Liu family, study.
Liu Heyu, having washed off the dust, sat in a round-backed chair, her expression slightly weary.
Mourning ceremonies were inherently tiring, with too many trivial matters. Although the Liu family had many descendants, the number of relatives, friends, and business partners who came and went reached several hundred. The eight elders of the clan were advanced in age, and Liu Hejin was an unreliable dandy.
As for the old patriarch of the Liu family, he had spent his years cultivating his character and only held the title of patriarch. Therefore, these matters all fell to Liu Heyu. She had been busy for nine consecutive days. After the funeral this morning, and the coffin was buried in the Liu family's ancestral grave, Liu Heyu could finally relax.
"Young Madam, ginseng tea." The personal head maid handed her the ginseng tea and then said in a low voice, "Shopkeeper Tong has something important to report and has been waiting outside the study for a long time."
The ginseng tea was brewed with red dates and goji berries, its faint sweetness making one unconsciously relax. Liu Heyu put down her teacup, "Let Shopkeeper Tong in."
Shopkeeper Tong was about forty years old, with a shrewd and smooth look in his eyes.
Even though Liu Heyu was a married daughter, Shopkeeper Tong's attitude was still respectful. As the saying goes, "One emperor, one court." The Liu family was now managed by the young madam. Those shopkeepers who looked down on women had all been stripped of their power and were now idle.
"Young Madam, something has happened." Shopkeeper Tong quickly explained the situation, "Hong De of Jinyu斋 is currently inquiring everywhere about Master Sun's whereabouts."
They all did business in Huaian Prefecture. Shopkeeper Tong was well-informed. The plump shopkeeper had some distant relation to Master Sun's wife. Normally, for any matters concerning Jinyu斋, Master Sun would step forward to handle them.
Of course, the plump shopkeeper was also a shrewd person. He would offer his respects every year, whether it was to Master Sun's colleagues or the constables and yamen runners who were bribed. Naturally, they would look after Jinyu斋's business more favorably.
"The salt merchant Jin family?" Liu Heyu recalled, tapping the tabletop with one hand, "I remember the Jin family wanted to cooperate with us in the first half of the year."
"Yes, I heard that the court has a new method of salt production that can reduce the price of salt by ninety percent. These salt merchants are anxious. Some of them consider it nonsense, but the Jin family head is quite adept at maneuvering." Shopkeeper Tong remembered that it was the second master Jin who came at that time, the Jin family head's younger brother, but they had not reached an agreement.
As one of the four major salt merchants, the Jin family was incredibly wealthy and had some connections with court officials. Unfortunately, these connections were maintained by money. Once the price of salt dropped, and the Jin family could no longer engage in the salt trade, these connections would be severed.
The Jin family wanted to cooperate with the Liu family, claiming to have channels to make the Liu family's wine, tea, and fabrics tribute items. However, the imperial merchant Liu family was not short of money or connections. As for tribute items, the Liu family was not without channels, but being a tall tree attracting the wind, there was no need to invite disaster for the sake of adding flowers to the brocade. Of course, perhaps it wouldn't reach that point, but the imperial merchant Liu family truly had no intention of competing with those families for the tribute business.
"The Jin family head is an old fox, but his two children are a pity." Liu Heyu's mind conjured up Zhan Feiyu's image. Although the young girl was wearing plain clothes, she had brocade that money couldn't easily buy.
Moreover, with Zhan Feiyu's fair complexion and scholarly demeanor, anyone with a bit of sense would know that this young girl had a background. Furthermore, she was on the second floor of Jinyu斋, and yet they dared to bully her with their influence. They truly didn't know the saying that there is always someone better.
"The Jin family's young lady is only fourteen or fifteen years old and has been pampered since childhood. It's normal for her to have a temper. She can't compare to you, Young Madam." Shopkeeper Tong flattered her with a smile, which was also the truth. "I heard the Jin family's young master wants to apprentice himself to Prefect Chu."
Liu Heyu pondered for a moment, thinking of Zhan Feiyu, who was still imprisoned in the prefectural yamen. Logically, if the Liu family stepped forward to rescue her now, Zhan Feiyu would owe the Liu family a favor.
However, upon thinking of Zhan Feiyu's resolute and cold-blooded methods, and the two guards, a man and a woman, by her side, if she didn't want to go to prison, all the constables in Huaian Prefecture wouldn't be enough. It seemed Zhan Feiyu had another purpose.
"Shopkeeper Tong, you go and handle this. Have Master Sun stay in Liu Family Town for a few days. As for Prefect Chu, since Madam Wu accepted five hundred taels of silver from the Jin family, this news should be completely concealed." Liu Heyu smiled faintly, picked up her teacup again, and drank her tea leisurely. She wanted to see if Zhan Feiyu would regret being too clever for her own good once she was truly locked up in Huaian Prefecture's prison.
Although Shopkeeper Tong couldn't fathom Liu Heyu's intentions, he didn't dare to hesitate. "Yes, Young Madam, I'll go now."
Today was the day of the funeral. Because there were so many mourners, Prefect Chu personally led the prefectural yamen officials and most of the constables and yamen runners to Liu Family Town. After all, with thousands of people gathered, it was easy for trouble to arise if any unrest occurred.
As for the private matters, whether Prefect Chu was using the excuse of maintaining public order to interact with the Liu family or for other reasons, it was unknown.
Having departed from Huaian Prefecture before dawn and been busy all morning, Master Sun was quite tired. Fortunately, the funeral was over. Once everyone left Huaian Prefecture, he could finally have a few days of ease.
"Sir, the hot water is here." The young servant outside spoke in a low voice. After all, they had been enveloped in the smoke of incense, candles, and burning paper money all morning, and everyone carried a certain smell.
With a creak, Master Sun opened the door. "Bring it in."
...
The Liu family had arranged separate courtyards in the north of the town for the relatives and friends attending the funeral. The Prefect Chu and others from the prefectural yamen were also resting here temporarily.
"Sir." A constable walked over quickly, bowed to Prefect Chu, and reported, "Master Sun accidentally fell while washing up. The doctor says his lower leg is broken."
"That serious?" Prefect Chu was surprised for a moment, then got up and walked towards the door. "You lead the way."
A moment later, not only the doctor was there, but Liu Hejin also arrived. Seeing Prefect Chu approaching, he quickly went to greet him. "Prefect Chu, it is our Liu family's poor hospitality. Please forgive us."
"Eldest Young Master, there is no need for such formality. It was just an accident." Prefect Chu said loudly. Although Master Sun came to Liu Family Town because of the funeral, the injury was indeed an accident.
In the bedroom, the doctor was prescribing medicine. Master Sun was leaning on the bed. Upon seeing Prefect Chu enter, he quickly tried to get up, but Prefect Chu stopped him.
"No need for formalities. Be careful not to injure your leg again." Prefect Chu placed his hand on Master Sun's shoulder, preventing him from getting up. He then turned to the old doctor who was bowing and said, "Old Doctor, please rise. How is Master Sun's leg injury?"
Master Sun's fall was indeed unlucky. Because the ground was slippery, not only was his leg broken, but the ligaments in both his inner thighs were also strained. It takes a hundred days for bones to heal. For Master Sun, it would be best to recuperate in bed. If he rushed his journey, his injury could worsen.
"Please rest assured, Prefect Chu. Let Master Sun recuperate here. The doctor and medicine are all readily available." Liu Hejin quickly chimed in. Although he was an old dandy, he understood how to treat people, especially Prefect Chu, an official with whom the Liu family needed to maintain good relations.
"Then I will trouble you." Prefect Chu nodded slightly in thanks and then said to Master Sun, "You should also relax. Return to the city after your leg has healed. If you have any letters, you can have me deliver them to your sister-in-law."
"Thank you, Sir." Master Sun repeatedly expressed his gratitude.
...
He Sheng spent some silver, and Head Jailer Ma was also efficient. He bought everything He Nuan wanted. In less than half an hour, the prison cell was decorated like a room in an inn.
"Head Ma, is it really okay to keep them locked up like this? What if the girl's elders come looking for her?" Wang Er looked at the three walls covered with light blue cloth. How much money did this cost?
They, the jailers, not only received the silver from the plump shopkeeper of Jinyu斋, but they also received ten taels each now. Not to mention, they had also profited from buying these items. In just half a day, each of them had earned over twenty taels of silver, which was almost a year's salary.
Head Jailer Ma's expression was also somewhat solemn, but this matter was personally instructed by Madam Wu. What could they do? They could only keep the person locked up. As for how to keep her, that was their business. Even if they were outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant, Madam Wu couldn't personally inspect the prison. As long as these people weren't released, it would be fine.
"Alright, now that you've taken the silver, be smart. Give them whatever they want and don't offend them." Old Ma solemnly warned the jailers. When gods fight, mortals suffer! They could only try to appease both sides.
In the prison cell, Zhan Feiyu smiled and looked at He Nuan and the carriage driver in the opposite cell. "They intend to catch us all in one net."
Originally, only Zhan Feiyu and He Nuan were imprisoned. After He Sheng spent money to visit, he brought Zhan Feiyu the books and stationery she wanted. As a result, they couldn't leave once they arrived.
"Miss, please sit." He Nuan made the bed and then began to tidy the cabinet. Fortunately, an incense burner had been used, and the faint scent of sandalwood masked the unpleasant smell of the prison.
"A Nuan, you are truly virtuous." Zhan Feiyu turned back and smiled. The walls were covered with blue cloth, and the floor had been swept clean. Although it was just a bamboo bed, with a quilt laid on it, at least she could get a good night's sleep.
Beside the bed, a table and chairs were placed. Since they were still in prison, books, paper, and stationery could only be placed on the table. Zhan Feiyu's basin, cloth, and clothes were all placed in a wooden chest. The wooden basin and cups could only be temporarily placed on the lid of the chest.
When Old Ma knocked on the jailers and personally brought over the food box, he saw Zhan Feiyu writing at the table. Because she was sitting on a round stool, it was evident that the young girl had the posture of a pine tree. Her hand holding the brush moved slightly, accompanied by a faint scent of ink. Head Jailer Ma was truly stunned. She was still studying and writing even while in prison. How strict must her upbringing be?
He Nuan walked to the cell door, took the food box, and coldly warned, "Don't say what you shouldn't, don't ask what you shouldn't!"
After speaking, He Nuan extended her hand. In her palm was a ten-tael silver ingot. Then, to Head Jailer Ma's shocked gaze, He Nuan tightened her fingers, and the small silver ingot was crushed into a lump of silver.
Suddenly snapping back to reality, Head Jailer Ma hurriedly said, "I understand, I will definitely not speak carelessly!"
"Alright, when you collect the food box later, bring another pot of hot water and a wooden bucket with some cold water." He Nuan threw the silver lump she had crushed into a ball to Head Jailer Ma.
He Nuan looked at Zhan Feiyu, who was practicing calligraphy, "Miss, do you want to eat while it's hot?"
"There are still two more characters to write." Zhan Feiyu continued to write with vigor. Traveling for study was not good at all. It not only delayed time but also did not reduce the amount of homework.
Head Jailer Ma looked back. The scholars in Huaian Prefecture were probably all this diligent, but an eight or nine-year-old girl studying so seriously. Madam Wu had probably offended a noble person this time.
As Liu Hefeng's funeral ended, the mourners gradually left. Even if they wanted to get close to the imperial merchant Liu family, they couldn't be so eager; it would look too greedy.
The carriage stopped at the alley entrance. Zhang Changsong, although unhappy, still got out of the carriage. "Do we really have to go?"
"Changsong, we will all take the imperial examinations and become officials in the future. Even if we cannot befriend Zhan Feiyu, we absolutely cannot make enemies." Qiu Dingsi patted Zhang Changsong's shoulder to comfort him. Who could blame him? Zhan Feiyu had a good teacher, a Grand Academician of the current court, and the Emperor's most trusted minister.
If news of their animosity with Zhan Feiyu spread, during the future imperial examinations, the chief examiner, in order to curry favor with Scholar Gu, would surely make them fail. Even if they were lucky enough to pass, they would likely be assigned to remote areas as minor officials.
"Changsong, Young Master Qiu is right. Besides, I don't think Miss Zhan is someone who would kick someone when they're down." Old Master Zhang added his agreement.
Although there had been a commotion earlier over the dispute for the courtyard, Old Master Zhang managed the daily affairs for Prefect Zhang. Over the years, he had developed a good eye for people. Zhan Feiyu's eyes were clear and bright, indicating a straightforward person. Therefore, visiting them to apologize would bring nothing but benefits.
After knocking on the door for a long time, a waiter from the inn finally heard the noise and came over. "The guests who stayed in the small courtyard left last night. Their carriage and luggage are gone."
"Gone?" Zhang Changsong was surprised for a moment, but then he understood. Zhan Feiyu had no particular friendship with Liu Hefeng. She had come to Huaian Prefecture only to deliver a message for Qi Heng. It was normal for her to leave now.
After Zhang Changsong and the others left, the waiter closed the door and looked at the courtyard. The young girl who had stayed there was truly wealthy. She had given a hundred taels of silver, but she left without staying five days and didn't ask the shopkeeper to refund the remaining fifty taels.
Three days later, Huaian Prefecture returned to peace. The plump shopkeeper still hadn't found Master Sun, but his expression was a little more relaxed.
"Shopkeeper, Master Sun hasn't returned yet?" The servant ran over quickly, eagerly pouring a cup of tea for the plump shopkeeper. Although it was already September, the sun was still scorching at noon.
"Master Sun accidentally broke his leg and is recuperating in Liu Family Town. My sister has also gone to take care of him." The plump shopkeeper had initially suspected that someone had deliberately done this, but then he thought that who would dare to harm a court official? Master Sun's broken leg was likely just a coincidence.
"What about the yamen?" The servant saw the plump shopkeeper put down his cup and quickly poured another one.
The plump shopkeeper had been diligent these past few days. "I found Lord Dong again. That young lady left the next day. Xinglong Inn also checked out. The girl who broke our things before has quite a background. She probably didn't want to cause trouble, so she left Huaian Prefecture in the middle of the night. Zhao Datou, who guards the city gate, saw two carriages leave. I can finally sleep soundly."
Having managed Jinyu斋 for many years, the plump shopkeeper was also a shrewd man. He not only went to the prison to find the jailers but also used his distant relationship with Master Sun to find Director Dong. Although he was an insignificant eighth-rank official, he was still from the prefectural yamen and could gather information more accurately.
Combining the information from Xinglong Inn and the soldiers at the city gate, and knowing that Jin Baozhen was from the Jin family, one of the four major salt merchants, the plump shopkeeper finally believed that Zhan Feiyu and her party had indeed left Huaian Prefecture safely.