216, The Heart of passion (2 more)
Xuan Mu nodded, “Mother has agreed, and she has even allowed me to go search for the person!”
“…”
Xu Xuanjin watched Xuan Mu’s expression.
After pondering for a moment, he got a sense of what was happening.
The aunt had agreed to Xuan Mu’s request, not out of sincerity, but because she was afraid that Xuan Mu would fall into listlessness over a girl, so she dangled a big carrot in front of him.
However, even though the observer sees things clearly, he could not say this to Xuan Mu.
“That’s great news!”
Xuan Mu smiled, his countenance had been gloomy for months, but now at last it was like breaking through the clouds to see the moon, a rare expression of happiness crossing his face.
Xu Xuanjin brought up other matters, “Then you should take good care of yourself, and once you’re better we can go take the imperial examination together. With your learning, getting the title of Juren is not a problem at all!”
“Hmm!” Xuan Mu nodded.
He was very confident in his own scholarship. Although he had been negligent these days, his foundation was solid; he had wanted to try his hand at the exams for years, but he was too young back then.
Xu Xuanjin patted Xuan Mu on the shoulder, “Cheer up, I will send more people to help you search, and we will definitely find her!”
For the moment, that was the only way he could fort Xuan Mu.
Lest he thought that Lady Nuannuan could never return, and in his constant pondering, hurt his heart and ultimately his health.
The cousins whispered to each other and shared some secrets.
Xu Xuanjin was flirtatious, while Xuan Mu was chaste and self-disciplined. Although they were as different as night and day, they understood and related to each other exceedingly well.
Laughter occasionally filtered out from the room.
Mostly, Xuan Mu listened, and Xu Xuanjin talked, with the occasional interjection.
Xie Zhinuan had the servant hitch the Mule Cart and took her to the house, leaving the task of looking after the grey wolf and Routuan in Li Hengyi’s care.
By the time she arrived, Wang Liu and the others had already renovated the kitchen and servant’s quarters roofs. Several women were sweeping the floor; seeing Xie Zhinuan, they were mildly surprised and rather restrained.
“It’s alright, continue!”
First, she went to check the kitchen, which had been tidied up and cleaned well.
Xie Zhinuan was very satisfied and even praised the women, “You’ve done a great job!”
“It’s all light work that we do at home as well!”
Xie Zhinuan smiled, “Then keep up the good work, and once it’s finished, you won’t be disappointed with your reward!”
The women laughed, “Thank you, Lady!”
Only then did Xie Zhinuan head over to the Pawnshop.
Madame Lian had already been waiting for quite some time. Seeing Xie Zhinuan e over, she hurried forward, “Lady Xie has arrived!”
“Hmm!”
Xie Zhinuan followed Madame Lian into the Pawnshop.
“Lady Xie, according to your instructions, I’ve selected over forty people here, men of various ages, and another forty-plus are women and girls, all skilled in cooking. As for the amount, I do not yet know!”
Madame Lian spoke to Xie Zhinuan in a soft and extremely respectful and polite voice.
Passersby looked towards Xie Zhinuan, noticing her fair skin, stunning appearance, and extraordinary demeanor.
They envied her and aspired to be like her, and inevitably, a few felt a twinge of jealousy.
Xie Zhinuan followed Madame Lian into a courtyard where dozens of men stood; the sun beat down fiercely, their faces were sunburned red, sweat drenched their backs, yet they dared not let out a heavy breath.
“…”
This was the first time Xie Zhinuan truly realized that people were being bought and sold.
And she understood their helplessness and despair.
Unable to see hope or a future, they were like livestock being picked over and traded, perhaps often worth even less than animals.
“…”
Xie Zhinuan pursed her lips and said to Madame Lian, “It’s so hot, let them stand under the corridor!”
“…” Madame Lian was taken aback, then hurriedly plied.
Chapter 217
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