Grass and mustard reign supreme

Chapter 114 Randomly Flirting Anytime, Anywhere

It was just past noon, and the air was thick with a restless heat.

At this hour, there aren't many people walking around in the village.

But at that moment, a group of over a hundred soldiers, carrying long spears, suddenly rushed across the street.

Soon, they arrived at the Zhang residence at the east end of the village and surrounded it.

The backyard of the Zhang residence was adjacent to the river, but even this side was heavily guarded by soldiers armed with bows and spears.

Yang Can, dressed in a round-necked blue cloth robe, stood on either side of Kang Zhengyang, who was dressed in a tight-fitting outfit, while protecting Li Youcai, who was dressed in a black robe, in the middle, and strode towards the gate of Zhang's mansion.

Outside the Zhang residence, a row of soldiers stood at attention with guns in front, while a row of soldiers behind carried hunting bows.

The main gate of the Zhang residence was tightly shut, but a side gate was slightly ajar. A pair of frightened eyes peered out for a moment before slamming the gate shut again.

The Zhang residence was now in complete chaos.

After learning yesterday that Zhang Yunyi had led his guards and young, strong servants to attack the Yang residence, only to be killed at the gate of the Yang residence's back courtyard, the Zhang family was already in a state of panic.

However, by then Kang Zhengyang had already ordered his troops to take control of the entire village, so they couldn't escape even if they wanted to.

The Zhang family lived in constant fear, knowing that once Yang Can returned, he would certainly not let them off easily.

But they didn't know what Yang Can planned to do or to what extent, and now they finally got the person they were waiting for.

The maids and servants of the Zhang family were running around the courtyard in a panic. Some were carrying small bundles and trying to find a place to hide, while others were huddled in a corner, trembling all over.

The Zhang family's wives and concubines all gathered around Madam Zhang.

But Madam Zhang was just a country woman whom Zhang Yunyi had abducted when he was still the swordsman Xiao Zhang.

If she hadn't given birth to Zhang Yunyi's son, she wouldn't have been able to sit in the position of this lady.

She had limited experience to begin with, and her husband was an exceptionally domineering person, so she hadn't been able to make any decisions over the years.

Faced with this situation, she was terrified, her face turning deathly pale, muttering repeatedly, "That old bastard, he's finally finished off the Zhang family, finished them off..."

She ignored the wailing and crying of her concubines and the Zhang family's children, and only wallowed in self-pity.

Just then, a clear female voice rang out: "Stop arguing, all of you shut up!"

As if a pause button had been pressed, the people who had been running around like headless flies suddenly stopped, and even those who were wailing loudly opened their mouths and stopped making a sound.

Everyone looked over and saw a person slowly walking out of the moon gate in the side courtyard.

She wore a long, lotus-colored dress with a trendy lotus scroll pattern embroidered on the hem.

Her long, black hair was styled into a high bun, making her figure appear even taller, lighter, and more graceful.

Her face was only lightly powdered, which made her appear even more beautiful.

Everyone stared in astonishment at her, the young mistress who had recently been the subject of much gossip and ridicule from the Zhang family.

Chen Wan'er walked to the center of the courtyard, glanced at everyone, and said loudly, "Our Zhang family was doing just fine. If it weren't for the master's many evil deeds, we wouldn't have been driven out of Feng'an Fort."

Originally, although they were driven out of Feng'an Fort, everyone was still well-fed and clothed and could still enjoy wealth and luxury, which could be considered as Steward Yang showing leniency.

However, the master was insatiable in his greed. Yesterday, taking advantage of Steward Yang's absence, he led men to attack the Yang residence, and finally met his just deserts!

A slight commotion arose around them, and everyone felt a growing resentment towards Zhang Yunyi.

Chen Wan'er said, "Now that Deacon Yang has surrounded our house, we have a grievance and a debtor. I'm sure he won't bully us old, weak, women and children."

I am now willing to represent the Zhang family and meet with Deacon Yang to beg him to spare our entire family. What do you all think?

Because of the ambiguous relationship between Zhang Yunyi and Chen Wan'er, the daughter-in-law and mother-in-law, everyone in the Zhang household secretly looked down on her.

Although Chen Wan'er was forced, they didn't care about that and spoke quite recklessly.

Now, Chen Wan'er stepped forward, willing to take responsibility for them, and everyone was immediately filled with gratitude.

An old woman knelt down with a thud, saying gratefully, "Please, young mistress, protect everyone. This old woman kowtows to you."

Immediately, everyone in the courtyard knelt down.

Chen Wan'er looked at Madam Zhang, her lips moved, but she didn't speak.

Their relationship is currently ambiguous and somewhat awkward.

Madam Zhang knew she didn't have that ability; her daughter-in-law, at least, came from a wealthy family and had seen the world.

After a slight hesitation, Madam Zhang nodded and said, "Alright, you go ahead. We entrust the entire Zhang family to you."

Chen Wan'er nodded and called out, "Open the door!"

Li Youcai, Yang Can, and Kang Zhengyang arrived at the main gate of the Zhang residence. Li Youcai, full of vigor, was about to order the gate to be smashed open when the heavy vermilion gate creaked open from the inside.

Fearing that a group of guards might rush out from inside, Li Youcai quickly took a step back.

Fortunately, he still had some conscience; he simply flashed forward and let Kang Zhengyang go first.

Beneath the vermilion gate, a graceful figure suddenly appeared; Chen Wan'er walked out with her chest out and head held high.

Her gaze lingered on Yang Can and Kang Zhengyang for a moment.

Upon seeing an unfamiliar man standing in the middle, and not knowing his relationship with Yang Can and Kang Zhengyang, she did not immediately reveal that she had already been "bought off" by Yang Can.

She gave Yang Can a slight bow and said in a loud voice, "Deacon Yang, although my master was disrespectful to you, he is already dead."

Now, the Zhang family is reduced to nothing but the elderly, women, and children. Does Deacon Yang intend to exterminate the entire Zhang family?

Yang Can said loudly, "Young Madam Chen, please don't misunderstand. Zhang Yunyi is Zhang Yunyi. I have no intention of implicating the entire Zhang family."

However, Zhang Yunyi has hidden something very important in your residence, and we must obtain it. We urge you, young mistress, to come forward and speak with us.”

Chen Wan'er lifted her skirt and gracefully walked to the three of them.

Seeing that there was no danger, Li Youcai quickly moved to the center without hesitation.

Yang Can then lowered his voice and said, "Young Madam, there's no need to worry. This is Master Li, the head steward of the Yu family's eldest branch."

Master Li already knows that you, young mistress, are a person of great principle and have reported Zhang Yunyi's misconduct. Please feel free to speak your mind.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Wan'er breathed a sigh of relief.

When Li Youcai saw that this young woman was gentle and charming, with a beauty that was no less than his own wife, he was afraid of frightening her, so he smiled and relaxed his tone.

"Young lady, do not be afraid. This old man, along with Steward Yang and Chief Kang, have come to search for something that Zhang Yunyi has hidden. We have no intention of disturbing the Zhang family."

We will not punish your entire Zhang family for Zhang Yunyi's crime alone, so please rest assured, young lady.

Chen Wan'er asked, "What is Master Li looking for?"

Li Youcai said, "There are quite a lot of things, enough for three or four cartloads. They can't be hidden. We have to search them to find out if they are in your residence."

Chen Wan'er glanced quickly at Kang Zhengyang, who lowered his gaze slightly.

Chen Wan'er understood and said, "Three or four cartloads of stuff? Ah! I understand now."

Li Youcai hurriedly asked, "Young lady, do you know? Where is it?"

Chen Wan'er said, "A few days ago, my master secretly brought back four cartloads of goods and hid them in the cellar."

But yesterday morning, for some reason, they moved everything out and loaded it onto four horse-drawn carts. He also loaded some grain and vegetables on the carts to cover it up, and I don't know what he was going to do with it.

However, he suddenly died at the Yang residence yesterday, and these four cartloads of belongings have been left unattended and are still parked at the stables.

Upon hearing this, Li Youcai was overjoyed and said, "Thank you for leading the way, young lady. Please show us the place."

Chen Wan'er nodded in agreement, glanced at Kang Zhengyang and Yang Can, then turned and walked away gracefully.

Yang Can was about to take a step when Li Youcai grabbed him, gestured with his lips, and indicated that Kang Zhengyang should lead a squad of his troops first.

Kang Zhengyang cursed inwardly, "That old bastard is quite the coward."

He then led a squad of his soldiers to follow Chen Wan'er, and Li Youcai then pulled Yang Can into the Zhang residence together.

When the servants in the mansion saw a group of soldiers with guns rushing in, they were so frightened that they huddled to the side and dared not utter a sound.

Chen Wan'er waved reassuringly to them, then led Li Youcai and the others through the front yard and into the side yard, where there was a stable.

The stables are not large, so the four carriages parked against the wall in the yard can be seen as soon as you enter the stables.

Chen Wan'er pointed to the four carriages and said to Li Youcai, "Master Li, this is it."

Li Youcai hurriedly waved his hand and said, "Send a few people to search."

He hurriedly followed, for this was crucial evidence to verify whether Yang Can's words were true, and he dared not be careless.

Several soldiers jumped onto the carriage, lifted the rice sacks and several baskets of wilted vegetables on top, and what was revealed underneath were suits of armor.

Li Youcai rushed forward, gripped the carriage railing, and reached out to touch the armor, his voice trembling with excitement:
"Brother! Come and see! It really is armor! So much armor!"

Yang Can followed and said, "Brother, should we have someone take off the armor and count the number?"

"No need to count, no need to count, quickly check if the other cars are the same."

Several soldiers went to inspect other vehicles, which were also equipped with armor.

Li Youcai looked at the horses tied up in the stable, and realized, yes, that was it.

Yesterday, Zhang Yunyi attacked the rear residence of the Yang family and even sent servants to guard the fortress gate.

Once he successfully takes control of the Zhang residence, he can use horse-drawn carriages to secretly transport the armor to the Yang residence.

At that time, there's no need to unload the carriages. Just park them somewhere and let him find the armor in front of me. Yang Can will then be speechless.

Li Youcai, feeling he had discovered the truth, couldn't help but stroke his curly beard with a smug look, and ordered in a deep voice, "Take these four cartloads of armor back to Feng'an Fort!"

……

Li Youcai looked at the armor like it was a treasure, and ordered Kang Zhengyang to have men harness horses to a cart and transport it back to the fortified village.

At this moment, Yang Can had Chen Wan'er take him to Madam Zhang. Yang Can spoke very seriously about Zhang Yunyi's actions, which frightened Madam Zhang so much that she trembled with fear.

However, Yang Can changed his tone and magnanimously expressed that he would not implicate his family members, and said that he and Deacon Li would speak to the clan leader about the matter.

However, from now on, the Zhang family will be just an ordinary family in Feng'an Village. As long as they are honest and law-abiding, they will be able to live a peaceful life.

Mrs. Zhang and the entire Zhang family felt a great weight lifted from their hearts and were extremely grateful to Yang Can.

At this moment, Chen Wan'er stepped forward and told Madam Zhang that she wanted to return to her parents' home in Pingliang County. Madam Zhang was overjoyed to hear this.

If Chen Wan'er continues to stay in the Zhang family, how should we define her relationship with Chen Wan'er?

Chen Wan'er staying in the Zhang family is the biggest scandal for the Zhang family.

Once word gets out and the villagers find out, the Zhang family will be condemned by everyone. How will they ever be able to hold their heads high in front of others again?
Mrs. Zhang was eager for her to go as far away as possible to bury the scandal completely, so she readily agreed.

Just as the four carriages borrowed horses from the Zhang family and brought the armor back to the fortified village, and had just settled in a suitable spot, Leopard Head returned on horseback with seven or eight men.

Upon seeing that Leopard Head's group consisted of only seven or eight people, Yang Can's expression changed.

When Leopard Head went to find the Bali tribe, he had a full twenty people, and he left a few more people in Canglang Gorge to wait for him.

But only seven or eight people have returned. Could something have happened?
Upon closer inspection, something seemed amiss. Among these seven or eight people, two had a hairstyle resembling a straight hairpin, clearly indicating they were Xianbei people.

Yang Can stopped in confusion, and when the group got closer, he noticed that three of them had their hands tied behind their backs.

These three were none other than He Youzhen's personal guards. Did Leopard Head successfully capture them?
But... is the loss really that big?
It wasn't until Leopard Head dismounted and explained what had happened to Yang Can that Yang Can understood what was going on.

These three men with their hands tied behind their backs are He Youzhen's guards.

At the time, Leopard Head was worried that there wouldn't be enough people to carry the corpses, so he transferred three more people from He Youzhen's group.

He Youzhen had successfully diverted all of Yang Can's guards, and was secretly delighted.

He was afraid of arousing Yang Can's suspicion, so he readily agreed when Leopard Head asked to borrow a few people.

As soon as Leopard Head and his men returned, Yang Can's men left behind in Canglang Gorge secretly explained Yang Can's arrangements to Leopard Head.

Upon hearing this, Leopard Head realized that taking down these three by surprise would be a piece of cake.

The reason why Leopard Head only brought back so few people is that the others stayed behind to settle the people of the Bali tribe in a suitable place.

Longshang was short of people, and the various clans had always welcomed refugees, fugitives, and those who came to join them.

They refuse to accept runaway slaves, as this would destroy their own system at its very core.

Those who fled must have committed some crimes elsewhere; surely not all of them were innocent victims?
Most of them were indeed murderers and robbers, or had committed murder for some reason.

They would accept people like that, let alone an entire tribe coming to surrender; Yu Fa had no reason to refuse.

It was precisely because of this custom and common sense that Leopard Head knew that the clan leader would most likely take over the Bali tribe, so he took it upon himself to settle them down first.

Of course, saying he was "settled down" is just flattery.

The Bali tribe was being hunted down by the Bald Hair tribe. During their escape, the entire tribe fled through the Canglang Pass. He disagreed but was powerless to stop them.

When Yang Can heard that these two Xianbei men in their forties and fifties were actually messengers sent by Balimo to contact him and express their desire to join the Yu clan, he was overjoyed.

This is yet another great achievement for Ba Limo!
Unfortunately, I found out too late. Otherwise, if I had also incorporated the existence of the Bali tribe into the "story" I had told Li Youcai, it would have been even more seamless.

However, adding the Bali tribe to the list at this point would be superfluous, so after thinking about it, he decided against it.

In a large courtyard by the roadside, Li Youcai personally oversaw the arrangement of the four carts of armor, locked them himself, and then came out happily.

As soon as he came out, Yang Can pulled him over and introduced him to the two Xianbei messengers.

These two Xianbei messengers were elders of the Bali tribe. The one around fifty years old was named Baluehe, and the one around forty years old was named Chiliyan.

Bali Mo himself is currently stationed in the Bali tribe. During the period of fleeing, people were in a state of panic, so he could not leave.

Upon hearing that the Bali tribe's grasslands had been seized and that they were desperate in the war of invasion by the Tufa tribe, and that they intended to seek refuge with the Yu Fa, Li Youcai was overjoyed.

This trip to Feng'an was truly worthwhile!

Even if he was just accompanying these two elders up the mountain, it would still be a great achievement.

However, upon hearing Yang Can say that the three men with their hands tied behind their backs were He Youzhen's personal guards, Li Youcai could no longer care about the two Xianbei elders.

He needed to confirm as soon as possible whether, as Yang Can said, He Youzhen was indeed "Master Shan".

Li Youcai, with a broad smile, reassured the two Xianbei elders for a few words, then eagerly expressed his desire to interrogate the three guards of He Youzhen.

Yang Can naturally wouldn't stop him. The three of them had gone to Bali Grassland with Leopard Head early in the morning, and they had no idea what had happened in Canglang Gorge.

When Li Youcai interrogated them, all he could find out was that "He Youzhen is Master Shan".

So Yang Can agreed without hesitation.

Seeing this, Li Youcai believed him even more.

However, a confession was still required, so Li Youcai had his guards take over three of He Youzhen's personal guards and escort them back for him to interrogate personally.

Yang Can welcomed the two elders of the Bali tribe, Baliehe and Chiliyan, back to the Yang residence and settled them in the guest house.

After the two Xianbei elders settled in, they immediately came to the living room to meet Yang Can.

Yang Can had just changed into his casual clothes. He invited the two elders to sit down and said with a smile, "Elders, there's no need to worry. Our clan leader is magnanimous and will wholeheartedly welcome your clan's reliance on us."

Yang Can had already thought about this matter when he returned to take a shower.

The fact that an entire tribe had come to submit was a great boost to the prestige of the clan leader. Moreover, the submission of the Bali tribe also strengthened the power of the clan leader's lineage.

Especially since He Youzhen is a smuggler, even if Yu Xinglong manages this cleverly, he can only keep it from the public, but he can't hide it from the various branches and senior stewards of the Yu family.

The fact that a trusted external affairs officer of the lord was secretly undermining the Yu family would only make things more difficult for Yu Xinglong, who was already in a precarious situation.

Regardless of whether this matter will cause suspicion or wavering among other forces, it will at least deter some forces that intend to side with the lord.

At this critical juncture, the Balimo tribe took the initiative to surrender, which undoubtedly gave the clan leader a strong boost.

It not only strengthens the power of the lord's side, but also demonstrates the lord's influence to the outside world.

To a large extent, this offset the negative impact of the "Mountain Master He Youzhen" incident.

Therefore, Yang Cancai dared to tell them very clearly that they didn't need to worry at all, as the clan leader would definitely take them in.

As for the Bald Tribe, the feud between the two sides was already established because of the death of Bald Falcon Evil, so what's a little more trouble?

The Bald Tribe has just annexed the territory of the Bali Tribe, and it will not be easy for them to digest this gain. They will not easily start a war with the Yu Fa.

Moreover, if the Yu clan were to spread the word that the Bald Hair tribe had secretly purchased a lot of armor, the Bald Hair tribe would immediately become a thorn in the side of the other major tribes.

At that time, the bald tribe will be too busy taking care of themselves to have time to provoke the Yu family.

When Baluehe and Chiliyan saw that Yang Can spoke very frankly and directly, unlike Li Youcai, he couldn't help but feel a great liking for him.

Yang Can asked with concern, "Where is your tribe settled now? Do you have food?"

Baluehe said, "We carried food with us when we fled, and we drove away cattle and sheep. We will not lack food for the time being."

Chiliyan said, "It's summer now, so it's not difficult to find a temporary place to settle our clansmen."

However, to settle down permanently, the clan head's consent must be obtained first.

"This is not a problem!"

Yang Can readily agreed, "I'm going to Phoenix Manor tomorrow, and the two elders can come with me."

If your unit is short of food, please let me know immediately, and my Feng'an Manor will temporarily provide some supplies.

The two elders were extremely grateful and quickly stood up to thank Yang Can.

Baluehe patted his chest and said, "We have no way to repay Lord Yang's kindness! In the future, the Baluemo tribe will definitely serve the country like dogs and horses!"

"This is the proper thing to do, elders, there is no need to be so formal."

Yang Can comforted them again, and the two elders developed a great liking for him. Only then did Yang Can send them back to the guesthouse to rest.

Just as Wangcai led the group away, Xiao Qingmei, wearing a pomegranate-colored skirt and a yellow shirt, led Master Jingyao in.

The young monk still wears a lacquered gauze crown, his eyes carrying a hint of otherworldly serenity.

However, it's noticeable that the black hair at her temples has grown quite a bit.

Upon seeing Yang Can, Qingmei smiled and said, "Master, we owe a great debt to Master Jingyao this time."

Otherwise, I would have been completely unprepared, and Zhang Yunyi would have surely wreaked havoc on this inner quarters. Who knows, he might have even managed to frame me successfully.”

Xiao Qingmei knew what was important. Just because Abbess Jingyao saw through Li Youcai's feigned illness in time and saved her master, her prejudices against Jingyao were swept away.

"Thank you, nun! If it weren't for your reminder, we would probably have already fallen into Zhang Yunyi's trap, and the consequences would have been unimaginable."

Mr. Yang will always remember this kindness. Thank you!

Yang Can bowed deeply to Dugu Jingyao, appearing quite solemn.

Dugu Jingyao felt a little resentful. You said that from the first time you met me, I was yours.

You said it, but how many times have you actually seen me since? Your words are as worthless as farting!
Are you the kind of person who flirts with every girl you meet, randomly, anytime, anywhere?
However, the two-faced and hypocritical Grand Master Jingyao naturally wouldn't reveal a single word about it.

She smiled faintly, her clear eyes carrying a hint of worldly wisdom.

“Master Yang, you are too kind. Monks are compassionate. When they see people in distress, it is their duty to offer advice. There is no question of gratitude.”

Yang Can said, "I should still thank you. Little Master is a monk, and he is detached from worldly desires, so perhaps he doesn't need any thanks."

"But, young master, if you have any wishes, I, Yang, can fulfill them if it's within my power."

Dugu Jingyao was deeply immersed in her role and said calmly, "You are a person of the mortal world, and your sincerity is enough. Your simple thanks are already a merit..."

Just as she finished speaking, Wangcai walked in: "Master, the young mistress of the Zhang family requests an audience."

Dugu Jingyao's beautiful eyes immediately turned to Yang Can. What's going on? You've even hooked up with the young mistress of the Zhang family? You really are a flirt who can do whatever you want anytime, anywhere!
(End of this chapter)