Chapter 693: The Second Master's Grudge
Chapter 693: The Second Master's Grudge
"No, when did this Xu Village Chief become so familiar with the Second Master?"
Seeing that the old master Xu was so unpretentious, the people around were also startled, and Zhou Liang and Zhao Zhu's eyes showed a hint of bewilderment.
It was only then that Hu Ma remembered that when the Second Master brought him and these people to the Red Lantern Lady Society, because of those two Purple Great Guardians, they received assistance from Xu Wensheng, who was then the managing consort. Xu Wensheng was reasonable and didn't hesitate to ask them to help convey greetings when they returned to the village.
The Second Master was grateful, and when a noble from the city became his friend and called him 'old brother', it was a huge face-saving gesture. Every time he received something, he couldn't wait to go around the village to show off.
Of course, when the Second Master boasted in the village, others would just laugh it off and didn't really believe him. But at this moment, seeing the elegantly dressed and well-mannered noble, they all rushed to greet the Second Master, and their eyes were opened wide.
"Oh my, oh my..."
The Second Master also reacted and, together with Old Master Xu, they bowed deeply to each other. Then, holding each other's arms, they smiled and said, "Did you see the mountain goods that I asked the child to send to you?"
"I saw them, I saw them. This time, I've brought good wine for my brother, and I want to have a good chat with you."
"..."
Starting with Old Master Xu, the people beside him, including Bald Old Zhang, also came forward to bow and greet, creating a lively atmosphere.
From childhood to adulthood, the Second Master had never shown such a big face, and even his dark face seemed to glow.
It was only then that the old clan leader of the village realized what was happening, and he quickly invited the guests to enter the village to rest. While he was busy arranging the banquet, Xu Village Chief, now Xu Administrator, turned around and whispered to Hu Ma:
"We set off early, the General Guardian of Supplies instructed me not to tell you, but he has already prepared gifts and is also coming."
"..."
Hu Ma was surprised, "I didn't even send him a notice, why is he coming to join this celebration?"
Xu Administrator smiled and said, "He said that for such a grand occasion as the mountain sacrifice, what's needed is a joyous and dignified atmosphere. When he got married, you didn't make it for the wedding banquet, but you still sent him gifts. Now that you're performing the mountain sacrifice, how could he possibly miss it?"
"Hehe, clearly he didn't receive the notice, but he insisted that our relationship has grown closer, and formalities are unnecessary. He wants to come secretly just to give you a surprise..."
"..."
Speaking, he squeezed Hu Ma's palm with pride, saying, "This time, you've really given me face. After your little ghost entered the tent, you were the first to send me a notice. How glorious!"
"Wow, did Little Red Tang personally deliver the notice to the tent?"
Hu Ma was indeed surprised, thinking that he should teach her these etiquettes in the future. Little Red Tang was becoming too bold...
But since the General Guardian of Supplies was coming, then so be it. If he wanted to keep it a secret, Hu Ma wouldn't rush to spread the news. If he wanted to give him a surprise, then so be it!
Although the General Guardian of Supplies didn't arrive during the mountain sacrifice, the arrival of these dignified figures from the city livened up the Great Sheep Village. Every day, they set up banquets, and the place was bustling with people and lively chatter.
Hu Ma also understood the saying, 'Good fortune brings joy and spirit.' Now, with the high spirits in the Great Sheep Village, even the malevolent spirits in the surrounding areas became quiet. At night, the village was brightly lit, and one could walk freely in the forest.
Of course, this was also thanks to the Second Master's careful consideration. He had gone to burn incense in advance at places where malevolent spirits frequently caused trouble.
With more capable people in the village, these malevolent spirits would have to be taught a lesson if they didn't behave.
As these guests of honor arrived, it was discovered that there were far more people than initially expected. Just like Hu Ma's notices, only three to five people were sent, and they were close confidants who wouldn't mind the trouble of the journey.
However, those who received the news included some who felt they should also come to pay their respects, as well as those who came to show face for Zhou Liang and Zhao Zhu, the influential figures in the General Guardian of Supplies' army.
In addition to the subordinates of the General Guardian of Supplies, there were also aristocratic families and wealthy merchants from the city who had received the news.
It must be said that these people were indeed well-versed in etiquette.
The problem, of course, was that the village was indeed a bit crowded. Fortunately, Xu Administrator had thought it through and arranged for tents to accommodate everyone.
Amidst this lively atmosphere, there were also some unexpected guests.
Along with the young masters and servants who were sent by the city's wealthy families to deliver greetings, there was also an elderly man with a white beard, wearing a silk robe, who appeared robust despite his age. He was accompanied by several disciples riding horses and a few fierce-looking disciples. He sat in a palanquin carried by two people and had a horse-drawn carriage loaded with wine and gifts. They arrived at the village entrance and paused to survey the area, his expression filled with emotion.
One of his disciples, who appeared to be in his fifties or sixties, remarked, "This small village doesn't seem extraordinary, yet it produced two generals?"
"It must be the good feng shui of their ancestral graves!"
"..."
Hearing this, the old man gave him a sidelong glance and coldly humphed, "Why believe in feng shui? Why believe in the nonsense of the Life Fate Sect?"
"What feng shui? We've never believed in that."
"Do you really think that the emergence of two generals from this small village is merely a coincidence of feng shui?"
"Don't be skeptical. Although this village isn't big, there must be a capable elder who knows the Longevity Technique within. He must have taught them skills, allowing them to stand out under the General Guardian of Supplies. I've inquired, and this capable person should be surnamed Zhou. You should treat him with respect as an elder."
"Be sure to greet them properly. It's up to us men to maintain our reputation in the Jianghu world. It could determine whether we can secure good positions for you brothers under General Guardian of Supplies."
The disciples nodded in agreement, eager to enter the village to pay their respects.
At the entrance of the Great Sheep Village, a crowd of people, both military and officials, stood in rows, filling the area.
Those who came out to greet them were accountants, the most capable individuals selected from the surrounding villages. Although they were eloquent and literate, their lack of experience made them somewhat flustered.
After waiting for a while, none of the disciples saw anyone coming forward to greet them. One of them scanned the crowd and spotted a sturdy old man in a black cloth shirt.
Noticing that others were greeting him, they assumed he was a respected figure in the village and said, "Old brother, please come and receive them."
"This is our master, Elder Peng Peng of Mingzhou Prefecture, who has come to observe the ceremony."
The old man who was called hurriedly put on a smile, "Coming, coming, oh dear, this..."
As he attended to the guests, he looked up and saw the white-bearded old man in the palanquin. His expression froze in surprise.
It was as if he had been struck by lightning. After a moment, he cautiously asked, "Master Peng, is that you?"
The white-bearded old man had been waiting for a while, and he hadn't even had a chance to enter the village for a cup of tea. Feeling parched, he frowned slightly at the question and looked at the old man in front of him, who was clearly a familiar village craftsman. He smiled and said, "You recognize me too?"
"I... I must be mistaken..."
"I..."
The old craftsman's pupils dilated as he heard the response, and his voice trembled, "Master Peng, it's me..."
"I'm Zhou Hui..."
"When I was young, I followed you for eight years to learn skills..."
"..."
"Zhou Hui?"
Elder Peng's expression didn't change at the mention of the name, but gradually, he recognized the man.
His pupils quivered slightly, and he straightened up in surprise, "Is it you? Second Master Zhou?"
"How did you end up here?"
"..."
"I..."
Second Master's expression was somewhat dejected. He tried to force a smile, but in the end, he couldn't manage it. With a bitter smile, he said, "I'm originally from this village. You... well, since I called you Master when I was young, please come in!"
As he spoke, he stepped aside, his gait slightly unsteady.
Suddenly, a hand reached out and supported him. The person smiled and asked, "Second Master, who is this?"
"It's... Master Peng."
Second Master glanced up, his face drained of color, and said in a low voice, "The martial art you learned was passed down by him."
"Hmm?"
The person who had come to support Second Master was Hu Ma, who had been dragged over to keep the accounts. He had noticed Second Master's unusual expression and hurried over to support him. When he heard the mention of Master Peng, he had no recollection of the name.
But when Second Master mentioned the martial art, he suddenly realized why Second Master had such a drastic change in demeanor upon seeing this person.
Second Master had learned that martial art in his youth, having followed a master for seven or eight years, only to learn that one skill.
There was no way; his master wouldn't teach him the real thing.
Second Master wanted to learn skills, even sacrificing his entire life, but he never truly grasped the essence, all because of this person.
His face darkened slightly as he looked at the man.
Elder Peng, having recognized Second Master, also appeared slightly embarrassed. As they had already reached the village entrance, there was no reason not to enter. However, this unexpected encounter left the group at a loss, especially with the young man's clearly unfriendly gaze.
"Don't cause trouble."
As Hu Ma looked up at him, Second Master suddenly tugged at his sleeve and said, "Why haven't you invited them in yet?"
After a long pause, Hu Ma nodded and forced a smile, "Of course, please come in!"
The village had its own rules, and on such a joyous occasion, even beggars couldn't be turned away, let alone hold grudges.
There were longstanding rivalries between villages, and such happy events were opportunities to put aside enmity.
Of course, Hu Ma knew that some things couldn't be easily forgotten.
Elder Peng, greeting Hu Ma with a smile, couldn't see through his intentions. He thought Hu Ma was young and probably not very skilled. Hearing Second Master say that Hu Ma had learned their martial art, he immediately had many thoughts.
Slowly, he stepped out of the palanquin and said as he walked inside, "Second Brother, are the two main pillars of the supply army also your students?"
Hu Ma took over the conversation and smiled, "They are my junior brothers. Second Master is our teacher."
Elder Peng's eyes flickered, deep in thought, ignoring Hu Ma's words. Instead, he turned to Second Master, "After returning to the village, did you continue learning from others?"
Second Master shook his head slightly and sighed, "Who would teach me?"
Elder Peng stroked his white beard, lost in thought, and smiled, "That's good. Let's go in!"
(End of Chapter)
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