Chapter 31: Visiting Du Ping’s Residence
Du Ping’s family is in Guanzhong, not far from Zhongnan.
Before Zhong Sheng left Zhongnan, he went to the pawn shop and took back the gold bracelet pledged by his sister-in-law before setting off.
There are two major events this time. My sister-in-law is getting married to support my grandma in her old age.
On the way, Zhong Sheng was always worried, wondering if they knew about the death of their second uncle.
The sad news came. My sister-in-law is a weak and weak-tempered woman, and my grandma is weak and will definitely not be able to bear it.
"Hey, what a damn world."
Zhong Sheng's chest was full of anger, and he didn't know how long he walked before he calmed down.
"Emperor, you have committed too many sins, and you deserve it from the Xuanwu Sect."
He muttered in a low voice, but it aroused the curiosity of a passerby passing by.
He was a young man with a busy career, dressed as a Taoist priest. Monasticism was popular in the Tang Dynasty, and even common people liked to dress up like this.
"This friend, you always talk about Xuanwu Gate, Xuanwu Gate, are you going to Chang'an?"
Xuanwu Gate is one of the key gates of the Chang'an Imperial City, alongside the Zhuque Gate.
Zhong Sheng had just killed the Zhongnanshan people and had no good impression of the Taoist priest, "What's the matter with you?"
What I hate the most is that I am talking to myself. Does this have anything to do with you?
The young man smiled and said, "I'm Zhang Guo. I was curious for a moment, so I offended you. Please forgive me."
"It's okay, I'm just telling a story, well, it can be considered an accident!"
Zhong Sheng smiled and waved his hands, full of a sense of superiority. During the Wude period of the Tang Dynasty, who else could be as unpredictable as him and knew that a tragic coup was about to take place?
The name of the young Taoist priest is Zhang Guo, which sounds slightly familiar, and I have a vague impression.
Just as Zhong Sheng was about to ask, the face of the young Taoist priest in front of him changed and he held his hand in front of him, "Sorry, I'm sorry."
Turn around and leave, coming and going in a hurry, leaving a gust of wind behind.
"Weird."
Zhong Sheng shook his head and continued to move forward.
Zhang Guo, a young Taoist priest, was very anxious, "How urgent is this matter? If you don't let me wait until the spirit beast is born, I won't even have time to take a breath on the road."
He was very interested in Zhong Sheng, but two urgent matters came together and he had no time to talk.
The spiritual beast that is about to be born is related to his future opportunity to practice and attain Taoism, so he must not delay it.
Du Ping had a good reputation in his hometown of Noumei. He was generous with his wealth and made a living by doing business all year round.
The elders in my hometown have received a lot of kindness from him. When they mention Du Ping, they are grateful and hope that he will live a long life.
When Zhong Sheng saw this, his heart dropped. My sister-in-law and grandma would never endure hardship.
"Going out?"
Zhong Sheng stood at the door of Du's house. The old housekeeper in front of him was full of apologies, saying that Du Ping had been away for more than a month.
This is really unlucky.
"My name is Zhong Sheng. I don't know if Uncle Du has mentioned that I want to meet my family."
The old housekeeper looked surprised and said, "Mr. Zhong, please come in quickly. The master of the house has said that if you come to visit, there is no need to send a message."
He quickly invited Zhong Sheng into the house, "The old lady and the girl are also here, and they are all looking forward to your coming."
When passing by a study room, the old housekeeper couldn't help but explain.
"Since the old lady entered the house and lived in the inner courtyard, the owner of the house moved to the study room, which is separated by several doors."
"The head of the family greets you every morning, just like serving your mother."
Zhong Sheng nodded after hearing this. Uncle Du's parents died when he was young, and he was also a miserable man.
He was so respectful and polite to his grandmother and sister-in-law, and it was not in vain that he became my second uncle’s friend.
Probably, this is what is called in storytelling, the friendship of caring for one's wife and offering one's children.
"Clang."
There was a loud noise, and the copper basin fell to the ground. The sister-in-law opposite was stunned on the spot.
Zhong Sheng was following the old housekeeper, turning the corridor, and pretending to be right with her.
"Xiaosheng, you are back."
My sister-in-law's voice was trembling. After confirming that it was Zhong Sheng, she turned around and walked back.
"Mom, Xiaosheng is back, back."
The tone is full of poignancy and joy.
After a while, Zhong Sheng knelt in front of Grandma Zhong's knees, still stroking the top of his head with his rough hands.
Grandma Zhong could no longer see clearly, but when she touched the back of his head, she knew it was her own skinned monkey.
The sister-in-law on the side had tears in her eyes, "Ever since she learned about the death of my second brother, your grandma has cried her eyes out."
Zhong Sheng's heart was heavy. The news of his second uncle's death was making a fuss. How could he keep it a secret?
"Earlier, Brother Du went to his hometown and came back and said that the house was burned down and you were nowhere to be found."
"Where's Uncle Du?"
"We asked him to go to the capital and bring back the second brother's body."
Zhong Sheng estimated the time and found that when Du Ping arrived in Chang'an, it happened to be shortly after he and his second uncle left.
My sister-in-law said, wiping tears from the corners of her eyes, "I'm fine now. The family will be reunited soon."
When Zhong Sheng faced his family, he felt angry and all his evil thoughts disappeared, and he became obedient.
"Uncle Du, is he really a good person?"
He took care of his old friend's family, treated them with courtesy, and never slacked off for a day. Once asked, he put aside his family business and rushed to Chang'an to take back his old friend's body.
Such an old-fashioned and warm-hearted gentleman shows that when the second uncle makes friends, he also has the same spirit and friendship.
"Xiaosheng, you stay here first and wait for Brother Du to come back, and then you can sort out the affairs behind the second brother's death."
Why was his house burned down, why was Zhong Sheng missing, and where had he been during this time? He had to explain everything.
"After seeing you off, I left home at night for fear of the revenge of Governor Zhongnan."
"I took the time to go back and saw that my house was burned to the ground. I didn't dare to stay. I wanted to take refuge with Uncle Du, but I was afraid of hurting you."
"Just wandering around Zhongnan Mountain, looking for some livelihood."
"Later I heard that the prefect and his son were killed by robbers. I will not dare to come to you until the matter calms down."
When Zhong Sheng said this, he took out the gold bracelet from his arms.
"By the way, sister-in-law, I saved some money while working on the road and will help you redeem your things."
My sister-in-law sighed, "The little girl has grown up and become sensible."
In the past, Zhong Sheng was just a jerk. He only knew how to hang out with friends outside and ask for money when he came home from time to time. How could he be as sensible as he is now?
The old housekeeper was beside him, and he was a little moved when he saw the family reunited.
"Call."
Suddenly, a neighing sound came from behind, full of pain.
Zhong Sheng looked up and saw that the three of them were not surprised. They were obviously used to it.
"Mr. Zhong, it's nothing serious. There is a donkey in the stable behind the house who is having difficulty giving birth. It lasted for three days and still no sign of it."
If a female donkey has dystocia, it’s not a big deal!
Just as Zhong Sheng was thinking about it, the ringing in his ears was overshadowed by the ringing, which became more and more miserable, as if he might die at any moment.
The old housekeeper moved slightly and held his hand towards him, "Mr. Zhong, I'll go take care of it."
At this time, the horse herder rushed over in a panic and said, "Oh no, the donkey has gone crazy, and Xiao San'er's arm has been kicked off."
"None of us can hold it any longer, old housekeeper, please come up with an idea!"
The old butler stared, "You didn't see me entertaining guests."
The shepherd's face fell, "If it continues like this, the barn will be overturned by it."
Grandma Zhong was drowsy, but she suddenly grinned and said, "Let Xiaosheng go, he is strong and can help hold down the animal."
Chapter completed!