Сhарtеr 227: Тhe Return of thе Еldest Son оf the Tiаn Fаmilу
In thе dееp silenсe of the night, Luo Wenqian саrried Zhеn Niang оn his bасk аs theу wаlkеd slоwlу alоng the long streеt. Вesidе them, the old hоrse seеmed quite соnsidеrаtе, fоllоwing the two аt а leisurеlу рaсe, осcasiоnаlly snоrting through its nose. Тhe sound of its hооvеs taрping on the bluеstоnе slabs оf thе strееt есhoеd rhуthmicаlly in thе quiet night.
Like а lullabу, Zhеn Niаng, lying оn Luо Wеnqiаn’s back, was аlmost lulled to sleeр. But in that half-аwake, hаlf-aslееp stаte, she suddenly remembered Tian Ronghua’s promise to Sun Yuejuan a few days earlier: “I will definitely rescue Tian Benchang.”
Zhen Niang had initially thought that with Tian Ronghua’s death, this promise would likely be broken. Yet, in her drowsy state, a thought suddenly flashed through her mind—Tian Benchang could be released.
Previously, many had speculated that Tian Ronghua’s martyrdom might have been orchestrated by the Xu family or perhaps by Chunzhi’s schemes.
But now, the Xu family was at a critical juncture, and they likely had no time to concern themselves with whether Tian Ronghua was an ill omen to her husband. Thus, the possibility of the Xu family being behind it was slim.
As for Chunzhi, having already acquired the Tian family’s property, she had drawn criticism. At this point, she would not stir up unnecessary trouble by arranging a martyrdom, as that would only invite more gossip.
Therefore, while these two scenarios might seem plausible, given the current circumstances, they were not entirely reasonable—the timing was off.
Instead, another explanation struck Zhen Niang as both plausible and reasonable: this martyrdom was arranged by Tian Ronghua herself.
Tian Ronghua was both cunning and fiercely determined. She was also someone capable of ruthless actions, as evidenced by her decision to break Tian Er’s leg as an apology to Li Fu Gui.
Yet, despite her strength, fate was not on her side. The death of Third Young Master Xu had pushed Tian Ronghua to the brink. Once the Xu family regained their footing, they would slowly settle accounts with the Tian family.
This was the first reason. The second was that, although Chunzhi might not act against Tian Ronghua immediately, once she had firmly established herself, she would certainly not tolerate Tian Ronghua’s presence. In short, Tian Ronghua’s situation was extremely precarious.
Moreover, since her last encounter with Tian Ronghua, Zhen Niang understood that, although Tian Ronghua had not voiced it openly, she clearly regretted her earlier actions against Tian Benchang. Additionally, she could not stand idly by while Chunzhi seized the family’s assets. Thus, rescuing Tian Benchang was the only way to preserve the Tian family. However, without the Xu family’s backing, Tian Ronghua was merely a vulnerable woman. Even if she had the will, she lacked the means.
So, how could Tian Ronghua rescue her elder brother?
Only by burning her bridges—through martyrdom, earning the title of a chaste and virtuous woman. With this title, some of her requests could be granted, and the authorities might agree to release Tian Benchang.
Thinking of this, Zhen Niang could not help but sigh in admiration for Tian Ronghua.
Tian Ronghua was a ruthless and decisive person. It was a pity that the Tian family had never provided her with a stage to showcase her abilities.
“Tian Benchang can be released,” Zhen Niang said, now fully awake, from Luo Wenqian’s back.
“It should be possible, but not yet. We must wait for the imperial commendation to arrive,” Luo Wenqian replied after pondering Zhen Niang’s words for a moment, nodding in agreement.
Zhen Niang nodded. That was only natural. Without the imperial commendation, the authorities would pay no attention to the Tian family. She believed Sun Yuejuan would surely seize this opportunity.
As they spoke, the two arrived at the entrance of the Li family’s residence.At this time, Li Jingfu and Li Dalang had been searching for Zhen Niang after noticing her absence. Seeing Luo Wenqian escort Zhen Niang back, they finally breathed a sigh of relief. Zhao Shi naturally complained a few words, but seeing Zhen Niang's foot pain, she called Liu Jin Sao and Du Shi with concern to help Zhen Niang back to her room to rest.
Li Jingfu then asked Luo Wenqian when he had arrived. With the commotion in the middle of the night, everyone felt somewhat hungry, so they invited Luo Wenqian to share some wine. Luo Wenqian readily agreed with a smile. The two men, having interacted through gold mining in the north, sometimes resembled father-in-law and son-in-law, and at other times, close friends.
Thus, the night passed without further incident.
The next day, the biggest topic in Huizhou was naturally Tian Ronghua's martyrdom for chastity. It was said that the prefect had dispatched a fast horse overnight to send a memorial reporting Tian Ronghua's martyrdom for Third Young Master Xu.
In the imperial court, such matters were related to local moral education and also reflected credit on local officials.
Thus, from Third Young Master Xu's death to Tian Ronghua's martyrdom, these two events became the final straw that broke the camel's back.
The Xu faction in the court used these two incidents to launch a final attack against Hai Rui, ultimately resulting in Hai Rui's dismissal from office.
The news of Hai Rui's dismissal reached Huizhou twenty days later.
By then, Huizhou had entered winter. After several frosts, the north wind blew desolately.
"This Lord Hai, he was an upright official! How could he be dismissed just like that? Truly, good people get no reward," exclaimed Jiang Niang Mu upon hearing the news, slapping her thigh with a pained expression. This time, her daughter's land had been seized, and it was only thanks to Lord Hai's intervention that it was reclaimed from the Xu family. Even back then, the money deducted by the yamen during sericulture was partially compensated under Lord Hai's orders.
Jiang Niang Mu regarded Lord Hai as a savior for all families and naturally felt indignant on his behalf.
"Not necessarily. Lord Hai was upright, but sometimes he could be confused. Think back to when the Du brothers accused Li Dalang. If their mother hadn't come forward to testify, wouldn't Lord Hai have wronged Li Dalang?" someone nearby spoke up righteously.
Jiang Niang Mu, however, was somewhat unconvinced. "But in the end, Lord Hai still cleared Li Dalang's name," she argued.
"That's true, but we don't understand court affairs. Let's not dwell on this," another person nearby added, waving a hand.
"Exactly, exactly. Let's not discuss state affairs," an old scholar chimed in immediately.
Jiang Niang Mu remained unwilling to let it go, but there was nothing she could do.
As for Zhen Niang, she was not at all surprised by this news. Historically, this was exactly what had happened.
Meanwhile, the imperial court's commendation for Tian Ronghua had also arrived, ordering the Tian family of Huizhou and the local yamen to jointly erect a Chastity Archway for Tian Ronghua.
This was not only a major event for the Tian family but also for Huizhou. Instantly, it became the talk of the town once again.
…………
Early morning at the Li household. A rare bright winter sun brought temperatures reminiscent of a mild October spring.
Madam Tian and Sun Yuejuan arrived early in the morning, holding a petition requesting the yamen to release Tian Da. They intended to take advantage of the imperial commendation to secure Tian Benchang's release. Bringing the petition to the Li family was naturally to seek their support.Madam Tian was the third daughter-in-law of the Li family's seventh branch. Back then, due to the incident involving Wang Decai, she was sent back to the Tian family by Old Madam Li and has been living there ever since.
"Don't worry. We won't stand by idly in this matter. When the time comes, I will arrange for Third Master Cheng to step forward together," said Old Madam Li. If nothing else, just for that jar of Millennium Pine Soot Ink Old Master Tian had gifted back then, the Li family could not possibly remain uninvolved.
"Thank you, Old Madam," Madam Tian and Sun Yuejuan expressed their gratitude upon receiving the old madam's assurance.
"By the way, third daughter-in-law. Now that Old Madam Tian has passed away, shall I send Jingfu and Jingming to fetch you back tomorrow?" Old Madam Li then asked Madam Tian. In the past, when the Li and Tian families were fiercely at odds, and coupled with Madam Tian's minor schemes, Old Madam Li had sent her back to accompany Old Madam Tian.
Now that the Tian family was no longer what it used to be, and since Madam Tian had never intended to remarry, Old Madam Li planned to bring her back. After all, Madam Tian was still the Li family's third daughter-in-law. Of course, Old Madam Li was also concerned that Madam Tian might have other thoughts, so she asked first.
Hearing Old Madam Li address her as "third daughter-in-law," Madam Tian felt a pang of emotion. She curtsied and said, "Your third daughter-in-law longs day and night to return to your side, but now the children at home are struggling, and I wish to help them a little longer. While I remain in the Tian family's inner quarters, Chunzhi still has to show some consideration for me."
"That's fine too. If you encounter any difficulties, you can always come to me," Old Madam Li nodded upon hearing Madam Tian's words.
Afterward, Madam Tian and Sun Yuejuan took their leave, and Zhen Niang saw them out on behalf of her Seventh Grandmother.
That same afternoon, Old Madam Li went to the Cheng Family to find Third Master Cheng. Together, they went to meet the prefect and did not return until evening. From Old Madam Li's expression, Zhen Niang could tell their objective had been achieved.
Sure enough, the next day, Sun Yuejuan accompanied Tian Benchang to the Li family specifically to thank Old Madam Li.
Compared to before, Tian Benchang appeared somewhat more haggard but otherwise not greatly changed, though his temperament seemed gloomier. However, Zhen Niang noticed that between Tian Benchang and Sun Yuejuan, there was now a greater sense of tacit understanding and harmony than in the past.
For these two to have come this far together was truly not easy.
"Miss Li, please convey a message to Luo Wenqian for me. Tell him I wish to meet him to discuss matters. Let's meet at Taibai Tower tomorrow after noon," Tian Benchang said, bowing to Zhen Niang as he took his leave.
"No problem, I will definitely relay it," Zhen Niang nodded. She understood that with the eldest son of the Tian family returning, he would naturally need to rebuild his influence. This was likely the first step in his plans.
Sun Yuejuan then left together with Tian Benchang.
In the evening, Luo Wenqian brought a yellowtail fish from the Xin'an River to the Li family. This fellow had been renovating the old Luo Family residence recently and had been eating and drinking at the Li family every day. By now, the Li family members were already directly calling him "son-in-law."
At this moment, Luo Wenqian handed the fish to Liu Jin Sao and drew water from the well to wash his hands. Zhen Niang handed him a cloth to dry them.
"Tian Benchang came today. He wants to meet you tomorrow afternoon at Taibai Tower," Zhen Niang said, narrowing her eyes.
"It's about time he showed up. I've been meaning to meet him as well," Luo Wenqian nodded.So the next day, after returning, Luo Wenqian went to see Tian Benchang. By evening when he came back, Zhen Niang curiously asked Luo Wenqian what the two had discussed. That rascal Luo Wenqian kept her in suspense: "You’ll know in a few days."
Zhen Niang couldn’t help but wrinkle her nose. Luo Wenqian still wore a light, teasing smile, holding back the answer. Zhen Niang, annoyed, gave him a playful punch, then quickly withdrew her fist and pretended to be serious. If Zhao Shi had seen her behavior, she would surely have scolded her.
Luo Wenqian, however, laughed heartily, clearly enjoying it.
Just as the two were talking, Aunt Jinhua arrived in a flurry of panic: "Zhen Niang, have you seen Brother Run?"
"No, what’s wrong?" Zhen Niang replied.
"That little rascal—I’ve been keeping him close lately, but this morning, You Ge’er came to call him out to play. I thought it wouldn’t be good to keep him cooped up for too long, so I let him go with You Ge’er. But now it’s almost dark, and Brother Run still hasn’t returned. I went to ask You Ge’er, and he said he hasn’t seen Brother Run since after noon. This is really…" Li Jinhua said with a face full of anxiety.
"Aunt, don’t worry, let’s search again," Zhen Niang comforted her. Then she gathered everyone to look for Brother Run.
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