Qiu Jingyuan looked truly pitiful at the moment. A thirteen-year-old girl forced to marry a sickly man for good luck. If Xiang Changshou died, the Xiang family might kill Qiu Jingyuan to be buried with him, her life worth only five thousand taels of silver.
"Miss Qiu, as they say, it's parents' orders and a matchmaker's words. I can't help you," Zhan Feiyu refused, merely curious about what conditions Qiu Jingyuan would offer for her assistance.
Having interacted with Zhan Feiyu before, Qiu Jingyuan knew this young girl, even younger than herself, was ruthless and unfeeling.
Having made up her mind, Qiu Jingyuan's hands, resting on her knees, clenched slightly. Her eyes, reddened from crying, fixed on Zhan Feiyu as she spoke word by word, "As long as Miss Zhan is willing to facilitate this marriage, my gratitude will surely satisfy you. This is a life-saving method left to me by my aunt, unknown to anyone else in the Qiu family."
Back then, it was Qiu Wenlan who swapped Dou Shi's stillborn child for Qiu Jinyu. Now Qiu Wenlan was dead, Qiu Jinyu was dead, and Qiu Feng, the son who went on a killing spree in Qiu Zongxi's mansion, had escaped to the barbarians amidst the chaos. Alas, he too had died in the end.
Qiu Wenlan's scheme was exposed. It wasn't strange if she had said anything to Qiu Jingyuan before her death.
Zhan Feiyu looked at Qiu Jingyuan, who was negotiating with her, and smiled faintly, "Miss Qiu, if I gave an order, you would likely be in the黔中府 prison within fifteen minutes. After a series of tortures, do you think you could still keep your secret?"
When it involved the third branch of the Qiu family, even Lord Qiu would not shield his grandniece Qiu Jingyuan. Not to mention that Zhan Feiyu had the Forbidden Dragon Guard behind her, who could execute officials below the third rank without prior approval.
Qiu Jingyuan, a daughter of a criminal, could be apprehended. Let alone interrogation, even if she were killed, no one would dare to pursue the matter.
"You?" Qiu Jingyuan's expression changed abruptly. In her panic, she stood up suddenly, almost knocking over the chair behind her.
She could no longer care about anything else. Qiu Jingyuan looked at Zhan Feiyu in terror, her angry voice sharp and piercing, "You can't arrest me! The Qiu family's affairs have nothing to do with me, I haven't done anything!"
If the matter were truly investigated, the young ladies who were persecuted by Qiu Jingyuan back then could not be blamed on her. Qiu Jingyuan had merely expressed slight displeasure towards her cousin Qiu Feng, complaining a few words, and Qiu Feng would naturally stand up for her, allowing Qiu Jingyuan to escape blame completely.
As for the servants she had beaten to death, they were all bonded servants of the third branch of the Qiu family.
Furthermore, with Dou Shi and Qiu Wenlan controlling the inner court, these servants were accused of fabricated crimes, so their deaths were considered "deserved punishment," having nothing to do with Qiu Jingyuan either.
Seeing Zhan Feiyu's half-smiling expression, Qiu Jingyuan's heart pounded with anxiety. She shouldn't have come here. "Since Miss Zhan is unwilling to help, I will take my leave now!"
As soon as she finished speaking, Qiu Jingyuan turned and walked briskly towards the door, her steps hurried as if being chased by ghosts.
"This is what they call 'evil meets its match'," Qiu Huaixin finally emerged from the inner room, watching Qiu Jingyuan leave with her maid. He saw nothing wrong with having eavesdropped from the inner room.
Looking up at Qiu Huaixin, Zhan Feiyu raised her eyebrows and smiled, "One is the third young master's cousin, and the other is his sworn friend. Why doesn't the third young master play matchmaker?"
"Nonsense!" Zhan Feiyu's words successfully ignited his anger.
Qiu Huaixin looked down on Qiu Jingyuan, but she was his cousin after all. The same surname could not be written with two different characters. He couldn't demean a young lady of the Qiu family in front of an outsider like Zhan Feiyu, saying she was shameless and unworthy of the upright and talented Jiao Lianyu.
"I should have agreed just now, perhaps I could have even rendered a service to the court," Zhan Feiyu's eyes were full of amusement. She was simply happy to see Qiu Huaixin displeased and continued, "After all, I did save Jiao Lianyu's life. Governor Jiao should agree to this marriage. Moreover, even if Governor Jiao doesn't agree, Madam Jiao certainly will."
"You are simply ignorant!" In his anger, Qiu Huaixin wished he could punch the annoying smile off Zhan Feiyu's face. She looked like a delicate and cute young girl, but her words and actions were full of schemes. Yet, she relied on Scholar Gu and the Forbidden Dragon Guard to act unscrupulously and do whatever she pleased.
After frightening away Qiu Jingyuan and angering Qiu Huaixin, Zhan Feiyu smiled innocently at He Nuan, "To be unperturbed when others do not know you, is that not the mark of a gentleman? Ah Nuan, therefore, I am a gentleman, and the third young master who stormed off is a petty man, for gentlemen are open and aboveboard, while petty men are always anxious and worried."
He Nuan remained silent. As long as her mistress was happy.
...
Meanwhile, in the study of the Qiu residence.
Madam Qiu served the prepared autumn pear paste to Lord Qiu, "I heard you coughing several times last night."
"Thank you, Madam," Lord Qiu accepted with a smile.
He had suffered a water-related injury to his heart and lungs in his early years. Not only did he cough at night in the cold, but he also coughed easily when he was tired and weak. Therefore, the Qiu residence always kept autumn pear paste, which worked faster than medicine.
"These matters cannot be rushed. Father, you must take care of your health," Qiu Bingde said with concern. Whether it was the affairs of the third branch, the hidden old master, or Zhan Feiyu who had stirred up trouble, all these matters had to be handled carefully. Ruining one's health would be a great loss.
Lord Qiu drank a cup of autumn pear paste water and rinsed his mouth again. Just as he was handing the handkerchief to Madam Qiu beside him, the study door was suddenly pushed open.
The three people in the study all looked towards the door. Madam Qiu exclaimed in surprise, "San'er, what is this?"
"I have never seen such a shameless person!" Qiu Huaixin was truly furious. He snatched the teacup from his elder brother's hand and drank it all in one gulp.
He recounted Qiu Jingyuan's visit to the別院 in one breath. Qiu Huaixin was still indignant, "She even dares to demand a reward for her favor! She should really let Uncle and Scholar Gu see her true face!"
Whether Zhan Feiyu was demanding a reward or not, this foolish son of his truly needed to open his eyes. His lack of discernment was exactly the same as Governor Jiao's!
Lord Qiu sat back in his chair, completely ignoring Qiu Huaixin, and continued discussing official matters with Qiu Bingde.
Seeing his younger son's anger, Madam Qiu shook her head helplessly, pressed him to sit down, and gently persuaded him, "Alright, Governor Jiao will handle the Jiao residence's affairs. Besides, Miss Zhan is just a young girl and a scholar. How could she possibly act as a matchmaker?"
"Mother, you've also met Zhan Feiyu. That little girl looks childish, but she is actually cunning and malicious..." Qiu Huaixin's slanderous words were interrupted by Qiu Bingde.
Qiu Bingde looked at Qiu Huaixin with a serious expression, "Be cautious with your words and deeds!"
Not to mention that Zhan Feiyu had already refused Qiu Jingyuan. Even if she had agreed for the reward Qiu Jingyuan mentioned, that would be Zhan Feiyu's business. How could Huaixin speak ill of others behind their backs!
Qiu Bingde didn't mention that Zhan Feiyu had the Forbidden Dragon Guard protecting her. It was possible that the Forbidden Dragon Guard had already infiltrated the residence. If Huaixin spoke carelessly, not only might he offend the Forbidden Dragon Guard, but if it got out, Scholar Gu would definitely not be pleased.
Madam Qiu also feigned anger and patted Qiu Huaixin's shoulder, "You're so old, yet you believe rumors so easily. Not only would Governor Jiao not agree, but aren't you looking down on Madam Jiao with what you're saying?"
Madam Qiu was a few years older than Madam Jiao. One was the wife of a Provincial Administration Commissioner, and the other was the wife of a Prefect. Although there was a difference in their official ranks, they had a good personal relationship. Madam Jiao's character was absolutely trustworthy. Otherwise, how could Jiao Lianyu, a son born of a concubine, have such a good reputation? Madam Jiao would never be difficult about a marriage for a son born of a concubine.
...
Everyone thought this was just a desperate act by Qiu Jingyuan. After all, she was only thirteen years old, and Zhan Feiyu was even younger. What could two young girls say about a marriage? Fortunately, the outside world didn't know, or their reputations would be ruined.
"Miss, please enjoy. This red fruit is unique to 黔中府. Although the fruit is sour, after being mashed and chilled, its taste is exceptional. It cannot be found elsewhere. It's a pity that red fruits grow in deep mountains, and they rot three days after being picked," the waiter, after receiving the silver fragments from He Nuan's reward, busied himself introducing the iced dessert.
He Nuan subtly tested it with a silver needle before placing the bowl in front of Zhan Feiyu. Just as she was about to speak, she was interrupted by the sound of firecrackers outside.
"Why are there firecrackers in the afternoon?" Zhan Feiyu asked in surprise.
This street was the most prosperous commercial street in 黔中府, with shops lining both sides. If there was any happy event, it would be held in the morning, and even funerals would not pass through this street.
Suddenly, a figure flew in through the window, startling the waiter who was also peeking outside.
Upon seeing the person, He Nuan's expression changed drastically. Then, she quickly scooped up Zhan Feiyu and retreated into the teahouse. The person followed closely behind.