Chapter 22 – Taking Matters into Hand

Chapter 22 - Taking Matters into Hand

Recalling the events of that time, Tan Hui couldn't help but sigh deeply, then continued, "Back then, Young Master Yu and Ming Zhiyan were very famous. However, because of his appearance, Young Master Yu attracted quite a bit of trouble, so he rarely went out.

"Initially, Young Master Hu San pretended to befriend them, just being friends with both Yu and Ming. He seemed to have no problems with either of them.

"Later, there was the case at the Secretariat, which had far-reaching implications. Those with serious crimes were executed, and their families were exiled to the borderlands. Actually, the Ming and Yu families could only be considered collateral damage, but due to the enormity of the situation, even the slightest connection led to punishment. In a time when self-preservation was difficult, these two families were also demoted from their official positions.

"The chancellor of the Imperial Academy cherished talent, and the old man ran around tirelessly, managing to save several students. The elders' official ranks were reduced, but the children remained in the Imperial Academy."

Ji Yanbai listened quietly, merely uttering a casual "Mm."

Tan Hui continued, "Young Masters Yu and Ming stayed at the Imperial Academy for another two months. Then, Young Master Yu was invited to the residence of the Right Deputy Minister, and wasn't sent back until the next day.

"After sending off Young Master Yu, Young Master Hu San seemed very happy. He rewarded all the servants in the household with silver and dismissed the maidservants in the courtyard.

"The servants, having received rewards, began to gossip, and the news gradually spread. It was said that Young Master Yu and Young Master Hu San had an affair, and the rumors escalated. As a result, Young Master Hu San's engagement was canceled."

Ji Yanbai didn't understand the messy affairs of the inner quarters. After listening, he was puzzled and didn't even grasp the meaning: "What's wrong with that?"

Tan Hui patiently explained, "Having scandalous rumors with someone like Young Master Hu San, who has an engagement, naturally tarnishes one's reputation.

"The Right Deputy Minister has always had political rivals. Upon learning about this, they deliberately made a fuss, turning a small matter into a big one. Since the Right Deputy Minister is part of the Ministry of Appointments, they claimed that Young Master Yu made inappropriate moves during the Secretariat incident to curry favor with the Right Deputy Minister's family. The Secretariat affair was too sensitive, and it indeed provoked the emperor's wrath."

Ji Yanbai felt his mind was muddled, unable to comprehend how things had escalated so severely: "It was just going to the Right Deputy Minister's house, how did it turn into rumors of an affair?"

Tan Hui replied, "Young Master Yu said back then that the Right Deputy Minister's wife summoned him over, claiming she wanted to renovate the courtyard of her residence and asked Yu Jianli to take a look and provide a design plan. Being good friends with Young Master Hu San, he naturally agreed to go. He worked late into the night, and the Right Deputy Minister's wife insisted on him staying overnight.

"I suspect that Young Master Hu San was rejected by Young Master Yu that day, and afterward, he thought of some despicable methods to force Young Master Yu to be with him. At the time, Young Master Yu was alone in the capital, without any support, and thus at his mercy.

"So, he intentionally gave the servants rewards and dismissed the maidservants to create misunderstandings about their relationship.

"Young Master Hu San thought that since two months had passed, everything should be fine. But it was still brought up by someone with ulterior motives, who added fuel to the fire, saying that Young Master Yu was trying to turn the situation around, ultimately harming him."

Ji Yanbai hissed, interrupting again, "But it was just spending a night together."

"Gossip can be more ferocious than a tiger, my young master. It might not affect others, but Young Master Yu was truly handsome, and Young Master Hu San genuinely harbored feelings. He even tacitly accepted the initial rumors without explanation and agreed to break off the engagement!

"Breaking off the engagement was...the most nauseating step. Such actions not only fueled the rumors but also caused the girl's family to hate Young Master Yu, spreading word that he was shameless.

"It's easy to spread rumors, but hard to clear one's name. It seems as if a few words and ambiguous actions could ruin a person.

"Young Master Hu San thought he could get Young Master Yu, but he harmed two people. The Right Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Appointments was impeached, and he went all out, claiming his child was innocent and that Young Master Yu had intentionally seduced them. They punished their own child, and he had never even met Young Master Yu.

"The Right Deputy Minister absolved himself in such a manner, protecting his child, leaving only Young Master Yu to be discarded. Clearly, Young Master Hu San plotted against him first, and Young Master Yu was the most innocent one. Yet, in the end, only Young Master Yu left the Imperial Academy and returned home."

Ji Yanbai stopped walking, his expression darkening ominously.

Such matters would infuriate anyone who heard them; it was blatant bullying.

Tan Hui wasn't in a hurry. He stood beside Ji Yanbai, waiting, and continued, "I thought Young Master Yu would fall into the mud and never rise again. Unexpectedly, he still had the courage to return to the Imperial Academy and face all the criticism, wanting to revive the Yu family. He appears weak, but in reality, he's incredibly resilient."

Ji Yanbai, upon hearing this, lowered his eyes, recalling Yu Jianli's frail appearance and the exhausted, haggard look after practicing archery.

Thinking about his lingering illness and the possibility of a short life, his heart inexplicably tightened.

"Did this matter just pass without resolution?" Ji Yanbai asked.

"It may seem to have passed in the eyes of others, but I don't think Young Masters Yu and Ming have truly let it go. They're currently powerless to fight back, insufficient to challenge those people. Only when they reach a position of power will they have the ability to prove their innocence.

"But some people are afraid. The Right Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Appointments is afraid, his political rival is afraid, and those who slandered Young Master Yu are afraid. They fear that once Young Master Yu rises, he'll retaliate against them, so it's harder for him to make a comeback."

Ji Yanbai stood motionless in the night for a long time.

Tan Hui remained by his side, not leaving, even waving to help Ji Yanbai ward off mosquitoes.

These perpetrators feared being harmed by the person they hurt, fearing he'd vindicate himself, so they continued to suppress him, ensuring he wouldn't threaten them.

The truth would forever be buried, allowing them to superficially appear as good people.

When Ji Yanbai finally moved, Tan Hui guided him back to his room, pitifully saying, "Young master, remember to bail me out after I receive my punishment. I want to continue following you."

"Understood."

"You're so kind, young master."

"A hundred taels for you."

"You're even better." Tan Hui regained his spirit, making the upcoming punishment seem insignificant.

*

Initially, Ming Zhiyan was unwilling to participate in the polo event. If he really went, he would inevitably encounter the Crown Prince and his entourage.

However, when the chancellor personally sought out Ming Zhiyan, he agreed within three sentences.

If there was someone who could soften Ming Zhiyan's attitude, Yu Jianli was one, and the chancellor was another.

Ming Zhiyan joined the team, with Ji Yanbai and Lu Huaijing also part of it.

Initially, Ji Yanbai complained that the horses at the Imperial Academy were old, and it was inconvenient to bring horses from the Duke's Mansion. This changed after Lu Huaijing joined.

Lu Huaijing was eager to participate, but he looked somewhat frail. Therefore, he proposed that he could provide excellent horses.

This condition was indeed attractive, and Ji Yanbai made an exception, agreeing to train Lu Huaijing for a period.

Lu Huaijing appeared unlearned, but he had many unconventional skills. Not only was he familiar with various shops in the capital, but he also knew where to obtain top-quality goods.

Within three days, Lu Huaijing arrived at the training ground leading the horses, waving his hand and declaring, "Although these horses aren't as good as warhorses or the Crown Prince's divine steed, they are definitely on par with the horses of the other members of the Wenchang Hall."

Ji Yanbai leaped down from the viewing platform, walked among the horses, examining each one closely. Finally, he mounted the tallest one and tried riding it for a while.

Truly living up to his upbringing on horseback, his control over the steed was top-notch. With a whip in hand and dust swirling around him, he circled the field in an instant.

Standing on the viewing platform, Lu Huaijing called down, "Not bad, the horse, right? You, big guy, riding that old nag before was like a black bear riding a dog, exhausting the poor thing."

Ji Yanbai, astride his horse below the platform, looked up with a less than friendly gaze. "Another word and I'll have you practicing on a dog."

Lu Huaijing laughed heartily, replying loudly, "You're the master, I'll listen to you these few days. I'll find the best dog for sure."

Turning to Yu Jianli and Ming Zhiyan beside him, he pondered for a moment before asking, "Yu Jianli, do you know how to ride? Want to give it a try? A fine horse like this is rare to see, and I'll have to return it after the competition."

Yu Jianli shook his head. "I dare not."

"I'll teach you, nothing to worry about." Lu Huaijing patted his chest confidently.

At this point, Ji Yanbai had dismounted and leaped onto the platform with his light kung fu skills. He said, "You're not even as tall as the horse, can't even lead it, can you?"

Lu Huaijing retorted, "Hey! I'm letting you win, doesn't mean I'm going to indulge you!"

"Rest assured, I won't let you off either," he said to all the participating team members. "Everyone choose a horse, practice riding."

Though somewhat disgruntled, Lu Huaijing still headed towards the stairs, muttering as he left, "If Ji Yanbai bullies me, I'll cry at the Duke's mansion gate, let's see who loses face."

Yu Jianli consoled him, "Saying such things is embarrassing enough."

"True..." Lu Huaijing muttered, still descending the stairs.

Ming Zhiyan adjusted his tight-fitting outfit and instructed Yu Jianli, "If you get bored waiting, go back and read a book. There are many mosquitoes here, your delicate skin will suffer."

"Alright, I understand."

Clearly fond of polo, despite knowing Ji Yanbai's strictness and his occasional annoyance with him, Lu Huaijing was willing to train together.

Even standing on the viewing platform, Yu Jianli could occasionally hear Lu Huaijing's hearty laughter.

Ming Zhiyan, however, wasn't too enthusiastic. It wasn't until Lu Huaijing kicked Ming Zhiyan's horse's rear that Ming Zhiyan started chasing after Lu Huaijing to tidy up.

As Ji Yanbai rode his horse, surveying the scene, he seemed to glance purposefully yet casually in Yu Jianli's direction.

Yu Jianli immediately stood straight, indicating that he was observing intently, ready to discuss strategy again on paper.

Unexpectedly, Tan Hui soon came running over, saying to him, "Young Master Yu, our young master asked me to remind you to sit and watch. He's worried you might tire yourself out."

Yu Jianli obediently sat down.

Soon after, Tan Hui brought him some fruits, dried fruits, and pastries, so he wouldn't be too bored while watching.

Yu Jianli, fearing they would gather dust, carefully opened the food boxes, took out a piece, then closed them again. Sitting on the viewing platform, eating and watching, he didn't feel bored.

Then he noticed someone appearing on the opposite viewing platform. At first, he didn't pay much attention, until he saw that it was Lin Ting.

Lin Ting was also dressed in the uniform of the Imperial Academy, tall and imposing. Even standing quietly to the side, he drew attention.

Seemingly noticing Yu Jianli, Lin Ting met his gaze from afar, then nodded in greeting.

He returned the gesture gracefully.

It seemed that Lin Ting had arrived at the Imperial Academy after the monthly exams.

However, when Lu Huaijing came looking for him, he rarely brought Lin Ting along. The relationship between the two didn't seem particularly close.

Since they were in different places, he didn't need to interact with Lin Ting.

But just thinking about Lin Ting, that viper, watching Ji Yanbai made him uncomfortable all over.

He felt guilty for writing fanfiction about Ji Yanbai; before dying, he had to find a way to warn Ji Yanbai about Lin Ting's schemes.

That would make things even between them.

*

Ten days later, during a day off, Yu Jianli had already written the opening chapter of a story and a brief outline. With the manuscript in hand, he went to the market.

First, he found an elderly man in the market to remove weeds from his courtyard.

After negotiating the price and bringing the man to his house, Yu Jianli went alone to a timber shop and ordered some materials according to his design drawings.

On the day he bought the house, he had already measured the dimensions, visited a finished goods store to look at styles and structures, then returned home to draw his own plans. Following his required dimensions and specifications, he paid a deposit and arranged for delivery ten days later to his residence.

Having taken care of these matters, he entered the bookstore.

The owner recognized Yu Jianli at once. After all, it was hard to forget his appearance.

He handed the manuscript to the owner and, while the owner read it, he found a book to read by himself in the bookstore.

In no time, he saw the owner finish reading the manuscript and rush excitedly into the back room.

A moment later, the two of them approached Yu Jianli together, asking, "How do you plan to write the rest of the story? Will these two end up together?"

Yu Jianli didn't spoil the plot, only cautiously asking, "Is this okay?"

The owner spared no praise. "Absolutely! It's fantastic. I haven't had my fill, very eager to know what happens next. The length is appropriate, the pace is just right, the writing is rich and full, like pearls and jade being spat out, a great article! This...this isn't the kind of manuscript we small shops usually receive."

"Should I go back and continue writing then?"

"Hold on, you've got to tell me how it progresses!"

Seeing Yu Jianli hesitate, the owner immediately took out three taels of silver and gave them to Yu Jianli. "This is a deposit, just tell me, I won't shortchange you on the silver."

With the deposit in hand, Yu Jianli felt more at ease and thus shared his story development.

After hearing the entire story, the owner and the assistant shook their heads together. "Alas, pitiful and lamentable, why couldn't they be together?"

After some thought, he added, "Still, this is the most fitting conclusion, enough to keep many readers awake at night."

The attendant followed up, asking, "Then, could there be a sequel?"

Yu Jianli shook his head. "I don't want one."

The attendant sighed again. "Well, a good story doesn't always need a perfect ending."

With the matter of the manuscript settled, Yu Jianli felt a bit relieved.

On his way back, in celebration, he bought himself a Lotus Paste Cake.

Just as he was about to return home to check on the garden's upkeep, suddenly everything went black before his eyes. He was stuffed into a sack and had his voice sealed by a pressure point strike. The person then carried him away.

In the sack, Yu Jianli's heart pounded like thunder, unable to fathom who would want to harm him.

Could it be Lin Ting?

But I haven't posed any threat!

Who else could it be?

Soon after, he sensed that he was being taken away from the market, arriving at a quiet location.

To his surprise, he heard Tan Hui's voice, "This is how you bring someone back?"

Yu Jianli's heart clenched. Was he found out for writing Ji Yanbai fanfiction?

Would Ji Yanbai kill him?

As Huang Qi untied the sack, he explained, "The young general said we must fetch the person without anyone seeing us. We can't let anyone know even when entering the mansion."

Tan Hui was somewhat exasperated. "This is a guest!"

Huang Qi was rather surprised. "A guest we're supposed to invite? And we have to sneak them in? The young general's way of treating guests is quite unique."

Yu Jianli saw daylight once more, emerging from the sack in disarray, with tousled hair and wrinkled clothes.

He looked around frantically and saw Tan Hui limping towards him, asking, "Young Master Yu, are you alright?"

At that moment, Ji Yanbai also appeared, seeing the scene and immediately kicking Huang Qi. "Idiot, who told you to use a sack?"

"I..." Huang Qi felt rather innocent, "Then... should I have tied him up with ropes? That would have exposed his face, which wouldn't do either!"

Ji Yanbai approached Yu Jianli, tidying up his disheveled long hair, asking, "Are you okay?"

Yu Jianli felt incredibly guilty. "I... I won't write anymore, alright?"

"What?" Ji Yanbai didn't understand what he meant, subconsciously placing his large hand on top of Yu Jianli's head to check for injuries, then yelling at Huang Qi, "Did you lay a hand on him?! Did you shake him senseless?"

"No, no! How nimble my skills are, I sealed his acupoint, put him in the sack, and carried him off. I was swift, truly ensuring no suffering during the transport."

Ji Yanbai confirmed that Yu Jianli's head wasn't injured before raising his head to angrily ask, "You want me to praise you?"

Huang Qi was quite straightforward, scratching his own hair and honestly saying, "No need for empty flattery, just give me some silver. I haven't gotten married yet."

"Get lost!"

"Will I get rewarded if I go?" Huang Qi persisted.

Tan Hui covered his face, reminding him, "If you leave, you'll be spared. If not, you'll get beaten."

"Oh." Huang Qi walked away while sighing, "All effort for nothing. Should I tie them up or use a sack next time? Make it clear!"

Tan Hui limped and pushed him. "Hurry up and go! I'll talk to you privately later."

Looking at Tan Hui's condition, Huang Qi offered to support him, saying, "Maybe next time, let me take the beating. I'd like some reward money too."

"You're asking for trouble, not quick-witted, and pouring oil on the fire."

"I'm tough though!"

"... " Tan Hui was already speechless.