Heroine Saves A Gentleman - Chapter 79

Chapter 79: Beating The Drum And Waving The Flag Ostentatiously To Conquer The Enemies (2)

The elderly lady pulled at Zhou Xiaoxiao’s hands and said, “Let the boy do the hard work. You’re the guest so quickly sit by this great grandmother’s side.”

Zhou Xiaoxiao smiled and said, “Great grandmother, this is nothing and I’m used to doing this.”

She followed along and sat on the round chair by the stone table, holding her hands.

“Of the kids, only Xiao Wu is willing to accompany this great grandmother now.” She squinted her eyes and watched her grandson who was working his way through the field.

Zhou Xiaoxiao said, “If great grandmother doesn’t mind, I can come frequently to visit you if I have the chance in the future.”

“Good good good, that’s great.” The elderly lady pointed at the snacks on the table and said, “Xiao Wu recently has been bringing me snacks made by you to me. You have quite the thoughts and skills; the pastries are delicious as well.”

She patted Zhou Xiaoxiao’s hands and carefully observed her, nodding constantly. “Not bad, not bad. You’re a good girl; you have a round face and hands that can do work, really easy to raise.”

Zhou Xiaoxiao chuckled and said, “Great grandmother, stop teasing me. I’m going to blush.”

“Why are you going to be shy? I like straightforward people like you. Before, the Lady must’ve scolded you right?”

“No, the Lady was just a bit stern and serious, not kind and caring like great grandmother.”

“And you’re still talking for her. You think I don’t know her personality? Don’t be scared of her and I’m not afraid to tell you that Yu Family wasn’t originally a noble and wealthy family. Xiao Wu’s father came from an ordinary background and his name was Gou Dan. It was due to the fact that he had made an achievement in war that the Emperor gave him the title of Duke. Then, he changed his name into one that was more polite and civil, marrying a woman from a higher status and establishing authority for the State Duke Residence.”

Zhou Xiaoxiao snorted and thought: as expected, daughter-in-law and mother-in-law would roast one another across generations.

The elderly lady patted her hands and said, “My daughter-in-law keeps a stiff face everyday and only cares about maintaining the rules. The granddaughter-in-laws all have sharp chins, thin figures, and can’t even walk a few steps, blown to the ground by the slightest movement. I don’t really like them but Xiao Wu has great taste as he had found you.”

Zhou Xiaoxiao looked towards the vegetable field at Yu Xingzhi who was busily working. She smiled at the sight.

…

In the evening.

At Yu Xingzhi’s small courtyard.

There was a pot of wine and numerous dishes under the tree.

Yu Xingzhi and Cheng Shizhao were sitting across from each other and drinking.

Cheng Shizhao laughed laughed out loud. “She wants to walk shoulder to shoulder with you which is quite shameless of her.”

He and Yu Xingzhi toasted, drinking in one gulp.

He lowly chuckled and said, “Right, this woman is always brazen and courageous. There’s nothing she doesn’t dare to think or do.”

Yu Xingzhi raised the glass to his lips, as if he was muttering to himself. “Walk shoulder to shoulder and share the burden. Although I can’t protect her from everything, at least I can’t hide behind her and let her protect me.”

“So, you’re determined to go on this expedition with me this time.” Cheng Shizhao moved over and said, “Aunt probably won’t agree.”

“I already made my decision and reported this to father and thankfully, he agreed.”

“You’ve got talent and also a genius. After ten years of study and passing the exam for scholarly honor, you’ve decided to wait for the coming year’s civil service examination. You won’t take the path with a bright future, but for a woman, you would rather be a part of the military and abandon your studies. Is it really worth it to stake everything you have for a shortcut to marrying her?”

Yu Xingzhi stared at the wine in the glass and he recalled Zhou Xiaoxiao’s gentle and faint smile.

“I already owed her a lot and I can’t waste her time anymore in vain. If I take the formal path, even if everything is successful for me, I would need at least 20 years before I can reach my goal. Only by making an achievement in war can I quickly be promoted to a higher position and be given a residence to live independently. This expedition to South Vietnam is a great opportunity and I should put everything into this fight.”

“Fine.” Cheng Shizhao said, “We treat each other as brothers and look after one another, so I won’t say you’re at fault here.”