Zhu Ci naturally did not refuse, instead seemed quite happy for Fu Chunsheng and the others.
After taking in the foster son and daughter, Zhu Ci spoke to Fu Chunsheng and Fu Qiulu, saying, "The world is a harsh place now. Now that you two have someone to rely on, I can finally rest easy."
The Magistrate of Jiading said from the side, "Since the Young Master and the two of them are destined to be together, why not take them back first and let them continue to serve the Young Master's daily needs?"
Zhu Ci said in shock, "How can this be? How can the son of a Magistrate become my slave?"
Fu Chunsheng and Fu Qiulu immediately knelt down and said, "We wish to follow the Young Master; we beg for your permission."
The Magistrate of Jiading advised, "Although your elders wish for you to gain experience, being alone in a foreign land presents many inconveniences. Now that the weather has suddenly turned cold, if you were to accidentally catch a chill, this place lacks sufficient medical supplies, which would be most unfortunate. I originally intended to send two people to look after the Young Master, but I feared it might be too sudden and that the Young Master might find them inconvenient to work with. Since Chunsheng and Qiulu are already acquainted with you, they would naturally be more suitable; please consider it a small token of my sincerity."
The Magistrate's words clearly implied that he didn't want you falling ill or getting into trouble while staying with him, it seemed difficult for Zhu Ci to refuse.
Previously, the Magistrate of Jiading had also wondered why Zhu Ci was all alone; every young master had at least a few attendants or guards by their side, so why had this one returned all by himself?
Zhu Ci couldn't help but vent his frustrations, saying that his grandfather and father felt he was too pampered and insisted that he should experience the hardships of the common people.
Anyway, he had managed to gloss over it, but now.. Zhu Ci glanced at Fu Chunsheng and Fu Qiulu, smiled slightly, said, "In that case, I shall not decline. They can just follow me. If the Magistrate and his wife miss them, just send someone to let me know."
The Magistrate of Jiading's face instantly lit up with joy, partly because he had sent people off, partly because he found the Young Master's use of the term "Madam" so pleasant to the ear.
In this era, not every official's wife could be addressed as "Madam."
Only the primary wives of first and second-rank officials could be addressed in such a manner. Zhu Ci's way of calling her that was certainly improper, but since this was a private setting, one could say it was a way of suggesting that Magistrate Zhu could rise to the first or second rank, or perhaps it was a hint.
Thus, Zhu Ci had gone to the appointment alone, but he returned as three people.
Not only were there two more people, but there was also a whole carriage full of their luggage.
That wasn't just their luggage; it was clearly the gold, silver, jewels, ancient treasures used by the Magistrate of Jiading for bribery.
Zhu Ci did not refuse, as he had been worrying about his expenses exceeding his income lately; it was as if someone had brought him a pillow just as he was feeling drowsy.
After returning to the small courtyard, Zhu Ci feigned drunkenness, allowing the two to attend to him as he washed and went to bed.
After they left, Zhu Ci opened his eyes, his gaze clear and sharp; where was there a trace of intoxication?
He turned to look out the window, murderous intent surging in his heart.
The mastermind behind this is simply a persistent shadow!
Zhu Ci never believed in coincidences, especially when this one was far too coincidental.
He had dropped Fu Chunsheng and Fu Qiulu in Deqing County, Huzhou Prefecture, but now he had encountered them in Suzhou Prefecture; even though the two prefectures were adjacent, the distance from Deqing to Jiading was at least two hundred li.
Their hometown is in Songjiang Prefecture, the Magistrate of Jiading cannot easily leave his jurisdiction without being held accountable; so how exactly did they manage to run all the way from Deqing to Jiading on just two legs? If they had rented a carriage, why wouldn't they have returned to Songjiang instead of coming to Suzhou Prefecture?
As for their claim of encountering bandits, it was actually difficult to judge based on this matter alone.
Zhu Ci carefully recalled the officials he had encountered before; unless they were all exceptional actors, he did not believe those people could deceive his eyes.
Therefore, the person behind the scenes might not have obtained the information from those bailiffs; of course, it is also possible that the person behind the scenes analyzed the information that those people brought back.
Then the question arises: why is this person going to such lengths to find me?
If he wanted to kill him, with his power, he would have countless ways.
Especially after he had become separated from the main force.
However, he was relieved now that the other party had no intention of taking his life, otherwise he might truly have died out there.
When he had decided to flee, he had already sorted through all of the original owner's various connections and hadn't found any enemies.
The original owner might have had all sorts of flaws, but because he was truly too inconspicuous and cowardly—especially after his two brothers ran into trouble, when he wouldn't even step foot outside the main gate for fear of angering his father.
Under these circumstances, Zhu Ci judged that there should be no danger in his escape.
Even Fu Chunsheng and Fu Qiulu, he thought were members of the Jinyi Guard, only obeying the orders of the decadent ruler.
He never expected that they actually had another master.
Zhu Ci rolled over; the coal stove warmed the entire room, as the effects of the alcohol set in, his eyelids grew heavy.
I can test these two tomorrow; if they have ulterior motives, it will be the perfect opportunity to eliminate them.
Early the next morning, when Zhu Ci pushed open the window, he found that it was still snowing outside.
He got up and dressed under the service of Fu Chunsheng and Fu Qiulu.
Fu Chunsheng said softly, "Young Master, the kitchen is cold and the hearth is empty, there is nothing at all. Should we go out and buy some things?"
Zhu Ci was somewhat surprised: "The two of you can cook?"
Fu Chunsheng smiled faintly. "Simple food is no problem at all, as long as you do not find it beneath you, Young Master."
Zhu Ci said, "After being used to eating heavy meat and fish, having some countryside flavors will be a different kind of delight."
As he spoke, he tossed a bag of money to Fu Chunsheng and said, "Go buy whatever you want. Oh, you should order two more charcoal stoves; we'll need them when we move later."
Moving?" Fu Qiulu asked curiously, "Young Master, Chinese New Year is approaching. Won't you be returning to the palace.. won't you be going back?
Zhu Ci did not answer, but instead asked, "Do you know what kind of place this is?
Fu Chunsheng and Fu Qiulu hesitated for a moment, thinking for a long time without coming to any conclusion, then shook their heads.
Zhu Ci smiled. "Xialiang in Xiaoshui, Jiading.. is where my mother's ancestral home is located."
He offered no further explanation, leaving Fu Chunsheng and Fu Qiulu to speculate; it would be best if they passed the news to the person behind them, letting that person shift the target onto the Empress and the State Preceptor.
Although doing so was somewhat unscrupulous, the Empress herself rarely left Kunning Palace, so even if an investigation were conducted, nothing would be found.
As for the State Preceptor's family.. it is true they have the bad habits of the nobility, but none of them are particularly capable; aside from their titles, they all hold idle positions, making it difficult to find any issues with them.
If he truly found evidence of corruption or illegalities, it would count as him eliminating a menace for the people.
After Fu Chunsheng took the money, he went out to buy things, while Zhu Ci watched his retreating figure, pondering how to drag the mastermind out into the light.
The opponent was in the shadows while he was in the light. It was actually harder to find them in the county where all sorts of people were mixed together; once they returned to Xialiang, any slight movement from the Fu siblings would be easily discovered.
Fu Chunsheng was gone for only a short time, but when he returned shivering, Zhu Ci looked at his many bundles and asked, "Where are the coal stoves? Why didn't you bring any back?"
After Fu Chunsheng entered the room, he felt the warmth and let out a long sigh. "There are none left; the coal braziers are all sold out. Young Master, seeing as the weather will remain cold for a while and we don't have much coal at home, should I ask my foster father to send some more over?"
Zhu Ci shook his head. "Since coal is hard to come by, Magistrate Zhang's household likely doesn't have much in stock either. How much longer will the current supply of coal last?"
Fu Chunsheng thought for a moment and said, "About half a month."
Zhu Ci was somewhat surprised. "It's consumed that quickly?"
Fu Chunsheng said hesitantly, "If.. if we only burn them after nightfall, perhaps they will last a bit longer."
Zhu Ci frowned and said, "That won't do; we need to buy more coal."
Fu Chunsheng sighed, "Lately, high-quality coal is almost impossible to find. All that can be bought is coal slack and coal dust, the prices for both are not low, plus they burn much less efficiently. Young Master, if it really won't work, you should head back."
Zhu Ci glanced at him. "I won't go back until the matter is finished."
Fu Chunsheng immediately apologized, saying, "It was my mistake."
Zhu Ci pondered for a long while before saying, "Go to the coal seller and order some low-grade coal, but don't have it transported here immediately; we'll discuss it again in a few days."
In a few days, Dalang from the Baochang's family, Xi Shan, will come to report on the progress. His family is very proactive; they basically come by every five or six days to offer their greetings and report on the status.
They were originally supposed to arrive within the last two days, but perhaps the snowfall caused a delay.
Fu Qiulu said cautiously, "Young Master, that low-grade coal is useless; it's already crushed into powder, it's the poorest quality coal to begin with. If it really doesn't work, you could have your foster father find a way, or simply leave the matter to my brother. I will accompany you back to the palace, so there's no need to endure such hardships."
Zhu Ci suddenly turned his head and grabbed Fu Qiulu's neck, applying a slight amount of pressure with his hand, said with a cold expression, "I said you are not allowed to reveal your identity, yet you have tested and provoked me time and time again. Do you truly think I wouldn't dare kill you?"
Fu Qiulu suddenly found it difficult to breathe, her face filled with terror.
Fu Chunsheng knelt beside her immediately and said, "Young Master, Qiulu knows she was wrong and won't dare to do it again. Please, Young Master, spare her life!"
Fu Qiulu was speechless and could only nod vigorously.
Only then did Zhu Ci release his grip. He took out a silk handkerchief and, while slowly wiping his hands, said, "Just because I indulge you in my daily life doesn't mean I will tolerate everything. Do you do exactly as I say? Do you understand?"
Fu Chunsheng and Fu Qiulu knelt on the ground, nodding frantically with looks of terror on their faces.
Zhu Ci had a calm expression, as if he hadn't just lost his temper, said, "You may all leave."
Fu Chunsheng immediately pulled Fu Qiulu away, while Zhu Ci sat in the study, watching their retreating figures as he placed the dagger from his sleeve onto the desk.
It seemed that the mastermind behind this truly had no intention of taking his life, or perhaps, had no intention of taking his life for the time being.
After all, he had truly been filled with killing intent just now, Fu Qiulu was indeed on the brink of death; if the person behind the scenes had given the order, Fu Chunsheng would certainly have acted.
This mastermind.. what exactly does he want? What else is there to scheme for regarding him?
Zhu Ci could not figure it out, so he could only set it aside for the time being.
Fu Qiulu only went to rest for an hour before carefully bringing over another bowl of ginger soup, her voice slightly hoarse as she said, "Young Master, please have some ginger soup. The weather has been cold lately, many people outside have already caught colds. You must take care of your health, Young Master."
Zhu Ci nodded slightly. "Put it down. You should also be careful and not be stingy with money."
If everything goes smoothly, he should have some income soon.
Fu Qiulu said honestly, "Yes, thank you, Young Master."
As soon as she finished speaking, Fu Chunsheng rushed over and said hurriedly, "Young Master, Young Master, someone has collapsed outside our gates."
Zhu Ci immediately stood up and went over to take a look, only to find that it was actually an acquaintance, Xi Shan.
He immediately said, "Quick, carry him inside."
Fu Qiulu immediately stepped forward to help Fu Chunsheng carry the person, but Zhu Ci stopped her and said, "What is a young girl like you doing this? Go pour a bowl of ginger soup instead."
Fu Qiulu paused, standing there in a daze for a moment.
She watched as Zhu Ci and Fu Chunsheng carried the person into the side room and moved the coal brazier over for warmth, she couldn't help but touch her neck.
It felt like a dream today; how could one person be so fickle? An hour ago, he wanted to kill her, now he is being so tender.. It truly makes it impossible to guess what he is thinking.
Fu Qiulu turned around to brew another bowl of ginger soup.
As she walked over, she happened to hear Fu Chunsheng say, "Young Master, he has injuries on his body."
It would be normal if he were simply frozen from traveling, but having injuries was not normal.
Zhu Ci frowned and said, "Feed him the ginger soup. We can discuss everything else once he wakes up."
After a bowl of ginger soup went down, Xi Shan's body finally began to warm up.
Fortunately, even with the snow falling in the south, it wasn't particularly cold; if this were in the northeast, it would be anyone's guess whether this man could be saved.
After about half an hour, Xi Shan slowly regained consciousness. Fu Chunsheng had been staying in the room to look after him, upon seeing him wake, he immediately stood up and said, "Qiulu, go quickly and report to the young master that this man has awakened."
"No need, I heard you." Zhu Ci lifted the door curtain and stepped inside.