radicalducati Chapter 22 Visiting Ouyang Xiu
Chapter 22 Visiting Ouyang Xiu
On the canal near Bianjing Wharf, masts stood like a forest, sails blocked out the sun, and boats of all kinds were packed tightly together, leaving almost no space between them. Cargo ships laden with rice from the south, brocade from Sichuan, and spices from overseas were lined up end to end.
The dock was filled with a cacophony of noise and shouts. The porters, shirtless, their bronze backs gleaming in the sun, carried heavy sacks, stepped onto shaky planks, and uttered rough work chants that seemed to carry the salty tang of sweat.
Standing at the bow of the boat, Wang You gazed at the "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" scroll, which seemed to have come to life, and was filled with awe.
"When I first came to Bianjing, I was also shocked and stood there in a daze for a long time."
Wang Zhuo rarely smiled and said, "I had heard my father and mother describe the prosperity of Bianjing before, but I only realized after arriving in Bianjing that some things are difficult to describe in words and can only be seen and experienced with one's own eyes."
"yes."
Wang You came to his senses and looked at the numerous houses built along the riverbanks on both sides of the dock. If he didn't know that he was still outside the city, he would have had the illusion that he had already entered the city.
After waiting in line for almost an incense stick's time, it was finally their boat's turn to dock.
Indeed, there was a ship jam at Bianjing Wharf, which shows how many ships there were.
After disembarking, Xiaoman went to rent two carriages. The two brothers rode in one carriage, and the two maids rode in the other, heading towards Bianjing City.
The roadside was lined with various shops, and pedestrians came and went in an endless stream, with teahouses and restaurants bustling with activity.
Suddenly, a wooden arched bridge came into view, and Wang You sat up straight.
"This must be the Rainbow Bridge, right?"
"That's right, this is Rainbow Bridge. The Bian River flows through the city. I'll take you on a boat trip on the river later," Wang Zhuo said with a smile.
Bianjing not only has a well-developed water system nearby, but also has the Bian River and Wuzhang River flowing through the city.
Furthermore, the Jinshui River was diverted to form a protective moat outside the palace.
Unfortunately, apart from the imperial transport ships, other ships could not enter the city directly.
The city's waterways are only for sightseeing purposes, and boarding and disembarking are only permitted within the city limits.
Not long after crossing the Rainbow Bridge, the towering city walls of Bianjing came into view.
The thick city walls stretched out like a giant python, and soldiers in armor stood on them.
Travel north along the city wall for several miles, then enter the city through the Xinsong Gate.
Upon entering the city, one sees rows of houses lining both sides of the street, with overlapping eaves and vermilion and black lacquered railings and windows, all intricately carved with patterns.
Shop signs and banners were everywhere, with silk shops, herbal medicine shops, paper horse shops, incense and candle shops... one after another.
There were also teahouses along the street, with their wine flags flying high. Inside, they were filled with customers chatting and listening to music. The sound of the storyteller's gavel and the cheers of the tea drinkers could be heard in waves.
Among the bustling crowds on the street, there were scholars carrying books, their blue robes conveying a refined air. And there were peddlers carrying loads, their voices long and drawn-out.
Most of the people were ordinary folks wearing turbans and short clothes of various colors, walking hurriedly.
Interspersed among them were donkey carts, oxcarts, and even several tall camels carrying furs from afar, striding proudly with their bells jingling, adding an exotic touch to this Bianjing scene.
Occasionally, you can see strongmen carrying exquisite sedan chairs, inside which sit officials or young ladies from noble families, it's unclear whether they are inside.
Bianjing consisted of an inner city and an outer city. The outer city was inhabited almost entirely by ordinary people and wealthy households, as well as some low-ranking officials.
The inner city was where the imperial city was located, and it was inhabited by princes, nobles, and high-ranking officials.
After Grand Tutor Wang became prime minister, the emperor bestowed upon him a five-courtyard official residence.
Official residences only grant the right to reside there, not ownership. After Grand Tutor Wang passed away, the residences were returned to the imperial court.
However, before becoming a prime minister, Grand Tutor Wang had purchased a three-courtyard residence in the inner city.
Back then, you could still buy a house in the inner city of Bianjing, but now that house is worth an astronomical price.
After entering the inner city and winding around, the carriage finally stopped in front of a house in Chunjing Lane, not far from Maxing Street in the east of the city.
The paint on the gate of the mansion, which was previously closed off, had faded.
Xiaoman stepped forward and knocked on the door. The gatekeeper, upon learning that the two young masters had arrived, hurriedly came out to greet them.
"This humble servant greets the eldest and second young masters."
No need for formalities.
Wang Zhuo waved his hand and asked, "Where is Uncle Fu?"
"I've already sent someone to inform them," the gatekeeper replied.
Wang Zhuo nodded, turned his head to look at Wang You who was looking around, and said, "Second brother, let's go in."
"Um."
Wang You nodded and entered the courtyard with his elder brother.
Passing the mottled screen wall and entering the front yard, you'll see an elderly man in his fifties hurrying out of the middle yard.
"This old servant greets the eldest young master." The old man bowed excitedly.
"Uncle Fu, there's no need for such formalities."
Wang Zhuo stepped forward to help the old man up and smiled, saying, "This is my second younger brother."
"This old servant greets the Second Young Master."
The old man glanced at Wang You and smiled, "Ever since I received the letter from the eldest daughter-in-law, this old servant has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the second young master."
The second young master is already known as a child prodigy at such a young age, and now he's going to participate in the prodigy exam. Master will surely be very pleased to know this.
The old man's name was Wang Fu, and the "master" he referred to was not Wang Min, but Grand Tutor Wang.
Wang Fu was a close attendant of Grand Tutor Wang. When Grand Tutor Wang served as an official in the local area, Wang Fu always acted as his advisor.
Grand Tutor Wang wanted to return his indenture, but he resolutely refused, insisting on staying in the Wang family as a slave.
Later, after Grand Tutor Wang passed away, Wang Min was granted an official post after his mourning period ended. He was appointed to a local government position, while Wang Fu stayed in Bianjing to look after the house and manage the Wang family's farms and shops in Bianjing.
Some of these estates and shops were acquired by the emperor himself, while others were bestowed upon him by the emperor during the lifetime of Grand Tutor Wang.
The annual output is quite substantial, so it's impossible to sell it all.
"Uncle Fu, you flatter me. Please, no need for such formalities."
Wang You quickly helped Wang Fu up, saying, "If Grandmother finds out, she'll scold me."
Despite being a servant, Wang Fu held a very high position in the Wang family.
Even Wang Min treated him with great respect.
It is true that servants have a low status, but some loyal old servants actually have a high status.
Even some of the concubines and illegitimate children in the family might not be able to compare.
"How is the old lady's health?" Wang Fu asked.
"Grandmother is in good health and asked me to give her regards to Uncle Fu," Wang You said with a smile.
"I am truly sorry to have troubled you with these words, Madam."
Wang Fu was very happy to hear that Old Mrs. Wang was in good health.
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, they welcomed the two brothers into the main hall.
After the servants brought tea, Wang Fu bowed and said, "Upon receiving Madam's letter, this old servant prepared some gifts. The snacks and such can't be left out; I'll have to go buy them on the spot. May I ask what the eldest and second young masters need them for?"
A visit inevitably involves giving gifts, and Wang You brought some of the more valuable ones from Shouzhou.
More common ones can be bought anywhere, so there's no need to go to the trouble.
"It's better to do it sooner rather than later. We'll submit the visiting card tomorrow, rest for a day, and then I'll take my second brother to visit Prefect Ouyang the day after tomorrow," Wang Zhuo said.
Although Grand Tutor Wang had many disciples, the highest-ranking one was only a third-rank official.
Ouyang Xiu was a third-rank official, so he was definitely the first person I had to pay my respects to.
If it drags on for too long, the other party will inevitably start to have doubts.
"Then this old servant will send someone to order some pastries first thing tomorrow morning," Wang Fu said.
…………
Although the residence in Bianjing was vacant, Wang Zhuo and Wang You did not live in the backyard, but in the side rooms of the middle courtyard.
The two brothers did not go out the next day and rested at home.
The next morning, the brother brought gifts and went to Ouyang Xiu's house.
Ouyang Xiu did not live in the inner city, but in the southern part of the outer city, near the edge of the inner city.
There was nothing they could do; the inner city of Bianjing was only so big, and it had long been filled up.
After Ouyang Xiu returned to Bianjing, his official rank was not low, so a small house would not be suitable.
The house that matches his status already belongs to someone else.