He Sheng and He Nuan's worries were known to Zhan Feiyu. Furthermore, her age meant she didn't need to get involved in court affairs, but some matters were unavoidable.
He Nuan looked up and saw Zhan Feiyu in silence. Her unease grew, and she continued, "Miss, the official in charge of guarding the treasury is Director Tao of the Ministry of Revenue. When Scholar Gu accepted you as his disciple, Director Tao also submitted a memorial along with the Censorate."
The officials of the Censorate, upon hearing news, would impeach regardless of whether the information was true or false. If they didn't, they wouldn't be considered upright censors.
Director Tao, an official from the Ministry of Revenue, dared to get involved simply because he felt secure. Besides, the law did not punish the masses.
Although Scholar Gu was there as her teacher, the imperial court had princes and grandsons. No matter how much the Emperor trusted Scholar Gu, there were limits. He wouldn't truly bypass his own sons.
There were rumors that Director Tao had some connection with the palace, and that he was a supporter of the First Prince. Otherwise, a fifth-rank official like him wouldn't dare to confront Lord Qiu in Qianzhong Circuit. It was as if he was tired of living.
In the end, it was because he had backing in the court that he showed no fear of Lord Qiu, a powerful provincial governor.
He Sheng was not eloquent. He remained silent at this moment, but his solemn expression indicated that he agreed with He Nuan's words and did not wish for Zhan Feiyu to be in danger.
"If I don't go, I'm afraid the Old Master will remain inactive," Zhan Feiyu said. Seeing He Nuan and He Sheng frown simultaneously, she smiled leisurely. "Although the Forbidden Dragon Guard hasn't uncovered the Old Master's background, I have caused him to suffer repeated setbacks. If not now, then when will he seek revenge?"
This was a tacit understanding between enemies. Zhan Feiyu would face danger, and the Old Master would send assassins. As for the outcome, it would depend on the results of tomorrow.
There were only two possible outcomes: either the Forbidden Dragon Guard would fail, and Zhan Feiyu would be killed or injured; or the Old Master's side would fail, the assassination attempt on Zhan Feiyu would be unsuccessful, and because many people were mobilized, clues would be exposed. The Forbidden Dragon Guard might then follow the clues to uncover the Old Master's background.
"If the Old Master doesn't appear, the token will surely fall into the hands of the Forbidden Dragon Guard!" He Sheng added. This outcome was also acceptable. It was fine for the Old Master to continue hiding, or to be discovered. In any case, it was a matter for the court. Miss was just a young girl; there was no need for her to take such risks.
He Nuan nodded in agreement. Without the Old Master's interference, the token would certainly fall into the hands of the Forbidden Dragon Guard. Even if it fell into Lord Qiu's hands, it wouldn't matter. To show his loyalty, Lord Qiu would definitely hand it over to the Forbidden Dragon Guard.
"To eat the king's salary is to serve the king, and to bear the king's worries. Eldest Brother gave me the token of the Forbidden Dragon Guard. If I avoid trouble, I will only harm Eldest Brother." Zhan Feiyu's clear eyes were calm, but hidden within them was the stubbornness and determination of someone who valued a true friend.
The Forbidden Dragon Guard was a blade in the Emperor's hand. Zhan Feiyu knew that the Emperor tacitly allowed the Forbidden Dragon Guard to secretly protect her, not because of her teacher, nor because Eldest Brother was the commander of the Forbidden Dragon Guard, but because she was a lure to the Emperor. Because she was valuable, the Forbidden Dragon Guard would protect her.
However, if she backed down when faced with trouble, and Eldest Brother continued to have the Forbidden Dragon Guard protect her, it would inevitably arouse the Emperor's suspicion. At that time, Eldest Brother would face a bloody and dangerous fate.
What Zhan Feiyu intended to do was to let the Emperor know that the Forbidden Dragon Guard and its commander, Yin Wuyan, had always been sharp blades loyal to the Emperor. Even though she was Scholar Gu's disciple, in Eldest Brother's eyes, she was merely a tool to be utilized.
This way, the Emperor would be at ease. Moreover, even if it was discovered that Eldest Brother had private contact with Scholar Gu, the Emperor would not care.
He Nuan still wanted to speak, but He Sheng, understanding, said first, "Your subordinate will make arrangements now."
Since avoidance was impossible, they had to ensure Miss's safe return tomorrow.
...
The next day, it was drizzling with autumn rain, and a gust of wind brought a chill.
He Nuan helped Zhan Feiyu dress and then adjusted her collar, ensuring that the golden silk soft armor worn underneath was in place. Her worried expression from the entire night finally eased.
"Don't worry, Young Master Qiu San is here. If anything really happens, I'll make sure to hide behind him," Zhan Feiyu said with a squint, trying to lighten He Nuan's mood. Unfortunately, He Nuan's face remained solemn, clearly not as carefree as Zhan Feiyu.
He Nuan styled Zhan Feiyu's hair into the most ordinary double buns, without any hair accessories. Her hair was tied securely with a hairband, and two silver hairpins inlaid with gems were inserted on either side. It was elegant without being shabby. In case of a fight, there was no need to worry about her hair coming loose and causing trouble.
"Miss, bring your dagger," He Nuan said, checking the dagger by the window.
It was a special dagger made by the Forbidden Dragon Guard, only about a palm's length and a thumb's width. The blade was sharp, not quite capable of cutting iron, but close.
Zhan Feiyu took the dagger and tucked it into her waist. The moon-white, cross-collared, short jacket she wore could cover the dagger. Below, she wore a light yellow horse-face skirt, which would not hinder her movements even during a large range of combat.
He Nuan was still uneasy. She checked Zhan Feiyu's pouch again, which contained signal powder and a folded bank note, just in case.
Before He Nuan could give Zhan Feiyu any more instructions, she saw a maid hurrying over through the window. Seeing this, He Nuan immediately walked towards the door.
"Miss He," the maid quickly bowed and then stated her purpose.
It turned out that Madam Xu and Qiu Jingyuan had arrived. They had not sent a calling card beforehand. The steward was helpless; who visits like this? Moreover, it was during the mourning period. He could only send someone to report to Zhan Feiyu first.
He Nuan understood immediately. Madam Xu and Qiu Jingyuan intended to accompany Miss to the yamen, likely to leverage her influence. While the people of Qianzhong Prefecture were unaware, they would assume that the ladies of the Qiu family's third branch were friendly with their Miss and were accompanying her to the yamen to verify the dowry.
Zhan Feiyu was unconcerned with Madam Xu's petty calculations. She said, "Since that's the case, let them wait a moment. I'll be right there."
"Yes," the maid bowed again and then turned and hurried away to report to the steward.
He Nuan turned back into the inner room and meticulously checked everything again, ensuring there were no oversights. However, as soon as she stepped out of the courtyard, her expression returned to its usual calm and composed state, showing no trace of her anxiety and worry.
In contrast, Zhan Feiyu, walking along the corridor, was in a good mood, occasionally pausing to admire the courtyard under the drizzling autumn rain.
Upon meeting Madam Xu and Qiu Jingyuan in the flower hall of the front courtyard, Zhan Feiyu only exchanged pleasantries before urging them to leave, as there was a fierce battle to be fought today.
Two carriages left one after another. The steward, who stood at the entrance to see them off, straightened up and wiped the rain splattering on his face.
When the third branch had not yet fallen, the steward recalled Qiu Jingyuan visiting the manor, accompanied by maids and wet nurses. She was not old, but she was imposing, truly noble and extraordinary.
Even when facing the First Madam, Miss Jingyuan held her chin high, addressing her as "sister-in-law," but her eyes were filled with arrogance. She had even hit Madam Dong, acting in such a domineering and arrogant manner.
In comparison, the steward looked at Zhan Feiyu's demeanor. Whether it was when she met the Third Young Master that day or when she treated the servants in the annex, Miss Zhan's attitude was the same.
She was a delicate and charming young lady, with smiles in her eyes and on her face. Yet, this serene and casual demeanor made the steward even more respectful. Perhaps this was what having confidence looked like.
Miss Jingyuan either scolded or beat her servants, as if only by doing so could she display her noble status. Miss Zhan, however, remained composed, and the difference in their bearing was evident.
...
Outside the prefectural yamen, Qiu Huaixin's carriage had arrived a quarter of an hour earlier.
Shi Song had been waiting in the carriage. He lifted the curtain and looked out, saying, "Young Master, Miss Zhan is here, and the people from the third branch have also come."
"Three scholars from one family, but alas, it's all fleeting smoke." Qiu Huaixin had paid his respects to Madam Qiu yesterday morning when Madam Xu sent someone over.
No matter how much Madam Xu wanted to curry favor with Zhan Feiyu, she dared not offend the Qiu family. Thus, she sent someone to apologize, stating that it was simply more convenient to go to the yamen with Zhan Feiyu.
After all, Qiu Huaixin was a distant nephew, but he was still an outsider. Madam Xu's branch had been adopted, and they were outside the five degrees of kinship. It would be inconvenient to travel together.
This reason was also plausible, and Madam Qiu agreed. She even asked the messenger to convey a message to Madam Xu, telling her to rest assured. As for Madam Xu's true intentions, Madam Qiu did not care, and Qiu Huaixin cared even less.
The carriage stopped in the open space to the right of the yamen. Although it was still windy and rainy, the rain was not heavy, so it was not a hindrance.
"Noble people bring wind and rain when they go out. I believe it today," Qiu Huaixin said with a smile, teasingly. Without an umbrella, he nodded slightly at Madam Xu and Qiu Jingyuan, who were alighting from the carriage behind him, and then led Zhan Feiyu directly into the yamen. "Since Prefect Jia is inconvenient to handle this matter, it will be handled by Minister Teng."