Reborn: The First Rank 'Madam” – C75

C75 – Storehouse Meet

The Violet Garden wasn’t particularly spacious. Behind a small garden stood a two-story building with three rooms—one for each of them. It was a cozy space for the uncle and nephew to share.

Zuo Shaoqing strolled around, nodding in approval. Despite being somewhat aged, the rooms were still neat and tidy. Each room featured carefully arranged bonsai, a testament to the innkeeper’s diligence.

The bed was firm, and the blankets had been brought from the Zuo Family. With two layers of cushions and a cozy quilt, Zuo Shaoqing finally enjoyed the most restful sleep he’d had in the past five days.

When he awoke, it was already the morning of the second day. His stomach grumbled with hunger as he began searching for something to eat.

“Where’s my Second Uncle?”

“Second Master took his people out to purchase some provisions. After traveling for over a month, we’ve nearly depleted our supplies. Nanny Liu feels that the tavern food isn’t up to par. She mentioned that we might establish our own kitchen in the future.”

Zuo Shaoqing nodded in agreement. It was already late February, with about half a month remaining until spring. Eating out every day had become quite tiresome.

“Then prepare your things and join me later for some shopping.”

Luo Xiaoliu cleared the dishes and thoughtfully poured Zuo Shaoqing a cup of tea. “If you have any items you’d like to purchase, feel free to make a list, and I’ll handle the errand myself.” Luo Xiaoliu had evolved from a personal assistant into an all-around butler to ensure that San Ye could focus on his studies.

“It’s alright; I’ll just visit a few bookstores and browse. I’ve already read most of the books my family brought along.”

He spent his journey reading books one after another. Although he had read numerous books in his previous life, he had only gone through them once, so he was able to finish them quickly.

In his previous life, Zuo Shaoqing would have actively expanded his circle of friends. However, in this life, he had completely abandoned that notion. He simply wanted to listen to Lu Zheng and dutifully study for a few days.

Consequently, acquiring books became his top priority upon arriving in the capital.

Walking out of the Violet Garden alongside Luo Xiaoliu, Zuo Shaoqing finally realized that the courtyard was situated at the farthest end of the Pure Wind Inn. As they ventured further, they encountered more people along the way, including many exam candidates lugging their luggage.

Zuo Shaoqing observed that nearly all the students staying at this inn were dressed in plain attire. Many of them carried their own belongings without a single servant in sight. It was likely that they all hailed from Humble Class.

Zuo Shaoqing attracted the attention of many in the vicinity. Among a crowd of poorly dressed students, Zuo Shaoqing stood out with his sprout-colored satin robe and a red fox fur collar coat.

The onlookers regarded him with disdain, noting his youthful appearance and apparent affluence. Someone even whispered, “Why would someone with money choose to live in such a shabby place?”

Zuo Shaoqing continued to walk among the students, unperturbed by the gossip swirling around him.

Upon reaching the street, Zuo Shaoqing realized he didn’t know the way to the bookstore. Although he had been there a few times in his previous life, it was always in the company of Zuo Shaoyan.

“Lil ‘Six, go find out where the nearest bookstore is,” he instructed.

Luo Xiaoliu complied and approached a roadside stall selling masks to inquire.

“Slap!” Zuo Shaoqing instinctively slapped his arm away, putting all his strength into it, causing both of them to feel the sting.

He took a deep breath and croaked, “No need!” Then, he shoved Jiang Che aside and hastily exited the bookstore.

Nobody had dared to treat him this way since childhood. Massaging his numb arm, he narrowed his eyes, watching the teenager’s escape. “Interesting. Why do I feel like he scares me?”

Zuo Shaoqing hurried back to the inn, locked himself in his room, and lay on the bed, feigning lifelessness.

Clutching his chest, he took a deep breath and reassured himself repeatedly, “It’s different this time. This life is entirely distinct. I won’t walk the same path of imprisonment under Jiang Che, and I’ll have no connection with that man.”

He clenched and unclenched his fists, as if he could control his destiny through sheer willpower.

In this new life, he no longer placed trust in Zuo Shaoyan, he wasn’t the naive Zuo Shaoqing anymore, and he refused to be at the mercy of others.

Moreover, he had Lu Zheng now. No matter how formidable Jiang Che might be, he would never match Lu Zheng. With Lu Zheng by his side, he had nothing to fear.

“Lu Zheng...” Zuo Shaoqing repeated the name, causing his heart to ache.

He retrieved a pouch kept close to him and emptied its contents. He examined each item and eventually placed the jade pendant around his neck.

The jade pendant seemed to exude a soothing aura, gradually quelling the unrest within his heart. Zuo Shaoqing thought that if only that man were here, he could find solace in his embrace, the safest place in the world.

Zuo Shaoqing let out a wry chuckle, realizing he had been deceiving himself. He had hoped for a fresh start in this new life, but now he saw that he couldn’t escape his past.

What had occurred had happened, even if he alone remembered it.

He gritted his teeth. Unable to forget, he resolved to slowly heal the wounds and let his memories remain as just that—memories.

He no longer wished to relive the feelings of sorrow, anger, and helplessness he had experienced when facing Jiang Che. The overwhelming sense of powerlessness had bred a deep loathing within him.

Zuo Shaoqing pressed the jade pendant to his lips and kissed it. His swirling thoughts gradually settled, focusing on something he couldn’t quite explain.

His current task was to learn how to confront it, to overcome his inner weakness instead of fleeing from it.

He forced himself to recall the painful experiences from his previous life. When he thought of Jiang Che in the end, his heart stung like a sharpened needle.

This was good! Zuo Shaoqing sighed in relief, believing that even if he encountered Jiang Che again unprepared, he wouldn’t be as vulnerable.

He had always maintained that he didn’t harbor hatred toward Jiang Che and didn’t view him as a target for revenge in this rebirth. He simply wished to avoid ever crossing paths with him again.

Yet Zuo Shaoqing repeatedly found that Jiang Che wasn’t entirely innocent. Had it not been for Jiang Che’s excessive enthusiasm during their initial meeting, Zuo Shaoyan wouldn’t have impulsively sent him away.

Zuo Shaoqing’s eyes turned icy. He gritted his teeth and thought, “Jiang Che, if I don’t make you suffer a bit, how can I justify this rare second chance at life?”