Chapter 329: Chapter 316: Holding a Grudge

Translator: 549690339

“Miss Zhuang, there’s no need for such a formal gesture. Last night, I simply happened to be passing by in the middle of a nighttime journey. It was no more than a small effort for me, and there’s no need for you to concern yourself about it to such an extent.”

Chu Jinnian said, “It was indeed fortunate that you fought back valiantly last night, delaying time and preventing Jiang Yu and his accomplices from escaping. Now, Mr. Xu, the county magistrate, has arrested Jiang Yu and the other four, and the kidnapped victims are being returned home. Your actions have brought peace to our place and you have made an irreplaceable contribution.”

“If we were to closely examine the situation, you should be rewarded for your bravery. There’s absolutely no need to thank me.”

“I feel somewhat embarrassed,” Zhuang Qingning chuckled awkwardly. “When it happened last night, the first thing that came to mind was to save myself. I didn’t think about the other aspects much. I feel somewhat undeserving of such praise.”

And that’s exactly how it was.

Given the circumstances, she didn’t try to save those people out of obligation, but because escaping by carriage was simply the fastest option, and saving those people happened along the way.

“Attain self-preservation when poor, seek benefits for others when prosperous” was Zhuang Qingning’s life motto, even in times of danger.

Being praised for these actions now, Zhuang Qingning found it slightly uncomfortable.

“Miss Zhuang, that’s not right.”

“Although you were considering your own safety, you nonetheless ended up helping others. From their perspective, it was a lifesaving grace. From the county government’s point of view, you’re a person of merit. There’s no doubt about that.”

“Just like last night – wasn’t it just a simple act to me? You see it the same way. That’s the logic.”

Chu Jinnian slightly nodded as he spoke.

In other words, if she insists on thanking Chu Jinnian for saving her life, she must also admit her own “great contribution” to the incident. If she refuses to admit her own contribution, then she can’t thank Chu Jinnian for saving her life.

After careful thought, she concluded that this is an argument she cannot win.

Zhuang Qingning blinked, sighing softly in her heart.

Throughout history, these charming men have always been uniquely articulate. The man in front of her is no exception.

“However, there’s something I’m really curious about.” Chu Jinnian changed the subject. “How did Miss Zhuang know that I serve in court?”

“Didn’t Master Chu also know that I am surnamed Zhuang?” Zhuang Qingning smilingly replied.

Chu Jinnian was momentarily lost for words.

Why did he have the feeling of being played?

A moment later, Zhuang Qingning chuckled. “Master Chu, please forgive me for jesting with you. It wasn’t difficult to ascertain your identity. Before I fainted last night, I noticed that you were wearing a pair of black boots.”

Only the privileged wear black boots. A discerning person was indeed able to spot that.

However, when Zhuang Qingning was on the verge of fainting last night, her consciousness was already blurred. Surprisingly, she was still able to notice such minor details. Her calm and composed demeanor was truly remarkable.

“Your staff members often visit my tofu shop to buy food. So, many people know me.” Responding to his curiosity, Chu Jinnian didn’t hold back and only briefly explained the cause.

Of course, he didn’t mention how he had encountered Zhuang Qingning escaping from the kidnappers or his deliberate act of scaring off the street thugs.

“I see.” Zhuang Qingning acknowledged with a curtsy. “To Master Chu, the incident last night might’ve been just a small effort. To me, however, it was a life-saving grace. I should repay this kindness. Yet, as you are a high-ranking official and I am a humble farmer’s daughter, my means to repay you are rather limited.”

“Since Master Chu said your staff often patronize my tofu shop, it seems that the food I sell is to your liking. From now on, take whatever you need from the shop. My tofu shop will supply it on a long-term basis.”

“This act of kindness is greater than anything, apart from this, if there is anything else Master Chu needs help with, please feel free to ask. I, as a common citizen, will fulfill my duty without any hesitation.”

After all, she still had to thank him.

On one hand, Zhuang Qingning was a person who repaid kindness. On the other hand, she didn’t want to owe him any favors.

Chu Jinnian slightly lowered his gaze, considering for a moment. “Miss Zhuang, since you insist so strongly on repaying this kindness, even though your tofu shop is your livelihood and you should rightfully earn every penny we give you, if you truly wish to repay me, then agree to unconditionally perform a favor for me.”

“I haven’t decided what it is yet, but when I figure it out, I’ll inform you. Is that alright?”

This was a fair trade, which could ease her guilty conscience.

“I’ll do as Master Chu suggests.” Zhuang Qingning immediately agreed.

She curtsied to Chu Jinnian again. “I have already occupied much of Master Chu’s time. Moreover, my family must be worried about me after hearing of the incident. I dare not impose upon you any longer. I came here to thank you and now, I must take my leave.”

That is to say, she wanted to leave.

A moment later, Chu Jinnian nodded, “We planned to have breakfast with you, but your reasons for leaving are valid, and we won’t keep you any longer. However, your home is quite far from here. Let the driver of the garden take you home.”

“Thank you, Master Chu.” After expressing her gratitude once again, Zhuang Qingning, accompanied by Gancao, departed from Qingzhuyuan in a carriage.

After seeing Zhuang Qingning off, Chu Jinzhou ordered Ning Feng to prepare breakfast and invited Chu Jinnian and Fan Wenxuan to join him.

However, before Chu Jinzhou arrived, Fan Wenxuan hurried over.

“I heard that Miss Zhuang has woken up?”

“Yes,” Chu Jinnian nodded.

“Where is she?” Fan Wenxuan looked around.

“She just left.” Chu Jinnian took a sip of tea.

“She left?” Fan Wenxuan looked disappointed.

He had wanted to seize the opportunity to play matchmaker since it was a rare chance. But now, the opportunity was gone.

“Mr. Fan seems to be very interested in Miss Zhuang.” Chu Jinnian glanced at Fan Wenxuan. “Did you know her before?”

“About that…it’s a long story. You, as a busy person…”

Telling Chu Jinnian that he went out to find a wife for him and then encountered Zhuang Qingning is something he didn’t quite know how to explain.

“No problem. I have plenty of time. Take your time.”

Fan Wenxuan,

Alright, Chu Jinnian’s lingering resentment is definitely deep-rooted and inescapable.

“Well, it’s not really that complicated. On that day, I was bored in the garden. I thought I’d go out for a walk alone and somehow ended up quite far away and lost my way. Luckily, I met Miss Zhuang. She treated me to tea and hired a carriage to take me back.”

Fan Wenxuan continued, “I found Miss Zhuang to be very kind-hearted. I took a liking to her, so I specifically visited her to express my gratitude. After chatting with her, I found her to be an extremely good person.”

“By the way, Master Chu, what do you think of Miss Zhuang?”

At this point, Fan Wenxuan didn’t bother beating around the bush. He directly asked the question..