Chapter 46 Xiao Yan is leaving

The news that Zhang Heyao had come back to life and was about to return home in glory spread like wildfire to every household in Tongyifang.

Many people who had never walked before brought things to deliver.

Lu Qi Niang was exhausted from dealing with it. At night, she looked at the densely packed door and realized that there was no place left to scratch...

Many people also asked her indirectly about Xiao Yan.

Lu Qinniang's words to the outside world were consistent: "He was a benefactor who had done He Yao brother a favor in the past."

She didn't say that he had done her a favor, so as to prevent those people from having wild thoughts.

It is not nonsense to say that he is Zhang Heyao's benefactor.

Once Zhang Heyao came back and admitted it, the possible discussions subsided.

"If you need to keep accounts, tell me and I'll write them down on paper for you." Xiao Yan sat on the kang and lowered his eyes. "It's clearer than if you wrote it on the door. You'll have a lot of social interactions in the future, so you'll have to find a new way to keep accounts."

"I haven't learned a few words yet..." Lu Qiniang said worriedly.

"It doesn't matter. There will be servants and accountants in the house in the future. Just give them your orders."

"That's right." Lu Qiniang sighed as she sat on the edge of the kang. "Xiao Yan, do you think I can do it? I can't even manage myself, so how can I give orders and manage others? I'm really afraid that I'll make a mess of the house and embarrass Brother He Yao."

"Take your time, you're very smart." Xiao Yan said, "Or if you want to learn something, I can teach you during this time. I can't just stay here and eat and drink for free."

"You're not eating and drinking for free. You've already accumulated merits." Lu Qiniang corrected him seriously, "There's something I want to tell you—"

"Well, I'm listening. Just say it. No need to beat around the bush. Just say it straight."

Xiao Yan sensed that Lu Qiniang hesitated to speak several times.

"It's nothing, actually. It's just... I was thinking that although my brother He Yao is now an official, he is definitely not comparable to your former general Po Lu who was famous all over the world."

Xiao Yan thought about it and realized that this was true.

It was he who led the troops to quell the rebellion in the northwest. He and the King of Zhenbei were brothers and became close friends regardless of age difference.

That is the King of the Northwest.

Zhang Heyao didn't know what kind of official position he got there, but it was definitely not better than where he was in the past.

But now, not only can he not compare with Zhang He, he can't even compare with ordinary people.

Because he was sold, he is still a slave.

"My brother is definitely grateful, but his ability is limited. I don't know the details of your case, but it must be very serious..."

"I understand." Xiao Yan interrupted her, "I won't expect anyone else to overturn my case. I haven't counted on anyone, including Zhang Heyao."

He said it so bluntly that Lu Qiniang felt a little embarrassed as if she had been exposed. Her face turned red and she stood awkwardly by the kang, rubbing her hands.

"I don't know how to speak, so don't be angry if I say something wrong."

"I'm not angry." Xiao Yan smiled at her gently, "I no longer want to overturn the verdict. The fact that you took me in is a reward that has already exceeded all my efforts. After all, I never did anything for you on your own, yet you took me in despite the wrath of the world."

He didn't lie.

He only felt gratitude towards Lu Qinniang.

Thank her for her timely help, thank her for bringing him to experience a different life and allowing him to rekindle the hope of life from the despair he had felt.

"Abandoned mother," Xiao Yan looked at her with sincere gratitude in his eyes, "I can't stay in your house anymore."

"No, no, no," Lu Qiniang waved her hands repeatedly, "It's my fault for not knowing how to speak. Xiao Yan, I, I really don't mean to chase you away at all. You stay, you stay!"

"My injuries are almost healed now..."

"You're not well yet, your ribs are still broken!"

"That's not a big deal." Xiao Yan said, "Don't panic, just listen to me."

"Oh, well, you say—"

"I know you're honest and have a clear conscience, but gossip can destroy a person. Well, that's to say, rumors are terrible. I'll move out first, and the indenture will remain in your hands. I'm a grown man with arms and legs. Although I can't be as strong as you in supporting a family, I won't starve to death."

"Where are you moving to? It's not that easy to make money. No, you can't leave." Lu Qiniang murmured.

"I really haven't decided where to live yet, but isn't your house vacant? There are always vacant houses nearby. Could you please help me rent one first? I'll pay you back when I make money later."

He had made some inquiries in the past few days and found out that renting a shabby house and sharing it with other people, with each person having a room, would be enough for one hundred coins a month.

After hearing Xiao Yan's plan, Lu Qiniang shook her head repeatedly: "That kind of place is full of good and bad people. You have never experienced that kind of life. It won't work."

"It's okay, I can adapt." Xiao Yan said, "I'll go ask Liu Xing if there's any work he can arrange for me. Maybe he has a place to stay. I'll tell you first and then go find him tomorrow."

"Xiao Yan, there's really no need..."

"Abandoned Mother, I have made up my mind." Xiao Yan said with a smile, "Thank you for taking care of me these days. I cannot thank you enough."

No matter what Lu Qiniang will face in the future, Xiao Yan does not want to be the reason for her being blamed.

She is such a kind person, she shouldn't be slandered.

"Well, I'll go with you tomorrow to ask. If it's okay, you can go and try it first. But you have to promise me that if you don't feel comfortable living outside, you will come back. Xiao Yan, I'm not lying to you, I really don't mind you staying here. I stand upright and do what's right, and I'm not afraid of what others say."

"Well, I know. I won't be polite with you. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, you must come to me."

Lu Qiniang nodded, feeling lost.

Parting in this world always makes people sad.

And this time, the separation came so suddenly.

When sleeping, Lu Qiniang and Daya squeezed into one bed with almost no space between them.

Daya is almost sticking to the wall.

"Can't sleep?" Lu Qiniang asked her.

Daya: "...I'm fine. Mom, why aren't you sleeping yet?"

Basically, she had to wait until Lu Qiniang fell asleep before she could adjust to a sleeping position.

Daya is too light a sleeper.

"Your...uncle is moving out, and I'm a little worried about him. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and has always been pampered. Before he fell on hard times, he'd never set foot in a place like ours. You think he's moving out after only a few days of adjusting? Is that okay?"

She couldn't imagine Xiao Yan doing manual labor, competing with others for work and food, and trying to grab everything.

"Mother, don't worry. Didn't my uncle easily earn five taels of silver before? His vision and knowledge are far beyond our reach. Didn't you say that even the foreman looks at him differently..."

"That's right. Forget it, I'll go with him tomorrow and see what happens."

This night, I couldn't sleep again.