Wu Qiang was considered half a Liu family member and naturally recognized Liu Li, but he didn't dare to approach and curry favor.
Seeing Liu Li inquire, Wu Qiang quickly stepped forward to explain, "Fourth Young Master, this courtyard was originally reserved for Master Zhang, but Master Zhang went to the prefectural office to see Prefect Chu. It was occupied by someone else before he could get it."
"It wouldn't have mattered if it was just one courtyard, but my nephew needs to prepare for next year's imperial examinations and has lost a lot of weight recently. I had planned to have the cook make some vegetarian dishes to nourish him," Master Zhang said with a magnanimous and composed demeanor, but he deliberately highlighted Zhang Changsong's identity.
From ancient times, civilians did not fight with officials. Although Liu Li was a member of the Liu family, he was only a collateral descendant. Zhang Changsong, on the other hand, was the son of Assistant Prefect Zhang, and had already obtained the title of Xiucai.
If he passed the imperial examinations next year, he would become a Juren. Therefore, regardless of the reason, Liu Li, as the host, had to help Master Zhang "uphold justice" both in sentiment and reason.
While exchanging pleasantries with Master Zhang, Liu Li's eyes showed arrogance, but he was still polite. However, when he looked at He Sheng, there was only condescending contempt and disdain. "Let your master come out and answer!"
Even though He Sheng was usually taciturn, the word "answer" made his face turn cold. A collateral descendant of a merchant family dared to adopt such a condescending attitude, placing his young lady in the position of a servant.
After waiting for a long time, He Sheng did not move. Liu Li's face suddenly darkened.
No one in Huaian Prefecture had ever dared to treat him, Liu Li, with such disrespect. Yet today, a servant dared to embarrass him, and in front of outsiders like Master Zhang.
"Good, very good. No wonder you snatched Master Zhang's courtyard just now. You've got guts," Liu Li said with a smile, but his eyes were menacingly cold. "My Liu family's clan rules prohibit members from bullying others with their influence. Instead, people think my Liu family is weak and can be bullied."
"Nephew, there's no need to be angry. He's just an ignorant servant," Master Zhang chimed in, but his gaze swept over his entourage, and his brow furrowed.
They were in Huaian Prefecture to offer condolences to the Liu family. Although Master Zhang's group had more than ten people, there were only four guards. Two of them were behind Zhang Changsong, and Master Zhang only had two. One of the guards had a bloody head, so there was no one to call upon if a fight broke out.
Liu Li was in the same situation. He hadn't even brought any guards, only a young servant. The situation immediately became awkward. Who would have thought that someone in Huaian Prefecture would dare to challenge Liu Li? The Liu family's prestige was no longer effective, and they could only rely on martial force to intimidate, but they didn't bring enough manpower.
"Ah Sheng, what happened?" Just then, a clear voice broke the silence. Master Zhang and Liu Li subconsciously breathed a sigh of relief.
He Sheng quickly stepped aside, and everyone saw a delicate young girl emerge, followed by a young woman. Although both were dressed in plain clothes, anyone with discerning eyes could tell that the young girl was the master.
Zhan Feiyu surveyed the people in front of her. Her words were polite, but her attitude was firm. "We have already settled into this courtyard. Please find another place to stay."
Neither Master Zhang nor Liu Li, with their esteemed status, could stoop to arguing with a young girl. Wu Qiang, being observant, quickly stepped forward.
Wu Qiang scoffed and said arrogantly, "This Master Zhang comes from an official family in Fengzhou. This is Fourth Young Master Liu. Young lady, when you travel without an elder to guide you, it's inevitable that you don't know the gravity of things."
To show off, Wu Qiang was clearly speaking falsehoods. "This courtyard was originally booked by me for Master Zhang. You snatched it first, and Master Zhang is not holding it against you, but you should be sensible. Otherwise, if you offend someone you shouldn't, your elders might not be able to handle the consequences."
Looking at Wu Qiang, who was acting like a tiger borrowing its might, Zhan Feiyu was not intimidated. Instead, she smiled and said slowly, "My elders are far away in the capital. If you want revenge, feel free to go to the capital."
Even the current Emperor treated Gu Qingzhou as both a subject and a friend. Over the years, even princes had to respectfully address Gu Qingzhou as Minister Gu. The Zhang and Liu families combined were not qualified to even catch Gu Scholar's eye.
Liu Li's heart skipped a beat. No wonder this young girl had an extraordinary bearing; she was from the capital.
As the saying goes, a minor official outside the prime minister's gate is still a seventh-rank official. No matter how arrogant and self-important Liu Li was, he knew that nobles in the capital were as numerous as cattle hairs. If he offended one carelessly, it might be a royal relative.
Master Zhang glanced at the wary Liu Li and a flash of disdain crossed his mind. Merchants were indeed just merchants. No matter how much money they had, their inherent vulgarity could not be hidden.
"Young lady, your elders letting you travel alone with a few servants suggests poor upbringing," Master Zhang said disdainfully. Daughters from scholarly families were taught from childhood, and rules and etiquette were ingrained in their bones.
When they traveled, not only would they be accompanied by elders, but also by nannies, maids, servants, and guards. That kind of presence and grandeur was something a young girl like her could not understand. It seemed Liu Li also didn't understand.
Zhan Feiyu looked at Master Zhang, who considered himself superior, and said in a drawn-out, childish voice, "No matter what you say, I'm staying in this courtyard. Don't you two understand the principle of first come, first served?"
"You!" Seeing Zhan Feiyu's infuriating demeanor, Master Zhang was furious, and his words became sharp. "I spoke a few words to you because you are young, but you are ungrateful. Today, I must teach you some manners on behalf of your elders!"
After hearing Master Zhang's words, Liu Li had figured it out. If she were a noble lady, how could she travel alone? This rebellious young girl probably had no significant background.
The young girl was willing to stay in the independent courtyard of Xinglong Inn, which suggested she was from a merchant family, and as a merchant family, the imperial merchant Liu family was not afraid of anyone.
Ignoring the enraged Master Zhang, Zhan Feiyu said to He Nuan, "That's why it's better to act than to waste words."
He Nuan nodded in agreement. When traveling, it depended on who had the stronger fist! When paths cross, the brave wins. Fight first, and then deal with the consequences of the elders coming for the younger.
Seeing Zhan Feiyu's unyielding attitude, Liu Li also became angry. With a wave of his hand, the servant he brought, along with Master Zhang's two guards, a coachman, and two servants—a total of six people—rushed over.
Wu Qiang, seeing this, rolled up his sleeves and joined the fray. However, he wasn't stupid. His fists were aimed at Liu Dapeng, with whom he had just fought. He was in pain all over, and he shouted with a hoarse voice, but in reality, he was just putting on a show for the nobles.
Zhan Feiyu and He Nuan stood under the shade of the trees, watching He Sheng fight like a demon.
Among the six people, only two guards were trained martial artists. In the blink of an eye, all six were lying on the ground, unable to get up.
Uh... Liu Dapeng and Wu Qiang were dumbfounded. It ended so quickly? They had planned to fight for a while and then pretend to be exhausted and fall to the ground, but now they were just standing there foolishly. Falling down now would be too fake.
Liu Dapeng suppressed a smile, while Wu Qiang almost cursed his ancestors. What was going on? In the end, he could only look at Liu Dapeng with pleading eyes. Being beaten by someone surnamed Liu was better than rushing forward to be a human shield.
Finally, he could get revenge. Liu Dapeng grinned sinisterly and unceremoniously punched Wu Qiang in the face.
Wu Qiang fell to the ground with the momentum, struggled a few times, and then lay completely still.
Zhan Feiyu couldn't help but praise such realistic acting. These two probably did this often; their movements looked quite practiced.
Master Zhang and Liu Li's faces turned as black as charcoal. Looking at Zhan Feiyu, who was smiling sweetly, they inexplicably recalled the saying: the soft fear the hard, and the hard fear the stubborn. Zhan Feiyu was a stubborn fool who didn't know the terrible consequences of offending the imperial merchant Liu family.
"Fourth Brother Liu?" a voice of uncertainty sounded from the alley entrance.
Liu Li turned his head and saw five or six young men standing at the alley entrance, followed by about a dozen burly guards, all wearing weapons at their waists.
"It really is Fourth Brother Liu." The leading young master strode over, looking at the people lying on the ground with surprise. "Fourth Brother Liu, what's going on? Who dared to cause trouble?"
Liu Dapeng, who had been frequenting Huaian Prefecture for years, recognized these people at a glance and instinctively shrank into a corner.
These were the notorious young masters of Huaian Prefecture, all from military families. They had practiced horse stance and stood firm from the age of three or five, often taking guards to hunt outside the city. It was said they had all shed blood.
Liu Li suppressed his anger and exchanged pleasantries with them, briefly explaining the situation with the courtyard. "This is the Zhang family from Fengzhou. You can call him Uncle Jin."
The Zhang family of Fengzhou was not particularly famous, but this time, Liu Hefeng died in Fengzhou, and Liu Li was responsible for the reception, so he learned a little about the situation. The Assistant Prefect of Fengzhou was from the Liu family.
"Uncle Jin." The young masters bowed their fists. Although this person did not appear to be an official, he represented Assistant Prefect Zhang, and they would certainly give him face.
"No need for formalities. Changsong is still visiting Prefect Chu and has not returned. You are of similar age, so I'm sure you'll get along," Master Zhang said with a smile, but he dared not be presumptuous. Although he was Assistant Prefect Zhang's cousin, he had no scholarly title himself and was only responsible for the Zhang family's business and miscellaneous affairs.
All the inns and taverns in Huaian Prefecture were full. However, none of the young masters present lacked an empty courtyard or estate. Logically, Master Zhang and his group should have been allowed to stay there.
But the key was that He Sheng had beaten up the guards and servants. If this insult was not avenged, how could Liu Li continue to walk in Huaian Prefecture in the future?
"A mere guard, relying on his skills, dares to commit violence in Huaian Prefecture?" A seventeen or eighteen-year-old youth stepped forward, holding a horsewhip, his fierce eyes looking at He Sheng as if he were dead.
Because of Liu Hefeng's death, Huaian Prefecture was in mourning, and ordinary people dared not eat meat or fish. Brothels were also closed, and there was no place for entertainment.
Furthermore, their elders had repeatedly instructed them not to cause trouble before Liu Hefeng was buried.
Feeling stifled, they encountered someone who was clearly looking for trouble. Tian Zijian spoke, "Fourth Brother Liu, I apologize for my rudeness today. Please forgive me."
As soon as he finished speaking, Tian Zijian whipped his horsewhip fiercely towards He Sheng's face. The whip cut through the air with a whistling sound. As expected of a military family's child, even a dandy had some skill.
He Sheng, who was unarmed, seemed to be stunned. It wasn't until the whip was about to hit his face that He Sheng raised his hand and grabbed the whip. No matter how hard the youth tried, the whip remained motionless in He Sheng's grasp.
Had he encountered a master? The leading young master's face darkened, and he stepped forward, placing a hand on Tian Zijian's shoulder. "Let go!"
"I..." Tian Zijian's face turned red with anger. He was at the most impulsive and irritable age. Having lost face in public, his anger was imaginable.
He Sheng glanced at them but released his hand first.
The leading young master then looked at Zhan Feiyu, his attitude becoming more solemn. Having such a skilled guard suggested that this young lady had a significant background.
"Young lady, you must know that this is Huaian Prefecture. Even dragons have to coil here, and tigers have to crouch!" the leading young master said with a cold expression, his eyes sharp with chilling intent and killing intent. "You indulge your guard in committing violence. Considering your youth, you should give up the courtyard. As for your guard."
He deliberately paused, then looked at He Sheng coldly. "It is not advisable to kill during these days, so you should leave your hands here."
These words were spoken with great condescension. Liu Hefeng's coffin was still at the Liu family's residence. Killing at this time would be disrespectful to the Liu family. As for leaving He Sheng's hands, these words were not empty threats.
No matter how strong He Sheng's skills were, this was Huaian Prefecture. A strong dragon could not suppress a local snake, let alone the imperial merchant Liu family and these people, who were not insignificant local snakes but strong dragons themselves. Zhan Feiyu alone was not something they feared.
"There's no need to waste words with them. They won't shed tears until they see the coffin!" Tian Zijian said coldly, his fierce gaze fixed on Zhan Feiyu like a beast eyeing a rabbit, ready to pounce and tear her apart.
"Zijian, forget it. Why argue with a mere girl?" a companion chuckled, putting an arm around Tian Zijian's shoulder and pulling him aside. He had a younger sister of similar age to Zhan Feiyu, so he was showing some consideration.
Offending an unknown young lady might bring unnecessary trouble to the family, but breaking her guard's hands was different. It wouldn't matter if they were cut off, or even killed. He was just a guard, less important than the horses they rode.
Zhan Feiyu coldly watched the young master, who acted as if he were bestowing a favor. Her fair, round face showed no anger. "What if I don't agree? Do you dare to disregard human lives in broad daylight?"
Zhan Feiyu pointed to the guards standing nearby. "Are they soldiers of Daqing Dynasty? Or are they your trained assassins?"
A young master killing people and commanding imperial soldiers to disregard human lives were two completely different situations. The latter could escalate to treason and rebellion.
"What a sharp-tongued little girl!" The leading young master's expression turned completely cold. He finally understood why Liu Li's face had been so ugly just now. This young girl, despite her young age, was exceptionally difficult to deal with.
"Don't be polite with them. Just kill them!" Tian Zijian ordered the guards behind him. "Take them all down. Anyone who resists will be killed without mercy!"
A mere guard dared to defy them. Killing them was deserved!
Unlike Master Zhang's guards and servants, the men behind Tian Zijian were all soldiers from the卫所 (Wei Suo - military garrisons). They were chosen by their elders and would become their personal guards in the future.
However, Tian Zijian and the others had not yet settled down. After a few more years, when they passed the martial examinations and entered the army, these men would be their most loyal personal guards.
A few guards stepped forward, drawing their military sabers. The肅殺 (sù shā - solemn and murderous) aura was chilling.
"Ah Sheng, step back. Let me see who dares to make a move today!" Zhan Feiyu stepped forward, her gaze sweeping over the military sabers of the guards, and she sneered sarcastically, "This is not a battlefield, and there is no military order, yet you point your sabers at ordinary people. Do you consider the 'Laws of Daqing' a decoration?"
In the alley, the confronting parties looked somewhat comical. One side was a young girl with red lips and white teeth, and the other side was five soldiers holding military sabers, exuding a solemn and murderous aura.
Liu Li and the others were shocked by Zhan Feiyu's audacity. Most people in this situation, even if they didn't wet their pants from fear, would be trembling and pale. Yet this young girl was not afraid of death and was even sharp-tongued, putting the soldiers in a difficult position.
If they retreated, it would not only be a loss of face but also a violation of Tian Zijian's orders. Subordinates who did not follow their master's orders had no reason to exist.
But if they dared to make a move, it would be even more troublesome. Everyone could see that Zhan Feiyu had a background and origin. She was not some stray cat or dog on the street; killing her would be that. Once the subsequent problems arose, no one could handle it.
The situation reached a stalemate. Zhan Feiyu looked at the guards who did not make a move, and her expression softened slightly. They were not entirely beyond hope! If the soldiers of Daqing Dynasty only knew how to point their swords at ordinary people, it would be a great disrespect to say that the country was not far from ruin.
"Did you not hear me when I told you to make a move? Are your ears deaf?" Tian Zijian, probably driven mad by Zhan Feiyu's calm and composed demeanor, roared and rushed forward, snatching the saber from the nearest guard and hacking at Zhan Feiyu.
Hoo...
Everyone was stunned. No one expected Tian Zijian to go mad like this.
Killing an insignificant guard had completely different consequences from killing this young girl. If this matter was reported to the yamen, it would be a capital offense.
He Sheng and He Nuan's expressions turned cold, but before they could make a move, Zhan Feiyu acted first.
In the quiet alley, everyone only saw Zhan Feiyu sidestep with a swift movement, evading Tian Zijian's saber, and then kick hard at his knee with her right foot.
The moment Tian Zijian cried out in pain and knelt down, Zhan Feiyu grabbed his wrists with both hands, twisted them, and as the saber fell, Zhan Feiyu picked it up with her left hand.
By the time everyone reacted, Zhan Feiyu's saber was already at Tian Zijian's throat. And she had not held back at all. The sharp blade had cut through his skin, and bright red blood gushed out. Fortunately, the wound was not deep, otherwise, even a god would not have been able to save Tian Zijian.
"So strong?" Liu Dapeng, who was cowering in the corner, looked at Zhan Feiyu, who was wielding the saber, with wide eyes. He wiped his face fiercely. Who was this girl's family? She was too formidable.
Master Zhang and Liu Li were also dumbfounded. Who would have thought that such a beautiful young girl would be so fierce? Even though Tian Zijian was careless, the swift and decisive movements showed that she was a seasoned martial artist.
So she was not from a merchant family, but the daughter of a military official. No wonder her family dared to let her travel with servants. Liu Li quickly stepped forward, his attitude much more respectful. "May I know your surname, Miss? Zijian has offended you greatly just now. I hope you will show mercy."
The daughter of a merchant, whom they had bullied, could only be endured. But offending a military official would be troublesome. No matter how strong the Liu family was, they did not dare to openly oppose the imperial court. Civil officials were difficult to deal with, and military officials were equally so; they could truly kill people if they disagreed.
"If you have the guts, kill me!" Tian Zijian had never been so humiliated in his life, being forced to his knees by a young girl. Tian Zijian's eyes turned red with anger, and he went mad again, not caring that the knife had deepened the wound.
"As I said, do you consider the 'Laws of Daqing' a decoration when you commit murder and assault in the street?" Zhan Feiyu sneered. With a flick of her right hand, the blood-stained saber flew up, and a nearby guard quickly caught it. It was good that no life was lost, otherwise, there would be no way to resolve it.
Tian Zijian, now free, stood up abruptly, touched the wound on his neck, and glared at Zhan Feiyu with murderous eyes. "If you have the guts, tell me your name!"
Just as Zhan Feiyu was about to speak, she saw seven or eight constables running from the alley entrance, shouting loudly, "Who is causing trouble in Huaian Prefecture?"
Tian Zijian looked at the blood on his hand and smiled triumphantly. "Constable Zhao, you've come at the right time. The villain is here. Look at my neck. If you had come any later, I would have lost my life here."
The wound on Tian Zijian's neck was not fake, and it was still bleeding profusely. But seeing him point at Zhan Feiyu, Constable Zhao was stunned. "Is this the culprit?"
Compared to losing face, Tian Zijian would rather see Zhan Feiyu imprisoned. "So many eyes are watching. This young lady is a martial artist. Fourth Brother Liu is also here."
Constable Zhao glanced at the fair-skinned and tender Zhan Feiyu. She looked like a pampered young lady from a wealthy family. Tian Zijian, although a dandy, was also the young master of a Zhenfu family, who had grown up practicing martial arts.
Liu Li hesitated for a moment, but he also knew that Tian Zijian and his group always acted in unison, sharing honor and disgrace. If he did not speak up, he would offend not only Tian Zijian but also all the younger generation of the military families in the Wei Suo.
"Precisely so. The wound on Zijian's neck was inflicted by this young lady with a knife," Liu Li said. Compared to the young girl whose background was unknown and who would eventually leave, Tian Zijian and the others were undoubtedly more important.
Constable Zhao glanced at the blood-stained saber in the guard's hand and then loudly declared, "Bold villain, daring to commit assault and injury in the street! Take her away!"
The soldiers of the Wei Suo did not have the right to arrest people, but the constables of the prefectural office did. Even if Constable Zhao arrested her without asking for details, the fact remained that Zhan Feiyu had injured Tian Zijian, and so many eyes were watching.
Tian Zijian, covering his wound with a handkerchief, smiled triumphantly, provocatively looking at Zhan Feiyu. She was sharp-tongued and skilled, wasn't she? If she was not afraid of death, she should make a move. If she was killed by the constables in the street, it would be her own fault!
Zhan Feiyu was also straightforward. "Alright, then let's go to the Huaian Prefecture yamen."
He Nuan and He Sheng immediately stepped forward, intending to go to the yamen together.
"Ah Sheng, you stay and watch the luggage," Zhan Feiyu said, turning her head. She didn't want the luggage to be thrown out.
Not taking this guard? The constables were unaware, but Liu Li and the others were stunned. Especially when they saw He Sheng actually turn back and walk away, they were even more shocked. Was this young girl a fearless newborn calf, or did she have a trump card?
In fact, even if He Sheng hadn't stayed behind, Master Zhang had no intention of staying here. After causing so much trouble for a courtyard, Master Zhang regretted it a little. With Assistant Prefect Zhang's status, couldn't they find a place to stay in Huaian Prefecture?
...
Whether it was Commander Qiu or Assistant Prefect Zhang, both were officials appointed by the imperial court. It was inconvenient for them to leave Fengzhou for Huaian Prefecture, so they sent Qiu Dingsi and Zhang Changsong.
Besides offering condolences to the Liu family, the two also visited Prefect Chu at the prefectural office. Commander Qiu, Assistant Prefect Zhang, and the Liu family had intricate connections, and thus they naturally had some connection with the Prefect of Huaian.
"It is inconvenient this time. Nephews, you can stay in Huaian Prefecture for a few days in the future," Prefect Chu was a refined person, slender and fair-skinned, looking like a frail scholar at first glance.
Except when necessary, Prefect Chu always wore a blue long gown and rarely wore official robes. If he walked on the street, no one would have thought he was the dignified fourth-rank prefect.
"Thank you, Lord Chu. We will take our leave first." Qiu Dingsi and Zhang Changsong were respectful. They were juniors, and Commander Qiu was roughly at the same rank as Prefect Chu, while Assistant Prefect Zhang was two ranks lower. Since Prefect Chu was polite, they dared not be presumptuous.
After leaving the prefectural office, Qiu Dingsi and Zhang Changsong exchanged glances. Talking with an old fox like Prefect Chu was truly tiring. His amiable warmth was just a facade; his hidden depths were the essence.
"You are still young. Next year is the provincial examination, and three years later is the metropolitan examination. It will take several more years for you to enter officialdom," Qiu Dingsi said, patting Zhang Changsong's shoulder reassuringly. Perhaps after they gained more experience, they would no longer be in awe and fear of people like Prefect Chu.
Zhang Changsong always competed with Qi Yan in Fengzhou, but his possession of the Xiucai title showed his inner strength. At this moment, he said with a bitter smile, "Even if I pass the imperial examinations, what of it? An assignment outside would be at most a seventh-rank county magistrate. Zhan Feiyu's luck is so enviable."
Unless one was among the top scholars in the imperial examinations, it was impossible to remain in the Hanlin Academy. Assignments outside were for minor officials. By the time they gained seniority, they would at most be at the same level as their fathers.
The third rank was a hurdle, and without patronage in the court, one could never become a high-ranking official. A fourth-rank prefect was the limit. Zhang Changsong was ambitious, which was why he was so apprehensive and why he envied and hated Zhan Feiyu.
"Zhan Feiyu?" Qiu Dingsi was startled.
Zhang Changsong was waiting for his response, but after a long pause, he heard no sound. Zhang Changsong couldn't help but look up and was also stunned. In the group of people walking towards the prefectural office, besides a few constables in official robes, the person walking in the middle was Zhan Feiyu, who had left Fengzhou almost three months ago.
"That's my cousin!" Zhang Changsong saw Master Zhang, who was lagging a little behind, and his face turned completely dark. Whenever Zhan Feiyu was involved, others were bound to suffer.
Qiu Dingsi also frowned. It was one thing that they couldn't understand a court official like Prefect Chu, but Zhan Feiyu, despite being a young girl, was still unpredictable in her actions.
Thinking of Scholar Gu behind Zhan Feiyu, Qiu Dingsi quickened his pace. They were only here to offer condolences to the Liu family and did not want any complications.
Master Zhang's eyes were sharp, and he saw Zhang Changsong and Qiu Dingsi, so he immediately went to greet them, saying with a smile, "Changsong, you've come at the right time. Let me introduce you to Fourth Young Master Liu Li. These few are..."
Liu Li was sent by the Liu family to receive Zhang Changsong and Qiu Dingsi's group. As for Tian Zijian and the others, they had just met by chance. However, Master Zhang understood that they were all sons of military officials, and building good relationships with them would be beneficial for Zhang Changsong's future career.
"Changsong..." Before Liu Li could say the word "brother," he saw Zhang Changsong walk past him, which made Liu Li's face turn instantly ugly. Was Zhang Changsong disdainful of greeting him?
Zhang Changsong really had no intention of exchanging pleasantries with Liu Li.
He stopped and looked at Zhan Feiyu in front of him. Zhang Changsong inexplicably felt a prickling sensation on his scalp. "Miss Zhan, are you also here to offer condolences to the Liu family?"
At this time and place, besides coming to offer condolences, Zhang Changsong did not believe that Zhan Feiyu had come to Huaian Prefecture for any other reason.
Did they know each other? Liu Li and the young masters exchanged glances. Were they not from the capital, but from Fengzhou?
Instantly, Liu Li and the others looked at Master Zhang. Zhang Changsong knew her, but his cousin did not, and they even got into a fight, which eventually led to the prefectural office. What was this all about!
"Young Master Zhang, Young Master Qiu." Compared to their solemn preparation, Zhan Feiyu casually greeted them, her attitude seeming somewhat dismissive.
Liu Li and the others looked closely. Zhang Changsong and Qiu Dingsi showed no displeasure on their faces. What did this mean? This young girl's background was even greater, which was why they dared not mind Zhan Feiyu's rudeness.
Qiu Dingsi, being older, spoke first. "Miss Zhan, if you are going to the Liu family to offer condolences, we can travel together tomorrow morning."
Upon hearing this, Liu Li was completely dumbfounded. So this young girl came to Huaian Prefecture to visit the Liu family, which meant she was at least a relative or friend of the Liu family. Thinking of the conflict in the alley of Xinglong Inn earlier, Liu Li wished he could crack Master Zhang's head open. Had he lived all these years in vain?
The young masters also had nothing to say. What was this all about?
"Young Master Qiu is too kind. I am only going on behalf of Qi Heng. Although Liu Hefeng deserved his fate, he did help Qi Heng at one point." Zhan Feiyu's attitude was distant and cold. After speaking, she looked at the constables. "We can go now."
There were still people who willingly went to the yamen! Constable Zhao almost knelt down to Zhan Feiyu. He had only tried to curry favor with Young Master Tian by siding with him, and now he was in a difficult position.
The other constables also wore bitter expressions. When gods fight, mortals suffer!
These young masters usually resolved their conflicts privately. Why did they call the constables this time? What kind of people were they? A mere constable could offend anyone and get into serious trouble.
"This is a case of the Dragon King Temple being flooded by the Dragon King's own temple. Family members not recognizing each other." Liu Li also shamelessly tried to get closer, wishing he could severely beat the foolish Master Zhang. Did he not inquire before trying to snatch the courtyard?
"No need. I have no acquaintance with Liu Hefeng," Zhan Feiyu replied coldly.
Even though Liu Hefeng had helped Qi Heng with his affairs, it was merely a transaction. In essence, Liu Hefeng was still a violent villain who disregarded human lives and had indirectly caused the deaths of many people.
Liu Li was stunned. What did this young girl mean? Not only did she address the second young master by his name, but she also showed no respect. At first hearing, she sounded more like an enemy!
Liu Hefeng's death was publicly announced as assassination by a sworn enemy. After leaving the Liu family in his early years, Liu Hefeng first went to the border for a few years, then went to Fengzhou, and never returned even for festivals.
Therefore, even the direct descendants of the Liu family had almost forgotten about Liu Hefeng. As for Liu Hefeng's affairs in Fengzhou, they knew even less. Otherwise, based on Zhang Changsong's address of "Miss Zhan," Liu Li should have known Zhan Feiyu's identity.
"Truly arrogant!" Tian Zijian found Zhan Feiyu displeasing to the eye. Now, he sneered even more. "I don't know your name, but you dare not put the Liu family in your eyes!"
Even though Tian Zijian and the others were young masters, and Liu Li was just a merchant, he was surnamed Liu and represented the Liu family when traveling. They called him Fourth Brother Liu out of respect for the imperial merchant Liu family. Similarly, Zhan Feiyu's attitude clearly showed disrespect for the Liu family.
Even if Tian Zijian hadn't instigated it, Liu Li's attitude towards Zhan Feiyu would have turned sour.
Sensing that the situation was not good, Qiu Dingsi placed a hand on Liu Li's shoulder. "Brother Liu, there's no need to mind. Miss Zhan is young, and she always speaks like this."
The hidden meaning in these words was for Liu Li not to conflict with Zhan Feiyu, as only Liu Li would suffer the consequences.
"Brother Qiu, you don't need to say more. As the saying goes, the deceased should be respected. This young lady is disrespectful to my second cousin, which means she disrespects the Liu family!" Liu Li did not appreciate this. Qiu Dingsi and Zhang Changsong were willing to resolve the matter peacefully, but that was their business, and their loss of face would not reach Fengzhou.
But this was Huaian Prefecture, the Liu family's territory. Daring to speak disrespectfully to the Liu family was an insult to the Liu family. No matter what background this young girl had, this matter could not be resolved peacefully today.
"Constable Zhao, since she dares to commit assault and injury in broad daylight, why are you still standing there dumbfounded?" Liu Li questioned coldly, determined to make Zhan Feiyu stumble.
Tian Zijian was even more so. He covered the wound on his neck and said, "I am the victim and the plaintiff. If you come any later, my life would have been taken here."
It was a choice between two! One side was a young girl whose background was unknown, and the other side was the Liu family and a group of young masters from Huaian Prefecture. Constable Zhao gritted his teeth and sternly declared, "Take her in. I will report to Master Sun!"
Ordinary cases were not sufficient for the prefect to personally hear. Usually, a seventh-rank official, the 推官 (Tui Guan - judicial official), who specialized in legal matters, would handle them.
Zhan Feiyu and He Nuan followed the constables into the prefectural office, and Liu Li also followed. Tian Zijian naturally did not fall behind, and the other young masters also entered.
Outside the prefectural office, Master Zhang looked at the complex expressions of Zhang Changsong and Qiu Dingsi and couldn't help but ask, "Changsong, who is that young lady?"
Master Zhang was responsible for the Zhang family's business, so he spent more than half of the year outside. In June, a problem occurred at one of the Zhang family's estates, and Master Zhang rushed to handle it immediately. He only returned to Fengzhou after the autumn harvest.
He was usually in charge of miscellaneous affairs, and coupled with the fact that Zhang Changsong had lost face in the matter of Qi Heng's kidnapping, no one dared to discuss Zhan Feiyu openly after she left. It was normal for Master Zhang not to know.
Zhang Changsong's face was stern, and he did not speak. He was proud, but he had stumbled upon Zhan Feiyu. Naturally, he was unwilling to boost others' morale and dampen his own prestige.
Qiu Dingsi glanced at the anxiously pacing Master Zhang and told the truth. "She is the top scorer in the provincial examination from Nanxuan Prefecture, a disciple of Scholar Gu. She is someone we cannot afford to offend."
Master Zhang was stunned for a moment, and then he suddenly remembered that the Chen family, the maternal relatives of the First Prince, had been forced to withdraw from Nanxuan Prefecture. And the person who could force the Chen family to such a state was a young girl.
After matching the person and the event, Master Zhang touched his forehead, where cold sweat had broken out. Fortunately, he hadn't entered the yamen. She was indeed someone not to be trifled with.
Judge Sun was forty years old, with dark skin and a mustache, and always wore a stern expression, looking imposing and strict. "Bold commoner, why do you not kneel before me?"
With this initial show of authority, Liu Li, Tian Zijian, and the others smiled triumphantly. She had been talking about the 'Laws of Daqing,' hadn't she? Then let the 'Laws of Daqing' deal with her, leaving her speechless and forced to accept the injustice.
The constables on both sides immediately pounded the imperial staffs they held with a "dong dong" sound, shouting loudly, "Mighty!"
This display could only frighten ordinary citizens, but Zhan Feiyu was completely unfazed. After the "Mighty" shouts subsided, Zhan Feiyu pointed to Tian Zijian and the others beside her. "Why do they not kneel before the official? Sir, as an appointed official of the imperial court, do you intend to treat them differently?"
"I am the victim and the plaintiff," Tian Zijian stepped forward, tilting his neck and pointing to the wound. "I lost too much blood after being injured. Master Sun, out of consideration for me, a wounded person, exempted me from kneeling."
As for Liu Li and the other young masters, they were merely witnesses, and whether they knelt or not was at Prefect Sun's discretion.
Judge Sun said in a deep voice, "Someone, bring a chair for Young Master Tian and let him answer while seated."
This was blatant differential treatment. The yamen runners immediately brought a chair and placed it nearby.
Tian Zijian swaggered over and then sat down, looking provocatively at Zhan Feiyu. A mere young girl dared to defy him. He would crush her!
"Bold villain, why do you not kneel down!" Judge Sun roared, his gloomy gaze fixed on Zhan Feiyu. "You are disregarding the law and showing contempt for the court! Guards, take her down and give her ten heavy board strikes as a minor punishment!"
As two constables stepped forward, Zhan Feiyu remained calm and composed, her clear voice ringing out, "Replying to Your Honor, this student possesses scholarly merit, hence I am exempt from kneeling before officials."
What? Not to mention Liu Li and the others, Tian Zijian, who was sitting in the chair, was stunned. He almost thought he had misheard. This young girl claimed to have scholarly merit?
Even if she claimed to have a noble title or a patent of nobility, Tian Zijian and the others would have believed her by thirty percent. But scholarly merit?
Judge Sun initially thought Zhan Feiyu was talking nonsense, but then he suddenly remembered something, and his expression changed drastically.
These young masters were always fighting and causing trouble. It was normal for them not to know, but Judge Sun, being at least an appointed official, knew about the examinations in Nanxuan Prefecture, even though it was far from Huaian Prefecture.
Liu Li and the others felt their hearts sink when they saw Judge Sun's expression. What was going on? Why was Master Sun so frightened?
"Master Sun, you don't believe this dead girl's wild claims, do you?" Tian Zijian's voice suddenly rose a few notches. He looked at the terrified Judge Sun as if he were an idiot. "If she has scholarly merit, then I am a first-rank general!"