"I'm a rough man, and this life was given to me by my wife!" Weng San stared fiercely at Zhan Feiyu, his thick palm gripping the back of Zhu Zi's neck, his gruff voice demanding, "You will kowtow and apologize to my unborn young master first!"
Weng San was a rough man. After Steward Zeng returned defeated from Jinlin Village, an enraged Weng San almost punched Steward Zeng to death, but was fortunately stopped by the guards accompanying him.
Later, Zeng Yuquan personally explained the reason to him: Scholars, farmers, artisans, merchants! Merchants ranked last. Although the Zhan family were all common folk, they produced Zhan Feiyu, a child prodigy who was highly regarded by Magistrate Chen.
If the Zeng family directly retaliated against the Zhan family, they would offend Magistrate Chen first. Therefore, the Zeng family could only swallow their anger.
Furthermore, Zhan Feiyu had only been studying for less than half a year. If he were to achieve official status in the future, the Zeng family would be even more unable to afford to offend him, so they could not go too far.
Moreover, Madam Zeng had also spoken. Weng San's anger had only just subsided when news came from the Zhan family.
To shield the murderer Zhan Lao Er, the Zhan family had pushed Zhan Lao Da forward to take the blame. This clearly showed they did not regard the Zeng family with respect. Driven to his limit, Weng San was so enraged today.
"I am the village head of Jinlin Village. The incident of the startled horse on South Street was due to my poor management as village head. If anyone is to apologize, let it be me." The village head spoke first. Xiao Yu is a scholar, and he absolutely cannot kneel!
"Scram!" Weng San roared, tightening his grip on Zhu Zi's neck by three points. His face, covered in thick flesh, was savage and cruel.
"Little girl, these people were hiding outside the Zeng family with ill intentions. Even if I cripple them all, it would only cost some silver!" Weng San sneered chillingly. He was determined to take revenge on Zhan Feiyu.
The village head's face was filled with anxiety, worrying about Zhu Zi and the younger generation, and also worried about Zhan Feiyu being humiliated.
Zhan Feiyu scanned the crowd. Besides the servants and guards, only Steward Zeng stood not far away. The head of the Zeng family had not appeared.
"They say chivalry often comes from the butcher and dog-slaughterer, and it's true." Facing the ferocious Weng San, Zhan Feiyu showed no fear or unease. He tilted his head, appearing somewhat puzzled, "You mention Madam Zeng but not Shopkeeper Zeng, which means you only serve Madam Zeng."
"Bah, little girl, you're still far from being able to smear my name!" Weng San patted his chest with his left hand, his gaze towards Zhan Feiyu filled with anger and contempt. "My life was given by Madam. Anyone who dares to harm Madam is my enemy. At worst, I'll exchange my life for hers!"
Weng San had been slandered before, accused of coveting Madam Zeng's beauty, and even framed for having an affair with Madam Zeng.
Coincidentally, Zeng Yuquan was away on business at the time, and these rumors spread from the Zeng family. The merchants in Shangsi County had all heard them. They even fabricated stories about him and Madam Zeng having an affair on a certain date, being seen by the little girl, and the most absurd being caught in the act by Zeng Yuquan.
Weng San wished he could atone with his death at that moment. Fortunately, Zeng Yuquan returned home in time and sold off all the gossiping servants.
Afterward, he took Madam Zeng out for a trip and even gave her a set of jewelry worth a thousand taels as a birthday gift. The rumors then subsided. He never expected Zhan Feiyu to bring this up today.
Madam Lin frowned. Why would Xiao Yu say such things to slander someone's reputation? Even if the situation was dire, a gentleman has his principles!
"Have you heard the latter part of the saying: 'The unfaithful are often scholars!' And I am a scholar, and a talented one at that." Zhan Feiyu looked at the slightly impatient Weng San and directly threw out a harsh threat.
"If you harm my clansmen today, I, Zhan Feiyu, swear here that I will repay you tenfold, a hundredfold. Your Madam Zeng, the young master you protect, as long as I live, I will make them wish they were dead, unable to live, unable to die, never having enough to eat, never having enough to wear, and being harassed and beaten by thugs every few days."
Looking at the enraged Weng San, Zhan Feiyu arrogantly lifted his chin. "I won't dirty my hands by retaliating personally. I just need to study hard and enter officialdom step by step, and someone will naturally act on my behalf!"
"I'll kill you!" Weng San roared in anger, pushing away Zhu Zi and charging at Zhan Feiyu with his fists. He had to kill this wretched girl, kill her!
Seeing Weng San pounce, Zhan Feiyu let out a cry and quickly dodged behind Yin Wuyan. "Big brother, save me!"
Steward Zeng and the others twitched their mouths. They had been terrified by Zhan Feiyu's fierce words just now, thinking she was a cruel and violent girl. Who knew it was all a bluff!
Yin Wuyan looked coldly at the murderous Weng San and kicked him.
In an instant, everyone saw the bear-like Weng San being kicked in the chest and then sent flying backward like a sandbag, crashing into a pillar of the covered walkway on the right.
With a bang! The sound of a heavy object hitting the ground was heard. Weng San convulsed in pain, spat out a mouthful of blood, and passed out, unconscious. He was not dead but had lost half his life.
Zhan Feiyu poked her little head out from behind Yin Wuyan, stretched her neck to look, and shook her head with sympathy. "This is the consequence of showing off in front of an expert. Big brother, you're mighty!"
The village head and Tutor Lin looked speechlessly at Zhan Feiyu, who was taking advantage of the situation and acting innocent. They couldn't help but look at Yin Wuyan. So this wasn't the carriage driver, but the adult from the Forbidden Dragon Guard that Xiao Yu mentioned, right?
"Little Prodigy Zhan is well-prepared!" Steward Zeng squeezed the words out through his teeth. He stayed because he was worried the brute Weng San would cause a death, but who knew Weng San almost lost his own life instead of killing Zhan Feiyu.
Zhan Feiyu walked out with her hands behind her back, her steps measured, showing none of the timidity from moments ago. When it came to acting cool, who could compare to her!
"Steward Zeng flatters me. Isn't this just being prepared for the unexpected?" Zhan Feiyu smiled innocently and mischievously, raising an eyebrow towards the main hall. "The initial show of force has been delivered. May I ask if Shopkeeper Zeng can come out to meet me?"
What kind of humiliating show of force was this? Steward Zeng's teeth itched with hatred. "Please wait a moment, sirs, I..."
A voice interrupted Steward Zeng's unfinished words. Zeng Yuquan walked out from the main hall. "Hearing a hundred times is not as good as seeing once. Little Prodigy Zhan's actions are cunning, and Zeng is impressed."
Changing the subject, Zeng Yuquan said with a gentle smile, "However, Weng San is brave but foolish and impulsive. Little Prodigy Zhan should pay more attention to your safety in the future. People from Jinlin Village coming to the county town also need to be careful."
Although Zhan Feiyu's words were a threat, they couldn't deceive Zeng Yuquan. If Weng San retaliated in the future, as long as he didn't get caught, even reporting him to the authorities would be useless.
To take a step back, if Weng San didn't attack Zhan Feiyu but only retaliated against the Zhan clansmen, with Weng San's brute strength, merely injuring or crippling them would be enough for the Zhan clansmen to suffer.
Zhan Feiyu frowned, losing her composure and speaking in a panic, "Shopkeeper Zeng, how can you be so despicable and shameless? One person's actions are their own responsibility. If you want to do something, do it to me. Don't involve the innocent!"
The village head and Tutor Lin also changed their expressions. If the Zeng family was determined to retaliate in such a shameless manner, it would be a threat to both Zhan Feiyu and the villagers.
Looking at Zhan Feiyu with her flushed cheeks, a cold glint flashed in Zeng Yuquan's eyes. No matter how smart she was, she was still a seven-year-old girl. Could Hou Fei's disappearance be unrelated to her?
"Doesn't Shopkeeper Zeng worry that I will grow powerful and retaliate later?" Zhan Feiyu seemed to have exhausted her options, merely glaring fiercely at him. Unfortunately, paired with her fair and plump face, it lacked any deterrence and looked more like an angered little beast.
Yin Wuyan glanced at Zhan Feiyu, who had tensed her body and clenched her small fists, seemingly ready to rush forward and fight desperately in her anger. If he didn't know she had personally killed the Jade-Faced Gentleman, Yin Wuyan would have believed she was a harmless little girl.
For a moment, no one in the courtyard spoke, and the atmosphere was tense and dangerous until Zeng Yuquan smiled gently, breaking the suffocating silence.
"As the saying goes, it's better to resolve enmity than to create it. Little Prodigy Zhan, why not come in for a cup of tea, and we can discuss further." Zeng Yuquan slightly inclined his body and made an inviting gesture.
After they entered the main hall and were seated, a maid brought over freshly brewed tea. Zhan Feiyu suddenly spoke, "Wait a moment, is there poison in this tea?"
The maid was stunned, likely encountering such a situation for the first time. She could only look to Steward Zeng for help.
"Little Prodigy Zhan worries too much. The Zeng family is a law-abiding merchant. If you were to die of poisoning at the Zeng family, the authorities would also investigate thoroughly." Steward Zeng looked speechlessly at Zhan Feiyu, who had a stern, chubby face and an extremely serious expression.
Was this a child prodigy? This was clearly a mad girl! Who would be so foolish as to poison the tea served to guests!
"Haha, it's better to be safe than sorry. Isn't it said that one should not have the intention to harm others, but one should guard against others?" Zhan Feiyu looked meaningfully at Zeng Yuquan, who was seated in the main seat and had already picked up his teacup to sip.
Ordinary merchants would not resort to poisoning and murder, but this man was involved with the Jade-Faced Gentleman, a fugitive wanted by the Forbidden Dragon Guard. Zhan Feiyu did not want to risk her own life.
Zeng Yuquan's hand holding the teacup tightened slightly. Although he had put aside his suspicion of Zhan Feiyu, adhering to the principle of "better to kill a thousand by mistake than let one go," Zeng Yuquan had indeed planned to kill Zhan Feiyu silently, and poisoning was the best method.
The "Li Ren Zui" (Separation Brew) in the teacup was a secret medicine. After taking it, one would act as if drunk, babbling and disoriented. For children, it would usually be mistaken for possession by evil spirits, especially with the subsequent high fever.
From the onset of the illness to death, it took seven days. Even if the authorities investigated, they would find nothing. Moreover, the coroner's examination would only attribute the death to high fever caused by a cold.
But looking at Zhan Feiyu, who refused to drink the tea no matter what, her caution made Zeng Yuquan somewhat suspicious.
"Xiao Yu, don't be impolite." Tutor Lin spoke gently, seemingly scolding Zhan Feiyu, but in reality, he was protecting her. "Shopkeeper Zeng, please forgive her. Xiao Yu is young and a bit lively and mischievous."
After speaking, Tutor Lin picked up his teacup and took a few sips of tea as an apology.
Seeing this, the village head also took a few sips. Indeed, the tea was fragrant, much better than the coarse tea he brewed himself.
Since entering the main hall, Yin Wuyan had been standing behind Zhan Feiyu. He glanced thoughtfully at the teacup. Whether it was poisoned or not could be found out by checking.
There was no need for pleasantries, and the tea had been drunk. It was time to discuss business.
The village head and Tutor Lin spoke in turn. Regarding the incident of the startled horse on South Street, even though Zhan Lao Er had taken Zhu Kun's money, the mastermind was Zhu Kun. Zhan Lao Er was at most an accomplice. The key was that the lame beggar had disappeared, and the Zeng family had no way to pursue it if they really wanted to.
"The village head has a point, but currently, the only person I can hold accountable is Zhan Lao Er. At least I can vent my anger." Zeng Yuquan's words were shameless. There was no evidence against Zhu Kun, and the lame beggar had disappeared. Zhan Lao Er was just unlucky.
"Shopkeeper Zeng, the village has already expelled Zhan Lao Da from the clan, which has also led to discord among the three Zhan brothers. Xiao Yu was adopted, and Li Shi separated her property and lived apart..." the village head did not hide anything.
The first branch of the Zhan family: Although not completely broken up, it was close.
As for the second branch: Zhan Lao Er had injured his lungs and heart, and would be a sickly person in the future. Xiao Yao Shi also caused a scene of divorce and remarriage. The second branch lost its reputation, which even affected Da Lang and San Lang.
As for the third branch: Zhan Lao San resented Zhan Lao Er, and he was also lazy. Without Zhan Lao Da, the old ox, there would inevitably be constant disputes with the second branch in the future.
According to the village head's account, the Zeng family had also vented their anger.
Zeng Yuquan's expression was unreadable, it was unclear whether he had heard or not.
Seeing this, Tutor Lin said, "Although the Zhan family was in the wrong initially, Xiao Yu is innocent. If Shopkeeper Zeng shows mercy, Xiao Yu will be forever grateful, and this matter can be settled."
In plain terms, if the Zeng family relentlessly pursued the matter, Zhan Feiyu would inevitably counterattack. The current Zhan Feiyu was not to be feared, but in ten years, compared to the merchant Zeng family, Zhan Feiyu would definitely be formidable.
"Tutor Lin, Village Head, the Zhan family has indeed been punished, but in the end, it is Little Prodigy Zhan who truly benefited." Zeng Yuquan spoke incisively, his sharp gaze fixed on Zhan Feiyu, who was sitting on the chair, lost in thought.
When it came to serious matters, Zhan Feiyu had stopped speaking. Perhaps she was bored sitting there and tilted her head, lost in thought, completely unaware of Zeng Yuquan's scrutinizing gaze.
The village head's expression was slightly awkward, but at this moment, he could only brace himself and say, "Xiao Yu was adopted out, but there is a rift between her and her biological father. This will hinder her future studies and marriage."
In the Great Qing Dynasty, due to the existence of the Empress, women were much more tolerant than in previous dynasties, but there were still many unspoken constraints. In families with strict rules, Zhan Feiyu's father being expelled from the clan and her mother living alone would definitely affect her marriage prospects.
It was the same for the imperial examinations. If she encountered an examiner who was pedantic and filial, even if her results were not disqualified, her ranking would definitely not be high. Moreover, being a woman, the possibility of failing was even greater.
Zeng Yuquan nodded at this point, seeming to agree with the village head's words.
"Then I'll go change." Zhan Feiyu jumped off the chair and gave them an embarrassed smile, then walked out with hurried steps.
Seeing that Yin Wuyan did not move, Zeng Yuquan nodded to the maidservant waiting outside the door, signaling her to lead Zhan Feiyu.
After a while, Zhan Feiyu looked at the square-faced maidservant behind her. "May I visit Madam Zeng? Regardless, I should offer my greetings."
Although Zhan Lao Er's matter had not caused a great uproar, as a maid of the Zeng family, she naturally knew about it. Looking at the sincerely smiling Zhan Feiyu, she did not resent her. After all, she was a child and innocent.
"I'll go and ask for permission from the young master." The square-faced maidservant dared not make decisions on her own, especially since Madam Zeng was still bedridden to protect her pregnancy.
"Yes, you go ahead. I'll wait here." Zhan Feiyu waved her hand and, as if she belonged, walked to the pavilion in the back garden to sit down.
Logically, guests should not be left alone, but Zhan Feiyu looked too harmless. The square-faced maidservant gave a few instructions to two young men tending to the flowers and plants before heading back towards the main hall.
Bored while waiting, Zhan Feiyu went to look at the flowers. Although the Zeng family were merchants, their courtyard was exquisite. Even in late autumn, the plants were lush.
"Huh? Where did they go?" A young man trimming dead branches turned around and was startled to find Zhan Feiyu missing.
His companion was also surprised and muttered softly, "She was just here. How did she disappear after turning around?"
The two young men exchanged glances. One ran forward, the other ran backward. The garden connected to the main hall and the back courtyard. Fortunately, every door in the Zeng family had guards, so there was no need to worry too much.
After the two young men ran off, the invisible Zhan Feiyu quickly headed towards the back courtyard. She rubbed her chubby chin with her finger. This mediocre golden finger was perfect for reconnaissance.
The Zeng family had ancestral recipes for dyeing fabrics, which were said to require a special and rare plant as a catalyst, much like a medicinal guide in traditional Chinese medicine. The amount needed was not much, but it was essential.
The Zeng family planted this plant in the garden on the south side of the courtyard. It was said that there were hundreds of plants there. Even if someone sneaked in, they would not be able to identify which one it was, whether it was a flower or a grass, whether it was planted in soil or water.
The defenses became stricter as she moved towards the south garden. The invisible Zhan Feiyu passed through without any hindrance until she entered the garden.
Looking around, except for the pond in the center, there were flowers and grasses everywhere. In the pond, besides withered lotus leaves, there were also other aquatic plants. Three or four maids in yellow clothes were tending to these plants.
The maids in the front courtyard wore dark green, while those in this garden wore yellow, indicating a clear difference in status. Zhan Feiyu walked and observed, and gradually, her chubby face showed confusion.
"Has someone broken in?" Footsteps sounded hurriedly. Two burly men in black attire quickly approached the garden entrance but did not enter, asking the two guards at the entrance.
"No." The guards answered in a deep voice. They had been standing there all along and had not seen anyone else.
The burly men glanced at the garden. Feeling uneasy, they still knocked on the bronze bell hanging nearby.
After a few ringing sounds, a woman in a purple vest walked out of the garden. Her face was stern, and her nasolabial folds were deep, giving her a chilling aura of authority.
"Mama Hua, it was just reported that someone broke in. Is the garden secure?" The burly man in black bowed and greeted Mama Hua respectfully.
Frowning, Mama Hua was not young, but her voice was as clear and pleasant as a yellow oriole's. "You wait here. I'll take people to check."
She turned and walked inside. As if sensing something, Mama Hua suddenly turned her head and looked towards a corner, startling Zhan Feiyu, who tensed her body instantly.
The wind blew, rustling the leaves. There was no one from under the tree to the surrounding wall. Mama Hua withdrew her gaze and continued forward.
These people? Zhan Feiyu stared blankly at the maids lined up in two rows. Each row had only six people, totaling twelve, all wearing yellow clothes. Perhaps they were not doing this for the first time. After Mama Hua gave the order, the two rows began to search on the left and right.
Although the garden was large, apart from the wooden houses behind Mama Hua where people lived, there were no other hiding places. Even these wooden houses were built in a single row, with two maids sharing a room, leaving no place to hide.
A moment later, the searching maids returned. Finding no one, Mama Hua was relieved and then walked towards the entrance. Her clear voice rang out again, "There is no one in the garden. Perhaps they are hiding elsewhere."
"Yes, I will arrange for people to search again." The burly man cupped his hands again, adding two more guards at the entrance, and taking the remaining men, they began to search outwards, starting from the garden.
Zhan Feiyu looked at the maids who were like wooden figures, her furrowed brow could have crushed a mosquito. If she hadn't watched so many TV shows, movies, and novels in her previous life, she might not have noticed anything unusual.
In the main hall, Zeng Yuquan's eyes suddenly darkened after hearing Steward Zeng's report.
He was not worried about Zhan Feiyu. A seven-year-old girl, no matter how smart and talented, was still a child. He was worried that someone had used this opportunity to sneak into the Zeng family.
His sharp gaze fell on Yin Wuyan. Being able to kick Weng San until he vomited blood was no ordinary martial artist. This made Zeng Yuquan think of the missing Hou Fei.
"What? Xiao Yu is missing?" The village head stood up in shock, his suspicious gaze immediately falling on Zeng Yuquan.
Tutor Lin was also startled. His usually gentle face was tinged with sternness due to worry. "Shopkeeper Zeng, Xiao Yu is my student. If anything happens to her, even if I have to go to the capital to bang on the Wen Deng drum, I will seek justice for her!"
This was also why the village head and the old clan elder had asked Tutor Lin to accompany them. As a scholar, Tutor Lin's words carried far more weight than theirs, who were mere commoners.
When Zhan Feiyu left, Yin Wuyan was not worried. Not to mention that he had already sent two subordinates to infiltrate. If there were any accidents, they would be discovered immediately.
Moreover, Zhan Feiyu was not an ordinary little girl. She was not only bold but also intelligent and capable of self-preservation. The ruthlessness of a girl who could personally kill the Jade-Faced Gentleman was extraordinary.
But at this moment, upon hearing that Zhan Feiyu was missing, Yin Wuyan froze for a moment, anger and killing intent churning in his eyes. He should not have let her go out alone. If the Zeng family was desperate, they might even try to kill her.
Zeng Yuquan knew they all suspected him and said calmly, "Steward, summon all the young servants and retainers, and immediately search for Little Prodigy Zhan's whereabouts!"
The village head and the others, ignoring everything else, followed Yin Wuyan out to search for her.
When the main hall was empty, Zhan Feiyu sneaked in. Seeing the untouched teacups still on the table, she immediately walked over.
Carefully, she poured the tea into a narrow-mouthed bottle she had just stolen from a side room of the Zeng family. She stoppered the bottle with a handkerchief and then tucked the bottle into her bosom. Fortunately, it was cold, and she was wearing many clothes, so nothing was noticeable.
A moment later, someone shouted, "Found her!"
"Uh!" Zhan Feiyu stood in front of the screen wall, holding a candied hawthorn, and stared blankly at the approaching crowd.
"Xiao Yu, are you alright?" The village head ran over, panting.
Zhu Zi and the others were also released by the Zeng family because they were looking for her. Now, a group of people surrounded Zhan Feiyu.
Tutor Lin quickly stepped forward and felt Zhan Feiyu all over. She was unharmed!
"I was bored, so I went for a walk. I heard someone selling candied hawthorns, so I went out to buy one." As if unaware that she would cause such a commotion, Zhan Feiyu's voice became softer and softer as she looked at Tutor Lin and the others pitifully. "I won't be greedy next time, and I won't run around."
The Zeng family had sent away all their retainers and young servants to give Zhan Feiyu a show of force, which also resulted in only one young servant guarding the entrance. He didn't notice Zhan Feiyu leaving.
Yin Wuyan stood in the corner, his cold gaze falling on Zhan Feiyu. Her foolishly cute appearance actually revealed the problem.
"It's good that Little Prodigy Zhan is not missing, otherwise Tutor Lin would think that Zeng killed someone to silence her." Zeng Yuquan laughed heartily, but there was no trace of a smile in his eyes. A person who could obtain a recommendation letter from the county school, even at seven years old, was by no means a greedy child.
But Zhan Feiyu entered from the main gate. This made Zeng Yuquan, despite his suspicions, unable to investigate. He only felt that Zhan Feiyu was mysterious and unfathomable.
After a false alarm, the trip to the Zeng family was still considered smooth.
The Zeng family did not continue to pursue the matter, tacitly accepting Zhan Lao Da's expulsion from the clan. Of course, Tutor Lin also guaranteed that Zhan Feiyu would not retaliate in the future, and the matter was considered closed.
At the main gate of the Zeng family, standing on the steps, Zeng Yuquan squinted at Zhan Feiyu and her party who were about to leave. After hesitating for a moment, a murderous intent finally appeared in his eyes. No matter what tricks she had up her sleeve, this girl could not be allowed to live!
Suddenly, footsteps were heard from the alley entrance.
The village head, Tutor Lin, and Zhu Zi and the others looked back, only to see four yamen runners striding over, led by Constable Fei.
"Constable Fei." Zhan Feiyu walked forward. Due to the death of the blind old woman, she was quite familiar with the yamen.
"Young Miss Zhan." Constable Fei nodded, then walked towards Zeng Yuquan and said sternly, "Shopkeeper Zeng, I am here by order of the magistrate to arrest the criminal Weng San."
Zeng Yuquan's face instantly turned ashen. Arresting Weng San? Was Chen Weibin openly protecting Zhan Feiyu and disrespecting the Zeng family?
No! Thinking of Magistrate Chen's style of conduct, Zeng Yuquan's sinister and cold gaze fell on Yin Wuyan. It was him!
Earlier, at the main entrance, when those ruffians insulted Zhan Feiyu, she had used her so-called cousin, a Hundred-Household official of the sixth rank, to intimidate everyone and scare them away.
Zeng Yuquan later heard the steward's report and dismissed it as Zhan Feiyu's fabrication. But he had no way to verify the truth of this matter. He was just a merchant. Could he investigate an official of the sixth rank in the imperial court?
Even if he reported it to the authorities, given Magistrate Chen's protection of Zhan Feiyu, he could easily absolve her. Not to mention that the衛所 (military garrison) was not under the jurisdiction of the county yamen, and the other party was of the sixth rank, a higher rank than Magistrate Chen. If Magistrate Chen was willing to cover for him, Zeng Yuquan could only suppress his dissatisfaction.
"May I know what crime Weng San has committed?" Zeng Yuquan asked coldly. He had actually stumbled in the gutter!
"No comment." Constable Fei gave him no face at all. With a wave of his hand, the three constables behind him pushed aside Steward Zeng and the others and walked in.
A moment later, the still unconscious Weng San was dragged out, wearing shackles.