Chapter 057 Can't Say
The story of Bao Zheng killing his two nephews in anger for the sake of justice has been widely circulated recently.
Although the order was given by the Prince of Runan, he was unwilling to take the responsibility on himself. In his personal opinion, since Bao Zheng wanted to clear his reputation, he should fulfill his wish.
Moreover, he was also secretly instigating this matter.
One third of the restaurants and brothels in Bianjing City were owned by the Prince of Runan. It was very easy for him to spread some information that was not illegal.
After this case, Bao Zheng's reputation was pushed higher and further. Most people admired Bao Zheng's fairness, but it also made Bao Zheng look even more lonely and cold.
The specific manifestation is that when he went home to worship his ancestors not long ago, the relatives who used to talk and laugh with him now sat awkwardly aside and laughed dryly.
And his elder brother and sister-in-law would never appear around him.
After offering sacrifices to the ancestors, on the way back to Kaifeng, his son Bao Yi (Bao Yu) was infected with a strange disease. At first he just had a cough and felt uncomfortable, but it never healed. Less than ten days after returning home, he was bedridden and became increasingly thin.
There are also green bamboos planted in the backyard of Bao's house. It is now late autumn, and when the breeze blows, yellow bamboo leaves fall down.
Although bamboo is evergreen all year round, it will shed many leaves in autumn and winter.
Bao Zheng put his hands behind his back, looked up at the old bamboo that had begun to turn yellow, then looked at the short new bamboo next to it, and sighed slightly.
After a while, an old woman came over and said sadly, "The imperial physician has gone back."
"How is Yi'er's condition?" Bao Zheng asked.
The old woman shook her head, "Not very well. The imperial physician said he could only prescribe some medicine to strengthen the body. Yi'er's temperature is sometimes high and sometimes normal. His pulse is also very strange. He doesn't understand what disease it is. He has never seen it before."
Bao Zheng sighed and walked back to the room.
He looked at his son lying on the bed with a sallow face. There was no expression on his face, but he was actually very heartbroken.
Although Bao Yi was not considered handsome, he was still a handsome scholar. But now he looked so sick that he could hardly even get out of bed.
As if sensing someone beside the bed, Bao Yi opened his eyes. His vision seemed to be affected, and it took him a while to recognize the person: "Are you done with your official duties, sir? Have you had dinner? Your son is too weak to get up and salute you."
The voice was weak, and it was obvious that the person who spoke was extremely frail.
"Just focus on your recovery." Bao Zheng said calmly.
At this time, the old woman came in and whispered, "I heard that the master knows a very powerful wizard with great supernatural powers. He even saved the life of Cao's young man. Can we invite him over?"
Bao Zheng's face turned serious. Then he said calmly: "Woman, don't listen to the nonsense outside."
"but……"
Bao Zheng waved his sleeves vigorously, turned around and left.
But after leaving the house and closing the door, Bao Zheng's expression looked a little confused.
He stood there for a while without leaving, and then heard a faint sound coming from inside.
"Yier, your father is so cruel. He obviously has a way to save you, so why can't he bring himself to invite someone here?"
"Your Excellency has your reasons."
"No matter what the reason is, he can't ignore your life. If he doesn't want to, I will go and invite someone back tomorrow. I will kowtow to him and ask him to come back to treat you."
Bao Zheng frowned slightly.
At this time, Bao Yi's voice came from inside the house: "Mother, please don't make things difficult for you. Dad has always been fair and just. He is the best official in the world and the best father in the world. He must have a reason for not inviting that person. It is definitely not a personal relationship. I think it should be related to the country."
"He has been clear-headed for decades. Can't he be confused for a while for his son? I don't believe it. Even if he asks a villain to save his son, will the Song Dynasty be ruined?"
"Dad has his own ideas."
"But your body can't hold on any longer."
"It's okay, mother. Even if I die, I won't blame you. Being his son is a blessing I earned in my previous life."
There was no complaint in Bao Yi's words, only understanding, happiness and admiration.
Bao Zheng left slowly, walked to the front yard, and stood there in a daze.
I don't know how long I stood there, Zhan Zhao, wearing a red official uniform, walked in from outside, holding an oil-paper bag in his hand. When he saw Bao Zheng, he immediately clasped his hands and saluted: "Prefect, how is my brother Yi?"
Zhan Zhao was Bao Zheng's most trusted confidant and he treated him almost as a family member, so Zhan Zhao called Bao Yi "brother".
Bao Zheng shook his head and said, "Even the imperial physician couldn't find a cure."
Upon hearing this, Zhan Zhao immediately said, "I also checked Brother Yi's pulse last night. His health is getting worse and worse. If this continues, he probably won't last more than three or four days."
"I know."
Zhan Zhao suddenly knelt on one knee, clasped his fists and said, "Prefect, please ask me to go to Lu Xiaolang. He should be able to save my brother."
Yesterday, Zhan Zhao suggested going to Lu Sen to ask for some medicine to save people, but was rejected by Bao Zheng, who strictly ordered Zhan Zhao not to ask for medicine for his son.
Bao Zheng thought for a while and said, "No, I'll go."
Zhan Zhao's eyebrows immediately lit up: "Prefect, you have figured it out, that's great."
"I hope this action of our government will not bring disaster to the court." Bao Zheng sighed dejectedly.
About half an hour later, Lu Sen met Bao Zheng at home.
At this time, Bao Zheng was wearing casual clothes, and so was Zhan Zhao.
"My only son is suffering from a strange disease and doesn't have much time left. I beg Lu Xiaolang to give me some medicine to cure the disease. I will be very grateful." Bao Zheng clasped his hands towards Lu Sen with a calm expression.
He didn't look like he was begging anyone. His face was calm as if he was talking about something that had nothing to do with him.
Lu Sen immediately returned to the wooden building and took out a bottle of honey: "This should be able to save the person. If it doesn't work, it can also help for a while. Come back to me then and I will find another way."
Zhan Zhao stepped forward and took the honey.
Bao Zheng turned his head and looked at the honey water. His tense expression relaxed a little. He clasped his fists again and said, "Thank you, Lu Xiaolang. From now on, I will no longer suppress your news."
After saying that, he turned and left.
Lu Sen stood in the yard, watching Bao Zheng's departing back.
He didn't know if it was an illusion, but he always felt that Bao Zheng's spine seemed to bend a little bit.
Then the next day, Lu Sen took a fruit basket and honey water and went to Zhe's house on his own initiative.
Zhe Sanlang was pacing back and forth at the door. Suddenly he saw Lu Sen and immediately came forward. After greeting him, he smiled and said, "I finally got to meet you, Brother Lu. Please come in."
Lu Sen saluted with both hands, then took Hei Zhu into Zhe's house.
Compared with the Tianbo Yang Mansion, the Zhe family’s mansion is much smaller.
But the area is estimated to be around 20 acres.
Zhe Sanlang led Lu Sen directly into the inner hall, where a middle-aged man was sitting. When he saw Lu Sen coming in, he immediately stood up, took a few quick steps forward, and smiled very cheerfully: "Lu Xiaolang, we've finally seen you, please take a seat."
This person is Zhe Sanlang’s seventh uncle, Zhe Changfeng.
Lu Sen sat down, and Hei Zhu handed him a fruit basket and a bottle of honey.
When Zhe Changfeng saw these things, his eyes lit up so brightly.
It's no wonder he's like that. The day before yesterday, his nephew came back with a fruit basket. Not only did he send everyone around him away, he also said mysteriously that this was a good thing.
He didn't believe it at the time and thought his nephew had been cheated by a charlatan.
But after eating two fruits, he felt that several hidden injuries in his body were healed within half an hour. He was so excited that he picked up his sword and ran to the small martial arts field in the backyard, where he performed a set of Pofeng sword techniques.
It was like a tiger with a strong wind, and the power was rushing through the body without any hindrance.
After the show, Zhudao cried with joy.
Zhe Changfeng was sent to Bianjing City to collect intelligence because he had been seriously injured several times on the battlefield. Although he was tough and was rescued every time, he suffered from a chronic illness.
Several of his meridians were broken, his strength became almost that of a woman, and he was afraid of the cold.
When autumn and winter come, my whole body aches.
I took a lot of tonic medicine but it was of no use.
As a last resort, he had to return to Bianjing City to retire.
You know, he is only 35 years old now, in the prime of his life. Zhe Changfeng was very depressed when he thought that he would not be able to fight on the battlefield for the rest of his life.
But now, the hidden injury that even famous doctors couldn't cure was actually cured by two fruits.
How could he not be surprised? How could he not believe that the person in front of him was a wizard with great supernatural powers?
"Hello, little boy." Lu Sen clasped his hands together and greeted him, then sat down.
There was no other way. If he wanted to marry Yang Jinhua, he would have to call her "uncle".
Because Yang Jinhua is younger than her.
Zhe Changfeng looked at Lu Sen and became more and more satisfied.
It's the kind of satisfaction that elders feel when looking at their juniors.
The Zhe family and the Yang family have a good relationship, and Zhe Changfeng has watched Yang Jinhua grow from a little girl to a big girl over the past few years, so there is some family affection involved.
If Lu Sen was old and ugly, even if he had some resistance in his heart, he would still help to arrange a marriage. After all, that little bit of family affection would have little impact in the face of real interests.
But the Lu Sen in front of him was handsome and had an extraordinary temperament, which made him feel much more comfortable.
The old and ugly Taoist wanted to marry Yang Jinhua and helped to propose marriage, but it was just a marriage arrangement between the Zhe family and they were just a friendship of interests without any emotional connection.
Lu Sen is handsome and capable, and I heard that he is also favored by Yang Jinhua, but that is another story.
Once they get married, they will be family members and can enter the house together.
Zhe Changfeng would not feel any guilt for helping such a handsome and capable young man to propose marriage to the Yang family. Instead, he would feel very proud and accomplished.
Zhe Changfeng could hardly hold back his laughter. He asked the servants to serve tea and said, "Since you are willing to call me uncle, then I, the Seventh Uncle, will be so kind as to call you Nephew Sen."
Lu Sen nodded in agreement. There was no other way. If he wanted to marry a girl, he had to follow the rules here.
"Seventh Uncle will go to the Yang family to propose marriage tomorrow. I wonder if nephew Sen has any opinion on the wedding date?"
This matter must be clarified, as some sects may have strange taboos.
"That's not the case." Lu Sen smiled and said, "I grew up in the mountains and don't know much about etiquette. I've lived outside the city for the past year or two and know the general process, but I'm not very clear about the specific auspicious date and wedding etiquette."
Zhe Changfeng nodded to show that he understood and was not surprised at all.
Lu Sen doesn't look very old, he's not even twenty years old yet, but he already has great supernatural powers.
It is one thing to be guided by a famous teacher, but one must also keep up with one’s own diligence and talent.
He guessed that Lu Sen had been practicing magic since he was a child and probably didn't even have much time to sleep. That's why he had acquired great supernatural powers at such a young age.
It's not surprising that such a person doesn't understand human etiquette.
There is no need for him to know.
"Then please rest assured, nephew Sen." Zhe Changfeng laughed: "I'll leave this matter to your seventh uncle."
Lu Sen asked, "Sorry to bother you, Uncle Qi. How much silver do I need to propose marriage to the Yang family, including the three letters and six gifts? Uncle Qi, please give me an estimate and I will prepare in advance."
"Silver?" Zhe Changfeng waved his hand and said, "That thing is vulgar. You can call me Uncle Seven. We in the Zhe family will take care of it. And from now on, leave everything to us. Nephew Sen, you just need to stay in the mountain and wait patiently for the bride to come."
"But……"
Lu Sen knew very well that the Yang family was a large and powerful family. If he wanted to propose marriage, he would not be able to do so without sufficient betrothal gifts, which was no small amount.
"No buts!" Zhe Changfeng patted his chest and guaranteed: "I will do this for you. We in the Zhe family don't have much else, but now we have too much money and have nowhere to spend it."
He wasn't lying.
In recent years, the Zhe family has been guarding the northwest, and the imperial court has always given them gifts year after year. In addition, the Zhe family also has industries in the northwest, such as mutton, sheepskin, and wool, which are all hard currency.
Selling it to the south is all money.
So the Zhe family is indeed not short of money.
Lu Sen thought for a moment and said, "Then I'll trouble Uncle Qi. I'll go back to Aishan first and make some preparations."
"Okay!" Zhe Changfeng stood up with a smile.
Then Zhe Sanlang sent Lu Sen out, and when he came back, he saw Zhe Changfeng piercing his palm with a dagger.
“Seventh Uncle, what are you doing…” Zhe Sanlang was shocked.
"I sent someone to secretly investigate some things last night. The youngest son of the Cao family was seriously ill and injured, and was on the verge of death in Kaifeng Prefecture. He was then saved by a master using a magical medicine in a crystal glass bottle."
"Glass bottle?" Zhe Sanlang looked at the honey next to the fruit basket and immediately understood Zhe Changfeng's thoughts.
Zhe Changfeng used his other hand to pour out some honey.
After a dozen breaths, excited laughter broke out from the inner hall.
Time quickly came to the next morning. Yang Jinhua had a dream last night. She dreamed that Lu Sen did something bad to her and was awakened abruptly.
Then I fell asleep with my face flushed for a long time, so I got up a little late.
After she washed up, she walked to the main hall and saw the old lady and her mother receiving Zhe Laoqi.
There were a lot of red gift boxes piled up at the front door.
This is... She had a bad feeling.
Sure enough, she heard Zhe Laoqi say with a smile: "I think Jinhua will definitely not object to marrying him."
Upon hearing this, Yang Jinhua immediately raised her eyebrows, rushed out and said, "No, I won't marry! Zhe Laoqi, I'm telling you, it's absolutely impossible for me to marry those dandies with greasy faces and powdered hair outside. Quickly take back all the things you brought, or I'm going to beat you up."
She was furious. She had finally made some good progress with Lu Xiaolang.
As a result, Zhe Laoqi actually came out to propose marriage for someone else!
What if Lu Xiaolang gets to know about this and becomes suspicious of me?
Just thinking about that possibility, Yang Jinhua felt like her head was going to explode.
She rushed forward a few steps, but found that the atmosphere was a little wrong.
Zhe Changfeng was not angry, he was smiling happily.
Not only that, the old lady and my mother were also laughing, and there was a hint of teasing in their smiles.
How is this going?
She was a little confused.
Seeing her daughter in a daze, Mu Guiying smiled mischievously and said, "You don't like it, then mother will send someone to tell Lu Xiaolang that you rejected the proposal and don't want to marry him!"
Why!?
Then Yang Jinhua suddenly reacted, rushed over and grabbed Mu Guiying's hands tightly, and shouted urgently: "No, you can't say it!"
