Chapter 9: Brotherly Feud and Extortion – This is Pure Extortion

"So you mean, your elder brother Zhang Yuanqian hired someone to kill someone?" Xi Bingyi was stunned. She hadn't even recovered from the shock of finding out that the person she had casually saved was actually the second young master of the Zhang family when Zhang Yuanhan dropped this second bombshell. "But why? Do you two have a grudge?"

Zhang Yuanhan rubbed his swollen cheek, looking somewhat troubled: "We're all brothers, what's the grudge? Maybe Father wants to pass on the family business recently, and my eldest brother wants to get rid of it once and for all? After all, Father only has two sons, and if I die, the family business will definitely go to my eldest brother."

After saying that, Zhang Yuanhan looked at Xi Bingyi, Zhou Ziheng, and Huo Qin with sparkling eyes and said excitedly, "I see that the three of you are highly skilled. Why don't you come back to the Zhang family with me to protect me? I am willing to give you a thousand gold pieces afterward!"

Spending money like water! Xi Bingyi gasped slightly. Although her mother was the eldest daughter of Plum Blossom Manor and her father was the head of Xi Fort, they still couldn't afford to spend a fortune. How could Zhang Shi be so rich that she would give a fortune just to hire someone to protect her?!

Xi Bingyi was so pathetic that she fell for him.

Zhou Ziheng was not only tempted by the money, but also genuinely needed to go to the Zhang family. However, he still harbored doubts about the suddenly appearing Second Young Master Zhang.

Everything was too coincidental. It was so coincidental that the moment he had the idea of ​​going to the Zhang family in Zhuanglan, the Second Young Master Zhang owed him a life-saving favor, as if it had all been arranged by someone.

But it was exactly what he wanted. Zhou Ziheng smiled and said in a refined manner, "I just happened to be going to the Zhang family to visit an old friend. This trip is also a coincidence. I will definitely protect the Second Young Master."

Zhang Yuanhan had always admired the spirited young people of the martial arts world, so he was completely powerless against Zhou Ziheng's behavior.

He only regretted that he was too weak to be on friendly terms with Zhou Ziheng, so he could only focus his gaze on Zhou Ziheng and say, "Don't call me Second Young Master anymore. If you don't mind, just call me Yuanhan! Look how fateful it is that we met here!"

Zhou Ziheng didn't feel there was any fate between them, but he could barely be considered to be "asking for a favor," so he didn't make any outrageous remarks.

So Huo Qin and Zhou Ziheng supported the weakened Zhang Yuanhan, with Xi Bingyi leading the way. On the way down the mountain, Zhang Yuanhan chattered energetically, making Huo Qin wonder if he was really injured, as he was being quite noisy.

Zhou Ziheng was unusually good-tempered at this time, and patiently answered Zhang Yuanhan's questions:

"My old friend? Oh, actually it's been a long time since we've been in touch, I don't even know if he's changed."

"This sword... well, that's a secret."

“Stay in Zhuanglan? That probably won’t work. My friend loves adventure, and I promised to take him traveling around.”

Huo Qin, whose excuse was used: "..."

Huo Qin didn't know Zhou Ziheng very well, but Xi Bingyi understood all too well why her senior brother acted this way—

They're just trying to scam a huge sum of money!

Sure enough, Zhang Yuanhan was completely convinced and patted his chest, saying that he would definitely give the three of them more money when they left Zhuanglan.

...

After dealing with the assassins, the group descended the mountain smoothly and finally entered Zhuanglan before sunset.

Zhang Yuanhan first went to a clinic to get his right hand bandaged. Upon learning that Zhou Ziheng and the other two were visiting Zhuanglan for the first time, he immediately exclaimed excitedly, "Then let me show you around! Zhuanglan is so much fun!"

“But your hands…” Xi Bingyi worried.

"I'll pay for whatever you want to buy!" the silly young master boasted.

Xi Bingyi immediately shut her mouth, revealed a smile, and obsequiously took Zhang Yuanhan's hand, praising loudly, "Young Master! Young Master! Let's set off now without delay!"

Zhang Yuanhan nodded proudly: "Okay! Let's go!"

Huo Qin: "..."

They truly are worthy of being fellow students.

Zhuanglan is located on the very border of the Wen Dynasty, near the sea. Its local customs and culture are quite different from other places. The old and young people on the street are dressed in novel clothes, and everyone wears a huge hat on their head.

The hat was woven from straw. Zhang Yuanhan explained that the weather in Zhuanglan was strange and unpredictable; one second it might be blazing sun and the next it might be pouring rain. Therefore, the residents of Zhuanglan were used to wearing such a hat when they went out.

Besides, sachets and similar products were readily available on the streets, alleviating the damp, salty smell of the sea breeze. Zhou Ziheng bought three sachets and handed them to Huo Qin and Xi Bingyi.

"I chose the gardenia scent, which is a safe bet. If you don't like it, I'll go and change it."

Huo Qin accepted the sachet, and couldn't help but glance at Zhou Ziheng again. Receiving a gift from someone for the first time made him feel extremely uncomfortable.

Xi Bingyi happily accepted it, praising repeatedly, "It's like the sun has risen in the west! My senior brother actually gave me something!"

Zhang Yuanhan grumbled, "Brother Ziheng, why don't you buy one for me too?"

Zhou Ziheng's teeth ached: "You've lived in Zhuanglan for years and are already familiar with the smell of the sea breeze. What do you need this for?"

Zhuanglan's commerce was exceptionally prosperous, which was unique in the entire Wen Dynasty.

Many shops sell rare items sourced from other countries. Some are shaped like pen holders, filled with mirrors inside, and you can see different patterns when you turn them. Zhang Yuanhan says they are kaleidoscopes bought from Xiqin Group. Others are single-sided, round glasses supported by a nose pad and a "leg." Zhang Yuanhan says they are single-sided glasses brought from Yingju Vision...

Xi Bingyi was dazzled by the sight, and even the usually silent Huo Qin showed a curious expression.

A group of people strolled in the afterglow of the setting sun, laughing and chatting happily along the way. Xi Bingyi and Zhang Yuanhan were the ones making jokes and banter. The last bit of orange-red sunlight shone on the four of them, like a warm painting.

Aside from the three sachets Zhou Ziheng bought, the group didn't buy anything else, which made the second young master a little unhappy. Xi Bingyi quickly coaxed him, "Oh dear, we're saving you money, why are you still unhappy? We're going to visit you later, so you can treat us well then."

Zhang Yuanhan was barely coaxed by Xi Bingyi, so he led the group south of the city.

Before they knew it, the group had moved far from the bustling streets. Just as the last rays of the setting sun were sinking, the deep blue dome pressed down, and a few faint stars hung in the sky. They arrived at an incredibly grand courtyard.

As you look through the artificially planted flower fields, the courtyard at the front is five stories high. Looking further back, you can see even more houses standing behind you. Each courtyard is made of glazed tiles, which are exceptionally radiant and luxurious even in the dark.

“That’s my family’s council hall,” Zhang Yuanhan said, pointing to the house at the front. “Although there are only my older brother and me, the two of us are my own children, but we have a lot of uncles, cousins, and other relatives, so the house is quite big.”

Xi Bingyi was genuinely surprised: "This is more than just big..."

The endless rows of courtyards and the landscaped flower fields, each with its own unique scenery, are beyond description. Compared to them, our own Shiburg can only be considered a "poor place".

As expected of the wealthy Zhang family, one can be deeply impressed just by looking at them. Zhou Ziheng was speechless.

Young Master Zhang was quite proud: "I've already told you I'm very rich..."

As the group walked through the flower field, a sprightly old man hurriedly came up to them, checking Zhang Yuanhan over several times with concern, and asked, "Second Young Master, where have you been? What happened to your hand? And who are these people...?"

"Uncle Chen, these are my friends. They've come to stay at my house for a few days."

Darkness fell quickly; it was only dimly lit a short while ago, but now it was completely dark. As the sky darkened, the glazed tiles on the eaves shone even brighter, like a dream.

Not far away, in front of the gate, a bright red lantern sways, like a guiding light for people to return home, warm and carrying the warmth of family life.

Uncle Chen sighed, "Second Young Master, the Eldest Young Master is very worried about you and has been waiting for you to come back."

Zhang Yuanhan was somewhat moved: "Big brother..." But perhaps thinking of his previous guess, he suddenly stopped speaking.

The red lantern approached, revealing the man holding it. He bore a striking resemblance to Zhang Yuanhan, with his hair casually tied up, exuding a carefree and unrestrained air. What was most striking was the horizontal scar across his face, running from his left eye to the right corner of his mouth, looking particularly frightening, yet also making him appear even more like a madman.

The man approached, put his arm around Zhang Yuanhan, and asked, "Yuanhan, who are these people?"

Zhang Yuanhan introduced, "This is Mei Le, this is Zhou Ziheng, and this is Huo Qin. I got lost in the mountains and hurt my hand. They brought me back."

"Greetings, everyone. I am Yuanhan's elder brother, Zhang Yuanqian."

Zhang Yuanqian remained composed, showing no reaction to Zhang Yuanhan's mention of "mountains" and "getting lost." Zhou Ziheng was unsure whether he genuinely hadn't done it or was simply putting on a good act. The man appeared to have a good relationship with Zhang Yuanhan, and his eyes genuinely revealed concern and worry.

Zhou Ziheng kept staring at Zhang Yuanqian. Zhang Yuanqian mistakenly thought that he was curious about his scar, so he raised his hand and touched it. His face darkened instantly.

Seeing Zhang Yuanqian's expression change, Zhou Ziheng realized it was a misunderstanding and quickly cupped his hands, saying, "Brother Yuanqian, I apologize for the offense. I didn't mean to..."

Zhang Yuanqian shook his head, his attitude noticeably worsening. He silently led the group into the Zhang family compound. The atmosphere was tense, and no one dared to speak.

Xi Bingyi was indeed frightened by the long and thick scar. She hid behind Zhou Ziheng, gently tugged at his sleeve, and whispered, "Why are you still staring at him!"

Zhou Ziheng: "..."

No, I really didn't.

He suddenly thought of Xu Yi. Since he wasn't by Zhang Er Gongzi's side when Zhang Er Gongzi was being chased, he must be Zhang Da Gongzi's man. He just wondered if this scar was related to Xu Yi. Where was Xu Yi now?

As he pondered this, Zhou Ziheng asked, "Brother Yuanqian, I've heard that Xu Yi, the Broken Goose Blade, is with the Zhang family. I wonder where he is now?"

Zhang Yuanqian said, "He is escorting our merchant ship."

"You know him? But it might be a while before you can meet him."

Zhou Ziheng nodded, meeting Zhang Yuanhan's surprised gaze.

"Is your old friend Xu Yi?" Zhang Yuanhan mouthed the question.

Zhou Ziheng nodded again, and Zhang Yuanhan, having received the correct answer, lowered his head, lost in thought.

A note from the author:

----------------------