The Sorrowmender

Chapter 9 – The younger generation of the Zhang family has a grand vision

As Zhang Sanfeng knelt, a profound silence enveloped the surroundings, even the howling northern wind seemed to pause in its haste.

Xu Qingzhou's voice faltered to a stop, his eyes widened in disbelief, his expression flickering between clarity and confusion.

"Zhang Sanfeng?"

He silently recited the name in his heart, such a familiar and nostalgic name.

The people around also widened their eyes, filled with confusion, bewilderment, and surprise, yet all shared the same sentiment.

A child who had just lost his father, not staying home to keep vigil, and instead of wearing mourning clothes, came early in the morning to kneel before Mister Forgetting Worries?

They couldn't understand it, nor could they comprehend it.

A bold thought flashed through their minds.

Could Scholar Zhang's being struck by lightning be related to Mister Forgetting Worries?

"Do we know each other?" Xu Qingzhou's voice, full of doubt, broke the silence first.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Sanfen straightened up, clasped his hands together, and bowed to Xu Qingzhou.

"My father is Zhang Erhe. I heard my aunt offended Mister yesterday, so today I specifically brought her to apologize to Mister Forgetting Worries, and I ask Mister to punish us."

After speaking, he tugged at Zhang Guilan beside him and whispered, "Aunt, quickly apologize to Mister."

Zhang Meilan already had a shadow over Xu Qingzhou.

Yesterday's slap still left her ribs aching.

Originally, she relied on her brother's name, thinking of taking revenge on Xu Qingzhou and even boasted that she would make him pay.

But then her brother was struck by lightning and turned to ashes, making her feel as if the sky had collapsed. Hearing her nephew's words, she realized she had provoked someone she shouldn't have, leading to this disaster.

Gone was her previous arrogance, now she was as timid as a frightened street rat.

She too knelt down with a thud, kowtowing fiercely in the snow, sobbing as she said: "I hope Mister can be magnanimous and not take it to heart, please spare me, spare me this time."

Xu Qingzhou's cheek twitched slightly.

Yesterday, you were arrogant, saying I wouldn't die well.

Today, you bow and scrape, asking me to spare your life.

The reversal was unexpected, everything was coincidental.

However, he couldn't help but take a few more glances at the young Zhang Sanfen.

In usual circumstances, shouldn't he be seeking revenge against me? Even if it was just hearsay.

Even if not seeking revenge, he should at least keep his distance from me, but this kid didn't follow the usual script, instead, he came to apologize, which was quite interesting.

He didn't believe that the Zhang family's young master had suddenly turned over a new leaf, so he guessed that the boy had figured out that yesterday's lightning was related to him.

Thus, this child's vision and perspective were quite broad, and with his actions, Xu Qingzhou indeed wouldn't harm him.

"Well, I'm not a villain, and I never intended to harm the innocent," he silently resolved.

He cleared his throat, waved his sleeve, stood tall, and said with emphasis: "Since yesterday's matter is in the past, and seeing your sincere repentance, let's let it go. I'm not one to hold grudges, but in the future, you must not commit any more unjust acts, or there will surely be divine retribution."

His voice was steady, his words clear, displaying a broad-minded demeanor that inspired admiration and respect.

The two quickly expressed their gratitude.

"Thank you, Mister, thank you!"

"Thank you for your mercy."

"Rise."

Zhang Meilan, trembling with fear, hurriedly got up and stepped aside, keeping her head down.

Zhang Sanfen, however, took out a wooden box from his sleeve and presented it to Xu Qingzhou.

"Mister, this is a small token of my appreciation, I hope you will accept it as an expression of my apology."

He even brought a gift, how considerate.

Xu Qingzhou raised an eyebrow, adhering to the principle of not refusing what comes his way, he accepted it.

Opening it, he found a scroll tied with a red ribbon, standing out vividly against the snowy backdrop.

"Young Master Zhang, this is—"

"To answer Mister, this is the deed to this shop. From today, this property is yours."

Xu Qingzhou took a sharp breath, this two-story shop facing the street was not cheap, and he was just giving it away?

"Uh, Young Master Zhang, this might not be appropriate, I haven't done anything to deserve this."

To be honest, he felt a bit guilty, having first shot his family's guard and then struck his father with lightning.

Turning around and accepting a house from them didn't seem right.

"Mister's reputation precedes you, I've long wanted to make your acquaintance. Being able to associate with you is a blessing for me and my family. Since my aunt offended you first, and you've already forgiven her, please don't refuse this deed."

Seeing him insist, Xu Qingzhou didn't bother with formalities, whether it was about morals or reason, it didn't matter, he was never one with high moral standards.

"Haha! Young Master Zhang, you have a way with words. Since you're sincere, I won't refuse, I'll accept it, haha."

"Please do."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the former took his leave.

"Mister, I have matters at home, I won't disturb you further, I'll visit another day."

Xu Qingzhou watched the refined Zhang Sanfen, patting his shoulder with a more serious expression.

"I heard about your father, my condolences, take care of yourself."

"Thank you for your concern, Mister, this small setback—I can handle it."

After bidding farewell, Zhang Sanfen left hurriedly with his aunt and the servants.

Though it was the depths of winter, Zhang Sanfen's forehead was already beaded with sweat. After turning a corner, he nearly stumbled, but Zhang Meilan quickly caught him.

"Sanfeng, are you okay?"

Zhang Sanfen steadied himself, wiped his sweat, and said weakly, "I'm fine, I'm fine."

Then he turned to Zhang Meilan, "Aunt, promise me one thing? No matter what, don't trouble Mister Forgetting Worries again?"

"Sanfeng, what's wrong with you, why are you saying this all of a sudden?"

Zhang Sanfen gritted his teeth, eyes full of fear, "I just saw Uncle Liu's sword through the door crack."

Zhang Meilan's eyes widened, she knew very well what that meant.

Uncle Liu was the Zhang family's enshrined expert, a master of the Innate Realm, and a key contributor to the Zhang family's success in Frostsky City.

And a swordsman never parts with his sword, if the sword was there, then the person must be gone.

"It's all my fault, I caused your father's death, sob."

"The dead can't come back to life, Aunt, don't be sad, the living should live well, right? At least Mister Forgetting Worries won't harm us anymore, that's enough."

"Yes, yes, Sanfeng, I'll listen to you..."

Meanwhile, Xu Qingzhou was playing with the wooden box, a smile in his eyes, "It seems novels don't always get it right, the bad guys in this world aren't that stupid, they're quite clever. Alright, Wang Er, start distributing the tokens."

"Understood, Mister."

He turned and entered the house, finding Zhang Sanfen quite interesting. Foolish people walk until they run out of road, while clever people find the road widening as they go, and Zhang Sanfen was the latter.

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"Mister said to start distributing tokens, today we'll distribute to 350 people, the rules are the same, let's begin!"

Proofreader & Editor: Peter Pan