To This Old Man's son, Zhao Dingxiu, Su Su was his own son. The only difference was that they were not related by blood. If that young man surnamed Xu did not step into this alley, perhaps he would have died of old age in this town. The words "Zhao Dingxiu's Tomb" were carved on the tombstone. Along with the tombstone, the tombstone would be scattered by the wind and rain. No one would remember the words of Zhao Dingxiu, the Sage of Calligraphy of Western Shu during the Spring and Autumn Period. He would be worried that Su Su would not be able to marry a gentle wife. He would be worried that this child would be bullied by the ruffians in the marketplace. He would also be worried that without his scolding, Su Su would go astray, become useless, and live a miserable life. But now it was different. Li Yishan had fulfilled his promise. He was going to take the incognito Su Su to the South. He was going to the Eighteen Tribes of Nanzhao to strategize. Just as Li Yishan had said on the cliff, "Western Shu is not here, but there is still Later Shu!"
Today, This Old Man's son personally came to apologize to the families whose children were teaching at the private school. He also gave away the pots of orchids. It was the butcher who had used a knife to cut his arm. When he heard that the teacher was leaving, he chopped off an entire fresh pig leg and stuffed it into his hands. Later, he was afraid that the small teacher would not be able to carry it, so he had the sturdy boy at home carry it to the door of the small courtyard. The boy, who was most likely going to inherit his father's business as a butcher, smiled and said a few words, "Teacher, remember to come back in the future." This Old Man's son smiled and reminded him, "Now that you know how to read, don't be sloppy when helping your father with the bookkeeping. You should be careful when doing things." The simple and honest boy scratched his head, not knowing how to answer. This Old Man's son waved his hand and struggled to carry the pig leg into the courtyard. Hsu Fengnian, who was thinking in the front yard, saw this and hurriedly carried it on his shoulder and helped to put it into the kitchen.
It was close to dusk. Su Su had stewed a large pot. The aroma filled the entire courtyard. With him and Uncle Qi, two Taoties, there was no need to worry about not being able to finish it. Xu Fengnian bought a few sets of fitting clothes in the city and a small bookcase that could fit the Spring Thunder. As for the Spring and Autumn Sword, which was dormant with Sword Qi, he planned to carry it on his back instead of carrying a saber. It was better than nothing to conceal his identity. In this way, he really did look like a scholar carrying a book and a sword on his back. Hsu Fengnian didn't want to waste the six hundred catties of gold. He had the female devil Xue Songguan escort the three of them to Nanzhao. Although they had the swordsmith surnamed Qi as their escort and there wouldn't be any major problems, it was always better to have more retainers. Even the young death warrior was ordered to go to Beiliang on the way. At first, Wu didn't agree no matter what. He wanted to accompany his Royal Highness from Ju Zi Zhou to Jinxi Zhou. Hsu Fengnian had no choice but to put on the airs of the Crown Prince of Beiliang. Only then did the young death warrior obey the order to go south.
A large table of people ate the fragrant stewed meat together. Even the blind zither player was asked to stay. Hsu Fengnian also called for the death warrior Wu to come and freeload. It was a rare lively scene in the courtyard.
After eating and drinking to their heart's content, Wu went back to pack up his belongings. Su Su took Xue Songguan to wander around the city. This Old Man took out half a string of money and secretly gave it to her. It was as if his disappointing son had finally swindled a girl. As an elder, he had to keep up appearances. Only This Old Man, the blacksmith Hsu Fengnian, and the other two were left in the courtyard. They didn't have any misgivings when talking. Hsu Fengnian gave Zhao Dingxiu the names of a few people from Nanzhao according to Li Yishan's instructions. This Old Man was in a good mood. He silently memorized the names of these important people and their contact information. Finally, he asked directly, "Is the Xu family rebelling?"
Hsu Fengnian couldn't help but think of Mount Qingcheng and Qingyang Palace. He wondered if they had already released six thousand soldiers. He sighed and shook his head. "It's just a means of self-protection."
This Old Man said emotionally, "There are as many strategists as there are carps in the Spring and Autumn Period, but only a pair of hands can make a name for themselves. Your Xu family's Zhao Changling died early. It is a pity that he lost his talent as an advisor. Fortunately, Li Yishan is still here. Otherwise, the hound will be cooked after the rabbit is killed. Your Xu family may not have what it has today. Previously, I thought that while Li Yishan was better than Zhao Changling in strategy, he lost in vision and spirit. Compared to Zhao Changling who died young, and Nalan Youci who is still helping the King of Yan plan and manage the vassals, he is only strong in arithmetic but weak in dao. But in the last twenty years, through the scattered news that came to Orange Province, I slowly see that Li Yishan was hiding his abilities back then, or perhaps he was hidden by Zhao Changling and could not show his abilities. When the Xu family took over Beiliang, other than personally going to the battlefield, Li Yishan was a first-rate scholar in geography, insight, diplomacy, and literary talent. Simply calling him a poison scholar is an injustice to Li Yishan. "
Hsu Fengnian leaned lazily against the door and said with a smile, "My master is an all-rounder. Xu Xiao also said that Zhao Changling always felt guilty back then. He said that as long as Zhao Changling was alive, Li Yishan would not be able to do his best. My master has really reached the realm of doing as he pleases. He can lead troops and govern with ease. Over the past 20 years, even I don't know how many moves Master has made. I'm afraid that in Master's eyes, only Zhang Julu is a match for him in the entire empire. "
This Old Man said with a regretful expression, "It is a pity that I cannot meet Li Yishan on this trip to the south. I have too many things I want to talk to him about. Right, His Royal Highness, how is your master's health? "
Hsu Fengnian said softly, "Not very good."
The Old Master frowned. Xu Fengnian squinted his eyes and looked at the sky. He smiled confidently and said, "Don't worry, he won't die!"
On the morning of the second day, they left the city, gathered near the dry moat outside the city, and then parted ways.
Su Su originally wanted to shamelessly ask This Old Man to rent a carriage. Wouldn't it be good to show off? But when she woke up this morning and saw This Old Man's tense face, she did not have the courage. Fortunately, when she heard that Miss Xue was going with him to the unfamiliar south, she did not care if there was a carriage. Turning back to look at the handsome young master standing by the river and waving his hand, Su Su gently pulled on the woman's sleeve and asked in a small voice, "You are not familiar with Xu?"
The blind woman said softly, "No."
Su Su asked with a smile, "Then do you like him?"
The corner of her mouth curled up and she shook her head.
Su Su was happy and relieved, but also a little sad. Even the Old Master found that brat pleasing to the eye. In the future, there was an eighty to ninety percent chance that he would have a bright future. As for herself, she was living a muddle-headed life as a scoundrel. Then she would not like her even more, right?
The young man did not hurry to catch up with the group. His big bow and quiver were hidden and given to the burly blacksmith to carry. The young man just stood beside his master, wanting to say something but hesitating.
Hsu Fengnian said with a smile, "There is no use for you to follow me. You might even be a burden. If you die, you will die in vain."
The young man of sacrifice looked melancholy.
Who said the young man did not know the taste of worry?
Hsu Fengnian patted him on the shoulder and comforted him, "Go. When you reach Beiliang Palace, tell Xu Xiao and my master Li Yishan that I am fine. This will count as you doing a good deed. "
The young man was worried quickly, but he was also not worried quickly. He smiled brightly and said, "Okay."
Hsu Fengnian thought for a while, took out a bag of silver and threw it to the young man, "Don't let people think that we are stingy."
The young man took the bag of silver and suddenly lowered his head and said in a low voice, "His Royal Highness, why don't I go with you to Jinxi Province? I am actually not that afraid of death."
Hsu Fengnian turned his body around and stepped on his butt. He laughed and scolded, "Get lost!"
The young man staggered and turned around to look at the back of This Old Man's son. He rubbed his eyes hard and then hurriedly ran to this Old Man's son's son.
Su Su was surprised and asked, "Oh, you actually cried?"
The young man who knew this person's nickname turned his head and said, "Damn you, it's none of your business!"
Su Su giggled and said, "Is that guy your brother?"
The young man said angrily, "He is your uncle!"
Su Su was stunned for a moment and then laughed.
The young man flew into a rage out of humiliation and imitated His Highness the Crown Prince's actions. He kicked Su's soft butt and said in an imposing manner, "Scram!"
Even This Old Man's son was happy to add insult to injury. He stroked his beard and smiled, "Little Wu, you taught him a good lesson."
Su Su patted his sore butt and grimaced. He was not angry.
He turned around and looked. Although Su Su did not think that he was smart, he was not stupid. He knew that the person surnamed Xu was going north alone and did not let Little Wu follow him. He was kind. If it was him, he probably would not have done it. Not to mention other things, it was pitiful to be alone without anyone to talk to.
Hsu Fengnian, who did not know that he had become the scenery of others, went north. He patted the Spring and Autumn on his back and smiled, "I wanted to give it to Wen Hua. It's not right to always use a wooden sword. But I have to wait until he is successful. Otherwise, it would be too embarrassing to carry it for a day or two and it would be snatched away. If he is stubborn and does not want it, then I will give it to Đồng Thái as repayment for the gift of the sword. If I don't meet him, it's okay. I will return to Beiliang and give it to White Fox. If he doesn't want it, then this brother named Spring and Autumn, you can only follow me. "
Hsu Fengnian was silent and said to himself, "Actually, I want to give it to the old man with the sheepskin coat the most."
— —
In Honglu Cave in Jiangnan, there was a rice field between the green mountains.
An old man with the sheepskin coat sat barefoot on the field after planting rice. There was a wooden water wheel beside him.
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