Font Size:
“The children taken by Wangjiang Tower, the others have already been taken away by their parents. They were sold for fifty taels of silver by their families. Since their parents didn’t come to get them, I brought them back. They didn’t want to keep their original names, so I named them Yuan Jiu and Yuan Si.”
Wang Jinhe frowned, feeling displeased at the children’s parents. “Are there still people in Fu’an County who need to sell their children to make a living?”
Yuan Jiu calmly responded to Wang Jinhe, “There is no need to sell children to make a living. We weren’t the children they liked, so they sold us to ensure everything would be left for their favorite children.”
Surprised, Wang Jinhe looked at Yuan Jiu and Yuan Si. “You are siblings?”
“Yes, we are biological brothers.”
Wang Jinhe was at a loss for words, unable to comprehend how parents could be so heartless.
“Su Yu, these parents are truly heartless to sell children of such a young age, especially when these two children are aware of it.”
It seemed like these two children no longer had any feelings towards their parents.
“Partiality needs no reason, cruelty needs none either.”
Wang Jinhe fell silent instantly. “You’re right.”
“Yuan Bao, settle these two children down and have others guide them afterward.”
“Yes.”
After the two children followed Yuan Bao away, Wang Jinhe finally spoke, “How could these people be parents? How can they treat their own children like this?”
“Are you angry?”
Wang Jinhe nodded. “There is certainly anger, but we also can’t intervene. After all, this is their family matter.”
Wang Jinhe was aware of this fact.
Su Yu nodded with a smile, “You’re right. This is indeed someone else’s business, and we shouldn’t interfere too much. As for what these two children will do next, that’s up to them.”
“You’re right. Do you plan to have these two children follow Xiao Bao or something else?”
“I haven’t decided yet. I’ll have them learn something at the academy first, and we’ll figure out the rest later,” Su Yu responded calmly, not feeling rushed.
“Okay.”
After reaching the place where Yuan Jiu and Yuan Si were staying, Yuan Si looked at his brother, “Brother, are we just going to let it go like this?”
“Of course not. If they want to use us to pave the way for their precious son, they need to see if we are willing,” Yuan Jiu’s eyes flashed with determination.
Yuan Jiu didn’t say anything. They had hoped that their parents would treat them as well as they did their younger brother. They had been treated well, only to be sold off to pave the way for that child.
How could they be content with this situation?
“For now, let’s focus on studying. Isn’t this the opportunity you’ve been dreaming of? As for what comes next, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.” The distance from their home wasn’t far, so they could return whenever they wanted.
Yuan Si nodded repeatedly, “Brother, I think these people are really kind.”
The lady spoke to them gently, showing no disdain for them despite being sold into servitude.
The young master truly provided them with the best learning environment.
In reality, they were quite content.
Yuan Jiu smiled faintly, “You’re right. The lady and the young master are both kind. Let’s learn well and help protect their child.”
“Agreed.”
Despite being young, the two children had already determined their future path through simple conversations.
After taking a day’s rest, the next morning, the two of them were up early. They spotted Su Yu in the courtyard, training with a few children, observing attentively from the sidelines.
Su Yu approached them and asked, “Interested in learning?”
“Yes.”
“Then let’s do it together. It’s a good opportunity for you to get to know my son and the others,” Su Yu said, leading them over.
Pointing at Xiao Bao and Xiao Zhi, Su Yu said, “They are my sons. The eldest is Su Zhixiao, the second is Su Zhiqin, the youngest is Su Yanchen, and my daughter is Su Yanxi. Yanchen and Xixi are still sleeping. I’ll introduce you to them once they wake up. From now on, you’ll follow Xiao Bao and Xiao Zhi. You can decide who follows whom.”
“Eldest Young Master, Second Young Master.”
Xiao Bao tilted his head, nodded at the two children, and said, “Hello.”
“Let’s continue.”
Yuan Jiu and Yuan Si realized Su Yu’s exceptional skills once they joined in. They also learned a lot.
Nan Qiao, munching on an apple, watched as Su Yu added two more children to the group and asked, “Why are there two more kids, Brother Yu?”
It seemed like Brother Yu’s home was turning into a children’s den. With so many children around, it could be quite chaotic at times.
“Why not let those fellows at the academy handle it? Why do you have to do it yourself? Aren’t you tired?” Nan Qiao couldn’t understand Su Yu’s intentions.
Those academy fellows were more than capable of teaching these children, so why personally get involved?
Su Yu stood beside Nan Qiao, smiling, and said, “Some things they can teach, but others they can’t. Some things require my personal touch.”
“In another month, I’ll have them all sent to the academy.”
Nan Qiao reluctantly agreed after hearing this, “That’s about right.”
Su Yu shook his head with a smile, “You came over just to tell me that?”
“Of course not. I have something to discuss with you, Brother Yu.”
“Yuan Bao, keep an eye on them. I’ll go to the study with Nan Qiao.”
“Got it.”
Su Yu took Nan Qiao to the study and sat down before asking, “What’s wrong? You don’t seem to be in a good mood.”
“My uncle unexpectedly wants that woman to come over.”
“Why?” Su Yu didn’t inquire about the woman’s identity, clearly already aware.
“I don’t know.”
“I’ll write a letter to your uncle.”
Nan Qiao furrowed his brow. “He has already arranged for her to come.”
Writing a letter now would be futile since the person was already on the way.
“Don’t worry too much. If she’s coming, she’s coming. I’m here, so there’s no need to be overly concerned,” Su Yu reassured.
“I have no idea what he’s thinking. He knows I detest that woman the most, yet he still insists on bringing her over to cause me trouble,” Nan Qiao said, visibly irritated.
Next time he goes back, he’s definitely going to give his uncle a good beating. His uncle needs to understand that even his own nephew can get angry.
“Thinking of going back to confront him?”
“Yes, I’ll definitely confront my uncle.”
“Alright.”
Nan Qiao remained silent for a moment before speaking again, “I’ve always wondered since I was young, what reason led that woman to continuously mistreat me? What did I do to offend her so deeply?”
Thinking about his childhood experiences left Nan Qiao feeling extremely upset.
With a slight furrow in his brow and an unpleasant expression, Nan Qiao looked visibly troubled.
“After she arrives, perhaps you can ask her,” Su Yu suggested.
“If you don’t want to ask her yourself, I can inquire on your behalf.”
Nan Qiao remained silent, his expression grim. After a moment, he nodded in agreement, “Alright, then I’ll trouble you to ask, Brother Yu.”
“Why be so polite with me?” Su Yu chided Nan Qiao, a hint of impatience in his tone.
Was he not treating Nan Qiao well enough? That he could still speak like this.