Abandoning Wife and Selling Daughter? Turning Around to Marry a Powerful Minister and Wiping Out Your Entire Clan! - Chapter 24

The Prince of Qin seemed to have found a kindred spirit.

“In the past, sweets were just something women enjoyed, but now there are those infused with tea and those mixed with dried fruits.” The Prince of Qin’s face showed a hint of satisfaction. “My wife loves the ones with roses, my youngest prefers the ones with dried fruit, but I alone favor the ones with a tea flavor.”

Zhou Quan recognized the taste and immediately thought of Zhang Xiaolan. The pastry in his mouth became difficult to swallow, yet he couldn’t spit it out either.

He had no choice but to pick up his wine cup, using it to hide his face, and forced himself to swallow.

The remaining pastries sat untouched on the plate.

The Prince of Qin noticed this and was displeased, though he did not show it. Instead, he continued drinking and eating with Zhou Quan.

In truth, the Prince of Qin somewhat admired Zhou Quan. If he wanted to become the Emperor’s trusted aide, he had to be perceptive and quick-witted.

Today, despite the Prince’s disguise, Zhou Quan had still managed to obtain the news of his visit—that was his strength.

However, his emotions were not well concealed. If he could not control them, he would surely slip up before the Emperor.

By the time the meal ended, the pastry Zhou Quan had left untouched remained there.

The Prince of Qin decided to offer some advice. “A gentleman should be slow to speak but quick to act. It doesn’t matter what you think—what matters is whether you understand what the Emperor wants.”

As he reached the door, the Prince of Qin emphasized once more, “Until you master the art of showing only the appropriate words and actions, do not rush to get close to the Emperor.
Loyalty alone is not enough.”

With that, he left with his attendants.

Zhou Quan bowed deeply in respect and said nothing.

When he lifted his head again, he was alone in the room.

Slowly, Zhou Quan stood up. A smile crept onto his lips, spreading across his face.

Now that he had caught the Prince of Qin’s attention and even received his advice, how could he not feel pleased with himself?

He quickly returned to his private room, where Shen Ting was still waiting for him.

“Well?” Shen Ting asked anxiously as he stepped inside.

“This.” Zhou Quan teased her, deliberately stopping halfway through his sentence, his face full of feigned sorrow.

Shen Ting’s heart jumped in worry, fearing that he had been reprimanded by the Prince of Qin.

But then she reconsidered—there had been no commotion from the other room, and when Zhou Quan entered, he had been smiling.

“You tricked me on purpose!” Shen Ting pouted and raised a small fist, aiming to hit Zhou Quan’s chest.

Zhou Quan laughed even more heartily, catching her hand and pulling her straight into his arms.

Holding her tightly, he closed his eyes and sealed her forehead with a kiss. Shen Ting’s heart warmed, her affection deepening even more.

As the midday guests departed, Zhang Xiaolan finally had a moment to rest. She received her meal from the kitchen and carried it outside.

Two young men were still squatting under a tree. Zhang Xiaolan found it amusing—such children.

As she approached, the two stood up and cupped their hands in greeting.

“Follow me,” Zhang Xiaolan said, carrying the meal as she led them to her residence.

Han Boguang hesitated for a moment before hurrying to follow.

Han Changshu, however, was more perceptive—he quickly took the food container from Zhang Xiaolan’s hands.

Feeling her hands suddenly free, Zhang Xiaolan was even more satisfied. A person must have good character to stand firm in the world, and this would make them useful to her.

She did not refuse, letting go of the container and continuing forward.

Once at the residence, Zhang Xiaolan left them in the courtyard and ate by herself.

Not long after finishing her meal, she called them over.

“Sign a contract to sell yourselves to me. Are you willing?” Zhang Xiaolan tapped two contract papers on the table.

Han Boguang’s head snapped up. His eyes turned red, fierce like a beast ready to pounce.

With his strength, if he wanted to sell himself, why would it be to Zhang Xiaolan?

He knew he could not afford to sell himself. That was why he had been taking on humiliating odd jobs on the streets with his brother.

His family needed him, and if one attempt to return home failed, he could always try again.

But he had to be certain that when his family needed him, he could go back immediately.

Clearly, he had been mistaken.

Han Boguang stood abruptly, his face cold. He bowed slightly, preparing to leave.

“What’s this? Such a temper?” Zhang Xiaolan showed no anger as they turned to go. “Aren’t you even going to ask about my terms?”

“There’s no need. The Han family never sells themselves.”

Oh, so that was the reason.

Zhang Xiaolan did not force the issue. Instead, she picked up a piece of paper, folded it neatly, and slipped it into Han Boguang’s hand.

“These are my terms. Take them home and read them. If you agree, meet me at the usual place. If not,” Zhang Xiaolan smiled, “make sure to return my food container tomorrow.”

Her last remark made Han Boguang and Han Changshu pause for a moment before walking away even faster.

Zhang Xiaolan found it amusing but remained confident.

Han Boguang was loyal and righteous, but only to his family. Han Changshu was clever, but lacked discipline.

If they did not sign the contract, how could she trust them to work for her?

There was much she needed to teach them.

Stretching, Zhang Xiaolan took a half-hour nap before hurrying off to the restaurant.

She worked nonstop until the manager reminded her of the time, then quickly wrapped up and rushed home.

The thought that she would soon have reliable people under her service filled her with excitement.

However, the Han brothers were troubled.

Just that afternoon, they had proudly declared that the Han family never sold themselves.

But when they returned home, they saw their grandmother still suffering from a persistent cough while cradling their youngest sibling, feeding him rice porridge.

The fine meal they had brought back remained untouched, while the family’s bowls contained only a few scattered grains of rice.

Their younger siblings’ clothes were patched and repatched.

Every time Han Boguang returned home and saw their pale faces, he silently swore to himself that he would earn enough to give them a better life.

Yet when the opportunity came, he had rejected it.

Han Boguang regretted it, while Han Changshu carefully read through Zhang Xiaolan’s conditions.

Some of the words were difficult, so he asked their third brother for help.

With his brother’s explanation, Han Changshu realized that the terms were neither good nor bad—it all depended on whether the woman would keep her promise and teach them.

“Brother,” Han Changshu called, “It’s just a bonded contract. The time period is long, but we are allowed to buy our freedom back.”

“I want to go.”

“I want to go.”

The two of them spoke at the same time. Han Boguang’s face reddened slightly, while Han Changshu looked excited.

“Brother, if we go, Grandmother can see a doctor for her cough. The family can finally eat well. Third Brother is about to take the imperial exam—he’ll need ink and paper. The younger ones can even have new clothes…”

“Shut up!” Han Boguang snapped, furious at his brother’s words.

Did he not know all of this? Of course he did.

Their home was filled with the elderly and young. He constantly worried. Their third brother had talent but lacked books to read and practice. If he were born into nobility, he would have had the best teachers and resources, allowing his writing skills to flourish.

Their younger siblings had all been abandoned as infants. Their grandmother had taken them in, unable to bear leaving them to die. She had fed them spoon by spoon, nursing them through countless nights.

But at this rate, they would not survive much longer. They might even have to sell their house.

Many people had their eyes on the Han family’s home.

After making his decision, Han Boguang realized one more thing.

They had insulted Zhang Xiaolan earlier—would she still accept them tomorrow?