strokinit Chapter 85 The Zhou Family
Chapter 85 The Zhou Family
Nothing major happened along the way; the group simply rode at full speed until they found an inn to rest in the evening.
The next morning, they finally arrived outside Yanzhou City.
The ancient and imposing city, like a giant beast, lay prostrate in front of us, bearing the marks of swords and axes, clearly having endured countless wars, and faint array patterns were also visible floating on its surface.
In normal times, its effects are not noticeable, but they will be fully unleashed during wartime.
It is said that under the blessing of the formation, even experts above the innate level can only climb the city wall with their own two legs. Their ability to fly and escape into the ground will be suppressed when they get close to the city.
Lu Yuan could only look at them from afar and couldn't help but feel a deep sense of awe. It was precisely because of the protection of these great cities in the northern frontier that the people were able to live such a peaceful life.
"This is your first time in Yanzhou City, isn't it? Let Hongling show you around these next few days. There are plenty of fun places to visit," Hongcheng said, turning to Lu Yuan with a smile.
The latter nodded and said softly, "I will listen to the Marquis."
"Haha, let's go!" Hong Cheng shouted, and with a crack of his whip, his warhorse charged off.
Lu Yuan and his group followed closely behind.
As they approached the city gate, the soldiers guarding the city, seeing Hongcheng, dared not be negligent and immediately bowed, saying, "Greetings, Lord Marquis."
However, the group did not stop, but continued on their way.
The warhorses trod on the bluestone floor, making a crisp sound.
About half an hour later, they arrived at the gate of the Zhou family.
Lu Yuan couldn't help but marvel at the sheer size of Yanzhou City.
"Is the food ready?" Marquis Jiu Sai turned to Zhou Ren, dismounted, tossed his whip to a guard, and walked inside with practiced ease.
They've clearly visited the Zhou family quite often.
"My lord, I have already sent word home, and it should be almost time now."
"That's good." After saying that, Hong Cheng patted Lu Yuan on the shoulder and walked inside.
Not far away, a huge carriage was parked on the street where the Zhou family mansion was located.
Inside the car, an obese woman sat upright at the head of the seat, while two handsome men massaged her shoulders. Below her, Zhang Zhe carefully massaged her greasy legs.
Now, with his head bowed and eyes downcast, he was nowhere to be seen the ruthless nature he displayed on the frontier battlefield.
"Miss, Marquis Jiu Sai has gone to the Zhou family." The butler's voice came from outside.
The woman said indifferently, "I didn't expect to run into them while passing through Yanzhou. What bad luck."
After she finished speaking, a hint of dissatisfaction flashed in her small eyes.
"Bang!"
He kicked Zhang Zhe, sending him staggering.
She said in a frosty tone, "You can't even massage my legs properly. I risked bringing you back from beyond the Great Wall. I should have just let you die out there."
Zhang Zhe didn't dare to speak.
Sweat appeared on his forehead.
At this moment, his feelings were also very complicated.
The woman's family somehow found out about her relationship with her and actually wanted to arrange a marriage between them.
Zhang Zhe was initially very happy when he heard the news.
But afterwards, I felt a bit lost.
Because it was obvious that the woman's family couldn't find a man with a better family background to marry her, they were eager to arrange for the two to get married after learning about Zhang Zhe's situation.
After all, although the Zhang family could not be considered a prestigious family, they could still be considered a clan.
His uncle has now become the governor of Yunzhou, a regional lord.
Moreover, Zhang Zhe also learned the identity of the woman in front of him: the ninth daughter of the Prince of Polu. She had made a mistake while practicing martial arts in her childhood, which is why she looked like this. As the two got to know each other, they discovered that this "pig girl" was not only gluttonous but also had a violent personality.
He is really not a good person.
But at this point, he had no choice. The prince had given the order, and the Zhang family had no room to resist.
Moreover, my uncle seems to approve of the marriage.
He bluntly stated that if he could climb up to the rank of Prince, it would be an excellent thing for both Zhang Zhe and his family.
Therefore, he could only endure it, but he didn't know when it would end.
"Lu Yuan, it's all your fault. If it weren't for you, why would I have to compromise like this?" Zhang Zhe thought to himself.
A flash of ruthlessness appeared in his eyes.
"What? You're still not happy?" the pig-woman's voice rang out again.
Zhang Zhe forced a smile and quickly said, "How could that be? I was just daydreaming."
After saying that, he leaned over and continued to massage the pig girl's legs. The latter closed her eyes and said, "Well, my father said that after we get married, you will work in the capital, first as a captain, and then gradually rise in rank."
Your cultivation level is far too weak.
"It's not good to give you a high official position. You've consumed so many rare and precious treasures, and you've only just begun to refine yourself. You're truly useless."
The pig-woman expressed her dissatisfaction.
However, they did not make a move against Zhang Zhe.
Deep down, she knew that it was impossible for her to find a husband from a family of equal social standing. In fact, even someone from a family like Zhang Zhe's wouldn't be a normal person to marry her.
Zhang Zhe's family, how should I put it, is rather unconventional, but if it weren't for that, the two of them wouldn't have ended up together.
As for Lu Yuan's matter, she knew about it in her heart.
The day after she met Zhang Zhe, the girl already knew everything about his family and his connections.
This made the pig girl look down on the Zhang family even more.
However, this also has an advantage: it's easier to control.
Thinking of this, and seeing Zhang Zhe's obedient appearance, the pig girl couldn't help but curl up her lips.
As for Lu Yuan, she didn't have any other thoughts. Zhang Zhe had only approached her because of Lu Yuan.
She had already guessed that.
Therefore, keeping Lu Yuan around will make Zhang Zhe more obedient and keep him feeling a sense of urgency at all times.
Thinking of this, he said to the steward outside the carriage, "Let's continue on our way."
After he finished speaking, the carriage continued on its way forward.
Meanwhile, Lu Yuan sat next to Hong Cheng at the Zhou family's main table.
Because of the arrival of the Marquis of Jiusai.
The heads of each household were also invited to take a seat.
However, they could not sit at the same table as the Marquis; they could only sit at a table outside the front hall.
There were seven or eight tables set up, making it quite lively.
Because the head of the fourth branch of the family died young, it was Wang Shi and her daughter Hongxiu who came.
The two noticed Lu Yuan while they were eating. After all, he was not only young but also handsome. Most importantly, they could tell that Marquis Hong Cheng of Jiu Sai was taking good care of this young man.
Now, Hongxiu has reached marriageable age.
Such a young talent naturally deserves more attention.
Knowing her daughter's thoughts, Madam Wang immediately turned to a member of the family who had accompanied Zhou Hongling on the expedition and asked, "Who is that young man sitting at the main table? Why does the Marquis show him such favor?"
A Zhou family disciple standing nearby immediately said, "Auntie, you don't know, Lu Yuan used to be Sister Hongling's subordinate. He made many meritorious contributions during this expedition beyond the Great Wall and even saved the Marquis's life. He is only seventeen years old now and is already the Commandant of Bingyuan City."
Moreover, given his talent and cultivation speed, it's likely that he'll be able to shed that "leader" title and become a true captain in less than a year.
Seventeen years old! What will she be like in the future?
His voice was filled with envy.
Wang and her daughter exchanged a glance, momentarily taken aback.