Chapter 547: The Contract
Wu Zhen, having practically grown up alongside Master Yu, knew exactly what his master wanted to know and emphasized the young lady who had visited their home twice.
"I made some inquiries. Our young lady became acquainted with that girl last year. She claims to be from the capital, and judging by her accent, she does sound like a capital native, so she's probably telling the truth."
This was precisely what Master Yu wanted to hear. Half-conscious, his daughter had slipped him medicine and hinted for him to take it. He had initially resigned himself to trying anything in desperation, but not only did the medicine ease his body, it also prolonged his waking periods. However, since his wife trusted her maiden family, he had no choice but to keep even her in the dark.
Groping along the inner seam of the bed, Master Yu retrieved a small porcelain vial and handed it to Wu Zhen. "Chenxiang has been bribed by Zeng Xianglin. We can't move against her for now. Tell Weiwei to be cautious. As for Madam, don't let her leave the house, and under no circumstances allow her to visit the Zeng family."
"Yes."
Master Yu gasped for breath rapidly. "Tell Weiwei that Zeng Xianglin cannot be trusted. Since Qi Qiu is connected to Zeng Xianglin, he's no good either. They are plotting against the Yu family."
He had almost tacitly surrendered the silver mine and even allowed Zeng Xianglin to arrange for someone to marry into the Yu family as a son-in-law. He had thought this would appease Zeng Xianglin and at least ensure Weiwei's safety. But he never expected that Zeng Xianglin wouldn't stop at taking his life—he had no intention of sparing Weiwei's either, let alone leaving the Yu family with an heir. How could he accept this?
Master Yu's features twisted in rage. Since retreating or not retreating led to the same outcome, why should he retreat any further? Even with one foot already in the underworld, he would claw his way back and drag Zeng Xianglin down to hell with him.
His vision blurring intermittently, Master Yu closed his eyes. "Take the brush holder from my study to Weiwei. Tell her she is now the head of the Yu family. Everything in the household is hers to decide. She should act as she sees fit, without worrying about the consequences."
"Yes." Wu Zhen's nose tingled with emotion. "Rest assured, the young lady is very clever. She had already guessed that someone from the Zeng family would come and instructed me beforehand to wait here. She'll summon me for questioning later."
A faint smile touched Master Yu's lips. This was the person he had raised and taught himself. No one knew better than he how intelligent his daughter was, so much so that his regret over not having a son felt less acute.
Noise came from outside. Wu Zhen tucked the small vial into his robe, adjusted his master's quilt, and just as he finished, the slightly ajar door was pushed open, and Chenxiang hurried in.
Now wary, Wu Zhen clearly noticed her stealing an extra glance at the bed.
The next day was overcast, with winds howling fiercely. The weather that had been warming up seemed to have reverted to the depths of winter overnight, and the thick clothing that had just been put away was worn again.
Hua Zhi had a hard time getting out of bed and clung to her hand warmer, refusing to let go.
"Will you be going over there as well?"
"An unfamiliar face would be inappropriate. Zeng Xianglin is highly vigilant." Gu Yanxi looked at A Zhi. "Are you still going out in this weather?"
"No, it's so cold—what a perfect excuse." Hua Zhi smiled with satisfaction. It wasn't as if she particularly enjoyed those social engagements; being able to skip them was a relief.
Gu Yanxi smiled along. "How about a game of Go then?"
"Let's play."
They began their leisurely back-and-forth on the board, their conversation uninterrupted. "What exactly is Zeng Xianglin's identity? Could he also be from the Chao Li Tribe?""I've investigated him twice. The second time was when I became suspicious of him, so I looked into him particularly thoroughly, but found nothing questionable. His background can be described as completely clean." Gu Yanxi placed a black piece to block A Zhi's path. "Zeng Nanyi and his wife conceived him one year after marriage. As the eldest son and grandson of the Zeng family, he grew up smoothly. When he was twenty-seven, Zeng Nanyi stepped down and let him take over the family business. His capability is evident to all—he has led the Zeng family to flourish."
"How old is he now?"
"Thirty-five."
Hua Zhi placed a white piece, cutting off his incomplete dragon formation. "What about Zeng Nanyi? Is his background also clean?"
"According to our investigation, yes. Thankfully so, otherwise I can't imagine how many years the Chao Li Tribe has been scheming."
Hua Zhi thought about it and realized it was true—if Zeng Nanyi were also from the Chao Li Tribe, it would far exceed the previously estimated forty years.
"If both are from Daqing, why would Zeng Xianglin abandon his proper life to serve the Chao Li Tribe like a beast of burden? What's in it for him?" Hua Zhi shook her head. "I still find it hard to accept. A person's actions must have a reason—either for fame, profit, repaying a kindness, or seeking revenge. The Zeng family is considered the leading household in Jin Yang, with wealth and power. Even if he helps the Chao Li Tribe conquer the land, could he become one of them? From what I know, the Chao Li Tribe is extremely exclusive. During the century they established their state, they treated Central Plains people almost like livestock. Where does he get the confidence that he would be an exception?"
"To the Chao Li Tribe, Central Plains people are even less than livestock—they treat their horses with great care."
Hua Zhi smiled. "True, I misspoke."
On the chessboard, the white pieces were scattered and disconnected, while the black dragon had taken shape. Hua Zhi placed another piece in an inconspicuous spot, while Gu Yanxi's black pieces continued to be placed methodically. Their styles were completely different, yet neither underestimated the other.
Bao Xia entered to report, "Miss, Lady Yu is here."
The two exchanged a glance. Gu Yanxi stood up. "I'll go to the adjacent room."
Walls have ears—a fitting precaution at this moment.
Hua Zhi straightened her clothes and went to the door. Soon, she saw Bao Xia leading Yu Weiwei over.
Before Hua Zhi could say anything, Yu Weiwei hurried over, pulled her inside, and asked in a low voice, "Is it safe to talk?"
Hua Zhi glanced at Bao Xia, who understood and withdrew, closing the door behind her.
"It's safe. I'm the only master here. The servants came with me from the capital—they're all trusted."
Yu Weiwei turned her back and, using her cloak as cover, fiddled with something for a moment before handing Hua Zhi what appeared to be one or several sheets of paper.
The warmth of the papers stirred something in Hua Zhi's heart—to hide them so carefully...
"Shall I open it?"
Yu Weiwei nodded repeatedly, looking somewhat excited.
Hua Zhi opened it and saw it was indeed a contract. At a glance, she recognized the signatories: Yu Chengxiang, Zeng Xianglin, and Zhu Ling.
Just as she had suspected, it was the contract regarding that silver mine.
"Ling Niang's medicine worked well. My father has been lucid for longer periods. He had the steward bring me the brush holder from his study." Yu Weiwei lowered her head with a faint smile, her eyes reddening. "When I was little, I was mischievous and dropped the brush holder. It broke in two, and I cried for a long time out of fear. To comfort me, my father reassembled it in front of me. That's when I learned the bottom of the brush holder was hollow. My father hid this contract there.""So Qi Qiu went to your father's study just to look for this?"
"Definitely for this purpose." Yu Weiwei sneered, "My mother released him. Yesterday my cousin's wife mentioned that Zeng Xianglin would take him to broaden his horizons today - they left early in the morning."
Hua Zhi understood. Zeng Xianglin had brought Qi Qiu along, which showed his trust in Qi Qiu. Could Qi Qiu be from the Chao Li Tribe then?
PS: A few days ago, some readers mentioned their birthdays. I noted that I must send blessings, but then got completely overwhelmed by revisions and forgot. Now I still want to wish you a happy birthday! I read all your comments, and not just once. When I struggle with writing, I go through them again - they're my source of motivation. Love you all.
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