know all of that. I'm not being polite or bribing you; I just hope that one day you can spend this money on something useful.
"You're being really distant with me by saying these things," Zhang Ping'an said, feigning displeasure as he accepted the token with a straight face. "Why shouldn't I accept it? Of course I'll take it. If we ever run out of money in Huainan, I'll go to your Ge family's money shop to withdraw some. But didn't you give me one before? Why are you giving me another one now?"
Seeing Zhang Ping'an accept the money, the man with the beady eyes breathed a sigh of relief and explained, "The previous amount could only be 300,000 taels of silver at most, but now there is no limit to this amount. As long as there is money in the account, we will do our best to help you allocate and raise the funds."
"That's great? Then this is like a treasure trove, I'd better keep it safe," Zhang Ping'an joked.
But he carefully put the token away. It was a token of his appreciation; whether he would need it or not was another matter, but the sentiment deserved to be taken seriously.
"Take whatever you want!" Upon hearing this, Green Bean Eyes swished open his fan and smiled nonchalantly.
A moment later, Xiaoyuer finished his work, his face still covered in a light sweat. He came over and said, "Dad, everything's ready. We can go now. We need to get to the nearest inn tonight, or we'll be late!"
After seeing you off for a thousand miles, we must part ways eventually. Zhang Ping'an sighed, stopped chatting, and solemnly bowed to Green Eyes to say goodbye. Then he and his family boarded the carriage and prepared to set off!
"Go back! I still want to see you smiling next time we meet. A gloomy face really doesn't suit you," Zhang Ping'an waved from the car window.
"Let's go, let's go, stop nagging!" The beady-eyed man waved his hand, his eyes slightly red.
The steward, who was following behind, cautiously spoke up at this moment: "Master, isn't that token too valuable? In our entire clan, only you and the clan leader have it. What if he takes a few million taels of silver and runs away? If we don't give it to him, wouldn't we be contradicting ourselves?"
Upon hearing this, the boy with the beady eyes felt a little less sad. He was speechless. What kind of stewards did his father send him? Not a single one of them was clever!
"I think the best you can do in your life is be a butler. No, you're not even good enough to be a butler!"
"Master..." The steward felt somewhat wronged, as he was only thinking of the clan's interests.
"Alas, he is a rare and wise man, you don't understand!" Green Bean Eyes said with a sigh, then turned and got into the carriage.
Now that the Zhang family is gone, we don't know where his future lies!