The servant was somewhat surprised by the young man's answer. Judging by his appearance, he should have come from a poor family. But why would he refuse to become a young master from a wealthy family?
The servant happened to be passing by in his carriage. He had actually asked several friends to find someone who resembled their young master. Then they each suggested their cousin.
The servant saw a small child sitting in the ox cart; he truly bore a resemblance to their young master. Except for the young master's pale and thin appearance due to his illness, they were eighty percent alike.
He asked the carriage driver to let him down and examined the young man. He was right. This was the perfect candidate. His features were somewhat similar, plus he was a bit cold.
His young master was the same, too.
He felt that his invitation would surely be accepted. He was eager to discuss it. "Why not? I see that you look very much like my young master, so I can pass you off as a rich young master. Remember, he can buy you many things you've never had the chance to buy."
Xiao Xun glanced at him and suddenly felt disgusted. His father was a bandit, and he had seen the most precious gold, silver, and jade. However, it was all unpleasant to look at, as it was the result of robbing and killing others.
Xiao Xun coldly refused. "I already said no. You don't have to be so stubborn. It's better to find someone else."
The man wanted to say something more, but someone called out to him from behind. "Xiao Xun."
Xiao Xun looked at his adoptive father, who was carrying a lot of things. He got off the wheel and helped Xiao Heng carry his things. "Father, is there still a lot?"
"Yes. There's a lot of things I need to buy. So there's still some left. You can take them with Brother Tong," Xiao Heng said.
Xiao Xun nodded and went inside. He saw that Tong Xiao, whom his father had mentioned, was also just packing up his things and preparing to leave. Tong Xiao saw that Xiao Heng's adopted son had appeared.
He smiled and said that these were all his things. So Xiao Xun took half of the items, leaving Xiao Tong dumbfounded. Xiao Xun's strength was very strong, and they finally reached the ox cart.
Xiao Heng and the servant were talking, but Xiao Heng's expression wasn't looking good. Tong Xiao glanced at the servant and realized he was a servant from a wealthy family.
Tong Xiao immediately approached, "Steward Chun, why are you here? Do you want to buy some more goods? We happen to have a lot in stock right now."
The butler waved his hand. "Actually, I need to talk to those two. Mr. Xiao, could we talk in the tea room here? It won't take up much of your time?"
Xiao Heng glanced at the butler and finally nodded. He then looked at Tong Xiao. "Brother Tong, I'm sorry to trouble you with this. I'll ask you to look after my things."
Tong Xiao nodded. He knew something was definitely wrong with them. He seemed to smell some gossip today. After getting Tong Xiao's approval, he went with Xiao Xun to the nearest tea house across the street.
The butler asked for a private room. The three of them were given a private room. There were beautifully arranged pastries and the finest green tea was poured. The butler personally poured for them.
Xiao Heng felt uncomfortable, furrowing his brows. However, he accepted the tea the butler had poured for him. They both took a sip.
The butler spoke, "Actually, I wasn't joking. The Young Master of the Chun Family passed away two years ago. After that, Madam Chun became insane after losing her son. As time went by, Madam Chun's behavior became more and more out of control. The Grand Master had no choice. His only option was to find a replacement for the Young Master."
Xiao Heng was a little surprised, then he asked, "Why did the Young Master die?"
"It's because the Young Master's health was very weak from the start, and he finally couldn't take it anymore. The best doctors also said that his illness was very serious. He had no chance." The servant glanced at the two of them, "Since the Young Master died, the Grand Master couldn't accept the reality and kept asking for his son's return. The Grand Master could only make up the excuse that the Young Master had gone to take the school exams. This initially worked for a year. As time went by, the Young Madam became more and more erratic. Until she saw her son, she wouldn't calm down."
The butler saw their expressions, then he looked at Xiao Xun. "Now the Grand Master ordered me to find a replacement for the Young Master. Don't worry, the Grand Master won't force you to do things in the Chun Family. And after a few years, you can leave if you can't stand being in the Chun Family. And when you really want to leave, the Grand Master will give you some wealth. So there's no harm in being a Young Master."
They remained silent and didn't say anything. Then the butler spoke. "Don't worry. You can still see your family. In the Chun family, you won't be tied down. You won't be forced to stay quiet. Also, if you want to study, the Old Master will give you that."
Xiao Heng choked a little. But considering the possibility, Xiao Xun might indeed need it. He couldn't afford to send Xiao Xun to school because the tuition was too expensive.
Xiao Heng looked at Xiao Xun. "Xiao Xun, what do you think?"
Xiao Xun looked at his father and asked, "Father, are you two okay?"
Xiao Heng felt that Xiao Xun was a good child. He felt it was wonderful to have such a filial and good son, but now they have to part ways not long after they met.
Xiao Heng stroked his head, "If you think it's okay. So are we. Plus, you can see us anytime you want. So it's no problem for us at all."
Xiao Xun was a little hesitant, but when he heard that the Lady of the Chun family had gone mad after losing her son, he felt relieved. It was clear that this Ger must have loved his son very much. So he thought for a moment, then looked at the butler and nodded.
"Okay. With the agreement that I can leave the Chun Family whenever I want."
The butler nodded. "Of course, the Grand Master will be pleased. Please be kind to Madam. Her temper has been a bit out of control lately."
"Okay."