Grass and mustard reign supreme

Chapter 92 Yellow Birds, So Many Yellow Birds
Inside the hall, a rosewood table was laden with delicacies.

The whole roasted lamb, glistening with oil, exudes an enticing aroma.

The grape wine shimmered in the silver jug, creating delicate, shimmering glints.

The guests clinked glasses and chatted loudly.

The sounds of string and wind instruments drifted from the musicians' seats in the corner of the hall, weaving a scene of extravagance and prosperity.

Zhang Yunyi, holding a wine glass and wearing a perfectly measured smile, walked through the noisy crowd.

Some people were arguing about last year's harvest, banging on the table; others were putting their arms around the shoulders of their neighbors and loudly urging them to drink; still others were pointing at the dishes on the table with their chopsticks, laughing heartily.

Soon, he walked around to the seat near the curtain and sat down in the empty seat at the end of the room with great ease.

"Master Cheng, I heard that the pasture in Liupanshan is growing exceptionally well this year. I wonder if you intend to raise more thoroughbred horses next year?"

Zhang Yunyi sat down casually and said with a smile to Cheng Dong, the owner of Liupanshan Ranch, who was sitting next to him.

However, his entire attention was focused behind the curtain.

Zhang Yunyi pricked up his ears. He had assumed that Yang Can and Kang Zhengyang would keep their voices very low when discussing matters behind the curtain.

Unexpectedly, he heard a very clear conversation coming from behind the curtain. Although the voices were not loud, they were loud enough for him to hear clearly.

"Master, something strange has happened with the Xianbei!"

Kang Zhengyang said urgently to Yang Can, "Ba Limo and all his men suddenly rode away."

Immediately afterward, the bald-haired Falcon Demon also led his men in pursuit, as if... they had discovered something important!

Cheng Dong, who was sitting next to Zhang Yunyi, obviously also caught these few words of conversation.

He was raising his glass to his lips when his hand suddenly stopped, a look of surprise flashing across his face.

Yang Can's voice came from behind the curtain at just the right moment, carrying a perfectly timed tone of surprise and anger.

"What? You left without saying goodbye?"

Yang Can seemed to suddenly realize that his voice was too loud, and immediately lowered his voice.

Even so, the dissatisfaction he was suppressing still pierced through the curtains and came through clearly.

"These unruly barbarians! They've been entertained by my Feng'an Manor for days, eating and drinking my food, yet they're so rude and arrogant!"

"Master, what will we do now that they're gone..."

Kang Zhengyang's voice was anxious: "Two people went missing from our village yesterday, and they're still nowhere to be found, dead or alive."

Their families have been making a fuss about me. My subordinates suspect that their disappearance is almost certainly the work of these Xianbei people.

Now these Xianbei people have run away at this critical juncture... does that mean we'll never find our people again?

A brief silence fell behind the curtain, then Yang Can's voice rang out again: "Kang Quchang, those two missing villagers, I think, will never come back."

"What...do you mean by that?"

“Those Xianbei people crossed the Canglang Gorge and came to my Feng'an Village, claiming that I had hidden their mountain goods.”

The two farmhands who went missing yesterday were most likely kidnapped and interrogated by them!
No matter what they find out, if they don't want to offend us terribly, how could we possibly let them come back?

Kang Zhengyang said, "Master, then... shall we just put up with this?"

"Evidence! Evidence! Without evidence, if we arbitrarily clashed with the Xianbei, do you think the chieftain will forgive us?"

"But...we're guarding this area. If we lose two people and do nothing about it, how can we explain it to the villagers?"

Yang Can sighed heavily: "Well, they've left without saying goodbye, so they've probably found the real whereabouts of that batch of mountain goods."
"Then, you choose two alert, quick-witted, and agile brothers to follow them from a distance and see what those Xianbei people are up to, where they're going, and what they're looking for."

Yang Can paused, then emphasized, "Remember, you can only observe and investigate from a distance. The main purpose is to see if our people are in their hands, or... to find out their whereabouts."

Once we have the evidence, we will lead our troops to seek justice from them. But before that, we must absolutely avoid conflict.

"Yes! I understand!" Kang Zhengyang replied respectfully and hurried away.

Yang Can glanced at the curtain. He couldn't guarantee what would happen to others, but Cheng Dong, that big mouth, would definitely spread the word.

In this way, I was further cleared of suspicion regarding that batch of mountain goods.

Yang Can straightened his robes, turned around without making a sound, and headed towards the changing room in the back courtyard.

As expected, after listening to the conversation behind the curtain, Cheng Dong could no longer suppress his dissatisfaction.

He leaned close to Zhang Yunyi and whispered, "Master Zhang, did you hear that? These barbarians really don't know any manners."

"They think this place is their own ranch? And how...did they kidnap people from the estate?"

“Yeah, they’re really bastards,” Zhang Yunyi echoed, though he was puzzled.

Judging from this, the disappearance of that mysterious batch of mountain goods really had nothing to do with Yang Can?
Ba Limo and Tu Fajunxie left one after another in such a hurry that they must have discovered a key clue about the shipment, or even know its whereabouts.

The goods were lost before the formal handover. If Bald Falcon found them in secret, he would definitely lie to "Master Shan" and say that they were not found. Wouldn't "Master Shan" then suffer in silence?
Although I, Zhang Yunyi, did not participate in this shipment, if I can inform "Master Shan" of this crucial information and help him recover his losses, how could "Master Shan" not show me any appreciation?

I am currently outnumbered and powerless in Feng'anzhuang, and I am constantly controlled by Yang Can. If I want to bring him down, I have no choice but to rely on the power of "Master Shan".

Even if Yang Can hadn't touched these mountain goods, I have a ten-year friendship with Master Shan, so if I help him find the goods again, he'll have to help me in return.

Upon thinking of this, Zhang Yunyi could no longer sit still.

His gaze unconsciously swept across the main table and landed on the Third Master Leopard, who had been ignored by everyone else.

Zhang Yunyi suppressed his eagerness and, with a beaming smile, drank another cup with the other pastors at the table.

He then poured himself another glass of wine and strolled toward the main table.

As the "guest master" of Feng'an Village, taking care of every distinguished guest is his duty.

This action is perfectly reasonable and will not arouse suspicion from others.

However, his movements were not unnoticed in secret.

Wangcai stood in a corner of the banquet hall the whole time.

Yang Can only gave him one instruction: "Go behind the curtain and watch whoever leaves that table."

Wangcai isn't a particularly bright child, but he's obedient.

So he immediately set his sights on Zhang Yunyi.

In Yu Xiaobao's view, Zhang Yunyi, who was walking towards him with a smile, clearly intended to pledge allegiance to him.

Zhang Yunyi walked to the main table, bowed slightly, and said respectfully, "Third Master, your presence truly brings honor to my humble abode, Feng'an Manor."

"I have nothing to offer in return, so I can only offer you this humble cup of wine as a token of my respect."

Yu Xiaobao put down his chopsticks, gave Zhang Yunyi a deep look, and suddenly smiled.

"This is the first time I've ever drunk your wine, Master Zhang's wine."

Unfortunately, this wine still benefited from the influence of Master Yang.

"But I wonder when, in what month or year, you, Master Zhang, will be the host, inviting me, Master Leopard, for a drink?"

Zhang Yunyi sneered inwardly: "We've been secretly working together to sell mountain goods for ten years now. You, this mysterious 'Mountain Master,' won't even show me your true face. Now you're pretending to be confused with me!"
Third Master, Mountain Master, your disguise is truly ingenious. Little do you know that I, Zhang, have already seen through your true identity?
Zhang Yunyi's smile widened, even taking on a perfectly appropriate, slightly tipsy "naive honesty".

"Yunyi...Yunyi has been dreaming of hosting a banquet to properly entertain 'Master Shan'!"
But... but I am now of little influence and power, and I fear I am not worthy to be associated with someone as great as you; I am not fortunate enough to have such an honor!

He deliberately pretended to be drunk and slurred his words, mispronouncing "Third Master" as "Mountain Master".

But his eyes were fixed on Yu Xiaobao's reaction, trying to see if the other party would reveal any flaws.

Yu Xiaobao remained calm, his smile unchanged, as if he hadn't noticed anything amiss in his words.

Yu Xiaobao stood up, patted Zhang Yunyi on the shoulder happily, and lowered his voice, which carried a hint of seduction.

“Master Zhang, how prosperous and glorious Feng’an Manor was under your management in those years.”

Our Yu family cherishes talent above all else! Someone as capable and shrewd as you, Master Zhang, would never remain subservient to anyone for long.
What you lack now is simply an opportunity to make a comeback.

Zhang Yunyi's heart stirred, and he immediately bowed, adopting a humble and respectful demeanor, saying sincerely, "Thank you for your kind words, Third Master!"

"I am rather slow-witted. If there is any opportunity, I hope you will take good care of me, 'Master Shan'."

"Haha, that's for sure. With Master Zhang being so sensible and understanding, I, Leopard, have high hopes for you."

Zhang Yunyi said happily, "I will remember your great kindness, Third Master! I will drink this first as a sign of respect!"

Another day, Yunyi will definitely pay a visit and listen to Third Master's teachings in person! After saying that, he tilted his head back and drank the wine in his cup in one gulp.

While wiping his mouth, Zhang Yunyi quickly moved half a step closer to Yu Xiaobao, speaking in a very low voice but at a faster pace.

"Third Master, just now... the two Xianbei leaders, Balimo and Tuoba Junxie, left one after the other with their men, as if they had found the whereabouts of the mountain goods."

Yun Yi was worried that they might cause trouble on the Yu family's territory. If something went wrong, it would be difficult to handle, and Feng'an Village would be caught in the middle, putting them in a difficult position..."

Yu Xiaobao slowly sat back in his chair, picked up a handkerchief from the table to wipe his hands, and waved his hand dismissively.

He had previously wanted to get closer to the bald-headed Falcon Evil.

Unfortunately, Tuoba Junxie's mind was entirely focused on the lost batch of mountain goods.

Sensitive Third Master Leopard felt neglected and began to ignore the barbarian.

Upon hearing Zhang Yunyi's words, Third Master Leopard said in a lecturing tone, "Hmph, what does the infighting between barbarians have to do with my Yu family?"
If something really happens, it's Yang Can's problem to worry about, not yours or mine.

Just relax and enjoy your drink. Why worry unnecessarily and create unnecessary trouble for yourself?

Zhang Yunyi immediately bowed, appearing as if he had been taught a lesson: "Yes, yes, Third Master is right. I was overthinking it."

Zhang Yunyi thought to himself, "I've delivered my message. I don't believe you, you old fox, will remain unmoved!"

However, after several rounds of drinks, Yu Xiaobao remained calm and composed, showing no sign of making any move.

From beginning to end, he sat there with an air of superiority.

Occasionally, when a plantation owner or rancher comes over to offer a toast, he will only raise his glass modestly and take a symbolic sip.

He never even summoned his attendants once, so how could he possibly have secretly arranged for people to be deployed?

Zhang Yunyi saw this and couldn't help but feel puzzled.

Am I wrong? Is Yu Xiaobao really not "Mountain Master"?
Or did he have a plan all along, but I just didn't notice it?

Zhang Yunyi's heart sank little by little, and his originally certain guess was once again shrouded in doubt.

Could it be that I guessed wrong from the very beginning?
Is this pampered "Third Master" really not the "Mountain Master" who secretly controls the smuggling of mountain goods?
But if that's really the case, then his probing and attempts to win me over...

Or perhaps, Master Leopard's cunning is as deep as the ocean, and he already had everything planned out?
Zhang Yunyi's brows furrowed unconsciously, and his fingers reached into his robes without thinking.

There was a jade pendant hidden there, a token given to him by "Master Shan" before.

Zhang Yunyi calmly took the jade pendant out of his bosom and gently hung it in the most conspicuous position on his waist.

Then, he got up again and began "flying all over the place".

He held up his wine glass, warmly greeting the plantation owners and ranchers, raising his glass in a gesture of greeting, and carefully observing their reactions.

He was especially eager when someone's gaze fell on the jade pendant at his waist.

However, everyone was so engrossed in the lively banquet that no one made any further moves.

Especially after Yang Can changed into casual clothes and returned, he immediately became the center of attention, and no one paid any more attention to him.

As the contact person he was waiting for failed to appear, Zhang Yunyi's anxiety grew like wildfire.

He made up an excuse that he was feeling tipsy and needed to go out to sober up and change his clothes, and walked out of the noisy banquet hall.

"Strange, could it be that Yu Xiaobao really isn't 'Mountain Master'? Then where should I go to find the real 'Mountain Master'?"

Zhang Yunyi stood under the corridor. A gentle breeze blew in from outside, slightly dispelling the restlessness and drunkenness in his heart, but it could not dispel the confusion in his mind.

Or, shall I take a stroll around the castle?

Zhang Yunyi straightened his robes and strolled along the cobblestone path under the corridor.

Wangcai didn't chase after him too far; he stopped at the gate of the Yang residence.

Seeing Zhang Yunyi stroll away from the mansion, Wangcai called out to the few little kids playing in the open space in front of the mansion.

Several little kids dressed in coarse cloth and with snotty noses running around them came over and surrounded Wangcai.

Wangcai gave each child a coin, whispered a few instructions, and the children nodded and ran off.

The layout of Feng'an Fort is extremely regular, resembling a giant concentric circle.

At the very center is the Yang residence, which is like a palace and is where Yang Can lives and handles important matters within the estate.
Outside the Yang residence lies the core area of ​​Feng'an Fort, which is like the central office area for various government offices and administrative agencies in the imperial city;

The entire Feng'an Village was built around Feng'an Fort, and it was the place where the villagers lived and worked, just like the inner city of the capital.

After leaving the Yang residence, Zhang Yunyi wandered around the core area of ​​Feng'an Fort, sometimes slowing down and sometimes stopping to observe, looking as if he were taking a walk to sober up.

Blacksmith shops, carpentry workshops, grain and oil mills, mills...

The workshop owners and craftsmen naturally knew Zhang Yunyi, and their contact with him was more frequent than that of ordinary villagers.

Now that they had met Zhang Yunyi, they couldn't be too polite, so they stopped what they were doing and respectfully bowed to Zhang Yunyi to greet him.

Zhang Yunyi's purpose on this trip was to find his contact, so he naturally wouldn't rush past.

He would stop occasionally to respond to the crowd's greetings, and sometimes ask with a smile about the workshop's operation.

As I walked forward, a man wearing two coarse cloth garments with several untanned leather pieces draped over his shoulders came from the opposite direction.

Upon seeing Zhang Yunyi, he stopped in his tracks, a humble smile spreading across his face as he bowed and scraped, saying, "Oh, Master Zhang!"

Zhang Yunyi subconsciously held her breath and took a step back.

The man in front of me is Wang Yongcai, the old tanner from the village. He deals with fur all year round, and the smell of saltpeter mixed with animal hides on him is extremely pungent, almost suffocating.

Wang Yongcai seemed completely oblivious to Zhang Yunyi's disdain, still grinning and revealing a few yellowed teeth.

He leaned closer and lowered his voice, "Does Master Zhang have something important to tell Master Shan?"

"What?" Zhang Yunyi was shocked and looked at Wang Yongcai in disbelief.

This seemingly honest and even somewhat dull old cobbler was actually "Master Shan's" spy planted in the village?

Wang Yongcai, still wearing a humble smile, repeated, "Does Master Zhang have something important to tell Master Shan?"

Zhang Yunyi suddenly came to his senses and quickly and concisely recounted the information he had received to Wang the leatherworker.

Ba Limo and Tuofa Junxie left one after the other with their men. Such a commotion was naturally seen by many people in the village.

But why they left, and whether they said goodbye to Yang Can, the villagers didn't know.

Therefore, even if they saw the actions of the Xianbei people, they would not have any doubts.

Now that Zhang Yunyi has said this, Wang the cobbler realizes the strangeness in this matter.

Zhang Yunyi added, "It is still unclear who has the goods, but I am certain that the two Xianbei people must have the key clues to the goods."

"understood."

Wang Yongcai gave a polite bow, then suddenly raised his voice and laughed loudly, "Hey, Master Zhang, you're too kind!"

Forget about money, all I need is a mattress cover!
Rest assured, sir, allow me a few days and I will certainly obtain a fine hide and send it to your residence!

Zhang Yunyi immediately understood, and cooperated by giving an "Mmm" before casually walking forward.

Wang Yongcai scratched his head, carried the animal hide, and continued walking forward, but he felt a little panicked.

This is bad; things seem to have developed in a way that Shanye didn't expect.

"Mountain Master" remains hidden behind the scenes, allowing the Xianbei people to cause trouble here, all in order to force Yang Can to reveal his true colors.

Because the person "Master Shan" suspected the most was Yang Can.

Therefore, he wanted to force Yang Can to reveal his true colors, and then he would personally clean up the mess.

He wants to get the lost goods back.

He also wants to bring the new head of Feng'an Village under his control!

Moreover, according to Shan Ye's judgment, the truth of this matter will not be revealed so quickly.

However, judging from the information just revealed by Zhang Zhuangzhu, Yang Can really has nothing to do with the missing batch of mountain goods.

While Master Yang was having a lively Dragon Boat Festival banquet, the two groups of Xianbei people left without saying goodbye, wondering about the whereabouts of the mountain goods.

This is how to do?
Wang the cobbler thought that this time, Master Shan might have gone a bit too far!

(End of this chapter)