Chapter 704: Rainy Night Invades the Wild Geese

Ningrong Street, the Marquis's Mansion, outer courtyard's main hall.

Jia Cong said: "The Jia and Zhen families have been longtime acquaintances in Jin Ling; I once had a marriage pact with Miss Zhen, and seeing her off was merely proper etiquette."

On the day we saw her off, we merely chatted about family fortunes and aristocratic ties, never mentioning anything special.

Miss Zhen returned directly to Jin Ling after leaving Shen Jing, and never mentioned going elsewhere—her words and demeanor were entirely normal.

After careful reflection on that day's events, I see nothing unusual; it seems I cannot assist you, Wu Yang Pingshi."

Wu Wu Hongtu heard Jia Cong's words; though slightly disappointed, it was not unexpected.

This Marquis of Lord Weiyuan is a master of investigation and case-solving, having cracked major cases repeatedly in Jin Ling, famed for his wisdom and resourcefulness.

He never expected to gain anything from him…

Wu Wu Hongtu took out his paper and pen, meticulously recording their conversation, then asked Jia Cong further questions, to which Jia Cong answered flawlessly.

Yet he did not deliberately deceive, for what he told Wu Wu Hongtu was nearly all true.

On the day of farewell, Zhen Zhen Fangqing and she spoke only of family anecdotes and tender sentiments, never uttering a word of her schemes.

Perhaps even then, she foresaw today's situation—that his ignorance would keep him safely outside the affair.

He understood Yang Yang Hongbin's intent in sending men to question him: ostensibly routine procedure, yet subtly warning him off.

His relationship with Zhen Zhen Fangqing is unusual; she has already been branded a criminal, in grave peril—he must not be drawn in…

After questioning him, Wu Wu Hongtu rose to take his leave.

Before departing, he said: "His Majesty is deeply concerned over Zhen Zhen Fangqing's case, hence ordered the Dalisi to investigate strictly."

Yet out of respect for the late Grand Dowager Zhen's legacy, to preserve dignity for the departed, the investigation is strict but secret.

I beg Your Lordship to keep today's matter confidential and not spread it—I apologize for the disturbance and take my leave."

Jia Cong watched Wu Wu Hongtu's figure fade into the dense, drizzling rain, his expression growing grave.

When Lady Zhen the Elder sent silver to Shen Jing for concealment, it was after Zhen Zhen Yingjia's dismissal and investigation, when the court had already issued the imperial decree condemning and confiscating the family's property.

Thus, the Zhen family's main branch could not escape criminal punishment for concealing private silver—it was an aggravated offense, fully justified.

But Zhen Zhen Fangqing's withdrawal and disposal of family assets occurred long before the Zhen family's scandal broke; legally, it could not be clearly deemed criminal, at most labeled as malicious intent.

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao's massive reaction—deploying the Dalisi to investigate—already betrays his fury and humiliation.

Jia Cong carefully pondered the matter and could roughly discern Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao's thoughts.

The emperor, leveraging the Jin Ling firearms smuggling case, cracked down harshly on the Zhen family of Jin Ling.

He intended to intimidate all shadowy schemers who dared covet illicit firearms production—punishing one man's crime with clan annihilation.

He also meant to frighten and warn the immensely powerful southern aristocratic clans.

In the six states and one prefecture of the south, after the Du family came the Zhen family; anyone who dares to cross the line will face the court's merciless thunderous strike!

But Zhen Zhen Fangqing, foreseeing the storm, long before Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao struck, had already siphoned off most of the Zhen family's assets.

Thus, the emperor's plan to intimidate and suppress southern aristocrats became a hollow punch—how could he not seethe with silent rage?

That is why Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao ordered the Dalisi to investigate thoroughly and find Zhen Zhen Fangqing's whereabouts, yet demanded secrecy.

For if word leaked, the emperor's face would be severely damaged.

He had planned to use the force of a lion hunting a rabbit, staging a grand spectacle to intimidate the wicked.

Yet a young girl's maneuvers had long since dismantled the stage, leaving the emperor, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and the Three Judicial Offices with no way to save face.

Jia Cong could not help but feel uneasy—even though he had sent word to Jin Ling's Xinchun Branch, urging Qu Qu Hongxiu to aid Zhen Zhen Fangqing.

But Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao had already mobilized the Three Judicial Offices; the Embroidered Uniform Guard and local governments would surely intensify their search.

For Zhen Zhen Fangqing to remain hidden and escape unscathed now became unpredictable.

If she fell into official hands, even with the Retired Emperor's presence, given the current emperor's methods, the consequences would be unthinkable.

…

In eastern Shen Jing, a refined two-courtyard residence—this was Ai Li and her mother Xu Shi's new home.

Jia Cong, holding an umbrella, entered the quiet, secluded alley alone, without servants, and knocked on the courtyard's doorbell.

Soon after, the gate opened, revealing a slender girl with snow-white skin and bright eyes.

Her attire was unusual—not the typical beizi worn by young ladies, but a pale blue embroidered Shu silk Hu robe.

Tall and lithe, her skin gleamed like jade; a single emerald-green scented sweatband cinched her waist, accentuating her graceful figure.

Seeing Jia Cong, she smiled brightly: "What a lucky day—you've come to visit."

Normally, when Jia Cong took Ai Li out, she wore a headscarf and veil; now at home, she had no need for them.

Ai Li's brownish-gold hair was braided into a long plait, loosely hanging to her waist; the breeze stirred her temple hairs, brushing her soft cheeks.

Even under the gloomy, rainy sky, her dark-gold hair shimmered with a captivating glow, deepening her eyes and making her skin glow like snow.

Jia Cong smiled: "Lately I've been busy with official duties; today, due to matters at the mansion, I left early and came to visit."

Since Jia Cong inherited the Lady Rongguo title and took over all Western Mansion assets, this residence became one of its properties.

It was said to have been acquired during the lifetime of Lady Rongguo Jia Jia Daishan; no one, not even the old servants of the Western Mansion, could say who had lived here before.

The residence had stood vacant for over a decade; after Jia Cong assumed control of the Western Mansion's affairs, he had it cleaned and repaired, then moved Ai Li and her mother in.

Now, all Xinchun Branches across the realm have taken root, rising prominently among local merchants, their reputations spreading far.

Branches in Liaodong, Jin Ling, Su Zhou, Yin Zhou, and Fuzhou have become vital hubs for Xinchun's commerce and finance.

Information exchange between branches has grown increasingly frequent, making swift communication ever more critical.

The Feiyu Message Station established by Jia Cong and Ai Li—its stations in Liaodong, Jin Ling, and Su Zhou—are directly controlled by Qu Qu Hongxiu, Wang Dequan, and Zhou Zhou Guangcheng.

All other branch offices and Feiyu stations operate independently, linked only by established protocols for message transmission.

Every few months, Ai Li selects sharp-witted girls from Xinchun's orphanages and trains them in bird-taming techniques.

After months of training under Ai Li, these girls are dispatched to various Feiyu stations to manage message transmission.

Only girls are chosen, for their delicate minds and patience, combined with gentler bloodlines, make them more easily accepted by birds.

Thus, women learn bird-taming far more efficiently than men.

Ai Li received her skills from her father; even while he lived, she had already surpassed him.

Her ability to sense and summon birds had quietly outstripped her father's—precisely because of this.

Whether training birds or teaching the craft, a spacious residence is essential.

This was why Jia Cong moved Ai Li and her mother here.

…

Behind the mansion, two connected side rooms had extra rows of windows installed, fitted with fine iron mesh.

Inside, numerous birdcages were neatly arranged, housing various birds.

Yet the room held little odor—likely because Ai Li cared deeply for the birds and cleaned daily.

When Ai Li and her mother first moved in, Jia Cong had planned to buy two maidservants to serve them, as the residence was much larger than before.

But Xu Shi politely refused, insisting they managed all household chores themselves.

When Xu Shi saw Jia Cong arrive, she brewed a fresh pot of tea and brought it herself to the back courtyard.

Entering the inner courtyard, she saw Jia Cong and her daughter sitting side by side, playfully coaxing a red falcon hatched over a month ago.

Though they maintained propriety, speaking softly and laughing lightly, their expressions radiated an unspoken intimacy.

Every time Jia Cong visited, her daughter became cheerful and talkative—clearly delighted.

Xu Shi had once been young herself; she understood her daughter's heart, yet never spoke of it.

She sighed softly within, silently bringing the tea forward.

Soon after, a sea-eagle soared into the sky, wings cutting through clouds, flying southward.

…

Su Zhou, Chayuan Street.

This was a bustling Su Zhou district, once home to the Jiangnan Inspection Branch; though the office has long been moved, the name endures.

The street remained crowded, teeming with people, seemingly unchanged from before.

Yet several longtime shopkeepers and clerks, accustomed to the street's regulars, noticed new faces lately—strangers loitering endlessly.

Some even inquired about the owners of houses along the street; these men had menacing expressions, though they revealed no identity.

But these shopkeepers, seasoned by years of observation, recognized their mannerisms—most were likely officials.

Naturally, they dared not conceal anything, telling them the third house on the east side was rumored to be a wealthy merchant's villa.

Though the residence was lavish, it usually stood empty, occupied only by two elderly servants.

A few months ago, five carriages arrived, bringing a young lady who remained deeply secluded—no neighbors ever saw her face.

After staying some time, they suddenly left, leaving only the two old servants behind.

These shopkeepers, accustomed to officials disguising themselves to track fugitives, saw this as routine.

They assumed the matter would pass quickly—until the next day, when numerous Embroidered Uniform Guards flooded the street.

They stormed the villa, searching everywhere, and arrested the two elderly servants, who vanished thereafter.

In the following days, Embroidered Uniform patrols frequently questioned passersby along the route from Chayuan Street to Xumen.

It was said the lady who stayed at the Chayuan Street residence had left Su Zhou through Xumen.

Some claimed she was a fugitive imperial criminal now pursued by the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Others claimed she was a notorious pirate from the East Sea in disguise, planning to raid Su Zhou.

Panic spread through the city; rumors multiplied; every wealthy family kept their daughters indoors, fearing trouble.

Soon after, the Su Zhou Prefecture posted notices: anyone providing information on the Chayuan Street residence's owner would receive a substantial reward.

In the following days, people repeatedly came to the prefecture to inform, hoping to claim the bounty.

But their reports were either vague and useless, or outright fabrications, aimed only at securing the reward.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard caused chaos in the city for several days but found nothing, and gradually fell silent; it was said they had begun searching beyond Su Zhou's outskirts…

…

In the countryside south of Su Zhou, at dusk, fine rain fell like silk, and night was drawing near.

This place was fifty li from Su Zhou, far from the city's bustle, surrounded by profound quiet, as if detached from the world.

A swift horse came from the north, its hooves clattering like a drumbeat, echoing endlessly along the country lanes.

The rider spurred his horse to a secluded, elegant villa and leapt off…

…

Inside the villa's inner courtyard, candlelight flickered as Zhen Zhen Fangqing and Madam Zhen II sat chatting with an elderly woman.

The old lady was none other than Madam Zhen, whom rumors in Jin Ling had long declared dead.

The old lady held Zhen Fangqing's hand and said: "Zhen Fangqing, thank heaven you were sharp enough not to rush back to Jin Ling—otherwise, you'd be suffering now too."

"You'd surely have been dragged to Tongzhou by the authorities. If a noble daughter like you ended up in such a state, I'd have no reason to keep living."

Zhen Fangqing replied: "Madam, the Zhen household is collapsing. Knowing your age and how frail you are, we used this method to bring you out—so you wouldn't be dragged into the turmoil."

"Without you, the household won't draw much attention. But I cannot save any other relatives."

"If we tried to rescue more, we'd anger the court again—and then not a single soul in the Zhen family would survive."

Madam Zhen said: "I understand your meaning, and I know your hardship. The Zhen family has fallen, and all of us have been seized."

"You've preserved yourself—that's already the best outcome. To preserve the last shred of dignity and ancestral incense for the Zhen family, you shouldn't ask for more."

"I thought my old life was surely over. Now that I'm still alive and well, what more could I want?"

"I only resent Lady Da for her foolishness—at the critical moment, she clung to her wealth instead of her life, sending silver to the imperial capital to hide it, dooming us all."

"I don't care about those two old ones anymore—I only grieve for my Jia Baoyu. He's suffered needlessly because of his parents."

"He's only fifteen. Raised in luxury since childhood, now he's being sent to Lingnan, a wild, uncivilized land—how can he endure such suffering?"

Zhen Fangqing said: "Madam, don't worry too much. Jia Baoyu is still young—he'll surely return one day to care for you."

"Once the storm passes, I'll send someone reliable to Lingnan to secretly watch over him."

"He won't live in luxury as before, but I can ensure he has food, clothing, and safety."

"Jia Baoyu spent his days playing in the inner quarters—he's wasted much time. Now, this hardship may be good for him."

"As the saying goes: jade uncarved is not an instrument. Perhaps this trial will awaken him, make him diligent, and give him a bright future—wouldn't that please you, Madam?"

Madam Zhen was merely a doting grandmother; she didn't think of such things. As long as her Jia Baoyu was safe and peaceful, she was content.

As the two chatted, Liu Linjiang Xian's wife arrived to report that someone from Jin Ling had sent an urgent letter.

Hearing "Jin Ling," Zhen Fangqing's expression changed slightly. She hurried to the study with Liu Linjiang Xian's wife.

On the desk lay two letters. One came from the imperial capital, delivered to the Jiangnan headquarters of Xinchun Company, then rushed overnight by fast horse.

This letter remained unopened—it was sent by Jia Cong via flying feather from the imperial capital.

He knew Zhen Fangqing was in Su Zhou but not her exact address, so he could only send it to Jin Ling for forwarding.

Fortunately, the flying feather's speed far exceeded that of military couriers. Even with a night's delay, it would arrive before the Sun Dali Temple's men headed south.

The letter described how Zhen Fangqing's actions had alarmed His Majesty. The Sun Dali Temple had opened an investigation, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard and regional authorities would intensify their manhunt.

Su Zhou lay within the jurisdiction of the secondary capital's officials—it was no longer safe. The letter advised her to flee temporarily to Fuzhou, where Xinchun Company could arrange her escape route.

The other letter was from the Su Zhou branch to Qu Qu Hongxiu, detailing recent upheavals in Su Zhou, also forwarded by Xinchun Company.

It described how the Embroidered Uniform Guard had raided a residence on Chayuan Street and launched a massive search for a female fugitive.

This letter was written by Zou Min'er of the Su Zhou branch to Qu Qu Hongxiu—a routine business communication that mentioned the incident in passing.

Zou Min'er had heard the name Zhen Zhen Fangqing but did not know she was in Su Zhou.

Yet Qu Qu Hongxiu, upon reading it, immediately realized the fugitive the Embroidered Uniform Guard sought was Zhen Zhen Fangqing—and so forwarded the letter.

…

After reading both letters, Zhen Fangqing's expression grew grave. She lit them both and burned them to ash.

Liu Linjiang Xian's wife, seeing her grim face, asked: "Third Miss, the messenger came all night from Jin Ling, changing horses twice."

"Such urgent delivery—did it bring important news?"

Zhen Fangqing said: "The Ministry of Revenue in the secondary capital has uncovered traces in the Zhen family's seized assets. The matter has reached His Majesty."

"The palace has issued an edict ordering the Sun Dali Temple to send men south to investigate."

"For days, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has been scouring Su Zhou, searching for our whereabouts."

Liu Linjiang Xian's wife's face paled. "Miss, this sounds dangerous. You must think of a strategy quickly."

Zhen Fangqing said: "This place is no longer safe. Someone advised me to flee to Fuzhou."

Liu Linjiang Xian's wife's eyes brightened. "Fuzhou is a good place—far from Jiangnan, much safer than here."

Zhen Fangqing shook her head. "If we go to Fuzhou, his men will intervene. That will leave him with evidence…."

Liu Linjiang Xian's wife, sensing Zhen Fangqing's veiled words and not knowing who had suggested Fuzhou, dared not ask further.

…

Zhen Fangqing stared at the ashes on the floor, her thoughts churning. The journey to Fuzhou was long; Xinchun Company would have to arrange safe passage along the way.

There is no wall without cracks. If Jia Yuzhang's people intervened this deeply, they might leave him vulnerable.

His Majesty is a formidable man, and Jia Yuzhang is one of his trusted ministers—he must be closely watched.

Now that I've been exposed, the Emperor will surely pay attention to his connection with me—he may already be watching him.

He sent that letter from the imperial capital—he already risked himself enough. That is enough. It's not in vain that I've always thought of him…

Why should I bring him more danger because of my own affairs? If I ruin his future, I'll never find peace.

Only a permanent solution can erase this threat—for both him and me.

She said to Liu Linjiang Xian's wife: "Auntie, tonight you and the others pack our belongings. By noon tomorrow, everything must be ready."

"Tell Uncle Linjiang Xian to go out at dawn and inquire about sea conditions and wind patterns these two days. I hope for calm weather."

"After sunset tomorrow, we leave. I'll inform Madam and the old lady first."

Liu Linjiang Xian's wife's face turned startled. "Miss, where are you planning to go?"

Zhen Fangqing spoke softly: "I'm going to sea. I've prepared a ship at Haishanzhu…" (End of chapter)