Eighteen villages, with over five thousand people, men, women, old and young alike, their disposal was nothing less than a monumental task.
Zhou Gu walked towards Jiang Zhu, clapped him on the shoulder, and smiled, "My friend, thank you. I know that solving this issue so effortlessly was largely due to your efforts. I will write a letter to the Crown Prince detailing your contributions. Ning Chi will also submit a report to recognize your deeds."
Jiang Zhu also smiled with a hint of sadness, and he sighed. "The eighteen villages existed for decades. Had they continued being righteous bandit heroes and managed their proper businesses, I would have been content to stay trapped in these villages, satisfied with being the master of a village. At least, I would have fulfilled my filial duty, protected this estate for my parents, and provided peaceful days for my brothers. Yet, there are those who covet the eighteen villages. After Marquis Nanping, now comes the Pingxi General. At this rate, the inhabitants of the eighteen villages, numbering only a few thousand, are nothing more than pawns or stepping stones in someone else’s game. Not just the estate, but even the lives of my brothers, are hard to secure. Accepting the Imperial Court’s offer of amnesty seems to be the only way out."
Zhou Gu nodded, "Brother Jiang, you clearly see the bigger picture and your thoughts are lucid. The Crown Prince knows how to make good use of talented people, like you. If you enter the court, I’m sure you’ll find many great opportunities."
Jiang Zhu did not respond, instead asking Zhou Gu, "What about you, Brother Zhou?"
Zhou Gu was puzzled, "What about me?"
Jiang Zhu lowered his voice, "Why did the state-examination-topped Brother Zhou decide to travel for three years? Could the rumors be true, that you’re traveling to help the Crown Prince eliminate enemies?"
Zhou Gu didn’t deny it and seriously said, "Isn’t that the case? The eighteen villages have always been a hidden danger for the court. Now that we can offer them amnesty, I have played my part as well, don’t you think? Clearing the way for the Crown Prince also contributes to the wellbeing of Daliang."
Jiang Zhu shook his head, "I don’t think that’s the whole truth, Brother Zhou."
Zhou Gu raised his eyebrows, "And what’s your theory then?"
"Lady Su Qi, the Nanchu Princess." Jiang Zhu whispered.
Zhou Gu was startled, "What do you mean by that, Brother Jiang?"
Jiang Zhu looked at him, "I personally suspect that you are planning to go to Nanchu, all for Lady Su Qi."
Zhou Gu laughed, "How did you come up with that? I’m from the Duke Residence, serving as the study partner for the Crown Prince at the Eastern Palace for several years. By any measure, I shouldn’t be the subject of such an allegation." 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚
Jiang Zhu shook his head, "It’s just a hunch, there’s no hard evidence. I just thought that a man like you, Zhou Gu, once set his heart upon a woman, probably wouldn’t let go so easily. Even if you’ve broken off the engagement."
Zhou Gu’s smile faded away, "Brother Jiang, you have known me for only a short while, yet you seem to understand me. Being seen through by someone is not something pleasant, especially by someone I’m not close to."
In other words, are you courting death?
Jiang Zhu seemed to feel a murderous intent from Zhou Gu, he chuckled, "Don’t be angry, Brother Zhou. What I mean to say is, I plan to ask for your recommendation, or perhaps your referral, since I want to serve under Lady Su Qi and go to Nanchu to seek a position."
Zhou Gu looked at Jiang Zhu, somewhat taken aback, "You said...you want me to..." His mission was to offer amnesty for the Crown Prince, for Daliang, and yet the person he came to convince surprisingly wanted to serve under Su Rong?
Jiang Zhu repeated it, with an utterly serious face, "Are you surprised?"
Zhou Gu still could not make sense of it, "You haven’t even met her, have you?"
"Indeed, I haven’t met her. But that does nothing to hinder my conviction. Lady Su Qi is remarkable. To serve such a master might just be full of possibilities," Jiang Zhu explained.
"Why not choose the Crown Prince?" Zhou Gu asked.
"Although the Crown Prince is fond of talent, he has been established for many years. Even if I served in the Eastern Palace, I would simply be an unnecessary addition to a crown jewel. The Crown Prince doesn’t lack capable officials. But Lady Su Qi is different. She has little to no foundation. Her quest to secure her position in Nanchu is like starting from scratch. It’s dangerous, but it’s worth taking the risk for fortune and glory." Jiang Zhu explained.
He didn’t have to say more. With that statement, everyone would understand his intent.
Zhou Gu commented, "Are you sure about leaving your loved ones behind? You do understand, once you go to Nanchu, there would be no one to look after these villagers."
"I’ve thought this through. The Imperial Court will take care of everything. Those brothers who wish to go with me can come to Nanchu. Those who prefer to stay in Daliang can stay. Old folks, women, and children are also free to choose. Those who prefer to come with me can do so, and those who prefer to stay behind would be looked after by other brothers," Jiang Zhu seemed to have it all planned out. "So, what do you say, Brother Zhou? I really want to serve the future Queen of Nanchu, Lady Su Qi. It seems more promising to be her strong right hand, rather than fighting for a position in Daliang’s officialdom amid millions of subjects."
Zhou Gu inhaled deeply and patted his shoulder heavily, "Interesting idea."
After he finished, he scrutinized Jiang Zhu’s face closely.
Jiang Zhu felt a bit uncomfortable under his gaze and touched his face, "Is there something on my face?"
"No." Zhou Gu turned away and asked him, "So, you only have the ambition to serve as a loyal official, right?"
"Correct."
"Your resolution is unwavering, and you promise not to change your mind once you reach Nanchu, correct?" Zhou Gu enquired further.
"I suppose so?" Jiang Zhu was confused by his question, "Brother Zhou, is there anything else you want to tell me?"
Zhou Gu played with strands of his own hair. He twirled them around his fingers and then let them loose, then said to Jiang Zhu, "As long as you promise that after meeting her, you will not have any other ideas, I can introduce you to her."
"What ideas?" Jiang Zhu was puzzled.
Zhou Gu saw no reason to hide it and frankly said, "Romantic feelings. Having someone too clever around her could make one attracted to her, which would not put my mind at ease."
Jiang Zhu: "..."
Should he thank Zhou Gu for complimenting him on his intelligence?
He looked at Zhou Gu skeptically, feeling like he was getting to know Zhou Gu for the first time. He didn’t understand how Zhou Gu could utter such blunt words with such a casual attitude. What was the Zhou Gu of the Duke Residence like before this? Was he always such a person?
Zhou Gu kept a straight face, "Didn’t you guess that she’s the one I care about? Since I care about her, I naturally wouldn’t want others to have feelings for her."
Jiang Zhu was stunned for a moment. He coughed a few times, not knowing whether to laugh or keep a straight face, "Zhou Gu, isn’t that a bit much?"
He was already so cautious even before he had met her? Besides, should he remind Zhou Gu that, according to the rumors, Lady Su Qi seemed to be engaged to the Second Young Master Ye? If anyone should be wary, it should be the Second Young Master Ye of the Nanchu Ye Xiang Residence.
"It’s necessary." Zhou Gu nodded, "I just want to know whether you promise or not."
Jiang Zhu remained silent.
Zhou Gu looked at him and reminded, "Brother Jiang, you’ve read thousands of books. You have ambitions to fulfill. If you plan to become a loyal official, then you must be determined to become one. Do not abandon your intentions half-way and deviate from your path. Otherwise, it would go against the original intention of why you studied so much."
Jiang Zhu looked at Zhou Gu with a complicated expression, "Brother Zhou, has anyone ever said these words to you?"
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