Mysteries of the Great Zhou Dynasty

Chapter 147 Extra Yun Zhao (1)

Yun Zhao, Yun Zhao, the Milky Way shines brightly, descending as dew. Yun Zhao, a name imbued with beautiful blessings, yet who could have foreseen that its fortune would be as meager as this dew.

The mourning hall was filled with deafening cries, as wave after wave of mourners came and went. Yun Zhao felt aches all over her body, her knees numb. Dressed in heavy mourning, she knelt by the brazier. The fire crackled and popped, but the seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl's eyes were lifeless, her face devoid of grief, merely blank. Her small face appeared even paler against the red flames.

A person knelt down in front of her and said in a gentle voice, "Miss Yun, please accept my condolences."

Seventeen-year-old Yun Zhao nodded indifferently, returned the greeting, and then fell back into that wooden state.

She thought he would exchange a few polite words like everyone else and then leave, but he continued, "Miss Yun, may I have a word with you in private?"

Yun Zhao looked up and saw a young man dressed in plain clothes. His skin was slightly dark, but his brows exuded a righteous aura. He looked somewhat familiar, but Yun Zhao couldn't quite place who he was.

Yun Zhao hesitated for a moment, but looking into his clear eyes, her mind seemed to clear up a bit. She made up her mind and stood up.

The two walked to an open area in the corridor. After all, it was not appropriate for a man and a woman to meet in private. Being in an open area would avoid suspicion and prevent anyone from eavesdropping.

“Miss Yun, my name is Meng Yong. I apologize for my rudeness today. However, this matter concerns your reputation, so I had no choice but to resort to this tactic.” Meng Yong bowed.

Yun Zhao seemed to only then remember that Meng Yong was his father's favorite student, but he did not look so haggard when he saw him about a year ago, and his skin was also whiter.

Meng Yong looked sad and said, "A month ago, my mentor sent someone to deliver a letter to me, asking me to take care of you. At that time, I was busy with the construction of the dam and couldn't get away. Who would have thought that I would be separated from you forever, and I didn't even get to see you one last time."

Meng Yong took out a letter from his pocket, handed it over with both hands, and said, "Sir entrusted his son to me on his deathbed, and I will certainly not fail in my duty. However, I don't know what Miss Yun's plans are. I would like to hear Miss Yun's own thoughts."

Yun Zhao took the letter and read it carefully twice. It was indeed his father's handwriting, and he didn't know how to respond for a moment.

Meng Yong said with a slight self-deprecation, "I know that I am not very talented and have fallen on hard times. I should not have any improper thoughts about Miss Yun. However, I admire you and cannot suppress my feelings. My words today were a bit abrupt. I hope you will forgive me. Miss Yun will not be able to give me a direct answer to this matter right now. No rush. I will wait for your reply and will not pester you."

Yun Zhao already had some goodwill towards Meng Yong, and now that she knew he respected her so much, was polite and respectful, and didn't bully her because she was an orphan, her affection for him grew even stronger. Before Yun Zhao could speak, Meng Yong blushed and continued, "Miss Yun, you have nowhere to stay here now. I still have a few acres of land and a few rooms in Taoyuan County. If you don't mind, please spread the word that you are my sworn sister and come stay with me for a while. If I have offended you, please forgive me!"

Yun Zhao couldn't help but smile slightly, but tears welled up in her eyes. It was like a child who had fallen down and was comforted by a loved one, but instead cried even more aggrievedly.

"Miss Yun..." When Meng Yong saw Yun Zhao crying, he panicked and was at a loss, not knowing what to do.

Looking at the dull-witted blockhead in front of him, Yun Zhao felt a warmth in his heart. Everyone thought she was an orphan girl who could be bullied, but only he respected her so much, not because of her status.

Yun Zhao was an open and honest person. Since he was so sincere, he stopped being coy and agreed immediately: "After my father's funeral is over, I will go with my sworn brother."

Meng Yong had initially harbored feelings of affection for Yun Zhao, but also felt pity for her as an orphan, utterly alone and helpless. Now, seeing her stubborn yet resilient in adversity, a different kind of emotion stirred within him. Meng Yong smiled at Yun Zhao, signifying that it was settled.

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The dilapidated oxcart creaked and groaned as it moved along. Yun Zhao was exhausted, her heart filled with sorrow and melancholy. She had no idea what lay ahead. Finally, they arrived—in a small town even more remote and dilapidated than the place where her father had served as an official; perhaps "slum" would be a more apt description. Seeing such a delicate and refined young lady, everyone gathered around curiously, pointing and whispering amongst themselves.

"Come on, be careful!" Meng Yong stood beside the oxcart and stretched out his hand.

Yun Zhao glanced at Meng Yong's hand. Given the difference between men and women and the presence of so many people, she didn't know whether she should help him or not.

Meng Yong's hands were dark and rough. Although he tried his best to wash them clean, the blackness that had seeped into the crevices could not be washed off.

Meng Yong seemed to suddenly realize something, his face turned red, and he withdrew his hand embarrassedly, rubbing it against his lower back twice.

Yun Zhao realized that he had misunderstood her and thought she thought he was dirty. She opened her mouth but couldn't say a word. She pursed her lips and awkwardly got off the car, holding onto the railing.

Meng Yong didn't mind at all. He waved his arm and called over a group of people: "Everyone, lend a hand and carry the box downstairs."

There were several large and heavy wooden crates on the vehicle.

A group of dark-skinned young men, led by a fit and agile young man, ran up with a grin and called out, "Sister-in-law, my name is Ma Yuan, you can take care of this box!"

Meng Yong kicked the young man in the calf in anger: "What are you shouting for? This is my sworn sister, call her Miss Yun!"

The young man nimbly dodged the kick, and with a meaningful smile on his face, nodded and said, "Miss Yun it is."

Ma Yuan turned around and raised an eyebrow at everyone, as if they all knew what was going on. Everyone burst into laughter. Then everyone went to help move the boxes.

Meng Yong was both ashamed and anxious. He cursed a couple of times and then apologized to Miss Yun Zhao in a low voice: "We are all rough people here, Miss Yun, please don't take it to heart."

Yun Zhao didn't mind. Since her father was demoted, there had been few laughs like this in the house. Now, she felt that these laughs were full of vitality and hope.

Yun Zhao laughed and said, "They are all cheerful people. It will be very interesting to get along with them in the future."

Meng Yong breathed a sigh of relief and laughed, "These rascals may not have any other skills, but when it comes to throwing tantrums and making a scene, they're all top-notch!"

Meng Yong's tone was full of pride.

Yun Zhao smiled and lowered his head.

"What do you think is in this box? Could it be full of gold and silver treasures?" A voice, neither too loud nor too soft, came from the crowd.

"Who says otherwise? I heard she's the daughter of an official; who knows, her father is a corrupt official who amassed wealth through the people's ill-gotten gains." A middle-aged man's sarcastic voice rang out.