At noon, the Qi Manor.
"Leaving tomorrow?" Old Master Qi's eyes darkened slightly, but in an instant, his smile returned, full of affection. "Very well, with the prefectural examinations approaching, you two should focus on your studies."
Old Master Qi had initially intended for Zhan Feiyu and Qi Heng to stay at the Qi Manor, or failing that, have the younger generation of the Qi family visit Nanhu Lane, to foster closer relationships. He hadn't expected Zhan Feiyu and Qi Heng to come today to announce their departure.
Qi Heng stood up and bowed respectfully to Old Master Qi. "Thank you, Cousin Grandfather, for your understanding. I have been away for several days and have fallen far behind in my studies. My teacher has also written to ask me to return to the academy."
Even after being abducted and held for three days, Qi Heng showed no signs of panic, and his demeanor and speech were both polite and measured.
Old Master Qi remembered that just two years ago, Qi Heng was still a boisterous child. Now, seeing him conduct himself with such propriety, he realized that experience truly did make one wiser.
Old Master Qi glanced at Qi Mo and Qi Shu, who were seated below. One studied, the other was in business. While they were considered talented young men, in comparison, Old Master Qi understood that once Qi Heng matured, his two grandsons would pale in significance.
"Stay for lunch today," Old Master Qi said with a chuckle, like a kind and benevolent elder. "Mo'er, take Miss Zhan and Heng'er to the backyard to see your mother."
Zhan Feiyu immediately stood up. "Thank you, Eldest Young Master."
Qi Mo had a gentle disposition and said in a clear voice, "Miss Zhan, you are too polite. You and Heng'er are of the same age, you can simply call me Brother Qi."
"Yes, we are family, no need for formalities. Heng'er is mischievous, and Miss Zhan will need to look after him in the future," Qi Shu said, his smile more like that of an enthusiastic elder brother. He clapped Qi Heng on the shoulder affectionately. "I apologize on behalf of my younger brother for his actions. Grandfather and Eldest Uncle have agreed that once his leg is healed, he will be sent to the mountains for a year to temper his character. If he does not repent, he will not be allowed to return."
"Ah?" The chubby Qi Heng's eyes widened in shock.
While confined in the secret room, Qi Heng had replayed the incident of the fire at Juwenzhai in his mind countless times, understanding that he had been set up by Qi Yan.
However, Qi Heng also knew that even without Qi Yan, Zhang Changsong and Qiu Dingsi would have targeted him. Moreover, upon learning that Qi Yan had broken his leg, Qi Heng felt less angry. He hadn't expected Old Master Qi to impose such a severe punishment on Qi Yan.
"The nation has its laws, and the family has its rules. One must be punished for wrongdoing," Qi Mo maintained his gentle attitude, but his eyes held a firm resolve. Even though the one being punished was his own brother, Qi Mo did not soften his stance, nor did he blame Qi Heng.
Qi Heng winked at Zhan Feiyu beside him. Qi Yan's misfortune made him happy.
Zhan Feiyu nodded helplessly. From the moment the Qi family sent people to search for Qi Heng's whereabouts, Zhan Feiyu knew that Old Master Qi was clear-headed. While Qi Yan's punishment seemed severe, it was also a reflection of deep love and strict discipline.
If Qi Yan's character was not corrected, he would drag down the entire Qi family in the future. Of course, such a heavy punishment was also a gesture of goodwill, a way to account for Qi Heng's abduction.
In the backyard, in the reception hall.
First Madam Qi's expression was grim. Her bloodshot eyes revealed fatigue. She had doted on her youngest son, Qi Yan, the most over the years. Now, with Qi Yan's broken leg and Old Master Qi's impending severe punishment, she was distraught.
Qi Yan had made a scene upon hearing the news, nearly requiring his leg to be reset. Taking care of Qi Yan these past few days had left the First Madam unable to eat or sleep well, naturally affecting her spirits.
Moreover, she had only recently been informed that Zhan Feiyu would be visiting. Madam Qi had to reapply her makeup and change into her reception attire, but the thought of meeting Zhan Feiyu and Qi Heng left her feeling resentful.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, we only need to endure for half a day," the Second Madam said softly, trying to console her. She knew her sister-in-law harbored resentment towards Qi Heng, but ultimately, it was Qi Yan who had colluded with outsiders to betray his own family. The Qi surname could not be written with two different characters.
However, as sisters-in-law, the Second Madam knew that her own household depended on the First Household. She glanced towards the door and said again, "Once Yan'er's leg is healed, we will persuade them. We definitely won't send Yan'er to the mountains."
Rubbing her temples wearily, the First Madam nodded, suppressing her irritation and anger. "For now, that's all we can do."
But thinking of Qi Yan's troubles these past few days, and seeing how much weight he had lost due to his leg injury, the First Madam couldn't help but complain, "Qi Heng seems to be completely fine. My poor son's leg was broken twice by that girl. How can she be so heartless?"
The Second Madam was at a loss for words. How could she respond to such a question? Qi Heng had been lucky this time. If he had truly fallen into the hands of Commander Liu, he would have either died or been severely injured.
Fortunately, Zhan Feiyu and Qi Heng had arrived, and the Second Madam immediately sat up straight.
The First Madam, who had been seated in the main seat, also restrained her anger, a faint smile on her lips, appearing like a gentle elder.
After a round of pleasantries and greetings, the First Madam had a maid bring out the gifts. Qi Heng received a jade pendant, while Zhan Feiyu received a bracelet.
The Second Madam presented Zhan Feiyu with a pair of plum-blossom patterned jade hairpins, and Qi Heng received an inkstone.
"It's a pity I didn't give birth to a daughter. Eldest Brother is fine, but Qi Yan is so unruly. This time he caused Heng'er to suffer. Auntie apologizes to you." The First Madam dabbed at the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, putting on a complete act. Since gifts had been exchanged, why be stingy with a few words of apology.
Upon seeing the First Madam's demeanor, Qi Heng quickly said, "Eldest Aunt, I am already fine."
As for Zhan Feiyu breaking Qi Yan's leg, Qi Heng would not bring it up, let alone apologize.
"It's good that you are fine," the First Madam smiled somewhat stiffly, clenching her fist to suppress her anger. Yan'er had broken his leg, and they hadn't even offered an apology. Merely a disciple of Scholar Gu, and they treated her son like this.
Seeing this, Qi Mo quickly stood up. "Mother, I will take Miss Zhan and Heng'er to sit in the pavilion. The lotus flowers are blooming beautifully. I'll have the kitchen prepare their signature lotus leaf chicken."
Zhan Feiyu and Qi Heng exchanged a glance and also rose to take their leave. Compared to these awkward pleasantries, they would rather converse with Qi Mo and Qi Shu.
...
The next day, Zhan Feiyu and her group departed from Fengzhou. Grand Tutor Wei, and the Zhu Changyun brothers also left together. Only Ming San was left behind. Moving so many books from the Wushulou back to Nanxuan was not an easy task, and a group of artisans would also be returning to Nanxuan with Ming San. Such a large-scale relocation was a considerable undertaking.
"Eldest Brother, Zhan Feiyu is just leaving like this?" At Zhe Liu Pavilion, Qi Shu watched the three carriages depart.
Qi Mo couldn't help but smile and patted Qi Shu's shoulder. "If they don't leave soon, Zhang Changsong and the others will likely lose sleep."
"Never mind Zhang Changsong. If my brother hadn't broken his leg, he probably would have rushed out to fight Qi Heng for three hundred rounds," Qi Shu rolled his eyes. He wasn't taking sides unfairly; it was simply that Qi Yan had gone too far this time.
Others tried to curry favor with Commander Liu, but Qi Heng was, after all, a member of the Qi family. For Qi Yan to get involved was preposterous. If word got out, outsiders would only mock the Qi family for their disunity and infighting.
On a small hillside not far from Zhe Liu Pavilion, several figures also departed. Qi Shu glanced from a distance. "Well, those are probably sent by various families. Zhan Feiyu has found a good teacher. All the families in Fengzhou are keeping their distance. Eldest Brother, the Qi family will have to rely on you in the future."
"This is also the fundamental reason why Grandfather asked us to get close to Qi Heng and win over Zhan Feiyu," Qi Mo couldn't help but sigh. It was a pity that his younger brother didn't understand. He didn't study diligently and spent his days fighting and causing trouble. It was right for Grandfather and Father to send his younger brother to the mountains to temper his character.
At the Fengzhou Yamen, Prefect Meng resumed his official duties upon learning of Zhan Feiyu's departure.
Meanwhile, at the same time, Chai Yi, who was imprisoned, did not even look at the rough millet bun. He leaned against the wall in a daze, knowing he would not survive the night.
As night fell, a shadowy figure infiltrated the prison without a sound. Several guards felt a slight dizziness, assuming it was due to the exhaustion from their consecutive shifts guarding the prison.
The next day, news of Chai Yi's suicide spread from the yamen. Before his death, Chai Yi had written a confession, admitting that he was the mastermind behind the abduction of Qi Heng and the arson at Juwenzhai.
With the yamen's conclusion of the case, the various families in Fengzhou were finally at ease.
"Father," Qi Mo said to Governor Qi Tong, who had not even changed out of his official attire after returning from court. He stood up, poured tea, and handed it over. "My younger brother just can't get over it."
The summer heat was intense, and even though Governor Qi had returned by sedan chair, he was sweating profusely.
After drinking half a cup of tea to recover, he looked at his younger son, who was leaning on the bed with a gloomy expression. Governor Qi said, "Chai Yi is dead. He tore his clothes into strips and hanged himself on the prison door. The coroner has examined the body, and there are no signs of foul play. Coupled with Chai Yi's written confession, Lord Meng has closed the case and sealed the files."
The fact that Chai Yi could be killed without anyone noticing and without leaving any trace could only be the work of the Chen family.
Governor Qi looked at Qi Yan, whose pupils had contracted slightly. "You should be grateful that someone took the blame this time, and Zhan Feiyu isn't pursuing it further. Otherwise, your fate would not have been much better than Chai Yi's."
Three people had died in the fire at Juwenzhai, and Qi Heng, who had been abducted, was a Tong Sheng, about to participate in the academy examination. If Scholar Gu exerted pressure, it would have been a catastrophe for all the families in Fengzhou.
Qi Mo hesitated for a moment before finally asking the question that had been on his mind for several days, "Father, why isn't Zhan Feiyu pursuing it further? Didn't the Nanxuan Prefecture undergo a complete overhaul back then?"
"Are you thinking that if Zhan Feiyu had investigated thoroughly, our Qi family could have become the largest family in Fengzhou?" Governor Qi understood the deeper meaning behind his eldest son's words. With the example of Prefect Zhang, who wouldn't be tempted?
Qi Yan scoffed and said sarcastically, "If not for Scholar Gu, what is Zhan Feiyu? Scholar Gu is far away in the capital. A powerful dragon cannot suppress a local snake. If pushed too far, these Fengzhou families could unite to kill Zhan Feiyu. Would Scholar Gu then have all the Fengzhou families atone with their lives?"
Thinking of the respect shown to Zhan Feiyu by everyone in the Qi family, Qi Yan angrily slammed his fist on the edge of the bed. "Qi Heng was captured, and Zhan Feiyu was like a headless fly. If it weren't for Liu Hefeng switching sides!"
"Do you have the ability to make Liu Hefeng switch sides?" Governor Qi's sharp gaze fell on Qi Yan, who only knew how to fight and cause trouble. He said coldly, "Liu Hefeng and Qiu Dingsi are like brothers, and Prefect Zhang's father and son followed Liu Hefeng's lead. But what happened in the end? Liu Hefeng almost killed Chai Yi. This is Zhan Feiyu's capability!"
Even now, everyone couldn't figure out what agreement Zhan Feiyu had with Liu Hefeng.
Qi Mo looked at Qi Yan, whose face was flushed with anger, and said gently, "Grand Tutor Wei left with Zhan Feiyu. Over the years, many scholars have visited, but Grand Tutor Wei has avoided them all. Yet, Zhan Feiyu not only entered Grand Tutor Wei's house but also persuaded Grand Tutor Wei to go to Nanxuan Prefecture and even move the Wushulou there."
In fact, there were also rumors outside that Grand Tutor Wei would give all his industries to Zhan Feiyu, but she had refused.
"That old fool!" Qi Yan retorted stubbornly, not forgetting that he himself had been rejected when he visited three years ago.
Governor Qi looked coldly at his obstinate youngest son, showing him no face. "Not only Grand Tutor Wei, but Zhu Changyun also went to Nanxuan Prefecture. He will likely not return to Fengzhou until the academy examination. It is highly probable that Zhu Changyun will pass the academy examination, and in three years, he will participate in the provincial examination. Becoming an official through the imperial examination is only a matter of time."
Adding flowers to brocade is nothing, but Zhan Feiyu offered charcoal in snowy weather to Zhu Changyun. With this kindness, Zhu Changyun would undoubtedly provide strong support to Zhan Feiyu in the future.
Before Qi Yan could retort, Governor Qi continued, "Qi Heng also owes Zhan Feiyu a life-saving debt. Qi Yan, tell me, if you were in danger in the future, how many people would be willing to go through fire and water for you?"
"I..." Qi Yan opened his mouth, but he knew in his heart that his friends, while not exactly bad companions, were only connected by interest. It was impossible for them to risk their lives for him.
Qi Mo pondered for a long time and then said to Governor Qi, "Not to mention Liu Hefeng, Prefect Zhang, Magistrate Chen Weibin of Shangsi County, and Zhan Feiyu also have close relationships. Prefect Zhang's wife's family, the Kong family, are also the same."
Seeing Qi Yan's confused expression, Qi Mo explained, "One of Chai Yi's concubines once wanted to marry Prefect Zhang, and Madam Zhang is from the Kong family..."
Prefect Zhang had stabilized his position in Nanxuan Prefecture by leveraging Scholar Gu's influence. Huang Li's scheme against Madam Zhang was resolved by Zhan Feiyu. Madam Zhang remembered this favor, which meant the Kong family remembered it. Any educated person knew the status of the Kong family among scholars.
"The young lady is currently only a Tong Sheng. In another ten years, her future is promising," Governor Qi couldn't help but sigh. It was a pity that this young lady was not a member of the Qi family, and the Qi family had no outstanding juniors for a marriage alliance. Fortunately, Qi Heng and Zhan Feiyu were of the same age.
The logic had been laid out clearly. Even if he was unwilling to admit it, Qi Yan knew that Zhan Feiyu did not rely solely on Scholar Gu; she did have some capabilities.
Seeing that his younger son was no longer so prickly, Governor Qi then explained to his eldest son, "Zhan Feiyu isn't pursuing it further. Not to mention Prefect Zhang, don't the other families in Fengzhou owe her a favor?"
"Fengzhou is under the jurisdiction of Prefect Meng. If this matter escalates and reaches the capital, with the academy examination imminent, and a Tong Sheng being abducted, the label of mismanagement would be applied, and Prefect Meng's career would surely end here."
If Prefect Meng could not be promoted, he would surely resent Zhan Feiyu.
The families in Fengzhou, whose younger members were involved, would face punishments ranging from light caning to imprisonment. If they were just纨绔子弟 (profligate sons), it would be one thing, but half of those who attended the literary gathering at Juwenzhai were scholars. Ruining someone's future was like killing their parents, creating a deep enmity.