The calligraphy was neat and standard, in the style of official script. Regardless of the quality of Zhan Feiyu's poem, the handwriting itself was stunning. The characters were elegant and beautiful, perfectly balanced and harmonious. It was hard to believe they were written by a child who had only been in school for a few months.
"Wo Chun?" the leader of the group asked. Before he could finish, someone beside him burst into laughter.
It was clearly a pun on "I am stupid." Thinking of Zhang Tianhao's loud recitation just now, everyone couldn't help but erupt into laughter.
"Zhan Feiyu!" Zhang Tianhao finally realized something was wrong and roared in anger.
Humiliated in front of everyone, the fourteen or fifteen-year-old Zhang Tianhao, like an enraged bull, flushed red and lunged at Zhan Feiyu, his fists raised to strike.
A figure leaped down from the second floor, precisely catching Zhang Tianhao's wrist. Zhong Guang smiled and asked, "Little sir, are you a sore loser?"
The Lin tutor, having regained his senses, quickly pulled Zhan Feiyu behind him. While scholars might have disputes, they usually involved verbal sparring, not physical altercations.
"Let go of me!" Zhang Tianhao roared, his eyes bloodshot as he glared at Zhan Feiyu, gritting out through his teeth, "I'll kill you, you slut, today!"
Zhan Feiyu peeked out from behind Tutor Lin, her plump face beaming with a smile that showed no fear. "A gentleman uses his words, not his fists. You lost the literary duel, but if it comes to a fight, you are older and I am younger. Even if you win, it would be an unchivalrous victory."
What a sharp tongue! Scholar Zhang's cold gaze fixed on Zhan Feiyu like a venomous snake.
Stepping forward, Scholar Zhang grabbed Zhang Tianhao's arm and scolded him with feigned anger, "Tianhao, a gentleman is ashamed and then brave. How can you lose your composure over a temporary win or loss? After returning home, copy the 'Book of Rites' and 'Doctrine of the Mean' three times!"
"Yes, Father." Scolded, Zhang Tianhao calmed down, but his hateful gaze remained fixed on Zhan Feiyu.
Scholar Zhang nodded with satisfaction. Revenge is a dish best served cold; there's no need to dwell on temporary losses!
However, thinking of Zhan Feiyu's rise to fame by overshadowing Zhang Tianhao today, Scholar Zhang's eyes darkened. He asked with malicious intent, "I've heard that the young prodigy Zhan Feiyu has a photographic memory and has read the Four Books in just a few months, far surpassing scholars everywhere. What is the meaning of the phrase 'knowing shame is close to bravery'?"
Scholar Zhang intended to put Zhan Feiyu on the spot. Since she was a prodigy, he wanted to see if she truly had talent. Furthermore, if a seven-year-old girl could trample all the scholars underfoot, then without him lifting a finger, those arrogant scholars would ruin her!
Many present saw Scholar Zhang's malicious intent, but it was an open scheme. If she couldn't answer, she would be exposed as a fraud; if she did answer, she would be inviting trouble, as the saying goes, "The wind will destroy the tree that stands out in the forest."
A clear voice broke the silence of the hall. "This sentence comes from the 'Doctrine of the Mean.' The Master said: 'To love learning is close to wisdom; to strive for practice is close to benevolence; to know shame is close to bravery. When one knows these three things, he knows how to cultivate himself.'"
Zhan Feiyu's eyes were clear and bright, as if no filth or darkness could enter them. "To love learning is close to wisdom; to strive for practice is close to benevolence; to know shame is close to bravery. Only by understanding these three virtues—wisdom, benevolence, and bravery—can one know how to cultivate oneself."
After speaking, Zhan Feiyu cupped her hands and performed a scholar's bow to Scholar Zhang, truly embodying the spirit of a free-spirited scholar.
For a woman to study and participate in the imperial examinations was not only unconventional but also independent. Therefore, even if she were to face immense pressure and scrutiny, as long as she was strong enough, all the gossip and jealousy would merely be scenery left behind her.
"Haha, well answered!" Scholar Zhang clapped his hands and showered her with praise, all the while thinking that the higher she climbed, the harder she would fall!
Zhong Guang looked at the hypocritical Scholar Zhang with disgust. Not only was the man ugly, but his heart was also black!
"Fat girl!" Zhong Guang smiled at Zhan Feiyu and handed her a letter in his left hand, deliberately raising his voice to support her. "This is a letter of recommendation from my lord. If young student Zhan wishes to attend the county or prefectural school in the future, you may do so."
Hiss! Everyone present was stunned. Only by passing the county, prefectural, and academy examinations to obtain the title of Xiucai (a degree holder) was one eligible to enter the county or prefectural schools. Zhan Feiyu, a mere child, without even the qualification of a Tong Sheng (a student who has passed the preliminary examination), had received a letter of recommendation to attend the county school!
With a swish, all eyes turned to Zhong Guang with excitement and eagerness, especially Zhang Tianhao and his classmates, who wished they could search him for another letter of recommendation. If they could be recommended to the county school, passing the academy examination would be within reach!
Many people spent their entire lives studying, yet remained Tong Sheng. As the saying goes, "Hooked as an old man, hooked as an examiner; an old examiner is a Tong Sheng, and a Tong Sheng studies until he is old."
Taking the incredibly hot letter of recommendation, Zhan Feiyu scanned the crowd. Tsk, those scorching gazes made Zhan Feiyu suspect she would be mugged as soon as she left Leshan Residence today!
Regardless of what others thought, Zhan Feiyu thanked Zhong Guang. "This student will surely burn the midnight oil and live up to your lord's expectations."
Afterward, Zhan Feiyu deliberately smiled smugly at Scholar Zhang and his son. She enjoyed seeing them hate her yet be unable to do anything about it.
If Magistrate Chen had recommended Zhan Feiyu to the county school, it would have been possible. However, to enter the prefectural school, Magistrate Chen's rank was insufficient. After envy and jealousy, people began to harbor doubts. Who was this lord he spoke of? Could it be fraudulent?
Oh, they dared to doubt their Seventh Master? Zhong Guang raised an eyebrow. He feared they would be scared to death if he told them!
"Alright, keep the letter of recommendation, fat girl," Zhong Guang reminded her again. As he turned to go upstairs, he deliberately revealed the saber at his waist. Behind him, he heard gasps of shock.
"Is that a Yanling Saber?" Constable Ma murmured.
The Yanling Saber was the standard saber for military officers. One had to be at least a sixth-rank official to be qualified to wear it. And if a subordinate was sixth-rank, the lord upstairs must be at least at the prefectural level.
Scholar Zhang's face changed drastically. If only Magistrate Chen valued Zhan Feiyu, it wouldn't be difficult for him to ruin her. With careful maneuvering, he could leave no trace. But if Zhan Feiyu was registered with a fourth-rank official, Scholar Zhang would be courting death if he dared to act!
Tutor Lin looked at Zhan Feiyu inquiringly. Seeing her nod, he knew this was what she had called the Forbidden Dragon Guard. With this protection, Tutor Lin's hanging heart finally settled.
Whether it was envy, jealousy, or slander, with this letter of recommendation, no one would dare to openly trouble Zhan Feiyu.
"Wait a moment!" Zhan Feiyu suddenly called out to Zhong Guang, running towards him with her short legs. "It would be too impolite not to thank the lord personally."
"A sycophant climbing the social ladder!" Zhang Tianhao cursed with a dark expression, wishing Zhong Guang would kick Zhan Feiyu down the stairs. The lord was merely deceived, and Zhan Feiyu was seizing the opportunity to fawn over him, not considering her own status!
Others were also taken aback by Zhan Feiyu's boldness.
Zhong Guang looked at the smiling Zhan Feiyu with confusion. If he hadn't known her before, he would have thought she was a flattering flatterer. "Since that's the case, young student Zhan, please."
No way! She got upstairs so easily? Everyone was stunned again, their eyes turning fiery. Could they imitate her? If they gained the lord's favor, their future would be boundless...
Zhang Tianhao was both disappointed and excited. He looked at Zhong Guang and Zhan Feiyu, who were going upstairs, hesitating. He wanted to speak but worried about making things worse.
Scholar Zhang's contempt was undisguised. He looked at Tutor Lin and said sarcastically, "Brother Lin, you once went to the countryside and chanted by the Willow Pavilion, 'A bamboo staff and straw sandals are lighter than a horse; a straw cloak in the wind and rain is life.' Years later, your student has lost the integrity and backbone of a scholar!"
"Young prodigy Zhan is young, but she already knows how to curry favor with the powerful. We are ashamed of our inferiority!" Mr. Liu chimed in with a sneer, his words of mockery also tinged with jealousy.
Soon, discussions erupted. Although they were wary of the lord upstairs and dared not criticize loudly, they whispered in small groups, glancing upstairs from time to time, their eyes filled with contempt and disdain. Even Tutor Lin became the target of their mockery and criticism. Since Zhan Feiyu was his student, and her actions were so base, it was presumed the teacher was no better!
"It is not poverty but inequality that is to be lamented," the old proprietor of Leshan Residence said with a smile, noting that beneath the veneer of scholars, there lay only meanness and jealousy.
Constable Ma nodded in agreement. Having encountered a noble person, one should not miss the opportunity. These people were merely jealous that Zhan Feiyu, the little girl, had seized the chance, while they themselves were "unrecognized talents."
In the private room upstairs, upon opening the door, a faint scent of tea wafted out, and the untouched pastries and fruits on the table were visible.
Zhan Feiyu stood with her hands behind her back, swaying her head as she walked. "Stillness cultivates virtue, and frugality nourishes character. Cherish every meal, for it is hard-earned. Big brother, waste is a disgrace."
Yin Wuyan drank his tea, his phoenix eyes casting a cold gaze at the precocious Zhan Feiyu. Her dark eyes were gleaming with greed; she was clearly craving food.
"Isn't 'The red meat of the wealthy rots, while the poor freeze to death on the streets' more fitting?" Zhong Guang said with a teasing smile, pointing to the pastries with one finger. "To bear the infamy of climbing the social ladder just for a bite to eat, fat girl, you've lost out big time!"
As if greatly slandered, Zhan Feiyu puffed out her cheeks and glared defensively, "Although people regard food as heaven, would I be greedy for mere sustenance!"
Yin Wuyan put down his teacup and asked, "Then why did you come up?"
With a few steps, Zhan Feiyu reached Yin Wuyan, stood solemnly, clasped her hands, and bowed. "Big brother, in four days, I will visit the Zeng family at Baofeng Cloth Shop. I request your company."
Uh... Zhong Guang was dumbfounded. Looking at the serious Zhan Feiyu, he couldn't help but say, "Fat girl, you might as well have said you came up for the pastries." What kind of person was his Seventh Master? He had written a letter of recommendation for the fat girl today, which was already a miracle. Zhong Guang never expected Zhan Feiyu to ask Yin Wuyan to accompany her to the Zeng family! The Zeng family was merely a merchant family, and a wealthy and unscrupulous one at that. How could they possibly warrant the esteemed Seventh Master's presence!
Her solemnity was a facade. Zhan Feiyu shamelessly climbed onto a chair and sat down. Facing Yin Wuyan's unparalleled countenance, her heart trembled. Although handsome, his aura was too cold.
"Big brother," Zhan Feiyu said with a serious expression, adopting a negotiating stance. As soon as she began, Yin Wuyan pushed the pastries towards her.
What? After a moment of hesitation, Zhan Feiyu grinned and bit into a pastry. She then gratefully accepted the teacup Yin Wuyan handed her and took a sip, the tea diluting the sweet stickiness of the pastry.
Zhong Guang stared blankly at the two sitting opposite each other, a soul-searching question escaping him: Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing? It was one thing to offer pastries, but his Seventh Master was actually pouring tea for the fat girl! Zhong Guang fiercely pinched his arm. It hurt! It wasn't a dream! The only person who had ever received tea poured by his Seventh Master seemed to be the one in the Golden Palace!
After the little girl opposite finished eating and drinking, Yin Wuyan slowly spoke, "Speak. What conditions do you have for me to accompany you?"
Taking out a handkerchief to wipe her mouth, and then naturally tucking the plain white handkerchief away, Zhan Feiyu straightened her small body and resumed her negotiating posture. Zhong Guang, standing nearby, almost dropped his eyeballs. If he wasn't mistaken, that was the handkerchief his Seventh Master habitually used! Yun Jin, worth a hundred taels of silver per bolt, was something even nobles in the palace were reluctant to use for clothing, yet his Seventh Master had it cut and made into handkerchiefs. And now, seeing Zhan Feiyu using the same Yun Jin handkerchief, Zhong Guang was speechless.
"Three words!" Zhan Feiyu held up three plump fingers and wiggled them, smiling slyly and mischievously. "Big brother, can you guess which three words?"
Yin Wuyan's gaze shifted from the three short, thick fingers to Zhan Feiyu's equally plump, round face. He couldn't see the cowardly appearance she had displayed when she was rolling and crawling that day.
Zhong Guang looked at the mysterious Zhan Feiyu with immense admiration and said with a sigh, "Fat girl, if I remember correctly, the last person who wagged their fingers at my Seventh Master can now only eat and write with their left hand." The newborn calf fears no tiger; this fat girl is too bold!
"Ah?" The smile froze on her plump face. Zhan Feiyu blinked blankly, looking at Yin Wuyan's cold, heartless handsome face, and quickly retracted her plump paw.
Yin Wuyan ignored the cowardly-looking Zhan Feiyu again. After pondering for a while, he suddenly said, "Darkness under the lamp."
Zhan Feiyu looked at Yin Wuyan with shock and admiration. He had guessed it!
"What did you discover?" Yin Wuyan was intrigued. This little girl was indeed extraordinarily intelligent.
"It was actually by chance, a flash of inspiration," Zhan Feiyu said, no longer playing coy. The person in front of her was the truly intelligent one.
Zhong Guang looked at the tall and short figures sitting opposite each other with a pained expression. He could hear their words, but it was like listening to gibberish; he couldn't understand what Seventh Master and the fat girl were talking about at all! Perhaps it was due to Zhong Guang's deep resentment, but Zhan Feiyu and Yin Wuyan both turned to look at him simultaneously and then tacitly returned to their conversation.
"Constable Ma told me that the Zeng family bribed those beggars to spread rumors..." Zhan Feiyu recounted what Constable Ma had said earlier. "Offending the Zeng family would at most mean exchanging money for a different place to beg, but offending the constables and yamen runners is no joke." It is said that it is easier to meet the King of Hell than the petty officials. Whether beggars or ruffians, the ones they feared most were these constables, who could easily deal with them on any pretext.
Yin Wuyan coldly added, hitting the nail on the head, "The timing of the Zeng family's action is wrong."
"Yes, I thought so too," Zhan Feiyu nodded like a pecking chicken. "Scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants. Although I am still a commoner, my tutor has the title of Xiucai, and Magistrate Chen also values me. For the Zeng family to target me at this time is equivalent to showing disrespect to Magistrate Chen." Chen Weibin, as the magistrate of Shangsi County, was worlds apart in status from the Zeng family, who were mere merchants. If Magistrate Chen was a vindictive person, the Zeng family would surely face retaliation for offending him. Conversely, if Magistrate Chen was a just and upright official, he would surely protect Zhan Feiyu, a promising child with scholarly talent. Therefore, no matter how one looked at it, the Zeng family should not have acted at this time, unless there was a compelling reason to do so, and that reason outweighed Magistrate Chen.
"That's true. If they had waited a year or so, and you hadn't participated in the Tong Sheng examination, the Zeng family, with their status, could have easily set a trap to ruin you," Zhong Guang said, finally understanding. The Zeng family had many opportunities; there was no need to act at the most inappropriate time, at the cost of offending Magistrate Chen.
"Big brother, I suspect the 'Jade-Faced Gentleman' did not disguise himself as a beggar randomly. The people behind these beggars are likely from the Zeng family, and the Zeng family also learned from the 'Jade-Faced Gentleman' that my second uncle hired him to target me," Zhan Feiyu said, feeling a chill down her spine as she thought about it. Who would have thought that after narrowly escaping death, if the Zeng family hadn't acted sooner, she would have been killed without any defense? Hou Fei, the "Jade-Faced Gentleman," was skilled at disguise but had a洁癖 (germophobia). Therefore, the Forbidden Dragon Guard had not suspected him of disguising himself as a dirty, slovenly beggar during their investigation. Now, thinking about it, Hou Fei used the identity of a beggar not only to avoid being tracked but also because the Zeng family was manipulating things behind the scenes, providing a double layer of security. Hou Fei was killed by Zhan Feiyu, and his body was handled by Zhong Guang. To the Zeng family, Hou Fei had suddenly disappeared, but more likely, he was dead. And the only person connected to Hou Fei was Zhan Feiyu. The Zeng family initially did not act, perhaps also investigating, fearing the people behind Zhan Feiyu, but found nothing. Zhan Lao Er bribed the blind old woman to kill Zhan Feiyu, perhaps also under the surveillance of the Zeng family, but Zhan Feiyu narrowly escaped.
"Long nights bring many dreams. The Zeng family probably didn't want to wait any longer, which is why they acted at this time," Zhan Feiyu said with a dejected face. She felt truly wronged; she hadn't done anything bad, yet she had attracted a death threat.
Zhong Guang chuckled ungraciously. "This timing is indeed good for the Zeng family. Even if they are found out, outsiders will assume the Zeng family was retaliating against Zhan Lao Er, and you, fat girl, were merely caught in the crossfire. No one will suspect the 'Jade-Faced Gentleman.'" Zhan Feiyu nodded. Even if she were killed by the Zeng family, it would merely be simple retaliation. Who would have thought it was to silence her!
Seeing the listless Zhan Feiyu, a smile flickered in Yin Wuyan's phoenix eyes. "The 'startled horse on South Street' was also a plot by the Zeng family. It truly is darkness under the lamp." Everyone assumed the culprit behind the startled horse on South Street was the lame beggar. The Zeng family offered a reward of a hundred taels of silver to capture him, and Hou Fei took the opportunity to escape. This was also reasonable. The Forbidden Dragon Guard searched Shangsi County upside down for the "Jade-Faced Gentleman" but would never suspect the escaped lame beggar. Of course, given the Zeng family's cautious and meticulous methods, escape was the worst-case scenario; the best option was to feign death. The lame beggar was secretly killed by the Zeng family, so the identity of the "Jade-Faced Gentleman" Hou Fei disappeared. No matter how the Forbidden Dragon Guard investigated, they would not find the dead man, which was the ultimate and most effective strategy.
Zhan Feiyu said fiercely with a stiff, plump face, "The net of justice is vast and its mesh is fine, but it lets nothing slip through. Anyone who tried to kill me has grass growing high on their graves!" Zhan Feiyu put her hands on her hips and laughed triumphantly. For specific examples, refer to the "Jade-Faced Gentleman" and the blind old woman. Of course, the next examples might be the Zeng family and her second uncle!
Amused, Zhong Guang laughed heartily. "Fat girl, your ferocious nature doesn't resemble that of a scholar. Why don't you join the Forbidden Dragon Guard in the future?"
Looking at the gritting-teeth, murderous Zhan Feiyu, Yin Wuyan relented. "I will accompany you in four days."
"Thank you, big brother!" Zhan Feiyu thanked him profusely, her life saved. The Zeng family had murderous intent, and her going there would be like a lamb entering a tiger's den. But with big brother, a great weapon, Zhan Feiyu chuckled ungraciously, suddenly feeling a sense of anticipation.
The visit to Leshan Residence was a double win for Zhan Feiyu in terms of fame and profit. Whether it was the excellent couplets or the poem "Wo Chun," the title of prodigy was solidified for Zhan Feiyu. Furthermore, an adult of unknown identity and rank valued Zhan Feiyu and wrote a letter recommending her to attend the county and prefectural schools, making all the scholars in Shangsi County red-eyed with jealousy. Why did such a great fortune not fall upon them? The current magistrate was a subordinate, so this adult must be of high rank and authority. Zhan Feiyu, the little girl, went upstairs to speak with him, and they talked for more than half an hour. According to the gossip from the waiters at Leshan Residence, the tea in the private room was drunk, and the pastries and fruits were also eaten, indicating that this was a patron who cherished talent and was approachable! A seven-year-old girl receiving favor and recommendation – heaven was unfair!
...
Jinlin Village.
Zhan Feiyu was picked up from the private school by Zhan Lao San. Fortunately, it was lunchtime, so it didn't interfere with her afternoon studies.
"Xiao Yu, what do you think your second brother and your uncle are thinking?" Zhan Lao San stopped and gazed in the direction of the village. "Even if second brother is telling the truth, that he didn't accept Zhu Dashao's money to harm Mrs. Zeng, and that he found the banknotes, they haven't divided the family yet. Second brother secretly deposited the money in Jubao Money Bank. Who is he guarding against if not me and your father?"
Zhan Lao San had been married for many years and had a son and a daughter, but he was still like a grown-up simpleton, always trying to slack off at work, impulsive and quick-tempered, but righteous and just in his actions. Zhan Feiyu was quite fond of this third uncle. Seeing his worried and bewildered look, she couldn't help but smile. "Uncle San, I am still my father's daughter. My father could force me to compensate five hundred taels for second brother, so, as the saying goes, 'Nine sons of a dragon have different dispositions,' people are different."
Hearing this, Zhan Lao San patted Zhan Feiyu's head sympathetically. "Alright, your father, my eldest brother, is also a fool. If anyone bullies little Niuniu, I'll beat them to death!" This was the biggest difference between Zhan Lao San and Zhan Lao Da. Neither brother had much brains, nor were they good at scheming, but Zhan Lao Da was dull and filially pious, while Zhan Lao San was hot-tempered but protective. In one word, he would fight! He would fight until they were dead!
Zhan Feiyu tugged at Zhan Lao San's sleeve, squinting and smiling. "Uncle San, let me tell you a secret."
"Okay, tell me!" Zhan Lao San bent down and picked up Zhan Feiyu, carrying her towards the village. He loved his niece dearly, otherwise, he wouldn't have been so angry that he took his wife and children to the Ma family. It was because the one who needed to compensate was his second brother, the one who was bullied was his eldest brother, and the one adding fuel to the fire was their parents. Zhan Lao San was full of anger with nowhere to vent, almost suffocating himself.
"I overheard Grandpa and Grandma talking. Dad will admit that he accepted the money and harmed Mrs. Zeng by causing the startled horse incident, instead of second uncle." As soon as Zhan Feiyu said this, she saw Zhan Lao San freeze there as if struck by lightning. Is my eldest brother an idiot? No, eldest brother is completely brainless! Zhan Lao San could hardly believe what he heard. The evidence was conclusive; it was clearly second brother who accepted money and committed a deadly act. Even if he were expelled from the clan, he would deserve it! Thinking of the one hundred and fifty taels of silver in Jubao Money Bank, second brother curled his lips disdainfully. Second brother always spoke so nicely, yet he hid so much money in private. The rift between the brothers was partly due to this money.
"Third brother, why are you standing there blankly holding Xiao Yu? The Yao brothers have already come to the door!" Zhuzi said urgently, stepping forward to pull Zhan Lao San. "Hurry back! Don't let the Yao family smash up the house!"
"The Yao family dares to come to the door?" Zhan Lao San, having come to his senses, roared furiously. He put Zhan Feiyu down and ran towards the Zhan family. "I'll beat those two scoundrels to death! They dare to cause trouble at the Zhan family! Do they think I'm dead..."
Third uncle is truly impetuous. Zhan Feiyu walked slowly towards home with her short legs. From a distance, she could see a circle of onlookers standing at the courtyard entrance.
"Xiao Yu is back." A sharp-eyed aunt saw Zhan Feiyu and couldn't help but smile. "Everyone, move aside. Xiao Yu is back. Don't block the door."
"Thank you, Auntie," Zhan Feiyu said obediently, thanking her. Ever since Steward Zeng had come aggressively and returned defeated, Zhan Feiyu's status in the village had instantly risen. No one treated her like a child anymore.
In the courtyard, Zhan Lao San, holding a hoe, assumed an imposing stance, glaring at the two Yao brothers and several Yao family members. "How dare you come to the door? My second brother is lying in bed with no one to care for him, and second sister-in-law has run back to her maiden home to be lazy." Zhan Lao San became more and more agitated as he cursed, his voice as loud as thunder. "That's not all. What does my second brother's injury have to do with Xiao Yu? Where did second sister-in-law get the nerve to cry, make a scene, and threaten to hang herself, demanding five hundred taels in compensation? Are you Yao family people more shameless than your butts!"
Cough, cough! The village head coughed with a stern face. This brainless Zhan Lao San, had he forgotten that his mother was also surnamed Yao! Madam Zhan slapped Zhan Lao San on the back impatiently. "Who are you yelling at!"
"Uh... Mother, I'm not yelling at you. I'm saying that second sister-in-law is too much. She's blinded by money." Zhan Lao San chuckled and apologized. Zhan Feiyu glanced at the Yao family members in the courtyard. There were six or seven of them, men and women. Clearly, they were not here to fight; they lacked that momentum. Madam Zhan also saw Zhan Feiyu entering the door. A flicker of disgust and hatred flashed in her eyes. Then she said to the village head, "Don't listen to Lao San's nonsense. My in-laws are just here to check on Lao Er's condition, not to cause trouble." Everyone understood the meaning behind Madam Zhan's words. They were not here to fight, so naturally, it was a Zhan family affair. The village head and the other neighbors had no reason to stay.
After a while, only the Zhan family and the Yao family remained in the main hall. Zhan Feiyu and Li Shi did not come over; the mother and daughter were in the kitchen preparing food. Madam Ma was curious about the Yao family's intentions. No matter how Madam Zhan signaled her, she pretended not to see and sat in the main hall with little Niuniu.
"Brother, it's not that I, Yao Shugen, am unrighteous, but given Lao Er's current situation, I can only let Hehua and Li remarry." Old Father Yao said with a fawning smile, ignoring the fierce gaze of Old Man Zhan, and stated what needed to be said. "However, don't worry, Brother. Hehua will bring Da Lang and San Lang with her. The man she remarries has injured his foundation, and it is precisely when he needs sons to inherit his lineage."
"No way, second sister-in-law is going to remarry? And take Da Lang and San Lang with her?" Madam Ma cried out, both shocked and excited. She had had many conflicts with her sisters-in-law and naturally had no affection for them. Madam Ma was gloating at Xiao Yao Shi's misfortune, but unfortunately, she was still at her maiden home today and had not returned.
Outside the courtyard, the neighbors who had come to watch the excitement had not left. They were all standing outside the wall, eavesdropping. They didn't expect Madam Ma's voice to be so loud. Several aunts' eyes lit up, and they stretched their necks further to look at the Zhan family, wishing they had a pair of exceptionally keen ears.
"Third wife, who are you yelling at? It's not your place to speak in the Old Zhan family!" Old Man Zhan angrily slammed the table, wishing he could beat the gloating third daughter-in-law. It was the Zhan family that was disgraced; what was she happy about! Madam Zhan glared at Madam Ma like a cannibal. Frightened by Madam Zhan's ferocious expression, Madam Ma shivered, hugged little Niuniu, and hunched her body. She looked scared, but her eyes were shining with excitement.
Mother Yao was also a shrew. She snorted with a dark, old face. "In-laws, Lao Er is about to be expelled from the clan. Our Yao family has already done our utmost. Otherwise, if these two children were left to your Zhan family, they might not even be able to marry a wife in the future!" The Zhan family had not yet divided, but as a large tree branches out, it would eventually divide. With Lao Er expelled from the clan and Xiao Yao Shi remarrying, the second branch would only have two children left. Without adult support, and with such a pair of in-laws, what good family would be willing to marry in and suffer hardship!
Old Man Zhan stood up in shock. "Lao Er, Da Lang and San Lang are my Zhan family's descendants. Your father is still alive, and no one can take away my grandsons!" Old Man Zhan cared about his reputation. The first branch only had the little girl Zhan Feiyu. If the two children of the second branch were taken away, then the entire Zhan family would only have Zhan Er Lang as a male descendant. Could it be that both the first and second branches would be childless? Old Man Zhan could not afford to lose face!
"Lao Er, don't worry. Big brother will raise Da Lang and San Lang for you in the future!" Zhan Lao Da quickly said. As long as he had food to eat, he would not let the two nephews starve.
Old Er looked at Zhan Lao Da with gratitude and emotion, but finally shook his head. "Big brother, I know you are good to me, but with a father expelled from the clan, Da Lang and San Lang have already lost the path of scholarly and official careers, and it will even affect their future marriages. It's better to leave with their mother. At least they will still have a clean reputation." Lao Er's expulsion from the clan was a foregone conclusion, affecting not only himself but also Zhan Da Lang and San Lang. Of course, it also affected other children of the Zhan family. However, for distant cousins, once the family divided, this impact would be negligible.
Zhan Feiyu sat outside the kitchen, peeling vegetables, and listened to the conversation from the main hall. A mocking smile appeared on her plump face. It was indeed a good show. If she hadn't overheard for a whole night before, she would have believed this acting.
"Alright, in-laws, Hehua is definitely going to remarry. We're leaving now. If you truly can't bear to part with Da Lang and San Lang, our Yao family won't force you." Old Father Yao dropped his words and got up to walk towards the door. He had no choice but to leave, as Zhan Lao San was once again looking angry and ready to fight. Old Father Yao was a little scared.
"Old Er, think about it. For the sake of the children, agree to let Hehua take the children to remarry!" Mother Yao also chimed in. With a whoosh, all the Yao family members walked out in unison. As they exited the main hall, they saw Zhan Feiyu. Mother Yao glared at her fiercely, likely having heard many bad things about Zhan Feiyu from Xiao Yao Shi.
When the dishes were served, Lao Er had no appetite and returned to his room to lie down. Old Man Zhan and Madam Zhan had worried expressions on their faces, and others were hesitant to start eating.
"Father, Mother, actually, the Yao family isn't wrong. A couple is like birds flying in the same forest; when disaster strikes, they fly in different directions. Second brother has been expelled from the clan, so second sister-in-law will definitely remarry," Madam Ma grumbled, enduring her hunger. Father and Mother were just biased towards second brother. If it were their own daughter, Father and Mother would surely let their daughter remarry.
"Shut up!" Madam Zhan glared at Madam Ma like a man-eating beast. "How did I marry such a foolish woman like you for Lao San! Remarry, remarry, are you trying to force your second brother to death!" Scolded, Madam Ma pouted aggrievedly. "It's not like I made second brother accept money to harm someone and get expelled from the clan..." Before she could finish her complaints, Madam Zhan's expression was too ferocious, and Madam Ma lowered her head sheepishly, thinking that as long as she didn't speak, it would be fine!
"Alright, everyone eat!" Old Man Zhan said. No one spoke anymore. Zhan Feiyu acted as if nothing had happened, eating and drinking as usual. Seeing Zhan Lao San's confused gaze, Zhan Feiyu smiled silently. Uncle San probably suspected something too.