Wei Da Ru looked at Zhan Fei Yu, who was led in by the servant. Perhaps due to his eccentric and solitary nature, his attitude towards the young girl was just as stern and distant. "Since you have the token of the Forbidden Dragon Guard, why do you need to come to me?"
In the Great Qing Dynasty, everyone knew the Forbidden Dragon Guard. Although the Wu Shu Lou, owned by the Wei family, was rich in collection and considered the foremost in Jiangnan, if the Forbidden Dragon Guard truly wanted any book, they wouldn't need Wei Da Ru. A mere rumor would suffice, and whether out of flattery or fear, people would undoubtedly hand over the books with both hands.
"I wish to find some miscellaneous books, but they are hard to come by in bookstores, so I have come to visit. I apologize for the intrusion and hope Wei Da Ru will forgive me," Zhan Fei Yu stated her purpose.
Major bookstores sold books related to the imperial examinations, as well as some storybooks. However, books like "Tiangong Kaiwu" and "Qimin Yaoshu" were virtually non-existent.
Some prominent families might possess such collections, but Zhan Fei Yu and Ming San couldn't possibly visit them one by one, and even if they did, they might not have them, or might not lend them out. The reputation of Qing Ya Academy was not enough, and they couldn't use Scholar Gu's name either. Therefore, coming to Wei Da Ru was the most convenient route.
Perhaps it was the mention of books that softened Wei Da Ru's attitude a little, though he was somewhat perplexed, "What do you need these books for?"
Zhan Fei Yu did not conceal anything. "I previously visited Dean Ming of Qing Ya Academy, and young master Ming San intends to open a vocational academy to teach ordinary people various skills..."
Time ticked by.
The bookboy and servant waiting outside the door cast surprised glances into the flower hall. Their master had been conversing with a young girl for half an hour, which was unprecedented.
Wei Da Ru, as expected of someone who had read extensively, said, "This book has three volumes and eighteen chapters, divided according to the principle of 'valuing grain and devaluing gold and jade.' The upper volume, 'Nai Li,' concerns the cultivation techniques of grain crops; 'Nai Fu' records the sources and processing methods of clothing materials."
The upper volume included: 'Nai Li' (grains), 'Nai Fu' (textiles), 'Zhang Shi' (dyeing), 'Cui Jing' (grain processing), 'Zuo Xian' (salt making), and 'Gan Shi' (sugar production).
"Tiangong Kaiwu" contained various production techniques in agriculture, handicrafts, machinery, bricks, tiles, ceramics, and so on. However, books were just books, and most artisans were illiterate. Their skills were passed down orally from ancestors or masters, or acquired through their own daily endeavors.
"Young master Ming San intends to have the teachers instruct according to the books, while experienced artisans will teach with practical experience. The combination of both should take about three years," Zhan Fei Yu explained in more detail, seeing that Wei Da Ru did not look down on craftsmen.
"The four classes of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants are the pillars of the nation." Wei Da Ru loved books and was a scholar himself, but he did not believe that only scholars were noble. Skilled craftsmen were also indispensable.
Although Zhan Fei Yu possessed a photographic memory, her study time was short, and she had only read books related to the imperial examinations. Her knowledge of miscellaneous books was limited to knowing their existence. "I heard that the book 'Mujing' is about house construction, but this book is lost, and similar books are very difficult to find."
In rural farmhouses, building a house involved finding one or two skilled craftsmen, and then the villagers would help. In prefectural cities, there were specialized house builders, but their techniques were not passed down, otherwise, it wouldn't be said that "teaching the apprentice starves the master."
"Your visit to Fengzhou is for books, and secondly, because Fengzhou is the hometown of artisans." Wei Da Ru had focused on studying in his early years, but after the tragic deaths of his parents, wife, and children, coupled with his reading of history books over the years, he was no longer a pedantic bookworm who was oblivious to worldly affairs. After a conversation, he had guessed Zhan Fei Yu's purpose for coming.
However, Wei Da Ru was somewhat puzzled. The girl's attire and demeanor clearly indicated a wealthy background, but which prominent family would allow a young girl to show her face in public?
If it were a male heir, it could be considered training and tempering, but this delicate young girl should be pampered in the inner courtyard.
Sensing Wei Da Ru's scrutinizing gaze, Zhan Fei Yu stood up and introduced herself, "This student is Zhan Fei Yu from Nanxuan."
"So it's you." Even though Wei Da Ru lived in seclusion, he had learned Zhan Fei Yu's name from his servants. A young girl had apprenticed under Scholar Gu and even participated in the imperial examinations, becoming the top scholar in the prefectural examination.
Wei Da Ru had initially wondered if the prefect of Nanxuan had chosen Zhan Fei Yu as the top scholar to curry favor with Scholar Gu. However, the scholars in Nanxuan Prefecture had not caused any uproar, which indicated that Zhan Fei Yu possessed true talent and learning, otherwise, how could she have convinced the masses?
"Since you have the token of the Forbidden Dragon Guard, you are aware of the Wei family's past. You have ten days. You may come to Wu Shu Lou to transcribe the books." In the end, Wei Da Ru agreed to let Zhan Fei Yu copy the books. After all, the truth of what happened in those years was revealed through the investigation of the Forbidden Dragon Guard, and his action was a repayment of a favor.
...
The news of a young girl entering the Wei residence quickly spread throughout Fengzhou City. The scholars in Fengzhou had long given up any such thoughts, and privately even slandered Wei Da Ru as a peculiar old man, speculating that he would burn down Wu Shu Lou after his death, taking all the precious ancient books and rare editions to the underworld.
Only those who sought fame or scholars from other regions would still visit the Wei family, but they were always refused entry. No one expected Zhan Fei Yu to be able to enter the Wei family's gates, and to only emerge after half an hour.
In the carriage, Zhu Changyun expressed his gratitude repeatedly. Although he tried his best to suppress his emotions, his eyes were slightly red. Zhu Changyun had come to the Wei Da Ru's place as a last resort, hoping for a stroke of luck, and never expected such a turn of events.
"It's just a small effort," Ming San patted Zhu Changyun's shoulder, his expression somewhat dazed. He had given up on the imperial examinations after failing to find a master, and had spent his days socializing and indulging in wine, believing it to be the life of a renowned scholar.
However, seeing Zhu Changyun struggling to study, Ming San did not regret his youthful recklessness. It was just that now, when he wanted to do something, he could only present his title as a Xiu Cai, which made him feel ashamed and embarrassed.
The carriage stopped. It was sunset, and the aroma of cooking food wafted from the alley. The children who had been playing in the streets looked at Zhan Fei Yu and the others as they alighted from the carriage in surprise.
"Changyun, what is this?" Aunt Wang next door looked at Zhu Changyun, who was the last to dismount, in surprise. The neighbors all knew his circumstances and at most helped look after young master Zhu, but they couldn't do anything else.
Other neighbors also came out of their homes. Perhaps they were intimidated by the expensively dressed Zhan Fei Yu and the other two, but their gazes towards Zhu Changyun were filled with concern and care.
"Aunt Wang, thank you for taking care of Hong'er. I will be moving to a different place to study for the next few days." Zhu Changyun bowed gratefully to Aunt Wang. Since Hong'er had become somewhat slow-witted, Aunt Wang had been helping to look after him.
"You can study?" Aunt Wang's voice rose in surprise, and the other neighbors were even more so.
After Commander Liu made his pronouncement, Zhu Changyun's tutors and classmates avoided him. He had thought that he would no longer be able to pursue the imperial examinations and would have to earn a living by manual labor like them. He never expected Zhu Changyun to meet a benefactor.
Due to his poverty, packing his luggage was quick. It was summer, so his clothes consisted of only two large bundles. As for other belongings, the別院 (biéyuàn - detached villa/courtyard) had them, so there was no need to bring them.
"This is my younger brother, Zhu Changhong." Zhu Changyun stroked his brother's head. Looking at his thin frame and his round eyes, and then at the plump Zhan Fei Yu and Qi Heng, Zhu Changyun's resolve to pursue the imperial examinations was further strengthened.
Hong'er's gaze was vacant, and he was timid. He clutched Zhu Changyun's sleeve and hid behind him. Perhaps because Zhan Fei Yu and Qi Heng also looked like children, he only stared blankly at them without any other evasive actions.
"Get in the carriage, let's first..." Ming San had not finished speaking when several figures quickly approached from the alley entrance.
The man in the lead appeared to be no more than twenty-five or twenty-six years old. He was wearing a short outfit, but carried an air of roguishness. His triangular eyes slanted as he looked at them, "Yo, Scholar Zhu is moving?"
"Lu Biao, what do you want?" Zhu Changyun's face was filled with disgust. Even without evidence, he knew that the fire that had burned all his belongings was set by Lu Biao and a group of ruffians.
Commander Liu certainly wouldn't pay attention to a small fry like Zhu Changyun, so the one watching him was Lu Biao. Although Lu Biao had no legitimate job, he kept more than twenty ruffians under his command and usually did unsavory jobs for some merchants.
It was also because Lu Biao was watching that Zhu Changyun's classmates and friends were unable to help him. And just now, Lu Biao had received news, so he had brought a group of ruffians.
Ignoring Zhu Changyun, Lu Biao chewed on a blade of foxtail grass, tilted his head, and sized up Zhan Fei Yu and the other two. Finally, he looked at Ming San and said unpleasantly, "This young master is likely not from Fengzhou. I advise you not to meddle in other people's business. Otherwise, you are bringing two children. If they are snatched by child traffickers."
Although Ming San was dressed as a scholar in wide-sleeved robes, he had lived in Nanxuan Prefecture for many years, and a mere ruffian could not scare him. He pointed his folding fan at Zhan Fei Yu and said with a hearty laugh, "If you can abduct this girl, then that's your capability."
As soon as he said this, everyone present was stunned, seriously suspecting that Ming San favored boys over girls, only protecting the chubby Qi Heng and disregarding Zhan Fei Yu's fate.
Spitting out the grass from his mouth, Lu Biao's fierce expression changed. He clasped his hands together, his joints cracking, "Don't refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit! I'll tell you the truth, Zhu Changyun has offended a noble person who cannot be offended. If you meddle, don't blame me for being impolite today!"
With Commander Chen backing him, Lu Biao was truly not afraid of offending people.
Moreover, Ming San and the others looked like fat sheep. Just looking at the pendants hanging from their waists, made of white jade or jade, each was probably worth a hundred taels, and the three together would be three hundred taels. It was no wonder Lu Biao was greedy.
"Ah!" Accompanied by Zhu Changhong's frightened cry, the alley was suddenly in chaos.
Eight or nine ruffians rushed forward, swinging their fists. Four of them surrounded He Sheng, who was driving the carriage, while the remaining five were divided: two blocked Ming San, and the other two stopped Zhu Changyun.
The last one, fierce and menacing, walked towards the three children: Zhan Fei Yu, Qi Heng, and Zhu Changhong.
The surrounding neighbors wanted to help but dared not step forward. Offending Lu Biao and these ruffians meant facing misfortune at home. Zhu Changyun's house had already been burned once, and if they helped, their own homes might be next.
"Little girl, if you don't want to be beaten, hand over the hairpin on your head and the jade pendant." The sharp-mouthed, monkey-faced ruffian smiled sinisterly, his greedy gaze falling on Zhan Fei Yu. After all, she had a agate and white jade hairpin on her head, and Qi Heng only had a piece of jade hanging from his waist.
Knowing Zhan Fei Yu's skills, Qi Heng pulled the trembling Hong'er to the side, and asked with some concern, "Xiao Yu?"
"Don't worry," Zhan Fei Yu tilted her chin and stretched her wrists.
Just as the ruffian was getting impatient and bent down to snatch the jade pendant from Zhan Fei Yu's waist, Zhan Fei Yu punched him directly in the nose.
Hitting the target squarely, Zhan Fei Yu suddenly retreated. She stepped on the carriage wheel with her right foot and used that momentum to fly forward, hitting the ruffian's head with a spinning kick.
"Wuu..." The ruffian, clutching his bleeding nose in pain, had not yet recovered when his head was kicked again. He felt his vision go black, and his body crashed to the ground.
Zhan Fei Yu looked at the struggling ruffian who seemed to want to get up, then glanced at the frightened Qi Heng and Hong'er beside her. Zhan Fei Yu pouted, hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and delivered another kick to the fallen ruffian.
A pig-like scream of agony rang out. The ruffians who were fighting were startled and looked back, only to see Chen Da lying on the ground, his nose bleeding profusely, his hands covering his crotch, and curled up on the ground, groaning in pain.
At that moment, Lu Biao and the others instinctively squeezed their legs together.
"You!" Chen Da's voice changed with pain as he pointed at Zhan Fei Yu with one hand, wiping the blood from his nose with the other. "You wait for me..."
With Qi Heng protecting him, Hong'er stared blankly. Suddenly, he rushed forward like a firecracker. Before anyone could react, Hong'er abruptly lifted his leg and stomped heavily on Chen Da's crotch.
"Ah!" An even more piercing scream erupted. Chen Da was in extreme pain this time, his body hunched over and twitching incessantly.
"Hong'er!" Qi Heng quickly ran over and pulled back the Hong'er who had delivered the heavy kick. Even though he was only an eight-year-old chubby boy, Qi Heng instinctively wiped the non-existent cold sweat from his forehead.
Hong'er broke free from Qi Heng's grasp with a few movements but brushed against Zhan Fei Yu. He tilted his head, his emaciated face revealing bright eyes, "Sister."
Uh... Zhan Fei Yu, who had corrupted the child, smiled awkwardly, not daring to look at the stunned Zhu Changyun beside her.
Ming San and He Sheng looked at the innocent-looking Zhan Fei Yu with indescribable expressions. What kind of young girl fights like this? No, ordinary young girls wouldn't fight. Even if they did, they would scratch faces and pull hair. Xiao Yu's kick...
He Sheng looked at the equally startled ruffians with a blank expression. He didn't know if Master Qi knew, but this move of the young lady might have been taught by Chong Guang. He must write a secret letter to Master Qi when he returned. Chong Guang deserved to be whipped!
A moment later, Lu Biao and his group of ruffians lay scattered on the ground. To prevent Zhan Fei Yu from kicking again, He Sheng's movements were swift. In almost the blink of an eye, he had dealt with all the ruffians.
The carriage swayed as it headed towards Nanhu Alley. Upon returning to the Qi family's別院, Zhan Fei Yu found herself helpless as Hong'er followed her like a little tail.
The little fellow was only five years old, but he was so thin that he was all skin and bones. His large eyes still looked a bit vacant, but he seemed determined to follow Zhan Fei Yu, no matter how Zhu Changyun coaxed him.
"It's okay, just follow me," Zhan Fei Yu said with a smile, stroking Hong'er's head. The little fellow was still dazed, but his eyes were clearly shining.
After Zhan Fei Yu returned to her room, she had just picked up a book when she saw Hong'er suddenly lift his leg and stomp down heavily. His thin little face was tense, looking very imposing.
After a while, Hong'er repeated the stomping action and let out a "ah." Zhan Fei Yu felt utterly embarrassed.
"This child?" He Nuan looked at Hong'er in surprise. He was a five-year-old child, thin and frail. Although he was making fierce stomping gestures, he looked very cute and dazed.
Rubbing her temples, Zhan Fei Yu said with a bitter smile, looking at Hong'er who was stomping for the third time, "A Nuan, there are bamboo plants in the north corner of the garden. Please cut me a bamboo pole, not too long, just enough for him to use."
A moment later, Zhan Fei Yu took the little tail Hong'er to the garden. Taking the half-human-tall bamboo pole, Zhan Fei Yu brandished it playfully. Looking back, she saw that Hong'er's eyes were indeed shining again.
"Hong'er, here you go. If there are bad people in the future, use this to hit them!" Zhan Fei Yu solemnly handed the bamboo pole to Hong'er.
Indeed, although the little fellow said nothing, he tightly gripped the bamboo pole with both hands and stopped stomping. When Zhan Fei Yu was reading, the little fellow sat obediently beside her, still hugging the bamboo pole.