Di Ming

Chapter 189 Young Master, please wait!

Mao Wenlong repeatedly expressed his shame, but the gods showed no remorse whatsoever.

No one could tell that he was there to freeload.

Zhu Yin smiled sarcastically, "So it's Brother Mao from Hangzhou. It's a pleasure to meet you. Although I am not a nobleman, I am not good at remembering things, but I still can't recall you as an old friend. I'm ashamed, I'm ashamed."

Zhu Yin repeatedly expressed his shame, but his tone was tinged with mockery.

He wanted to see just how thick-skinned Mao Wenlong really was.

Mao Wenlong blushed slightly, pretending not to notice Zhu Yin's teasing, and instead said in a serious tone:

"I admire Mr. Zhihu's innate wisdom and regret not meeting him sooner, for we have long been spiritual acquaintances. Mr. Zhihu's famous lines, 'In the dark room, I cultivate my mind, with a pot of ice-cold jade,' 'We are surrounded by the Pearl Water, but I do not see the sorrow of the Six Dynasties,' 'Longing is like smoke and tobacco, and in one night my hair turns white,' and 'Why hide it under the tea mountain, for one night the dust will blow to Jiangdong,' etc., are too numerous to mention, and I am very familiar with them all."

"And Mr. Zhihu's calligraphy is also highly regarded. It is said to have the style of the Wei and Jin dynasties, the spirit of the Tang and Song dynasties, and the exquisite spirit of the ancients. I have seen an original piece and was amazed."

"Zhu Jieyuan did not know Mao Wenlong, but Mao Wenlong knew Zhu Jieyuan, so I consider myself an old friend."

Although his words were a slippery excuse, they were enough to get by.

Zhu Yin hadn't expected Mao Wenlong to have done such thorough preparation, even reciting his own poems. This showed that Mao was quick-witted and never fought an unprepared battle.

The poems that Mao Wenlong recited were compiled by Zhu Yin and published in the poetry collection of the Nanjing Imperial Academy. Ever since he passed the provincial examination with top honors, these so-called "famous lines" have been widely circulated and regarded as famous lines, and are not difficult to find in the streets.

There are dozens of his authentic calligraphy works in Nanjing, most of which were circulated out of the Imperial College and are not difficult to find.

Even so, it is enough to show that Mao Wenlong did not study military books in vain.

If one doesn't know his background, reciting these "famous quotes" and praising one's own calligraphy will immediately make one feel very favorably toward him.

The loan request is most likely to be successful.

But Zhu Yin was not about to let it go, and continued with a smile: "But you also said that you are a distant relative of the Ning family, which I have never heard of before."

Mao Wenlong was taken aback upon hearing this, but after a moment's thought, he said with an unchanged expression:

"I've heard that Miss Ning is the reincarnation of Guanyin, compassionate and charitable. She is also a disciple of Guanyin, a dragon girl."

“My name is Mao Wenlong. The Book of Lost Records says that the country of Maolong is in Nanxun, so my courtesy name is Zhennan. I am considered an elder of the Dragon Girl.”

“If we start with the Dragon Girl, I could be considered a distant relative.”

Zhu Yin was speechless. How dare they use such sophistry? Mao Wenlong, your shamelessness in trying to freeload is truly astounding.

No wonder they were able to cause so much trouble in Liaodong for so many years throughout history.

Many people in later generations mistakenly believed that Mao Wenlong was a rude and uncultured military man.

That is completely wrong.

Mao Wenlong was born and raised in Hangzhou. He came from a merchant family. His father paid a donation to enter the Imperial Academy, but failed to pass the provincial examination.

Although his father failed the imperial examinations, Mao Wenlong had studied since childhood and originally wanted to pursue the imperial examination route as well. However, he preferred military books and miscellaneous books and was not interested in the Four Books and Five Classics, so he could not obtain official rank.

Moreover, his mother came from the scholarly Shen family, and his uncle was also a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations).

The Mao family was once extremely wealthy and powerful.

His failure to pass the imperial examinations does not mean he was not well-read. Neither his family background nor his upbringing suggested that Mao Wenlong was a typical Ming Dynasty military man.

Zhu Yin, wanting to make things difficult for him, feigned a puzzled and serious expression and said:

"You are truly eloquent. However, the year is drawing to a close, and New Year's Eve is just a few days away. Why do you come from afar instead of spending the New Year and paying respects to your ancestors at home? On such an auspicious day, you should be with your family."

A direct, soul-searching interrogation.

Mao Wenlong gave a wry smile, then said:

"As the saying goes... auspicious days and good times are always available, and beautiful years are embraced year after year. I originally intended to return to Zhejiang for the New Year, but I was prevented by the heavy snow. It seems I won't be able to return before the New Year, so I've decided to visit friends here. I can return after the New Year, it's the same."

"But Mr. Zhihu's question makes me feel ashamed. Alas... I am far from home and have no way to meet with my old friends."

After his misfortune, Mao Wenlong drifted through the streets and became adept at reading people. He quickly realized that Zhu Yin was indeed as shrewd as he was known, a precocious and cunning young man who could not be easily fooled.

As expected of Zhu Lang of Jiangzuo, a child prodigy of the Ming Dynasty, who was born with exceptional intelligence.

In reality, Mao Wenlong was also a naive young boy, equivalent to a junior high school student in later generations, and was just as precocious as any child.

The two of them were exchanging witty remarks like little adults, their words carrying a maturity beyond their years.

After several attempts to probe, Zhu Yin finally stopped making things difficult, his smile becoming more genuine, and said:

“Brother Zhennan, there’s no need for that. As the saying goes, white hair can feel like new acquaintances, and meeting someone can feel like meeting an old friend. It is my honor that you have come to visit me in the snow. The wind is cold outside, please come into the inner courtyard.”

Zhu Yin has already concluded that Mao Wenlong is indeed a rare talent, and this person can be used!

Mao Wenlong's joy was fleeting, but he concealed it well, cupping his hands and saying, "In that case, I'll trouble Brother Zhihu."

Now that he'd been invited into the courtyard, he knew Zhu Yin had a good impression of him. The next step was figuring out how to ask for a loan.

When the servants saw Mao Wenlong being invited into the central courtyard, they immediately led his horse to the stable to feed it fine feed.

Mao Wenlong pointed to his mount, "Brother Zhihu, what do you think of this horse?"

Zhu Yin nodded honestly and said, "Indeed, a magnificent steed! A perfect match for Brother Zhennan."

Mao Wenlong handed the bow and sword to the gatekeeper and entered without carrying any weapons, showing that he knew his place.

Mao Wenlong may seem casual, but he is actually very observant and attentive, secretly observing the Zhu family's situation along the way.

By observing the servants' complexion and clothing, the refinement of their dwellings, one can judge the Zhu family's wealth and their attitude towards the servants.

This determines whether he can borrow money, and how much he can borrow.

After observing secretly for a while, Mao Wenlong felt even more at ease.

There is a play!

The Zhu family must be wealthy. Judging from the servants' complexion and attire, they must be kind masters who care for their servants and wouldn't be stingy.

The rumors of his philanthropy are true; he is not being hypocritical.

The two entered the central courtyard flower hall, where a stove had been lit. Fine tea was served again, and exquisite tea snacks were laid out. Only then did Zhu Yin put down his teacup and ask:
"Brother Zhennan, you have come from afar, braving the snow to grace my humble abode. May I ask what brings you here?"

The main event is about to begin.

Mao Wenlong also put down his teacup. "Brother Zhihu is a man of great talent and renowned throughout Jiangdong. What merit do I have to offer him any guidance?"

"I have a fine horse. I heard that Brother Zhihu loves horses, so I came to give it to you. Please don't refuse, Brother Zhihu."

He actually borrowed the horse to save face; of course, he didn't really intend to give it to Zhu Yin.

"Oh?" Zhu Yin feigned surprise. "So you're giving it to me? I do love horses. But how could I dare to take what belongs to someone else? If Brother Zhennan gives me this horse, how will I return home without a mount?"

Taking the opportunity, Mao Wenlong sighed and said with a somber expression, "Return home? To be honest, I am too ashamed to return home."

Zhu Yin chuckled inwardly, then asked cooperatively, "Brother Zhennan, what makes you say that? How can a fine man be ashamed to return home?" Mao Wenlong feigned a hint of indignation on his youthful face, "Since you have asked, I should not hide it from you. Let me tell you, my purpose in coming to Nanjing this time is to deliver gifts to the Tang family, with whom I am engaged."

"The Tang family is large and powerful, and they are a good match for my Mao family. I brought a generous gift of one hundred taels of gold. But after entering the city, I met an acquaintance who conspired with my maid to set a trap, stealing the gold and running away with my maid."

"Now, not only can I not go to the Tang family, but I also have no money to go back home."

"A hundred taels of gold is nothing, but I've lost all face. If word gets out, people will think I'm a fool. Now all I have left is this horse. Otherwise, how could I have come empty-handed today?"

"So be it. I lost gold, a maid, face, and my days were ruined. I'll just treat it as a bit of fun."

"How dare you!" Zhu Yin suddenly slammed his hand on the coffee table and shouted.

His shout was actually meant to scare Mao Wenlong.

Hmph, you dare to make up stories to fool me!
Mao Wenlong slapped his thigh, "That's right! What audacity! They dared to collude with outsiders to swindle their master's property and even become runaway slaves! How am I supposed to explain this when I go back?"

"Alas, my pockets are empty now, and I don't even have the money to go back. I want to go to the Tang family, but I really have no face to go there."

The little tiger touched its nose, glanced at Mao Wenlong's expression, and said, "Money is just an external thing. A hundred taels of gold is nothing. What's it worth?"

Just as Mao Wenlong's face lit up with joy, Zhu Yin continued:
“Brother Zhennan, since you are from a prominent family in Hangzhou, why would you really care? Just consider it charity to that short-lived, rotten-hearted ghost who cheated you out of your gold to buy a coffin.”

"I would be impolite to refuse Brother Zhennan's gift, so I will accept it without ceremony. It is truly a blessing that Brother Zhennan and I are connected, knowing that I love horses."

"Somebody come!"

A maidservant immediately appeared and asked, "What are your orders, Father?"

Zhu Yin said, "The fine horse in the outer stable just now was a gift from a distinguished guest. Please take it to the inner stable and take good care of it."

"Yes!" The servant immediately obeyed.

Mao Wenlong's face froze for a moment, then he smiled absentmindedly and said in a daze:
"Brother Zhihu is truly a wonderful person, so generous and unrestrained. Although I am two or three years older, I cannot even come close to matching him. Not only is Brother Zhihu the youngest top scholar in the imperial examinations, but he is also exceptionally righteous, benevolent, and charitable. Who in Nanjing does not praise him?"

"Given time, my brother will surely become a pillar of the state and a minister of state. A hundred years from now, when historians write his biography, recording his youthful deeds, it will truly inspire awe and longing."

After speaking, he pretended to drink his tea nonchalantly. But he was still in his prime, and his slightly trembling hands betrayed his inner thoughts.

Zhu Yin laughed and said, "These are mostly words of flattery and praise. My humble reputation is nothing to mention. As the saying goes, it is impolite not to reciprocate. Brother Zhennan has shown me great kindness by gifting me such a fine horse. I feel ashamed to accept it, how could I remain indifferent?"

Mao Wenlong's expression shifted, and his eyes suddenly shone brightly. Just then, Zhu Yin called out, "Someone, bring me pen and ink!"

Upon hearing this, Mao Wenlong's smile froze, and his eyelids twitched. He stared blankly at the tea in his cup, which reflected a lost and dejected face.

Zhu Yin, however, said calmly, "Since Brother Zhennan likes my clumsy doodles, how could I dare to keep them to myself? Today I will write a piece of calligraphy and present it to Brother Zhennan!"

Mao Wenlong forced a smile and said dryly, "Brother Zhihu, even a single word from you is hard to come by. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. This gift... is worth a thousand pieces of gold. I... I..."

"What's wrong?" Zhu Yin asked, his expression serious. "Brother Zhennan, why be so polite? It's just a piece of calligraphy, what's the big deal? Today, our meeting is a rare and wonderful occasion, please don't refuse."

Mao Wenlong's eyes welled up with tears, and his voice choked with emotion, "Brother Zhihu... your kindness and righteousness are deeply appreciated. I am speechless with gratitude."

Zhu Yin smiled gently, "That's enough, that's enough."

Soon, the servants had prepared the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.

Zhu Yin picked up the Zhongshu Jun (a type of official document), dipped the Jimo Hou (another type of official document) in fragrant ink, and poured it freely onto the paper, writing with each stroke breathtakingly:
Wenlong braved the snow to visit Zhu Yin.
The friendship is as deep as snow, three feet thick.

The story of the snow at night in Shanyin during the Jin Dynasty.
A wild goose flies through the snow, evoking the sentiments of the Song Dynasty.

Snowflakes fell endlessly from the sky.
The wind blew and the snow swirled as we rode on horseback.

The white snow in Yingzhong reflects the blue eyes.
Her heart remains pure, even amidst frost and snow.

This poem has eight lines, and the fourth character of each line is the character for "snow," but each of the eight "snow" characters is different, displaying a variety of forms and meanings.

Unfortunately, Mao Wenlong's own calligraphy was quite mediocre, and he didn't actually like calligraphy. Although he could tell that Zhu Yin's calligraphy was very skillful and his poems were also quite good, he still couldn't help but laugh and cry.

Is this the gift they gave me?

Perhaps, Zhihu, you really think this calligraphy is worth more than my horse?
More importantly, this horse isn't mine. I borrowed it from my uncle.

Enough, enough! Giving me a piece of calligraphy is better than nothing.

You should focus on passing the imperial examinations and becoming an official. When you become a high-ranking official in the future, this calligraphy might become valuable.
After finishing his writing, Zhu Yin examined the calligraphy and poem with a reserved air for a moment, then smiled and said, "I'll give this piece of calligraphy and this new poem to Brother Zhennan. What do you think, Brother Zhennan?"

Mao Wenlong took a deep breath and forced a smile, saying, "Very good, very good! As expected of a child prodigy and top scholar, your talent is boundless. Brother Zhihu's deep affection and kindness, I am so fortunate to have you, cough cough."

Zhu Yin said, "I'm glad you like it, Brother Zhennan."

Mao Wenlong said dryly, "Very good, very good..."

The two chatted aimlessly for a while, and just as the ink on Zhu Yin's writing was dry, Jin Yunniang suddenly came in and reported, "My lord, the young lady requests your presence, saying she has something important to discuss."

Zhu Yin looked troubled and said to Mao Wenlong, "What bad luck! I was planning to host a banquet to show my hospitality. But right now..."

Mao Wenlong could only stand up and say with a bitter smile, "Brother Zhihu, please go ahead. I'll come to bother you another day."

Zhu Yin cupped his hands in greeting, "Then we'll meet again sometime. Please forgive me for any shortcomings in our hospitality, Brother Zhennan."

Mao Wenlong repeatedly said, "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare."

After saying that, she carefully picked up Zhu Yin's painting, rolled it up, and put it in her sleeve.

Then, they left reluctantly.

Zhu Yin saw Mao Wenlong off, and his manners were impeccable.

When Mao Wenlong arrived at the front yard, he instinctively wanted to call for the horse, but then he remembered that the horse had already been given away.

He could only take back his bow and knife.

He maintained his composure throughout and never lost his composure.

Then, braving the heavy snow, they trudged back home, one step at a time.

He walked several miles until he reached an open space, where he couldn't help but burst into laughter.

I laughed so hard that tears came out.

He not only failed to borrow the money, but also lost his prized horse worth fifty taels of silver!
What is this thing called?
Before his laughter had stopped, he heard the sound of bells behind him. Turning around, he saw a young man riding towards him.

"Young master, please wait!"

The young man called out, "My lord invites you! If you'd like, young master, you may come to the Zhu family to celebrate the New Year!"

This young man was none other than Emperor Kangxi.

What? Mao Wenlong never expected that Zhu Yin would send people to bring him back again and even invite him to spend the New Year together!
Mao Wenlong was overjoyed and quickly cupped his hands, saying, "That is exactly what I wish for, I dare not ask!"

P.S.: I'm not feeling well today, so I'll stop here. Goodnight.

(End of this chapter)