Zhutian: Starting from the Space-Time Merchant

Chapter 287 Cao Miaoqing, Zhang Miaojing
The paths are winding, and the buildings are ornately decorated.

Trees and rocks stand tall, and emerald green ponds ripple.

The well-arranged pavilions and towers, along with the beautiful and exquisite rocks and water, create a picturesque scene.

The courtyard was brightly lit, and expensive candles burned fiercely as if they were free.

A constant stream of servants brought out delicious food and wine.

The graceful dancers danced to the lingering music.

Everything was so luxurious and pampering, as if one were in a heavenly palace.

Sitting down, before even drinking any alcohol, I was already three-tenths drunk.

"This Iron Flute Taoist."

Lin Dao, who was already used to this kind of environment, frowned and asked, "Could he be a corrupt official?"

Shi Nai'an, who was drinking nearby, almost spat out his drink.

He understood the Ming King's temperament.

If the Iron Flute Taoist's reputation is confirmed, then when the Red Turban Army takes Hangzhou, I won't even have the chance to write his epitaph.

They're either hung on poles or buried in the ground.

Suppressing the choking sensation in his throat, Shi Nai'an hurriedly explained, "Master, that's not how it is."

"He passed the exam one year after me and went to Tiantai County to become the county magistrate."

"He was dismissed from office for punishing corrupt county officials, which was met with retaliation from treacherous officials."

"He later served at Qianqing Saltworks, but was dismissed for requesting a reduction in salt taxes as an act of disobedience."

Shi Nai'an hurriedly explained, fearing that the King of Ming would misunderstand.

King Ming truly couldn't tolerate any injustice.

Working under him, even embezzling a single string of cash or a pound of meat would result in being beheaded.

Shi Nai'an was also afraid, afraid that he would kill all the scholars in the world.

"And this separate courtyard~~~"

Lin Dao raised his hand to indicate the surrounding environment. "Can he afford to support him?"

“Master,” Shi Nai’an breathed a sigh of relief, “this place does not belong to the Iron Flute Taoist.”

"The landlord's family here are descendants of the Prince of Huaiyang."

The Prince of Huaiyang, named Zhang Hongfan, was the ninth son of Zhang Rou, the Prince of Runan, a hereditary marquis of the Han Dynasty.

In the early Yuan Dynasty, he participated in the attack on Xiangyang, and later participated in the war to destroy the Song Dynasty.

He was the Grand Marshal of the Mongol-Han Army and once captured Wen Tianxiang at Wupoling in Haifeng.

They then defeated the last Song army at Yai Shan, completely destroying the Southern Song Dynasty.

Lin Dao suddenly realized, "So he's the descendant of a traitor."

"I heard that his entire family was wiped out by the Yuan Dynasty?"

As the saying goes, "When the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked."

Those who act as traitors, once they lose their usefulness, will naturally be disposed of by their masters.

More than 20 years ago, Zhang Hongfan's descendants were wiped out by the Yuan army.

The men were killed, and the women were forced into prostitution.

This is truly a case of karma coming full circle, and retribution is inevitable.

"Those killed were direct descendants of the eldest son's family."

Shi Nai'an lowered his voice and explained, "After Emperor Yuan ascended the throne, in order to win over the Han military lords, he returned the Zhang family's property to Zhang Gui's grandson, Zhang Tianyou."

"This villa belongs to Zhang Tianyou."

After this explanation, Lin Dao finally understood.

They were located in the outer area of ​​the banquet.

Guests of lesser status stayed outside to eat, drink, and have fun.

The truly invited distinguished guests were all located inside, near the water's edge.

Before long, Zhang Tianyou, the host, came out with his son, who was even younger than Lan Yu, to express his gratitude.

"Thank you all for gracing our banquet with your presence."

"I have caught a cold and am not a good drinker."

"My son did it on my behalf, and I hope you will all understand."

Zhang Tianyou, who unexpectedly inherited a large sum of money, greeted his son with a smile and asked him to come forward and pay his respects.

Lin Dao was astonished to see such a young child offering a toast.

These hereditary rulers of the Han army, though called Han soldiers, had gradually become Mongolized.

Their daily habits gradually became similar to those of the Mongols.

Let alone drinking alcohol, the banquets inside are all open-air barbecues held by the water's edge.

"Young man Zhang Yu has come to offer a toast."

Looking at the child in front of him, Lin Dao smiled and asked, "Your name is Zhang Yu?"

"Yes."

Zhang Yu, holding a wine glass in both hands, curiously looked at Lin Dao.

"I have heard of a man named Zhang Yu," Lin Dao said, giving Shi Nai'an a meaningful look. "He also has a very famous son named Zhang Fu."

He wouldn't drink with children, so Shi Nai'an stepped forward to do it for him.

If I'm not mistaken, the young man in front of me is Zhang Yu, who made the greatest contribution to the Jingnan Rebellion.

His son was Zhang Fu, who died at Tumu Fortress. His hereditary title was that of the Duke of Ying, a lineage of the Ming Dynasty.

After the Zhu family began to heavily rely on the Han army, it became a tradition.

Lin Dao, however, disagreed.

What he values ​​even more is the principle of karmic retribution!

If no one reported it, then I'll take care of it!

After toasting everyone in the circle.

Before leaving, Zhang Yu turned and looked at Lin Dao.

Of all the guests outside, only this person was disrespectful, leaving a deep impression on him.

After a while of eating and drinking, Lin Dao soon found it boring.

If it's just about eating, drinking, and watching song and dance performances, he has it all.

Just as they were about to leave, dark clouds rolled in the sky, accompanied by lightning and thunder.

Before long, a sudden downpour came rushing in.

The crowd at the riverside barbecue suddenly scattered and rushed into the dining hall, which quickly became overcrowded.

"Sorry~Sorry~~"

Zhang Tianyou apologized repeatedly, saying, "I never expected that the weather would turn out so badly."

"No, no~~~" Yang Weizhen, who was clearly a little drunk, laughed and waved his hand, "This is Heaven's will that we gather together."

Everyone laughed and praised the Iron Flute Taoist out of courtesy.

"We're all friends, let's all squeeze in and make it lively."

After a brief greeting, servants and maids came over to add tables, chairs, bowls, and chopsticks.

"My dear teacher~~~"

Wearing a scholar's robe, Luo Guanzhong, who was no more than twenty years old, ran over and bowed to Shi Nai'an.

His expression was slightly frightened. "You, how did you get here?" Shi Nai'an had written to him before, inviting him to join the Red Turban Army and make a name for himself.

Without a doubt, the master had joined the Red Turban Army.

But this is the villa of the imperial nobles, and even the Darughachi of Hangzhou is here.

How dare you come?!

"Sit down and talk." Shi Nai'an pulled him down to sit beside him.

He then introduced Lin Dao to him, saying, "This is my master's employer!"

The words "Dongjia" were emphasized.

A mind capable of writing the Four Great Classical Novels must be incredibly brilliant.

Luo Guanzhong understood after a moment's thought.

Once I understood, I panicked even more.

Too bold.

Isn't this just walking into a trap?

At this moment, Lin Dao leaned over and joked, "Do you want to get promoted and make a fortune?"

He gestured to the Mongol man at the main table, saying, "Go over there and shout, and you'll immediately earn merit."

Luo Guanzhong shook his head with a wry smile, "How could I, Luo, be such a person as to betray my master and ancestors?"

"What do you mean by betraying one's master and ancestors?"

A young girl with her hair styled in a high bun, wearing a pale yellow dress, and possessing delicate features and bright, almond-shaped eyes, sat down next to Luo Guanzhong.

"Master~"

Luo Guanzhong hurriedly introduced, "This is Miss Cao, a famous scholar from Hangzhou."

“Miss Cao, this is my master, whose pen name is Nai’an.”

"My name is Cao Miaoqing."

The young woman rose and greeted him, "Greetings, Mr. Nai'an."

"well."

Shi Nai'an smiled broadly and said, "Sit down, sit down!"

The master and apprentice chatted about what had happened in the past few years.

Naturally, they wouldn't mention joining the Red Turban Army.

These days there are no short videos, and no online identity verification.

People from the Mongol Yuan dynasty might be able to find out that there was a man named Shi Er in the Red Turban Army.

But there are so many people in the world with the same name, and many places have been occupied by the Red Turban Army, so even searching through documents is impossible. Who knows who is who?

Cao Miaoqing, standing to the side, drank wine and ate food, seemingly listening to the master and apprentice chatting.

But his gaze would always inadvertently sweep over the forest path.

Lin Dao eating his vegetables with his head covered gave her a strange feeling she had never experienced before.

Cao Miaoqing was a famous talented woman in Hangzhou. She had attended numerous banquets and poetry gatherings and had met all sorts of people.

From prefects and nobles to Darughachi.

From renowned scholars and talented individuals to wealthy merchants and tycoons.

He is quite knowledgeable and experienced.

The man next to Shi Nai'an, however, is unrestrained, free-spirited, and possesses an extraordinary demeanor.

When he glanced around the room, his gaze was disdainful, exuding an aura of dominance.

I've never seen such demeanor and bearing before.

He pondered how to strike up a conversation and get to know her.

Here, he saw Zhang Miaojing, a socialite of equal renown, come over from the main table and sit directly next to Lin Dao.

Lin Dao turned his head and glanced at her.

Her face was graceful and delicate, with a flushed blush from the alcohol on her pretty cheeks, like a bright red apple.

Her long eyelashes fluttered, and her bright eyes were misty.

With her cherry lips slightly pouting, she exuded a charming and innocent air.

"Sister Miaojing."

Cao Miaoqing asked curiously, "What's wrong?"

The newly arrived Apple Girl greeted Shi Nai'an and the others.

Only then did he respond, "That stalker is too annoying."

Huci was the Darughachi of Hangzhou.

That is, the courtyard where Lin Dao is currently residing, the former owner's aggrieved party, the Darughachi who stole the former owner's business.

The so-called Darughachi is a supervisory official, which can be directly regarded as a military supervisor eunuch.

They have branches in various prefectures and counties, specifically targeting local Han Chinese.

Undoubtedly, this status, akin to that of an emperor emeritus, emboldened them to act with impunity.

It was only because of Zhang Tianyou's status as a nobleman that things were different; otherwise, it wouldn't have been as simple as just verbal harassment.

These Darughachis committed countless crimes, too numerous to recount.

Previously, whenever Lin Dao conquered a city, the first person to behead was always the local Darughachi.

The kind where the whole family travels together.

"This brother."

Zhang Miaojing approached the forest path, her face beaming with smiles. "May I ask your name?"

There was no "fragrant breath," only the smell of alcohol.

Lin Dao frowned and leaned back slightly to avoid it.

This immediately stunned Zhang Miaojing.

She was a renowned talented woman, and in addition to her beauty and young age, countless wealthy and talented men pursued her relentlessly.

With so many sycophants around, one's ego naturally rises.

Lin Dao's blatant disrespect made Zhang Miaojing feel even more uncomfortable than the previous harassment from Hu Ci.

Her nostrils flared slightly, her pretty face flushed, and her beautiful eyes were fixed on Lin Dao.

"Miss Miaojing."

With a three-pronged hairstyle, short and stocky build, small eyes and short eyebrows, reeking of alcohol, and with greasy cuffs, he came over carrying a wine glass and asked, "We had a perfectly good conversation, what are you doing here?"

Zhang Miaojing is angry over here.

Sheng Lindao ignored his anger.

Her eyes darted around, and she chuckled sweetly, leaning even closer to Lin Dao, saying, "My lover is here, so naturally I have to come here."

Upon hearing this, everyone around who was watching the situation fell silent.

Zhang Miaojing and Cao Miaoqing are both well-known talented women and socialites in Hangzhou, attracting a great deal of attention.

Although she had many suitors, she had never been known to have a lover.

All eyes were on Lin Dao.

Where did this guy come from?

How could they have so quietly snatched away one of Hangzhou's four beauties!

(End of this chapter)