The disgraced official I took care of was actually Zhu Houcong's childhood friend.

Chapter 177

Xu Yaozong's behavior towards Zhou Chu could no longer be described as mere flattery.

"No need, take it back yourself."

Zhou Chu refused without even thinking. This kind of thing could easily disturb his Dao heart. Besides, Zhou Chu definitely wouldn't want a woman of unknown origin. She might just be a ticking time bomb.

"My lord, this is a Yangzhou slender horse that I specially bought at a high price. It is the best of the best."

Xu Yaozong was not surprised at all that Zhou Chu looked down on the two maids who warmed his feet. However, Zhou Chu could refuse to accept them, but he could not refuse to give them away; it was a matter of attitude.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chu looked at the slightly thin but beautiful woman in front of him. Her eyes and brows were full of charm. The training of Yangzhou "slender horses" was very complicated. Not only did they require good looks and temperament, but they also had to be proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting. They were one of the most popular playthings among the high-ranking officials and wealthy merchants in Jiangnan.

The status of a "thin horse" (a woman who is considered "thin and weak") is extremely low, even far lower than that of a concubine. Many merchants would give her away casually after they got tired of her, or simply have her beaten to death.

"Keep it for yourself."

Zhou Chu would definitely not want either a skinny horse or a maidservant.

Zhou Chu wouldn't keep this skinny girl out of pity. What would he do with her then? Give her away? What difference would that make from not keeping her at all?

As for giving her freedom? That's ridiculous. The Yangzhou "slender horses" are proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but they know nothing else. They can't live on their own and don't have any basic life skills.

Respecting the fate of others was Zhou Chu's principle in dealing with things.

"Are you from Shanyin County?"

Before Xu Yaozong could continue speaking, Zhou Chu directly changed the subject.

"In reply to your question, sir, I am from Shanyin County."

Xu Yaozong replied.

"Is there a wealthy man named Xu Cong in your Shanyin County?"

Zhou Chu asked.

Upon hearing this, Xu Yaozong immediately perked up.

"Are you referring to Xu Cong, the former Assistant Prefect of Kuizhou Prefecture in Sichuan?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chu immediately felt that there was hope.

"Yes, that's the person."

"I dare not deceive you, sir. This man is indeed my uncle. However, my uncle was in poor health and passed away last summer."

Xu Yaozong answered truthfully.

"Did his concubine just give birth to his son last year?"

Zhou Chu pressed for an answer.

"It is true, I have heard about it. However, my uncle passed away when my son was just over 100 days old. Many people say that this child brings misfortune to his relatives. Moreover, my aunt is notoriously jealous and could not tolerate these concubines. Now that my uncle is dead, I think the mother and son will not have an easy time."

Although he didn't know why Zhou Chu asked these questions, Xu Yaozong still told him everything he knew.

"I'm giving you a task. You can use any means necessary, whether it's buying this mother and child or any other method, I just want the result. Can you do it?"

Zhou Chu looked at Xu Yaozong and said.

"I guarantee I will do it. In recent years, not only my uncle's family, but our entire family has been slowly declining. In addition, this mother and son are not well received, so it shouldn't be difficult."

Xu Yaozong thought for a moment and then answered.

After Xu Yaozong left, Zhou Chu smiled.

This child was none other than Xu Wei, also known as Xu Wenchang, who became famous in later generations.

In the original history, Xu Wei's childhood was extremely tragic, which set the tone for his tragic life.

Xu Wei, who suffered from severe depression, led an extremely tragic life. He attempted suicide several times, splitting his own head with an axe and stabbing his own ears. He was willing to do anything to harm himself. Compared to him, Van Gogh was nothing.

Zhou Chu brought Xu Wei over in advance to avoid his tragic life. Xu Wei was a man of great talent, Zheng Banqiao was his loyal fan, and Qi Baishi was willing to be his disciple.

Both his cultural and military achievements were extraordinary. In his later years, Xu Wei served as Hu Zongxian's advisor, devising strategies for Hu Zongxian to quell the Japanese pirates, helping Hu Zongxian capture the pirate leader Xu Hai, and pacifying the notorious pirate Wang Zhi.

Such a person should not have had such a tragic life.

Perhaps without his tragic experiences, his artistic achievements would not have reached the heights they should have, but Zhou Chu didn't care about that.

Zhou Chu brought Xu Wei to his side mainly because he wanted to have a son for his teacher Tang Bohu, so that he could take care of him in his old age. Xu Wei could also learn a great deal from Tang Bohu.

For Zhou Chu, it was just a matter of course.

"Chunlan, prepare some top-quality charcoal and come with me to my teacher's residence."