Chapter 1898: Xun Sheng's Visit (Patreon)

Chapter 1898: Xun Sheng's Visit

Shu Yu let Zhou Tiedong and his family rest at the inn for the night since it was getting late, and they could return tomorrow.

As for the county yamen, Shu Yu would help deliver the verdict from this side. However, if Zhou Tiedong had no objections, he would still need to make a trip there.

Zhou Tiedong had no issue with that, so after thanking Shu Yu, he returned to his room with his family to discuss the events that had transpired recently.

It was precisely at this moment that Xun Sheng arrived, accompanied by his fellow scholar.

Perhaps due to their previous confrontation, the fellow scholar seemed a bit embarrassed and extended his greetings and apologies humbly.

Shu Yu didn't hold any grudges and simply inquired about how Xun Sheng and Chen Qiu had come to know each other.

Xun Sheng, wearing a slightly ashamed expression, began the story. It turned out that during the chaos in the city before the New Year, he and the other scholar had been active, seeking to contribute in any way they could. One day, while comforting the victims, they encountered a few unruly individuals brandishing daggers dangerously, nearly causing harm to someone. Xun Sheng tried to shield an elderly person with a disability, attempting to disarm the assailant.

However, being a mere scholar, Xun Sheng lacked the necessary strength and was cut on the arm by the assailant. When the unruly individuals attempted to strike again, Xun Sheng was unable to evade their attack.

That's when Chen Qiu arrived, wielding a large wooden stick. She stood behind the unruly individual and struck him down.

The man was knocked to the ground, dizzy, and was subsequently subdued. Xun Sheng's life was saved thanks to this intervention.

Naturally, Xun Sheng wanted to express his gratitude to Chen Qiu. However, when he visited her, he was surprised to find her trembling and visibly frightened, staring at his bloodied arm. The shock caused her to faint on the spot.

Xun Sheng rushed her to a nearby clinic and waited until she regained consciousness before leaving.

At that time, Xun Sheng was impressed by Chen Qiu's courage and kindness, as well as her gentle disposition. Later, he returned with a token of appreciation, only to hear the neighbors praise the Chen family for their filial piety. They mentioned how the Chen family had selflessly cared for an elderly member of the Pan family, who had been unconscious for over a month, nursing him back to health. This moved Xun Sheng even more.

Chen Qiu accepted his token of appreciation but also expressed concern for his injury. This exchange of gratitude gradually brought them closer.

Chen Qiu's character became increasingly apparent, and Xun Sheng, although initially slow to realize, eventually understood. He began to seriously contemplate their relationship.

While the Xun family's circumstances were not as wealthy as the Zhang family's, they were far from destitute. However, what Xun Sheng valued most in a wife was her character. No matter how well-off a family was, a poor character could bring them to ruin.

In Xun Sheng's eyes, Chen Qiu was virtuous and kind, courageous, and gentle. If he were to achieve academic success, she would be a worthy mistress of the household.

Therefore, Xun Sheng was relieved and intended to write a letter to his parents in the coming days to inform them of his intentions.

However, before he could take action, the current situation unfolded, exposing Chen Qiu's true nature.

The fellow scholar added, "After the magistrate concluded the case just now, I was originally planning to leave with Xun Sheng. Unexpectedly, Chen Qiu suddenly rushed out and blocked our way, insisting that Xun Sheng help her. What kind of help does she need? Could it be that she expects Xun Sheng to marry her?"