Chapter 230 Fighting for Freedom
Amber was shocked. "What? This is really strange. There are such strange things in the world!"
Zhou Houfang had a strange smile on his face. "Just wait and see, there are many more strange things about this group of people!"
The two men walked in and saw that not far away there was a red line with a wooden board on it that said "No Trampling" and other words.
Zhou Houfang couldn't help but look over. It was just dark grey wet mud. What was so special about it?
Amber was stunned and asked, "Miss, what are they doing?"
Zhou Houfang looked up and saw countless men with naked upper bodies, their trouser legs rolled up, working hard under the sun.
Some people were constantly carrying large amounts of gray powder, some were carrying water, some were constantly pouring the water into the gray powder to stir it, and others were filling the mixed gray wet mud into two long straight pits that had been compacted in advance.
It looks like road construction.
But what kind of road is this? Why does it look different from the previous road construction?
When building roads in the past, they would just use hoes and other tools to compact and flatten the soil. If they had money, they would use some stone slabs. No one had molds like they did.
Zhou Houfang saw Xu Zhenying and his group standing under a big tree. Xu Zhenying waved at her from a distance, and Zhou Houfang hurried over with Amber.
Zhou Houfang bowed respectfully, "City Lord."
Secretary Qian behind Xu Zhenying also nodded slightly as a greeting.
Xu Zhenying also had his sleeves rolled up and a handkerchief casually draped over his shoulders. At first glance, he looked like a working man.
Seeing Zhou Houfang's bewildered expression, she smiled and said, "You've never seen a road like this before, have you? From now on, all of Jinzhou Prefecture will use roads like this. They're much better than loess roads. Not only are they cheaper, they're also sturdy and durable. Once they dry, they're waterproof and fireproof, and they won't get all muddy even on rainy days. Our public carriages will be much faster!"
Zhou Houfang was very surprised. "May I ask the City Lord, what is this?"
"This is a new invention from our research institute called cement. It looks like mud, but once it dries it's indistinguishable from hard stone slabs, yet the cost is significantly reduced."
Zhou Houfang immediately grasped the three words "research institute".
Sounds like a department dedicated to researching new objects.
Seeing Zhou Houfang still looking confused, Qian Zhenniang smiled and explained, "The research institute is a place dedicated to researching new things. For example, the pencil you saw in the exam room before was made by them based on the city lord's ideas."
Xu Zhenying was very modest, "It's all thanks to President Luo and his colleagues."
Pencil and cement, both of these things look incredible.
Zhou Houfang couldn't help but develop a strong interest in the graduate student.
Xu Zhenying asked her, "The results are out. Do you know your ranking?"
Zhou Houfang nodded.
"One hundred and forty-seventh? That sounds like last place. But you have to know that you're the only one selected in the entire Jinzhou Prefecture." Xu Zhenying looked at her with a smile. "Miss Zhou, you should know that I'm very short of people right now. Although the recruitment criteria this time is to select positions based on the candidates' grades, I will naturally make an exception for a talent like you."
Zhou Houfang was a little dazed. She seemed unable to believe what Xu Zhenying said.
Talent, is Xu Zhenying talking about her?
What kind of talent is she?
Could it be that Xu Zhenying was teasing her?
"If you're willing to work for me, you can choose any of the following counties and take up the position of magistrate right away. Or you can be my secretary. Secretary Hu is going to Sanyuan County, so there's room for someone to work beside me."
For some reason, Zhou Houfang clearly noticed that after she said this, Qian Zhenniang's eyes immediately stared at her excitedly like a wild wolf, which made her somewhat scared.
Qian Zhenniang was looking forward to Xu Zhenying's poaching skills.
This person is a ready-made talent. She is a daughter of a fifth-rank official. Not only can she read and write, she is also quite accomplished in mathematics. She also looks smart and cautious. She is definitely a good material for being a secretary!
But Zhou Houfang looked hesitant, as if she was about to speak but hesitated. Xu Zhenying already knew what she was thinking, "Is there a problem at home?"
Zhou Houfang simply said, "City Lord, thank you for your favor, but I took the exam this time to save my father. If I go out to work, not only will my parents object, but even my in-laws will be unhappy. I can't betray my family like this..."
She bit her lower lip, a sad light flashing in her eyes, "I can't afford such a price."
Qian Zhenniang suddenly realized something.
Yes, how could I forget Zhou Houfang’s identity.
She is different from Xu Yinxi. Although both of them are daughters of officials, the Xu family was exiled, while the Zhou family is still prosperous.
The Zhou family must be hoping that the imperial court will send troops to attack Jinzhou, so that Zhou's father can be reinstated and the Zhou family can return to its former state.
If Zhou Houfang comes out to work for the city lord, wouldn't that be a betrayal of her natal family and her disapproval of her husband's family? She would have no way out and would have to wholeheartedly follow the city lord in his rebellion from then on.
Just as Zhou Houfang worried, the price was indeed too high.
It would be fine if Xu Zhenying succeeded in her rebellion, but if she failed, she would have no way out and her fate would be more miserable than anyone else.
Asking Zhou Houfang to join their camp was tantamount to forcing her to fight for her life.
Looking at Zhou Houfang's expression, Qian Zhenniang had a premonition that Miss Zhou might not be able to come.
Xu Zhenying smiled and said, "Don't worry. I'll give you two choices. One is to come work for me. I'll give you the best treatment, either as a county magistrate or as my secretary. The other is that I'll let your father go home alone, but to prevent him from causing trouble, I'll have to keep you all under guard. You can only move around in the mansion from now on."
Zhou Houfang exclaimed, "Ah!"
Locking up all the members of the Zhou family would mean that she and her father would have to live under the same roof at all times.
Her father had a stubborn temper and was very strict with her. It used to be fine if he would visit her every morning and evening, but now she had to face it every day—
Zhou Houfang's heart tightened!
"Oh, by the way, my last secretary has become the prefect of Qianzhou Prefecture. So being my secretary has a bright future!"
Zhou Houfang was stunned.
She had heard that the newly appointed prefect of Qianzhou was a very young woman.
But… this is, after all, the territory of the rebels. Who knows how long Xu Zhenying's power can last? These county magistrates, prefects, and clerks sound like a splendid dream, but that dream can end at any time—
If Xu Zhenying loses, how should she deal with it?
Except for this life.
"Take your time to think about it and give me an answer within three days. If you have figured it out, come directly to the government office to see me."
Zhou Houfang just went back like this.
Amber behind her seemed to have noticed her worries and didn't dare to speak until the two of them walked to a place. Amber suddenly said, "Miss, look--"
Zhou Houfang came back to his senses and looked in the direction of Amber's finger.
It was a dried cement road.
Someone was pushing a cart on the road, and it didn't shake at all, as if it were flat ground. Zhou Houfang simply walked over quickly and stepped on it.
Amber quickly followed, feeling the smooth, slick, stone-like surface beneath her feet. She exclaimed in astonishment, "Miss, this cement road is incredibly smooth! It's almost as smooth as the bluestone road we have back home! If all of Jinzhou Prefecture were paved with this kind of road, wouldn't carriages be able to fly?"
Zhou Houfang walked step by step, feeling it. She narrowed her eyes slightly and raised her hand to block the sunlight.
The wind blew her hair gently.
She seemed to see far into the future.
At this moment, a mysterious power suddenly emerged in her heart, and she made a decision that even she could not believe.
Life is so long, and she, Zhou Houfang... wants to gamble her life.
What are you fighting for?
Future? Gold and silver? Status?
No, she wants to fight for her freedom!
The woman turned her head with a light smile on her face. She said to Amber beside her, "Let's go home."
Seeing that Zhou Houfang didn't say a word on the way home, Amber was worried.
She was afraid that Zhou Houfang would really believe the mountain king's words and abandon her family and career to rebel. If that happened, what would she do? She was just a small maid. If her master was in trouble, how could she be safe?
Who knows, he might be beaten to death by his wife?
As they were about to reach the door of their house, Amber couldn't help but ask, "Miss, you're not really planning on becoming that useless county magistrate, are you?"
Zhou Houfang smiled and said, "Didn't you say earlier that I was capable and better than Miss Chang San? Why are you more gloomy than me now?"
"Miss, please don't think of rebelling! If you do that, the mistress and the master won't let you go! And think about your son-in-law. You're getting married next month!"
Zhou Houfang thought about Chang Dalang.
But she only thought about the fact that he already had two concubines before she got married.
Even Chang Dalang was afraid that her marriage would hinder the love between him and his cousin. Even though the wedding date had been set, he still brought his cousin into the house regardless of the consequences.
It was like a loud slap in the face, making her a laughing stock in the Chang family before she even entered the house.
If Chang Dalang's mother had not come over and humbled herself, increased the betrothal gifts, and acted as if she was the only one he could have, my father and mother would have been furious.
So what if she was furious? She had already completed most of the three letters and six ceremonies, leaving only the wedding ceremony. It was a fait accompli, and even if the man was unbearable, she had no choice but to accept the marriage.
Thinking about it now, Zhou Houfang actually felt fortunate that Xu Zhenying's sudden attack on Jinzhou Prefecture delayed their wedding.
Fortunately, she was given a chance to breathe.
Zhou Houfang only said vaguely to Amber: "The Great Zhou Dynasty is in turmoil right now, with wars raging everywhere. Our Jinzhou Prefecture has also fallen into the hands of thieves. It's not certain whether this marriage can be successful!"
When Amber heard this, she felt a little uneasy.
From what she heard from the young lady...it seemed that she didn't want to marry her son-in-law...
But the marriage was already a fait accompli. Once the mountain king left, or the two masters were released, they would definitely have to get married.
Could it be that the lady has other ideas?
The moment Zhou Houfang returned home, he noticed a strange atmosphere in the house.
The maids all lowered their heads, held their breath, and looked quite terrified.
Zhou Houfang felt something was amiss and quickly passed through the screen wall. She saw the housekeeper beside Madam Chang. She stood in front of Zhou Houfang like a solid wall, looked her up and down, then bowed slightly, her tone rather arrogant: "Miss, Jinzhou Prefecture is in great chaos right now. It's better for you to stay at home if you have nothing to do."
Amber pouted, very dissatisfied.
She hadn't even married yet, and she was already acting in such a pretentious way about her daughter! What's more, this woman wasn't even the daughter's mother-in-law, but just her trusted nanny.
However, due to the other party's identity, Amber naturally did not dare to act rashly.
Zhou Houfang bowed slightly and said, "Madam, you are right."
Zhou Houfang already knew in her heart that there was no good banquet, and every time Mrs. Chang came to visit, there was always something bad going on.
This time, she was afraid that her in-laws would find out about her taking the civil service exam.
In a flash, Zhou Houfang had already gone through all the possible things that might happen behind the door in his mind.
Sure enough, as soon as I entered the room, Mrs. Chang was sitting in the first seat, dressed in gorgeous clothes, while my mother had a fawning smile on her face, trying to please her.
The maids in the room were all facing a great enemy and dared not utter a word.
It was because Mrs. Chang looked unhappy and a little depressed, and it was obvious that she was ready to bring an army to bear to find an accuser.
Zhou Houfang stepped forward to pay her respects. Just as she sat down, she heard Madam Chang's shrill voice barking, "Houfang, if the maids who were shopping hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't have known that the eldest daughter-in-law of the Chang family had actually defected to the rebels! Tell me yourself, is that Zhou Houfang mentioned on the notice board at the government office really you?"
Zhou Houfang showed no fear. "Yes, it's me."
"How dare you!" Madam Chang frowned and flicked her long sleeves, shattering cups and plates. No one in the room dared to speak. "Do you even remember your own status? Your father was a fifth-rank official in Jinzhou Prefecture, and now he's been murdered by that traitor and his life is in danger. Yet you stoop to serving him! If the court knew, your entire Zhou family would be labeled traitors, and your entire clan might be executed! If my Chang family is implicated, you'll blame me for being ruthless!"
Madam Zhou's eyes were filled with fear. She grabbed Madam Chang's hand and said, "Mother-in-law, if you want to blame someone, blame me. It was me who sent Houfang. My husband is still in jail, and we don't know whether he's alive or dead. My mother-in-law is so worried that she's sick. The people we sent couldn't get into the jail at all, and the jailers have all been replaced by the rebels. We really have no way—"
Zhou Houfang couldn't bear her mother's pleading, so she stepped forward to help her mother up and said to Madam Chang, "Madam, don't you want to know about Mr. Chang's recent situation?"
Mrs. Chang was stunned.
She always knew that the daughter of the Zhou family was arrogant. She was afraid that Zhou Houfang would become too powerful in the future and suppress her son, causing him to be constantly controlled. Therefore, she was not willing to accept this marriage.
Looking at Zhou Houfang, who seemed weak but was actually strong, she could no longer care about anything else and just asked, "Could it be that you have heard about their situation?"
With just one sentence, Zhou Houfang calmed down Mrs. Chang who was looking for an explanation and took control of the situation.
Zhou Houfang took the opportunity to help his mother sit down in a chair, then slowly said, "I took advantage of the exam to get close to Xu Zhenying, and then met with her alone. From her, I learned about the recent situation of my father and Lord Chang. Madam, don't worry, they are all fine in the prison. Xu Zhenying's men didn't intentionally torture them, and their food and daily life are all taken care of."
"Then..." Mrs. Chang suddenly became energetic and did not mention what happened just now. She only asked, "When can they come out?"
"I'm afraid not in the near future. Since entering the city, Xu Zhenying has never killed innocent people indiscriminately, and his reputation in Lan and Ye counties is very good. Therefore, her words are trustworthy. She said that in order to prevent my father and his men from causing trouble, they will have to be detained temporarily. As for when they will be released, my guess is that either the imperial court will send reinforcements to attack Jinzhou Prefecture, or Xu Zhenying will have completely established a foothold in Jinzhou Prefecture."
"Oh my God!" Madam Chang shredded the handkerchief. "That damned traitor!"
After saying that, Mrs. Chang looked at Zhou Houfang expectantly, "Then...will we be allowed to visit?"
Zhou Houfang raised her eyelids and looked at Madam Chang. "Madam, she is now followed by more than a dozen soldiers. I am only able to speak to Xu Zhenying now by taking the opportunity of the civil servant examination. I am afraid it will be difficult to see her in the future, let alone ask for a visit."
Mrs. Chang sat back in her chair, somewhat bewildered. "Is there really no other way?"
Zhou Houfang paused deliberately, letting Madam Chang and her mother sob incessantly before she sighed softly and said, hesitantly, "There is a way, but it depends on whether you dare to lose face for our two families."
Madam Chang stopped sobbing immediately and looked at Zhou Houfang as if she had found her backbone in an instant. "Tell me, what is the method? As long as it can save my master, I don't care about losing face!"
Even Mrs. Zhou said, "Houfang, you have always had your own ideas. Tell me what you have in mind."
Zhou Houfang suppressed her excitement, a look of shame on her face. "Now that things have come to this, I can't hide anything from you two elders. I just went to see Xu Zhenying and asked about my father's situation. She seemed to think highly of me and tried hard to persuade me to come out and work for her."
Mrs. Chang looked surprised, but she refrained from scolding.
"Of course I refused her. I'm the daughter of a fifth-rank judge in Jinzhou Prefecture, and I absolutely cannot do anything that would bring shame upon my father." Zhou Houfang's face was filled with righteous indignation. "But she said that if I came out to work, she would allow me to visit her once a month."
Zhou Houfang paused deliberately, then looked at the expressions of the two people at the main seat.
Sure enough, Mrs. Chang's tense shoulders seemed to relax a little.
Very good, it looks promising.
She continued, "On the way back, I thought about it carefully and decided that it might not be a bad idea for me to work for the rebels."
Seeing Madam Chang's face instantly darken, Zhou Houfang hurriedly said, "If I go and do this, it will be embarrassing for the Chang and Zhou families. We will inevitably be criticized and may even be punished by the court in the future. However, this matter has its pros and cons, and it all depends on how we handle it. Uncle Chang and Dad lost Jinzhou. Even if the court sent troops to help, no matter what the reason, the two elders will inevitably be reprimanded by His Majesty. At the very least, His Majesty will dislike them, and at the worst, they will be demoted and imprisoned, which is still the least. Therefore, the danger for both families is not now, but after the court rescues them!"
These words made Mrs. Chang's face tighten.
Yes, the loss of such a large Jinzhou Prefecture was a heavy slap in the face of the imperial court, and there would definitely have to be a scapegoat afterwards.
In this case, the danger for the Chang family is still to come!
"But if I take advantage of this civil service exam to get close to Xu Zhenying and pretend to surrender, and if I can learn the secrets and provide information when the imperial army arrives to support them, I might be able to save the lives of both families, and even gain a promotion—"
Zhou Houfang clearly noticed that Mrs. Chang's eyes lit up!
The mother looked worried.
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