Ju Wen Zhai, though a two-story building shaped like the character 'pin', stood much taller than ordinary houses. The second floor's height was comparable to a third story, so the scholars inside dared not jump out of the windows, fearing death by falling rather than by fire.
At this moment, the stairs were completely burned away. Fueled by the strong liquor, the entire second floor was engulfed in an unusually fierce blaze. The black smoke stung people's eyes, rendering them unable to open, and the flames seemed like wild beasts ready to devour them.
Hearing this, Ming San could already imagine the danger: a panicked and chaotic crowd, a raging inferno, and the only escape route destroyed.
"Did someone take the opportunity to strike?" Zhan Feiyu hit the nail on the head. With He Sheng's skills, even with Qi Yan as a burden, he shouldn't have lost Qi Heng.
He Sheng was not surprised by Zhan Feiyu's sharpness. "Qi Yan's injury was caused by Zhang Changsong. It wasn't just personal vendetta; it was also to lure me away..."
After He Sheng pulled the injured Qi Yan up, the people in the room intentionally or unintentionally blocked the way, clearly preventing He Sheng from rescuing Qi Heng.
"There was a hidden master, my equal." This was the real reason for He Sheng's failure. The fire was too intense, the smoke blinded his eyes, and he was entangled by the enemy. Qi Heng disappeared in this chaos.
Recalling that only three people died in the Ju Wen Zhai fire, Ming San asked with a grim expression, "Qi Heng disappeared, and everyone else was saved afterwards?"
"The Ju Wen Zhai attendants chopped down a large tree in the courtyard, with its treetop reaching the window. People inside climbed onto the tree and then got down." He Sheng remembered the situation at the time. Seven or eight Ju Wen Zhai attendants held the trunk below, and everyone on the second floor eventually climbed out.
The timing was precise, happening right after Qi Heng disappeared.
Having asked all the necessary questions, Zhan Feiyu picked up her chopsticks first. Haste was useless now. "Let's eat first."
Seeing that Ming San had lost his appetite, Zhan Feiyu said, "If the person in the shadows wanted to kill Qi Heng, he wouldn't have disappeared. His body would already be before us. Someone is already watching Liu Baihu. We need to eat to have the strength to find him."
"I understand." Ming San knew this道理, but he had no appetite. However, seeing He Sheng and He Nuan eating silently, Ming San forced himself to eat, though it tasted like chewing wax.
In less than fifteen minutes, Zhan Feiyu and the others finished their meal and left the tavern, heading straight for Fengzhou's largest medical clinic. Even though they had escaped the fire unharmed, many people were burned, the worst being Qi Yan, who had a broken leg.
Medical Clinic.
Just as Zhan Feiyu had rushed to Ju Wen Zhai to find Qi Heng, Governor Qi and his eldest son, Qi Mo, rushed to the clinic after receiving the news.
"My lord, rest assured. The young master's right leg was fractured and displaced. It has been reset, and he will recover with proper rest." Doctor Zeng, skilled in bone setting, wiped the sweat from his forehead. Fortunately, the patient was sent in time; otherwise, even after setting the bone, he would have been lame.
"Will it affect his walking in the future?" Governor Qi asked in a deep voice, glancing at the unconscious Qi Yan on the bed. Although Qi Yan was still a commoner, he was destined to take the imperial examinations. If his leg became lame, his path to officialdom would be completely severed.
Doctor Zeng quickly replied, "My lord need not worry. As long as he recovers well, he will be no different from a normal person."
After Doctor Zeng withdrew, Qi Mo asked the two attendants who had followed to guard the door, then said in a low voice, "Father, Zhang Changsong clearly did this intentionally!"
Compared to the open rivalry between Governor Qi and Magistrate Zhang, Qi Yan and Zhang Changsong, as juniors, were hot-headed, and their animosity was evident. They occasionally fought, but at most, it resulted in minor injuries, with both sides knowing their limits.
This time, Qi Yan's leg was broken, and in such a dangerous situation, he could have perished in the fire. This was no longer a mere provocation between juniors; it was clearly a deadly feud.
Governor Qi sat down on a chair by the bed, looking at his youngest son in disarray. Some of his hair was scorched, and there were two burns on his face. The worst was his right leg, its bone brutally broken by someone's stomp, indicating a murderous intent.
"This matter is rather strange. We'll discuss it when your brother wakes up," Governor Qi said slowly. The incident happened so suddenly that he didn't have much information. "In terms of schemes and depth of character, Zhang Changsong is far superior to Yan'er. Even in the chaos of the fire, someone would have seen. Zhang Changsong wouldn't be so impulsive."
Qi Mo was taken aback. "I was thinking too simply."
Governor Qi turned to his eldest son and said gently, "Worry makes one careless. Seeing Yan'er like this, you can still think calmly. That's when I need to worry."
Confirming that Qi Yan was indeed not in critical condition, Governor Qi stood up and patted Qi Mo's shoulder. "You stay here to look after him. I'll head back to the yamen first."
As the father and son reached the doorway, they saw Zhan Feiyu arriving in a hurry.
"Governor Qi, has Qi Yan woken up? Qi Heng received an invitation and went to Ju Wen Zhai with Qi Yan. He is now missing." Zhan Feiyu spoke directly, tilting her head slightly, her dark eyes looking at the father and son. At first glance, she looked like a young girl worried about her friend's safety.
"What?" Governor Qi and Qi Mo spoke simultaneously, their expressions filled with surprise.
The person who disliked Qi Heng the most in the entire Qi family was Qi Yan. After all, Qi Yan was still a commoner, while Qi Heng, at only eight years old, was already a Tong Sheng (a successful candidate in the imperial examinations). This was unacceptable to the proud Qi Yan.
Even though they only met during the annual ancestral rites, Qi Yan always targeted Qi Heng, who was ten years younger than him.
Zhan Feiyu withdrew her gaze and said meaningfully, "It seems Governor Qi is not aware that Qi Yan sent a literary gathering invitation to Qi Heng."
Governor Qi already felt that the fire at Ju Wen Zhai was suspicious, and Qi Yan's broken leg had a hidden motive. Now, upon learning of Qi Heng's disappearance, a thousand thoughts flooded Governor Qi's mind. However, his gentle and refined face showed only concern. "Heng'er is missing? The fire was too intense at the time. Was he sent to another clinic? Jiayan, take your men to the clinics immediately and find Heng'er's whereabouts."
Qi Mo, the eldest son of Governor Qi, whose courtesy name was Jiayan, immediately responded, "Father, don't worry. I will definitely find my young cousin."
"Qi Yan hasn't woken up yet?" Zhan Feiyu did not stop the departing Qi Mo. She glanced into the inner room and then said, "I would ask Governor Qi for his help. I want to question the people who were on the second floor of Ju Wen Zhai at the time. Perhaps someone saw Qi Heng."
For reasons of propriety and logic, Governor Qi could not refuse. Even though he knew Zhan Feiyu was using his influence, looking at the young girl, barely half his height, who acted with such meticulous planning, Governor Qi couldn't help but sigh that she was truly extraordinary to be accepted as a disciple by Scholar Gu.
"Thank you for your help, Governor Qi." Zhan Feiyu smiled gratefully. Before Governor Qi could speak, she said to He Sheng and He Nuan, "When we arrived, I saw many people being treated for burns at the clinic. Nuan, go and inform them to all come to the backyard within the time it takes for one incense stick to burn. If anyone is seriously injured, have the clinic's attendants carry them over. If they refuse, have the yamen constables bring them."
"Yes." He Sheng and He Nuan turned and left.
Governor Qi's expression showed a moment of bewilderment. He hadn't expected Zhan Feiyu to act so domineeringly, especially using his name.
The scholars on the second floor of Ju Wen Zhai were either scholars themselves or from prominent families in Fengzhou. Unless Zhan Feiyu invoked Scholar Gu's name, they would not comply.
However, with Governor Qi present, they had no choice but to appear within the stipulated time if they wished to establish themselves in Fengzhou.
"Due to concern for Qi Heng's safety, in this urgent situation, I ask for Governor Qi's indulgence." Zhan Feiyu apologized again.
Governor Qi waved his hand dismissively. After all, Qi Heng was still a member of the Qi family. Zhan Feiyu's actions were not out of line. Her calm and composed demeanor was truly unlike that of a nine-year-old girl.
...
With Governor Qi's name, even Zhang Changsong had to rush over, at least not to offend Governor Qi openly.
The main house in the backyard of the clinic was cleared. After Zhang Changsong and his group entered, they were all taken aback. Seated at the head of the table, besides Governor Qi in his official robes, was a young girl with rosy lips and white teeth.
Sitting upright in a round chair, Zhan Feiyu dangled her short legs, her innocent gaze surveying everyone.
The group suppressed their inner surprise and confusion and bowed to Governor Qi, "Governor Qi."
At this moment, Tang Lin, the organizer of the literary gathering, stepped forward. "Governor Qi, this literary gathering was initiated by the students..."
Although it was an unforeseen disaster, Tang Lin still had to take responsibility. Just as he was apologizing, his stomach rumbled. His hands were burned, and he hadn't had time to apply medicine, constantly rushing between clinics, let alone remembering to eat.
"The yamen will investigate whether the fire was accidental or arson. You should eat something to tide you over first." Governor Qi's attitude was kind. Tang Lin and Qi Mo were close friends, and their families were also old acquaintances, so Governor Qi would naturally not blame him.
"Thank you, my lord." Tang Lin smiled wryly but did not refuse Governor Qi's kindness. He sat down on a chair below. The pastries on the table were just enough to fill his stomach.
Zhang Changsong narrowed his eyes and looked at Zhan Feiyu. "Uncle Qi, this is the Tong Sheng Zhan, the top scorer in the Nanxuan Prefecture examination."
Jumping down from her chair, Zhan Feiyu smiled, narrowing her eyes. "I presume this is Magistrate Zhang's young master. I had the pleasure of meeting Magistrate Zhang at the prefecture yamen before. Magistrate Zhang dislikes me greatly. Perhaps Young Master Zhang knows why?"
Hmph!
No one expected Zhan Feiyu to be so sharp-tongued. Zhang Changsong had revealed her identity. Everyone present knew why Magistrate Zhang disliked Zhan Feiyu; she was the culprit who caused Liu Baihu's leg to be broken. Magistrate Zhang's current position was said to be supported by the imperial merchant Liu family.
If Zhan Feiyu hadn't found a good teacher, she would probably still be locked up in the prefectural prison.
"Miss Zhan, you worry too much. My father is simply a stern and taciturn person." Zhang Changsong replied coldly, his hostility undisguised. The two sides were on the verge of falling out, so why pretend to be polite?
Zhan Feiyu nodded with a look of innocence. "I see. I thought Magistrate Zhang hated me but couldn't do anything about it, so he could only take it out on Qi Heng!"
As soon as she said this, Tang Lin, who had just taken a bite of pastry, spat out the crumbs with a "pfft" and coughed violently, clutching his chest.
The others in the room also had speechless expressions. Zhan Feiyu was silent, but when she spoke, she was astonishing.
"Governor Qi, it seems Qi Heng's disappearance was not my fault." Zhan Feiyu turned to Governor Qi, her expression relaxing. "I wonder if Governor Qi has any political rivals? After all, Qi Heng only returns to Fengzhou once a year, and he is just a child. He couldn't have offended anyone. If he wasn't implicated by me, then he must have been implicated by the Qi family."
Governor Qi, having been an official for many years, didn't know how to respond for the first time.
However, looking at the innocent Zhan Feiyu, Governor Qi made up his mind. He had previously thought of playing both sides, not offending Liu Baihu or Zhan Feiyu.
But now, he had to choose one. Governor Qi smiled gently and said, "The situation was chaotic at the time. Heng'er might have just gotten lost. I have been an official for many years, and I occasionally have differences of opinion with Magistrate Zhang at the prefecture yamen. But given Magistrate Zhang's character, he would certainly not resort to kidnapping a child. Magistrate Zhang understands the principle that family members should not be harmed due to the actions of their relatives."
Tang Lin, who had finally stopped coughing, looked at Governor Qi, who was seated at the head of the table, as if he had seen a ghost. Governor Qi, known for his shrewdness, was so directly mocking Magistrate Zhang!
The other scholars lowered their heads. What could they say? When gods fight, mortals suffer!
However, thinking of the missing Qi Heng, everyone strongly disapproved of Zhang Changsong's actions. Harm should not extend to family members! If everyone acted like Zhang Changsong, then half the officials' families in the Great Qing Dynasty would be dead.
Zhang Changsong's face turned ashen with anger. If this statement got out, his father's reputation would be ruined!
"Zhan Feiyu, you dare to slander a court official without evidence. Do you know your crime?" Zhang Changsong roared, his fierce eyes fixed on Zhan Feiyu.
With a roll of her innocent eyes, Zhan Feiyu pointed her fair, tender finger at Governor Qi behind her. "I say, what's to stop someone from framing me? Governor Qi clearly mentioned having differences of opinion with Magistrate Zhang. Young Master Zhang dares not challenge Governor Qi, but sees me as a child and thinks I'm easy to bully?"
Everyone looked speechlessly at the innocent-looking Zhan Feiyu. Easy to bully? She was the one who caused Liu Baihu to break his leg, yet she was standing here perfectly fine. They wouldn't dare to bully her even if they had the courage of a leopard.
Governor Qi looked sympathetically at the frustrated Zhang Changsong, then glanced at Zhan Feiyu. If the young girl were a boy, she would surely have a place in the imperial court in the future. What a pity.
Since everyone was present, Governor Qi didn't waste any more time and began questioning them one by one.
Zhan Feiyu remained seated at the head of the table, listening to their answers. The smile on her fair, round face grew brighter and brighter. These people clearly feared Magistrate Zhang and Liu Baihu. They all avoided the important points, claiming they hadn't seen anything or hadn't seen clearly, using the fire as an excuse. There were so many people on the second floor, yet not a single one saw how Qi Heng disappeared.
"Governor Qi, the fire was too intense at the time. We were all struggling to save ourselves and truly didn't pay attention to Qi Heng. My nephew believed Qi Yan would protect his young cousin. Who knew..." Zhang Changsong's eyes were smug as he provocatively glanced at Zhan Feiyu. What good was her sharp tongue? Who among those present dared to speak carelessly?
Governor Qi nodded, his attitude still gentle, but his eyes were exceptionally sharp. "So, you're saying that Qi Yan's broken leg was not your doing?"
"Governor Qi misunderstands." Zhang Changsong stood up, looking "sincerely fearful." "At that time, a burning beam fell. Although Qi Yan and I often had disagreements, it was always a gentleman's competition. The situation was critical at the time, and I could only kick Qi Yan away. Otherwise, if he were hit by the beam, he would have either died or been severely injured."
Zhan Feiyu chuckled and slightly raised her round chin. "Young Master Zhang speaks so confidently. Either you hold something over Qi Yan, or Qi Heng's disappearance was a conspiracy between the two of you, which is why you dare to tell such a colossal lie!"