The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure
Chapter 680 - 679: Going Home

Chapter 680: Chapter 679: Going Home

Yongzhu would probably be satisfied too.

Thinking this, Chongjin became restless, the matter had already ended, and he needed to go back and tell Yongzhu the good news.

So he got up and took his leave from Zhu Haoran.

Zhu Haoran didn’t try to detain him, only admonishing Chongjin to continue his studies diligently and if there were anything he didn’t understand, he could write to him. He also gave him a name card, instructing that if Chongjin ever came to the Capital City, he must let him know.

Chongjin thanked him, took the name card, and was sent home by someone arranged by Zhu Haoran.

Accompanying him home were several boxes of thank-you gifts.

Seeing Chongjin return, everyone crowded around. They hadn’t been able to leave the house in days and all wanted to hear what the situation outside was like.

Chongjin briefly recounted the outcomes for Wang Yongan and Gao Jin. Wang Yongping was the first to breathe a sigh of relief. Although Yongan was irredeemably bad, after all, he was a brother from the same mother. That he was spared his life was fortunate enough. As for being stripped of his title and honors, to Yongping, that was nothing more than a little silver and grain once a year.

Wang Yonggui frowned slightly, feeling that it was letting Yongan off too easily. The man had killed his own father and almost harmed his sister, yet was merely stripped of his title—that was too lenient, wasn’t it?

Old Granny Zhang was full of discontent: "That beast killed his father and was involved in that mine, yet he’s not locked in prison for ten or eight years?"

This didn’t make sense, did it?

Chongjin had to patiently explain: "Regarding the death of father-in-law, there’s no evidence. If he stubbornly refuses to admit it, there’s nothing that can be done. As for his involvement in illicit mining, since he only partook for a short time and was unaware of many details, he was able to escape that catastrophe. Not to mention, he turned against Gao Jin on the spot, revealing many things even Lord Zhu didn’t know, which confirmed the guilt of Gao Jin and those local bullies."

"It’s barely considered atonement for his crimes. Besides, being stripped of his title, Yongan has become just an ordinary citizen. In biting those local bullies to save himself, his future life will likely be difficult."

Upon hearing this, Old Granny Zhang, Wang Yongzhu, and Wang Yonggui immediately understood.

"Can we go home now?" Old Granny Zhang, seeing matters resolved, immediately became eager to return home.

Mainly because Wang Laozhu’s coffin was still at Yi Zhuang. Although the current cold weather and use of ice could preserve it...

Time had passed, and it was indecent to keep it like this.

Yet looking at the splint on Chongjin’s leg, Old Granny Zhang hesitated again—the son-in-law’s leg was a big deal, and it couldn’t be neglected due to the rush to travel.

"My leg is fine now. I’ll be seated on the boat all the way and won’t be tired. You’re right, Mother, we should pack today and head back to Qilidun first thing tomorrow." Chongjin also didn’t want to stay in Qi City. This place held no good memories for him, especially now during this troubled time. Despite Zhu Haoran’s current courtesy, he was still in another’s territory and needed to be cautious.

Upon hearing they could finally go home, the Wang Family Brothers couldn’t help but smile and started to pack their luggage.

Wang Yongzhu supported Chongjin as they slowly returned to their room.

Several boxes were stacked in the room, these were the thank-you gifts from Zhu Haoran.

Wang Yongzhu casually opened one, finding it full of silk and satin. In the other boxes were books, a few ancient calligraphy and paintings, and in the last box, a case contained five hundred taels of silver notes.

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"This Zhu Haoran’s thank-you gift is really thoughtful," Wang Yongzhu said, flipping through the books, pointing to the chest of books.

Giving silver, fine silk, and ancient paintings and calligraphy is secondary; a chest of books is a true reflection of Zhu Haoran’s attitude.

Song Chongjin narrowed his eyes, "These days, following him, judging by his tone, the Emperor seems unable to tolerate those nobles who followed the Grand Ancestor in conquering the world and received great rewards anymore. In recent years, the Emperor has repeatedly opened special imperial examinations to promote new talents, aiming to take power away from the nobility."

"This Lord Zhu, is a benchmark that the Emperor has set up for scholars all over the country. By his side, a group of scholars has already gathered, loyal to the Emperor, capable of standing up to the nobility. His courteous treatment of me is nothing but a hope that I will serve his purposes," said Song Chongjin.

"Right now, I am merely a Scholar and cannot be of much help, which is why he urges me to take the provincial examination and has given me his calling card, sending me to the Capital City. All of this is for the future, so I might become an asset to him. Of course, this is also their usual tactic—spot a promising seed, extend a helping hand with little investment, but once there’s a return, the rewards can be substantial! Who wouldn’t be happy?" By the end, Song Chongjin sneered sarcastically.

He was not only not foolish but especially sharp-witted. Zhu Haoran may appear gentle and refined, but to rise from an unsupported newly successful Tanhua to a close confidant of the Emperor, could he really be a gentleman-like figure?

Each year, with so many Top Scholars and Tanhua candidates, are they really less capable than him, or less handsome than him?

It’s just that their schemes and machinations fall short.

After I saved his life at the risk of my own, I did not lessen Zhu Haoran’s suspicion at all, but rather, I’m afraid he suspects that I used a ruse to gain sympathy.

Until now, he is still testing whether I am sincere towards him.

Only after I laid bare my life story did I feel Zhu Haoran relax a bit.

His giving me his calling card is an initial sign of trust in me, acknowledging my ability and signaling to me that if I want to advance further, I must seize this opportunity.

At this moment, Song Chongjin is anxious to return to Qilidun, to leave this place of conflict; it’s also to reassure Zhu Haoran, to prevent any misunderstanding of my relationship with Song Hong. I am still young, without any foundation or significant power, and if I do not step back now, getting caught between two powers or their circles, I’m afraid I would be the first to become cannon fodder.

I need to become stronger, to protect the woman I love and my family, but I will not blindly jump on just any boat that comes my way.

Wang Yongzhu naturally understands this principle too. Now that Qi City is Zhu Haoran’s stage, there might be more behind the scenes; we are merely commoners, and when we have no ability to control or participate, it is best to keep our distance.

The next morning, Wang Yonggui had already arranged a boat at the dock; only after giving enough silver were the boatmen willing to take us along with the coffin on board.

The family boarded the ship, looking back at Qi City with a heavy heart.

※※※

As for Wang Yongan, after being beaten and thrown out of the County Yamen, thankfully the streets were not crowded these days, and especially since there were soldiers guarding the entrance to the Yamen, very few people dared to wander around. At most, passers-by in a hurry cast a glance, afraid of inviting trouble upon themselves, and ran off quickly.

Wang Yongan was in pain all over, but his heart hurt even more.

Lying in the street, he was even worse off than a beggar.

Although there weren’t many people, Wang Yongan still felt as if his face had been stripped off, a mix of shame, urgency, and despair overcame him, and he passed out when he could not catch his breath.

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