Chapter 51

Chapter 51

This spring, Auntie Chun had made pork rib soup according to the method he had taught her. Shen Yuan brought back two large earthenware jars, just enough to give one to Village Head Liu’s family.

Village Head Liu had done a lot for him, saving him a great deal of trouble.

Since the other party wouldn't accept his money, bringing some food was a way to both fill their stomachs and express his gratitude.

Shen Yuan carried the jar to the Shen family home, where Village Head Liu was currently supervising the work.

Seeing Shen Yuan, the Village Head immediately stood up and hurried over, pulling Shen Yuan aside to a more distant spot.

Shen Dong and the others wanted to go over and cling to Shen Yuan, but because Village Head Liu was moving so fast and clearly had something to say, they sensibly stayed back.

"What’s wrong, Uncle Liu?" Shen Yuan looked at Village Head Liu’s face and asked with concern, "Did something happen? Why do you look so upset?"

Village Head Liu let out a sigh. "Xiao Yuan, I'm afraid your third aunt is in trouble."

Shen Yuan’s arms tightened around the jar. He forced himself to stay calm before asking, "What’s going on?"

Village Head Liu recounted everything that had happened during the day in full detail, including Auntie Liu’s suspicions.

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuan’s brow furrowed deeply.

The Fan family was definitely up to no good.

They weren't being merciful by letting the Shen family off; they were clearly afraid the Shen family would discover the truth and were doing everything in their power to obstruct them.

They were even wary of the people from Dashu Village, fearing the villagers might unite and go to the Fan family to demand an explanation. Unable to handle that, they had sought the Sun family's help to suppress Dashu Village.

It had to be said, it was a clever scheme.

"Xiao Yuan, what do you think we should do?" Village Head Liu said firmly. "I won't meddle in other families' business, but if you want to go to the Fan family to demand an explanation, my whole family will go with you."

If they couldn't rent the land anymore, then so be it. At worst, his family would go clear wasteland.

It would just mean a few years of hard work with little harvest, but no hardship could be worse than the years of war.

The family had some savings now, at least enough so they wouldn't have to worry about this autumn's taxes or next summer's. No matter what, the Liu family would definitely follow Xiao Yuan to demand justice.

Shen Yuan understood the weight of Village Head Liu’s words; he was willing to give up all the land the Liu family currently tenanted and start over from scratch for the sake of Shen Yuan's plan.

"Uncle, I'll handle this. Don't worry."

Shen Yuan reassured Village Head Liu and handed him the jar of pork rib soup. Then, adjusting his mood, he called Shen Dong and the others to return to Auntie Ping’s house.

Though the children were young, they all sensed that Shen Yuan was in low spirits.

In the past, when their eldest brother was unhappy and sullen, they wouldn't have dared to ask why.

Now, it was different.

Shen Dong took a sip of the pork rib soup and asked casually, as if just chatting, "Is Big Brother unhappy today?"

With Shen Dong starting the conversation, Shen Xi also opened his big eyes wide to look at Shen Yuan. "Big Brother, if you're unhappy, Xixi won't find the food tasty anymore."

Shen Nan didn't speak, but simply watched Shen Yuan.

Shen Yuan was holding Little Beibei, feeding her goat's milk that had been warmed and then cooled slightly.

Looking at his younger siblings, he ultimately chose not to keep them in the dark.

"Third Aunt might be in trouble."

Shen Yuan gave the children a general explanation of the situation. Shen Dong understood completely, Shen Xi grasped the gist of it, and Shen Nan only half-understood, but he knew things were not good for Third Aunt.

"Big Brother, I'll go with you to the Fan family to see Third Aunt," Shen Dong said without hesitation.

Shen Xi and Shen Nan also nodded; they wanted to go too.

Shen Yuan didn't want his younger brothers to risk any danger; the Fan family was no good place to be.

"Big Brother will go check things out tomorrow first. You all stay home and be good. Don't worry too much; take care of yourselves and look after your little sister. Wait for me to come back."

To Shen Dong, who still wanted to argue, Shen Yuan said, "Dongdong, you're the second brother. Aside from me, you're the oldest. Can I leave your younger siblings in your care? That way, I can set my mind at ease."

Shen Dong fell silent for a moment before finally giving up on the idea of following Shen Yuan to the Fan family. "Okay, Big Brother. You must come home safely."

The next day, Shen Yuan got up at the first light of dawn.

The children hadn't slept well all night either; even Little Beibei was awake. Four pairs of eyes watched Shen Yuan.

"Big Brother, don't get hurt. Come back safely," Shen Nan spoke first.

Shen Yuan was slightly surprised. He patted each of his younger siblings' heads in turn and promised, "I will."

Wang Sanhu also knew Shen Yuan had business to attend to and walked to the teahouse on his own today.

Watching Shen Yuan finish his meal and prepare to head out, he didn't forget to remind him, "Be extremely careful."

Shen Yuan nodded, waved, and flipped himself onto his horse.

Shen Yuan didn't go straight to the Fan family. Instead, taking the waist token Ji Pingan had given him previously, he went to the Ji family first.

The Ji family servant heard Shen Yuan announce himself and, barely even looking at the waist token, led him directly to Ji Pingan’s courtyard.

Ji Pingan had just finished washing up. Hearing that Shen Yuan had arrived, he didn't even stop to eat before seeing him.

Being in such a hurry to see him meant something must have happened.

Sure enough, as soon as Shen Yuan saw Ji Pingan, he got straight to the point. "Brother, with your influence, can you deal with the Fan family? If you can, do me a favor. If not, I'll endure it for now and wait until I'm strong enough to deal with them myself."

Seeing Shen Yuan’s angry, puffed-up face, Ji Pingan understood the seriousness of the matter. "Of course I can. What did they do? How did they make you this angry?"

Shen Yuan said indignantly, "They bullied my aunt!"

The benefit of having an elder brother was being able to complain to him and have him help vent your frustrations. Shen Yuan explained the whole situation with the Fan family. Without a second thought, Ji Pingan said, "Fine, let's go to the Fan family right now."

Ji Pingan had his servant gather more hands and also sent someone to the yamen to call over a number of bailiffs.

With about thirty men, some carrying clubs and others wearing sabers, it was quite an impressive sight at a glance.

Worried it might not be enough, Ji Pingan asked Shen Yuan, "Is this enough? I can call more if needed. At a time like this, we need a crowd to hold the field and make the Fan family afraid."

Shen Yuan figured it was enough. He had learned a bit about the Fan family from Village Head Liu last night. Their ancestors had earned military merit and purchased land, but because the family had no accumulated wealth, no scholarship, and no connections, they simply rented out their land as landlords.

Truth be told, the Fan family really wasn't much in the face of the Ji family.

Ji Pingan was utterly unwilling to let Shen Yuan get the short end of the stick. In the end, he couldn't hold back and rounded up more men, gathering forty in total.

With forty armed men, it would be enough to take on a small bandit hideout.

Ji Pingan's thinking was simple: since Shen Yuan was angry, he’d scare the living daylights out of the Fan family.

The group made a grand procession towards the Fan residence. Ji Mingfeng, knowing his son was taking men to stir up trouble, stood in the doorway watching and sighed.

"Well, I'll be. My son has finally learned to throw his weight around."

Shen Yuan sure had a way about him.

Such a large crowd on the road got the common folk talking and staring, wondering if they were going bandit-hunting.

Qingyun County had been much more peaceful lately. The anti-bandit tax collected before the summer levy had actually did some good, and break-ins after dark had dropped off a lot.

Was trouble brewing again?

The commoners' discussions, along with Shen Yuan and Ji Pingan's actions, reached Xie Yulin's ears in the shortest possible time.

Xie Yulin was eating.

The table was set with six dishes.

Xie Yulin ate from left to right, in order, saving a sip of tea for last.

After a few rounds, the Shadow Guard finished his report. Xie Yulin rinsed his mouth out before asking, "Did Shen Yuan go directly to the Ji family?"

The Shadow Guard confirmed, "Yes. He left Dashu Village and headed straight for the Ji residence without a moment's hesitation or detour."

Xie Yulin asked again, "Has he lost his jade token?"

The Shadow Guard shook his head. "There have been no reports concerning that. Doesn't seem like it."

"You're dismissed."

Xie Yulin dismissed the Shadow Guard and sat at the table for a while, taking in the scenery. The gardenias not far away were in full bloom; their scent was strong but not sickly.

The intense fragrance drew you in, thinking it'd be some flashy, eye-catching bloom, yet they were pure white and perfect, fresh and lovely.

"Where is Song Zijuan now?" Xie Yulin asked the servant attending him.

The servant replied, "Two more days by boat, and he will reach Youyang."

Xie Yulin chuckled lightly. "He's making good time."

The servant elaborated carefully, "Advisor Song pushed on day and night. He ran two horses into the ground on the land route. Coupled with favorable winds on the waterway, he's cut the trip nearly in half."

At this speed, even if the return trip was slower, it would take at most a little over two weeks.

"Have someone prepare a carriage. We're going to the Fan residence."

At Xie Yulin's command, the staff at the Xie family estate sprang into action, busying themselves with packing, cleaning, and fetching wash things.

Fan Residence.

Forty men stood dead silent at the gate, jamming the road solid.

Shen Yuan and Ji Pingan stepped forward. Shen Yuan raised his hand and knocked.

Soon, the doorman's voice came from inside, "Who's there?!"

Shen Yuan said, "Shen Yuan from Dashu Village."

The doorman paused for a moment before opening the door, his face twisted in anger, about to cuss them out. "You pest! Will you people from Dashu Village ever quit—"

Before he could finish, with the door only slightly ajar, the servant felt the cold kiss of steel on his neck.

He took a closer look—good grief! A big honkin' cleaver!!!

Ji Pingan asked with a cold expression, "Who did you say is a pest?"

The servant's legs were shaking like a leaf. His fingers clung tightly to the doorframe, not daring to move a muscle. Only his eyes dared to shift, locked on the hilt of the blade, as he stammered, "Me! I'm the annoying fool."

Ji Pingan snorted and withdrew the blade. "Go get Fan Zhongwu. Now."

Fan Zhongwu was the name of the Patriarch of the Fan family.

The servant stole a glance at the sea of people behind them. The ones at the front were all wearing official uniforms with blades at their waists. Government men.

Not to mention the man right in front of him holding a blade. He didn't dare argue; he immediately turned and ran, shouting as he went, "We're in for it! Big trouble!"

Soon, the sound of footsteps came from within the Fan compound.

A good-sized crowd was heading their way.

The leader was Patriarch Fan, Fan Zhongwu.

He was in his fifties, but years of martial arts and easy living kept him spry, with little sign of age.

"Who dares make trouble at my gate!"

Fan Zhongwu's voice was resonant. Even seeing the blade in Ji Pingan's hand and the group of officials and Ji family servants standing at the gate, his face showed no trace of fear.

Instead, his eyes, sharp as an eagle's, fixed on Ji Pingan.

Ji Pingan's eyes darkened, realizing that Fan Zhongwu likely had some backing he was unaware of.

Otherwise, his attitude wouldn't be like this.

Ji Pingan subtly moved to shield Shen Yuan a bit, afraid he might be in danger.

"Patriarch Fan, who called me 'Seventh Master' just a few years ago, has now found a noble patron? Has Seventh Master become someone 'making trouble' at your gate?"

Fan Zhongwu gave a thin, insincere smile. "As you said, that was a few years ago."

Then, as if just noticing Shen Yuan, Fan Zhongwu's gaze landed heavily on him. "So this is Shen Yuan from Dashu Village? Why not show your face properly?"

Shen Yuan, wanting to inquire about Shen Anniang's whereabouts, took a step forward. No one expected Fan Zhongwu to abruptly reach out at that moment, grabbing Shen Yuan and pressing a dagger hidden in his sleeve against Shen Yuan's neck.

His expression was provocative as he looked at Ji Pingan. "Ji the Seventh, protecting him so fiercely—do you care for him that much? An adopted brother?"

Ji Pingan's expression turned extremely grim. That Fan Zhongwu knew he had taken Shen Yuan as a brother meant he had been paying close attention.

"If you know, then let him go quickly! If you truly harm him, Fifth Master Xie will not let you off either!"

He’d hoped Xie Yulin’s reputation would intimidate Fan Zhongwu, but the man only sneered. "So what if he told some newfangled story? What’s the big deal? How is that any different from the street performers and acrobats in the pleasure districts? Master Xie won't let me off? You think I'm dumb enough to buy that crap?"

Ji Ping'an's expression darkened, his gaze fixed intently on Fan Zhongwu, his nerves wound tight.

Fan Zhongwu’s face twisted with resentment. "Ji Ping'an, years ago, you kicked my son and ruined him, made him infertile. He wasted away and died because of it. In the past, my Fan family never came after you, which was more than you deserved. And you? You dare come to my home demanding an explanation. You think a blade scares me? Today, I'll chop up that so-called brother of yours and make you bawl your eyes out all night!"

Shen Yuan, feeling the chill of the blade at his throat, remained surprisingly calm. He even kept his cool enough to ask Ji Ping'an, "Brother, what's this all about?"

Ji Ping'an's brow furrowed deeply as he laid out the old grudge with the Fan family.

"Fan Xuan harassed a woman on the street. I arrested him and threw him in jail. After his release, he held a grudge and broke into her home at night to force himself on her. I happened to be on patrol and discovered it in time. During the struggle, I accidentally... cut his... junk."

"You bastard! Say 'accidentally' one more time!" Fan Zhongwu’s face flushed with rage, his voice trembling. "Xuan'er told me your blade was aimed right at it!"

Fan Zhongwu hated Ji Ping'an's guts. If not for that slash, his son wouldn't have wasted away on medicine that only ruined his health, leaving him a useless cripple bedridden for the rest of his short life.

Ji Ping'an took a deep breath. For Shen Yuan's safety, he bit back the retort that if Fan Xuan hadn't dropped his pants, the blade wouldn't have reached that spot.

"Fine, whatever you say. Now let my brother go." Ji Ping'an's voice turned menacing. "Otherwise, not a single one of you Fans walks out of here today."

Fan Zhongwu was startled by the ferocity in Ji Ping'an's eyes, his heart trembling. Yet, he also felt a jolt of savage joy. It seemed he had inadvertently found Ji Ping'an's weak spot.

He snorted dismissively. A few years ago, he might have actually let go.

Those with power crushed those without. The Fan family couldn't compare to the Ji family back then. Unable to seek revenge, he’d had to put on a smiling face and endure it. He had accepted that.

But times had changed. His family had been keeping a low profile these past few years. Did they really think the Fan family was still easy prey for the Ji family to manipulate?

Moreover, his master had sent word just last night, ordering him to find a way to kill Shen Yuan.

He was still pondering how to proceed when the man walked right into his hands.

Heaven itself was helping him! Killing two birds with one stone!

Fan Zhongwu completely disregarded Ji Ping'an's threat. Instead, he spoke to Shen Yuan, "Funny you should mention it, what a twist of fate. Your aunt was the one who married my son, Xuan'er. Ji Ping'an made your aunt a widow, and yet here you are, playing brothers with him."

Shen Yuan had no idea whom his third aunt had married. Hearing this, he was momentarily stunned.

Ji Ping'an was even more incredulous, a flicker of panic in his eyes as he looked at Shen Yuan, fearing the boy would hate him for it.

Understanding the whole story, how could Shen Yuan possibly resent him? He addressed Fan Zhongwu directly: "My brother was right. If it were me, I'd have cut it off too. And another thing—has something happened to my aunt? What have you people done to her!"

Fan Zhongwu’s face twitched with fury, thinking Shen Yuan was out of his mind.

He snarled viciously, "Looks like you're itching to die too! Let me tell you, Shen Anniang is dead!"

"Fan, you'd better let me go now," Shen Yuan said, managing to keep his voice steady.

Fan Zhongwu paid no heed. "What nonsense are you spouting?"

Why on earth would he let go!

Shen Yuan gave one final warning. "I can't control my strength, so don't cry when it hurts."

Before Fan Zhongwu could react, Shen Yuan swiftly drove an elbow strike, grabbed, shifted position, and executed a perfect arm lock.

It happened too fast. By the time the others realized what was happening, the dagger had clattered to the ground, and Fan Zhongwu was howling in pain, "Aaaaah! Let go of me!"

Despite his slender build, Shen Yuan’s leverage was perfect. No matter how Fan Zhongwu struggled, he couldn't break free; the pain only intensified.

Ji Ping'an reacted instantly, kicking the dagger away. The nearest official snatched it up.

Two more men stepped forward, taking over from Shen Yuan to restrain Fan Zhongwu.

Ji Ping'an carefully examined Shen Yuan's neck. The dagger was sharp, and during Fan Zhongwu's outburst, it had left a bloody scratch.

This infuriated Ji Ping'an so much his eyes turned red. He grabbed Fan Zhongwu by the collar and slammed his fist into the man's face.

Several of Fan's sons tried to intervene but were blocked at the doorway by the officials and Ji family servants.

The tension escalated, a bloodbath seeming imminent.

Ignoring the wound on his neck, Shen Yuan looked past them at the Fan family servants standing further inside the compound.

He noticed they were armed with blades.

The Wu Country enforced extremely strict controls on iron. Apart from officials, private ownership was prohibited. Commoners had quotas for iron use, all registered.

Yet these servants had blades...

No wonder Fan had emerged with such bravado, even daring to provoke them. To openly display blades in front of officials... the power backing this man was formidable.

His brother was likely at a disadvantage. Moreover, if a fight truly broke out today, blood would surely be shed.

Shen Yuan realized he had underestimated the situation. He decided to first take Fan Zhongwu back, bound, to interrogate him about his aunt.

Capture the leader to capture the gang. With Fan Zhongwu in custody, the rest wouldn't dare move.

Fan Zhongwu took several solid punches from Ji Ping'an, the force leaving him dizzy. He never expected Shen Yuan to have such skills. He had truly underestimated him.

Sensing Shen Yuan's intent, Fan Zhongwu began shouting frantically toward the house, "Attack now! Don't let them leave!"