"Tell me! What do you want to do when you go up the mountain this time?"
Staring at Pei Hong calmly, Xiaoqing naturally knew the man in front of her.
When she was in Ningxiang County, she had witnessed the conversation between Pei Wende and this man, and knew that he was Pei Wende's blood brother.
But just like Pei Wende's attitude, Xiaoqing did not give him any special treatment because of his status.
On the contrary, after having this "introduction" from the old housekeeper, Xiao Qing already had a preconceived dislike for the Pei family.
As the saying goes, you can't go to the Three Treasures Hall without anything, Xiao Qing knew without even thinking that Pei Hong hadn't been to the mountain for such a long time, and this sudden trip to the mountain would definitely not be just to find his relatives.
"Well, I went up the mountain this time because I wanted to see my brother and Zen Master Lingyou."
After a brief hesitation, Pei Hong had no choice but to explain honestly.
However, what responded to him was just Xiaoqing's sneer and a straightforward statement that was completely devoid of any sophistication.
"This is the secluded place of the old monk Lingyou. He knows exactly what is happening outside."
"But until now he hasn't come out to see you, or even asked this kid to lead you in. Don't you still understand what he means?"
Ignoring Pei Hong's embarrassment, Xiaoqing pointed to Zhang Chusheng who was also embarrassed and continued.
"You are not welcome here!"
"Whether it's old monk Lingyou or Pei Wende, they don't welcome you."
Xiao Qing's decisive tone even made Pei Hong confused about how to answer the question.
In an officialdom that values sophistication and euphemism, no one has ever spoken to Pei Hong so bluntly. This is even more embarrassing than direct scolding and scolding.
Fortunately, Pei Hong is indeed a character who has experienced great storms, and he quickly adjusted his mentality and expression.
"You are wrong, little lady. This is the first time you and I have met. How could I know they wouldn't welcome me?"
"Besides, even if there is a misunderstanding between them and me, I believe I can explain it clearly."
It has to be said that Pei Hong's response was indeed very appropriate. While saving the face of both parties, he also showed his sincerity to the maximum extent.
However, what he faced this time was not a "human", but a snake demon.
Not bothering to talk to Pei Hong too much, Xiaoqing reached out and planned to directly carry him and the old housekeeper out of the hall.
"well!"
At this moment, a sigh suddenly reached the ears of the four people present.
"Donor Pei, why are you doing this?"
As the door to the backyard of the Buddhist hall was slowly pushed open, Zen Master Lingyou who appeared behind the door at some unknown time sighed in a low voice.
"As early as twenty years ago, monk I made an agreement with Mr. Pei..."
"He left Wende to me to live in seclusion and take refuge, and he would never send anyone to disturb me in the slightest."
"But three years ago, your sister went up the mountain to take Wende away."
"At that time, I didn't force him, it was just Wende who didn't want to go down the mountain. This was his own choice."
"But now that you've come up the mountain again, are you really a monk and I don't have any temper?"
His tone was not exciting, but everyone could hear the sullenness in Zen Master Lingyou's words.
"Monk, I never do anything to break up people's families, but I also don't allow my disciples to be blackmailed out of 'love'."
"Now that Wende has made his attitude clear, even if the King of Heaven comes, he will have nothing to do with the Pei family."
"He can be my disciple Lingyou, the temple minister of Tongqing Temple in Weishan, or even the 'adopted son' of Blacksmith Gu under the mountain..."
"But it cannot be the youngest son of your Pei family, let alone a gift from Pei Hong to express his 'filial piety'."
Zen Master Lingyou had avoided seeing him before because he could see the other person's thoughts.
It's a pity that Pei Hong didn't know if he was pretending to be stupid and directly brought to the table the things that both parties least wanted to face.
"Pei Hong is naturally grateful that Zen master can care for his brother so much."
There was a slight pause in his tone, and Pei Hong's performance at this time was that of a true officialdom veteran.
Not only did his tone remain humble, he didn't even blush, as if the other person was not talking about him at all.
"But the situation this time is different from last time. The reason why Hui'er failed to take Wende down the mountain last time was because the Pei family was in a state of decline at the time and couldn't bear for him to continue to suffer with us."
"In addition, we all live on the border of Tanzhou anyway, so we have plenty of time to slowly convince Wende."
"But this time is different. We have received specific news that my father will make a comeback and return to Chang'an soon."
"In other words, Pei Hong came here to take my brother to Chang'an to enjoy his life."
As soon as these words came out, not to mention Zen Master Lingyou and Xiaoqing, even Zhang Chusheng, who was silent at the side, showed a look of sneer on his face.
Regardless of whether what Pei Hong said about making a comeback was true or not, it was clear from the meaning of the other party's words that he had clearly come to Pei Xiu's door this time without telling him.
This also confirms Zen Master Lingyou’s statement from the side.
Perhaps part of the reason why Pei Hong went up the mountain this time was to take Pei Wende to enjoy the blessings, but it was more likely that he wanted to show his filial piety in front of Pei Xiu.
After all, it could be seen from the time Pei Hui stepped forward that Pei Xiu was very concerned about Pei Wende, his youngest son who was avoiding trouble.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
"Haha, long time no see, Master!"
Seeing that the scene was about to reach a deadlock, a hearty laugh suddenly came from outside.
Immediately afterwards, Zou Qiwu strode into the Buddhist hall with Yue'er in his arms, resolving the embarrassment of everyone present at the right time.
"Eh? Isn't this the boss of the Pei family?"
"What? You also went up the mountain to worship Buddha today?"
Standing between Pei Hong and Zen Master Lingyou without any trace, Zou Qiwu looked at Pei Hong in surprise under Yue'er's unbearable eyes.
"Speaking of which, when I was drinking with your old man yesterday, he even mentioned you to me!"
"If it hadn't been for your management in recent years, I'm afraid he would have died on the way to Tanzhou when he was demoted to Tanzhou."
"He also told me that you have been working as a county magistrate for these years, and you haven't come home to see him for a long time..."
"He misses you and Butler Zhong very much now. Please remember to go home and see him when you have time."
Silently looking at the cheerful Zou Qiwu, Pei Hong knew that if he continued to insist on the topic just now, he might really be thrown down the mountain by everyone present.
"So it's Uncle Zou?"
Therefore, Pei Hong could only follow Zou Qiwu's topic and take over what the other party said.
"I really didn't expect you to come to Tanzhou?"
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