"I got tired of cultivating, so I came to see you two elders-a little leisure stolen from a busy life! Oh, Aunt, I'm going to cadge a meal here today, so don't just stand there!" Xu Qingtong said, his tongue a little slick.
Upon hearing this, Madam Zhang picked up her sewing basket and happily walked away.
"'As the sun and moon follow one another east and west without cease, so is the Heavenly Dao; never closing off its enduring course, so is the Heavenly Dao; accomplishing things through nonaction, so is the Heavenly Dao!' Uncle, what book are you reading?" Xu Qingtong asked in puzzlement, staring at the book in Chen Jialiang's hands.
"It was written by a great figure of the previous dynasty. The language is plain, but its principles are profound!" Chen Jialiang said with an air of serene assurance.
The two chatted about everything under the sun, wandering through cloud-wreathed mountains and veils of mist, until Madam Zhang had prepared a tableful of food.
Xu Qingtong stood on no ceremony. He planted himself in a broad, commanding stance and went at the meal with both hands, continually stuffing food into his mouth.
Madam Zhang watched him eat with a smile, then suddenly remarked, "Qingtong, you're not so young anymore. It's time you found a wife and gave us a little rascal soon, to help relieve our boredom!"
Xu Qingtong nearly sprayed out his mouthful of food. "Uh... no hurry, no hurry. We'll talk about it when I find someone suitable!" he said indistinctly.
"I think that girl from the Du Household is quite good. She's pretty, and she has feelings for you too!"
"Aunt, hurry up and eat. The food's getting cold!" Xu Qingtong hastily changed the subject, urging his aunt to eat.
After wolfing down