Chapter 5, What Happened to the Promised Cancellation of the Engagement?

Zhang Shou was drinking spring water while secretly thinking to himself that it was indeed a wise choice to feign being kidnapped and then lure Zhu Ying here, as a picnic had alleviated the awkwardness of the so-called engagement and he had also gathered quite a bit of information

Zhang Shou did not expect that it would be he who wished to break off the engagement, while Zhu Ying, on the contrary, disagreed, which left him somewhat surprised

At this moment, Zhu Ying had completely forgotten that her purpose before this journey was to determine the authenticity of the marriage contract, hoping to negotiate favorable terms to annul the engagement. She was unwilling to marry into the family of Minister Lu, but that did not mean she would casually fulfill the strange engagement arranged by her father

This time, he actually forgot to consider whether the Zhang family brothers had any connection to himself

Zhu Ying lived a life surrounded by servants, where she did not even need to use her eyes to have someone attend to her needs. However, in this rural wilderness, after enjoying a unique meal, she was promptly presented with a cup of refreshing rain by Zhang Shou. She took it in a daze, and her mood instantly brightened

Faced with Zhang Shou, who for the first time showed a hint of embarrassment, Zhu Ying momentarily smiled radiantly

Are you thirsty? Have a cup of spring water to soothe your throat. Thank you very much just now; truly, listening to you is more enlightening than reading for ten years

Zhu Ying was in a state of great anxiety, and just when the situation was becoming critical, she suddenly had a brilliant idea: "How about this! Grandmother has hidden the marriage certificate very well and has never shown me the text before. If your mother also has a copy of the marriage certificate, then I will stay and look for it with you. I want to see what is actually written on it. Once we find it, we can burn it, can't we?"

Zhang Shou certainly remembers the date that Wu often mentioned, casually replying: "The 10th year of Yongchen, the 15th day of the 8th month"

Since the matter has been made clear, it is also acceptable to annul the marriage contract next.

Zhu Ying completely forgot that she had taken Zhang Shou hostage in order to have a few more private conversations with him, hoping to extract the details of the so-called marriage contract. She even seriously organized her thoughts on how to clearly explain to Zhang Shou.

Zhang Shou managed to suppress his urge to laugh and presented Duke Zhao with a tall hat, but upon seeing Zhu Ying suddenly lost in thought, he couldn't help but entertain a guess, considering that he was now somewhat distant from the world of Jianghu.

There was also Zhang Qian, the Count of Dingtao. He was sent to Mongolia as an envoy during the early years of Emperor Ruizong's reign and was detained. However, taking advantage of Emperor Ruizong's great victory, he managed to escape and returned with many abducted civilians. In order to promote such heroic deeds, Emperor Ruizong conferred upon him the title of Count.

Even though Zhang Shouji has an excellent memory, he noticed that more and more people were present, among whom was a rather familiar name, causing him to gradually feel a tingling sensation on his scalp

In the official circles of the capital, the most renowned is Duke Zhang Rui of Chu, who shares the same fame as my father. His second brother, Baron Zhang Qiong of Xiangyang, and his third brother, Marquis Zhang Mao of Wuling, are also generals with remarkable military achievements. Like my father, they are all meritorious subjects who contributed to the establishment of the empire under Emperor Ruizong. Duke of Chu is nearly seventy years old and is currently stationed in Xuanfu, while Marquis of Wuling is on duty as part of the rotating guard. However, my father and Duke of Chu do not have a very harmonious relationship.

Seeing the young lady suddenly lost in thought, Zhang Shou pondered for a moment, then abruptly stood up and left without a word

As she spoke, Zhu Ying, in order to deeply portray how her father, Duke Zhao of the State, treated these two brothers, even imitated her father's tone and recounted verbatim the words she had overheard at that time.

Seeing that he seemed somewhat dejected, she almost instinctively spoke up, saying: "Don't worry, I remember all the notable figures with the surname Zhang in the capital!"

However, since this body is now under the control of his brand new soul, he certainly has no intention of fulfilling such an arranged marriage, and thus let out a laugh.

However, at her age, how could she portray her own father well, let alone unreservedly mention the word "eunuch"? Zhang Shou was actually holding back laughter to the point of stomach pain, yet in order to maintain a good image and allow Zhu Ying to continue speaking, he endured it with great difficulty.

That is wonderful! Zhang Shou immediately sat up and said, "Miss, could you please point out a few notable individuals with the surname Zhang in the capital?"

He has no problem remembering these names and official positions, but the issue lies in how he can ascertain his true identity among so many people with the surname Zhang. Indeed, there are too many people with the surname Zhang in the world!

One who achieves great merit does not forget to reflect on oneself, indeed the Duke of Zhao is truly wise

It turns out she had wronged the person... Indeed, in the capital, the talents are so slick, while in the countryside, people are naturally simple.

"Oh?" Zhu Ying exclaimed in surprise, "We were actually born on the same day, both on the Mid-Autumn Festival!"

Seeing the beautiful and reasonable young lady suddenly resort to unreasonable arguments, Zhang Shou was instantly rendered speechless

Burning the marriage certificate? How can that be! What exactly is the situation? I haven't figured it out yet! Moreover, my grandmother's personality is not the type to casually uphold my father's strange marriage contract. There must be something fishy about this; she needs to investigate it personally

Oh no, oh no, oh no! It's all because she couldn't speak, and now we have unexpectedly turned into a dead end!

At this moment, Zhu Ying was also desperately blaming her straightforward and outspoken self

Upon his arrival, Zhu Ying could not help but feel a sense of regret

He was thinking this when he suddenly felt something unusual. As he looked up, he saw Zhu Ying holding a small and exquisite green leaf cup, sipping delicately like a lady while observing him. Even when he caught her gaze, she simply smiled at him, exuding an air of gracefulness, showing no signs of shyness whatsoever

My father once scolded them, "Do you know that those censors are just like flies? As soon as there is good meat that goes bad, they will immediately swarm around it. Let alone you two pieces of rotten meat? With Emperor Ruizong no longer around, do you think it is still the same as before? If you want women, go to the brothel; if you want money, buy a boat and go to sea yourself. If this continues, I will castrate you, Zhang Laoda, and beat you to death, Zhang Laer"

Yet he was unlike those noble scions she encountered during her social engagements; he was neither a peacock flaunting its feathers nor a superficial white goose. If one were to describe him... it would be as if he were a clear spring flowing through the mountains and forests! Moreover, among all the esteemed young gentlemen in the capital, each of whom held themselves in such high regard, there was not a single one who looked better than Zhang Shousheng!

He let out a deep sigh and lay directly on the pile of straw with his hands as a pillow: "Since I was young, I only knew my mother and had no idea who my father was. I thought I would finally learn about my origins, but it turned out to be in vain... Alas!"

In response to such a fiery gaze, he couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing. Just at that moment, he heard Miss Zhu's crisp voice: "By the way, when is your birthday?"

Zhang Shou was finally a bit shocked. Previously, seeing his mother, Wu, acting in such a manner, it was clear that she was aware of the situation yet had been concealing it from him, the male party involved. However, the fact that even the other female party was unaware is enough to show just how troublesome this marriage contract truly is

Zhang Shou suddenly looked up. After staring at Zhu Ying for a moment, he had to admit that for two children born on the same day, with both families insisting on a betrothal arranged in the womb, it was indeed very likely in ancient times

How can that be? A person without integrity cannot stand. If that is the case, wouldn't it mean that my family has become a family without integrity

Zhu Ying, however, was unaware that the seemingly focused Zhang Shou was actually lost in his own thoughts, and continued to speak.

Moreover, Governor Zhang Xinling ... ...

Then, there is Zhang Chuan, a nobleman of the Qin state. His father, Zhang Yun, was a strategist for Emperor Ruizong in his time, reputed for his astute planning and decisive judgment, and he was always present in the emperor's camp. Zhang Chuan is the second generation; his military prowess is mediocre, and his intelligence is merely average. He is more interested in compiling books than in holding an official position, and it was he who compiled the Historical Records of Emperor Ruizong.

It was only after she finished speaking that Zhu Ying realized she had unknowingly introduced all the Zhang family members she knew in the court to Zhang Shou. Coming back to her senses, she couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed; she had wanted to inquire more about him from Tushu, yet it had turned into her speaking incessantly.

After a short while, Zhang Shou returned, holding two large leaves in his hands. He arrived at the edge of the pond, cleaned the leaves thoroughly, and rinsed them with spring water. He then fashioned the vibrant green leaves into two delicate green leaf cups, and poured spring water from the earthen jar into the cups before presenting them to Zhu Ying.

What was supposed to be a cancellation of the engagement has turned into you staying at my house? Even if I cannot refuse, would that Zhu Gongquan from your family agree to this?

Wei Nanbo Zhang Kang, his name was bestowed by Emperor Ruizong. In fact, he was originally a barbarian who had surrendered, and his original name is no longer remembered. He fought bravely, leading the troops from the front, and on several occasions sustained serious injuries to save Emperor Ruizong

Next, there are the brothers Zhang Jingzhou, the Marquis of Huaiqing, and Zhang Hanzhou, the Marquis of Nanyang. My father and the Duke of Chu and the Duke of Qin had previously held military positions such as commanding officers, while the two of them rose from lowly soldiers only after Emperor Ruizong ascended the throne. They fought against the Northern barbarians, quelled the Southern Miao rebellion, and battled the Japanese pirates, ultimately being granted the title of marquis. However, one of them is greedy for wealth, and the other is lustful. My father once served as their superior, and every time he mentions them, he feels a deep sense of disappointment.

This is your home, but it is also my home. Do not forget that Zhu Gongquan previously said that this land and property all belong to my father, so I can be considered half a master here. Therefore, the excuse for me staying here is also readily available; just consider me as overseeing my father's estate!

Seeing Zhu Ying's expression change twice when mentioning Duke Zhao, could it be that her father is currently in a difficult situation

What a coincidence... In any case, if you, young lady, are worried about the engagement, I will think of a way to see if your mother is really hiding this thing. It would be best to sneak it out and burn it. As for your family, I believe you will find a way when you return, right?

Among the officials, there are quite a few surnamed Zhang. First, there is the Grand Secretary Zhang Yu, and recently, a new Hanlin Scholar with the surname Zhang has been promoted, though I cannot recall his name at the moment. Well, among the Six Ministries, the Minister of Revenue...

If the young lady fears public criticism and the noble house dislikes the poor and favors the rich, then I will step forward to cancel this marriage arrangement, thus sparing your family from bearing the blame

Mentioning her father, who is now being criticized by others for his great defeat in the war, a hint of sadness appeared on Zhu Ying's beautiful face: "Father and he have never had any dealings. However, I have actually encountered the Duke of Chu by chance; he is quite kind, yet I do not know why he and father do not get along."

Zhang Shou's earnest gaze of seeking advice naturally moved Zhu Ying. She raised her eyebrows with a smile and said, "You asked the right person!"

Zhang Shou listened while continuing to think divergently. Hmm, strategists mostly worry about the fate of the hound after the rabbit is dead; perhaps there are indeed three burrows for the cunning rabbit

Although today is the first time meeting Zhang Shou, whether it was their chance encounter in the fields, this meeting at his home, or the unprecedented lunch they just had, she felt that the young man before her did not match her previous conception of a rustic and uncouth fiancé from the countryside

The listener is interested, while the speaker is indifferent. Zhang Shou could not help but boldly speculate on a possibility. Could it be that the so-called enmity is false? Perhaps the two individuals actually have a good relationship, yet on the surface, they remain estranged, and the fearful Duke of Chu even entrusted his concubine's illegitimate son to someone else?

In Linfen, Lord Zhang Wuxi managed the water control of the Yellow River and inspected various water conservancy projects, all under his supervision. Additionally, he had initially achieved some military merit. Emperor Ruizong was quite generous and actually granted him a title of count, which caused quite a stir in the court at that time

The commands of parents and the words of matchmakers are not to be disregarded, but you should at least communicate with your children early on

However, soon, Zhu Ying regained her composure, perked up, and continued to recount the notable figures in the court.

After asking for the information they wanted, they just left her alone. How could this person be so ungrateful!

He is just a young man from the countryside; even if he has a handsome face, being utterly poor and without any background, Zhu Ying surely wouldn't genuinely take a liking to him, would she

Zhang Shou never expected the plot to unfold in such a dramatic way, and was caught off guard: "You? Want to stay at my house? Isn't that inappropriate..."