Chapter 93.
After agreeing to the orders for face cream from the county official's wife and Mrs. Qian, and chatting for a while, Fu Wei and the others finally came out of the study room temporarily used by County Official Zhou.
Yu Ying and Fu Wei bid farewell to the county official's wife and left with Mr. and Mrs. Qian.
Despite working with Fu Wei for over two months, Qian had been quite aloof. But now, he seemed to regret not getting to know Fu Wei sooner, pushing Fu Wei's palanquin and discussing ways to improve Yu County’s situation since leaving the study.
Their engaging conversation continued all the way from the courtyard to the point where their paths diverged.
After parting ways with the Qian couple, Yu Ying, pushing Fu Wei’s palanquin, couldn't help but laugh, "Mr. Qian is really interesting. He used to be so indifferent to you, but now he can't stop talking to you."
Fu Wei commented, "Perhaps he didn’t get along well with Mr. Sun, the other aide. Now that he's found someone he can talk to freely, he’s naturally more talkative."
"Mr. Qian is not without merit, but his arrogance previously gave Mr. Sun the opportunity to sway people in the county office, leading to a balanced power struggle."
"Now that Mr. Qian is on your side, Mr. Sun should no longer be a concern."
Fu Wei's smile was light and casual, "He never was a concern. Whatever he plans next is already within my expectations."
Yu Ying chuckled, "Then you really are amazing."
Fu Wei turned to look at her, raising an eyebrow slightly, "You seem a bit perfunctory."
Yu Ying blinked, "I'm quite serious."
Seeing the slightly forlorn expression on her face, Fu Wei couldn't help but smile wryly.
Back outside the room, Yu Ying asked him, “When do you plan to go out?”
The smile on Fu Wei's face faded, “In another hour. Aren’t you making lip balm? I’ll stay and help you.”
“The pottery jars haven’t arrived yet. I guess we can start making it in the afternoon, and it should be ready by tomorrow.”
After pondering for a few moments, Fu Wei suggested, “Then let's go out for a walk. The market in the county seat has more variety than in Yuxian. We could buy some New Year goods.”
Yu Ying agreed with the idea of preparing for the New Year.
Even though she was separated from her family by time and space, she needed to take care of herself and make the most of each day, maintaining the festive spirit of the New Year.
After agreeing, Yu Ying went back to the room to grab some silver coins and a bamboo basket before leaving with him.
Knowing Fu Wei's mobility was limited, County Magistrate Zhou had not only arranged a carriage for him but also assigned Huo Yachai and Wu Xiaoyachai as escorts, ensuring Yu Ying’s peace of mind when going out.
They chose a market close to a teahouse, so after shopping, Fu Wei could also visit the teahouse.
About half an hour later, they arrived at their destination.
Yu Ying and Fu Wei got off the carriage, Huo Yachai found a place to park it, and Wu Xiaoyachai followed them.
With roughly ten days left until the New Year festival, the county seat was exceptionally lively.
The place was bustling with people, crowded shoulder to shoulder.
The stalls were more numerous than before, with the streets lined on both sides by a variety of goods, leaving no empty space.
Yu Ying looked around, wanting to buy so many things, but limited by her budget, she had to choose only what was necessary.
For snacks, Yu Ying bought ten catties each of candied pears and preserved fruits, along with twelve boxes of bean cakes.
These were not only for her own consumption but also for gifting.
She planned to give New Year gifts to Song Sanlang, the He family, Chen, the owner of Wu Ji Food Shop, Old Man Chen, and others at the yamen who had looked after her over the past six months.
Their care and attention had helped her tremendously, and she understood the importance of reciprocating favors.
Yu Ying also purchased red paper for door decorations, silk flowers for Fu Ning, and hairbands for Fu An.
She bought various items, spending about seven hundred coins in total.
When she turned to hand the items to Fu Wei, she realized his lap was already full of snacks, and Wu, the junior constable, was also carrying his arms full.
……
She hadn’t realized she had bought so much.
Fortunately, she was now earning a decent income, otherwise, she would have felt the pinch.
Seeing that it was almost time, Yu Ying headed towards the direction of the tea house.
As they neared the tea house, she and Fu Wei exchanged a glance and, with unspoken understanding, she said, “There’s a carriage available. I plan to go to the pottery shop to collect jars for the lip rouge and face cream. Would you like to come along, or would you prefer to rest at a tea house first?”
Understanding her hint, Fu Wei thought, “The market is crowded, and it’s difficult to navigate with the palanquin. I don’t know how long it will take to reach the carriage. If you still want to shop, I can wait for you nearby.”
Yu Ying looked around and then, seeing the tea house, she said to Wu, the junior constable, “Please take my husband to the tea house ahead, and then help me with these items to the carriage.”
Wu, the junior constable, grinned and said, “No trouble at all.”
Yu Ying and Wu, the junior constable, escorted Fu Wei to the tea house and booked a private room on the first floor.
While heading to their room, they noticed another private room marked with a sign that read "Ting Yu Chamber."
That was undoubtedly the right room.
Yu Ying paused next to the room with an open door and said, “Let’s take this one.”
Once inside, after ordering a pot of tea, Yu Ying glanced at Fu Wei and subtly instructed, “I should be back in about half an hour. Wait for me here, and if you need anything, ask the tea house staff.”
Fu Wei nodded lightly, “I understand.”
Yu Ying, carrying her things, left with Wu, the junior constable. Just as she stepped outside, she turned back for one more glance at Fu Wei before departing.
After watching them leave, Fu Wei closed his eyes, feigning rest, and gently tapped his knee as he waited.
Soon, the faint sound of a door opening came from the neighboring room.
His fingertips paused on his knee, and Fu Wei slowly opened his eyes, his expression calm.
He adjusted his position and began to push his palanquin towards the doorway.
There was a doorstep about one finger high at the entrance. As he gripped the door frame, he leaned back slightly, allowing the palanquin to tilt backwards. Then, with a discreet forceful pull, he maneuvered the wheels over the doorstep.
If he was to maintain his disguise, he couldn’t give away any signs outside.
Arriving in front of the "Ting Yu Chamber," Fu Wei raised his hand and lightly knocked three times.
The door of the private room opened, revealing a burly, imposing middle-aged man.
The man had a short beard on his chin, a stern yet dignified appearance with a commanding presence that was intimidating. His deep-set eyes gave off a chilling effect.
The middle-aged man, upon seeing Fu Wei, slightly squinted as he studied his face. After a moment, his gaze dropped to the palanquin and Fu Wei’s legs, darkening in expression.
The middle-aged man spoke first, "Come inside and talk."
As he spoke, the man stepped out of the private room, walking past Fu Wei.
Fu Wei kept his eyes lowered, subtly observing the man's right hand and footsteps.
The man had large hands; interestingly, it wasn't his left, the usual hand for wielding a sword, but his right hand that bore a thick, aged callus.
The weapon he used must be a long spear.
His steps were heavy yet steady, almost soundless, indicating he was well-trained in martial arts.
The middle-aged man reached the back of the palanquin and effortlessly pushed Fu Wei over the threshold and into the room.
After closing the door and pushing Fu Wei to the table, he sat down beside him.
The man took an extra glance at Fu Wei, then opened a teacup in front of him and poured steaming hot tea.
"I thought you wouldn’t come," the man said.
After filling the cup about three-quarters full, he set down the teapot, took a sip from his cup, and scrutinized Fu Wei, "Do you believe what was written in the letter?"
Fu Wei looked at him calmly, unreadable, "I came to hear what you have to say. Whether I believe it or not, I'll decide after listening."
The man suddenly smiled, "Your demeanor and words don’t resemble Huo Shanrong, that traitor, at all. You're exactly like your biological father."
Hearing his foster father’s name and the word "traitor," Fu Wei's hand on his leg tensed slightly, but he maintained his composure.
"It seems you not only know my biological father but also have some understanding of my foster father."
The man scoffed, "Acknowledging a traitor as your father isn’t wise."
Fu Wei remained silent.
The man looked at him, "What, upset about me speaking of your foster father?"
Fu Wei remained silent for a moment before speaking, "First and foremost, you need to explain the whole situation clearly to me so I can make a judgment, rather than accusing me of acknowledging a traitor as a father without understanding the context."
The middle-aged man, hearing his words, took out an envelope and placed it on the table. He pushed it towards Fu Wei with a long finger.
"Inside this envelope is information that we have gathered over the past twenty years. If you wish to send this information to Lingnan to gain your foster father's favor, then go ahead and send it."
Fu Wei glanced at the envelope and then looked up at the man, pondering for a moment before asking, "Are you an old subordinate of my biological father, now one of the Muchun Mountain bandits?"
The middle-aged man showed a look of surprise upon hearing this and then nodded without concealment, "Yes, I am."
After confirming, he added with a smile, "It seems Huo Shanrong raised you well. This is his retribution."
The information revealed in the man’s words, combined with what Fu Wei had always been reluctant to delve into, pointed towards a possibility.
The possibility that his foster father harmed the Fu family.
The man sighed, and after a lengthy silence, he asked, "How are Mrs. Fu and Zhen now?"
Fu Wei raised an eyebrow, "I thought you had already investigated this."
The man replied truthfully, "I only learned of your whereabouts in Cangwu County a few days ago. Although I sent scouts to investigate the Fu family in Yu County’s Lingshui Village, they have not yet returned."
Hearing this, Fu Wei frowned slightly, "Their lives have been hard enough. They are just starting to improve. If you truly are a former subordinate of my biological father, then don’t disturb them. Let them live a normal life."
The man looked at him, "Even if you learn about the suspicious circumstances of your father’s death and that the Fu family didn’t have to suffer, do you still plan to do nothing?"
Fu Wei’s eyes darkened, countering, "What can I do? How can I intervene with my mere aide status?"
The man fell silent.
After a moment of silence, he looked down at Fu Wei's legs, "What happened to your legs?"
Fu Wei casually responded, "They were broken during an encounter with bandits while being exiled to Lingnan."
The man narrowed his eyes, "Are you sure it wasn’t Huo Shanrong’s biological son who had someone break them?"
Fu Wei glanced at him and remained silent.
His gaze was already eloquent enough.
Both being astute, there was no need for excessive explanations or superfluous words.
The middle-aged man seemed to understand, saying, “Once you return, I’ll arrange for someone to treat you.”
“No need, I'm already receiving treatment.”
The man raised an eyebrow, his look skeptical, “Are you refusing my help because you fear my people will disrupt your life?”
Fu Wei replied, “That's part of the reason, but I’m also telling the truth. Since you’ve sent someone to investigate, you should know who I’m talking about.”
Towards the end, Fu Wei’s expression grew colder, “I don’t know you, and this is our first meeting. I don’t trust you.”
The man chuckled, “Fair enough. My reasons for telling you this are twofold: first, to inform you that your biological father was no traitor, and second, to ensure the son of Lord Fu doesn't mistakenly acknowledge a traitor as his father and come to harm. As long as you understand this, it’s enough.”
He stood up, looking at Fu Wei, “I can't stay long in the jurisdiction. We shall part here. If you face any difficulties, I will assist.”
With that, he walked behind Fu Wei and began to push the palanquin.
Fu Wei glanced at the letter on the table, eventually picking it up and placing it inside his chest.
The man pushed Fu Wei just outside the private room before leaving directly.
Once Fu Wei returned to his original private room and the door was closed, he took out the letter from his chest and opened it.
She pulled out a letter, only to find it consisted of as many as ten pages. Upon examining it, her expression grew serious.
After Huo Yachai and Wu Xiaoyachai loaded the pottery jars onto the carriage, they headed to the teahouse.
The round trip from leaving to returning to the teahouse took about an hour.
Back in the private room, Yu Ying saw Fu Wei leisurely enjoying his tea, showing no sign of any change from before they left.
For a moment, Yu Ying wasn't sure if he had met the mysterious person or knew something.
Now outside, with others around, it wasn’t appropriate for Yu Ying to ask. She had to wait until they returned to the guesthouse and were alone in their room to inquire further.
It was now midday, the usual time for lunch, so Fu Wei hosted a meal for them at a restaurant.
After the meal, to keep up with the earlier excuse, Yu Ying listlessly wandered for another half hour, buying a few items.
By the time they returned to the guesthouse, it was nearly the end of the afternoon.
Throughout the journey back, Fu Wei’s expression remained unchanged.
Only after sitting down in their room did Yu Ying finally voice the question she had been holding back.
"Did you meet the person?"
Fu Wei nodded lightly, "Yes, I met him...," he paused, recalling the man’s appearance, "He was a middle-aged man with a blend of righteousness and roguishness, a paradoxical mix yet strangely harmonious."
Yu Ying imagined a middle-aged man with a full beard and a square face, as described by Fu Wei.
The more Yu Ying thought about it, the stranger it seemed, so she decided not to dwell on it. She redirected her attention to Fu Wei and asked, “What did that man tell you?”
Fu Wei took out the letter and handed it to her.
Yu Ying, with a puzzled expression, took the letter and began to read.
As she read the contents of the letter, her expression turned solemn.
The letter clearly detailed the events of twenty years ago in Wuling County, implicating Governor Fu in treason and collusion with the enemy. It meticulously listed dates, involved parties, and events without a single flaw.
Most importantly, the person who secretly reported Governor Fu's collusion was the current Governor Huo.
After the report, the court sent someone to search the Governor’s office, uncovering incriminating letters and spies from the enemy side.
The person conducting the search was now a corrupt and powerful court official who manipulated the court.
The letter also revealed that every year, Governor Huo secretly sent ten thousand taels of silver to the capital, directly to this corrupt official.
The routes, transporters, and receivers were all clearly detailed in the letter.
After reading everything, Yu Ying felt a moment of daze.
Setting down the letter, she looked seriously at Fu Wei, who appeared calm, and asked, “Do you believe these contents?”
Fu Wei glanced at the letter and replied softly, “I believe.”
He paused, recalling, “He indeed sends a large sum of silver every year. The escorts mentioned are correct, and moreover...” He paused again, looking at her, “The things you haven’t told me, I think I’ve already guessed what they are.”
Fu Wei now understood why it was so hard for her to speak up.
How could she tell him that his biological father was killed by his foster father, who was also an enemy of the Fu family?
Yu Ying fell silent, her emotions becoming somewhat complicated.
After a while, she asked, “Then why...”
Fu Wei smiled, “Why am I so calm, you mean?”
Yu Ying nodded.
Fu Wei let out a sigh, “I suppose I had my suspicions about him deep down, but I didn’t want to delve into it. I didn’t want to believe that the man who raised me for twenty years could be so malicious.”
If his foster father had not betrayed the Fu family, why then did he abandon him?
Why did he allow Huo Minzhi to harm him?
If he was innocent regarding the Fu family, why did he specifically hide the location of their exile?
Linking these details together, he believed about half of what was written in the letter.
That his foster father colluded with corrupt officials for personal gain.
That his foster father was not a good person.
He even began to believe that his biological father was framed by his foster father.
With her previous hesitance to speak, the truth was now clear.
Yu Ying asked softly, “What are you planning to do?”
Fu Wei shook his head, “I don’t know.”
How could he possibly sort through and make sense of all this in just a couple of hours?
Fu Wei exhaled and then looked at Yu Ying with a faint smile, “Let’s not think about this today. I’ll help you make the lip balm first.”
Yu Ying, still worried, asked, “Are you really okay?”
Fu Wei shook his head, “I am stronger than you think.”
Yu Ying remained skeptical but understood that keeping busy can be the best medicine when troubled.
She stood up, fetched a grinding bowl, and asked him to grind the dried flowers and lithospermum into powder, while she borrowed pottery jars and a stove from the kitchen to boil all the lip balm containers in hot water, and then dried each one.
They worked in silence, focused on their tasks.
After they busied themselves and had dinner, Fu Wei remained calm as usual until bedtime, as if truly unaffected.
However, the more composed he was, the more uneasy Yu Ying felt.
During the night, as the cold deepened and the watchman’s calls faintly reached the room, Yu Ying half-asleep, reached out to the other side of the bed.
Her hand found only emptiness, and fully waking up, she drew back the curtain.
A lantern hung under the eaves, its light filtering into the room, outlining the objects within.
At the table, Yu Ying saw a still figure.
It was Fu Wei.
Seeing him like this, Yu Ying knew today’s events had indeed affected him, despite his nonchalant demeanor.
Chapter 93.
After agreeing to the orders for face cream from the county official's wife and Mrs. Qian, and chatting for a while, Fu Wei and the others finally came out of the study room temporarily used by County Official Zhou.
Yu Ying and Fu Wei bid farewell to the county official's wife and left with Mr. and Mrs. Qian.
Despite working with Fu Wei for over two months, Qian had been quite aloof. But now, he seemed to regret not getting to know Fu Wei sooner, pushing Fu Wei's palanquin and discussing ways to improve Yu County’s situation since leaving the study.
Their engaging conversation continued all the way from the courtyard to the point where their paths diverged.
After parting ways with the Qian couple, Yu Ying, pushing Fu Wei’s palanquin, couldn't help but laugh, "Mr. Qian is really interesting. He used to be so indifferent to you, but now he can't stop talking to you."
Fu Wei commented, "Perhaps he didn’t get along well with Mr. Sun, the other aide. Now that he's found someone he can talk to freely, he’s naturally more talkative."
"Mr. Qian is not without merit, but his arrogance previously gave Mr. Sun the opportunity to sway people in the county office, leading to a balanced power struggle."
"Now that Mr. Qian is on your side, Mr. Sun should no longer be a concern."
Fu Wei's smile was light and casual, "He never was a concern. Whatever he plans next is already within my expectations."
Yu Ying chuckled, "Then you really are amazing."
Fu Wei turned to look at her, raising an eyebrow slightly, "You seem a bit perfunctory."
Yu Ying blinked, "I'm quite serious."
Seeing the slightly forlorn expression on her face, Fu Wei couldn't help but smile wryly.
Back outside the room, Yu Ying asked him, “When do you plan to go out?”
The smile on Fu Wei's face faded, “In another hour. Aren’t you making lip balm? I’ll stay and help you.”
“The pottery jars haven’t arrived yet. I guess we can start making it in the afternoon, and it should be ready by tomorrow.”
After pondering for a few moments, Fu Wei suggested, “Then let's go out for a walk. The market in the county seat has more variety than in Yuxian. We could buy some New Year goods.”
Yu Ying agreed with the idea of preparing for the New Year.
Even though she was separated from her family by time and space, she needed to take care of herself and make the most of each day, maintaining the festive spirit of the New Year.
After agreeing, Yu Ying went back to the room to grab some silver coins and a bamboo basket before leaving with him.
Knowing Fu Wei's mobility was limited, County Magistrate Zhou had not only arranged a carriage for him but also assigned Huo Yachai and Wu Xiaoyachai as escorts, ensuring Yu Ying’s peace of mind when going out.
They chose a market close to a teahouse, so after shopping, Fu Wei could also visit the teahouse.
About half an hour later, they arrived at their destination.
Yu Ying and Fu Wei got off the carriage, Huo Yachai found a place to park it, and Wu Xiaoyachai followed them.
With roughly ten days left until the New Year festival, the county seat was exceptionally lively.
The place was bustling with people, crowded shoulder to shoulder.
The stalls were more numerous than before, with the streets lined on both sides by a variety of goods, leaving no empty space.
Yu Ying looked around, wanting to buy so many things, but limited by her budget, she had to choose only what was necessary.
For snacks, Yu Ying bought ten catties each of candied pears and preserved fruits, along with twelve boxes of bean cakes.
These were not only for her own consumption but also for gifting.
She planned to give New Year gifts to Song Sanlang, the He family, Chen, the owner of Wu Ji Food Shop, Old Man Chen, and others at the yamen who had looked after her over the past six months.
Their care and attention had helped her tremendously, and she understood the importance of reciprocating favors.
Yu Ying also purchased red paper for door decorations, silk flowers for Fu Ning, and hairbands for Fu An.
She bought various items, spending about seven hundred coins in total.
When she turned to hand the items to Fu Wei, she realized his lap was already full of snacks, and Wu, the junior constable, was also carrying his arms full.
……
She hadn’t realized she had bought so much.
Fortunately, she was now earning a decent income, otherwise, she would have felt the pinch.
Seeing that it was almost time, Yu Ying headed towards the direction of the tea house.
As they neared the tea house, she and Fu Wei exchanged a glance and, with unspoken understanding, she said, “There’s a carriage available. I plan to go to the pottery shop to collect jars for the lip rouge and face cream. Would you like to come along, or would you prefer to rest at a tea house first?”
Understanding her hint, Fu Wei thought, “The market is crowded, and it’s difficult to navigate with the palanquin. I don’t know how long it will take to reach the carriage. If you still want to shop, I can wait for you nearby.”
Yu Ying looked around and then, seeing the tea house, she said to Wu, the junior constable, “Please take my husband to the tea house ahead, and then help me with these items to the carriage.”
Wu, the junior constable, grinned and said, “No trouble at all.”
Yu Ying and Wu, the junior constable, escorted Fu Wei to the tea house and booked a private room on the first floor.
While heading to their room, they noticed another private room marked with a sign that read "Ting Yu Chamber."
That was undoubtedly the right room.
Yu Ying paused next to the room with an open door and said, “Let’s take this one.”
Once inside, after ordering a pot of tea, Yu Ying glanced at Fu Wei and subtly instructed, “I should be back in about half an hour. Wait for me here, and if you need anything, ask the tea house staff.”
Fu Wei nodded lightly, “I understand.”
Yu Ying, carrying her things, left with Wu, the junior constable. Just as she stepped outside, she turned back for one more glance at Fu Wei before departing.
After watching them leave, Fu Wei closed his eyes, feigning rest, and gently tapped his knee as he waited.
Soon, the faint sound of a door opening came from the neighboring room.
His fingertips paused on his knee, and Fu Wei slowly opened his eyes, his expression calm.
He adjusted his position and began to push his palanquin towards the doorway.
There was a doorstep about one finger high at the entrance. As he gripped the door frame, he leaned back slightly, allowing the palanquin to tilt backwards. Then, with a discreet forceful pull, he maneuvered the wheels over the doorstep.
If he was to maintain his disguise, he couldn’t give away any signs outside.
Arriving in front of the "Ting Yu Chamber," Fu Wei raised his hand and lightly knocked three times.
The door of the private room opened, revealing a burly, imposing middle-aged man.
The man had a short beard on his chin, a stern yet dignified appearance with a commanding presence that was intimidating. His deep-set eyes gave off a chilling effect.
The middle-aged man, upon seeing Fu Wei, slightly squinted as he studied his face. After a moment, his gaze dropped to the palanquin and Fu Wei’s legs, darkening in expression.
The middle-aged man spoke first, "Come inside and talk."
As he spoke, the man stepped out of the private room, walking past Fu Wei.
Fu Wei kept his eyes lowered, subtly observing the man's right hand and footsteps.
The man had large hands; interestingly, it wasn't his left, the usual hand for wielding a sword, but his right hand that bore a thick, aged callus.
The weapon he used must be a long spear.
His steps were heavy yet steady, almost soundless, indicating he was well-trained in martial arts.
The middle-aged man reached the back of the palanquin and effortlessly pushed Fu Wei over the threshold and into the room.
After closing the door and pushing Fu Wei to the table, he sat down beside him.
The man took an extra glance at Fu Wei, then opened a teacup in front of him and poured steaming hot tea.
"I thought you wouldn’t come," the man said.
After filling the cup about three-quarters full, he set down the teapot, took a sip from his cup, and scrutinized Fu Wei, "Do you believe what was written in the letter?"
Fu Wei looked at him calmly, unreadable, "I came to hear what you have to say. Whether I believe it or not, I'll decide after listening."
The man suddenly smiled, "Your demeanor and words don’t resemble Huo Shanrong, that traitor, at all. You're exactly like your biological father."
Hearing his foster father’s name and the word "traitor," Fu Wei's hand on his leg tensed slightly, but he maintained his composure.
"It seems you not only know my biological father but also have some understanding of my foster father."
The man scoffed, "Acknowledging a traitor as your father isn’t wise."
Fu Wei remained silent.
The man looked at him, "What, upset about me speaking of your foster father?"
Fu Wei remained silent for a moment before speaking, "First and foremost, you need to explain the whole situation clearly to me so I can make a judgment, rather than accusing me of acknowledging a traitor as a father without understanding the context."
The middle-aged man, hearing his words, took out an envelope and placed it on the table. He pushed it towards Fu Wei with a long finger.
"Inside this envelope is information that we have gathered over the past twenty years. If you wish to send this information to Lingnan to gain your foster father's favor, then go ahead and send it."
Fu Wei glanced at the envelope and then looked up at the man, pondering for a moment before asking, "Are you an old subordinate of my biological father, now one of the Muchun Mountain bandits?"
The middle-aged man showed a look of surprise upon hearing this and then nodded without concealment, "Yes, I am."
After confirming, he added with a smile, "It seems Huo Shanrong raised you well. This is his retribution."
The information revealed in the man’s words, combined with what Fu Wei had always been reluctant to delve into, pointed towards a possibility.
The possibility that his foster father harmed the Fu family.
The man sighed, and after a lengthy silence, he asked, "How are Mrs. Fu and Zhen now?"
Fu Wei raised an eyebrow, "I thought you had already investigated this."
The man replied truthfully, "I only learned of your whereabouts in Cangwu County a few days ago. Although I sent scouts to investigate the Fu family in Yu County’s Lingshui Village, they have not yet returned."
Hearing this, Fu Wei frowned slightly, "Their lives have been hard enough. They are just starting to improve. If you truly are a former subordinate of my biological father, then don’t disturb them. Let them live a normal life."
The man looked at him, "Even if you learn about the suspicious circumstances of your father’s death and that the Fu family didn’t have to suffer, do you still plan to do nothing?"
Fu Wei’s eyes darkened, countering, "What can I do? How can I intervene with my mere aide status?"
The man fell silent.
After a moment of silence, he looked down at Fu Wei's legs, "What happened to your legs?"
Fu Wei casually responded, "They were broken during an encounter with bandits while being exiled to Lingnan."
The man narrowed his eyes, "Are you sure it wasn’t Huo Shanrong’s biological son who had someone break them?"
Fu Wei glanced at him and remained silent.
His gaze was already eloquent enough.
Both being astute, there was no need for excessive explanations or superfluous words.
The middle-aged man seemed to understand, saying, “Once you return, I’ll arrange for someone to treat you.”
“No need, I'm already receiving treatment.”
The man raised an eyebrow, his look skeptical, “Are you refusing my help because you fear my people will disrupt your life?”
Fu Wei replied, “That's part of the reason, but I’m also telling the truth. Since you’ve sent someone to investigate, you should know who I’m talking about.”
Towards the end, Fu Wei’s expression grew colder, “I don’t know you, and this is our first meeting. I don’t trust you.”
The man chuckled, “Fair enough. My reasons for telling you this are twofold: first, to inform you that your biological father was no traitor, and second, to ensure the son of Lord Fu doesn't mistakenly acknowledge a traitor as his father and come to harm. As long as you understand this, it’s enough.”
He stood up, looking at Fu Wei, “I can't stay long in the jurisdiction. We shall part here. If you face any difficulties, I will assist.”
With that, he walked behind Fu Wei and began to push the palanquin.
Fu Wei glanced at the letter on the table, eventually picking it up and placing it inside his chest.
The man pushed Fu Wei just outside the private room before leaving directly.
Once Fu Wei returned to his original private room and the door was closed, he took out the letter from his chest and opened it.
She pulled out a letter, only to find it consisted of as many as ten pages. Upon examining it, her expression grew serious.
After Huo Yachai and Wu Xiaoyachai loaded the pottery jars onto the carriage, they headed to the teahouse.
The round trip from leaving to returning to the teahouse took about an hour.
Back in the private room, Yu Ying saw Fu Wei leisurely enjoying his tea, showing no sign of any change from before they left.
For a moment, Yu Ying wasn't sure if he had met the mysterious person or knew something.
Now outside, with others around, it wasn’t appropriate for Yu Ying to ask. She had to wait until they returned to the guesthouse and were alone in their room to inquire further.
It was now midday, the usual time for lunch, so Fu Wei hosted a meal for them at a restaurant.
After the meal, to keep up with the earlier excuse, Yu Ying listlessly wandered for another half hour, buying a few items.
By the time they returned to the guesthouse, it was nearly the end of the afternoon.
Throughout the journey back, Fu Wei’s expression remained unchanged.
Only after sitting down in their room did Yu Ying finally voice the question she had been holding back.
"Did you meet the person?"
Fu Wei nodded lightly, "Yes, I met him...," he paused, recalling the man’s appearance, "He was a middle-aged man with a blend of righteousness and roguishness, a paradoxical mix yet strangely harmonious."
Yu Ying imagined a middle-aged man with a full beard and a square face, as described by Fu Wei.
The more Yu Ying thought about it, the stranger it seemed, so she decided not to dwell on it. She redirected her attention to Fu Wei and asked, “What did that man tell you?”
Fu Wei took out the letter and handed it to her.
Yu Ying, with a puzzled expression, took the letter and began to read.
As she read the contents of the letter, her expression turned solemn.
The letter clearly detailed the events of twenty years ago in Wuling County, implicating Governor Fu in treason and collusion with the enemy. It meticulously listed dates, involved parties, and events without a single flaw.
Most importantly, the person who secretly reported Governor Fu's collusion was the current Governor Huo.
After the report, the court sent someone to search the Governor’s office, uncovering incriminating letters and spies from the enemy side.
The person conducting the search was now a corrupt and powerful court official who manipulated the court.
The letter also revealed that every year, Governor Huo secretly sent ten thousand taels of silver to the capital, directly to this corrupt official.
The routes, transporters, and receivers were all clearly detailed in the letter.
After reading everything, Yu Ying felt a moment of daze.
Setting down the letter, she looked seriously at Fu Wei, who appeared calm, and asked, “Do you believe these contents?”
Fu Wei glanced at the letter and replied softly, “I believe.”
He paused, recalling, “He indeed sends a large sum of silver every year. The escorts mentioned are correct, and moreover...” He paused again, looking at her, “The things you haven’t told me, I think I’ve already guessed what they are.”
Fu Wei now understood why it was so hard for her to speak up.
How could she tell him that his biological father was killed by his foster father, who was also an enemy of the Fu family?
Yu Ying fell silent, her emotions becoming somewhat complicated.
After a while, she asked, “Then why...”
Fu Wei smiled, “Why am I so calm, you mean?”
Yu Ying nodded.
Fu Wei let out a sigh, “I suppose I had my suspicions about him deep down, but I didn’t want to delve into it. I didn’t want to believe that the man who raised me for twenty years could be so malicious.”
If his foster father had not betrayed the Fu family, why then did he abandon him?
Why did he allow Huo Minzhi to harm him?
If he was innocent regarding the Fu family, why did he specifically hide the location of their exile?
Linking these details together, he believed about half of what was written in the letter.
That his foster father colluded with corrupt officials for personal gain.
That his foster father was not a good person.
He even began to believe that his biological father was framed by his foster father.
With her previous hesitance to speak, the truth was now clear.
Yu Ying asked softly, “What are you planning to do?”
Fu Wei shook his head, “I don’t know.”
How could he possibly sort through and make sense of all this in just a couple of hours?
Fu Wei exhaled and then looked at Yu Ying with a faint smile, “Let’s not think about this today. I’ll help you make the lip balm first.”
Yu Ying, still worried, asked, “Are you really okay?”
Fu Wei shook his head, “I am stronger than you think.”
Yu Ying remained skeptical but understood that keeping busy can be the best medicine when troubled.
She stood up, fetched a grinding bowl, and asked him to grind the dried flowers and lithospermum into powder, while she borrowed pottery jars and a stove from the kitchen to boil all the lip balm containers in hot water, and then dried each one.
They worked in silence, focused on their tasks.
After they busied themselves and had dinner, Fu Wei remained calm as usual until bedtime, as if truly unaffected.
However, the more composed he was, the more uneasy Yu Ying felt.
During the night, as the cold deepened and the watchman’s calls faintly reached the room, Yu Ying half-asleep, reached out to the other side of the bed.
Her hand found only emptiness, and fully waking up, she drew back the curtain.
A lantern hung under the eaves, its light filtering into the room, outlining the objects within.
At the table, Yu Ying saw a still figure.
It was Fu Wei.
Seeing him like this, Yu Ying knew today’s events had indeed affected him, despite his nonchalant demeanor.
