Zhan Feiyu picked up the wooden stick from the ground, weighed it in her hand, and smiled at Bao Yi, who was cowering on the ground. "For the sake of Prefect Zhang, I won't bother with you today. If there's a next time, you'll know what I can do."
Instantly recalling Madam Qin, who was to be beheaded after the autumn assizes in the prefectural yamen, Bao Yi nodded tremblingly, "I remember..."
With a snap! Bao Yi was so terrified that his eyeballs almost popped out. He felt a warmth between his legs; he had wet himself from fear, though his robes concealed it.
Zhan Feiyu snapped the wooden stick in half and tossed it between Bao Yi's legs, a sinister smile on her face. "Next time, it won't be a stick that breaks."
Staring blankly at the stick broken by Zhan Feiyu against his knee, and then at his still-aching private part, Bao Yi, who had wet himself in fear, trembled with his lips, unable to speak, only shaking his head desperately.
Seeing this, Zhan Feiyu nodded in satisfaction, put her hands behind her back, and walked away with small, measured steps.
After a while, sure that Bao Yi could no longer see her, Zhan Feiyu abandoned her martial arts expert demeanor and quickly rubbed her right knee, her face contorted in pain.
He Sheng emerged from the shadows. Looking at Zhan Feiyu, who was gasping in pain, a smile flickered in his eyes. "Miss, let me examine you."
Zhan Feiyu flexed her knee, smiling awkwardly. "It's nothing, no bones were injured. Where is Madam Zhang?"
She had been so embarrassed! Fortunately, only He Sheng had seen it. She vowed never to show off again; her knee hurt terribly.
Madam Kong, whom Zhan Feiyu was thinking about, was currently having tea and chatting with a group of ladies. Due to Madam Qin's recent affairs, the situation in Nanxuan Prefecture had become bizarre and complicated. Although households weren't completely closed off, their usual small gatherings had been canceled.
"Madam Zhang, I heard that Miss Zhan is close to you. Such a well-behaved and intelligent young girl, you mustn't hide her. My two daughters are about the same age as Miss Zhan, so it would be good for them to interact more," said Madam Ma, her voice clear. Although her husband was a merchant, he was one of the top in Nanxuan Prefecture, second only to Master Chen.
"Haha, Madam Ma speaks wisely. My eldest daughter enjoys wielding weapons all day, so it's good for her to interact more with Miss Zhang and Miss Zhan. I don't expect her to be very virtuous in the future, but at least she should recognize more characters and not be unable to read account books," said the plump lady with a round face, which immediately drew a burst of laughter.
Her husband was a military official, and it was one thing for their sons to enjoy martial arts, but their only daughter was the same. Her hair was almost white with worry. At seven or eight years old, it was fine, but in a few more years, she would be of marriageable age. If her reputation for being wild and fierce spread, no family would dare to marry her.
Madam Kong, flattered by the ladies, smiled. She appeared gentle and spoke softly, but the women cultivated by the Kong family were not easily swayed by a few words.
"I'll convey your kindness to Little Yu, but my husband says the prefectural examination is imminent, and Little Yu is studying diligently indoors, not even sleeping three hours a day." Madam Kong politely declined the ladies' requests to see Zhan Feiyu.
To prevent them from disturbing Zhan Feiyu at the inn, Madam Kong smiled and said, "Speaking of which, my husband even chided me yesterday for sending an invitation to Little Yu and delaying her studies. You all know how these scholars want to dedicate even their meal times to their books. I just wanted the young girl to get some fresh air, and my husband complained. Fortunately, Little Yu is a good girl and didn't blame me for my good intentions going awry."
The smiles on several ladies' faces stiffened slightly. They were actually worried that Zhan Feiyu might corrupt their pampered daughters. Men and women are not supposed to interact after the age of seven, but Zhan Feiyu not only studied in the county school but also dared to live in Nanxuan Prefecture with two servants, disregarding any notions of reputation or honor.
However, after they voiced their concerns, their husbands had severely reprimanded them, calling it the folly of women! Long hair, short sight!
Madam Ma, who had spoken first, was the one who had been scolded the most fiercely. Old Master Ma had angrily berated her, "Do you know who Zhan Feiyu is? She is a disciple of Scholar Gu! Look how polite Prefect Zhang is to her, and you still dislike her?"
Old Master Ma looked at the bejeweled Madam Ma as if she were an idiot. "Let me tell you, if our eldest son can marry Zhan Feiyu, it would be as if our Ma family's ancestral graves are emitting green smoke! You have money, but can you enter the Prefect's mansion with your money? Can you get Master Mingshan to personally visit your home with your money?"
Madam Ma, who had been unconvinced, was speechless. When her eldest son caused trouble at Qingya Academy, he was expelled. Initially, Madam Ma was quite proud; with money, why worry about her son not having a place to study?
But after hitting dead ends everywhere, Madam Ma realized that those talented scholars truly had a backbone and would refuse to accept students. The private tutors willing to teach her eldest son were all of ill repute, charging exorbitant fees and teaching nothing of value.
"Then we mustn't disturb Miss Zhan's studies. She is the top scholar of Shangsi County," one lady said with a gentle smile, smoothing things over. After all, her two sons were already married.
If Zhan Feiyu were easily bullied, even with Madam Zhang's "reminder," Madam Ma and the others would have privately visited the Donghu Inn, perhaps even bringing their sons. If a private arrangement could be made, the marriage would be settled.
However, thinking of Madam Qin's current fate, even the wealthy Madam Ma dared not act rashly. Although Zhan Feiyu came from the countryside, she was by no means someone to be trifled with.
Madam Zhang took two sips of tea. Their intentions were obvious to anyone. If this were not Nanxuan Prefecture, under her husband's jurisdiction, Madam Zhang wouldn't bother even if these people wanted to die.
"Madam, the old madam is feeling a bit unwell and asks for you to come over," a maid in a green jacket whispered.
A cold glint quickly flashed in Madam Zhang's eyes. She then put down her teacup, a hint of urgency in her expression. "Ladies, my old madam is not feeling well, I must go and see to her."
"Madam Zhang, please go quickly."
"Yes, Madam Zhang, you don't need to mind us. The old madam's health is important."
In fact, if it weren't for Old Madam Zhang feeling unwell, and considering she was the Prefect's mother, they should have gone to see her out of courtesy.
But thinking of the crude Old Madam Zhang, the ladies present couldn't even be bothered with superficial pleasantries. Who would want to fawn over a country old woman?
Old Madam Zhang was resting in the lotus pavilion, with a pond of lotus leaves before her, fed by a flowing stream. In summer, it would be a breathtaking sight of endless green lotus leaves.
As Zhan Feiyu walked onto the winding corridor, she saw Madam Zhang approaching, followed by Huang Li and several other ladies.
Originally, they didn't want to come, but Huang Li had made it clear, saying she was worried about Old Madam Zhang's health and wanted to visit. The other ladies reluctantly followed, as they couldn't say they weren't worried about Old Madam Zhang's health.
"Little Yu?" Madam Kong was slightly startled. Logically, Little Yu should be with Guan Tong and a group of young girls in the peach grove. But then, Madam Kong had a guess, and her eyes softened.
"Madam Zhang, I was just taking a stroll and planned to rest in the pavilion." Zhan Feiyu's gaze swept over the two maids in green, and she smiled faintly. "Madam, please go ahead."
Madam Kong glanced at the figures in the lotus pavilion at the end of the corridor and said gently, "Then let's walk together. We are by the water, I'll accompany you."
"Okay." Zhan Feiyu's eyebrows slightly rose, and she understood. Indeed, Madam Zhang, as the Prefect's wife, couldn't possibly be tricked by the clumsy schemes of Old Madam Zhang and Huang Li.
"Miss Zhan is here too. What a coincidence," Madam Ma said loudly, laughing. She squeezed to the front from behind the crowd, feigning familiarity, as if she and Zhan Feiyu were old acquaintances.
Although Zhan Feiyu had greeted the ladies after Madam Kong's introduction, it was merely a polite greeting. Seeing Madam Ma and the other ladies being overly enthusiastic, Zhan Feiyu couldn't help but be taken aback.
"Alright, let's go to the pavilion first," Madam Kong reminded them. But Madam Ma, focused on securing Zhan Feiyu for her eldest son, naturally stayed close behind the two.
Halfway along the winding corridor, someone suddenly shouted, "There's a snake!"
Despite the ladies meticulously controlling their inner courtyards, they turned pale with fear upon hearing the word "snake," and the scene immediately descended into chaos.
"Be careful." Madam Kong quickly grabbed Zhan Feiyu's hand and, as people behind them rushed forward frantically, she quickly embraced her and stood close to the wooden railing.
Madam Kong leaned against the railing, making way, and regardless of the ensuing chaos, she stood with her back against the railing, her seemingly gentle gaze sharp as she looked at the milling crowd.
With a splash! The sound of someone falling into the water rang out. Huang Li was flailing in the water, not even knowing how she had fallen in.
"Help! Someone fell into the water!" the maid in green screamed at the top of her lungs.
"I can't swim," another maid, who had been leading the way, cried out in distress, reaching out to try and pull Huang Li, who had fallen into the water, but couldn't reach her across the railing.
At this moment, a figure suddenly rushed out from the woods opposite and, before anyone could react, leaped into the water with a splash.
Zhan Feiyu turned her head to see Huang Li, terrified by her fall, flailing her arms. She had probably forgotten that this was the person she had asked Chai Yi to find. Seeing someone coming to her rescue, she immediately lunged.
"Don't look," Madam Kong said gently, shielding Zhan Feiyu's eyes with one hand.
"Ah! Let go of me... *glug glug*..." Huang Li clung to the other person's shoulder, finally less scared. But when a lecherous hand touched her chest, Huang Li screamed wildly and then struggled violently.
"I won't look," Zhan Feiyu nodded obediently, knowing what was happening just by the sounds.
Some ladies had already run to the other side. The ladies remaining on the corridor wanted to intervene, but with Huang Li in the water, they were helpless. They could only watch as the man, holding Huang Li, sank into the water.
When a large red undergarment floated to the surface, several nannies finally arrived, but what was meant to happen had already happened.
Madam Kong led Zhan Feiyu to the shore. The drenched pervert had already been apprehended by two robust nannies. Huang Li lay on the ground, continuously spitting out water. Terrified and frightened, coupled with the violent struggle, she was completely drained of strength.
Zhan Feiyu looked at Huang Li's lips, which were clearly red, swollen, and injured, and her eyes widened. Not only was her undergarment torn off, but she had also been forcibly kissed underwater, even biting her mouth?
Madam Kong led Zhan Feiyu away from the crowd and then clarified the situation. "If Guan Tong had even a third of your shrewdness, I wouldn't have to worry about her."
"I overstepped," Zhan Feiyu said, a little awkwardly. She hadn't expected Madam Zhang to know and to have already made preparations.
Old Madam Zhang, supported by Bao Lian'er, came over. Seeing Huang Li on the ground, disheveled, she swayed, almost fainting.
Her skirt, now wet, had become transparent, and her undergarment had been deliberately torn off. Thus, Huang Li, lying on the ground, clearly exposed her breasts. Although everyone present was female, and the only pervert was being held down, Huang Li's reputation was utterly ruined.
"I'll kill you!" Finally regaining some strength, Huang Li screamed sharply. She got up from the ground and, like a madwoman, lunged at the pervert.
However, her legs were weak, and as Huang Li, who was swinging her arms to hit him, stumbled and fell onto him, the nanny holding him loosened her grip. The man naturally embraced her, making it look as if Huang Li were throwing herself into his arms.
Young Master Ming's head was turning green... Zhan Feiyu sympathetically thought of Young Master Ming, who was far away at Qingya Academy. In previous years, Young Master Ming would have attended the Peach Blossom Festival every year.
Only this year, due to the establishment of a vocational academy, Young Master Ming had important matters and naturally had no leisure to attend the banquet. Who knew he would be so unfortunate.
"Miss Zhan, why are you here?" Bao Lian'er was also greatly frightened. Shouldn't Zhan Feiyu be with Yi'er?
Although Zhan Feiyu was only nine years old, and nothing could happen even if she were with Bao Yi, Bao Lian'er only wanted Bao Yi to secretly check if Zhan Feiyu had any birthmarks. If so, it would be best, and then Zhan Feiyu would have no choice but to marry Bao Yi.
If not, then Bao Yi should pretend to be drunk and sleep in the same bed as Zhan Feiyu. As scholars, they cherished their reputations. If Zhan Feiyu didn't make the scandal public, she would have to be engaged to Bao Yi.
"Mother, let me help you sit down." Old Madam Zhang's vision was blurring, especially when she met Madam Kong's half-smiling gaze. Old Madam Zhang felt her legs go weak.
Bao Lian'er was no different. She had also sensed the plot between Old Madam Zhang and Huang Li from Old Madam Zhang's words, which was why she wanted to use the same method against Zhan Feiyu.
Regardless of how powerful Zhan Feiyu's teacher was, or how smart and talented Zhan Feiyu was, in Bao Lian'er's opinion, she was still a nine-year-old girl. Calculating against Zhan Feiyu was definitely a sure thing.
"Mother, let me help you. I see Lian'er's complexion is a bit pale. Don't accidentally drop you," Madam Kong stepped forward, quickly supporting Old Madam Zhang's arm, tightening her grip slightly, leaving no room for Old Madam Zhang to refuse.
Madam Kong then looked at the ladies beside her. "Regarding Madam Ming San's matter, I'll trouble you to handle it. I'll take my old madam to rest first."
Madam Kong had left her seat earlier because a maid had reported that Old Madam Zhang was feeling unwell. Now, using this as an excuse, everyone naturally agreed. Compared to Huang Li, Old Madam Zhang's health was certainly more important.
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