The news of five hundred thousand taels of silver spread like wildfire, and the military officials who usually disliked morning court were suddenly energized. With wide, unblinking eyes, they stared at the Emperor on the dragon throne, their expressions not unlike palace consorts eager for favor.
The Emperor, utterly annoyed, summoned Scholar Gu to the imperial garden for tea after the court session. "Your little disciple will be able to walk with her head held high in the capital from now on."
These matters, one after another, benefited the court's military officials. For this reason alone, if any arrogant young noble dared to bully Zhan Feiyu in the future, the sons and young masters of military families would surely rush to her defense with their fists.
"This minister has only this one cherished junior. They would have to have the guts of a bear to dare bully Xiao Yu," Gu Qingzhou said, leisurely sipping his tea, his expression relaxed and unconcerned.
The young nobles of the capital were sharp. They knew who they could bully and who they couldn't.
The Emperor thought of the First Prince, who had gone to Anding Prefecture. He couldn't help but cast a jealous glance at Scholar Gu. "If only Gong'er had half the sense of a young lady, he wouldn't be floundering around in Anding Prefecture."
Previously, the First Prince had requested to go to Jiangnan Circuit, claiming he wanted to visit the ailing Old Master Chen. However, the Emperor worried that the First Prince's impulsive and hot-tempered nature would lead him to rashly seek trouble with Zhan Feiyu at the instigation of the Chen family.
If he won, it would be an unfair victory, relying solely on his princely authority. If he lost, especially considering the Emperor's understanding of Zhan Feiyu, the First Prince's chances of losing were higher.
To save his foolish son's face, the Emperor had no choice but to send him to Anding Prefecture. The reason the First Prince left the capital that very day, disregarding even Old Master Chen, was solely to seize military power.
But when the Emperor thought of the affection the court's military officials and border generals had for Zhan Feiyu, he felt his own son had wasted years of sustenance, growing in age but not in wisdom, failing to grasp the principle of "give before you take."
"My disciple is the Xiao Sanyuan," Gu Qingzhou said with a proud smile, raising his tea cup to the Emperor. "A toast to this!"
"Under the heavens, all land is the King's; all people on its shores are the King's subjects. I am not at a loss either," the Emperor also laughed heartily. His gaze fell upon Eunuch Liu, who was approaching quickly, and he put down his tea cup again.
The Emperor and Scholar Gu usually dismissed their attendants when they had tea and chatted. Only Scholar Gu enjoyed such a privilege. If it weren't for a matter of great importance, Eunuch Liu would never have dared to disturb them. "Your Majesty, General Deng requests an audience."
Scholar Gu stood aside as a robust middle-aged man in his fifties strode in. He had a full beard, dark skin, and a face that could scare children at night.
"Your subordinate pays his respects to Your Majesty," General Deng's voice boomed, and his kneeling posture was as imposing as his voice.
As the Emperor granted him leave to rise, General Deng hurriedly spoke, "Your Majesty, Lord Gu, my Zhizhi has sent a carrier pigeon back to the capital. Lord Gu's little disciple has gone missing."
The Emperor and Scholar Gu were both taken aback. Zhan Feiyu should still be in Huaian Prefecture at this time, awaiting the court's officials to receive the five hundred thousand taels. Missing? This led to suspicion that the Liu family might have taken action.
Scholar Gu, initially concerned, had already calmed down. He smiled and said, "This minister has sent guards to protect Xiao Yu. No one in Huaian Prefecture can silence them without a trace."
Whether it was court officials or imperial relatives, they all privately kept hidden guards and assassins. To use Gu Qingzhou's words, he had only this one junior, Zhan Feiyu, and he would surely protect her safety.
Inviting General Deng to sit, the Emperor also said, "Chu Shao is the Prefect of Huaian. His jurisdiction is not so chaotic. Perhaps the news is mistaken."
General Deng thought about it and chuckled, "It's good that nothing has happened. Haha, that rascal Zhizhi probably sent the news in a panic without finding her. When he returns, this subordinate will surely give him a good lesson."
The Emperor and Gu Qingzhou looked meaningfully at the feigning General Deng. His son, Deng Zhizhi, had already gone to Huaian Prefecture. This was essentially a "strike first, report later" tactic.
Feeling an inexplicable chill down his spine, General Deng's smile froze on his face. He spoke with a wry expression, "Your Majesty, this subordinate had no choice. The previous grain and silver were sent to the border. This time, it should at least be the turn of the Southwest Circuit."
The northern regions of the Great Qing Dynasty were frequently attacked by barbarians. Therefore, grain and military pay were primarily allocated to the northern border garrisons, with Wade defending against the barbarians.
Before General Deng retired, he had guarded the Southwest Circuit. The mountainous terrain there was complex, with miasma, poisonous insects, and plants, and there was also a severe shortage of military pay. Thus, upon hearing the news of the five hundred thousand taels, General Deng sent his eldest son to Huaian Prefecture. However, as soon as he arrived, Zhan Feiyu went missing. Receiving this news, General Deng rushed to the palace.
The Emperor, too lazy to listen to General Deng's complaints of poverty, asked, "How many men did Deng Zhizhi take with him?"
"He took all the guards from the General's mansion. This subordinate told him to seek out Jiao Jizhong if he encountered any trouble. I saved his life back then, and I still have a scar on my shoulder." Speaking of his past heroic deeds, General Deng's voice grew a third louder.
Back then, he had risked his right arm being severed to save Old Jiao. He was sure to repay this favor. He had retired precisely because of the old injury in his right shoulder.
He had almost had his entire shoulder lopped off. Furthermore, General Deng wanted to make way for his two sons. His eldest son was currently in the army of the Southwest Circuit. Although he was only a centurion, the army was filled with General Deng's old subordinates. With a few more years of experience, he would be capable of leading troops in battle.
As for his second son, Deng Zhizhi, the reason he had never passed the martial arts examination was reportedly because he disliked studying. His trip to Huaian Prefecture this time was to earn military pay for the Southwest Circuit.
The Jiangnan Circuit had a Commander-in-Chief's Office, which held the supreme command of the Jiangnan Circuit's forces.
In the northern three prefectures of Jiangnan Circuit, a Garrison Commander's Office was established. Jiao Jizhong was the highest-ranking official of the Garrison Commander's Office, a third-rank commander, with the authority to mobilize the troops of the three prefectures' garrisons.
"My dear minister, how do you intend to handle this matter?" the Emperor asked, looking at Gu Qingzhou beside him.
As for General Deng's "strike first, report later" action, the Emperor was too lazy to pursue it. As a wise ruler, the Emperor deeply understood the principle of "trust those you employ, and do not employ those you distrust."
Gu Qingzhou, however, was not worried about Zhan Feiyu's safety at all. "Since Young Master Deng has already arrived in Huaian Prefecture, I presume there won't be any major disturbances. Your Majesty can simply await news."
"If even her teacher isn't worried, aren't you afraid that girl will write to complain about you?" the Emperor said with a shake of his head and a smile.
Since reading Zhan Feiyu's letters, the Emperor had gained some understanding of her. Regardless of her academic achievements, she was a girl who knew how to lodge a complaint, and her words were filled with affection for the honest Gu Qingzhou.
...
Huaian Prefecture, Prison.
Madam Liu was old and tired of fussing. Moreover, since Zhan Feiyu had been arrested and thrown into prison, she had her daughter-in-law bring the old steward to visit.
Zhan Feiyu smiled and said, "I trouble Head Jailer Ma to change my cell for a visitor."
"You are too kind, girl. It's a small matter," Head Jailer Ma said hurriedly, opening the cell door. He then said to Liao Xiaodong behind him, "Go and tidy up that empty cell around the corner."
"I'm going right away." Liao Xiaodong had no reason to refuse and happily ran off to clean it up.
By the time Zhan Feiyu brought He Nuan over, the cell only had straw, but the ground was swept clean. The spiderwebs on the walls had also been removed, and some insect repellent powder had been sprinkled to ensure there were no rats or cockroaches scurrying about.
As night fell, it began to rain heavily outside. An autumn rain brings a chill. Liu Wangshi pulled the hood of her cloak over her head. This way, even if someone accidentally saw her, in the dark and rainy night, no one would likely recognize her.
"Madam, watch your step," the old steward whispered. Led by Liao Xiaodong, the two entered the prison cell. Head Jailer Ma had already sent the guards away, so they didn't have to worry about being seen.
In the dim candlelight, after walking for a while, Liu Wangshi spotted Zhan Feiyu and He Nuan imprisoned in the cell. However, the mistress and servant showed no signs of fear or panic, which made Liu Wangshi's face fall.
"Madam Liu, please say what you need to say quickly. I will return in fifteen minutes," Head Jailer Ma instructed before leaving with Liao Xiaodong.
Zhan Feiyu looked up at Liu Wangshi, who had removed her hat, and said coldly, "Liu Heyu treated me as an honored guest. How dare you instruct the jailers to lock me up here? Aren't you afraid I'll be impolite to you when I get out?"
"Miss Zhan, I am a woman of the inner chambers and do not understand scholarly matters. However, I know how important a woman's reputation is. If outsiders were to know that you were imprisoned in the jail, with male prisoners in the cells in front, your future marriage prospects would be difficult," Liu Wangshi said with a smug and malicious smile. What was she afraid of? It was Miss Jin who had paid money to bribe Madam Wu to have her locked up; it had nothing to do with the Liu family.
"Are you threatening me?" Zhan Feiyu raised an eyebrow and couldn't help but laugh. Even though she was imprisoned, her pretty face showed no fear. "The last person who threatened me, it seems the grass on their grave is already as tall as a person."
He Nuan lowered her gaze and stood quietly to the side, pretending not to hear Zhan Feiyu's nonsense.
"You?" Liu Wangshi was surprised that Zhan Feiyu dared to be so arrogant, and her face turned ashen with anger.
The old steward quickly said, "Madam, the matter at hand is important."
Liu Wangshi suppressed her anger, glared at Zhan Feiyu unhappily, and then said, "Let's be frank. Miss Zhan, you and your three servants are locked up in jail. Now you have no way to heaven or earth, and no message can be sent out. Do you intend to remain locked up in jail forever?" Jin Baozhen had paid Wu夫人 with silver, and through Wu Tongzhi, Zhan Feiyu was imprisoned. Unless Head Jailer Ma and the others dared to offend Wu Tongzhi, no one would dare to release Zhan Feiyu. Of course, this was also because Zhan Feiyu had not revealed her identity, and Jin Baozhen did not know, thus misleading Madam Wu and Wu Tongzhi. They thought only a young girl who had offended Jin Baozhen, a girl without power or influence, had been locked up.
"As long as you rewrite a deed of sale and sell this maid to me, I will speak to Miss Jin on your behalf," Liu Wangshi's ultimate goal was He Nuan. But she was just a maid. What was the point of this young girl stubbornly refusing?
"If I don't agree, what can you do? Can you keep me locked up for ten or eight years?" Zhan Feiyu sneered, her stubbornness unyielding.
"Ungrateful wretch!" Liu Wangshi cursed in anger. However, Zhan Feiyu was not an unknown person, so she could only use Jin Baozhen to have her locked up. Then she came to the prison to negotiate with Zhan Feiyu, but she didn't appreciate it.
Through the prison bars, Zhan Feiyu snorted twice. Her smug demeanor was truly infuriating.
"Madam, please calm your anger," the old steward quickly stopped Liu Wangshi. This was a prison. Although it was very quiet here, speaking too loudly was not good.
Fifteen minutes passed in a flash, and Head Jailer Ma returned. Liu Wangshi, though unwilling, had no choice but to put on her hat and leave.
Avoiding the crowd, they reached the alley outside the side gate, where the carriage was parked. Liu Wangshi stood under the umbrella and gave the old steward a look. Seeing that Head Jailer Ma had accepted the silver, she then said, "That girl is unyielding. It seems she hasn't suffered much. Jailer Ma, could you do me a favor? If a prisoner is placed inside, and then suffers some fright..."
Liu Wangshi's method was indeed malicious. She intended to use Head Jailer Ma's hands to put male prisoners in the same cell as Zhan Feiyu. At that time, Zhan Feiyu would surely cry and beg to be released, and Liu Wangshi would then take the opportunity to have Zhan Feiyu sell He Nuan to her, thus resolving the matter.
Head Jailer Ma felt the ten tael silver ingot in his hand was getting hot. However, he said in an official tone, "Madam, it's not that I'm unwilling to help, but if this matter escalates, then I will be the one going to jail." Putting male prisoners in the same cell as a young girl was clearly an act of personal revenge. If Prefect Chu investigated, Head Jailer Ma would be the first to be held accountable.
Liu Wangshi's face immediately darkened. After being rebuffed by Zhan Feiyu, now even a jailer dared to refuse her. "Jailer Ma, are you not giving our Liu family face?"
"Madam, the rain is heavy, let's go back," the old steward advised the clearly displeased Liu Wangshi. These jailers were the most slippery. They would readily accept money, but when it came to doing something, they would all be evasive.
Once they got into the carriage, the old steward said in a low voice, "Madam, Prefect Chu is upright and incorruptible. How could Jailer Ma break the law for money?"
"If this doesn't work and that doesn't work, are we just going to watch Bao'er go mad?" Liu Wangshi said sternly, her face filled with unconcealed anger. "She's just a little girl. Even if she dies in jail, can he, Chu Shao, still prosecute our Liu family?"
The old steward, who was being vented upon, lowered his head, but a look of disdain flashed in his eyes. If it came to that, Prefect Chu wouldn't be able to do anything to the Liu family, but Head Jailer Ma, a few jailers, and even himself, this steward, would likely be pushed out to take the blame. Would they take the silver to their graves then?
But at this moment, the old steward could only wait for Liu Wangshi's anger to subside before advising, "Madam, Miss Jin does not know Miss Zhan's background. Why not let Miss Jin take action? Even if Prefect Chu investigates later, he won't be able to trace it back to our Liu family."
Liu Wangshi thought of Jin Baozhen, who was still temporarily residing at the Liu family. "The Jin family, in order to connect with our Liu family, is willing to arrange a ghost marriage. It seems the family head and the eldest daughter are unwilling to agree."
"If Madam can put in a good word for Miss Jin, why worry about dealing with a mere young girl?" the old steward said with a sinister smile. This was a case of "borrowing a knife to kill." Miss Jin was brainless and would likely fall for it if provoked.