119 It Was Not Peaceful Outside
Lin Zheng’s voice and mood were low when he talked about these things. He was different from his typical self.
Su Binglan raised her eyebrows and said, “So, Prince Ding is in Dingzhou City?”
Tenghe town was part of Dingzhou City. Tenghe town was small compared to the expansive city. However, the city was remote and desolate and could not compare to other states.
But unbeknownst to the people of that era, Dingzhou City would become the most prosperous place because of Su Binglan.
Lin Zheng nodded and said, “Yes, they sealed Prince Ding’s mansion and sent him to Dingzhou City. Who knows how long he can last there, considering his physical condition. Some say he won’t live past eighteen, but he’s already at that age.
“Prince Ding’s parents and his sister, Princes Lan, are dead. I honestly don’t know how long he can hold out there,” Lin Zheng had a worried expression as he spoke.
Su Binglan did not expect Lin Zheng to know that much, even though he sometimes had trouble working for her. “It seems you know quite a bit.”
Lin Zheng chuckled and said, “My sister is married and lives in the state capital, so I heard these things from her. Princess Lan’s story isn’t a secret. It’s just that most ordinary people like us don’t know the details. When the major general died, I cried for a long time.”
Su Binglan had pieced together some information she gathered from Lin Zheng’s story. She said plainly, “I didn’t know you dared to say such things.”
If her guess was correct, the changes in Prince Ding Wang’s mansion and the major general’s death were related to the emperor. Some would never dare speak of such things because they would lose their lives if the officials found out.
Lin Zheng revealed a flattering smile. “I didn’t speak of this to anyone else but you, boss. You’re not just a random person to me.”
Lin Zheng’s words showed his trust in Su Binglan. Still, he was not wrong in what he said because he had not even spoken of this to his parents.
Su Binglan understood what Lin Zheng meant. She gently patted his shoulder and said, “It’s not a peaceful world out there. You must learn to protect yourself. Only then can you do more with your life.”
There was a deeper meaning behind Su Binglan’s words. She looked into the distance as she spoke, but she looked toward Dingzhou City unbeknownst to her.
Lin Zheng nodded vigorously and said, “I’ll remember that, boss.”
Suddenly, he thought of something. His eyes lit up as he looked at Su Binglan and said, “B-Boss…” He rubbed the corners of his shirt. He wanted to say something but was shy and did not know how.
Su Binglan could see right through Lin Zheng. “If you have something to say, you should make it quick because I have to leave in a while.”
Her shop’s grand opening was tomorrow. She was still busy and had a lot of things to do when she returned to the village.
Lin Zheng mustered up his courage and said, “Boss, I used to think I could protect myself. But after witnessing your skills, I knew that my little bit of kung fu was nothing compared to what you can do. If I came across a capable person like you, I wouldn’t be able to protect myself.”
Su Binglan had told Lin Zheng to protect himself and took those words to heart. He had witnessed his boss’s Kung Fu the first day he met her. He even worshiped Su Binglan for it.
Su Binglan said lightly, “If that’s what you want, I’m willing to teach you if you can endure the hardships.”
Initially, Lin Zheng had prepared several pleas for when Su Binglan rejected him. However, he did not expect his boss to agree so readily.