The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1696 - 1690: How Could He Not Be Moved?

It was said that last night, Gu Zikai could not escape either and was forced to drink several cups of alcohol.

Although he had the reputation of a romantic scholar in the Capital City, Gu Zikai’s alcohol tolerance was only average.

Moreover, the alcohol in Saibei was stronger than that of the Capital City and the southern regions.

After three cups, Gu Zikai was already a bit tipsy.

Fortunately, Lang Hao, who was serving beside him, noticed something was wrong and quickly informed Song Chongjin’s people.

The people around Song Chongjin, knowing that Gu Zikai was their Madam’s cousin, took extra care. Seeing that Gu Zikai couldn’t hold his liquor, they discreetly took good care of him and didn’t let him have another drop.

The Master highly valued by Gu Changqing was getting on in years and was exhausted from the journey, so he declined tonight’s welcoming banquet and went straight to rest at the back of the County Yamen.

Besides Lang Hao and two guards, the other followers were also arranged to stay at the front with the Master.

However, with Old Granny Zhang and Wang Yongzhu around, everything was properly arranged for Gu Zikai.

When he returned, there was hot water and sobering tea. After washing up, he collapsed onto the bed, oblivious to everything.

By the time he woke up, it was already broad daylight the next day.

Lang Hao told him that Song Chongjin and his people had been up for a long time, already had breakfast, and instructed not to wake him since he was sleeping so soundly.

Gu Zikai showed a look of embarrassment, stamping his feet repeatedly.

He quickly freshened up and, after hastily eating breakfast, went to pay his respects to Old Granny Zhang.

Hearing that Gu Zikai had come to pay respects, Old Granny Zhang promptly had him let in.

Gu Zikai first apologized, saying he should have paid respects the night before but got drunk and troubled his aunt with worry.

Old Granny Zhang wouldn’t bother fussing with her nephew, waved her hand with a smile, saying it was no matter. She even asked if he rested well, if he was accustomed to the breakfast.

After a round of inquiries with warmth and care.

Gu Zikai respectfully answered them all.

Then asked about the situation in the Capital City, how was the old lady of the Gu Family, and how was everyone.

Naturally, Gu Zikai picked the happy news to tell, like the old lady of the Gu Family being in good health, and both the Eldest Lady and Gu Changqing were well.

Lady Quan from the second household also returned to the position of Gu Changji.

The third house’s third aunt and uncle were also dutiful, coming over to pay respects to the old lady of the Gu Family, keeping her company.

After saying these, Old Granny Zhang knew they had proper business to discuss, so she found an excuse to let them all out.

In the study, Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu, along with Gu Zikai and Ninth Master Lee, were together for the first time since their parting in the Capital City four or five years ago.

Even in the Capital City, Gu Zikai and Ninth Master Lee each had their own matters and social circles, seldom getting the chance to eat, drink, and chat together.

Nevertheless, the two shared a bond since childhood, so upon meeting, they couldn’t help but exchange a couple of teasing remarks.

Sitting down to discuss the main matter, due to the pressing timeline, preparations for those officials from the Capital City would only be for the next two days, and after that, everything needed to gradually move on track, leaving Song Chongjin no spare time.

So, he could only take advantage of these two days to quickly introduce Gu Zikai to the situation in Yunzhong County.

Gu Zikai knew it was of utmost importance, immediately composed himself, listening intently, asking for clarification on what he didn’t understand, almost to the point of taking notes.

Song Chongjin quickly said, "Most of Yunzhong County’s circumstances are documented; I’ll give it to you later so you can discuss it well with the Master upon your return. What I’m saying now won’t be recorded, so pay careful attention, remember it in your heart."

Gu Zikai, realizing this was of critical importance, nodded earnestly, "Please, go ahead—"

Then Song Chongjin began to explain the key points in Yunzhong County, issues left by the previous County Magistrate, the citizens’ inclinations, local customs, the main sources of citizen’s income, and tax sources.

Gu Zikai did not dare to even blink, fearing he might miss a single word.

After Song Chongjin finished, he silently repeated the information in his mind, only reassured after he had done so.

Finally, Song Chongjin said, "Cloud County is surrounded by mountains on three sides, with a river winding through the city—this river, you must pay special attention to—"

Gu Zikai was taken aback, "Is there something special about this river? Or does it flood during the summer?" To know, as an official, the greatest fear lies in flooding or drought—once they occur, the losses are extremely significant.

Their governing officials would face consequences, from dismissal to the entire family being affected.

If Gu Zikai were to say he was not worried about his future, that would be false, but he also dreaded such catastrophes.

Song Chongjin shook his head, lowered his voice, "This matter, remember it, be vigilant at all times! That river, called Yunzhong River, has its waters formed from melting glaciers at the peaks of mountains, cascading down till it reaches Yunzhong County. The county itself is named after this river."

"This river has flowed for many years; it rushes relentlessly in summer and freezes still in winter. Just the last few days, while tending to business at Yunzhong County, my men found a Nugget Gold while watering horses by Yunzhong River—"

With these words, not just Gu Zikai, even Ninth Master Lee exclaimed in surprise.

"Nugget Gold?"

The two exchanged a glance; even someone with no understanding knows what this implicates.

Gu Zikai immediately understood why Song Chongjin eagerly wrote to strongly recommend him for the assignment in Yunzhong County.

Not just Gu Zikai; even Ninth Master Lee at his side understood.

He couldn’t help but cast an envious look at Gu Zikai, knowing it was through his cousin relationship with Wang Yongzhu that such a great matter landed in Gu Zikai’s lap.

If not, how could this fortune fall onto Gu Zikai just like that?

Gu Zikai was emotionally stirred, unable to find words for a moment.

Song Chongjin continued, "As of now, only I and my men are aware, and I have dispatched them to survey along Yunzhong River. But as you are about to take office shortly, once you assume full command upon arrival at Yunzhong County, this surveying task will be handed to you!"

Gu Zikai, with countless words, his eyes reddened, cupped his hands, "Rest assured! I will surely not fail you in all this benevolence and deep friendship!"

In this world, besides what he received from his parents, Gu Zikai had never experienced such preferential treatment and favor.

How could he not be moved?

Though a man’s words were hard to utter, in his heart, he quietly vowed never to forget the emotions shown by his cousin and cousin-in-law for his lifetime; should they ever need him in the future, he would dash forward without hesitation.

Ninth Master Lee, understanding Gu Zikai’s feelings, consoled by patting his shoulder, teasingly saying, "Alright! Alright! I know you are moved! Big men with reddened eyes, don’t truly cry! If you really do, I’ll tell you what, when you grow old, I’ll recount to your descendants how their grandpa cried like a child—"

This made Gu Zikai burst into laughter.

Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu exchanged a glance, regarding Ninth Master Lee with heightened esteem. Despite his envy, his first instinct was to cover his friend’s lapse, fearing any misunderstanding with Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu.