Chapter Ten: Rumors (Guaranteed First Update, Please Vote)

Early the next morning, Zheng Yanqing was preparing to depart with Xiong Dachui when Zheng Renji sent someone over.

"Uncle, the Eldest Young Master requests your presence!"

It was hardly surprising for Zheng Renji to summon Zheng Yanqing. However, everyone knew that Zheng Renji did not care for Zheng Shi'an. Over the past few years, beyond a brief encounter outside the General’s Hall, the two had not even spoken a word. Even when returning to Xingyang for ancestral rites, they would stagger their schedules to avoid awkwardness.

Zheng Shi'an was puzzled. "The Eldest Young Master wants to see me? What for?"

Zheng Weishan whispered, "Word came from Xingyang last night. I hear the Old Master’s health is failing; it is feared he may not survive the winter. The Eldest Young Master is likely calling for you because of this."

"The... the Old Master, he is failing?"

Regardless of Zheng Shi'an’s feelings toward Zheng Renji, he still held deep affection for the Zheng family and Zheng Dashi. They had grown up together and faced death side-by-side. Upon hearing that Zheng Dashi was critically ill, his earlier grievances vanished. He quickly called for Zheng Yanqing. "Yanqing, come with me to Luoyang. I hear the Old Master is dying!"

Zheng Yanqing was startled, but he did not hesitate. "Then let us leave quickly."

Zheng Shi'an changed his clothes and summoned Wang Zheng and Xiong Dachui. "Dachui, go check out Tongyuan Market. If you think it’s suitable, invite that person over; we can negotiate the price. Brother Tiger, please keep an eye on things here. If Yanqing and I are both gone, there must be someone left to guard the house."

Both Xiong Dachui and Wang Zheng had complicated feelings toward the Zheng family. Generations of their families had lived under the Zheng family's wing, and they had shed blood for them in their youth. To say they had no attachment would be a lie, yet the Zheng family’s actions years ago had undeniably broken their hearts. However, this did not mean they could simply forget them. Both nodded and went their separate ways.

Xu Shiji followed along. In the carriage, he asked with concern, "Yanqing, will the Old Master be alright?"

Zheng Yanqing had not seen Zheng Dashi’s condition, so he could not answer. When the group arrived at the Zheng manor, they saw a long line of carriages and horses at the entrance, with servants busy loading luggage. It appeared the situation was indeed dire.

Zheng Weishan led the grandfather and grandson into the main hall. Xu Shiji went off to find Zheng Hongyi to inquire about the situation, feeling a sense of anxiety as he observed the chaos.

Zheng Renji was planning to move. Could it be that Zheng Dashi’s condition had deteriorated to a point where Zheng Renji felt compelled to leave Luoyang?

As Zheng Yanqing pondered the purpose of their summons, Zheng Renji emerged from the back hall, looking troubled.

"Eldest Young Master, how is the Old Master?"

Zheng Shi'an could not bring himself to call Zheng Renji 'nephew,' so he stuck with the old address, which was easier for everyone. Zheng Renji nodded slightly and gestured for them to sit.

"News arrived from Anyuan Hall yesterday; my father’s health has been declining. Especially since the start of winter, things have worsened. He began vomiting blood some days ago, and the family fears he will not last the season. I requested to retire from office yesterday, and the imperial court has approved my petition."

"Ah!" Zheng Shi'an gasped in shock.

Retirement meant resigning from his post. Though Zheng Renji had struggled in his role over the past two years, he was still a fifth-rank official. While the Zheng family was not what it once was, there was still potential for advancement. By retiring, he was effectively cutting off his future.

Zheng Renji smiled at Zheng Shi'an’s surprise. "Uncle, do not be shocked. I have had this thought for a long time. The Emperor has established the Six Ministries, and my position as a Cao Yuan has become redundant. Yan Zhou also advised me before he left not to cling to this post. Personally, I have no attachment to it. I just hadn't found the right opportunity. Now that Luoyang is becoming the capital, the situation is increasingly complex. The fates of Gao Ying and Heruo Bi serve as a warning. With my father critically ill, I have an excuse to leave this place of turmoil."

Contrary to Zheng Shi'an's expectations, Zheng Renji addressed him with notable respect, even warmth.

"This is a letter from my father. He also wishes for me to leave Luoyang. However, he specifically mentioned you in the letter, insisting that I bring you back. He says he wishes to see you one last time."

Zheng Yanqing felt a sudden stir of intuition. He suspected that Zheng Dashi’s request was more than a simple goodbye. He wanted to refuse on his grandfather’s behalf, but he lacked a suitable reason. Seeing Zheng Shi'an’s agitated and anxious demeanor, he knew he couldn't stop him.

Zheng Shi'an nodded repeatedly. "Eldest Young Master, when do we depart?"

"The sooner, the better. If we leave before dark, we can reach Yanshi by the first half of the night and should be back in Xingyang by noon the day after tomorrow."

"Then I shall return at once to prepare." Zheng Shi'an took Yanqing’s hand and stood up.

Zheng Yanqing suddenly stopped and asked, "Uncle Zheng, is Shiji going to Xingyang as well?"

Zheng Renji frowned. "Shiji’s situation is a bit complicated. His father wants him to study in Luoyang to pursue a career. I have already cleared the way for him; if he passes the examinations next spring, he can enroll. My father also hopes Shiji stays in Luoyang; his horizons will be broader here, which will benefit him."

So that was it. It seemed Zheng Renji had made up his mind. For some reason, Zheng Yanqing felt something was off, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Zheng Dashi’s illness was likely genuine. In this era, filial piety was paramount; even if Zheng Renji had an agenda, he would hardly dare use such a ruse.

***

"Yanqing, you shouldn't go back!"

On the way home, Zheng Shi'an said solemnly, "Didn't Master Li Ji write to say he had found a teacher for you? This illness of the Old Master’s will likely take time. If you go to Xingyang and your teacher comes looking for you, wouldn't you miss a great opportunity? Your studies are the priority now. The Eldest Young Master is right; Luoyang is a place that broadens one's outlook. Even Xu Shiji is staying, so you certainly shouldn't leave. Xingyang is too small; I fear that going back will hinder your future."

Xingyang was not small—it was the second-largest city in the Heluo region after Luoyang. However, with Luoyang trending toward becoming the capital, the gap between the two would only widen. Zheng Shi'an hoped that after he returned to see Zheng Dashi, he could return to Luoyang.

Zheng Yanqing was reluctant, but Zheng Shi'an was firm. After returning to the Bamboo Garden, he asked Wang Zheng to stay behind to look after Zheng Yanqing. He packed a few clothes, mounted his blue donkey, and rode back to Luoyang to meet Zheng Renji.

At noon, Xu Shiji arrived with his belongings. "Yanqing, Hongyi and the Eldest Young Master have departed, and Steward Zheng is staying to look after the property here. I thought it better to stay with you. Steward Zheng will send over some books later; the Eldest Young Master left them for you."

"Left them for me?" Zheng Yanqing looked at him in surprise. Since when did he have such a close relationship with the Zheng family?

Books were precious in this era, as printing was still in the block-printing stage. Zheng Yanqing had heard of movable type, but he only had a vague understanding of the process. It was a concept that needed the right opportunity to spread.

"Shiji, is the Old Master truly critically ill?"

Xu Shiji nodded. "I asked Hongyi; he said the news came yesterday afternoon and there is some turmoil in the family. Hongyi didn't know much, only that the Madam and the Eldest Young Master had argued over his resignation. I suspect it’s true. Hongyi seems reluctant to return."

If that was the case, Zheng Dashi was indeed likely dying.

Zheng Yanqing helped Xu Shiji move his things into the bamboo building. The Bamboo Garden had three bamboo buildings and seven or eight huts. Yanqing and Zheng Shi'an each occupied one. The third, previously occupied by Du Ruhui, was now empty, making it perfect for Xu Shiji.

Zheng Shi'an had left in such a rush that he didn't wait for Xiong Dachui to return. It wasn't until dusk that Xiong Dachui arrived with four young men.

"The Big Nose went to Xingyang?" Xiong Dachui was surprised, but upon hearing about Zheng Dashi, he wasn't shocked. After all, Zheng Shi'an had been with the Old Master for nearly sixty years.

"Then I shall move in as well..."

"What about your home?" Wang Zheng asked.

"Xiong Wei can hold down the fort now; I don't need to worry about home matters. Moving here allows me to look after Yanqing. If anything happens to that grandson while the Big Nose is gone, I wouldn't be able to answer for it."

Zheng Yanqing had no objections to them moving in. His gaze fell upon the four young men. Among them, the youngest, a boy of about seventeen or eighteen, seemed to be the leader. He was thin, quiet, and somewhat shy.

"Qing-wa, his name is Shen Guang!" Xiong Dachui pointed to the boy. "He’s from Wuxing, just turned seventeen, and has no family burdens. The other three are locals who were also job-hunting in Tongyuan Market. They are good people with clean backgrounds. I’ve agreed to pay them twenty strings of cash a year, plus food and lodging. Shen Guang is very skilled; people in Tongyuan Market call him the 'Flying Immortal of Flesh.' He has an ancestral talent for martial arts and is excellent at raising horses."

"Flying Immortal of Flesh, Shen Guang?" Zheng Yanqing bowed. "I am Zheng Yanqing."

The four men returned the bow. "Young Master Zheng, please do not be so formal. It is our honor to serve the famous Ban Yuanjun."

Shen Guang was quiet, merely bowing with the others. He clearly possessed a natural curiosity about Zheng Yanqing but was less overt about it than his companions.

Zheng Yanqing made a few polite remarks and asked Aunt Mao to settle them in. As they left, Shen Guang suddenly said, "Young Master Zheng, it would be best if you did not enter the city for a while."

"Why?"

"I heard that someone is planning to cause you trouble."

"Cause me trouble?" Zheng Yanqing was puzzled. He had kept a low profile for years; who would bother him?

Shen Guang hesitated before whispering, "Young Master Zheng, do you know Miss Pei from General Pei’s household?"

"You mean Pei Cuiyun?"

"Exactly!"

Zheng Yanqing nodded. "I know her, but we are only acquaintances. We have no deep friendship."

"But rumors are circulating..." Shen Guang looked embarrassed. "The rumor is that you once molested Miss Pei!"

Wang Zheng stood frozen, and Xiong Dachui spat out his water. Xu Shiji looked at Zheng Yanqing with profound shock and a hint of skepticism. Zheng Yanqing coughed repeatedly.

"Brother Shen, one cannot speak nonsense. When did I ever molest Miss Pei?"

"I don't know the details. The rumors are quite specific—they say you molested her jade-like feet and pushed her down... I just wanted to warn you that someone is coming for you."

"When did I ever push her down?" Zheng Yanqing’s face flushed red. He suddenly realized: could this be the misunderstanding from the Luopu Library? He had simply been treating her sprained ankle, and yet it had been twisted into molestation.

"Brother Shen, do you know who is coming for me?"

Shen Guang scratched his head, acting mysterious. "I heard it is the grandson of the Pillar of State General—the grandson of the Ruyang Prefect, General Mai Tiezhang. His name is Mai Zhong. He was one of the 'Four Little Tyrants' in Chang'an. He has been pursuing Miss Pei, and when he heard the rumors, he was furious."

"Mai Zhong?" Zheng Yanqing let out a bitter laugh. It was all a misunderstanding, yet it had escalated into a street scandal. Even worse, if Changsun Sheng had heard these rumors, it might explain why he had been silent for over a month.

*This cannot be,* he thought. *I must explain this clearly, or I will be branded a lecherous youth, which would be a catastrophe for my chances of finding a master.*

He needed Pei Cuiyun to step forward and clarify the truth.

"Brother Shen, do you know where the General’s residence is?"

"The General moved in recently; he lives in Qinghua Ward, near the Xuanren Gate. It’s a property of the Hedong Pei clan, easy to find."

"I will write a letter immediately. Brother Shen, please deliver it to Miss Pei before the city gates close."

Zheng Yanqing hurried upstairs. Xu Shiji asked curiously, "Brother Shen, how are you so familiar with the affairs of Chang’an?"

"Young Master Xu, Tongyuan Market is near the Luoshui wharf, where merchants and travelers from all over the world gather. We hear all sorts of news."

"And who are the other 'Four Little Tyrants'?"

Shen Guang thought for a moment. "Mai Zhong is one. Then there are the brothers Yuwen Chengji and Yuwen Chengzhi, grandsons of the Duke of Puyang, Yuwen Shu. The last one is Dugu Xiude, a relative of the Empress Dowager. Though I hear Dugu Xiude has changed a lot since the Empress Dowager passed away."

Wang Zheng and Xiong Dachui exchanged looks of horror. The titles of Pillar of State and Empress Dowager’s kin were terrifying. If Mai Zhong was truly coming for Zheng Yanqing, could the boy survive the fallout? The two old men looked at each other, their faces filled with deep anxiety.