Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
On the other end, Zhou Dasheng also told Qiu Niang about Zhou Ying wanting to set them free and their decision.
Of course, Qi Yonglin also heard it and looked at the couple in surprise.
âWhat do you think, Brother Qi?â Gu Chengrui nodded and asked.
âIf you want to get rid of your serfdom, 1â11 do it for you when we return to the capital.
âIf you donât want to and want to improve your cooking skills, you can become a chef in our restaurant when it opens.â
âYou guys are planning to open a restaurant?â Qi Yonglinâs eyes lit up.
âYes, there is a restaurant among the Emperorâs rewards. However, there is a shortage of ingredients now, so we must wait a year and a half before it can operate smoothly.â
Qi Yonglin and Haitang looked at each other. Ultimately, the two of them decided to stay, but the child would no longer be a serf.
After that, the two families quickly packed their stuff, rented two ox carts, and returned to the capital together.
After arriving in the capital, Zhou Ying went to the bailiffâs office to complete the procedures according to their request. She temporarily arranged for their family to live in their residenceâs backyard.
She also asked them to keep an eye on the renovation.
After they left, Mrs. Zhao took their household registration and said excitedly, âI didnât expect that we would be freed from serfdom.â
âAlright, this is a good thing for the future of the two children.
âBut this time, weâre in significant debt to them. With our familyâs situation, taking the initiative to redeem ourselves will cost us at least 50 taels each.
âSo you all must remember this favor in the future.
âAlso, consider whether you want to return to the village to farm or stay here.
âYou could do some small business if you choose to stay here. But no matter what you do, you canât stay in this residence for long and must find a place to live quickly.â Qiu Niang reminded them.
âIndeed. Since youâre no longer a serf, staying here for long is not good.â Zhou Dasheng echoed.
âSince none of you are returning to the village, we will stay here too. We want to have a shop and do some small business.â Zhou Dong said.
Mrs. Zhao pondered for a moment and did not refute.
Firstly, the capitaâs academy was a great chance for their children. Secondly, her parents-in-law were all here, and they could help each other out if there was anything.
Moreover, her mother-in-law and sister-in-law were both skilled. They wouldnât lose money even if they opened a small shop selling food or snacks.
âWhat do you mean you want a shop? Even if Yingâer has an empty shop, you can use it but canât take it for yourself.
âOtherwise, you might as well stay as a serf.
âMoreover, if you earn money from that shop, even if you donât pay the rent, you must show gratitude. Otherwise, it will lead to problems sooner or later.â
âIndeed. Although Yingâer grew up with our motherâs milk; sheâs only indebted to our parents, not us.â Haitang echoed.
Zhou Dong opened his mouth after hearing this but did not say anything else. After all, they needed Zhou Yingâs protection if they wanted to stay in the capital. They could only go so far with their requests.
On the other end, Zhou Ying heaved a sigh of relief after hearing their conversation.
If they did not know their limits, she planned to pay off her debts to them in one go and reduce their interactions in the future.
When they returned, the sky had already darkened. Just as they were about to return to the guest courtyard, one of the Third Princeâs personal guards, Guard Chu, walked over and said, âLord Gu, Lady Gu, His Highness invites you to the main courtyard for dinner when you return.â
Gu Chengrui was initially surprised, but he knew there was a problem that needed to be discussed. He said, âPlease lead the way, Guard Chu.â
âPlease.â After Guard Chu finished speaking, he made an inviting gesture and led them to the main courtyard.
After entering the courtyard, they saw that Zhou Huaiming was also there. Gu Chengrui had already guessed an inkling of what was happening.
As expected, the Third Prince spoke before they could, âI invited you here for two purposes.
âOne is to celebrate Brother Guâs advancement to becoming a third grade officer in farming, and the other is my cousinâs leaving..â