TSWPF -Chapter 228 Past Events

Liu Zhimou smiled and said it was Mr. Luo who had recognized his talent.

To receive Mr. Luo’s favor, he was truly thrilled; his excitement hadn’t even subsided yet.

Even the old man hadn’t expected their trip to go so smoothly—he had thought that passing Mr. Luo’s test wouldn’t be so easy.

With Mr. Luo’s guidance, Liu Zhimou’s chances in the imperial examination would undoubtedly be excellent.

Having such a capable grandson-in-law was a great honor for him.

“If Brother Zhimou didn’t have some real skill, Mr. Luo wouldn’t have even noticed you.” If he were a complete failure, Mr. Luo wouldn’t have spared him so much as a glance. “Come on, let’s hurry back and celebrate!”

Li Qingling’s previous annoyance vanished instantly. She happily reached for Liu Zhimou’s hand and strode toward the door.

The old man, feeling seriously ignored, pursed his lips in resignation and followed them briskly.

Girls are outgoing—once they have a husband, they can easily forget an old man like him.

Thinking of it, he felt a bit frustrated!

His little Ning Ning and Rou Rou couldn’t be married off too early; they had to stay for at least a couple more years. He couldn’t let their precious “cabbage” be taken by someone else’s “pig” so soon.

“Did you gain anything from your outing today?” Liu Zhimou asked softly, holding Li Qingling’s hand and turning to look at her.

Li Qingling nodded with a bright smile. She had indeed gained something—she had surveyed shops in the capital and found that no one had opened a roast duck restaurant. If she were to open one, with her culinary skills, business would surely flourish.

She had assumed Zhao Yichen had already popularized roast duck in the capital, but surprisingly, he hadn’t.

She wondered what had made him give up such a huge opportunity. She decided to ask him next time she saw him.

Liu Zhimou listened carefully and then asked, “Did you find any suitable shops? The capital is so prosperous; I wonder how much buying a place would cost, and whether we have enough silver at home.”

It seemed he would have to look for ways to earn money—help her as much as he could, at least enough so she wouldn’t have to work so hard.

He truly didn’t want to see her frown over money.

“I haven’t found any shops for sale or rent yet. Tomorrow, I’ll have the trade broker ask around to see if he has any suitable for a roast duck shop.”

She couldn’t do it alone; she needed the broker’s help.

Liu Zhimou nodded and told her to ask for help whenever she needed it, and not to keep things bottled up inside.

He feared that she would try to bear everything herself, not wanting to distract him. But as her husband, he wanted to share the burden with her.

Only then would their relationship grow stronger, without misunderstandings or distance.

Li Qingling smiled softly and promised she would tell him whenever she needed help.

Liu Zhimou glanced at her and asked, “Did something unpleasant happen while you were out?”

Although she had hidden it well, he had sensed her slight unhappiness.

What could have upset her outside? This man’s intuition was truly sharp. Li Qingling resignedly squeezed his hand and smiled, saying, “You can’t be fooled by anything, can you?”

“Hmm? So what exactly happened? I’m all ears.”

After a brief hesitation, Li Qingling recounted the incident at the restaurant.

Before she even finished, Liu Zhimou hadn’t gotten angry yet—but the old man had.

“This is outrageous! Who dares bully my granddaughter? I’ll make sure he regrets it!” The old man waved his hand and shouted, “Girl, do you know that man’s name? I’ll visit him one day to make sure he knows—my granddaughter is not someone to be trifled with.”

His granddaughter had just arrived in the capital and was already being bullied—how could he stand for that?

He was determined to find the man who had dared to bully her and make him taste the effects of his special “itch powder,” so he’d remember not to bully anyone recklessly again.

Li Qingling felt a warm current in her heart watching the old man so protective of her. She was truly lucky to have such a caring grandfather.

Though she often bickered with him, their bond was strong.

“Uncle Zeng, you’ve worked hard today. Go rest early!” Li Qingling didn’t answer the old man directly, instead turning to Zeng Tietou, who was following behind, letting him rest first.

Zeng Tietou said “Yes” and went off to his quarters.

Once he left, Li Qingling finally replied to the old man, “His name is Liu Zhishan.” She glanced at Liu Zhimou and added, “He… resembles Brother Zhimou a bit.”

Hearing this, the old man’s heart skipped a beat. He glanced at Liu Zhimou to gauge his reaction.

He knew Liu Zhishan was Liu Zhimou’s cousin, but should he tell Liu Zhimou about this?

In the capital, Liu Zhimou would inevitably encounter members of the Liu family. Anyone who had seen the Fourth Master of the Liu family would naturally compare him to Liu Zhimou—they truly looked alike.

The old man furrowed his brows in thought.

“Brother Zhimou, do you know the identity of your parents? Are they from the capital?” Li Qingling asked what she had been worried about. “I’m mainly concerned that if your parents have enemies, they might target you because of your resemblance…”

On their way back, this had been her main concern.

Liu Zhimou shook his head solemnly. His parents had never told him anything about their identity.

But knowing his parents’ cultivation and character, he knew their family background had to be notable.

Why had they settled in Niutou Village? Were they being chased by enemies?

The thought made him slightly uneasy.

“Old man, do you know their origins?” Li Qingling noticed his conflicted expression and pressed him. “If you really know, you should tell Brother Zhimou, so he’s prepared and won’t panic in unexpected situations.”

This concerned Liu Zhimou’s entire background, so caution was necessary.

The old man looked at both Li Qingling and Liu Zhimou, realizing he could no longer hide the truth. He sighed heavily. “Let’s go to the study and talk.” With that, he turned toward the study.

Li Qingling and Liu Zhimou exchanged glances—he really did know.

“It’s fine, I’ll be with you,” she reassured him, holding his hand firmly to calm his anxiety.

Liu Zhimou took a deep breath, suppressing his unease, and acknowledged her. With her by his side, he wasn’t afraid of anything.

In the study, the old man was already seated. He asked Li Qingling to close the door and sit down.

Seeing the old man so serious, Li Qingling felt a bit nervous too. She wondered about Liu Zhimou’s background.

Judging from Liu Zhishan’s attire, the family’s status must be high.

The old man tapped Liu Zhimou’s thigh lightly before speaking after a pause: “Zhimou’s father was the Fourth Master of the Zhen Guo General’s Mansion.” Thinking of that extraordinary Liu Fourth Master, he sighed softly.

Who would have guessed that the missing Liu Fourth Master had chosen such a remote place to live and had three children?

If the General’s Mansion knew, they would surely regret it bitterly.

It was his own fault for forcing Liu Fourth Master to marry a woman he didn’t love.

Still, Liu Fourth Master’s premature death was regrettable.

Liu Zhimou’s fingers trembled slightly. He looked up at the old man. “Grandfather, you knew all along, didn’t you?”

He had thought his father merely had a wealthy background, but it turned out he was from a prestigious family.

The name “Zhen Guo General’s Mansion” alone spoke volumes.

The old man didn’t hide it: “When I saw you in the cave, I had my suspicions. After learning your father’s name, I was certain. People naturally speculate when they see two who resemble each other so closely. Rest assured, Grandfather treated you well not because of your family background—I truly like you both…”

“I know, Grandfather,” Liu Zhimou interrupted. He had known the old man long enough to understand him.

The old man smiled with satisfaction, thinking that this child he chose was indeed worthy of his care.

“Grandfather, can you tell me about my parents? I want to know.”

Only by knowing could he handle unexpected situations without being caught off guard.

“Your parents…” The old man blinked and fell into memories, speaking with fondness.

Liu Zhimou and Li Qingling listened intently, not blinking.

Hearing the old man speak, Li Qingling couldn’t help but marvel at her late father-in-law—he had truly been remarkable.

No wonder Liu Zhimou was so capable at a young age—it was inherited from his father’s intelligence.

If their future child inherited Liu Zhimou’s intellect, it would be extraordinary as well.

She blushed slightly at her wandering thoughts and refocused on listening.

After about half an hour, the old man had finished recounting Liu Zhimou’s parents’ story.

“You, compared to your father back then, are still a bit lacking,” the old man said.

That kind of genius was rare indeed.

Liu Zhimou admitted, “That’s…” His father had always seemed towering in his mind, and hearing the old man’s account made him feel even taller.

“Oh dear… my memory! I remember now,” the old man exclaimed, patting his own thigh. “Your father was a disciple of Mr. Luo. Back then, Mr. Luo accepted three disciples; your father was one of them, the youngest.”