Mysteries of the Great Zhou Dynasty

Chapter 189 Extra Chapter: Long Wind (1)

On a particularly hot and humid summer night, Wang tossed and turned, unable to sleep, and finally sat up.

Yan Lizhe, who was standing nearby, also woke up, got up, and asked with concern, "Madam, what's wrong? Is it too hot?"

Madam Wang, her face full of worry, shook her head: "No, ever since I heard Zhang'er talk about my second brother and sister-in-law, I've been feeling uneasy and restless these past few days... You know, my second brother is an honest official, so it's not impossible that he might have some evidence against corrupt officials. It just so happens that he came to the capital to report on his duties. How could it be such a coincidence? Zhang'er is only five years old, but he's always been very careful. If someone really committed this crime, do you think Zhang'er might also be in danger?"

Yan Lizhe seemed to be deep in thought. He gently held Wang's hands and said softly, "Madam, how about this? I happen to have a day off tomorrow. Let's take Zhang'er to the brokerage firm and see if we can find a suitable person for him. He's grown up now and needs someone to accompany him in his studies. If he could have some martial arts skills, that would be even better."

Wang's expression softened slightly, and she nodded.

------

The next day, the brokerage firm was bustling with people, and Yan Lizhe led Wang Shi down from the carriage.

Yan Lizhe stopped the servant at the door and asked, "Young man, may I ask why there are so many people in this brokerage today?"

Seeing their luxurious attire, the servant greeted them with a broad smile: "My esteemed guests, you are unaware of the situation. There is an auction today. A few days ago, a man surnamed Zhang claimed that a martial arts family had committed some offense, and the patriarch had disappeared. All their family members over the age of twelve had been exiled, but some servants and children were still up for auction. I heard that these servants are all exceptionally skilled in martial arts and are excellent at guarding the house."

Yan Lizhe was in a dilemma. If this were to be auctioned, the price would definitely be exorbitant. He was just an ordinary official whose salary had to support a large family. He couldn't afford a price that was too high, so he decided to come back another day.

The servant at the door, a man of many talents, immediately recognized the opportunity. He wasn't about to let this sale slip away, so he quickly smoothed things over, saying, "Sir, there's no need to worry. I've heard we have a few servants born into the family. Although they're still young, they have a good foundation. Besides, youth has its advantages—they're easier to train! It's a great deal! You two esteemed gentlemen can go in and take a look. If it's not suitable, you don't have to buy it. You won't lose out!"

Upon hearing this, Wang was somewhat tempted: "Husband, why don't we go and take a look?"

Yan Lizhe couldn't refuse, so he decided to go in and take a look.

------

This brokerage firm was the largest in the capital. Upon entering, it was resplendent in gold and jade. In the center of the hall was a large platform, and sure enough, an auction was already underway.

"Fifty taels! Are there any other customers who would offer a higher price?" the servant on the stage shouted hoarsely.

The hall was noisy, with shouts rising and falling.

At this moment, a six or seven-year-old child was pulled onto the stage. The servant wanted him to kneel down, but he refused. His eyes were bloodshot, and he looked defiant.

In the audience, many people were booing: "This bean sprout is no good, get off the stage right now!"

"Yeah, who would buy it? It's skinny as a beet, barely any meat on its bones."

"Exactly, and it's so fierce, a dog that bites, who would want it?"

"Go down!"

"Go down!"

The servant smiled obsequiously: "Distinguished guests, please calm down. This child may be a bit fierce, but he is the eldest grandson of the Zhang family and knows some martial arts..."

The waiter raised his voice: "And another thing, this kid can take a beating! Three of our shop's thugs took turns beating him, and he didn't utter a sound. Isn't he a natural punching bag?"

"Get down! What's the use of sandbags? They can't be used for work. And if you're good at legwork, you're even less useful. Who can control that?"

The servant said again, "This kid is cheap, only two taels!" "A half-grown boy, he'll eat my father out of house and home. If I buy him, I'll have to raise him for several years to get him to work. Not worth it, not worth it!"

The servant realized he was about to get himself into trouble, so he turned around and saw the boy looking at him with such hatred. He was furious and raised the whip in his hand, lashing out at the boy. Several lashes left the boy with torn skin and clothes, revealing both new and old wounds.

"Stop!" a voice rang out. "I'll buy this child!"

The servant looked around happily and saw a kind-faced, elegantly dressed couple walking towards him.

"You're in luck, kid!" the servant couldn't help but feel a little envious.

------

After the handover was completed, the child, with his hands and feet bound, was thrown into Yan Lizhe's carriage like a sack.

The broker's servant specifically instructed that he should not be untied from his ropes, and that he should be chained up when they got back, because this kid could bite!
The child huddled in the corner, baring his teeth and glaring angrily, looking just like a little wolf.

When Wang tried to touch his head, he almost bit her.

"Don't be afraid. What's your name? I'll help you untie the rope, okay? Don't worry, after I untie it, I promise I'll sit far away and I won't hurt you." Wang looked into his eyes, her eyes full of calm and kindness.

He gradually relaxed, but his eyes were still full of vigilance.

With her hands and feet untied, Wang got out of the carriage, leaving the child alone inside.

The carriage swayed and rocked, and the child actually fell asleep. The child must be exhausted; he hadn't slept so well in the past two months.

When the carriage arrived, Wang gently patted the child's back. Startled, the child jumped up, grabbed Wang's arm, and bit her hard.

The child suddenly realized something, hurriedly let go of her mouth, shrank into the corner, and watched her warily.

Yan Lizhe was also a little angry when he saw the deep teeth marks on Wang's hand: "You child, how could you bite someone!"

Wang took out a handkerchief and simply wrapped the wound, stopping Yan Lizhe: "Husband, I'm fine, it doesn't hurt, it has nothing to do with the child, I must have frightened him just now."

As expected, the whip did not fall. The child, as if he had done something wrong, huddled in the corner, hesitant to speak, just staring at Wang.

Wang squatted down and looked him in the eye: "Child, you must have suffered a lot of injustices and been frightened, so you subconsciously felt that others would hurt you. Don't worry, once you're in our Yan family, no one will hit you anymore. Shall we go home together?"

Wang extended her hand, waiting for him to shake it.

The child hesitated for a long time before finally placing his dirty hand into Wang's palm.

Mrs. Wang gently took the small hand in her own and smiled tenderly: "What's your name? How old are you?"

The child looked down at his toes and replied, "Changfeng... six years old..."

Wang stroked the child's head, not minding his dirty hair at all: "You're a year older than Zhang'er! By the way, Zhang'er is my son. Would you be willing to be his study companion? Help me protect him?"

Changfeng nodded.

Mrs. Wang smiled with satisfaction: "Good child..."