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When it finally came time to leave, all the arrangements for the disaster relief and the follow-up plans were about done.

After Yuan Qingyun left yesterday, he didnt come back, not even for his own things. Im a bit glum about that.

In the morning, we all a.s.sembled in the dining hall for breakfast. Jinfeng was here, silent and unspeaking ever since yesterday. The kid probably hasnt adapted to the improvement of our relations.h.i.+p, inevitably being a bit embarra.s.sed. Hong Feng went to pack our luggage, so she isnt here. Guo Zhengtong and I just talked on and on about some miscellaneous matters.

Xiao Lu suddenly came in. I didnt look up, only asking him, Did you get all packed?

He didnt respond, astonis.h.i.+ng me a bit. I look at him.

With one glance, he seems quite strange, as if hes finding something hard to talk about. His little face is restraining its redness as he bites his lip, not making a sound and clenching his fists, a very serious and worried look in his eyes.

Xiao Lu, whats the matter? I soften my voice as I ask him.

No one expected that he would plop onto both his knees, kneeling before me.

Everyone present, including me, jumped in shock.

The child raised his head, not cowering back at all as he met my faze, looking like hed made up his mind about something. Sir, he spoke with some determination, Xiao Lu wishes to stay here

You wish to stay here? Im a bit surprised, but I felt that I understood something.

Xiao Lus gaze settled on Guo Zhengtong. Xiao Lu wishes to stay here and learn river management from Sir Guo.

He wants to learn that, hm?

I understand Xiao Lus consistent goal, of course, and know of his resolution.

The boys grown up.

Jinfeng was startled by this in the interim, unable to say anything. Xiao Lu did not look at him.

Im deeply considering the pros and cons as I look at Guo Zhengtong. The latters mouth was open, face full of wonder.

Xiao Lu is still small, but hes already quite clever. This child will need to make himself a name in the future, and the imperial examination is difficult to stick out in, so having him gain this kind of experience as early as possible really isnt a bad thing.

Furthermore, hes already set his heart on this.

If he stays here with Guo Zhengtong, then its equal to me leaving a pair of eyes on him. I might not need to monitor Old Guo, but preparedness averts peril, and as far as Im concerned theres no downside.

For that reason, I say to Guo Zhengtong, Sir Guo, Ive always spoiled this boy. Though his status is in the category of a servant boy, theres usually no difference between him and my own child. Hes a mischievous but motivated kid, and if you are willing to have him stay and be a student or errand boy, theres no need to be overly polite.

Guo Zhengtong quickly said he wouldnt dare, then that hes just afraid its too rough here and a small child wouldnt be able to take it and so on.

Xiao Lu quickly turned to him while kneeling. Xiao Lu is a child from a poor family. He doesnt fear hards.h.i.+p.

Guo Zhengtong had no ammo. All he could do was promise, Xiao Lu is smart and kind, and Im also quite fond of him. If he wants to stay here, he can, but theres one matter: food and clothing expenses in this place will be the same as the citizens and militarys. If this cant be suffered through, say it clearly now.

Xiao Lu is beyond himself with joy. Xiao Lu doesnt care about food and clothes.

I smile. You still havent kowtowed to Sir Guo and thanked him for being willing to teach you.

Xiao Lu kowtowed thrice, and Guo Zhengtong quickly helped him up.

Xiao Lu then turned to me, walking silently over to me, then knelt and kowtowed fervently thrice to me, too, firmly knocking his head against the ground. The moment he looked up at me, he was soaked with tears. Sir, Xiao Lu cant wait on you anymore youll have to take care of yourself

Im also a little sad, but this isnt a bad thing, after all. Silly boy, I smile. If you want to see me, just come over, and if I have the chance, Ill come see you. Even if you leave, are you not still someone of my Residence?

Xiao Lu chokes up with tears. Xiao Lu was brought back by you, Sir, and he will be your servant for a lifetime

I patted his head. As thats so, you dont need to keep crying. If you want to handle things carefully in the future, you cant make trouble for Sir Guo.

Xiao Lu cried as he nodded hard.

Hong Feng has already finished packing everything, our preparations to leave all done. Xiao Lu only then came before Jinfeng.

Jinfeng looked at him icily in a striking resemblance to Jinzi.

Im sorry, Xiao Lu said.

Jinfeng huffed coldly.

Xiao Lu scratched his head. Because I didnt want to acknowledge it until last night, I decided on it this morning. I didnt believe it myself. Jinfeng dont be mad at me He put on a miserable appearance after that.

Jinfeng softened up, and he turned his head away. Forget it, I know youve always been thinking about it. I might come see you if I dont have anything to do later.

Xiao Lus grief turns to happiness.

I called Xiao Lu outside, let him know about some things to look out for, then gave him a few banknotes and pieces of silver. His eyes went red around the rims.

As you wont be with me anymore, you need to constantly be vigilant about everything, I said. Learn from Sir Guos experience well, and when youve grown up in a few years, you need to plan to find a job. You have to act as if people are watching your every word and action; if you lose face, then I lose face.

Xiao Lu agreed to all that.

We were a majestic heap of people when we came, and when we left, it was just me, Hong Feng, and Jinfeng; three people and three horses.

Those seeing us off could gradually no longer be seen, just as the walls of Lingyang disappeared into the wilderness.

As we galloped on and reached a certain section of the road, I remembered something. I took out a banknote worth 5,000 liang and said to Hong Feng, Take this to Old Madam Guo. She definitely wont agree to take it, so just tell her this is something Sir Guo mustnt know of, and we have no place to ask it of him. Its just so that he has a little bit less to worry about. In any case, do what you can to have her take it.

Hong Feng nods, spurring her horse to kick up dust.

Its just Jinfeng and I remaining, continuing with our journey very slowly so Hong Feng can catch up with us.

Trtuhfully speaking, its very awkward for Jinfeng and I to be alone together, and its been even more uncomfortable since yesterday.

He hasnt said a word, just riding his horse for half a s.h.i.+chen, the silence getting more and more difficult to bear.

I finally couldnt take it anymore. Jinfeng, Xiao Lu has his own dreams. Youre his friend, you should be happy for him.

He gloomily humphs.

I limited Hearths strides, waiting for him to catch up. Seeing his tiny figure atop a big horse, he seems obstinately lonely within these wildlands.

I think of how his older brother wasnt here and his only good friend had left him. Hes likely not feeling great, and I cant help but want to comfort him.

Theres really nothing good I can say right now, though. Ill just have to divert his attention.

I feign carelessness as I ask, Jinfeng, whats your favorite food?

He stares blankly, probably not expecting me to ask about that, and huffs again.

When I thought he wasnt going to answer, the kid suddenly said, Hibiscus-bean soup.

I stare. What is that?

The Jinfu Houses hibiscus-bean soup. My brother loves to eat it, too. Later on he said that it was too sweet and men shouldnt eat it, so he wouldnt take me there anymore. He sounded pretty depressed.

I suddenly really wanted to smile, my mood elevating. Well have a big meal when we get back! Ill hurt my stomach this time! Who said men cant eat sweets, I love eating sweets the most!

Jinfeng subsequently gave me a look like he despised me.

Jinfeng, whats your favorite color?

Jinfeng, whats your favorite animal?

Jinfeng, whats your favorite book, or poem?

Jinfeng, what do you like to do most for fun?

Jinfeng was finally driven to madness. Why are you asking all that? Why are you so weird?!

The little boys roar echoed throughout the surroundings.

Hong Feng didnt catch up with us until the evening, shaking her head at me. I sighed. She wouldnt take it, huh? She really is Guo Zhengtongs mother.

Old Madam Guo said that her son wouldnt take it, so she would absolutely never take it.

She looks a little exhausted, having presumably spent a lot of words to convince her.

I poured her a cup of tea, and she drank it in one gulp. She sighed. Old Madam Guo is really a strange woman. Only this sort of character could have brought up Sir Guo.

This is the first time Ive heard her a.s.sess someone.

Hong Feng, after we return, look for a young woman of good character who would be able to work, and send her to care for Old Madam Guo. Make something up about her relatives dying in the flood, with some such reason that shes lonely and having a hard time with no one to rely on. Then instruct her to slowly use that money to make repairs, but not to let the Old Madam see

Hong Feng nodded in agreement, gazing at me with her expression as calm as water, her eyes seeming thoughtful.