Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Jiang Pengji’s grin widened. “Well… Maybe next time.”
Huh! Xu Ke refused to respond. Having a clever langjun sometimes made him despondent, and he felt himself to be redundant.
All of a sudden, she asked, “I’ve heard of your aunt. She’s living alone and you two are very close, right?”
Xu Ke was surprised. “Yes. How did you know?”
“I just want to learn more about you.”
Xu Ke was not convinced. She would not act without a purpose. Still, he replied, “Thank you. My aunt has been living alone after her youngest son passed away. She’s not wealthy, and makes a living by sewing and washing clothes for others. I’m obliged to her for helping rest my deceased mother and bring food to me when I was imprisoned…
I was planning to take her here later, but since Langjun has mentioned it, I would like to ask for your favor.”
That made the second favor Jiang Pengji had been asked for on the same day.
“I have no objection, but leave the journey to the servants. Don’t let it distract your work. Besides, it’s too risky for you to travel to Zisang alone.”
Xu Ke’s and Meng Hun’s careful attitude prompted her to reflect. Why did they think I would say no? Had I not mentioned his aunt this time? Xu Ke would definitely wait a few months more before mentioning her.
The youngster was unaware of her thoughts, but was thankful for her consideration. He had become a slave after being caught, and had pictured himself being affronted day and night since then. Yet, her friendly manner often made him forget about the gap between their statuses. Sometimes, he even thought he was still a free commoner––the only reminder of the shameful truth was the tattoo on his face, on which he rubbed medicine on every day.
The two had not met for a happy reason, yet Jiang Pengji’s manner of treating him made him glad for their encounter. Like traditional scholars, he could die for a master who understood him and sympathized with his past. Would Jiang Pengji be the master he had been looking for all these years?
“You can take your salaries for the coming months when you come to town next time. The elderly should take a rest at home instead of worrying about her living. Let a young man like you work harder instead.” To Jiang Pengji, old people and young children were the weak who needed protection.
After keeping the book for some time, the importance of fortune sank in. He could not afford a physician without the money, so he accepted her offer immediately.
Just as he let out a relieved sigh, he noticed Jiang Pengji’s pensive, puzzled expression. He wondered what could possibly challenge her, and he was excited to help.
“Langjun, is there any problem?” asked the boy softly.
Jiang Pengji side-eyed him. “There’s a question in my mind, but I’m beginning to know the answer.”
“What is it? There are not many questions in this world that could trouble you.” He yelled in his mind, Yes! This is my chance to show how capable I am!
“It’s about you.” She pointed at him, and he was immediately stunned. “I assumed the only reward you needed for your work was extra benefits, but then my father told me that caring for your family is more likely to please you… Why?”
Xu Ke stared blankly at her finger. How should he reply? Was she teasing him? He observed her countenance, yet found not the slightest sense of humor.
After a pause, he chuckled. If he had been a modern person, he would have described her as “cute.” Still, Jiang Pengji was only twelve in appearance, so Xu Ke could comprehend her confusion. She would learn more as she gained more exposure to the world.
“This reward may not work on other people.”
“Why?”
“Remember what we gave Coach Meng before? The supplies were what he wanted the most at that time, and were, therefore, the best gift we could provide. As for me, I’ve been considering inviting my aunt recently, but I have worried about all the arrangements that it involved. Your kind offer has solved this huge problem for me.”
He continued sincerely, “All these things may be nothing to you, but they really mean a lot to Coach Meng and me. Like you’ve said, a considerate present is better than an expensive one.”
In fact, her thoughtful acts would be approved of by many. Yet, after hearing her question, Xu Ke could only sigh.
He should have known!
Jiang Pengji quickly understood what he meant, and nodded. “I see.” So the key was not how the ancient people thought about their blood ties, but about what they needed the most at that moment.
Xu Ke looked at her. She would definitely apply the newly acquired knowledge in her future recruitment.
