Her palm was smeared with a thick layer of ointment. The faint medicinal scent was not unpleasant. Zhan Feiyu looked at her惨不忍睹 (miserable and unbearable to look at) paws. It hurt the most when she was being hit, and although it still hurt now, it was bearable.
Gu Qingzhou watched Yin Wuyan use half of a small jar of ointment and couldn't help but twitch his eyes.
If His Majesty knew that the Jade Ointment, refined from Physician Wang's one hundred and eight precious medicinal herbs, was something that even the imperial concubines, princes, and princesses in the palace might not get a small jar of, yet the little girl used half a jar to smear her palm, His Majesty would probably curse it as a waste of good things.
Feeling greatly ashamed, Zhan Feiyu sniffled and shook her paws, "Teacher, I won't dare again."
"Three strikes and you're out," Gu Qingzhou said helplessly. The young girl said she was delicate, yet she had the audacity to go to Aozi Pass to rescue someone. But when she was called fearless, ten planks had made her cry.
Nodding obediently, Zhan Feiyu knew that with this lesson, she would definitely think twice before acting in the future. Being hit with planks was not only painful but also embarrassing.
"Since you're fine, come with me to pay respects to Mr. Qiu," Gu Qingzhou stood up. As a guest, it was already impolite not to meet the host immediately.
Zhan Feiyu also got up, grinned at Yin Wuyan beside her, and as they walked, she whispered, "Actually, it didn't hurt that much. I was just being a coward."
Yin Wuyan rubbed Zhan Feiyu's head with his large hand. He didn't speak, but his gaze towards Gu Qingzhou's retreating back held a hint of coldness.
In the front courtyard, the main hall.
If it weren't for a servant reporting, Qiu Zongxi and Old General Yang wouldn't have known that Gu Qingzhou had actually come to Xiangwu County. The two immediately went to greet them.
"Gu comes uninvited, and I ask Mr. Qiu to bear with me," Gu Qingzhou said with a hearty laugh, striding forward. He cupped his hands in greeting to Qiu Zongxi, and then added, "After parting ways back then, Old General, have you been well?"
Qiu Zongxi returned the greeting with a smile, "Minister Gu's demeanor has not diminished over the years. Please come inside."
After a few pleasantries, the three entered the main hall. Yang Shoucheng and Yang Xu followed behind, and Zhan Feiyu and Yin Wuyan also entered the door.
After taking their seats, Gu Qingzhou couldn't help but smile and say, "Gu has not disciplined well. Little Yu has been under Mr. Qiu's care recently."
Although Qiu Zongxi had not successfully poached her, he had been guiding Zhan Feiyu's studies during this time, making him half her teacher.
Everyone present were martial artists and naturally smelled the medicinal scent on Zhan Feiyu.
Yang Xu's gaze swept over her, and words of concern blurted out, "Little Yu, is your hand injured?"
Zhan Feiyu was a scholar. If her hand were injured, it would have a significant impact on her. Fortunately, Yang Xu was also worried out of confusion. Upon closer inspection, he realized that Zhan Feiyu's left palm was smeared with ointment.
Yang Shoucheng was slightly surprised, then understood. This injury was not an old one, and it was on her left palm. Without thinking, he knew it was inflicted by Scholar Gu's ruler.
"Your hand wasn't injured before!" Yang Xu spoke again. Earlier, he and He Nuan had been hiding in a dilapidated house at the village entrance, and later Little Yu had found them.
Yang Xu was certain that Zhan Feiyu's hands were not injured at that time. The most obvious was the arrow wound on her cheek.
Hearing this, Old General Yang and Qiu Zongxi understood. Scholar Gu had indeed been ruthless enough to act. Little Yu was intelligent and sensible. They would never bear to hit such a delicate and soft young girl.
Even Yang Xu, whom Old General Yang taught strictly, would not resort to corporal punishment lightly.
Qiu Zongxi often beat Yang Xu with a ruler, but that was when he was extremely angered. Usually, it only hurt for a moment, and even if his palm swelled, it would be fine within half an hour.
But Zhan Feiyu's palm was completely covered in ointment, and seeing that her eyes were still red, had the little girl cried?
"It was my rash actions before," Zhan Feiyu quickly replied. Being hit by her teacher's ruler, and even crying, was too embarrassing.
"Is it because of Brother Qiu's matter?" Yang Xu was indeed not very quick-witted. Hearing Zhan Feiyu's explanation, he assumed it was because of Qiu Jinyu's death.
Scholars cherished their reputation. Qiu Jinyu's death might cause Zhan Feiyu to be accused of being afraid of death, or even more seriously, of disregarding human life.
Although Qiu Jinyu was killed by guards of the Zhenbian Marquis Mansion, Zhan Feiyu also bore some responsibility. Yang Xu understood the principle that rumors could harm people and destroy them.
Gu Qingzhou's anger had already subsided, and he even regretted hitting Zhan Feiyu's palm so hard. However, Yang Xu, by bringing up this sensitive topic, caused Gu Qingzhou's expression to become stern again.
"Minister Gu," Yang Xu stepped forward and said solemnly to Gu Qingzhou, "Brother Qiu died because of me. Little Yu had no choice at the time. If Qiu's parents want to pursue responsibility, I will bear it alone and will absolutely not let anyone tarnish Little Yu's reputation."
Being burdened with the charge of murder would not only hinder Zhan Feiyu's imperial examinations but also affect her marriage. What prominent family would want to take in such a ruthless girl?
Looking at Yang Xu, who stood like a pine tree, his face still childish but his eyes resolute, Gu Qingzhou smiled gently and asked slowly, "This matter indeed started because of you, but the one who spoke was Little Yu. There were also over a hundred people present. Do you have the ability to silence everyone?"
Even secrets known only to heaven and earth, and between you and me, could be leaked. Moreover, when Qiu Jinyu was killed, there were a hundred guards from the Zhenbian Marquis Mansion, about ten people on Yang Xu's side, and over ten people on Zhan Feiyu's side. Who could guarantee that the news would not spread?
Stumped by the question, Yang Xu was taken aback. He opened his mouth but found himself speechless. He could restrain Lin Jiang and the others from leaking the news, but he was powerless regarding the Zhenbian Marquis Mansion.
Once again realizing his own powerlessness, Yang Xu looked at Zhan Feiyu with guilt. Meeting her smiling eyes, his guilt intensified.
"A gentleman is guided by his words, and restrained by his actions. Therefore, words must consider their consequences, and actions must be examined for their repercussions; then the people will be cautious in their words and careful in their actions." Gu Qingzhou's tone was calm, more like he was teaching Yang Xu to be cautious in his words and actions in the future.
Yang Xu, who had only roughly read the Four Books and had not yet touched the Five Classics, was completely bewildered.
Seeing this, Zhan Feiyu suppressed a smile.
Gu Qingzhou, being extremely astute, saw Yang Xu's bewildered look and knew he hadn't understood. He then looked at Zhan Feiyu, who was secretly smiling, "Little Yu, explain it to Yang Xu."
Called upon, Zhan Feiyu immediately stopped smiling, put on a serious expression with her round face, and said, "In simple terms, what Teacher said is: If something is not appropriate, do not make promises lightly. If you make promises lightly, you will be in a dilemma whether you act or not."
Zhan Feiyu's explanation was in plain language: do not promise others casually for inappropriate matters. If you make promises lightly, you will be in a dilemma where doing it is wrong, and not doing it is also wrong.
Yang Xu, who understood, nodded, "Thank you, Minister Gu, for your guidance. I will remember it."
Qiu Zongxi looked at the receptive Yang Xu and then at the intelligent Zhan Feiyu. As teachers themselves, Gu Qingzhou was truly lucky!
Thinking this, Qiu Zongxi, with his usually fiery temper, uncharacteristically directed his anger at Yang Xu, "Little Xu, since you remember, let this old man ask you, regarding Qiu Jinyu's death, if Qiu's third branch comes looking for you, what will you do?"
Earlier that morning, Qiu Zongxi had planned to give Yang Xu a month to think carefully, as it wouldn't be so soon for the third branch to come for Qiu Jinyu's body.
But now Qiu Zongxi didn't intend to wait. He knew that he wasn't going to bear the responsibility of Qiu Jinyu's death himself.
Uh... Yang Xu, once again put on the spot, looked at Qiu Zongxi with a bitter face. Grandpa Qiu was not playing fair.
The topic had circled back. Compared to Yang Xu's troubled distress, Zhan Feiyu, sitting on the side, watched the spectacle with indifference, exhibiting a shameless attitude of "letting others suffer while I enjoy myself."
Unable to stand her disciple's complacency, Gu Qingzhou spoke again, "Little Yu, this matter started because of you. Tell me, how do you plan to handle the aftermath?"
Qiu Jinyu was dead, and his body had been brought back by Qiu Zongxi's men and was currently in the mortuary. However, due to the barbarian attack and the large number of civilian casualties, all the coffins from the coffin shops were gone. Qiu Jinyu's body didn't even have a simple coffin.
As for the bodies of the ten guards, the mortuary couldn't accommodate so many bodies. They chose a hillside and buried them on the spot. From this, it could be seen that Qiu Zongxi truly disliked Qiu's third branch.
Qiu Zongxi completely disregarded the saying that "the dead should be respected." Even evil people, when dead, were still evil. The sins they committed in life would not disappear with their death.
Those who spoke of "debts disappearing with death" were benevolent people who, because the pain was not on them, could forgive and tolerate with false kindness.
Therefore, in Qiu Zongxi's eyes, even though Qiu Jinyu was dead, he still disliked him.
Teacher is really irritable today. Zhan Feiyu, once again called upon, had to say, "Qiu Jinyu left with his men at the critical moment of the barbarian attack to rescue Yang Xu. It can be said that he was loyal and righteous, and had deep brotherhood with Yang Xu."
At this point, Zhan Feiyu's dark, round eyes were filled with disdain. Everyone present, except for the blockhead Yang Xu, knew Qiu Jinyu's true intentions.
Zhan Feiyu continued, "But it can also be said that Qiu Jinyu was opportunistic, and in order to curry favor with Yang Xu, he treated the tens of thousands of people in Xiangwu County as mere dust. Such a hypocrite who is greedy for profit and driven by avarice, if he were to enter officialdom in the future, he would surely abuse his power for personal gain, disregard human life, and bring disaster to the people of a region. He is a parasite of the nation, and death is too good for him!"
Seeing Zhan Feiyu speaking passionately and eloquently, Gu Qingzhou interrupted, "Speak plainly!"
Her expression stiffened, Zhan Feiyu guiltily touched her nose, "The one who died was not Qiu Jinyu, but a barbarian spy."
"What?" A shocked voice sounded. Not only was Yang Xu stunned, but even Qiu Zongxi was taken aback. He probably never expected Qiu Jinyu to be fake.
At this moment, everyone present ignored Zhan Feiyu and their gazes all turned towards Yin Wuyan. Such secret information could not be investigated by anyone other than the Imperial Guards, as even Qiu Zongxi had not detected it.
Zhan Feiyu, who had revealed the secret, grinned smugly, showing a proud demeanor. Although her only cheat was invisibility, with her big brother around, what else did she need? With her big brother in hand, she had the world!
Yin Wuyan, being watched by everyone, maintained his aloof and indifferent demeanor, but his phoenix eyes subtly glanced at Zhan Feiyu, who was holding her chin high.
The young girl's courage was indeed great. Qiu Jinyu's identity had not even been fully ascertained by the Imperial Guards, and she dared to kill him after only finding a few clues.
"Colluding with the enemy and treason, Qiu Chuanqing deserves to die!" Qiu Zongxi roared, slamming his palm heavily on the table. The force was so great that the teacups on the table vibrated.
This made Zhan Feiyu inexplicably feel a pain in her palm. If this were not a rosewood table, she might have been smashed to pieces by Old Master Qiu's palm. Her hand hurt...
All the prominent families in Qianzhong Prefecture knew that Qiu's third branch outwardly showed great respect to the嫡支 (direct lineage) and was completely subservient to the current head of the Qiu family, the Governor of Qianzhong Prefecture, Minister Qiu. They obeyed his every command.
However, in private, the third branch resented the嫡支 for failing to win the position of family head in the past and had been plotting to seize power.
But no matter what the third branch thought or plotted in private, the嫡支 lineage occupied seventy percent of the family's resources and connections, with all the collateral branches sharing the remaining thirty percent.
As long as the juniors of the head of the family were not useless, the family head's seal would always remain with the嫡支 lineage.
Unable to openly seize power, the third branch could only resort to underhanded tactics. Once their cooperation with the barbarians was known to the imperial court, the third branch, including their in-laws and associates, would be held accountable. Even the嫡支 lineage would be implicated.
Qiu's third branch was determined to burn their bridges, and if they were unlucky, they would drag the entire Qiu family down with them.
Of course, if they were fortunate enough not to be discovered, with the help of the barbarians, the third branch's influence would continue to grow, and one day they might be able to replace the嫡支 lineage.
...
North wind blows snow, fourth watch, first watch. Jia Rui Heaven bestows the year's end.
Half a cup of Tusu wine has not yet been raised, and by the lamp, a small brush writes peach charms.
New Year's Eve was originally a night for reunion. Eating the New Year's Eve dinner, sending off the past year, and welcoming the arrival of the new year. Even the poorest families would have ten bowls on the table, with chicken, duck, fish, and meat displayed, symbolizing reunion and prosperity.
In the cold winter, listening to the firecrackers outside and looking at the fragrant and steaming broth, Old General Yang couldn't help but smile, "This is the first time in years I've eaten such exquisite dishes. This old man will offer this as a tribute. Everyone, please."
"Old General, you are too kind. Please," Gu Qingzhou also raised his wine cup. In previous New Year's Eves, he was at the Scholar's Mansion. Even with the old steward accompanying him, it was desolate. This year, it was truly lively.
After three rounds of drinks, everyone chatted while eating.
"Delicious!" The sweet taste of the winter melon soup spread in Zhan Feiyu's mouth. Her eyes lit up, and she immediately lowered her head and slurped it up. She also reminded everyone, "Teacher, you should drink less wine and drink the soup first."
Compared to Zhan Feiyu's good appetite, Yang Xu stared blankly at the soup served in a winter melon as a pot, his thoughts still lingering on the deceased Qiu Jinyu.
If Zhan Feiyu hadn't said it herself, Yang Xu would never have believed that the gentlemanly and upright Brother Qiu was actually a barbarian spy!
In Stone Village, Old General Yang's family of three would not go hungry. Of course, they could also find some game in the mountains. Occasionally, Yang Shoucheng would bring back some cooked food from a restaurant when he came to Xiangwu County, but the taste of the dishes was just average.