Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 27: Respectful at First and Arrogant Later

After Zhang Luan and Zhang Yanling returned, they washed up, changed into clean clothes, got on the county government's carriage again, went into the city, and went straight to the back wing of the county government.

Afterwards, the two were led to the back hall, where a large table had been set up. The father and son looked around and saw that no one was there to greet them, so they had to find a seat by themselves.

Half an hour passed in the blink of an eye.

Zhang Luan was still sitting there alone. From time to time, he looked at the front and back porches, and listened to the noise outside. He looked anxious and restless.

Zhang Yanling, however, could take advantage of his young age and stand up from time to time and run out to the back hall to check the situation, looking as if he didn't care at all.

"Something seems to be wrong... The county government invited us with great fanfare, but we haven't shown up yet..."

Seeing his son walking back to him shaking his head, Zhang Luan couldn't help but sigh, "Will today's banquet be ruined?"

Zhang Yanling smiled and said, "It's just a meal for us. Even if the county magistrate changes his mind, we can just go home and eat. It's no big deal... Didn't mother say that she has prepared a good meal to reward us? Now that we have money and reputation, how can we still be greedy for a meal at the county government office?"

Zhang Luan said helplessly: "That's what I said, but I always feel that there is something hidden, otherwise they wouldn't have invited me to the county government office in such a serious manner..."

Zhang Yanling joked: "Dad, do you think that we father and son should not be treated so politely? Hey, this is just a small occasion. When we become successful and famous in the future, people will fawn on us wherever we go."

Zhang Luan rolled his eyes at his son and said, "You are quite confident, but what future do you have just by healing people? It's all your fault that you let me leak the secret recipe...

"If you keep your mouth shut, you can enjoy delicious food and drink wherever you go. I heard that Jiangnan is a land of outstanding people, especially Huizhou, which is rich and prosperous. Huizhou merchants are the best in the world. Huangshan is also beautiful. Your father has always wanted to see it with his own eyes. Your aunt also wrote to me that if I go to Jiangnan, she will make a bed for me in Nanjing."

Zhang Yanling knew that the aunt Zhang Luan was referring to was the one who married Xu Qiong.

Unfortunately, Zhang Yanling had no impression of this aunt.

"Master Zhang?"

The father and son were just bored when Li Weishao appeared in front of them.

Zhang Luan quickly stood up to greet him: "Mr. Li, is... the banquet about to begin?"

Li Weishao apologized, "I'm afraid we have to wait patiently... Look, your cousin has just arrived at the county magistrate's office. Magistrate Song had a very pleasant conversation with him and plans to invite him to the table later... Do you have any objections?"

"what?"

Zhang Luan was a little embarrassed.

He and Zhang Yin had been having a lot of unpleasantness recently. The county government had clearly set up a celebration banquet for him, but Zhang Yin's appearance seemed to have taken the spotlight.

But for him now, he has no power or influence, and his only achievement is that of a scholar, so he has no choice.

"Of course... yes."

Zhang Luan agreed reluctantly.

"That's good. County Magistrate Song is currently receiving your cousin. He will be here soon, perhaps in a cup of tea."

After saying that, Li Weishao asked someone to serve tea and snacks, and then quickly left the back hall.

……

……

"It seems that Dad's prediction is correct. There is no good banquet today. The guests are not well-intentioned... County Magistrate Song ignored the main guest and enthusiastically entertained our uncle. He had no time to pay attention to me. There must be something fishy going on."

Zhang Yanling looked thoughtful, but his face did not show any displeasure.

Are you kidding me, I would get angry about something like this?

According to the development of history, in two months, I would be the prince's brother-in-law. I would not be troubled by the snobbery of a minor official like the county magistrate.

These words were actually more of a reminder to Zhang Luan that the world is fickle and that you should not have unrealistic fantasies about local officials with extremely low moral standards.

Zhang Luan forced a smile and comforted his youngest son: "Don't say that. After all, your uncle represents the main branch of the Zhang family. We should have enough respect for him." Zhang Yanling asked with a smile: "Then, Dad, guess what County Magistrate Song will say to Second Uncle?"

"How can I know this?"

Zhang Luan stroked his chin and thought for a long time before saying, "Maybe he's asking about the prescription for acne. Or... Hey, you child, what's your intention in thinking about these things?"

Zhang Yanling shook his head and said, "I guess not... When we meet Second Uncle later, maybe Father will be able to broaden his horizons."

When Zhang Luan heard this, he became even more anxious.

……

……

Zhang Yin came to the county government office to pay a visit in order to expose Zhang Luan's true identity, but he never expected to be warmly received by the magistrate Song Qing.

Song Qing was a man who liked appearances. Since he was certain that Zhang Yin had a powerful background in the court, he would not seek confirmation in person. Instead, he was intent on currying favor with the other party, and there was no shortage of flattery during the conversation, but he did not notice Zhang Yin's confused expression at all.

After a brief greeting, Song Qing welcomed the guest to the back hall.

The guests were all there and the banquet could finally begin. Zhang Yanling consciously stood behind his father.

"Before I took office, I heard that the Zhang family was a prominent local family. I am honored to have the opportunity to drink with you two today."

Song Qing's words came from the bottom of his heart. There was a grain supervision case in the imperial court. As a related person, Song Qing needed to rely on the Zhang family's connections to clear himself of the matter.

Unfortunately, Zhang Yin didn't understand the meaning of the words at all and just bowed in return.

Zhang Luan wanted to greet Zhang Yin, but was glared at by him.

Zhang Luan was a little surprised. In such a mutually beneficial situation, how could his cousin not give him face?
Little did he know that Zhang Yin thought he was trying to compete for the position of leader of the Zhang family and had already classified him as someone who could not be trusted.

Because of Zhang Yin's arrival, the atmosphere at the table felt a little strange.

Song Qing raised his head and looked at Zhang Yanling who was standing beside him: "Who is this...?"

Obviously he mistook Zhang Yanling for Zhang Luan's servant.

Li Weishao hurriedly introduced: "This is Mr. Zhang's son. He has been accompanying Mr. Zhang these days. He is truly a role model for a son!"

"He's a handsome guy. It's true that a good father will have a good son. Please prepare a seat for him."

Song Qing greeted with a smile.

So Zhang Yanling finally didn't have to stand behind his father anymore and was qualified to sit at the same table with the big boss.

Zhang Yin spoke first: "I did some things for the local area before, which may have caused a lot of trouble for County Magistrate Song. Please forgive me."

"What...what are you talking about?"

Song Qing was a little surprised, and then thought that Zhang Yin was being modest, so he immediately said, "Laizhan stepped forward to prevent and control the plague, which is a move of loyalty to the country and for the welfare of the people of the world. How can it be considered as causing trouble? I would like to thank him on behalf of the people of this area."

Seeing Zhang Yin about to speak again, Zhang Luan quickly interrupted, "These are what I should do. I don't deserve such praise from the county lord."

Zhang Yin said with a straight face, "There has never been a doctor in my Zhang family. We only know the basics of curing illnesses and saving lives. If this causes trouble to the local area or even brings trouble to the government, that would be bad. I will just apologize to you, County Magistrate Song, for what my brother did earlier."

After hearing this, Song Qing and Li Weishao looked at each other and became even more confused.

Why does Zhang Yin come here as if he is here to cause trouble?

But Song Qing now needed help from the other party, so he naturally had to help out a bit. He hurriedly said, "No, no, it's really admirable that the Zhang family has such a broad mind. I will have to rely on you more in the future. I have prepared a small gift for you, and I hope you will accept it..."

(End of this chapter)