CHAPTER 208: CHAPTER 208: SUGARCOATED BULLETS

Although the wealth and granaries of the wealthy family were completely robbed, an emaciated camel is still larger than a horse. The wealthy family had a hidden estate that went unnoticed by the Great Meng Country’s army, so while they appeared destitute, in reality, they didn’t worry about food and drink.

After more than a year of turmoil, although Great General Yu reclaimed Hai City, the war between the two countries did not cease. Instead, it ebbed and flowed several times, with Hai City nearly falling once more on several occasions.

The wealthy landowner, realizing that the war wouldn’t cease in the short term, began to sell off his assets and started heading north with his family.

No one expected that when the Li brothers escorted the landowner’s family to Luocheng, the landowner would summon a broker and sell off the two brothers.

The Li brothers believed they had diligently protected the landowner’s family throughout the journey without making any significant mistakes, so they were utterly baffled by the decision to sell them off.

It was only under their questioning that the landowner revealed the reason.

It turned out to be related to an encounter with bandits during their journey.

Not long after leaving Hai City, they encountered mountain bandits numbering in the dozens. The landowner, seeing the large group armed with knives, was overcome with fear and ordered the brothers to drive the carriage and escape.

Having served as Protectors in the landowner’s household for years, Li Meng and Li Lie had developed fondness for the family’s elders and children. Faced with the ferocious bandits and the crying elderly, women, and children, the brothers truly couldn’t find it in their hearts to abandon them and escape with only the old landowner.

Ignoring the landowner’s orders, they fought the bandits.

When it seemed imminent that they would be wiped out by the bandits, Yu Zhengyang happened to pass by with his troops. The soldiers vastly outnumbered the bandits, encircling them and swiftly decimating the bandits within moments.

After the landowner thanked little General Yu, the brothers continued escorting the family northward.

For disobeying the landowner’s orders, nothing was said at the time, and the brothers believed the matter had passed.

Unexpectedly, upon arriving in Luocheng, the landowner turned hostile, severing ties and settling accounts with them, leading to their being sold.

Head Zhao of the Escort Agency said, "Since you mentioned wanting to buy Protectors, I’ve informed several major brokers.

So...what do you think of these brothers?"

Yu Xiaolian discreetly assessed the Li brothers and asked, "Why didn’t you obey the master’s order to escape with him mid-journey?

If Little General Yu hadn’t appeared, wouldn’t you all have perished?"

Li Lie stepped forward, about to speak, but was pulled back by Li Meng.

Li Meng faced Yu Xiaolian, saying, "We couldn’t bring ourselves to abandon the women and children to flee alone. If you also think we were wrong, then..."

Yu Xiaolian interrupted Li Meng, "Those were your master’s relatives, yet he could abandon his wife and children. Why couldn’t you? Moreover, your indenture contract was with the master; what gave you the courage to disobey?"

Li Meng replied, "There’s no particular reason. If given another chance, my brother and I would still make the same choice."

Yu Xiaolian raised an eyebrow. Though these two seemed somewhat reckless, they were loyal.

They had good character.

Yu Xiaolian addressed Head Zhao, "I want these two!"

Head Zhao had thought the negotiation would fall through, but surprisingly, it turned in their favor.

Just now, Yu Xiaolian seemed dissatisfied with the Li brothers, so why the sudden change?

Head Zhao leaned towards Yu Xiaolian and whispered, "Teacher Yu, if you’re unsatisfied with these two, we can keep looking."

Yu Xiaolian waved her hand, "No need, I’ll take them."

Her family needed loyal Protectors like these.

Even when facing death, they didn’t flee. Knowing the danger, they stayed without hesitation. They were exactly the kind of bodyguards she esteemed highly.

Head Zhao took out the indenture documents for Li Meng and Li Lie and handed them to Yu Xiaolian.

"How much?"

"No money required!" Head Zhao chuckled, "Honestly, Old Zhao has a favor to ask of Teacher Yu..."

Yu Xiaolian raised an eyebrow, a favor to ask of her?

She was genuinely curious as to what matter could involve her.

Head Zhao continued, "Actually, Director Zhao of Jianyin Academy is my elder cousin..."

At the mention of Jianyin Academy, Yu Xiaolian guessed the matter Head Zhao was referring to.

However, she truly didn’t wish to overburden herself. She had no grand ambitions and simply desired good food, drink, and happiness.

She had initially accepted the invitation from the academy’s Director out of curiosity, never intending to become any Calculus Scholar.

Such titles were just empty prestige with no practical use.

What Yu Xiaolian didn’t expect was that this empty prestige would later bring her many unforeseen benefits.

Yu Xiaolian originally intended to decline Head Zhao, but before she could speak, Head Zhao placed two additional indenture documents in front of her, "These two rough-maidservants are added extras. Teacher Yu can take them home as well..."

Yu Xiaolian: "..."

Could an Escort Agency really be this affluent?

Yu Xiaolian felt somewhat ’moved’ by Head Zhao’s sweet persuasion.

Buying these four would cost around one hundred silver taels, given that the Li brothers were worth more than ordinary laborers.

Indeed, Jianyin Academy was more generous than its stingy Director.

Though touched, Yu Xiaolian grit her teeth and declined Head Zhao’s sweetened offer.

After all, one is beholden when accepting favors.

It’s not like she’s short on money!

The offer being too easy didn’t sway Yu Xiaolian, making Head Zhao regard her all the more highly.

Yu Xiaolian took out a hundred-tael silver note, mimicking Head Zhao’s gesture by placing it on the table.

"I only want the Li brothers, not the two rough-maidservants for now."

Bringing home rough-maidservants now without extra room meant waiting until the houses in Taohua Village were built to purchase more.

Head Zhao said, "For just them, seventy taels will suffice. Teacher Yu may come to me directly if wishing to purchase more help in Luocheng as several major brokers here fall under our Zhao Family.

Yu Xiaolian asked, "Is Head Zhao related to the Zhao Family of Meishan Building in the western part of the city?"

Head Zhao stroked his goatee, laughed heartily, "Indeed, Meishan Building belongs to my family, and it’s presently managed by my elder brother."

Yu Xiaolian exclaimed softly, "Then you must be Fu Zihan’s cousin?"

Head Zhao was slightly surprised, "Teacher Yu knows young Zihan?"

Yu Xiaolian nodded, "Yes, we’re friends."

Since Fu Zihan’s departure, Yu Xiaolian had received two letters from her, always personally delivered by the Posthouse Officer to Taotao Residence.

When replying to Fu Zihan, Yu Xiaolian also sent her some trinkets like hairpins.

Head Zhao laughed heartily, "Zihan is quite proud, turning a blind eye to noble ladies in the Capital wishing to befriend her. Yet she befriended you during her brief time here in Luocheng. Your shared fate is truly extraordinary!"

Yu Xiaolian hadn’t expected Fu Zihan to write her afterwards upon returning to the Capital but was delighted to gain a friend in Fu Zihan, not just due to her future status as Empress but because Fu Zihan herself was worth befriending.