The sounds of fighting and killing had lasted for nearly half an hour—even if the yamen had taken bribes to feign ignorance, it was impossible to ignore. Only when news arrived that the docks had fallen silent did a group of yamen runners leisurely make their way over, laughing and joking along the way, even rehearsing how they would flatter Young Master Zheng.
Upon entering the docks, they expected to see Young Master Zheng majestically subduing those outsiders. Instead, what met their eyes was a pile of bodies and a blood-soaked ground.
Terrified, they clutched the swords at their waists and stumbled backward. One quick-witted runner blurted, "I’ll report to the magistrate!" and fled far away.
The rest inwardly cursed their slow reactions. Exchanging glances, they resolved not to take another step forward until the magistrate arrived.
Hua Zhi merely nodded upon hearing the report. She had no intention of troubling herself with minor players. "Keep an eye on the outside. Report immediately if anything happens."
Xu Ying acknowledged the order and left.
Hua Zhi turned to Shaoyao. "What do you plan to do with those people?"
"Take them to Jiangling. I want to ask the Governor of Jingzhou what right he has to send local garrison troops to die for his brother-in-law. I’ll also question the Jingzhou commander—what is the meaning of this? He was stationed in Jingzhou to defend it, not to collude with Governor Lai! If there’s no reasonable explanation, then let them plead their case before the Emperor and the Seven Constellation Bureau."
Hua Zhi naturally wouldn’t oppose Shaoyao’s plans. After a brief consideration, she said, "Since there’s no rush, Xu Ying."
Xu Ying entered promptly in response.
"Find a suitable time to charter a ship heading north from the shipping company. Be generous with the payment. Tentatively schedule it for tomorrow."
"Yes."
Hiding behind her brother, Wu Dashuang couldn’t help glancing at Hua Zhi upon hearing this. The words reeked of wealth and influence—likely far surpassing Cao Dahai. If she left with them, she might truly live well, just like Bao Xia. Wasn’t she also a maid? Yet her demeanor outshone even the young ladies Wu Dashuang had seen in Cao Dahai’s household.
Wu Dashuang hesitated once again.
"Miss," Xu Ying returned, "Shopkeeper Xia has arrived with a large group."
Hua Zhi raised an eyebrow. Given the time it took for the news to spread from the docks to Xia Jiang, and for him to gather his men, his arrival was neither delayed nor perfunctory. "Invite him in."
Xia Jiang was at a loss to describe his feelings at that moment. The anxiety he felt on the way here was now replaced by shock. He had mentally prepared to confront Zheng Bei and rescue the young lady, mobilizing all the shipping company’s manpower and even summoning his father for support. Yet, the situation had turned out completely opposite to his expectations.
"Jiang’er, it seems your patron doesn’t need our help after all." Having weathered many storms, Xia Donglai quickly regained his composure after the initial surprise and immediately considered the benefits the Xia family could reap from this.
Daring to act against Zheng Bei despite knowing his status clearly indicated they had powerful backing. Perhaps...
As the servant approached, the half-gray-haired Xia Donglai began forming a plan.
"Young Master, our young lady requests your presence."
Xu Ying bowed slightly, her back straight, her expression and posture perfectly balanced—showing respect without causing discomfort.Xia Donglai grew even more convinced of his initial impression. He had visited the provincial capital and met influential figures, yet none had servants with such caliber.
What he hadn’t expected was that the girl his son described as more decisive than any man now stood covered in wounds. While the guards had suffered only superficial injuries, she looked far worse—proof that she had personally engaged in the earlier confrontation.
“Eldest Miss.” Xia Tao hurried over, his eyes widening at the sight of her injuries, a mix of shock and guilt washing over him. “I arrived too late.”
“Your presence alone speaks of your integrity, Young Master Xia. Who could have predicted Zheng Bei would dare to act so brazenly?” Hua Zhi glanced at the elderly man behind Xia Tao, already forming a guess about his identity. Leaning on the chair back for support, she rose and offered a slight bow. “Might I ask who this is…?”
“This is my father, Xia Donglai. Father, this is Eldest Miss.”
“So you are Master Xia. It’s an honor.”
“Seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times. No amount of praise from Tao could compare to witnessing this in person.” Xia Donglai cupped his hands in salute, his eyes devoid of any condescension toward women.
Hua Zhi smiled faintly and gestured for the non-essential staff to withdraw, leaving only Little Six and Shaoyao by her side. “I’m afraid you’ve come a bit early. Once the yamen officials arrive, the Xia family may be implicated.”
“Hah! I’d say we arrived just in time. Regardless, you are a patron of the Xia family—how could we stand idly by?”
Hua Zhi could discern the sincerity beneath his words. Compared to those who cowardly kept their distance, the Xia family had already shown remarkable courage. She could hardly ask for more.
“Incidentally, there’s something I’d like to inquire about. Since the Xia family handles freight transport, are you acquainted with any passenger shipping lines?”
“Eldest Miss, Eldest Miss! I know one!” Jiang Huanran, who had vanished earlier, reappeared, eagerly offering his assistance. “There’s only one passenger ship to the capital. Just name your departure date, and I’ll have it arranged.”
“I need to charter an entire vessel, likely departing tomorrow.”
“So soon? Eldest Miss, your injuries…”
“They’re of no concern. We must go to Jiangling to settle this matter.”
Jiang Huanran understood immediately, his brow furrowing. “Eldest Miss, is that… advisable?”
After all, the Hua family was no longer what it once was. Mu Yunyang might not even acknowledge them—wasn’t this akin to delivering themselves to be humiliated?
“If I don’t go, can he pretend this never happened?”
“You could file a lawsuit upon returning to the capital. The fact that Mu Yunyang deployed garrison troops alone is enough to land him in hot water. If I persuade my father to intervene, he may not emerge unscathed. The Great Qing Dynasty has only nine regional commanders—everyone wants their own faction in power.”
Had it been solely her affair, she might have chosen that path. But this was no longer just about her. Shaoyao was determined to make Mu Yunyang pay, and no one could dissuade her—nor did Hua Zhi wish to. “I must go.”
Seeing his persuasion was futile, Jiang Huanran gave up. He would simply accompany her. Mu Yunyang might disregard the Hua family, but he couldn’t afford to slight the Jiang Family. No matter how powerful a regional governor was, he paled in comparison to capital officials operating under the Emperor’s watchful eye. While the Hua family currently had no one at court, the Jiang Family had several.
Listening to their exchange, Xia Donglai grew increasingly restless. Just then, commotion erupted outside as Xu Ying entered to report, “The officials are here.”Hua Zhi wiped all traces of smile from her face. "Cao Cao, no need to stand on ceremony. Go."
Even through the Veiled Hat, one could sense Shaoyao's cold sneer. She rubbed her wrist and left the room without a word.
PS: Making up for yesterday's update.
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