Qiu Zongxi did not return to Qianzhong Dao, but the Qiu family had not forgotten their elders in Weizhou, Xiangwu County. Therefore, every year at the end of the year, they would send younger members of the family to accompany Qiu Zongxi for the New Year and to guide the younger generation of the Qiu family.
Although they only stayed for a little over a month, the younger members chosen by the Qiu family were all exceptionally intelligent and quick learners. They benefited greatly from this period.
Sensing Qiu Zongxi's displeasure, Zhan Feiyu asked, "Sir, you dislike the third branch of the Qiu family, yet they still dare to send their juniors here?"
Given Qiu Zongxi's temperament, even if he was intent on poaching Scholar Gu, he was exceptionally strict when teaching Zhan Feiyu. He would shout when necessary, bang on the table, and even hit Zhan Feiyu on the head with books when angered.
Zhan Feiyu doubted if the third branch, whom he disliked, could even enter the Qiu mansion.
Although this was a Qiu family matter, Qiu Zongxi had no qualms about airing their dirty laundry. "During the time of our ancestors, the third branch lost the struggle for the position of family head to my branch, and there have been disputes ever since."
In the end, it was simply that the third branch was unwilling to accept defeat, and the lineage of the family head had not suppressed them, which could be seen as an intention to use the third branch to temper the younger generation.
Among the many aristocratic families in the Great Qing Dynasty, the Qiu family had a unique family rule. It did not require the legitimate eldest son to inherit the family business, but rather the most capable. All Qiu family juniors began their education at the age of three and entered the clan school at five. Whoever excelled would then secure a position within the clan.
However, despite the fairness and justice, since Qiu Zongxi's great-grandfather's generation, his branch had always been the lineage of the family head. Besides the juniors' diligent studies, it was also because they were the family head's lineage that they had the best resources. As long as the juniors were not dissolute, with equal effort, the juniors from the family head's lineage would undoubtedly be superior.
The third branch had always wanted to reclaim the position of family head, but had not succeeded over the years. It was not until this generation that the third branch produced four scholars, three of whom had already obtained the title of Juren. Their eldest grandson, at fourteen years old, also possessed the title of Xiucai. The third branch immediately became arrogant, and their actions became increasingly ostentatious.
"Three Juren?" Zhan Feiyu was taken aback. If a family produced three Jinshi, they would have grounds for boasting. For ordinary people or those from humble backgrounds, the status of Juren was indeed unattainable.
But in the capital, in the imperial court, what was a Juren? The Hanlin Academy was comprised of scholars who had passed the Jinshi examinations twice, and the top scholars like Zhuangyuan and Tanhua emerged every three years.
A Juren could only be said to have one foot in the officialdom. If they were to become officials, at most they would be a teacher in a county school, or a county assistant or registrar in a prefecture. In remote and impoverished areas, with some maneuvering, they might even become a seventh-rank county magistrate. However, it was almost impossible to rise further.
With Scholar Gu as his teacher, Qiu Zongxi was not surprised by Zhan Feiyu's familiarity with the court and officialdom. "People who are content with their limited perspective are not worth mentioning. It's good that they've come; it will let them know what it means to have heavens beyond heavens and people beyond people!"
Her round eyes widened suddenly, and Zhan Feiyu asked warily, "Sir, you plan to push me out as a target, don't you? I'm still young, and I don't want to make enemies!"
"If there's a task, a disciple will labor for it!" Qiu Zongxi replied leisurely, his expression calm. "Don't worry, the third branch has only sent a young Xiucai. He won't be able to show off in front of you. Crush him as you should, lest he embarrass the Qiu family in the future!"
The status of the Qiu family in Qianzhong Dao, and the fourteen-year-old Triple Crown winner, were indeed worthy of praise. However, with Zhan Feiyu as the benchmark, Qiu Zongxi wanted to see how the third branch would flaunt themselves.
Seeing that Qiu Zongxi had already made up his mind, Zhan Feiyu said slowly, "What if we compete in poetry? Or calligraphy? Or the Six Arts of a Gentleman?"
Zhan Feiyu was indeed skilled in writing essays, but compared to scholars from literary families, she had many shortcomings.
Qiu Zongxi's expression stiffened, and he glared at her unhappily, "You're good at boosting others' morale and dampening your own. If you can't win in literary combat, then resort to martial combat. Don't think I don't know that you've shed blood in Huaian Prefecture."
As he spoke, Qiu Zongxi glanced at Zhan Feiyu's left hand. Although the best ointment had been used, it had only been a little over a month. The scar from the dog bite could still be seen if one looked closely.
Before Zhan Feiyu could retort, Qiu Zongxi gave her a casual glance and threatened her sternly, "If you're not afraid of tarnishing Gu Qingzhou's reputation, then surrender and back down."
Given the arrogance of the Qiu family's third branch, if they managed to defeat Zhan Feiyu, they would undoubtedly spread the word throughout the Great Qing Dynasty.
Zhan Feiyu glared at him angrily. What was there to rest for? She would continue her studies!
...
Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
Yang Xu found that he had finally made some progress and was more thoughtful in his actions. However, seeing Zhan Feiyu studying with her head hanging and her thigh pricked, Yang Xu's slight arrogance and complacency were instantly shattered. If someone so intelligent was also so diligent, what right did he have to be proud?
Only after Zhan Feiyu put down her brush did Yang Xu speak, "I plan to go to Aozi Village."
"Today?" Zhan Feiyu glanced out the window. The room was warm due to the brazier, but when she woke up that morning, snowflakes had been falling. Going out in such weather would be suffering.
"Yes, precisely because it's snowing, it will be less noticeable to go out." Yang Xu had noticed people watching the Qiu mansion yesterday. They were street ruffians, which meant Constable Luo knew he had gone to the Zhao family and had become vigilant, hence sending people.
As for the "Baozi Xishi," she had already been released from prison. However, Constable Luo took the opportunity to extort money. Luo Hu had broken a leg. Although it would take a hundred days to recover from a broken bone, a compensation of ten taels of silver would have been sufficient, as ordinary people in Xiangwu County could not earn ten taels a year.
However, Luo Hu refused to leave the medical clinic. On the night he broke his leg, he claimed to have a high fever and almost died. The doctor at the clinic used wild ginseng that was over a hundred years old to snatch him back from the clutches of death.
Afterward, he was kept alive with various precious medicinal herbs, so the medical fees had already reached two hundred taels. The key was that Luo Hu was still in the clinic. By the time he was finally discharged, it was estimated that the matter could not be resolved without three to five hundred taels.
"You don't need to worry about my safety. I've already sent a letter to Old Uncle Tie, and he will send people to protect me." Since Old General Yang intended to temper Yang Xu, both the precarious situation of the Yang family and the hidden former subordinates of the Yang family in Xiangwu County had been clearly explained to Yang Xu.
He also knew that it was dangerous for him to go out, but he couldn't stay cooped up at home forever. As long as he was prepared, he might even be able to lure out enemies in the shadows and kill a few more, thus resolving future troubles for the Yang family in advance.
Seeing that Yang Xu was determined, Zhan Feiyu said, "Alright, then take Ah Sheng with you."
"Okay." A rare childlike smile appeared on Yang Xu's dark face. He didn't stand on ceremony with Zhan Feiyu, but he remembered this favor and would definitely repay her in the future.
Aozi Village was even further from the county town, and it was snowing outside. Even by carriage, a round trip would take about two hours.
However, they had left at the end of Chenshi (7-9 AM), and it was already getting dark, and they had not returned. Zhan Feiyu looked at the lit candle and knew that something must have happened.
He Nuan added more charcoal to the brazier. "My brother hasn't sent a signal back, so there shouldn't be any major problems. Moreover, the former subordinates of the Yang family are following them in secret. Unless a large number of people are mobilized, they won't be able to harm Yang Xu in the slightest."
As long as the Emperor did not intervene, no one in Longyou Dao could harm Yang Xu. Although the Marquis of Zhenbian had replaced the Yang family in recent years, their foundation in the army was unstable. If the Emperor were to reinstate the Yang family, the Marquis of Zhenbian would be anxious.
Qiu Zongxi, who was reading nearby, looked up and said gravely, "The way of a general is to first govern the heart. If the Taishan Mountain collapses before him and his expression does not change, if a deer appears to his left and his eyes do not blink, then he can control advantages and disadvantages and wait for the enemy. Your concern is born of anxiety, which is also a great taboo."
"I will not be enfeoffed as a marquis or appointed as a prime minister in the future, so even if I have this shortcoming, it will not matter much," Zhan Feiyu said with a carefree smile.
She could be cold-blooded and ruthless towards her enemies, but if she could remain calm and composed towards those close to her, she would truly need a strong heart. Zhan Feiyu could not do it now, nor would she be able to do it in the future.
This was the inherent difference in temperament between women and men. Whether in the court or on the battlefield, men were more rational and calm. Zhan Feiyu could only engage in verbal battles. If she were truly asked to sacrifice herself for righteousness or to become a benevolent martyr, she could not do it. If she were asked to sacrifice hundreds or thousands of lives for the common people, she still could not do it. Her perspective was too narrow, and her heart was not ruthless enough.
"No one is perfect. If you truly possessed such magnanimity and ruthlessness, the one in the palace would likely not let you go," a fleeting look of disdain flashed in Qiu Zongxi's eyes. The disaster that befell the Yang family years ago was precisely due to the Emperor's suspicion.
The phrase "solitary and without companions" could not be more fitting. He wanted everyone to be loyal to him, yet he also feared that everyone would rebel. On one hand, he relied on capable ministers and officials, and on the other hand, he kept a close watch and guarded against them. Otherwise, the Forbidden Dragon Guard would not exist.
Old Master Qiu was truly a formidable person, daring to say anything! Zhan Feiyu respected him, but for the sake of her own life, she still felt reverence for the Emperor and dared not offend him in the slightest.
"Sir, Young Master Xu is back," came the urgent report from a servant outside the study.
Zhan Feiyu sprang to her feet and was about to walk out when He Nuan quickly handed her a cloak, wrapped her up tightly, and then let her go out.
A noisy commotion could be heard from the main hall, with people rushing about. This made Zhan Feiyu, who was walking through the wind and snow, pause in surprise.
"Miss." He Sheng quickly walked out of the room and explained to Zhan Feiyu, "Those are people from the Qiu family. We encountered an ambush on the way back, and people from the Qiu family came to help."
Qianzhong Dao was thousands of miles away from Weizhou. Unlike Zhan Feiyu's lightly equipped journey, the third branch of the Qiu family traveled with thorough preparations. In addition to the twenty guards of the third branch, they had also hired two escort agencies for protection. Coupled with the accompanying maids and servants, there were nearly a hundred people in total. Even if they encountered bandits, they would not dare to rob the Qiu family with such a formidable presence.
Since He Sheng was not injured, Zhan Feiyu knew that nothing major had happened. Upon entering the room, she saw Yang Xu having his arm bandaged. Although he winced in pain, looking at his grimacing expression, he was clearly in a very good mood.
"Could it be that he deliberately took a blow to avoid the daily martial arts training?" Qiu Zongxi, who entered a moment later, said in a cold voice. As soon as he said this, Yang Xu, who had been feeling pleased with himself, was stunned.
Yang Xu was happy because his trip to the Qu family in Aozi Village had been very successful. Unlike the cowardly Zhao family, the men of the Qu family had a bit of backbone. Previously, they had no way to avenge their daughter, but now that Yang Xu had stepped forward, how could the Qu family refuse? Although they had been attacked on the way, Yang Xu had been practicing martial arts under Yang Shoucheng, which was basically theoretical. Today, he had engaged in real combat.
Even though his arm was cut, the exhilarating feeling made Yang Xu fearless of pain. Who knew that Qiu Zongxi would speak like this?
Yang Xu sprang to his feet, disregarding his unbandaged arm, and eagerly tried to defend himself, "Grandpa Qiu, I didn't. This is just a superficial wound. I will practice martial arts on time tomorrow morning!"
Qiu Zongxi snorted and looked at the wound on his small arm, his expression becoming even more displeased. He said coldly, "Then there's no need. It takes a hundred days to recover from a broken bone. Since you're injured, rest well. You are still young, so don't leave any lingering issues, or you'll regret it too late."
Sensing the concern in Qiu Zongxi's words, Yang Xu nodded gratefully.
Zhan Feiyu rolled her eyes. Yang Xu was indeed too naive. Had he not realized that Old Master Qiu, despite his seemingly fierce and impatient temper, hid a deep reserve of shrewdness and calculation? How could a truly violent person be a master of calligraphy and painting?
"Since you cannot practice martial arts, you will study with Xiao Yu starting tomorrow," Qiu Zongxi declared, settling the matter.
Zhan Feiyu looked at Yang Xu, whose expression had instantly stiffened, with sympathy. She guessed that he would rather take another blow than spend seven to eight hours a day reading and practicing calligraphy.
Just then, footsteps were heard from outside the main hall, followed by a respectful shout, "Uncle-Grandfather."
Zhan Feiyu turned her head and saw a tall, slender figure appearing in the bright light of the lantern.
Outside, the wind and snow were blowing, and the visitor's robes fluttered in the wind. His black hair was like ink, making his face exceptionally handsome, truly like jade on the street, a peerless gentleman.
"Qiu Jinyu pays his respects to Uncle-Grandfather." The fourteen-year-old boy's voice was between that of a child and an adult, clear and melodious like a mountain spring in the woods.
Before meeting him, Qiu Zongxi had no good feelings towards the third branch of the Qiu family, and he made no attempt to hide it.
Qiu Zongxi already held the highest辈分 in the Qiu family. The current head of the Qiu family, the Governor of Longyou Dao, also had to call him Uncle-Grandfather. Moreover, Qiu Zongxi had once saved the current Emperor and Scholar Gu. With all these honors, no one dared to question Qiu Zongxi, no matter how casual or overbearing he was.
He did not hide his dislike for the people of the third branch. However, at this moment, seeing Qiu Jinyu performing a solemn salute, and meeting his exceptionally handsome face, coupled with his demeanor and grace, even Qiu Zongxi felt a sense of favor.
"Grandpa Qiu, it was Jinyu ge who saved me," Yang Xu said quickly, unaware of Qiu Zongxi's previous dislike for the third branch, his words conveying gratitude and closeness.
Even without Qiu Jinyu's intervention, Yang Xu would not have been in serious trouble. After all, only five of the hidden former subordinates of the Yang family had been deployed, and fifteen others were lurking in the shadows. Moreover, He Sheng had barely made a move.
Yang Xu's injury was merely because He Sheng had not stopped him, and Yang Xu had taken the initiative to kill the enemy, making an injury unavoidable. However, this did not diminish Yang Xu's gratitude towards Qiu Jinyu.