Four Harmonies and Good Fortune

Chapter 450 Powerless
Zuo Shangying did not linger at home. He changed into a long robe, took the money bag given to him by Liu Erlang, and went out. Before leaving, he told his page not to follow him.

He didn't go to the Liu family. He hadn't persuaded Liu Erlang earlier, so even if he went to the Liu family, it would be useless.

He didn't immediately decide who to look for, but instead thought he should go out for a walk and see what the situation was like.

Zuo Shangying went to the South City Wharf first.

The dock was bustling with activity. Now there were vendors and peddlers selling all sorts of goods. Among the crowds, in addition to boatmen and merchants, there were also local residents who came specifically to buy things.

The most bustling places were the restaurants, inns, and teahouses next door.

Merchants would head straight for the teahouse after disembarking from the ship; it had become their place of rest.

As Zuo Shangying was looking around, he suddenly heard someone call out to him: "Scholar Zuo."

Scholars are generally addressed as "xiucai" (秀才).

Zuo Shangying turned her head and saw a familiar face.

"You are Yang Hong."

Yang Hong immediately laughed: "Scholar Zuo has a good memory."

Like Yang Dong, Yang Hong came to Bianjing with Yang Xiaoshan. After Yang Dong returned to Daming Prefecture, Yang Hong took over the affairs here.

Yang Hong asked, "Why is Scholar Zuo at the dock? Is he going to the perfume shop?"

Zuo Shangying shook her head: "I just heard it was lively here, so I came to take a look."

Yang Hong smiled and said, "I heard Madam mention Scholar Zuo before. She said that the results will be released in half a month, and Scholar Zuo should pass with flying colors."

Zuo Shangying was surprised that Madam Xie would mention him again, and his heart warmed instantly.

"Is Madam here?" Zuo Shangying asked. "I'd like to go and say hello."

“Unfortunately,” Yang Hong said, “our lady has been staying at Ciyun Nunnery these days.”

"Ciyun Nunnery?" Zuo Shangying said, "It's..."

Yang Hong smiled slightly and didn't say much. They had followed Xiao Shan around gathering information and learned some skills in judging people. He knew what kind of person Zuo Xiucai was. Even if Zuo Xiucai knew that the eldest daughter-in-law was planning to open a dyeing workshop over there, he wouldn't go around spreading rumors.

However, Yang Hong still didn't explain it too clearly. They exchanged glances, letting Zuo Xiucai guess the general idea.

“If Scholar Zuo has something important to do,” Yang Hong said, “I will have someone send a message to Madam Zuo.”

Zuo Shangying waved his hand repeatedly: "There's no need for that. I'll visit you again when you return from Ciyun Nunnery, Madam."

Yang Hong smiled and said, "Then... I'll invite Scholar Zuo to sit in the teahouse for a while."

Zuo Shangying declined, saying, "No need, I need to hurry back to my studies."

“That’s true,” Yang Hong said knowingly. “After high school, there will be another exam. With Zuo Xiucai’s talent, he will surely pass with flying colors.”

Zuo Shangying bid farewell to Yang Hong and was about to head back. Liu Erlang's plan to start a small newspaper wouldn't be accomplished in a day or two; if he came a few more times, he might just run into Madam Xie.

"Zuo Xiucai."

Yang Hong suddenly stopped him: "I just remembered something. My wife said that Scholar Zuo should focus on preparing for the exam and not be distracted by anything else."

Zuo Shangying was taken aback; Yang Hong's words were clearly pointed at something.

Lady Xie didn't see him, so she couldn't have said such things. Even if that was what Lady Xie meant, she wouldn't have said it like that.

But Yang Hong wouldn't lie to him.

So this is a deliberate hint...

It's possible that Madam Xie already knew that Liu Erlang wanted to publish a tabloid, since Liu Erlang must have mentioned these things more than once at banquets. Zuo Shangying immediately understood.

In this situation, even if we find Madam Xie, can she stop Liu Erlang?
He wanted to ask his wife for advice, but it was the hardest thing to change someone's mind, and his wife couldn't sway Liu Erlang's thoughts.

“I understand,” Zuo Shangying bowed to Yang Hong. “I will come to see Madam again after I take the exam.”

Zuo Shangying left the South City Wharf, but he still did not ignore Liu Erlang. So he went to the Liu family several times, but was turned away by the servants of the Liu family each time.

The only time I saw Liu Erlang was when he returned from a banquet, surrounded by several scholars as they led him home. He clearly saw Zuo Shangying, but he didn't say anything. His eyes flickered slightly, and then he showed a distant expression.

Knowing that Liu Erlang had made up his mind, Zuo Shangying could only write what he wanted to say on a letter and ask the Liu family to deliver it to Liu Erlang. After that, he never went to the Liu family again.

More than ten days passed in the blink of an eye, but the Ministry of Rites postponed the announcement of the results by another half month because the Western Xia envoy was still in Bianjing.

Liu Erlang was not disappointed. Instead, he smiled. Fortunately, he made his decision early. The newspaper in his hand was almost finished and could be sent to the bookstore for printing before the results were announced.

On the same day, several people were released from the Ministry of Justice prison, including Xia Ziqiao.

Xie Chengrang carried Xia Ziqiao down from the carriage. Madam Li and Xia Erniang were already waiting at the door. Seeing Xia Ziqiao's haggard appearance, Madam Li was heartbroken. While wiping away her tears, she instructed, "Slow down...have the doctor prepare."

These days have been particularly difficult for the Xia family. Xia Mengxian lost his official position and was fined copper coins by the court. If it weren't for his reputation, he would have to go to the prison to reunite with Xia Ziqiao.

After the doctor examined Xia Ziqiao's pulse and injuries, Madam Li breathed a sigh of relief once she confirmed that her son was alright.

However, although he was not seriously injured, he had not yet recovered from the flogging he had suffered. In addition, the prison was dark and damp, and the food was mostly spoiled. Xia Ziqiao felt like he had been tortured half to death. Fortunately, they were not ordinary people. Xu Huaiyi did not dare to force a confession and, after discovering that he was indeed not related to the demon cult, released him.

“That Xu Huaiyi, Guo Xiong, and the Xie family…” Xia Ziqiao said through gritted teeth, “I will not let them get away with this.”

"Take care of your health first," Xie Chengrang advised. "We can worry about those things later."

Xia Ziqiao could not swallow this insult, especially after learning that his father had lost his official position because of him. He could not suppress the hatred in his heart and only wanted to kill those culprits right now.

Xia Ziqiao looked at Xie Chengrang: "Can the porcelain produced by Xie's kiln be sold at the border market?"

Xie Chengrang nodded: "The document was issued just yesterday."

Once the document is issued, it cannot be changed.

Xia Ziqiao said bitterly, "Once I recover, I will go to the border market with the caravan. I want the Xie family to know that selling porcelain at the border market is a disaster for them."

Xia Ziqiao was too excited and made some large movements, which aggravated his wound, causing him to groan in pain.

Madam Li felt even more sorry for you and said repeatedly, "There's no need for you. You stay at home and I'll have someone arrange everything."

"No," Xia Ziqiao gritted his teeth, "I want to watch them die."

Xia Ziqiao made a fuss for quite a while before finally calming down. Madam Li ordered someone to help him clean up the dirt and change him into clean clothes.

Finally back home, Xia Ziqiao's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled down. By the time Madam Li and Xie Chengrang came into the room to check on him, he was already asleep.

Madam Li and Xie Chengrang went to the outer room to talk.

Now that the two families had agreed on the marriage, Xie Chengrang's relationship with the Xia family became even closer. Madam Li looked at Xie Chengrang and said, "You should persuade Wulang to stay at home peacefully, as his father and brothers will protect him from the wind and rain."

"Although the master has resigned from his post, he will still have to go out and do work one day. Once he gets through this hurdle, everything will be fine."

Xie Chengrang responded again.

Madam Li said, "If you hear any rumors, please let me know." If Xie Shumi sends any news, she hopes Xie Chengrang can send it to the Xia family.

Xie Chengrang naturally understood, and he nodded without hesitation: "I will definitely pay close attention."

Madam Li was very pleased: "Stay at home for dinner in a little while. After all, it's a joyous occasion that Wulang is back."

Xie Chengrang nodded. He glanced at Xia Erniang, who was different from before. She did not deliberately avoid him, but instead gave him a shy smile.