Chapter 86: Intimidation
Fu Tingyun looked up in confusion, her face streaked with tears.
Outside, A Sen's anxious shouts echoed: "Miss! Miss! What's wrong?"
She jolted back to awareness.
How utterly foolish!
How could she have lost her composure just hearing about Zhao Ling's misfortune? She'd completely forgotten these two women harbored ill intentions toward her. Why had she believed everything they said without question?
Fortunately, she'd been cautious when Feng Shi invited her over. Using the excuse of changing clothes, she'd returned home first to instruct Zheng San: "Find out who Feng Shi brought with her—are there any strong men among them? And what kind of people are in Lu Shi's residence?" Upon learning Feng Shi only had two fifty-year-old coachmen and some women and children, with no outsiders at Lu Shi's house, she'd called A Sen: "You'll accompany me to General Mo's place later. If the situation seems dangerous, shout loudly." Then she told Zheng San: "Hide by the wall. If you hear A Sen shouting, rush in immediately—those women and children should be no match for you."
A Sen's shouting would summon Zheng San.
But she hadn't even verified whether Feng Shi's claims were true yet!
"I'm fine, don't shout!" Fu Tingyun quickly called out.
Through the door, she heard A Sen's subdued "Oh."
This servant boy accompanying Miss Fu was far too meddlesome!
Feng Shi felt displeased but decided to let it pass for now—she had more important matters at hand.
"Look how distressed Miss Fu is," Feng Shi sighed sympathetically, instructing Lu Shi, "Have a maid bring water so Miss Fu can wash her face. After all, Centurion Zhao's matter was repeatedly emphasized by Deputy General Liu to keep secret. Since Miss Fu isn't formally married yet, if neighbors see her leaving with red, swollen eyes from crying, it would invite unnecessary speculation and harm her reputation."
Lu Shi promptly complied. Soon, Xuemei entered with hot water and a towel.
Feng Shi personally rolled up Fu Tingyun's sleeves for her.
The golden phoenix hairpins glittering in Feng Shi's hair reminded Fu Tingyun of this woman's arrogance, reinforcing her suspicion that "excessive courtesy signals deception."
Fu Tingyun declined Feng Shi's assistance and washed her face herself.
Lu Shi produced her scented balm: "This is from the National Beauty Workshop in the capital—General Mo specially had it brought back."
Fu Tingyun shook her head in refusal.
If Zhao Ling truly was... what use would she have for such things?
Noting Fu Tingyun's sorrowful yet resolute expression, Lu Shi awkwardly put the balm away.
"Aunt Feng," Fu Tingyun said, her composure gradually returning, "Regarding Centurion Zhao's matter, when might the General Military Headquarters issue an official statement?"
"That may take some time," Feng Shi replied. "At minimum, until the war concludes. If we achieve victory, it's simpler. But if... we'd have to await the Emperor's decree. Should Marquis Yingchuan remain as garrison commander of Gansu's General Military Headquarters, we'd need to wait until he submits his memorial accepting responsibility and the cabinet reaches consensus—only then could we address compensation for fallen soldiers and Centurion Zhao's affairs be settled. If Marquis Yingchuan is replaced, we'd have to wait for the new Gansu garrison commander's arrival. Just the journey would take three to four months—Centurion Zhao's matter might drag on until next year."Fu Tingyun nodded slightly and asked Feng Shi, "May I see the secret report stating Centurion Zhao's death in battle? If any arrangements need to be made, Aunt Feng, please don't hesitate to say so!"
"Arrangements" implied opportunities for profit!
Feng Shi barely suppressed the greed in her heart and replied, "Miss Fu, there's no need for such formalities with me. It's just that this secret report is currently in the hands of the Deputy Commander, so it's rather..." She trailed off, wearing an expression of difficulty.
Didn't she attend to Liu Fuzongbing's writing desk daily?
Given her notorious greed, there was no reason for her to refuse unless... she was angling for a higher price? Or perhaps there was some other hidden agenda?
Under normal circumstances, Fu Tingyun might have engaged in some back-and-forth with her. But today, having just received the tragic news about Zhao Ling, she had neither the mood nor the energy to play Feng Shi's games.
She stood up wearily. "Thank you, Aunt Feng, for informing me about Centurion Zhao. His sudden misfortune has left me in poor spirits, so I'll take my leave now. I'll visit your residence in a couple of days to express my gratitude properly." With that, she made to leave.
Both Feng Shi and Lu Shi were taken aback.
They hadn't expected Fu Tingyun to be so decisive—no polite small talk, no pleading requests—just turning on her heel to leave at the first sign of difficulty.
"Wait, Miss Fu!" Feng Shi stopped her without thinking.
Fu Tingyun gazed at her quietly, her eyes—clearer and brighter after crying—reflecting Feng Shi's image.
Suddenly, Feng Shi felt a pang of unease.
Stammering slightly, she said, "M-Miss Fu, where are you planning to go?" As the words left her mouth, she regained her composure and her usual glib tongue returned. "You're going to ask Wang Furen, aren't you? There's no need, Miss Fu. Wang Furen definitely won't be able to see that report. She's merely the wife of a lieutenant colonel. The only reason Lord Liu received her before was out of consideration for Lieutenant Colonel Wang leading troops in the field. But one can't keep making exceptions. If you trust me, I have an idea. You might want to consider it carefully."
As expected—Feng Shi could obtain it, but with conditions!
Fu Tingyun's heart suddenly pounded, and she grew tense. Certain thoughts flashed through her mind, but she quickly dismissed them, unwilling to dwell on them.
"What idea might that be, Aunt Feng?" she asked calmly, watching Feng Shi. "I'm utterly distraught right now and can't think clearly. Please share your suggestion, and I'll see if it's something I can do."Feng Shi listened with a faint smile on her face. "This is something Miss Fu can certainly accomplish." Her eyes gleamed with an unusual light. "You know, the only reason I have access to Lord Liu's secret reports is because I'm part of his household. What you might not know is how indulgent and lenient Lord Liu is with his own family. I hail from the Xiping Marquis's household in Liangzhou and have only one younger brother, Feng Dahu, who is twenty-three this year and skilled with a staff. Whenever Lord Liu has a task, he always sends Dahu, who never fails to handle it perfectly. As a result, Lord Liu favors him even more than his own blood brothers. My brother has high standards and remains unmarried to this day. I suggest we have him steal the secret report. If Lord Liu finds out, we'll say you're Dahu's sweetheart, and he stole it to win your favor. Given Miss Fu's striking beauty, Lord Liu would hardly suspect a thing. If he doesn't notice, even better—just buy some fruits to thank my brother afterward." She chuckled lightly. "What do you think, Miss Fu?"
What a wolfish, thieving heart!
Such a person wasn’t even worth humoring with empty pleasantries.
Fu Tingyun sneered coldly, "I’d have to be out of my mind to join you in this madness!"
Feng Shi’s expression darkened.
Lu Shi quickly interjected, "Miss Fu, please calm down. If not for your deep devotion to Centurion Zhao, Sister Feng wouldn’t be going to such lengths to help you. She’s doing this for your own good. Think about it—Centurion Zhao is gone, and you’re alone. Forget traveling to the capital to seek relatives; even leaving Zhangye City would be difficult. You might not know this, but there are at least seven or eight freelance gangs in Zhangye who specifically target lone women like you. They break in after dark, knock their victims unconscious, stuff them into sacks, and sell them to brothels in Yongjing or Wuwei, or even to foreign traders beyond the pass... Sometimes, they even snatch people in broad daylight. The locals know how vicious they are and dare not speak up. By the time the authorities arrive, the victims are long gone. Miss Fu, please heed my advice. No one’s asking you to marry Brother Dahu right away—just to rely on his reputation to deter unwanted attention. Honestly, Sister Feng has your best interests at heart. Your reaction is truly hurtful to her." Covering her mouth, she giggled. "Personally, I think turning this pretense into reality wouldn’t be such a bad thing. Brother Dahu’s character, looks, and family background are unmatched in Zhangye. If not for his high standards and his family’s indulgence, Miss Fu wouldn’t have this chance with him..."
"No need for your concern!" Fu Tingyun’s icy gaze sliced through Lu Shi like a blade. "Wang Furen strictly upholds propriety. Her first visit to Liu Fuzongbing was to rescue her husband from imprisonment—an act of righteousness. How could we ask her to visit Liu Fuzongbing again for the sake of my betrothed? I intend to seek an audience with Marquis Yingchuan. Since Liu Fuzongbing, stationed in Zhangye, has already received the roster of fallen soldiers, surely Marquis Yingchuan has it as well. I’ll ask General Mo to arrange the meeting."
She knew Wang Furen couldn’t restrain this Feng Shi, so she invoked Marquis Yingchuan instead."No..." Lu Shi had heard Mo Yi speak of how Fu Tingyun had fled all the way from Pingliang County to Xi'an Prefecture. Mo Yi had repeatedly praised Fu Tingyun as a woman of unyielding virtue. Upon hearing that Fu Tingyun intended to seek out Marquis Yingchuan and meet with Mo Yi, Lu Shi's face abruptly changed color, her sharp, thin voice filled with fear.
Yet Fu Tingyun's heart stirred.
Why was Lu Shi afraid of her going to see Marquis Yingchuan?
Or perhaps, was she afraid of her meeting Mo Yi?
Could it be about Zhao Ling's matter...
She couldn't help but entertain hopeful thoughts, her gaze involuntarily darting toward Feng Shi.
Feng Shi's face was as dark as an impending storm.
She glared fiercely at Lu Shi and hissed in a low voice, "What are you screeching about? Shut your mouth!"
A flicker of panic crossed Lu Shi's face, and she hastily lowered her head.
"Miss Fu," Feng Shi said, looking at Fu Tingyun, her earlier warmth completely gone, "Stop being childish! Zhangye City is currently under the command of Liu Fuzongbing. Even if you want to seek out Marquis Yingchuan or meet General Mo, you'd have to get out of here first. Be obedient and marry my brother, and I'll cherish you like a sister. But if you refuse..." She snorted coldly, "I'll just send you to warm my brother's bed without even giving you a proper status!"
Feng Shi's arrogance had reached the point of madness, but Lu Shi still had her vulnerabilities.
Fu Tingyun completely ignored Feng Shi, staring straight at Lu Shi instead. "In that case, let's make a bet—see if I can walk out of Zhangye City or not." With that, she turned and strode away.
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The thrilling battle is about to begin... Sisters, brothers, where are your pink votes?
PS: Thank you to Zhuying Qingxie for telling me so much about Zhangye. O(∩_∩)O~
(End of Chapter)
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