Chapter 100 - My Gall Bladder Is too Fat
Zuo Shaoqing gently squeezed his own arm, feeling a slight ache. He sighed inwardly, wondering when he would have skin and bones as tough as Lu Zheng's.
“Apart from this particular rumor, are there any other intriguing whispers circulating within the manor?” Zuo Shaoqing inquired.
Luo Xiaoliu glanced around, then leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a hushed tone. “Word has it that Eldest Miss ventured out once after noon today. Her destination remains a mystery.”
“How did you come by such confidential information?” Zuo Shaoqing queried.
Luo Xiaoliu replied with a hint of pride, “This servant and La Mei have been childhood companions. La Mei was recently assigned as Second Miss's attendant.”
“La Mei?” Zuo Shaoqing raised an eyebrow. “It seems there are many childhood friends within this household.” Luo Xiaoliu, being the son of the family, had numerous maidens like La Mei serving alongside him.
Luo Xiaoliu shrugged. “Well, others may judge, but I couldn't care less.”
“So, you've taken a liking to this childhood friend of yours? Would you like me to help arrange a match?” Zuo Shaoqing teased.
Luo Xiaoliu shook his head vehemently. “No, thank you! While I don't need someone exceptionally beautiful, I definitely can't afford a face full of pimples!”
Zuo Shaoqing chuckled. “Your sentiments should be shared with your childhood sweetheart, I believe.” He then began pondering why Zuo Shuhui had secretly left the house without informing anyone. Could it be because of a secret lover?
Shaking his head, Zuo Shaoqing chuckled softly. Zuo Shuhui had been in the capital for only two days and had visited Wu Steel Manor just once.
Moreover, Duke Zhen was always by her side. She had even rejected Cao Zongguan, so it was unlikely she would be captivated by an ordinary outsider.
Thoughts of Cao Zongguan brought back memories of their encounter at Lu Ming Residence. Zuo Shaoqing had a lingering suspicion that this cheerful young man was treading a darker path.
Zuo Shaoqing whispered, “Do you know if there's anyone we can leverage?”
Since arriving in Youuxi Town, Zuo Shaoqing had instructed Luo Xiaoliu to discreetly cultivate relationships with the household servants. Now, apart from Mrs. Xue's faction, most of them were amenable to conversing with Luo Xiaoliu.
Unfortunately, most of the household's crucial stewards were under the authority of Mrs. Xue, making it challenging to gather valuable information from them.
Luo Xiaoliu's anxiety heightened as he sensed that San Ye was harboring sinister intentions once again. He remarked, “That residence filled with concubines and servants won't yield much. However, the maids and servants who accompany Young Madame maintain close relations with them.”
As Mrs. Xue's informant, Luo Xiaoliu had developed strong rapport with the other side. Keen individuals could discern his true identity, thus they were less guarded in their interactions.
Zuo Shaoqing expressed his satisfaction with a nod and then beckoned Luo Xiaoliu closer. In a hushed tone, he whispered a set of instructions in Luo Xiaoliu's ear and emphasized solemnly, “Make sure this news reaches sister-in-law's ears.”
At first, Luo Xiaoliu was taken aback, but soon he was brimming with resolve. “I used to believe I was virtuous, but I never expected to have such thoughts. Young Madame may not hail from an illustrious family, but she is a genuinely good person. Rest assured, I will disseminate this information.”
Considering the incident involving Zi Zhu, Zuo Shaoqing knew that Luo Xiaoliu was even more forthright within the Zuo Family, making him unworried about any mishaps.
Despite having cautioned Mrs. Hoe previously, it appeared that she had remained unmoved. Perhaps a more forceful approach was necessary.
Zuo Shaoqing couldn't fathom how Mrs. Hoe could tolerate such an issue. If she were unaware of how to address it, Zuo Shaoqing was willing to extend an opportunity.
After the first spring rain, Zuo Shaoqing yearned for Lu Zheng's warm embrace and spent the entire night unable to sleep.
Only when Luo Xiaoliu entered and relayed that the Fifth Princess had sent an invitation for Miss Zuo's gathering did Zuo Shaoqing cast off his melancholy mood and begin to revel.
Liu Tie had already informed him about the events at the Wu Steel Manor. Zuo Shuhui had willingly become his living shield, a decision Zuo Shaoqing felt increasingly vindicated about.
“Prepare parchment, ink, brush, and inkwell. I intend to practice calligraphy today,” Zuo Shaoqing called out from beneath the covers, shivering. He added, “Bring in another charcoal brazier; it's freezing.”
Luo Xiaoliu tidied the desk, arranging the ink and parchment before approaching. “You know well that the charcoal here is custom-made. You're not an official young master, so be content with what you have.”
Zuo Shaoqing knocked on his door, teasingly scolding him with a smile, “You've got quite the nerve, talking to me like that!”
Over time, Luo Xiaoliu grew more audacious. However, due to his unwavering loyalty to Zuo Shaoqing, he gradually shed his fear.
Zuo Shaoqing bellowed at the top of his lungs, “Yinyi!”
Initially perplexed, Luo Xiaoliu's unease grew as he lifted his gaze.
His expression remained blank as he observed a dark figure descending from the ceiling of his room. Hearing San Ye's instructions for the burly fellow to fetch some charcoal, followed by the burly man vanishing before his eyes, left him utterly bewildered.
“Why… Why is he here?” Luo Xiaoliu questioned with wide-eyed astonishment. He had encountered Yinyi before and was aware of his identity, but he had never realized the extent of his master's capabilities.
Zuo Shaoqing was not in the mood to discuss these personal matters with him. He gestured dismissively and said, “Alright, before Mrs. Xue causes trouble for you, go purchase some snacks for me. Nanny Liu is absent, and there's no one to prepare snacks.”
Upon hearing Mrs. Xue's query, Luo Xiaoliu's face tensed. He had no time to dwell on Yinyi's presence and promptly hurried away with the money pouch. A brief stroll outdoors also seemed like a good idea.
Zuo Shaoqing settled down and reviewed a few pages of complex characters before addressing the questions at hand. He harbored no fear of the poem or its meaning; even if the questions were altered, he remained confident. Nevertheless, this particular query required careful consideration to avoid any pitfalls.
The room gradually grew warmer. Zuo Shaoqing transcribed Jiung Hengzhou's response from memory. After meticulous examination, he detected a flaw.
In his previous life, he had undertaken a similar task, and now his memories had resurfaced. The moment he laid eyes on Jiung Hengzhou's answer for the first time, he knew that, even if he managed to pass the examination, he would still fall short. This realization had spurred him to work diligently in the subsequent years.
Jiang Che had once ridiculed him, asserting that he would never have the opportunity to partake in the Conference Test throughout his lifetime—a futile endeavor. Only Zuo Shaoqing comprehended that he had merely been seeking a purpose in his otherwise uneventful existence.
When he believed himself to be superior to Jiung Hengzhou, the long-buried grudge had resurfaced within him. It was only then that he had turned his focus to martial arts practice and haphazardly explored an incomplete mental cultivation technique.
Not only that, fate had granted him a second chance. Zuo Shaoqing believed that if he failed to wrest the top scholar title from Jiung Hengzhou, he would be letting down destiny itself.
Lunch was delivered by a young girl. Since Zuo Yunwen had reassigned Maid Ma to the kitchen due to Zuo Shaoqing's presence, his meals had significantly improved.
“Yinyi, please join me for a meal,” Zuo Shaoqing invited, eyeing the two extra charcoal stoves in the room. His body radiated warmth, matching his improved mood.
In Luo Xiaoliu's absence, the two of them served the dishes provided by the girl. Zuo Shaoqing proactively set a bowl and chopsticks for Yinyi.
Yinyi declined, wary of the repercussions should his master discover he had dined at the same table as his future mistress.
Zuo Shaoqing didn't press the matter. He enjoyed a warm meal, discussing the affairs of Wu Steel Manor. With no outsiders present, he was inclined to break the customary rule of “eating in silence.”
Yinyi had been in the service of Lu Zheng for numerous years. He had been assigned as the young master's loyal follower and had accompanied him throughout his journeys on the battlefield. Consequently, Yinyi possessed a deeper understanding of Lu Zheng compared to the elderly lady.
Hence, Yinyi had a clear comprehension of the significance this young man held for their master and was not disheartened by his placement beside Zuo Shaoqing.
Beyond Zuo Shaoqing's inquiry, Yinyi also took the initiative to broach the topic of the Wu Steel Manor. Within the entire estate, there existed only two lords, who happened to be mother and son.
“Master…” “Lord Third…” At the door, Luo Xiaoliu burst in with an astonished countenance, clutching a paper bag in his hand.
Zuo Shaoqing set aside his chopsticks and delivered a stern admonition, “It appears I must reiterate the rules of this household to you.”
Luo Xiaoliu was Zuo Shaoqing's most dependable and sole attendant. If his vexatious habits were not corrected, it was inevitable that trouble would ensue.
“No…” Luo Xiaoliu gasped out, “I happened to cross paths with Miss's carriage on my way back. I heard that she was weeping inside.”
“Didn't Fifth Princess invite her here?” Zuo Shaoqing chuckled, “She must have faced some mistreatment. If she returns home in tears, rumors are bound to circulate.”
Luo Xiaoliu nodded in realization, “That makes sense. They say Fifth Princess is stunning but harbors malicious intent. Many young ladies are petrified of her. Word has it that this young lady might not be able to wed Master Lu.”
“Really?” Zuo Shaoqing inquired with intrigue.
“Prior to Master Lu's return to the capital, I heard the old lady had arranged a marriage for him. Strangely, the prospective bride passed away shortly thereafter. Rumor has it that Fifth Princess was behind it!” Luo Xiaoliu divulged.
Zuo Shaoqing's eyebrows lifted slightly as he commended, “Clever move!”
Following this, he inquired about Fifth Princess's personality from Yinyi. Regrettably, Yinyi possessed limited knowledge and promised to gather more information upon his return.
Zuo Shaoqing harbored no fear of Fifth Princess's malevolence; his concern lay in the possibility that she might not only be malicious but also astute, which would pose a genuine challenge.
Nevertheless, individuals capable of spreading their notorious reputation throughout the city were likely not exceptionally astute.
He swiveled around to glance at the spot Yinyi had occupied moments earlier, finding it vacant. He cast his gaze upward, but there was no trace of Yinyi's presence, not even a corner of his garment.
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