Chapter 86

Fu Tingjun looked up in a daze, her face streaked with tears.

From outside came A Sen's anxious shouts: "Miss, miss, what's wrong?"

She jolted back to her senses.

How utterly foolish!

How could she have panicked at the news of Zhao Ling's misfortune and forgotten that the two women before her bore her ill intentions? Why had she believed whatever they said?

Fortunately, when Madam Feng had invited her, she had been cautious enough to use changing clothes as an excuse to return home. She had first instructed Zheng San to find out what kind of people Madam Feng had brought with her—were there any burly, strong men? Who were the people in Madam Lu's residence? When she learned that aside from two men in their fifties driving the carriage, Madam Feng's party consisted only of women and children, and that there were no other outsiders in Madam Lu's residence, she had also called A Sen: "You'll come with me to General Mo's place later. If you see anything amiss, shout loudly." Then she said to Zheng San, "You quietly crouch by the wall. When you hear A Sen shouting, rush in—those women and children should be no match for you!"

A Sen's shouting would bring Zheng San running.

She hadn't yet determined whether what Madam Feng said was true or false!

Fu Tingjun quickly said, "Don't shout! I'm fine!"

Through the door, she heard A Sen's "Oh."

This young servant by Miss Fu's side was far too meddlesome!

Madam Feng felt somewhat displeased, but knowing she had more important matters to attend to, she decided to let the servant go for now and deal with him later.

"Look how heartbroken Miss Fu is," she said with a sympathetic sigh, instructing Madam Lu, "Have a maid bring hot water to wash Miss Fu's face, won't you? In any case, Deputy General Liu gave repeated orders about Banner-bearer Zhao's matter—it absolutely must not be known to others. Miss Fu hasn't even crossed the threshold yet. If she goes out with red, swollen eyes from crying, the neighbors will see and there will be all sorts of speculation—that wouldn't be good for Miss Fu."

Madam Lu assented repeatedly and went out to give the order. Before long, Xuemei came in carrying hot water and a cloth.

Madam Feng personally rolled up Fu Tingjun's sleeves.

The golden phoenix hairpin on her head glittered, reminding Fu Tingjun of how arrogant this woman was, giving Fu Tingjun the feeling that "one who is uncommonly kind has ulterior motives."

Fu Tingjun declined Madam Feng's attentions and washed her own face.

Madam Lu brought out her own fragrant balm: "This is fragrant balm from Guose Hall in the capital. General Mo specially had someone bring it back from the capital."

Fu Tingjun shook her head and refused.

If Zhao Ling truly... what use would she have for such things?

Madam Lu saw her mournful expression yet resolute brow, and could only awkwardly put it away.

"Concubine Feng," Fu Tingjun said, her mood gradually calming and her mind growing cooler, "regarding Banner-bearer Zhao's matter, when will the General's Office issue a statement?"

"That will take some time," Madam Feng said. "At the very least, we must wait until the fighting is over. If there's a great victory, that's one thing, but if... well, then we'll have to wait for the emperor's decree. If the Marquis of Yingchuan is still stationed at the Gansu General's Office, then we'll have to wait for him to submit a plea of guilt and for the Grand Secretariat's deliberation before the matter of compensation for fallen soldiers can be discussed—only then can Banner-bearer Zhao's matter be settled. If the Marquis of Yingchuan is no longer stationed at the Gansu General's Office, then we'll have to wait for the new Gansu Regional Commander to arrive. Not to mention anything else, the journey alone would take three or four months. Banner-bearer Zhao's matter would likely be delayed until next year."

Fu Tingjun nodded slightly and asked Madam Feng, "Can I see that secret report saying Banner-bearer Zhao died in battle? If any bribes are needed, Concubine Feng, just say the word!"

Bribes meant an opportunity to line one's pockets!

Madam Feng barely suppressed her greed and said, "Miss Fu needn't stand on ceremony with me. It's just that the Deputy General currently keeps that secret report in his possession, so it's not convenient..." She put on a troubled expression.

Didn't she attend to Deputy General Liu's writing materials every day?

Given her reputation for greed, there was no reason for her to refuse, was there? Was she putting on this show to demand a higher price? Or... was there some other inside story?

Under ordinary circumstances, Fu Tingjun might have sparred with her a bit, but today, having just heard the news of Zhao Ling's death, she had neither the mood nor the energy to dance around the issue with Madam Feng.

She stood up with a somewhat weary expression: "Thank you, Concubine Feng, for telling me about Banner-bearer Zhao. His sudden misfortune has left me in low spirits, so I'll take my leave now. In a couple of days, I'll come to your residence to express my gratitude." With that, she turned to leave.

Madam Feng and Madam Lu were both taken aback.

They hadn't expected Fu Tingjun to act so decisively. Upon hearing that this matter couldn't be arranged, she skipped all the pleasantries, pleas, and entreaties—she simply got up and left.

"Wait, Miss Fu." Madam Feng stopped her without thinking.

Fu Tingjun looked at her calmly, her eyes, made even clearer and purer by her tears, reflecting Madam Feng's image back at her.

Suddenly, Madam Feng felt a flutter of unease.

She stammered, "Miss, Miss Fu, where are you planning to go?" The moment the words left her mouth, her composure steadied, and she regained her usual quick wit: "You're thinking of asking Madam Wang, aren't you? Miss Fu needn't bother—Madam Wang will never see that secret report. She's only the wife of an assistant commander; the only reason Lord Liu met with her before was out of respect for Assistant Commander Wang leading troops in the field. Nothing can be done once, twice, or three times over. If you trust me, I have an idea you might consider carefully."

So Madam Feng wasn't unable to get it—she had conditions!

Fu Tingjun's heart suddenly pounded, and she grew tense. Thoughts flashed through her mind, only to be quickly cast aside as she refused to dwell on them.

"What idea does Concubine Feng have in mind?" she asked, gazing steadily at Madam Feng. "I'm utterly distraught right now and can think of no good plan. Do tell—let me see if I can manage it!"

A faint smile spread across Madam Feng's face. "This, Miss Fu, you can certainly manage." Her eyes gleamed with an unusual light. "You know, the only reason I can see Lord Liu's secret reports is because I'm part of his household. What you may not know is that Lord Liu is especially tolerant and indulgent with his own people. I come from the household of the Marquis of Xiping in Liangzhou, and I have but one younger brother, Feng Dahu, twenty-three this year, skilled with a staff. Whenever Lord Liu has matters to handle, he always sends my brother, and my brother always manages them flawlessly, which is why Lord Liu favors him above his own blood brothers. My brother has high standards and hasn't yet married. I suggest letting my brother steal that secret report. If Lord Liu discovers it, we'll say you're my brother's sweetheart and he stole it to win a smile from a beauty—with your striking looks, Miss Fu, our Lord Liu surely won't suspect a thing. If Lord Liu doesn't notice, even better—you can simply buy some fruit to thank my brother." She chuckled lightly. "Miss Fu, what do you think?"

What a wolfish, treacherous heart!

Such people weren't even worthy of feigned civility.

Fu Tingjun sneered coldly. "I'd have to be out of my mind to join you in this madness!"

Madam Feng's expression shifted.

Madam Lu quickly interjected, "Miss Fu, calm yourself. If it weren't for your deep devotion to Banner-bearer Zhao, how would Sister Feng go to such lengths to help you? She's doing this for your own good. Think about it—Banner-bearer Zhao is gone now, and you're alone. Forget traveling to the capital to seek kin, even leaving Zhangye City would be no easy feat. You don't know this, but there are seven or eight idle gangs of note in Zhangye City, preying on lone women like you. They break in after dark, knock you out, stuff you in a sack, and sell you off to the brothels of Yongjing or Wuwei, or to the barbarians heading out through the pass... Sometimes they even snatch people in broad daylight. Everyone in the city knows how vicious they are and dares not make a sound; by the time the authorities arrive, the person is long gone. Miss Fu, take my advice. It's not as if you must marry Brother Dahu right away—just rely on his reputation so no one sets their sights on you. Sister Feng has your best interests at heart, and it's no wonder she's hurt by your reaction." She covered her mouth with a laugh. "If you ask me, if the false becomes true, that wouldn't be a bad thing either. Brother Dahu's character, looks, and family standing are unmatched in Zhangye City even if you searched with a lantern. If not for his high standards and his family's indulgence, how would Miss Fu ever have such a chance at fate with our Brother Dahu..."

"Spare me your concern!" Fu Tingjun's cold gaze sliced like a blade toward Madam Lu. "Madam Wang upholds propriety strictly. Her first visit to Deputy General Liu was to rescue her husband from prison—an act of righteousness. How could I ask her to see Deputy General Liu again for my fiancé's sake? I plan to see the Marquis of Yingchuan. Since Deputy General Liu, stationed in Zhangye, has already obtained the roster of fallen soldiers, surely the Marquis of Yingchuan has it as well. I'll ask General Mo to introduce me to him."

She knew Madam Wang couldn't intimidate this Madam Feng, so she invoked the Marquis of Yingchuan instead.

"No—" Madam Lu had heard Mo Yi speak of how Fu Tingjun had fled famine all the way from Pingliang County to Xi'an Prefecture, and how Mo Yi had praised her more than once as a woman of chastity and honor. At the mention of Fu Tingjun seeking the Marquis of Yingchuan and meeting Mo Yi, she turned pale with alarm, her shrill voice trembling with fear.

But Fu Tingjun's mind stirred.

Why was Madam Lu afraid of her seeking the Marquis of Yingchuan?

Or was it meeting Mo Yi that frightened her?

Could Zhao Ling's matter...

She couldn't help but hope for the best, her peripheral vision darting swiftly toward Madam Feng.

Madam Feng's face darkened like a coming storm.

She shot Madam Lu a fierce glare and hissed, "What are you shrieking about? Shut your mouth!"

A flicker of fear crossed Madam Lu's face, and she quickly lowered her head.

"Miss Fu," Madam Feng said, looking at Fu Tingjun, all trace of her earlier warmth gone, "don't be childish! Zhangye City is currently under Deputy General Liu's command. Even if you want to see the Marquis of Yingchuan or meet with General Mo, you still have to get out of this city first. If you behave and marry my brother, I'll cherish you like a younger sister. But if you don't," she sneered, "I'll give you to my brother to warm his bed, without even a proper title!"

Madam Feng's arrogance had reached the point of madness, but Madam Lu still had her weaknesses.

Fu Tingjun paid no attention to Madam Feng at all, looking straight at Madam Lu instead: "Since that's the case, let's make a bet—whether I can walk out of Zhangye City or not." With that, she swept away.