Chapter 131: Phoenix Blood

Everyone in the Qi family residence was cheering the release of Qi Yuansi, while on the other side Zhang Yi also sent people to deliver a few gifts, celebrating Qi Yuansi's return.

Fengyang Commandery Commandant's Office.

Wang Shao also learned that the Capital Patrol Inspector Qi Yuansi had been released.

He then sighed to his close aide: "These great clans are like ancient trees with tangled roots; killing one sapling is not enough to deprive them of vitality, unless the whole forest is uprooted!"

Qi Yuansi's release was unexpected.

But he also heard rumors that someone in the court was spreading gossip, saying Cai Hengxing was using his position in Fengyang Commandery to settle a personal grudge, because his beloved son had been jealous of a rival and struck back at the Qi family.

An Imperial Clerk submitted a memorial urging an investigation of this matter!

Cai Hengxing, under pressure, could only use the excuse that Qi Yuansi was lax in military discipline to strip him of his Capital Patrol Inspector post in order to quell the incident.

Of course, it was also forced by the circumstances.

Although the drought in the several commanderies around Fengyang had been relieved, winter arrived; the great clans of the Four Border Commanderies, unlike the prominent clans inside and outside Fengyang Commandery who opened their granaries to relieve the people, instead intensified land annexation, creating landless refugees. The refugee wave, provoked by those with ill intent, instantly formed into bands of bandits; this time, several bands of refugees joined forces and even captured two county seats, killing officials and releasing grain, and it looks like they are about to become a formidable force.

As an Imperial Envoy and Governor of the Southern Commanderies, Cai Hengxing received an imperial order, but he had no choice but to go suppress the rebellion, leaving him unable to oversee affairs in Fengyang Commandery.

Wang Shao gazed at the Commandery Commandant's residence, which had finally prospered, and a bitter smile flickered in his eyes.

Once Cai Hengxing left, this Commandery Commandant of his was nothing more than meat on the chopping block for the Three Great Families.

Although he had lost Qi Yuansi, he still had eight Regional Commanders under him, most of whom came from the great clans, and he was utterly unable to turn the situation around.

"Vast heaven and earth, what can a mere cry do!"

Wang Shao gazed at the solemn, heavy table, reached out a hand to lightly stroke and pat it; though the position was fine, it was deadly.

All he could do was hope that the incoming Prefect could stabilize the situation in Fengyang Commandery; otherwise, once the great turmoil erupted, there would be no turning back.

……

Meanwhile, Zhang Jian entered the Qi mansion.

He first saw Qi Yi, then went to see Qi Yuansi and Qi Wan Shi, and of course also bade farewell to Qi Yuansi.

"A Yu, this time my uncle wants to thank you for saving his life; if not for the Defending South Marquis Manor speaking up at court, His Majesty might not have remembered the Qi family's decades of frontier service, and let your uncle return!"

At the table, Qi Wan Shi lifted her teacup, offering tea in place of wine, and her expression showed a hint of feeling.

Wan Shi also wielded considerable influence in the capital, but for fear of offending the current emperor she dared not exert herself; nevertheless, as an outsider, the Defending South Marquis Manor's advice proved remarkably effective.

They knew, however, that Qi Yi had already resolved to die; if the current emperor insisted on implicating the Qi mansion, Qi Yi was prepared to die to make his point, dispel the Son of Heaven's doubts, and thus secure the Qi family's future.

Zhang Jian, upon hearing this, hastily rose and repeatedly said he dared not.

He also felt a hint of a smile; the weight of the Defending South Marquis Manor at court exceeded his imagination.

This was just a trial run; later he could be put to greater use.

Qi Yuansi also wore a smile at this moment, watching Zhang Jian's demeanor and growing ever more pleased.

Delighted, he raised his wine cup several times to drink deeply, and before long he was slightly tipsy.

Meanwhile, behind the screen, the two sisters huddled together; Qi Yuhua gazed at the scene, her delicate, exquisite face showing a hint of joy.

Qi Yuzhu, meanwhile, had a strange expression and giggled.

"Sister, is this not what your brother-in-law meant by 'On the mountain there are trees, on the trees branches; delighting in you, you do not know it'?"

Qi Yuhua glanced at Qi Yuzhu upon hearing this, then patted the mischievous hand in her embrace: "Don't talk nonsense!"

Although she said so, her bright eyes could not help but glance at the main hall within the jade screen.

Qi Yuzhu, seeing this, instead giggled: "Big sister wants to get married!"

Before she could finish speaking, Qi Yuhua angrily clapped a hand over her mouth and hurriedly pulled her into the inner chamber; from the corner of her eye she seemed to catch sight of that tall figure looking over with astonishment.

……

Qi Family Garden.

By the well at this moment, after lunch Zhang Jian walked over, only to have someone summon him.

Just looking at the well before him, he felt somewhat uneasy.

He knew that beneath it lay Bai Li Ying's Well Dragon Palace.

Zhang Jian's gaze swept past the well; the two water hibiscuses, tended by the Qi family gardener, had grown all the more lovely, while these two little demons kept themselves hidden, concealing their spiritual intelligence.

As long as those two little demons behaved, Zhang Jian had no intention of causing them trouble.

At that moment, Zhang Jian lifted his gaze and saw a vibrant figure in the distance leading a group of maidservants forward, many of whom carried baskets covered with blue cloth.

That maiden was Qi Yuzhu, who, despite her liveliness, gave a formal greeting.

"Brother Zhang!"

"Sister Yuzhu!"

Zhang Jian gave a light smile and made a slight bow.

Qi Yuzhu gave Zhang Jian a once‑over, the corners of her mouth turning up as she spoke crisply.

"Brother Zhang, I heard you are heading to the capital for the examinations; the road ahead is long and you will face wind, frost, rain and snow. Someone cares for you but dare not show themselves, so they asked me to bring you a few things that might come in handy."

As she spoke, her face tensed, making Zhang Jian want to laugh; he also noticed a graceful figure behind the artificial hill in the distance, its back turned to them, and felt a hint of amusement.

Qi Yuzhu then had the maidservants open the bamboo baskets one by one, and she listed their contents.

"Brother Zhang, this is a sachet sent by someone to refresh the mind; there are also finely crafted fur knee guards, and this red fox fur robe, all personally embroidered by that person… and these, which that person hopes will help you pass the examinations and return in glory."

After a brief pause, Qi Yuzhu added a remark for herself.

"Besides, there are many pretty maidens in Haojing City who are little temptresses; Brother Zhang must not be seduced by their beauty, but stay pure and chaste, keep yourself clean."

Having said that, she planted her hands on her hips, speaking with righteous confidence.

Hearing this, Zhang Jian could only give a wry smile.

He laughed: "Sister Yuzhu, then please thank her for her concern on my behalf!"

"I happen to have prepared a gift for her as well!"

Zhang Jian then took out a small jade box from his hand and handed it to Qi Yuzhu, who passed it to the maidservant to keep safe, nodded, glanced around, and hurried away.

Zhang Jian looked at the few bamboo baskets in his hand, gave a slight smile, and then turned and left.

They've already left, why are you still standing here foolishly!

Behind the artificial mountain, Qi Yuzhu looked at the somewhat dazed Qi Yuhua and immediately pursed her lips.

At the same time she took out a jade box from her bosom.

Here, this is something the older brother from the Zhang family gave you!

Qi Yuhua's beautiful eyes flickered, and she casually opened the jade box, revealing a jade pendant inside.

At just a glance, Qi Yuhua let out a soft gasp.

The jade pendant was verdant, but inside it showed a flaming vivid red, as if a soaring phoenix within spread its wings and flew high.

Just one look, and Qi Yuhua fell in love with it.

Qi Yuzhu glanced at it, also feeling a bit envious, and she muttered: "The older brother from the Zhang family said this is Phoenix Blood Jade; legend has it that a drop of the phoenix divine bird's blood fell into the jade ore after its nirvana, containing the phoenix's spiritual aura. The jade can nourish a person, and the phoenix blood hidden deep within can subtly transform one's physique and nurture the life palace, said to keep you healthy and free from illness."

Hearing that, Qi Yuhua felt delighted in her heart, but she restrained her expression on her jade-like face, merely giving a faint smile; however, at that moment Qi Yuzhu suddenly exclaimed in surprise.

"Older sister, look, why is the bird inside the Phoenix Blood Jade moving and emitting red light?"