Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies

Chapter 328 13: Meeting Old Acquaintances, Mixed Feelings

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The old beggar inquired all the way and finally arrived in front of the Zhu red gates of the Shen Mansion.

He looked up and saw two majestic stone lions at the gate and the tall gate tower behind them, exuding a solemn aura.

"So this is the Shen Mansion? Truly extraordinary."

Only after just inquiring did he learn that many of the industries in Yongzhou City belonged to the Shen Family.

It could be said to be the only dominant family in Yongzhou.

Compared to it, the so-called Four Great Eastern Families of the past in Taiping County were like child's play.

He also heard that the Shen family head was a Lord Chief Officer of the government office, who had recently executed many demons in Yongzhou, displaying unmatched power.

To him, such a grand figure was akin to a deity.

The old beggar saw a gatekeeper standing outside the gate and went forward to inquire.

Although the gatekeeper showed disdain, he still informed him that the Shen Family was indeed recruiting new servants today, which gave him a glimmer of hope.

The old beggar straightened up, tidied his clothes, and walked with a dignified poise towards the recruitment area.

Upon entering the recruitment area, he found the interior, though not as luxurious as outside, was clean and tidy. Several people in servant attire were busy reviewing applicants.

Cautiously, the old beggar joined the end of the line, silently praying for an opportunity.

Finally, it was his turn.

A steward-like person looked up, his gaze scrutinous, and dissatisfied, he said, "Where did this beggar come from? Go, go."

"Sir, I am not a mere beggar but a teacher fallen on hard times. I heard your esteemed house is hiring servants, so I came to seek employment."

The middle-aged steward asked suspiciously, "Name? Age? Any special skills?"

The old beggar respectfully replied, "My name is Zhang Shuyuan, over forty years old, skilled in teaching and bookkeeping, hardworking and willing to serve the Shen Family."

Hearing this, the steward frowned slightly, with a tone of disdain, "Our master requires servants who are nimble and skilled, the young, not bookkeepers. You're too old; it's not suitable."

Zhang Shuyuan felt his heart sink, yet he did not give up, earnestly saying, "Please, sir, grant me some leniency. Though I'm aged, I am sincere and will serve wholeheartedly."

At this moment, another steward, seemingly more experienced, interjected, "Our master is kind and always approachable to the common folk in the city. If you're earnest, you could wait at the gate and try your luck by appealing directly to him. Just remember, don't blame us if anything goes wrong."

"No blame, no blame." Zhang Shuyuan felt a surge of indescribable strength, quickly bowing, "Thank you, sir, I will do my best. May I know the esteemed name of the Shen family master?"

"Military Department, Guardian Martial Department Chief Officer, Shen Qing, Lord Shen!"

Boom!

Zhang Shuyuan's body trembled fiercely, nearly dropping the broken bowl from his arms.

He muttered this name repeatedly, his eyes flashing with disbelief, "Impossible… Impossible… It must be a name coincidence."

Yet he vaguely remembered that a few years ago, Shen Qing and his family indeed headed in the direction of Yongzhou.

He quickly asked, "Is your family master from Taiping County?"

The steward, slightly impatient, said, "Old beggar, are you getting ahead of yourself? We show you the way and you go on and on; get lost now, don't hold us up."

Someone in the line behind also began to complain, dissatisfied with the old beggar's actions.

After a brief bow of gratitude, Zhang Shuyuan gritted his teeth and walked directly to the gate.

At this moment, an indescribable emotion surged in his heart, filled with excitement, yet with much anxiety and unease.

But having come this far, he decided to try no matter what.

Suppressing his inner turmoil, Zhang Shuyuan found a good vantage point in a corner to crouch quietly, staring at the gate of the Shen Mansion.

He kept rubbing his hands to build up some vigor.

Time passed slowly, and soon it was evening.

The gates of the Shen Mansion stood grandly, lit up gloriously.

At that moment, he saw a figure flash from a distance and land in front of the Shen Mansion gate.

Standing in the corner, Zhang Shuyuan's expression changed when he recognized the person, and his mind went completely blank.

Who else could it be if not the Shen Qing of his memory?

Suddenly, a mix of emotions overwhelmed him, shock attacking his very soul.

After much hesitation, Zhang Shuyuan finally mustered the courage and dashed forward.

"Qingzi…"

The moment he spoke, he felt it inappropriate and quickly corrected himself, "Lord Shen."

Upon hearing the shout, Shen Qing turned, scrutinizing the ragged beggar rushing over, and after a pause, recognized him.

This beggar was none other than Zhang Shu Chi from Hongshan Village!

This person had once taught him, and later helped him manage business in Taiping County.

At that time, when departing, the other party seemed unwilling to leave, hence remained in Taiping County.

He was visibly astonished, "Is it you? How come you're here?"

Seeing this familiar face, Zhang Shuyuan burst into tears, saying, "Didn't expect it's really you, so good, truly so good."

Shen Qing responded serenely, "Let's talk inside."

"Yes, yes, okay." Zhang Shuyuan nodded repeatedly.

With a gentle sweep of his sleeve, Shen Qing led Zhang Shuyuan into the mansion.

Inside the mansion, carved beams and painted walls, splendid in gold and jade.

Upon crossing the threshold, Zhang Shuyuan glanced around, his eyes flashing with surprise, marveling at Shen Qing's transformation over the years.

No matter how he tried, he couldn't imagine in such a short span of one or two years, Shen Qing could become a city dignitary and reach such heights.

Having read many books, he knew well how difficult it was for people of their lowly origin to rise up.

Naturally, Shen Qing noticed Zhang Shuyuan's thoughts, saying softly, "Having come all this way, you must be hungry. Freshen up first, then I'll summon Uncle and Aunt, and we'll dine together."

Meeting Shen Qing, Zhang Shuyuan felt somewhat flattered, quickly agreeing, "Alright, alright."

Very soon, Shen Qing summoned a servant to take Zhang Shuyuan to freshen up, and also called for uncle, aunt, and elder sister Shen Fang.

Uncle Shen Er, upon learning Zhang Shuyuan had come to Yongzhou and found the mansion, was quite surprised, "How did he manage to come?"

In these times, traveling such distances wasn't easy.

Shen Qing shook his head, also puzzled, "We'll ask him later."

In about two quarters of an hour, a newly refreshed Zhang Shuyuan was seated at an ornate round table.

Shen Qing and the elders were all present.

The table was laden with hot, fragrant dishes.

Looking at this feast, Zhang Shu's throat couldn't help but move.

He looked at Shen Er in his fine attire, filled with envy.

Zhang Shuyuan wanted to maintain his dignity with some backbone.

However, his stomach betrayed him, growling incessantly.

"Teacher, would you like to eat first?"

Zhang Shuyuan bowed slightly, ignoring the etiquette, and devoured a chicken leg.

After a while, as Zhang Shuyuan slowed down his eating, Shen Qing picked up a cup of tea and curiously asked, "Teacher, why did you come to Yongzhou suddenly? How's everyone in Taiping County?"

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