A visitor from the past? Not only was Constable Jiang surprised, but Madam Zhang and everyone else present looked at Zhan Feiyu with strange expressions.
If it were an adult, even a peasant, who said such things, they would believe that the other party might have met Magistrate Zhang once. But for a short, chubby little girl to speak so maturely was truly amusing. Yet, Zhan Feiyu’s expression was extremely serious.
“What kind of lowly creature crawled out from some forgotten corner, daring to spout nonsense at such a young age? Who do you think you are, calling yourself an old acquaintance?” Madam Zhang’s words were venomous. Pointing at Zhan Feiyu, she cursed, “You’re not old, yet you already know how to seduce men? Bah, shameless slut! Granny Hu, tear this slut’s mouth apart!”
Granny Hu, who was called upon, was stunned. The guards and constables had just been beaten to tears, and she, an old woman, usually only threw her weight around with the young maids in Madam Zhang’s household. If she were to make a move, she’d likely never get up again if she received a kick.
“My mother said that sluts aren’t defined by age. With that seductive look, she’s clearly not a good sort!” Qiu Jingyuan, who considered herself a beauty, was nevertheless arrogant and couldn’t stand girls prettier than her. If there were any, Qiu Jingyuan would always find a way to harm them and ruin their faces.
As a result, over time, the young ladies who attended flower shows and banquets dared not appear before Qiu Jingyuan. If they were forced to, they would deliberately dress to look ugly.
Zhan Feiyu was still childlike, and Qiu Jingyuan didn’t mind at first. But she shouldn’t have had such round, big eyes. Qiu Jingyuan was also beautiful, but her eyes were not round enough, making them look a bit squinty.
Zhan Feiyu stood up. Such vulgar words wouldn’t be easily uttered even by a village shrew, especially towards a young girl who hadn’t even reached her coming-of-age ceremony. She hadn’t expected the two in front of her to blurt them out so readily, which spoke volumes about their character.
“A Nuan.” Zhan Feiyu spoke softly. The smile vanished from her round face, replaced by a chilling aura.
He Nuan moved with incredible speed. Madam Zhang and Qiu Jingyuan, who were smugly standing there, only felt a blur before their eyes. With two sharp slaps, their faces were turned aside, blood trickling from the corners of their mouths. Clear white cheeks instantly bore the imprint of five fingers.
The entire second floor fell into an eerie silence. Although Madam Zhang’s curses were unpleasant, no one had expected Zhan Feiyu, a little girl, to actually lay hands on them, especially to slap the Tongzhi’s wife, the future mistress of the Zhang mansion.
Touching her cheek, feeling the sting, Madam Zhang finally realized she had been slapped. Like a enraged beast, she roared madly, “You dare hit me? You slut, you dare hit me! I’ll kill you…”
Screaming hysterically, she lost all reason. Madam Zhang forgot that He Nuan was a martial artist and lunged at Zhan Feiyu and He Nuan like a madwoman.
Qiu Jingyuan, who had also been slapped, was still bewildered. Given her status, no one would dare say a harsh or unpleasant word to her, let alone hit her.
Of course, this was also because among the direct descendants of the Qiu family of her generation, there were no other girls. Qiu Jingyuan was a standout. Therefore, although she was arrogant and overbearing, it was all within the affairs of the inner chambers. The main family didn’t interfere, and outsiders didn’t dare to complain to the Qiu mansion, as no matter how the third branch was, they were still surnamed Qiu on the surface.
When Madam Zhang made her move, Constable Jiang couldn’t just stand by. Fortunately, although she was acting madly, He Nuan acted with restraint, pushing her away. Protected by the martial maids, she wasn’t injured, except for that slap.
“Constable Jiang, there’s no need to be troubled. We can wait for Magistrate Zhang to arrive,” Zhan Feiyu said with a smile. It seemed her teacher was right; she was quite good at causing trouble.
An expert’s move revealed their skill. He Nuan’s agility was clearly that of a master. Constable Jiang was certain that even if his men acted, they wouldn’t win. Moreover, since Madam Zhang was involved, it was best to let Magistrate Zhang handle it.
“Very well, young lady, please wait a moment.” Constable Jiang dared not leave, fearing Madam Zhang would go mad again. So, he sent one of his most alert subordinates to report back to the yamen.
Magistrate Zhang was on duty that day. If it were anyone else, they would be leisurely drinking tea and reading books. But Magistrate Zhang was so busy he didn’t even have time to sleep.
The situation in Longyou Prefecture had changed. The Zhenbian Marquisate had fallen. Therefore, both Magistrate Zhang and his superior, Prefect Zhou, had been incredibly busy these past few days, barely having time to eat their New Year’s Eve dinner. There were simply too many affairs to handle.
“Sir, have some ginseng tea,” his advisor, Feng Pingqing, handed him a cup of tea. With Madam Zhang’s temper, one couldn’t expect her to be a good helper; it was a blessing if she didn’t cause trouble.
Thus, Magistrate Zhang’s daily life was managed by the Zhang family’s steward. When he was away, Feng Pingqing, his advisor, would handle things. With servants around, Feng Pingqing only needed to give instructions.
After drinking a cup of ginseng tea, Zhang Minxian rubbed his temples. His gaunt face was even thinner than when he had gone to Xiangwu County, and his eyes were bloodshot. It seemed he had been working exceptionally hard and was exhausted these past few days.
“The Zhenbian Marquisate, so grand, fell just like that. The Yang family, holding military power, has finally made a comeback,” Zhang Minxian said, his voice filled with weariness and bitterness. If he had known the Yang family would only need eight or nine years to regain their footing, why would the Zhang family have kicked them when they were down?
Now, even if the Yang family didn’t pursue the matter, the current situation made it impossible for Zhang Minxian to advance further.
“Sir, nothing is absolute. Since the Qiu family’s daughter has come to Linzhou Prefecture, she must be here for Young Master Xu. If we can win over Miss Qiu…” Feng Pingqing was thinking about the influence a wife could wield. He understood Yang Xu’s personality somewhat. Women, though seemingly frail, could be a sharp weapon if used well.
Zhang Minxian knew nothing about Qiu Jingyuan, as she was just a young lady from the inner chambers who hadn’t yet come of age. It was not easy to gather information about her. However, he did know a little about the third branch of the Qiu family.
“Qiu Jinyu died saving Yang Xu at Aozi Pass. One life for a marriage alliance, the Yang family is not at a loss,” Zhang Minxian pondered carefully. The third branch had always wanted to seize power, but how easy was it to bring down the main family?
Yang Xu could be considered the hope of the third branch. Once Yang Xu married into the Qiu family as their son-in-law, with the support of the General’s mansion, it would be much easier for the third branch of the Qiu family to seize power.
However, there was still Qiu Zongxi. He was the highest-ranking member of the direct lineage and a sworn friend of Old General Yang. He treated Yang Xu like a grandson. Therefore, in the short term, at least while Old General Yang was alive, the Yang family would not help the third branch against the direct lineage.
But in ten or eight years, if Qiu Jingyuan had children, and with years of constant influence, it would be natural for Yang Xu to favor the third branch.
“Sir, the third branch of the Qiu family has no influence in Longyou Prefecture. This is our advantage,” Feng Pingqing had thought through the entire matter after learning of Qiu Jingyuan’s existence.
The third branch not only wanted to control Yang Xu but at least wanted to know his situation in Longyou Prefecture. They couldn’t rely on Qiu Zongxi, so they had to find local forces in Longyou Prefecture to cooperate with. The Zhang family was the most suitable partner for the third branch.
Firstly, the Zhang family was Yang Xu’s maternal relatives. Regardless of past conflicts, blood ties could not be severed. Secondly, the third branch also knew that Yang Xu disliked the Zhang family. The Zhang family could only repair their relationship through Qiu Jingyuan. Thus, both sides would be mutually beneficial and supportive.
With the Zhang family’s help, not only could Yang Xu’s information be sent back to Qianzhong Prefecture, but if Qiu Jingyuan wanted to do anything in the future, someone could help her. Only then could she secure her position as the General’s wife. Otherwise, marrying into Longyou Prefecture with no connections, she would have the title of General’s wife but be unable to do anything. If she were to remain confined to the inner chambers, how could she help the third branch contend for the position of family head?
While Zhang Minxian and Feng Pingqing were discussing in detail, a young servant waiting outside reported, “Sir…”
After the constable entered the room, he didn’t dare to delay and quickly recounted the events at the restaurant. After all, even Madam Zhang had been slapped and was currently making a scene. If the sir didn’t come to handle it soon, no one knew how bad it would get.
“An old acquaintance from Xiangwu County?” Zhang Minxian immediately thought of Zhan Feiyu upon hearing that it was a pretty young girl accompanied by a man and a woman.
He stood up abruptly and strode out the door. This left the constable who reported the news stunned. So, the young girl wasn’t lying; she was indeed Magistrate Zhang’s old acquaintance.
With Constable Jiang present, no matter how Madam Zhang clamored, the constables wouldn’t make a move. If they did, they would just get beaten up. They weren’t fools. Besides, those guards stood there as if they were deaf.
Her cheek stung from the slap. Madam Zhang’s first slap was in the second year of her marriage, less than a month after her son was born, when Zhang Minxian brought a beautiful concubine into the household.
Madam Zhang exploded and, with her dowry maids and servants, rushed over. Seeing the slender horse from Jiangnan, she, in a fit of rage, beat the woman to death.
Still not satisfied, she threw the body onto the bed and covered it with a quilt.
That evening, Zhang Minxian, returning from the yamen, lunged onto the bed. The result was predictable. Zhang Minxian was truly weakened that time and had to drink medicine for a whole month.
It made sense. While busy at the yamen, he was thinking of the beautiful concubine at home. Upon returning, he saw the person already lying on the bed. Zhang Minxian, with his mind in a flutter, naturally reacted. But when he lunged onto the bed, he was met with a bruised and swollen face, eyes wide open in death, the expression on her face still showing the pain and unwillingness of her final moments. Zhang Minxian was only scared stiff, not scared to death, which could be considered a testament to his courage.
In a fit of rage, Zhang Minxian slapped Madam Zhang fiercely, cursing her as a “shrew.”
Therefore, no matter how overbearing Madam Zhang was usually, she didn’t dare to cause trouble with Zhang Minxian, her husband. It wasn’t because she adhered to the three obediences and four virtues, or that her husband was her heaven, but because she feared Zhang Minxian. She also feared that he would take action against her family, leaving her helpless and at the mercy of those vixen-like women.
So, no matter how much Madam Zhang caused a scene, she had her limits. As long as she didn’t cross the line, for the sake of reputation and career, Zhang Minxian would not easily divorce her.
This was the first time she had been slapped, and the one who slapped her was a mere maid. Madam Zhang’s fury was understandable. If she had a knife in her hand, she would have killed He Nuan to vent her anger. Unfortunately, her martial prowess was insufficient, and Constable Jiang was not intervening. At this moment, she could only scream and curse, uttering all sorts of vulgarities.
As Zhang Minxian stepped into the restaurant’s lobby, he heard the sharp, piercing curses from upstairs. Zhang Minxian’s face instantly darkened like the bottom of a pot. Especially since there were many commoners outside the restaurant eavesdropping, all guessing whose wife was so shrewish, capable of uttering such vulgarities. In comparison, their own household tigresses seemed gentle, at least not throwing tantrums in public like this.
Hearing footsteps from the stairs, Constable Jiang immediately went to meet him. “Sir.”
Ignoring Constable Jiang and the others, Zhang Minxian’s eyes fell on Zhan Feiyu, who was sitting in a chair with a hand warmer. “Zhan…”
“Sir, you’re finally here!” Madam Zhang’s shrill voice rang out again. She was already a woman in her thirties, but at this moment, she acted like a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl, throwing herself at Zhang Minxian with extreme grievance. “Sir, this slut dared to strike me! This clearly shows she doesn’t respect you or our Zhang mansion…”
“Be quiet!” Zhang Minxian warned Madam Zhang with a dark expression. But no matter how much he disliked her, in front of everyone, he couldn’t suppress his anger. “Granny Hu, help Madam to the medical clinic to treat her injuries.”
Then, ignoring the stunned Madam Zhang, Zhang Minxian walked towards Zhan Feiyu. “My wife was rude, and I ask Miss Zhan for your understanding.”
“Magistrate Zhang is too kind. It was merely a verbal dispute. I acted impulsively, so I ask Magistrate Zhang for your understanding as well.” Zhan Feiyu offered a polite exchange. It was six of one, half a dozen of the other. Madam Zhang’s curses were harsh, and Zhan Feiyu had slapped her, so it was even.
Constable Jiang and the others were astonished. This young girl was not only an old acquaintance of the sir but also had a significant background. Otherwise, why would the sir treat her as an equal? Truly, one cannot judge a person by their appearance.
Madam Zhang, who had been severely undermined, was furious. Not only did Zhang Minxian not seek justice for her, but he also apologized first. This made Madam Zhang grit her teeth in anger. If Granny Hu hadn’t held her arm tightly, the enraged Madam Zhang would have likely pounced on Zhan Feiyu and started a fight.
“Madam, please calm down,” Granny Hu whispered, pleadingly looking at Madam Zhang, whose eyes were bloodshot with anger. “This must be a junior acquaintance of the sir. Madam, please consider the bigger picture.”
Madam Zhang was the undisputed leader among the noblewomen in Linzhou Prefecture because the sir was the Tongzhi of Linzhou Prefecture, and thus she gained status through her husband. However, if she angered the sir, even if he didn’t divorce her or separate from her, but confined her to the inner chambers, who in Linzhou Prefecture would pay attention to Madam Zhang?
Madam Zhang dared to be angry but not to speak, yet she couldn’t swallow this bitter resentment. Changing the subject, she said, “Sir, it’s fine if I am hit, but the key issue is Miss Qiu. She is the daughter of the Qiu family from Qianzhong Prefecture. If she is bullied in Linzhou Prefecture, what will happen if the Qiu family pursues the matter?”
Qiu Jingyuan, with her naturally spoiled and arrogant nature, had been stunned by He Nuan’s slap earlier. Afterward, Madam Qian took her to a private room to treat the wound on her cheek.
Madam Qian was helpless. The Qiu mansion had sent guards, but more than ten guards couldn’t defeat that pair of siblings. So, she could only persuade Qiu Jingyuan to apply medicine first, to prevent scarring.
As soon as she came out of the private room, she heard Madam Zhang’s words. Qiu Jingyuan could no longer tolerate it. She rushed over, shouting, “Magistrate Zhang, you’ve come at the right time! This slut dared to use her servant to commit violence. Arrest her immediately!”
It was no wonder Qiu Jingyuan was shouting at Zhang Minxian and treating him like a subordinate. She was pampered in Qianzhong Prefecture, and her personality was spoiled. Moreover, Zhang Minxian was only a fourth-rank official, whom Qiu Jingyuan didn’t take seriously. Her uncle was the Provincial Governor of Qianzhong Prefecture, a high-ranking official of the second rank.
Zhang Minxian glanced at the shouting Qiu Jingyuan. Although she came from a prestigious family, her demeanor and conduct were far inferior to Zhan Feiyu’s. Zhang Minxian treated Zhan Feiyu as an equal for two reasons: first, because of Scholar Gu’s status, and second, because Zhan Feiyu held the Jinlong Guard token.
Secondly, Zhan Feiyu was truly talented, having achieved the title of Xiaosanyuan in Nanxuan Prefecture. She was insightful and acted thoughtfully. Although she was a junior, as a fellow scholar who had passed the imperial examinations, it was natural for Zhang Minxian to regard her differently.
But Qiu Jingyuan? Although she was the daughter of the Qiu family, she was just a commoner, and she dared to boss him around. Zhang Minxian was naturally displeased. If he had to fawn over every junior, he wouldn’t have been designated as the heir of the Zhang family by Magistrate Zhang.
“Miss Qiu.” Suppressing his anger, Zhang Minxian, in his official attire, maintained his usual aloof and stern demeanor, speaking with official courtesy. “If Miss Qiu wants this official to arrest someone, please submit a petition to the yamen first. At that time, this official will act according to the law.”
With a completely business-like attitude, Zhang Minxian looked at the enraged Qiu Jingyuan and continued in a deep voice, “I must remind Miss Qiu that Miss Zhan has official scholarly status. If Miss Qiu intends to file a lawsuit, she might have to receive a few planks first.”
Even if she came from the Qiu family, Qiu Jingyuan was just a commoner, while Zhan Feiyu possessed the title of Xiucai and was even Xiaosanyuan. Strictly speaking, this was not a case of a commoner suing an official, but if Zhang Minxian’s attitude leaned slightly, it would be normal for Qiu Jingyuan to be caned.
“You corrupt official!” Qiu Jingyuan cursed furiously. Especially seeing Zhang Minxian’s imposing official demeanor, she became enraged and suddenly reached out, slapping Zhang Minxian’s face.
Fortunately, Qiu Jingyuan was only twelve years old. Although she was not short, she was still shorter than Zhang Minxian. Therefore, this unexpected slap did not hit Zhang Minxian’s face but rather his chin and neck. The rampaging Qiu Jingyuan then clawed at him, and her well-maintained nails left bloody scratches on Zhang Minxian’s neck.
Uh… Not to mention Zhang Minxian being stunned by the slap, even Zhan Feiyu was dumbfounded. This was truly a fierce warrior, daring to slap a court official!
Even Zhan Feiyu wouldn’t dare to slap Zhang Minxian in front of everyone, especially in the presence of the yamen constables and bailiffs. If this got out, Zhang Minxian’s reputation would be ruined, and how could he govern the region in the future?
“Bold!” Constable Jiang roared and quickly stepped forward, grabbing Qiu Jingyuan’s arm and forcefully pushing her away.
The burning pain on his neck, even with Zhang Minxian’s excellent self-control, made his face turn ashen with anger.
Yet, Qiu Jingyuan still didn’t know her limits. Caught by Madam Qian, she continued to point at Zhang Minxian and curse, “You corrupt official, how dare you help this slut! I will tell my father, I will tell my uncle. Once your official hat is removed, I’ll see how you help this slut!”
Zhan Feiyu looked sympathetically at Zhang Minxian, who was being cursed at. If she continued to scold him, Magistrate Zhang would probably kill her. “A Nuan, knock her out. My ears are hurting from the noise.”
He Nuan executed the order flawlessly. Qiu Jingyuan fainted onto Madam Qian. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, including Madam Qian. She knew Qiu Jingyuan was pampered and had a bad temper and was domineering, but she truly didn’t expect a daughter of the Qiu mansion to be so brainless.
She had slapped Magistrate Zhang. If she went back to Qianzhong Prefecture, Magistrate Zhang couldn’t do anything to her. However, the Qian family was located in the neighboring Shanzhou Prefecture, and Prefect Zhou of Shanzhou Prefecture was Magistrate Zhang’s brother-in-law. Dealing with the merchant Qian family would be as simple as saying a word.
Even Madam Zhang, who had been rampaging and cursing at first, was now silent. When she had beaten that beautiful concubine to death years ago, the sir had been furious, and his terrifying expression was similar to this. Madam Zhang also felt weak.
“Magistrate Zhang, it’s getting late, and I need to return to Xiangwu County. I’ll take my leave now.” Zhan Feiyu’s voice broke the eerie silence. She felt awkward staying any longer.
Zhang Minxian struggled to maintain his usual expression, but his face was still a bit stiff. “Indeed. I will escort Miss Zhan out.”
The two walked towards the stairs, with He Sheng and He Nuan following closely behind.
After Zhang Minxian left, everyone let out a long sigh of relief.
“You all remember this: nothing happened today. Anyone who dares to speak nonsense outside, I’ll take their dog life!” Madam Zhang became smug again, her expression fierce as she threatened Constable Jiang and the others.
Madam Qian also played along, immediately chiming in, “Madam, please rest assured. We were in the private room just now and saw and heard nothing.”
In the restaurant’s backyard, He Sheng drove the carriage over. He Nuan lifted the curtain, and Zhan Feiyu bid farewell to Zhang Minxian. “Sir, please stay.”
“Miss Zhan, travel safely.” Watching the carriage leave the backyard, Zhang Minxian’s face completely darkened.
After standing outside for a while, seeing Constable Jiang approach, Zhang Minxian finally asked, “What exactly happened?”
The constable who had reported earlier had only said that Madam Zhang had a conflict with someone at the restaurant. Zhang Minxian had rushed over upon learning that one party was Zhan Feiyu, without knowing the specifics of what had happened. Moreover, in the cold weather, why would Zhan Feiyu come to Linzhou Prefecture?
“Reporting to you, sir, your subordinate inquired with the restaurant owner…” Jiang Shan could be a constable, and Madam Zhang’s tantrums had been suppressed by Zhang Minxian several times, not because of this distant relative relationship, but because Jiang Shan truly had the ability.
The cause of the conflict was actually a drunken Hua Diao wine? This ridiculous trivial matter. Zhang Minxian touched his neck. If Qiu Jingyuan were not of noble status, he would have wanted to drag her to the yamen and give her a few planks. How could a daughter of a prestigious family clash with someone over a dish?
Constable Jiang dealt with conflicts of all sizes in Linzhou Prefecture daily and had seen many cases of bullying. Qiu Jingyuan had indeed kicked an iron board this time. If it were an ordinary person, they would have yielded the drunken Hua Diao chicken out of fear of the Qiu family’s name.
“No, you just said she was dining with an adult male and even called him teacher?” Zhang Minxian’s heart skipped a beat. The only person Zhan Feiyu could call teacher was Scholar Gu, who was far away in the capital.
As for Qiu Jinyu, according to the information Zhang Minxian had gathered, although Qiu Zongxi had been guiding Zhan Feiyu’s studies, she had always called him Old Master Qiu.
“Summon the owner!” The thought of almost meeting Scholar Gu made Zhang Minxian forget his embarrassment. He strode towards the restaurant.
The owner and the waiter who served the dishes described Gu Qingzhou’s appearance in detail. Moreover, Zhan Feiyu had indeed called him teacher. The waiter had been surprised at the time, thinking it was an elder taking his junior. He hadn’t expected them to be master and disciple.
“Sir, listening to the accents of those servants, they are indeed from the capital,” the owner, who ran a restaurant business that catered to all sorts of guests, could judge that the guards were all from the capital.
After asking Constable Jiang to instruct the owner and the others not to mention this matter further, Zhang Minxian got into his official sedan chair and headed back to the yamen.
As Feng Pingqing, his advisor, he always remained behind the scenes and rarely appeared in public. Therefore, even though he was worried that Madam Zhang would cause trouble for Zhang Minxian, he could only wait anxiously at the yamen.
Feng Pingqing, who was pacing back and forth in the room, heard footsteps and immediately opened the door to greet him. “Sir.”
Upon seeing Zhang Minxian’s expression and the scratches on his neck, Feng Pingqing knew that something bad had happened. “A virtuous wife brings little misfortune to her husband,” the ancients were indeed not deceiving.
“Let’s talk inside.” Zhang Minxian entered the room with a weary expression. Feng Pingqing immediately followed, signaling the servants to guard the outside, and then closed the door.
After Zhang Minxian explained the situation in detail, Feng Pingqing also looked speechless. Looking at the bloodstains scratched by fingernails on Zhang Minxian’s neck, he didn’t know what to say. This was not the daughter of a prestigious family; even a village shrew was not this shrewish.
“Sir, given Miss Qiu’s disposition, what about cooperating with the third branch of the Qiu family?” Feng Pingqing asked the most crucial question.
Zhang Minxian, sitting in the main seat, waved his hand in disdain. “With this kind of character and temper, do you expect her to control Yang Xu?”
Yang Xu might not be exceptionally outstanding, but judging by his closeness to Zhan Feiyu, it was evident that Yang Xu preferred intelligent and well-mannered young girls like Zhan Feiyu. Qiu Jingyuan lacked talent, and at such a young age, she was already so unreasonable and unruly. In Zhang Minxian’s opinion, even if Yang Xu was brainless, he wouldn’t take a liking to Qiu Jingyuan.
Even if the third branch of the Qiu family forced the marriage with Qiu Jinyu’s death, Yang Xu and Qiu Jingyuan would likely remain distant in the future. It was impossible to expect Qiu Jingyuan to influence him through pillow talk.
Feng Pingqing thought about it and agreed. He looked at his sir and madam; let alone a loving couple, they were a pair of resentful spouses. Feng Pingqing guessed that if time could be turned back, his sir would rather remain unmarried for his entire life than marry Madam, or rather, marry a tigress to bring disaster upon himself.
Seeing Feng Pingqing’s worry, Zhang Minxian was indifferent. “Even if we cooperate with the third branch of the Qiu family, it’s not something that can be done overnight. This matter requires long-term planning.”
Before meeting Qiu Jingyuan, Zhang Minxian had some expectations. He didn’t ask her to be as talented as Zhan Feiyu, but at least she should have been sensible, virtuous, or gentle and virtuous. Qiu Jingyuan was already spoiled by the Qiu family.
…
As night fell, Zhang Minxian did not return to the Zhang mansion. Instead, he went to the Red Maple Courtyard outside the city. It was not surprising if people knew about it. Madam Zhang had caused him so much embarrassment at the restaurant at noon. It was perfectly normal for him to stay at the manor for a while to relax with a confidante.
In the dark, sealed secret room, only the candlelight illuminated the space. The stagnant air in the confined room was not only stuffy but also cold and biting, as the secret room was underground.
Hearing the sound of the door opening, Zhang Yiyi, who was curled up in the quilt and shivering, finally looked up. Upon clearly seeing the person who had come, she sat up even more excitedly. The movement pulled at the chain forged from Xuan Tie on her ankle, making a clanging sound.
“Brother, Brother, I beg you, let me out! I’ll confess everything! Those eight scoundrels were killed by the Zhenbian Marquisate’s guards, not by Xiao Xu! The Marquis also framed Xiao Xu, harming his reputation! Brother, let me out! I’m willing to testify!” she wailed miserably. However, lacking strength, her cries were not loud, as if stifled in her throat, making people feel a touch of pity.
Having navigated the officialdom for many years, Zhang Yiyi’s seductive tricks were of no interest to Zhang Minxian. He coldly interrupted her wailing, “Enough. Since you are here, you should know that you will never get out in this lifetime unless Yang Xu is willing to let you out. But don’t forget your current identity.”
Originally a female prisoner detained in Xiangwu County prison, she now had the additional charge of escaping from prison on top of the murder charge. With compounded crimes, if Zhang Yiyi were truly released, she would likely face certain death. Being imprisoned in the secret room at least kept her alive.
The wailing stopped abruptly. Zhang Yiyi sobbed twice but dared not cry anymore. She also knew that crying was useless. Her hoarse voice, filled with hatred and unwillingness, said, “Yang Shoucheng is so heartless! He’s deliberately trying to ruin me.”
Even if she were arrested and imprisoned, there would be a day to clear her name. But now, this “escape from prison” had cut off all of Zhang Yiyi’s retreat routes, while also preserving her life. Yang Xu had no further attachment to Zhang Yiyi, his biological mother. Thinking of this, Zhang Yiyi wished she could pluck out Yang Shoucheng’s heart and see if his liver and gallbladder were black. How could he be so cruel to her? A husband and wife for a hundred days implies deep affection, let alone that she had given birth to his son, Yang Xu.
“You don’t need to resent Yang Shoucheng. It’s just the cycle of cause and effect, retribution is inevitable,” Zhang Minxian was too lazy to listen to her complaints. She had given Yang Shoucheng such a cuckold, and Yang Shoucheng hadn’t sent people to kill her all these years, which was already considered magnanimous.
As for Zhang Yiyi wanting to pretend that nothing had happened, and ideally return to the General’s mansion to become the General’s wife, and Yang Xu’s loving mother, that was simply a fantasy. No man would agree.
“Even if Yang Xu has been in Stone Village, you must have some understanding of him. In a few days, I will send a few young girls over. You teach them well. If they are capable of convincing Yang Xu in the future, you will be able to see the light of day again.” Zhang Minxian had already planned this.
After all, Zhang Yiyi was Yang Xu’s biological mother. Although she hadn’t visited Yang Xu in Stone Village before, Zhang Yiyi must have a clear understanding of the situation of the Yang family’s grandfather, son, and grandson in Stone Village. Moreover, she was well-versed in women’s methods. If she could indeed train a few useful people, even if they didn’t become Yang Xu’s pillow companions, but just someone he could talk to, they would be of great use in the future.
Compared to being confined in this dark secret room, where she would eventually go mad, having a few young girls come over was a good thing. Zhang Yiyi readily agreed. She might not have other skills, but she had a set of methods for dealing with men.
…
Xiangwu County, Qiu Mansion.
In the study, seeing Zhan Feiyu in good spirits, Qiu Zongxi was also relieved. He had been worried that Zhan Feiyu would be depressed after Gu Qingzhou left.
“I met someone in Linzhou Prefecture,” Zhan Feiyu suddenly said. Not only was Qiu Zongxi curious, but Yang Xu, who was practicing calligraphy beside him, also put down his brush. This person must be worth paying attention to, otherwise, Xiao Yu wouldn’t have mentioned it.
Zhan Feiyu looked at Yang Xu, making him feel uneasy, before slowly saying, “She is a daughter of the third branch of the Qiu family, named Qiu Jingyuan, I believe. And she is in Linzhou Prefecture, accompanied by an aunt. It is said that Qiu Jingyuan arrived in Shanzhou Prefecture before the New Year and spent the New Year at the Qian family’s residence.”
“Qiu Jingyuan?” Qiu Zongxi frowned. As she was the only young girl among the Qiu family’s juniors, even if she was from the third branch, Qiu Zongxi knew her name.
For an unmarried girl, especially from the scholarly Qiu family, and with the third branch emphasizing rules and constantly talking about etiquette, Qiu Jingyuan traveling alone was truly surprising to Qiu Zongxi.
“Xiao Yu, why are you looking at me like that?” Yang Xu asked, puzzled. With Qiu Jinyu as a precedent, Yang Xu was now very disgusted with people from the third branch and didn’t even want to mention them.
Zhan Feiyu suppressed a mischievous smile and winked playfully at Yang Xu. “As the old saying goes, a woman three years older is like a brick of gold.”
The Jinlong Guards were most adept at gathering information. Therefore, from leaving Linzhou Prefecture at noon until now, only two hours had passed, and Zhan Feiyu had already obtained a general understanding of Qiu Jingyuan. She was twelve years old after the New Year, exactly nine years older than Yang Xu. Moreover, she had only brought servants from Qianzhong Prefecture, which could be considered running away from home.
However, before Qiu Jingyuan left, Qiu Jinyu had not yet encountered danger. At this moment, anyone with a brain could figure out why the young lady Qiu Jingyuan had traveled thousands of miles to Longyou Prefecture.
“Hmph, one foreign spy isn’t enough, and now they’re targeting Young Master Xu’s marriage as well,” Qiu Zongxi said, hitting the table in anger, his dislike for the third branch, who would stop at nothing, growing even stronger.
Yang Xu also had a look of disgust, as if he had eaten a fly. Zhan Feiyu chuckled unreservedly. “The rumors outside say that Qiu Jinyu died saving you at Aozi Pass, so you owe the third branch of the Qiu family a life. It’s not unreasonable to ask you to marry Qiu Jingyuan.”
If Qiu Jinyu were truly the sole heir of the third branch and a renowned Xiaosanyuan, and he died saving Yang Xu, then this request was not excessive.
Yang Xu was stunned for a long time before snapping back to reality. The thought made his scalp tingle.
Especially knowing that Qiu Jingyuan was in Linzhou Prefecture, Yang Xu couldn’t help but regret not saying that Qiu Jinyu died at the hands of Zhu Xiao instead. That way, the third branch wouldn’t have been able to force him into marriage.
“Don’t look at me. I’m not good at this. Young Master Xu, you lack experience. Why don’t you practice with Qiu Jingyuan?” Qiu Zongxi pushed the matter entirely away. At his age, he was old. He didn’t care about romantic affairs. Tsk, it was better to let the younger generation handle it themselves.
Zhan Feiyu was certainly a jinx. Before it was time for dinner, a servant reported that Qiu Jingyuan had arrived. Her carriage was parked outside the gate of the Qiu mansion.
Qiu Zongxi handed the visiting card to Yang Xu without even looking at it. Whoever caused the trouble should be responsible for it.
“Teacher, the saying goes, ‘Lead the people with policy and keep them in line with punishments, and they will have no sense of shame. Lead them with virtue and keep them in line with rites, and they will have a sense of shame and will also come to their senses.’ How should this be understood?” Zhan Feiyu earnestly asked Qiu Zongxi for advice.
Beside them, Yang Xu, holding the visiting card, twitched his lips. Was Xiao Yu bullying him for being less educated? But even if he had read too little, he knew this sentence was from "The Analects," and Xiao Yu had already studied the Four Books!
If it were in the past, Yang Xu would probably have given up and refused. But at this moment, although unwilling, Yang Xu still stood up and walked towards the door. Since she had come for him, he indeed had to take responsibility for resolving it and not rely on others to solve everything.
In the carriage, Qiu Jingyuan was getting impatient. “Auntie, go and see what’s happening. Did the servant go to announce our arrival? Why is it taking so long!”
“Jingyuan.” Seeing that there were no visible wounds on Qiu Jingyuan’s cheeks, Madam Qian withdrew her gaze and persuaded, “This is Old Master Qiu’s residence after all. Old Master Qiu is highly respected. We are juniors. Let alone waiting for a while, we should wait even for an hour.”
Madam Qian gently persuaded the agitated Qiu Jingyuan, but inwardly, she felt disdain. Even if she was the only girl among the Qiu family’s juniors, what of it? She was merely spoiled, so she was presumptuous and dared to challenge Old Master Qiu.
Madam Qian wanted to cut open Qiu Jingyuan’s head and see what was inside. Was it all water? Even if the head of the Qiu family came, he couldn’t barge in without permission. Old Master Qiu’s seniority was here, not to mention that he had saved the Emperor and Scholar Gu’s lives.
Now that the Yang family had regained their status, and Old Master Qiu and Old General Yang were sworn friends, Madam Qian was certain that if Qiu Jingyuan dared to be even slightly presumptuous, she would be driven out of Longyou Prefecture.
“Miss, someone is coming out.” Qinghong, who was guarding the carriage, quickly replied as soon as she saw the door open.
Madam Qian also tidied her disguise and looked at Qiu Jingyuan. Seeing that there was nothing amiss, she let Qinghong lift the curtain to help Qiu Jingyuan alight from the carriage. She then followed.
As soon as Yang Xu came out, Zhan Feiyu and Qiu Zongxi followed closely behind. Whatever homework there was could be done later; it was better to watch the show first.
“Who are you?” Qiu Jingyuan frowned, looking at Yang Xu standing at the main entrance with disdain. He was just a dark-skinned boy, dressed so shabbily. Was he a servant of the Qiu mansion?
Uncle Grandfather was becoming less discerning, taking in any Tom, Dick, or Harry into such a grand mansion. Wasn’t he afraid of tarnishing the Qiu family’s good reputation?
“Jingyuan, this might be Young Master Yang,” Madam Qian was no longer angry. She had been angry so many times along the way that she had become calm. After all, this was just a beautiful but empty-headed person. Angering herself was not worth it.
Upon hearing that this was Yang Xu, Qiu Jingyuan became even more disdainful. As a daughter of the Qiu mansion, she liked refined and talented scholars.
Yang Xu was a dark-skinned boy, and also a sullen boy who looked like everyone owed him money. This shabby and unkempt appearance, even if he were to lead her horse, Qiu Jingyuan would find it distasteful.
Moreover, Longyou Prefecture was cold. Qiu Jingyuan had also been freezing for a while. Thinking that after marriage, she would have to marry into this barren land, spending her days with sandstorms or snow, Qiu Jingyuan wished she could leave immediately. She hadn’t fancied any of the talented young men in Longyou Prefecture; did she have to lower her standards and marry this crude, dark-skinned boy?
“Grandpa Qiu is not receiving visitors. Please return,” Yang Xu said with a straight face, handing the visiting card to the steward beside him and asking him to return it to Qiu Jingyuan.
Qiu Zongxi disliked the third branch. For years, even when juniors from the main family came, Qiu Zongxi would at most meet them once and then send them away, let alone people from the third branch. If he hadn’t sent servants with sticks to drive them away, it was already out of consideration for their common ancestor.
“How can you be so rude!” Qiu Jingyuan’s temper flared up instantly. She pointed at Yang Xu and cursed, “Do you know who I am? This is Qiu family territory. Who do you think you are to drive me away?”
If the Yang family had not regained their status, it would be understandable for Qiu Jingyuan to curse like this. But the Yang family’s grievances had been redressed, and Yang Xu was a proper young master of the General’s mansion and the future heir. In terms of status, he was much nobler than Qiu Jingyuan.
Yang Xu had experienced many things and was no longer the same person as before. At this moment, he no longer had a good expression towards the cursing Qiu Jingyuan. “I don’t know who you are, but I am Yang Xu of the Yang family. If you dare to curse one more word, I will make sure you cannot leave Longyou Prefecture!”
Zhan Feiyu, who was secretly watching from behind the main door, widened her eyes in shock and whispered, “Yang Xu can also bully people with his status.”
“I learned it from you,” Qiu Zongxi grunted. This was a case of learning from good and bad.
Qiu Jingyuan was so angry that she almost fell backward. The dark-skinned boy she disdained dared to threaten her! Qiu Jingyuan wished she could order the guards to teach Yang Xu a lesson immediately and make him kneel and beg for mercy.
But she had spoken too much earlier, and her cheeks still felt a slight stinging pain. This made the slapped Qiu Jingyuan suddenly afraid to be presumptuous. After all, given Yang Xu’s status, if he truly issued an order, the Qiu family’s help would be too far away to reach. In the end, Qiu Jingyuan would be the one to suffer.
Looking at Qiu Jingyuan, whose expression was distorted, filled with hatred and unwillingness, but who dared not curse anymore, Yang Xu suddenly felt that speaking like this was very satisfying. No wonder Xiao Yu spoke in this tone when she encountered people she disliked. To use Xiao Yu’s words: I just like that you hate me but can’t do anything about it.
Madam Qian didn’t want to watch the incompetent and troublesome Qiu Jingyuan. Her status was indeed noble, but that depended on who she was facing. Daring to be arrogant with the young master of the General’s mansion, did she not consider whether the other party would accept it?
With a fawning smile, Madam Qian took two steps forward and said with a slight smile, “Please bear with us, young master. Jingyuan is also upset due to the news of Big Master’s death, so she took her anger out on you, young master. Please forgive her.”
Qiu Jinyu died, and it was while saving Yang Xu at Aozi Pass. For this immense favor, Yang Xu should have treated Qiu Jingyuan well.
As soon as Yang Xu heard Qiu Jinyu’s name, his expression became even more unpleasant. Fortunately, his skin was dark, so his look of disgust and anger was not much different from his look of grief.
“Where is my brother’s body? I want to take him back to Qianzhong Prefecture,” Qiu Jingyuan said resentfully, glaring at Yang Xu. She was probably emboldened and her attitude was even worse than before. “If my elder brother’s spirit in heaven knew, he would rather save a beast than save some ungrateful, wolf-hearted, and dog-livered wretch!”
“The body is temporarily stored in the Yi Zhuang. If you want to go, I’ll have a servant guide you,” Yang Xu said curtly. Judging by his attitude, he had no gratitude whatsoever.
This made Madam Qian, who had been observing silently, feel a pang of unease. Was the information wrong? However, the news that had spread previously said that Yang Xu and Big Master had hit it off immediately and were as close as brothers. How could Yang Xu’s attitude change so drastically after Big Master’s death? Was he not too heartless? He was even too lazy to put on a pretense.
Qiu Jingyuan’s anger surged again. In her rage, she forgot Yang Xu’s threat from earlier and questioned him aggressively, “Are you treating your savior like this?”
Yang Xu sneered and retorted equally unceremoniously, “Don’t talk about the debt of saving a life. Firstly: I didn’t ask Qiu Jinyu to abandon the unarmed civilians of Xiangwu County to save me!”
“Secondly, that night at Aozi Pass, although there was an ambush, my father had already made arrangements. Those petty rats would have come in standing and left lying down. But because of your elder brother’s sudden appearance, our original plan was disrupted. To save him, I also sacrificed three of my subordinates! He deserved to die!”
Not only Qiu Jingyuan and Madam Qian were stunned, but Zhan Feiyu and Qiu Zongxi, who were peeking from behind the door, were also dumbfounded. Yang Xu’s progress was rapid! He was originally a dullard, but now he could concoct such convincing lies that even they almost believed him.
With Yang Xu twisting the facts like this, Madam Qian found it difficult to use Qiu Jinyu’s death as a reason. The Yang family had been prepared, but Qiu Jinyu’s sudden appearance disrupted the plan, and even caused Yang Xu to lose several subordinates. It was no wonder he was angry.
“You’re talking nonsense! You’re completely talking nonsense!” Qiu Jingyuan was unwilling to accept this explanation. She disliked this dark-skinned boy Yang Xu and didn’t want to be engaged to him.
But it was her business to dislike him. Her arrogance absolutely did not allow Yang Xu to break off the engagement.
In her rage, Qiu Jingyuan screamed, “You clearly don’t want to admit my elder brother’s life-saving kindness, so you’re making up stories here! My elder brother was killed saving you. Ask anyone in Longyou Prefecture, everyone knows my elder brother died because of you!”
“Enough. Whether you believe it or not, the truth is the truth. If it weren’t for Grandpa Qiu’s sake and to consider the Qiu family’s reputation, I wouldn’t have bothered to cover up for Qiu Jinyu at all. Since you want to see the body, then go. The Yi Zhuang closes after dark!”
Yang Xu dropped his words and then didn’t bother to find someone to guide them. After returning to the Qiu mansion, he directly told the gatekeeper to slam the door shut.
Looking at Zhan Feiyu and Qiu Zongxi standing by the side, Yang Xu’s cold expression instantly faded, and he returned to his usual demeanor.
“Yang Xu, Yang Xu, I didn’t expect you to be so good at deceiving people,” Zhan Feiyu walked over and patted Yang Xu on the shoulder, then turned to Qiu Zongxi and smiled, “Isn’t this what they mean by ‘scholars should be re-evaluated after three days apart’?”
“Well handled,” Qiu Zongxi also praised Yang Xu for the first time. Thinking of Qiu Jingyuan’s arrogant and overbearing attitude, it seemed that she was indeed a daughter of the third branch, equally arrogant and overbearing.
“Grandpa Qiu, Xiao Yu, I plan to release the news that I’m letting someone go. This way, the third branch won’t be able to use the life-saving kindness to threaten me.” Yang Xu suddenly realized that lying wasn’t that difficult, as long as he kept a straight face.
Once this news was released, the third branch of the Qiu family would surely retaliate, including those enemies of the Yang family who were lurking in the shadows. They would probably not miss any opportunity to tarnish Yang Xu’s reputation.
However, considering Yang Xu was still young, the rumor of his ingratitude would not have much impact on him. Moreover, people in the army valued ability the most, the ability to kill enemies with real swords and guns, not with words.
Having received the approval of Zhan Feiyu and Qiu Zongxi, Yang Xu rarely showed a smile. “I’ll go to the blacksmith’s shop to discuss with Old Man Tie now.”
Even though the Yang family had regained their status, Old General Yang still lived in Stone Village for the time being, and the blacksmith’s shop remained. However, only Old Man Tie was left now. His three sons had returned to the army and were currently under Yang Shoucheng’s command.
Perhaps wanting to avoid meeting Qiu Jingyuan outside, Yang Xu left directly through the side gate of the Qiu mansion.
Zhan Feiyu followed Qiu Zongxi towards the study. The excitement was over, and the homework still needed to be done.
But after a few steps, Qiu Zongxi suddenly stopped, staring at Zhan Feiyu with suspicion. “No, even the dullard Yang Xu could come up with a plan to get rid of Qiu Jinyu in a moment of crisis. You couldn’t have not thought of it. Little girl, what are you two up to?”
If they had said from the beginning that Qiu Jinyu had “absented herself from duty,” abandoned the civilians of Xiangwu County, and went to Aozi Pass to curry favor with Yang Xu, only to fail to save anyone and become a burden, causing several of Yang Xu’s subordinates to die while saving him.
In this way, even if the third branch had something to say in the future, people would have a preconceived notion. Moreover, Longyou Prefecture was Yang family territory, and the border residents were so supportive of the Yang family. They would surely believe Yang Xu’s account, and then Yang Xu would not have to worry about the debt of saving a life. The third branch would surely not dare to take advantage of the favor, let alone betroth Qiu Jingyuan to Yang Xu.
Zhan Feiyu grinned, her expression extremely innocent. “I don’t know. I’m just a child responsible for reading. These are adult matters. If you don’t know, sir, then I know even less.”
This matter was indeed agreed upon by Yin Wuyan, Gu Qingzhou, Old General Yang, and Yang Shoucheng. Why they only said that Qiu Jinyu died at Aozi Pass, at the hands of the enemy, Zhan Feiyu hadn’t really thought about it. After all, with Yin Wuyan and Gu Qingzhou present, she didn’t need to use her brain.
“The reason I don’t know is that I’m too lazy to bother with these trivial matters!” Qiu Zongxi said irritably. He didn’t know because he was used to living a carefree life and was too lazy to inquire about these power struggles and calculations. m..oΓg
However, thinking that Old General Yang and Yang Shoucheng were present at the time, Qiu Zongxi stopped probing further. Who knew if they had some plan, perhaps deliberately leaving a hand.