Common women
After Fu Zhiqiao left, Zhou Lizhang sighed deeply into the void.
His mother died of illness not long after giving birth to his younger brother. His father broke his leg in an accident when he was twelve years old and died after being paralyzed in bed for two years. Only he and his younger brother were left in the family to depend on each other. The neighbors would help them out from time to time because they felt sorry for the two brothers.
Zhou Lizhang grew up in such an environment. He was quite talented in his studies. Because of his excellent grades, the headmaster specially helped him reduce some of his tuition and fees. Even so, his family still struggled to make ends meet.
It wasn't until he passed the imperial examination and became a scholar that the brothers' lives gradually improved.
For more than ten years, he has worked tirelessly through the cold and heat, focusing on learning so that one day he can make a name for himself and bring glory to his family.
With the provincial examination just around the corner, he can no longer waste his energy copying books. He must devote all his attention to writing his essays. If he misses this autumn examination, he will have to wait another three years.
He can wait, but his younger brother can't.
Zhou Lizhang felt deeply indebted to his younger brother, Zhou Limin, who was of school age but had not been able to attend school due to financial constraints. He had studied for over ten years, while his brother had never attended school.
He had thought a lot these past two days. Perhaps Shen Hong was right; the Fu family was wealthy enough to support his imperial examinations and his younger brother's education. Besides, Boss Fu had said she wouldn't force him to change his surname, and he could still use Zhou Lizhang as his name after marrying into the Fu family.
Such a great opportunity, once missed, will never come again.
After agonizing for two days, Zhou Lizhang approached Fu Zhiqiao and said he could marry into the Fu family, but with one condition.
"What are the conditions?"
Zhou Lizhang pursed his lips, his face respectful: "If I pass the provincial examination and become a Juren, I will agree to let you marry into the Fu family. If I don't pass..."
Fu Zhiqiao continued, "If you don't pass the exam, you'll give up on marrying into my Fu family?"
Zhou Lizhang nodded, his expression completely calm.
Fu Zhiqiao: "Young Master Zhou, you really don't need to..."
Zhou Lizhang interrupted her, "Boss Fu, I've already made up my mind."
Their eyes met. Fu Zhi Qiao smiled but remained silent. Zhou Li Zhang was unsure of her intentions. He clenched his fists tightly at his sides, trying to maintain his composure and not show weakness.
Fu Zhiqiao can understand Zhou Lizhang's pride.
Passing the imperial examination would prove that he is talented and has a promising future. Even if he marries into the Fu family, he will not be looked down upon. If he fails the examination, it means that his knowledge is not up to par and he is not qualified to be with Fu Zhi Qiao.
The provincial examination is in August this year, and the next tax collection will be in June next year, so there is still time.
Fu Zhiqiao agreed, "In that case, I will wait for Young Master Zhou's good news."
Before leaving, she left a purse. Zhou Lizhang saw it and chased after her, saying, "Boss Fu, I can't accept your money."
"Consider it a loan from me. The autumn examination is in a month, and with this money you can stay home and study without worry."
Zhou Lizhang's eyes instantly glowed red, his fingers gripping the patterns on the purse tightly. He didn't refuse again, bowing deeply, "Thank you, Boss Fu!"
*
In a private room on the second floor of Taibai Tower in the capital city.
Xie Zhuo was raising a glass with Sun Lixuan, and the two were chatting casually.
The private room window opens to reveal the street scene. Yu Yadan is strolling with several noble ladies, followed by several servants carrying many boxes.
Young and beautiful noble ladies strolled together, followed by a large retinue of servants, which attracted a lot of attention.
Sun Lixuan saw a group of people walking downstairs and immediately called out to Xie Zhuo: "Huaiyan, look quickly, isn't that Miss Yu, who you are engaged to?"
Xie Zhuo glanced at it, but his interest was not high.
"Congratulations to Huaiyan on winning the heart of his beauty." Sun Lixuan winked and teased him, "They'll be getting married soon, how do you feel?"
Seeing that Xie Zhuo remained silent, Sun Lixuan clicked his tongue twice. "The Yu family's daughter is quite famous. Doesn't Huaiyan like her?"
"She's just an ordinary woman."
Xie Zhuo curled his lips downwards, and Sun Lixuan naturally saw the disdain on his face: "If Miss Yu knew that you would make such a comment, she would probably be heartbroken."
Xie Zhuo raised his glass and downed it in one gulp. "What do you think would happen if I went to break off the engagement?"
Sun Lixuan put down the wine glass he had raised halfway, frowning. "No way? You're serious?"
Xie Zhuo remained silent.
Sun Lixuan and Xie Zhuo had known each other for a long time, and Sun knew that Xie wouldn't rashly say he wanted to break off the engagement, so he pressed, "Do you really like that Miss Fu that much?"
Xie Zhuo didn't say anything, he just sighed softly.
"If you like her, then bring her into the household. Miss Yu can be the head wife and manage the inner quarters, while Miss Fu can be your confidante. Huaiyan, you can enjoy the blessings of having two wives. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"
Xie Zhuo shook his head.
Sun Lixuan asked, puzzled, "What's wrong? Don't just shake your head and not say anything!"
Xie Zhuo said with a serious expression, "Being a concubine is an insult to her. A woman like her would not be willing to live in the backyard."
Besides, he couldn't bear to part with it.
Concubines are considered lowly, and once Fu Zhi Qiao is labeled as such, her status as a concubine will forever make her inferior to others. He cannot be so selfish.
"What kind of woman?" How could the status of a concubine of the Prince Duan's heir be an insult? Sun Lixuan was a little curious about what kind of woman could have captivated Xie Zhuo so much.
"We were able to make this disaster relief trip to the south go so smoothly, thanks to her."
Sun Lixuan immediately straightened his posture, looking eager to hear more.
Xie Zhuo pointed to the wine glass and said, "You know that Taibai wine was brewed by her, right?"
Sun Lixuan nodded. Xie Zhuo had previously given him two jars of premium Taibai liquor, which were hard to find on the market.
Speaking of Fu Zhiqiao, Xie Zhuo's deep eyes were full of tenderness: "She developed alcohol by using Taibai wine. Alcohol can reduce body fever when applied to the body and prevent pus from flowing when applied to wounds. It was because of the appearance of alcohol that the plague in Qingzhou and Yuzhou was treated in time."
Sun Lixuan stroked his chin, seemingly lost in thought.
"Before Lord Qin and I arrived in Qingzhou, she was in charge of settling the disaster victims there. The government dared not open the granaries without the imperial order, so she unhesitatingly took out 100,000 catties of grain that she used for brewing wine. Without her grain, I don't know how many people in Qingzhou would have starved to death! Tell me, how could I put such a kind and righteous woman with the world in my backyard?"
Noble families have strict hierarchies and numerous rules, with a series of standards and requirements for their children, grandchildren, and daughters-in-law. As a member of the imperial family, the Prince Duan's mansion has even stricter rules than ordinary households. Although one can live a life of luxury and extravagance after entering the mansion, one must still abide by the strict rules within the mansion.
People who have lived in aristocratic families since childhood are used to it, but Fu Zhi Qiao grew up in a merchant family and will definitely find it difficult to get used to the life of being restricted in the royal palace.
Moreover, as the most powerful person in the inner courtyard, the wife could beat, scold, harass, or even sell off the concubines and maids at will. The women in the inner courtyard could only rely on the master's whims for survival. Therefore, what they studied every day was how to compete for the master's favor. Only by desperately gaining the master's favor could they survive in the inner courtyard.
He couldn't confine Fu Zhi Qiao to the backyard just for his own selfish reasons.
Sun Lixuan raised an eyebrow: "Who would have thought that the dignified heir of Prince Duan would be such a lovelorn fool?"
"Don't make fun of me."
"If that's the case, why not let go? You are destined to inherit the title of Prince Duan in the future, and your wife can only be chosen from women from noble families."
Let go?
It's easier said than done.
The thought of her leaving him felt like a gaping wound had been torn open in Xie Zhuo's heart.
"Unless I die."
"What?" Sun Lixuan didn't hear clearly.
Xie Zhuo's eyes flickered. He wouldn't let go unless I died.
*
Inside the Hall of Diligent Governance.
Emperor Chengde was reviewing memorials on disaster relief and reports on the people's conditions submitted by prefects from various regions.
Qin Zhao and Min Kun, both imperial envoys sent to provide disaster relief, coincidentally mentioned Fu Zhiqiao in their memorials. Qin Zhao truthfully reported Fu Zhiqiao's achievements in his memorial, saying that she donated 100,000 catties of grain and also developed alcohol, which helped cure the plague.
Xie Zhuo, Qin Zhao, and Min Kunzheng, as frontline disaster relief workers, were summoned to the Hall of Diligent Governance by the emperor.
The Chengde Emperor was very interested in the alcohol they mentioned in their memorial and asked, "What is alcohol? How can it be so magical?"
Qin Zhao replied, "Alcohol is a liquid that can reduce fever and disinfect. It is as clear as water and has an alcoholic taste, but it cannot be drunk. Please ask Imperial Physician Gao to explain the specifics to Your Majesty."
Emperor Chengde summoned Imperial Physician Gao for questioning.
"Your Majesty, this humble subject greets you."
"No need for formalities." Emperor Chengde waved his hand: "Gao Jiuyong, tell me quickly what this alcohol is actually used for."
"Your Majesty, the alcohol was developed by the Fu family, merchants from Qingzhou. It is clear as water and has a refreshing aroma. Applying it to the forehead, armpits, and other areas can reduce body heat. In addition, alcohol also has a disinfecting effect. When there are cuts or lacerations, applying alcohol to the wound with a handkerchief can reduce the risk of festering and suppuration."
When Imperial Physician Gao returned to the capital, he specially brought alcohol with him. He took out the alcohol, poured a small cup, and presented it to Emperor Chengde for inspection.
The Chengde Emperor dipped his finger in the alcohol; it was transparent, cool, and non-sticky, looking no different from water. Only when he got close could he smell the alcohol.
After explaining the functions of alcohol, Physician Gao added a word of caution: "When using alcohol, be sure to avoid open flames."
Then, he gestured to the eunuch to fetch a brazier and firewood.
Alcohol was poured onto the dry firewood, and then a tinderbox was lit. A layer of flame immediately appeared on the surface of the firewood. After a few breaths, the flame went out, and the wood remained intact.
"How did they do that?" Emperor Chengde exclaimed in surprise.
This trick was learned by Physician Gao from Fu Zhiqiao, but he couldn't explain it in more detail, so he said, "That's the magic of alcohol."
If Fu Zhi Qiao were here, she could definitely explain the principle clearly: alcohol will burn when it comes into contact with fire. The reason why the firewood was not ignited is because there is not much alcohol on the firewood. After the alcohol burns out, the temperature does not reach the ignition point of the wood.
Wood has a high ignition point of over 100 degrees Celsius, but the human body cannot withstand it. Temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius will feel very hot to the human body, and temperatures above 100 degrees Celsius will cause irreversible damage to the skin.
"Alcohol must not come into contact with flames when used. After a while, once the alcohol has dried and evaporated, it will be fine." Fu Zhiqiao emphasized many times that alcohol must not come into contact with fire, and Imperial Physician Gao also emphasized and demonstrated this to the Emperor.
The emperor narrowed his eyes, drawing inferences from one instance to another: "Gao Jiuyong, since this alcohol can reduce body fever and disinfect, could we bring it to the military camp for use?"
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