Chapter 1587: He Knew Ten Years Ago
Editor:Â Henyee Translations
Yesterdayâs expressions of gratitude were mere formalities.
While General Sunâs words seemed initiated by politeness, Zheng Sangge couldnât afford to be criticized for mistreating his savior. Despite General Sunâs status, he felt compelled to honor the invitation.
However, with the recent suicides of the uncle and nephew in the Heavenly Mansionâs prison, any potential leverage that General Sun and the Second Prince could exploit had dissipated. Given these circumstances, Zheng Sangge questioned whether General Sun would still extend his goodwill.
Familiar with the duplicity and varied behaviors of dignitaries a decade ago, Zheng Sanggeâs understanding deepened over time.
After sipping tea and engaging in a brief conversation with the butler, Zheng Sangge rose to depart. Before leaving, he expressed gratitude, making clear his reluctance to return to officialdom. He emphasized that he appreciated General Sunâs kindness but had no intention of resuming his bureaucratic duties.
âI will always be grateful, and I hope for your success and fulfillment of your desires!â he added.
The butler, somewhat relieved, awkwardly smiled and assured Zheng Sangge that he would convey the message to General Sun. Notably, he refrained from attempting to persuade Zheng Sangge to stay, revealing General Sunâs apprehension about any potential insistence on repayment for the life-saving grace.
Expressing his thanks, Zheng Sangge received a small silver token of appreciation from the butler. âHere is three hundred taels of silver,â the butler said, acknowledging Zheng Sanggeâs challenging situation. âThis is a modest gesture of our gratitude. Please accept it, General Zheng, and donât feel obliged to decline.â
Zheng Sangge had no desire for it whatsoever.
A decade ago, he would have steadfastly refused any form of assistance. Now, after a momentâs hesitation, he accepted the envelope containing the banknotes. âThank you, General!â
He recognized that declining might not bring him peace of mind. Besides, with people of various ages, ailments, disabilities, and lacking in essentials, three hundred taels held significant valueâit would prove beneficial to take it back.
Expressing sincere thanks, Zheng Sangge couldnât ignore the potential intentions behind General Sunâs gesture. Nevertheless, he had gained something from the encounter, and gratitude was only natural.
As Zheng Sangge left, General Sun emerged from behind the partition.
âOld MasterâŠâ
The butler hastened forward and bowed, conveying, âThis man is quite astute. He doesnât linger on matters unnecessarily.â
Having prepared various words, the butler found himself with no opportunity to share them.
General Sunâs eyes flickered, a sense of inexplicable frustration settling in.
The feeling of hitting cotton did little to uplift his mood, and he recognized a deeper turmoil within himself.
âLet it be!â
After a brief pause, General Sun uttered these words and walked away with firm strides.
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