Cultivation Begins with Caring for Sister-in-law-Chapter 537

It is better to act early than late, once the decision is made.

Lin Zhong packed his books, bid farewell to his father, wife, and children, and set off with Ma Fu for Huai Zhou City.

Upon arriving in Huai Zhou City, Lin Zhong was immediately captivated by the prosperity before his eyes.

Ma Fu was also taken aback.

In recent years, as Fengzhou and Huai State have faced off, with frequent clashes between the Huai Army and the Chen Army, Ma Fu hadn’t visited Huai Zhou City for a long time, so his impression of the city still lingered on the days when Prince Huai was in power.

But at that time, it wasn’t as bustling and lively as it is now.

Both sides of the streets were filled with a dazzling array of goods. Colorful cloth canopies hung between various stalls. People wore all sorts of clothing; some dressed in luxurious silk garments, while others were simply dressed. Yet, no matter what, everyone’s faces beamed with excitement and anticipation for the future.

Sounds of shouting, singing, and cheering blended together, creating a lively atmosphere.

"Though I have never been to the Capital, the description in books of the Capital is only comparable to this," exclaimed Lin Zhong.

"The present Capital pales in comparison to Huai Zhou City." 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

At this moment, a voice rang out beside Lin Zhong.

Lin Zhong turned to the voice and saw a man who looked about the same age as him, dressed like a scholar with a backpack, who cupped his hands at Lin Zhong and said, "I hail from Su County in Yan State, aged twenty-one, surname Guo, given name Ning. You must be a scholar here in Huai Zhou City for the examination as well."

Lin Zhong quickly returned the gesture and said, "I am Lin Zhong, ’Zhong’ as in ’sincerity’. I am two years older than you, from Fengzhou County."

As he spoke, Lin Zhong added, "I have already participated in the examination in Yi County. This time, I am just here to verify something."

"So it’s Brother Lin." Guo Ning cupped his hands again and immediately said, "I am also new to Huai Zhou City, unfamiliar with the place. As they say, chance encounters are fated meetings. How about the three of us find a restaurant and chat over drinks?"

At these words, Lin Zhong’s face showed embarrassment. He glanced at his uncle; the journey had already cost his uncle too much money. If the document is verified as authentic, he would likely have to stay in Huai Zhou City until the exam in August, which would require more funds. He really did not want his uncle to spend money on dining with a newfound acquaintance.

Just as he was about to refuse, Guo Ning seemed to notice Lin Zhong’s embarrassment and smiled, "To be honest, I also have something to ask Brother Lin, so would you and your uncle join me for a drink at the restaurant?"

Without waiting for Lin Zhong’s reply, Guo Ning took him by the arm and headed toward a restaurant.

Ma Fu, recognizing Guo Ning’s demeanor, realized this person was of some standing. If Zhong could make his acquaintance, it might not be a bad thing. He quickly followed and smiled, "In response to Young Master Guo’s saying, chance meetings are fated, if we are to drink, how can we let Young Master Guo pay?"

"This... uncle need not be so polite, it is merely a cup of humble wine, nothing extravagant. I can surely afford it."

As he spoke, Guo Ning stopped in front of a shop named Fu Ze Restaurant and said, "I have heard of the famous Fu Ze Restaurant in Yan State, and here it is in Huai Zhou City as well. Brother Lin, let’s go in and have hot pot while drinking."

After saying this, he dragged Lin Zhong straight into Fu Ze Restaurant.

Ma Fu followed behind.

It wasn’t mealtime yet, although Fu Ze Restaurant was still quite full of guests, there were still some empty seats available.

After the three sat down, a waiter came over, handed them the menu, and asked, "Would you like mild, medium, or extra spicy?"

Lin Zhong: "?"

Guo Ning: "?"

Ma Fu: "Mild."

"Got it." The waiter shouted downstairs, "One mild Ying-Yang hot pot for the third floor."

Then the waiter said to Ma Fu, "The hot pot base will be here soon; call on me after you’ve chosen your dishes."

After finishing his words, the waiter stepped aside.

"Uncle, have you had hot pot before?" Guo Ning, a natural conversationalist, immediately picked up on Lin Zhong’s term of address for Ma Fu.

"I had it once in Wuguan, didn’t expect they have a franchise here in Huai Zhou City too." Ma Fu said with a smile.

"It’s not surprising. Huai Zhou City is so bustling and populous, there’s no reason not to open one." Guo Ning said.

"Uncle, Brother Guo, what exactly is this hot pot?" Lin Zhong, who was hearing about hot pot for the first time, asked curiously.

"I heard it’s something that originated across from Yu State, created by Duke An and part of the Duke’s Mansion. But exactly what it is..." Guo Ning cast his gaze toward Ma Fu.

He couldn’t quite explain, as he hadn’t tried it before.

"Put simply, it’s a kind of hodgepodge, yet distinct. Wait until the dishes are ordered and served, and you’ll see." Ma Fu offered a vague explanation.

Lin Zhong set aside his curiosity for now and began chatting with Guo Ning: "From what Brother Guo mentioned earlier, have you been to the Capital?"

Guo Ning nodded, then specifically clarified, "The Capital I refer to is the Celestial River, not today’s Luonan. My grandfather served as a Junior Minister in the Ministry of Rites, and after becoming discontented with Xu Guozhong’s monopolizing the administration and nepotism, he retired to our hometown in Yan State. Thus, I lived in the Capital for a while."

Upon hearing this, Lin Zhong felt a rush of respect, quickly stood, and cupped his hands toward Guo Ning.

For a Junior Minister at the Ministry of Rites, a Secondary Fifth Grade official, in his eyes, such a rank was practically out of reach.

During their conversation, a voice exclaimed from downstairs: "Ladies and gentlemen, stories of Zhao Zilong’s seven entrances and exits, or tales of burning the Red Cliffs are surely worn out by now. Today, I won’t talk about Zhao Zilong or Cao Aman, but instead, let’s speak about the deeds of Duke An, shall we?"

"Good," everyone cheered in agreement. Most patrons visited Fu Ze Restaurant for its hotpot, listening to stories was just an added bonus.

Lin Zhong, Guo Ning, and Ma Fu also turned their gazes downstairs.

The storyteller slapped the table again and said, "Recently, everyone must have heard about the Court’s plan to reinstate the imperial examinations, right?"

"Of course, this is surely a nationwide sensation."

"But do you know who suggested reinstating the examinations?"

"Who?"

"It was Duke An." The storyteller slapped the table again, saying, "I heard as Duke An marched north to repel the enemy, he witnessed the hardship of the people’s lives, with officials in many states and counties being negligent, and thus leaving citizens struggling. He vowed to choose a new parental official for the northern populace.

So, after driving the Jin Xia barbarians out of our Great Song, he petitioned the Court to reinstate the imperial examinations to select officials for the nation."

Upon hearing this, there was an uproar.

This underlying truth was news to them.

Someone remarked, "No wonder the notice posted in town states that anyone who passes the provincial exams and makes the list will be granted an official post by Duke An; now it makes sense."