Volume 4 is in the ascendant Chapter 407 Is Your Dad Okay?
Zhuge Liang lost his father at a young age and worked as a farmer in Nanyang...
Of course, "farming" is just a figure of speech. He does not really farm every day. Otherwise, if he just stayed at home and hoeed the fields honestly, how could Liu Bei not find him twice?
In fact, the Zhuge family was a wealthy family in Langya. Although Zhuge Liang was not a legitimate son of the Zhuge family, his father Zhuge Gui had served as a county magistrate. He came to Nanyang to avoid disaster... He did not come to escape, but had his own small farm in Longzhong.
It's just that Zhuge Liang didn't attach much importance to these material possessions. His food and clothing were simple, with only coarse meals all year round. In addition, he kept a few old servants and book boys, traveled around the county two or three times a year, collected some ancient books, had the necessary tea to entertain guests, and wore presentable clothes... that was all.
"Little boy, tell your master that guests are coming." Xu Shu arrived at Zhuge Liang's farm and shouted to the servant at the door.
Although he was called a book "boy", he was actually about fifteen or sixteen years old. He probably heard the sound of horse hooves, so he came out to take a look. After all, there were many people who came to visit on the first day of every month.
Xu Shu had specially reminded everyone before that Zhuge Liang was usually very awkward and didn't like too many people to go in. He would make sure that Bai Tu and the others went in, but the ordinary guards might have to stay outside...
When Lu Lingqi heard this, she looked like she wanted to burn the house down, but Bai Tu comforted her with kind words.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Xu. Are these all your friends? My master said that if Mr. Xu comes, please invite them in quickly!" The servant boy said as he opened the door.
Xu Shu was slightly surprised when he heard this. Zhuge Liang didn't get upset this time? Could it be that he guessed who was coming?
Well, it is very likely...
After all, although Bai Tu was dressed as Bailong Yufu, he did not deliberately hide his identity. He just visited as the King of Chu in name only.
For a moment, I overlooked the fact that the servant boy was saying "master", a rare title.
Bai Tu and his group filed into the manor. When they arrived at the front hall, they saw a young man dressed like a scholar, who looked older than Bai Tu had imagined, about 27 or 28 years old, coming up to them.
"Brother Yuanzhi, you came at an unfortunate time. My younger brother had to go on a long journey a few days ago, so I, as his elder brother, took care of Zhuangzi... Ah! These are His Majesty the King of Chu and the generals of Chu, right? I, Zhuge Jin, pay my respects to the king."
Zhuge Jin deliberately pretended to recognize Bai Tu and the others, but it was obvious that he was well prepared.
"No need for formalities. I am not here on official business today, and there is no King of Chu here." Bai Tu was slightly disappointed when he heard that Zhuge Liang was not there, but he still immediately supported Zhuge Jin.
When Xu Shu heard that Zhuge Liang was going on a long journey at this time, he already had some guesses and couldn't help but sigh in his heart - after this trip, he wouldn't know whether he would be an enemy or a friend when they meet again!
However, Zhuge Jin, as Zhuge Liang's brother from the same mother, was very enthusiastic towards Bai Tu at this time. He flattered him subtly and invited Bai Tu to come in.
There were already quite a few people in the front hall, and it seemed like they were having a cocktail party. The format... made Bai Tu feel a little uncomfortable.
"Chairs" were popularized in Yangzhou during the General's Mansion era. Now, because the Chu government offices are all equipped with high-legged tables and chairs, people are more willing to imitate them.
However, the combination of kneeling seats and low tables is still used here in a "retro" style. When they saw Bai Tu coming in, everyone stood up to greet him.
"No need to be polite, no need to be polite. I am not here today as the King of Chu, so please don't be restrained." Bai Tu said generously.
"Yuanzhi, Ziyu, would you like to introduce ?" Bai Tu then asked Xu Shu and Zhuge Jin to introduce themselves to him.
Yingchuan Shi Tao , courtesy name Guangyuan, Runan Meng Jian, courtesy name Gongwei, Boling Cui Jun, courtesy name Zhouping, Hongnong Yang Xiu, courtesy name Dezu... Hmm? It seems like some very strange "thing" has sneaked in?
When Zhuge Jin introduced Yang Xiu, he was also slightly embarrassed.
"Greetings to His Royal Highness the King of Chu. Xiu is ordered by the King of Wei to come to Wancheng to pick up... Master Cao. I just happened to hear that there were some elegant people in Nanyang, so I couldn't help but set out for the gathering." Yang Xiu looks younger than Zhuge Jin, but in fact, the difference is only two years. The main reason is that... Zhuge Jin is an honest man and looks old.
After Emperor Xian passed away, Yang Xiu unexpectedly did not join his father Yang Biao in serving the court, but continued to stay under Cao Cao.
No one knows whether it was the Yang family's plan or Yang Xiu's own initiative, but in any case, Yang Xiu has now entered the Wei Kingdom.
But for Yang Xiu's appearance here at this time...
Although Bai Tu had a smile on his face, he was feeling a little nervous inside - it's fine for you to come and bring Cao Bang back, but coming to Nanyang... are you here for a party, or to poach people?
Although he had not been recruited yet and his surname was not Chu, it was still a bit sensitive for him to come to Chu to recruit talents for Wei. Therefore, when Zhuge Jin introduced him before, his tone was a bit embarrassed for Yang Xiu.
Yang Xiu looked calm, but he was not so calm in his heart - you are such a great king of Chu, and you even want to come in person for a few young people? Is it necessary to mobilize such a large army?
Originally, Yang Xiu was only ordered to borrow Xiahou Juan, who was also his future wife...
Originally, the Yang family had arranged a marriage for Yang Xiu, but Yang Xiu insisted on joining Wei. As a result, whether Yang Biao was really angry or wanted to show Liu Xie and the court that Yang Xiu had nothing to do with the Yang family's decision, Yang Xiu had already severed ties with the Yang family, and the marriage was naturally called off.
Well, although many of the sons of aristocratic families get married after they reach adulthood, if they are still not married at the age of 26, they do seem like older young people who have been delayed.
On the one hand, Cao Cao wanted to appease Yang Xiu, and on the other hand, he also wanted to use Yang Xiu as a representative to appease those who once followed him for the "court", so he personally arranged a marriage for Yang Xiu.
Cao Cao's own daughters were either married or not even 16 years old. Yang Xiu was too old, so Cao Cao chose Xiahou Juan. As Xiahou Yuan was one of the top 5 or even top 3 in Wei State, he was also very prestigious.
and……
Xiahou Yuan was not very opposed to this marriage. After all, although Yang Xiu was annoying, at least he chose to follow the Wei Dynasty, which made Xiahou Yuan feel much better about him. Now Yang Xiu was "helpless", and although it could not be considered as marrying into the family, he would not have to worry about Xiahou Juan, who was like his own daughter, being bullied in the future.
The most important thing is... Yang Xiu is a civil servant. Not only is she safe, but she will also continue to serve in Yecheng in the future. It is better than marrying a military general or marrying far away!
Therefore, Cao Cao directly asked Yang Xiu to pick up Xiahou Juan so that the two could meet first.
"So you are a disciple of the Hongnong Yang family. Nice to meet you. How is old Commander Yang?" Bai Tu looked very familiar.
"I haven't seen my father for a long time, but I think he is in Chang'an and everything must be fine." Yang Xiu replied calmly.
Zhang Chunhua had accurately read the atmosphere and judged that Bai Tu was unhappy, but she had to respect her status and couldn't say anything directly, so... Zhang Chunhua's eyes turned and she said:
"Your Majesty, when Man Chong tortured old Taiwei Yang in every possible way, my teacher and Kong Jijiu and the others were very worried about the old Taiwei's health. This time we also brought some tonic medicine prepared by Divine Doctor Hua. Why don't we ask Young Master Yang to deliver it? We have to go north anyway."
