Chapter 35 Suspicion

Zhu Ying, seeing no one paying her any mind, felt no disappointment. Considering the night's events, Zheng Xi indeed suffered a significant loss of face. The prisoners didn't escape, so the situation was somewhat salvageable, especially since it was their own people who discovered the breach, not some outsider capturing and returning the escapees.

However, Zhou You's actions meant that Zheng Xi had lost face. Zhu Ying, who had banged the pot to raise the alarm, hoped everyone would forget her involvement.

That's what she thought, but Zhou You saw it differently.

Zhou You, born into wealth and privilege, generally cared little for most things, except for one—Zheng Xi. He didn't want to dwell on Zheng Xi, but countless hopeful elders wanted him to emulate Zheng Xi, constantly reminding him, making it hard to forget.

Anything related to Zheng Xi, including Zhu Ying, inevitably captured Zhou You's attention. He found Zhu Ying familiar, and was sure there was something odd about her.

Zhou You returned to his side and reported to Zhong Yi, "They pretended to be kind, locking the prisoners in the woodshed, which led to the prisoners attempting an escape. Unfortunately, they were caught and brought back."

Zhong Yi scolded him, "Nonsense! How can it be 'unfortunate' that escaping prisoners were captured? With your petty thoughts, how can you ignore the law of the land over a slight personal grievance?"

Zhou You responded, "I didn't say all of them escaped. Just one or two insignificant ones..."

"Even more absurd!" Zhong Yi earnestly replied, "He's also serving the court. Regardless of any personal rivalry with him, you can't neglect your duties. After returning to the capital, I may need to lay low for a while. Your Uncle Sun and the others have also been cautious lately. We can't always protect you; you must be careful, understand?"

Zhou You asked with concern, "You're laying low, I can bear with that, but why Uncle Sun and the others too..."

Zhong Yi said, "You've grown up; you need to be sensible. Go to bed now. Tomorrow morning, don't quarrel with Zheng Xi anymore. We still have to travel together, and you must not cause any trouble, understand?"

Zhou You wilted, "Oh."

After being scolded by Zhong Yi, Zhou You forgot to mention Zhu Ying to him. Disheartened, he returned to his room, his good mood from seeing Zheng Xi embarrassed quickly dissipating. Annoyed and unable to sleep, he thought of Zheng Xi's awkward situation and then remembered the familiar-looking boy—strangely familiar, indeed!

Zhou You never thought he was the problem. He believed if he found the boy familiar, then the boy must have been up to something! And if this boy's peculiarity could somehow be linked to Zheng Xi, it would be even more worthwhile.

Zhou You kicked off the blankets and leaped out of bed!

The servant on night duty had fallen asleep. Zhou You nudged him with his toe, "Wake up, I need to ask you something." Startled awake and confused, the servant took a moment to comprehend Zhou You's question before hurriedly responding, "Oh, that one, he's the peddler following behind. I heard Master Zheng wanted to take him on as an attendant. He only has an old mother and a lame father with him on the journey to the capital. Why do you ask? I can find out anything else you need to know."

Zhou You asked, "How can a peddler stay at the post station? Where does he stay?"

"He stays near the woodshed. It was him who discovered the prisoners had escaped tonight. Ah, he's sure to be credited for this."

Zhou You thought hard; he did not recall such a person during his assignments, so why did he remember him? Truly strange!

"My lord?"

Zhou You waved it off, "It's nothing."

The servant pleaded with him to return to bed, and after some tossing and turning, Zhou You managed to sleep fitfully for a while.

At home, he would usually sleep until lunch, but he dared not do so in front of Zhong Yi. The next morning, he got up yawning, opened the door, and saw Zhong Yi slowly practicing boxing under the eaves—he had woken up late.

Zhong Yi chided him again, "Young man, time is precious."

Zhou You responded with a wry smile, "Yes. It was all the commotion last night, wasn't it? Alright, alright, I won't seek trouble with him, I'll mind my own business! Uncle Shi, aren't you having breakfast?" He hurried to have breakfast served for Zhong Yi, knowing that Zhong Yi adhered to "no talking while eating," which meant he wouldn't lecture him during the meal!

Zhong Yi saw through his intentions at a glance but chose not to expose them, instead offering a light chuckle before going to eat. It was good that the boy knew fear. This child received such care from his uncles and aunts, aside from his deceased father's influence, likely because he appreciated their kindness without resentment, despite not progressing as much as Zheng Xi. Aside from not being as diligent as Zheng Xi, he truly was a good kid.

…………

After eating, the "good kid," noticing the rain lessen, went to check on his family's prisoners. Bored, he asked the servant, "Where are my dice?"

The servant gently reminded him, "You've just cracked down on gambling..."

Damn it! Life's become unbearable!

Zhou You himself occasionally gambled; he wasn't addicted, but the dullness of staying in the dreary post station made him reconsider.

His crackdown on gambling had cut off his own retreat; if he gambled now, Zheng Xi would undoubtedly confront him with a sly, mocking smile. Zhou You certainly couldn't stand that!

Like a caged animal pacing in his room, after eight frantic rounds, he decided, "Go! Call everyone to the hall, we'll play toss-the-arrow!"

If they wagered small stakes, it shouldn't count as gambling... right?

Acting on impulse, Zhou You gathered his friends, cleared the tables to the sides of the hall, and set up a pot on the floor. They got some arrows, and he declared, "On this rainy day with nothing to do, I'll host. Bring wine and food." He also offered ten taels of silver as a prize for the first place, five for the second, and two for the third.

A formal drinking party with arrow tossing would involve certain etiquettes, but Zhou You dispensed with these, simply drawing a line a set distance from the pot for players to stand behind and toss. The rules for winning and losing remained traditional, unchanged.

After a while, attendants from Zheng Xi and Shen Ying's sides were drawn over. Zhou You, with his temperament, disliked Zheng Xi but wouldn't target Shen Ying, and he would show a pleasant face to Zheng Xi's attendants, unless they were close confidants like Jin Liang, inviting them warmly, "Come, join us!"

After inviting them, he noticed the boy from last night who looked familiar, still in the same clothes, on the edge of the crowd.

Zhou You twisted his mouth, tossed the arrow in his hand aside, jumped over, and circled Zhu Ying, stroking his chin while asking, "You, what do you do? Where are you from? How did you come to be with Zheng Qi? What did you do before?"

Zhu Ying said, "Ah?"

Zhou You's servant dutifully said, "He's asking you! Answer him."

Zhu Ying felt helpless; she didn't want any association with Zhou You, a powerful figure who didn't get along with Zheng Xi, someone she couldn't afford to provoke. Yet, she couldn't remain silent for fear Zhou You might ask, "Are you mute?" leading to unnecessary speculation.

She had no choice but to say, "A peddler, following to sell goods." Since officials on duty are exempt from taxes, it's common for merchants to accompany officials on their travels, paying respects and earning some tax-exempt profit. Officials, their families, and attendants often take advantage of this to supplement their household income.

"What's going on here?!" Jin Liang's voice erupted, "You lad, have you finished your studies only to come here and gamble? General Zhou just cracked down on gambling yesterday! And now you dare to start again?"

Zhou You, infuriated, retorted, "Jin Liang! What do you mean starting again?! Toss-the-arrow, understand?"

Jin Liang humbly apologized with a smile, "Lord Zhou? The prizes for toss-the-arrow. Ah, always so playful, Lord Zhou. Kid, go back to your studies!"

Zhu Ying slowly responded, "Oh."

…………

Zhu Ying felt incredibly unlucky; she should have continued her studies today but was called early in the morning to answer questions. Unlike Zhou You, Zheng Xi's demeanor was normal; he had ordered the aftermath handled properly last night and summoned Zhu Ying this morning for details, having learned from Jin Liang that Zhu Ying lived next to the woodshed and thus heard the noise.

Zhu Ying recounted everything, adding, "I was curious, and my mother worried, so I followed, and then, startled, I shouted. We should have quietly found someone to handle it, making such a fuss isn't good."

Zheng Xi mockingly praised, "As if you know so much! Shouting was not wrong. Quietly finding someone to handle it? What if the prisoners had all escaped during your 'quiet' moment? His head isn't enough for chopping! With me, nothing is to be hidden! Admit mistakes honestly, there's always a chance for correction. For major issues, I'll decide! Anyone trying to deceive or hide things, be very careful!"

Zhu Ying thought to herself, your rules are indeed clear, but sadly, I only report to you matters concerning my duties, not my personal affairs. If everything was up to you, how could I live my life?

Yet she merely responded, "Oh."

Zheng Xi casually inquired about her self-study progress, to which Zhu Ying replied, "There's still some I haven't finished. I could have returned the assignment tonight."

"So, I've delayed your important matters, have I?" Zheng Xi said irritably, "Go on then."

"Alright."

Despite being reprimanded by Zheng Xi, Zhu Ying didn't take it to heart. Instead, it was Lu Chao who felt indebted to her, telling her, "Although Qi Lang (Zheng Xi) is generally amiable and seldom engages in such detailed conversations with others, let alone inquire about their studies, he regards you differently than others."

Zhu Ying retorted, "Come off it, with your own vision so blurred, what could you possibly discern?"

Lu Chao replied, "Can you save your scorn for someone else when you feel like deriding? Here I am, trying to be nice, and this is how you repay me!"

Dragging out her words, Zhu Ying said, "Thanks a lot—I'm off then!"

This showed a bit of the rebelliousness typical of boys her age, bringing her to life somewhat. Lu Chao caught up with her, "Hey, don't go yet. Do you have anything else with you?"

"What do you want? It'll cost you."

Lu Chao jokingly scolded, "Have you buried yourself in money?! Do you have any dominoes?"

"Don't you have some? You were playing cards just a couple of days ago."

"Ruined one yesterday."

"Fine, come back with me to get it. It's all your fault, my mother now sees me as a gambler and wants to burn all the gambling stuff in my pack!"

Lu Chao hastily said, "What's Auntie talking about? How could you blame us? It was..." he lowered his voice, "General Zhou stirring up trouble, right? Since Auntie doesn't want you touching those, what else do you have in your pack? Give them all to me."

"It'll cost you."

"You money-grubber! I won't shortchange you!"

Knowing he would take a cut from hosting the games, Zhu Ying charged him a steep price, and they went together to fetch it. As they passed the hall, they heard the bustling noise inside, with many people heading that way and occasional shouts of "Won!"

Lu Chao said, "Is someone daring to start a game at this time? Let's have a look first!" He was curious to see who would dare to challenge his authority.

Upon arrival, they found Zhou You playing Touhu.

Zhu Qian had no desire to encounter Zhou You; she found him unappealing and unhelpful, especially since he had seen her in women’s attire. Surprisingly, Zhou You had paid her extra attention last night and directly approached her today!

Yet, Zhu Qian remained unfazed. The meek and mute maid Zhou You had seen was far different from a speaking peddler boy.

Jin Liang's arrival provided her an out, just as she was about to leave, another unwelcome visitor appeared – Chen Meng, whom Zhu Qian also knew.

He inquired curiously, “What’s all this commotion?”

Having no past grudges with Chen Meng, and given Chen Meng's sympathetic situation regarding his brother Chen Wei's machinations, Zhou You spoke with a tone of comfort, “Nothing much, just finding something to do to kill time during the rain.”

Chen Meng eagerly joined, wrapping his arm around Zhou You's and asking to participate in the game, even adding his own stake. He then called his servants to join, splitting into teams for a face-off with Zhou You's attendants.

Seeing her chance, Zhu Qian slipped away. Zhou You, seizing a moment as the servants tidied up, asked Chen Meng, “Do you know that peddler boy?”

“Ah, I’ve seen him. He’s traveling with us to the capital.”

His response was cleverly vague, but Zhou You didn’t delve deeper, simply agreeing, “I thought he looked familiar.”

Chen Meng didn’t dwell on the remark, ready to play as the equipment was set, “Lord Zhou, please!”

Meanwhile, Luo Chao accompanied Zhu Qian to fetch the gambling items. Seeing Luo Chao take all the gambling paraphernalia, Zhang Xian admonished, “Don’t get too addicted! And don’t involve our Zhu Qian, we’re short on money.”

Luo Chao laughed it off, “Auntie, do I look like a gambler? Zhu Qian is too clever to be led astray.”

Zhang Xian joked back, “Gambling always favors the house; save some winnings for your wife to buy fabric. It’s tough for her at home without you.”

Luo Chao, acting as the banker, patiently endured her nagging, comparing her to his own talkative mother. He hastily changed the subject, “How’s Uncle Zhu?”

Zhang Xianjun sighed, "Gone to check on Taoist Xu." Since Taoist Xu did not participate in the jailbreak and was still feverish, he remained in the woodshed, with Zhu Da, utterly bored, going to bring him some hot water and better food.

Luo Chao, aware of their family's situation, remarked, "Your uncle is also a kind-hearted person. Aunt, I'll be leaving now."

Zhu Qian offered to see him out, but Luo Chao declined, "It's raining, no need to send me off. Go back to your reading!"

Just then, the rain stopped. Zhu Qian joked, "My big customer, let me escort you."

Walking a few steps, Luo Chao said, "Your aunt's mouth reminds me so much of my mother. How can you stand it?"

Zhu Qian replied, "She's talking about you, not me. Why wouldn't I be able to listen?"

Luo Chao stopped her, "Hold on, you, from now on, save your words."

Zhu Qian smiled and slowly returned to her room.

…………

Inside, Zhang Xianjun was waiting. Upon Zhu Qian's return, she asked, "What happened?"

Zhu Qian explained, "His deck was missing a card, so I sold him these. Better than you worrying about me playing with these."

Zhang Xianjun remarked, "You're getting clever. Did you do anything bad when you used to go to the county town?"

Zhu Qian retorted, "If I were doing bad things, would we still be this poor?"

Zhang Xianjun was speechless, conceding that it made sense.

Zhu Qian mentioned, "Mother, there's something I need to tell you. That General Zhou is also here; I ran into him just now."

"What?! That... scoundrel..." Zhang Xianjun muttered through clenched teeth.

Zhu Qian said, "It's him. You haven't spoken about our past to anyone, have you?"

"Of course not!"

"Not even to Dad?"

"I wouldn't dare utter it in my sleep!"

"That's good then. Insist that we've been peddling goods for a living since we parted ways with our foster mother."

Zhang Xianjun felt a bit regretful, "Back then, under the archway, I chatted and read palms for many."

Zhu Qian advised, "Just deny it, act as if it never happened."

"Understood," said Zhang Xianjun, her voice laced with tension.

However, Zhu Qian appeared more relaxed, leisurely reading her book, and even teased Zhang Xianjun, "Why are you so nervous now, Mom? Didn't we manage to get by like this before?"

Zhang Xianjun replied, "How can you not be afraid? What was it like before, and what is it like now? Nowadays, we live without hardships. Could we have even imagined this before?"

Zhu Qian mused to herself: Of course, I dare to dream. I even dream of opening a small shop, brewing tea on rainy days, and watching people walk by in the streets.

She then lowered her head and returned to her book.

Perhaps it was their luck, or perhaps the rain had finally had its fill, but as the pages of the book slowly turned, the sun began to peek out. Zhang Xianjun joyfully exclaimed, "The sun's out! We can move on!"

Zhu Qian replied, "We might need to wait a couple more days, though. They said the road was damaged and needs repair."

"Oh, but that also means we're closer to the capital! The sooner we return, the sooner my heart will be at ease when your father's case is settled."

Zhu Qian simply responded, "Hmm."

Zhang Xianjun brought up Hua Jie again, "After all, we are still a family, and the elder lady knows her way around our hometown well. But Hua Jie is all alone, surrounded by so-called relatives who are strangers to her. Shall we visit her?"

"Her uncle is the deputy to the imperial envoy. Knowing our unclear status and the unresolved case, approaching her now would only lower her dignity and cause trouble for ourselves," Zhu Qian analyzed calmly. They couldn't lend Hua Jie any prestige; all she could do was to avoid causing Hua Jie any trouble. A visit might offer Hua Jie a bit of comfort from seeing familiar faces, but if it led to Shen Ying scolding Hua Jie, it would only add to her burdens.

We must settle the lawsuit sooner! Only by clearing our names can we properly see Hua Jie!

To swiftly resolve the lawsuit, one must not offend Shen Ying, and two, must ingratiate with Zheng Xi.

After finishing her book, Zhu Qian went early to submit her work to Zheng Xi.

With the weather clearing up, Zheng Xi's mood greatly improved, and the distant noise from the hall couldn't spoil his good spirits. Jin Liang, having made a round outside, reported back to him, "I've instructed them to inspect the vehicles and horses, and to promptly replace any that are damaged or sick. With the weather clearing, they should be fixing the roads soon, and once that's done, we can set off."

Zheng Xi expressed his satisfaction: "Good."

Jin Liang hesitated before adding, "Lord Zhou stirred up trouble again today."

"Him?" When does he not?

After Jin Liang recounted Zhou You's inquiry about Zhu Qian, and how Chen Meng played with Zhou You, Zheng Xi dismissed it as trivial. Chen Meng is the eldest son born from the primary wife of the Prime Minister, and Zhou You is a scion of the nobility in the capital. Their families are either rivals or have the necessity to interact. As for Zhu Qian, she would come back to report on her studies; he could inquire then.

Zheng Xi, feeling at ease, continued with his painting of a rainy scene on the postal road. He had a rough sketch and was now adding details, yet to compose the inscription when Zhu Qian returned to submit her assignment.

Casually, Zheng Xi asked, "Did Zhou You give you any trouble?"

Zhu Qian replied, "No."

With a glance at her, Zheng Xi remained silent. Shen Ying then arrived. He lived close by and moved easily between their lodgings. Seeing Zhu Qian, he did not pretend not to recognize her but nodded in acknowledgment, asking, "Handing in your assignment again?"

"Yes," Zhu Qian confirmed.

Shen Ying ceased speaking to Zhu Qian and turned to Zheng Xi, "Seeing the weather clear, we should also prepare to depart. Lord Seven, any further instructions?"

Putting down his brush, Zheng Xi responded, "You are the most meticulous and considerate. What need is there for instructions from others? It's just that the remaining journey will be in the company of that chaotic deity."

Shen Ying chuckled lightly, clearly understanding that "chaotic deity" referred to Zhou You, and commented, "Actually, he's somewhat better than the average spoiled youth. His interactions and manners are quite decent. He's reasonable with others, and I see him getting along well with Ah Meng. However, as soon as he gets involved with you, he seems to lose his sense."

Jin Liang burst into laughter!

The comment hit the nail on the head! Although Zhou You was raised indulged, he wasn't detestable or loathed, as long as he wasn't around Zheng Xi. His demeanor could even surpass that of many.

Zheng Xi also laughed, feeling much relieved from the tension caused by the near escape of the prisoners, and said, "I'm truly grateful he can find others to associate with. It saves him from always bothering me! What are Ah Meng and he playing at? Being the eldest son of the Prime Minister, recently returned to the capital after years away, with many eyes upon him, it's crucial he maintains good relationships without overdoing it."

Shen Ying agreed, "Indeed, caution is needed. Today, they were just playing Pitch-Pot, nothing improper there."

Seeing Zhu Qian beside him, Zheng Xi felt the urge to teach, asking, "Do you know what Pitch-Pot is?"

"Yes."

"Do you know the origin of Pitch-Pot?"

"Is it related to archery?"

Zheng Xi smiled, "Correct, it seems you've paid good attention to what you've overheard. How well do you play?"

Zhu Qian honestly shook her head, "I can't." She had seen the rich in the county play and could manage throwing sticks into a bottle, but the specific type of pot used in Pitch-Pot, along with the arrows required, were beyond her. It wasn't like pickpocketing, where she could just happen upon materials while squatting by the street side, nor like dice, which were cheap.

Zheng Xi suggested, "Then you should practice. Jin Liang, teach her."

Zhu Qian quickly declined, "No, thank you."

"What, can't keep up?"

Zhu Ying said, "Time can always be made, but I don't engage in activities that waste effort needlessly. Toss-the-arrow originates from archery, so why shouldn't I directly learn to shoot arrows instead?"

Zheng Xi sized her up and down, "You?"

"Not possible? Then forget it, I'll go back to my reading."

Zheng Xi told Jin Liang, "Then teach her."

"I don't have a bow and arrows," Zhu Ying quickly said.

Zheng Xi, caught between laughter and tears, waved to Jin Liang, "Take her away, take her away! I want to see what she can make of herself!"

Jin Liang grinned, "Are you walking, or should I carry you?"

Zhu Ying bowed to Zheng Xi, then to Shen Ying, who said, "Hold on."

Zhu Ying looked at him puzzled, and Shen Ying said, "San Lang, Guan Qun has been very quiet since leaving home for this long journey. I don't know what's on her mind. When you and your mother have time, visit her and cheer her up. I worry she might become melancholic."

Zhu Ying's mouth opened slightly, "Big sister? Alright!" Her mood for jesting gone, she bowed again, glanced at Zheng Xi, who nodded slightly, and then she and Jin Liang quietly took their leave.

After walking a bit further, Jin Liang asked, "You want to learn archery?"

"I remember you promised to teach me martial arts. Will you still teach me?"

"Do you really want to learn archery?"

"Yes!"

Jin Liang initially wanted to make a joke, but facing Zhu Ying's earnest gaze, he was reminded of his own son and said, "Alright! A true man should master horse riding and archery! I'll take you to get a bow and arrows! Do well, and joining the army could be an option! Our family made its name through military achievements! My own honors were earned in battle alongside Lord Hou!"

As he spoke of his expertise and pride, Jin Liang became more animated. He talked about his experiences charging into battle and becoming an officer: "Standing on the drill field, with a sea of heads beneath you, all listening to your command! The prestige is immense! Imagine what that feels like?"

Zhu Ying pondered for a moment, then asked leisurely, "Were you afraid?"

"Afraid of what?"

Zhu Ying clarified, "Seeing so many subordinates, did you feel fear?"

Jin Liang replied, "How could I be afraid? You're not a coward!"

Zhu Ying said, "If I saw so many subordinates, I would be afraid. Jin Da Ge, you need to learn to feel fear."

Jin Liang frowned, "What do you mean by that?"

Zhu Ying quickly said, "I was just talking nonsense."

"Weirdo!" Jin Liang reached out to hit her, but Zhu Ying dodged to the side, pulling a face at him.

……——

Jin Liang selected a bow and arrows for Zhu Ying. Her strength was decent among her peers but still somewhat lacking compared to adult men. The bows and arrows they had brought were not complete, but he managed to find a suitable one, saying, "Use this for now; when we return to the capital, I'll find you a better fit."

Zhu Ying responded, "This is fine already!" What does it matter if it's a perfect fit or not? Even clothes and shoes arranged by Zhang Xian Gu sometimes didn't fit her well throughout her life; how would a bow and arrows be any different?

Jin Liang retorted, "Nonsense! Weapons are your life!"

"Oh."

Jin Liang said, "I'll teach you some tricks on how to carry bows and arrows. You need to understand the essence of weapons, otherwise, if they break when you need them, it could be fatal!"

"Okay."

Jin Liang then explained that there are several types of bows and the strings vary too. When not in use, the bowstring should either be removed or loosened to prevent damage. He also emphasized the importance of not stringing the bow backward. Zhu Ying took note of everything.

Knowing her good memory, Jin Liang usually only needed to explain things once. However, this time he seriously made her repeat everything before letting her go: "Go change into some decent clothes to see your lady. What kind of impression does this attire give?"

"Yes."

With the bow on her back, Zhu Ying's eyes wandered to a long saber, which was much better than the one she had found herself. She couldn't articulate why, but the comparison made it clear. Jin Liang teased her, saying, "Getting greedy, are we? These are just for travel. I'll find you a better one when we return to the capital."

"Deal!"

They agreed to practice early the next morning before setting out. Jin Liang wanted Zhu Ying to learn how to groom and feed the horses, ride early in the morning, and practice archery during breaks. Zhu Ying agreed cheerfully. Seeing her excitement, Jin Liang felt much more relaxed and said, "Go on, then. You can't neglect the tasks Qi Lang has set for you. If you don't keep up with your studies, I won't teach you anything!"

"Need you even say it?"

Jin Liang chuckled, calling her a "silly boy," before they parted ways to prepare for their journey.

Zhu Ying went back and informed Zhang Xian Gu. The mother and daughter quickly changed their clothes and went to visit Sister Hua. Their place was close to the woodshed but far from where Sister Hua lived. They hadn't seen Sister Hua yet when a figure suddenly appeared on the road!

Zhang Xian Gu, who was accustomed to trickery, was startled and exclaimed, "What is that?!"

The emerging figure was displeased: "This old woman is quite rude! Who are you?"

Zhang Xian Gu, hands on her hips, was about to retort when Zhu Ying stepped forward and asked, "General Zhou? What brings you here?"

Zhou You!

Zhang Xian Gu's fire was extinguished by the mention of "General Zhou," and she quickly grabbed Zhu Ying's arm, intending to leave. Zhou You felt a slight pride, looking down on this woman who seemed to shrink upon hearing his title. Little did he know, Zhang Xian Gu's retreat was not due to his status but the fear that he might recognize Zhu Ying.

Zhou You stepped in front of them, extending his hand to stop them: "Hold on!"

Zhu Ying asked helplessly, "General Zhou, what is it?"

Zhou You said, "You still look familiar to me!" But then, glancing at Zhang Xian Gu, he doubted his feeling, thinking he had never seen this old woman before.

Zhang Xian Gu hurriedly said, "We saw you at the magistrate's office when Zheng Qin was resolving a case!"

That struck a nerve with Zhou You. At that time, Zheng Xi had stolen the spotlight, and Zhou You, along with Zhong Yi, had been made to look quite foolish by the magistrate's son. Zhou You angrily flicked his sleeve, "Hmph! Just you wait!" and stormed off, fuming.

Zhang Xian Gu, worried, asked Zhu Ying, "Third one, what's going on? Did I say something wrong?"

Zhu Ying replied, "No, it's nothing. That's just how he is. Let's go see Sister Hua."

"Oh, alright."