Chapter 4, Master and Servant

The only question is ... ...

In the half month after waking up, Zhang Xi has been aimlessly fidgeting, coming up with all sorts of strange ideas... What kind of reaction will Xiao Qibao have? Will it notice that its owner has been swapped out?

In this way, without Qibao by her side, she will not be aware of her own changes, and thus will not realize that she has actually become someone else.

Although Qibao is a native-born child without household registration, his life and death truly rest in Zhang Xi's hands... However, such actions not only violate the modern conscience of Zhang Xi, but even the ancient Zhang Xi would not be able to do this

Is the master no longer wanting the Seven Treasures? Master, what has the Seven Treasures done wrong? The Seven Treasures will definitely change... Wow...

Not understanding is one thing, but being held by the ankles and crying, wailing to the heavens, is something Zhang Xi simply cannot tolerate as a form of emotional expression

The illustrious descendant of the Yuan family, Yuan Gonglu, who is a direct descendant of four generations of high-ranking officials, cannot simply indulge in sweets at will. Zhang Xi once gave Little Qibao half a piece of candy, which is certainly worthy of Little Qibao's gratitude for such a long time

Zhang Xi, upon seeing that Qibao had quieted down, finally put on a smile and said to Qibao, "Well, little Qibao... we have grown up together since childhood, haven't we?"

This is where the problem lies

On the other hand, as long as Zhang Xi informs the family about Qibao's unwavering loyalty in following him, he need not worry about being valued upon returning to the family in Yingchuan, given Qibao's steadfast devotion.

On the other hand, Xiao Qibao from m.hetushu.com accompanied Zhang Xi all the way to Xinye. The attendants had all dispersed, yet Xiao Qibao continued to protect Zhang Xi. This loyalty is truly commendable; from both a rational and moral standpoint, Zhang Xi felt that he could not treat Xiao Qibao unfairly.

As for the merchants, there are hardly a few that opened today, and the taverns have completely closed their doors to customers, leaving Zhang Xi, who intended to improve his meals, with a cold shoulder.

What is delicious cannot be consumed, but the matter must be resolved

Quickly help Qibao up ... ... it's quite exhausting, because Qibao's strength is surprisingly greater than that of Zhang Xi.

The purpose is to reminisce about the past together with Little Seven Treasures

However, it was not served until the next evening, because early the next day, Wei Yan led a group of people to welcome Zhang Xi to take office

At this time, sending Qibao back seems truly possible, as the Zhang family would not even allow Qibao to enter their main gate

Is there still this rule

After much contemplation, Zhang Xi believes that the best course of action is to send Qibao back to the family home in Yingchuan

It is morally and ethically unacceptable

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qibao immediately nodded, his head almost shaking out a residual shadow, with a serious expression as he declared, "I still dare not forget the kindness of my master to this day"

On Xinye Street, the shops are deserted.

Zhang Xi truly cannot understand ...! ... I only asked you to go back and deliver the letter, I haven't said anything about you staying at home and not returning!

With the book "You Are Also a Man, Boys Should Not Shed Tears Lightly, Do You Know?" Zhang Xi pulled up Xiao Qibao and said to him in a half coaxing, half threatening manner, "If you keep crying like this, I will really not want you anymore"

This is troublesome... We can't just drive Qibao away and leave it at that, can we

According to the memories integrated by Zhang Xi, Xiao Qibao is a natural-born child of the Zhang family, which means that his family has been servants of the Zhang family for generations and does not have its own household registration at all

It is said to be Little Seven Treasures, but in fact, this year it has already turned fifteen. In this era, it is already at an age where one can start a family and establish a career

Zhang Xi has been here for a month and a half, with the first month spent in a state of confusion. During that time, Zhang Xi was unaware of Xiao Qibao's reactions.

Then Yuan Shu died of anger

Shifting his perspective slightly, Zhang Xi continued, "So, although we are formally master and servant, in reality, we are like brothers... I merely wanted you to return to the Zhang family in Yingchuan to report that you are safe. How could you think that I no longer want you?"

The problem lies in the fact that Zhang Xi really cannot do anything with the Little Seven Treasures

Zhang Xi still does not quite understand the relationship between masters and servants in this era

Little Qibao gasped in fright, quickly wiping away the tears on his face, and tightly closed his mouth

Such a person is the most likely to perceive Zhang Xi's secret

In the eyes of the people of this era, a domesticated creature like Qibao is considered the property of its owner, who holds the power to decide its life and death. As Zhang Xi rises to prominence, Qibao naturally enjoys a better life alongside him. Conversely, should Zhang Xi fall into misfortune, any disloyalty from Qibao would be seen as a betrayal of its master, an act intolerable to society.

Do you still remember the first time you came to see me, when I gave you half a piece of candy... was that really the case?!" Zhang Xi continued to guide gently.

It is harsh, but this is the survival strategy of aristocratic families in the current era

Originally, with the wealth and valuables brought by Zhang Xi, along with more than twenty attendants, he planned to buy property in Jingzhou, establish a family and career, and after a few years of development, he could indeed say he had firmly established himself... and repay his ancestral home in Yingchuan by recognizing his roots... However, the current Zhang Xi is penniless, merely serving as a minor official under a left general in Xinye, which hardly qualifies as having established a family and career or secured a stable footing

Today, it is necessary to confirm.

Xiao Qibao has been with Zhang Xi since childhood, taking care of Zhang Xi's daily needs, and can be said to be the person who knows Zhang Xi the best

You see, I even have memories of the past; you can't possibly doubt that your master has been possessed by someone, can you?

In this day and age, loyal individuals are always able to receive favorable treatment

Pulling the slightly shivering Little Qibao, the master and servant joyfully set out, trembling as they returned to the inn

In this day and age, malt sugar is a luxury among luxuries. In the past, when Yuan Shu faced defeat in battle, he longed for a sip of honey water, but there was none. He then turned to books as a second choice, hoping for a taste of syrup, yet there was none either

Xiao Qibao actually did not think that much, nor would he think that much

Zhang Xi was puzzled, but upon carefully recalling the memories in his mind, he discovered that this was indeed true

This matter must be put on hold for the time being, and Zhang Xi inwardly reminded herself to be more cautious in the future, ensuring that she would never again engage in actions that might arouse Qi Bao's suspicions

"This... this master..." Qi Baobao hesitated, and after a moment of steeling himself, he said, "Master, Qi Baobao has now also left the Yingchuan family with you. According to the family regulations, if the master is unable to establish a firm foothold outside, Qi Baobao will also be unable to enter the Zhang family gate."

Little Qibao obediently nodded her head

However, upon hearing this, Zhang Xi felt that the arguments she was about to use to persuade him to turn back seemed to be somewhat inadequate.

What is even more dire is that in the entire Xinye County, there is only this one tavern and restaurant, making it impossible for Zhang Xi to find another place to dine.

Zhang Xi merely mentioned in passing that Qi Bao should send a message back to the family to report safety. Before she could say anything further, Qi Bao knelt down on the spot, hugging Zhang Xi's ankles and began to cry loudly.

Only Zhang Xi is suspicious and paranoid by himself, always putting on a facade in front of Qi Bao

Since that's the case... then you should stay by my side for now!" Zhang Xi said helplessly

First, calm the child down and once we return, we will discuss everything further

No, it's just half a piece of malt candy, is it really worth being grateful for... um, it does seem quite worthy of gratitude. And books.

Yesterday, a heavy snowfall occurred, and at this moment, wealthy families are at home roasting charcoal, while ordinary citizens are wrapped in blankets, braving the cold wind. Who would have the leisure to stroll on the streets

Therefore, Qibao could not possibly harbor any suspicions about Zhang Xi. Even if he noticed that Zhang Xi was different from his previous master, Qibao would rationalize it by believing that Zhang Xi had received "divine bestowal from the heavens." If Zhang Xi were to shout, "The heavens have perished," Qibao would also wave his flag and shout, "The Yellow Sky shall be established."

When the regulations were established during the family division, Zhang Xi led his followers to separate the family. Only after firmly establishing a foothold in Jingzhou could one be deemed qualified to recognize their ancestry and establish a separate branch. Otherwise, even if one were to die outside, it would have no connection to the main family in Yingchuan

It is indeed fortunate that the revolving lantern of that month serves as a safety net. At present, Zhang Xi does not exhibit many behaviors that differ from those of people in this era. The previous actions of melting glass and making distillers, in Qi Bao's view, were due to the aftermath of a serious illness, resulting in a lack of mental clarity.

On one hand, there are the feelings between the master and servant in memory. Although sometimes Zhang Xi feels that this is the original owner's affair, something seen through a revolving lantern, the actual interactions reveal that this bond between master and servant is not false. Even now, Zhang Xi harbors an inexplicable sense of dependence on Xiao Qibao.

Fortunately, there was still some charcoal left from when I burned glass earlier. I lit the charcoal in my guest room and after roasting for a while, I finally managed to regain my strength

Qibao, um... could you please get up first