Chapter 11 My Humble Admiration
Madam Zhuang, also known as Bi Shuyu, did not initially think of Zhuang Dongqing.
Recently, she went back to her parents' home and then sought help from Master Zhuang's superiors and colleagues. She tried every possible method, endured a lot of setbacks, and even shamelessly went to his door to ask for help, but to no avail.
Her family was a distant branch of the Bi family, the kind that relied on a powerful clan for support. Even though her parents loved her dearly, they had no real influence within the clan. In this time of fear for everyone, the clan leader would not allow the main branch to take any risks to help her.
As for Zhuang Xingchang's colleagues and superiors, her colleagues couldn't help her, and her superiors were unwilling to help her.
That's all just human nature.
A few days ago, Bi Shuyu received news that the Ministry of Justice had actually released several officials and students to go home in private, but... Zhuang Xingchang and her eldest son Zhuang Yue were not among them.
Already feeling like an ant on a hot pan, he received the news today that his uncle from the Bi family had been imprisoned. Overwhelmed with anxiety and anger, he fainted.
The doctor took her pulse, and after the medicine was prepared, her trusted confidante, Liu Mama, served her the medicine while gently comforting her.
After enduring so much hardship, Bi Shuyu finally couldn't bear it any longer and said in great pain, "Tell me, have I been too harsh on Yue'er?"
“He was not particularly bright, and his academic performance was mediocre. I knew from a young age that his writing was not as good as Zhuang Dongqing’s.”
"Of course, that kid is also good at hiding his talents. Knowing that I don't like him, he always acts humble and performs slightly inferior to Yue'er. But when it comes to the crucial moment of the imperial examination, who is willing to be second to someone else... It's a pity that my Yue'er doesn't know, and I have never pointed it out to him..."
"If I hadn't been so strict with him, how could Yue'er have even thought about those crooked and evil ways?"
"He must have listened to those cousins' terrible advice just to save face..."
In the end, two lines of tears rolled down his cheeks, filled with regret.
Liu's mother could only try to persuade her.
She cried so much that she soaked one of her handkerchiefs. Only after she had fully vented her emotions did Bi Shuyu remember that Zhuang Dongqing had actually come to see her once before the imperial examination.
"wrong."
"No, no!"
After saying "no" three times, Bi Shuyu suddenly sat up straight.
Mrs. Liu was surprised.
Bi Shuyu gripped her hand tightly, murmuring, "When has he ever cared about the master's affairs? Aside from studying, he would never ask a question about anything else. This is strange..."
"unless……"
Bi Shuyu looked at Liu's mother, her eyes suddenly perking up, "Unless he already knew something!"
"Yes, that's right... Quick, go and tell Zhuang Dongqing to come see me."
Madam Liu was at a loss. "But, Madam, you're still ill. Shall I help you get up first?"
Bi Shuyu pushed away Liu Mama's hand and said firmly, "Hanlu can help me get up. Go find Zhuang Dongqing, immediately. I don't trust anyone else."
Having said that, Mrs. Liu had no choice but to agree.
After giving the maids some detailed instructions, and still feeling somewhat worried, Liu Mama went out.
*
Zhuang Dongqing remained silent the entire way.
Liu's mother looked him over several times and saw no sign of panic on his face. The fact that he could remain so calm at a time like this made Liu's mother believe her wife's judgment.
After settling Zhuang Dongqing in the living room and informing the madam, Liu Mama led her to the outer room of the main house.
After a brief encounter, even though she was still dressed in silk and jade, her waning health could not be concealed. The lady's face had lost its usual rosy hue; her complexion was sallow, and her lips were pale. It was likely due to days of travel and a sudden illness that she had become so haggard.
Zhuang Dongqing sighed inwardly, but outwardly greeted him respectfully.
"You're here, please have a seat."
Bi Shuyu's voice was weak and feeble.
His eyes were fixed on Zhuang Dongqing, burning with a secret longing.
Zhuang Dongqing, who was bowing his head in greeting, was completely unaware of what was happening.
After everyone sat down, without saying a word, and after almost finishing a cup of tea, Bi Shuyu finally couldn't hold back and spoke up: "You know what's been going on at home lately."
Zhuang Dongqing nodded, listening attentively.
Bi Shuyu then added, "...the entire capital city will not be peaceful lately."
Zhuang Dongqing nodded again.
Having laid out the opening line, Bi Shuyu waited a while, but saw that Zhuang Dongqing still maintained a receptive attitude, showing no intention of joining in the conversation.
"..."
After remaining silent for what seemed like an eternity, Zhuang Dongqing waited patiently for another cup of tea, but finally, the lady gave in, suppressing her anger, and said, "Don't you have anything to say to me?"
"ah?"
Zhuang Dongqing was stunned.
He looked up, his eyes clear, his expression one of undisguised surprise.
Bi Shuyu took a deep breath. Her surprise was so natural and fleeting that she couldn't convince herself that the other person was faking it.
Really...
"Madam, do you... have something to say to me?"
Fortunately, he wasn't completely stupid; Zhuang Dongqing did respond.
Bi Shuyu couldn't help but ask, "You hit your head, isn't it healed yet?"
"Oh, you wanted to ask me about this? The bruising hasn't completely cleared up yet, and it probably won't heal for at least three to five years."
"..."
Bi Shuyu: "...I noticed."
With two fingers pressed against her brow, Bi Shuyu closed her eyes and exhaled, constantly reminding herself that important matters were paramount and everything else was unimportant.
But when she opened her eyes again and met Zhuang Dongqing's completely innocent and guileless appearance, Bi Shuyu still choked up.
Zhuang Dongqing was indeed not stupid. "Does Madam have anything else to say to me?"
"If it's about the recent controversy, you might as well speak frankly."
He touched his nose and whispered, "It's too convoluted, I don't understand it either..."
Bi Shuyu sat up straight. "Before the imperial examination, you came to see me once. At that time, you advised the master not to take on any tasks related to the imperial examination."
He paused, then said in a deep voice, "Did you already know something back then?"
Zhuang Dongqing thought for a moment and answered honestly, "It doesn't matter anymore. What's meant to happen has happened."
The lady tightened her grip on the stool and said sternly, "What do you mean it's not important? Your father and your brother are still imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice. Are you going to ignore their lives?"
Zhuang Dongqing was confused. "But didn't you and the master not listen to me back then?"
"..."
What I wanted to say was...
Zhuang Dongqing: "Does Madam want to ask if there is still any way for me to help?"
Bi Shuyu and Zhuang Dongqing spoke at the same time.
Bi Shuyu's chest heaved for a moment, then she patiently replied, "...Yes."
"You don't need to pretend with me, I know you know the Sixth Prince."
"Did your news come from inside the palace?"
Zhuang Dongqing did not answer, but lowered his eyes.
Bi Shuyu took a deep breath and gripped the armrests of the chair tightly again. Her heart was burning with anger, but she remained patient and waited.
Bi Shuyu's palms were slightly sweaty before Zhuang Dongqing spoke again.
He spoke slowly, "There is a way, though."
The weight that had been hanging over Bi Shuyu's heart was lifted.
"but……"
"But what?" After letting out a sigh of relief, Bi Shuyu realized that her back was also sweating.
Zhuang Dongqing and Bi Shuyu looked at each other. His eyes were still unusually clear, but after a while, he was in no hurry, while Bi Shuyu's heart began to pound again.
"What exactly are you..."
"But there are conditions."
They spoke at the same time again.
Bi Shuyu: "You speak!"
Zhuang Dongqing began to put on his nail polish. "Madam, you know that I am just an illegitimate son of the Zhuang family. My abilities are limited. I can only guarantee that I will be of some use, but I can't say exactly how much help I can provide."
Bi Shuyu wasn't surprised. "Of course."
But right now, she has nowhere to turn for help, so even the smallest bit of assistance would be appreciated.
"Tell me your conditions," Bi Shuyu said decisively, not wanting to waste any more time.
Zhuang Dongqing glanced at the servants around him, and Bi Shuyu understood.
Before long, only she, Zhuang Dongqing, and their trusted confidante, Liu Mama, remained in the room.
Zhuang Dongqing stretched out her hand and spread her five fingers.
Bi Shuyu remained expressionless, while Liu Mama hesitated: "Five hundred taels?"
"Hmm. I need five hundred taels of silver... to get things done."
At that time, five hundred taels was equivalent to about three million in modern society, which was not a small amount, but it was not much of a concern for wealthy families, especially for noble families like the wife who was related to the emperor.
Bi Shuyu: "That's it?"
"Yes. I also need Liu Fu's indenture and household registration."
Although Liu Fu was the original owner's pageboy, the indenture and household registration certificate were always held by the madam and never given to the original owner. Zhuang Dongqing knew that this was also a way for the madam to control the original owner.
Bi Shuyu raised an eyebrow. This request was somewhat unexpected, but it wasn't a big deal.
After a moment's thought, Bi Shuyu calmed herself and asked, "What if I don't agree?"
Zhuang Dongqing said calmly, "If Madam is willing, it would be best to consider it in the next couple of days."
"If they are unwilling, then our whole family is here. Once the deposed crown prince issues his decree, we can all set off together. There's nothing wrong with that."
Bi Shuyu's pupils contracted, she slammed her hand on the table, and roared, "Insolence!"
Having experienced everything during this time, Zhuang Dongqing was not easily frightened. Helplessly, she said, "Madam, please take your time to consider it."
*
That's what they say, but people were still driven out.
Not long after I returned to the courtyard, before I had even finished drinking a pot of water, Aunt Liu came again.
Not only did they bring silver notes and Liu Fu's indenture and registration, but they also gave an extra hundred taels of silver, asking Zhuang Dongqing to handle things "beautifully".
I suppose the lady is still afraid.
Zhuang Dongqing wasn't particularly happy about accepting the gifts, so he simply spread out the Xuan paper again and continued practicing calligraphy.
Actually, I was quite restless while writing. The lady made a choice, and he... could be said to have thought of a way out, but he was still worried about this and that, unable to calm down.
After making several mistakes, Zhuang Dongqing put down his pen and spread out the original owner's calligraphy copybook. He thought that if the original owner were here, he might have been much more at ease in this situation.
Pregnancy, confiscation of property, Prince Dingxi, Young Master Ji, Sixth Prince...
His mind raced, and suddenly, when the two calligraphy samples overlapped and he caught a glimpse of something, Zhuang Dongqing's mind went blank.
"Six blessings, six blessings—!"
Zhuang Dongqing called out loudly, "Do you have any more calligraphy practice books? The ones I wrote before I had a fever, do you have any?"
"Yes, young master, don't worry, I'll go get it."
Noticing that Zhuang Dongqing's expression was off, Liu Fu quickly found a large stack of calligraphy copybooks. Zhuang Dongqing picked them up and started flipping through them, but the more she flipped through them, the colder her heart felt.
A dozen identical calligraphy copybooks were stacked up, and the number of copies was the same for all of them. Zhuang Dongqing was stunned.
No wonder, no wonder, so that's how it is...
He meant, "How could that be? This makes sense!"
Zhuang Dongqing suddenly looked at Liu Fu and said seriously, "When I met Young Master Ji before, were you with me?"
Liu Fu was puzzled. "I'm basically always there, but I'm also there when Young Master and Young Master Ji are discussing their studies alone."
Zhuang Dongqing: "Come on, tell me everything you can remember, down to the smallest detail."
"Okay, okay."
Liu Fu stammered as he recalled what he had just said, but before he could finish, less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Zhuang Dongqing interrupted him, saying, "That's enough, I understand."
"Know what?"
Zhuang Dongqing did not answer, but simply waved for Liu Fu to leave.
Lost in thought for a moment, Zhuang Dongqing even wished it were a fake, but upon looking at the calligraphy...
Zhuang Dongqing combined the two calligraphy copybooks into one, merging the characters "禾" (hé) and "子" (zǐ) into one "季" (jì).
There are about twenty characters on a sheet of Xuan paper, each written in a different style. However, when viewed side by side, you will find that the characters “禾” and “子” in the same position use the same shape and can be matched.
The quantities of these two calligraphy copybooks match up, suggesting they were written together.
Under what circumstances would a student secretly write someone else's name?
Zhuang Dongqing knows the answer to this question.
After all, when you're in school, if someone has a crush on someone, they'll write it all over a page of scratch paper.
Upon closer inspection, I also found a calligraphy copybook by Li Yangbiao, which was also in two separate sheets, but they were similar in style.
Zhuang Dongqing put down the Xuan paper, a thousand words stuck in his throat.
He was saying, how strange, how did a perfectly good staff member become a human shield?
Thinking deeper, after failing to win over Cen Yan, Li Yang and all the retainers were ready to give up, but the original owner of this body was still stubborn and willing to reveal what happened back then, even using the child as a tool...
If this isn't love...
Zhuang Dongqing has a headache.
Buzzing.
It hurts when I have a throbbing pain.
Even if it's an ensemble piece, even if it's a wish-fulfillment story, this is way too much.
Especially when he, like the original body, is bent into a mosquito coil shape.
The inhuman tragedy of gay men loving straight men...
Take a deep breath, exhale, take a deep breath, calm down, take a deep breath...
He just can't calm down at all!
I'm so angry! This is infuriating!
Zhuang Dongqing suddenly flew into a rage and tore all the calligraphy copybooks to shreds. Not satisfied with that, he had Liufu light a brazier and burned each copy one by one until they were rolling away!
While burning the incense, he chanted: "Misfortune begone, straight men stay away, simps be banished, love-struck people disappear quickly..."
One by one, they were all burned to ashes, but he was still not satisfied. While the fire was still blazing, he stepped over the fire pit several times.
Liu Fu asked him what he was doing, and Zhuang Dongqing replied rudely, "Exorcising evil spirits! Getting rid of bad luck!!"
Liu Fu: "..."
After completing the entire process, Zhuang Dongqing's face turned red with anger, and she sat in the courtyard, panting.
As her breathing gradually calmed down, Zhuang Dongqing felt a pang of sorrow as she looked at the dark brazier.
he……
Zhuang Dongqing closed her eyes, took another deep breath, exhaled, and opened her eyes. She had made up her mind.
He changed his mind.
Strangely, the process of deciding to go find the male protagonist was very difficult, and for a time she couldn't make up her mind.
However, rejecting this option is surprisingly easy.
He thought that deep down, he probably didn't want to take this path at all.
in this way,
That's fine.
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