MTL - Denghuaxiao

Chapter 68 Uninvited Guests

 It was late at night, Xia Rongrong and his servant had gone to bed, but the lights were still on in Lu Zhuo's room.

The small courtyard was silent, except for the chirping of insects deep in the bamboo trees in the distance. Yin Zheng was sitting on the edge of the couch, half of her body tilted. The couch was piled with books. Lu Tong sat at the table, flipping through the book carefully under the lamp.

In the past few days and nights, Lu Zhuo had no medicine. As soon as it was time to turn on the lamp, he would read scrolls at the table, rarely stopping day and night.

Yin Zheng yawned and rubbed his eyes as he said, "Master Fan's cases in Yuan'an County are many, long, and thrilling. They are much more exciting than the novel."

　　Lu Zhen turned over a page: "It's indeed better than the original story."

 The books on the table are some of the most famous cases that Fan Zhenglian handled during his years as magistrate of Yuan'an County.

Even if Mr. Cao had more connections, he would not be able to get the government files. Fortunately, Fan Zhenglian was well-known and widely loved in Yuan'an County. The storyteller in the teahouse wrote several unsolved cases he handled when he was the county magistrate into stories, which are spread among the people every day. Lu Zhu asked Yin Zheng to provide money to buy all the storybooks.

"The case of parents-in-law slandering a widow for adultery, the case of brother and sister killing brother and sister, the case of brothers competing for family property, the case of boatman drowning and stealing property from boat passengers... all together can write a crime legend." Lu Yan closed the book in his hand, "Fan Zhenglian, the county magistrate, has done quite well. Busy."

Yin Zheng sat up straight: "Master Fan has investigated so many cases without leaving any trace. He looks like a good official."

"A good official?" Lu Zhuo smiled, "Then if you look carefully, you can see that in this case, are there poor people? Is there a distinguished person behind every case?"

Yin Zheng was stunned, and hurriedly lowered his head and flipped through the pages again, then looked at Lu Huan: "No! You mean, Mr. Fan is just trying to gain fame and reputation, specifically looking for poor people to file lawsuits to clear his name, and the real wealthy gentry is safe and sound? But, Since he can clear up so many cases, he must have some ability."

Lu Yan sneered: "Not necessarily, but don't forget, there is Qi Chuan beside him."

Qi Chuan is the ‘Master Qi’ whom Lu Yan met at Fan’s house last time. It is said that he is Fan Zhenglian’s most trusted right-hand man.

Cui'er, Mrs. Fan's personal maid of the Zhao family, said that Fan Zhenglian specially transferred Qi Chuan back to Shengjing from Yuan'an County, which shows his closeness. When Lu Yan asked Mr. Cao to help find out the news, he also asked about Qichuan's news.

It’s okay if you don’t ask about it, but when you ask about it, Lu Zong really feels that something is out of the ordinary.

Qichuan is the son of Fan Zhenglian’s wet nurse.

They are similar in age. The nanny took care of Fan Zhenglian, and Qi Chuan also grew up together in Fan's house. When he got older, it was time to go to school. Qichuan's family was poor, so the Fan family became kind and provided money to help Qichuan go to school.

  Qi Chuan and Fan Zhenglian attended the same school.

When Fan Zhenglian entered school, he had mediocre knowledge and mediocre qualifications. On the contrary, Qi Chuan had a photographic memory and was able to put pen to paper and was truly talented.

Since they had grown up together, their relationship was closer than others. However, when they were about to leave the hospital, Qi Chuan fell ill and was unable to catch up with the autumn of that year.

A hint of deep meaning flashed across Lu Zhen's eyes.

 What a coincidence.

Fan Zhenglian was the first to win the ranking. A few years after Fan Zhenglian was ranked first, Qi Chuan also won the ranking after finishing the game.

 One after the other, in one household, the sons of the master and the servant were both on the list. It was also an amazing coincidence in the entire Liang Dynasty.

Yin Zheng hugged the brocade quilt and asked: "Young lady, you are guessing that Qi Chuan deliberately claimed that he was ill and could not take the exam, but in fact he helped Mr. Fan take the exam in the autumn of that year. Mr. Fan passed the exam, and Qi Chuan took the exam later. So. It's also possible, but what is Qichuan doing this for? You know, his ranking in the rankings will not be as good as Mr. Fan's previous ranking."

Lu Yun smiled and said: "The son of a domestic slave, without the support of the Fan family, Qichuan would not even be able to enter the clan school, what would happen to him? In terms of love, the Fan family is kind to Qichuan, so it is natural to help Fan Zhenglian take the exam."

“As for why Qichuan’s ranking is not as good as that of Fan Zhenglian…”

"Qiu Wei's examination questions have changed, and Qi Chuan can't be sure that he will do well in the next article. Furthermore, his ranking is not as good as that of Fan Zhenglian, and the Fan family may still allow him to pursue a career. If he really wins the title of Chan Palace, he will become famous in one fell swoop. Let’s talk about how the Fan family views it. Just because of the Qi family’s background and no support behind you, you may not be able to have a successful career.”

“The failure of the number one scholar has happened in the past.”

Yin Zheng nodded as if understanding: "I see, but how did the girl know about these things in the examination room?"

"When my father was still alive, there were students who went to Beijing to take the exam every year." Lu Zhu lowered his eyebrows and said, "I grew up in Changwu County until I was nine years old. During this period, there were very few candidates who passed the exam in autumn."

Because of this, she knew how abnormal it was that Fan Zhenglian, who was mediocre in knowledge, could win the first place in one fell swoop.

Yin Zheng thought for a moment: "What if Qi Chuan first took the exam for Lord Fan, and then passed the exam himself, but then happened to be transferred to Yuan'an County as a county captain, could it be that the position of county captain was also deliberately done by the Fan family? Arranged?"

The county lieutenant is one level below the county magistrate, but he can assist the county magistrate.

"Nine times out of ten," Lu said, "This can also explain why Fan Zhenglian, who has mediocre qualifications, turned into a Qingtian master who is very aware of everything and strict in enforcing the law when he arrived in Yuan'an County."

Fan Zhenglian was selected first, and Qichuan was selected later. Fan Zhenglian became the magistrate of Yuan'an County, and through some means, he influenced Qi Chuan's transfer order, so that Qi Chuan also went to Yuan'an County and became his deputy.

So Qichuan was able to be on call and help Fan Zhenglian deal with things, or in other words, government affairs, as he had done when he was in clan school.

I'm afraid that all the beautifully handled cases in Yuan'an County were written by Qi Chuan.

Yin Zheng nodded with understanding: "No wonder Master Fan returned to Beijing and tried every possible means to bring Qi Chuan back with him. I dare not leave Qi Chuan. Master Fan has also handled many cases after returning to Beijing, and his reputation has become more and more popular." It's getting louder and louder, and the official career is prosperous... But," Yinzheng paused, "Why is Qichuan still just a recorder?"

In just a few years, Fan Zhenglian has been promoted from the magistrate of Yuan'an County to the detailed judge of the Shengjing Trial Court. As a magistrate of Yuan'an County, Qi Chuan was only one rank lower than Fan Zhenglian at first, but now he is just a recorder of the Trial Court.

The recorder has a position but no power, but it is just a false reputation, and there is no opportunity for promotion. Most of his life will stop here.

Qi Chuan’s official career was much more difficult than that of Fan Zhenglian.

Lu Zhen looked down at the cover of the volume and said calmly: "Of course he can only do recording. He is the best tool in Fan Zhenglian's hand."

"Not only will Fan Zhenglian not give Qichuan a chance to climb up, he will spare no effort to attack him, control him, and teach him to be a mediocre recorder all his life. Only in this way can Qichuan be used by Fan Zhenglian and always be Fan Zhenglian's A stepping stone.”

Yin Zheng took a breath: "This is too cruel. Not only has so much credit been robbed, but he is still being suppressed like this and making wedding clothes for others. Why doesn't Qichuan resist?"

Lu Zhen looked out the window: "The son of a domestic slave has been inferior to others since he was a child, and it is common for him to be bullied."

Those who hold high positions in the world can easily destroy the decades of hard work of ordinary people. Qi Chuan did it, Wu Xiucai did, and so did her Lu family.

Yin Zheng sighed: "How pitiful." She asked Lu Chen: "This Qi Chuan is called Fan Zhenglian's subordinate, but he is actually his staff. The girl wants to bribe Qi Chuan and let him tell the truth about the case of the Second Young Master Lu. Overturn the case for the family?"

"No."

Yin Zheng was stunned.

Lu Yan put the books on the table back into the desk: "Overturning the case is just handing over the case to another judge, but I no longer trust all the judges in Shengjing, and they may not help me get justice. "

 “I have other plans.”

 When she said this, her expression became very cold, and the light fell in her dark eyes, like a dark fire burning on the frozen seabed.

Yin Zheng was stunned. Before she could speak, Lu Zhuo had already changed her subject: "By the way, don't forget to ask Acheng to deliver the medicinal materials to Wu Youcai's house tomorrow morning."

Yin Zheng responded: "Okay."

Lu Zhen sighed slightly: "Damn... I guess this is the end of the day."

Hearing this, Yin Zheng felt pity in his heart.

That poor Confucian student failed in the imperial examinations many times despite his filial piety, which is really sad. Lu Chen would ask Acheng to send his mother's medicinal materials every few days. They were all neighbors on West Street. Acheng was very happy and Du Changqing didn't say anything.

but…

Yin Zheng glanced at Lu Zhen secretly, feeling a little confused. She didn't know if it was a misunderstanding. She felt that Lu Zhen was particularly gentle towards Wu Youcai. Obviously there were so many poor patients that he met every day, so Wu Youcai was not special, but every time Lu Zhu spoke to him, his tone and look were patient and kind to others.

 It’s like facing one’s relatives.

 Lu Xu lowered his eyes.

 For some reason, she always saw the shadow of Lu Qian in Wu Youcai. Wu Youcai was obviously gentle, restrained, tolerant and honest, while Lu Qian was cheerful and bright, with a clear distinction between love and hate. They were completely different personalities. But every time she thought of that poor scholar, she would think of Lu Qian's appearance when he returned home from the college with his book box on his back.

He would stop in front of the door, then suddenly take out his hand behind his back under Lu Yan's expectant eyes, laugh and say: "Look, I'll give you my newly caught Grasshopper!" Then she would chase her angrily. Zhong laughed and walked away.

 But Lu Qian is dead.

 Died in the Zhao Prison of Fan Zhenglian, the official judge of the Court of Punishment.

 Lu Zhen's eyelashes trembled slightly. All those who killed them should be buried with them.

 …

 The rain at night finally failed to fall, and it was a sunny day the next day.

 It’s almost the beginning of autumn, and the dog days haven’t come out yet, so it’s getting hotter and hotter. When Lu Zhen went to treat Zhao Feiyan at Fan Zhenglian's house, the time was changed to morning-afternoon, which was annoyingly hot.

This was the last time Lu Zhen came to see Mr. Zhao.

Zhao has lost weight to a body shape that she is very satisfied with. If she loses weight any more, her cheeks will no longer look plump. I heard that she was very surprised at the Summer Viewing Banquet a few days ago. She was originally pretty and plump, but now that she has lost weight, she has a different kind of beauty. She received countless compliments at the banquet, and she was naturally in a good mood.

　　Since his vanity was satisfied and his love with Fan Zhenglian was better than before, Mrs. Zhao became more pleased with Lu Yun. Before leaving, he asked someone to give the medical fees that had been withheld these days to Lu Huo.

Zhao's maid, Cui'er, sent Lu Huan and Yin Zheng to the door, and then handed the basket in her hand to Yin Zheng: "Miss Yin Zheng has taken it."

Yin Zheng took it with a smile.

When Cui'er saw this, a trace of contempt flashed in her eyes.

The baskets were filled with local eggs and the like given by others. The gifts Fan Zhenglian and Zhao received every day were precious gold and silver. Only ignorant poor people would give these. Even the servants like them looked down upon these pickled local products, and they were piled randomly in the yard outside the kitchen. Unexpectedly, when Lu Zhuo passed by, he stared at the pickled goods for a long time.

The kitchen was already full of these worthless things. When Cui'er saw this, she simply said that she wanted to give it to Lu Zhen as a favor. Unexpectedly, Lu Zhen didn't refuse, and his eyes were full of gratitude and joy.

Hicks from out of town really can't stand on the stage, Cui'er thought as she sent Yin Zheng and Lu Zhu out of the house, and said a few more polite words before leaving.

 Lu and Zhen walked out of the gate of Fan Mansion, and after walking about ten steps, they bumped into someone head-on.

The person who came was wearing an old robe and was tall. He was Fan Zhenglian’s right-hand man, Qi Chuan, the Recorder of the Criminal Court.

 Lu Zhen and Yin Zheng stopped.

Qi Chuan is the clerk of the Court of Justice, but what he does is more like the housekeeper of Fan Mansion. Occasionally, when the Fan family wanted to pick up someone or deliver something, or even if Zhao Feiyan suddenly wanted to drink Yinzi sweet syrup from somewhere, she would ask Qi Chuan to take care of it.

 Therefore, when Lu Zhen went to Fan Mansion for medical treatment, he would often see the recorder.

After going back and forth, Qi Chuan also knew that Lu Yan was the doctor who treated Zhao. Occasionally, he would say hello to him when he met him on the road.

It was the same today. Lu Meng softly saluted Qi Chuan, and Qi Chuan responded politely and was about to walk to the door of Fan Mansion.

Yin Zheng smiled and passed him by. The bamboo basket she held in her hand was swaying, which was very dazzling in the sunlight.

Qichuan’s steps suddenly stopped.

 He turned around and his eyes fell on the bamboo basket held by Yin Zheng.

The bamboo basket is a vegetable basket made of fresh bamboo. It is laid out in several layers. Each layer is filled with groceries, such as bacon, eggs, fresh yams and sweet potatoes...the eggs are arranged neatly one by one and wrapped in straw paper. , to avoid bumps on the road.

He stared blankly at the bamboo basket in Yin Zheng's hand until Lu Zhuo's voice woke him up: "What happened to Qi Lu?"

 He raised his head, and Lu Yan stared at him doubtfully.

Qi Chuan opened his mouth and said after a while: "Where did the bamboo basket in Doctor Lu's hand come from?"

Lu Zhen smiled and said, "It was a love gift from Mrs. Fan before I left."

"What kind of love gift!" Yin Zheng sneered, "Mrs. Fan wouldn't give such a shabby love gift. It's obvious that the servants are treating us like beggars. I heard it at the time. They said it was a gift from a poor man. The pickled goods are all rotten, and they take up space in the house, so they are given to us. It is because of your kindness, girl, that they fooled you."

"Nonsense." Lu Xu scolded, then turned to Qi Chuan and said apologetically: "Girl is ignorant and talking nonsense, please pretend that Master Qi didn't hear you."

Hearing this, Qi Chuan's face turned a little pale. He reluctantly smiled at the two of them and left just now.

 Seeing his back disappearing behind the gate of Fan Mansion, Lu Zhen withdrew his gaze.

 She turned around and called Yin Zheng: "Let's go."

Yin Zheng followed up with a smile and said in a somewhat proud tone: "Girl, did I perform well just now?"

"good."

"That's natural," Yin Zheng became more and more happy, "Although I'm not as smart as you, girl, my ability to tell lies is also top-notch."

A girl who is struggling to make a living in the entertainment industry, among other things, must still have the ability to talk to people and talk to ghosts.

After Yin Zheng finished speaking, he murmured: "It's so provocative. I don't know if Qichuan has any resentment in his heart at this moment."

Lu Zhen smiled noncommittally.

 Resentment...of course there is.

　　Obviously his talent and abilities are no worse than those of Fan Zhenglian, but because of his background, he will always be inferior to others. The person who was supposed to flourish in his official career ended up being a servant in Fan's house, while the instigator climbed up the ladder step by step based on his own merits, squeezing out every bit of his value.

If she were Qi Chuan, she wouldn't be reconciled.

Qi Chuan was a loyal servant, so for so many years, he allowed Fan Zhenglian to take advantage of his political achievements to be promoted, and tolerated Fan Zhenglian's decision to only keep him in charge of recording.

 But there is a limit to human patience.

A capable subordinate who is diligent and loyal may have years of unwillingness and resentment accumulated in his heart. The reason why he remains silent until now may be due to his inner "morality".

After all, it was the friendship they had grown up with since they were young. After all, when Qichuan's family was poor and had no way out, it was the Fan family's financial resources that made him enter the clan school.

Of course, such a little provocation will not make Qi Chuan immediately turn against Fan Zhenglian. She only needs to plant a thorn in Qi Chuan's heart. As for how far this thorn will grow, it depends on Fan Zhenglian's "care" for Qichuan over the years.

The false "brotherly love" and "master-servant love" confused Qichuan's eyes, so she tried to break through this illusion bit by bit.

A very light smile appeared at the corner of Lu Zhuo's mouth.

 After all, the fragile "relationship" between the two of them is already full of loopholes.

After walking for a while, Lu and Zhuo returned to West Street.

Yin Zheng wiped the sweat on her forehead with a handkerchief and asked Lu Huo, "Girl, are you hot? Do you want to buy a glass of syrup?"

Although the newly opened shop at the street corner is a bit sweet, a glass of plum ice cream is quite refreshing on such a day.

Lu Zong thought for a while and agreed. Yin Zheng smiled and said, "Then I'll ask shopkeeper Du and Miss Xia if they want to go together." After that, he trotted forward a few steps.

 Lu Zhuo followed.

It was noon, the sun was shining straight down on the street, and every place was hot. Under the leafy plum tree at the entrance, the medical clinic is firmly shaded. On weekdays, it is too hot at this time, and there are almost no customers in the entire West Street.

　Today it is different.

 A familiar figure walked out of the alley next to it and walked into Renxin Medical Center.

 Lu Zong paused in his steps.

Seeing this, Yin Zheng followed Lu Zhuo's gaze and said in surprise: "Isn't that Wen You from Xinglin Hall?"

Wen You, the clerk from Xinglin Hall, walked through the alley. Although it was only a short glance, Lu Zhuo already recognized him. After all, in the past few days, this clerk came to the medical clinic to see Lu Huan several times while Du Changqing was away. He hinted several times that Lu Huan could go to Xinglin Hall to sit in the hospital, and Xinglin Hall could pay double the amount of silver that Du Changqing paid.

However, they were all rejected by Lu Zhu.

Yin Zheng looked at the people walking into the medical clinic and then at the alley, with a strange look on his face.

“Isn’t that Miss Xia just now? Why is Wenyou looking for Miss Xia?”

Xia Rongrong doesn’t have medical skills, so she can’t ask Xia Rongrong to stay at Xinglin Hall, right?

Lu Zhuo stood there and stared for a while, then looked away and said softly: "Let's go."

 (End of this chapter)