Chapter 226: Whose Turf

226. Chapter 226: Whose Turf

He Cuihua certainly didn't recognize the invitation card either. What she said, she had learned through the household servants and the man who delivered the card. But seeing her son read the card so carefully, and seemingly able to understand it, that struck He Cuihua as strange. She distinctly remembered that Zhao Jin had only attended private school for two years, and had done very poorly. This was a parent's mindset; anyone else would never have noticed such a trivial detail.

But this question was actually rather difficult to answer. Zhao Jin laughed dryly and explained, "Your child learned it from Zhaojing."

"If you'd had this kind of dedication earlier, you could have taken the imperial examinations and earned an official rank. Now you just make people worry day and night," He Cuihua said, not pressing further, merely speaking with a sigh.

"Mother, I'm going out to take a look. Save dinner for me." Not wanting to continue this topic, Zhao Jin turned and hurried out the door.

The two walked into the courtyard. The monkey that had poked its head out hurriedly shrank back into its den. The macaque was now very afraid of Zhao Jin, not even daring to get close. Chen Sheng was long accustomed to the sight of this monkey. He did, however, glance at Zhao Jin with some curiosity, because Chen Sheng knew Zhao Jin had never learned anything from Wang Zhaojing. But Chen Sheng didn't ask.

Once outside the courtyard, they directly summoned the man who looked like a waiter. This waiter was from Tonghui Inn. He said that this Fu Chuchuan had arrived with six attendants and had rented an entire private courtyard at the inn. Then one attendant had taken an invitation card and asked the inn's waiter to deliver it. Delivering cards on behalf of guests was originally part of an inn waiter's job. However, the inn's front desk didn't know the Zhao family's residence, but the attendant did. After roughly describing the location, the waiter had taken the card and come over.

The inn's staff, of course, knew exactly what kind of person Zhao Jin was. They also felt this wasn't quite proper and, trembling with fear, tried to decline. The attendant directly gave three taels of silver as a tip and generously explained that if the Zhao family asked, they should hide nothing and say everything they knew.

Hearing this, Zhao Jin and Chen Sheng exchanged a glance. This was a show of force. The waiter was trembling like a sieve. He had been somewhat curious about delivering the card here, wanting to see the scene of a hero like Zhao Jin. He never imagined that upon arrival, he would be threatened with blades and spears, feeling as if he had taken a turn through the gates of hell.

"Dasheng, go back and tell the household first. We'll meet at the intersection by the water well," Zhao Jin called out. Chen Sheng nodded and went on his way.

"... Go to the freight yard. Have Shi Manqiang, Ji Xiang, and Liu Yong all come over. Tell Lu Da to bring ten men as well, and have everyone bring their weapons fully. We'll meet at the water well," Zhao Jin ordered. The household guard on duty at the gate nodded and sprinted off.

None of these household guards had experienced real combat, but they were obedient and diligent, which made them very useful. Zhao Jin stood there pondering for a moment, then spoke again: "Detain that waiter for another half a shichen, then release him. Give him that silver ingot to calm his nerves. Five of you form a squad and search the three surrounding streets once. If you see anyone acting suspiciously, seize them immediately!"

Zhao Jin gave the order, and the household guards immediately split off half their number and began patrolling along the streets. This was not the first time they had done this; they were very practiced.

After arranging all this, Zhao Jin simply stood outside keeping watch. Now only four household guards remained at home; manpower was a bit short. The sky had already darkened, and the wealthy households on the neighboring streets had lit their lanterns. Zhao Jin stretched his body. He had walked quite a bit these past two days, but didn't feel very tired. The constant training and tempering was indeed showing results.

Just then, he saw figures flickering at the intersection not far away. Given today's situation, Zhao Jin couldn't help but be alert, but he immediately relaxed. Though the sky was dark, things were still visible. The figure was a servant from the Wang household, someone he saw regularly.

The household guards quickly finished searching the three streets and saw no suspicious characters. Zhao Jin instructed them to remain vigilant, then headed toward the agreed meeting place.

He had arranged this search partly out of concern that the other side might have stationed some men. Of course, if they were truly skilled experts, such a search would find nothing at all. Doing this was merely a show of deterrence.

Zhao Jin hadn't stood by the water well long when someone came hurrying over with rapid footsteps. However, it wasn't Chen Sheng, but Wang Zhaojing. Wang Zhaojing wore a dark, knee-length, front-opening short robe, black leather boots, and carried a narrow-bladed longsword in its scabbard in his hand. Seeing this attire, Zhao Jin knew this was no chance encounter.

"Brother Zhao, your younger brother will also go and help," Wang Zhaojing said succinctly.

"It's just a small matter. No need for you to come."

"Your younger brother has been reading all day and needs to get out and move around a bit."

Though his words were brief, Wang Zhaojing was studying Zhao Jin's expression. Only when he saw that Zhao Jin was as calm as ever did he relax.

Wang Zhaojing had claimed he needed to stay home and delve into his studies to prepare for the provincial examinations, and he truly was studying diligently, occasionally even going to consult his father, Wang Youshan. But outside of his studies, he paid very close attention to Zhao Jin and the others' movements, specifically instructing servants to inquire about them.

The men left behind at the freight yard and distillery kept their lips sealed to outsiders, but to Wang Zhaojing's inquiries, they naturally held nothing back. So there was nothing he didn't know. Even though he had been told in advance, the fact that he couldn't act together with everyone still left Wang Zhaojing feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

Just earlier, his own household servant had noticed activity at the Zhao residence and then guessed something might be happening. Wang Zhaojing had assumed Zhao Jin would call him to come along, but never expected that no one would come to summon him at all.

This became something Wang Zhaojing couldn't quite bear. He simply changed his clothes, grabbed his sword, and went out, heading directly to the Zhao family's gate to ask. Although he didn't see Zhao Jin, it allowed him to inquire more conveniently.

The household guards, of course, knew nothing of Wang Zhaojing's little concerns. To them, Wang Zhaojing was still one of the masters, and one of the higher-ranking ones at that, so they naturally answered whatever he asked. Once he had the details, Wang Zhaojing didn't hesitate, grabbed his sword, and came looking for Zhao Jin.

In truth, it had only been two days, yet Wang Zhaojing felt a sense of distance growing between them. So, making conversation, he asked about the events outside the city. Zhao Jin told him everything. When the topic reached the martial contest at the banquet, Wang Zhaojing's expression showed regret. He greatly enjoyed such scenes, and with his skill, he might well have had a chance to participate. Missing it was indeed a pity.

As they talked about Maocun Market, Zhao Jin said that they also needed someone to keep an eye on news from outside the city. They couldn't let others build up a huge situation while they remained inside the city knowing nothing. At that moment, Chen Sheng also arrived. He paused briefly upon seeing Wang Zhaojing, then nodded with an indifferent expression. Wang Zhaojing smiled in greeting, but his own expression was somewhat strained, though the darkness of night helped conceal it.

Before long, everyone had assembled. Zhao Jin briefly explained the situation, then said crisply and decisively, "Everyone, follow me to Tonghui Inn. Let him know this place is Xuzhou!"

The group roared in agreement. None of them had known Kong Jiuying's name before, but after the He Family Village battle, they all more or less understood. It was impossible to say they weren't wary, but here within Xuzhou City, they feared no one.

Tonghui Inn was one of the few remaining large inns in Xuzhou City, and compared to inns in neighboring prefectures and counties, its standards were quite good. The reason such a place existed in a land where all trades were withering was that the officials' receptions and send-offs all took place here. Although by regulation they should be at the post station, the post station was simply too shabby. With the yamen's support and patronage from other businesses, the inn naturally stayed afloat.

Such a place did not do business with the poor, so the inn was located in the east of the city, three streets away from the government offices and not far from Zhao Jin's residence.

It didn't take long for Zhao Jin and his group to arrive at Tonghui Inn. A place like an inn dealt with people from all walks of life, so the manager and waiters had seen a broad mix of society. They certainly knew a figure like Zhao Jin. When Zhao Jin had first begun to rise, this inn's manager had even gone over to cultivate a connection.

Times had changed. Seeing Zhao Jin appear at the door, the manager scrambled out from behind the counter in a fluster. In his haste, he nearly tripped over a stool. He couldn't care less about that, bowing and scraping with an apologetic smile: "Master Jin has come to our humble establishment, and this lowly one didn't come out to greet you. Such a discourtesy! Quickly, serve Master Jin our best tea!"

"Where is the man who had your waiter deliver the invitation card? Take me to him," Zhao Jin said flatly.

Hearing this, cold sweat immediately broke out on the manager's forehead. The moment he saw Zhao Jin arrive, he had guessed it was related to this. Having it confirmed now terrified him to the core. When he spoke again, his voice was trembling: "Master Jin, our humble shop merely delivered it on his behalf. This is also the custom when serving guests."

"I know. That's why I'm not making things difficult for you. Take me there!" Zhao Jin emphasized once more. His tone didn't change, but the manager shuddered violently. Seeing Zhao Jin's group armed with blades and swords, looking murderously intent, the manager wanted to beg them not to start a huge fight inside the inn, but he didn't dare speak.

Just as he was hesitating, Zhao Jin's gaze swept over him. The inn manager shrank back and quickly said, "This lowly one... will lead the way for Master Jin right now..."

Meeting Fu Chuchuan for the first time, most people would take him for a scholar. Few would imagine he was the steward of a country estate. Fu Chuchuan always habitually wore a long gown, and his beard and hair were kept very neat and trim.

Everyone at the Paoheyan estate knew that while you could joke and laugh in front of the other stewards, in front of Fu Chuchuan, you absolutely had to mind your manners and the rules. For instance, if your status was lower than his, you had to stand while speaking.

The private courtyards at Tonghui Inn were all for hosting high officials and nobles, furnished like the residence of a wealthy household. Not only were they exquisite and clean, but there were also maids and servants to attend to guests. However, when Fu Chuchuan arrived, he used only his own attendants; all the inn's people were sent away.

In the study of the private courtyard, Fu Chuchuan sat sipping tea. Four men stood on either side. They dared not show the slightest negligence. This Steward Fu looked like a scholar, but during a gang fight, he had hacked down six men with an axe. An estate guard who snuck into his room at night to ambush him was beaten to death with a flower vase. Only after that incident did everyone understand why Master Kong Jiu had made him a steward.

"Master Fu, that place over there should be the Zhao residence. But it's guarded very tightly. There are men standing watch at the door and by the wall, and others patrolling back and forth. It won't be easy to find an opening," one man reported.