Chapter 631
Zhe Sanlang's hostile attitude made the usually well-mannered First Madam so angry that she wanted to slap him. If Sanlang cared about her as his mother, he wouldn't have said such a thing.
Zhan Feiyu also raised an eyebrow but didn't take it to heart.
Zhe Sanlang had offended people all over the capital for his younger sister, Zhe Jing. It was said that whenever Zhe Sanlang's marriage was mentioned, Zhe family's in-laws and old acquaintances would avoid the topic. Even the matchmakers in the capital dared not take on the job, which showed how badly he had offended the noble daughters of the capital's aristocratic families.
"Madam, it's getting late, and I should be going. Goodbye." Zhan Feiyu bid farewell to the First Madam, completely ignoring Zhe Sanlang.
Whether in the imperial capital's suburban camps or the circles of the capital's aristocratic youths, Zhe Sanlang was considered a notable figure. Being ignored by an unknown young girl like this at this moment only fueled his anger.
"Wait!" Zhe Sanlang stepped forward, intending to stop Zhan Feiyu, who was about to board her carriage. He frowned and pointed at He Nuan beside her.
"This lowly maid dared to insult my little aunt with a whip. On account of you helping my mother today, I will only take this lowly maid back to the Zhe family to apologize to my little aunt, but I promise to spare her wretched life!"
The thought of the mark on Zhe Jing's neck filled Zhe Sanlang with rage. His little aunt had been so humiliated in the capital, did they think the Zhe family had no one?
The First Madam's face turned ashen again. The Zhe family had already investigated the conflict between Zhe Jing and Miss Zhan at Yufeng Tower. It was clear that the younger aunt had spoken disrespectfully first, and then ordered Ah Da to attack, but she was no match for her opponent.
Originally, with Young Master Ning smoothing things over, the matter would have been forgotten. However, the younger aunt, relying on her martial skills, insisted on making a move against Miss Zhan. A subject should die if their lord is insulted! The First Madam felt that He Nuan's actions to protect her mistress were perfectly normal.
"Silence!" The First Madam trembled with anger, shaking off Lu Liu's support and walking towards Zhe Sanlang.
Taking a deep breath, the First Madam suppressed her turbulent emotions, but her voice was unusually stern and serious. "If you recognize me as your mother today, you will immediately return to the Zhe family with me. If you continue to pester Miss Zhan, we will sever our mother-son relationship, and you will recognize your aunt as your elder from now on!"
"Mother?" Zhe Sanlang's face fell. He looked at his mother, who had suddenly attacked him, with dissatisfaction. His mother was also a member of the Zhe family. How could she not defend her aunt but instead favor an outsider!
"First Madam, I bid you farewell." Zhan Feiyu called out and went straight into her carriage.
As for Zhe Sanlang, if he didn't make a move, it would be fine. But if he truly did, He Sheng and He Nuan would show no mercy.
The sound of hooves echoed. Watching the departing carriage, Zhe Sanlang was somewhat annoyed. However, seeing the First Madam's extremely grim expression, he ultimately did not pursue.
Inside the carriage, Zhan Feiyu looked at the mother and son confronting each other through the curtain lifted by the wind. "A loving parent plans for their child's future."
"Zhe Sanlang has a bad brain," He Nuan said seriously, picking up the conversation.
In Zhe Sanlang's eyes, his mother, the First Madam, was not as important as his aunt, Zhe Jing. After today's incident, He Nuan was certain that the First Madam would not blame her son, but would surely resent Zhe Jing.
Currently, the old general and the old madam were in charge of the Zhe family. But when Zhe Jing married in the future, and the First Madam became the head mistress as the eldest sister-in-law, how much could the men of the Zhe family manage the affairs of the inner household? If the First Madam did not interfere, or only made a show of it, Zhe Jing would ultimately be the one to suffer.
Zhan Feiyu nodded in agreement. "A pine tree cannot grow in a flowerpot, and an eagle cannot fly in a birdcage. Zhe Sanlang's upbringing might have been intentional on the part of Old General Zhe, who believed that a general in the field should not be bound by the emperor's orders."
In a way, Zhe Sanlang was a hostage. Wasn't Old General Yang accused of colluding with the enemy and treason in the past? Yang Xu also grew up in Stone Village.
Old General Zhe was still guarding the border. Zhe Sanlang's father, the eldest son of the Zhe family, along with his eldest and second sons, were all away. In the future, when the eldest son inherited the Zhe family, Zhe Sanlang would be a hostage that the Emperor could trust.
To accompany the emperor was like accompanying a tiger! Zhan Feiyu wished she was overthinking, but reality was sometimes so cruel and true.
He Nuan didn't think so far ahead. Seeing Zhe Sanlang reminded her of Qiu Huaixin, who was far away in Qianzhong Circuit. "Young Master Qiu's letter arrived yesterday. Young Master Qiu has truly become someone to be admired."
At first, Qiu Huaxin was like Zhe Sanlang today. However, Minister Qiu was able to cultivate Young Master Qiu with decisive measures. After traveling for a few years, although Qiu Huaixin had not yet participated in the imperial examinations, he began to take over the affairs of the Qiu family.
"Yuanshan Academy has gained great fame. The next generation of the Qiu family will surely be able to support the Qiu family." The year after Zhan Feiyu left Qianzhong Circuit, Qiu Huaixin went to Nanxuan Prefecture and stayed at the Academy of Skills for a full year before continuing his travels.
Although the three Qiu brothers might not have astonishing talent in their studies, the Qiu family now had Minister Qiu, the Provincial Administration Commissioner, at the helm. Once the next generation was cultivated, the Qiu family would surely produce many talented individuals.
Yuanshan Academy not only admitted children from the Qiu clan and their relatives but also enrolled many from humble backgrounds. Disciples from aristocratic families in Qianzhong Circuit or neighboring prefectures could also study there.
Yuanshan Academy was more like a training ground, allowing the younger generation of the Qiu family to grow rapidly. The academy's headmaster and all the teachers were from the Qiu family, so there was no need to worry about the Qiu family's younger generation going astray.
When Zhan Feiyu returned to Yufeng Tower, the constables guarding the side gate of the courtyard did not make things difficult. Although Yufeng Tower was temporarily sealed, the courtyard had a separate entrance, and the seal on the front gate had no impact.
He Sheng cupped his hands in thanks. "Thank you, officers."
"You are too kind, young man." The two constables guarding the gate dared not accept such thanks. He Sheng had saved the young master, making him a benefactor of the Shuntian Prefecture Yamen. "The staff of Yufeng Tower are temporarily detained in the prefecture yamen's prison. If your master needs any help, please do not hesitate to ask."
Zhan Feiyu did not feel that she lacked people, but if He Nuan went to the kitchen, Zhan Feiyu would be left with fewer people for personal protection. Even if He Sheng and the others guarded outside, it was still unsettling.
Taking off her thick fox fur coat and handing it to He Nuan, Zhan Feiyu thought for a moment and agreed. "Then let's buy two servants, one for the kitchen and one for miscellaneous chores."
"What about the Scholar's Mansion?" He Nuan was confused. Servants bought from outside were not safe. It would be better to send a message back to the Scholar's Mansion. Lord Gu would surely send people over, and if not, Seventh Master could also arrange for someone.
Having been delayed at the prefecture yamen for nearly two hours, Zhan Feiyu picked up the ink stick and began to grind it. "My teacher's identity is special. The longer my arrival in the capital can be kept secret, the better."
"Shuntian Prefecture has already checked the travel permits," He Nuan said. If not for today's incident, it could indeed have been kept secret.
"Since I am staying at an inn, Lord Bai will surely not reveal my identity." Zhan Feiyu was not worried about this location. Although Prefect Bai was only a third-rank official, there were many first and second-rank officials above him, not to mention the capital was not short of imperial relatives, as well as those honored noble families. A third-rank official might not be considered much in their eyes.
However, the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture held a special position, managing all the affairs of the capital. Moreover, Lord Bai could directly report to the emperor. Historically, the Prefects of Shuntian Prefecture were upright and incorruptible officials, and one of the emperor's most trusted subjects.
Therefore, as long as Prefect Bai did not speak, unless the emperor personally inquired, no one could expect to obtain information from Shuntian Prefecture. Zhan Feiyu had saved Bai Zhaohui's life during the day. As long as Prefect Bai was not a person who repaid kindness with enmity, he would surely conceal Zhan Feiyu's identity.
...
The next day was still freezing, but fortunately, the weather continued to be clear from yesterday. However, as soon as one stepped outside, they would still shiver.
"Miss, if you stay up late reading again, we'll go to the Scholar's Mansion!" He Nuan was truly exasperated, otherwise, she would never have uttered such a threat to Zhan Feiyu.
"Burning the midnight oil and waking up early, this is the time for men to study. I am following the ancient precepts. Besides, there are only two months left until the spring examination, so I have to seize the time to study." Before Zhan Feiyu could finish her scholarly pronouncements, she couldn't help but yawn. Seeing He Nuan's stern face, she sheepishly touched her nose.
If possible, who in their right mind would want to study hard in the cold winter without sleep...
She, who had the intelligence of an ordinary undergraduate, was forced to take the imperial examinations. Zhan Feiyu wished she could be reborn and have a genius brain.
A gust of cold wind blew in from outside. Zhan Feiyu wrapped her crane-feather cloak tighter. Looking at the vast blue sky, she couldn't help but recite, "For the sake of freedom, both can be cast aside."
It was for the sake of freedom that she could not turn back on the path of studying for the imperial examinations. The situation in the capital was unpredictable. Zhan Feiyu knew that she could not turn back and had no way to turn back, not only for herself but also for her teacher and her elder brother.
There were quite a few agencies in the capital. Zhao Hu and others did this kind of business, but they were not formal agencies, and the people they bought often had some issues.
"Miss, please come in." Zhou Zheng was stunned for a moment, then a warm smile bloomed on his face. It was rare for masters to come to the agency; they usually sent their stewards to buy people.
Zhan Feiyu's head ached from staying up late. Otherwise, she would not have come out for this. Even though she had lived in the Great Qing Dynasty for more than ten years, seeing people like herself being selected like goods, Zhan Feiyu did not show it on her face, but she still had some reservations in her heart.
She must have become foolish and sentimental from studying. Zhan Feiyu withdrew her gaze, letting He Nuan and Zhou Zheng talk.
"Miss, you've come at the right time. We just got a cook yesterday." Manager Zhou quickly asked someone to bring the cook over.
Zhan Feiyu sat on the chair and looked at the few people who were brought over. One was a woman in her forties, wearing rather thin clothes, with her head bowed, but her hair was not messy at all, and her hands hanging by her sides were clean.
As for the remaining five younger girls, two were noticeably more disheveled, their clothes wrinkled, and their hands were dark. It was estimated that they didn't have much hot water at the agency, so their hands were not washed clean.
The remaining three girls looked cleaner, but one with a melon-seed face had eyes that were too lively, clearly someone who knew how to get things done. Another looked timid, looking at Zhan Feiyu as if she were a man-eating demon, and her body trembled continuously.
The last girl had ordinary features and looked a bit dull, which made her seem less timid.
"Manager Zhou, what's the situation with these two?" He Nuan was the first to take a liking to the woman, as she was a cook.
The maid for miscellaneous chores was chosen as the last girl with a dull personality. She only needed to be quick with her work. When they went to the Scholar's Mansion, the two people chosen now would likely be sent to the estate. People with unknown origins would absolutely not be kept in the Scholar's Mansion.
"Madam Xiao was a cook on a large family's estate and was sold off by the steward's wife," Manager Zhou glanced at Zhan Feiyu on the chair. After all, these were dirty matters, and he lowered his voice to explain to He Nuan, fearing he would dirty the noble lady's ears.
"The steward was greedy and took a fancy to Madam Xiao, but his wife was a tigress. She was a family servant and had some connections in the household. Somehow, she got Madam Xiao's deed of sale and sold her to me. If your master hadn't come today, Madam Xiao would have been sold to another place tomorrow."
What Manager Zhou didn't say was that Madam Xiao was sold to him for five taels of silver. Yesterday, he had asked Madam Xiao to cook a few dishes, and the taste was definitely not bad. If he sold them, he could at least get thirty taels of silver.
This profit of twenty-five taels from reselling showed that the steward's wife truly wanted to get rid of her, otherwise, she wouldn't have sold her for such a low price.
As long as the identities of the two people were not problematic, He Nuan did not care about the price. In less than fifteen minutes, the red contract was completed. Madam Xiao and the girl Cui Ya cost only fifty taels of silver.
"Here are the deeds of sale for the two of them. Miss, please keep them." Manager Zhou respectfully handed the deeds of sale for the two to He Nuan. Indeed, she was a master who did not lack silver. If he had known earlier, he could have raised the price a bit more, perhaps earning another ten or twenty taels.
After finishing here, Zhan Feiyu was about to leave the agency when she unexpectedly encountered an enemy before even stepping out.
"It's you!" Zhe Jing, on horseback, also did not expect to see Zhan Feiyu here. Her face immediately turned extremely unpleasant. She almost whipped Zhan Feiyu with the horsewhip in her hand, but after seeing He Nuan beside her, Zhe Jing finally couldn't help herself.
Ah Da and Ah Er, who followed closely, also hurried over and stood on either side to protect Zhe Jing. The girl opposite was not like the delicate young ladies in the capital. Commander Cheng and the others had returned defeated. Ah Da and Ah Er brothers were truly afraid that Zhe Jing would get hurt if she made a move.
What wind blew today that these noble ladies were all treading on the ground? Manager Zhou, with a face full of smiles, welcomed them again. "Miss, are you looking to buy people? It's a bit cold outside. Miss, please come in."
"Get lost!" Zhe Jing flicked her whip. Before Manager Zhou could react, he was struck. He felt a sharp pain on his face and was stunned.
Dismounting from her horse, Zhe Jing sneered, pointing her horsewhip at Zhan Feiyu. "Ah Da, you two block this lowly maid, I will personally take action today!"
Ah Da alone was no match for He Nuan, and with his brother Ah Er, it might still not be enough. But Zhe Jing didn't care. As long as they could hold her back, she could teach Zhan Feiyu a lesson with her whip.
Zhan Feiyu looked speechlessly at Zhe Jing, who wanted revenge. Was she brainless? In this cold weather, would she and Ah Nuan walk two li to the agency?
"Miss." He Sheng arrived with the carriage. He didn't even glance at the greatly changed Zhe Jing. It seemed it was a mistake to let those people from the Zhe family go back earlier, otherwise, the eldest young lady of the Zhe family would not dare to trouble Miss today.
Zhan Feiyu smiled at Zhe Jing. "Now it's three against three, and Miss Zhe insists on making a move?"
"Don't be smug!" Zhe Jing gritted her teeth and squeezed out the words. As soon as He Sheng appeared, she knew that she couldn't deal with this lowly maid today. Thinking of the First Madam coming to Yufeng Tower to apologize to Zhan Feiyu yesterday, Zhe Jing hated her even more, grinding her teeth.
The appearance of the First Madam represented that the Zhe family was in the wrong, and Zhe Jing had to back down. How could the proud Zhe Jing accept this? Moreover, her doting mother actually sided with her sister-in-law. Enraged, Zhe Jing left the Zhe family and went to the Wen family.
After being comforted by Miss Wen Ruyi, Zhe Jing was not so angry. Knowing that Wen Ruyi's courtyard was planning to set up a small kitchen, Zhe Jing also had the idea. After all, the dishes sent from the main kitchen were not as good as those made separately in a small kitchen.
Furthermore, Zhe Jing knew that in the future, the Zhe family would be managed by the First Madam. Now, she was deliberately causing trouble. Setting up a small kitchen would not only make her dining and drinking more convenient but also use the family's money. Since the money was there to be spent, why not spend it? Therefore, after leaving the Wen family, Zhe Jing came to the largest agency to buy a cook and make a fait accompli.