"Liu Baihu?" Qi Heng asked in surprise after listening, then turned to Zhan Feiyu. It was truly a coincidence.
The scholar nodded and continued in a low voice, "Zhu Changyun's younger brother is only five years old. While it's true that the child's naughtiness spooked the horse, you can't beat a five-year-old child to within an inch of his life."
At the time, fortunately, someone intervened, otherwise Liu Baihu might have beaten the child to death. Zhu Changyun, who was studying at the private school, rushed to the medical clinic upon hearing the news and managed to gather the medical fees through various means.
"Although his brother's life was saved, he was frightened and became a bit dull-witted. Zhu Changyun's family had no money left, and his brother still needed medicine to recover. In the end, he filed a lawsuit against Liu Baihu," the scholar sighed.
It was said that neighbors, his private school teacher, and classmates had all advised him. However, Zhu Changyun was a scholar, and he and his brother had relied on each other for many years, so he couldn't swallow this injustice.
But the outcome of the lawsuit was as expected. The child spooked the horse, nearly delaying military intelligence, so Meng Zhizhou gave both parties a fifty-fifty punishment. The responsibility for "delaying military intelligence" was not pursued, as it was just a five-year-old child.
Liu Baihu, who almost beat someone to death, only compensated fifty taels of silver. Zhu Changyun did not pursue the matter further, and everyone thought it was over. But who would have thought that Zhu Changyun would first be expelled from the private school, and then his home caught fire. The brothers were unharmed, but all their belongings were burned.
Part of the fifty taels of silver was used to buy new belongings, and the rest was barely enough for Zhu Changyun's brother's medication.
But the real trouble came later. When he went to a bookstore to buy stationery, he was refused entry. He tried another shop, but it was the same. Zhu Changyun couldn't buy anything related to studying, nor could he borrow anything, and no one dared to lend him anything.
"Are they trying to kill him completely?" Ming San's face was cold and mocking. For a scholar about to take the imperial examination, being unable to buy books or stationery was clearly cutting off Zhu Changyun's future, a fate crueler than death.
Qi Heng, the chubby boy, was so angry he couldn't speak. His cheeks puffed out, and his hands unconsciously clenched into fists.
At that moment, he suddenly understood why his father said that the characters "Qi" and "Qi" were different. Compared to the actions of the main family back then, Liu Baihu's actions were truly a stab to the heart. Liu Baihu was just a Baihu, yet he could force Zhu Changyun into a corner.
At the main entrance.
"If that's the case, then I've disturbed you." The light in Zhu Changyun's eyes gradually extinguished, finally turning into an endless darkness. If he couldn't borrow books from the great scholar Wei, how could he participate in the imperial examination? Without even ink and paper, how could he answer the questions?
The gatekeeper did not recognize Zhu Changyun and showed no sympathy. He looked at the others and continued, "My master is not seeing guests. It's getting late, please leave."
Qi Heng watched Zhu Changyun staggering towards them, and blurted out anxiously, "I have books at home that I can lend you!"
Hmph! The scholar who had just spoken, and the others, were all shocked and stunned. They couldn't believe anyone would dare to help Zhu Changyun. Although they sympathized, they could only protect themselves rather than offend Liu Baihu.
Zhu Changyun suddenly looked up. His dim eyes burst with wild joy and excitement. But looking at the short and chubby Qi Heng, he was stunned for a moment, then smiled bitterly and shook his head, "No need, thank you, young master."
If Zhu Changyun had agreed, Ming San and Zhan Feiyu would not have stopped Qi Heng. But his refusal made them look at him with more respect. Being in such a predicament yet unwilling to implicate innocent people showed Zhu Changyun's noble character.
"Zhu Anshou, there's no need to refuse. My nephew here also needs to participate in the imperial examination. Why don't you bring your brother and stay with us? We can share the study, and you can also guide this chubby boy." Ming San said with a loud laugh, his folding fan tapping Qi Heng on the head, "Be diligent and eager to learn, remember?"
"Yes, little uncle," Qi Heng nodded. Since meeting Xiao Yu, Qi Heng felt he had never been arrogant. Who would dare to be arrogant in front of an Anshou? That would be like showing off in front of an expert, inviting ridicule.
Seeing Ming San in his wide-sleeved robe with an extraordinary demeanor, and Zhan Feiyu and Qi Heng, though young, were well-behaved and polite, indicating they were educated, Zhu Changyun's hope rekindled. However, he still frankly said, "Thank you, young master, but I have offended Liu Hefeng, Liu Baihu, before."
"Haha, what a coincidence. My little girl here has also offended Liu Hefeng," Ming San said, pointing to Zhan Feiyu beside him. "Zhu Anshou, don't worry too much. After the imperial examination, you'll surely be able to soar high like a bird in the sky and swim freely like a fish in the sea."
Zhu Changyun was currently only a Tong Sheng. Although Liu Baihu's actions were malicious, they did not violate criminal law.
But once Zhu Changyun became a Xiu Cai, or even the Anshou of the imperial examination, even if he couldn't establish himself in Fengzhou, he could move to other prefectures. After passing the provincial examination in three years, why would he still fear a Liu Baihu?
"Ignorant fools!" A mocking voice rang out. Two young men in luxurious attire looked at Ming San with disdain.
The young man in the crimson robe sneered, "Simply boasting! For Zhu Changyun to want to pass the imperial examination is like dreaming during the day."
"Qu Bai, there's no need to involve innocent people in our feud." Zhu Changyun used to be gentle, but after these series of events, his temper had become a bit sharper.
"Oh, have you found a backer and dare to talk back to me?" Qu Bai laughed maliciously, clicking his tongue and shaking his head. "Zhu Changyun, they all say you're a gentleman, but I think you're a sinister villain. You only mention Liu Baihu, but not that Liu Baihu comes from the imperial merchant Liu family. He's an outsider, and he dares to offend Liu Baihu in Fengzhou. I doubt he can even leave Fengzhou with all his limbs intact!"
"This young master, my second brother is not exaggerating. Liu Baihu is a military officer with a somewhat impetuous temper. Zhu Anshou's younger brother did not simply spook the horse. It is heard that Liu Baihu was supposed to report important military intelligence at the time, but his time was delayed. Liu Baihu suspected that Zhu Anshou's younger brother was instigated by barbarian spies, which is why he took action."
The young woman standing beside him spoke softly. Her beautiful face had a gentle and calm expression, truly a model of a refined lady. "After the investigation, Liu Baihu also compensated fifty taels of silver, but it still caused a delay in military intelligence."
This explanation had spread throughout Fengzhou. Whether it was true or not, anyone with a brain knew. But words could be twisted. Liu Baihu used the excuse of delaying military intelligence, and Zhu Changyun and his brother, even with mouths all over their bodies, couldn't explain it, and no one would listen even if they did.
"Young master, there's no need to get involved in this mess," Qu Yingying said, then looked at Ming San with a slightly infatuated gaze.
Zhan Feiyu looked at Ming San. Although he was twenty-six, he had lived a free and unrestrained life over the years, with no trace of age on his face. He fanned himself with his fan, a smile curving his lips, capable of charming many women.
"Father, are you looking for a stepmother for me?" Zhan Feiyu suddenly linked her arm through Ming San's, glaring at the woman in front of her with hostility. "My father said before that even if he remarries, all the family's assets will be transferred to me. Father, if you're going to get married, remember to transfer the deeds of the shops and the manor to me."
Ming San was almost shocked by the word "father." He couldn't help but laugh heartily at this moment. "Don't worry, little girl. All the assets are your dowry. You only need to take care of my old age and see me off."
After divorcing Huang Li, Ming San really didn't plan to remarry. He had no children, of course. He had nephews and nieces, but compared to the younger generation of the Ming family, Ming San clearly preferred Zhan Feiyu.
Qu Yingying was stunned. She hadn't expected Ming San to have such an older daughter. Zhan Feiyu's fair and tender face was indeed deceptive; she looked only seven or eight years old. And if Ming San married early, say at sixteen or seventeen, having a seven or eight-year-old daughter was normal.
Qi Heng, standing beside them, was dumbfounded. Weren't they talking about Zhu Changyun just now?
"What good end can they have for offending Liu Baihu?" Qu Bai pulled his stunned cousin, a hint of displeasure in his eyes. But family matters should not be aired publicly. His cousin had already lost her reputation, which was why she was sent back to Fengzhou by their third uncle and aunt.
In order to find a good husband, Qu Bai had to bring his cousin Qu Yingying, who was said to have poetic talent, to visit the great scholar Wei. If she received guidance from the great scholar Wei and her reputation as a talented woman spread, she would marry well in the future, which would be a great help to the Qu family.
Qu Yingying hadn't expected that the romantic scholar she had taken a liking to was already married and had a daughter. She immediately lost the desire to talk. However, she still smiled gracefully and followed Qu Bai towards the main entrance of the Wei residence.
"Young master, please inform him. I have a new poem and would like to seek guidance from the great scholar Wei," Qu Yingying said with a gentle smile, elegant and polite, making it hard to refuse. "Cold plum blossoms meet snow for the first time, a lone branch is hard to capture in a painting. If the north wind understands, may it not break the branches in the wind and snow."
Her voice was clear and crisp like pearls falling on a jade plate. The poem about plum blossoms depicted the cold and proud spirit of plum blossoms in the snow, and also expressed the poet's pity. If one didn't love plum blossoms, how could they beg the biting wind and snow not to damage them?
Outside the gate, besides the gatekeeper, there were other scholars. Although the poem was just average, it was written by a woman and expressed genuine emotion. Coupled with Qu Yingying's beautiful appearance, it could be considered a masterpiece.
"It's so hot in the middle of summer. Why write about plum blossoms and wind and snow? Shouldn't it be about lotus flowers? About cicadas chirping on branches, and gentle breezes?" A clear, childish voice completely disrupted the atmosphere. Meeting Qu Yingying's resentful gaze, Zhan Feiyu grinned innocently.
Ming San chuckled, "If you think you can do better, you recite one about the summer heat."
Zhan Feiyu glared at Ming San speechlessly. She disliked composing poetry the most, yet he insisted on digging a trap for her.
Qu Yingying maintained her dignified and elegant posture, but a flicker of disdain flashed in her eyes. This little girl probably only knew how to recite the "Three Character Classic," let alone compose poetry? A doggerel, perhaps?
Others didn't pay much attention, assuming Ming San was joking.
Zhan Feiyu looked around, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Whose banana tree is in front of the door? Its rolled leaves divide the summer day. Deep sleep awakens distant cicada calls, shattering poetic dreams with nowhere to find them."
Not only did Qu Yingying's expression stiffen, but everyone else was also stunned. Are children nowadays so formidable? Or did she think of this beforehand and deliberately say it now to gain a reputation as a little talented woman?
With two people composing poems at once, the gatekeeper scratched his head in confusion. He could firmly refuse Zhu Changyun and the others, but Qu Yingying was a young lady, and Zhan Feiyu was a cute little girl.
The gatekeeper could only say with a distressed face, "I'll go report to the master. I don't know if it will work."
The door closed again. It was unknown whether the great scholar Wei would agree.
After a while, the gatekeeper returned. Facing Qu Yingying's expectant gaze, he could only shake his head, "The master is not seeing guests. Please leave, everyone."
Even though she knew this would be the outcome, she still hoped she might be special. Not to mention the great scholar Wei's reputation, but just the Wushulou alone, who knew how many rare and ancient books it contained.
Moreover, the great scholar Wei lived alone. It was heard that after the rainy season in May, his health had declined. Now, whoever caught the great scholar Wei's eye might inherit these books in the Wushulou. Such a fortune laid out before them, who wouldn't be tempted?
The great scholar Wei was not seeing guests, and Ming San was helpless. He didn't force the issue, "Little girl, let's go back first."
"Wait a moment." Zhan Feiyu stepped forward, looked at the gatekeeper, and said in a low voice, "May I speak with you further?"
What did that little girl want to say? Was she planning to bribe the gatekeeper to beg for her?
Qu Yingying curled her lips disdainfully. This method had been used by others years ago, but unfortunately, the few servants left by the great scholar Wei were extremely loyal and would not accept money. In the past, servants who accepted money were expelled from the Wei family that very day.
Zhan Feiyu took out her purse. Seeing the gatekeeper's flustered look as he was about to refuse, she smiled, "It's not money inside. Consider it a token. Please show it to the great scholar Wei."
"Alright." Relieved, the gatekeeper quickly took the purse. It really wasn't money, but more like a jade pendant or a token.
Inside the house, the great scholar Wei coughed a few times. His hair was already gray, and his eyes were cold and cloudy. At first glance, he looked like he was on his last legs.
On the desk were books upon books. Perhaps only when reading could the great scholar Wei forget everything, his deep-seated hatred dissolving in the words.
"Master," the gatekeeper at the study door spoke again.
"Tell them all to leave. I'm not seeing anyone," a hoarse voice sounded. The great scholar Wei didn't even look outside. In recent years, he had rarely left the Wei residence, except for annual visits to temples and cemeteries for worship.
"Master, it's a little girl. She asked me to give this token to you." The gatekeeper quickly spoke, handing over the purse in his hand.
The attendant beside him was surprised. Seeing the great scholar Wei nod, he then took the purse.
Since his wife and children had died tragically, the great scholar Wei had seen through everything. At this moment, he opened the purse. Upon seeing the token that fell on the desk, the great scholar Wei didn't pay much attention. But when he flipped the token over and saw the words "Jin Long Wei" written in a powerful calligraphy, he couldn't help but be startled.
Jin Long Wei! The great scholar Wei stared blankly at the token. After a long while, he put the token back into the purse and handed it to the attendant, "Let the little girl in."
Uh... This time, not only the little attendant but also the gatekeeper outside the study were stunned. For how many years had the master not seen outsiders? Unexpectedly, today he made an exception, and it was because of a little girl?
Outside the Wei residence, seeing the gatekeeper return after a long time, those waiting became tense. Their gazes subtly shifted to Zhan Feiyu. Did she have any connection with the great scholar Wei?
With a creak, the closed door opened from the inside. Everyone immediately straightened up, their eyes fixed on the gatekeeper who walked out.
"Miss." The gatekeeper walked up to Zhan Feiyu and returned the purse, continuing, "My master invites Miss to come in."
Zhan Feiyu was not surprised. She grinned at Ming San and Qi Heng, "Then I'll go in first. I've been standing for so long, it's hot and I'm thirsty. I'll ask the great scholar Wei for a cup of tea."
"Alright, hurry up and go in," Ming San said, shaking his head speechlessly. This girl was deliberately provoking others. If she could go in, why was she dawdling and saying such nonsense?