When Hongdou heard this, her first reaction wasn’t happiness about getting her indenture contract back, but a loud objection.

“No, Young Master, please don’t go. Second Young Master Lu isn’t a good person; he definitely has bad intentions.”

She was so anxious that her eyes turned red. “Young Master, if it’s because of me that you get into trouble, this servant will never be happy in her life. It’d be better to just die outright.”

Gu Qingyan quickly reassured her, “Sister Hongdou, please don’t say things like that.”

He explained, “Lu Yanhé isn’t a good guy, but since it’s Director Lu himself who’s involved, and the two Lu brothers are attending, even if he’s unwilling, he won’t harm me.”

“But…” Hongdou admitted that besides Lu Yanhé, the rest of the Lu family had a very good reputation.

Because of that, at first when she was given to Lu Yanhé, Hongdou resigned herself to her fate, but who knew…

Gu Qingyan smiled, “If everyone in the Lu family wanted to kill me, with their power, we wouldn’t even be able to leave Qingzhou safely.”

“So if that’s the case, it’s better to go to the banquet.”

Hongdou hesitated and struggled.

Deep down she felt that with Lu Yanhé’s violent temper, he would never admit fault and apologize.

But she also thought, in Qingzhou Prefecture, Director Lu had an excellent reputation. If he intervened, even his son Lu Yanhé would have to bow his head.

“Young Master, if you’re going, take me with you.”

Gu Qingyan refused, “Your wounds haven’t healed yet. Besides, Lu Yanhé is unpredictable — if he sees you, who knows what trouble he might cause?”

He feared that if Hongdou went, Lu Yanhé would act on his lust and forcibly keep her there.

Hongdou was extremely worried.

Zhang Nian spoke up, “Sister Hongdou, I’m here too, I’ll protect Big Brother Gu.”

He patted his chest, “I’m strong. If they dare make a move, I’ll beat them until they’re toothless.”

Hongdou laughed. She knew Zhang Nian was small but really strong — he could lift a full water jar with one hand. He was a strongman.

The banquet was held the next day.

Gu Qingyan brought Zhang Nian and rode a bullock cart, traveling on the broad main road to the feast.

The Lu family had set the banquet location at Qingzhou Pavilion.

Qingzhou Pavilion wasn’t just a pavilion — it was located beside Qingzhou, a famous tavern beloved by scholars and poets, who often gathered there.

Students from Hongshan Academy were frequent visitors of Qingzhou Pavilion.

Situated in the busiest district of Qingzhou Prefecture, it was always bustling, with mostly scholarly people inside.

As soon as Gu Qingyan got off the cart and saw the place, he knew the Lu family was being sincere this time.

Because if a scene broke out here, it would be hard for the Lu family to cover it up.

“It shouldn’t be a Hongmen banquet,” Gu Qingyan murmured.

Zhang Nian was still uneasy, looking around carefully. “There are three gates. The back faces Qingzhou, but the water there flows gently. In an emergency, you could jump into the river to escape.”

Gu Qingyan chuckled, “Ah Nian, it looks like after following Xia Liu for a few days, you learned more than just martial arts.”

Zhang Nian blushed with embarrassment.

“Well done, that’ll definitely come in handy. But we probably won’t need it today.”

Gu Qingyan said calmly, “If it really comes to that, don’t think about running. Just jump from the second floor, stand at the pavilion’s entrance, and loudly curse the Lu family. That’d be more useful.”

Zhang Nian immediately responded, “Big Brother Gu, then I’ll guard the entrance. When you break your cup as a signal, I’ll start shouting at the Lu family.”

Gu Qingyan rubbed his forehead. “What if someone accidentally breaks a cup?”

“Then…” Zhang Nian hadn’t thought of another signal yet.

Gu Qingyan tapped his forehead. “Silly, just stand at the door and wait.”

“Big Brother Gu.”

Lu Yanchi, also one of the guests, had been waiting inside but couldn’t hold back and came out to look for Gu Qingyan.

Seeing him, Lu Yanchi was extremely happy. “You’ve finally arrived. I’ll show you the way.”

He truly liked Gu Qingyan and considered him a lifesaver. Previously, after Lu Yanhé and Gu Qingyan had a falling out, Gu Qingyan had clearly been cold to him, which had deeply hurt Lu Yanchi.

Unexpectedly, the situation reversed — the uncle stepped in and pressured Lu Yanhé to apologize to Gu Qingyan.

Lu Yanchi was the one who most agreed with this and wanted Lu Yanhé to kneel and admit his mistake immediately, shaking hands and making peace.

With this, Gu Qingyan was still his Big Brother Gu.

Gu Qingyan felt his enthusiasm and sighed inwardly, realizing he had somewhat taken out his anger on the wrong person before.

What Lu Yanhe had done was indeed unrelated to Lu Yanchi. As brothers from different households, Lu Yanchi was still the younger brother and definitely had no control over his overbearing older brother.

Moreover, Lu Yanhe harbored malice even toward these two brothers, even cursing that Lu Yanchi would die away from home, showing how bad their relationship was.

“Yanchi, I’m sorry. I was in a bad mood before and took it out on you for no reason,” Gu Qingyan apologized.

Lu Yanchi listened, his face flushing red: “He is my second brother. If he makes mistakes, it’s the Lu family’s fault. If Gu brother is angry, you can scold me or even hit me a few times, just please don’t ignore me.”

As he spoke, his nose started to sting, and he was about to cry.

Gu Qingyan quickly stopped him: “Don’t cry. I promise, I won’t take out my anger over him on you anymore.”

Lu Yanchi sniffed and brightened up: “Gu brother, you’re really kind.”

“Hmph, this time uncle has spoken. He said he must apologize properly. When you see him later, you can ask for whatever you want.”

“I heard from those servants that the other day he even forced you to crawl into the… That was way too much and deserved a beating.”

“Gu brother, you were still too gentle. If it were me, I’d beat him so badly he wouldn’t be able to get out of bed for three days.”

This righteous indignation didn’t sound like a Lu family member, but more like a Gu family member.

Gu Qingyan smiled slightly, thinking perhaps Lu Yanhe was the real outlier in the Lu family — a bad bamboo sprouting from good shoots.

When they entered Qingzhou Pavilion, Gu Qingyan realized their earlier preparations had been unnecessary.

The Lu family had rented out the entire Qingzhou Pavilion. Inside the main hall were rows of dining tables, and in the center was even a stage for singing and dancing.

The event was modeled after the Lanting Banquet, open on all sides, so unless armed troops intervened, there was no way to block anyone.

Gu Qingyan met the scrutinizing eyes of the guests the Lu family had invited.

They were all dressed as scholars; several had already changed into xiucai (licentiate) robes, meaning they had passed the county-level imperial exam.

Lu Yanhe sat in an inconspicuous spot, his face cold and expressionless, obviously suppressing his temper.

When he saw Gu Qingyan enter, the corners of his mouth twitched into a stiff smile.

At least on the surface, the Lu family had gone all out to show sincerity.

Soon Gu Qingyan spotted a familiar face — his friend Zhang Cheng.

“Brother Gu, you’re here.”

Zhang Cheng hurried over and grabbed his hand. “I know the whole story. The Lu family invited me to accompany; they really couldn’t refuse.”

Gu Qingyan nodded in understanding.

In Qingzhou Prefecture, few scholars would refuse the olive branch extended by Hongshan Academy.

“I think the Lu family is sincere. It’s better to reconcile than to escalate,” Zhang Cheng advised.

Gu Qingyan nodded slightly: “I’m attending the banquet with that intention.”

Though frustrated, since he couldn’t do anything about Lu Yanhe now, it was better to humble himself and first get Hongdou’s contract of servitude before making further plans.

Zhang Cheng was still uneasy, knowing Gu Qingyan’s hot temper and fearing he might cause a scene.

Hearing these words, Zhang Cheng relaxed: “That’s good. Hongshan Academy is powerful, and since we have to take imperial exams in the future, offending them would only cause trouble.”

After all, Hongshan Academy held considerable influence at court.

Gu Qingyan accepted this goodwill.

While they spoke, Lu Yanjun approached.

Zhang Cheng stepped aside politely.

Lu Yanjun naturally extended his hand, trying to grasp Gu Qingyan’s hand.

Gu Qingyan dodged, but Lu Yanjun wasn’t embarrassed, smiling warmly like spring breeze: “It’s my fault. I didn’t expect my second brother to be so reckless. If I had known, I would have accompanied you last time.”

“No wonder,” Gu Qingyan raised an eyebrow, noticing Lu Yanjun’s attitude had changed noticeably.

Previously, out of respect for Lu Yanchi, Lu Yanjun had been polite but just courteous.

Now, there was clearly a hint of closeness added to that politeness.

Why was that?

Before Gu Qingyan could figure it out, Lu Yanjun had already pulled him over and started introductions.

“This is Xu Changsheng. Brother Xu is famous throughout Qingzhou Prefecture for his poetry.”

“This is Liu Xuanran. Brother Liu is the best in calligraphy and painting, I admit defeat.”

“This is…”

Without exception, these were students from Hongshan Academy.

Gu Qingyan realized these people were both companions and pressure — meant to show him the power of Hongshan Academy.

Virtually every prominent and reputable scholar in Qingzhou Prefecture came from Hongshan Academy, without exception.

He couldn’t help but think — didn’t this make Hongshan Academy a kind of monopoly?

Lu Yanjun showed courtesy, and Gu Qingyan did not pretend to be aloof. They exchanged greetings, acknowledging each other as acquaintances.

The scholars invited by the Lu family were also very polite.

“So this is Gu, the case chief. I’ve long heard your name.”

“Gu, the case chief, truly a man of talent.”

“I’ve wanted to meet the case chief for a long time. Thanks to Brother Lu, I finally have the chance.”

The atmosphere was unprecedentedly harmonious — an outsider would think Gu Qingyan was attending a flower-decorated banquet.

Until Lu Yanhe in the corner snorted coldly.

Lu Yanjun frowned slightly, glanced at his brother, then turned around: “Everyone, please be seated. Qingyan, my second brother’s immature behavior earlier offended you all. Please forgive him for his youthful recklessness in the name of the Lu family.”

Gu Qingyan pursed his lips — what a description for ‘youthful recklessness.’

Was this how the Lu family justified Lu Yanhe’s repeated misdeeds? No wonder he kept making the same mistakes.

Lu Yanjun’s eyes studied Gu Qingyan’s expression, gauging his attitude.

Soon Gu Qingyan chuckled: “With such sincerity from the Lu family, if I still hold a grudge, that would just be ungrateful.”

This made Lu Yanjun frown a little.

He could tell Gu Qingyan was still dissatisfied deep down.

Fortunately, Gu Qingyan was rational enough not to make a scene over a servant girl, willing to let things smooth over.

If Gu Qingyan knew what Lu Yanjun was thinking, he would have sneered.

Lu Yanjun looked at his brother: “Second brother, aren’t you going to come over and apologize?”

Lu Yanhe lounged lazily, motionless.

Lu Yanjun’s brows furrowed even tighter.

Lu Yanqi’s face flushed red as he loudly scolded, “Second Brother, before we left, Eldest Uncle specifically warned you.”

This made Lu Yanhé’s expression grow even darker.

Everyone present knew the temper of this Second Young Master Lu, so they all fell silent, no longer as lively as before.

Some also studied Gu Qingyan carefully, wondering what kind of background he had to make Director Lu speak, to have Lu Yanjun step forward, and to pull them all into cooperating, forcing the Second Young Master Lu to lower his head.

“Second Brother!” Lu Yanjun’s eyes flashed with a threatening light.

After a long moment, Lu Yanhé flicked his sleeve and slowly stood up.

His face wore a smile, but his eyes were cold as ice.

Gu Qingyan looked at him and suspected that if Lu Yanjun and the others weren’t there, this guy would have directly rushed over to attack.

But Lu Yanhé controlled his temper.

He slowly walked up in front of Gu Qingyan and actually swept his sleeve in a formal bow. “Young Master Gu, I apologize for any offense caused before. Please do not take it to heart.”

Seeing him bow his head and admit fault, Gu Qingyan felt a rush of satisfaction.

But when he thought of Hongdou covered in wounds, he felt these few light words of apology were far too easy.

Now was not the time to make a fuss, so Gu Qingyan suppressed his anger.

“Not at all. Second Young Master Lu’s sincere admission of fault and willingness to correct mistakes is a great virtue.”

Gu Qingyan couldn’t help but jab with a remark.

Lu Yanjun frowned, then quickly smiled and said, “Gentlemen, let’s laugh off our grievances. If this gets out, it’ll be a good story.”

This made Gu Qingyan feel disgusted.

Lu Yanhé obviously felt the same, his face turning grim.

Gu Qingyan didn’t want to beat around the bush and spoke directly, “Second Young Master Lu, where is the contract of servitude?”

Lu Yanhé sneered, “Why rush? Bring in the best wine and dishes.”

“Young Master Gu, I admit I offended you earlier. Today I will punish myself with three cups and apologize. Please, Young Master Gu, be magnanimous and don’t take it too seriously.”

Gu Qingyan frowned. He really had no appetite to drink and enjoy with Lu Yanhé.

“Better give me the contract first. Then we can drink.”

Lu Yanhé laughed loudly, “What, are you afraid I’ll renege on the deal?”

Gu Qingyan was indeed worried — this guy was crazy and erratic, impossible to reason with normally. Who knew if he’d suddenly go back on his word?

Lu Yanjun spoke to mediate, “Brother Gu, the banquet is all prepared. Why don’t we sit down, eat, and talk?”

Then he lowered his voice, “Don’t worry, the contract will definitely be given to you.”

Gu Qingyan took a deep breath and reminded himself to be patient.

At a signal, servants brought out fine wine and dishes.

Each table had a pot of wine and several famous delicacies:

Fish soup, tea-smoked chicken, crispy fried tofu rolls, Dongpo pork, five-colored dry dipping sauce, osmanthus cake.

All were exquisite in color, aroma, and taste, each looking like a work of art.

Normally, Gu Qingyan’s appetite would have opened wide and he would have finished everything in one go.

But facing Lu Yanhé, looking at that face, Gu Qingyan felt unable to swallow.

Lu Yanhé stared at him and loudly asked, “Young Master Gu, why aren’t you eating? Not to your taste?”

“Big Brother, how did you arrange this meal? What is this? How am I supposed to eat it? Look, Young Master Gu hasn’t even touched his chopsticks, obviously it’s not to his taste. Doing this makes my apology seem insincere.”

Lu Yanjun’s face darkened at his younger brother’s scolding.

Gu Qingyan didn’t want any more trouble, just wanted to get the contract as soon as possible.

He took a piece of osmanthus cake and ate it. “The taste is good. Thank you, Brother Lu.”

Lu Yanjun had good manners and didn’t scold his brother, instead smiling and saying, “Young Master Gu, if there are dishes you like, you can order more. I don’t know your taste, so I only picked some famous ones, there might be some oversight.”

“Big Brother, since you know you’ve overlooked, then quickly punish yourself with three cups and apologize to Young Master Gu,” Lu Yanhé said.

Lu Yanchi couldn’t stand it anymore: “Second Brother, stop being unreasonable.”

“Who do you think you are? Does Second Uncle’s family education differ so much that you dare to speak so arrogantly to your elder brother?” Lu Yanhé sneered.

Lu Yanchi’s face and eyes turned red with anger, leaving him speechless.

Afraid the argument would escalate again, Lu Yanjun said in a low voice, “Second Brother.”

Lu Yanhé spread his hands, “Fine, it’s my fault again. You two brothers are like a team. I’m clearly the worst of the Lu family, embarrassing you all.”

“So why in the end, do I, the disgrace of the Lu family, have to bow my head and admit fault to pave the way for your futures?”

Lu Yanjun’s face darkened, his gaze fixed on Lu Yanhé.

Unlike the warm spring breeze of past days, at this moment, Gu Qingyan could even feel the murderous intent radiating from him.

The brothers of the Lu family were actually so hostile to each other that in front of so many people, they didn’t even bother to hide it.

Gu Qingyan noticed that when the Lu brothers argued, the scholars invited as guests all lowered their heads, quietly eating and drinking, refusing to get involved.

Apparently, they were used to this.

Gu Qingyan didn’t want to watch the spectacle of brothers turning against each other. He cleared his throat lightly: “Brother Lu, I’m feeling a bit unwell. Could you please give me the documents first? We can meet again when there’s time.”

“Unwell? Brother Gu, are you okay? Should we call a doctor?” Lu Yanchi asked with concern.

The next moment, Lu Yanhe burst into loud laughter, slapping the table with a manic expression.

“Third Lu, are you an idiot? He’s just too lazy to deal with you and me. Sitting here together makes him sick, like he wants to vomit — he can’t eat a bite. And you actually believe he’s unwell?”

That comment darkened the faces of everyone in the room except Gu Qingyan.

Gu Qingyan could see through it.

Although, due to Director Lu’s orders and the pressure on the Lu brothers, Lu Yanhe bowed his head to admit fault, he was still the same Lu Yanhe—unchanged and even more unhinged.

Gu Qingyan stopped pretending and stood up: “Since you know, then give me the documents. From now on, may we each go our separate ways on wide-open roads, without false pretenses.”

Lu Yanjun thought this was bad.

Lu Yanhe was still laughing: “You’re really something. In this Qingzhou Prefecture, in over twenty years, you’re the only one who dares slam the table and start a fight with my Lu family.”

“Tsk, you look good too, just my type. If it weren’t for Big Brother and Third Brother stopping me, we might have become close friends.”

Gu Qingyan was disgusted: “Absolutely impossible.”

“I also like that fiery temper of yours,” Lu Yanhe kept laughing.

Gu Qingyan frowned: “Give me the indenture.”

His patience was gone. If not for the Lu family’s face, he would have rushed over and punched Lu Yanhe a couple of times to wipe that annoying grin off his face.

He thought Lu Yanhe might refuse again, but this time, without delay, Lu Yanhe pulled an indenture from his pocket.

He slapped it on the table: “If you want it, come and take it yourself.”

Lu Yanjun frowned: “Second Brother, don’t be ridiculous.”

Lu Yanhe shrugged: “If he wants it, I’ll give it. How is that ridiculous? Big Brother, you’re clearly too biased.”

“What, are you afraid of the Gu case chief? What’s there to fear? So many people are watching — do you think I’d really eat you?”

Gu Qingyan chuckled lightly.

He wasn’t afraid at all. If Lu Yanhe made a move, he would take the opportunity to beat him so badly he wouldn’t be able to get around for three to five months.

He stepped forward quickly and grabbed the indenture.

Reading it at a glance, it was indeed Hongdou’s indenture, stamped with the official government seal—impossible to fake.

With the indenture in hand, Gu Qingyan didn’t want to stay a moment longer: “Everyone, I’m not feeling well. I’ll take my leave.”

He turned and left.

“Wait!” Lu Yanhe shouted loudly.

Lu Yanjun warned: “Think of Father’s words.”

But Lu Yanhe pushed him aside: “Gu Qingyan, she’s just a ruined maid who’s been played with until broken, and you brought her back like a treasure. Tsk, what kind of taste do you have?”

“Speaking of which, that maid is quite good-looking, not bad in bed, just a little too old.”

“Brother Xu, wasn’t it you who said the other day you wanted to try that maid? I agreed immediately, but she nearly bit her tongue to kill herself.”

“Brother Liu, have you touched that maid’s hand? She screamed on the spot, and you had someone slap her mouth. She couldn’t eat for several days.”

“And also—”

Smack!

Lu Yanjun slapped his brother to cut him off.

“Silence! If you keep talking nonsense, you’ll be disciplined when we get home.”

The scholars who had been called out all bowed their heads, not daring to look up.

Gu Qingyan clenched his fists and turned back: “You think those words insult her, but in truth, they prove your own vile character—like a beast.”

“No, you’re worse than a beast—a beast that only knows indulgence, cruel and ruthless.”

“Every person outside that door is a thousand times better than you. Everyone here despises you, and even the Lu family considers you a disgrace.”

“If you want to provoke me, I won’t give you the satisfaction. A desperate, beaten stray dog’s barking is nothing but bluffing.”

The pavilion in Qingzhou fell into silence, only the suppressed breathing could be heard.

Gu Qingyan didn’t want to stay a moment longer. This place, and everyone here, disgusted him.

Behind him, Lu Yanhe was still shouting, “Who do you think you are? If you dare walk out that gate today, Qingzhou Prefecture will no longer have a place for you!”

“Second brother, shut up!” Lu Yanjun was headache-ridden.

What could have been settled easily with a few words had escalated back to this mess.

He couldn’t help but wonder if they had spoiled their second brother too much to end up like this.

Gu Qingyan stopped and turned around.

Lu Yanhe laughed arrogantly, “Scared now? Too late.”

Gu Qingyan smiled coldly, “I will find the evidence, bring you to justice, and make you pay for what you’ve done.”

“I swear it.”

“You won’t be so arrogant for much longer.”

With that, Gu Qingyan turned and left without looking back.

Inside, everyone exchanged glances, unable to believe that a small county case chief from Lingchuan County dared to openly challenge Lu Yanhe.

Wasn’t this the same as directly challenging the authority of the Lu family?

“Brother Gu, wait for me!” Zhang Cheng couldn’t sit still and stood to follow.

“Stop.”

Lu Yanhe shouted fiercely, “Anyone who dares leave is an enemy of the Lu family. Qingzhou Prefecture will have no place for you either.”

Lu Yanjun could no longer hold it and flipped the desk in front of him.

He sneered, “You better watch out for yourself.”

Then turned and left.

Lu Yanchi hurried after him, tears streaming down his face. He realized there was no more room for compromise between Gu Qingyan and the Lu family this time.

For the sake of the Lu family’s reputation, the eldest uncle would likely suppress Brother Gu.

Lu Yanchi felt guilty, angry, and scared all at once. The Gu Qingyan from just now seemed like a stranger.

It looked like he would rush over and tear his second brother to pieces.

Lu Yanchi hesitated and didn’t even dare follow to comfort him.

The Lu brothers dared to leave, but the others didn’t. They were originally students from Hongshan Academy and had close ties with the Lu family.

Several inside were even Lu Yanhe’s cronies, which explained their earlier remarks.

Lu Yanhe didn’t care at all. He sat down and laughed, “What’s there to be afraid of? If the sky falls, I’ll hold it up. Keep playing the music, come on, drink.”

Zhang Cheng looked around. The people from Hongshan Academy had indeed started drinking and eating meat, some even ogling the women watching the music.

He gritted his teeth and turned to leave.

Lu Yanhe’s face darkened, clearly marking Zhang Cheng down.

“Brother Gu!”

Zhang Cheng caught up with Gu Qingyan, who was waiting at the door. Seeing him come out, Gu Qingyan smiled, “I knew you’d come out.”

“Never thought that the famous Hongshan Academy would harbor such filth beneath its surface,” Zhang Cheng said angrily.

“I always wanted to get into Hongshan Academy, but if the academy is full of such people, I’m ashamed to be associated with it.”

If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn’t have believed the Lu family could be like this.

Gu Qingyan’s face was calm as he pulled Zhang Cheng onto the ox cart. “This time, I’ve dragged you into this.”

“Hey, we’re brothers. Don’t say things like that,” Zhang Cheng said with a smile.

Zhang Nian added, “Clan brother, luckily you came out. If you were to associate with people like that, I wouldn’t acknowledge you anymore.”

“Heh, you don’t get a say,” Zhang Cheng rolled his eyes.

The ox cart left the Qingzhou pavilion. Zhang Cheng looked worried, thinking Lu Yanhe was clearly a narrow-minded person. Although they had passed the prefectural exam, they still had the academy exam to take, which would probably be bad.

Zhang Cheng couldn’t help but suggest, “Why don’t we all go back to Lingchuan County first, wait a few months for things to settle down, and then take the academy exam?”

Gu Qingyan nodded. With the indenture contract in hand, he wanted to leave with Hongdou as soon as possible.

After sending Zhang Cheng off, Gu Qingyan returned home.

Just as the ox cart arrived and Gu Qingyan stepped inside, a sharp pain suddenly struck his chest, and fresh blood spurted out.