Even though He Nuan had considered several possibilities, she never expected that the child Peach Blossom was carrying would be Second Uncle Zhan's, and then be framed on Eldest Uncle Zhan. Looking at the beautiful young girl, He Nuan once again sighed that some people are truly born intelligent.
"Second Uncle used to want to stop me from studying. When he couldn't, he thought of killing me," Zhan Feiyu recalled the events when she first started her education. It had caused such a commotion that it was like a hen and dog in chaos. In ordinary families, it might be attributed to poverty.
But it was different for Second Uncle Zhan. Other second uncles wouldn't commit murder for money. Therefore, some people are inherently malicious, regardless of whether they are poor or rich.
He Nuan pondered for a moment and understood, "He can't suppress you now and dares not oppose you, Miss, but he's unwilling. So, he came up with this vicious plan."
Zhan Feiyu was a disciple of Scholar Gu. The villagers might not understand what the titles of the Gu family of Nanling, Grand Secretary of the Imperial Academy, and Grand Scholar of the Hanlin Academy truly meant. However, Zhan Feiyu was now the top scholar of the prefectural examination, and after the provincial examination, she would have the title of Xiucai.
The workshops in the village, the newly built private school, and even the businesses run by Zhan Wencheng all benefited from Zhan Feiyu's influence. Even though she was only nine years old, her status in the village was already different.
Second Uncle Zhan was a smart man. He knew he couldn't compete with Zhan Feiyu, and never would in this life. But he was unwilling to see the eldest branch prosper and become wealthy. His method was not only vicious but also disgusting.
Not wanting to be bothered by this matter, Zhan Feiyu's dark eyes flashed with brilliance, and she smiled, "Send Ah Sheng to the county town. In the afternoon, have Master Xie bring a doctor over, and also ask Doctor Ji from Leshan Residence to come along."
"Alright," He Nuan replied. It seemed Miss planned to resolve the matter today.
Since Young Master Ming San and Qi Heng had arrived together, the village elder and the village head hosted the guests at noon.
"The farmhouse meals are simple. Please bear with us, Young Master Ming," because Zhan Feiyu and Qi Heng were young, the village head did not prepare wine. "I'll toast Young Master Ming with tea. Little Yu has troubled you, Young Master Ming."
Ming San raised his tea cup and replied with a smile, "You are too kind, Village Head. Little Yu is intelligent and talented. I am the one who has been bothering her."
Despite his reputation as a wild scholar, Ming San set aside his arrogance and was a good conversationalist. He spoke about farming, local customs, and traditions, making the guests feel at ease at the dinner table.
After three rounds of tea, the village elder remembered Madam Tao's request and said, "Little Yu, do you have time this afternoon? Tutor Tao wants you to tell the village children how to study."
The village had built a private school and hired Tutor Tao to teach. The village head, village elder, and clan elders all hoped to produce another scholar and change the Zhan clan's status to that of a scholarly family.
However, when they inquired with Tutor Tao, they learned that the children in the village were of mixed quality. There were three or five who were good at studying and showed promise, but it was impossible for them to achieve the same astonishing results as Zhan Feiyu.
As for passing the Tong Sheng examination, according to Tutor Tao's estimation, it would take at least another ten years of study, and that was only if a few children diligently studied hard. This greatly disappointed the village elder and others, and they truly realized the difficulty of studying and participating in the imperial examinations.
Indeed, Tutor Tao, who was well-read, was only a Tong Sheng. Not to mention the children in the village whose handwriting was not even neat. Now that Zhan Feiyu had returned to the village, Tutor Tao wanted her to impart some of her study experience.
"Little Yu, please spare some time to talk to them and help them avoid detours," the village head also looked at Zhan Feiyu with anticipation.
Zhan Feiyu, the top scholar of the prefectural examination, was the pride of Jinlin Village and even the entire Shangsi County. This was why she had returned to the village quietly. If she had made a grand entrance, scholars and wealthy families from the county would likely have come to visit.
"Great-Grandfather, I'll be back tonight. I have time this afternoon," Zhan Feiyu readily agreed. She was born and raised here, and she would help wherever she could.
"Good, haha. If another scholar emerges from the village, I will have no regrets when I meet my ancestors," the village elder's gaze became even more affectionate.
Zhan Feiyu had been living in the separate courtyard in Shangsi County, and then went to the prefectural city. It wasn't until she was named the top scholar of the prefectural examination that the yamen came to the village to report the good news. However, Zhan Feiyu had not returned to the village for more than half a year.
There were some whispers in the village. The village elder and village head believed that Zhan Feiyu was not someone who was heartless or ungrateful, but they were still a little uneasy. Seeing Zhan Feiyu's attitude now, they were immediately happy.
"Young Master Ming, why don't you also give a lesson to our village children?" Zhan Feiyu looked at Young Master Ming San, sincerely requesting, "Tutor Tao probably doesn't know you've arrived."
With Young Master Ming San's reputation in Nanxuan Prefecture, any scholar would highly respect him.
He Nuan's chopped chili fish head was delicious and spicy. Qi Heng's mouth was red from the spice, and a chili flake was stuck to his cheek. "What about me? I'm also the sixth place in the prefectural examination!"
Qi Heng, unwilling to be outdone, raised his chubby paw.
Ming San couldn't bear to look at the greasy Qi Heng. This little fatty was only a year younger than Zhan Feiyu. He hadn't felt it before, but now, comparing them, Ming San shook his head in disdain. It was no wonder his elder brother had asked him to bring the little fatty to Fengzhou. Truly, reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles.
Was this also a Tong Sheng? The village elder and village head exchanged a shocked glance.
Zhan Feiyu hadn't explained in detail before. They thought Qi Heng was a junior from the Ming family who had come with Ming San. Who would have thought he was also a Tong Sheng? The children of the same age in Jinlin Village had probably just memorized the "Three Character Classic."
Seeing that the village elder and village head were moved, Ming San spoke first, "Don't even think about it. Sit down obediently and listen to the lesson! Or do you want me to tell your elder brother, your teacher, that you're showing off your talent?"
Ming San smiled menacingly. In terms of talent, the little fatty was definitely stronger than these children who had just started their studies. But if it came to lecturing, the little fatty would probably need another ten years of study.
"I'll listen to the lesson." Qi Heng shook his head like a rattle drum. He remembered the first time he had a scholarly duel with Zhan Feiyu. Not only did he lose face, but he was also punished by Master Ming to copy "The Analects." The soreness in his wrist after overuse was something Qi Heng never wanted to experience again.
...
The advantage of the private school being built in the village was that the children could go home for lunch and then take a half-hour nap before returning to the private school for lessons in the afternoon.
As soon as Zhan Feiyu appeared outside the private school courtyard, the children who were playing collectively fell silent, and then they all shouted excitedly and eagerly.
"Little Yu, you're back!" Shan Waizi shouted and rushed over. Coupled with his sun-tanned dark skin, one might mistake him for someone coming to fight.
Er Niu, who was a step behind, also grinned and said, "Little Yu, when did you get back? The peaches on the back mountain are ripe, and we were waiting for you to come back. Unfortunately, the peaches were pecked by sparrows."
Shan Waizi, with his arm around Er Niu's shoulder, grinned at Zhan Feiyu. "But lotus seeds are edible now. We'll take you to pick lotus seeds after school. My mother finally let me row the wooden basin."
The other children were equally enthusiastic. In an instant, Qi Heng was squeezed into a corner. More than ten children surrounded Zhan Feiyu and chattered excitedly.
Indeed, only the "king of children" in Jinlin Village could receive such treatment! After being away from the village for several months, Zhan Feiyu was still the brightest star in the village.
Looking at her enthusiastic friends, Zhan Feiyu squinted with a radiant smile, "It's not that I didn't come back, it's just that the teacher assigned so much homework that I can't finish it. I have to write an essay every day, compose two poems, practice five sheets of calligraphy, and recite..."
Shan Waizi and the others stared with their mouths agape, looking at Zhan Feiyu with great sympathy. Tutor Tao also assigned homework every day, but as long as they didn't play around, they could usually finish it in half an hour.
"Little Yu, do you still have time to play every day?" Er Niu scratched his head and chuckled foolishly, "Fortunately, I'm like my dad, not very smart."
If he were as smart as Little Yu, he would have to do so much homework every day. Let alone playing, Er Niu guessed he wouldn't even have time to sleep.
Shan Waizi nodded in agreement, "Fortunately, we're all stupid!"
"Yes, my dad scolded me yesterday, saying I'm not quick-witted."
"My brother also said I have a pig's brain. I've written a character twenty times and still make mistakes."
"That's nothing. My grandma also said that no one in our Hu family, starting from our ancestors, has ever been smart."
Qi Heng, standing in the corner, twitched his mouth. "Little Uncle-Master, are all village children like this?"
Qi Heng was at Qingya Academy. Although his classmates followed his lead, they studied diligently in private, and no one was willing to admit they were dumber than others.
But when it came to Zhan Feiyu, they all started competing to be the dumbest, and what's more, they looked proud of being stupid.
Zhan Feiyu widened her eyes, looking at her proudly showing off companions with great envy. "Then you can play to your heart's content after school every day?"
Shan Waizi grinned, feeling a sense of inexplicable happiness. "Yes, except for Da Zhuang who is slow, we can finish half of our homework before dinner. After dinner, we can go out to play, and we'll definitely finish it before going to bed."
After all, if they didn't finish, Tutor Tao would hit their palms.
Moreover, they were afraid of the brooms placed in the corner. They were made of thin bamboo. When their parents wanted to discipline them, they would directly break off a bamboo strip, which could draw blood marks on their bottoms, causing them to cry out in pain without injuring their bones.
"I finish all my homework before dinner," Er Mao proudly straightened his back. Although he was thin, his homework was the best among the group of mischievous children.
"If I were as smart as Little Yu, I'd definitely be able to finish my homework before dinner too!" Shan Waizi retorted to Er Mao with a hint of defiance.
Er Mao glanced at Shan Waizi and chuckled, "Then you'll have as much homework as Little Yu!"
As soon as this was said, the mischievous children burst into laughter. They didn't want to be as smart as Little Yu; their homework was as vast as mountains.
"Don't worry, being stupid is fine," Zhan Feiyu smiled like a cunning fox, looking at her animated companions. "The clumsy bird flies early. After I see Tutor Tao later, I will definitely talk to Tutor Tao and ask him to at least double your homework from now on."
The cheerful laughter abruptly stopped!
Shan Waizi and the others stared at the smiling Zhan Feiyu, dumbfounded. Was this still their good companion? Why was she so ferocious and terrifying...
Happiness must be built on the suffering of companions. Zhan Feiyu transformed into the Big Bad Wolf, blocking their retreat. "Don't worry about not having enough ink and paper. I've already spoken to the village elder and village head. We'll increase the monthly allowance by ten taels of silver to buy paper and ink."
Shan Waizi wanted to cry. For the first time, he didn't want to see his long-lost companion. "Little Yu must have gone crazy from studying, otherwise, how could she have such a terrible idea?"
"Mm," Er Niu nodded with a bitter face. He also felt that Little Yu had changed. She used to take them to roam the mountains and fields, but now she was even more terrifying than Tutor Tao.
"Excellence is achieved through diligence, and ruined by idleness; actions are formed through reflection, and destroyed by following others," Zhan Feiyu patted Shan Waizi's shoulder. Her clear, small voice was powerful and resounding. "Black hair does not know the diligence of early learning; white hair regrets not studying hard. Therefore, you must all study hard!"
"Well said." In the courtyard, Tutor Tao stroked his white beard and smiled with satisfaction. "Young friend, what you said is very true. There are no shortcuts to studying, only diligence."
"Tutor Tao." Zhan Feiyu quickly stepped forward to bow, but Tutor Tao avoided it.
Although Tutor Tao was over sixty years old, he was only a Tong Sheng. Zhan Feiyu, despite her young age, was the top scholar of the prefectural examination. She was polite, but Tutor Tao could not rely on his age and seniority. Otherwise, he would not have addressed Zhan Feiyu as "young friend."
After a while...
Shan Waizi and the others watched Zhan Feiyu and Tutor Tao chatting happily, wishing they could turn back time. They wanted to sever ties with Little Yu.
Upon learning the amount of homework Zhan Feiyu had to complete daily, Tutor Tao nodded in agreement. "It seems I was mistaken. It is indeed true that a strict teacher produces excellent students."
"Jade is not carved, it cannot become a useful object. When I visited Qingya Academy before, the introductory students there also had a lot of homework every day." Zhan Feiyu looked at Qi Heng beside her. "Master, this is Qi Heng, the youngest disciple of Master Ming. He is studying at Qingya Academy and is the sixth place in this prefectural examination. You can ask Qi Heng for detailed information."
If Zhan Feiyu was a rare child prodigy, then Qi Heng, who was shorter than Zhan Feiyu but was already a Tong Sheng, could not be a prodigy too, could he? Tutor Tao looked at Shan Waizi and the others beside him and reaffirmed his determination to be a strict teacher.
After Tutor Tao and Qi Heng had a "pleasant chat," Shan Waizi and the others pulled Zhan Feiyu to a corner and whispered their accusations. "Little Yu, do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself!"
Er Niu and the others nodded like pecking chicks. They didn't want to sleep later than dogs and wake up earlier than chickens like Little Yu.
After a while, in the lecture hall.
Zhan Feiyu and Qi Heng sat on an empty table. Tutor Tao looked at the neatly seated young students below. "Extend your right palms upwards."
As soon as these words were spoken, the more than ten young students in the lecture hall looked as if they had seen a ghost. "No way, Master is going to hit our palms if we don't agree?"
But even though they were afraid, little hands were still extended.
Tutor Tao seemed not to notice the students' panicked and uneasy expressions and continued, "Look at your hands, and then look at Little Yu's and Qi Heng's hands."
"These are the calluses formed from holding a brush." Shan Waizi and the others looked at each other and finally discovered it. However, apart from Zhan Feiyu and Qi Heng's hands having calluses from friction, they had none.
"Tutor Tao's hands have thicker calluses," Er Niu said. The others nodded. Tutor Tao's hair and beard were white, so it was not strange for his hands to have calluses.
Perhaps it was the most direct comparison that made Shan Waizi and the others realize the difference between studying diligently and not studying diligently. Talent might vary, but calluses on the hands were formed through painstaking effort.
...
Zhan Feiyu lectured on "The Analects" to Shan Waizi and the others, Ming San spoke on "A Thousand Family Poems," and even Qi Heng finally shared interesting stories from Qingya Academy with Shan Waizi and the others at Tutor Tao's request.
"Miss, Master Xie and the others have arrived. They are resting at the old house," He Nuan walked over quickly and continued in a low voice, "Doctor Xu has also arrived, Madam Xie has also come with Peach Blossom, and Eldest Uncle Zhan has returned from the private school."
Looking back at Ming San, who was talking to Tutor Tao, Zhan Feiyu gestured to He Nuan and they walked towards the village head's house.
"Little Yu is here." In the courtyard, Zhan Wencheng's wife, who was busy, quickly greeted her with a warm and grateful smile. "Did you come from the private school? Hurry in, sister-in-law will get you some water. The weather is getting hotter."
"Sister-in-law, there's no need to rush. I'm not an outsider," Zhan Feiyu smiled and looked towards the main hall. "Great-Grandfather and the others have all arrived."
"Little Yu, come in quickly. The sun outside is scorching," the village elder's resonant voice echoed from inside the house. Then he added, "Wencheng's wife, go and ask Master Xie and the others to come over."
Master Xie and his party had arrived more than half an hour ago, but Zhan Feiyu was lecturing to Shan Waizi and the others at the private school. Master Xie was very accommodating and naturally would not disturb Zhan Feiyu's important matters. They were resting temporarily at the old house.
Zhan Family Old Residence.
In the main hall, Old Man Zhan looked even more aged than in previous years. His body was completely stooped, and his hair was all gray.
Old Mrs. Zhan, who was sitting on a small stool picking vegetables, was still unable to speak. Her entire demeanor was gloomy. Her thin and withered face could probably scare small children to tears.
"Father, you say Little Yu's personality, she protects Big Sister the most. If there's a commotion..." Third Uncle Zhan rubbed his face fiercely. He was a straightforward person, but this troublesome matter was making him agitated.
After Third Uncle Zhan started earning money at the dock, Madam Ma's back became even straighter. She was almost the sole authority in the old house. At this moment, she started yelling noisily, "The child is almost three months old. Besides, Big Brother only has Little Yu as his daughter. It's so good to have a son now!"
"Shut up!" Third Uncle Zhan glared at Madam Ma, who was yelling senselessly, and said angrily, "This matter depends on Little Yu. If you dare to talk nonsense and anger Little Yu, you'll have to wait for me to return to farming. Then, our whole family will be drinking the northwest wind!"
"I..." Madam Ma stubbornly refused to admit that their wealth was due to Zhan Feiyu's influence, but she swallowed the words before they could leave her mouth.
The conflict over studying had been severe before. Zhan Feiyu had even stopped caring about her own father, Eldest Uncle Zhan, and had been adopted out. Madam Ma wasn't even considered a third aunt now.
She dared to show off to the women in the village, but she really didn't dare to confront Zhan Feiyu. After all, Third Uncle Zhan's work at the dock relied on Zhan Feiyu's reputation as the top scholar of the prefectural examination.
After taking a few puffs of his water pipe, Old Man Zhan said in a muffled voice, "I've asked your eldest brother. He doesn't want this child. We'll see what Little Yu and the clan say then."
Old Man Zhan certainly wanted Peach Blossom to have a son for Eldest Uncle Zhan, so that the eldest branch's lineage would not be broken. Moreover, Little Yu would eventually get married, and Eldest Uncle would not be so lonely.
But now he couldn't control Eldest Uncle Zhan. If things went too far, the village and the clan would intervene. Compared to the five hundred wen of pension money Eldest Uncle Zhan still gave each month, Old Man Zhan chose to turn a blind eye.
In the side room, Old Master Xie and Madam Xie were also talking.
"My lord, although I have some feminine kindness, it is also for Lexin's consideration. Peach Blossom is Lexin's head maid. She has been by Peach Blossom's side for eight years. In the future, when Lexin marries into the Zhan family, with Peach Blossom's help in looking after her, we can rest assured after our hundredth year."
Madam Xie was a woman with a long face, dressed luxuriously and wearing a full set of gilded hair ornaments, exuding a dazzling aura.
"It's too late to say anything now that things have come to this," Old Master Xie's narrowed eyes gleamed as he sized up Madam Xie, his voice sounding indifferent. "You think you're smart, but I can see through your little tricks, and so can others."
Madam Xie's smile stiffened slightly. Her husband had been running the Taifu Restaurant for many years and had developed a pair of fiery eyes. However, the common folk in Jinlin Village were illiterate, and Madam Xie didn't take them seriously at all.
As for Zhan Feiyu, even though she was a scholar, she was only a nine-year-old girl. Madam Xie concealed the disdain in her eyes. She couldn't compare to Zhan Feiyu in terms of learning, but in terms of inner court tactics, humph, ten Zhan Feiyus were no match for her.
Hearing Zhan Wencheng's wife's call from the courtyard, not only Old Man Zhan's family, but also Old Master Xie, Madam Xie, and the maid Peach Blossom, all headed towards the village head's house in a grand procession.
In the main hall, Zhan Feiyu sat in the first chair on the lower left. Looking at the group entering the house, Zhan Feiyu's dark eyes twinkled with curiosity. This was clearly a young girl who hadn't grown up.
Madam Xie, who already looked down on Zhan Feiyu, did so even more now. However, her smile appeared even more amiable, and she laughed warmly, "This must be Little Yu, right? She's truly a proper and good girl, even better looking than those young ladies from noble families."
Zhan Feiyu ignored Madam Xie's attempt to get close. She stood up and smiled at Old Master Xie, "Long time no see, Old Master Xie. Are you well?"
"This old man has not yet congratulated Young Tong Sheng Zhan on his success in the imperial examinations," Old Master Xie pulled Madam Xie, who looked displeased, and quickly stepped forward to exchange pleasantries with Zhan Feiyu.
If she were just a Tong Sheng, Old Master Xie wouldn't be so polite. But a Tong Sheng who was the top scholar of the prefectural examination, highly regarded by Prefect Zhang, not to mention her being a disciple of Scholar Gu, Zhan Feiyu's current status was beyond Old Master Xie's reach.
"Old Master Xie, there's no need to be so polite. Please have a seat," Zhan Feiyu invited Old Master Xie to sit down, then looked at Old Man Zhan and the others. Although she had been adopted out, she greeted them straightforwardly, "Grandfather, Third Uncle, Third Aunt."
As for Second Uncle Zhan, Zhan Feiyu completely ignored him.
Although Eldest Uncle Zhan was her cousin, he was only of the same generation, and he was still a commoner. Zhan Feiyu was going to participate in the provincial examination in August. Zhan Feiyu's attitude was not inappropriate.
After everyone was seated, Zhan Feiyu finally looked at the maid Peach Blossom standing behind Madam Xie. Her features were average, but her skin was fair, and her eyes were large. Her poised demeanor, although she was of servant status, made her a prominent maid of the Xie family's eldest daughter. If her servant status were removed, she could definitely marry well.
"Doctor Xu, thank you for your trouble." Zhan Feiyu was already familiar with Doctor Xu from Jishi Hall. They had met a few times before. Doctor Xu was skilled in medicine, and the yamen occasionally asked Doctor Xu to help.
That day she was a country girl, and now she was the top scholar of the prefectural examination. It truly lived up to the saying: "From a farm boy, to an official in the imperial court."
Doctor Xu cupped his hands, his attitude respectful, "This is my duty."
Peach Blossom looked extremely ashamed, but as Doctor Xu approached, she still extended her wrist to let Doctor Xu take her pulse.
Before coming to Jinlin Village, Old Master Xie had revealed a little inside information. Doctor Xu did not say much at this time, only fulfilling his duty. "It is indeed a pregnancy, and she is nearly three months along."
Zhan Feiyu nodded in understanding.
The village elder, village head, and several clan elders all looked displeased, but they could not interfere in this matter.
Madam Xie was still somewhat displeased that Zhan Feiyu had ignored her earlier. At this moment, she asked with a smile, "Doctor Xu, she is nearly three months along. Do you know if it's a boy or a girl?"
Upon hearing this, Zhan Feiyu's smile remained unchanged. She directly interrupted Madam Xie, "Ah Nuan, bring the silver over."
Everyone was surprised and stunned. They saw He Nuan come out from the inner room, holding a tray with ten silver ingots neatly arranged on it, each weighing ten taels.
"Old Master Xie, this hundred taels is compensation for this maid," Zhan Feiyu was indeed different from before. At least she dared to throw money at people. "Doctor Xu, please prescribe a medicinal soup. Use any herbs you deem necessary, as long as it doesn't harm her body."
Doctor Xu was stunned. Everyone present now understood that this hundred taels of silver was Zhan Feiyu's compensation for Peach Blossom, and Doctor Xu was to prescribe an abortifacient.
Old Master Xie's heart sank. The worst outcome had occurred.
Madam Xie had planned all of this. Old Master Xie knew that Peach Blossom was already pregnant after the fact, and it was too late to say anything.
Old Master Xie also harbored a sliver of hope. If this child were born, it would be Zhan Feiyu's half-brother. And Peach Blossom was a maid of the Xie family. Even if she got married, the Xie family would still be considered her maternal family.
This way, the relationship between the Xie family and Zhan Feiyu would be extraordinary. Old Master Xie didn't ask for Zhan Feiyu's help in the future. As long as this connection existed, and out of consideration for the relationship, the Xie family's business would prosper, and his son would also benefit.
"Peach Blossom's child is your younger brother. How can you do this?" Madam Xie truly did not expect Zhan Feiyu to be so ruthless. Upon meeting her, she wanted Doctor Xu to prescribe an abortifacient. Was this still a nine-year-old girl? Her heart was too cruel.
Zhan Feiyu smiled faintly, her voice laced with mockery. "Doctor Xu hasn't spoken yet, and Madam Xie already knows if it's a boy or a girl?"
Madam Xie, who was being ridiculed, blushed with embarrassment. It was precisely because she knew it was a male fetus that she thought Eldest Uncle Zhan would definitely keep the child. Which man would be willing to give up a son? Even if it wasn't born to Li Shi, it made no difference to Eldest Uncle Zhan. He would also gain a beautiful young concubine for free.
"Madam Xie, I am a scholar. Scholars cherish their reputation. Even though I have been adopted out, he is still my father. A maid, and the maid of my nephew's wife, if this gets out, what reputation will I, Zhan Feiyu, have? If anyone attacks me with this matter in the future, can you, Madam Xie, bear the responsibility?"
Zhan Feiyu's attitude was cold, and her sharp gaze was like a knife. Not only Madam Xie, but even Old Man Zhan, who had been hesitant at first, changed his expression drastically.
"Little Yu, don't you worry about this matter. I am the clan elder of the Zhan clan. I will be the villain!" The village elder, knowing the importance of the matter, made a decisive judgment. They absolutely could not let an unborn child drag Little Yu down.
"That would be for the best. Peach Blossom, accept this silver. It is what you deserve," Old Master Xie immediately agreed. Zhan Feiyu was not to be blamed for being heartless. If this happened to their own family, Old Master Xie would probably have Peach Blossom disappear silently. Once a person is dead, there are no more handles.
Madam Xie opened her mouth, but said nothing more. She was, after all, a woman of the inner chambers and could not compare to Zhan Feiyu's decision-making power.
"No, Miss Zhan, I beg you, don't abort my child." With a thud, Peach Blossom knelt on the ground, kowtowing repeatedly, and pleaded with a sob.
"This child is mine alone, Miss Zhan. I beg you. I will take the child and leave Shangsi County immediately. No, I will leave Nanxuan Prefecture and never return in my life."
In a moment, Peach Blossom, who had lifted her head, was tear-streaked. Her fair forehead was already broken. She clutched her abdomen with both hands, her pained appearance evoking pity.
Although the village elder, village head, and clan elders felt uneasy, they steeled their hearts. Keeping this child would bring endless trouble.
Zhan Feiyu still sat upright in her chair, her expression calm, but her eyes were cold.
Seeing this, Peach Blossom kowtowed again and again, begging for mercy. In the quiet room, the sound of her forehead hitting the ground heavily made people feel uneasy.
Just as Peach Blossom's forehead was bleeding, and she was about to faint from kowtowing, the village elder was about to speak, fearing that a life would be lost, when Zhan Feiyu spoke first, "Ah Nuan."
As Zhan Feiyu's maid, He Nuan understood Zhan Feiyu's intentions. With a skillful move, she pulled Peach Blossom up from the ground. Then, He Nuan took a silver ingot from the tray.
Hiss! Seeing the silver ingot deformed by He Nuan's grip, everyone in the main hall was startled. No one expected He Nuan to be a hidden martial artist.
Old Master Xie and Madam Xie were also startled. The Xie family had guards, but their martial arts skills were only enough to fight petty thugs. Someone like He Nuan, a master, would not be defeated even if ten Xie family guards attacked together.
"See? If you accept the silver and drink the medicine, this matter will be over," Zhan Feiyu tilted her head, her eyes filled with a smile, as if she were chatting casually, not talking about killing a small life. "If you cause trouble, I will make you disappear without a trace. You are a maid, and I believe Old Master Xie will not report it to the authorities."
Looking at the deformed silver ingot in the tray, no one doubted the authenticity of Zhan Feiyu's words.
"I..." Peach Blossom's face turned pale. She opened her mouth but dared not beg anymore.
Old Man Zhan lowered his head in silence.
Third Uncle Zhan stared blankly at Zhan Feiyu. Was this still the sweet little girl who called him Third Uncle?
Just as everyone implicitly agreed that the child could not be kept, Second Uncle Zhan suddenly spoke, "This is Big Brother's son!"
"Of the three unfilial acts, having no heir is the greatest." Especially in a farming family, any family without a son would be ridiculed for being childless. Eldest Uncle Zhan was a native farmer. Wouldn't he want a son?
It was impossible before, but now this son was readily available, and he was almost three months old. Could Eldest Uncle Zhan really bear to give him up?
Madam Xie, unwilling to give up, added, "Yes, why not ask? If it's really impossible, after the child is born, I will send Peach Blossom back to my great-aunt's house. She is in the north, close to the barbarians. Peach Blossom will never return to Jiangnan in her life."
Madam Xie wanted to say "keep the mother, discard the child," but Peach Blossom was still here, so it was inconvenient to say it. Moreover, this statement would make her seem too cruel. Zhan Feiyu didn't care about her reputation, but Madam Xie did.
Zhan Feiyu's attitude was resolute, and Doctor Xu had already gone to brew the medicine.
Second Uncle Zhan lowered his head, his expression gloomy and terrifying. He really did not expect Zhan Feiyu to be so cold-blooded and heartless, willing to kill a life for her reputation. What's more, the village elder and the others were all bewitched and helping Zhan Feiyu.
Brewing medicine takes time. Old Man Zhan was old and somewhat soft-hearted. He got up and went into the courtyard. Second Uncle Zhan and Third Uncle Zhan followed him out.
"Father, does Big Brother really not want this child?" Madam Ma was purely restless. She secretly glanced at the main hall. "Little Yu is indeed heartless. How can she say that it's her younger brother?"
"Shut up! If you can't speak properly, don't speak!" Third Uncle Zhan roared and glared fiercely at the troublesome Madam Ma.
Old Man Zhan took a few puffs of his water pipe. In the swirling smoke, his thin, dark face appeared even more aged. "If your eldest brother wanted a child, he wouldn't have failed to appear today."
Eldest Uncle Zhan wanted a son, but it had to be born to Li Shi. He had lived a life of grievance in the old house before. Now that he had moved into the wooden house and lived alone, if it weren't for this incident, Eldest Uncle Zhan and Li Shi would have been like any other couple.
Because of Zhan Feiyu, their accomplished daughter, the villagers showered them with praise. Eldest Uncle Zhan never thought of having another son. He just wanted a peaceful life now.
Second Uncle Zhan's face twitched violently. He wished he could kill Zhan Feiyu, but at this moment, he could only suppress his hatred and anger. "Father, Big Brother doesn't want him now, but what about when he gets old? Little Yu will definitely not stay in the village. In the future, will Big Brother and Sister-in-law be alone, with no children? Will no one be there to pour them a glass of water when they are sick? What kind of life is that?"
The idea of raising children for old age was deeply ingrained. Second Uncle Zhan didn't mention it, but Old Man Zhan and Third Uncle Zhan also knew this principle. However, the key was that they couldn't make the decision.
"Second Brother, Old Master Xie will definitely do as Little Yu said. That maid is a servant of the Xie family. Her life and death are in Old Master Xie's hands," Third Uncle Zhan was too lazy to bother anymore. It was good that the child was gone, saving future trouble.
"I just feel sorry for Big Brother for not having a son," Second Uncle Zhan smiled a little distortedly, wiped his face, and tentatively said, "Father, I know I made mistakes before, and I'm sorry to Big Brother. How about after this child is born, we say it's my son, and record it in the genealogy under my name? At least it will leave a descendant for Big Brother."
Old Man Zhan almost choked on his water pipe. Third Uncle Zhan and Madam Ma also stared at Second Uncle Zhan, dumbfounded. Was there someone who would willingly wear a green hat?
However, considering that Second Uncle Zhan had already divorced Xiao Yao Shi, it wouldn't be a problem for the child to be registered under his name. As for Da Lang and San Lang, their studies were mediocre, and it wouldn't really affect them.
A moment later, the village head, who had been called out, looked at Second Uncle Zhan with an unreadable expression. "This child is to be registered under your name?"
"Yes. When the child grows up, and Big Brother and Sister-in-law get old, even if he's a nephew, he can take care of his uncle. Outsiders won't be able to say anything," Second Uncle Zhan nodded, appearing as an honest person seeking atonement.
"No, this is still a problem," the village head hesitated but still disagreed. He didn't trust Second Uncle Zhan. He was saying good things now, but who knew if he would threaten Little Yu with this child in the future.
"Village Head, although I am a woman with limited knowledge, I feel this method is feasible," Madam Xie walked out from the corner and continued with a smile. "Not many people know about this. As long as we keep our mouths shut, outsiders won't know. Moreover, we can write a certificate at the beginning, so it won't affect Little Yu in the future."
Written clearly in black and white, this child was Second Uncle Zhan's, Eldest Uncle Zhan's nephew. Even if someone brought this up in the future, it would be empty talk without evidence.
"I am willing. Village Head, saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda. The child is innocent," Peach Blossom cried until her voice was hoarse. She knelt in the courtyard and pleaded with the village head. "After the child is born, I will take the medicine and commit suicide. I will never affect Young Tong Sheng Zhan's reputation. I only ask that the child be allowed to live well."
Old Master Xie married his youngest daughter to Zhan Dalang precisely to curry favor with Zhan Feiyu. Therefore, the Xie family would definitely not speak carelessly. The same was true for the village head and the village elder. Thus, keeping this child would not cause much trouble.
The village head looked at the grieving Peach Blossom and finally softened his heart. "I'll go in and ask."
However, a moment later, what he received was a bowl of warm herbal medicine. Zhan Feiyu did not relent. Even if the village head and the village elder felt pity, they would still protect Zhan Feiyu.
In the main hall, Zhan Feiyu heard the piercing cries from the side room, her expression cold. "Ah Nuan, am I heartless, not like a child?"
He Nuan handed Zhan Feiyu a cup of water and said, "They failed in their scheme this time, but it's hard to guarantee there won't be a next time. Miss, you can't stay in the village forever. If you really want to resent someone, it's your parents' fault."
If this child were born to Peach Blossom, it would be an endless source of trouble. Whether it was registered under Second Uncle Zhan's name, raised by the Xie family, or taken away by Peach Blossom, it would ultimately be a problem. He was Second Uncle Zhan's child, but Peach Blossom had run out of Eldest Uncle Zhan's room that day. If enemies exploited this matter, it would be impossible to clarify.
Doctor Xu's medicine was very good. Half an hour later, everything was over.
Old Master Xie's expression was as usual, while Madam Xie's expression was a little cold. She only wanted to strengthen the relationship between the two families, but Zhan Feiyu, a young girl, was so cold-blooded and heartless.
"You..." Peach Blossom's hair was soaked with sweat, and her face was pale without a trace of blood. She was supported by the wet nurse beside Madam Xie, otherwise, she would not have been able to stand.
"Next time you scheme against someone you shouldn't, you will bear the consequences," Zhan Feiyu's words made not only Peach Blossom but also Madam Xie's face turn pale.
Old Master Xie's heart skipped a beat. He quickly added, "It is our Xie family's poor discipline. However, Young Tong Sheng Zhan, please rest assured, this will not happen again."
Thinking of the former shopkeeper of Baofeng Cloth Shop and the fate of Tong Tongzhi, Old Master Xie suddenly felt fortunate that he was not the mastermind of this matter, otherwise, Taifu Restaurant would probably be the second Baofeng Cloth Shop.
After the Xie family members left in their carriages, Zhan Feiyu looked at the village elder and the village head. "Great-Grandfather, the provincial examination is imminent. I will return to Shangsi County tonight, so I won't come to bid you farewell."
"Studying is the most important thing. Don't worry, with this old bone of mine in the village, nothing will happen," the village elder replied. This matter also involved Eldest Uncle Zhan, otherwise, he would not have let Zhan Feiyu handle it. It was good for Little Yu to be a little heartless; she wouldn't be bullied outside in the future.
Zhan Feiyu smiled. "I asked Ah Nuan to invite Doctor Ji earlier. My parents' health has always been poor. Doctor Ji is here for a follow-up visit."
The village elder and the others knew about this matter. In fact, people in farming families did physical labor, so it was normal to have some physical ailments. Li Shi and Eldest Uncle Zhan had been taking medicine before, but it was for conditioning their bodies. It was said that even ginseng slices were used. It was also because Zhan Feiyu was not short of money now. Otherwise, ordinary farming families could not afford it.
"Actually, I've always wanted a younger brother or sister. In the future, when I leave home, my parents won't be too lonely," Zhan Feiyu's words were not problematic. She wanted a younger brother or sister born to Li Shi. If the child in Peach Blossom's womb were born, it might become a source of disaster for the family.
"But Doctor Ji said my parents accidentally ingested some poison, which is why they haven't had children for so many years. In another six months, after the poison is detoxified and their bodies are conditioned, perhaps there will be good news," Zhan Feiyu said, then left with He Nuan.
In the main hall, the village elder, village head, and clan elders were all stunned. Old Man Zhan and the others were also dumbfounded. No one in the room understood what Zhan Feiyu meant.
After a long while, Madam Ma suddenly cried out, "Big Brother and Sister-in-law can't have children? Whose child is it?"
A drop of water fell into a pot of oil, making everyone in the room dizzy. Eldest Uncle Zhan couldn't have children, so where did the child in Peach Blossom's womb come from?