Because Qiu Jinyu had saved Yang Xu, Qiu Zongxi could not refuse to let her in, but his attitude remained cold. He arranged for the housekeeper to prepare a place to stay and then paid her no further attention.
In the study, Zhan Feiyu asked, "Can you tell who attacked Yang Xu?"
The Zhenbian Marquis's mansion was the most suspicious, and the other princes and ministers who wanted to seize control of Longyou Dao's military power and salt tax were also suspects. Zhan Feiyu even suspected that several factions might have acted together, aiming for a situation where the law would not punish everyone, much like when she was in danger in Huai'an Prefecture.
"The first group of over a dozen people were a rabble. The later individuals, although they concealed their martial arts styles, still showed some traces of military background. Moreover, Longyou Dao is currently being watched by the Forbidden Dragon Guard, so it's impossible for various forces to risk sending their family's elite guards."
He Sheng accompanied Yang Xu on a trip to Aozi Village, partly to protect Yang Xu's safety and partly to gather intelligence.
Zhan Feiyu's near-death experience in Huai'an Prefecture, with forty-eight bodies hanging on the city walls, was enough to deter all the civil and military officials.
Later, the First Prince Yin Geng saw the dragon pendant on her neck and misunderstood Zhan Feiyu's identity. This also caused the forces that had been trying to assassinate Zhan Feiyu to dare not show themselves again, fearing that the Forbidden Dragon Guard would find any clues, making it a loss rather than a gain. Therefore, the people who attacked Yang Xu this time were likely from Longyou Dao, either from the military or formerly part of it.
"Was it a probe or an assassination attempt?" Zhan Feiyu asked again. Her teacher had foreseen the Emperor's intention to reinstate the Yang family, so she had been sent to pick up the pieces.
By forming this bond of gratitude today, her own safety would be guaranteed in the future. Anyone who wanted to harm her would have to think twice.
"A probe. If Yang Xu had been harmed, the Yang family would have fought back with all their might. No one could withstand the retaliation of Longyou Dao's 200,000 strong army." He Sheng speculated that the people in the shadows intended to kidnap Yang Xu, "holding the emperor to command the lords," and thus gain control of the Yang family.
Hearing this, Zhan Feiyu finally breathed a sigh of relief. Her greatest fear was that the Emperor would seize the opportunity to kill Yang Xu. Fortunately, even if the Emperor wanted to control the overall situation, he had not descended into madness to the point of resorting to any means.
"Did the third branch of the Qiu family discover anything unusual?" Although Zhan Feiyu was impressed by Qiu Jinyu's elegance, the timing of her appearance was too coincidental. Coupled with Yang Xu's close demeanor, Zhan Feiyu preferred to be suspicious.
He Sheng carefully recalled the scene of the fight during the day. "We haven't found anything yet. I'll send people to investigate."
Longyou Dao was thousands of miles away from Weizhou. Even if the Forbidden Dragon Guard's spies were everywhere, a proper investigation would take at least ten days to half a month for the round trip.
"You'll stay with Yang Xu these few days." Zhan Feiyu nodded. It was wise to be cautious, and she didn't care if Qiu Jinyu misunderstood.
After He Sheng left the study, Zhan Feiyu had already composed herself and began to grind ink. The candlelight in the study remained lit until midnight, a testament to the dedication of every accomplished scholar who had once studied diligently through the night.
The scarcity of rain in Xiangwu County had caused severe desertification of the land, resulting in each residence in the county town occupying a large area. The third branch of the Qiu family was housed in the northern guest courtyard. However, even with the many houses in the Qiu mansion, it couldn't accommodate over a hundred people, so the escorts from the escort agency had to stay at an inn.
Early in the morning, the wind and snow that had lasted for a day and a night finally stopped. Cries of grief pierced the morning quiet, startling the neighbors who were still in their warm beds.
"What's that noise outside?" Zhan Feiyu put down her book. She had woken up early and finished her daily morning reading. Just as she was about to go to the main courtyard for breakfast, she heard faint cries of grief from outside.
He Nuan, as her personal maid, and considering the uncertain situation in Longyou Dao, even if no one dared to attack Zhan Feiyu, He Nuan still stayed close to protect her. She naturally didn't know what had happened ahead. "I'll send someone to check."
"Let's go together." Zhan Feiyu picked up her hand warmer and allowed He Nuan to wrap her up like a bear. Even so, the moment she opened the door, the biting cold that rushed in made Zhan Feiyu shiver.
Yang Xu had been wounded in the arm. Although he couldn't practice martial arts, he still had to practice basic stances like horse stance every day. He and Qiu Zongxi both lived in the main courtyard and had heard the commotion.
After meeting in the main courtyard, they walked towards the main entrance together.
Qiu Zongxi glanced at He Sheng behind Yang Xu without revealing anything on his face, but inwardly he was pleased. The young lady was quite protective, but it was a pity that Yang Xu, with his dull mind, probably didn't even realize He Sheng was protecting him.
"There's no justice! Heaven, my son died unjustly..."
"Zhuangzi, my grandson! Why didn't you let this old woman die? My poor grandson."
"Brother, brother, wake up! Don't leave me. Little brother and I are good. We don't want steamed buns with white flour, sob..."
Outside the Qiu mansion's gate, seven or eight straw mats were laid out neatly. On the mats lay cold corpses, covered only by tattered blankets, with the feet of the deceased exposed.
Two of them had their heads exposed outside the blankets, their bluish skin looking rather chilling.
Even though Zhan Feiyu knew there would be trouble, she was still stunned when she saw this scene. She then looked at He Sheng beside her. Seeing his almost imperceptible nod, she knew that these deceased individuals were likely the rabble who had ambushed Yang Xu yesterday.
However, whether they died in yesterday's fight or were killed by someone with ulterior motives after returning, it was impossible to ascertain.
"Old Mr. Qiu, my son died unjustly!" A shrill cry rang out. Shaking off her daughter's support, the woman rushed towards Qiu Zongxi at the entrance, but her feet slipped, and she fell to the ground with a thud. The woman lay on the ground and cried even more mournfully.
More and more passersby gathered in the alley. Seeing these corpses and the grief-stricken women, many people also had tears in their eyes. These were the strong young men of their families who had died. How would they live in the future?
"Xiao Yu, I...?" Yang Xu's throat felt blocked. Especially seeing two children, four or five years old, crying until their voices were hoarse over the bodies, Yang Xu's still tender face showed a look of bewilderment.
During yesterday's fight, Yang Xu had not been afraid. Instead, he had felt an indescribable exhilaration. He wished to become stronger and stronger, finally being able to uphold the honor of the General's mansion.
But at this moment, looking at these corpses, at the white-haired old woman, at the bewildered nephew, Yang Xu's mind was buzzing. Had he done something wrong?
What a malicious and insidious scheme! Zhan Feiyu understood that by orchestrating this scene, if they could destroy Yang Xu in the process, then even if the Yang family was reinstated, they would be no threat. Moreover, this was an open and aboveboard stratagem.
"Xu'er, yesterday was so dangerous that it was either you die or I die. If you had shown even a shred of softness, your loved ones would be mourning today!" A clear voice resounded, hitting the ground with force.
Qiu Jinyu had appeared at some point. She placed a hand on Yang Xu's shoulder. Although she was only a few years older than Yang Xu, she appeared much more composed. "Since they engaged in robbery and murder, they should have known they would face this outcome. Those they oppressed before also suffered such misery, but no one knew."
Those who do much injustice will eventually perish by their own hand! These people, before their deaths, were all bullies who relied on their power. They were not worth pity.
Yang Xu looked back at Qiu Jinyu, whose eyes were filled with determination. Although still bewildered and helpless, his heart gradually settled.
"You pay for my father's life!" Suddenly, a girl of about eight or nine years old screamed at Yang Xu, drawing a dagger. Stumbling, she got up from the ground, and with the dagger in hand, lunged towards Yang Xu.
A scrawny little girl, even with a dagger, posed no threat to Yang Xu, who had been practicing martial arts for years. He dodged to the side, then grabbed the girl's wrist with his right hand. With a twist, he disarmed her.
But looking at the little girl, whose eyes were red and swollen from crying, and the deep-seated hatred in her eyes, Yang Xu felt as if the dagger he had taken weighed thousands of pounds.
No matter how detestable these thugs were, they didn't deserve to die. Moreover, they had parents and children, and their deaths would cause immense pain to their families.
"You pay for my father's life!" The little girl choked back a sob and slapped Yang Xu's face fiercely. This time, however, he did not dodge.
With a crisp "slap," the sound echoed. Yang Xu stared blankly at the little girl, who, after hitting him, squatted on the ground and cried bitterly. His recently settled heart became bewildered again.
"The art of war dictates that attacking the heart is paramount, attacking the city is secondary; psychological warfare is paramount, military warfare is secondary." Zhan Feiyu's voice was not loud. She looked coldly at the bewildered Yang Xu and questioned sternly, "Yang Xu, where is the military strategy you've read? A few lives have thrown you into disarray. When the success of a general is built upon the bones of ten thousand soldiers, how will you face the deaths of thousands or even tens of thousands in the future, including your comrades who fought alongside you?"
"I..." Yang Xu was stunned by the scolding. In his perception, Zhan Feiyu was delicate and pampered but studied diligently. This was the first time Yang Xu had seen Zhan Feiyu so stern and severe. Her dark eyes were filled with a chilling coldness, showing strictness and disappointment.
Before Yang Xu could answer, Zhan Feiyu took two steps forward, not even glancing at the corpses on the straw mats. She raised her chin proudly, removed her hood, and in the sunlight, the multi-jeweled hairpin in her hair shimmered, exuding noble luxury and unattainability.
"You brought the bodies to Old Mr. Qiu's doorstep, implying that these people were killed by him?" Zhan Feiyu's voice was clear and resonant. She unceremoniously dragged Qiu Zongxi into the matter. "If that's the case, why didn't you report it to the authorities?"
Zhan Feiyu said sternly, "Even though Old Mr. Qiu is highly respected, a life for a life is the law of Daqing, which is not merely a decoration. After the county magistrate holds court and the evidence is conclusive, those who should be arrested will be arrested, and those who should be killed will be killed. Do your cries and wails alone serve as a plea for the deceased?"
Regardless of the deceased's relatives, the onlookers and neighbors nodded in agreement. The young lady's words were indeed reasonable. If a murder had occurred, why wasn't it reported to the authorities?
"No, Mr. Qiu didn't kill them. Someone else did!" The woman crying on the ground suddenly lifted her head and cursed fiercely, pointing at Yang Xu with one hand. "He is the murderer!"
A bell-like laugh rang out. Zhan Feiyu tilted her head slightly, her dark eyes wide open, her thick black eyelashes fluttering like small fans. "Auntie, you might as well say Old Mr. Qiu killed them. Look at Yang Xu, so dark, thin, and scrawny. He was terrified even seeing the corpses. Besides, even if he had practiced martial arts since he was in his mother's womb, he probably couldn't have killed so many people."
"He couldn't kill them, but he could order them killed!" The woman yelled hysterically, her crimson eyes filled with rage and hatred, as if she were about to pounce and tear Yang Xu, the murderer, to shreds.
"What was the motive for the murder? When and where were they killed? Where are the witnesses, evidence, and murder weapons? Auntie, you're accusing Yang Xu of murder with just your words. What need is there for the government then?" Zhan Feiyu's demeanor was powerful, and her attitude was aggressively overbearing.
"Auntie, are you perhaps seeing that the Qiu mansion has old people and young children, so you've brought the bodies here to extort money? I suppose your family often does such things, extorting money easily, and it's the common people who suffer from being oppressed by you."
Someone recognized the woman's identity and whispered to the person next to them, "That's Wang Laizi's mother. The young lady is right. My sister's youngest son accidentally bumped into Old Mrs. Wang Laizi, and they extorted a tael of silver from him!"
Thugs were the most detestable. Once entangled with them, it was impossible to escape. Ordinary people could only endure in silence and pay to resolve the issue. What else could they do?
These thugs, in groups of ten or more, were no strangers to petty theft. They were not afraid of fighting, and ordinary people who wanted to live peacefully could only retreat.
"Isn't that girl from the Hu family at the end of the alley? Hu Laoda isn't a good person either." Although the deceased should be respected, thinking of these wicked thugs, the onlookers almost said, "Good riddance."
The few relatives who were crying were stunned. They dared to act tough towards Yang Xu, partly because Yang Xu was the murderer and they harbored hatred, and partly because Yang Xu looked easy to bully.
But Zhan Feiyu, standing delicately before everyone, with her arrogant and proud demeanor, clearly looked like a pampered young lady from a wealthy family. They wouldn't dare to act out against Zhan Feiyu, no matter how brave they were.
"Enough, stop crying. Your crying is giving me a headache. You brought the bodies here, didn't you just want money?" Zhan Feiyu frowned in disgust. "I'll give each family a hundred taels of silver as funeral expenses. Anyone who causes trouble here again and incurs my wrath, we'll go to the authorities and see if we pay with our lives or if you go to prison for fraud!"
Eight bodies laid at the Qiu mansion's entrance meant eight hundred taels of silver. The relatives who were crying and mourning now, even if thirty percent of it was grief for the deceased, the remaining seventy percent was for money.
If it really went to court, how much money could they get?
Hearing the crying subside, Zhan Feiyu's expression softened. She maintained her lofty posture. "Anuan, go inside and get the money. Also, write a contract. This hundred taels is out of pity for them. Anyone who speaks nonsense again and accuses Yang Xu of murder will go to court, and not a single cent will be given!"
Was it that simple? The middle-aged man hidden in the crowd frowned, looking contemptuously at the ten or so people in front of the corpses. They were indeed all greedy for money, having forgotten everything he had instructed them earlier.
Even the little girl who had slapped Yang Xu earlier had stopped crying. Hu Daya wiped her face. It was painful that her father had died, but she also knew that her father, while alive, would never earn a hundred taels of silver in his lifetime. Every time he got three to five hundred wen, he either spent it on drinking or gambling. The family would be lucky to have twenty to thirty wen left.
The others were the same. Nothing was more useful than real silver. The dead could not be brought back to life. Besides, they knew that if this matter went to court, they would be in the wrong, and they might not get a single cent. A hundred taels, and a whole family could live for ten years without eating or drinking.