As the only son of the wealthy merchant Qi family and a disciple of Master Ming, eight-year-old Qi Heng had always enjoyed a smooth and carefree life.
Qi Heng's most frustrating experience was when he led a group of young classmates to confront Zhan Feiyu, only to retreat in defeat. To make matters worse, Master Ming punished him by making him copy books until his wrists were almost ruined.
Now, huddled on the bed, Qi Heng touched his scorched hair. His pale, doughy face was filled with fear and unease. "If I meddle again, I'll be a pig!"
He spat out the words fiercely through gritted teeth, inexplicably missing Zhan Feiyu. If "Little Fish" were here, she wouldn't have saved that scoundrel Qi Yan, and he wouldn't have been captured and locked up here.
With a creak, the door, locked from the outside, was opened. Qi Heng immediately tensed, clenching his fists nervously.
The mute butler, entering, placed the food box on the table, took out the dishes, then the chopsticks, and finally gestured to Qi Heng, signaling him to come and eat.
"Even if I'm going to die, I'll die full!" Qi Heng sprang off the bed with a whoosh and hurried to the table to eat.
A quarter of an hour later, after Qi Heng finished eating, the mute butler, as before, tidied up the bowls and chopsticks one by one, turned, and left the bedroom, closing the door and locking it.
Passing through a corridor over two meters long, the mute butler climbed the wooden ladder. After a while, emerging from the secret room, the mute butler replaced the wooden board to cover the entrance to the secret room, closed the door with his hands. Who would have thought that the entrance to this secret room was hidden in a three-drawer cabinet?
Meanwhile, in the main courtyard.
Seeing Qiu Ding Si approaching in a rage, Chai Yi leisurely continued to boil tea. "Xiangquan yi he ru, jian zuo lian zhu fei. Shi kan xie mu jian, zha jian yu lin qi. Sheng yi song dai yu, bo kong yan sheng cui. Tang ba li zhong shan, bi wu qian ri zui."
"Young Master Chai has quite the leisure," Qiu Ding Si said, flicking his robe and sitting on a round stool. His slightly dark face was full of anger. "If Zhan Feiyu knew that Qi Heng was being held in Young Master Chai's courtyard, I wonder what she would do?"
"Young Master Qiu, please calm your anger," Chai Yi said with a gentle smile, pouring a cup of tea for Qiu Ding Si and handing it to him. "It seems Miss Ling did not serve you well, which is why you are so angry."
Thinking of Miss Ling, who had already been redeemed and settled in a house outside, Qiu Ding Si's angry expression finally softened a bit.
He picked up the teacup and drank it all in one gulp. But when he thought of this bothersome matter, Qiu Ding Si slammed the teacup rudely on the table. "Although my father is in his prime, he can still ride a horse and fight enemies. Do you know that the cleaver stained with chicken blood is placed by his bedside!"
What did this mean? Zhan Feiyu could place a cleaver by his bedside without anyone noticing, and she could also take Qiu Qianhu's life with a single stroke. The more Qiu Ding Si thought about it, the more enraged he became, his eyes filled with murderous intent.
Chai Yi nodded understandingly. "Scholar Gu comes from the Gu family of Nanling. It is normal for him to send Gu family's elite guards to protect Zhan Feiyu. Although Zhan Feiyu is young, her actions have always been ruthless. This move of hers is merely a deterrent, to ensure Qi Heng's safety."
Chai Yi swirled the teacup in his hand, but his eyes were filled with twisted jealousy. If he had studied under Scholar Gu, why would he have to humble himself and be a dog in the Chen family? This world is truly unfair!
"What do you plan to do with that fat kid?" Qiu Ding Si suppressed his impatience. The deed was done, and thinking about it further was futile. "Although I haven't met Zhan Feiyu, she dared to step on Qi Tongzhi's broken leg in front of him at the medical hall yesterday. If anything happens to that fat kid, the sky in Fengzhou will likely change."
Before Chai Yi could speak, Qiu Ding Si continued coldly, "Although the Chen family has absolute power in Jiangnan Dao, they dare not meddle with the garrisons. Prince Yu went to the Northwest Seven Garrisons in early June, ostensibly to control salt production. However, the Northwest has always been unstable. The Emperor's move is likely to allow Prince Yu to regain command of the border troops."
If Meng Zhizhou and Zhan Feiyu were enemies, the Chen family might still be able to help suppress it. But when it involved the garrisons and military power, Prince Yu had more say, and Qiu Qianhu's position might not be stable.
One was a garrison Qianhu of a prefecture, and the other was Prince Yu of the current dynasty, his own uncle, and a former great general. It would be as easy for Prince Yu to deal with Qiu Qianhu as it was to crush an ant.
"Zhan Feiyu gained fame in the army by stepping on the Chen family," Chai Yi had to admire Zhan Feiyu's cunning. The Chen family's rice and grain were sent to the border, but the army was grateful to Zhan Feiyu.
Now, the "Beauty's Makeup" fragrant soap was sold throughout the Great Qing Dynasty, earning at least 100,000 taels of silver in a year. And she had directly donated so much money to the soldiers who were injured and returned to their fields.
If one were to say that Zhan Feiyu was buying military support, but she was only a nine-year-old girl, and only a Tong Sheng. Even if the Censorate submitted a memorial, the Emperor would not believe it.
Even if it was said that Scholar Gu was behind it, the bet between Zhan Feiyu and Fatty Chen that day was truly a coincidence, born out of words exchanged. The Emperor would know after an investigation.
Zhan Feiyu's actions resulted in a huge loss of silver, but she truly won the gratitude of the soldiers. This was the root of Qiu Ding Si's anger.
Chai Yi withdrew his thoughts and said with a smile, "Young Master Qiu, even without my intervention, you would have taken action against Zhan Feiyu to avenge Liu Baihu. Since things have come to this, why be so angry? We should share the same enemy."
Qiu Ding Si sneered. The more he thought about it, the more agitated he became. "Words are useless. Do you know that if my Qi family dares to make a move against Zhan Feiyu, without Prince Yu having to step in, the Fengzhou garrison itself would likely mutiny directly."
Facing Chai Yi's slightly surprised expression, Qiu Ding Si did not hide anything. "Brother Xing's actions have always been simple and brutal. If my father hadn't suppressed him from above, he would have incurred the wrath of heaven and the resentment of the people. This time, it involves Zhan Feiyu, and we have no chance of winning."
So, the conclusion was simple: Qi Heng, the little fat kid, was a hot potato that couldn't be killed or released.
Killing Qi Heng would offend Zhan Feiyu to death, and who knew what trouble would arise. That cleaver stained with chicken blood was the best proof. But if they released him, what face would they have to establish themselves in Fengzhou?
After all this commotion, Ju Wen Zhai was burned down, and several lives were lost. In the end, they had to release Qi Heng sheepishly. If Qiu Ding Si wasn't bored, he wouldn't have suffered such humiliation.
"It's better to stay still than to move. The prefectural examination is approaching in August, and Zhan Feiyu cannot stay in Fengzhou forever," Chai Yi said, taking a sip of his tea, as if enjoying the fragrance and sweetness of the leaves. "Just keep the person locked up. Zhan Feiyu will be hesitant to act rashly, and we'll see who can outlast whom."
"For us to deal with a nine-year-old girl, we used such a clumsy and despicable strategy. If this gets out, the reputation of all the noble families in Fengzhou will be ruined," Qiu Ding Si said with a look of mockery. He had originally planned to lead people to sneak into the Qi family's villa. Zhan Feiyu had caused Brother Xing to lose a leg, so she should compensate with a leg, and the matter would be over.
Even if Scholar Gu wanted to pursue the matter, could he deal with all the noble families in Fengzhou? Not to mention that the law does not punish the masses, this is Jiangnan Dao, this is the Chen family's territory. Scholar Gu wielded great power, but his reach did not extend to Fengzhou.
But it was Chai Yi who insisted on capturing Qi Heng alive to threaten Zhan Feiyu.
Chai Yi did not speak. Being forced to this extent by a little girl was indeed humiliating, but there was no other way now.
After leaving Chai Yi's temporary residence, Qiu Ding Si immediately sent people to spread the news. Whether it was to Governor Meng or Vice Governor Zhang, including the young masters of noble families who had intentionally or unintentionally prevented He Sheng from saving Qi Heng on the second floor that day, they could only remain inactive.
Zhan Feiyu couldn't possibly cause a death. That would be a ready handle. If she dared to kill someone, the Chen family would dare to imprison Zhan Feiyu.
...
Wei Mansion.
Wei Daru already knew about Qi Heng's disappearance. His anger was unconcealed. "To harm a child for personal gain, these families in Fengzhou have lost their basic humanity."
Zhan Feiyu looked at Wei Daru with sparkling eyes. "Then why don't we move to Nanxuan Prefecture? Under the jurisdiction of Governor Zhang, the people are absolutely simple and honest, with no one locking their doors at night and no one picking up lost items on the road."
"What time is it now, and you're still thinking about these things!" Wei Daru glared angrily at the smiling Zhan Feiyu, as if this little girl didn't care about Qi Heng's life or death at all.
Zhu Changyun, who had been studying hard behind closed doors, also came to Wei Mansion today. Zhan Feiyu had saved his life, and although Zhu Changyun couldn't help with Qi Heng's disappearance, he couldn't stand idly by. That would be truly ungrateful.
Zhu Changyun said worriedly, "The day I saved Hong'er from being poisoned, I offended Liu Baihu. After that, no bookstore in Fengzhou dared to sell me stationery. My teachers, classmates, and friends also avoided me. Although Fengzhou is not large, it is like a solid iron plate. These families in Fengzhou are united. Now they are using delaying tactics. Even if Qi Tongzhi tries his best, he probably won't be able to find Qi Heng's whereabouts."
"People who seek profit often band together for their own interests," Ming San said with a cold expression, disgusted by the families in Fengzhou and worried about the missing Qi Heng.
"Let's wait and see. Let He Sheng find some clues. I'll go to Wushu Tower first." Zhan Feiyu didn't seem anxious at all. As she got up, Hong'er immediately grabbed a bamboo pole and followed her.
...
The search for Qi Heng was conducted with great fanfare. Not only the Qi family, but Governor Meng also dispatched constables to participate. Families friendly with the Qi family also sent their household guards. Those who didn't know might have thought that the missing person was royalty.
Compared to the worry and unease of Ming San and the others, Zhan Feiyu was still copying books in Wushu Tower. Her composure and calmness were truly astonishing.
"Miss," He Sheng appeared silently in Wushu Tower.
Putting down her brush, Zhan Feiyu pressed down the page she had just transcribed with a paperweight, then looked at He Sheng, who had been out investigating all night and had just returned. "Sit down. Have you found any clues?"
"The two young servants responsible for buying tung oil at Ju Wen Zhai both died in the fire." He Sheng knew when he was investigating that this was a murder to silence witnesses, and the fire was likely set by the two of them. "The cabinets on the first and second floors where the wine was stored could easily collapse, and they had been tampered with."
It was a pity that the fire was too intense, and the evidence was destroyed. An old woman in Ju Wen Zhai, unable to sleep in the middle of the night, saw the two young servants doing something suspicious by the cabinet. The old woman thought they were trying to steal wine at the time.
"Qi Heng is a hot potato and should be hidden in the city. But ordinary people dare not take him. Unfortunately, we are too short-handed to search thoroughly." Zhan Feiyu thought of Qiu Ding Si's involvement. The garrison could not be used, and the yamen was just a formality. Relying only on the Qi family, but the Qi family could not offend all the families in Fengzhou. This also led to the inability to find Qi Heng's whereabouts.
He Sheng also understood this principle and said solemnly, "They are using delaying tactics, which puts us in a passive position."
Qi Heng's disappearance was a common case. The yamen had already sent people to search the city. On the surface, Governor Meng bore no responsibility. However, if Zhan Feiyu took action against Zhang Changsong and the others, she would be handing them a handle.
"What is the explanation from Qi Yan's side?" Zhan Feiyu frowned in thought. The longer the delay, the more disadvantageous it would be. Qi Heng had to participate in the prefectural examination in August. If this was delayed, not only would it waste time, but the person might also be frightened, and the prefectural examination would be in jeopardy.
"Old Master Qi personally interrogated Qi Yan..." He Sheng immediately recounted the Qi family's affairs.
After Zhang Changsong's threats, Qi Yan, partly out of jealousy that Qi Heng was already a Tong Sheng at such a young age and would become a Xiu Cai after passing the prefectural examination, and partly out of fear of Liu Baihu, cooperated with Zhang Changsong's plan.
Qi Yan thought that the fire was only to force Qi Heng to jump from the second floor. If his legs were broken, he would have an explanation for Liu Baihu, and at least the Qi family would not be held accountable. It also allowed Qi Yan to take revenge.
However, what Qi Yan did not expect was that Zhang Changsong would betray him, seize the opportunity to break his leg, and kidnap Qi Heng, thus creating the current situation.
He Nuan poured water and handed it over, asking gently, "Miss, do you need me to send a carrier pigeon to Seventh Master?"
Zhan Feiyu only had seven people, including the siblings He Sheng and He Nuan. Although all seven were experts, at least three had to be left to protect Zhan Feiyu, to prevent the violent Liu Baihu from sending people to assassinate Zhan Feiyu.
The remaining four were investigating outside, but because the families in Fengzhou were united, they couldn't find any useful information in a short time.
"There's no need to trouble Big Brother," Zhan Feiyu shook her head. Every move she made in Fengzhou would be known to the Chen family, and rashly using the Forbidden Dragon Guard would only bring unnecessary trouble to Big Brother.
After a moment of thought, Zhan Feiyu said coldly, "Since we can't budge the solid iron plate of Fengzhou, let's let someone who can budge it come."
"Miss, do you mean Liu Baihu?" He Nuan frowned. If Liu Baihu spoke, Qi Heng would surely be returned safely. But the key was that Liu Baihu had a mortal feud with Miss. How could he help?
Zhan Feiyu smiled faintly, put down her cup, and picked up the goose feather pen to continue copying books. "It's alright. Let's see what happens when I meet Liu Baihu tonight."
...
As night fell, Fengzhou was quiet. However, due to the deterrence of the blood-stained cleaver earlier, all families had strengthened their defenses. Household guards patrolled in shifts. Even though they knew they couldn't stop the experts around Zhan Feiyu, they at least felt a little safer.
"Who's there?" a furious roar sounded. Liu Baihu's eyes snapped open, and his sharp gaze swept towards the window, while his right hand had already drawn the saber placed by his pillow.
"Ah Sheng, light the candle." In the darkness, Zhan Feiyu's voice sounded exceptionally clear.
He Sheng lit a fire starter and lit the candle. As the darkness receded, in the dim yellow light, Zhan Feiyu sat by the window chair, smiling at Liu Baihu, who had sat up. "I wonder what terms Liu Baihu is willing to offer to release Qi Heng?"
Stunned for a moment, Liu Baihu suddenly burst into wild laughter. He pointed the sharp military saber in his hand at Zhan Feiyu and said mockingly, "You have this day too! Although that little fat boy wasn't kidnapped by me, as long as you kneel down and kowtow to me, I'll immediately send people to bring that little fat boy back with all his limbs intact."
"A scholar can be killed but not humiliated. Liu Baihu can change the condition," Zhan Feiyu squinted and shook her head.
Liu Baihu leaned back on the bed. The humiliation of his broken leg finally dissipated, and his expression became even more violent and arrogant. "Zhan Feiyu, you are the one who needs me. You are not qualified to negotiate terms! If you kneel, you can exchange it for a life. You are not at a disadvantage at all."
"Liu Baihu, I can't do anything to these families in Fengzhou, but I can do something to you." Zhan Feiyu sat up straight, her hands resting on her knees, like the most dignified and virtuous young lady.
Liu Baihu's face suddenly darkened. He thought Zhan Feiyu had come to make peace, but he didn't expect her to dare to threaten him. "Then you can see if anyone in Fengzhou dares to go to the yamen and file a lawsuit against me!"
Liu Baihu had indeed committed many evil deeds, but as he said, no one in Fengzhou dared to accuse him, because he was the second son of the royal merchant Liu family, and both Qiu Qianhu and Governor Meng would protect him.
"There's no need for such trouble," Zhan Feiyu shook her head, looking Liu Baihu up and down. "As long as I ask Prince Yu for help, Liu Baihu will go to the border after his leg injury has healed. A man should die on the battlefield, wrapped in horsehide and buried."
"You dare!" Liu Baihu roared.
Zhan Feiyu's laughter was crisp. "Actually, this is also troublesome. After all, it takes at least ten to half a month for the military order to be transferred to the border. If I casually put some secret medicine in Liu Baihu's food and drink, I'm afraid it will come faster."
Poisoning would indeed be faster! And Zhan Feiyu could silently place the blood-stained cleaver by Liu Baihu's pillow, so poisoning would not be difficult for her.