Chapter Ten: Nothing But Farewell

When Wang Kui was brought out, Yanqing caught a glimpse of him.

Though nothing was said, Zheng Yanqing suddenly understood—he might have meddled in affairs that were none of his concern.

Indeed, when one considered the three centuries of turmoil during the Eastern Jin and Northern and Southern Dynasties, with dynasties rising and falling in chaos, it was clear the Zheng family had survived through their own wisdom. If Zheng Yanqing could spot flaws, could not the venerable Zheng master see them as well? Why, then, did Zheng master feign ignorance?

“Yanqing, the master wishes to speak with you.”

Yanqing quickly rose and followed the servant cautiously into the inner hall.

He had repeatedly warned himself not to underestimate the ancients, but involuntarily, a sense of superiority crept in. He could not even pinpoint its origin. Was it because he knew the trajectory of history? Yet truly, Yanqing’s knowledge amounted to nothing more than the broad strokes recorded in official histories. The details—the countless truths—had long since vanished in the river of time. Without the particulars, what did knowledge of the general trend avail him? Every fragment could cost a life. Thus, as Yanqing stepped through the doors of the inner hall, he abandoned all sense of superiority.

He was no longer a deputy mayor; the so-called political wisdom of his previous life was best left unexhibited.

“Master.”

Yanqing spoke softly in the hall.

Zheng master put aside the ledger and scrutinized Yanqing. Though his face was stern, his eyes held appreciation. After all, in Zheng master’s eyes, for a child so young to discern what many adults could not was extraordinary.

Moreover, Yanqing’s actions undoubtedly sprang from loyalty to the Zheng family.

A loyal and intelligent servant was naturally an asset... Most crucial was Yanqing’s age. If at this age he possessed such courage and wisdom, what would he become when grown?

Zheng master had passed sixty; Zheng Renji had reached thirty. In time, Anyuan Hall would be governed by Zheng Hongyi. To have such a helper would be a great boon for Hongyi.

Perhaps, his own branch might even preside over the Hall of Classics?

At this thought, a faint smile appeared on Zheng master’s stern visage, vanishing quickly, replaced by a cold severity. He coughed softly. “Yanqing, you may stand and speak.”

Yanqing stood, hands at his sides, head lowered.

Zheng master asked, “Yanqing, do you know your crime?”

“I do.”

“How dare you steal another’s belongings and even commit murder... By the law of the Kaihuang era, you cannot escape death.”

Yanqing’s heart jolted, but he quickly grasped the meaning.

By the law, he should indeed die; yet here in Anyuan Hall, his fate lay with Zheng master. As long as Zheng master spared him, nothing would happen. If Zheng master wished him dead, no law could save him.

Once, an official in his previous life had uttered a blasphemous—yet true—remark: the law exists only for ordinary folk. For that, the official was dismissed and investigated. Yet, his words held merit.

Since ancient times, privileged classes had always existed, both East and West.

In this era, the Zheng family belonged to that class... Though less powerful than the Guanlong clique, their centuries of honor far surpassed that of commoners.

Yanqing showed fear, but also an inexplicable stubbornness.

“My grandfather always told me, without the Zheng family, I would not be alive.

Though humble, I wish to share the master’s burdens. If anyone threatens the master or the Zheng family, even if I lose my head, I must stop them.”

“Oh?”

Zheng master smiled. “How did you know who threatened the Zheng family?”

“Grandfather said Second Master was dismissed from office. Yet he returned without his household, which was odd. Later, I noticed Steward Wang and the other fellow sometimes showed no respect for rank, but Second Master voiced no complaint, making it even stranger. Some days ago, I happened to see Steward Wang enter the Waterside Pavilion...

So I felt things were not quite right.

Moreover, grandfather’s mood was low at the time, so I thought I should help share his worries.

Originally, I just wanted to search Steward Wang’s room today for clues. But unexpectedly, I was discovered by Pei An, so... Master, I am willing to pay for my crime with my life, but please do not blame grandfather. He knew nothing from start to finish; all was my reckless doing... Please punish me.”

Upon hearing this, Zheng master nodded inwardly.

He knows loyalty and filial piety, distinguishes right from wrong, and has courage!

In that moment, Zheng master judged Yanqing, and his resolve to cultivate the boy deepened.

Zheng Shian, having settled Wang Kui, returned to the inner hall.

Hearing Yanqing’s words, his heart surged; he staggered in, falling to his knees before the master. “Master, Yanqing is young and ignorant, unaware of the depths—please spare him. I beg you, spare his life.”

“Grandfather...”

Earlier, Yanqing’s words carried a hint of performance, but seeing Zheng Shian plead so, he felt moved.

He knew Zheng Shian was not kin by blood, yet treated him as his own. His uncle was missing, his mother dead, and the father was a stranger. Apart from them, Zheng Shian was his closest relation.

For a moment, Yanqing was deeply touched.

But Zheng Shian did not notice, and continued to kowtow.

Zheng master sighed, rose, and helped Zheng Shian up.

“Shian, I never said I would punish Yanqing. He acted for the Zheng family’s sake; so young, yet understanding filial piety and loyalty... Shian, you have a fine grandson, and I am not a muddle-headed master—how could I blame Yanqing?”

Zheng Shian was overjoyed. “Master, you truly won’t punish Yanqing?”

“I will not!”

Turning, Zheng master looked at Yanqing. “But Yanqing, you must tell me the truth.”

“Every word I speak is true, never a lie.”

“Is that so?” Zheng master sneered. “You claim you killed Pei Wen’an, but you were with me at the stove sacrifice. When could you have done it? I know Pei Wen’an’s skill. You, a child, could kill him? I do not believe it.

Tell me, who helped you?”

Yanqing’s heart stirred. “Master, no one helped me. I truly killed Pei An.”

Zheng master continued to sneer, moving to Pei An’s corpse.

He pushed the body with his foot and said, “Pei Wen’an has two fatal wounds, one in the back, one in the chest, caused by different weapons. Yet the truly fatal strike was in the back. Someone, while Pei Wen’an was distracted, stabbed him in the heart from behind with a short sword or dagger... With his skill, Pei Wen’an could block his blood flow instantly. If treated quickly, he might even survive.”

Yanqing’s face changed.

Zheng master continued, “If you made that stab, Pei Wen’an could have wounded you immediately.”

He demonstrated, turning as if in the moment. “Given the situation, you had no chance to pull out the weapon. Thus, someone behind Pei Wen’an withdrew it, causing his blood to flow. Then you stabbed his chest from the front with Pei Wen’an’s own knife, finishing him.”

Zheng master’s description matched the actual scene almost exactly.

Yanqing lowered his head in silent alarm.

Holding the blood-stained knife, Zheng master looked from Pei An’s corpse to Yanqing.

“After Pei Wen’an died, someone slashed him seventeen times with this knife. Then you yourself slashed him another dozen times.

Yanqing, do you know how I could tell?

Heh, our ancestor, Master Lianshan, was a seventh-rank master in his day. I may not equal him, and age has weakened me, but my discernment remains. Your dozen slashes were forceful, but the other seventeen strikes carried innate strength that shattered bones. Well? Will you now confess who your accomplice was?”

As the saying goes, ginger grows hotter with age.

Yanqing did not understand the difference, but after Zheng master spoke, he had nothing to say.

“Still silent?” Zheng master’s tone grew harsh.

Zheng Shian wished to plead, but a glare from Zheng master silenced him. He could only hold Yanqing and softly urge, “Yanqing, I know you want to be loyal, but at a time like this, don’t be stubborn.”

Yanqing remained mute.

Zheng master saw this, and his admiration for Yanqing increased.

He could easily guess Yanqing’s accomplice; his purpose was to further test the boy’s character, and to clarify the true origins of Madam Xu and her daughter. After all, to let two unknowns remain in Anyuan Hall—even as women—was unnerving.

Though he did not get the answer from Yanqing, he was satisfied.

This child, so young, understood loyalty—such a one would not easily betray.

At that moment, several martial men entered from outside.

The leader, Yanqing recognized: Zheng Yuan, grandson of Zheng Rongye. Zheng Rongye had followed Zheng master’s father in raising arms; both died on the battlefield, leaving only this grandson, whom Zheng master valued highly.

He belonged to a collateral branch of Anyuan Hall, trained in martial arts from youth, and was now a fifth-rank warrior—a skilled man.

Zheng Yuan stepped forward, whispered a few words in Zheng master’s ear, and handed him a letter.

“They’re gone?”

Zheng master started, brow furrowing.

“I went as ordered, but the house was empty. Only this letter remained. I dared not delay and came to report at once.”

Zheng master nodded, not opening the letter, but gazed at Yanqing for a moment and softly said, “Madam Xu and her daughter—they’ve gone!”

“What?” Yanqing exclaimed, raising his head.

He saw a strange smile on Zheng master’s face.

He understood at once: Zheng master had already guessed his accomplice was Duoduo—he merely wanted Yanqing to admit it.

Zheng master then opened the letter, written in neat script.

As he read, his expression changed...

After a long while, he took a deep breath, signaled Zheng Yuan to bring a candle, and set the letter aflame. He tossed it into a bronze cauldron, where it burned to ash. Zheng master’s face was unsettled.

After a moment, he gritted his teeth and said, “Zheng Yuan, go at once to the Xingzhou Prefectural Office and find your thirteenth uncle. Tell him that the family slaves Madam Xu and her daughter absconded during the stove sacrifice, taking money and goods. Ask him to issue a warrant for their capture.”

Xu Mi was Madam Xu’s name, but its truth was unknown.

Yanqing immediately understood Zheng master’s intentions: the letter must have revealed Madam Xu’s true origins, hence his change of face. Reporting to the authorities was a way to remove future worries. After all, the prefectural office was managed by another Zheng clansman. With this connection, the paperwork would be spotless.

“Shian, take Yanqing back. From today, he must not step outside the courtyard until the journey to Luoyang after the New Year.”

This was punishment, but negligible.

As Yanqing followed Zheng Shian out of the hall, he suddenly felt a hollow emptiness within.

Was it sorrow? Or...

He could not say.

Madam Xu was gone, and Duoduo too.

Why had they left? Yanqing knew well.

Madam Xu was no ordinary woman and possessed wisdom. After Duoduo returned, Madam Xu would surely ask, and likely deduce the truth. Their departure freed Yanqing from the need to protect them.

Yet their leaving brought a sense of loss.

Separated?

Would he ever see Duoduo again, hear her crisp, lively voice?