Anyway, short update today, end of Chapter 3. Happy New Year everybody!
Due to the light in this side of the bamboo wall was a lot brighter than the other side, unless they lifted up the bamboo curtain, they could never see the mystery that was on the other side. But if there were anybody on the other side looking this way, he or she would be able to see everything clearly, including the fine hair on their body.
The maid politely said, "Two Gongzi, please sit down.”
After the two sat down, the maid withdrew and closed the door behind her.
The two boys sat facing the bamboo wall; they smell faint fragrance coming from the other side of the bamboo curtain, a fragrance that was very captivating.
While Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling were feeling lost, a very delicate woman's voice was heard from the other side of the bamboo curtain. "Two Xiao Gongzi, why did those dock ruffians chase you?”
Kou Zhong recognized the voice. "Turns out it was Madame!” he said respectfully, "Let us, two brothers, express our gratitude for saving our lives first.”
Xu Ziling was afraid Kou Zhong might spout some nonsense, he interjected, "We had a fight with one of them, hence he called on those people to deal with us.”
The Madame said dryly, "Two Xiao Gongzi speak in refined manner, moreover, you have strong skill, but you don't seem to know martial art; why is that?”
Kou Zhong giggled and said, "All our skill was taught by our Niang; how to read and recognize character, also she who took care of everything. After Niang passed away, we roam around everywhere, trying to see if there is any business we can do to make a fortune …”
A tender snort came from behind the curtain, interrupting him, but clearly it was not Madame's voice.
The two boys were stunned; they have just realized that other than the Madame, there was another woman in there, whose status couldn't be lower than the Madame herself.
But why did she express displeasure at what Kou Zhong just said?
The Madame's voice was heard again, "And the other Xiao Gongzi, what is your intention?”
Xu Ziling knew she was asking him; shrugging his shoulder, he said, "Advance or retreat, we are together. He wants to make a fortune, naturally I also want to make a fortune.”
The Madame sighed and said, "Other than money, what else do you want to accomplish?”
"Madame,” Kou Zhong replied, "That is a very good question. After riches, naturally we want status. It would be best if we could be government official; that will certainly bring honor to our ancestors, spreading out our might to the eight directions.”
From gentle, the tone of Madame's voice turned icy-cold as she calmly said, "There are so many people suffering from the chaos of war and from the tyranny of the rulers out there; haven't you thought about striving for the common people, to bring light refreshments to the people under the heavens?”
Xu Ziling replied in consternation, "We are lowly and weak people, we can't even guarantee that we will eat three meals a day; we have never thought about that kind of things.”
Remembering Li Jing, Kou Zhong said with a bitter smile, "That kind of great undertaking, only big hero can take it upon himself.”
Madame said flatly, "Everybody has his own ambition. Gentlemen, please disembark now!”
Horrified, the two boys cried out, "How could you do this?”
The door was pushed open, the maid walked in without any expression on her face. Her pretty face looked serious as she said bluntly, "Gentlemen, please!”
It was as if the two boys had seen two completely different people. Knowing that pleading would only bring them ridicule and cursing, the two boys had no choice but to puff out their chest and follow her back to the deck.
As they reached the hanging ladder, they saw the four warriors were still standing there with their hands on the hilt of their swords, adopting an expelling-the-guest pose.
On the dock below, Ol' Liu and his gang of thugs were still waiting for their appearance, but they did not dare to make a ruckus. Evidently the warriors on the ship managed to strike fear in their heart.
It appears that this place was more lawless than Yangzhou.
Kou Zhong lightly pulled the corner of Xu Ziling's clothes and said in low voice, "Jump ship!”
Xu Ziling understood. Without saying anything, they ran at full speed toward the side of the ship farthest away from the dock, flew over the railings, and jumped into the ocean.
Seeing they disappeared into the sea, a hint of smile appeared on the corner of the maid's mouth, as if she already knew their response, but she did not stop them at all.