Chapter 458 A Family of纨绔 (Wán kù, a spoiled and dissolute family) Causes the Death of the Entire Court (11)

"More than ten years have passed in the blink of an eye."

Zhang Shixu sighed.

Mrs. Jin smiled and echoed her sentiments.

"That was when Lord Zhang was only sixteen years old. In just twelve years, you have become the current governor, while my husband is still in this county town."

Both the magistrate and Madam Jin were locals from He'an County.

Two years before taking the imperial examination, Zhang Shixu encountered bandits in He'an County. His servant was killed and his belongings were stolen. He wandered alone in He'an County, earning his travel expenses by selling calligraphy and paintings.

At that time, the county magistrate and Madam Jin were already married. Madam Jin's family was the most famous wealthy merchant family in He'an County. With Madam Jin's help, the county magistrate's exam preparation was very comfortable.

Magistrate Jin had limited talent and failed the exam twice.

Fortunately, Mrs. Jin always silently supported him and took on the responsibility of supporting the family and raising the children on her own.

It was at this time that Magistrate Jin saw Zhang Shixu selling calligraphy and paintings at a bookstore.

Despite their significant age difference, the two hit it off immediately and chatted happily.

Upon hearing of Zhang Shixu's plight, Magistrate Jin immediately went back to discuss with his wife and arranged for Zhang Shixu to stay in a guest room temporarily.

Although Zhang Shixu was only sixteen years old at the time, his speech and behavior were calm and mature, not to mention his talent. Even Magistrate Jin, who had studied for so many years, could only call himself a student in front of him.

Madam Jin immediately sent her servants to vacate a guest room to accommodate Zhang Shixu and lent him money to support his studies.

Two years later, the two went on a scientific expedition together.

Zhang Shixu passed the imperial examination with top honors in six consecutive years, becoming the top scholar in the imperial examination. Although Magistrate Jin was far inferior to him, he still achieved a good ranking and was assigned to He'an County as a county official.

Over the years, Zhang Shixu has been like a golden dragon entering the sea, displaying his talents in the court and gaining the Emperor's attention and trust.

Magistrate Jin didn't have much ambition for fame and fortune, and settled down to be the magistrate of He'an County.

After ten years apart, the initial awkwardness quickly dissipated with the arrival of Jin Shu, and the atmosphere became much more harmonious and relaxed.

“I remember when I called you Uncle Zhang, you tapped my head and told me to call you Brother Zhang.”

It's only a ten-year age difference, so calling someone "uncle" does seem a bit odd.

Jin Shu's words made Zhang Shixu chuckle.

"I was just teasing you because I thought you were funny back then. You can still call me Uncle Zhang now."

These words immediately shocked Madam Jin, who was standing to the side.

The governor would never associate himself with officials or their families.

Inviting him over this time was also to avoid any appearance of impropriety; it was just a small gathering of colleagues.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Shixu, who was always cautious in officialdom, took the initiative to ask Jin Shu to call him Uncle Zhang.

This shout was tantamount to admitting that he had a close relationship with the Jin family.

Madam Jin had intended to gently tug at Jin Shu's arm to remind her to call for help, but Jin Shu grinned, revealing a row of pearly white teeth, and softly called out.

"Brother Zhang."

The girl's voice was soft and gentle, without a trace of flattery, making people feel comfortable in the first place.

"You are only ten years older than me, so calling you Uncle Zhang makes me sound old."

When outsiders are around, you are Lord Zhang; when family members are around, I will call you Brother Zhang, just like when I was a child.

This Zhang Shixu is now a high-ranking official in the court, and his words carry considerable weight. If Jin Shu can maintain a good relationship with him, it will be beneficial to what she needs to do.

Jin Shu would never turn away someone who could be her friend.

In the original storyline, the Jin family was executed by the Crown Prince because Zhang Shixu suffered a setback in court. Originally a centrist, he was implicated and briefly imprisoned after refusing the Crown Prince Li Yong's attempts to win him over.

When he came out, all of the more than ten members of the Jin family had already been killed, and there was nothing that could be done.

After that, Zhang Shixu was overly remorseful and framed by others. The political situation was turbulent, the court was in chaos, the powerful and wealthy were only concerned with fighting for fame and profit, while the common people suffered from a severe drought and countless lives were lost.

Overwhelmed with grief and despair, Zhang Shixu resigned from his official post and returned to his hometown, where he soon fell seriously ill and passed away.

He was only twenty-nine years old when he passed away.

Such a once-in-a-century genius died in a court intrigue when he should have been making his mark.

After reminiscing, Jin Shu offered Zhang Shixu a cup of tea.

"Ah Shu is sensible and well-behaved, is she married?"

Jin Chuyao, who had been left standing to the side for quite some time, finally had a chance to speak.

"Sister Jin is not married yet."

Mrs. Jin, standing to the side, smiled helplessly.

“We’ve spoiled our child. She’s all grown up but all she wants to do is stay at home. We’re sorry to have made you laugh at her.”

This topic has been brought up, and Jin Chuyao sat contentedly to the side, waiting to see Jin Shu's next reaction.

"Marriage should be based on A-Shu's own wishes. Even the words of a matchmaker cannot replace mutual affection. Liking someone is the most important thing."

Jin Shu was so impressed by his words that she wanted to applaud him.

For a man in ancient times to have such awareness was truly a meteor hitting the earth, an absolutely unique occurrence.

Madam Jin didn't like hearing this, but given Zhang Shixu's status, she could only give a wry smile.

"As parents, we naturally want our children to marry someone they love, but the prerequisite is that the man must be of good character. If even this cannot be met, I certainly cannot agree to it."

"That's natural."

Now that things have come to this point, Jin Chuyao has been observing Jin Shu's reaction.

I discovered that she had been quietly drinking tea the whole time, nodding slightly from time to time as if she were agreeing, and she showed no anger at all!

What's wrong with her today? Madam Jin's words made it clear that she wanted to break her up with Li Yong. Jin Shu, who would get agitated and jump up and down if anyone said anything bad about Li Yong, was acting as if nothing was wrong, with her eyes slightly lowered, as if she were detached from the matter.

Was she so stupid that she didn't understand the opposition in Madam Jin's words?

Jin Chuyao realized that things couldn't continue like this; she couldn't let such a good opportunity slip by. So she said, seemingly unintentionally.

"The Autumn Banquet is just around the corner. Sister, why don't you take this opportunity to prepare more? I've heard that the Autumn Banquet has the most outstanding young men. It's a once-a-year opportunity, so you can't miss it."

His words and actions were all for Jin Shu's sake.

His words carried a sense of concern and empathy, and no one could find fault with them.

Mrs. Jin said nothing more.

She knew her daughter's temper well, and she absolutely couldn't lose her composure in front of Governor Zhang.

At this moment, everyone was waiting for Jin Shu's reaction.

Jin Chuyao was certain of what Jin Shu would say next.

It's nothing more than a strong refusal.

It just so happens that Jin Shu is not attending the autumn banquet this time, but Madam Jin, as the county magistrate's wife, must attend the autumn banquet and will surely bring other people with her.

Then that person can only be Jin Chuyao.

Those who could attend the autumn banquet were all high-ranking officials and people of noble status.