CHAPTER 287: CHAPTER 219: TALKING BUSINESS AT THE GUESTHOUSE

The county government guesthouse is located a short distance from the county governmental offices in a small building, where departments of the county typically entertain visiting higher-level officials for inspections.

At that moment, the receptionist at the first-floor lobby saw a group of soldiers escorting three elderly leaders inside. She promptly stepped out from behind the counter to greet them, knowing that while working here one must be astute.

Xiao Zhou and his group presented their credentials, and soon completed the check-in process. Following the receptionist, they went up to the second floor, inspected the rooms, and nodded in satisfaction, leaving two large suites for Mr. Cheng, Mr. Lin and others, each choosing rooms on both sides, carrying the hot water provided by the receptionist to wash up and rest.

After the rooms were allocated, Zhou Xiaozheng left his wife Lin Lishan to accompany Mr. Lin, and went to the end of the second floor. Zhou Xiaozheng knocked on the door and entered the room of Mr. and Mrs. Cheng, where this large suite’s outer living room already had Mr. Cheng’s couple waiting along with Cheng Sijin.

Old Mrs. Cheng smiled and pulled him to sit down, "Is everything settled outside? Let your wife handle it. We have some things that are best kept away from outsiders."

Zhou Xiaozheng smiled and nodded, sitting down, realizing that while many things today were anticipated, some had transcended his expectations. He still desired to learn more about his parents.

Cheng Sijin, with a serious expression, said, "Brother, tonight you need to make time to talk with us. Knowing we found you, I didn’t even request leave and came along. It was a task my grandfather entrusted before his passing. Additionally, there are matters regarding the Zhou Family and Gu Family to discuss with you. Especially Gu Family’s affairs that you need to consider thoroughly."

Old Mrs. Cheng patted Zhou Xiaozheng’s hand, sighed, and looked at him, hesitated yet ultimately said nothing.

Zhou Xiaozheng glanced at the elderly woman with an inscrutable expression, somewhat understanding that certain things couldn’t be elaborated due to too many eyes before, feeling that his aunt must have other matters to address tonight.

Mr. Cheng, seeing him enter, asked Xiao Chen to guard the living room entrance, preventing others from coming in, then himself led them into the inner room. Once everyone was seated, he took out two travel cases he had brought, placed them on the table, gently caressed the cases with both hands, his face tinged with reminiscence.

After a while, he started speaking to Zhou Xiaozheng, "Your aunt gathered their couple’s personal belongings and some letters after your mother’s death, intending to keep them as mementos. Another case contains documents following your mother’s donation, and some property deeds from Gu and Zhou Families. Some are invalid now. These two cases are essentially the only relics left by your mom and dad, preserving them as mementoes. The contents will be explained to you by your aunt later.

Let’s take advantage of this quiet moment to first discuss the connection between our three families. You’re the sole descendant of the Zhou and Gu Families, many ancestral matters were supposed to be explained to you by your father, but now they and the lineage of your elder uncle are gone. Sijin, as the eldest grandson and direct heir of the Cheng Family, you understand our ancestry best. Explain to your elder brother, so he’s aware. Other details will be discussed further with your mom."

Cheng Sijin nodded earnestly to begin elaboration, "...That’s how it is, the legitimate sons and heirs of each generation from our three houses left wills supporting each other discreetly. When my grandfather saw the Zhou and Gu Families scattered without aid, he realized that only military power could ensure safety, abandoning pen for military life, asking my father to practice martial arts and join the army. His dying moments were filled with regret, repeatedly insisting on finding the child. And before passing, my uncle asked his wife to somehow guide you to military life, ensuring future stability."

After listening, Zhou Xiaozheng remained silent for a long time, eventually softly stating, "Thank you, I appreciate it. The friendship among the Zhou, Gu, and Cheng Families will be passed on by us brothers."

Mr. Cheng sighed, commented emotionally, "Our three families have endured three hundred years without a major incident, yet ultimately the legitimate house fell before the concubine’s. Had it not been for the Cheng Family joining the army during my generation, the legitimate houses of the three families might have all declined."

Zhou Xiaozheng chuckled enigmatically and said, "Auntie, can you tell me more about how my grandparents were forced? And how my parents feigned death and escaped? Logically, after the retreat of the Eight-Nation Alliance, my father in Jiangnan Gu Family shouldn’t have been in danger, why hide covertly? They were at Gu Family with bodyguards, possessing wealth and connections, how could they be cornered by a few bandit gangs?"

Old Mrs. Cheng nodded in agreement, replied angrily, "Something happened to the Zhou Family, heard that Zhou Jinyu died, your grandfather and mother deemed something was wrong upon returning from Beijing, secretly shifted some assets, intending to send us abroad, but before arrangements were done, they both fell ill. Your grandmother was not the head of the household, relying solely on husband and daughter. With the pillars down, the household servants were also no longer controllable.