One hundred and forty-nine
Yu County is over 1,900 li to the north, and it takes about eleven or twelve days for a horse carriage to reach Yuzhang.
Although it is spring, the weather gets colder the further north you go.
Fu Wei put on the sleeves prepared by his mother and the clothes prepared by Yu Ying.
After all, he had lived in the northern part of the south for twenty years, so he was used to the cold here.
It was mid-January when I first entered Yuzhang County. It was snowing lightly and the weather was cold.
The night before arriving at the county seat, the troops rested at the post station and entered the city the next morning.
After settling in at the post station, County Magistrate Zhou summoned Fu Wei and told him, "My status within the Zhou family is awkward. Joining the family might present many difficulties and inconveniences. You should act accordingly."
He paused, as if thinking of something, and suddenly smiled: "You are a smart person. You can adapt to the situation without me reminding you."
Fu Weiying said: "Please be at ease, sir. I know what I should and shouldn't say."
Magistrate Zhou nodded, sighed, and instructed, "Get some rest tonight. Be alert when you enter the city tomorrow. Some people are known to use dirty tricks to frame others, making it difficult to guard against them."
Fu Wei heard some hidden secrets, but still nodded in agreement.
Magistrate Zhou returned to his room. His wife, Madam Mo, saw him come in and asked, "Did you give Mr. Fu instructions just now?"
Magistrate Zhou nodded and said, "The Zhou family is not a good place. We should at least remind him."
Upon hearing this, Madam Mo sighed softly, "I'm not afraid of anything else, but I'm afraid that you'll be falsely accused again, just like when you were forced to leave Yuzhang."
County Magistrate Zhou sneered at himself, "I'm just a county magistrate in a remote village. What could possibly be worth their calculations?"
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Mo fell silent.
Yes, he had gone to a remote place to be a minor official, and he no longer bothered those people. How could they spare the time to deal with him, a small county magistrate?
*
At daybreak, the troops set out for the Yuzhang County seat.
Yesterday, someone was sent back to the city on horseback to inform them that they would arrive today. However, when they entered the city and arrived at the Zhou family's gate, there was no one waiting to greet them outside. It was very deserted.
Fu Wei had expected this. He had previously heard rumors that County Magistrate Zhou was demoted for offending his eldest son. Last night, after pondering County Magistrate Zhou's words, he roughly guessed the reason.
County Magistrate Zhou was demoted to Yu County as a minor magistrate with little hope of promotion because of a false accusation.
For a moment, Fu Wei thought of his biological father whom he had never met.
He was framed and killed, and his wife and children were exiled.
Although County Magistrate Zhou did not end up in such a tragic situation, he still suffered the same injustice.
The Zhou family is a century-old family with a magnificent gate and stone lions on both sides to protect the house.
Magistrate Zhou and his wife got off the carriage. Magistrate Zhou held his son, and Mrs. Mo held her daughter. They were stopped in front of the Zhou mansion.
The person who stopped them was a stranger.
"Who are you?"
Magistrate Zhou said with a cold face, "Why, I'm in my own house and I need to ask for permission before I can enter?"
County Magistrate Zhou was a man of broad build, with a strong facial feature and a sullen expression that made him look very majestic and intimidating.
The guard was stunned and involuntarily became respectful. "I have just been on duty at the mansion. I don't know who you are. Wait a moment. I will call the steward to greet you."
After saying this, he bowed and turned to go into the mansion to look for the steward.
The manager was late, and after waiting for a moment, he finally arrived.
Seeing the person outside the door, a flash of disdain flashed in his eyes, but he quickly hid it and walked forward with a hypocritical smile: "So it's the Second Master who is back."
"Second Master is finally back. Old Master has been complaining about why Second Master hasn't come back yet."
When County Magistrate Zhou heard the word "Grandpa," his expression remained expressionless. Even though he understood the steward's attitude, his expression softened a bit. "How is Grandfather now?"
The steward replied, "The old man has been ill and bedridden lately, his condition is sometimes better and sometimes worse."
Magistrate Zhou nodded, turned to look at the people who followed him back, then looked back at the steward and coldly ordered: "Arrange a yard for my people to rest."
Now that I'm back, it's impossible for me to stay outside.
The steward said, "Recently, many people have come to visit the old man. Maybe..."
Before he could say anything, he was given a cold look by County Magistrate Zhou.
Magistrate Zhou saw through his tricks and said in a deep voice, "Although I have left the Zhou family, I am still the master. Put away your little thoughts. No matter whose dog you are, don't be so smart."
The steward swallowed the rest of his words and replied with a wry smile, "What I meant is that there might not be any other courtyards. The courtyard where the Second Master lived before joining the army is vacant, but it's a bit small..." He glanced at the people outside and continued, "It's not big enough for so many people."
County Magistrate Zhou lost his mother at a young age and was not very prominent in the Zhou family. Later, he lived with the old man for a period of time, and his life gradually improved. His previous residence was not large, and it was not until he joined the army that he became famous and moved to a larger courtyard.
In high-ranking families, the people below are the best at judging the situation and choosing the right dishes. If you show some weakness, even if you are the master, they can still bully you, without any consideration for the master's future success.
Slaves and maids have seen little of the world and understand little, so they are short-sighted.
The steward replied, "I'll have someone clean up right away. Please come in, Second Master."
The steward made a welcoming gesture, and then County Magistrate Zhou carried the child into the mansion.
*
Fu Wei and his group were led into a small courtyard by the steward.
The gate of Zhou's mansion was magnificent and spectacular. Perhaps because the courtyard where he lived was remote, it took him a quarter of an hour to reach the courtyard.
There were thirty people traveling on this trip, and the small courtyard with six rooms seemed crowded.
Since they are all rough men, there is no big deal.
Except for the main house, the final arrangement was that the chief clerk and Fu Wei shared one room, and the remaining 28 people were divided into four rooms, seven people in each room.
Fortunately, the weather is cold now, so we can keep warm by huddling together.
Fu Wei put down the package and took a look at the relatively bright and clean house.
Luo Dianshi, who had been promoted at the end of last year and was now the chief clerk, walked in, took a look at the furnishings in the room, looked at the only bed, and said, "Sir, please take the bed. I'll sleep on the floor."
Fu Wei turned to look at him: "No need."
Upon hearing this, Luo Zhubu looked at the small bed that could only accommodate one person in embarrassment. Does this mean that Mr. Fu should sleep on the floor while he sleeps on the bed?
He won’t be able to sleep well like this!
Fu Wei tilted his head and smiled: "My Lord will make proper arrangements."
County Magistrate Zhou was a man who could convince others, so he naturally wouldn't let his subordinates travel long distances and endure hardships to follow him.
Sleeping on the floor in such weather without a thick enough quilt might be okay for one or two nights, but even the strongest body can't stand it in the long run.
The old man of the Zhou family is seriously ill. If he can't hold on in the next few days, he will have to stay in the Zhou family for at least ten days, or even longer, after the funeral is over and he returns to Yu County.
The emperor was extravagant, did not value the law, and was even more lax in his control over officials. Those with a prominent family background and whose elders passed away could naturally take leave.
Luo Zhubu frowned in confusion.
County Magistrate Zhou came from a noble family, but according to previous rumors and the attitude of the Zhou family's servants just now, it was clear that he was being ignored.
Since they are being ignored, why would anyone care how these people live?
Fu Wei patted his shoulder and said calmly, "Wait a moment, it will be arranged in about an hour."
Luo Zhubu looked at Fu Wei in confusion.
Although I don’t know why Mr. Fu is so sure, I inexplicably feel that it is really as he said.
About half an hour later, County Magistrate Zhou came back after seeing the old man. There seemed to be something different in his eyes, probably because they were red.
After seeing where the big guy lived, he turned around and walked out without saying anything.
Half an hour later, someone actually brought boards and wooden stakes and started to build simple bunk beds in each room.
An extra bed was also set up in Fu Wei's room.
Thick quilts were delivered one after another, as well as hot meals.
County Magistrate Zhou and his family lived in the courtyard next door.
There is no need to guess why the manager's attitude changed. It's just the same as relying on the power of others.
No matter what, County Magistrate Zhou is still a master, and now that the old man is seriously ill, he dare not act too arrogantly.
If County Magistrate Zhou shows weakness, things will get even worse.
If County Magistrate Zhou took a tough stance, he would be afraid.
He is just a servant who only serves food according to the dish and bullies the weak and fears the strong.
Although County Magistrate Zhou was framed and left Yuzhang unjustly, he was not a softie who would be bullied.
The attitude remains tough to this day.
Late at night, the lights were off and there was a slight snoring sound in the house.
Tired from traveling thousands of miles for days, Luo Zhubu fell asleep as soon as he touched the bed.
In the darkness, Fu Wei opened his eyes. Although he was tired, he was not sleepy at all.
He was worried about his home and his wife, and was wondering what to do next.
While he was thinking, he suddenly heard a noisy sound. Because it was an unfamiliar place, even though Luo Zhubu was sleeping soundly, he woke up quickly.
When he half sat up, he found a figure sitting on the other bed. He shrunk his neck and yawned, wondering, "What's going on in the Zhou Mansion? Why is there so much noise so late at night?"
Fu Wei stood up, took the coat from the end of the bed and put it on, muttering to himself, "It must be that Old Master Zhou has passed away."
Luo Zhubu was startled, and suddenly lifted the quilt and sat up. He pulled the outer shirt over the quilt and put it on hurriedly.
When he went out of the yard with the oil lamp, County Magistrate Zhou and his wife and children had already come out.
Magistrate Zhou nodded at them with a heavy expression and ordered, "You two follow me."
After saying that, he walked towards the yard in front eagerly.
Many people had already gathered in the front yard, and they met the head of the Zhou family at the gate.
The patriarch of the Zhou family, also the father of County Magistrate Zhou.
County Magistrate Zhou is in his thirties, and the clan leader should be between fifty and sixty years old, but he does not look old and is still as healthy as a man in his forties.
County Magistrate Zhou and Sect Leader Zhou had some imagination.
The head of the Zhou family is also very tall, with thick eyebrows, big eyes, and a strong outline.
County Magistrate Zhou called him "Father" and nodded towards him, sighing, "Your grandfather has been thinking about you every day these days, waiting to see you before leaving."
After saying that, he shifted his gaze and took a closer look at his grandson beside his son, then he retracted his gaze and strode into the yard.
The old man was already eighty-six years old. His passing was a happy occasion, but there was still a lot of crying, some sincere and some insincere.
After entering the inner courtyard, County Magistrate Zhou ordered Fu Wei and Luo Zhubu to wait in the yard, and then went into the house.
After seeing the old man who had passed away, they all had to go back and change into mourning clothes.
County Magistrate Zhou asked his wife and children to go back and change clothes first. He only went back after the legitimate and illegitimate children, the elder and the younger, kowtowed three times in front of the old man's bed.
After leaving the yard, a young man of about 27 or 28 was stopped in the alley in front. He had his hands behind his back and was looking at County Magistrate Zhou who was walking towards him.
When County Magistrate Zhou saw the young man, he paused slightly, but continued to move forward.
"I haven't seen you for four years, how come you haven't changed at all, brother?"
Magistrate Zhou's face was gloomy because of his grandfather's passing, and he looked at the people in front of him with a dull expression: "Fourth brother seems to be the same as always."
The young man called the fourth brother smiled, and did not seem sad at all about his grandfather's passing.
He glanced at Fu Wei standing behind County Magistrate Zhou and asked curiously, "I heard you hired a pardoned criminal as your aide. I think it's the renowned Master Huo in Wuling. No, you should call him Master Fu now."
Fu Wei nodded: "I am Fu Wei, meeting Young Master Zhou."
Young Sect Leader Zhou smiled. "I used to often hear people praising your abilities, and I used to wonder what kind of person could be worthy of such praise. Now that I see you, you are truly a refined and elegant person, with extraordinary looks. If you hadn't experienced such a tragic life, you probably wouldn't have stooped to being such a small staff member."
"I also value talent. If you wish, don't return to Yu County. Stay in Yuzhang and work for me."
At the end, as if he suddenly realized something, he let out a long "ah" and looked at County Magistrate Zhou: "I suddenly forgot that this is Second Brother's man. Sorry, I should ask Second Brother first if he is willing to release him. It would be polite."
His smile deepened: "I wonder if Second Brother is willing to let him go?"
He seemed to be smiling but hiding a dagger.
Magistrate Zhou said, "Everyone has their own aspirations. If he wants to stay, I can't force him to leave."
Fu Wei lowered his head and spoke slowly, "Your Excellency has been so kind to me. Wherever you are, I will be there."
Young Master Zhou chuckled and said, "Second brother is so lucky to have such a person."
After saying this, he sighed, "Since you don't want to, I won't force you to stay. Go change into mourning clothes first. Second brother still has to keep vigil with me tonight."
After saying that, he put his hands behind his back and walked away.
As he left, he turned his back to the people behind him and his expression became contemptuous.
Fu Wei glanced at the back of Young Sect Leader Zhou, then looked at County Magistrate Zhou, and lowered his eyes to think.
I once heard that the Zhou family had a concubine's son who was proficient in commanding troops and arraying their troops, and was skilled in all kinds of martial arts.
This bastard is probably County Magistrate Zhou?
The illegitimate son was outstanding, surpassing the legitimate son in many ways, and was also older than the legitimate son. Others only knew the illegitimate son of the Zhou family and not the legitimate son.
In this case, how could the mistress of the Zhou family and the legitimate son not regard the illegitimate son as a thorn in their eyes and get rid of him as soon as possible?
Perhaps the false accusation was the work of this Smiling Tiger Young Master?
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