Chapter 354
Compared to Qian Shipeng's anxiety and even fear, Pang Tongzhi, having been an official for many years, calmly advised, "Young Master Qian, please do not be agitated. Although Zhan Feiyu threatened you, she would absolutely not kill you."
With that, a fleeting look of disdain crossed Pang Tongzhi's Maitreya-like smiling face. Qian Shipeng being scared like this by a young girl was truly like mud that could not be plastered onto a wall.
"Lord Pang!" Qian Shipeng angrily slammed the table, gritting his teeth, "Zhan Feiyu holds the token of the Forbidden Dragon Guard. If the Forbidden Dragon Guard takes action, Lord Pang, do you think I would still be alive?"
Regardless of any previous plans or intentions, in the face of life and death, all of that was insignificant. Qian Shipeng's primary concern was his own life and safety. Without life, what grand ambitions or power and status were just nonsense!
Upon hearing the words "Forbidden Dragon Guard," Pang Tongzhi's expression also turned serious. This was something he could not fathom. Since Zhan Feiyu was a disciple of Scholar Gu, how did she get involved with the Forbidden Dragon Guard?
Even though he was an official far away in Longyou Circuit, and merely a minor fifth-rank Tongzhi, Lord Pang knew that the Emperor detested factionalism the most in recent years. Especially during the years when the Crown Prince had not yet been established, if any signs of factionalism appeared in the court, the Emperor would surely deal with it with thunderous means.
Yet, Zhan Feiyu was associated with both the powerful Scholar Gu and the terrifying Forbidden Dragon Guard, and the Emperor had actually tacitly approved. Pang Tongzhi glanced at Qian Shipeng, who was like a trapped beast, and suddenly understood his unease and impulsiveness.
After a long period of contemplation, Pang Tongzhi spoke again, "If that is the case, Young Master Qian might as well stay at the Pang residence."
Pang Tongzhi was, after all, an official of the imperial court. Qian Shipeng also knew that Pang Tongzhi had backing, and that backing had intricate connections with the palace. No matter how bloodthirsty the Forbidden Dragon Guard was, they likely wouldn't dare to slaughter indiscriminately in the Pang residence.
Exhaling a breath of stale air, Qian Shipeng calmed down. He took out a stack of silver notes from his怀 and placed them on the table. "Here are twenty thousand taels."
Pang Tongzhi smiled and nodded. Twenty thousand taels was indeed a considerable sum, but he did not pay it much mind. His master was interested in the third branch of the Qiu family behind Madam Qian.
After settling Qian Shipeng, Pang Tongzhi rose and left the study.
Half an hour later, as dusk began to fall, the maids of the Pang residence lit the lanterns along the corridors. After washing up and changing into casual clothes, Pang Tongzhi slowly walked towards the backyard.
In the warm glow of the lanterns, a noble lady, accompanied by maids and matrons, appeared gentle. Upon seeing Pang Tongzhi, her steps quickened slightly. "My lord."
"Madam." Pang Tongzhi took the noble lady's hand. The soft, smooth touch and slight warmth in her hands finally put him at ease. "It is still cold in spring; Madam should remain indoors."
A beauty's smile was the most gentle. Madam Pang agreed, "Dinner is ready. I've warmed a pot of your favorite Pear Blossom White wine."
Although Pang Tongzhi was slightly plump and always wore a smiling face, lacking the dignity of an official, the maids and matrons serving in the backyard looked at him with reverence, which clearly indicated Lord Pang's methods of managing his subordinates.
The room was brightly lit, and the sandalwood incense in the copper brazier emitted a pleasant aroma. The servants retreated outside the door, and Madam Pang personally served Pang Tongzhi his meal. "The steward reported that you have kept Qian Shipeng in the guest courtyard."
Putting down his wine cup, Pang Tongzhi did not hide anything. "This matter is rather tricky. Zhao Yi and the others are not foolish; they are all making excuses, saying they didn't see anything. For now, He Nuan has been temporarily imprisoned, and will be tried again in five days."
"Offending Scholar Gu, and with Prefect Zhang retiring, if you wish to take over the position of Prefect, I fear the Ministry of Personnel will not agree," Madam Pang said with a slight frown. The fact that Pang Tongzhi was willing to discuss official matters with her showed that she was not an ordinary woman who only managed the inner chambers.
"Scholar Gu can be above ten thousand people with just one person, and ultimately, it relies on the Emperor's will," Pang Tongzhi was not too worried. He continued with half-closed eyes, "The General's Mansion is being reinstated. Prefect Zhang had old grievances with the General's Mansion in his early years, and Prefect Zhang even secretly met Zhan Feiyu at an inn before, but to no avail. Therefore, he can only seek refuge with his master."
Mentioning Prefect Zhang and the Zhang family, Pang Tongzhi scoffed disdainfully. "Before the New Year, the siblings Zhang Minxian and Zhang Minhua specifically went to Xiangwu County to try and resolve their differences, but in the end, they returned in disgrace with their niece's corpse."
"My lord, please eat." Madam Pang picked up two chopsticks of food and placed them in Pang Tongzhi's bowl, smiling softly. "Prefect Zhang is like a drowning man grasping at straws. Since the Emperor has decided to reinstate the Yang family, and Prefect Zhang is at odds with the Yang family, it is precisely this that allows him to remain Prefect. Otherwise, the one who should be worried is the Emperor in the Golden Palace."
The Yang family of the General's Mansion held military power. The Zhang family was also a family of officials in Longyou Circuit. Although their official positions were not high, in the Longyou Circuit region, the Zhang family's in-laws, acquaintances, and disciples were spread across various prefectures, forming a vast network of relationships.
If the General's Mansion and the Zhang family reconciled, how could the Emperor feel at ease? Conversely, if the two families were at odds and kept each other in check, that would be the way of balance.
It was just that Prefect Zhang feared retaliation from the General's Mansion, so he was eager to mend their relationship. After failing, he was eager to find a new patron. Otherwise, without Prefect Zhang's consent, Pang Tongzhi would not have presided over He Nuan's case, which was also Prefect Zhang's overture.
After eating and drinking their fill, Madam Pang had the maids clear the table and then brought over the brewed tea.
"My lord, will Zhan Feiyu really order the Forbidden Dragon Guard to kill Qian Shipeng?" Madam Pang asked doubtfully. She could see through the actions of Prefect Zhang and the Zhang family, but she found Zhan Feiyu somewhat unfathomable.
Upon mentioning Zhan Feiyu's name, Pang Tongzhi lost his interest in savoring the tea. Recalling the scene in court during the day, the young girl was only ten years old. But precisely because she was young, no one could guess her thoughts. The most troublesome aspect was that she was protected by a group of experts, making anything she wanted to do as easy as lifting a hand.
Tapping his fingers on the table, Pang Tongzhi looked at the burning candle flame. "It's either kill or not kill. If Qian Shipeng is killed, and an imperial censor impeaches him, the charge of murder will be pinned on him. Even without witnesses or evidence, a rumor can become truth. This small matter would not harm Scholar Gu's reputation, but Zhan Feiyu's future would be worrying. She had previously offended the First Prince's maternal family. How could Scholar Chen let slip the opportunity to condemn Zhan Feiyu?"
"Not killing is a better choice." Pang Tongzhi put himself in her shoes. If he were Zhan Feiyu, even with the token of the Forbidden Dragon Guard, he would absolutely not kill easily and leave himself vulnerable. "He Nuan is just a maid. Not to mention how many experts the Forbidden Dragon Guard secretly trains, does Scholar Gu not have such experts under him? There is no need to jeopardize his reputation for a mere maid."
Moreover, in the end, Qian Shipeng's case lacked sufficient witnesses. Even if Pang Tongzhi favored Qian Shipeng, He Nuan would at most be charged with intentional injury. Whether fined or exiled, it would not cost He Nuan her life. She would return in at most two or three years.
Hearing this, Madam Pang was somewhat perplexed. "My lord, if that's the case, why did Qian Shipeng use his own hand to frame He Nuan? Isn't that a loss that outweighs the gain?"
Even if He Nuan were sentenced to exile, this matter was still Qian Shipeng abusing his power and causing trouble. He was the one who initiated the incident. If word got out, perhaps those scholars would say it was a good beating. Qian Shipeng, as such a dissolute scion, was indeed hateful. Zhan Feiyu's actions could even be considered acting on behalf of heaven.
"It's just venting anger. Qiu Jinyu died under unclear circumstances. Qiu Feng went on a killing spree at Qiu Zongxi's residence and then fled to the barbarians. The third branch of the Qiu family was completely destroyed. It is said that the barbarians have already issued a bounty for Zhan Feiyu. Unfortunately, with the deterrence of the Forbidden Dragon Guard, no one in the Great Qing Dynasty dares to take the risk for money."
Pang Tongzhi truly admired Zhan Feiyu. Hearing this, Madam Pang was somewhat confused. "My lord, if that's the case, why did Qian Shipeng use his own hand to frame He Nuan? Isn't that a loss that outweighs the gain?"
Even if He Nuan were sentenced to exile, this matter was still Qian Shipeng abusing his power and causing trouble. He was the one who initiated the incident. If word got out, perhaps those scholars would say it was a good beating. Qian Shipeng, as such a dissolute scion, was indeed hateful. Zhan Feiyu's actions could even be considered acting on behalf of heaven.
"It's just venting anger. Qiu Jinyu died under unclear circumstances. Qiu Feng went on a killing spree at Qiu Zongxi's residence and then fled to the barbarians. The third branch of the Qiu family was completely destroyed. It is said that the barbarians have already issued a bounty for Zhan Feiyu. Unfortunately, with the deterrence of the Forbidden Dragon Guard, no one in the Great Qing Dynasty dares to take the risk for money."
Pang Tongzhi truly admired Zhan Feiyu.