Chapter 279 Zhou Houfang's Determination
At Xu Meixiao’s age, she has no idea what a hostage is.
She just thought that her mother took her to Qianzhou for fun.
But in fact, it was Miao who took her to travel around.
The Qianzhou natives initially treated them with great courtesy, but they also didn't restrict their personal freedom, allowing them to go to most places. Later, as tea trees were planted and fruit trees blossomed and bore fruit, the natives became increasingly hospitable to the mother and son.
Miao took her with her, wrapped her headscarf, and ran all over the mountains.
She took a bunch of native children to dig out bird nests, plant trees, and go fishing in the river. She was so happy!
This is much happier than the days in Bianjing City before!
Little Xu Meixiao may not know that there is an idiom in later generations called "Happy and not thinking of Shu".
Xu Zhenying looked at Xu Meixiao. The child seemed to be more cheerful and confident than before. She knew that the brothers in Qianzhou treated her and Miao very well.
Not to mention that the chieftains of Qianzhou were willing to let Miao and Mei Xiao return home early, and even built a stone sculpture for Miao to symbolize the friendship between the two sides.
All of this made Miao more confident and graceful when he returned.
The two sisters chatted and laughed as they arrived at the city gate. Xu Zhenying then got off the carriage holding Xu Meixiao. She seemed to have just seen the people all over the city wall and was startled.
Not to mention the city walls, there were also countless people standing at the city gate.
There were a sea of people, unfamiliar faces, and Qian Zhenniang and the others, all with excitement on their faces.
Before he could react, he heard thousands of people on the city wall shouting, "Long live the city lord! Long live the city lord!"
The sounds gathered from all directions, like waves, echoing throughout the mountains and creating a deafening force.
What's more, some people even displayed banners.
Xu Zhenying saw the messy inscriptions.
For example, welcoming the city lord home.
Representatives of Xx Village welcomed the city lord home.
There are even things like the city lord will live forever.
As a time traveler from the future, Xu Zhenying was so embarrassed that his toes dug into the ground.
"City Lord, you are finally back!"
"City Lord, have you eaten yet? We have some smoked meat from our village. Take it back and have someone cook it. It's delicious!"
"City Lord, your clothes are too thin. Be careful not to catch a cold!"
Only Qi Er, Zhao Qiaonian and Lin Lao, who had never been to Jinzhou Prefecture, could not hide the shock on their faces.
They really didn't expect that the people of Jinzhou Prefecture were so enthusiastic. Look at these guys, not only are they all eloquent, but none of them came empty-handed. They either brought bacon, ham, wild fruits, or a bunch of wild flowers.
They seemed to have no fear at all that Xu Zhenying would dislike their things. Instead, they rushed forward one by one as if they were presenting treasures.
What is most commendable is the confident look on their faces.
That is the look that can only be revealed after one has material abundance.
The people of Jinzhou Prefecture have light in their eyes!
As the crowd grew, Qian Zhenniang had no choice but to ask the officials to maintain order. Everyone was happily pushing and shoving each other to squeeze forward, and trying to stuff the things in their hands into Xu Zhenying's car.
Seeing that the situation was getting out of control, Ming Xiaoshuang could only quickly send soldiers to surround Xu Zhenying.
Xu Zhenying looked at the sea of heads and smiled as he tried to dissuade everyone: "Everyone, what's so good about me, Xu Zhenying? If you keep looking at me, I'll probably grow three heads and six arms!"
Everyone burst into laughter.
Ming Xiaoshuang smiled and explained to the bewildered trio, "There used to be rumors that our city lord had three heads and six arms, loved drinking the blood of children, and also liked to plunder decent women."
"Everyone, go back! Do what you need to do! I have received everyone's kindness, but we have a rule. We cannot take anything from you. This includes not only me, but also everyone under me!"
Ming Xiaoshuang beside him stopped him and said, "City Lord, why don't you return to the carriage? Your appearance will only make the people even more excited!"
Xu Zhenying had no choice but to wave to everyone from a distance, and then got into Miao's carriage.
Miao held her hand affectionately and asked her about her well-being.
Xu Huiming, on the other hand, seemed to not know how to face her.
When Xu Huiming left, they were just guests temporarily staying in Lan County. But not long after he came back this time, Xu Zhenying made a stunning debut, occupying six cities in a row and becoming the true hegemon of the southwest.
Xu Huiming had just accepted the fact that his sister was a rebel with no future, but then he discovered that she actually had the potential to conquer the world.
Now the whole family is tied to one boat, and no matter what he does, he cannot change the inevitable outcome.
Whether the road ahead is a sea of blood and swords or wealth and glory, there is no turning back for Xu Huiming.
"Mother, you have worked hard this year." Xu Zhenying still felt guilty towards Miao.
But Miao didn't care. She shook her head and said, "What's so hard about it? Although I can't see you and your elder brother, Meizi and I are free as we please in Qianzhou. The chieftains treat me like a guest of honor, and I help them with their business. When I see their lives improve little by little, the sense of accomplishment is truly incomparable. Zhenying, I feel that life is much happier now than it was in Bianjing City before! Just as you said, I have realized the value of my life! Even if I die in the future, the people of Qianzhou will remember me! My life will not be in vain!"
Noticing Miao's changes, Xu Zhenying was also happy for her.
As a woman, you can't always be confined to a corner of the backyard. Only by gaining more knowledge can you truly broaden your mind.
"I'm glad Mother doesn't blame me. I promise you, this won't happen again. Now that our family is reunited, it's a great joy. Let's set up two tables tonight and have a great time!"
Xu Huiming could only sit on the side, looking at Xu Zhenying, who was now much more dignified than before. He seemed to have no other choice but to smile.
As soon as Xu Zhenying entered the city, the people's enthusiasm became even higher.
The few miles from the city gate to the government office were lined with houses on both sides. Some people were standing on the roadside, while others were leaning on the railings looking out. The people on the second floor were very enthusiastic and threw flowers and handkerchiefs to Xu Zhenying's carriage from afar.
There was a sound of dripping on Xu Zhenying's carport, as if it was raining.
When the window was opened, more than a dozen flowers fell into Xu Zhenying's arms.
Elder Lin was determined to experience the customs and folkways of Jinzhou Prefecture, so he dismounted early and walked through the prefecture on foot. Seeing this lively scene, Elder Lin smiled with wrinkles all over his face, stroking his beard and saying, "The city lord's return to the city today is almost as grand as the top scholar's horse parade in Bianjing. I have no regrets in dying to see such a scene in my lifetime!"
Ming Xiaoshuang smiled and said, "Mr. Lin, please don't mention life or death. The city lord still needs you!"
Ming Xiaoshuang has been studying with Mr. Lin for the past month, so the two of them have become both teacher and friend.
"Yes, yes, you are right. Just as the City Lord said, we must strive hard in our lifetime!"
Although Ming Xiaoshuang smiled at Elder Lin, his face darkened as he turned around and said to Qian Zhenniang, "Zhenniang, don't do this again next time. The city lord doesn't like eulogies. Besides, the city lord is no longer the same as he was before. What if there are assassins or people with bad intentions among the people?"
Qian Zhenniang also knew that today's meeting with Xu Zhenying was somewhat out of control, so she acted genuinely appreciative of Ming Xiaoshuang's rebuke. "Brother Ming, I understand. This time, we failed to keep the secret properly. The City Lord has been away from Jinzhou Prefecture for too long, and the people are eager to see her. I momentarily neglected the City Lord's safety."
Mo Jinchun, who was standing nearby, also said, "That's right. The City Lord's personal guards need to be screened again. The current six are not enough. We need to increase the number to at least fifty."
Thinking of Xu Zhenying's temper, several people looked embarrassed.
What Xu Zhenying hates most is having a group of people following him.
Mo Jinchun sighed, "There's nothing we can do. If all else fails, we can only hide it from the City Lord and add some secret guards to try not to let him notice. Now that the City Lord is in charge of eight states and is about to become king, we must consider his safety."
Meanwhile, Xu Zhenying's motorcade was slowly entering the city, but Zhou Houfang, who stayed at the government office gate to receive them, was entangled by someone.
The man who came was the eldest son of the Chang family, named Chang Ze, her fiancé who already had three concubines before he even got married.
Ever since Zhou Houfang pretended to go to Xu Zhenying to tell her family, her marriage has been delayed. Anyway, she is doing very well with Xu Zhenying, so she is naturally not in a hurry.
But how did Chang Ze find her?
Chang Ze seemed to be waiting for her at the gate of the government office on purpose. As soon as Zhou Houfang went out, she bumped into him head-on.
He bowed to her, looking like a handsome young man, but his eyes were too sentimental, which made Zhou Houfang displeased.
Moreover, he said to her right away, "Miss Zhou, logically speaking, you and I, engaged husband and wife, shouldn't meet in private. However, my mother recently wanted to put our marriage on the agenda, and she personally visited your mother, but unfortunately, Mrs. Zhou was not at home. So I thought, since you and I are going to be married, there are some things we should talk about in advance."
Zhou Houfang was shocked. Why did Mrs. Chang come to look for her mother again and again?
What is she going to do?
My mother never goes out of the house on weekdays, so how could she not be at home?
Could it be that my mother is deliberately avoiding the Chang family?
Zhou Houfang's heart was pounding, but she felt a little confused. "When Madam Chang came to visit, my mother explained everything clearly to your family. Now that both lords are imprisoned, the marriage has been postponed for the time being, and Madam Chang agreed. Now... are they going to bring this matter up again?"
Chang Ze was completely unfazed by Zhou Houfang's attempts to trick him into believing in him. Instead, he explained the whole story in detail. "That's how it was, but my mother feels that my father's affairs are far from over. You and I are both old, and if we put off the marriage any further, it will inevitably lead to gossip among the other prominent families in Jinzhou Prefecture."
Zhou Houfang sneered in his heart.
What noble families? What noble families are there in Jinzhou Prefecture?
Nowadays, the powerful families in Jinzhou Prefecture have almost been wiped out by Xu Zhenying. The rich families either bow their heads or actively follow Xu Zhenying to transform. Who would still remember the noble families in Jinzhou Prefecture?
Besides the matter of being old and afraid of being laughed at, she actually thought that Madam Chang was also a master at making multiple bets. When Xu Zhenying occupied Jinzhou Prefecture, she looked down on him and thought he was a traitor who would be wiped out by the court sooner or later. That was why she did not dare to have much contact with her, Zhou Houfang.
Now Xu Zhenying has conquered six cities in one go. Mrs. Chang must be in great pain. On the one hand, she is worried about her husband who is imprisoned, and on the other hand, she is afraid that she will miss the ship with the city lord.
Zhou Houfang was silent, but Chang Ze was the one who spoke the most: "The wedding is coming soon, so I came to talk to you. I have a cousin, you know, she is very gentle and kind, but also weak and helpless."
Zhou Houfang was stunned for a moment, and then a chill appeared on the corners of his eyebrows and eyes.
No one to rely on?
She relied on the eldest son of the Chang family and completely occupied her fiancé's heart, leaving her helpless?
"She's been worried all day, afraid that there might be some misunderstanding about her and that she wouldn't be tolerated after she enters the house. She's been so anxious these past two days that she's fallen ill. Today, I wanted to tell you that Madam Zhou is beautiful and intelligent, and is well-known for her virtue in Jinzhou Prefecture. She wouldn't make things so difficult for a concubine, would she?"
At this moment, Zhou Houfang wanted to laugh.
She had known that Chang Ze was not a good husband, but she had never expected him to be so promiscuous.
For the sake of a concubine, he actually ran to his fiancée, without caring about their reputation at all, and only wanted to plead for the concubine.
It felt like she was walking on the street and was slapped by a stranger for no reason, which made her dizzy and breathless.
Zhou Houfang felt as if he had never suffered such a great humiliation in his life!
Being by Xu Zhenying's side, even though she was exhausted physically and mentally, even though she faced numerous difficulties, even though she was extremely busy, her heart did not feel as cold as it did at this moment.
It is conceivable that if Xu Zhenying had not occupied Jinzhou Prefecture and she had married Chang Ze early, what kind of life would Zhou Houfang be living now.
Looking at Chang Dalangjun, whose eyes were full of expectation, Zhou Houfang clenched his fists and then released them.
Although her voice was a bit cold, her face was habitually smiling. "Speaking of which, Master Chang is truly devoted to my cousin. It's truly touching. Although I am saying this to make it appear to outsiders that I have stooped to serving a thief and my reputation has long been damaged, in fact, I am no longer worthy of you, Master..."
Chang Ze was shocked, but saw that Zhou Houfang looked serious and didn't seem to be pretending. She really forgot what her mother had said before about the daughter of the Zhou family being full of calculations.
Zhou Houfang continued, "Since you are deeply in love with my cousin, and she sounds truly pitiful, why don't you ask Madam Chang to help you, saying that my service to a thief has damaged my reputation, and that you should find a way to cancel this marriage? That way, I can be said to be helping you and my cousin get together. Isn't that the best of both worlds?"
Chang Ze saw that Zhou Houfang was truly concerned for them, and for a moment he felt guilty. "Madam Zhou, please don't say such angry words. You are the wife chosen by our parents. Even if I don't like you, I will still give you the respect you deserve. There's no need to belittle yourself."
Zhou Houfang was so angry that her face turned pale. If she had not practiced with Xu Zhenying for a long time, she really would not be able to maintain her good demeanor.
How could my parents have fallen for such an idiot?
Zhou Houfang was so proud of her talent, but she almost fell into the hands of such a self-righteous idiot in her life!
But after all, her parents didn't say anything, and Zhou Houfang didn't dare to do anything too extreme. Now, no matter how she looked at him, she felt that Chang Ze was hateful and didn't want to say another word to him.
She was really afraid that if she said one more word, she would get the cold shoulder.
"Master Chang, marriage is decided by our parents. What we say doesn't count. I will listen to my mother no matter what. The city lord will be entering the city soon, so please leave as soon as possible."
The words "The city lord is about to enter the city" really made Chang Ze's face change.
Anyone in Jinzhou Prefecture who sees Xu Zhenying has to keep their heads down, especially those with sensitive identities like them, who are not allowed to hang around Xu Zhenying.
What if Xu Zhenying remembered that there were still a few former officials of the Great Zhou Dynasty who had not been dealt with in the prison?
Chang Ze was so scared that he said "sorry" several times, and seemed to be running away.
Zhou Houfang stared at the man's back and spat.
Sure enough, soon there was a commotion on the main road. Zhou Houfang immediately knew that Xu Zhenying and the others had returned. A happy look spread across her face as she said to the people behind her, "Quick, quick, check again. Have all the corners of the government office been cleaned? Have the tables, benches, and signage been laid out? The city lord will definitely discuss matters first when he returns. Put all the materials up here—"
"Xiao Zhao, Xiao Zhang, follow me to pick up the city lord!"
Zhou Houfang went to meet them with a group of people.
She saw a cheerful team, among which there were many unfamiliar faces, who should be the people who had made contributions this time or were newly recruited.
The girl who was walking side by side with Qian Zhenniang, acting intimately and talking non-stop should be the legendary Xu Zhenying's first secretary, Miss Feng'er, who is as famous as Xu Yinxi.
The old man accompanied by Ming Xiaoshuang at the front was thin. Although he was wearing coarse linen clothes, his every move was dignified and his eyes looked around from time to time. He should be the literary master Mr. Lin who came to seek refuge two months ago.
But of the four people accompanying Xu Zhenying, except for the one named Pang Xiaohua, they were in the same group for the previous interview, and the other three were completely unfamiliar to him.
But as a close minister to Xu Zhenying, Zhou Houfang was naturally very sharp-eyed and sharp-eared.
Zhou Houfang had heard that Xu Zhenying had hired four new secretaries, making a total of five people working together with her as a secretarial team.
Zhou Houfang is not like Qian Zhenniang.
Qian Zhenniang was truly valued by Xu Zhenying, so when a new person replaced her, Qian Zhenniang acted so calmly, and was even happy that someone was taking over her position.
But Zhou Houfang is different.
No matter how hard or tiring it is, she hopes to have Xu Zhenying's exclusive love.
Of course, this is not pampering.
But Zhou Houfang herself knew that she had just joined the Xu family's government team and had spent the shortest time with Xu Zhenying, even less than their four new secretaries. These four secretaries had at least followed the city lord closely when he was in Xingyuan Prefecture.
Not to mention these four people, there are clerks, doctors from medical schools, and military professionals, all of whom joined the city lord earlier than her, Zhou Houfang.
If we really talk about qualifications, Zhou Houfang may not be able to compare with them.
Therefore, Zhou Houfang felt a strong sense of crisis.
If you can't compete with them in terms of seniority, then at least you have to be more capable than them!
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