420 After the Exam
Last time, Zhou Heng told her to be careful of this woman, so she had specially observed her today. She felt that Zhou Heng was right. This woman did not look like an ordinary woman at all.
She often cooked with both hands, and she even had the skincare cream developed by Su Xiaolu to protect her. However, her palms were callused, but that woman’s were not.
Su Xiaoling did not know what that woman’s motive was. Today was also an accident. She had not come to this market to buy groceries for many days. It was really a coincidence to meet her today.
No matter what, she was wary. She would avoid this place next time. No matter what tricks the person had, she would not fall for them.
“Mother, how do you think Eldest Brother and the rest will do this time?”
Su Xiaoling changed the topic.
When Madam Zhao heard this, she smiled and said, “I don’t know either. It’s already beyond my imagination that they can reach where they are now. No matter what, it’s fine. I just hope that they won’t suffer too much. Also, you and Xiaolu, as long as you’re safe and happy.”
Madam Zhao did not think that fame and fortune were that important. She only wanted the children to be healthy.
However, the children had their own pursuits. As their mother, she could only pray for their safety and happiness.
“Don’t worry, mother. We’ll all be fine.”
Su Xiaoling smiled gently and held Madam Zhao’s hand.
Madam Zhao turned to look at Su Xiaoling with gentle eyes. She sincerely begged the heavens to bless her children with peace and joy.
When they returned home, Madam Zhao and Su Xiaoling packed the food they had bought.
At night, Su Xiaolu went next door to invite Liu Zijin’s attendant, Fugui, to a meal.
“Miss Su, I thank Old Master Su and Mrs. Su for their kind intentions, but I’m not going. You’re kind and don’t mind the rules, but I can’t overstep them. Miss, please go back quickly.”
Fugui turned her down with a smile. He was just a servant in County Magistrate Wang’s Mansion, and he must not forget the rules.
He was a slave. It was not a good thing to overstep his status, so he always remembered his identity.
Fugui lowered his head and declined Su Xiaolu’s kindness.
Su Xiaolu would not force him. She nodded and turned to go home without saying anything. However, not long after, she came over with a big bowl with meat and vegetables still steaming.
Su Xiaolu said calmly, “In my eyes, you’re just a neighbor now. It’s normal for neighbors to give each other something.”
Fugui took it with both hands. He smiled and looked up at Su Xiaolu. “Miss Su, thank you. Just this once. I hope you remember that the human heart is unpredictable. Since there are classes, it’s best not to overstep them. A servant has the life of a servant.”
With that, Fugui lowered his eyes.
One should not be too kind to one’s servants. One had to have the grace and authority that one should have. Otherwise, the slave would bully the master.
“I know.”
Su Xiaolu said calmly. She looked at Fugui and said, “For you to be chosen by Liu Zijin as an attendant, you naturally have outstanding qualities. You’re also quite smart. Since you’ve already said so, I’ll be straightforward. Liu Zijin and my brothers are sworn brothers. He’s only bringing you along this time. Don’t forget your identity. The exam is about to end. There will always be some people who want to take advantage of that. If you do something that’s disadvantageous to Liu Zijin, you’re smart enough to know what will happen.”
The imperial examination was about to end. It was inevitable that outstanding students would be chosen by some families’ daughters. Liu Zijin was not bad-looking and had good knowledge. Such a thing had to be prevented.
And he only had Fugui as an attendant by his side. If Fugui couldn’t resist the temptation and betrayed his master, it would be very difficult for Liu Zijin to guard against him.
After Su Xiaolu explained, Fugui was stunned.
He felt that Su Hua and Su Xiaoling were smart, while Su Chong and Su Xiaolu were straightforward and were not scheming. However, Su Xiaolu’s words let Fugui know that he had misjudged.
“Miss Su, don’t worry. I won’t betray Master. Master Wang has raised and saved my life. I’m also literate. If I betray Master, the heavens won’t tolerate it.”
Fugui said sincerely. It was impossible for him to betray his master. Apart from taking care of Liu Zijin, he had accompanied him here to keep an eye on Liu Zijin.
However, he would not say these words directly. He believed that with Su Xiaolu’s intelligence, she should understand.
“That would be for the best.”
Su Xiaolu narrowed her eyes. It seemed like she had worried for nothing. This was good too. She could feel more at ease.
Wang Huilan was going to give birth in two months. Liu Zijin couldn’t have any accidents now.
Su Xiaolu looked at Fugui and turned to go home.
After dinner, Su Xiaolu took some herbs and slowly ground them.
Su Xiaoling came over to help. The sisters worked quietly and cooperatively.
Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao cleaned up the dishes and washed up before returning to their room. When they passed by, they said to Su Xiaoling and Su Xiaolu, “Don’t stay up too late. Rest early.”
Su Xiaolu and Su Xiaoling nodded.
After grinding the herbs, the two of them went to sleep.
The next morning, they got up and steamed the steamed buns that they had prepared last night. After the family ate a few, they packed the rest in lunchboxes and prepared to go out.
Just as they opened the door, a carriage happened to arrive.
Qi Xingfeng jumped off the carriage happily. “Aunt… I’m… here.”
Qi Xingfeng wanted to say happily, “Aunt, did I come at the right time? Let’s go to the exam hall to pick up my cousins and the rest.” However, he swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue and reduced them to a few words.
His face was red. He couldn’t say what he was thinking. It was really uncomfortable to hold it in.
Qi Xingzhi lifted the curtain from the carriage and said with a smile, “Aunt, Uncle, Xiaoling, Xiaolu, we’re here on the orders of our great-grandfather. We’ll go with you to pick them up and then we’ll go home together. Our great-grandfather hasn’t seen our eldest and second cousins yet.”
Knowing that today’s exam had ended, General Qi could not wait any longer.
He was afraid that Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao would feel nervous if he came, so he asked Qi Xingfeng and Qi Xingzhi to go over. They were both juniors.
Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao smiled. Madam Zhao nodded and said, “Alright, they haven’t seen their great-grandfather either. They should meet him.”
“Aunt, get in the carriage.”
Qi Xingzhi had already gotten down and reached out to help Madam Zhao into the carriage.
After getting into the carriage, Qi Xingfeng drove away.
Su Xiaolu sat on the other side. She smiled and said, “Cousin, keep it up. You are doing very well.”
Qi Xingfeng blushed and smiled in embarrassment. “Definitely.”
He would definitely do it.
When they arrived at the exam hall, it was almost noon. The exam ended and people came out one after another.
The exam was more stressful than the previous exams, but the environment was better than the previous exams.
The people who came out only looked a little weak and did not collapse.
Not long after, Su Chong, Su Hua, Zhou Heng, and Liu Zijin came out together.
Seeing Su Xiaolu and the others, they quickly came over.
“Father, mother, we’re back.”
Su Chong and Su Hua looked good. The two of them went to Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao’s side.