Yinshan Record

Chapter 830 Grief Overcomes, Heart Breaks: The Departure and Stay of Guzhu (Part 2)

It's unbelievable that the Great Liang Dynasty could still wield such influence thousands of miles away.

Su Che shook his head and followed Lü Zheng into the city.

The streets were far from desolate; merchants were trading everywhere, and street performers were putting on a lively show.

A dark glint flashed in Lü Zheng's eyes.

“Actually, when I was at home, my father would often take me for walks on the street. He told me, never underestimate these ordinary people. Even gods come from mortals. It is their bricks and tiles, their tea and rice that have made this world what it is.”

When Lu Zheng thought of that father, he felt a mix of emotions.

"My father is said to be a general with outstanding military achievements, but in reality he is just a hunter. Because of the protection of the sect, other countries do not dare to fight against our Guzhu Kingdom. The real enemies are the monsters in the mountains to the north. No one knows when a group of beasts will run out and search for blood and food everywhere."

“At that time, my father would lead troops to guard the border. He would lead a large cavalry force to patrol the mountains. He would be gone for months at a time. Although I could not see him, I knew that he was fighting for the country. My mother always taught me that my father was a great hero who stood tall and upright.”

When Lü Zheng mentioned that father, his expression was very complicated.

"Yet such a great hero couldn't even protect his own family. The king issued a decree saying he was guilty, and his uncles advised him to don armor and rebel, but he said, 'If the king commands a subject to die, the subject must die.' He said the king had shown him great favor, and he..."

Lu Zheng looked at Su Che with a blank expression.

"Elder, is it possible to disregard your own family just because of a debt of gratitude for someone's kindness?"

"Your father also has his own difficulties. Compared to a ruler with the Longevity Sect backing him up, what does a strong army even mean?"

The strongest force in the Guzhu Kingdom on the surface is the Core Formation cultivators sent by the Longevity Sect. However, in reality, these Core Formation cultivators are all from powerful clans in the Guzhu Kingdom. Through years of cultivation, they have become deeply entrenched in both the Longevity Sect and the Guzhu Kingdom.

Are newly emerging families like the Lü family trying to rise to prominence, or even plotting a rebellion?

It's still far from perfect.

Upon hearing Su Che's words, Lü Zheng could only let out a long sigh.

"It's just a pity about my entire Lü family. I don't know how my mother and sister are doing."

Mostly not very good.

When Su Che thought of the King of Guzhu's hospitable nature, who treated guests like empresses and crown princesses, he felt that Lü Zheng's mother and sister were likely in grave danger.

"Elder, please come this way."

Lu Zheng seemed to remember something, and he cheerfully led the way.

"The most famous restaurant in this city is called Fuhaiju, but it's just a name. The real culinary delight is Jiangyanlou. Their river delicacies are very famous. When I was little, my father often took me there. Today, I'm taking the liberty of hosting you, Elder, and inviting you to try their fresh seafood."

Su Che simply smiled upon hearing this.

Because at this moment he could feel that the spiritual seed he had buried in Lü Zheng's body seemed to have been nourished by some sweet dew, and suddenly burst forth with a wonderful vitality.

Amidst this vitality, Su Che could sense that his own soul seemed to be responding as well.

The soul also received some kind of nourishment, and even the elixir that had been unable to advance for a long time showed a slight desire to change.

There is a door.

Su Che looked at Lü Zheng and realized that the Taiyi Donghua Jade Book was indeed quite mysterious.

"Okay, then it's up to you."

Su Che readily agreed, and Lü Zheng also became interested. He led Su Che through the streets and alleys, and finally came to a quiet street. There were not many shops here, and most of them were houses. Outside the crooked gates, there was a small courtyard.

A small plaque hangs above the gate, bearing the three characters "He Xian Ju" (河鲜居).

When Lü Zheng saw the small courtyard, his previously interested face suddenly fell.

Su Che was also somewhat surprised.

Wasn't it supposed to be called Jiangyanlou? Why was it renamed Hexianju? "Since we're here, let's make the best of it and go take a look."

Since Su Che had spoken, Lü Zheng led him forward.

This is a spacious courtyard. Inside the courtyard wall, there are several tables and chairs. Behind the tables and chairs, the room is already filled with the sounds of goods being inspected; that should be the kitchen.

A well-dressed waiter rushed forward to greet the guests as soon as he saw them enter.

"Greetings, gentlemen. What would you two like to eat? Our family's river delicacies are the most famous."

Su Che found a table to sit at and, ignoring the somewhat dull-witted Lü Zheng next to him, asked directly.

"Shopkeeper, we are two merchants from the north, and we have a few questions for you."

The waiter's eyes darted around.

What do you mean by "I have a few questions to ask"? If you're not going to eat, then eat; if you're not going to eat, then leave. Who are these two people?
However, he naturally didn't dare to directly challenge them, but instead asked cautiously.

"Please ask, gentlemen. We will answer all your questions to the best of our ability."

"The last time I came here, it was called Jiangyanlou. Why did you change the name all of a sudden?"

"This is the matter."

The waiter chuckled.

"So that the old man knows that we've changed owners."

"Changed owners?"

Su Che looked at the waiter: "So business isn't good?"

"Please forgive me for what I said."

The waiter took teacups, bowls, and chopsticks from the side and set them out. He then brought over a copper teapot and filled Su Che's teacup with hot tea.

“Our place used to be called Jiangyanlou, but we broke some taboos later. The old owner was afraid of trouble, so he mortgaged the restaurant. Although a new owner took over, the old people are still working from the kitchen to our dining hall. We've just changed the signboard.”

Su Che guessed the gist of it upon hearing this, but he still smiled and laughed.

"What taboos could your business possibly violate? Do you think you've offended the Dragon King of the River?"

The waiter also let out a long sigh.

"Alas, we're unlucky here too. There's a notorious villain, a heartless scoundrel, who really loves our local delicacies. Back when he was still arrogant, he'd often have a couple of drinks here. Our former boss was a sycophant, and even asked him to write an inscription, which was then carved into a plaque using his calligraphy."

"Actually, you know that he's just a military man, how good could his calligraphy be? He's only after his power. Who knew that this traitor would actually plot a rebellion? He's really heartless. Our old boss also got into trouble because several neighbors came forward and said that he was also a traitor."

"Fortunately, the king is wise and far-sighted and did not make things difficult for our old manager. However, this business cannot continue, so we have no choice but to sell the shop and find another way to make a living."

Lu Zheng frowned as he looked at the waiter.

"So there's such a thing?" Su Che pretended not to know: "When I came here last time, I heard that the person who wrote the pen was a man of both literary and military talent, a high-ranking official of the country."

"If he's really talented, why doesn't he go to the Great Liang in the north and take the imperial examination?" the waiter said, frowning as he looked outside.

"Hey, if you want to make a living, wait until our business closes before you come back."

As he walked to the door, a disheveled beggar approached without him noticing.

The beggar was very thin, with a dark face, and he pointed at Lü Zheng while holding a broken stick with his five fingers.

"Grandpa wanted to eat meat, so he treated me."

Without saying a word, the beggar gently pushed past the waiter and went straight for Lü Zheng.

(End of this chapter)