Hearing Yang Xu's words about helping the bun seller, Qiu Zongxi asked the same question as Zhan Feiyu, "How do you plan to help? If you help this time, what about the next?"
Constable Luo was the constable of Xiangwu County. As long as Madam Jia continued to run her bun shop, she would eventually be targeted by Constable Luo, unless Constable Luo himself was dealt with.
Before Zhan Feiyu arrived, Yang Xu followed Yang Shousheng in practicing martial arts daily. Old General Yang also taught him reading and military strategy. However, with Zhan Feiyu setting such a high standard, Yang Xu had learned to think and no longer compared himself to children like Da Niu from Stone Village.
"Grandpa Qiu," Yang Xu said, his dark face serious, and explained his idea, "I want to start with Luo Hu and then use him to bring down Luo Shunxiang."
Constable Luo had done many bad deeds in Xiangwu County over the years, but he was cautious and thorough, covering his tracks completely.
Moreover, the law states that officials do not investigate unless a citizen reports it. Constable Luo always maintained a balance, never pushing people to ruin. Ordinary people would endure it, not daring or wanting to offend the yamen's constables. Furthermore, the corrupt official Magistrate Zhu was there to protect him.
Qiu Zongxi had lived in Xiangwu County for many years and had heard about Constable Luo's actions. "Since you want to do it, then do it. Go find Old Tie Tou from the blacksmith shop later, and tell him whatever you need."
Yang Xu's eyes lit up with joy, and he nodded vigorously, "I understand."
The arrest of the bun seller only worried the neighbors of the bun shop. But there was nothing they could do, after all, Madam Jia had suddenly rushed out of the alley without looking, startling Luo Hu's horse, causing him to fall and break his leg.
Madam Jia was in the wrong, which gave Constable Luo the opportunity to arrest her and throw her into prison.
"I'll go see Scholar Jia first and tell him about this," Uncle Huang said, tapping the dry tobacco on the edge of the table and standing up to look at the enthusiastic neighbors. "Don't you all get involved. Offending a constable will cause trouble for the shop in the future."
The five neighbors who came to Uncle Huang's house to discuss the matter were usually close to Madam Jia. They all said that close neighbors are better than distant relatives. Now, only Madam Jia and the paralyzed Scholar Jia were left in the Jia family, and if they didn't help, no one else would.
Aunt Mei, who sold groceries, sighed, "It's just a matter of compensating with money. We can't let Sister Jia truly go to jail for this. We can all chip in some money."
Raising money was not a big deal. Although Xiangwu County was poor, those who could open a shop in the county town could probably pool together three to five taels of silver if they didn't have much.
Madam Jia's buns sold well. If not this year, then next year. If not in five years, then in ten, she could definitely repay the money.
"I'm afraid that fellow surnamed Luo will demand an exorbitant price!" the old man who spoke said with a solemn expression.
Years ago, when he fell at home, if not for the deceased Mr. and Mrs. Jia seeing him and helping him to the medical clinic, he would have lost his life long ago. It was a pity that good people didn't live long. Now, the old man could only repay this kindness to Scholar Jia.
Hearing this, Uncle Huang started smoking his dry tobacco again. In the swirling smoke, the wrinkles on his face were all creased with worry. Those who opened shops on the street knew Constable Luo's character best. He was like a blunt knife cutting flesh, not killing you, but slowly grinding you down.
"No matter what, let's talk to Scholar Jia first and see what he thinks," Uncle Huang made the final decision, as their discussions here were useless.
The Jia family had a small courtyard. The front room was the bun shop. Passing through the small courtyard, there were three main rooms at the back and two side rooms on the left and right.
Everyone knew that Scholar Jia had a bad temper after becoming paralyzed and did not see outsiders. Uncle Huang had visited on the Mid-Autumn Festival, the fifteenth of August. After the bun seller was arrested in the morning, Uncle Huang brought her food. His mind was in a mess at the time, and he dared not speak.
He pushed open the door. The room was still warm. With the heated kang, there was no need to worry about Scholar Jia, who was paralyzed in bed, getting cold.
"Ah Yuan, Uncle has something to tell you. Don't rush," Uncle Huang pulled a chair and sat by the kang. He looked at the expressionless Scholar Jia, sighed, and then told him about Madam Jia's situation.
Perhaps due to not speaking for a long time, Scholar Jia's voice was hoarse, and his face showed panic and unease. "Compensate with money, we will compensate with money."
"Don't worry, money will definitely be paid. Don't worry, your wife will be fine," Uncle Huang quickly patted Scholar Jia's arm. He felt a bit gratified. Scholar Jia was willing to spend money, which was not in vain for his niece, who was five generations removed, to stay by his side for years.
A quarter of an hour later, after comforting the anxious and uneasy Scholar Jia, Uncle Huang took a tael of silver and planned to visit Madam Jia in the yamen prison. He also intended to ask her how she planned to handle the matter, as the pillar of the Jia family was not the paralyzed Scholar Jia, but Madam Jia.
...
In the study, the morning chill had dissipated considerably under the charcoal fire.
Zhan Feiyu rubbed her fingers and hugged the warm hand warmer. At first glance, she didn't look like a scholar at all, but more like a pampered young lady from the inner chambers.
"What about when it's time for the imperial examinations?" Qiu Zongxi looked coldly at Zhan Feiyu, who was holding the hand warmer.
The provincial examinations in August were fine, but the imperial examinations were held in the depths of winter, especially in the capital, which was even colder. If there was also a cold snap in early spring, it would be even more unbearable. Many examinees were frozen.
"The provincial examinations are in three years, and the imperial examinations will likely be another three years after that. I have no foresight," Zhan Feiyu said with a thick skin and a smile. These were matters at least six years away, and thinking about them now was just worrying about unnecessary things.
Qiu Zongxi put down the three essays Zhan Feiyu had written in the past two days. Looking at her delicate appearance, it was hard to believe that her words were sharp, incisive, and penetrating!
"What is virtue?" Qiu Zongxi suddenly asked.
Zhan Feiyu, who was being tested, also shed her lazy and casual demeanor. She placed the hand warmer on the table and stood up straight, her small body wrapped like a bear. "To govern with virtue is like the North Star, which remains in its place and all stars revolve around it."
Confucianism emphasizes personal cultivation and moral character. Zhan Feiyu's answer came from "The Analects: For the Ruler."
It means that if the ruler governs the world with noble morals, he will have the centripetal force and appeal of the North Star, and with his own strength, he will firmly unite the people around him.
Zhan Feiyu would continue to take the imperial examinations in the future, so her answer for virtue could not be limited to personal cultivation. It had to be from the perspective of an official and a ruler, so that it would better align with the examiner's thoughts.
Qiu Zongxi nodded and continued in a deep voice, "What is the Way?"
"To be guided by government and regulated by punishment, the people will escape punishment but be without shame; to be guided by virtue and regulated by propriety, the people will have shame and be reformed," Zhan Feiyu answered, still from "The Analects: For the Ruler."
It means that if the government is guided by strict laws and severe punishments, the people can escape punishment and not commit offenses, but they will not cultivate a sense of shame. If people are guided by noble morals and educated by propriety, which regulates social behavior, then the people will reflect within themselves, change their customs, and follow the path of a gentleman.
After thinking for a moment, Zhan Feiyu added, "The superior man roots himself in what is essential. When the essential is established, the Way grows."
Yang Xu stood outside the study at this moment, listening to the conversation inside. His head throbbed. If it were "To learn and to review what has been learned, is that not a pleasure," he could still understand. But this was too profound; Yang Xu felt like he was listening to heavenly scriptures.
He Nuan's lips curved into a smile, and she whispered, "Old Mr. Qiu is testing Miss. It will probably take some time."
"I'll come back later," Yang Xu nodded. He wouldn't dare to go in now, even though he had decided to study hard, read history books, and study military strategy, he couldn't bring himself to like the Analects from the bottom of his heart.
In the study, Zhan Feiyu and Qiu Zongxi began to debate "the Way" and "virtue." Neither of them noticed Yang Xu, who had come and gone. In Xiangwu County, Yang family's old subordinates were already lurking in the shadows, so Yang Xu was unlikely to be in any danger.
Zhan Feiyu drank some water. Her usually clear and calm eyes now held a sharp glint. "The Way is the root of all things. All things are in accord with the Way, thus they accumulate virtue. Accumulating virtue can nourish righteousness, and nourishing righteousness can lead to longevity."
From Zhan Feiyu's essays, Qiu Zongxi had discovered that this young girl, despite her gentle and harmless appearance, hid sharpness and edge in her words.
The impetuous Qiu Zongxi had not accepted any disciples over the years, not even the Qiu family's own descendants. This was partly because he disliked the Confucian ideology of scholars, which was too benevolent. However, the Emperor practiced benevolent governance, so Taoism or Legalism were not favored by scholars.
"What happens if things deviate from their root?" Qiu Zongxi's resolve to poach her grew stronger. Gu Qingzhou was not an option, but there was still the Emperor. He had saved the Emperor's life years ago, and now, if he could just take on a disciple, he believed the Emperor would not refuse.
"To deviate from the Way is to lose virtue. Losing virtue means one cannot nourish righteousness. Without nourishing righteousness, there will be illness, and with illness, there will be demise. The Way is the root, virtue is the foundation, and all things are the branches. Without virtue and the Way, nothing is born; without virtue, nothing is accomplished," Zhan Feiyu replied, having thoroughly read the Four Books and Five Classics, otherwise she would not have been able to answer.
...
Outside the Qiu residence, Yang Xu looked at He Sheng beside him. "Brother He, you don't need to worry. I'm just going to the blacksmith shop."
"It's fine. Miss has a lot of studies these days and won't be going out," He Sheng followed Yang Xu towards the blacksmith shop.
Given the current situation, Yang Xu was in more danger than Zhan Feiyu. The Wu Hundred Households from the garrison had seen the Forbidden Dragon Guard token. Even the Zhenbian Marquis Mansion would not dare to lay a hand on Zhan Feiyu, as that would offend the Forbidden Dragon Guard.
Yang Xu was currently the key point in the entire situation in Longyou Dao. If anything happened to him, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Especially since Zhan Feiyu and He Sheng had analyzed that the current Emperor's attitude towards Yang Xu's safety was even one of tacit approval. This was also why He Sheng followed to protect Yang Xu.
The blacksmith shop was not far from the bun shop, separated by a street. It was at the end of an alley. As they got closer, they could hear the clanging of hammers.
"Old Uncle Tie, I'm Yang Xu," Yang Xu said respectfully to Old Uncle Tie, who was swinging a hammer while wearing only a single layer of clothing in the cold weather. He then took out a small token from his embrace, which was a symbol of Yang family identity.
Old Uncle Tie did not take the token. He looked at Yang Xu with affection, but then his fierce eyes turned sharp as knives when he looked at He Sheng beside him.
"Old Uncle Tie, this is Brother He. He's protecting me because he's afraid I'll be in danger," Yang Xu quickly explained. His grandfather had told him before they left that if anything happened, he should listen to Xiao Yu. Therefore, Yang Xu trusted He Sheng completely.
Nodding, Old Uncle Tie put down his hammer and put on a jacket he took from the side. "What does young master need?"
There were no outsiders in the blacksmith shop. Yang Xu immediately told him about the bun seller. "Old Uncle Tie, I want to help her, but I don't know where to start."
He had no manpower and no money. After speaking, Yang Xu felt a little ashamed, but he still stood tall. He would eventually grow up and become a great general who could stand tall and upright!
"Young master, please wait a moment." Old Uncle Tie nodded understandingly and walked towards the window.
By the window, there was a table. Old Uncle Tie took out brushes and ink from a drawer. He originally used them to record the dimensions of the ironware requested by customers. After grinding them for a while, Old Uncle Tie quickly wrote three names on the paper.
"Young master, the daughters of the Zhao and Qu families among these three have both been harmed by Luo Hu. As for the last family, the Niu family, Constable Luo took money back then and helped the Niu family escape punishment. The Niu family's daughter-in-law did not commit suicide by jumping into a well; she was literally forced to death by the Niu family." The blacksmith shop's purpose was to gather all sorts of news in Xiangwu County.
There were three similar shops in Xiangwu County, and even more in the prefectural city. However, Yang Xu was still young, and with an outsider like He Sheng present, Old Uncle Tie could not reveal too much.
Yang Xu looked at the names of the three families above and had a general direction in mind. As long as the Tie and Qu families sued Luo Hu, and through Luo Hu, they could bring down Constable Luo, then the Niu family would be the last straw that broke the camel's back.
The Zhao family was more convenient, as they lived in the county town. However, the Qu family was in the village of Aozi below. Yang Xu decided to go to the Zhao family first, but he hadn't figured out how to persuade the Zhao family to sue Luo Hu.
Standing at the entrance of the blacksmith shop, watching Yang Xu leave, a middle-aged man came out of the house. "Father, that's the young master. He looks eight parts like the general."
"The old general intends to temper the young master," Old Uncle Tie smiled with great relief. He had waited for so many years and finally saw the clouds part to reveal the sun.
Although the Yang family's old subordinates had gone into hiding, let alone a small constable, even the Zhenbian Marquis Mansion was not to be feared. It was just that the time was not right, and the Yang family could only restrain their edge.
The old general was right. The general's mansion had too much merit, and the Emperor intended to consolidate military power. Even without the crime of colluding with the enemy, there would be other charges.
At noon, Zhan Feiyu and Qiu Zongxi left the study. One taught with great satisfaction, and the other listened with great benefit. By the time they felt hungry, it was already past mealtime.
"What happened to you?" In the courtyard, Zhan Feiyu stared dumbfounded at Yang Xu, who was emitting a foul odor and had a piece of vegetable leaf on his head.
He was fine in the morning, but after two hours, why did he become like this? There were also two blood marks on his face, scratched by fingernails, which were still oozing blood.
He Sheng was as taciturn as ever, but looking at the dirty Yang Xu, a fleeting smile flashed in his eyes. They said that when a scholar meets a soldier, they can't explain themselves. The dignified young master of the Yang family, when faced with a shrew, could only be beaten.
Qiu Zongxi was also startled. Yang Xu's appearance was too miserable. He coughed dryly and said, "Your clothes are all wet. Go wash up first, and then come over for dinner."