Chapter 637 A Desperate Plea
The farce concluded with the appearance of Bai Zhaohui. While the Bai family's influence certainly couldn't match the Zhe family's, the Shuntian Prefecture yamen was essentially Bai family territory, ensuring that Zhe Jing's attempts to cause trouble were doomed to fail.
"Does Miss want to go?" He Nuan looked at Zhan Feiyu, who was holding the invitation. The invitation was sent by the daughter of Secretary Zhu of the Ministry of Rites, inviting Zhan Feiyu to a poetry gathering to be held at the Zhu family's Xiyuan garden in three days.
Judging by the handwriting on the invitation alone, Miss Zhu was undoubtedly a talented woman. Her calligraphy had already formed a distinct style, suggesting that Miss Zhu had devoted considerable effort to the art of calligraphy.
"The conflict between Zhe Jing and me has been widely publicized. Aren't the Zhu family afraid of offending the Zhe family?" Zhan Feiyu found the invitation suspicious. Which family would openly offend the Zhe family for an unknown girl like herself?
"Bai Zhaohui's second paternal uncle married a daughter from the Zhu family." He Nuan's explanation made Zhan Feiyu understand.
The Zhu family and the Bai family were related by marriage. Although the connection to Lord Bai's branch was indirect, Lord Bai was the Shuntian Prefecture Prefect, a third-rank official. Zhan Feiyu was Bai Zhaohui's savior, and the Zhu family had sent the invitation out of respect for the Bai family.
Zhan Feiyu glanced at the stack of unfinished homework. Even if the homework were done, wouldn't it be more pleasant to be nestled in a warm quilt on a cold winter day? Participating in some poetry gathering and racking her brains to compose poems was surely an act of idleness.
"Tomorrow, you go to the Zhu family and say that I am unwell and cannot attend, thus disappointing Miss Zhu's kind intentions." Zhan Feiyu resignedly picked up her brush and continued with her unfinished homework.
With the spring imperial examinations approaching, it was imperative to study diligently. Otherwise, she would have to go through it again in three years. Spending three days in the examination hall in freezing weather was hardly a life fit for humans.
He Nuan quietly withdrew from the study and gently closed the door. Miss had been sleeping later and later due to her studies. It seemed she needed to prepare more medicinal meals to replenish Miss's vitality.
The next day, at the Zhu residence.
Zhu Yuting took off her cloak and handed it to a maid, then walked inside. "Mother, a maid from Yufeng Tower just came, saying that Miss Zhan is unwell and cannot attend the poetry gathering the day after tomorrow."
Madam Zhu smiled dismissively. "If she doesn't attend, she doesn't attend. The invitation was sent out of consideration for your aunt."
Zhu Yuting sat beside Madam Zhu, complaining with disappointment. "I had already made plans with Wan'er and the others. I was hoping to meet this remarkable person who isn't afraid of Zhe Jing, but she's not coming."
Being unwell was merely an excuse. Zhu Yuting thought that the other party didn't even fear Zhe Jing and had gained the upper hand in several conflicts, so she must be an extraordinary person. However, the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment.
"Perhaps she is not skilled in composing poetry." Madam Zhu smiled and tapped her daughter's forehead. "Why are you organizing a poetry gathering? Your aunt is still waiting for news."
Pouting, Zhu Yuting's eyes revealed a hint of pride. "Isn't it rumored outside that Miss Zhan has an air of scholarly refinement, clearly from a family of scholars? I simply wanted to see who was better, but it turns out she's a coward."
In recent years, among the young ladies of noble families in the capital, no one truly conceded to another in terms of talent. However, Wen Ruyi's position as the foremost talented woman was indeed due to her exceptional brilliance, her mastery of poetry, lyrics, and songs, as well as her excellence in calligraphy, painting, music, and chess. Her appearance and etiquette were also impeccable.
Zhu Yuting and the others were slightly inferior. She herself was skilled in calligraphy, while Wan'er, whom she mentioned, was the niece of Lord Wei and had loved playing chess since childhood. It was said that she could even win against Lord Wei in a game.
They all had their "specialties," but Wen Ruyi excelled in everything, perfectly overshadowing all the noble ladies in the capital. It was said that a tutor at the Imperial Academy had accidentally seen Wen Ruyi's writings and remarked that this woman possessed the talent of a top scholar.
"Mother, why didn't Aunt and Aunt Bai simply send someone to Yufeng Tower to invite Miss Zhan? Why go through such a roundabout way?" Zhu Yuting sent the invitation to Zhan Feiyu out of curiosity about her character and a desire to meet her. Secondly, she was unconvinced by the praise Zhan Feiyu received outside and wanted to see if she was truly learned.
Unexpectedly, both her aunt and Aunt Bai planned to visit Xiyuan the day after tomorrow, clearly targeting Zhan Feiyu. However, even if they wanted to repay a life-saving kindness, there was no need for such trouble. Zhu Yuting felt that something was amiss.
Madam Zhu looked at her beautiful young daughter. She had previously favored Bai Zhaohui. Although he was still studying at the Imperial Academy, her husband had said that Bai Zhaohui was destined to be among the successful candidates in the spring examinations this year.
Furthermore, the Bai family had a reputation for integrity. Her young daughter had a pure and romantic nature, making her the most suitable match for Bai Zhaohui, the youngest son. Not only would he be doted on by his elders, but he wouldn't need to manage household affairs, allowing her to live a quiet life behind closed doors. Moreover, Bai Zhaohui was impeccable in terms of talent, character, and appearance.
With a sigh, Madam Zhu withdrew her thoughts and gently explained to Zhu Yuting. "Previously, Zhe Jing stirred up trouble using the disgraced cook from the Wen family. Bai Zhaohui rushed to the Shuntian Prefecture yamen as soon as he received the news, and some rumors began to spread."
Whether it was Bai Zhaohui or Ning Chen'an, they were both participating in the spring examinations in February, and achieving success was only a matter of time. These scions of noble families were also the most sought-after sons-in-law in the eyes of the matriarchs. Any slightest disturbance would not escape their notice.
As soon as the rumors spread, Madam Bai became anxious, fearing that Zhan Feiyu would truly use the life-saving kindness to cling to Bai Zhaohui. Given Prefect Bai's upright and incorruptible nature, such a marriage might actually come to pass.
After listening, Zhu Yuting's eyes widened in shock, and she stared blankly at Madam Zhu, asking, "So Aunt Bai wants to use my poetry gathering to warn Miss Zhan not to pester Bai Zhaohui?"
"But rumors are just rumors. Miss Zhan has been staying at Yufeng Tower and hasn't gone out. Moreover, Miss Zhan saved Bai Zhaohui's life. Isn't Aunt Bai's action too disrespectful?" Zhu Yuting had been jealous of the praise Zhan Feiyu received outside earlier, but now she felt sympathy for her.
After all, the rumors were unsubstantiated. Aunt Bai's actions were clearly an act of biting the hand that fed her.
"Silly girl, your Aunt Bai is being proactive. If Miss Zhan's reputation is ruined because of these rumors, Prefect Bai and Bai Zhaohui might actually agree to the marriage." Madam Zhu shook her head helplessly.
Although rumors stop with the wise, among the many noble daughters in the capital, which family would want to marry a woman with a tarnished reputation?
Furthermore, there was still the matter of saving a life. If Prefect Bai and Bai Zhaohui ignored it, they would be considered ungrateful, and it might even affect their official careers.
"You all may leave." As Madam Zhu spoke, the maids serving in the room immediately withdrew upon receiving the order. Madam Zhu's head maid even stood guard outside the door, preventing anyone from eavesdropping.
With only mother and daughter left in the room, Madam Zhu lowered her voice and said, "Your Aunt Bai intends for Bai Zhaohui to marry a princess, so she naturally cannot let any rumors affect Bai Zhaohui's reputation."
It was precisely upon hearing this news that Madam Zhu abandoned the idea of betrothing Bai Zhaohui to Zhu Yuting. The Zhu and Bai families were considered well-matched, but compared to the royal family, the difference was vast.
Zhu Yuting's eyes widened instantly, and after a long pause, she managed to find her voice. "But Bai Zhaohui is aiming for an official career through the imperial examinations! If he becomes a consort, won't he be unable to serve as an official?"
Consorts could also hold official positions, but they were usually nominal posts without real power. Especially in a situation where the crown prince had not yet been established, a princess's consort would likely not be appointed to any of the Six Ministries.
Zhu Yuting couldn't understand the issue, but when He Sheng relayed the outside rumors to Zhan Feiyu, including Madam Bai's intention for Bai Zhaohui to marry a princess, Zhan Feiyu immediately understood Madam Bai's motive.
"Prefect Bai, like my teacher, is a solitary minister. However, times change with rulers. Prefect Bai's impartiality has offended many people during his tenure. Once a new ruler ascends the throne, the position of Prefect will inevitably be replaced."
Zhan Feiyu put down her brush and looked at the completed policy essay, speaking without lifting her head. "The position of Shuntian Prefecture Prefect has always been held by a minister trusted by the new ruler. Madam Bai fears that Prefect Bai will lose his position, which is why she wants Bai Zhaohui to marry a princess."
Not to mention the merit of assisting the ascent to the throne, no matter which prince ascended the throne in the future, it would be difficult to trouble a princess. Therefore, Bai Zhaohui, as a consort, would naturally be safe. With Bai Zhaohui's care, the Bai family would also have a fallback plan.
Unbeknownst to Zhan Feiyu, Prefect Bai had three sons, and Bai Zhaohui was the youngest, with a personality most similar to Prefect Bai. Bai's eldest and second sons had already been appointed as officials. Madam Bai's greatest concern was her eldest son, Bai Zhaorong, who needed to establish himself in his wife's family.
Unfortunately, Prefect Bai was too upright. Bai Zhaorong was only appointed as a seventh-rank county magistrate after being sent out to serve. Madam Bai had repeatedly asked Prefect Bai to transfer her eldest son back to the capital to serve as an official, but Prefect Bai had always refused.
Moreover, Bai Zhaorong's marriage was arranged by Prefect Bai himself. He married the daughter of Prefect Bai's former classmate, and her father was now only a fourth-rank prefect.
Bai Zhaorong's in-laws offered no help to his official career. Madam Bai felt even more sorry for her eldest son, feeling she had failed him.
If Bai Zhaohui became a consort, Madam Bai could use her status as a mother-in-law to have the princess transfer her eldest son back to the capital. Although she favored her youngest son, Madam Bai would ultimately rely on her eldest son. Her actions were all for the sake of her eldest son's future.
Of course, Madam Bai did not believe that Bai Zhaohui would be wronged by marrying a princess. Wasn't the purpose of the imperial examinations to become an official? Perhaps he would even be sent to serve as a minor official in the provinces. Marrying a princess would be a meteoric rise, granting him power and status, which was the most correct shortcut.
...
Since Zhan Feiyu was not attending the poetry gathering, Madam Bai, considering her status, could not personally go to Yufeng Tower. Moreover, she dared not act rashly and alert Prefect Bai to her intentions. Therefore, the most convenient method was to have Zhan Feiyu go out willingly.
"A Nuan, why is it so noisy outside?" Zhan Feiyu turned over, trying to bury her head in the quilt.
Unfortunately, the sharp and piercing wails early in the morning still penetrated several walls, making Zhan Feiyu, who had slept for less than two hours, want to kill someone. Perhaps she should go to the Imperial Academy, where she could at least get a good night's sleep.
He Nuan's expression was also somewhat unsightly. Miss had only gone to bed at the end of the Yin hour (3-5 AM) after studying last night, and it was only the Chen hour (7-9 AM). "Miss, please continue sleeping. I will go out and take a look."
Zhan Feiyu opened her eyes, her eyes bloodshot from lack of sleep.
Were people truly mourning this early in the morning? Zhan Feiyu wanted to go back to sleep, but with less than two months until the spring examinations, "I'm up too."
Zhan Feiyu struggled to get out of bed. As for the troublemakers outside, with He Sheng present, no one could break in.
Two quarters of an hour later, Cui Ya placed breakfast on the table. She glanced at Zhan Feiyu, who was slowly eating, and then withdrew with the empty food containers.
In the kitchen, Chef Xiao handed the extra steamed buns from the steamer to Cui Ya. "Eat them while they're hot."
"Auntie, the old and young outside are crying so loudly, and Miss doesn't care?" Cui Ya was truly surprised. The wailing had alerted the neighbors, and a crowd had already gathered outside the door.
What surprised Cui Ya was that Zhan Feiyu was still washing up and eating breakfast as usual, appearing as calm as if she couldn't hear the wailing.
Although Chef Xiao didn't know Zhan Feiyu's identity, she had deduced some clues from Zhan Feiyu's clothing, food, and daily life. Miss was only personally served by Miss He, but her food and daily necessities were all exquisite, with many offerings. Miss Wen, the eldest daughter, probably didn't receive such treatment.
"Miss doesn't even care about the eldest daughter of the Zhe family, let alone those people outside. They are merely clowns." Chef Xiao smiled and began to tidy the kitchen. "As long as you follow Miss with loyalty, you will not be lacking in the future."
"I know." Cui Ya nodded vigorously while biting into the bun. She wasn't clever, but Auntie was right. Following Miss meant she would be well-fed and clothed, her work wouldn't be tiring, and she would receive two taels of silver each month. Even if someone tried to drive her away, she wouldn't leave.
After Zhan Feiyu finished breakfast, she put on her fox fur coat and walked to the side entrance, holding a hand warmer. The wailing that had continued for half an hour finally subsided slightly.
No one had the strength to wail continuously for such a long time. Not to mention the cold of kneeling on the ground, their throats wouldn't be able to endure it.
"She's out..." Seeing the door opened from the inside, the people gathered around shouted, and their gazes all turned to Zhan Feiyu, who walked out.
"Miss Zhan." Officer Ke was still on patrol today. He bypassed the kneeling old and young outside the door and walked over, explaining in a low voice to Zhan Feiyu, "These are the mother and wife and children of Yao Damin. Yao Damin committed suicide in prison last night."
To be precise, Yao Damin committed suicide after confessing. Unlike before, when he didn't yield even under torture, Yao Damin had voluntarily approached the jailer last night. After a meal, he confessed, and the presiding official was Sun Fucheng.
However, Sun Fucheng considered Yao Damin's confession to be utter nonsense. After Yao Damin signed and thumb-printed, he was locked back in prison, and the jailers were instructed to guard him strictly.
Sun Fucheng planned to report the case to Prefect Bai early this morning, but who knew that even with two jailers watching him closely, Yao Damin had thrown himself against the prison wall, cracking his skull and spilling his brains, dying on the spot.
Zhan Feiyu looked at Yao Damin's wife and children, who were not wearing mourning clothes but had white cloth headbands. "Could it be that before he died, he falsely accused me of instigating him to harm Bai Zhaohui, and now the Yao family has come to seek justice from me?"
Officer Ke gave an awkward smile. Since Miss Zhan had already guessed it, he didn't need to say much more.
If the Yao family caused trouble, Officer Ke could take them back to the yamen. However, the old and young of the Yao family were kneeling and wailing here, and Officer Ke could do nothing. Yao Damin deserved his punishment, but according to the investigations of the past few days, the other members of the Yao family were unaware of his actions.
"Miss, my son was working for you." Yao's mother, trembling with grief, could barely kneel and looked pleadingly at Zhan Feiyu. "Miss, please give us a way to live for our entire family..."
As Yao's mother cried, Yao Damin's wife and children also began to wail. Two girls, about ten years old, a boy of seven or eight, and a younger sister under four years old, all crying together, evoked pity.
Some of the acquaintances who recognized Chef Yao spoke in low voices. "Old Madam Yao only has this one son. Old Master Yao has mental issues and needs to take medicine year-round. Yao Damin's wife earns money by doing laundry for others. With Yao Damin dead, this family has no way to survive."
This family, old and young, needed food, clothing, and warmth. Moreover, Old Master Yao was a chronic invalid. Old Madam Yao, overwhelmed by grief, looked like she was about to die. Coupled with the four children, the boys were only seven or eight years old. If this entire family relied on Yao Damin's wife to do laundry, they would all starve to death.
Officer Ke explained the Yao family's situation in detail to Zhan Feiyu. Yao Damin, a chef at Yufeng Tower, earned five taels of silver per month. However, the Yao family's expenses were high, and they rented their house. Old Master Yao's medicine alone cost one tael of silver per month.
Not to mention that his wife had given birth to four children over the years. When the children were young, they would often get sick. Coupled with food, drink, and daily necessities, the Yao family had not saved much money.
"Before the incident, Yao Damin approached Steward Zhou of the real estate agency to buy the small courtyard they were renting." Officer Ke suspected that the money Yao Damin wanted to buy the courtyard with was ill-gotten gains.
Zhan Feiyu nodded and looked again at the seven members of the Yao family, whose clothes were all patched. "A courtyard in the capital must cost at least two to three hundred taels of silver, right?"
Chef Yao's salary was not low, but the family's expenses were equally substantial. They could probably save only about ten taels of silver a year, and it would take at least twenty years to buy a courtyard.
However, during these twenty years, daughters would need dowries when they married, and sons would need money for weddings. If elderly family members passed away, there would be expenses for funerals. Therefore, ordinary people could not save enough money to buy a house even if they worked for twenty years.
"The Yao family's courtyard is located at the entrance of North Street. It's a cramped courtyard with only two rooms. The real estate agency quoted a price of two hundred and twenty taels of silver, and it would cost at least two hundred taels of silver to buy it."
Officer Ke answered in great detail. The yamen had thoroughly investigated Yao Damin's affairs, but the money had not yet been found. They didn't know where Yao Damin had hidden it or who had given him the money.
"Miss, please be merciful. My brother and sisters don't want to starve to death." Yao's eldest daughter looked at Zhan Feiyu with tears streaming down her face. The girl, eleven or twelve years old, was already sensible. Her red, tear-filled eyes showed only fear and unease.
"Sister, I don't want to be hungry... I'm hungry..." The youngest child was only three years old and couldn't speak clearly, so her crying was even more pitiable.
Even a person with a heart of stone would soften upon seeing the four children kneeling and begging. After all, Yao Damin deserved his punishment, but he had already paid with his life. However, the young children were innocent.
"Miss, saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda. Please be merciful and give this family a way to live." An elderly woman couldn't help but speak, looking at the old and young family members with pity.
"Yes, it costs several taels of silver to stay at Yufeng Tower for one night. Miss, if you casually give a little charity, a few dozen taels of silver can help this family survive."
The onlookers sympathized with the weak. Besides, where one slept was just a place to sleep. These noble people spent one tael of silver for a cup of tea. A little saving could save several lives.
Upon hearing this, Old Madam Yao was even more grateful and kowtowed to the women who spoke. Yao Damin's wife also pulled the four children to kowtow, which drew another sigh of emotion.
"In the mansions of the rich, wine and meat go to waste, while by the roadside, people freeze to death. The rich are unkind, and heaven is unjust!" A passing scholar lamented with compassion, looking at Zhan Feiyu as if she were a murderer, as she was about to force this family to their deaths.
"Miss, my Damin is already dead." Old Madam Yao's grief surged as she spoke, wiping away tears and choking. After a moment, she recovered her breath and continued speaking.
"Miss, I beg you, for the sake of Damin serving you, please save my pitiful grandchildren. My old bones have lived long enough and cannot be a burden to my daughter-in-law."
Old Madam Yao, drawing strength from somewhere, suddenly got up from the ground and actually lunged towards the nearby wall. Judging by the force, she truly intended to end her life.
"Ah!" The timid women closed their eyes, fearing they would witness a scene of blood and gore.
He Sheng had been standing by Zhan Feiyu's side. When Yao's mother moved, He Sheng noticed it and intercepted her just as she was about to hit the wall.
The expected bloody scene did not occur, but the onlookers were still quite frightened.
Old Master Yao was also stunned. "Wife..."
"Mother." Yao Damin's wife cried out and rushed forward to embrace the suicidal Old Madam Yao. "Mother, if anything happens to you, how can I face my husband in the afterlife!"
"Grandma..." The four children also started crying. The older and younger ones gathered around Old Madam Yao and cried.
Suddenly, cries erupted from all sides, making listeners weep and onlookers heartbroken.
Upon receiving the notification from the yamen that her son had died that morning, Old Master Yao's head began to ache severely. He hadn't eaten breakfast yet, and the entire family had been worried about Yao Damin, who was in prison. Under the shock and fright of this moment, Old Master Yao rolled his eyes and fainted.
"Grandpa!" Yao's eldest daughter cried out in alarm again.
(End of Chapter)