At night, Xian’er and Ru’er became good friends. They didn’t want to separate even when they’re sleeping. Zhao Sue had to let them sleep in the same room and the same bed. Looking at the peaceful sleeping faces of the two children, Zhao Sue couldn’t help but sighed: “How poor and lucky the two of you. You two suffered so much and almost on death bed, but you met the best person in the world.”
*
In the Capital, Meng Family Mansion.
When Meng Nan returned from work, he started dealing with his unfinished business in the study room. He was a new minister in the Honglu Government Office, so he was usually idle. It’s just, the year will end soon, so everyone became so busy.
Jin Shiwei came in from the outside in a hurry: “Gongzi, you have a letter.”
The brush in Meng Nan’s hand didn’t stop. He only said softly: “Just leave it there.”
Jin Shiwei smiled brightly: “You won’t look at it?”
Meng Nan said: “I won’t.” Zheng Ruxue has been sending letters to him in these past three days. He was so annoyed with it that he didn’t want to hear a single word about it.
Jin Shiwei coughed twice and hold onto his belief: “Meng Dage, I wish you’re doing well. Respectfully yours, Bai Zhi.”
The brush in Meng Nan’s hand stopped moving abruptly. And then he threw the brush on the inkstone without care. He rushed in front of Jin Shiwei and reached to get the letter on his hand: “Give it to me.”
Jin Shiwei raised the letter: “Didn’t you say that you will not look at it?”
Meng Nan bent his arm and gave Jin Shiwei a punch in the abdomen. Because of pain, Jin Shiwei had to pull back his arm and covered his abdomen. And so, the letter fell into Meng Nan’s hand.
“Of course, I need to read Zhier’s letter.” The writing on the envelope was much cleaner than the previous one and also looked a bit charming. It seems that she has been practicing to write words recently, and her progress was quite fast.
After reading the letter, Meng Nan asked Jin Shiwei: “Have you heard of Baima Street?” The Capital was very large, there were countless streets and lanes. Except for a few common street names, he doesn’t remember most of them.
Jin Shiwei thought for a while but then shook his head: “I have a bit impression, but I can’t remember it.” He was with Meng Nan most of the time. How can he know something that he doesn’t know?
“Go and find the housekeeper.” Their Housekeeper lived in the Capital his whole life. He knew more things in the capital than he does.
Jin Shiwei hurried away, and soon took the Old Housekeeper over.
“Gongzi, do you have any orders?” The Old Housekeeper asked Meng Nan.
“Do you know Baima Street?” Meng Nan asked.
The Old Housekeeper nodded his head immediately: “I know, Ke Daren lived on Baima Street.”
Meng Nan asked again: “Which Ke Daren?”
“It is the Left Assistant Imperial Censor, Ke Zhengming, a third rank government official. You don’t know him, gongzi?” The Old Housekeeper was puzzled. Although their young master just returned in the capital, he was now a government official. How could he not know some of the top officials in the civil and military branches?
Meng Nan waved his hand: “I’ll get to know him soon, you go and prepare a carriage. I’ll go to Ke Family’s house.”
The Old Housekeeper went away immediately, while Meng Nan changed his clothes. Then he went out with Jin Shiwei.
It was a sudden visit. Meng Nan didn’t say anything in advance. Ke Zhengming was not at home, while Madame Ke was ill in bed. Only the eldest son of the Ke Family can welcome him. When the eldest son of the Ke Family heard he came, he didn’t dare to be sloppy. He immediately sent someone to take back his father at home.
Meng Nan looked at the attentive young man in front of him and asked with a smile: “Are you Ke Daren’s eldest son? I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Ke Xicheng hurriedly replied: “I am Ke Xicheng, the eldest son of Ke Family. I’ve also heard a lot about Meng Gongzi. It is an honor to meet you in person today.”