The old man asked sheepishly: "May I ask this little brother if you can take me in for one night?"
Xiao Ran never refuses when it comes to doing good deeds and immediately agreed to the old man's request.
Chu Yanhong on the side didn't say anything, so she naturally agreed. After all, she would not refute what her man said.
In this way, today's weight loss plan was suspended for a while. He distributed skipping ropes to everyone and asked them to go home and practice.
On the way back, Xiao Ran also asked the old man what was going on. The old man rolled his eyes and told everything.
It turned out that the old man was an honest farmer who owed a sum of money to his hometown landlord. When he forced him to pay back the money, he killed his son.
After he took revenge on the landlord, he fled for his life in a hurry. When the landlord's family learned about it, they sent people to hunt him down.
Xiao Ran felt deep sympathy for him and was willing to accept him, but something about him made Chu Yanhong's eyes visibly flashed with shock.
Chu Yanhong immediately tugged on the corner of Xiao Ran's clothes, indicating that she had to tell him something when she went back.
After the two came back, Xiao Ran had no choice but to arrange for him to work in the textile factory. Otherwise, he would not be able to live and eat in the Chu family for free.
The old man did not show any reluctance, but happily got up and went to work immediately.
After he left, Chu Yanhong dragged Xiao Ran back to the room. Seeing her posture, Xiao Ran thought she was going to force her bow again.
While Xiao Ran was hiding in Tibet, Chu Yanhong did not take the next step as Xiao Ran thought. Instead, she waved him over.
Seeing this, Xiao Ran knew that Chu Yanhong must have something to tell him.
At this moment, Chu Yanhong said with a worried look: "Xiao Ran, the old man we rescued today doesn't seem to be an ordinary person?"
Hearing what she said, Xiao Ran was actually a little confused, because he could feel from the old man's temperament that he was definitely not an out-and-out farmer, but he didn't think much about it.
"Although I know he is definitely not a farmer, can you tell what kind of person he is?"
"He is an official in the imperial court, and his official position is not low."
Hearing this, Xiao Ran was a little shocked, and immediately asked: "How did you know? What rank is that guy?"
"You can tell from the jade pendant around his waist. It is a gift from the emperor. Generally, only officials of third rank or above have it."
Seeing Chu Yanhong say this, Xiao Ran felt both excited and nervous.
A high-ranking official is in his own home. If he is treated well, he will be able to prosper in time.
But now it seems that this old man is in despair and may be hunted by others. Staying here is also dangerous for him.
Thinking of this, Xiao Ran lowered his head and began to think carefully.
Soon, he decided to keep the old man here. He wanted to take a gamble. If the old man could return to the court in the future, then he would be very grateful to him.
If not, then he can still survive here.
Although something like this happened, Xiao Ran still did not forget the most important thing, which was to urge Chu Yanhong to lose weight.
Chu Yanhong still couldn't escape, so she had to reluctantly follow Xiao Ran's instructions. Five hundred jump ropes were waiting for her, and he hired Qingtong as a supervisor.
"Qingtong, you can't protect Miss. If I find out, you won't be able to take advantage of me."
Qingtong quickly agreed, and Xiao Ran also came to Chu Yanhong's ear and whispered: "Yanhong, if you can complete today's task, then I will give you a kiss when I come back."
"Really?"
"Don't worry, Xiao Ran's words will make it difficult for a horse to catch up."
Just like that, Chu Yanhong was instantly filled with motivation and started to jump non-stop.
Xiao Ran took the initiative to find the old man. At this moment, the old man was spinning awkwardly. When he saw Xiao Ran coming, he had a smile on his face.
But Xiao Ran said abruptly: "Sir, it seems that you are still not suitable for weaving. You are really undermining your talents by staying here."
Hearing this, the smile on the old man's face couldn't help but stiffen, and he broke into a cold sweat for a while, because he understood that his identity had been exposed.
His legs couldn't help but move back, and his eyes were full of hostility towards Xiao Ran.
"Sir, don't be afraid. I just want to remind you that if you look like this, you will be easily recognized."
Seeing that Xiao Ran was not hostile, the old man lowered his guard, and Xiao Ran took out a pair of scissors and said, "Sir, can you remind me to cut your beard and hair?"
The old man readily agreed. Xiao Ran cut the scissors several times, and his gray beard kept falling off. Then Xiao Ran took out the mud that he had prepared.
"Sir, I've been offended."
After that, Xiao Ran wiped mud on the old man's face a few times. After some manipulation by Xiao Ran, the old man's original appearance was completely unrecognizable.
The old man also confessed his identity to Xiao Ran. His name was Xu Zhiyuan, and he was one of the eight prime ministers today. He was framed by political opponents and fell to his current fate.
But he swore firmly: "Boy, don't worry, it won't be long before I can return to the court, and I will definitely repay you well."
With his words, Xiao Ran felt relieved.
But at this time, Qingtong hurriedly ran over. It turned out that Su Yun suddenly led a team of officers and soldiers to conduct a search.
Xiao Ran naturally knew why Su Yun came, so he told the old man to stay calm and rush to deal with Su Yun immediately.
"Mr. Su, what's wrong so late? Our family has already finished eating."
"Brother Xiao Ran, nothing's wrong. Can't I come and see you? My old man likes the calligraphy painting you gave me last time."
"That's fine. If Mr. Su still wants my abstract works, I can write a few more for you."
And soon, after a search, the men who searched did not find any suspicious persons.
But what they didn't know was that the old man they had always ignored was their dream target.
At this time, Xiao Ran took out some silver coins and put them in Su Yun's hand.
He said with a flattering look on his face: "Master Su, it's already so late, and you and your brothers have worked hard. Just think of it as me treating you all to a late night snack."
Su Yun smiled knowingly and said immediately: "Brother Xiao, I think you are the only one in Jiangzhou City. Not only are you talented, but you can also do things."
After that, Su Yun asked someone to take out another portrait, pointed at it and said, "Brother Xiao, you must remember this. This is my cousin's political opponent. Once you have clues about him, you must hurry up." Report to me."
Xiao Ran nodded and agreed.
