Chapter 79 – Beating The Drum And Waving The Flag Ostentatiously To Conquer The Enemies (2)
The elderly lady pulled at Zhou Xiaoxiao’s hands before saying, “Let the boy do the hard work. You’re the guest, just sit by this great grandmother’s side.”
Zhou Xiaoxiao smiled and responded to her, “Great grandmother, it isn’t a problem at all since I’m used to doing stuff like this.”
She then followed along and sat on the round chair by the stone table while holding the old lady’s hands.
“Of the children these days, only Xiao Wu is willing to accompany this great grandmother now.” She squinted her eyes and watched her grandson, who was still working his way through the field.
Zhou Xiaoxiao said, “If great grandmother doesn’t mind, I can come frequently and visit you if I have the chance in the future.”
“Good, good, good, that’s great!” The elderly lady pointed at the snacks on the table and continued, “Xiao Wu has been recently bringing me snacks made by you here. You’re quite thoughtful and skilled; the pastries are really delicious as well.”
She patted Zhou Xiaoxiao’s hands and carefully observed the latter, she constantly nodded with approval. “Not bad, not bad. You’re a good girl. You have a rather round face and your hands can tolerate work, you’d easily raise a child.”
Zhou Xiaoxiao chuckled and said, “Great grandmother, stop teasing me. I’m going to blush.”
“Why should you be shy? I like straightforward people like you. The Lady must’ve scolded you before, right?”
“I don’t really see it that way, the Lady was just a bit stern and serious. She isn’t as kind and caring like great grandmother.”
“And you’re still speaking up for her. do you think I don’t know her personality? You don’t need to be so scared of her, here, let me tell you something, the Yu Family wasn’t originally a noble and wealthy family. Xiao Wu’s father came from an ordinary background and his original name was Gou Dan. It was due to the fact that he made an achievement in war that the Emperor gave him the title of Duke. He then changed his name into one that sounded more polite and civil. After marrying a woman from a higher status, he went on to establish authority for the State Duke Residence.”
Zhou Xiaoxiao snorted as her mind wandered about: As expected! The daughter-in-law and mother-in-law would diss each other across generations.
The elderly lady patted her hands again and said, “My daughter-in-law keeps a stiff face every day and only cares about maintaining the rules. In addition to that, my granddaughter-in-laws all have sharp chins, thin figures, and can’t even walk a few steps before being blown to the ground by the slightest wind. I don’t really like them at all! However, Xiao Wu has great tastes since he found you.”
After hearing this, Zhou Xiaoxiao looked towards the vegetable field, her eyes locked on to the sight of Yu Xingzhi busily working. She smiled at this scene.
…
In the evening.
At Yu Xingzhi’s small courtyard.
A pot of wine and numerous dishes were placed under the tree.
Yu Xingzhi and Cheng Shizhao sat across from each other as they ate and drank.
Cheng Shizhao laughed while saying, “She wants to walk shoulder to shoulder with you, that’s quite shameless of her!”
He and Yu Xingzhi toasted before drinking the cups in their hand in one gulp.
He chuckled and responded, “That’s right, she’s always brazen and courageous. There’s nothing she doesn’t dare to think or do.”
Yu Xingzhi raised the glass to his lips, he opened his mouth as if he was muttering to himself, “Walk shoulder to shoulder with me and share the burden. Although I can’t protect her from everything, at least I can’t hide behind her and let her protect me.”
“So, you’re determined to go on this expedition with me this time?” Cheng Shizhao moved over and said, “Aunt probably won’t agree.”
“I already made my decision and reported this to father, thankfully, he agreed with my choice.”
“You’ve got talent and you’re also a genius. After ten years of studying and passing the exam for scholarly honor, you’ve decided to wait for the coming year’s civil service examination. You won’t take the path with a bright future, but you’re taking the one for a woman. You really would rather be a part of the military and abandon your studies? Is it really worth it to stake everything you have for a shortcut in marrying her?”
Yu Xingzhi stared at the wine in the glass as he recalled Zhou Xiaoxiao’s gentle and faint smile.
“I already owe her a lot and I can’t waste her time any more in vain. If I take the formal path, even if everything is successful for me, then I would need at least 20 years before I can finally reach my goal. Only by making an achievement in war can I quickly be promoted to a higher position, once I do, I would be given a residence to live independently. This expedition to South Vietnam is a great opportunity for me, I should put everything into this fight.”
“Fine then,” Cheng Shizhao said. “Since we treat each other as brothers and look after one another, I won’t say you’re at fault here.”
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