coobybook Chapter 277 The storm is coming
Chapter 277 The storm is coming
"Alright, alright, looks like we'll have to eat something simple tonight." Choi Ji-ho smiled helplessly. "Give me the food first."
Cui Jiu hurriedly took out a package wrapped tightly in oil paper from his pocket and carefully handed it to Cui Zhihao.
Choi Ji-ho took the package, opened it, and found some important letters and items inside, which he had arranged for Choi Gu to collect and organize before his retirement.
"Well done." Choi Ji-ho nodded and put the package away.
"Master, why have you suddenly fallen to this state? With your talent and prestige, you were once a pillar of the court..."
Cui Jiu couldn't help but ask, as he had always been filled with doubts about his master's decision.
Cui Zhihao remained silent for a moment, gazing into the distance with a hint of weariness and boredom in his eyes. "The court is turbulent and treacherous, with endless struggles."
"I'm tired of those days of backstabbing and deceit. Now, I just want to find a quiet place and live a simple life."
Cui Jiu nodded as if he understood, though he didn't quite grasp his master's thoughts. However, he knew that he would unconditionally support any decision his master made.
"Master, what are your plans next?" Cui Jiu asked again.
"I plan to settle down here, grow some vegetables, and live a simple life."
Choi Ji-ho said, "If you'd like, you can stay and keep me company."
Without the slightest hesitation, Cui Jiu immediately said, "Master, I am willing to follow you for life. No matter where you are, I will never leave you."
Looking at Cui Jiu, Cui Zhihao felt a surge of warmth in his heart. In this complex world, having such a loyal subordinate was truly his good fortune.
"Okay, then let's live together in this courtyard from today onwards."
Choi Ji-ho said with a smile, "However, we have to learn to cook, do laundry, and take care of the little things in life."
"Rest assured, Master, I will study hard," Cui Jiu said firmly.
A soft, golden glow filtered through the thin clouds and gently spilled into the courtyard.
Choi Ji-ho straightened up, patted the dirt off his hands, glanced at the sky, and estimated that it was still early.
He looked around. The courtyard was not luxurious, but it was spacious, with pavilions and towers arranged in a pleasing manner, though it seemed a bit deserted.
Thinking that Miss Shi had to manage court affairs and deal with various complicated official duties on a daily basis, and really had no time to take care of household chores, Cui Zhihao couldn't help but feel a little worried.
"Cui Jiu, take some money to the brokerage and buy some servants! As an official, Miss Shi can't be left without someone to serve her!"
Choi Ji-ho turned to look at Choi Gu, who was carefully picking vegetables, his tone carrying an undeniable decisiveness.
Upon hearing this, Cui Jiu paused slightly in his movements and nodded subconsciously.
But then, he hesitated, glancing at the vegetables he hadn't finished picking, and stopped himself from speaking.
In his mind, he had always felt that purchasing servants was not an urgent matter, especially since his master had always lived a simple life when he was in seclusion and rarely relied on servants.
However, he knew that his master was always meticulous and must have had his reasons for making such a decision, so he dared not raise any objections rashly.
"Master, I'll go prepare right away."
Cui Jiu put down the dishes in his hand, stood up, dusted himself off, and turned to walk quickly toward the room where the money was kept.
Before long, he had enough money in his pocket, led out a fast horse, and galloped towards the brokerage firm in the city.
The brokerage firm in the city was located near the bustling market, a place teeming with people and filled with noise.
Cui Jiu dismounted, tied the reins to a wooden stake, straightened his clothes, and strode into the brokerage firm.
Inside the brokerage firm, rows of men, women, and children sat or stood, their eyes filled with anticipation and unease.
The broker's manager, a shrewd middle-aged man, greeted him with a broad smile.
"Sir, are you here to buy servants? Our servants are all top-notch. We have those who are good at cleaning, those who are excellent cooks, and those who know how to serve others. Just tell us what kind you want."
The manager's voice was high-pitched, revealing a worldly and slick quality.
Cui Jiu frowned. He wasn't familiar with these things. After thinking for a moment, he said, "I need a few hardworking, honest, and reliable people who can serve others. It would be best if they were experienced."
The manager hurriedly nodded and bowed, "Sir, rest assured, we will definitely have something to satisfy you."
As he spoke, he led Cui Jiu through the brokerage firm, introducing the various servants as they walked.
Cui Jiu carefully selected items in the brokerage shop, meticulously observing the expressions and demeanor of each person.
Finally, he selected two young maids and a strong male servant.
The two maids looked clever and intelligent, with a docile look in their eyes; the male servant was burly and had a simple and honest face.
After agreeing on the price, Cui Jiu left the brokerage firm with the newly purchased servants.
It was nearly noon when they returned to the courtyard. Cui Zhihao was sweeping fallen leaves in the yard when he saw Cui Jiu returning with his men and stopped what he was doing.
“Master, I’ve brought them all back,” Cui Jiu said as he stepped forward.
Choi Ji-ho looked at the newly purchased servants and nodded slightly. "Hmm, they look pretty good. From today onwards, you will work hard here. If you do well, you will be treated well."
The two maids and the male servant immediately knelt down and bowed, saying in unison, "Thank you, young master. We will do our best."
Cui Zhihao asked Cui Jiu to arrange their accommodations, gave them some instructions, and then let them go and familiarize themselves with the surroundings.
As evening fell, Shi Wanxia finished her day's court duties and returned home exhausted.
As soon as she entered the courtyard, she saw several unfamiliar faces busy at work. One maid was sweeping the courtyard, another was tidying up the flowers and plants, and the male servant was helping to prepare dinner in the kitchen.
"This is..." Shi Wanxia looked at Cui Zhihao with a puzzled expression.
Cui Zhihao explained with a smile, "Miss Shi, you are usually busy with court affairs and there is no one to take care of the trivial matters at home, so I asked Cui Jiu to buy a few servants to help you share some of the burden."
Shi Wanxia felt a warmth in her heart. She had seen so much intrigue and indifference in the court, and Cui Zhihao's thoughtful care made her feel very warm.
"Brother Cui, thank you so much for your help. You've thought of everything so thoroughly."
"It's no trouble at all; it's what we should do."
Choi Ji-ho waved his hand, "If there's anything you need in the future, just tell them to do it."
The courtyard became much livelier because of the presence of these servants.
The maids kept the courtyard in perfect order, while the male servants took care of all the heavy lifting. The aroma of food often wafted from the kitchen.
Shi Wanxia remained busy at court, leaving early and returning late every day. But when she returned home, there were always warm meals and a clean environment waiting for her.
Meanwhile, Cui Zhihao and Cui Jiu silently protected Miss Shi in this small courtyard, spending many peaceful and beautiful days with her.
However, the peaceful days did not last long. One day, when Shi Wanxia returned home, her face was unusually solemn, and her brows were furrowed.
Cui Zhihao noticed something was amiss and asked with concern, "Miss Shi, has something happened in the court?"
Shi Wanxia sighed and slowly said, "Recently, the situation in the court has become increasingly tense, with various forces vying for power both openly and covertly."
"Some of the policies I proposed that benefit the country and its people have been met with strong opposition from certain powerful figures. They have even been secretly slandering me and trying to oust me from the court."