fake gentry

Wang Huzhi is a proud man.

He was even more proud than Lu Shidu.

But at the same time, he is a contradictory person.

The emergence of Wang Dun in the Langya Wang clan caused a precipitous drop in the family's reputation, to the point where everyone condemned them. Many of his former friends have almost completely severed ties with him in the past six months, and some have even written letters of condemnation.

This caused Wang Huzhi great distress, and he could only present himself in an arrogant and lazy manner.

He was a man of ambition, though he didn't usually show it. But when he heard Xie Hong interpret Confucianism through metaphysics, especially the concept of inner sage and outer king, it struck a chord with him.

On that day at Huangshiyan, a man of his stature would not have shown his face. For a prominent family from the north to stand up for a lowly southern family would be an insult to the Wang family.

So Xie Hong is the Xie Hong that others talk about; he needs to come and see for himself.

When he first saw Xie Hong, he was struck by his demeanor and bearing, which is why he asked a question.

If Xie Hong behaves too slickly, he will definitely turn around and leave, as such a person is not worthy of his acquaintance.

If Xie Hong shows praise or goodwill towards his uncle, he will not leave, but he will definitely keep his distance from Xie Hong.

But Xie Hong actually uttered such a shocking statement in front of the gentry from both the north and south.

Dun is not a minister, but a rebel.

For a fleeting moment, when Wang Hu looked at Xie Hong, he felt incredibly insignificant.

How many people keep this thought hidden in their hearts?

But who dares to say that?

Even Xie Hong's uncle, Xie Youyu, the patriarch of the Xie clan of Chen Commandery and one of the Eight Worthies of Jiangzuo, was exiled to Yuzhang Commandery for merely advising his uncle against purging the court of corrupt officials.

What about Dai Yuan? Zu Ti and Zu Shizhi were even wary of their own uncle Wang Dun, yet Dai Yuan still stripped them of their military power.

What about Zhou Yi? He was renowned for his refined character and integrity from a young age. He was the savior of the Langya Wang clan. Back then, his uncle Wang Dao led hundreds of members of the Wang clan to kneel outside the palace gates to plead guilty, and Wang Hu was among them. His uncle Wang Dao's pleading words are still vivid in his memory.

"Bo Ren, the lives of hundreds of people in our family depend entirely on you."

The Wang family was spared thanks in part to the efforts of their uncle Wang Dao, but also to the intercession of Zhou Yi.

However, his uncle misunderstood Zhou Yi at the time. After Zhou Yi was brutally murdered, his uncle wept bitterly and said that he did not kill Bo Ren, but that Bo Ren died because of him.

Taking advantage of Lu Shi's disruption, Wang Huzhi asked Xie Hong to move aside, and then bowed solemnly again: "I was rash, please don't take offense, Master Xie. My clan elder is violent, and I was only trying to protect the family's reputation just now. I didn't mean to belittle you, Master Xie, but I was really afraid."

Wang Huzhi's voice carried a hint of sorrow, making Xie Hong feel somewhat embarrassed.

"Brother Xiuling, I understand you. In fact, since the southward migration, the Langya Wang clan has been enjoying a period of great prosperity. As the saying goes, the higher you climb, the colder it gets. This calamity may well be a warning from Heaven. What do you think?"

Wang Hu's expression suddenly froze.

Cooking oil over a raging fire? Brilliant!

"The higher you climb, the colder it gets?" That's so true.

It is said that Xie's son often speaks eloquently, and seeing it today, I can confirm it is true.

He grabbed Xie Hong's hands excitedly and said with tears in his eyes, "Feng Zhi understands me. From now on, you will be my best friend. Uncle Hu, come quickly."

Wang Biao had noticed Wang Hu's actions long ago and quickly walked over. The three of them bowed to each other at the same time, which meant that Xie Hong had gained their approval.

Lu Shi and Lu Na, who were standing to the side, were dumbfounded.

Hey, hey, what are you doing?

We were here first, weren't we?

Yang Ben and He Xi and the others looked at each other in bewilderment.

No, you were at each other's throats just a moment ago, how come you've become good friends in the blink of an eye?

So what do we do? Should we continue to embarrass Xie Fengzhi?

Lu Na sighed inwardly and whispered to Lu Shi, "Brother, this Wang Xiuling is so cunning. He deliberately tested Feng Zhi and then befriended her. I'm afraid we'll both be left behind by him."

Lu Shi's eyes widened immediately: "Why did it have to come to this? I'll go and expose him right now."

Lu Na wished he could kick his older brother, who couldn't keep his true intentions hidden.

If you hadn't interrupted about the gift, how could Wang Huzhi have taken the initiative?

"Don't act recklessly. Fengzhi and I were betrothed first, how can I let him, a later acquaintance, take the place of me? The Lu family has a daughter, but the Wang family does not."

Lu was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized what was going on.

Yes.

I do have a younger sister.

Although she wasn't born to the same mother, she was the legitimate daughter of the Lu family.

Lu was already fantasizing about becoming Xie Hong's brother-in-law and how she would watch Xie Hong, who was praised by the world, obediently follow her orders.

This fellow is not an unlearned and incompetent man; he is a well-known talent in the Jiangnan gentry circle, appreciated by Crown Prince Sima Shao, and is now a palace attendant in the Eastern Palace. His reputation in the gentry circle is higher than that of his younger brother, Lu Na.

However, he was too arrogant and naive, to the point that he seemed not very shrewd and his actions were always superficial.

"Marrying off my sister, marrying off my sister."

Lu Shi said something with a hint of smugness, and the excitement in his tone made Lu Na roll her eyes again.

Never mind, this is my own brother.

Chen San learned yesterday that many prominent families would be visiting today, so he led dozens of refugees to get things done overnight. Li Shi was also busy all night, using the saltpeter that Xie Hong had brought back to make a batch of ice for later use.

The peach grove was renovated by the craftsmen of Dongshi Wubao according to the drawings drawn by Xie Hong. The stream was diverted and meandered along the peach grove in the shape of a winding stream.

In the central open space where the current is gentle, newly woven straw mats have already been laid out, one after another. On both sides of the stream, there are several blue stone offerings for placing wine vessels and fruits.

Scholars in the Wei and Jin dynasties liked to try new things, but Xie Hong's Nine-Bend Floating Wine Cup, which incorporated modern aesthetics, was simply outdone.

When everyone entered the peach grove and saw this scene, they immediately forgot everything and began to act recklessly.

The only drawback was that Xie Hong didn't have any beautiful women serving him wine.

In the open space beside the peach grove, a bamboo pipe brought in a handful of clear spring water, which flowed into the stone mortar below and then into the downstream stream. A-Ling and A-Heng stood on either side, each holding a lacquered tray with two bars of soap placed on a celadon plate.

The first person to approach the earthenware basin was Lu Shi. He picked up the soap and examined it closely, frowning as he asked, "What is this?"

"Soap," Ah Ling replied softly, "Please wash your hands, sir."

Lu Shi picked up the soap and examined it for a while, then brought it closer to smell it. He raised an eyebrow slightly, and as A Ling had instructed, he wet the soap in his palm and rubbed it.

Fine, dense white foam immediately appeared between my fingers. The foam was thick and rich, and it felt smooth and slippery on my fingers, with an indescribable warm and moist feel.

"This is……"

Lu Shi looked down at his hands covered in foam in shock, his voice suddenly rising: "This stuff is amazing! Zu Yan, Zu Yan, come quick!"

Several young noblemen nearby immediately gathered around. Lu Shi proudly reached under the tube to rinse his hand clean, then rubbed it again and rinsed it clean, holding his hand up to the sunlight to examine it from all angles.

Yes, well-defined knuckles and clean nails, truly a pair of beautiful hands.

The young aristocratic men who were watching immediately erupted in anger.

"Soap? Something for washing hands?"

"Move aside, I'll give it a try."

Some people tried to push forward, but Yang Ben grabbed their collars from behind and pulled them back. He squeezed through on his own, picked up another bar of soap, and, imitating Lu Shi, quickly lathered up a handful of fine white foam.

Then he stared at his fingers, remaining silent for a long while before whispering, "Jiankang doesn't have anything like this either. Where did Xie Fengzhi get it? Could it be some kind of Western Region item like a Sassanid glass bowl?"

Upon hearing this, the other young nobles could no longer contain themselves and crowded forward to line up and wash their hands. Even Wang Biao was drawn over.

After washing his hands, He Xi stood to the side, examining them repeatedly. Then, he tugged at Lu Shi's sleeve and whispered, "Brother Shi Yan, may I ask Xie Lang for a bar of soap?"

"Of course, Fengzhi and I are family."

He Xi blinked a few times.

My own family?

It seems that the relationship between the Lu brothers and Xie Hong is much closer than it appears.

Little did he know that Lu Shi already considered Xie Hong as his brother-in-law.

What belongs to my brother-in-law is naturally mine too.

After everyone had washed their hands, they began to sit down on the straw mats along both sides of the stream.

Wine vessels and fruits were already laid out on the table. The lacquered plate contained honey water and dried fruit, and the celadon wine vessel was filled with rice wine sent by Zhou Guang.

Xie Hong sat down in the main seat on the upper reaches of the winding stream, with Xie Shang beside him. Lu Shi sat in the first seat on the left, Wang Huzhi in the first seat on the right, and Lu Na and Wang Biaozhi in the next seat.

Then Xie Hong clapped his hands lightly.

Then Chen San and Li Shi each led several refugees who had changed into new brown clothes, carrying trays in their hands, out of the room.

On the tray were small celadon bowls, steaming from them. Starting with Lu Shi and Wang Huzhi, each person received a bowl.

"Ice? It's actually ice? Fengzhi, what is this?" Wang Huzhi exclaimed in surprise.

"Iced treats," Xie Hong said with a smile. "I can't stand the summer heat, so I've come up with some refreshing snacks. Please, everyone, have a taste."

Lu Shi had already picked up the wooden spoon and scooped up a large mouthful, putting it into his mouth.

hiss! !

His eyes suddenly narrowed into slits.

The icy sensation spreads from the tip of the tongue to the throat, and the sweetness of honey and yogurt, wrapped in ice crystals, explodes in the mouth before slowly melting and unfolding layer by layer.

"So delicious, so delicious, it's incredibly delicious!"

Lu Shi's voice echoed throughout Taoping.