Chapter 104: Chapter 104: Getting Things Done (Fifth Watch)
Translator: 549690339
“There are no doubts about this case, the evidence is irrefutable, and there’s no room for counterarguments.”
Xu Zhengping interrupted Ding Gaochang’s words.
Seeing his stunned expression, he paused for a moment before continuing, “Brother Gaochang, this case is not something you and I should tamper with. I have already reported the truth to Master Chu, and he has agreed to continue the investigation. There’s no need for us to get involved anymore.”
“Since you and I are helpless, and the common people have been uneasy due to the recent murder case, there are even rumors that a malign spirit is seeking lives in the county. Instead of letting the situation run amok, it’s better to close the case according to Master Chu’s wishes, and the people might regain some peace.”
Ding Gaochang fell silent.
Although he was merely a county magistrate, he had relatives who held office in Beijing and had heard a lot about the power struggles and unscrupulous means.
Upon hearing Xu Zhengping’s words, Ding Gaochang exhaled, “Since Master Chu said so, let’s proceed this way.”
The current situation was beyond their control, and it would be a merit if they could bring peace to the local people.
Inside Qingzhuyuan, Ning Feng poured a fresh cup of tea for Chu Jinnian.
“The taste of the tea today is a bit different.” Chu Jinnian took a sip of the tea and said.
“This servant recently found a new spring in the mountains. The water tastes sweeter than the previous one. How do you find it, young master?” Ning Feng replied with his head bowed.
“Acceptable.”
Chu Jinnian gently nodded, “It should be Jinzhou’s study break now.”
“Yes, in about a cup of tea’s time.” Ning Feng replied, “Would the eldest young master like to go and have a look?”
“Let’s go.” Chu Jinnian stood up.
Master and servant moved leisurely to the study room. Chu Jinzhou was currently copying an essay he had just learned. When he finished, he handed it to Zhou Xueming for review.
After closely examining the work, Zhou Xueming slightly nodded, “Your writing has greatly improved.”
“Thank you for your praise, teacher.” Chu Jinzhou grinned, his eyes squinting into a tiny slit.
“However, I can tell that you were somewhat distracted when writing this. Your strokes lack decisiveness. You arc preoccupied with something else and that’s why.”
Zhou Xueming put down the paper in his hand, his expression serious, “Studying requires full concentration. Multitasking will ruin everything.”
“As a small punishment for today, you will copy this essay five times to serve as a reminder. If such a thing happens again, don’t blame me for my harshness.”
Having been praised earlier, now being scolded, Chu Jinzhou felt a little upset. But considering he was indeed worried about Chu Jinnian during class, fearing he might silently leave while he was studying, he indeed lost focus. Thus, he thought that Mr. Zhou’s punishment was justified.
“I understand, I accept the punishment. I will definitely take it as a reminder and correct myself in future.” Chu Jinzhou respectfully performed the ritual of a student.
“Hmm.” Zhou Xueming nodded slightly, “That’s it for today, you need to memorize the next paragraph of the essay I mentioned after class and recite it to me tomorrow.”
“Yes. I will send off the teacher.”
Chu Jinzhou sent Zhou Xueming out of the study into the courtyard, and saw Chu Jinnian standing under osmanthus tree.
“Big brother.” Chu Jinzhou ran over joyfully.
Thankfully, his big brother is still here. Although he didn’t know when he would leave, at least he was still here for now, and they could spend some more time together.
Filled with joy at this thought, Chu Jinzhou smiled gladly.
Seeing his little brother, Chu Jinnian patted his little head, his eyes full of affection.
Upon meeting Chu Jinnian, Zhou Xueming, feeling somewhat constrained, approached and greeted him in a low voice, “I see the eldest young master.”
“Thank you for your hard work in teaching Jinzhou.” Chu Jinnian said.
“Eldest young master, you’re too kind. It’s my duty to do so. Having the opportunity to teach the Third Young Master is my greatest fortune.”
Zhou Xueming felt exceptionally honored and quickly made two bows in succession.
“Jinzhou, I found you a bow earlier for practicing archery. It’s kept in my study. Let Ning Feng accompany you and take a look.”
Clearly, Chu Jinnian wanted to distract Chu Jinzhou to talk to Zhou Xueming.
Zhou Xueming subconsciously tightened the grip on his scroll, standing silently on the side.
Knowing that he was about to have a new bow, Chu Jinzhou was overjoyed and followed Ning Feng to Chu Jinnian’s study.
“Eldest young master…” Zhou Xueming couldn’t help but start speaking on his own.
“How has Madam Zhou been lately? I heard that Madam was seriously ill before. Has she gotten any better?” Chu Jinnian walked over, sat down at a stone table and asked.
“Thank you for your concern, eldest young master. She’s doing somewhat better now. Although she’s not as healthy as the average person, she can walk around. With careful nursing in the future, she should be fine.”
Zhou Xueming responded truthfully.
“A while back, I went to Lu and found a hot spring in the mountains. It’s ideal for the elderly to recuperate. If Madam Zhou could go there to recuperate, her illness should improve faster.”
Chu Jinnian said, “What docs Mr. Zhou think?”
“Eldest young master… are you suggesting…” Zhou Xueming furrowed his brows.
“The situation in the capital is complex and constantly changing. The Fourth Prince and I are somewhat busy and would like to find a dependable and reliable person to help us. Mr. Zhou is well-educated and has insightful views on government affairs, making you an ideal candidate.”
“I was wondering if you would be willing to come to the capital and help me.”
Chu Jinnian smiled, “Of course, if you would rather not, that’s perfectly fine too. It’s all up to you…”
“No, eldest young master.” Zhou Xueming hurriedly made a bow, “The life I have was given to me by you, eldest young master. When I was on the brink of death, you chose to save my life, entrusted the Third Young Master to my care, and are now assigning me a major responsibility. I am willing to give my life for you. As long as you say the word, I will do my utmost to serve you.”
“Just…”
“Why would you value me so much, even after I made such a mistake before?”
“As I said before, the mistake wasn’t yours to begin with. You simply misjudged the situation and were used by others. Now that you understand the reasons behind it, why shouldn’t I use you?”
Chu Jinnian raised his hand, “There’s no need to mention the past anymore, what I see is the future.”
Zhou Xueming was stunned for a moment, forcing back the fog in his eyes, bowed his hand, “I understand!”
“Arrange with Ning Feng in the next two days to send Madam Zhou to Lu to recuperate. You’ll come back to the capital with me.”
Chu Jinnian said, “We’re short on time, so I hope you won’t delay too much.”
“Yes!” Zhou Xueming readily agreed.
As dusk approached, a meal was served in the flower hall.
West Lake vinegar fish, jujube-roasted duck, Longjing shrimp, ham with green vegetables, and radish slices in abalone sauce were all dishes Chu Jinzhou enjoyed. After romping around for the entire afternoon, the boy was quite hungry and eagerly started eating.
“Eat slowly.” Chu Jinnian took a handkerchief and wiped off the soup at the corner of Chu Jinzhou’s mouth, “No one is snatching it from you.”
Realizing his manners, Chu Jinzhou then slowed down his eating..
