We arrived at our destination just as the sun was shining, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
After all, this trip was to meet Xiao Mengchang, who was famous in the world, and the Chai family was very prominent. In order to express his respect for the host, Zou Run took the lead to dismount, even though he was still a long way away.
Perhaps Wu Song felt that the atmosphere was dull and a bit embarrassing, so he volunteered to call the door, and Zou Run did everything he could.
There are many rules in a large family, so it is a courtesy to go first to inform the public. However, for the sake of confidentiality, Zou Run asked Wu Song not to reveal his real name first, only saying, "I came here to see Mr. Chai on the recommendation of an old friend named Lin from Shandong." people".
Wu Song nodded repeatedly to show that he understood the profound meaning, and then trotted all the way to the bridge and apologized to the bankers who were enjoying the cool weather.
Chai Jin's dealers were a mixed crowd. Although there were many heroes with real abilities among them, most of them were just fake people who were not worthy of their name. These dealers have a habit of belittling others and elevating themselves. What stands out is that they look at people through a crack in the door.
Since there were large willow trees around the bridge blocking their view, and Zou Run had dismounted his horse long ago to wait, they did not see a group of people and horses behind Wu Song. Seeing that Wu Song was young, with no hair on his chin, and was wearing ordinary clothes, with no valuables anywhere on his body, and a childish look, he suddenly felt contempt for slackers.
"Young men, don't speak loudly. This is the official residence of Chai Daguan. It's not your home, so be careful what you whisper here."
"Besides, what kind of person is Mr. Chai? A young boy like you who is new to the world can meet him whenever he wants. Even when you want to talk to the supervisor of the mansion, you must be respectful and careful. , How could he be so impetuous, it would be a big deal if he really bumped into the noble man in the house."
One banker said this in an arrogant and arrogant manner, and all the bankers on the bridge laughed.
The laughter was full of mockery and teasing. Wu Song was young after all. His face suddenly turned red and he clenched his fists subconsciously. However, he remembered what his brother Wu Dalang had said when he was running away - "Brother, go and vote for that man." Chai Daguan, I won’t say much, but you have to remember that people are humble when they leave their hometown. As soon as you go out, you will see that they are three points shorter. You also want to ask others to take you in. Since you are asking for help from others, you must restrain your temper. Don’t let your temper run wild.”
Brother Wu Dalang's words of advice and instructions finally had an effect. Wu Song suppressed his anger and was careful again. This time he not only reported his name, but also said that there was an official behind him who was recommended by an old friend of Meng Shandong named Lin. , I came here to pay a visit to Mr. Chai Daguan.
Is there an official behind me? Any old friends recommend it?
This was a huge weight. While all the villagers were hesitating secretly, Zou Run and his entourage happened to arrive with their horses.
It turned out that Zou Run had been waiting for Wu Song for a long time and vaguely heard a burst of laughter from ahead. He was afraid that Wu Song would get into arguments with others over trivial matters, so he hurried over.
Seeing Zou Run and his entourage leading a tall horse and moving with impressive momentum, the group of villagers sitting by the bridge did not dare to neglect, and they all stepped forward to salute and ask questions.
"I don't know where the officials came from. What's the purpose of coming to my village?"
Zou Run smiled slightly and returned the greeting politely. He cupped his hands towards the banker and said:
"I came from Shandong. I was recommended by an old friend named Lin. I came here to pay a visit to Mr. Chai Daguan. I wonder if the official is at the village."
Zou Run asked this for a reason. He knew very well that Chai Jin had many properties in Cangzhou, including several manors like this. Chai Jin also liked to be active rather than quiet, and he often hunted and played around in Cangzhou. It can be said that wherever you go, you choose a nearby manor to rest. Sometimes you still need a certain amount of luck to see Chai Jin.
Zou Run was very lucky today. According to what the banker said, Chai Jin was at the manor today. Zou Run was overjoyed and asked the banker to report it on his behalf.
Maybe it was because Zou Run had a very good appearance and temperament, and he was not an ordinary person at first glance. Although he concealed that he was recommended by an old friend named Lin, and did not even tell the truth about his real name, the banker still went in and said, It happened that Chai Jin was free, so the villager led Zou Run into the village.
On the way into the village, Zou Run asked Wu Song with a smile.
"Did Erlang feel wronged just now?"
Wu Song was stunned, he didn't expect Zou Run to be so attentive, but after all, he still had the temper of a young man, and he was afraid of being looked down upon by others. Wu Song replied without thinking: "Of course not, Wu Song had a very pleasant chat with some of his elder brothers just now."
"That's good, that's good." Zou Run saw through it and refused to say anything, but after thinking about it, he decided to give Wu Song a few words of advice to Wu Song, who had not gone through hardships but still had a young mind.
"Don't think I'm too talkative, Erlang. When I go out, no matter how great my abilities are, I still have to be polite to others. Things are expensive when you leave your hometown, and people are cheap when you leave your hometown. In this world, you can't just rely on your own ability. Those who run amok. Harsh words and ugly faces are the norm in the world. Sometimes just having skills is not enough, you also need to have structure and bearing. You must not get angry for no reason just because of someone else's look or word."
"Erlang must remember one thing when he goes out from now on - the friendship between gentlemen is as light as water, and the friendship between villains is as sweet as sweet wine. Treat a gentleman as you want, without following the vulgar etiquette. But when you treat a villain, you should put sugar in your words and wipe your lips Honey, just tell him what he likes to hear."
These words can be described as simple but profound, but when they came out of Zou Run's mouth, they seemed so natural, without any hint of showing off experience. When Wu Song heard it, he felt that the words were just like those spoken by his brother from his hometown in Qinghe County, without any sense of violation.
It had been more than a month since he left home, and it was only now that the young Wu Song felt a strange feeling of homesickness for no apparent reason - he missed his brother.
After walking a hundred steps, they entered the village gate and turned around the corridor. Zou Run and others were taken directly to the front hall. A servant came over and politely invited him to take a seat, served tea, and thoughtfully informed Chai Daguan that he was waiting for a moment. Come here later.
It's funny to say that before entering the house, Zou Run taught Wu Song all kinds of things, teaching him how to behave in the world. But in the end, the reason why they were treated like this was because of the luxurious clothes and extraordinary demeanor of their group. decisive role.
As the saying goes, Buddha relies on gold and people rely on clothes. I have to say that this method is especially effective when dealing with villains who look down on others.
In the living room, Zou Run nodded and took a seat safely. There were many empty tables and chairs in the hall, but everyone in the hall consciously stood behind Zou Run, no longer making any sound, and acting as a guard.
Only Wu Song and Zou Run sat together.
Wu Song subconsciously looked at the spacious and bright hall. He saw that the brocade curtain was hung high, the color screen was displayed, the tables, chairs and benches were arranged according to the order. There was a high table beside the four red lacquered pillars in the hall, and there was a high table on it. The auspicious beast incense burner, I don’t know how many precious spices are put in it. The mouths and noses of the four auspicious beasts are releasing soft and delicate curls of green smoke, and the room is filled with fragrance wherever the smoke drifts.
Zou Run felt refreshed after just one sniff, and praised: "Good spice, good aroma."
The walls around the house are hung with exquisitely framed calligraphy works by famous people, and there are several pots of blue orchids in the corners. It is really elegant and comfortable, worthy of being from a wealthy family. This is the first time Wu Song has stepped into such an elegant and exquisite house. Subconsciously making a fuss and marveling.
This country bumpkin appearance made the boys standing outside the door poke their heads in and look inside, covering their mouths and laughing non-stop. Zou Run didn't take it seriously, and when he was interested, he pointed to some calligraphy and paintings and told Wu Song which master had written it, and how organized and interesting the intention was.
While he was giving instructions and explaining, he heard the sound of steady footsteps coming from behind the screen.
Immediately, a servant lifted up a brocade curtain and said loudly: "Master Chai is here!"
Zou Run quickly stood up when he heard the sound, and with the help of his entourage, he took the time to tidy up his headscarf and clothes. This was the most basic etiquette for receiving guests in the Song Dynasty. Zou Run had kept these daily rules in mind for a long time, so naturally he would not do it here Negligence in small things.
After three or five breaths, Chai Jin stepped into the hall with a folding fan and square steps. With just one glance, all his attention stayed on Zou Run.
Chai Jin subconsciously ignored all the entourage behind Zou Run and Wu Song who saluted him in a formal manner.
