"By the way, these are the two letters left by Brother Li when he departed. Before leaving for the battlefield, he told the letter deliverer to send the letters a few days after he left," said Dad Gong as he received the two letters handed over by the other party. There were a total of two letters, one written to the Gong family, and the other had no name signed.
"Why is there no name signed on this letter?"
"Oh, the people from the military camp told me this unnamed letter is meant for his brother-in-law. He will know who it's for when he reads it," said the deliverer.
"I see, thank you for your trouble." Dad Gong took out 100 wen from his pocket and gave it to the deliverer, "You've worked hard, take this money and buy yourself some wine."
"Uncle Gong, no need, I should get going." The letter deliverer declined repeatedly with gestures.
"Take it. You've been very thoughtful to deliver this overnight." Seeing that the deliverer wanted to leave, Dad Gong quickly stopped him and forcibly put the 100 wen in his hand.
Knowing that he couldn't decline further, the deliverer could only accept it, "Then Uncle Gong, I'll take it. Call me again next time you need me to run an errand."
The deliverer left happily after speaking.
After the deliverer had left, Dad Gong opened and read the letter "addressed to brother-in-law".
Having finished reading the letter, he handed it to Madam Gong and said, "No wonder Zichen asked the deliverer to send the letters a few days later. He was worried that we would be anxious if we knew."
Madam Gong took the letter and read it too. After finishing it, she almost couldn't stand steadily. Her voice was choked with sobs, "We must not let grandfather and grandmother know about this. They are old, and can't take the blow."
"Father, can we ask Lord Qin to bring Zichen back? Even if he can't bring Zichen back, let Zichen return to doing clerical work at the rear like before, that's fine too!"
"Zichen has always been careful and able to differentiate priorities. He must also be targeted by others just like what happened to us recently."
"Can it be the Lin Family again?"
"Most likely."
"This Lin Family is endless. If this continues, how are we going to live our days ahead?"
"Don't worry. With Lord Qin around, the Lin Family still doesn't dare to openly make trouble for us. But in the future, if the Sixth Prince gains power, things may change."
"How is that possible? The Crown Prince is the heir of orthodox descent. I heard he is wise and valiant, and has earned the deep affection and trust of the King. How could he let the Sixth Prince gain power?"
"Let's hope so. What's worrying is the lure of power that may blind their eyes."
"Should we ask Lord Qin to intervene in Zichen's matter?"
"I'm afraid even uncle's intervention may not work. The Lin Family patriarch is the Minister of War and biological father of the Sixth Prince Consort. The generals and soldiers in the military all have to obey his orders."
"Besides, the Qin family and Lin family are currently at odds. The Qin family can't intervene in military affairs. Unless Minister Qin steps in, but Minister Qin has never liked our family, so he won't help us. Let's not add trouble for uncle and think of other ways."
"Alright, the letter mentioned by Zichen is for Eldest Young Master Zhou's Wife. Since when did Zichen have dealings with her?"
Dad Gong knitted his brows. He was also puzzled when he read in the letter Zichen saying so. It seems that Zichen knew he had no chance of returning alive from this battle, and thus revealed the secret he had kept for many years.
"Sigh, this is probably the reason why Zichen remained unmarried all these years. Find an opportunity to discreetly deliver the letter to Madam Zhou tomorrow." Dad Gong said.
"Mm."
At this moment, Gong Xiaonan's voice sounded from behind, "Father, what happened to uncle?"
The two turned around to see their son leaning against a chair at the door of his room.
This was the first time he had stepped out of his room since the incident.
Gong Dad and Madam Gong had been very worried about him, and avoided mentioning troubles at home in front of this child for fear that he would overthink.
"It's nothing. Your uncle sent word that he is being appreciated by his superior in the army."
"Father, stop lying to me. I heard what you were talking about just now."
Dad Gong and Madam Gong looked at each other. "Xiaonan, leave your uncle's matters for us to worry about. The most important thing for you now is to nurse your wounds well."
Gong Xiaonan fell silent and returned to his room. The half-grown boy suppressed his voice and cried silently.
He really regretted not following his father and sister to practice martial arts properly in the past. Now he had become a cripple unable to do anything.
Gong Xiaonan's cries did not escape the notice of his parents, but neither chose to go in and comfort their son. Since the incident, Xiaonan had been dispirited with weakened will. He had been suppressing too much for too long, and needed to vent it out himself.
The next day after taking care of the housework, Madam Gong went out with a basket in hand.
"Boy, I'm here to see Eldest Young Master Zhou's Wife of your residence. Please help to announce my arrival." After speaking, she handed over twenty wen.
The little errand boy at the door inspected the money in his hand and seemed satisfied. He asked, "Who are you and what business do you have?"
"I'm from the Gong family, in-laws of Eldest Young Master Zhou's Wife's maiden family. I've brought some homemade snacks to thank Madam Zhou for helping my family previously."
"Alright, please wait here." The boy put away the money into his clothes and headed inside.
Soon, the boy came out followed by Qin Chuqin's personal maid.
"Madam Gong, my lady has instructed me to receive you. Please come with me." The maid bowed to Madam Gong.
"Alright."
Following the maid, Madam Gong took several turns from the initial prosperous and luxurious sight, to increasingly desolate scenery, until they stopped at a small secluded courtyard.
"Madam Gong, please come in. My lady is waiting inside."
Entering the courtyard, Madam Gong saw that it was very small and somewhat dilapidated.
Some flowers and plants grew in the yard, with two to three small animals roaming about. It was no different from their house in Wuyi Alley, but looked out of place in the Zhou residence.
"Madam, I've brought some homemade snacks for you to try."
"Madam Gong, you are too courteous. I didn't actually help much with Little Hua's matter."
"Regardless of whether you helped or not, we are grateful for your kind intentions." Having said that, Madam Gong hinted meaningfully at Qin Chuqin.
Qin Chuqin understood and signaled for the maids to leave.
"Madam, this is a letter from Zichen to be passed to you before he set off."
Qin Chuqin was surprised that Madam Gong had come to deliver a letter for Li Zichen. Could something urgent have happened for Zichen to have told his secret to the Gong couple?
Thinking of this, Qin Chuqin hurriedly took the letter and impatiently opened and read it.
After finishing the letter, her expression changed dramatically. She suddenly stood up, about to rush out, before remembering that Madam Gong was still present.
She told Madam Gong, "Madam Gong, something urgent has come up. I'll have a maid send you back first."
"Oh alright."
After Madam Gong's departure, Qin Chuqin hurriedly tidied up and prepared to head to the Qin residence.
Unfortunately, not long after leaving the courtyard, she bumped into Zhou Zixuan staggering back drunk. His body emitted the mingled smells of wine and rouge, clearly having just returned from some brothel.
Qin Chuqin ignored him and walked past decisively.
"Stop right there," said Zhou Zixuan.
Taking advantage of Qin Chuqin's distraction, Zhou Zixuan snatched the letter in her hand.
"Give it back!" Qin Chuqin was shocked and rushed to snatch it back, but to no avail.
After reading the letter in his hand, Zhou Zixuan was furious with bloodshot eyes. He slapped Qin Chuqin forcefully on the face.
"Slut."
