Chapter 78: Reunion with Fei Nanyu

Chapter 78: Reunion with Fei Nanyu

Ping Yuan County was vast, requiring them to traverse the entire city.

They entered through the East Gate and would exit via the West Gate – a journey that would take nearly two hours. Along the way, the officials needed to replenish their supplies, which meant they wouldn't reach the West Gate until dusk at the earliest.

It was inevitable that they would have to spend the night in Ping Yuan County. Therefore, Peng Wang didn't rush the group after entering the county. Instead, they took the opportunity to stop and purchase provisions along the way.

Fang and Xie families, each armed with twenty taels of silver, also bought some necessities under the officials' watchful but lenient eyes. However, they were cautious not to overspend, knowing that they had a long journey ahead. The hard-earned silver should be saved for more critical situations.

In contrast, the Mo family was more generous. Not only did He Zhiran have an abundance of silver, but the dowries from Third Sister and Fourth Sister's maternal families were also substantial. Witnessing their silver being put to use, the two sisters-in-law eagerly participated.

Along the journey, they bought anything that caught their fancy until the wooden carts were overflowing with purchases, reluctantly ceasing only when there was no more space left.

The He family members wore grim expressions as they watched others splurge, their feelings indescribable.

With the contributions of the two sisters-in-law from the Mo family, He Zhiran did not join in this time.

However, when they passed by a carpentry shop, her interest was piqued.

She consulted Peng Wang, "Brother Peng, can I buy two more wooden carts?"

Peng Wang understood He Zhiran's intentions; with their growing number of items, it was becoming inconvenient to carry them all.

Despite this, he declined her request. "Sister-in-law might not know, but in a few days, we will encounter many mountainous roads, and there is even a stretch where we must cross a mountain. When that time comes, these two wooden carts won't be sufficient.

Brother advises you, if you wish to buy carts, wait until after we have crossed that mountain."

Indeed, He Zhiran was unaware that their journey would involve scaling mountains.

"In that case, let's follow Brother Peng's suggestion."

Though she wasn't concerned about the expense of a few wooden carts, nor would she mind discarding them after a few days, their current status was unique, and it was best not to draw too much attention.

She also considered that for the time being, they shouldn't stock up on too much food to avoid overburdening themselves during the mountain crossing.

As He Zhiran was contemplating the specifics of their plan, she lifted her gaze to see Mr. Cui, who had purchased the wolf jerky from them, energetically greeting guests at the entrance of a nearby tavern.

He Zhiran had long heard about Mr. Cui's purpose for buying so much wolf meat – it was likely for some poetry gathering.

Today must be the day of the event.

She had no interest in such affairs and pushed down her straw hat a little further, not wanting any further interaction with him.

Suddenly, an unsettling commotion came from ahead.

"Fei Nanyu, you good-for-nothing, you swindled us out of a hundred taels of silver with someone's help that day. How dare you show your face before us now?"

"Fei Nanyu, why don't you look in the mirror and see what kind of person you are? This is a poetry gathering hosted by Cui Juren, not some event where anyone off the street can participate."

"Scram, hurry up and leave before my friends and I show you no mercy," they threatened.

He Zhiran followed the source of the voice and recognized the same group of scholars he had encountered in front of the bookshop a few days prior.

They had cornered Fei Nanyu and were insulting him.

Fei Nanyu stood tall and unyielding, without any trace of fear.

"Why can't I participate in the poetry gathering as an educated man?" he asked, his voice steady.

As he spoke, the scholars gradually closed in on him.

"You dare to call yourself an intellectual after attending the poetry gathering with silver you extorted from us?" they jeered, their bodies tense, ready to pounce.

Upon hearing the commotion, Cui Juren rushed over to see what was happening. More and more onlookers, attracted by the noise, also started to gather around.

The narrow alleyway was packed with people, making it impossible for anyone to squeeze through.

Cui Juren glanced at the few young scholars before him.

"Why are you causing trouble during my poetry gathering?" he asked.

In front of Cui Juren, the scholars didn't dare to act tough against Fei Nanyu. Instead, they quickly put on a fawning expression.

"Cui Juren, you're unaware, but this fellow swindled one hundred taels of silver from us a few days ago. Today, he's using our money to cause chaos at your poetry gathering. We can't possibly let someone like him in."

Fei Nanyu's face was now contorted with anger. He bowed to Cui Juren.

"Cui Juren, as a scholar with scholarly credentials, do I have the right to attend your poetry event?"

Cui Juren replied without hesitation, "Of course you do."

He paused and added, "However, I just heard from these gentlemen that your behavior has been questionable. Without a recommendation, I would never allow you to enter the venue."

Just as Fei Nanyu was about to offer a defense, a figure clad in white robes and holding a folding fan leaped down from the second floor, landing effortlessly between Cui Juren and Fei Nanyu.

Nan Qi made no attempt to conceal his identity.

"I wonder, Scholar Cui, would it be acceptable if I personally sponsor this young gentleman to attend the poetry gathering?"

The moment Cui Juren laid eyes on Nan Qi, he promptly knelt before him, lifting his robe aside.

"Your Highness Prince Qi is too kind. You have no need for an introduction to bring someone along to the poetry gathering."

A satisfied smile graced Nan Qi's lips. He turned to Fei Nanyu with a warm expression. "Come, let us proceed to the private room on the second floor together."

The moment Nan Qi appeared, a subtle change washed over Fei Nanyu's face, but he quickly regained his composure.

This tiny gesture did not escape the watchful eyes of He Zhiran and Mo Jiuye, who were not far away.

Similarly, upon hearing the name Fei Nanyu, Mo Jiuye's full attention was drawn to the scene. It was only when Nan Qi emerged that he fully believed in He Zhiran's words.

Fei Nanyu approached Nan Qi with neither arrogance nor humility, clasping his fists in greeting. "Student Fei Nanyu is much obliged for Your Highness's favor."

With that, Fei Nanyu followed Nan Qi into the tavern.

Several scholars, upon witnessing this scene, were instantly struck with astonishment.

Little did they expect that Fei Nanyu would actually gain the favor of Prince Qi.

Should Fei Nanyu choose to lodge a complaint against them before Prince Qi, not only would their own lives be ruined, but their families might also suffer consequences.

At this moment, with Fei Nanyu accompanying Prince Qi into the tavern, the crowd lost interest in watching the scholars' pitiful display.

Seeing the crowd of onlookers gradually disperse, Peng Wang called out to the prisoners, urging them to continue on their way.

Exiting the bustling district, Peng Wang approached He Zhiran and Mo Jiuye.

"Peng Wang, the person your sister-in-law saved doesn't seem to be an ordinary character, to have caught the eye of Prince Qi," he said, his tone laced with curiosity.

He Zhiran could sense the probing in Peng Wang's words.

"Brother Peng jests. How could I have known that he was acquainted with Prince Qi? Back then, I merely couldn't tolerate the sight of many bullying the few," she replied.