Everyone likes people who repay kindness. It seems his adoptive mother taught him very well over the years, and Minister Zhu had no intention of pursuing her mistakes.
The midwife cried tears of gratitude, feeling that her years of effort had not been in vain.
Upon returning to the Zhu family, Madam Zhu naturally doted on him, sending him all sorts of good things. This made Zhu Chenxing, who had grown up in a simple farming family, very unaccustomed for a period of time. Every time this happened, Madam Zhu would look at him with doting eyes, feeling that she owed him too much. Su Dan Novels
Due to the death of his mother, Zhu Yuxuan fell ill from grief. Madam Zhu naturally manipulated his medicine, turning him into a well-known invalid in the capital.
The Grand Tutor, aware of his true condition, intended to break off the engagement, but was always stopped by Master Zhu. Madam Zhu couldn't help but have her own ideas. The engagement with the Grand Tutor's family was, after all, a step up for the Zhu family. Her son was a literary prodigy, having passed the preliminary imperial examination at such a young age. Passing the Jinshi examination would be a breeze. Finding a powerful father-in-law would pave the way for him and reduce future detours.
Therefore, Madam Zhu sent people to keep a close watch on Liu Zhiyi's every move. After a while, she arranged for Zhu Chenxing to "accidentally" encounter her a few times.
Liu Zhiyi found him handsome and dashing, and unconsciously developed feelings for him. Compared to that sickly Zhu Yuxuan, this one was much more to her liking. She had also heard that her tutor constantly praised him, saying he would surely be among the successful candidates in the next imperial examinations. This was far better than many of the dissolute young men in the capital!
Upon returning, she confided her feelings to her father. The Grand Tutor hesitated for a moment before nodding, agreeing to do his best. He had long been dissatisfied with Zhu Yuxuan and did not want his daughter to be a widow soon after marriage. Although he had many sons and daughters and didn't have much affection for them, as a father, he still hoped for a good future for them.
The engagement was for the legitimate son of the Zhu family, but it didn't specify who. This made it convenient for him to act. The reason for the marriage alliance with the Zhu family back then was not only due to kinship but also because they had extended a helping hand during a difficult time. The marriage was also a way to repay that kindness. This was why he had repeatedly tried to break the engagement, and Master Zhu's earnest pleas had softened his heart.
With a better option available, although Zhu Chenxing's birth was not exactly honorable, he was still the legitimate son of the Zhu family. Given Zhu Yuxuan's current condition, he would undoubtedly be the heir to the Zhu family in the future. Moreover, he possessed genuine talent and ability. With a little promotion, his future would be boundless. It was undoubtedly a good match in every aspect.
He believed that with Master Zhu's affection for Madam Zhu, he would not refuse.
As expected, when the Grand Tutor visited and stated his intentions, Master Zhu readily agreed. Soon, the two families publicly announced their intentions. The betrothal gifts and ceremonies were mostly completed, and the wedding date was set for three months later.
The more she learned about Wu Caiwei, the more confused she became. Why did they want to kill her? And with such methods against a woman?
After inquiring for a long time with no progress, she pleaded with Liu Pengcheng to take her to the Zhu family for a visit, hoping to discover something new.
Master Zhu, along with his two sons, greeted them warmly. Both of the Zhu sons widened their eyes involuntarily upon seeing Wu Caiwei, frozen in place. Zhu Yuxuan was even more direct, "I want to marry her."
Everyone looked at him with disbelief, thinking they had misheard. It was Wu Caiwei who reacted quickly, loosening her hair bun and smiling, "Young Master Zhu, you have good eyesight. You saw at a glance that I am a woman."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Liu Pengcheng jumped back, "You... you... you've kept me in the dark for so long."
"I apologize. I usually enjoy dressing as a man to go out. We became friends when I was in this appearance. If I had told you I was a woman, I would have lost you as a friend, so I kept it a secret." Wu Caiwei quickly apologized to him. Living in this era meant abiding by its rules, and she might need his help in the future. She absolutely could not offend him.
Liu Pengcheng thought about it and realized she was right. Although he admired her talent, he knew his wife had to be of equal status, and marrying her was impossible in this lifetime. He immediately felt at ease.
Seeing Zhu Chenxing hiding behind the crowd and not showing himself, Wu Caiwei actively stepped forward with a smile to greet him, "Speaking of which, we're old acquaintances."
"Oh? How so?" Zhu Yuxuan, knowing she wouldn't say that without reason, quickly followed her lead.
"So it was you. I didn't come forward to greet you because I wasn't sure. After all, you weren't dressed so elaborately then." Zhu Chenxing, seeing the situation developing in a direction he least expected, quickly stepped forward to greet her. He didn't want to give his father the impression of being an ungrateful wretch.
Before Wu Caiwei could speak, he quickly bowed deeply, "I left in such a hurry back then that I didn't have a chance to thank you, miss. I've kept this in my heart and feel very guilty. We also have fate, meeting you again at the Zhu family. From now on, if you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. I will do my best to help wherever I can."
Although Madam Zhu instinctively disliked any woman Zhu Yuxuan fancied, she still had to clarify when it concerned her son. "What are you talking about? Everyone is so confused."
"About a year ago, I rescued a man in a small grove. Today, I discovered that man was Young Master Zhu." Wu Caiwei smiled. Not only did the original owner regret saving him, but she herself also regretted it. How could she have known that this sickly young master of the Zhu family was the person she had been trying to find all along? Her husband's illness must be related to them.
When Master Zhu heard this, he quickly welcomed them in. Young Master Zhu stared at Wu Caiwei from beginning to end, always staying by her side. Watching the two of them being so affectionate made everyone's skin crawl.
Zhu Yuxuan explicitly expressed his intention to marry Wu Caiwei for the third time. Liu Pengcheng immediately looked to his master for her opinion. Wu Caiwei quietly told him that she was very willing and gave him a pleading look.
"Minister Zhu, allow me to formally introduce my master. She is immensely talented, rare in this era. If you look down on her status, I can have my mother adopt her as her goddaughter. What do you say?" It was rare for his master to ask for his help, so Liu Pengcheng decided to assist her.
"This..." Master Zhu was momentarily at a loss for words.
"Since you do not agree, then I will go to the streets and spread the word. The Zhu family first engaged to the Grand Tutor's daughter was me. So, I should at least reclaim this marriage." Zhu Yuxuan said calmly, his thoughts unreadable.