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In Zhaojia Village.
After three rounds of drinks, Steward Luo began to pour out his troubles to the county magistrate and the county lieutenant, lamenting the poor public security in Sanqing County, even implying that he intended to retreat to Dingzhou or the capital…
Steward Luo’s words startled the head of public security, Ding Xianwei. If this were to spread, it would jeopardize his career. He slammed the table and exclaimed, “Who dares to threaten Tangyuan? Mr. Luo, speak up, and I will surely deal with them severely.”
Steward Luo pointed to Zhao Lizheng sitting at the same table, saying, “It’s Mr. Zhao Lizheng, this gentleman…”
Zhao Lizheng was first taken aback, then flushed with anger. Initially, he knew he couldn’t afford to provoke Tangyuan. Even though Chen Shiying held an official position, he was thousands of miles away and couldn’t compare to the master of Tangyuan, who was in the capital. But now, Chen Shiying was the esteemed lord of this region, and he was still his uncle. How could he be afraid of a Steward? So what if his master was a high-ranking officer? He wouldn’t dare offend the magistrate just for a mere steward, would he?
He put down his wine cup and said resentfully, “Mr. Luo, just because I called you ‘mister,’ do you really think you are one? You, a mere steward, have now set up a dyeing workshop after being given some power. I kindly suggested something, whether you listen or not, that’s up to you, but then you come here to complain to the county magistrate and the county lieutenant. They are busy, where would they find time to listen to your nonsense?”
Steward Luo, with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, said, “Mr. Ding, do you see? This Mr. Zhao can speak so arrogantly in front of you!” He then taunted Zhao Lizheng, “Steward? Ignorant bumpkin! Let me tell you, I am not only the head of Tangyuan but also the deputy manager of the General of Chu’s mansion in the capital. Not only does the county lord show me great respect, he invites me to his home for a drink every year. Even the former governor of Dingzhou was very courteous to me…” He then pointed to Li Xiancheng and Ding Xianwei, “Do you think I’m talking nonsense to them?”
Li Xiancheng and Ding Xianwei quickly smiled and said, “Of course not, of course not. A seventh-rank official in front of the prime minister, not to mention the deputy manager of the General of Chu’s mansion. You speak, you speak, we are listening.” They also signaled to Zhao Lizheng, “Zhao Lizheng probably doesn’t know about Mr. Luo’s other identity, that’s why he’s speaking so freely.”
They thought to themselves that Zhao Lizheng was truly asking for trouble, daring to provoke someone powerful. But today they had come to congratulate Madam Chen, and out of respect for Mr. Chen, they couldn’t let Zhao Lizheng lose too much face.
Seeing Li Xiancheng and Ding Xianwei not only not helping him but also siding with Steward Luo, Zhao Lizheng became somewhat flustered.
Steward Luo continued, “This old man Zhao initially came to tell me how Tangyuan should manage its staff. I warned him not to interfere in Tangyuan’s affairs or touch Tangyuan’s people. Not only did he not listen, but he also threatened the people working in Tangyuan. Then, guess what he did next?” Seeing everyone shaking their heads in ignorance, he continued, “He actually took money and went to a relative’s house, asking that relative to deceive the people working in our Tangyuan, lure them back home, tie them up, and sell them. Tell me, this not only lacks morality but also shows a complete disregard for our Tangyuan. He’s so openly bullying us, can we still live in this area? Mr. Ding, what do you think?”
Ding Xianwei, upon being named by Steward Luo, quickly said, “Zhao Lizheng, what you did was wrong. Even if Tangyuan is a manor of the Chu family, you can’t treat the general public this way.” He then smiled at Steward Luo, “Mr. Luo, calm down. I assure you that Zhao Lizheng won’t dare to do such a thing again. If he does, we won’t let him off easily.”
Ding Xianwei felt extremely helpless, they couldn’t afford to provoke Mr. Chen, and they certainly couldn’t afford to provoke the Chu family and General Chu.
Steward Luo realized that Ding Xianwei was trying to placate the situation, so he didn’t want to push too hard. He wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, then tossed it on the ground, stood up, and said, “Old man Zhao, in front of Mr. Li and Mr. Ding, I warn you again, don’t touch the people of Tangyuan, and don’t touch those under the protection of Tangyuan. Whether it’s someone from Tangyuan or her relatives who encounter trouble, I will hold you responsible. At that time, it won’t be just a few words, I will break your legs, knock out your teeth, and leave you nowhere to die. If you don’t believe me, try it.” He then respectfully addressed Li Xiancheng and Ding Xianwei, “Mr. Li, Mr. Ding, please be witnesses.”
Li Xiancheng and Ding Xianwei hurriedly nodded in agreement.
Steward Luo and his son then left the table and told the two men, “Out of respect for Madam Chen, I won’t invite you to Tangyuan for a drink today. I’ll invite you another day.”
The two men quickly responded, “No problem, we’ll invite Mr. Luo to our mansion for a drink another day.”
Steward Luo then called over Gao Lizheng and Hu Laowu from another table, as well as Yu Lizheng from Guqiao Village, and Liu Lizheng from Shangshui Village. “Had enough to drink? If you have, let’s go.”
Upon hearing this, regardless of whether they had finished drinking, all of them quickly got up and followed Steward Luo and his son. Those who stayed behind watched in astonishment as these people swaggered out.
As they watched them leave, Li Xiancheng and Ding Xianwei quietly said to the frightened Zhao Lizheng, “Zhao Lizheng, by doing this, you’re bringing disaster upon Mr. Chen. Those powerful families have the ability to stir up the officialdom, and their servants are not people we can afford to offend…”
Steward Luo and his entourage left. It was unclear whether Zhao Lizheng was scared witless, but he had no interest in drinking anymore and hurriedly went to the old Chen residence to discuss the matter with Madam Chen.
……
Chu Lingxuan listened to Steward Luo’s report, nodding in satisfaction, “Hmm, Uncle Luo did well this time.” He then frowned and asked, “What’s the matter with Zhao selling people through his relatives?”
Steward Luo explained, “Sir, you are not aware, on the 18th, something happened at Ms. Feng’s house…”
He proceeded to recount the events of Zhao Lizheng’s visit to Luyuan, where he prevented Chen Feng from working for Tangyuan and saw Chen Feng’s appearance. “…In theory, Zhao Lizheng should have figured out Ms. Feng’s identity and assured Madam Chen. But that night, they actually went to the main Chen residence, attempting to force a marriage to Ms. Feng…”
Upon hearing this, Chu Lingxuan was furious. If the main Chen residence was as worldly and corrupt as the Ding family, Chen Feng might indeed have been in trouble. Even if she were rescued afterward, she might have suffered greatly.
He couldn’t bear the thought of such an intelligent and kind-hearted woman being mistreated. He wondered how furious he would become and how saddened his daughter would be if such a thing happened.
The Zhao family members, knowing that Chen Feng belonged to Tangyuan, dared to act so recklessly. The old lady, fully aware that Chen Feng was her own granddaughter, disregarded family ties and harmed others, resorting to such despicable means.
Chu Lingxuan slammed the table in anger, “They’ve come to our door, why didn’t you take action? They’ve already done something so wicked. Why didn’t you immediately take the field guards and tenants to Zhao’s house and break the legs of that old man’s lackeys? I’ve told you before, if something happens, I’ll back you up. Instead, you waited until today to go and dilly-dally with them?”