Watching Chai Yi's bloody neck, the young noblemen in the courtyard finally understood why Zhan Feiyu dared to make a bet. They all secretly glanced at Commander Qiu and his son, Qiu Ding Si, whose faces were exceptionally grim.
Lifting his head abruptly, aggravating the wound on his neck, Chai Yi, pale with pain, stubbornly stared at Zhan Feiyu and said, "Miss Zhan, my life for your path to success is worth it."
So there wasn't just one madman, Liu Baihu! Was he refusing to speak even if it cost him his life? Everyone looked at Chai Yi with complex expressions. What kind of hatred could make someone willing to lose their life just to drag Zhan Feiyu down with them?
Zhan Feiyu touched her nose and chuckled, not unkindly, "Actually, I can still get married even if I don't study for the imperial examinations."
Although it wasn't quite appropriate for a nine-year-old girl to talk about marriage, it was the truth.
With a teacher like Scholar Gu and Zhan Feiyu's looks, why would she need to study so hard, to the point of tying her hair to the beam and pricking her thigh? Marrying into a prominent aristocratic family or even royalty would instantly grant her a noble title.
Zeng Er Gongzi, who had failed to pass the Xiucai examination three times, couldn't help but mutter, "If I were reborn as a girl in my next life, I'd definitely find a suitable man to marry. If I keep taking these exams, I'll go mad."
The thought of staying in a cramped examination cell for nine days during the provincial exams, with all his bodily functions confined to that small space, made Zeng Er Gongzi wish he could transform into a girl right now.
His friend standing beside him looked at the complaining Zeng Er with an unutterable expression. How could he possibly respond to that?
Zeng Er Gongzi touched the calluses on his hands, recalling the tears and blood of his past years, and a wave of sorrow washed over him. "I started my education at four, beginning my studies at the hour of the Rooster. My younger sister, however, slept until the end of the hour of the Monkey. I've studied for twenty years, been beaten on the palms by my tutors, spanked by my father, and punished by my grandfather to kneel. I've copied books, memorized texts, written essays, and composed poems... I wake earlier than the chickens and sleep later than the dogs."
"My younger sister, since childhood, either went out for spring outings or went to shops to pick out clothes and jewelry. She learned whatever she liked in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Her calligraphy was just barely neat, soft and without character, yet from her tutors to my parents, everyone praised her." Zeng Er Gongzi became increasingly indignant as he spoke.
"My sister wrote a poem, and the rhyme wasn't even correct. Yet, the whole family praised and lauded her. My father gave her a box of pearls, and my mother gave her a set of hair ornaments. My grandfather gave my sister my favorite piece of mutton-fat jade, and then he scolded me, saying I wasn't diligent or hardworking enough in my studies!"
Thinking of his biased elders at home, Zeng Er said sourly, "My sister got married after her coming-of-age ceremony. Her husband is now a county magistrate, and I'm still trying to become a Xiucai. After a few more years, I still have the provincial exams, and then the metropolitan exams... I don't know how many years it will take. Don't you think we men live very frustrating lives?"
His friend patted Zeng Er's shoulder sympathetically. There was no harm without comparison. Zeng Er and Miss Zeng were twins, so the treatment they received over the years was imaginable...
"The most crucial thing is that my father says I'm still a commoner and have no right to ruin a good girl from another family! If I can't pass the Xiucai exam, I'm not even allowed to get married." Zeng Er Gongzi's voice grew louder and louder, eventually turning into a near shout!
A twenty-four-year-old virgin was a disgrace to manhood!
Uh... the courtyard fell into an eerie silence. Looking at the indignant Zeng Er, everyone was momentarily bewildered. Weren't they supposed to be discussing the missing Qi Heng? Why was Zeng Er reacting so strongly?
Zhan Feiyu blinked. This was clearly a scholar driven to the brink by the imperial examinations.
Meng Zhizhou coughed twice. It seemed he needed to remind Old Master Zeng that while imperial examinations were important, it was also crucial to establish a family before pursuing a career. What had they done to the child?
The slow-witted Zeng Er Gongzi was stunned. He ducked behind his friend with a bitter expression, wanting to cry... Would he be punished again when he got home? When would this suffering end?
Commander Qiu's deep voice broke the silence. "He Feng, stop this nonsense. Let the person go!"
Seeing the unmoving Liu Baihu, Commander Qiu's expression became even more solemn, his voice laced with anger. "You dare to kill someone in broad daylight? Do you not want your own life anymore?"
Even if the imperial merchant Liu family had power, influence, and wealth, if Liu Hefeng killed Chai Yi, not to mention how the Chen family would react, Meng Zhizhou would never let Liu Baihu, the murderer, go unpunished.
"It's just a life for a life," Liu Baihu scoffed, unmoved, looking impatiently at Chai Yi, whom he held captive. "Have you made up your mind? Will you release him, or should I cut your throat?"
No one doubted Liu Hefeng's words. He was such a bloodthirsty, insane madman.
One was the knife, the other the fish! Chai Yi suppressed the anger in his heart, his bloodshot eyes filled with hatred as he stared at Zhan Feiyu not far away. It was all her fault!
"Actually, Young Master Chai, you've profited," Zhan Feiyu said with a smile, holding up three fair, tender fingers. "Your life ends my path to the imperial examinations. Qi Heng in the secret room is also unlikely to escape death. Liu Baihu, as the murderer, will naturally have to pay with his life."
Meng Zhizhou and the others' expressions froze in a bizarre manner. Could it be calculated like that? She could still get married if she didn't pursue the examinations. What could Chai Yi gain from losing his life? A complete corpse?
Zhang Changsong and Qiu Ding Si now actually hoped that Liu Baihu would finish Chai Yi with one strike. That way, Zhan Feiyu would have to fulfill her bet! As for Chai Yi's life or death, or Qi Heng's life or death, they were not within the scope of their concern.
His neck constricted, making it increasingly difficult to breathe, and hearing Zhan Feiyu's cold and heartless words, Chai Yi's eyes, besides hatred, also flashed with a quick glimpse of terror. The more selfish and cunning a person, the more they feared death.
Completely indifferent to whether he had taken another life, Liu Baihu looked at Zhan Feiyu. "Do you remember our agreement?"
"A gentleman's word is as good as his bond!" Zhan Feiyu nodded, her expression extremely serious as she dropped her smile. "Even if it's an execution in autumn, it will take time. I will certainly not let you die with regrets."
These two were clearly madmen! Anyone normal would not have such a conversation.
Liu Baihu nodded with satisfaction, then looked down at Chai Yi as if bestowing a favor. "If you don't speak, so be it. Go tell the King of Hell in the underworld."
The moment his words fell, Liu Baihu violently pulled back the hand holding his collar. The dagger, which had been held to the side of Chai Yi's neck, directly slashed towards his throat.
"I'll release him!" In an instant, a terrified shout rang out.
Everyone heard a clang as the dagger in Liu Hefeng's hand was deflected by a flying plum blossom dart. Otherwise, Chai Yi would have met his end at that moment.
Gasping for air, Chai Yi's kneeling body suddenly went limp like mud on the ground. In that instant, he clearly felt the sharpness of the blade, just a fraction away.
The others in the courtyard were also terrified. Liu Baihu's strike just now was swift and decisive, slitting a throat as easily as slaughtering a chicken, without even a tremor in his hand.
"Since you're afraid of death, let the person go!" Liu Baihu looked at the trembling Chai Yi with disgust. "You don't have the guts, yet you dare to abduct someone."
"The person is locked in..." Chai Yi had just begun to speak when the grey-clothed man beside him suddenly moved. His figure flashed, and the long sword in his hand slashed towards Chai Yi's neck, clearly intending to silence him.
In that split second, He Sheng, who had been on guard, also moved, quickly blocking the grey-clothed man.
Watching the two figures locked in a fierce struggle, everyone in the courtyard instinctively retreated several steps. It seemed they would need to bring more guards when going out in the future, as people would resort to killing at the slightest disagreement.
Meng Zhizhou and Qi Tongzhi's faces were exceptionally grim. They couldn't help but look towards Zhan Feiyu. The Chen family was determined to cut off Zhan Feiyu's path to the imperial examinations.
If Chai Yi died, no one would know the location of the secret room. If Qi Heng couldn't be found, Zhan Feiyu would have to fulfill the bet.
Everyone present knew about the conflict between Zhan Feiyu and the Chen family, but looking at the lively young girl standing in the courtyard, they felt a sense of disdain for the Chen family's actions.
They didn't dare to confront a young girl openly and could only resort to underhanded tactics, disgracing the reputation of a noble family! The Chen family was also a scholarly family. If they had produced an outstanding junior to compete with Zhan Feiyu in the imperial examinations, even if they lost, they would have earned respect.
The person sent by Yin Wuyan to Zhan Feiyu's side was definitely a master who could fight a hundred. Although the grey-clothed man was strong, he was ultimately no match for He Sheng. After a feigned move, he escaped over the wall.
He Sheng returned to Zhan Feiyu's side. However, after this battle, no one dared to treat him as an ordinary carriage driver.
...
Qi Heng, who had been locked in the secret room and hadn't eaten for two meals, thought he was doomed. But when he heard the sound of the lock being opened, Qi Heng jumped off the bed.
"Brother He?" Thinking he was hallucinating from hunger, Qi Heng stared blankly at He Sheng at the door, rubbing his eyes hard. When he looked again, it was still He Sheng.
In an instant, tears streamed down his face. Qi Heng choked out, "Brother He, you've come to save me."
Looking at the disheveled Qi Heng, He Sheng patted his head. "Let's go."
"Okay." Nodding vigorously, Qi Heng followed He Sheng, walked through the passage, climbed the ladder, and finally emerged from the wardrobe.
As he looked up and saw Zhan Feiyu in front of him, Qi Heng exclaimed excitedly, "Xiao Yu!"
"Were you scared?" Zhan Feiyu's worried heart also relaxed. Although she knew Chai Yi wouldn't dare to be too harsh, she couldn't rest assured until she saw him.
"I..." He was about to speak, but then he smelled his own foul odor. In the hot June weather, from the time he was captured until now, not only had he not bathed or washed, but he had also resolved his bodily needs in that room.
Qi Heng's face turned red, and he took a few steps back, "I wasn't scared, and I'm fine."
Zhan Feiyu chuckled and didn't expose him, leading the way out of the bedroom.
Qi Heng, following closely behind, saw the crowd of people outside and was momentarily stunned. So many people had come looking for him.
"Heng'er." Qi Tongzhi walked up quickly.
After a moment of hesitation, Qi Heng still respectfully bowed, "Uncle, I apologize for making you worry."
Looking at the polite Qi Heng, and recalling Qi Yan's previous actions, Qi Tongzhi felt a pang of shame. He patted the little chubby boy's shoulder. "It's good that you're alright."
Qi Heng had been rescued from the secret room, but the subsequent handling of the matter was exceptionally tricky, involving not only the imperial prince's maternal family but also the families of Fengzhou. The moment he thought of Qiu Ding Si and Zhang Changsong being implicated, Meng Zhizhou felt a headache coming on.
"Lord Qi," Zhan Feiyu suddenly said, "Since Qi Heng is safe and sound, the remaining matters will be left to Lord Qi. Qi Heng was also implicated by me this time."
Qi Tongzhi's eyes flickered slightly, while Meng Zhizhou looked at Zhan Feiyu with even greater surprise. Was she not going to pursue the matter further? But given Zhan Feiyu's personality, wasn't she one to hold grudges?
A quarter of an hour later, Zhan Feiyu, with Qi Heng, boarded a carriage and left Xingyuan.
Fengzhou Prefectural Office, backyard.
After the attendant brought the tea, he retreated outside. Exhausted from the morning's ordeal, Meng Zhizhou took a few sips of tea before looking at Zhang Tongpan, who was seated below. "No matter what, Zhan Feiyu is willing to let bygones be bygones. I will remember this favor."
Zhang Tongpan's expression was unsightly, yet he had no words to refute. With Zhang Changsong implicated, if Zhan Feiyu were to investigate thoroughly, and with Scholar Gu's pressure, his own position might even be at risk.
However, accepting Zhang Tongpan's favor made him feel extremely stifled.
Qi Tongzhi was in a very good mood at the moment, leisurely sipping his tea. "The sea embraces all rivers, and its capacity makes it great. Zhan Feiyu, though young, possesses the demeanor of a gentleman."
Not only Meng Zhizhou, but other families in Fengzhou who were implicated also owed Zhan Feiyu a favor. How did the fire at Juwen Zhai start? Although the two shop assistants were burned to death, if one were to meticulously trace the cause, some circumstances could still be uncovered.
Furthermore, after the fire, He Sheng tried to save Qi Heng, but those people obstructed him in various ways. Afterward, they were all evasive and obstructed the constables from finding Qi Heng's whereabouts. These matters could not be deeply investigated, as they would only lead to trouble.
Not wanting to look at Qi Tongzhi's smug old face, Zhang Tongpan stood up and said coldly, "Your Excellency, I suddenly feel unwell and must take my leave."
Meng Zhizhou and Qi Tongzhi both laughed. They raised their cups and drank their tea together. They could understand Zhang Tongpan's anger. To be defeated by a young girl and still have to remember the favor was indeed quite frustrating.
After leaving the prefectural office, Zhang Tongpan mounted his horse and headed straight for Commander Qiu's residence.
In the main hall, Commander Qiu watched as Zhang Tongpan was led in by a servant and said in a deep voice, "Lord Zhang, please sit."
Silence spread. In truth, saying anything at this point was meaningless. Qi Heng had been found, and Zhan Feiyu had graciously handed over the subsequent matters to Qi Tongzhi, indicating that she was not pursuing the issue further.
But thinking about it still felt stifling. They were all court officials, yet they had been defeated by a young girl. If this were to get out, it would be a complete loss of face.
"Commander Qiu, what private dealings do Hefeng and Zhan Feiyu have?" Zhang Tongpan couldn't help but ask.
If this wasn't clarified, Zhang Tongpan probably wouldn't be able to sleep at night. To have one's face slapped, and still worry if the other person's hand hurt? What kind of situation was this?
Whether it was Commander Qiu or Zhang Tongpan, they had no enmity with Zhan Feiyu. The former was on good terms with the Liu family, and the latter was promoted by the Liu family patriarch.
The reason Qiu Ding Si and Zhang Changsong had abducted Qi Heng was ultimately to vent Liu Baihu's anger. However, the result was that Liu Baihu and Zhan Feiyu had made peace, leaving them in a difficult position.
After pondering for a long time, Commander Qiu said, "You know Hefeng's temperament. He is bloodthirsty and insane, and his thoughts are abnormal. I have already sent someone to inform the Liu family patriarch of the Fengzhou matters at top speed."
Years ago, when Liu Hefeng wanted to join the army, he disregarded his deceased mother's dying wish. Fortunately, the Liu family covered for him. Moreover, he was only a minor Baihu. If he were a high-ranking official in the court, the Censorate would definitely impeach him for filial impiety, leading to his dismissal from office.
"So we worked for nothing and ended up getting ourselves into trouble," Zhang Tongpan's expression grew even more unsightly as he thought of Meng Zhizhou's current attitude towards Qi Tongzhi.
Previously, when the two had disputes, Meng Zhizhou had always remained neutral. But after this incident, Meng Zhizhou clearly intended to align himself with Scholar Gu.