Chu Residence, rear courtyard flower hall.
"Madam Wei, please sit." Madam Chu's face was pale with illness, but beauty was in the bone, not the skin. Even though she was over thirty, her gentle demeanor and beautiful features made her look much younger than Madam Wei.
A maid brought the tea. Seeing Jin Baozhen, who had a stern face and looked more like she was there to cause trouble than to visit, a flicker of surprise flashed in her eyes, but her attitude was impeccably respectful.
Jin Baozhen looked at Madam Chu in the main seat with hostile eyes. Just a sickly person, yet she still occupied the position of the prefect's wife! She wouldn't even let Prefect Chu take concubines. Her mother was right; these noble daughters, despite their virtuous reputations in public, were actually wicked and insidious at heart.
Madam Wei didn't notice Jin Baozhen's expression and put on the airs of an official's wife to make small talk. "Madam Chu, your complexion is a bit pale. We women, as we get older, are all like this. Coincidentally, I brought a wild ginseng root and a box of donkey-hide gelatin this time. They are the best for replenishing qi and blood."
As Madam Wei finished speaking, her head maid immediately presented the brocade boxes she had brought.
"You've made Madam Wei spend money," Madam Chu smiled faintly. Dongmei, who was serving behind her, stepped forward to accept the four-color gift boxes. Like the little maid who had just poured tea, Dongmei's eyes also held surprise and helplessness.
Normally, guests would bring gifts when visiting. Whether it was four, six, or eight items, or even a cartload of festival gifts, no one would directly present them in front of the host. According to custom, a gift list should be presented by the steward, head maid, or a managing nanny.
Madam Chu's gaze swept over the gift boxes in Dongmei's hands, and then she looked meaningfully at Jin Baozhen, who was holding her chin high, proud and smug. These aunt and niece were indeed from a merchant background. Even though Madam Wei had married Vice Commander Wei as his second wife, her associates were all military officers, so she likely didn't have such strict adherence to etiquette.
"Seeing such a delicate and lovely young lady, my bracelet can only be considered adding icing to the cake," Madam Chu said after a few pleasantries, then praised Jin Baozhen. She removed a jade bracelet from her slender wrist. "Dongmei, send this to Miss Jin. Consider it a meeting gift from me, an elder."
"Thank you, Madam Chu." A clear voice of thanks rang out. Jin Baozhen stood up and bowed. However, after glancing at the bracelet, which was in the style of a noble consort, she raised her eyebrows disdainfully. Her family had plenty of such bracelets. How could the prefect's wife dare to present it as a meeting gift? It was too stingy.
Front Hall.
Prefect Chu hadn't expected to run into Deng Zhiwu and the Jin family aunt and nephew at the entrance. The steward had already made arrangements: the ladies would go to the inner chambers, and Jin Gui Xuan would follow the steward to the front hall. After Prefect Chu met Deng Zhiwu, the steward would then lead Jin Gui Xuan, who was resting in the side hall, to pay his respects.
However, there was a minor conflict at the entrance of the Chu residence. Although Jin Gui Xuan didn't shout like Jin Baozhen, the proud young man was unwilling to be looked down upon. Why should he be placed behind others when they arrived together?
So, taking advantage of Jin Baozhen's earlier clamor, Jin Gui Xuan went to the main hall with Deng Zhiwu to pay respects to Prefect Chu. He even deliberately spoke before Deng Zhiwu, making it clear that he wanted to gain the upper hand over Deng Zhiwu.
Prefect Chu smiled and said, "My dear nephew, you started your studies at the age of three and have been studying for ten years. You are indeed a talented young man."
"Thank you for your praise, sir. Your student dare not accept it. This year, I have just passed the provincial examination and obtained a scholarly title." Jin Gui Xuan was only a thirteen-year-old boy. He had heard such praise many times, and it was inevitable that he would feel a bit elated.
Especially when he noticed Deng Zhiwu's shocked and admiring expression, he stood up straighter with pride. What right did this brute have to make him wait behind?
Deng Zhiwu, who had failed the martial examination eight times, was so impressed upon hearing that Jin Gui Xuan started studying at the age of three that he was filled with admiration! When he was eight years old, his father had to whip him before he reluctantly entered private school.
Although there was a tutor at the General's mansion before, Deng Zhiwu either skipped classes or lay on his desk sleeping soundly. If the tutor wasn't lecturing from the front, he would be daydreaming in the back, grinning and practicing the moves he had just learned.
Prefect Chu picked up his teacup and took a few sips before speaking loudly, "The Great Learning teaches that one should manifest virtue, love the people, and rest in perfection."
Jin Gui Xuan knew that Prefect Chu was testing him, but he didn't know that Prefect Chu had used the first sentence of "The Great Learning" to test Zhan Feiyu earlier.
"Only when one knows where to stop can one be resolute; only when one is resolute can one be tranquil; only when one is tranquil can one be at ease; only when one is at ease can one think; only when one can think can one attain." After answering, Jin Gui Xuan's attitude appeared humble, but his slightly immature eyebrows held not only pride but also a hint of disdain. Prefect Chu was also a Jinshi scholar, yet he was asking such questions now. It seemed he had exhausted his talent.
As he was receiving guests today, Prefect Chu was wearing a white robe with wide sleeves. The hem of the robe was embroidered with a cluster of green bamboo. At this moment, holding the teacup, his posture was leisurely and relaxed, truly embodying the saying that a true scholar is naturally elegant.
As if unaware of Jin Gui Xuan's little thoughts, Prefect Chu continued to ask, "What is the meaning of the two words 'knowing where to stop'? Confucius once said, 'If it is not possible, then stop.' What do you think the sage meant, my dear nephew?"
With a mischievous pleasure in stumping Jin Gui Xuan, Prefect Chu took a few more sips of tea, feeling much happier. Compared to Zhan Feiyu's "three firsts" in the provincial examination, Jin Gui Xuan's scholar title was likely bought with money.
Deng Zhiwu looked at Jin Gui Xuan, who was deep in thought, with sympathy and secretly felt fortunate that he was a martial artist. Otherwise, he would be the poor soul being tested on his knowledge.
Prefect Chu put down his teacup and looked at Deng Zhiwu, who had escaped the ordeal. "Nephew Deng."
Deng Zhiwu, who was called upon, was startled and blurted out, "I study martial arts, I don't study!"
Uncle Huang, who was standing by, couldn't bear to watch. No wonder he failed the martial examination eight times. Looking at the second young master's demeanor, he would probably have to take it a few more times.
Looking at Deng Zhiwu, who was embarrassed but stubbornly believed he was right, Prefect Chu laughed heartily. "Nephew, you don't need to be alarmed. In all professions, there are masters. You don't need to be confined to studying and taking the imperial examinations."
"You are right, sir. I get dizzy whenever I read. The books recognize me, but I don't recognize the books." Deng Zhiwu nodded vigorously in agreement. If Prefect Chu hadn't looked like a scholar, he would have wanted to pat Prefect Chu on the shoulder. This was a kindred spirit!
"Every profession has its specialty. Just like a carpenter is skilled in woodworking, a cook prefers cooking. It's reasonable that nephew is not proficient in studying if you have talent in martial arts." Prefect Chu smiled gracefully, his eyes showing genuine praise.
Deng Zhiwu's voice became three points louder with excitement. "What you said, sir, truly speaks to my heart. On the battlefield, it's about skills. What's the use of reading so many books? Can you kill enemies and retreat troops with 'zhi hu zhe ye'?"
When he became excited, Deng Zhiwu patted his chest with a thud. He was naturally suited for the battlefield. If it weren't for General Deng holding him back, why would Deng Zhiwu bother with the martial examinations? He would have joined the army at the border long ago. Even if he were a small soldier, killing a few more enemies on the real battlefield would quickly earn him military merits.
General said it right, the second young master is dull-witted, so he should study more, otherwise, he'll be sold and still count the money for others! Prefect Chu only said a few words, and the second young master already looked like he would die for his confidant.
Uncle Huang decided that after returning to the capital, even if the second young master cried and begged to go to the border, he would have to have the General hold him back to continue the martial examinations. Failing eight times didn't mean he couldn't take it ten or twenty more times. The Emperor did not emphasize civil over military. The imperial examinations were held every three years, but the martial examinations were held every year.
When Jin Gui Xuan had finished thinking about how to answer Prefect Chu's question, he happened to hear Deng Zhiwu speak.
"Lord Chu, Huai'an Prefecture is so large, and I don't know if Miss Zhan has left or not. Please help me find Miss Zhan's whereabouts." Deng Zhiwu was simple-minded, but fortunately, he knew that Jin Gui Xuan was an outsider and didn't directly mention the fifty thousand taels of silver.
"It's a waste of talent for the second young master to be a bodyguard," Prefect Chu smiled meaningfully. Zhan Feiyu came to Huai'an Prefecture partly to mourn Liu Hefeng and partly for her studies.
When Deng Zhiwu said he was looking for Zhan Feiyu, Prefect Chu initially thought he was escorting her on her travels.
Meeting Prefect Chu's smiling gaze, Deng Zhiwu chuckled awkwardly. He had just been like a confidant who would go through fire and water without blinking, but now he was being secretive.
Deng Zhiwu felt he was being ungracious, but with fifty thousand taels of silver at stake, he could only shamelessly play dumb.
"Don't worry, second young master. I will send people to inquire," Prefect Chu was not one to pry. However, he was now beginning to suspect whether Zhan Feiyu had really left Huai'an Prefecture, or if she had other purposes for coming to Huai'an Prefecture.
Logically, when juniors visited the residence, Prefect Chu should have invited them to stay for a meal. However, since the two parties were not on the same wavelength and had already clashed, Prefect Chu made polite remarks and had the steward see them out.
"Aunt, I told you Madam Chu looks down on us! What delicacies haven't our Jin family eaten? Are we lacking this meal?" Jin Baozhen had been in a bad mood all morning, and now she was even more angry, her face contorted.
Jin Gui Xuan felt the same. He had answered Prefect Chu's questions passably well. Thinking about Prefect Chu's friendly conversation with that brute Deng Zhiwu, Jin Gui Xuan couldn't help but suspect that Prefect Chu had done it intentionally, wanting to show him who was boss and not wanting to accept him as a disciple. "The Chu family doesn't even respond. He probably doesn't want to return this favor!" Jin Gui Xuan's young face was covered in frost. He felt greatly underestimated and insulted. His words were laced with anger. "Lord Chu is indifferent to me but extremely enthusiastic towards that brute, calling him 'dear nephew' repeatedly. Hmph, if our Jin family spends a lot of money, are we afraid of not finding a famous teacher?"
"This is too much!" Jin Baozhen shouted even more angrily. Although she was spoiled and willful, as she approached her coming-of-age ceremony, Jin Baozhen knew the importance of her maternal family to a woman.
Just like her aunt, although she had married into the Wei family, if it weren't for the money her father sent her every year, her aunt probably wouldn't even be able to afford a decent set of hair ornaments!
Jin Baozhen knew that if she married Prefect Chu, her brother Jin Gui Xuan would be her support. If he were to succeed in the imperial examinations in the future, even if she were a concubine today, she would be ennobled later!
"Our Jin family hasn't declined yet, and they're already looking down on us!" Madam Wei's beautiful face showed a hint of sternness and anger. The news about the new salt-making method was just a rumor, and the court hadn't issued specific notices yet, but the situation for salt merchants was becoming increasingly difficult.
It was also because she noticed the change in the attitudes of the official's wives she usually interacted with that Madam Wei had traveled from Zhongzhou Prefecture to Huai'an Prefecture with her nephew and niece. Her elder brother was right; they had to guard against future troubles and prepare for them. However, Madam Wei found that this trip was not going smoothly.
The Liu family had not yet agreed to the ghost marriage, and there was no progress on Xuan'er's apprenticeship. As for Baozhen marrying Prefect Chu, it was not even a certainty. Madam Wei's hands, adorned with henna, clenched tightly. "Let's go visit Madam Wu!"
Compared to Madam Chu, who was unyielding, the Jin family trio in the carriage felt that Madam Wu was more approachable. As long as they gave her money, the young girl who offended them at Jin Yuzhai would be thrown into prison.
"Oh, right, Aunt. I just heard that brute say..." Jin Gui Xuan, because of Prefect Chu's attitude, transferred his anger to Deng Zhiwu and also felt a bit resentful towards Zhan Feiyu, who was the person that brute was looking for.
"No wonder that savage is so annoying. It turns out they're all in the same family! They're truly birds of a feather!" Jin Baozhen's eyebrows shot up. Thinking about how Zhan Feiyu had almost cut off her hand with a dagger earlier, she was even more furious now. Her face contorted with ferocity and ruthlessness.
"Aunt, didn't the Liu family's old madam ask us to teach that dead girl in prison a good lesson? Then the ghost marriage would be settled. Why don't we give Madam Wu more money? Hmph, that dead girl offended me, and that brute offended Xuan'er. If we don't teach them a lesson, do they think our Jin family is easy to bully!"
Madam Wei, as a daughter of the Jin family, even after being married for many years, was still not short of money. So, when Jin Baozhen spoke, she immediately agreed.
Jin Gui Xuan also agreed. "Aunt, as the saying goes, if you pull one thread, the whole tapestry moves. If we establish a relationship with the Liu family, and the head of the Liu family is willing to mediate, my apprenticeship will surely succeed. Once I succeed in my apprenticeship, it will be much easier for Sister to marry into the Chu residence."
As for Prefect Chu being his teacher first and then his brother-in-law, the Jin family trio in the carriage didn't feel anything wrong with it. This was not a matter of seniority; it was a marriage of close relatives, a great happy event!
Madam Wei, being in the inner chambers, understood this principle even better. Jin Baozhen wanted to marry Prefect Chu, which was a good idea, but it was too difficult to achieve! One was the Prefect of Huai'an, an outsider; the other was a young girl who had not yet come of age. The two could not meet, let alone scheme.
However, once Jin Gui Xuan succeeded in his apprenticeship, his sister Jin Baozhen would be able to enter and exit the Chu residence more easily. Then, there would be more opportunities, whether it was falling in love over time or using some means to turn the raw rice into cooked rice. Therefore, the most urgent matter was to enter into a ghost marriage with the Liu family.
...
Zhan Feiyu, who was reading in the prison cell, did not yet know that the Jin family trio had decided to deal with her ruthlessly. However, she did know that Deng Zhiwu had come to Huai'an Prefecture and was secretly looking for her.
"Brother, drink some water." He Nuan poured a cup of water and handed it over. Compared to Zhan Feiyu's newly arranged prison cell, He Sheng's temporary prison cell opposite had only been cleaned up, and two quilts were spread on the straw. It was far from Zhan Feiyu's prison cell, which was comparable to an inn.
Money makes the world go round. Not to mention that Jailer Ma suspected that Zhan Feiyu had an extraordinary background, so the imprisonment was just a facade. It was not difficult for He Sheng to enter and exit the prison.
"Deng Zhiwu is the second son of General Deng." He Sheng handed the cup back to He Nuan and began to report Deng Zhiwu's situation to Zhan Feiyu. "This morning, Deng Zhiwu visited Prefect Chu and had a conflict with the Jin family at the entrance of the Chu residence."
Zhan Feiyu had just finished writing a policy essay and now listened to some miscellaneous matters as entertainment. "It's about the fifty thousand taels of silver left by Liu Hefeng."
"I've estimated the time. Eight days after Miss's letter was sent out, Deng Zhiwu brought his men to Huai'an Prefecture. He must have come as soon as he received the news." He Sheng didn't know much about the General, but he knew the basic situation. General Deng's family was also full of loyal martyrs. If Deng Zhiwu hadn't failed the martial examination, he would have probably joined the army by now.
It took two days for a letter to be sent from Huai'an Prefecture to the capital by express horse. It would take at least one or two days for Scholar Gu to report to the Emperor and for the news of the fifty thousand taels of silver to spread. Deng Zhiwu must have traveled day and night to arrive so quickly.
"The Jin family is unfamiliar with Huai'an Prefecture, and Deng Zhiwu couldn't find our whereabouts. The Liu family must have had a hand in this." Zhan Feiyu smiled, hooking her lips. Being able to keep the news of her imprisonment completely secret, and Prefect Chu not noticing, might have been a case of a prepared mind versus an unprepared one, but the Jin family aunt and nephew alone could not have done it.
He Nuan was tidying the table and couldn't help but say, "Just for fifty thousand taels of silver, the Liu family is scheming against Miss like this. Aren't they afraid of Scholar Gu's retaliation afterward?"
The Liu family was an imperial merchant, as rich as a nation! Although fifty thousand taels of silver was not a small amount, it was not enough to cripple the Liu family. However, to offend Scholar Gu for it was not worth it!
In the final analysis, the Liu family's method of killing with a borrowed knife was not very clever. Not to mention Scholar Gu, who was far away in the capital, Prefect Chu could find out with just a little investigation.
Zhan Feiyu recalled the scheme against her by Chen Xuezheng during the provincial examination. This was clearly a bad move, but Chen Xuezheng still made it, and Old Master Chen did not stop him.
The same was true this time. The Liu family used the Jin family trio to get her imprisoned, which was also a bad move, but the Liu family still did it. Zhan Feiyu smiled meaningfully, her eyes narrowed. This matter was becoming more and more mysterious.
...
Madam Wu looked at the two thousand taels of silver notes, her beautiful eyebrows filled with smugness. "My lord, as expected of the Jin family, the salt merchants. They've given another two thousand taels."
Prefect Wu pinched Madam Wu's cheek and said with a leisurely air, sitting in his chair, "Do you think the Jin family is spending money repeatedly to get revenge on a young girl? They're just looking for a patron."
Prefect Wu, being an official, ensured that there were no hidden worries even when accepting money. He had investigated the purpose of the Jin family's visit to Huai'an Prefecture, so he accepted the money with peace of mind.
"Isn't it just to curry favor with you, my lord?" Madam Wu giggled, as charming as a peony. "Do you really think I'm stupid?"
"You only know one part, not the whole." Prefect Wu embraced Madam Wu, who leaned towards him. Thinking of the Jin family receiving more money in the future, his shrewd eyes also showed a smug smile. "If they just wanted to find a master, why did they bring a young girl with them? It's not a short journey from Zhongzhou Prefecture to Huai'an. The Jin family's daughter is precious. What is this arduous journey for?"
Madam Wu was a woman of the inner chambers and was naturally intelligent. When Prefect Wu pointed it out, she was stunned for a moment and then said, "Does the Jin family have such ambitions? Jin Baozhen hasn't come of age yet. Besides, although Madam Chu is sickly, she is being treated with medicine and won't die anytime soon."
"A year is not long, and ten years is not short. The Jin family has great ambitions." Prefect Wu had guessed some of the Jin family's schemes. They were casting a long line to catch a big fish. "You are my wife. When the Jin family's daughter comes to Huai'an Prefecture in the future, she will need your guidance and care. Otherwise, do you think the Jin family's money is blown in by the wind, sent to us in large sums?"
Madam Wu sat up straight, her brows furrowed in thought, considering whether this matter was feasible or not. Money was good, but some money was also difficult to handle. The Jin family's daughter was scheming against Madam Chu. If it succeeded, it would be fine, but if it failed, she would have made an enemy of the prefect's wife.
"Take the money for now. If the Jin family dares to give it, we dare to accept it. As for future matters, if you are unsure, come and ask me." Prefect Wu was greedy and naturally unwilling to let go of money that came to him.
As for how to help the Jin family, it was all up to him. The Jin family was just merchants; would they dare to argue with him, the Tongzhi?
"Alright, I'll make arrangements and send someone to deal with that young girl in prison." Madam Wu did not know Zhan Feiyu's identity and had no sympathy for her at this moment. Who told her she was unlucky enough to offend Jin Baozhen? The Jin family found such a reasonable excuse to send money, so Madam Wu would definitely help.
...
Six ruffians who had been fighting and causing trouble were reluctantly sent to prison. Jailer Ma looked at the middle-aged man in front of him and wanted to curse his father. "Brother Ai, if this matter is investigated, I, the jailer, will probably have to take off this skin and sit in prison myself."
Imprisoning a young girl without cause was already going too far. Madam Wu had even sent the man of her steward's wife to deliver a message, imprisoning six ruffians as well. This could easily lead to disaster.
"Don't worry, Jailer Ma. It's just to scare that young girl. I've already explained everything. Nothing major will happen." The man's attitude was arrogant, and he didn't even look at the jailer. Who told him that his master was the Tongzhi's wife?
"If this matter is handled well, Jailer Ma, your nephew wants to become a scribe in the yamen. Isn't that just a word from Prefect Wu?" The man said again, throwing a five-tael silver ingot to Jailer Ma. He didn't care whether he agreed or not and made the decision unilaterally.
Looking at the departing man, Jailer Ma pouted angrily. Just a subordinate, and he dared to put on airs with him!
But no matter how much he disliked Madam Wu, Jailer Ma scurried into the prison and told Zhan Feiyu everything, not even concealing the matter of the five taels of silver. "Miss, what should I do about this?"
Zhan Feiyu put down her brush after writing the last word and looked at Jailer Ma outside the prison door. "When the time comes, you can also lock Ah Sheng and the other two in."
Although they were six ruffians, Zhan Feiyu did not intend to take risks. He Sheng and the other two had already arrived. With them, their side had four people, which was absolutely foolproof.