Although Yang Shoucheng knew that the Fu family had secretly met with Madam Zhang in the county jail, he understood that Madam Zhang, imprisoned as she was, was merely a tool being manipulated by others. The one orchestrating all of this was someone else entirely.
Qiu Zongxi frowned and sighed, "Whether the mastermind is the Marquis of Zhenbian or not, Madam Zhang's involvement will only implicate Xu'er."
The Great Qing Dynasty placed great importance on filial piety. Madam Zhang could be unfilial, but Yang Xu could not afford to be, or he would be criticized. Blood ties could not be severed. Despite Madam Zhang's current crimes, even if she were eventually executed, her actions would still tarnish Yang Xu's reputation.
Fortunately, Yang Xu was still young. It would be at least ten years before he could lead troops into battle, by which time the negative impact of Madam Zhang would have somewhat diminished with time. Even if someone were to attack Yang Xu based on this, it would be a ten-year-old matter, and as a military general in the future, the repercussions for Yang Xu would be much smaller.
"Xu'er's personality is too straightforward. This hardship might be a good thing for him," Yang Shoucheng said philosophically. With the example of his own mother, Madam Zhang, Yang Xu would be less likely to be deceived or manipulated by women in the future. Perhaps this was a blessing in disguise.
Since things had come to this, they could only look at the bright side. Qiu Zongxi reviewed all the events in his mind, pondering and deliberating before asking again, "What's the news from the Marquis of Zhenbian's estate? What is their ultimate goal in all this scheming?"
Even if Zhou Shuyao had indeed "killed" Fu Langhuan, framing Yang Xu for murder was somewhat far-fetched. It actually helped Yang Xu resolve this "marriage." At this moment, Qiu Zongxi couldn't quite grasp the ultimate purpose behind the Marquis of Zhenbian's estate's actions.
"It's not clear yet. As long as the imperial decree hasn't been issued, the Yang family cannot act openly," Yang Shoucheng's stern and cold face showed no worry or impatience. "For now, we can only wait and see."
The Marquis of Zhenbian's estate had been entrenched in Longyou Road for many years and had secretly developed considerable influence and connections. Yang Shoucheng did not intend to investigate the murder case of the Fu family's daughter in a big way. If it truly implicated Yang Xu, then they would deal with it.
Looking at the calm and collected Yang Shoucheng, Qiu Zongxi teased, "If Xu'er were like you, his father, he wouldn't have gone to question Xiao Yu just now. He'd probably be regretting it by now."
Thinking of the dejected Yang Xu, Qiu Zongxi stroked his beard and chuckled uncharitably. Shoucheng had the demeanor of a great general, and Yang Xu had a lot to learn with his dull mind.
...
In the kitchen, He Nuan was using a small stove to simmer medicine, occasionally fanning the charcoal fire to make it burn more intensely. He Nuan was not yet aware of Yang Xu's confrontation with Zhan Feiyu.
Seeing He Nuan put down the fan and pick up the medicinal herbs from the small tray to put them into the medicine pot, Yang Xu hurried over to help, "Let me fan the fire."
"No need, the flames have already caught," He Nuan replied gently, lifting the steaming lid and adding the last two medicinal ingredients.
He Nuan assumed Yang Xu was worried about Zhan Feiyu's health and said kindly, "Young Master Xu, there's no need to worry. Miss will be fine after drinking the medicine for a couple of days to dispel the cold."
The charcoal fire in the small stove was indeed burning fiercely. Yang Xu put down the fan in disappointment, wanting to speak but not knowing what to say, his spirits completely dampened.
He Nuan looked at the dispirited Yang Xu with confusion. Just as she was about to ask, He Sheng also arrived, "Brother."
Yang Xu, whose back was to the door, suddenly tensed. He turned to look at He Sheng, who was standing outside the door and had not entered. Thinking of how He Sheng had been protecting him all this time, Yang Xu lowered his head in shame, his face showing palpable guilt and self-reproach.
What had happened? He Nuan looked at Yang Xu and then at He Sheng standing at the door, puzzled. Not only was Young Master Xu's expression off, but his elder brother also looked somewhat cold.
No one spoke, only the sound of the boiling medicinal broth gurgling in the pot. He Nuan focused on simmering the medicine. Nothing major should have happened, otherwise, her brother would definitely be by Miss's side right now.
After a long silence, thinking that a man should stand by his actions, Yang Xu walked towards He Sheng with a look of resignation and apologized sincerely, "Brother He, I'm sorry."
"Young Master Xu is too kind. He Sheng is merely a subordinate acting on orders and does not deserve Young Master Xu's apology. Miss asked He Sheng to continue protecting Young Master Xu; this is He Sheng's duty, and Young Master Xu need not take it to heart," He Sheng said, each word delivered with a cold, perfunctory tone.
Upon hearing that Zhan Feiyu had asked He Sheng to protect him, Yang Xu's already straightened body felt as if a mountain had been placed upon it, his spine instantly buckling. He was enveloped in a thick, unshakeable sense of guilt.
He Nuan glanced at the doorway discreetly, a flicker of amusement in her eyes. She hadn't expected her elder brother to bully the younger ones.
...
A little over half an hour later, in the study.
"I heard that Miss Zhan is ill, so I brought some medicinal herbs. If you need anything, Miss Zhan, please don't hesitate," Qiu Jinyu was surprised that Zhan Feiyu, who had taken leave, would still come to the study. Being accepted as a disciple by Scholar Gu was not only due to her talent in reading but also her diligence and hard work.
Yang Xu, who was practicing calligraphy with his back to the door, trembled, and the ink from his brush dripped down, ruining a large piece of calligraphy.
"Practicing calligraphy requires concentration and a calm mind!" a reprimand sounded. Qiu Zongxi looked at the nervous Yang Xu. "Serves you right. Now you know regret. Learn from this experience, and perhaps next time you encounter something, you won't be so reckless and impulsive."
However, seeing Zhan Feiyu enter the study wrapped up like a bear, Qiu Zongxi frowned and said, "If you're ill, why aren't you resting properly? The provincial examination is three years away, no need to rush!"
"My headache is gone after drinking the medicine," Zhan Feiyu's voice was still hoarse, but after a short nap and the medicine taking effect, she now had a slight nasal congestion. Since her headache was gone, she naturally had to catch up on the lessons she had missed in the morning.
There was a charcoal basin in the study, so it wasn't cold. Seeing that Zhan Feiyu also seemed energetic, Qiu Zongxi did not stop her further.
A moment later.
"I have to write too?" Yang Xu, who had been dispirited all morning, finally perked up a little. But upon meeting Qiu Zongxi's stern gaze, that little bit of spirit vanished instantly.
"Can you write it?" Qiu Zongxi asked dismissively, directly asking, "Where does this sentence come from?"
Yang Xu, who had escaped a calamity, quickly stood up, "It's from 'The Analects: Gongye Chang.' Ji Wenzhi pondered thrice before acting. The Master heard of it and said, 'Twice is enough.'"
"How do you interpret this sentence?" Qiu Zongxi asked again, his face stern, holding a ruler in one hand, as if waiting for an opportunity to strike Yang Xu.
Yang Xu had only read the Four Books and Five Classics once. He didn't expect to recite them, and his understanding of their meanings was superficial. However, he remembered the phrase "ponder thrice before acting."
"Ji Wenzhi acted only after considering each matter three times. Confucius heard of this and said, 'Twice, reflecting on past experiences, is sufficient.' " Yang Xu answered and then stood respectfully to the side, believing he understood Qiu Zongxi's well-intentioned advice. If he had pondered thrice before acting, he wouldn't have rushed to question Xiao Yu upon hearing the news of Fu family's daughter's death and suspected her.
Yang Xu lowered his head again. It would have been easier for him if Xiao Yu had blamed him, but instead, Xiao Yu had asked Brother He to protect him at all times, worrying about his safety. Thinking of this, Yang Xu truly wished he could turn back time and beat up his reckless and impulsive self.
Qiu Zongxi did not press Yang Xu further. "Alright, sit down and continue practicing your calligraphy."
He wouldn't expect Yang Xu to write a proper essay for another two or three years. Qiu Zongxi looked at Zhan Feiyu, "What is your interpretation of this sentence?"
As for Qiu Jinyu, who was sitting on the other side, he continued to be ignored. Not driving him out of the study was already Qiu Zongxi's magnanimity. As for tutoring him, that was absolutely impossible.
From posing the question to the current examination, Qiu Zongxi had not even spent half a cup of tea's time. He was testing Zhan Feiyu's usual foundation.
"The 'Records of the Grand Historian' records: When Ji Wenzhi was in office, his concubines had no silk clothes, his stables had no horses fed with grain, and his treasury had no gold or jade," Zhan Feiyu replied immediately after standing up.
"Ji Wenzhi served as the prime minister of Lu for 33 years, assisting three generations of rulers: Duke Xuan, Duke Cheng, and Duke Xiang of Lu. He held the reins of Lu's government and its wealth, wielding great power, dedicating himself to the stability of the state. He was loyal and steadfast, diligent in his duties to the state and frugal in his household."
Qiu Zongxi nodded, signaling Zhan Feiyu to continue.
As for Yang Xu, who was distracted while practicing calligraphy, Qiu Zongxi couldn't be bothered. He should let this dullard know the gap between people. Yang Xu couldn't even recite the Four Books and Five Classics completely, yet this girl, who was only a year older than him, had already read history books extensively, acted with composure and experience, and was no less shrewd than those old foxes in the imperial court.
Zhan Feiyu continued, "During the reign of Duke Xuan of Lu, Duke Zhuangzi Sui held great power and expelled the Mengsun clan, who vied with him for power, from Lu. Xiang Zhong killed the legitimate heir and installed the illegitimate son as ruler. At that time, the Shusun clan, who had made great military contributions, was also severely suppressed by Xiang Zhong. As one of the Three Huan, Ji Wenzhi was cautious and acted in accordance with Xiang Zhong."
Hearing this, Qiu Zongxi began to understand. The young girl did not deny "pondering thrice before acting." However, in her view, caution was necessary, but excessive caution turned into pettiness, indecisiveness, and hesitation.
Looking at Zhan Feiyu's demeanor, she appeared gentle and polite, but deep down, she possessed a spirit and boldness.
Time passed slowly. Considering Zhan Feiyu had caught a cold, Qiu Zongxi ended the morning's lesson at lunchtime.
Seeing Zhan Feiyu about to leave, Yang Xu quickly walked over and bowed deeply to Zhan Feiyu with a guilty expression, "Xiao Yu, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have suspected you."
"I don't blame you. After all, you were just impulsive. I won't hold it against you, so don't feel guilty anymore," Zhan Feiyu said with a smile, her eyes curved, appearing not to mind at all. "A Nuan is waiting for me to go back for porridge. I'll be leaving now."
"Xiao..." Before Yang Xu could finish speaking, he saw Zhan Feiyu leave the door. He Nuan immediately handed her a hand warmer, and the two left.
Xiao Yu said she wasn't angry and even smiled when she spoke, but why did it feel a little off? Yang Xu frowned. At this moment, he would have preferred Xiao Yu to scold him like Grandpa Qiu. He would have felt a bit better then.
Qiu Zongxi witnessed this scene and then looked at the dejected Yang Xu. A quick smile flashed across his wrinkled old face. The young girl's tactic of retreating to advance was indeed brilliant. She was truly a cunning little fox, worthy of being Gu Qingzhou's disciple.
Yang Xu's dejection reached its peak with the arrival of Yin Wuyan, fully illustrating the saying "comparison is the thief of joy."
Qiu Zongxi did not come out to greet Yin Wuyan, this uninvited guest, nor did he care about his identity. He returned to his own courtyard to dine. His dismissive attitude was the same as how he treated Qiu Jinyu.
At this moment, in the small hall.
Compared to the relatively rich dishes on the table, Zhan Feiyu ate lightly, only the white porridge simmered by He Nuan. Fortunately, shredded chicken and chopped mushrooms were added, making it exceptionally delicious.
"Big Brother, you don't need to mind me," Zhan Feiyu quickly stopped him. She had to take medicine and therefore had some dietary restrictions. Big Brother didn't need to accompany her for porridge.
"It's nothing," Yin Wuyan took a bowl of porridge handed to him by He Nuan. Seeing Zhan Feiyu, who still wanted to speak, he said gently, "Eat quickly."
Zhan Feiyu smiled with her eyes curved, unlike the perfunctory attitude she had when talking to Yang Xu. She was clearly in a good mood, her eyes sparkling. She obediently picked up her spoon and began to eat the porridge.
Looking at this scene, and remembering that she had refused his offer to share porridge earlier, with the excuse that A Nuan had only cooked a small pot, which wasn't enough.
Yang Xu had believed her at the time and thus abandoned the idea of "sharing hardships."
But seeing the steaming bowl of porridge in front of Yin Wuyan, Yang Xu, who felt unfairly treated, found the flavorful roasted lamb in his mouth tasteless.
Qiu Jinyu ate his meal while discreetly observing Yin Wuyan. This person's relationship with Zhan Feiyu was definitely close. Although he appeared cold and distant, his expression softened noticeably when facing Zhan Feiyu, like an elder doting on a child.
As for Zhan Feiyu's reliance and trust, even Yang Xu could see it, so Qiu Jinyu was naturally well aware of it. Looking at Yin Wuyan's elegant and noble demeanor in his every move, Qiu Jinyu became increasingly certain that he must be from the capital and from a noble family. If it weren't for the significant age difference between them, Qiu Jinyu might have suspected something else.
With Yin Wuyan's company, a bowl of white porridge was eaten by Zhan Feiyu with the taste of dragon liver and phoenix marrow. Her eyes were filled with smiles, and her appearance was obedient and sensible, a stark contrast to her eloquent and sharp demeanor in the study earlier.
Yang Xu ate his meal without relish, occasionally glancing at Zhan Feiyu and Yin Wuyan. The familiarity and intimacy between them made Yang Xu feel as if the dishes at noon were seasoned with vinegar.
Half an hour later, before Zhan Feiyu could take her second dose of medicine, the real uninvited guest arrived.
Perhaps out of consideration for Qiu Zongxi's status, Magistrate Zhu's attitude remained respectful. He claimed to be investigating the case, but his cautious tone made it seem as if he were paying respects to a superior.
"A murder case?" Qiu Zongxi looked coldly at Magistrate Zhu and the constables standing outside the door. He sneered but did not lose his temper, merely showing a hint of impatience. "Alright, Magistrate Zhu, you don't need to say more. I am merely a man of leisure. Since it involves a murder case, Magistrate Zhu, please act impartially."
"Sir, you are too modest. This subordinate is merely making a routine inquiry," Magistrate Zhu wiped the cold sweat that had broken out on his forehead. Who in Longyou Road didn't know that Old Sir Qiu and General Yang had a life-and-death friendship?
Years ago, when the Marquis of Zhenbian's estate wanted to torment the Yang family, it was Old Sir Qiu alone who turned the tide, firmly protecting the Yang family, grandfather and grandson, in Stone Village. Not a single malevolent spirit dared to show itself.