Chapter 6: Do Not Consider Yourself an Outsider

Even if she has some faults, since Young Master Shou is a man and her future husband, should he not be forgiving and tolerant?

Upon entering the hall, Zhang Shou assisted Wu Shi in taking her seat, and he himself sat down with an air of authority. Once Zhu Ying was settled, Zhu Gongquan entered with a serious expression, his gaze constantly scrutinizing both him and Zhu Ying. He responded with a composed smile.

"Since you say I am crazy, isn't it just right for Uncle Hua to come over?" Zhu Ying raised her eyebrows coldly and unexpectedly took it upon herself to issue an eviction order, "Alright, it's getting late, Mr. Zhu, you may leave now. This place is too small to accommodate a great Bodhisattva!"

The ignorant woman, completely unaware of the major affairs of the court, while even the common people in the capital are aware that the situation of the Zhao Duke and his son is dire

Seeing that familiar figure rushing over in panic, upon hearing that familiar call, Zhang Shou knew that Wu was probably truly frightened and also anxious. He quickly went forward to meet her. Noticing her red-rimmed eyes, he gently pressed her shoulders and whispered, "Don't worry, I'm fine. Mother, you can rest assured, I will take care of everything!"

Zhu Ying easily discerned the Wu family's apprehensive feelings towards her. She certainly did not regret recently taking Zhang Shou hostage; without this action, how could she have discovered that Zhang Shou was also unaware of the so-called engagement?

If it were not for Duke Zhao of the State of Zhao, could you and your son be so safe and joyful? What more do you want? Are you still not satisfied?

I will not go back

Zhu Gongquan merely bribed the people around the Grand Lady with a large sum of money, obtaining only bits and pieces of information. With a single remark, he immediately seized the opportunity to press on: "The status of the eldest young lady is exceedingly noble, she moves freely within the palace, and the Empress Dowager holds her in high regard, even more so than a princess. You reproach Duke Zhao for being indifferent to you and your mother, but consider this: where in the world would a future father-in-law treat his prospective son-in-law in such a manner?"

After witnessing Zhu Ying forcibly take Zhang Shou away, Mrs. Wu could no longer endure and forcefully broke free from the grip of Zhu Gongquan's hand on her shoulder. However, she soon discovered that two burly guards were unexpectedly blocking the entrance to the main room. At this moment, her anger was clearly visible on her face

When he heard what Zhu Ying was about to say next, he felt even more of a headache, realizing that even if he could casually sit down on that pile of straw, she was still a young lady from a wealthy family

The young lady's stubborn temper has flared up again! If it weren't for the fact that the matriarch had quietly advised them beforehand when she summoned them, they would hardly believe it! But what exactly are the matriarch and the master thinking? Zhang Shousheng is indeed quite good, but living in the countryside, he truly does not match her status!

Wu stood by the door, gazing out, waiting for an indeterminate amount of time, when she finally saw Zhang Shou enter the main gate with a calm demeanor. She felt as if her previously empty heart had suddenly found its place again, and hurriedly lifted her skirt to rush outside

Aunt, do not forget that even if Young Master Shou gets married in the future, you will not be a proper mother-in-law

Therefore, when she saw Zhu Gongquan come out of the hall with a beaming smile and call out "Miss," she completely ignored him and directly approached Wu Shi, slightly bending her knee: "I apologize, I should not have acted impulsively just now, I offer my sincere apologies!"

Any man who is taken hostage by a woman will undoubtedly feel humiliated, and it would be surprising if the two did not create a tremendous uproar

When are you planning to stay here, young lady, with your autumn and winter clothes...!

At this moment, seeing that the Wu family had already been thrown into disarray by his previous remarks, he seized the opportunity to add fuel to the fire: "As for your claim that the young lady has taken Master Shou hostage, haha, the young lady merely heard about this marriage contract unexpectedly and was unable to accept it at that moment, so she took Master Shou out to inquire about it. How did it turn into a hostage situation in your words?"

Zhang Shou smiled at Zhu Ying with a very natural demeanor, saying: "It's just a small matter, don't worry, my mother is not a person who holds grudges"

As Zhang Shou passed by his side, he said nothing, leaving Zhu Gongquan, who was now increasingly hungry after waiting for an hour, with an even more displeased expression

However, Wu was caught off guard. She instinctively released Zhang Shou and reached out to support Zhu Ying, but her hand retracted halfway. As she hesitated, planning to mimic the gesture and bow in return, she did not expect Zhang Shou to take the lead.

Furthermore, the two young ladies in my room, Zhan Jin and Liu Yin, should pack my frequently used bedding, summer shirts, autumn clothes, and winter garments into boxes. There is no need to bring the jewelry box; just select a dozen or so simple daily items, and they can bring them all together. Additionally, there are the swords and bows that my father gifted me.

After you two return, pack all the books from the third, fourth, and fifth shelves on the east side of my study and send them to me. Also, please bring my little red bicycle over carefully. I remember there are two gentle horses in the stable that my father gave to me, so please bring them as well

A Shou

Seeing Mrs. Wu hurriedly wipe away her tears, Zhu Ying felt a sense of relief in her heart. However, she then completely ignored Zhu Gongquan, raised her head, and walked into the hall as if no one were around. In contrast, Zhang Shou was unhurried, slowly assisting Mrs. Wu as they made their way inside.

Furthermore, please ask grandmother to send a message to bring Uncle Hua over here

Before Zhu Gongquan could intervene, Zhu Ying spoke in an undeniable tone: "Didn’t Mr. Zhu just say that this area belongs to our Zhao State Duke’s residence? If that is the case, I will take the liberty of inspecting this place on behalf of my father for a few days. Zhu Hong, Zhu Yu, you may return and inform grandmother, just say that I have made up my mind."

For so many years, Duke Zhao has been indifferent to us mother and son. Today, you brought the young lady here. I respect you as guests who have traveled far, yet you speak nonsense to A'Shou and allow the young lady to take A'Shou hostage. What exactly do you intend to do

Upon hearing these words, Wu's face instantly turned pale, and he immediately retreated in despair, collapsing into the chair.

Zhu Gongquan thought to himself, yet his demeanor remained gentle and refined, while his words were exceptionally harsh

He was instantly filled with silent anger. Unable to even make a fuss, she truly is a useless village woman

Zhu Gongquan was well aware that he could command the two guards at the door, but the other two guards behind him were sent by the matriarch. He could never openly declare the words of breaking off the engagement. Otherwise, if the Zhu family's ancestor were to become enraged, even the second young master would not be able to protect him. Therefore, he only hoped that these two would report back accordingly, indicating that the Zhang mother and son were not worthy of being on stage.

In this way, in a fit of anger, Zhu Ying would certainly not accept such a nonsensical marriage contract just because of that face

The astonishment of the two guards was no less than that of Zhu Gongquan. However, upon seeing the young lady's resolute expression, as if she had made up her mind, they exchanged a glance and surprisingly responded with a "yes." Yet, they immediately turned their attention to the seemingly indifferent Zhang Shou.

Recalling the domineering manner in which this young lady had just taken hostages, and feeling unsettled by Zhu Gongquan's cutting remarks, she could not help but feel a sense of unease

Each word and sentence struck Wu's heart like a hammer, leaving it bleeding profusely, as if all her strength had been drained away. She bit her lip tightly, desperately trying to find a reason to retort, but sadly discovered that her mind was a blank.

Just when Zhu Gongquan thought that this country boy, who merely relied on his looks to deceive people, was about to mock him again, unexpectedly, Zhu Ying spoke first. With just a few simple words, she surprisingly made a shocking statement

I have already stated that the engagement can be annulled; it is your young lady who insists on staying here! Furthermore, if you have the ability, why not stop your young lady? Why are you looking at me? If she refuses to go back, you can always force her to return!

Zhang Shou raised his head and saw the stiff expression on Zhu Gongquan's face, as if he had never expected this beautiful young lady to apologize. He couldn't help but smile slightly with profound meaning.

When Zhu Gongquan heard that Zhu Ying was only giving instructions to Zhu Hong and Zhu Yu, completely disregarding him, he naturally felt both shocked and angry. However, when he finally heard a name, his heart was even more suspended.

At this point, Zhu Gongquan exchanged a glance with two guards, signaling them to open the gate they had just been guarding. Seeing that Wu Shi indeed stood up and stumbled towards the door, he hoped that she would act like a raucous woman from the countryside, recklessly chasing after him and escalating the situation. However, to his surprise, she merely leaned against the door, her face filled with confusion and bewilderment.

Zhu Gongquan exclaimed, "Miss, have you lost your mind! Hua Qi is a madman..."

Faced with the peculiar glances of the two guards, Zhang Shou felt truly helpless

Hearing the long list of demands, Zhang Shou couldn't help but sigh inwardly, realizing that the daughter of a prestigious family and a small landlord from the countryside truly have nothing in common... Moreover, this small landlord is a fake; in reality, he is a complete pauper

In the past two years, Wu has become accustomed to her son gradually growing up. Initially, he would often run out of the village, and after being stopped, he would take matters into his own hands within the village. She turned a blind eye to it. However, at this moment, upon hearing that calm tone, she unknowingly felt her heart settle down, until she saw Zhu Ying also entering the door.

Zhang Shou was utterly at a loss whether to laugh or cry. Young lady, you truly do not consider yourself an outsider! This is my home! Moreover, if we are to speak of the great Bodhisattva, are you not the greatest?