Chapter 28

Ying Yue left in a daze, while Fang Han Xiao and Master Xu the Second began their conversation in writing.

Having lived in Yangzhou for many years, Master Xu the Second knew his elder brother’s family had formed a marital alliance with Marquis Pingjiang Manor. However, he was unaware of the internal disputes within the manor. Since he couldn’t meet Lord Fang, meeting Fang Han Xiao would suffice—it was still a potential avenue.

He spoke with renewed vigor, this time remembering not to mention anything about illegal salt. Instead, he only complained about how the Customs House had wronged him, causing his boat to capsize and people to die, while the local authorities refused to stand up for him. He was truly suffering!

Fang Han Xiao listened carefully to his entire account before patiently asking about his demands.

Master Xu the Second’s demands were very simple—he wanted compensation!

That boatload of goods represented most of his wealth. While illegal salt was cheap, official salt was expensive, and the Salt License had cost him many favors. To lose everything in one go—how could he accept that? Even if it meant risking his life, he would drag Marquis Longchang down. Besides, he wasn’t like those small-time salt merchants with no connections, forced to swallow their grievances when caught by the authorities. His father had once been a ministry secretary! His elder brother currently held an official post in the capital! His niece was married into Marquis Pingjiang Manor!

Master Xu the Second believed that with so many connections at his disposal, as long as he put in the effort, he could surely recover his losses.

As one of these “connections,” Fang Han Xiao listened and smiled amiably.

He had already pieced the whole matter together. To be honest, during Old Master Fang’s time, such incidents weren’t unheard of. Illegal salt traders would do anything for exorbitant profits, and they could never be fully eradicated.

However, those who engaged in such activities—even if they had officials backing them—usually accepted their losses when caught. Whether it was losing goods or lives, they were involved in shady dealings—what justice could they demand from the authorities?

But Marquis Longchang had the misfortune of encountering Master Xu the Second, a washed-up official’s son with little capability but immense audacity. Even when clearly in the wrong, he remained unafraid. With a former ministry secretary for a father, Marquis Longchang didn’t seem like much of an official in his eyes—he’d bite back without hesitation.

Because lives were lost, Marquis Longchang actually suffered from this bite, even being summoned back to the capital to justify himself before the emperor.

Fang Han Xiao narrowed his eyes. What was it like to have sleep come just as one found a pillow? This was exactly it.

He wrote on paper: *This lawsuit—I’m afraid you can’t win it.*

Master Xu the Second grew anxious upon reading this. “How can I not win? No matter how powerful Marquis Longchang is, can he really cover up the sky with one hand?”

Fang Han Xiao wrote: *Though the illegal salt is in the river, the Customs House soldiers who inspected it are still alive.*

The material evidence might be gone, but the witnesses were very much alive. Master Xu the Second wouldn’t find it easy to deny everything.

Realizing Fang Han Xiao knew the truth, Master Xu the Second gave an awkward chuckle. “I did smuggle some improper goods, and I’m willing to accept confiscation and even a fine for that. But to seize my entire boat in one go—who could accept that?!”

They hadn’t even left him a single grain of salt. The soldiers boarded and started unloading immediately, leading to the conflict that capsized the boat.

Fang Hanxiao was speechless. Smuggling salt was a capital offense when the dynasty was first established. Although the laws had relaxed somewhat now, those caught would still receive fifty lashes, followed by legal action based on the severity of the case. Confiscating the goods was a given—who would bother distinguishing between official and smuggled salt? If it was mixed with contraband, everything would naturally be seized. This was partly why Marquis Longchang’s position was so lucrative. How much of it went into the national treasury and how much mysteriously disappeared was anyone’s guess—there was plenty of room for manipulation here.

He wrote: *Such is the law.*

Just as Master Xu the Second was growing more anxious, Fang Hanxiao continued writing: *However, winning the lawsuit is difficult. Getting compensation is not.*

Master Xu the Second’s eyes lit up—that was enough! What was the point of a lawsuit if not for the money?

“Good nephew-in-law, with your word, your uncle can rest easy. I’ll leave this matter entirely in your hands. That Marquis Longchang seems quite formidable—wait, what? You can’t help?”

He read aloud the line Fang Hanxiao had just written.

“Ah, what do you mean—”

Fang Hanxiao gestured for him not to panic and continued writing: *You’re looking too far. You should seek help from the Xu family.*

Master Xu the Second grumbled, “If there were connections at home, would I have come here? Ever since Father passed, my elder brother has forgotten all about me. I’ve written him several letters, but he never replied. When I came to the capital myself, I couldn’t even catch a glimpse of him. And Madam Xu is even worse—she outright dismissed us. Hmph.”

Madam Xu the Second sighed and nodded in agreement beside him.

Fang Hanxiao shook his head and wrote: *I don’t speak idly. Just go and explain the situation in detail when you meet them.*

The person Master Xu the Second wanted to sue was Marquis Longchang. Madam Xu had walked away before hearing the full story—if she had, she might not have needed Master Xu the Second to go through the trouble. She would have tried every means to keep him there herself.

No matter how estranged the two branches of the Xu family were, Master Xu the Second was still Master Xu’s younger brother. If this lawsuit really reached the Emperor and escalated, how could Madam Xu continue her alliance with Marquis Longchang? She would never allow such a thing to happen.

Master Xu the Second was skeptical. “Will it work?”

Fang Hanxiao couldn’t spell it out too clearly. Lowering his gaze, he wrote: *Just tell the truth, including how you came here to see my uncle but failed.*

Fang Hanxiao’s composed demeanor didn’t seem like someone who would make empty promises. Gradually, Master Xu the Second began to believe him, his posture relaxing slightly.

Fang Hanxiao gave him another push: *Go and speak to them first. If it doesn’t work, you can always come back to find my uncle.*

Master Xu the Second thought about it—that made sense. The Marquis Pingjiang Manor wasn’t going anywhere, was it?

Finally, he reluctantly stood up.

Fang Hanxiao leisurely followed behind to see them off, his gaze casually sweeping the room. He noticed that there seemed to be one or two fewer maids than when he had first entered—perhaps busy in the side rooms or gone out.

He didn’t ask. The corners of his lips curled into a smile. Ying Yue had been standing in a corner of the courtyard the whole time. When they came out, she peeked over and happened to meet Fang Hanxiao’s amused expression, instantly feeling uneasy.

She didn’t know why she felt this way. His smile was actually quite bright, but something about it seemed off—maybe the curve of his lips wasn’t right? Well, it didn’t seem like a smile at all, more like he was about to devour someone—

Alright, that was an exaggeration. But it definitely looked like he was plotting something. In short, it didn’t seem like he was up to any good.

Her heart fluttered with unease as she slowly moved forward. The guests he was seeing off were her second uncle and aunt—she ought to accompany them too, not just stand there watching idly.  

Fang Hanxiao noticed her small movement. His smile remained, but he suddenly raised a hand and pointed at her in warning.  

Don’t—don’t move?  

Ying Yue froze in fright.  

Fang Hanxiao’s intention had been to stop her from coming out, but since she stayed where she was, it still served his purpose. He turned away and continued escorting the guests without another glance.  

＊＊  

The missing maid from the bridal chamber had rushed breathlessly to inform Madam Hong.  

Madam Hong was a woman of foresight. The moment she heard that Master Xu the Second intended to accuse Marquis Longchang, she immediately sent someone to fetch Lord Fang.  

Lord Fang had previously dismissed Master Xu the Second, but now, upon learning his true purpose, he broke into a cold sweat—regretful for underestimating him, yet relieved that Madam Hong had planted someone in the bridal chamber. Otherwise, such crucial news wouldn’t have reached him in time.  

“Madam, I truly owe this to you.”  

Madam Hong had earlier suffered embarrassment when her plan to install a bedchamber servant backfired, and it had taken great effort to dissuade Lord Fang from beating their son. Now, she finally had a chance to redeem herself. She smiled demurely. “My lord, heaven never seals off all exits. This is your fortune arriving.”  

Lord Fang nodded and hurried out the door, rushing to seize his so-called fortune.  

But the maid had to run to Madam Hong, explain the situation, then Madam Hong had to send for him, and he had to hear it all again—inevitably, some time was lost in the process.  

By the time Lord Fang hastened to the bridal chamber, Ying Yue—who had only seen him once before during the wedding ceremony—was startled. “M-my second uncle and aunt… have already left,” she stammered.  

Her slow speech nearly made Lord Fang burst with impatience. He didn’t even bother scolding her before turning on his heel to chase after them.  

Midway, he ran into Fang Hanxiao.  

His heart sank. “Where is Master Xu the Second?!” he demanded.  

Fang Hanxiao, who carried no paper or brush with him, grinned and mouthed: Long gone.  

His teeth gleamed white, his smile bright and unbothered.  

Lord Fang’s vision swam.  

Another opportunity—another opportunity ruined by him!  

No, there was still a chance. Master Xu couldn’t have gone far. He could still catch up!  

He quickened his pace, dignity forgotten.  

Fang Hanxiao watched his retreating back with disinterest before continuing inside.  

Not only had he already seen Master Xu off, but he had also arranged for word to be sent to the Xu family. Madam Xu would surely learn of Master Xu’s intention to accuse Marquis Longchang.  

So Lord Fang had no chance.  

He wouldn’t give him a second one.  

Whistling, he strolled back to the bridal chamber.  

Ying Yue was just about to enter.  

She should have gone in long ago, but after Fang Hanxiao left, she stood there bewildered, chatting with her maids without reaching any conclusion. Then Lord Fang arrived—though he left just as quickly—but the shock left her dazed. Yuzan and Shinan were equally confused, so the three of them lingered in the courtyard, speculating wildly before finally remembering to go inside.  

And just then, Fang Hanxiao returned.  

…  

Why was he back?!  

Ying Yue didn’t know what came over her—perhaps she was startled again—but she clutched the book he had shoved into her hands (which she still hadn’t put down) and obediently retreated to the corner of the courtyard.  

Fang Hanxiao: “…”

He didn’t know how he ended up walking over here. Perhaps he was too relaxed after sending Master Xu the Second away—he should have returned to Tranquil Virtue Courtyard by now.

He watched helplessly as Ying Yue shuffled backward from the steps to that corner again. The corner of his mouth twitched, and unable to hold back, he simply laughed out loud.

Still chuckling, he waved at her, signaling that she could move now, then turned and walked away. His shoulders still shook slightly as he departed.

Ying Yue: “…”

She knew she had acted foolishly, but being laughed at still made her blush.

This person is so mean!