"My lord, no, I was taken as a concubine by Prefect Zhang only after my divorce." Huang Li, who had just stood up, fell back to her knees with a thud, her face ashen with fear. "The date must have been written incorrectly."
Huang Li was naturally a haughty woman. After obtaining the concubine document through Chai Yi that day, she had only glanced at it. It bore her name and Prefect Zhang's name, but she had paid no attention to the date at the bottom.
Old Madam Zhang, seated upright in her chair, was also terrified. She had pressed her fingerprint onto the concubine document. If Li'er were to be imprisoned, "It's all your fault, you slut, for harming my son!"
Old Madam Zhang pointed at Huang Li and cursed her fiercely, then turned to Chen Xue Zheng with a fawning smile. "Esteemed sir, we will not take a concubine! Huang Shi has long since lost her reputation. It was this old woman who took pity on her and gave her a place to stay. Who knew she would harm my son like this? We don't want this concubine anymore, we don't want her."
Prefect Zhang and Madam Kong remained silent, the couple watching the self-absorbed Old Madam Zhang with cold indifference. Was it useful to retract now?
"Utter nonsense! Are you treating the laws of Da Qing as a child's play?" Chen Xue Zheng roared, his demeanor imposing. He swept his cold gaze across the hall and sternly ordered the constables, "Prefect Zhang Cheng Li, having broken the law and colluded with a married woman, with irrefutable evidence, I order you to arrest him immediately!"
Tongzhi Qian paused for a moment, but looking at the calm Prefect Zhang, his earlier panic gradually subsided. "Esteemed Minister Chen, concubine documents require registration and filing at the yamen. Governor Wang, immediately go and retrieve the files."
"Yes." Governor Wang, whose name had been called, immediately ran towards the back office.
The solemn courtroom was now filled with an eerie calm. No one had expected a concubine dispute to escalate into a charge of illicit relations. And judging by Chen Xue Zheng's attitude, he would not rest until Prefect Zhang was thrown into prison.
"My lord." Old Master Huang, standing in the corner, suddenly stepped forward, knelt, and bowed. "Reporting to my lord, Huang Shi had not yet divorced when she came to the yamen to process the concubine document. This humble one believes that Huang Shi bribed the yamen clerks privately, which is why the document exists. After all, Prefect Zhang and Madam Zhang were unaware of this matter beforehand. Huang Shi has repeatedly violated the law, and I request that my lord punish her severely."
Father Huang was not shrewd, but seeing his elder brother's attitude, Father Huang also knelt. "One woman cannot marry twice! Since the concubine document was processed before the divorce, it means this document is forged. Prefect Zhang has merely been framed by this unfilial daughter. I implore my lord to handle this justly and give Prefect Zhang a fair hearing!"
Chen Xue Zheng's gaunt face was tightly drawn, his eyes, suppressing his anger, looked at the two Huang brothers kneeling side by side. Instead of pushing the blame onto Zhang Cheng Li to absolve the Huang family, they were taking all the blame onto the Huang family and Huang Li. It was simply absurd!
The onlookers outside the prefectural yamen began to whisper among themselves. "This Huang Li has quite the nerve to bribe yamen officials to process a concubine document."
"No wonder Young Master Ming San didn't mention divorce before. Huang Li cried, made a scene, and threatened to hang herself, demanding a divorce. It turns out she had planned it all along and extorted ten thousand taels of silver from the Ming family."
A bystander standing nearby secretly glanced at Prefect Zhang in the courtroom. "Although Young Master Ming San has literary talent, in the end, he cannot compare to Prefect Zhang."
One was a fourth-rank official of the court, possibly with future promotions, and Prefect Zhang had no sons. Even as a concubine, as long as she bore a son, her status would rise with her son.
And what did Young Master Ming San's legal wife have? Not much wealth, and even less status or power. The people of Nanxuan Prefecture all knew Huang Li's arrogant and overbearing personality. Her desire to divorce and marry Prefect Zhang was perfectly normal.
Madam Kong couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. This way, not only would her husband's charge of illicit relations be resolved, but Huang Li, the concubine, would also be dealt with, as the concubine document was forged.
Since Chen Xue Zheng intended to use Huang Li to scheme against Prefect Zhang, he would not leave such obvious loopholes. He nodded solemnly and looked at the frightened Huang Li and Old Madam Zhang.
"Old Madam, Huang Shi, this concubine document is related to you. If this document is indeed forged by Huang Shi bribing yamen officials, as Old Master Huang claims, and you, Old Madam, pressed your fingerprint on the forged document." Chen Xue Zheng deliberately paused, releasing the imposing aura of a second-rank official onto the two trembling individuals without hesitation.
Chen Xue Zheng continued coldly, "I believe Prefect Zhang understands criminal law better than I, your Xue Zheng. You two are guilty of three crimes: first, bribing court officials; second, forging concubine documents; and third, framing court officials. With these three crimes combined, Prefect Zhang, how should you be sentenced?"
If it were only the first two crimes, Old Madam Zhang was elderly, and Huang Shi was a weak woman. Even if they were sentenced to caning or whipping, it could be commuted to a fine.
However, if Chen Xue Zheng insisted on the third charge, it would be a grave offense. Commoners suing officials had to first receive caning, let alone openly slandering a fourth-rank prefect. This was definitely not a matter to be taken lightly.
Huang Li and Old Madam Zhang were both terrified. If Prefect Zhang were presiding in court, they might still be able to quibble, but Chen Xue Zheng's stern face and severe attitude were undeniable. He had almost arrested Prefect Zhang earlier, let alone the two of them.
"They should be punished severely!" The crowd outside the yamen began to mutter again. They had no good impression of Huang Li. As a woman who did not uphold her chastity, she had not only harmed Young Master Ming San but also tried to frame Prefect Zhang.
As for Old Madam Zhang, although the common people had little contact with her, everyone knew that Old Madam Zhang was not a benevolent elder. On a few occasions when they went to the shops to buy things, her condescending attitude clearly showed her disdain for ordinary people, without considering that she herself came from humble beginnings.
Moreover, Old Madam Zhang had made a great fuss throughout the city about Zhang Guan Tong's education. Just as Madam Kong's reputation for virtue and benevolence was well-known, Old Madam Zhang's reputation as a wicked mother-in-law was equally notorious.
"I..." Huang Li, who was terrified and at a loss, opened her mouth. Suddenly, she remembered what Chai Yi had said earlier.
As if a drowning person had grasped the last piece of driftwood, Huang Li exclaimed excitedly, "I did not bribe yamen officials with money, nor did I forge the concubine document. Prefect Zhang handled all of this himself. He coveted my beauty, and now that it has come to light, he is pushing all the blame onto me. Esteemed Minister Chen, this humble woman is wronged!"
Huang Li wailed loudly, then glared fiercely at Old Madam Zhang. "Old Madam, you told me that Prefect Zhang fancied me, which is why I wanted a divorce. However, Prefect Zhang is afraid of his wife and dares not offend the Kong family, so he asked Old Madam to press her fingerprint on the concubine document. I am wronged!"
Old Madam Zhang, who feared imprisonment more than greed for money, paused. Understanding Huang Li's meaning, she glanced guiltily at Prefect Zhang and said tremblingly, "Li'er, didn't you want to take a concubine? Mother mentioned it to you before, and you didn't object. Why are you denying it now? You are the prefect. If you don't speak, how would anyone under you dare to process a concubine document?"
"I also have a token of love! This is the jade pendant Prefect Zhang always wore." Huang Li took out a thumb-sized jade pendant from her person. The yamen officials recognized it; Prefect Zhang had indeed worn it before.
Chen Xue Zheng's gloomy face finally showed a smile. He said sarcastically, "Prefect Zhang, as an official appointed by the court, you are pushing the blame onto the weak and elderly, and even your own mother. Prefect Zhang, this is great filial impiety!"
"Thank you, my lord, for your discernment. How would this humble woman, a weak woman, dare to forge documents and frame Prefect Zhang? This humble woman is wronged." Huang Li pretended to wipe her tears, appearing aggrieved. At this point, she no longer wanted to marry Prefect Zhang. With such a scene, Huang Li only wished to withdraw safely, which was better than facing imprisonment.
Although Old Madam Zhang knew she had wronged her son, she also did not want to go to prison. She could only dryly agree, "Li'er, it's also my fault. If I hadn't pressured you to have a son, you wouldn't have wanted to take a concubine and break the law."
"Mother." Prefect Zhang ignored the kneeling Huang Li, his refined face showing only disappointment. "Mother, are you really going to push this blame onto your son?"
Would it be his son going to prison or herself? Old Madam Zhang's withered lips trembled twice, and finally, she lowered her head, not daring to look at Prefect Zhang.
Old Madam Zhang had sharp eyes. She had long seen that Chen Xue Zheng intended to target Prefect Zhang. Therefore, with this matter of taking a concubine, Li'er would definitely not be able to hold office. If he couldn't hold office, it would be better to go to prison. Her own body could not withstand the ordeal of imprisonment, and Li'er was the most filial. She was his birth mother. Couldn't he go to prison in her place?
Governor Wang returned to the courtroom with the files, his expression somewhat strange. However, he was a minor official, and no one noticed.
Tongzhi Qian took the files without a word and quickly flipped through them. According to Minister Chen, the concubine document was processed before Huang Li's divorce, which was in March.
"Huh?" Tongzhi Qian looked closely and was stunned. He couldn't help but rub his eyes. How was this possible?
"Tongzhi Qian, who handled the concubine document? I must personally interrogate him!" Chen Xue Zheng asked coldly. The matter of taking a concubine was enough to condemn Zhang Cheng Li.
Tongzhi Qian looked up, his eyes complex as he looked at the imposing Chen Xue Zheng, and replied honestly, "Reporting to my lord, this subordinate has just reviewed the files. There is indeed a concubine document for Huang Li, but the one who took Huang Li as a concubine was not Prefect Zhang, but Chai Yi from Nanxuan."
"What?" Exclamations arose. Chen Xue Zheng's expression suddenly changed, and he quickly walked over, snatching the files from Tongzhi Qian's hand. Upon seeing them, he became enraged.
As if recalling something, Chen Xue Zheng opened the concubine document placed on the desk again. He had not examined it closely before. Now, seeing it, the furious Chen Xue Zheng suddenly threw the document to the ground.
After all, in the courtroom, no superfluous words could be spoken. Chen Xue Zheng gritted his teeth and said, "Prefect Zhang is a step ahead. This official admires you!"
Then, without waiting for Prefect Zhang to speak, Chen Xue Zheng strode out of the yamen. To stay any longer would be to humiliate himself.
Tongzhi Qian bent down and picked up the concubine document from the ground. The old man's face, full of wrinkles, finally showed a relaxed smile. "Huang Shi, you are mistaken. The concubine document clearly states that you are now Chai Yi's concubine. How could you be so confused as to frame Prefect Zhang and cause such a great joke?"
"This is impossible!" Huang Li screamed again. She scrambled up from the ground, probably from kneeling for too long. Her body stumbled as she rushed to Tongzhi Qian and snatched the concubine document to look at it.
Upon seeing Chai Yi's name, Huang Li's eyes widened in shock. "Impossible! I was clearly Prefect Zhang's favored concubine!"
Although Huang Li had been ambiguous with Chai Yi before, she had only enjoyed Chai Yi's gentle affection. How could she marry the penniless Chai Yi? That would be worse than not divorcing! After all, Young Master Ming San was renowned for his talent and refined demeanor, while Chai Yi, apart from a decent face, was merely a poor scholar.
Seeing the frantic Huang Li about to tear up the concubine document, Tongzhi Qian quickly dodged and signaled the constables to arrest Huang Li.
The people of Nanxuan Prefecture had witnessed a grand spectacle. It turned out that this matter had nothing to do with Prefect Zhang at all. Thinking about it, it made sense. Prefect Zhang didn't even know he had taken a concubine, so of course, he wouldn't have seen the concubine document, and thus wouldn't know that the actual concubine was Chai Yi, not himself.
...
Shangsi County.
"In the north, there is a fish, its name is Kun. The Kun is so large, I know not how many thousand li across. It transforms into a bird, its name is Peng. The Peng's back is so large, I know not how many thousand li across." A clear recitation came from the study, and was then interrupted by voices.
Zhan Fei Yu looked out the window and was somewhat surprised. "Young Master San?"
Standing tall and elegant in the courtyard was Young Master Ming San, dressed in a white robe with wide sleeves, fanning himself with a folding fan. He was truly a scholarly gentleman of grace and charm.
"Xiao Yu, and me too." Qi Heng, the chubby little fellow, bounced upwards with effort and grinned at Zhan Fei Yu through the window. "I came with Little Martial Uncle."
The folding fan in his hand snapped shut. Young Master Ming San pointed at Zhan Fei Yu and pretended to be angry. "Little girl, you're so familiar with me now. Why do you still call me Young Master San? I am Ming Mao Ze, courtesy name Ya Hou. Come, call me Brother Ya Hou."
"No! Then I'll be a generation lower than Xiao Yu?" Qi Heng protested loudly.
Young Master Ming San burst into laughter, and with a dismissive gesture, he rubbed Qi Heng's little head. "The virtuous are teachers! Little girl, you were the top scholar in the prefectural examination, and you were barely sixth. You have the name of a teacher, so what's wrong with you being a generation lower?"
"Me?" Even though he knew his Little Martial Uncle was mocking him, he couldn't retort. Qi Heng's face turned red like a pufferfish. He tilted his head up. "I don't care. Xiao Yu and I are from the same year and are peers."
Zhan Fei Yu invited Young Master Ming San and the chubby Qi Heng into the study, while He Nuan went down to prepare tea and pastries for the guests.
Qi Heng looked around the elegant and serene study. "Xiao Yu, are you studying Zhuangzi now?"
"My poetic talent is average, so I can only read more classics." Zhan Fei Yu estimated that the entire Nanxuan Prefecture knew of her proficiency in mathematics, but not her skill in poetry. "The inner chapters of Zhuangzi explain the principles of things, the outer chapters describe their deeds, and the miscellaneous chapters explain their affairs. The writing is fantastical, the conception ingenious, and the language magnificent and bizarre. It is a model work of pre-Qin philosophical writings."
"Wu wei er zhi (governing by non-action), and the unity of heaven and man. This is the essence of Zhuangzi." Young Master Ming San sized up Zhan Fei Yu and Qi Heng, shook his head with disappointment. "When you children, who are so eager for fame and fortune, read this book, you only grasp its form, not its meaning."
Zhan Fei Yu, who felt looked down upon, raised her eyebrows. "Whether it's the essence or not, I don't know. At least I have grasped the essence of 'Free and Easy Wandering'."
Young Master Ming San became interested. He had spent over a year studying Zhuangzi, but unfortunately, the scholars in Nanxuan Prefecture were all focused on the imperial examinations, reading only the Four Books and Five Classics. Although they touched upon the Hundred Schools of Thought, they were not proficient.
He pulled over a chair and sat down, smiling. "Come, tell me your insights."
Seeing this, Qi Heng quickly sat down obediently, ready to listen. Was Little Martial Uncle going to debate with Xiao Yu? Haha, his classmates at the academy would surely be envious and jealous when they found out.
He Nuan placed the tea and pastries on the table, then quietly withdrew from the study with nimble movements.
Looking at Young Master Ming San leisurely sipping tea with a teacup in hand, Zhan Fei Yu held a book in one hand and her other hand behind her back, adopting the posture of a scholar reciting a classic. "In the north, there is a fish, its name is Kun. The Kun is so large, one pot is not enough to stew it..."
Cough, cough... A violent coughing fit erupted. Young Master Ming San sprayed out the tea he had just taken, and Qi Heng, sitting opposite him, didn't even have time to react before he was drenched in tea.
Stepping to a safe zone, Zhan Fei Yu continued to chant, shaking her head and swaying. "It transforms into a bird, its name is Peng. The Peng is so large, it requires two barbecue grills, one sweet and sour, and one mild and spicy."
Laughter erupted again. Young Master Ming San didn't care about his reputation as a wild scholar or famous scholar. He wiped the corner of his mouth and pointed at the preening Zhan Fei Yu, laughing so hard that he bent double. "If you dare say this to Scholar Gu, I, Ming San, will admire you."
"I will definitely say it when I meet my teacher." Zhan Fei Yu also laughed, looking at Qi Heng, whose cheeks were still dripping with tea, with sympathy. She called out towards the door, "A Nuan, please bring a cloth and warm water."
"Little Martial Uncle!" Qi Heng, feeling greatly embarrassed, glared at the laughing Young Master Ming San, who was slapping the table. He silently repeated the essence of "Free and Easy Wandering" to himself, but then he too couldn't help but chuckle.
"You slow-witted fool." Young Master Ming San looked speechlessly at the slow-witted Qi Heng, then glared at the serious Zhan Fei Yu. "My father and elder brother both say you are steady. They really should see this unreliable side of you."
"I'm still a child." Zhan Fei Yu grinned, her small eyebrows raised. "Do you want me to say a couple more lines?"
"Say it!" As soon as Qi Heng said this, he quickly moved his chair aside, fearing he would be sprayed with tea again.
Zhan Fei Yu's round eyes were full of laughter. "Do you know the 'Four Joys of a Prodigy'?"
"A timely rain after a long drought, meeting an old friend in a foreign land. A wedding night with a candle, and success in the imperial examinations." Qi Heng immediately replied.
He wasn't sure about the other three joys, but he knew the joy of succeeding in the imperial examinations. Although he was only sixth in the prefectural examination, his usually taciturn father's eyes had turned red. The grievances of being bullied by the main branch for so many years seemed to have dissipated.
"Young Master San, do you know how the Four Joys become Four Sorrows?" Zhan Fei Yu asked with a smile.
Young Master Ming San knew the Four Great Sorrows: a widow weeping with her child, a general captured by the enemy. A favored palace maid losing grace, a scholar failing the imperial examinations. There was also another saying: losing one's mother in childhood, one's father in youth, one's wife in middle age, and one's child in old age.
However, given Zhan Fei Yu's remark about one pot not being enough, Young Master Ming San knew the answer would not be so simple. "You tell me."
"A timely rain after a long drought, a single drop; meeting an old friend in a foreign land, a creditor; a wedding night with a candle, the neighbor's room; success in the imperial examinations, a homonym." As Zhan Fei Yu finished speaking, even Qi Heng couldn't help but burst into laughter. Gone was the haughty demeanor she had when they first met at Qingya Academy.
Young Master Ming San, amused, rubbed his sore cheeks and pointed at Zhan Fei Yu, shaking his head. "The scholars of Nanxuan Prefecture should really see your mischievous side, little girl. With you like this, how can you be the top scholar? The title of 'wild scholar' should be passed on."
"Don't, I still have to take the imperial examinations." Zhan Fei Yu's eyes darted around, and she said again, "I ask you, how much sorrow can one have? Young Master San, can you provide a matching couplet?"
"No, just tell me directly." Seeing Zhan Fei Yu's mischievous look, Young Master Ming San surrendered.
"Then I'll say it." Zhan Fei Yu stepped aside, fearing that Young Master Ming San might hit her later. "I ask you, how much sorrow can one have? It's like a group of eunuchs going to a brothel."
Qi Heng still looked bewildered. Young Master Ming San, this notorious romantic and wild scholar who often frequented brothels with friends, burst into laughter again. But looking at the blushing and fair-skinned Zhan Fei Yu, with her tender and chubby little appearance, his laughter abruptly stopped. He then chased Zhan Fei Yu, wanting to hit her.
"Little girl, you tell me honestly, who did you learn this from!" Young Master Ming San, finally acting like a strict teacher, roared. This girl was only nine years old, yet she knew about brothels, and even eunuchs going to brothels!
...
Far away in the capital, the imperial study was brightly lit. The four Grand Secretaries and the six Ministers of the Boards had just finished discussing state affairs with His Majesty. After they left the imperial study, only Gu Qing Zhou remained alone. The phrase "deeply favored by His Majesty" was no exaggeration.
"Your Majesty, this broth is warm and just right to drink." Eunuch Liu personally served His Majesty. It was already late in the hour of Hai (9 PM - 11 PM).
As for Gu Qing Zhou, he was served by the imperial palace maids. The soup brewed by Imperial Chef Liu was indeed exquisite; its aroma could be detected even before the lid was opened.
After slowly sipping a couple of mouthfuls of soup, His Majesty finally felt a bit more comfortable and smiled. "Does my esteemed minister have something to say?"
"Let's wait until Your Majesty finishes the soup before speaking." Gu Qing Zhou put down his spoon, his expression relaxed and leisurely.
His Majesty was not particularly fond of delicacies. "Speak freely."
Gu Qing Zhou cast a meaningful glance at His Majesty before continuing, "Today, I received the homework from my little disciple. That girl is dull-witted, and she hasn't even grasped the basics of poetry. She is currently reading 'Free and Easy Wandering' from the inner chapters of Zhuangzi."
"She is reading Zhuangzi?" It was not surprising that His Majesty was astonished. Scholars would all dabble in the classic works of the Hundred Schools of Thought, but most scholars did not agree with Zhuangzi's philosophy of governing by non-action.
Zhan Fei Yu was only nine years old, still a child. At this age, reading Zhuangzi was merely reading. Without the guidance of a teacher, her temperament might even be altered.
"Precisely. She even transcribed the opening lines for me." Gu Qing Zhou looked at His Majesty meaningfully and leisurely recited, "In the north, there is a fish, its name is Kun. The Kun is so large, one pot is not enough to stew it..."
Eunuch Liu, seeing His Majesty spray out the soup he had just taken, immediately stepped forward with a cloth to serve him. As for Eunuch Liu, who was trying hard to suppress his laughter, he had to bite the tender flesh of his cheeks to prevent himself from losing composure in front of the emperor.
Having finally recovered his breath, His Majesty glared at the gleeful Gu Qing Zhou, knowing without a doubt that he had done it intentionally. Why say it now and not earlier? He had to wait until His Majesty was drinking soup to say such a thing.
His Majesty couldn't help but laugh at the thought of "one pot not being enough," recalling the scenes of him seeking knowledge from Gu Qing Zhou while concealing his identity. "Truly, like teacher, like disciple!"
"This humble minister thanks Your Majesty on behalf of the little girl for the compliment." Gu Qing Zhou accepted the praise with a loud laugh. He thought that he had reached the pinnacle of officialdom, while Zhan Fei Yu was merely a young scholar. To receive such a remark from His Majesty was indeed high praise.
...
Young Master Ming San came to Shangsi County to find Zhan Fei Yu. One reason was the technical academy he was preparing to establish, and another was to avoid the rumors in Nanxuan Prefecture. The scene Huang Li created in court had somewhat affected Young Master Ming San.
"Uncle Huang disowned her. Since the concubine document was already filed at the yamen, she left Nanxuan Prefecture with Chai Yi. It is said she went to Zhongzhou." Young Master Ming San now spoke of Huang Li with a calm demeanor, as if she were a stranger.
Originally, their marriage that year was also orchestrated by Huang Li. She had pushed Ming San into the water. With both of them falling into the water, they had some physical contact. Furthermore, the Huang family and the Ming family were well-matched. But who would have thought that the Huang family, which practiced medicine to save lives, would produce an anomaly like Huang Li?
Zhan Fei Yu took a sip of porridge, recalling what Yin Wu Yan had said before he left. "I heard that Old Master Chen is personally escorting the grain and fodder to the border. Chai Yi will likely accompany him."
Nanxuan Prefecture was now under Prefect Zhang's control. The Chen family and Prefect Zhang had already fallen out. Old Master Chen had to find another way. While he claimed to be a merchant, he was actually doing business with the barbarians.
He would sell silks, porcelain, and tea from Jiangnan at high prices to the barbarians, and purchase large quantities of medicinal herbs, furs, and various gems from the barbarians at low prices.
"Chai Yi is a strategist for the Chen family. This person is ambitious. It is uncertain whether his going to the border will be a blessing or a curse." Young Master Ming San frowned. He had met Chai Yi a few times.
If one were to speak of talent, Chai Yi indeed had it, but his intentions were not pure. With the Chen family as his backing, and involving the First Prince, the blessing or curse that Young Master Ming San spoke of referred to the border soldiers.
Zhan Fei Yu widened her eyes in surprise. "I thought neither Old Master Chen nor Chai Yi would catch your eye."
Scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants! When they first met, Young Master Ming San's demeanor was undeniably arrogant and unyielding. He disdained even Zhan Fei Yu, the little prodigy, let alone Old Master Chen, who was a merchant, and Chai Yi, who was a hypocrite and a villain.
Thirty years old! Young Master Ming San was nearing thirty. Looking back, he suddenly realized that he had achieved nothing in the past twenty-odd years, merely bearing the title of a wild scholar. Leaving Qingya Academy and the Ming family, Young Master Ming San couldn't even support himself.
That was why he decided to organize the technical academy with Zhan Fei Yu. By truly letting go of the high posture of a scholar and interacting with the artisans he once disdained, Young Master Ming San gradually realized his shallowness. "Hearing the Way has its order, and in every profession there are specialists" was not just a saying.
"Miss, Shopkeeper Zhan is here." He Nuan walked in, and behind her followed Zhan Wen Cheng.
It was only the end of the Mao hour (5 AM - 7 AM), and Zhan Fei Yu usually woke up early to study. Some people were probably still asleep, and even if they were awake, they would be preparing breakfast. Zhan Wen Cheng's early arrival must be for a reason.
"I'll go see if Chubby Qi Heng is awake." Young Master Ming San put down his chopsticks and stood up. Qi Heng had studied with Zhan Fei Yu last night, and his bedtime was delayed by an hour. He was not yet awake.
Zhan Wen Cheng nodded slightly, watching the striding Young Master Ming San leave. This must be a noble young master from the prefectural city. Xiao Yu was truly different now.
"Fourth Brother, is there something so early?" Zhan Fei Yu got up and invited Zhan Wen Cheng to sit down.
After He Nuan served the tea, she, along with two maids, quickly cleared away the bowls and chopsticks from the table. The entire process was silent, indicating that the servants were well-trained.
Seeing Zhan Wen Cheng's surprised expression, Zhan Fei Yu smiled. "These were sent by my teacher from the capital, who was worried that I, being young, could not take care of myself."
"Indeed, you need to study, and there should be someone to take care of you." Zhan Wen Cheng nodded repeatedly.
As he walked from the main gate to the front courtyard, he saw young servants tending to the flower beds and maids sweeping the courtyard. Coupled with the maids who had just cleared the bowls, Zhan Wen Cheng estimated that there were at least ten servants taking care of Zhan Fei Yu's daily life.
After a few pleasantries, Zhan Wen Cheng immediately got to the point. If it weren't important, he wouldn't have come so early in the morning.
"What did you say? Huai..." Zhan Fei Yu's fair and tender little face twisted twice. She finally understood Zhan Wen Cheng's awkward attitude when he spoke. After all, it was inappropriate to discuss a maid being pregnant with a young girl.
"After the county examination, you became the county's top scholar, and Old Master Xie sent people to the village. Afterward, Second Uncle found a matchmaker and set the engagement date." Zhan Wen Cheng quickly explained the matter.
Old Master Xie's youngest daughter was not mentally sharp, not exactly foolish, just slower to react than ordinary people. With the Xie family's wealth, Xie Lexin could easily find a husband in Shangsi County.
Although Zhan Da Lang was also a scholar, he had not even obtained the title of Tong Sheng from his enlightenment until now. Moreover, the Zhan family was now in decline in Jinlin Village. Little Madam Yao had been divorced by Zhan Lao Er and now lived alone in a dilapidated house in the village. Zhan Lao Er himself had a bad reputation.
Old Master Xie marrying his youngest daughter to Zhan Da Lang was entirely for Zhan Fei Yu's reputation. Otherwise, why would he choose the engagement date after the county examination results were announced?
"What about that maid?" Zhan Fei Yu rubbed her temples. The thought of this troublesome matter made her wish she could go back to the study and write two more poems, or even three!
Zhan Wen Cheng, having started speaking, felt no more embarrassment. "That maid is named Tao Zi. She is the head maid by Miss Xie's side. She is probably around twenty years old, efficient, speaks directly, smiles at everyone, and is also pretty. No one expected this to happen. The old clan elder was so angry he fainted on the spot."
The old clan elder and the village chief had considered informing Zhan Fei Yu, but she had gone to the prefectural city earlier and then to Huaixian, her whereabouts were uncertain. Even if the village wanted to send a message, they couldn't.
In fact, Zhan Fei Yu had planned to rest for a day and then return to the village, but Young Master Ming San had brought Qi Heng with him, delaying her return. The old clan elder could only ask Zhan Wen Cheng to inform Zhan Fei Yu, as this matter could not be delayed any longer.
...
Originally, this was a family matter, but Young Master Ming San knew the nature of the people in the old Zhan family's residence and was worried that Zhan Fei Yu would suffer losses, especially since she was still a young girl and it was inconvenient for her to come forward. Thus, Young Master Ming San followed them back to Jinlin Village, with Qi Heng holding a biscuit in his hand as he got into the carriage.
The sound of horses' hooves broke the village's tranquility. If it were in the past, the villagers would have come out to watch the excitement long ago. But since Zhan Wen Cheng started his business and the incense sachet workshop was built in the back mountain, carriages frequently entered and exited the village, and adults and children were accustomed to it.
"Mother, I'm back." Jumping off the carriage, Zhan Fei Yu's face lit up with a smile. Seeing that Li Shi's expression was gentle and not worried, her own worried heart was put at ease.
Dropping the broom in her hand, Li Shi quickly stepped forward, took Zhan Fei Yu's hand, and her voice choked up. "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back. You've grown taller and thinner."
A mother worries when her child travels far! Even though she knew that Zhan Fei Yu was cared for by He Sheng and He Nuan, Li Shi couldn't put her heart at ease without seeing her, only receiving letters reporting her safety.
Only now, seeing her in person, and looking at the smiling Zhan Fei Yu, Li Shi wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, and her heart was finally at peace.
"Mother, this is Young Master Ming San, and this is Qi Heng. I mentioned them to you in my letter." Zhan Fei Yu introduced the two behind her.
Looking at Li Shi, who was not tall and wore a dark blue short jacket, Young Master Ming San found it hard to believe that she was Zhan Fei Yu's mother. Li Shi was no different from the peasant women in the village, except her clothes were cleaner and not patched. Even though her face was kind, her demeanor and temperament showed that she was just an ordinary peasant woman.
Zhan Fei Yu, however, was different. Not to mention her clothing and adornments, or her innate grace and charm, just looking at her appearance, she was completely different from Li Shi. Her fair and tender cheeks, her dark and bright eyes, her features like a painting, and her smiling demeanor were not even surpassed by the daughters of noble families.
"Auntie, this junior is Qi Heng. I apologize for disturbing you." Qi Heng quickly bowed. Perhaps because of his young age, the surprise on his face could not be hidden.
And upon seeing this simple and unadorned farmhouse, Qi Heng's eyes widened in shock, unable to imagine that Zhan Fei Yu had grown up here and become the top scholar in the prefectural examination.
The house was too dilapidated, and the surrounding walls were built with irregular stones. Not even bricks were spared. Not to mention the front courtyard where rows of vegetables were planted, and the faint sound of chickens could be heard.
"Your eyeballs are about to fall out." Young Master Ming San's folding fan snapped against Qi Heng's forehead.
In his early years, he had also "picked chrysanthemums by the eastern hedge and leisurely gazed at the southern mountains," so he naturally knew the poverty and hardship of farm life. Otherwise, Young Master Ming San would not have persisted for only three months before shamefully returning to Qingya Academy. Contentment with poverty was more difficult than imagined.
"This is a humble abode, but my virtue is fragrant." Teasing him, Zhan Fei Yu smiled at the embarrassed Qi Heng. "Why don't you and Young Master San go for a walk in the village? The back mountain is serene and cool at this time of year."
"Alright." Young Master Ming San knew that Zhan Fei Yu and Li Shi needed to have some private talk, and it was inconvenient for him, an outsider, to stay.
He Nuan was instructed to guard the courtyard. Zhan Fei Yu and Li Shi went into the house. "Mother, what exactly happened? Fourth Brother's explanation was unclear. Why did he say that child is Father's?"
The maid of the Xie family's daughter was pregnant before marriage, and the key point was that the father of this child was Zhan Lao Da. It was no wonder the old clan elder fainted from anger at the time. This would be a scandal if it got out. The elder brother and his nephew's maid were having an affair, what kind of matter was this?
Li Shi's smile disappeared from her face. Since moving out of the old residence, without a cruel mother-in-law or troublesome sisters-in-law, Li Shi had been content with her daughter. Her relationship with Zhan Lao Da had also gradually improved.
However, she worried that if they got together, the people from the old residence would still cling to Zhan Fei Yu like leeches and suck her dry. Li Shi had never agreed. Zhan Lao Da was naturally a dull and honest person. Now, it was peaceful.
"On the day Da Lang got engaged, your father went to the old residence to attend the wedding banquet and drank a lot of wine. He slept there that night." Li Shi only found out after asking Zhan Lao Da after the incident.
Zhan Lao Er was now also alone. When Zhan Lao Da was drunk, he slept in his room. Logically, the brothers should have slept together, but for some reason, Zhan Lao Er ended up sleeping in Zhan Da Lang's room.
In the morning, Zhan Lao Da woke up from his hangover and saw the maid Tao Zi hurrying out of the room. Zhan Lao Da was also terrified at the time, but he remembered nothing from drinking too much the night before.
Fortunately, Madam Ma in the courtyard spoke loudly, "Tao Zi, you are truly a great maid by Lexin's side. You are busy tidying up the room as soon as dawn breaks."
"Yesterday, I heard the son-in-law say that tea was spilled on the bedding. I saw the master sleeping in the son-in-law's room, so I thought I would change the bedding and wash it clean before it got too hot." Tao Zi spoke with a smile, her voice crisp and clear, indicating a straightforward personality.
Zhan Lao Da in the room finally relaxed, thinking that Tao Zi must have thought no one was in the room, so she barged in. Seeing Zhan Lao Da, she fled in a panic.
Li Shi held Zhan Fei Yu's hand and felt the calluses formed by holding a pen on her fingers. Her eyes were filled with heartache. "Your father told me when he came back, and we didn't think much of it."
After all, it was just a misunderstanding. Farmers were not that particular. But who would have thought that after nearly three months, Tao Zi's belly was already showing, and she claimed the child was Zhan Lao Da's, and that he had acted recklessly due to drunkenness on the day of the engagement?
Tao Zi was a maid, and she was weak. At that time, she dared not shout for fear of damaging her reputation. She originally thought that the matter was over. After all, Zhan Lao Da was drunk and unconscious. If she didn't say anything, no one would know. But who would have thought that she would become pregnant?
Hearing this, Zhan Fei Yu raised her eyebrows, her expression turning cold. "So now? She wants to marry my father?"
"Xiao Yu, don't you worry about this matter. Don't you ask about it either. You are still a young girl. This matter involves the old clan elder and the village chief." Li Shi had cried and been distressed before, but it was too late to say anything now.
Holding Li Shi's hand in return, Zhan Fei Yu said softly, "Mother, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
Because this matter was somewhat difficult to speak of, and Zhan Fei Yu was a child, the old clan elder and others had not dared to explain it to her in detail. If it were any other matter, they would have surely come to her door to ask for Zhan Fei Yu's decision.
Li Shi had a gentle but firm personality. No matter how important Zhan Lao Da was, he was not as important as Zhan Fei Yu, her daughter. Moreover, she and Zhan Lao Da had already separated their property and lived apart. And Tao Zi's child was almost three months old. She couldn't cry, make a scene, or hang herself. She could only wait for the old clan elder and the others to decide.
Zhan Fei Yu collected her thoughts and held Li Shi's hand, acting spoiled. "Mother, I want to eat your stir-fried mushrooms with chicken."
"Okay, Mother will go to the backyard to catch a chicken now." Li Shi immediately got up. If it were in the old residence before, let alone eating chicken, she had eaten eggs very few times. Li Shi was truly content with her current life.
After Li Shi went to the backyard, Zhan Fei Yu's pretty face sank, and her aura instantly became majestic and stern. "A Nuan, as soon as the person who went to gather information returns, tell me immediately."
"Miss, this matter is most likely a trap. Few maids in wealthy families are simple-minded." He Nuan whispered. The scheming within large households was not hidden from He Nuan, who had received training.
Since Tao Zi was the head maid by Xie Lexin's side, she must be intelligent. How could she have lost her chastity, and only revealed it when her belly was already showing? This matter was full of flaws, and the methods were crude.
Zhan Fei Yu remained silent, tapping her fingers on the table. Although the person gathering information had not yet returned, by integrating the available information, Zhan Fei Yu suddenly sneered.
"That child should be my second uncle's. He intends to have my parents raise a child for him. If it's a son, with me as his half-sister, why would he fear not rising to prominence in the future?"