Chapter 391 - Chapter 391: Rescue
Chapter 391: Rescue
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
After Zhou Jia bade farewell to everyone, Wu Tingxian said to those who came for the send-off, “Everyone, make way so that they don’t miss the auspicious time.” Everyone retreated to both sides of the road.
Ruyi hugged Ji Xiang and said, “Have a safe trip and be vigilant on the way.”
Ji Xiang said reluctantly, “Got it. Come to the capital early to reunite.”
Zhou Jia returned to the carriage. Ruyi and Xiaoyu carried Seven Pounds and bowed to the two of them. They watched as the carriage slowly started and ran.
Li Qing and the Four Seas Bank’s convoy arrived in the capital before the new year and lived in the house bestowed by the emperor. More than ten days ago, the person from the bank who came to the Zhou family to deliver the new year gift told Ah Qing that Li Yu and the others were going to enter the capital after the new year. Li Qing was pleasantly surprised and hurriedly told Zhao Cai the news.
Zhao Cai thought of Zhou Jia’s instructions when he left and began to look for residences not far from the imperial residence. He found a few brokers and looked at a few residences. Together with Li Qing, they found a few residences a street away from Li Yu’s residence. They were in two alleys near the street. Their location was slightly off, but the courtyard was quite big. The price was much more expensive than in West City and they were a little dilapidated.
When he returned home, Zhao Cai was still hesitating about whether to buy it.
Li Qing said to him, “Brother-in-law is right. You should have your own home. Those houses are not far from Brother-in-law’s house. It’s convenient for you to go back and forth. The broker is right. It’s very difficult to buy so many houses near the Imperial City. Buy them!”
Zhao Cai nodded in agreement. “Alright! I’ll listen to Young Master-in-law and buy it.”
The two of them went to the brokerage house in the afternoon to buy the house. When the broker called the landlord over, they realized that it was Chu Zhong. Four of the houses were from the Four Seas Bank. Chu Zhong made the decision and gave a 10% discount.
There were five courtyards, two with three entrances, and two with three entrances. They cost nearly 20,000 taels of silver in total, and it was the price after the bank discounted it. Li Qing handed it to Zhao Cai and asked him to hire someone to repair and paint it. He began to prepare for the exam in peace.
Laidi and Li Fengqi brought the Huang couple they had bought and followed the convoy from the government office to the capital city. Because they did not have much money, the two of them did not dare to waste it on the way. After entering the city, they were dazzled by the bustling city. The convoy arrived at the Tongzhou Courier Station, which was the designated accommodation for the High Scholars.
Li Fengqi and Laidi were given a small courtyard, three huts, and a small kitchen. They only needed to pay 200 copper coins a month for the rent. After Laidi brought the Huang couple to settle down, it was already the next day.
On this day, Li Fengqi hurriedly returned from the courtyard of the posthouse and said to Laidi enviously, “It’s spread in the posthouse that your cousin-in-law has been ordered to return to the capital to take up a post as a fifth-grade Minister of Revenue.”
Laidi looked at Li Fengqi in surprise. “Really? That’s great. Then my cousin is coming to the capital. Fengqi, you don’t know that my cousin is the best. She treats me like a biological sister. She will definitely help you. Have you found out where Ah Qing lives?”
Li Fengqi shook his head dejectedly. “No, after Ah Qing came to the capital, that follower called Zhao Cai reported to the posthouse. He didn’t say where he lived.”
“Don’t worry. Since Ah Qing has already arrived in the capital, we will meet him sooner or later.” Laidi smiled and comforted him.
Li Fengqi nodded with a dark expression, but he was not as optimistic as Laidi. He felt that Li Mei was the one who had caused trouble and stopped Li Qing from helping him. He also resented the unfairness of the heavens. Why was it so easy for Zhou Jia to advance even though they were both from poor families? Even Li Qing had it much easier than him. Along the way, he had been escorted to the capital and lived in a residence bestowed by the emperor. However, he had to listen to others.
Li Qing sneezed a few times in the study. Ah Lei hurriedly went to carry the bedsheet over. “Young Master, is it too cold? Be careful not to catch a cold.”
Li Qing smiled and waved his hand. “No, I’m not cold. My ears itch. Someone must be talking about me.”
Ah Lei smiled and said, “I think Master and Madam must be talking about you. Are they in the capital?”
Li Qing shook his head and recalled that Li Fengqi should have arrived in the capital. He wondered if Laidi had come with him. Li Qing could not help but have a headache when he thought of Li Mei’s attitude toward Laidi.
He walked around the garden and watched the koi swimming in the lotus pond. He wondered if he could get one up to try. Was it more delicious than ordinary fish?
When Zhao Cai returned home, he saw Li Qing standing by the lotus pond and teasing the fish in the pond with a stick. He smiled and went forward. “Young Master-in-law, do you want to eat fish? The fish meat here is thick, beautiful, and delicious.”
Li Qing threw away the stick in his hand and stood up to wipe his hands. “I was just wondering how it tasted! You came back so early today because the house was renovated and painted, right?”
“It’s all completed. We’re just waiting for Ruyi and Ji Xiang to arrive before we can move in.”
“It’s the end of the month. Sister and the others should have set off already.
Sigh! How’s your mother-in-law?”
Zhao Cai blushed and said, “I told her that Master will come to the capital soon. When Master comes, he will host the marriage for us. Her parents said that as long as her daughter lives a good life, it’s fine no matter what.” “Oh! Since your parents-in-law are so reasonable, your wife should have a good upbringing. Most importantly, Brother Zhao Cai, you have a good character and are steady in your actions.”
Zhao Cai looked at the handsome and elegant Li Qing. “Young Master-in-law, don’t tease me. When Madam and Master come, your marriage should be on the agenda. You’re so good-looking. What kind of woman is worthy of you? Have you thought about what kind of wife you’ll marry?”
Li Qing smiled indifferently. “Sigh! I don’t know either. I’ll marry whoever Sister thinks is good. I wonder when Sister and Brother-in-law can reach the capital. I can’t take it in today. While I still have time, I’ll go to the street to buy a few things for Yang’er.”
Zhao Cai nodded. “Young Master likes some knives and guns. I’ll accompany you!”
Li Qing and Zhao Cai arrived at the street where they had finished buying things. After walking around the street, Li Qing saw a shop selling porcelain clay dolls. They chose a few pairs with silly expressions and bought windmills, mud squeaks, tumblers, and a wooden sword and knife. The two of them carried them back excitedly.
Not long after, a carriage suddenly ran out of control on the street. Panicked shouts came from the carriage. “Miss, are you alright? Help, save our Miss.”
Zhao Cai and Li Qing followed the horse for a while. Zhao Cai grabbed the bridle. Li Qing jumped into the cart and grabbed the reins. Together, the two of them subdued the galloping horse.
“Good, good,” the passersby chorused.
Seeing that the coachman had run off, Li Qing jumped out of the carriage and said to Zhao Cai, “Brother Zhao Cai, give them a ride. Ah Lei and I will drive the carriage home.”
Zhao Cai looked at the sweating Li Qing and suddenly felt that he shouldn’t have rashly saved him. If Young Master-in-law was injured, it would delay his examination. Fortunately, he was fine. Zhao Cai nodded in fear. “Yes, Young
Master..”