Chapter 109
With the epidemic in Jade County over, Yu Ying's name had eventually become known, not to mention Fu An working in the government office as an aide. This news would likely reach the Yu family in the new county.
The Yu family, now of low status, couldn't leave their county freely. Fu An didn't need to worry about them causing trouble for now, but it was still wise to appease them in advance.
Keeping a firm grip on the Fu and Yu families, ensuring they stay away from Ah Ying, is indeed the best strategy.
After a moment's contemplation, Fu Wei said, "Let's send it. I'll have someone deliver it. You don't need to go."
He was concerned that the Yu family might notice something amiss.
Fu Wei's agreement was within Yu Ying's expectations, but deciding how much to send was a dilemma.
She mentally tallied her current silver holdings, saying, "I have about forty taels of silver on hand now..."
Fu Wei's brow furrowed slightly as he reminded her, "Mine is yours too, add it together."
He didn't like her being so meticulous in her calculations.
Yu Ying glanced at him, understanding his thoughts, and said with a light laugh, "Alright, I'll include yours."
As she was mentally adding Fu Wei's contribution, he suddenly said, "Wait a moment."
Then, he turned and walked to a newly made wardrobe, opened it, and took out a small package, placing it on Yu Ying's desk.
Yu Ying looked at the object, then raised her eyes in confusion to Fu Wei.
"What is this?"
Fu Wei replied, "Open it and see."
Yu Ying unwrapped the cloth and saw five silver ingots, her eyes lighting up. She looked at Fu Wei and asked, "Where did these come from?"
This was the first time Yu Ying had seen silver ingots.
Fu Wei smiled and said, "Recently, the local gentry and merchants donated a thousand taels of silver, with seven hundred and some remaining. The County Magistrate gave me these five ingots today."
Yu Ying smiled and remarked, "Magistrate Zhou is quite generous then."
She quickly calculated and said, "So that means, together, we have..." her eyes widened slightly: "Over a hundred taels of silver."
This sum of over ten thousand wen was temporarily equivalent to ten thousand pieces, a number already signifying modest wealth.
After a moment's thought, Yuying suggested, "Let's send two thousand wen. What do you think?"
From her memory, she knew that aside from the beheaded patriarch of the Yu family, all servants were sold, and the women and children of the household were exiled to Lingnan.
It wasn't the emperor's mercy but the intense persuasion of high officials that spared the Yu family from the executioner's block.
The Yu family, which had raised someone with the temperament of Yu Liuniang, was certainly not a family of kindness. But having fallen to Lingnan, their pride and arrogance were likely worn down.
Yu Liuniang, the youngest legitimate daughter of the Yu family, was pampered from birth and was even more capricious than her siblings.
Regardless of legitimacy, Yu Liuniang had two older brothers, both married, and four sisters, three married and one unmarried, as well as a three-year-old niece.
Aside from the three married sisters who were not exiled, everyone else was banished to Lingnan.
When the original hostess was forced into marriage with the Fu family, the Fu family matriarch secretly gave her two silver leaves.
The Yu family, being exiles, although they hid some silver, had to bribe their way in Lingnan due to their status as a criminal family, leaving them with little remaining.
Yuying indeed survived the toughest times with those two silver leaves, an undeniable fact.
Fuyan: "You have the final say in our household affairs." After a thought, he asked, "How does the Yu family treat Yu Liuniang?"
Yuying replied, "The Yu family, particularly Mrs. Li and the eldest legitimate son, dote on the youngest sister. Even in Lingnan, they never mistreat her."
Fuyan pondered briefly, then said, "I'll send Wu, the bailiff, to handle it. Give him some silver to treat the new county's officers to a meal, so they look after the Yu family. Prepare some gifts and a letter in the next few days, making sure not to arouse suspicion."
Yuying nodded in agreement.
The matter of sending silver to the Yu family was thus settled, with Yuying only needing to prepare the letter and gifts.
Yuying purchased some cloth and grain as gifts, and also wrote a letter.
The letter was written in the character of the original hostess.
It began with a few words about her current well-being, a brief greeting to her mother, followed by a mention of Fuyan working in the government office, his physical disability being a subject of mockery, and advising them not to visit and burden him. If there were any benefits, she would send them their way.
Fuyan tasked the reliable bailiff Wu with the errand, providing him with travel expenses and instructing him to deliver the items to Shidi Village in the new county, and to be discreet about their family matters.
The journey from Yuxian to Xinxian would take at least three to four days round trip.
During the time the silver was sent to the Yu family, County Magistrate Zhou also investigated Malang's identity and released him upon confirmation.
Uncle Mo arranged for people disguised as merchants to pick him up.
Although Malang was detained, he wasn't mistreated. Upon release, he wanted to thank Madame Yu for saving his life, purchasing a heap of gifts to personally deliver to the Fu family.
Accompanied by two servants carrying loads of gifts, Malang knocked on the Fu family's door.
Wenxing was chopping herbs for making ointment when she heard the knock. Just as she was about to leave her work to answer it, Mrs. Luo, who was preparing to cook, said, "You keep working, I'll go."
Mrs. Luo wiped her hands on the cloth tied around her waist as she walked towards the courtyard.
Muttering to herself who it could be at this time, she headed to the courtyard door.
Song Sanlang was in the yard working with ointment.
At this hour, both the second brother and Liuniang would almost be off duty, and it's unlikely for someone from the office or the clinic to visit.
In Lingshui Village, only the He family knew their residence. However, coming this late meant they couldn't return to the village at night, so it probably wasn't them.
If not them, then who could it be?
Mrs. Luo opened the courtyard door in wonder and saw a robust man in his late twenties.
The man wore a grey cross-collared long robe, his face stern and resolute, with a vaguely familiar look.
Mrs. Luo was taken aback upon seeing the man.
After a moment of surprise, she regained her composure and asked, "Sir, whom are you looking for?"
Malang, seeing the aged Mrs. Luo, appearing to be in her sixties, was also startled, unable to associate her with the beautiful and gentle Madam Fu in his memory.
After a brief pause, Malang bowed and said, "My name is Shen, just Lang. I was previously saved by Madam Yu during the epidemic and have come to express my gratitude."
At the mention of the name "Lang," Mrs. Luo instantly recognized where her sense of familiarity came from.
Malang, Shen Lang, and the epidemic - it was indeed the same person.
Mrs. Luo, feeling a mix of emotions but pretending not to recognize him, smiled and said, "Liuniang has not yet returned. Please, Mr. Shen, come in and sit for a while."
Saying so, she welcomed him into the courtyard.
After seating him in the main hall, she went to brew tea.
Seeing her mother-in-law return, Wenxing asked, "Mother, who is the visitor?"
Luo remarked indifferently, "It's someone whom Sixth Lady saved before, coming specifically to express gratitude."
Having said that, she looked out of the kitchen with a somewhat heavy heart, gazing towards the main hall.
About a quarter of an hour later, Yu Ying, Fu Wei, and Fu Zhen returned after finishing their duties.
It was Luo who opened the door.
After opening the door, Luo quietly said to Yu Ying, "Sixth Lady, that man you saved at the shelter, Shen Lang, has brought gifts to our home to thank you. He's now sitting in the main hall."
Upon hearing the name Shen Lang, Yu Ying and Fu Wei exchanged a knowing glance.
Fu Wei said, "Let Ah Ying and I go meet him and ask him to take his gifts back."
Yu Ying nodded, and the two headed towards the main hall, while Fu Zhen rolled up his sleeves to help his wife with preparing medicine.
Entering the main hall, Mo Lang stood up from his chair and bowed to Yu Ying and Fu Wei: "Madam Yu, Mister Fu."
Fu Wei glanced at the person beside him, to which Mo Lang said, "He's one of our own."
Fu Wei looked outside the courtyard, noticing that the family members were either in the courtyard or the kitchen, far from earshot of the main hall's conversation, so he didn't bother to conceal anything.
"Now that you're out of prison, why not just go back? What brings you here?"
Mo Lang looked towards Yu Ying and said, "Madam Yu saved my life, I've come especially to express my gratitude."
Yu Ying responded, "I was the doctor at the shelter, and it was my duty to treat all patients sent there. There's no need for any special thanks."
Mo Lang shook his head, "It's not just about that matter. There's also the issue of concealing my identity. Moreover, I know the epidemic I caught was extremely dangerous; I was nearly at death's door. Even the best doctor in the village might not have saved me. If not for Madam Yu treating my illness and hiding my identity, I doubt I would be standing here safely."
"Furthermore, my coming to express gratitude is both reasonable and appropriate. Also, my identity won't be easily exposed, so both Mr. Fu and Madam Yu can rest assured."
Fu Wei was silent for a moment, then said, "Saving you was a calculated move. The son of the Wuling Prefect sees me as a thorn in his side. Rescuing you was to secure a protective charm for myself."
Hearing this, Mo Lang smiled, "Rest assured, if the Fu family faces trouble, my father, who has sworn brotherhood with Mr. Fu, will not stand idly by." He then lowered his voice, "Muyun Village has been in Lingnan for eighteen years, naturally developing some undercover agents. Yu County has its contacts."
Fu Wei smiled, "You're being so candid with me. Aren't you afraid I'll report you to the magistrate and have you all rounded up?"
Mo Lang laughed as if he heard a joke, then said, "Not afraid at all."
Seeing them engaged in conversation, Yu Ying said, "Mr. Mo Lang's token is still with me. I'll go fetch it for you."
Having said that, she turned and went back into the house, retrieving the hidden wooden token and wrapping it in cloth.
Fu Wei took it and handed it to Mo Lang.
Mo Lang took it, glanced at it, then wrapped it up again and handed it back to Fu Wei, "To contact the undercover agents, a token is needed. My father left a message for me to give this token to Mr. Fu."
Fu Wei looked at the token in his hand, weighing its significance.
Mo Lang added, "Don't underestimate this token; it can mobilize a hundred men."
The skilled brigands of Muyun Village were all military veterans, managed like soldiers. They didn't possess the vices of common bandits but were efficient and highly obedient.
Fu Wei looked up at him, "Such a heavy gift, you're really comfortable entrusting it to me?"
"It's my father's instruction; he has his reasons."
Fu Wei, taking the token, bowed and said, "Then please convey my thanks to your father."
Seeing him accept the token, Mo Lang then took out a piece of paper from his bosom and handed it to him, "This lists the locations of Muyun's undercover agents in Yu County. Unless necessary, try not to seek them out."
Fu Wei accepted it, expressing his thanks with a simple, "Much appreciated."
Having explained everything, Mo Lang gestured towards the two loads of gifts, "Madam Yu saved me twice, and Mr. Fu also assisted me. Therefore, I have prepared some modest gifts, please kindly accept them."
Yu Ying replied, "There's really no need for such formality."
She couldn't help but glance at the two loads of gifts, thinking that although Muyun Village didn't harm the innocent, it was uncertain if these items were acquired by plunder. If discovered, they would be tainted goods.
As if understanding her concerns, Mo Lang clarified, "Mr. Fu and Madam Yu need not worry. These were purchased with legitimate silver. Their origin is clean and clear, and they're not valuable items, just some food and daily necessities. I don't intend to take them back."
Since Mo Lang had put it that way, Yu Ying and Fu Wei accepted the gifts without further ado.
With the matters settled and the gifts received, Mo Lang then took his leave.
As he walked through the courtyard, Luo called out to retain him, "Mr. Shen Lang, why not have a meal before you leave?"
Mo Lang bowed in gratitude, "Thank you for your kind offer, Auntie, but it's getting late and I must be on my way."
With that, he turned and left.
After Mo Lang's departure, life in the house seemed to return to normal as if nothing had happened.
The gifts were all purchased in Jade County, perhaps to avoid burdening the Fu family, so indeed there were no overly valuable items.
At the end of February, Zhou, the county magistrate, received a letter from Wuling.
Upon receiving the letter, Zhou, the magistrate, scoffed immediately.
So, it has really come.
Reading the letter, he found it full of threatening language.
To expel Fu Wei from the yamen just because of a threatening letter would be a cowardly act.
Thinking of what the Fu couple had done for Jade County, he resolved not to be that coward.
After much thought, he promptly wrote a letter and sent it, along with Huo Min's letter, to the provincial capital.
Governor Shen, indulging in pleasures, was puzzled upon receiving Zhou's letter: "Why is Zhou Yi sending so many letters recently?"
He instructed his staff to read it first and then report to him.
After reading, the staff had a strange expression.
Governor Shen asked, "Why that look?"
The staff replied, "My lord, the legitimate son of the Wuling Governor has sent a letter to Jade County, threatening Magistrate Zhou."
Governor Shen, who had been leisurely listening to music, paused his hand on the armrest and narrowed his eyes, "Threatening what?"
"The governor's son threatened Magistrate Zhou, saying if he doesn’t expel Fu Wei from the yamen, then Zhou's position as magistrate would be at its end."
Governor Shen suddenly slapped the armrest, "What audacity of the governor’s son, daring to dismiss my people and threaten me on my turf. He clearly doesn’t see me in his eyes."
Looking at his aide, he asked, "Is Fu Wei the one who previously excelled in archery and acted prudently, despite being a cripple?"
The aide nodded, "Exactly. It's said that this year's proposal in Jade County to first lease land and then pay the rent, to cultivate medicinal herbs and beans, and to export these herbs, all came from this Mr. Fu. And it was Mr. Fu's wife who first discovered the epidemic. She bravely volunteered to treat the infected villagers, while Mr. Fu advised the magistrate, encouraging the local gentry and merchants to donate money and goods."
Hearing this, Governor Shen raised his eyebrows in surprise, "Both husband and wife are capable indeed." Then he chuckled, "No wonder Magistrate Zhou would come to me for such an aide."
The aide asked, "How should we handle this, my lord?"
Governor Shen sneered, "Being a governor myself, I may rule the lower province while Huo governs the upper, but aren’t there capable people in our court? Why should I fear him? Let alone just his son. How would it look if I, a respected governor, feared his son? It would be a disgrace!"
"But then..."
Governor Shen waved his hand dismissively, "Send a message to Zhou Yi, tell him to use the young man with confidence. If Wuling starts any trouble, let them come to me directly."
After speaking, he glanced at the letter and scoffed lightly, "What nonsense, daring to threaten my territory."
Governor Shen didn’t take this so-called legitimate son seriously, and then reclined in his armchair, closing his eyes to continue enjoying the melancholic melody played by the lute mistress.
Chapter 109
With the epidemic in Jade County over, Yu Ying's name had eventually become known, not to mention Fu An working in the government office as an aide. This news would likely reach the Yu family in the new county.
The Yu family, now of low status, couldn't leave their county freely. Fu An didn't need to worry about them causing trouble for now, but it was still wise to appease them in advance.
Keeping a firm grip on the Fu and Yu families, ensuring they stay away from Ah Ying, is indeed the best strategy.
After a moment's contemplation, Fu Wei said, "Let's send it. I'll have someone deliver it. You don't need to go."
He was concerned that the Yu family might notice something amiss.
Fu Wei's agreement was within Yu Ying's expectations, but deciding how much to send was a dilemma.
She mentally tallied her current silver holdings, saying, "I have about forty taels of silver on hand now..."
Fu Wei's brow furrowed slightly as he reminded her, "Mine is yours too, add it together."
He didn't like her being so meticulous in her calculations.
Yu Ying glanced at him, understanding his thoughts, and said with a light laugh, "Alright, I'll include yours."
As she was mentally adding Fu Wei's contribution, he suddenly said, "Wait a moment."
Then, he turned and walked to a newly made wardrobe, opened it, and took out a small package, placing it on Yu Ying's desk.
Yu Ying looked at the object, then raised her eyes in confusion to Fu Wei.
"What is this?"
Fu Wei replied, "Open it and see."
Yu Ying unwrapped the cloth and saw five silver ingots, her eyes lighting up. She looked at Fu Wei and asked, "Where did these come from?"
This was the first time Yu Ying had seen silver ingots.
Fu Wei smiled and said, "Recently, the local gentry and merchants donated a thousand taels of silver, with seven hundred and some remaining. The County Magistrate gave me these five ingots today."
Yu Ying smiled and remarked, "Magistrate Zhou is quite generous then."
She quickly calculated and said, "So that means, together, we have..." her eyes widened slightly: "Over a hundred taels of silver."
This sum of over ten thousand wen was temporarily equivalent to ten thousand pieces, a number already signifying modest wealth.
After a moment's thought, Yuying suggested, "Let's send two thousand wen. What do you think?"
From her memory, she knew that aside from the beheaded patriarch of the Yu family, all servants were sold, and the women and children of the household were exiled to Lingnan.
It wasn't the emperor's mercy but the intense persuasion of high officials that spared the Yu family from the executioner's block.
The Yu family, which had raised someone with the temperament of Yu Liuniang, was certainly not a family of kindness. But having fallen to Lingnan, their pride and arrogance were likely worn down.
Yu Liuniang, the youngest legitimate daughter of the Yu family, was pampered from birth and was even more capricious than her siblings.
Regardless of legitimacy, Yu Liuniang had two older brothers, both married, and four sisters, three married and one unmarried, as well as a three-year-old niece.
Aside from the three married sisters who were not exiled, everyone else was banished to Lingnan.
When the original hostess was forced into marriage with the Fu family, the Fu family matriarch secretly gave her two silver leaves.
The Yu family, being exiles, although they hid some silver, had to bribe their way in Lingnan due to their status as a criminal family, leaving them with little remaining.
Yuying indeed survived the toughest times with those two silver leaves, an undeniable fact.
Fuyan: "You have the final say in our household affairs." After a thought, he asked, "How does the Yu family treat Yu Liuniang?"
Yuying replied, "The Yu family, particularly Mrs. Li and the eldest legitimate son, dote on the youngest sister. Even in Lingnan, they never mistreat her."
Fuyan pondered briefly, then said, "I'll send Wu, the bailiff, to handle it. Give him some silver to treat the new county's officers to a meal, so they look after the Yu family. Prepare some gifts and a letter in the next few days, making sure not to arouse suspicion."
Yuying nodded in agreement.
The matter of sending silver to the Yu family was thus settled, with Yuying only needing to prepare the letter and gifts.
Yuying purchased some cloth and grain as gifts, and also wrote a letter.
The letter was written in the character of the original hostess.
It began with a few words about her current well-being, a brief greeting to her mother, followed by a mention of Fuyan working in the government office, his physical disability being a subject of mockery, and advising them not to visit and burden him. If there were any benefits, she would send them their way.
Fuyan tasked the reliable bailiff Wu with the errand, providing him with travel expenses and instructing him to deliver the items to Shidi Village in the new county, and to be discreet about their family matters.
The journey from Yuxian to Xinxian would take at least three to four days round trip.
During the time the silver was sent to the Yu family, County Magistrate Zhou also investigated Malang's identity and released him upon confirmation.
Uncle Mo arranged for people disguised as merchants to pick him up.
Although Malang was detained, he wasn't mistreated. Upon release, he wanted to thank Madame Yu for saving his life, purchasing a heap of gifts to personally deliver to the Fu family.
Accompanied by two servants carrying loads of gifts, Malang knocked on the Fu family's door.
Wenxing was chopping herbs for making ointment when she heard the knock. Just as she was about to leave her work to answer it, Mrs. Luo, who was preparing to cook, said, "You keep working, I'll go."
Mrs. Luo wiped her hands on the cloth tied around her waist as she walked towards the courtyard.
Muttering to herself who it could be at this time, she headed to the courtyard door.
Song Sanlang was in the yard working with ointment.
At this hour, both the second brother and Liuniang would almost be off duty, and it's unlikely for someone from the office or the clinic to visit.
In Lingshui Village, only the He family knew their residence. However, coming this late meant they couldn't return to the village at night, so it probably wasn't them.
If not them, then who could it be?
Mrs. Luo opened the courtyard door in wonder and saw a robust man in his late twenties.
The man wore a grey cross-collared long robe, his face stern and resolute, with a vaguely familiar look.
Mrs. Luo was taken aback upon seeing the man.
After a moment of surprise, she regained her composure and asked, "Sir, whom are you looking for?"
Malang, seeing the aged Mrs. Luo, appearing to be in her sixties, was also startled, unable to associate her with the beautiful and gentle Madam Fu in his memory.
After a brief pause, Malang bowed and said, "My name is Shen, just Lang. I was previously saved by Madam Yu during the epidemic and have come to express my gratitude."
At the mention of the name "Lang," Mrs. Luo instantly recognized where her sense of familiarity came from.
Malang, Shen Lang, and the epidemic - it was indeed the same person.
Mrs. Luo, feeling a mix of emotions but pretending not to recognize him, smiled and said, "Liuniang has not yet returned. Please, Mr. Shen, come in and sit for a while."
Saying so, she welcomed him into the courtyard.
After seating him in the main hall, she went to brew tea.
Seeing her mother-in-law return, Wenxing asked, "Mother, who is the visitor?"
Luo remarked indifferently, "It's someone whom Sixth Lady saved before, coming specifically to express gratitude."
Having said that, she looked out of the kitchen with a somewhat heavy heart, gazing towards the main hall.
About a quarter of an hour later, Yu Ying, Fu Wei, and Fu Zhen returned after finishing their duties.
It was Luo who opened the door.
After opening the door, Luo quietly said to Yu Ying, "Sixth Lady, that man you saved at the shelter, Shen Lang, has brought gifts to our home to thank you. He's now sitting in the main hall."
Upon hearing the name Shen Lang, Yu Ying and Fu Wei exchanged a knowing glance.
Fu Wei said, "Let Ah Ying and I go meet him and ask him to take his gifts back."
Yu Ying nodded, and the two headed towards the main hall, while Fu Zhen rolled up his sleeves to help his wife with preparing medicine.
Entering the main hall, Mo Lang stood up from his chair and bowed to Yu Ying and Fu Wei: "Madam Yu, Mister Fu."
Fu Wei glanced at the person beside him, to which Mo Lang said, "He's one of our own."
Fu Wei looked outside the courtyard, noticing that the family members were either in the courtyard or the kitchen, far from earshot of the main hall's conversation, so he didn't bother to conceal anything.
"Now that you're out of prison, why not just go back? What brings you here?"
Mo Lang looked towards Yu Ying and said, "Madam Yu saved my life, I've come especially to express my gratitude."
Yu Ying responded, "I was the doctor at the shelter, and it was my duty to treat all patients sent there. There's no need for any special thanks."
Mo Lang shook his head, "It's not just about that matter. There's also the issue of concealing my identity. Moreover, I know the epidemic I caught was extremely dangerous; I was nearly at death's door. Even the best doctor in the village might not have saved me. If not for Madam Yu treating my illness and hiding my identity, I doubt I would be standing here safely."
"Furthermore, my coming to express gratitude is both reasonable and appropriate. Also, my identity won't be easily exposed, so both Mr. Fu and Madam Yu can rest assured."
Fu Wei was silent for a moment, then said, "Saving you was a calculated move. The son of the Wuling Prefect sees me as a thorn in his side. Rescuing you was to secure a protective charm for myself."
Hearing this, Mo Lang smiled, "Rest assured, if the Fu family faces trouble, my father, who has sworn brotherhood with Mr. Fu, will not stand idly by." He then lowered his voice, "Muyun Village has been in Lingnan for eighteen years, naturally developing some undercover agents. Yu County has its contacts."
Fu Wei smiled, "You're being so candid with me. Aren't you afraid I'll report you to the magistrate and have you all rounded up?"
Mo Lang laughed as if he heard a joke, then said, "Not afraid at all."
Seeing them engaged in conversation, Yu Ying said, "Mr. Mo Lang's token is still with me. I'll go fetch it for you."
Having said that, she turned and went back into the house, retrieving the hidden wooden token and wrapping it in cloth.
Fu Wei took it and handed it to Mo Lang.
Mo Lang took it, glanced at it, then wrapped it up again and handed it back to Fu Wei, "To contact the undercover agents, a token is needed. My father left a message for me to give this token to Mr. Fu."
Fu Wei looked at the token in his hand, weighing its significance.
Mo Lang added, "Don't underestimate this token; it can mobilize a hundred men."
The skilled brigands of Muyun Village were all military veterans, managed like soldiers. They didn't possess the vices of common bandits but were efficient and highly obedient.
Fu Wei looked up at him, "Such a heavy gift, you're really comfortable entrusting it to me?"
"It's my father's instruction; he has his reasons."
Fu Wei, taking the token, bowed and said, "Then please convey my thanks to your father."
Seeing him accept the token, Mo Lang then took out a piece of paper from his bosom and handed it to him, "This lists the locations of Muyun's undercover agents in Yu County. Unless necessary, try not to seek them out."
Fu Wei accepted it, expressing his thanks with a simple, "Much appreciated."
Having explained everything, Mo Lang gestured towards the two loads of gifts, "Madam Yu saved me twice, and Mr. Fu also assisted me. Therefore, I have prepared some modest gifts, please kindly accept them."
Yu Ying replied, "There's really no need for such formality."
She couldn't help but glance at the two loads of gifts, thinking that although Muyun Village didn't harm the innocent, it was uncertain if these items were acquired by plunder. If discovered, they would be tainted goods.
As if understanding her concerns, Mo Lang clarified, "Mr. Fu and Madam Yu need not worry. These were purchased with legitimate silver. Their origin is clean and clear, and they're not valuable items, just some food and daily necessities. I don't intend to take them back."
Since Mo Lang had put it that way, Yu Ying and Fu Wei accepted the gifts without further ado.
With the matters settled and the gifts received, Mo Lang then took his leave.
As he walked through the courtyard, Luo called out to retain him, "Mr. Shen Lang, why not have a meal before you leave?"
Mo Lang bowed in gratitude, "Thank you for your kind offer, Auntie, but it's getting late and I must be on my way."
With that, he turned and left.
After Mo Lang's departure, life in the house seemed to return to normal as if nothing had happened.
The gifts were all purchased in Jade County, perhaps to avoid burdening the Fu family, so indeed there were no overly valuable items.
At the end of February, Zhou, the county magistrate, received a letter from Wuling.
Upon receiving the letter, Zhou, the magistrate, scoffed immediately.
So, it has really come.
Reading the letter, he found it full of threatening language.
To expel Fu Wei from the yamen just because of a threatening letter would be a cowardly act.
Thinking of what the Fu couple had done for Jade County, he resolved not to be that coward.
After much thought, he promptly wrote a letter and sent it, along with Huo Min's letter, to the provincial capital.
Governor Shen, indulging in pleasures, was puzzled upon receiving Zhou's letter: "Why is Zhou Yi sending so many letters recently?"
He instructed his staff to read it first and then report to him.
After reading, the staff had a strange expression.
Governor Shen asked, "Why that look?"
The staff replied, "My lord, the legitimate son of the Wuling Governor has sent a letter to Jade County, threatening Magistrate Zhou."
Governor Shen, who had been leisurely listening to music, paused his hand on the armrest and narrowed his eyes, "Threatening what?"
"The governor's son threatened Magistrate Zhou, saying if he doesn’t expel Fu Wei from the yamen, then Zhou's position as magistrate would be at its end."
Governor Shen suddenly slapped the armrest, "What audacity of the governor’s son, daring to dismiss my people and threaten me on my turf. He clearly doesn’t see me in his eyes."
Looking at his aide, he asked, "Is Fu Wei the one who previously excelled in archery and acted prudently, despite being a cripple?"
The aide nodded, "Exactly. It's said that this year's proposal in Jade County to first lease land and then pay the rent, to cultivate medicinal herbs and beans, and to export these herbs, all came from this Mr. Fu. And it was Mr. Fu's wife who first discovered the epidemic. She bravely volunteered to treat the infected villagers, while Mr. Fu advised the magistrate, encouraging the local gentry and merchants to donate money and goods."
Hearing this, Governor Shen raised his eyebrows in surprise, "Both husband and wife are capable indeed." Then he chuckled, "No wonder Magistrate Zhou would come to me for such an aide."
The aide asked, "How should we handle this, my lord?"
Governor Shen sneered, "Being a governor myself, I may rule the lower province while Huo governs the upper, but aren’t there capable people in our court? Why should I fear him? Let alone just his son. How would it look if I, a respected governor, feared his son? It would be a disgrace!"
"But then..."
Governor Shen waved his hand dismissively, "Send a message to Zhou Yi, tell him to use the young man with confidence. If Wuling starts any trouble, let them come to me directly."
After speaking, he glanced at the letter and scoffed lightly, "What nonsense, daring to threaten my territory."
Governor Shen didn’t take this so-called legitimate son seriously, and then reclined in his armchair, closing his eyes to continue enjoying the melancholic melody played by the lute mistress.
