Wu Residence.
"Madam, master has returned," the head maid said in a low voice, her gaze quickly sweeping over the dressing table. This jade bracelet was entirely green; the salt merchant Jin family was indeed generous.
"So early today?" Madam Wu's bright face broke into a smile. She quickly slipped the bracelet onto her wrist. The fair skin paired with the green bracelet was truly a perfect match.
The head maid collected her thoughts and adjusted Madam Wu's skirt. "Those who went to pay respects at the Liu family are gradually leaving Huaian Prefecture. I imagine master can also rest now."
Hearing footsteps outside the door, Madam Wu stepped forward to greet him. Her exquisitely made-up face held an enthusiastic smile. "Master, the weather is hot. Come inside to cool off. Lian'er, go to the kitchen and bring a bowl of tremella soup."
Tongzhi Wu allowed his wife to help him remove his official robes and boots, and wash his face. Only then did he feel a little refreshed. "Madam seems to be in good spirits."
When Lian'er brought the chilled tremella soup, Madam Wu waved for her to withdraw before saying in a low voice, "Master, the old madam of the seventh branch of the Liu family came this morning. Besides eight kinds of gifts, she also gave an additional thousand taels of silver notes."
As for the direct line of the Liu family, there was no need to mention it. Madam Wu dared not put on airs as an official's wife. As for the collateral branches, it depended on whether the Liu family was useful. Otherwise, Madam Wu wouldn't even see them.
"When one offers a gift, there must be a request. What does Old Madam Liu want?" Tongzhi Wu put down his spoon, his narrow eyes flashing with greedy light. If it weren't for a major matter, Tongzhi Wu would certainly have obliged.
Madam Wu hadn't expected that not only did she gain a valuable jade bracelet by helping Jin Baozhen, but Old Madam Liu also came knocking. And it was the same person. This deal was quite profitable.
"It's nothing major. Old Madam Liu's eldest grandson isn't very bright. I heard he's taken a liking to a maidservant, but that maidservant's master is overbearing and doesn't even give the Liu family face. Old Madam Liu finds it inconvenient to resort to forceful means during the Liu family's funeral, so she asked master to help find an excuse to take that maidservant away."
If it were a case of forcibly abducting a civilian woman, Madam Wu would still consider it. But for a maidservant who sold herself into servitude, since the Liu family fancied her, and with her help, it was no trouble at all.
Upon hearing it was a maidservant, Tongzhi Wu couldn't be bothered to inquire further. He patted Madam Wu's hand. "It's inconvenient for me to interact with the Liu family. Please handle this matter, Madam."
"Master, you're still being polite with me." Madam Wu giggled, and for a moment, the atmosphere in the boudoir was harmonious and pleasant.
A thousand taels of silver, and it could also earn the seventh branch of the Liu family a favor. What Tongzhi Wu was most satisfied with was Madam Wu's competence. Even though her fondness for gold and silver seemed a bit vulgar, she knew how to assess the situation.
If there were any minor oversights, Tongzhi Wu would help to clean up the mess, and if anything happened in the future, it wouldn't be traced back to them.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Chu Residence.
Unlike Madam Wu's competence, Madam Chu was a sickly beauty. It was only the beginning of autumn, and while Tongzhi Wu still drank chilled tremella soup, Madam Chu had already changed into autumn clothes. Yet, even so, her hands remained cold.
"Master, please don't worry. I have a cold constitution. It's always like this when autumn arrives." Madam Chu leaned on the chaise lounge, her face pale, but her smile exuded a tranquil beauty.
Grasping Madam Chu's cold yet soft hands, Prefect Chu sat down on the edge of the chaise lounge. "The matter with the Liu family has come to a close. After a few more days, I will accompany you to Qingxia Valley."
Every autumn, Qingxia Valley was ablaze with colorful foliage. There was water in the valley that cascaded down from the mountainside to the deep pool at the bottom.
Legend had it that on clear and sunny days, the evening glow reflected in the pool. Perhaps due to the pool's emerald green color, the glow in the water appeared greenish, faintly reflecting golden light, making it a breathtaking sight, hence its name, Qingxia Valley.
"Oh, right. Madam Wei sent a calling card yesterday." Madam Chu's eyes narrowed as she spoke, looking at Prefect Chu with a playful, reproachful gaze.
Madam Wei was from the Jin family of salt merchants. The only reason she could marry Deputy Commander Wei was that she was his second wife. Wei family's two children were currently in the army, so the title of Madam Wei wasn't of much use. Otherwise, she wouldn't have brought her nephew and niece to Huaian Prefecture.
"I have leave in three days. Have the Jin family come to the residence." Prefect Chu gently patted Madam Chu's hand. If they refused her calling card, it would be a discourtesy on the Chu family's part. As for whether the Jin family could achieve a satisfactory outcome after the meeting, that was another matter.
Madam Chu withdrew her hand and tidied a stray strand of hair from her ear. Although she was over thirty, she still possessed eyebrows like spring mountains and eyes like autumn water. "I heard the young lady from the Jin family is as bright and fiery as a flame, and she's now of marriageable age."
"Could it be that the Jin family has their eyes on Chen'er?" Prefect Chu sat up straighter, a hint of coldness quickly flashing across his exceptionally handsome face.
Madam Chu had poor health, so the couple only had one son, Chu Weichen, who was sixteen years old and currently studying at the academy. Madam Chu specifically mentioned Jin Baozhen, so it was no wonder Prefect Chu thought the Jin family wanted an alliance. But on second thought, he realized he had misjudged.
Old Master Jin was a shrewd man. His sister's marriage to Deputy Commander Wei was as a second wife, which was considered a high marriage. As for Prefect Chu's only son, the Jin family's daughter could not possibly be worthy of him.
Prefect Chu paused for a moment and met Madam Chu's smiling eyes. He helplessly pinched her pale cheek. "When I sought your hand from Lord Tai Shan, I promised to be devoted to you for life. Not to mention we already have Chen'er, even if we only had one daughter like Zhang Chengli, your husband would never forget his promise."
Before their marriages, Madam Chu and Madam Kong had met. Although they didn't interact much, both were daughters of scholarly families, shared similar dispositions, and had come of age around the same time. Afterward, they married and followed their husbands to their posts.
They hadn't been in contact for years, but from her husband's words, she knew a little about the other's situation. Compared to Madam Kong, Madam Chu was luckier to have given birth to a son. Even with her frail health, it wouldn't lead to Prefect Chu being without an heir.
Madam Chu mentioned Jin Baozhen not out of jealousy. After all, her son was nearing the age of marriage, and how could she look down upon a daughter from a merchant family? She was merely informing Prefect Chu of the matter.
The schemes of women in the inner chambers were endless, especially those from merchant families who were the least disciplined in their actions. They might even resort to drugging someone and throwing themselves at them.
"Oh, right. Didn't they say that Scholar Gu's youngest disciple has arrived in Huaian Prefecture?" Madam Chu's eyes lit up when she mentioned Zhan Feiyu.
If not for her poor health, why wouldn't she want to study and participate in the imperial examinations? Not for fame or fortune, but simply to let the world know that women didn't have to be confined to the inner chambers and could also achieve great things.
Prefect Chu thought of Zhang Changsong and Qiu Dingsi, who had come to him, and could only say, "Zhan Feiyu has already left Huaian Prefecture. She came to pay respects at the Liu family merely to repay a favor. She is traveling for her studies."
For someone like Liu Hefeng, Zhan Feiyu's presence at the mourning hall to offer incense was purely out of respect for the deceased.
Madam Chu looked disappointed. What a pity. She had wanted to meet that young girl, the triple crown winner from Nanxuan Prefecture, who was only nine years old. Chen'er had only achieved the Xiu Cai title at fourteen, and his performance in the provincial examination was only third place.
Prefect Chu comforted Madam Chu a few more words. Neither of them expected that Zhan Feiyu had not left but was staying in the Huaian Prefecture prison.
Fortunately, Jailer Ma and his men were also astute. Besides not daring to release her, they provided a variety of dishes for her three meals a day, buying whatever she needed. Zhan Feiyu was also generous with her money.
"The mulberry is tender and soft, and beneath it are the fields. Pluck the leaves, and gather the grain, to soothe these common people..." Clear recitation echoed in the prison.
Zhan Feiyu's cell was the innermost one on the left side of the prison. The cells in front of it were all empty. Otherwise, if she started her morning readings early and wrote by candlelight late at night, the fellow inmates would have protested.
"Head Jailer Ma, this girl is truly diligent in her studies. I heard from Wang Er that it was past the hour of Chou last night, and this girl still hadn't extinguished her lamp. She was sitting there writing," the prison guard said, carrying an empty food container, his face full of admiration.
Although they were low-ranking officials of the prefecture, they still respected scholars at heart. Of course, Zhan Feiyu was generous, and the few prison guards had earned quite a bit of money in the past few days.
"Alright, keep your mouths shut. Whatever this girl needs, you buy it yourself. Don't let Wang Er and the others come over, but divide the money equally." Jailer Ma had been uneasy ever since he saw He Nuan crush a silver ingot into a ball. He was worried about too many people knowing, so he assigned his trusted subordinate, Liao Xiaodong, to handle Zhan Feiyu's affairs.
Although Liao Xiaodong was reluctant to share the money, he was most obedient to Jailer Ma. "Head Jailer Ma, don't worry. I know what to do."
Nodding, Jailer Ma listened to the clear recitation and said in a low voice, "I won't harm you. Don't lose your life over money. I'll go and warn Wang Er and the others again. If any prisoners are to be confined, put them in the cells on the right side these days."
Fish have their ways, and shrimp have theirs. Although the prison guards were all greedy and would occasionally vent their frustrations on prisoners, and had extorted money before, Zhan Feiyu's lavish spending was something that even if their lives were threatened, they wouldn't dare to offend.
This young lady spent money like water, and more importantly, she studied diligently every day. She must be a young lady from a prominent family. Not to mention them, even Prefect Chu might not be able to afford to offend her.
As Jailer Ma just walked out of the cell, he heard a junior official say, "You said people from the Liu family? Alright, I'll go and see."
Outside the side door, an old man resembling a steward was waiting in the shadows. The sun had already set, and the alley near the prefecture's prison was usually deserted, so there was no need to worry about being seen.
"Master Ma," the old steward looked up when he heard footsteps and then walked over. After exchanging pleasantries, he stated his purpose. "To be honest, Master Ma, my young master has been causing a lot of trouble lately. Coincidentally, that maidservant looks exactly like the maidservant who died by the young master's side years ago. This has made the old madam ill with worry, so I've shamelessly asked Master Ma to do me a favor and make things convenient."
Prefect Chu and Tongzhi Wu had no understanding of the seventh branch of the Liu family. Even though the Liu family were imperial merchants, only the direct line could communicate with the government. Old Madam Liu was merely a collateral member who did some small business. It was fortunate that her surname was Liu, otherwise, even Jailer Ma wouldn't bother with her. One was an official, and the other was a merchant.
Jailer Ma's mind flashed with the image of He Nuan. He glanced at the old steward who had taken out fifty taels of silver notes. Jailer Ma was worried that if the Liu family managed to get their hands on the person, Liu Bao'er would likely end up dead on the spot. She wasn't an ordinary maidservant, but a skilled martial artist.
Since the money was offered, it would be foolish not to take it. This was fifty taels. The Liu family was indeed wealthy and influential. Jailer Ma accepted the silver notes and smiled. "Let me ask one more question, old brother. How did you know that maidservant was locked up in the prison?"
If one of his prison guards had leaked the information... a fierce glint flashed in Jailer Ma's eyes.
The old steward didn't know what Jailer Ma was thinking. There was no need to hide this. "Yesterday, the salt merchant Jin family came to visit our home, and coincidentally, they mentioned this matter to my old madam."
The second daughter-in-law of Old Madam Liu's second son's wife's elder sister's younger uncle was related by marriage to a collateral branch of the Jin family. Although the relationship was a bit convoluted, they could still connect.
If it were Old Master Jin who came, the Liu family head would naturally receive him. But only a married daughter of the Jin family and two juniors came, so Old Madam Liu had to come forward, as she was related by marriage.
It was good that those brats hadn't leaked the information. Jailer Ma's smile deepened, but he put on an official air. "Although she is a maidservant, her deed of sale is still with her master. If the old madam isn't in such a hurry, I'll go and probe her tonight. If it doesn't work, you guys can come up with a solution. I, Old Ma, am just a jailer and don't have much ability."
The old steward was quite disdainful of Jailer Ma, who took the money but didn't get the job done. But as the old saying goes, the yamen opens its doors to the south, and if you have reason but no money, you can't enter. Once you enter the yamen, you have to spend money.
"Then I'll trouble you, Master Ma. After the matter is settled, my old madam will surely reward you handsomely." The old steward didn't urge him and left after some more polite words.
Jailer Ma was greedy but also sought stability. Prefect Chu, despite his refined and dignified demeanor, was decisive in his handling of cases. None of the officials in the Huaian Prefecture yamen dared to openly accept bribes. As for in private, Prefect Chu would also turn a blind eye.
In the prison, Liao Xiaodong quickly put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth, and hurried over. "Head Jailer Ma, why have you come back?"
"Go eat your meal. Keep an eye on things. Someone else has come." Jailer Ma threw out a sentence and strode inside. He turned a corner and walked past several empty cells before arriving at Zhan Feiyu's cell.
After a while.
After hearing Jailer Ma's words, Zhan Feiyu smiled. Her plump cheeks puffed out as she smiled, making her look like a cute little girl at first glance. "Thank you for the information. Head Jailer Ma, feel free to accept the money. If people from the Liu family come, just let them in. It's safe with the prison door between us."
Without this prison door, not to mention the two guards in the opposite cell, even this maidservant was a formidable character. If the Liu family dared to make a move, they would only be able to enter standing and leave horizontally.
"Miss, do you need me to report to Prefect Chu?" Jailer Ma asked tentatively.
Although this matter was instigated by Madam Wu, ultimately Prefect Chu held power in Huaian Prefecture. Jailer Ma had previously thought it best not to offend Tongzhi Wu.
But now that the Liu family was involved, Jailer Ma would rather offend Tongzhi Wu than not inform Prefect Chu. Otherwise, if the matter escalated, he would surely be in trouble if he was accused of knowingly concealing the truth.
"Prefect Chu is busy with official duties and has a packed schedule. There's no need to inform Prefect Chu about such a small matter." Zhan Feiyu waved her hand with a smile. Seeing Jailer Ma still seemed hesitant, she said meaningfully, "I guarantee that Prefect Chu will not pursue this matter in the future. Head Jailer Ma, please rest assured."
"I understand. I will definitely not speak of it," Jailer Ma said with a wry smile. It seemed this young lady was determined to keep it from Prefect Chu. She had been imprisoned for several days, and Jailer Ma could only go all the way.