The next day, Xu Chuan brought Bai Jing, Xu Mingwei, and the other siblings to the West Market of Qingjiang County town by carriage.
First, they settled at the West Market residence.
"Father, is this the residence Second Brother bought?"
"It's even bigger than our own home."
Xu Chuan looked around. This was also his first time here, so he observed for a while longer.
"It's barely enough for the family to live in. However, if Shitou and Ahyuan get married and have children, it won't be sufficient."
"That's right," Bai Jing said with a smile in agreement, "Shitou is almost sixteen now. In a few more years, we should select a family for him to marry into."
She turned to look at Xu Chuan, "Does husband have anyone in mind?"
"Why would I have someone in mind? What's most important is that our Shitou likes them himself."
"There's no need."
Bai Jing shook her head, "Wherever husband is, this concubine will be."
Xu Mingxian and Xu Mingshu were full of curiosity and wandered around the entire residence. The little white tiger also followed along frolicking beside them.
"Ahyuan, in a moment, take your mother and the others to the fruit shop. Father is going out for a bit. You don't need to wait for me. I'll go directly there."
"Understood, Father."
After Xu Chuan left, he headed toward the county government.
"Who are you and what business do you have at the county government?"
The bailiff at the entrance stopped Xu Chuan and questioned him formally.
"I am Xu Chuan from Dongxi Village, here to visit County Registrar Yang."
"You know County Registrar Yang?"
"Bailiff brother, you'll know if you go report it."
This middle-aged bailiff pondered for a moment, then said, "Then follow me in. If you're deceiving us, you'll suffer for it."
Xu Chuan smiled faintly and responded with an affirmative.
He followed into the county government and came to the outside of the study where the county registrar worked.
The bailiff stepped forward to knock on the door and said, "County Registrar sir, there's someone named Xu Chuan looking for you."
"Xu Chuan? Where is he from?"
"Dongxi Village."
"Let him in."
"Mr. Xu, the county registrar is allowing you to enter."
The bailiff knew that Xu Chuan was someone County Registrar Yang was familiar with. He immediately changed to a smiling face when speaking, and then tactfully left.
"Brother Xu, it's been a long time."
"Sit down and talk."
Yang Zhao smiled slightly and made an inviting gesture.
In just a few short years, he was able to advance from chief clerk to county registrar, thanks largely to Xu Chuan's strategy for pacifying the people back then.
He originally thought the other party would come to him for help before long, or use his Yang family's name to help the Xu family rise to the next level.
Who would have thought he would wait for over five years?
The Xu family had obtained tremendous wealth, yet still remained the same as always, neither arrogant nor impatient, developing steadily.
This made him appreciate them even more.
He also knew that the Xu family was planning for a foundation that would last a hundred generations.
"County Registrar is busy with official duties, how would I dare to disturb you lightly?"
"You and I are about the same age. When no one is around, you can just call me Brother Yang," Yang Zhao said, "Have you come with something you need Yang's help with?"
Xu Chuan shook his head, "Brother Yang has misunderstood. I've long heard of your impartiality and integrity. I came today only to invite you to see my newly opened fruit shop. If you could write an inscription for me, that would be even better."
"Haha, such a small matter is naturally no problem."
Yang Zhao laughed heartily. Looking at Xu Chuan again, he said, "So you're finally ready to develop the Xu family toward the county town?"
"It seems you're confident about establishing a firm foothold in the county town."
"Brother Yang is joking. There are prominent families as numerous as cattle in the county town, and it's a place of hidden dragons and crouching tigers. My Xu family is only opening a fruit shop in the West Market to make a living. How can we talk about establishing a firm foothold?"
Yang Zhao didn't say more, "When is the opening?"
"In a little over an hour."
"Then there's no rush. Let me finish the documents at hand first, then I'll go with you."
Xu Chuan nodded and sat calmly to the side.
Nearly an hour later.
Yang Zhao stood up and cupped his hands, "I've kept Brother Xu waiting. Let me change into everyday clothes, and then we'll go. I hope we won't miss the auspicious time."
"Brother Yang is too polite. Your presence alone gives my Xu family tremendous face."
Shortly after, the two left the county government and headed to the West Market.
…
At this time, in front of the Xu family fruit shop.
The crackling sound of firecrackers continued endlessly.
Many people were already attracted by the lively atmosphere and stopped to watch.
Several wealthy households and wealthy merchants quite famous in the county town came to present gifts.
Chang Haowen came, but didn't show himself.
Instead, he was at a window seat on the second floor of the restaurant across the street, drinking wine while watching the excitement at the Xu family fruit shop opposite.
Standing beside him was still the maid named Xiao Mei.
"Opening in a place like the West Market, this Xu family really doesn't know how to choose a location."
"You can't say that. Although the West Market isn't as prosperous as the East Market, this street is mostly food establishments. If people get tired of eating, don't they need something to clear their palate? Isn't fruit just perfect?"
"Buy a few jin to take back and share with family members."
"Ah, hearing young master say it like that, it really makes sense. This Xu family is quite calculating."
Chang Haowen shook his head with a laugh. Looking below, he felt it was somewhat uninteresting.
"Hmm, Yang Zhao came? He also has a relationship with the Xu family? Could it be that the Xu family is backed by the Yang family?"
As both were from prominent families in the commandery capital, Chang Haowen naturally recognized Yang Zhao.
The two of them were of the same generation, but their ages differed considerably. He had only met him once when he was young and accompanied his father and elder brother to visit the Yang family.
"The person next to Yang Zhao also looks somewhat familiar. His features are similar to the Xu Mingyuan brothers. He should be an elder of the Xu family."
The corners of his mouth rose slightly. He suddenly felt things were getting interesting.
Just seeing Yang Zhao come here made this trip worthwhile.
"Shitou, Ahyuan, Tantou, Xueji, Yunnu, come greet your Uncle Yang."
"Greetings, Uncle Yang."
The five Xu children respectfully saluted Yang Zhao.
Yang Zhao looked over the group. Setting aside the young Xu Mingshu and Xu Mingxian, the other three all had internal radiance, abundant vital energy and spirit, appearing extraordinary.
"I truly envy Brother Xu for having such a group of fine children. Each one has extraordinary natural talent."
"What extraordinary? They're all country monkeys who grew up in the village. They can't bear such praise from Brother Yang."
Xu Mingshu wasn't afraid of strangers. She asked curiously, "Uncle Yang, why haven't I seen you during New Year's and other festivals before?"
Yang Zhao pinched her tender cheeks and said with a laugh, "Although your father and I haven't met many times, we appreciate each other and have been friends in spirit for a long time."
"Friends in spirit? How do you be friends in spirit? Can I also be friends in spirit?"
Hearing this, Yang Zhao laughed heartily.
The others were also amused by the child's words and couldn't help but smile.
"This little girl is truly lovable. I'm almost tempted to take her as my goddaughter. I wonder if Brother Xu would be willing?"
Xu Mingshu immediately bowed with a smile, "Xueji greets godfather."
"Xueji is the only daughter in my family. Everyone in the family dotes on her greatly, which has made her somewhat lawless. Brother Yang, please don't take offense," Xu Chuan said, shaking his head with a laugh.
"Her temperament is completely different from my Hua'er's, but she's very endearing."
"Come, here's godfather's meeting gift for you."
Yang Zhao untied the jade pendant from his waist and handed it to Xu Mingshu.
"It's really beautiful. Thank you, godfather."
"Brother Xu, you invited me to write an inscription, so let's do it now," Yang Zhao said.
"Yes. Shitou, Ahyuan, go fetch writing brush and ink."
"Yes, Father."
Just as Yang Zhao was about to start writing the inscription, suddenly a disdainful voice came, "Now any random cat or dog can write inscriptions?"
"Xu Chuan, is your family's signboard so casual? Do you want me to introduce you to a few highly respected calligraphy masters?"
Yang Zhao's brow suddenly furrowed into three river-pattern lines, and his face, like lotus flowers, immediately frosted over but he didn't flare up on the spot. After all, he had come on this trip only to congratulate a friend and didn't want to make a show of his official status.
Following the voice, four or five people were seen pushing through the crowd to the front of the shop.
"Second Uncle, Qian'er, he's Xu Chuan. He mocked and ridiculed our Xu family and has intentions of harming our Xu family. We can't let them off easily today."
"Mao'er, you needn't say more. I have my own judgment."
Xu Mao's second uncle, Xu Zhen, having lived to such an age, naturally had considerable experience and wouldn't be fooled by a few words.
"You must be Master Xu. This old man is Xu Zhen."
"So it's Second Master Xu," Xu Chuan said, smiling and cupping his hands as he stepped forward, "In my early years at the Xu family, I often heard of your prestige. Today is actually the first time we meet."
Seeing the other party being so polite, Xu Zhen was also somewhat surprised but he also knew that many people were smiling tigers who liked to stab people in the back.
Therefore, he didn't let down his guard in his heart.