Chapter 34: The Convergence

Though Zhou You was a man of wealth and status, he was not one to indulge in melancholy. He could enjoy the rain for half a day while traveling, but several days of continuous downpour soon wore on his patience.

Zhou You was escorting prisoners, and their cart lacked a rain canopy. Providing the convicts with bamboo hats was already Zhong Yi being considerate. By the day before yesterday, with the rain intensifying, someone fell ill, forcing them to stop here. Today, they received news that a section of the road ahead was damaged by the rain and would be impassable until the weather cleared.

How long had it been since they set out? The mission was still uncompleted, and now there were further delays, even Zhong Yi was starting to lose his patience.

Now, Zhong Yi was indoors, reading and writing, while Zhou You, not wanting to disturb him and unwilling to seek out singers, drinkers, or gamblers for entertainment, had no choice but to squat under the eaves.

Just then, Zheng Xi arrived!

Zheng Xi was unfazed by the encounter, but Zhou You felt displeased, squatting there, eyeing Zheng Xi sideways with a twisted mouth. Zheng Xi, not taking offense, continued politely, "So you’ve arrived. Is Uncle Zhong resting? Allow me to settle in first, and I’ll pay a visit."

After a long pause, Zhou You managed to say, "You’re here too! I’ll go inform Uncle Zhong," standing up hastily and bowing in Zheng Xi's direction ambiguously, not clearly directed at Zheng Xi, Shen Ying, or perhaps as a general courtesy to everyone.

Zheng Xi and Shen Ying exchanged a look, both showing resigned smiles, before proceeding into the main hall. Jin Liang and others negotiated with the post station manager for accommodations. The manager carefully mentioned that the best rooms were already assigned to Envoy Zhong. Jin Liang humorously rebuked, "Just ensure everything is provided according to rank and duties, and no one will deliberately make things difficult for you."

The manager, relieved, assured, "Certainly! Everything is available! Only the courtyard is a bit aside compared to that one, but everything else is identical."

Due to the rain, there were more officials and couriers delayed here, all internally praising Zheng Xi’s youth and humility as promising for his future.

Besides his entourage, Zheng Xi was also escorting prisoners, while Shen Ying brought along a large family including his niece and her husband, along with numerous belongings. By the time the large group was settled, it was completely dark. Jin Liang took special care of Zhu San, securing a room for his family of three despite the crowded conditions, "It's closer to the kitchen and firewood storage, but further from the stables, so it's quieter. It's a shared room, apologies for the inconvenience. I’ll arrange for a better one as soon as possible."

Zhang Xian Gu quickly said, "Brother Jin, you’re too kind. We’re already grateful for this room."

Zhu San asked, "What about you? Everything taken care of upstairs?"

"Do you even need to say it?" Jin Liang laughed teasingly. "If I don't take care of Qi Lang, would I be here to see you?"

Zhu Da, hearing that he had finished attending to those above, invited, "Then come sit down and have a couple of drinks."

Jin Liang replied, "No, I still need to check on the prisoners. They got soaked in the rain on the road, and if their wounds fester, bad luck could have them dead in a couple of days, making this trip a waste."

Zhang Xian Gu said, "Then you'd better hurry with your important tasks."

As soon as Jin Liang left, Zhang Xian Gu pulled her daughter, "Lao San, come, sit down and take off your shoes and socks! I'll get some hot water for you to soak your feet properly!"

These past few days, Zhu San sat outside on the cart shaft talking to Gan Ze. How much she learned about driving in the rain was debatable, but she did hear quite a bit about the Zheng household and news of the capital. The cold rain fell, and although her head and upper body were covered, the wind and rain exposed the lower half of her limbs beneath the raincoat.

Zhu Da told her not to rush, but Zhang Xian Gu retorted, "What do you know! She can't catch cold! Quick, sit down and take off your shoes and socks first. Wet and cold stuck to the body is uncomfortable, isn't it? They still have to unload the cart and serve the masters. After soaking your feet, you'll still make it in time for dinner. Come back after eating, being warm all over is the best for reading."

Soaking her feet on the porch was both warm and comfortable for Zhu San. Looking down at the basin, she thought of Hua Jie, wondering how she was doing. Zhang Xian Gu presented a pair of new shoes, "Here, put these on, they're newly made." Zhu San snapped back to reality and said, "It's raining, and the ground is wet. I'll wear the old pair from the bag. When it's sunny, I'll wear these to the capital."

Zhang Xian Gu noted, "Those were provided by the lady before it got this cold. They won't be warm enough now." She then took the wet shoes to drain them faster.

Zhu San put on the slightly tight old shoes, which were fine for going to eat, and reassured, "It's okay."

Soon, a post station worker brought in a box of food. Zhu San received it, and Zhang Xian Gu advised, "Go eat. They should be starting too. Be smart, talk nicely with others."

Zhu San arranged the food before leaving. Zhu Da sat down at the table, "Aren't you eating?" Zhang Xian Gu said, "The water is still hot. I'll soak my feet too; it'd be a waste to pour it away. Don't eat just yet, come soak your feet too!"

…………——

The dining hall was bustling with activity!

The dining hall was nearly filled with the attendants of the two groups of imperial envoys, plus some travelers, all of whom were entitled to stay at the post station. Zheng Xi, Zhong Yi, and others were not here. Jin Liang could have dined separately, but his military habit of eating with his subordinates carried over, so he stayed with them, along with Zhu San and two junior officers at the same table.

Jin Liang noticed Zhu San's modest appetite and suggested, "Eat more, you need strength to work! Get a bit stronger, and I'll teach you some martial arts, how about that?"

Zhu San, cradling her bowl, without looking up, replied, "I won't learn."

Jin Liang was displeased, "Why not? Everyone else learns, why not my martial arts? People beg me to teach them, and I don't."

Zhu San put down her bowl, "Look at how tall and broad you are, and look at me. Do you think we're on the same path? I won't learn."

Jin Liang, finding her reasoning sound, regretfully said, "Fine, don't learn. I wouldn't teach you if you wanted."

"If you had other skills, I might learn."

"What do you want to learn?"

Zhu San responded, "I haven't decided yet. I've come across many skills I didn't know before on this journey, so I need to think carefully about what to learn."

Jin Liang said, "Just eat your meal!"

The two officers laughed, and Jin Liang added, "And you two! Focus on your meal!"

Zhu San asked, "Aren't you eating?"

Jin Liang replied, "I’m concerned about the intermittent rain. I'll go make sure everyone is settled."

Zhu San remarked, "Isn't everyone already settled? I thought all of Zheng Xi's group was accounted for, including the servants from Chen's household. The only ones not here are likely the master's confidants or personal attendants, who would be with their masters, not left unarranged."

Jin Liang said, "Those prisoners. Initially, we placed them in a spot sheltered from the wind, but now with the intermittent rain, we need to find a covered area for them. There's already a sick prisoner at Envoy Zhong's side; we can't have the same happen to ours."

An officer commented, "Where could we possibly accommodate them now? The housing is split between Envoy Zhong's people and ours, plus there are messengers passing through and a couple of officials either assuming or being relieved of duty. We're squeezed as it is."

Jin Liang decided, "I’ll see what I can do."

After a while, Jin Liang returned, announcing, "Sorted. They've all been moved to the firewood storage."

Zhu San inquired, "All the prisoners? What about those with Envoy Zhong?"

The officers whispered, "Envoy Zhong is known for his strictness, and he's particularly irritable this time. Those in his custody are likely to suffer. Tsk!"

Jin Liang cautioned, "Be careful what you say."

"No worries, their people are sitting over there; they can't hear us."

Zhu San listened to them share various speculations about the bureaucratic world, finding it quite fascinating. After finishing her meal, she returned to her room to read, with Zhang Xian Gu lighting two wicks for her lamp. Zhu Da, out of boredom, began tossing three copper coins around. Zhang Xian Gu scolded, "She's studying, and you're causing a disturbance!"

Zhu Da stood up, "I'll step out for a bit."

Zhang Xian Gu asked, "What good are you up to now? Your case isn't settled yet; someone might see and arrest you again!"

Zhu Da replied impatiently, "The envoy has declared it settled, and I’ve been exonerated…"

"That doesn't mean you're a saint!"

The two argued inside, but Zhu San, accustomed to this from a young age, continued reading. Finally, Zhu Da said, "Fine, fine, I'll play dead. Ah, I wonder how Xu Lao Dao is doing." Xu Lao Dao was a senior mediator who, unfortunately, got caught up in a scheme with colleagues to make some money, ending up on the same prison cart to the capital.

Zhang Xian Gu suggested, "Why don’t you switch places with him?"

Zhu Da remained silent.

Zhu Ying said, "It's dark already, don't go out. The inn is crowded now, and you might be mistaken for a thief. If you care for him, let's wait until after breakfast tomorrow. I'll speak with Brother Jin to get him something warm to eat and an extra blanket."

Zhu Da hesitated, "Don't trouble yourself on my account."

Zhu Ying responded, "It's no trouble at all."

…………——

The next day, Zhu Ying got up early, only to find it still raining and went back inside to continue reading.

Zhang Xiangong sighed, "Oh, the rain hasn't stopped. I used to dread rain, worrying about leaks, my small vegetable patch getting washed away, and not being able to afford rice because I couldn't go out to earn money. Now, I don't have those worries! Rain sounds can indeed be soothing."

She used to worry about the rain leaking into her house, her small patch of vegetables getting destroyed by the water, and running out of rice because she couldn't go out to earn money. But now, those worries are gone, and the sound of rain is quite pleasant.

As the day grew dim, Zhang Xiangong, usually a pragmatic person, felt a touch of melancholy. Suddenly remembering the dim light, she said, "Oh dear, it's gotten dark! Zhu San, stop reading for now. I'll light another lamp for you."

Zhu Ying had just finished the last few pages, feeling content. Had they set out today, she would have only finished the book by tonight. Staying a few days worked out perfectly, allowing her to learn a bit more before entering the capital.

Soon, it was time for breakfast. Zhu Ying reminded Jin Liang about sending some warm soup and a blanket, to which Jin Liang agreed, "Good point. If there are no blankets, we'll find some extra straw."

Zhu Ying asked Jin Liang, "Can we go and submit our work today?"

Jin Liang answered, "Why not?"

"Didn't we meet with Zheng Qinchai yesterday? Is there official business today?"

Jin Liang replied, "It's no hindrance."

Zhu Ying went to submit her work to Zheng Xi, and seeing Shen Ying there, she courteously bowed. Shen Ying's expression froze for a moment, and he glanced at Zheng Xi, thinking: This kid has changed a lot since we first met! A Meng's descriptions were too general.

Zheng Xi handed Zhu Ying a new book, instructing her to continue reading. As Shen Ying's gaze followed Zhu Ying, Zheng Xi felt a bit displeased, remarking, "Let's set off as soon as the weather clears. There's nothing much with Uncle Zhong, but Zhou You is really giving me a headache!"

Shen Ying diverted his gaze and smiled, "Alright. It's not noticeable on regular days, but being stuck in this small inn with such a character is indeed unbearable."

The two exchanged a knowing smile.

The person they found troublesome was soon to have a small connection with Zhu Ying.

After lunch, Zhu Ying returned to her room to read, when Lu Chao called her out from across the window.

Zhu Ying stepped out with an umbrella, asking, "What's up?"

Lu Chao glanced inside the room and whispered, "Stuck in the inn because of the rain and nothing else to do. How about we gamble a bit for fun? They've been playing since breakfast in the room, and they said it'd be more lively to gather in the hall in the afternoon."

Zhu Ying replied, "I don't gamble."

Lu Chao asked, "You think you're too good for me?"

Zhu Ying said helplessly, "I don't have any money."

"I'll lend you some."

"No need to return it?"

"Wishful thinking!"

Zhu Ying said, "Then let's not bet. I have a family to support."

While the two were talking, a few more people came over, all wanting to join. Zhu Ying said, "Then I'll just watch."

"Ah, that's more like it!"

Zhu Ying said, "Wait for me, I'll let my family know." She went out to talk to Zhang Xian Gu, and her friends called her to join them in conversation. Zhang Xian Gu felt that one should not be too aloof, so she said, "Go ahead." Zhu Ying didn't take any money and left empty-handed.

Lu Chao and the others were in the hall, piecing together several tables into a large gambling table, and someone brought over dice cups. Zhu Ying commented, "This is quite lively." Rolling the dice, a crowd gathered around to bet on the sizes, shouting back and forth, making it the liveliest scene. By comparison, playing cards seemed rather cultured.

Lu Chao said, "Right? Come on!!!"

Zhu Ying didn't say she knew how to play, just watched from the side. Lu Chao and the others had a few rolls, with some wins and losses. Those who lost complained about the dice, but Lu Chao calmly smashed the dice, showing they were normal bone dice. The accusers were somewhat sheepish, and Lu Chao smiled, "Let's continue playing, I have another set." He brought out another set.

The stakes gradually increased. Gan Ze said, "No, we can't bet too big. If the higher-ups find out, we'll get beaten." So, they stopped raising the bets.

After a while, people from Zhong Yi's side were also drawn over. The two sides didn't get along well, but their subordinates ended up gathering together to gamble. As more people joined, the mix of human odors became stronger. Zhu Ying said, "Lu Er Ge, I need to go back and check on my mother."

Lu Chao said, "How old are you that you still need to run to your mother for everything?"

Someone from Zhong Yi's side commented, "Going home for milk, are we?"

Zhu Ying gave him a cool glance, recognizing him as Zhou You's servant. This boy probably didn't remember her, but Zhu Ying remembered him. How did this boy, who should be serving Zhou You, end up here gambling?

Just then, the person in question arrived!

"Oh, look at you daring to gamble!"

Zhou You had just been lectured at Zhong Yi's, a frequent experience at the hands of his father's friends who looked after him well. Such scoldings never bore grudges against his uncles and aunts. However, when Zhong Yi mentioned Zheng Xi, he brought up again, "At just twenty-seven, he already possesses such composure and tact. I'm fifty-seven now, and upon returning to the capital, I need to lay low for a while. Now that you've assumed an official position, it's not like your days of idle luxury. He ranks above you, is your superior, and you must not be disrespectful to him. You need to reassure us!"

Having been lectured, Zhou You noted another grievance against Zheng Xi. Heading to his room, he found his servant slacking off, and upon hearing noise from the hall, stormed in to pick a fight. The servant, lucky for once, was mocking Zhu Ying. Zhou You saw that attendants from both sides were present, with Zheng Xi's side having more.

He decided to make a scene, curious how Zheng Xi would handle it, aiming to ridicule Zheng Xi for "lax control."

Zheng Xi, Shen Ying, and Zhong Yi, upon seeing the commotion, did not call for severe punishment. Zhong Yi ordered the destruction of the gambling paraphernalia: "So, everyone has money now? Fine, a month's salary as a fine for each."

Zheng Xi told his attendants, "You, too, the same." Then he turned to Zhu Ying.

Zhu Ying, with a half-hearted raise of her hands, said, "I have no money and did not gamble."

Zheng Xi said, "Get back to your studies!"

Zhu Ying obediently replied, "Yes."

Lu Chao's heart leapt to his throat—initially, the dice were normal, but the set they switched to was filled with lead! If smashed and discovered, it could mean death.

Lu Chao closed his eyes.

"Crack! Snap! Snap!" The dice and dice cup shattered, but no one cursed him softly, and those standing by him didn't hit him. When he opened his eyes, huh? The smashed dice were a normal set.

How bizarre!

At that moment, Zhu Ying returned to her room, tossing something onto the table. Zhang Xian Gu, who was sewing by the window, asked, "What have you brought back?" Zhu Ying wiped her palm on the table, clenched her fist, and said, "Mother, guess a number."

Zhang Xian Gu said, "Three."

Zhu Ying threw what was in her hand onto the table again, revealing three dice with red dots facing up! Hearing the sound, Zhang Xian Gu got up, scolded, "Are you out of your mind? Up to no good! Where did you get these from?" Zhu Ying wiped, collected, and threw the dice again, this time showing three threes.

She laughed and said, "They pulled me into gambling. I had no money to gamble, so I brought this back. Now, there's no need to gamble."

Zhang Xian Gu hit her lightly twice and scolded, "Up to no good! Aren't you supposed to be studying?!"

"Is there a need to study this? Their skills are limited; lead is all they know. The real pros use mercury." For those a bit more skilled, even mercury isn't necessary; just ordinary dice will do. The trick is all in the hands.

Zhang Xian Gu, exasperated, exclaimed, "Look at you, getting clever! Give it here!" and stretched her palm upwards in front of Zhu Ying.

Zhu Ying said, "It's not mine; I have to return it to someone."

"Return it to whom?"

Zhu Ying replied, "Lu Er Ge (Second Brother Lu)."

Zhang Xian Gu again cursed Lu Chao for not being a good influence, asking how he could involve her good child in gambling. "You're not to play with him anymore!"

"Yes."

Confused, Lu Chao, feeling like a puzzled monk, went back to his room to carefully check his gambling tools. Indeed, today he had broken two sets of dice: one normal and one filled with lead. He had smashed the normal one, which everyone saw. The one Zhong Yi ordered smashed was supposed to be filled with lead but turned out normal, and everyone saw that too.

While he was examining the gambling tools, Gan Ze saw him and said, "Don't fret. Zhu San has some dice; just go ask him for a couple of sets. Be careful and just play in the room; today was too much of a commotion."

"Oh, he said he doesn't gamble!"

Gan Ze said, "You're always taking advantage of the honest folks first. He has a peddler's pack with all sorts of odds and ends. Women's sewing kits, men's dice, you name it. The kid used to peddle to earn a bit for the household, it wasn't easy for him."

The two went to ask Zhu Ying for dice.

Zhang Xian Gu was displeased but felt it wasn't good for her daughter to keep the dice either and said, "Just give it to them."

Zhu Ying opened the box and took out a packet of dice from a small compartment, "Two taels!"

Lu Chao didn't understand, and Zhang Xian Gu said, "This packet isn't worth two taels of silver!"

Zhu Ying insisted, "I want two taels for it."

Gan Ze tried to intervene, but Lu Chao, frustrated, said, "Two taels then, two taels! Here!"

As she spoke, Zhu Ying teased, "Just fined a month's pay and still able to produce two taels, Lu Er Ge, quite the wealthy man." She handed him a small packet of dice and slipped something else into his hand. Lu Chao looked down, his expression instantly changing, "Good brother, that's real solidarity!"

Gan Ze was puzzled, "What are you two up to?"

Zhu Ying said, "Big Brother Gan might not know, but some things, if you don't catch them at the right moment, you just can't understand. Hehe."

Fearing more questions from Gan Ze, Lu Chao, clutching the dice, hurried Gan Ze away. Zhang Xian Gu asked Zhu Ying, "What's going on with you? Why take money? And..."

Zhu Ying replied, "They make money from gambling, so what's wrong with charging them for dice?" She handed the silver to Zhang Xian Gu, "Don't skimp, make sure they have hot water and a warm meal, give them some."

These days, Zhang Xian Gu saw more and more money, dumbfoundedly thinking: Earning silver isn't so hard, then what were our past days all about? And about the third child...

After a long thought and hearing the sound of a wooden clapper, she said, "I'll go heat some water; it's time to sleep." Glancing at Zhu Da, he was already fast asleep.

………………

The room was a shared space, with Zhu Da on the left, Zhang Xian Gu in the middle, and Zhu Ying on the right. Listening to Zhu Da and Zhang Xian Gu's heavy breathing mixed with soft snores, alongside the patter of rain outside the window, Zhu Ying gradually fell asleep.

Suddenly, Zhu Ying opened her eyes, gently pushed away the blanket, and sat up, listening intently.

It seemed the sound was gone; she frowned, thought for a moment, then got dressed, slipped into her shoes, and felt her way to the door for the umbrella. After a thought, she also felt for the axe inside the peddler's pack.

Zhang Xian Gu awoke alarmed, "Who's there?!"

Zhu Da, soundly asleep, was startled awake by Zhang Xian Gu, "What's happening? Is there a thief?!"

Zhu Ying said, "It's me! I'm going out for a bit!"

Sitting up, Zhang Xian Gu asked, "In the dead of night, not sleeping, are you off to thieve?"

Zhu Da also said, "Sleeping so soundly, what do you need to do?"

Zhu Ying, opening the door, said, "You sleep; I'll be right back."

Zhang Xian Gu got up to light a lamp with a fire striker, "What are you holding in your hand?! Come back here!"

Zhu Ying, holding an umbrella in one hand and an axe in the other, startled her, "What are you doing?"

"I'm going to check the woodshed."

Having said that, Zhu Ying headed to the woodshed, which was very close to where they lived, just across a courtyard wall. Not feeling reassured, Zhang Xian Gu also took the oil lamp and an umbrella to check. Zhu Ying was already at the door of the woodshed!

The woodshed was holding prisoners, quite a few of them. The guard found it too crowded inside and, with the rain falling outside, stayed in the cook's hut opposite the woodshed. The night was deep, and after a round, the guard had also fallen asleep. What could happen on such a night?

Yet, Zhu Ying sensed something was amiss. The woodshed was too close to her living quarters, and she thought she really heard a collapsing sound.

Turning back, Zhu Ying took the oil lamp from Zhang Xian Gu's hand, shone it into the woodshed, and shouted, "Thieves!!!"

The woodshed's window was made of wooden bars without paper, and shining the lamp inside, Zhu Ying saw a hole had been made near the base of the wall. The number of people inside the woodshed seemed off!

One was missing!

Fearing her daughter might be at a disadvantage, Zhang Xian Gu yelled at the top of her lungs, "Someone come quick!!! Thieves!!!"

Seeing this approach was not working, Zhu Ying dragged Zhang Xian Gu into the kitchen, grabbed a pot, and banged it with the axe, "A prisoner has escaped!!!"

The guard was the first to be awakened, followed by the entire station stirring into action! Torches were quickly lit, and people gathered towards the woodshed!

With more people around, Zhu Ying protected Zhang Xian Gu by standing against the wall until Jin Liang came over in big strides before she reported, "Tomb robbers making a hole in the wall. I was afraid they had already escaped when I shouted. Jin Da Ge, you should handle the important matters first."

What else to do? Jin Liang was originally well-intentioned, also to earn Zheng Xi a good reputation—who wouldn't praise Zheng Xi for his leniency? Zheng Xi also harbored such intentions, hence agreed. Now, to their dismay, the prisoners were kept in the woodshed. Due to overcrowding and the shackles being removed only to add iron fetters, they managed to dig a hole using this woodshed!

Jin Liang ordered a cordon around the woodshed, had each person brought out, all shackled and stuffed back into prison carts, and then took Zhu Ying to report to Zheng Xi.

Shen Ying, who lived next door to Zheng Xi, was also alerted and hurried over to ask about the situation. Zheng Xi said, "I am inquiring now. Wu Lang, you might as well listen in."

Zhong Yi also sent someone to find out what had happened. Zheng Xi sent word back, "A minor issue, already dealt with." He then ordered everyone else to carry on as usual, forbidding panic or unnecessary movement. To Zhu Ying, he said, "Continue."

Zhu Ying said, "I woke up to a sound that seemed off, went to check, and noticed one person was missing from inside, and there was a hole at the base of the wall…"

Zheng Xi's face darkened unusually as he asked Jin Liang, "How many escaped?"

Jin Liang replied, "None escaped; we recaptured the one who did!" That Zhu Da, who was still concerned about, Xu Daoist did not participate because of his age. He got caught in the rain and developed a fever, delirious, so the escapees did not involve him.

After clarifying the situation, Zheng Xi's expression quickly returned to normal, "Shackle them! Lock them in the prison cart!"

No mercy for these prisoners!

Jin Liang reported, "They have been locked in the prison cart."

Zheng Xi ordered, "Arrange for vigilant night patrols, then disperse."

Everyone agreed in unison, daring not to utter an extra word. In the sound of rain, footsteps receded outward.

Suddenly, a voice rang out: "Aiyo, in the dead of night, what a commotion!"

Zhou You always clashed with Zheng Xi, delighting in seeing Zheng Xi embarrassed.

Although Zheng Xi maintained strict discipline, the noise made by Zhu Ying banging a pot to alert people was not insignificant, allowing some to deduce what had happened. Moreover, the prisoners were resecured in the prison cart. Zhong Yi forbade people from coming over, knowing that when someone is embarrassed, they do not wish to be seen or known. Even if Zhou You had gone to bed, he would come out to mock. Zhong Yi's prohibition worked on others, but not on Zhou You when it came to laughing at Zheng Xi—unless he personally watched over Zhou You.

Zhou You sauntered over, his voice dripping with mockery.

However, Zheng Xi was not someone easily provoked. With a smile, Zheng Xi said, "Can't you sleep either? Lying awake at night, I've been thinking, and it seems I should follow your example, keeping prisoners in carts, rather than being overly compassionate."

Zhou You laughed loudly, "Hahaha, have you finally recognized your shortcomings?! Why bother pretending kindness to seek fame?! Thieves deserve to be locked up, exposed to wind and rain!"

Zhu Ying was speechless at him. Seeing Zhou You proudly express his thoughts and then happily walk away, she couldn't help but feel admiration for this profligate—truly a man of character!

The "man of character" gave her a proud glance, pondering: Why does this kid look somewhat familiar? Yet not like the elders around Zheng Qi, how strange!

But asking Zheng Xi directly would surely yield no answer, so Zhou You left with a bit of doubt in his mind, yet still pleased with himself.

Jin Liang loudly said, "Everyone, disperse!"