Chapter 676, Thoughts

The pavilion was silent, and the entire bamboo building was quiet as death.
Both Li Mi and Du Fuwei looked at Zhu Fuxiao calmly on the surface, but in their hearts, they felt a sense of pity for her.
No matter how extraordinary your skills are, and how you control the current situation with a single thought, suppressing all of us and making us unable to lift our heads, so what?
When encountering this kind of troublemaker, even if you have achieved great accomplishments, it is not enough to cause harm.
Like a dynasty meeting the descendant of a fallen monarch, what can be done?
"I know, both of you must be enjoying the show in your hearts. I never expected that after all my achievements, I would have such a miserable day. It seems that I have been too flamboyant and exhausted the fortunes and blessings of my descendants." Zhu Fuxiao looked at Du Fuwei and Li Mi.
He knew in his heart that this matter was not just about the Zhu family and the Zhai family, but also about the hand of fate.
"I dare not!"
Du Fuwei and Li Mi both nodded.
"Are there still any descendants of the Zhu family in the world?" Zhu Fuxiao didn't dwell on this topic and changed the subject with a question.
"Yes!" Du Fuwei said, "Under Baiwu, there is a branch that still carries the bloodline of the Zhu family from that year. And there is another bloodline, which is the direct line of the Zhu family, who moved from outside and settled in Chang'an."
"Under the protection of the current emperor, they remain unbridled and arrogant in Chang'an City." Du Fuwei whispered, "The descendants of the Zhu family forcefully seize young women, confiscate people's properties, and force decent women into prostitution. These atrocities are countless."
"Nonsense! The Zhu family used to be a wealthy household, with great power and influence. Why would they stoop so low as to do such low-class things?" exclaimed Zhu Fuxiao, his voice filled with disbelief.
How can the honorable Zhu family's descendants engage in such petty theft?
"Master, whether you believe it or not, the facts are there. As long as you want to see, you can see everything. If you don't want to see, then you won't see anything," Du Fuwei smirked.
Zhu Fuxiao remained silent, with his hands inserted in his sleeves, and a hint of coldness in his eyes.
"Master Dao, without a backup plan, I have no source of income. If you ask me to kill or set fire, I can't bear it in my heart. But if you ask me to engage in business, I don't know how. I beg Master Dao to show me a clear path, so that I can survive." Du Fuwei pleaded.
Hearing Du Fuwei's words, Zhu Fuxiao pondered for a moment before saying, "I have a recipe for making wine. It was quite famous in Luoyang City back in the day, earning me a fortune every day..."
"Master Dao, your formula is no longer a secret, it is known by all prominent families. If I get involved, I'm afraid I will have to suffer heavy losses." Du Fuwei chuckled bitterly.
"I mean, I have another kind of formula, called: Bamboo Leaf Green."
"This wine has a lingering taste and a unique fragrance that leaves one endlessly savoring. If you go and open a brewery, it would also be considered as providing a home for me in Chang'an," Zhu Fuxiao said.
"Master, I have wandered through the rivers and lakes for five hundred years, weary of fighting and killing. Now I wish to join you, Master, and be an ordinary person in the martial world. May I ask if you are willing to grant my request?" Du Fuwei looked at Zhu Fuxiao, his eyes filled with sincerity.
"Seriously?" Zhu Fuxiao stared at the other person.
"Of course." Du Fuwei said, "The current world is becoming more and more unfavorable for us old folks from back then. A few days ago, Yu Wenchenhuo merged all the major forces, although he eliminated the various powers, he himself also suffered heavy losses. We people are living in this world, blocking the view of certain individuals."
"You should stay by my side in the future," Zhu Fuxiao said. "But this matter must not be spoken of. You should continue to handle your tasks as usual. Interact with Li Tang as you normally would."
"As you wish," Du Fuwei smiled and instantly felt energized.
This counts as passing the test.
Zhu Fuxiao settled outside the city and the next day set off for Jixia Academy to pay respects to Master Niu.
Far away, I saw a long line formed in front of Jixia Academy. There were probably seven or eight hundred people. At this moment, the crowd gathered together and whispered to each other.
Zhu Fuxiao's face showed a look of astonishment, and then he suddenly realized in his heart: "It must be someone who came to the Jixia Academy to seek connections and forge relationships."
"Who are you? The Jixia Academy is a prestigious place for the hundred schools, and you cannot trespass without reason." The gatekeeper looked at Zhu Fuxiao, seeing that his luxurious clothes did not resemble those of a common worker, indicating that he came from a wealthy family. However, he should not be too arrogant, so the gatekeeper asked:
"If you want to enter the academy to seek knowledge, please line up at the back."
People who were lining up saw Zhu Fuxiao and burst into strange laughter.
Someone from behind called out, "Brother, if you want to enter the Jixia Academy, you have to line up."
"I can help you queue up, for just ten taels of silver."
"I only require eight taels of silver, to ensure you have the opportunity to enter Jixia Academy tomorrow and seek knowledge."
Ignoring the mockery of the crowd.
"I would like to meet Master Niu," Zhu Fuxiao said.
"Master Niu? There are dozens of masters at the School of Jixia, but none by the name of Niu. Are you joking with me, kid?" The gatekeeper, who was only about seventeen or eighteen years old, looked at Zhu Fuxiao, who was two years younger, and rolled up his sleeves.
He always feels that Zhu Fuxiao is teasing him.
Since he came to visit, how can he not ask the name in advance?
Zhu Fuxiao smiled and said, "Look at my memory, perhaps I should now be called the Saint of Cattle."
"Saint Niu?" The child was startled, looking up and down at Zhu Fuxiao, then sneered, "I'm afraid it's some distant relative who can't be reached by a long pole and wants to establish a relationship. Leave quickly, the master is in seclusion studying, where can he find time to see you."
The doorman put out his hand and started pushing Zhu Fuxiao.
Zhu Fuxiao stepped back to avoid the doorman. He didn't need to argue with the doorman, saying, "This is a letter from Master Confucius to me. It's not too late for the young man to read it and then dismiss me."
Su Donglai said as he handed over the note.
The gatekeeper was taken aback for a moment upon hearing this, then took the note and examined it carefully for a while before saying, "It does seem to be genuine. I don't know where you got this note from. You may pass, follow me."
He simply believed that Zhu Fuxiao's posts were not verified and were bought from somewhere else.
It can be said that ever since Master Niu came to Jixia Academy, there have been no fewer than a thousand people queuing up to visit him every day.
But Niu Fu did not receive visitors.
He came across Niu Fu's post for the second time.
He had a letter from Niu Fu and entered Jixia Academy effortlessly.
Guided by the gatekeeper, he went straight to Niu Fu's secluded place, and Zhu Fu Xiao's mouth curled up with a smile: "I am Jiang Chonghuan, here to pay respects to Master Niu."
"Why are you still being polite to me, kid?" Master Niu opened the door and greeted him, startling the gatekeeper. He welcomed him inside.
The gatekeeper stood outside Master Niu's courtyard, watching Zhu Fuxiao being personally led into the academy by Master Niu. He was left dumbfounded, feeling a thundering in his head, and his eyes filled with disbelief and incredulity.
"Who is he? What skills and abilities does he have to make the saint personally come out to greet him?" The gatekeeper felt his brain buzzing: "I have encountered a big shot! I have encountered a big shot!"
"If you want to see me, you can just use your methods to come in directly. Why bother going through the main gate? It's too conspicuous." Master Niu said unkindly.
"Sir, your status is extraordinary now. If you just come in without following proper procedures, it won't be good." Zhu Fuxiao smiled.
"You, too, are not someone who follows rules. Are you now talking to me about rules?" Master Niu sneered, then brewed a pot of tea for Zhu Fuxiao. "You came to the Jixia Academy to find me. What's the matter?"
When Zhu Fuxiao wanted to speak, Niu Fuzi preemptively interrupted him: "Don't ask for advice on scholarly matters. Not only am I not qualified to enlighten you, but I'm afraid that no one in the world can enlighten you."
Zhu Fuxiao's lips curled up: "There is indeed something important to ask for."
Zhu Fuxiao left from Master Niu's place, it was already midnight. As soon as she walked out of the gate, she saw the gatekeeper holding a lantern, standing in the darkness. At this moment, he was anxiously looking around.
"Who are you looking for?" Zhu Fuxiao's mind moved, already knowing the worries in the book boy's heart.
"I have seen the sir. Today, I have caused many offenses. I hope the sir can forgive me." The book boy's knees went weak and he was about to kneel down.
"Don't worry, young man. I can understand your duties," Zhu Fuxiao patted the book attendant's shoulder. "Go back now. It must be uncomfortable in this sudden cold weather."

After scanning the long queue still lining up in front of Jixia Academy, Zhu Fuxiao disappeared at the gate of Jixia Academy
While Zhu Fuxiao started studying at Jixia Academy, Du Fuwei began to arrange the selling of alcohol.

He is used to a life of luxury, but he can't endure hardship. Although the court provides him with a salary and allowances, it pales in comparison to what Du Fuwei possesses.
In the blink of an eye, a month has passed, and Du Fuwei's restaurant is ready, even the bamboo leaf green liquor has been brewed.
"You say we want to sell alcohol, how can we sell it well and sell it quickly?" Du Fuwei looked at Li Mi.
Li Mi furrowed his brows in worry. He is currently searching everywhere for Li Bai's whereabouts, but Li Bai is like a rat, running around everywhere. What can he do?
"Which prince or nobleman can I invite casually to have a drink? Won't it ruin my reputation?" Li Mi said without hesitation.
Upon hearing this, Du Fuwei shook his head and replied, "Li Yuan is now severely injured by Yuwen Chengdu, so he won't be able to drink. Li Shimin and Li Jiancheng won't come to drink either. I do want to invite the influential people, but as someone special, I haven't had the chance to distance myself from them. How could they come to join the feast with me?"
After thinking for a while, Li Mi said, "What do you think the Duke is planning?"
"Huh?" Du Fuwei was puzzled by the question, "What do you mean?"
"What do I mean? You know the Duke's temper, he is ruthless, cold-hearted, kills without hesitation, and never suffers any losses. Now all the major families have taken over the resources of Qinghe, and Yang Guang was even beaten to death by Li Yuanba. Do you think he can swallow this? Based on your understanding of him back then, do you think he can swallow this?" Li Mi said.
Du Fuwei was taken aback and fell into deep thought.