Yin smiled, showing her little white teeth, and hugged her grandmother tightly, kissing her several times."Okay, Grandma, Funiuer loves you the most!"Tao Hongying was worried that her daughter, being...“This…can’t be right” Dean Zhou was somewhat disbelieving, after all, in this world, which servant wouldn't want to regain their freedom
Moreover, although the Mu family has fallen from grace, with Mr. Tang around, young Master Mu Xu wouldn't be a complete fool and should be able to pass the imperial examinations as a scholar in the future.
Marry another good wife and have several children. In less than twenty years, the Mu family could recover most of its vitality.
He suddenly remembered the servant boy saying that the dining hall had run out of Master Tang's meals for this courtyard, and his heart skipped a beat.
"Brother Tang, you wouldn't have taken your anger out on the Li family because of Mu Xu and caused a rift between them"
Mr. Tang was already annoyed with the Li family. Hearing this, he immediately retorted, "It wasn't me who created the rift, it was them who disliked my old age. Even Li Jiaren went to Xindu for his new appointment and abandoned me like an old horse after use. He’s just crossing the river and destroying the bridge!"
Dean Zhou frowned and whispered, "Brother Tang, let me be frank. The Li family has always been careful and considerate in their actions. They would rather suffer a loss than be accused of being ungrateful."
Over the past few years, because Jiaren learned calligraphy with you, the Li family has been incredibly attentive. They don't just send lavish gifts during festivals; they even take care of your meals three times a day. I bet many people in this academy envy you.
"Today like this, isn't there some misunderstanding Should I come forward and help mediate"
Mr. Tang let out a cold snort, wanting to say something more, but knowing he was in the wrong, could only mutter a few words.
"The Li family is, of course, at fault. They're to blame for giving birth to a fox spirit who stole the soul of my nephew!"
His voice wasn't loud, but Dr. Zhou was very close, so he almost heard everything.
The dean instantly changed color, remembering that day's birthday banquet, when Mu Xu left with the county princess...
"Elder Tang, if you don't want to make a mortal enemy of the Li family, you absolutely mustn't say that again!" Dean Zhou was truly flustered, slamming his teacup down.
"Brother Tang, you know that the Li family values most not Master Li's brothers, or even Jiaren and his friends, but only County Princess Kangle!
"
"For any matter, considering your past teachings to Jia Ren in calligraphy, the Li family wouldn't take it too seriously. However, if you lay a hand on Princess Kangle, the Li family will definitely pursue this to the death. "
"Then don't blame me, not even the emperor himself would be able to help if things go south. Think this through carefully before you speak again!"
Mr. Tang's face was not good, but he had to admit that Dr. Zhou was right.
He remained silent for a long time, then asked, "Then what do you say Should I just stand here and watch Mu Xu behave this way, guarding a young girl without ambition How can I explain myself to my ancestors when I die"
"Grandchildren have their own blessings. Mu Xu that child doesn't seem stupid, he must also have some plans for the family. Besides, the Li family children and grandchildren are extremely united, supporting each other like arms, never having any conflicts or arguments.
"Mu Xu really became the son-in-law of the Li family, what a stroke of luck!"
The Chief Physician sighed deliberately, a look of envy on his face, and said, “If I had such ambitious grandchildren, I would also want to inquire about the Li family’s intentions. I didn't expect your nephew to beat me to it!”
But Mr. Tang, unwilling to heed their advice, stubbornly replied, "If you want to argue, go ahead. We from the Mu family don't care. The Mu family will have wives and concubines in the future, and bear ten or so children. Your Li family, with your pretentious rules against concubines, simply can't agree."
Besides, the Li family is powerful and I don't know how they might bully Mu Xu. I disagree! As long as I have breath, I won't allow Mu Xu to marry a woman from the Li family!
"Li Jia is quite clever, sending Mu Xu into the southwest caravan. By the time they return, it will be two or three months later. They're sizing me up, thinking that by then I'll agree to this marriage! Dream on!"
President Zhou’s gritted teeth betrayed his unspoken resentment. He really didn't want to advise any further.
Just at this moment, the courtyard gate was knocked again, and three or four gentlemen walked in, all of whom were frequently seen with Mr. Tang.
Mr. Tang and Dr. Zhou both thought they were here to visit the sick, so they quickly took their seats in the hall, offering tea.
One gentleman, after sipping his tea, asked, “Brother Tang, why have you suddenly called us all here Is it to discuss your nephew’s school enrollment”
Another slightly stout old gentleman also smiled and said, "Rest assured, we will definitely teach him well. Who knows, in five or six years, he might even become a scholar!"
Everyone laughed, but Mr. Tang and Dr. Zhou were puzzled.
Mr. Tang immediately asked, "Mu Xu sent a letter saying he has gone to the southwest and won't be back for several months. I didn't say for him to enroll."
Several gentlemen were surprised, and one of them said, "That's not right. It was your nephew who just invited us here."
"Yeah, I wouldn't make a mistake!" the other person agreed.
Mr. Tang was overjoyed and exclaimed, "What This boy is back Could it be that he really wants to go to school!"
The director's eyelids twitched violently, and he quickly stood up and said, "You guys go ahead first, I'll go home for a bit, and be right back."
Before he could even step out, Mu Xu had already arrived, followed by a middle-aged man in a blue long robe.
The man looked somewhat haggard, with dark circles under his eyes, clearly showing he hadn't slept well last night.
But his face was thin and sharp, with deep eyebrows and piercing eyes. He looked very cold, hard, and serious.
Mu Xu led the middle-aged man into the house, and together they bowed to everyone. Then he introduced the man behind him, "This is Mr. Su. When we were in Jiangbei, he was a neighbor of our Mu family from the same county. We used to visit each other often. Now he lives outside Xindu."
"Our hometown has many tales about Mr. Su's integrity and adherence to rules. Everything he does is strictly by the book. Today, there's something I needed to ask Mr. Su about, so I specially requested him to come here. Of course, I also ask that you all serve as witnesses."
The Dean and gentlemen hurried to greet Mr. Su, then invited him to take a seat.
Only Mr. Tang was pale as death, trembling lips, unable to move.
Mu Xu cast a glance at them and said seriously, "Gentlemen, as you know, our Mu family in Beidi was slaughtered by barbarians. I was the only one who survived. Thanks to the Marquis's rescue and the Li family's shelter, I have peace today."
"I'm here as a bodyguard for the Li family for three years, entrusted by my lord. It's to repay my debt and to dispel the anger in my heart."
"It's a pity that I didn't see my Uncle Three at the birthday banquet the day before yesterday. I haven't seen him since he left home years ago. Logically, this is a happy occasion, and I intended to show respect and care for him, visiting him often in the future. "
But my Uncle Three forcefully intervened, wanting me to repay my gratitude by leaving the Li family. I disagreed, and he went behind my back to find the Li family, speaking harshly and disrespectfully to them.
"Being left with no other choice, today I can only say one thing: please, Third Uncle, refrain from doing such unorthodox things in the future."
"No, don't say it!" Mr. Tang was filled with anger and despair, struggling to cover Mu Xu's mouth.
But Mu Xu showed no mercy and continued, "Back then, your third uncle, disregarding my grandfather's objections, insisted on leaving home, even breaking off a marriage engagement he had made years ago, causing great trouble for the family.
Later on, when our family encountered difficulties and wanted to seek his help, we were unable to find him anywhere. My grandfather was extremely disappointed and decided to erase my third uncle's name from the family tree in the ancestral hall.
At that time, the heads of various families in the county town were invited to witness, including Mr. Su.every mountain and forest planted with this food source, Tiānwǔ would never again face a shortage of food, nor would anyone starve!This is a great service to the country, a life-saving grace!How fortu...