Chapter 028｜Broken Finger

Returning to the hall, the two of them were soaked to the skin and hurriedly changed their clothes. Zhang Ke made tea in the hall and invited Xie Kangtu to drink tea.

Heavy rain fell straight down from the sky, hitting the roof with a rustling sound. Zhang Ke said, "I encountered this early winter thunderstorm once when I was ten years old, and in the following year there was a great drought, with thousands of miles of bare land, and the great river turned into a small one, and nine out of ten livestock died of thirst, and tens of thousands of people died of starvation in the Great Liang. Thirty years later the early winter thunderstorm reappeared, could it be that there is another calamity?"

Xie Kangtu said: ''Though thunder in early winter is rare, it is always there. Xie mou limited insight, but do not believe in heaven, fate, signs. If everything is determined by heaven, then Liang Sui Chen three countries to fight for this ship spectrum for what? Let God to calm the world just. In my humble opinion, people living in this world, but also to self-improvement, the right way."

Zhang Ke cupped his fists and said, "What Boat Owner Xie said is very true. Fate and timing are merely terms used by Taoist immortals." After saying that, he intentionally looked at Mei Niang and Li Jing. Meiniang is having Qingni help her dry her wet hair. Li Jing felt his face heat up as Zhang Ke's gaze swept over him.

Xie Kangtu said: "Success depends on human effort. Mu brother, handsome, understanding people, although met with misfortunes, but always be able to turn misfortune into good fortune. I have been travelling for more than twenty years, and I have seen no one who can compare with my little brother. This kind of young man is sure to become a pillar of talent, and it is not certain that he will become a general or a prime minister.There are faint chain-like patterns on his forehead and nose bridge, which might indicate a possible prison disaster"

Zhang Ke nodded, "Zhang Mou once had a chance to meet with Monk Seng Can, and the divine monk's judgement was the same. I didn't expect Captain Xie to be an expert in physiognomy."

Xie Kangtu laughed, "Xie's physiognomy is purely based on intuition, without any foundation or guidance from a famous teacher. However, my speculation about the young brother is likely not wrong."

Zhang Ke emphasised and cupped his fists and said: "Zhang Ke's destiny is ill-fated, his life is bumpy, and when he reaches the middle age, he has achieved nothing. Although he is called the prince's maternal uncle, but the emperor is distant from me, the empress does not see me. Therefore, I can only struggle to survive among the common people, constantly wandering and feeling helpless, not knowing where my path lies. I would like to ask Mr Xie to read my fortune and tell me if there is still a turning point in my life?"

Xie Kangtu returned the salute and said: "prince's maternal uncle heart is kind and generous, his temperament is calm, he has many good deeds, and he is dedicated to his studies, and his intellect is extraordinary. If you aspire to become a high-ranking official, your heart may not be ruthless enough, and you might not have such grand ambitions, making it difficult to achieve; however, achieving the positions of governor or congressman is not difficult."

Zhang Ke stood up and bowed again, "Master Xie, I wouldn't dare to take the positions of governor or congressman. However, Master Xie's comments about my temperament hit the nail on the head. Zhang Ke expresses his gratitude."

Hearing Xie Kangtu say that Li Jing could be a general and a prime minister, Mei Niang was overjoyed and personally added tea to Xie Kangtu's tea and asked with a smile, "Meiniang also requests Mr Xie to read my fortune. Will I have difficulty choosing a husband and be destined to live alone in this fishing village for the rest of my life?"

Xie Kangtu said: "The princess has the grace of a dragon and phoenix, a heart as pure as orchids and lilies, and the appearance of great nobility. Among all the women I have encountered in my life, none can compare to the princess. You are destined to be the wife of a prince or nobleman."

Zhang Ke laughed, "Just now, Boat Owner Xie said that Brother Mu Li was going to be a general, and now he is saying that Mei Niang is going to be the wife of a nobleman, could it be that you want to bring the two of them together?"

Li Jing blushed in shame. Mei Niang pouted and bumped her uncle, "Uncle is always joking! Do you see how old his little brother is?"

Zhang Ke said, "You are only four years older than him! Besides, little brother Mu Li has saved your life, and you have saved his, I find him to be much more reliable than those so-called princes and noblemen!I know I'm not well educated, and I don't want to make a name for myself. The only thing I can't worry about is you! Those princes and nobles, seemingly living in luxury and extravagance, often find themselves in dire straits during political upheavals, with their families torn apart and their lives shattered. History is replete with such tragedies, too numerous to fully document.I only hope that you are contented, peaceful life, not in vain uncle love you a." When he finished speaking, he even had tears in his eyes.

Mei Niang jumped onto Zhang Ke's shoulder and whimpered.

It turns out that during this period, Zhang Ke became anxious as he observed his adopted daughter hesitating between Yang Guang and Li Jing. He is a loyal person and has no intention of getting any credit, so although he has the honour of being the uncle of the state, he does not have any official position. He knew that Yang Guang was interested in Mei Niang, but he used her to search for the shipbuilding atlas, which made him very unhappy. But since Mei Niang is willing, he can't say much. Li Jing's behavior and demeanor greatly pleased him. Therefore, he wanted to reveal this marriage arrangement before Yang Guang came to interfere again, in order to shatter Mei Niang's grand dreams of joining the royal family.

Xie Kangtu saw that the words had been said to this point, and coughed lightly, "If the prince's maternal uncle and the princess do not mind that little brother Mu Li is not yet meritorious, and would like to be married to him, Xie Mou would be happy to see it happen."

Zhang Ke said, "I greatly admire Mu Li's talent, learning, and character. However, it depends on whether Mei Niang is willing and whether Mu Li's family approves."

Li Jing was at a loss for words, and his face was red over his ears. He mumbled: "Everything depends on the prince's maternal uncle to make the decision ... I also grew up following my uncle, I think if my uncle knows, he will also be in favour of it ...."

Zhang Ke pushed Meiniang away, "Meiniang, what do you think?"

Xiao Meiniang bowed her head and said, "I don't want to be wife of a nobleman, I just want to live my life with a husband who loves me ... My younger brother loves me dearly. If he becomes a farmer, then I'll be the weaving girl; if he becomes a scholar, then I'll be the cook; if he becomes a general or a minister, then I'll be his lady. But there's one condition: in his lifetime, he must not love another woman and must remain devoted to me alone."

At that time, the marriage system, men have three wives and four concubines is extremely common, but there are also pre-marital agreement never concubines, today's Sui Emperor Yang Jian and Empress Dugu is a case in point. Li Jing immediately said: "If the princess is not afraid of being wronged by marrying me, I will definitely remain devoted and never let her down!"

Yue was holding a chicken leg in her hand at the moment, gnawing her mouth full of oil. She was gradually getting used to being here, and her body was getting stronger. At this time, she relied on Xie Kangtu's side, raising her small face and asking: "grandfather what kind of madam do you think I am?"

Xie Kangtu had wanted to comfort Zhang Ke and Mei Niang, but when he saw that A yue's red and plain little face was adorable, he gently stroked her head, "A yue, you too have a noble destiny, and you are also a princely wife."

A Yue didn't understand the title of madam yet, nor did she understand what rank a princes and duchesses were, she just found it funny. When she heard that she and her sister Meiniang were both dukes and wives, she was so happy that she jumped up and down, came to Li Jing's side, and pulled his sleeve: "Brother, you'll be a dukes, and I'll be your wife too, okay?"

Mei Niang squatted down and hugged A Yue, "Your brother is eight years older than you oh, you can't be his wife."

"Why not?" A Yue blinked, "If my sister can, so can I. Besides, I'll always grow up."

Mei Niang was about to explain when three people walked in from outside the door and threw their dripping wet umbrellas in the corridor. Li Jing took a look and realised that it was Venerable Puzhao, Xiao Huan and Xiao Yu.

Although Zhang Ke was the prince's maternal uncle, the two princes, Xiao Huan, who had already been crowned king of Yixing, and Xiaoyu, who was to be crowned king in the spring of next year, still performed the courtesy of a courtier. Xiao Huan helped him up, "Uncle, I am very ashamed. Today, by the order of our father the emperor, I and my seventh brother came to visit you and our second sister, but unexpectedly, a heavy rain fell." After saying this, he signalled the crowd to return to their seats.

A Yue ran over and took Xiao Huan's hand and asked, "Brother Prince, do you have a wife?"

Scepter Xiao laughed, "Not yet."

A Yue said, "Will I be your wife?"

Although Xiao Yu was only eight years old, his talents far exceeded those of ordinary people. He said, ""Little sister, the wife of a prince is not called 'lady,' but 'princess consort.' You are still young, let's talk about this in a decade or so."

A Yue didn't like Xiao Yu and nuzzled her mouth, "You're not a fun little brother, you're mean. I'm not going to play with you."

Xiao Yu ignored him and asked Mei Niang, "Second sister, has the shipbuilding atlas been drawn up and copied?"

Xiao Meiniang said, "Seventh Brother, it has not yet been completed. Boat Owner Xie has been very tired these past few days, and this is just a little rest, so I'm afraid it will take some time."

A Yue took Xiao Huan's hand and asked him to go to the inner room to see her treasure. Although Xiao Huan was conceited about his talent, he was extremely friendly to the little girl, so he shook his head and followed her to the inner room.

Zhang Ke said, "The Seventh Prince has come by imperial decree to claim the atlas?"

Xiao Yu said, "That Xiao Mohe and Gao Shengdao are very impatient, constantly urging for the ship's atlas every other day. Our father, the emperor, is kind and has promised to deliver the atlas within three days. With so many of you, why not speed up the progress? Although Boat Owner Xie's legs are broken, his hands are not."

Li Jing saw that although he was small in age, he spoke in a commanding and acerbic manner, and his heart was not happy. He immediately said, "Young prince, after all, Boat Owner Xie's body is inconvenient, day and night non-stop drawing atlas, often numb fingers, has done his best. Besides, the shipowner does not owe anyone the ship's atlas, why are you being so pushy?"

Xiaoyu stood up with a huff and glared, "Where did that bastard come from? You are not allowed to speak nonsense here!"

Mei Niang saw what was about to happen and hurriedly dissuaded her, "Seventh Brother, what Mu Li said is also true. The boat owner and Brother Mu are both guests, you must not be rude."

Xiaoyu said, "I'm rude? Wasn't he the one who came up with the stupid idea of painting the atlas? Father, too, actually listened to the nonsense of a yellow-tongued child!"

When Li Jing heard this, he realised that this Xiaoyu was haunted by the fact that his advice had stolen his thunder that day. Thinking that it was difficult for Mei Niang to do so, he could only hold back his anger and ignore his insults.

Zhang Ke sidetracked, "Seventh Prince, that Xiao Mohe did not mention the matter of A Yue again?"

Xiao Yu said, "Back to uncle, Although he hasn't mentioned it again, I suspect that once he obtains the ship's atlas, he will come back to ask for the girl. In fact, a little girl has no relevance to our Liang state. Second sister, it might be better to hand her over to him to avoid trouble and unnecessary arguments. "

At this time, Xiao Huan came out from the back hall holding A yue, and said to Xiao Yu with a cold face: ''Seventh brother do not say such things. If A Yue falls into Xiao Mohe's hands, she will face certain death. Although I am weak and powerless, I cannot tolerate someone bullying a helpless child. Chen Shuling's failure to seize the throne was justifiable, what's wrong with A yue?"

Xiao Yu said angrily, "Third Brother, is it possible that you really want to raise A Yue and accept her as a concubine? Do you know that such an act would be extremely detrimental to the country? Have you thought about Father's difficulties?"

Xiao Huan said, "Not to mention you, even if Father stops me, I will still keep A yue!"

With a huff, Xiao Yu stormed out of the grass hall and ran into the rain. Puzhao declared the Buddha's name in a low voice, got up and chased after him.

Xiao Huan said, "Seventh brother is spoilt! Uncle, Second Sister, I should return to the imperial city first. If something happens to my seventh brother on the way, our father the emperor will blame me again." After saying that, he let go of A yue's hand and softly said, "A Yue don't be afraid, you will be here with elder sister first, and when that yellow-faced man with a scar on his face is gone, I will pick you up and bring you to my mansion. Brother promises you that no one can touch a single hair on your head!"

A Yue cried, "Brother must come to pick me up ... And (she pointed to Li Jing), can this brother come with me?"

Xiao Huan said as he walked away, "Let's talk about it. You have to be good, wait for me ..." said and also rushed out of the hall door.

Xie Kangtu sat on the short couch and sighed, "The prince of Liang, at a young age, has a sharp edge ... Princess,the prince's maternal uncle, it seems that the emperor is urging us to hurry up and draw."

The matter of Mei Niang's engagement with Li Jing has just started, but it had to be temporarily put on hold due to the interference of the two young princes.

Three days later, late at night, Xie Kangtu finally finished the last stroke of his painting, and his face turned pale with fatigue. Li Jing was about to take him to the guest room to rest, Xie Kangtu suddenly reached out his left hand and pulled out the short knife on Li Jing's right calf. Li Jing was startled, shocked: "Boat Owner Xie, you ..." This short knife has been tied to the calf, usually hidden extremely well, ordinary people are difficult to find. But Xie Kangtu pulled it out as soon as he reached out, obviously already familiar with it.

"Don't worry, I won't commit suicide." Xie Kangtu held the knife in his left hand and placed his right thumb flat on the edge of the case, only to hear a "ching" sound, the thumb was cut off at the root. At once, blood sprayed out, splashing on the drawing that had just been drawn.

Li Jing was frozen in fear. But Xie Kangtu just gritted his teeth and whispered, "Quickly bandage me ... Li Jing hurriedly tore off his shirt, let him press the wound, and darted to find Zhang Ke to get a hemostatic powder.

Not long after, Zhang Ke and Mei Niang ran into the study and helped Xie Kangtu stop the bleeding and bandage him. But he saw beads of sweat on his forehead, his already weak and crippled body shivering.

"Mr. Xie, why do you put yourself through this..." sighed Zhang Ke.

"Boat Owner Xie this is cutting off his finger to survive." Xiao Meiniang appeared extremely calm, "Cut off your right thumb, you will no longer be able to hold a pen and draw, thus avoiding a fatal disaster."

Zhang Ke was stunned: "If someone forcesBoat Owner Xie to hold the pen in his left hand, or to hold the pen in his four fingers, what can be done?"

Mei Niang said: ''Uncle has been immersed in calligraphy and painting for many years, please use your left hand or the four fingers of your right hand to write a few words to see? Even if you can write them out, they will certainly be crooked. Wang family's shipbuilding atlas has a complex structure and fine lines, if there is a slightest mistake, even if this ship is built, there is still the worry of it capsizing."

Zhang Ke nodded grimly.

The wound was bandaged. Xie Kangtu actually revealed a smile, "I have lived for more than forty years, but I have never been as relaxed as I am tonight. Since both my legs were broken, what's the harm in breaking another finger? I'm just dragging the princess and Prince's maternal uncle down. Brother Mu Li, mission accomplished, let's leave here."

Li Jing immediately understood Xie Kangtu's intention: since the ship's atlas was drawn, the rest of the matter will be handled by Liang, if we do not leave as soon as possible, I am afraid that the night will be long and dreamy. So he went back to his guest room to pack up.

Since he lost his baggage in the fire, Li Jing only had two pieces of clothing - one from a shop in Congyang, and a robe made by Mei Niang in the past few days. Still wearing his old clothes, he rolled up the robe and stuffed it into the small bundle and walked out of the stateroom, only to be startled by a dark shadow. Fixing his eyes, it turned out to be A yue. Her bright eyes flickered in the darkness.

"A Yue, why aren't you sleeping?" Li Jing squatted down and held her shoulders.

"Sister get up, I'm awake too."A Yue reached out and touched his face, "Brother, will you be back?"

"I will definitely come back." Li Jing whispered, but his heart was saddened. A Yue was a good child, but her family had been destroyed by the sudden change, and she was afraid that her future life would be even more difficult than Alone Star's. If Alone Star went to Sichuan, he would be taken care of by his own masters; although A Yue was loved by Xiao Huan, where exactly would she go?

"Brother, I'll wait for you to come back." Yue kissed him on the forehead and silently walked into the room.

Li Jing entered the study, collected his short sword, carried Xie Kangtu on his back, and headed for the door. The farewells at this time seemed redundant. Mei Niang whispered, "You can go ahead to Shuzhong, my sister will wait for you in Jiangling ..." Li Jing's heart was stirred, remembering the oath of the Star Pool, he nodded his head fiercely.

The night sky was starry and cold. Venerable Puzhao stood in the courtyard as if he had never left.

"The carriage is ready." He only said that before turning around and walking out of the courtyard.

Li Jing followed Puzhao, went out of the courtyard gate, and got into the carriage. The carriage was small, with only one horse. Venerable Puzhao himself drove it, riding the night along the river.

The carriage jolted violently. Li Jing supported Xie Kangtu, allowing him to rest against his shoulder. About an hour later, they arrived at a ferry crossing. Pu Zhao reined in the horses and stopped the carriage, as torches on the shore lit up.

Outside the car, a voice like a flooding bell said, "Boat owner Xie has had a hard time, Wen Zhongyuan is here to wait."

Li Jing carried Xie Kangtu out of the car and saw Wen Zhongyuan with four attendants dressed in black. Xie Kangtu greeted them and said, "Brother Wen has treated me so well, I will never forget it."

Venerable Puzhao closed his hands and saluted, a sort of farewell. Turning his horse around, he galloped away.