Chapter 309
Xiangwu County was now like a sieve, with various forces lurking. Even though Zhu Zhengrong, the eldest son of the Zhenbian Marquis's mansion, was secretive about his whereabouts, the news spread as soon as he appeared within the borders of Xiangwu County. Those who needed to know, knew.
The news also spread immediately when Zhan Feiyu was stopped by guards from the Zhenbian Marquis's mansion on her way out of the prefectural yamen's prison and subsequently went to a teahouse.
"Third brother, how are things?" Outside the teahouse, a peddler carrying a shoulder pole asked the young man selling wontons next to him in a low voice while taking a break.
"There's an empty seat here, please sit, sir." The young man greeted him eagerly, opened the lid, and dropped a handful of wontons into the boiling water. While wiping the table and collecting bowls, he replied in a low voice, "They've been inside for two quarters of an hour, but unfortunately, the teahouse is guarded so tightly, not even a fly can get in."
Therefore, it was impossible to sneak in and eavesdrop on what Zhu Zhengrong and Zhan Feiyu were discussing. They could only keep watch around the teahouse like other spies.
The peddler picked up his teacup and took a sip of hot water, quickly glancing around. The sounds of hawking were endless. A row of small stalls and carts, with passersby stopping from time to time to look around, ask questions, and then buy some needles and thread or food. It was bustling with people, almost like a large market.
"Hot and fragrant wontons are ready, please enjoy, sir." The young man called out skillfully, placing a bowl of wontons on the table, and continued in a low voice, "After Zhan Feiyu entered the teahouse, eight more stalls appeared in less than a quarter of an hour, but unfortunately, none of them can get in."
The peddler picked up his chopsticks and ate heartily, replying indistinctly, "Keep watching."
Similar conversations were happening at other stalls. Some passersby also stopped to exchange pleasantries, but their eyes were also fixed on the teahouse. They were likely stall owners from various families.
Not far from the teahouse was a blacksmith's shop, and the sound of hammering echoed from within. Regardless of whether it was freezing cold outside, the blacksmith's shop was exceptionally warm. The furnace fire burned brightly, making it look warm.
"Dad, take a break and have some water." Tie Lao San handed over the teacup and glanced at the shop's exterior before quietly saying to Tie Lao Bo, who was wiping sweat and resting, "Zhu Zhengrong is here. He intercepted Miss Zhan on the way, and they are in the teahouse's backyard now."
Unlike other forces, Tie Lao Bo and his group already knew that the teahouse was owned by people from the Zhenbian Marquis's mansion. They had arranged for spies to infiltrate years ago.
Unfortunately, Zhu Zhengrong was cautious and meticulous. Not only did he book the entire teahouse, stopping all business, but he also cleared out the shopkeeper and servants when he arranged to meet Zhan Feiyu. The guards were all from the Zhenbian Marquis's mansion, and the maids serving tea were also brought by Zhu Zhengrong. Therefore, no news could be obtained.
Tie Lao Bo's old face, flushed red by the furnace fire, darkened. He gulped down the warm tea and said, "I'll go report to the General."
"Dad, I'll go with you." Tie Lao San had no interest in blacksmithing. He shamelessly followed Tie Lao Bo's footsteps towards the backyard.
Yang Shoucheng was listening to his subordinate's report. "How is Xu'er adapting?"
"Reporting to the General, the young master only slept after midnight as it was his first time experiencing bloodshed. However, he was in good spirits the next day and went out with Lie Feng and the others in the afternoon." The subordinate spoke in a deep voice, and it was not difficult to see the admiration and relief in his eyes.
Previously, there were rumors in the army that were unfavorable to the young master, such as the father being a tiger and the son being a dog. This was clearly an attempt to shake the morale of the army and make people believe that the General's mansion had no successor.
However, with Yang Xu's experience in the army, it was likely that these rumors would be dispelled soon. Moreover, the General was in his prime and could still fight on the battlefield for at least twenty years. By then, the young master would be around thirty years old and would surely be able to uphold the reputation of the General's mansion.
"Xu'er has had little experience in Shitou Village these past few years and lacks tempering. However, he is naturally simple and receptive to guidance. You don't need to worry about his status. Say what you need to say, scold him when necessary, and explain things clearly. Xu'er can understand." Yang Shoucheng knew Yang Xu; he would not be arrogant or stubborn.
"Your subordinate understands." The man replied. The General also had something to add, that the young master not only accepted advice but also had a broad mind and did not act superior due to his status. With a few more years of tempering, he would surely become a young general.
Hearing the footsteps outside, Yang Shoucheng glanced over.
"Your subordinate takes his leave." The man bowed and walked towards the back of the house, bypassed the screen and entered the inner room, then opened the side door and walked out. With a flash, he leaped over the wall and left the blacksmith's shop, then merged into the crowd outside the alley.
Tie Lao Bo entered the house with Tie Lao San and reported the meeting between Zhu Zhengrong and Zhan Feiyu at the teahouse.
"General, is the Zhenbian Marquis's mansion trying to win over Scholar Gu?" Tie Lao San asked impatiently. Although the imperial decree had not yet been issued, everyone knew that the Zhenbian Marquis's mansion was at its wit's end and was likely making a final desperate struggle.
Tie Lao Bo couldn't be bothered to look at his simple-minded, foolish son. He knew that the Zhenbian Marquis's mansion was beyond saving. Did Scholar Gu, as the Emperor's confidant, not know this?
Let alone the Zhenbian Marquis's mansion being in decline, even at its peak, the Zhenbian Marquis would not have succeeded in winning over Scholar Gu, let alone now.
"Dad, I'm just worried that Miss Zhan, being young, will be tricked by Zhu Zhengrong's words." Tie Lao San grumbled unhappily, pulled over a chair, and sat down. "Scholar Gu dotes on this little disciple so much. He sends cartloads of things from the capital, and receives letters every three days. His own son probably doesn't get this treatment."
Tie Lao San's last sentence was full of resentment. When he was only fifteen, his father had sent him to the capital to gather information, and he had been there for a full three years. His father had never sent him a single letter, let alone anything. Compared to this, Tie Lao San felt even more heartbroken. Their relationship was only that of master and disciple, while they were father and son.
"Do you think Zhan girl is as foolish as you?" Tie Lao Bo couldn't help but roar. Seeing Tie Lao San stubbornly refusing to admit defeat, he kicked him impatiently. "She is the top scholar of Nanxuan Prefecture, and even Mr. Qiu wanted to take her as a disciple."
Having long been accustomed to the scene of the Tie father and son arguing whenever they met, Yang Shoucheng said in a deep voice, "Xiao Yu is intelligent and her mind surpasses that of others. The Zhenbian Marquis's mansion will absolutely not succeed in winning over Xiao Yu."
Not to mention that Yang Shoucheng had already reached an agreement with Zhan Feiyu. One would be in the army, and the other in the court, supporting each other and sharing information. Even if they didn't cooperate with the Yang family, Xiao Yu and Scholar Gu would not pay attention to the Zhenbian Marquis's mansion.
"Zhu Zhengrong is no ordinary person. It is said that he is so cunning that the Zhenbian Marquis almost passed him over to his father and passed the marquisate to him back then." Tie Lao San had been lurking in the capital back then and knew a lot about court affairs.
The Zhenbian Marquis had indeed submitted a memorial back then, but unfortunately, the Emperor did not agree. In the end, the eldest son was established as the heir, and Zhu Zhengrong was honored as the eldest son. However, there were rumors that half of the marquisate's military power was held by Zhu Zhengrong.
Yang Shoucheng looked at the still worried Tie Lao San. "Given the current situation in Longyou Dao, why would Scholar Gu leave a young girl in Xiangwu County, and she even holds a token of the Imperial Dragon Guard?"
Xiangwu County, and even Longyou Dao, appeared calm on the surface, but underneath it was turbulent. The superficial peace was only maintained. Various forces dared not make the first move, fearing to be the first to be targeted. However, once this peace was broken, it would inevitably lead to a bloody storm, and many people would die.
Tie Lao San's brows furrowed. He had seen Zhan Feiyu before. She was just a little girl who looked like a dough ball, with an exceptionally cute smile, appearing well-behaved and sensible. Was Scholar Gu willing to let the little girl take risks?
Before Tie Lao San could answer, Yang Shoucheng continued, "It's like me sending Xu'er to the army; it's all for tempering."
The equally dark face stiffened for a moment. Tie Lao San wiped his face and then burst into schadenfreude laughter. "So Scholar Gu is using Zhu Zhengrong as a whetstone for Zhan girl?"
The eldest son of the dignified Zhenbian Marquis's mansion actually became a whetstone for a little girl. Thinking of this, Tie Lao San's impression of Scholar Gu, who was far away in the capital, instantly improved.
...
Meanwhile, in the teahouse's backyard.
Zhan Feiyu did not drink tea, even though it was her usual longan and jujube tea. "Is the eldest son here for the Zhang family? After all, I was the one who sent her to prison. It is reasonable for the Zhenbian Marquis's mansion to come and demand an explanation."
Zhu Zhengrong, holding his teacup, had a momentary stiffening of his expression, but he quickly recovered and said with a gentle smile, "Miss Zhan, that is not quite right. The country has its laws, and families have their rules. The Zhang family was taken in by the Marquis's mansion for several years when she was in distress. However, since she is suspected of murdering a person, it is only natural for her to be imprisoned, and if the evidence is conclusive, to be sentenced to execution in the autumn."
He Nuan, standing quietly in the corner, watched with a calm expression, but a fleeting smile flashed in her eyes. Miss was really asking about the most sensitive issue.
...
"Do you think Zhan girl is as foolish as you?" Tie Lao Bo couldn't help but roar. Seeing Tie Lao San stubbornly refusing to admit defeat, he kicked him impatiently. "She is the top scholar of Nanxuan Prefecture, and even Mr. Qiu wanted to take her as a disciple."
Having long been accustomed to the scene of the Tie father and son arguing whenever they met, Yang Shoucheng said in a deep voice, "Xiao Yu is intelligent and her mind surpasses that of others. The Zhenbian Marquis's mansion will absolutely not succeed in winning over Xiao Yu."
Not to mention that Yang Shoucheng had already reached an agreement with Zhan Feiyu. One would be in the army, and the other in the court, supporting each other and sharing information. Even if they didn't cooperate with the Yang family, Xiao Yu and Scholar Gu would not pay attention to the Zhenbian Marquis's mansion.
"Zhu Zhengrong is no ordinary person. It is said that he is so cunning that the Zhenbian Marquis almost passed him over to his father and passed the marquisate to him back then." Tie Lao San had been lurking in the capital back then and knew a lot about court affairs.
The Zhenbian Marquis had indeed submitted a memorial back then, but unfortunately, the Emperor did not agree. In the end, the eldest son was established as the heir, and Zhu Zhengrong was honored as the eldest son. However, there were rumors that half of the marquisate's military power was held by Zhu Zhengrong.
Yang Shoucheng looked at the still worried Tie Lao San. "Given the current situation in Longyou Dao, why would Scholar Gu leave a young girl in Xiangwu County, and she even holds a token of the Imperial Dragon Guard?"
Xiangwu County, and even Longyou Dao, appeared calm on the surface, but underneath it was turbulent. The superficial peace was only maintained. Various forces dared not make the first move, fearing to be the first to be targeted. However, once this peace was broken, it would inevitably lead to a bloody storm, and many people would die.
Tie Lao San's brows furrowed. He had seen Zhan Feiyu before. She was just a little girl who looked like a dough ball, with an exceptionally cute smile, appearing well-behaved and sensible. Was Scholar Gu willing to let the little girl take risks?
Before Tie Lao San could answer, Yang Shoucheng continued, "It's like me sending Xu'er to the army; it's all for tempering."
The equally dark face stiffened for a moment. Tie Lao San wiped his face and then burst into schadenfreude laughter. "So Scholar Gu is using Zhu Zhengrong as a whetstone for Zhan girl?"
The eldest son of the dignified Zhenbian Marquis's mansion actually became a whetstone for a little girl. Thinking of this, Tie Lao San's impression of Scholar Gu, who was far away in the capital, instantly improved.
...
Meanwhile, in the teahouse's backyard.
Zhan Feiyu did not drink tea, even though it was her usual longan and jujube tea. "Is the eldest son here for the Zhang family? After all, I was the one who sent her to prison. It is reasonable for the Zhenbian Marquis's mansion to come and demand an explanation."
Zhu Zhengrong, holding his teacup, had a momentary stiffening of his expression, but he quickly recovered and said with a gentle smile, "Miss Zhan, that is not quite right. The country has its laws, and families have their rules. The Zhang family was taken in by the Marquis's mansion for several years when she was in distress. However, since she is suspected of murdering a person, it is only natural for her to be imprisoned."