The entire Qi Mansion was cheering for Qi Yuansi's release, while on the other side Zhang Yi also sent over several gifts to celebrate Qi Yuansi's return.
Fengyang County Commander's Mansion
Wang Shao had also learned about the release of Chief Patrol Officer Qi Yuansi.
He sighed to his confidant, "These Noble Families are like ancient trees with intertwined roots. To remove one is not enough to completely kill their vitality, unless the whole forest is uprooted!"
Qi Yuansi's release was unexpected.
But he also heard rumors in the court, saying that Cai Hengxing was using public office for private revenge in Fengyang County, retaliating against the Qi Family over a personal conflict involving his beloved son.
An Imperial Censor had even submitted a memorial to investigate this matter!
Cai Hengxing, under pressure, had no choice but to pacify the situation by using Qi Yuansi's lax military discipline as an excuse to remove him from the position of Chief Patrol Officer.
Of course, it was also due to the circumstances of the time.
Although the drought around Fengyang has been resolved, winter has arrived. Noble families in surrounding commanderies refused to open their granaries to help the people, unlike the few county-honored clans within and outside Fengyang. Instead, they accelerated land grabs, leaving the displaced refugees, incited by those with intentions, to form bands of roving bandits. This time, several groups of refugees united to even capture two county towns, killed officials, and redistributed grain, looking to gain momentum.
As the Imperial Envoy and Governor of the Southern Provinces, Cai Hengxing had no choice but to go and suppress the rebellion due to imperial orders, unable to attend to affairs within Fengyang County.
Wang Shao looked at the County Commander's mansion, which had flourished with great difficulty, and a bitter smile flashed in his eyes.
With Cai Hengxing gone, he, as the County Commander, was nothing more than meat on the chopping board of the three great families.
Although Qi Yuansi was gone, of the eight Marshals under him, most were from noble families; he was unable to overturn such a situation.
"Bright Heaven and Earth, but one can only cry out in vain!"
Wang Shao looked at the solemn and heavy desk, reaching out to gently touch it, patting it softly; this position, though rewarding, was life-threatening.
He could only hope that the newly arrived Governor could hold the situation in Fengyang County; otherwise, if widespread chaos ensued, nothing could be done.
...
Meanwhile, Zhang Jian entered the Qi Mansion.
He first met with Qi Yi, then went to see Qi Yuansi and Madam Qi Wan, certainly to bid farewell to Qi Yuansi as well.
"Ah Yu, this time I really need to thank you for saving my life. If the Dingnan Marquis's Mansion hadn't spoken on my behalf in the court, His Majesty might not have considered the Qi Family's decades of defending the borders, allowing your uncle to return!"
At this moment, Madam Qi Wan lifted her teacup, toasting with tea instead of wine, showing some sentiment in her expression.
Madam Wan had considerable influence in the capital as well, but fearing the current Emperor's suspicion, she didn't dare exert too much force. Meanwhile, the Dingnan Marquis's Mansion, as an outsider, intervened with surprising effectiveness.
They knew that Qi Yi had already resolved to die. If the current Emperor insisted on implicating the Qi Mansion, Qi Yi was prepared to prove his loyalty through death, to allay the Emperor's doubts, and exchange for the family's future.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian quickly stood up, repeatedly saying he didn't dare.
His eyes carried a smile, surprised at the weight the Dingnan Marquis's Mansion carried in the court.
This small test has proved useful; such influence could come in handy later.
Qi Yuansi also wore a smile on his face, looking more and more satisfied with Zhang Jian's demeanor.
In high spirits, he raised his cup several times for a hearty drink, soon becoming slightly intoxicated.
Behind the screen, the two sisters crowded together, Qi Yuhua watching the scene with a small, delicate, and slightly joyous expression.
Qi Yuzhu, on the other hand, held an odd look, giggling beside her.
"Sister, is this not what brother-in-law meant when he said, 'There is a tree on the mountain, its branches yearning, my heart rejoices in you, yet you are unaware'?"
Qi Yuhua glanced at Qi Yuzhu upon hearing this, playfully flicking the mischievous hand in her lap, "Don't talk nonsense!"
Though she said so, her bright eyes couldn't help but glance at the hall inside the jade screen.
Seeing this, Qi Yuzhu chuckled, "Big sister wants to get married!"
But before she could finish her words, was promptly silenced by an exasperated Qi Yuhua who covered her mouth, quickly pulling her towards the inner chamber. At that moment, glancing toward the screen, it seemed she saw that tall figure's surprised gaze turn their way.
...
Qi Family Flower Garden
By the well, Zhang Jian walked over post-lunch, called by someone to this place.
Looking at the well in front of him, he felt uneasy.
He knew below lay Bai Liying's Well Dragon Palace.
Zhang Jian's eyes swept past the well; beside it, two water hibiscuses grew increasingly vibrant under the Qi Family gardener's care, the two little demons quietly hiding their spiritual wisdom.
So long as the little demons behaved, Zhang Jian had no intention of troubling them.
At this time, Zhang Jian lifted his gaze to see a lively young figure leading a team of female attendants approaching, many carrying baskets covered with blue cloth.
The girl was none other than Qi Yuzhu, lively yet greeting him formally.
"Brother Zhang!"
"Little Sister Yuzhu!"
Zhang Jian smiled gently, offering a slight bow.
Qi Yuzhu sized him up, a faint smile tugging at her lips as she spoke crisply.
"Brother Zhang, I've heard you're heading to the Capital for the imperial exam. The journey is long, through wind, frost, and snow. Someone cares deeply for you but dares not meet, specially asking me to bring you some items you might find useful!"
Passing on the message with her small face tight, Zhang Jian couldn't help but find it amusing. He also noticed a graceful figure behind a fake mountain, her back turned, bringing a smile to his eyes.
At this moment, Qi Yuzhu had the female attendants open the baskets one by one, proudly introducing each item.
"Brother Zhang, here's a sachet someone sent you for revitalization, some top-quality fur-made knee guards, and this red fox fur coat, personally embroidered by someone... there are also these, blessings that you'll place high on the Golden List, succeed brilliantly!"
Pausing, she added for herself.
"Also, in Haojing City, there are many beautiful young ladies and little demons; Brother Zhang must not be swayed by those beauties, but remain pure and self-respectful!"
She ended with arms akimbo, speaking with justified righteousness.
Zhang Jian found it amusing, yet smiled wryly.
He said, "Little Sister Yuzhu, you can thank her on my behalf for her concern!"
"I also prepared a gift for her!"
In saying this, Zhang Jian produced a small jade box from his hand to Qi Yuzhu, who immediately handed it over to the maid beside her for safekeeping, nodded, and after looking around, quickly left.
Zhang Jian looked at the baskets in his hand, smiled faintly, and then turned to leave.
"They've already left; why are you still standing here stupidly!"
Behind the fake mountain, Qi Yuzhu eyed the absentminded Qi Yuhua and pouted.
At the same time, she took out a jade box from her bosom.
"Here, this is from Brother Zhang for you!"
Qi Yuhua's charming eyes twitched, and she deftly opened it, revealing a jade pendant.
At the sight of it, Qi Yuhua gasped softly in delight.
Only one glance was needed to see the vivid green of the jade pendant, its core appearing a brilliant red like a burning flame, as if a Phoenix was taking flight within.
Just one look was enough for Qi Yuhua to fall in love with it.
Qi Yuzhu cast her eyes on it as well, a touch of envy in her voice as she muttered, "Brother Zhang said this is Phoenix Blood Beautiful Jade, rumored to form when a drop of blood from the Phoenix Divine Bird's Nirvana falls into a jade mine, containing Phoenix Spiritual Qi. The jade nourishes people, and the hidden Phoenix blood subtly alters and enhances one's life palace to restore health and make one impervious to ailments!"
Hearing this, joy filled Qi Yuhua's heart, though her expression remained controlled, just a light smile. But at that moment, Qi Yuzhu suddenly cried out in surprise.
"Sister, look, the bird within the Phoenix Blood Beautiful Jade moved and emitted a red glow?"