Xun Wu nodded approvingly at Shi Lan, then stared at Xun Shiba with a fierce expression and said, "If I hadn't come, how long were you going to make a scene?"
Xun Shiba waited for him angrily, but Xun Wu softened his expression and advised, "The criticism in the clan because of your matter has not yet subsided. Instead of reflecting on your actions, you scold your own loyal maid because of another family's nun. I ask you, what do you intend to do?"
Xun Shiba was filled with anger the moment he saw Xun Wu. Seeing that Xun Wu was ostensibly advising him but actually scolding him, he was extremely annoyed. In addition, the shame and anger from being humiliated the night before had not completely dissipated. He had not slept all night and was exhausted. Some words slipped out of his mouth without thinking: "I dare not keep such a disrespectful maid. If you want, you can go with me."
Xun Wu meant well by telling him not to cause any more trouble, but the man was ungrateful and talked back, which made Xun Wu angry.
Although Xun Wu and Xun Shiba were of the same generation and similar in status, Xun Wu had already taken over the affairs of the clan, and the other young men in the clan gave him some face. Xun Shiba, relying on his uncle being the head of the family, had always acted arbitrarily, and Xun Wu had already tolerated it. Now that Xun Shiba had caused a disaster that alarmed the entire clan, the money promised was painful for the other uncles in the clan, and Xun Shiba still dared to act so recklessly. Xun Wu felt that he no longer needed to tolerate it.
"In that case, would you be willing to come with me to the Zhiyuan Temple?"
Thinking back to what he had learned about this person's abilities, Xun Wu simply followed up on Xun Shiba's words and asked him the same question.
Although it was a bit hard to admit that he had taken his cousin's maid, Xun Wu felt that it was worth the trouble to have a skilled swordsman to protect him.
Shi Lan was unaware of his ulterior motives, but she was unwilling to live under the tutelage of men like Liu Zhi who treated human life as worthless.
With arms outstretched and a respectful bow, Shi Lan calmly replied, "Replying to Fifth Master, I am unwilling."
Xun Wu raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
Shi Lan said, "Although I am illiterate, I know the meaning of loyalty and righteousness. Since I am already your servant, how can I go to serve another master?"
Xun Wu laughed and said, "But now that your husband Yi has abandoned you, what will you do?"
Shi Lan said, "I was fortunate enough to learn swordsmanship and am willing to serve as a guard, doing my best for the Xun family."
They actually gave up the opportunity to protect their master, earn merit, and advance their status.
Xun Wu said meaningfully, "So you're willing to avoid associating with rough men day and night?"
Shi Lan cupped her hands in greeting, "As long as one does their best for the family, what harm is there in being an ally?"
“Very good,” Xun Wu laughed heartily and immediately agreed.
"This servant thanks Fifth Master," Shi Lan bowed with her eyebrows lowered, then looked up at Xun Shiba, who had already regretted his words as soon as they left his mouth. She took two steps forward, knelt on both knees, and performed a deep bow, prostrating her head on the ground.
This bow was a complete revelation of the past between the original owner and him; from now on, he would no longer have the right to treat her recklessly.
Shi Lan slightly curled the corners of her mouth, then quickly suppressed it before abruptly standing up and walking outside.
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