Zhan Feiyu had previously used three army horses to trap the officials of the Huai County government, and now the tables had turned, with Fengzhou constables arresting Zhan Feiyu on the same charge of abusing and killing army horses.
"That horse had its legs cut off by Commander Liu's men. Xiao Yu killing the horse was a last resort!" Qi Heng said with a pale face.
Thinking of the black horse that had fallen in a pool of blood at the time, Qi Heng's face turned even paler. If Xiao Yu hadn't intervened, all four of the black horse's legs would have likely been brutally severed, and it might have been subjected to a slow slicing.
The leading constable looked at the troublesome Qi Heng with disgust. "Alright, since you admit this young girl killed the horse, that's all that matters. Come with us!"
"I..." Qi Heng was stunned, not expecting his explanation to become Zhan Feiyu's confession to killing the horse.
Ming San coldly observed the constables who were clearly bought. Even if Xiao Yu hadn't killed the horse, a trumped-up charge would mean she'd have no recourse once she entered the yamen.
Zhan Feiyu patted Qi Heng's shoulder reassuringly and stepped forward. "Then what is the crime for abusing army horses? Has Commander Liu been imprisoned?"
Constable Qian sized up the young girl before him. With her rosy lips and white teeth, it was no wonder she had offended Commander Liu. That face alone was a sin.
"Commander Liu's leg is broken, and he is recuperating at home. The soldier who abused the army horse is Feng Lixin, and he has already surrendered himself," Constable Qian said, then gestured for his subordinates to take Zhan Feiyu away, warning Ming San, "Even if you are a Xiucai, you have no right to interfere if this young girl killed an army horse."
If it were a Juren, Constable Qian might have shown some consideration, but a mere Xiucai was not much in Fengzhou, especially since they were offending Commander Liu, a noble whom Prefect Meng treated with respect.
Constable Qian gave the order, "Take her away!"
Zhan Feiyu shook her head at Ming San and walked forward obediently.
Seeing this, Constable Qian did not make things difficult for Zhan Feiyu or have his men shackle her. After all, the girl looked only seven or eight years old. It was a pity she had offended Commander Liu.
"Little Uncle-Master, what should we do?" Qi Heng clenched his fists uneasily, his chubby, tender face filled with worry. He indignantly said, "Commander Liu is clearly using a soldier to frame Xiao Yu."
The soldier who had cut off the army horse's legs had surrendered. Regardless of Zhan Feiyu's reasons, the army horse had indeed died at her hands.
Ming San patted Qi Heng's head. "We'll follow and see. Don't worry, Xiao Yu's teacher is Scholar Gu. Do you think Prefect Meng would dare to imprison her?"
Fengzhou Yamen.
Prefect Meng, after a long period of contemplation, suddenly asked, "Tongzhi Qi, how do you think this matter should be handled?"
"Your Excellency," Prefect Qi was fortunate that it was Zhan Feiyu who had provoked Commander Liu, not Qi Heng, and that she was only temporarily residing at the Qi family's villa. "Although the young girl killed an army horse, given the circumstances at the time, it was a last resort."
"I disagree with Prefect Qi's statement. As the saying goes, the Son of Heaven is subject to the same law as commoners. Moreover, for a young girl to dare to kill an army horse in broad daylight, she likely has a prior record that we are unaware of," Magistrate Zhang countered with a cold face, his阴沉 gaze casting a suspicious look at Tongzhi Qi, as if implying that Tongzhi Qi was harboring Zhan Feiyu, the murderer.
Magistrate Zhang stood up and cupped his hands towards Prefect Meng. "Your Excellency, in my humble opinion, Soldier Feng Lixin, who abused the army horse, should be punished as he deserves, and the murderer who killed the army horse must not be spared."
Facing the aggressive Magistrate Zhang, Tongzhi Qi smiled wryly and shook his head, no longer speaking. This attitude was tantamount to agreeing with the punishment for Zhan Feiyu.
"Very well, the people have been brought back. Your Excellencies, please accompany me to the court," Prefect Meng said, standing up. Anyone with a brain knew why Zhan Feiyu killed the horse, but the key issue was Commander Liu's involvement, which made the matter difficult. Prefect Meng was willing to show leniency but was powerless.
Before meeting Zhan Feiyu, Prefect Meng and the others had assumed the girl would be arrogant and spoiled, likely having abused servants at home, otherwise, why would a young girl dare to kill a horse?
However, at this moment, the young girl standing in the court wore a silver-patterned silk dress embroidered with a hundred butterflies, a jade pendant symbolizing rising step by step at her waist, her hair styled in twin buns and adorned with a silver-and-green agate hairpin. Her skin was as white as snow, her eyes bright and teeth white, and she appeared serene and elegant, looking as if she came from a scholarly family.
Performing a scholar's bow, Zhan Feiyu announced herself, "This student, Zhan Feiyu, pays respects to the three esteemed officials."
Uh... Prefect Meng and the other two were stunned. April was the time for the prefectural examinations in various prefectures and counties of Jiangnan, and Zhan Feiyu's reputation as the top scholar of Nanxuan was widely known.
Some whispered that Prefect Zhang Chengli had taken a young girl as the top scholar of the prefectural examination to curry favor with Scholar Gu, while others believed that Zhan Feiyu, being a disciple of Scholar Gu, must possess true talent.
There were many opinions, but Zhan Feiyu was from Nanxuan Prefecture, and she was only a Tong Sheng. The scholars about to take the academy examination were the most curious. As for government officials like Prefect Meng, they were merely listening to the gossip. A mere Tong Sheng was not enough to warrant their attention.
"So it is Tong Sheng Zhan," Prefect Meng said with a gentle smile. Before meeting her, he had thought that although Zhan Feiyu had killed an army horse, she was young and could not truly be punished with a beating. He planned to let her pay a fine instead of corporal punishment.
As for Commander Liu, Prefect Meng intended to fine Zhan Feiyu one thousand taels, which would be a satisfactory explanation to Commander Liu. But now, looking at the young girl who showed no fear, Prefect Meng felt like resigning.
"Reporting to Your Excellency, that army horse had its legs cut off by Feng Lixin. This student could not bear to see the army horse die from abuse, so I resorted to this measure," Zhan Feiyu briefly explained the situation and continued, "However, it is true that I personally killed the army horse. This student admits guilt and requests leniency from Your Excellency."
The top scholar of the Nanxuan prefectural examination would, without a doubt, pass the academy examination and become a Xiucai. A nine-year-old young Xiucai, and moreover, the only disciple of Scholar Gu, with the killing of the horse being a justified act.
Prefect Meng subtly glanced at the stern-faced Magistrate Zhang. He no longer dared to say that Zhan Feiyu should be brought to justice.
A moment later, Zhan Feiyu, who had been brought into the yamen by Constable Qian, was escorted out by Prefect Meng, Tongzhi Qi, and Magistrate Zhang. Not only was she not imprisoned or beaten, but not a single strand of her hair was out of place.
"Brother Qian, is that it?" a nearby constable whispered. If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would have thought he was seeing a ghost in broad daylight. In Fengzhou, offending Commander Liu and leaving completely unharmed?
"Even the First Prince's maternal family wouldn't dare to openly attack this young girl. Do you think Commander Liu is stronger than the Chen family?" Constable Qian secretly rejoiced that he hadn't been too out of line at the teahouse, otherwise, he would be the one in trouble now. Who would have thought such a young girl would have such a powerful background?
Thinking about it again, Zhan Feiyu dared to offend Commander Liu, causing him to break his leg, and even dared to kill the army horse. This showed that the young girl had backing.
The constables nodded in agreement. It was true that Commander Liu, however powerful, was just a member of the Liu family, and the Liu family was merely imperial merchants. Jiangnan Dao was the territory of the Chen family. The Chen family had suffered a setback in Nanxuan Prefecture because of Zhan Feiyu, let alone an imperial merchant.
...
After the court session, Tongzhi Qi hurried back to the Qi residence in his sedan chair.
Dealing with all these matters, Tongzhi Qi rubbed his temples. If the Qi family had known Zhan Feiyu's identity earlier, they wouldn't have maintained their reserve. They would have had Qi Heng bring people to the main house long ago. Now, it was too late for anything.
The case of Commander Liu was being closely watched by various families in Fengzhou. Therefore, when Zhan Feiyu was taken to the yamen by the constables, everyone assumed the young girl was in trouble. Whom else could she have offended but the cruel and tyrannical Commander Liu?
But who would have thought that Zhan Feiyu would be escorted out of the yamen by Prefect Meng, Tongzhi Qi, and Magistrate Zhang? This shocked all the families who received the news, and they began to speculate about Zhan Feiyu's identity, believing she must have a significant background to escape unscathed.
As soon as Tongzhi Qi entered the courtyard, the anxiously waiting third young master of the Qi family rushed out. "Uncle, is that young girl the daughter of some general?"
Why not guess that Zhan Feiyu came from a scholarly family? It was mainly because she was too fierce, daring to kill an army horse. This was definitely the demeanor of a military general.
Old Master Qi and the others were also waiting in the main hall. Tongzhi Qi sat down and then explained, "Father, Qi Heng came from Nanxuan Prefecture, so how could the young girl with him be an ordinary person?"
This "ordinary person" did not refer to family background. As men and women were not allowed to sit together after the age of seven, and scholars valued etiquette and rules the most, Qi Heng not only shared a carriage with a young girl but also hosted her at the villa.
The young girl only had a maid with her, and no female elder accompanied her. This matter itself was unusual.
Old Master Qi, having managed the Qi family for many years, was reminded by his eldest son. He narrowed his eyes in thought, and after a while, he couldn't help but say, "Nanxuan Prefecture's top scholar, Zhan Feiyu? Scholar Gu's young disciple!"
That was right. It was only as fellow scholars that they would be so close, even disregarding the boundaries between men and women. Why did she dare to offend Commander Liu? Because Zhan Feiyu did not fear the Liu family.
"This?" Second Master Qi was stunned for a moment, his eyes flashing with shrewdness. He had already begun to plan how to get closer to Zhan Feiyu through Qi Heng.
If they could take this opportunity to connect with Scholar Gu, it would be best. Even if not, befriending Zhan Feiyu meant the Qi family would not have to worry about having a backer in the future.
"Grandfather, should we go to Nanhu Lane?" asked the eldest young master of the Qi family. Although the Qi family did not help in the matter of Commander Liu, they did not add insult to injury. Qi Heng was only eight years old, and it was proper for the elders of the main family to entertain Zhan Feiyu on behalf of the Qi family.
"No need," Old Master Qi shook his head, looking at his surprised grandsons. He truly believed they needed more tempering. "To be able to apprentice under Scholar Gu, do you think Zhan Feiyu is stupid? Since she is intelligent, if the Qi family visits now, it would be seen as fawning and flattering, thus losing the Qi family's dignity."
As long as Qi Heng was a member of the Qi family, his relationship with Zhan Feiyu was equivalent to the Qi family's relationship with her. Rushing to get involved was not a transaction. Rather than being looked down upon, it was better to maintain the current situation.
"Big Brother, didn't you send gifts to the Liu residence earlier? Why not let people spread it around?" Second Master Qi said with a shrewd smile. The gifts were the Qi family's apology, as they did not want Commander Liu to vent his anger on the Qi family.
But at this moment, if Second Master Qi said these gifts were sent for Zhan Feiyu and Qi Heng, would outsiders deny it? The person who offended Commander Liu was Zhan Feiyu. Upon learning of this, the Qi family sent an apology. Wouldn't Zhan Feiyu have to accept this favor?
"Second Brother's method is excellent," Old Master Qi stroked his beard and nodded with satisfaction. They could not openly flatter, but they had to show the Qi family's intention to befriend her.
Tongzhi Qi also nodded in agreement. "Qi Heng is a scholar. If he is a courteous person, he will surely come to the Qi family with Zhan Feiyu."
At that time, it would not appear to be flattering or subservient, and it would also achieve the goal of befriending Zhan Feiyu. This was the best strategy.
As the third young master of the Qi family, Qi Yan was the youngest and his temper was inevitably a bit more overbearing. He particularly disliked Qi Heng, especially after Qi Heng became a Tong Sheng.
At this moment, seeing his grandfather, uncle, and two brothers all talking about Zhan Feiyu and Qi Heng, Qi Yan's face twisted with jealousy, but he did not dare to speak out.
...
Wei Residence.
Seeing the seven or eight people outside the gate, the gatekeeper was already accustomed to it. Every year, scholars and gentlemen came to visit the Wei family, especially before and after the imperial examinations. The number of scholars seeking to meet Great Scholar Wei was endless.
Some wanted Great Scholar Wei to guide their essays, while more wanted to visit the Wei family's Wushulou and borrow Great Scholar Wei's collection of ancient and rare books.
"I'm sorry, everyone. My master is not seeing guests. Please return," the gatekeeper said the same monotonous words, his refusal firm.
A scholar whose long gown was slightly faded stepped forward and pleaded gently, "Please convey my message, young sir. This student is Zhu Changyun from Fengzhou. This is my essay. I hope Great Scholar Wei can offer his guidance."
Standing in the shade of a tree, Zhan Feiyu said in a low voice, "That is the top scholar of Fengzhou."
"Xiao Yu, do you know him?" Qi Heng asked in surprise, looking at Zhu Changyun. He could tell that Zhu Changyun was from a humble background. His cloth shoes were almost worn out, and his big toe was about to show.
"I don't know him, but I've seen his essay from the prefectural examination before," Zhan Feiyu said, looking at Zhu Changyun with a disappointed expression. His essay was simple and did not focus on ornate language, which was a common trait of scholars from humble backgrounds.
This did not mean that essays had to be ornate, but compared to students from families with deep cultural heritage, scholars from humble backgrounds lacked cultural refinement, and their essays were more practical, lacking the sentimentality of romantic literature.
Qi Heng was stunned and then understood. Xiao Yu could see the essays of the top scholars from other prefectures. Only Scholar Gu could do this. For a moment, Qi Heng looked at Zhan Feiyu with envy.
"The method of reading lies in proceeding step by step, reading thoroughly and thinking deeply," Ming San patted Qi Heng's head and sternly admonished him, "Never be overambitious!"
With Scholar Gu as her teacher, Zhan Feiyu could not only see the essays of the top prefectural scholars but also the essays from the Imperial Academy in the capital and the top classes of the major academies. This was also due to her diligence and exceptional learning ability.
Qi Heng was still only a Tong Sheng, and his foundation was not yet solid. Giving him more good essays would only be a burden and pressure.
"Alas, Zhu Changyun is in trouble now. He will likely not pass the academy examination in August," a nearby scholar couldn't help but shake his head and sigh. Seeing Zhan Feiyu's three people's curious gazes, he did not hide anything, as this was a well-known matter in Fengzhou.
The scholar cupped his hands in greeting to Ming San and then explained, "Brother, you look unfamiliar. You must not be from Fengzhou, so it's normal that you don't know. Zhu Changyun offended someone and was blacklisted. His books were burned in a fire, and all the bookstores in Fengzhou refuse to sell books to him. His teachers and classmates dare not help him either. Now Zhu Changyun has no books to read and no writing materials to use."