Chen An had initially intended to leverage his brother-in-law Jiao Lianping's reputation to expand the Chen family's business.
Zhen Wei Xuan was merely a pastry shop, yet it could now earn a fortune daily. If other Chen family businesses could achieve the same, he might even secure the title of Imperial Merchant within a few years.
Seeing Jiao Lianping in low spirits, Chen An immediately arranged a banquet and summoned Xiao Taohong, the best singer. Once his brother-in-law was well-fed, entertained, and happy, the matter of the Chen family's business would be as simple as a word from him.
Chen An's plans were going swimmingly, but the people in the private room paid him no mind. This infuriated Chen An, who casually grabbed a vase from the low table and hurled it towards Zhan Feiyu.
Outside the private room, Jiao Lianping and the others were accustomed to Chen An's overbearing behavior. Several of the young nobles present had fathers who were officials, and the Chen family was no different. However, the second branch of the Chen family was in commerce.
Chen An, a merchant, could associate with Jiao Lianping and this group of scions because, firstly, he was generous with his money, and secondly, Chen An was a master of flattery.
Jiao Lianping knew Chen An was trying to curry favor with him, but feeling stifled at the Jiao household, he felt a surge of pleasure from Chen An's fawning.
"My grandfather said these days will be unsettled and told me not to cause trouble," a youth standing nearby said in a low voice. His father and elder brother were officials in other regions, and his grandfather had long since retired. His current information was not very up-to-date, so the youth spoke this to probe for some inside information.
Just as Jiao Lianping was about to speak, a loud bang echoed, accompanied by the sound of shattering porcelain. Chen An, standing at the entrance of the private room, was sent flying backward.
His short, stout body hit the railing and then fell to the ground. Likely in great pain, Chen An curled up on the ground and remained silent for a long time.
"They snatched our private room and dare to act so brazenly!" the tall youth, known for his fiery temper, roared. "You don't even hit a dog without considering its owner! In Qianzhong Prefecture, everyone knows Chen An hangs out with us. If this gets out, what face do we have to walk around Qianzhong Prefecture?"
"Don't make a move!" Jiao Lianping grabbed the tall youth's arm. His pampered face was also grim, but he knew these were sensitive times. If something happened, his family wouldn't be able to protect them, especially since they were not highly regarded within their own households.
"It might be a trap!" another companion chimed in, his eyes showing a hint of seriousness. If someone had set a trap, once they fell into it, the consequences would be unimaginable, possibly even implicating their entire families.
The others exchanged glances, startled. Their casual gathering at noon today was also to gather information and share it with each other!
Moreover, although they were considered prodigal sons, like Jiao Lianping who was about to enter officialdom, there was another person in the same situation. The other two intended to join the army. They all had some unsavory dealings. It was fine as long as no one investigated, but once their handle was caught...
"Let's observe first," Jiao Lianping signaled his attendant to check on Chen An's condition and then stepped forward towards the private room himself. If it was indeed a trap, it might have been set by his scholarly second brother.
The few of them followed Jiao Lianping into the private room and were collectively stunned. Although there were four people inside, their attire and demeanor clearly indicated that the young girl was the master, and the other three were servants. This did not seem like a trap.
"Miss Zhan?" Jiao Lianping was also taken aback. He then looked at Zhan Feiyu, who was standing up, with a complex expression. She was originally a country girl, but due to her good fortune in becoming Scholar Gu's disciple, she could now walk with impunity throughout Daqing Dynasty. Even Lord Qiu, the Provincial Governor, treated her as an honored guest. He was a high-ranking official, a second-rank officer of the imperial court!
Jiao Lianping then thought of himself. Despite originating from the official Jiao family, with his father being the Prefect of Qianzhong Prefecture, he had fallen to the point of associating with people like Chen An, and was even suppressed by a concubine-born son, unable to rise. In comparison, it was hard for Jiao Lianping not to feel jealous.
"Greetings, Eldest Young Master," Zhan Feiyu said. Her gaze swept over the people at the door, and she smiled, "I didn't expect this to be the private room you booked, Eldest Young Master. Please forgive us."
"Miss Zhan, you are too polite. This private room is first come, first served. Rather, we have disturbed your meal," Jiao Lianping dared not be presumptuous. She was Scholar Gu's only junior disciple. For the sake of Scholar Gu, all officials in Qianzhong Prefecture had to show her respect.
The young nobles at the door were stunned. Who was this young girl that made Eldest Young Master Jiao so polite? She looked unfamiliar. In the entire Qianzhong Circuit, only Miss Qiu had commanded such respect back then.
...Regarding the open rivalry between his eldest and second sons, Prefect Jiao had grown accustomed to it over the years. Logically, with the legitimate eldest son, the Jiao family's estate would certainly not fall to the concubine-born second son.
However, the Jiao family was an official family. Unlike his second son Jiao Lianyu, who had a talent for studies, Jiao Lianping was mediocre. Even with the guidance of a renowned teacher, Prefect Jiao would still squeeze out time after work to tutor Jiao Lianping's lessons. Unfortunately, after all these years, Jiao Lianping had only achieved the status of a provincial examination graduate (Juren). It was impossible for him to enter officialdom through the imperial examinations.
In contrast, Jiao Lianyu was remarkably talented, not only excelling in his studies but also adept at handling social interactions. Prefect Jiao, considering the future of the Jiao family, had no choice but to abandon his eldest son and focus on cultivating his second son. He had also become accustomed to their conflicts.
"Brother, have some tea," Jiao Lianyu smiled gently, then turned to pour tea for the visibly scornful Eldest Young Master Jiao and handed it to him.
"Hmph, second brother, no need to put on an act. There are no outsiders in this study," the Eldest Young Master scoffed, his disdain evident in his eyes. What a distinguished young gentleman, merely a hypocrite and a true villain.
Prefect Jiao looked at his eldest son, who was unable to make a good impression, and sighed deeply. After taking a few sips of ginseng tea, he began, "You must already know what happened at the Qianzhong Guard."
When it came to serious matters, Eldest Young Master Jiao also restrained his expression and replied seriously, "Based solely on the words of Assistant Commander Cai, he alone did not have the ability to suppress the news for a whole night."
After all, Cai Zhiyuan was merely a fourth-rank Assistant Commander of the Commandery. He lacked the means to conceal the news on the official road from Lord Qiu. Eldest Young Master Jiao implied that the mastermind behind the scenes was undoubtedly Commander She.
Prefect Jiao nodded, remaining silent, his gaze shifting to Jiao Lianyu, who was seated to his lower right.
Upon seeing this, the anger that Eldest Young Master Jiao had just suppressed flared up again. He said he was mediocre in talent, but in reality, it was just that his father favored Jiao Lianyu more. The pillow talk from Concubine Huang had certainly played a significant role!
"Father, I believe there is a traitor among Lord Qiu's retinue. Only by working from the inside and outside could the news be kept from Lord Qiu," as soon as Jiao Lianyu said this, he saw his father's satisfied gaze and felt a sense of pride. However, his handsome face remained steady and calm, showing no sign of arrogance.
In Qianzhong Prefecture, Prefect Jiao, a fourth-rank official, was truly insignificant. There were officials from the Three Commissions above him, any one of whom would have a higher rank than Prefect Jiao.
However, as the parent official of Qianzhong Prefecture, Prefect Jiao handled the daily affairs, so he was well-informed. "After this incident, Lord Qiu will definitely purge a group of people. Perhaps Jiao Lianping's future posting will be decided then."
In the Daqing Dynasty, local officials were not exactly one radish, one pit, but it was close. Every three years, a batch of imperial scholars emerged. The top-ranked Jinshi were not to mention; they were generally stationed in the capital, either entering the Hanlin Academy or the Six Ministries.
Most of the third-rank Jinshi were sent out to become officials. Even with Prefect Jiao's backing, it would not be easy for Jiao Lianping, a provincial examination graduate, to enter officialdom.
However, this time was different. Pulling out the radish would bring out the mud. After Lord Qiu purged a group of people, many positions would undoubtedly become vacant. Then, with Prefect Jiao's arrangements, Jiao Lianping's future would be secured.
Looking at his eldest son, whose brows were tinged with joy and excitement, and his second son, who remained unfazed and showed no jealousy, Prefect Jiao sighed inwardly. Everyone said he doted on his concubine and neglected his wife, cultivating his concubine-born son and suppressing his legitimate son. But the truth was that his eldest son was far behind. The Jiao family had always adhered to the principle that the capable shall lead.
"The yamen will be very busy in the coming days. Father, please rest assured about household matters. I will join Eldest Brother in disciplining the younger generation of the family," Jiao Lianyu spoke again. During this critical period, the Jiao family's descendants must not act recklessly, especially those prodigal sons in the clan. They needed to be strictly supervised, and confinement would be best.
Prefect Jiao nodded with satisfaction. Indeed, the situation in Qianzhong Prefecture had become chaotic, so the Jiao family had to remain stable. As long as they could safely navigate this dangerous period, there would be no shortage of development in the future.