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Chapter 31 Master and disciple
Naturally, Zhao Zimu found out that she was being followed and immediately threw off the person who followed her.There was a faint smile on her face. This night was truly full of surprises. Zhao Zimu looked in the direction of Situ Yuanxiao’s residence. The corners of her mouth conjured a meaningful smile.
Four days later, a man in white wearing a dark mask with silver patterns stood at the door of the yard of a house more than 300 li southeast of capital Liang and pushed the unguarded door open.
Suddenly, a strong gust of wind hit her head-on, but suddenly stopped ten centimeters away from her. A young man adorned in black appeared in front of her. He looked like he was in his twenties. His eyebrows were shaped like a dagger and his eyes were starry. At this moment, his eyes were widened and disbelief could be seen in them. Then, he showed ecstasy and said with trembling lips, “Master!”
The white-clothed person with the silver patterned black mask nodded faintly and walked in. Suddenly, a person with a book on his head and a brush in his hand ran out and shouted, “Today’s dinner couldn’t be made by me again. Ye Yiqiu, do you still have common sense?! The people from ancient times have a saying that one should enjoy blessings and endure misfortunes together. You don’t obey the rules and teachings of the wise and is immoral…master…”
“Ah…,” After a scream, that man with a brush in his hand and a book on his head rushed towards Zhao Zimu. However, before he could run to her, a plump person dripped with gold and silver came out of nowhere. He quickly rushed to Zhao Zimu at a speed that broke the limits of his body. He panted as the fat on his face shook and said with a silly smile, “Ma, master.”
The person who had a silver patterned black mask and who was called master by the black-clothed young man and the scholar-like person was Zhao Zimu.
When Zhao Zimu roamed the Jianghu, she would always disguise herself. To avoid trouble, she would either pretend to be a man or wear a mask. She didn’t want anyone to know her true identity.
Although, Zhao Zimu had never showed her true face in front of them, but after some time, Zhao Zimu was too lazy to pretend in front them. So, they vaguely sensed that she was a woman and that she was not too old. However, this didn’t prevent them from respecting her.
Zhao Zimu nodded and entered the house. The scholar, black-clothed young man and the little chubby brother exchanged a glance and hurriedly followed. After all, Zhao Zimu hadn’t come back for a long time. So, they missed her very much.
This yard was purchased by Zhao Zimu when she roamed the Jianghu. It was not intended to use as a permanent residence, so, it was somewhat crude. There weren’t many rooms in the house. The things inside of it were also very simple and there were very few flowers and plants in the yard.
But after she accepted three “disciples”, here had changed a lot. Although, Zhao Zimu didn’t enter her room, but from the polished door, she could guess that her room must be very clean. They were considerate. Zhao Zimu thought.
These people were rescued accidentally by Zhao Zimu. They truly regarded her as their master and some were quite special.
The people sat down in the house. Zhang Yong who was the scholar said, “Master, have some water first.”
“Go, junior brother, shouldn’t you go make dinner?! Master came back today, I want to eat red braised pork!” The little chubby brother dressed in gold and silver said. He thought that he entered the apprenticeship earlier than Zhang Yong and proudly considered himself to be the senior. The two often quarrelled because of this.
“Hey, I tell you Liu Dejin, don’t rely on that you are young to be unreasonable. Look at your whole body covered in riches, gold and jade, do you still have the need to eat my plain tea and simple food?”
Zhang Yong deliberately ridiculed him. He just couldn’t bear to be called junior brother by this kid because he entered the apprenticeship earlier. How old was he? He was just a twelve or thirteen-year-old little brat.
“Jealous?” Liu Dejin didn’t get angry. Anyway, a senior should look after a junior!
He means that he should look after Zhang Yong
“Yiqiu,” A cold voice sounded. Ye Yiqiu immediately turned his gaze to the speaker and said, “Yes.”
“How many remnants are there still in Ye clan? Would they listen to you?”
Ye Yiqiu respectfully said without hesitation, “There are about thirty people left and they obey me completely.”
Ye Yiqiu was originally the son of a general of the frontier army of Liang. His family fell apart after the death of his father. The power of his family was seized by some of his uncles because of his young age. However, it was illegitimately conferred. Therefore, they wanted to completely get rid of him and substitute him.
If it wasn’t because his father had some loyal old subordinates who protected him, he wouldn’t be able to escape Ye clan at all. However, his uncles were set on killing him and refused to let him go. They pursued him at any costs. After being seriously injured, he probably wouldn’t have survived if it wasn’t because he met Zhao Zimu. Hence, he took Zhao Zimu as his master.
In fact, to say that it was taking her as a teacher, it was better to say that he followed Zhao Zimu’s orders because he had long given his life to Zhao Zimu. No matter what Zhao Zimu asks him to do, he wouldn’t go against it.
Hearing her mention the remnants of Ye clan, he couldn’t help but feel a bit odd. He asked a bit confused, “Master, what do you plan to do?”
“What if I let you and the remnants of Ye clan to obey me?” Zhao Zimu asked and looked at him. She knew Ye Yiqiu’s thoughts. She didn’t care about it because it was not necessarily in the past, but now she cared.
Ye Yiqiu immediately knelt on one knee and said, “Master, how would I dare to not follow any orders from you?”
Zhao Zimu said, “The Ye clan was originally members of the frontier army in the northwest. I plan to enlist you in the army. After three years, I want to see your achievements.”
“Yes!” Ye Yiqiu accepted the order, but he hesitantly asked, “Master, at what place can I see you?”
If it wasn’t because of Zhao Zimu, Ye Yiqiu would’ve probably been dead by now. Hence, he thought that his life was hers. Even if she wanted him to die, he would be willing. He stayed here just to wait for one day that she could use him. Now that the opportunity came, how could he not be willing?
However, Zhao Zimu didn’t answer.
“Master, what about me? What do you want me to do for you?” The little chubby brother couldn’t wait to ask.
It was funny to mention it. This guy was originally the only son of a wealthy family. When he went with his mother to visit family, he was targeted by bandits because he acted too ostentatiously. At that time, he was only seven to eight-year-old. It was also Zhao Zimu who had saved him.
This little chubby brat probably heard too many stories. After Zhao Zimu calmly and easily forced away a group of bandits with a sword, this brat knelt and shouted, “Hey, please accept me as disciple.”
Zhao Zimu was already injured at that time and needed a place to recuperate. She didn’t refuse the kindness of Liu family. Hence, she had been entangled by the little chubby brother named Liu Dejin. Although, Zhao Zimu didn’t agree to take him as disciple, but since she also didn’t disagree, to the little chubby brother that was agreeing by default. So, he also became a disciple.
However, his father died early and the family was in chaos. If it wasn’t because of Zhao Zimu’s help, he might’ve been living on the street and became a beggar now. Although, he was young, but he also knew how to repay a kindness. Hence, even if Zhao Zimu wanted him to give her all his wealth, he would be willing.
The scholar like young man said with dissatisfaction, “I can also do things for master.”
Liu Dejin humped and put out his chubby little finger in a funny way. He dug his nose and said, “A useless scholar.”
“You, fancy that you freeloaded so many red braised pork from me!” Zhang Yong said angrily.
“Zhang Yong, are you willing to enter eight prince’s residence and become his advisor?” Zhao Zimu asked suddenly.
“Ah?” Liu Bo was dumbfounded.
The author didn’t mention why Zhang Yong’s name was suddenly changed to Liu Bo. I think Liu Bo is his real name and Zhang Yong is the name he took while he was exiled.
“It’s okay if you are not willing. After all, this is also a trip to muddy waters.” Liu Bo was originally a student of the Imperial College. Because he offended some powerful officials, he was forced out of capital Liang and also almost starved to death on a road of a deserted mountain. If it wasn’t because of Zhao Zimu, he might’ve been taken by a wolf before he had starved to death.
Zhao Zimu threw him here after she had rescued him. because the little chubby brother and Ye Yiqiu often came here and called Zhao Zimu their master, so Liu Bo followed suit. Therefore, even if Zhang Yong was older than Liu Dejin, Liu Dejin still called him junior brother.
“No, I’m willing.” Liu Bo hurriedly said, “But master, what are you planning to do?”
Liu Bo was puzzled. Although, he didn’t know what Zhao Zimu wanted to do, but he still understood the situation at court now. The fractions were distinct and the fights were fierce. The four young princes had their own power. The most powerful person was also the person closest to that position (the throne). If master wanted to get a foot in, then going to eight prince was definitely the most unfavorable.
Zhao Zimu didn’t explain and only said, “Just help eight prince with all your heart.”
Liu Dejin said a bit aggrieved, “Master, what about me? I have money. I can give you as much as you want.”
Zhao Zimu suddenly asked, ”Are you not practicing martial arts anymore?”
The three sitting here were dumbstruck. Liu Dejin touched his big belly and looked at his fat hands and feet. He said frustrated, “Master, no need.”
However, all three pairs of eyes secretly glanced at Zhao Zimu and wondered why the master who had always ignored the worldly affairs began to appear more human.
Zhao Zimu didn’t come back here very often. She didn’t even come back a few times in a year and this time, they met each other again after two years. However, they still knew about Zhao Zimu’s character.
Not paying attention to the affairs of life, didn’t pay attention to the commonplace and was cold and alienated. She was just like a cloud at the horizon that didn’t have any dust nor dirt and was too high to reach and drifting without a resting place. It made them thirst to touch it and also feel that they could never grab it.
This time, she came back for these mundane things. What had happened that master was so different when she came back this time?
“Like to make money?” Zhao Zimu asked Liu Dejin as if she was curious. Liu Dejin nodded in a humble manner and seemed a bit embarrassed.
“Expand your shops to the north. I will give you some things.”
“Ah.” Liu Dejin was dumbfounded but immediately said, “Alright.”
“Master, can I do some business of brothels and restaurants?” Liu Dejin asked carefully.
“I don’t care about what you do. It’s fine as long as you make money.”
Liu Dejin responded with a smile, but Zhang Yong’s heart jumped. Make money?
This time, his master actually made this request. This had never happened before.
In the past, she wouldn’t bother with anything they were doing. Now, looking at her attitude, could it be that she wanted to do something big?!
“After I leave, prepare to take action,” As she spoke, Zhao Zimu prepared to leave.
The three got anxious. Ye Yiqiu quickly said, “Master, won’t you stay a few days? You just came back this time.”
“Right, right!” Liu Dejin and Zhang Yong also clamored. Three pair of eyes looked longingly at her.
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