Chapter 4: They all think you are a male concubine who only cares about your beauty...
Things went on peacefully for a few days. Fang Yilan was still asleep when he was awakened by the noisy sound outside the house.
She was half asleep and softly called her maid Shuxue, "Why is there so much noise outside? What happened?"
Shuxue helped Fang Yilan up and handed her a wet handkerchief. "It's said that the owner of a restaurant is kneeling at the door of the Marquis's mansion. He looks very determined and no matter how others try to persuade him, he remains unmoved."
A hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, and she asked, "Why is that?"
Shuxue paused briefly, then composed her words before replying, "The shopkeeper cried and said that it was Captain Gao from the army who had been using our mansion's name to buy alcohol on credit for a long time."
Fang Yilan's heart tightened, and she quickly stood up, dressed, and walked straight out of the house.
Seeing the situation was not good, the housekeeper hurried forward in a panic to stop them, saying urgently, "Miss, there are people all over the place watching. We should wait until they disperse before we deal with it."
It turns out that people in ancient times also loved to engage in public opinion warfare?
Fang Yilan didn't stop walking, saying as he walked, "This matter can't be delayed any longer. We can't just watch someone kneel at the door of the Marquis' Mansion."
When Fang Yilan arrived at the gate of the Marquis' Mansion, many people had already gathered there. They formed a circle and whispered to each other.
Captain Gao hurried over and saw the shopkeeper kneeling on the ground. He even wanted to attack again, but was stopped.
Captain Gao was about to explode, but after seeing Fang Yilan clearly, his attitude suddenly changed. He knelt down and saluted, saying urgently, "General! This man is talking nonsense. I clearly returned all the money I owed him last week, and he is simply turning the tables and maliciously accusing me. I will take him away now to set the record straight!"
The innkeeper's face flushed with rage as he shouted, "The note you gave me last time wasn't even enough to cover one-tenth of the debt. Last night, I politely asked when the balance would be settled, and you flew into a rage, smashing my tavern to pieces and beating me up like a madman."
The shopkeeper turned around hurriedly and kowtowed to Fang Yilan repeatedly, tears streaming down his face.
"I beg you to have mercy, General. I beg you, the Ding'an Marquisate, to give me, an innocent citizen, justice!"
Fang Yilan was in a dilemma now.
Captain Gao doesn't look like a good person anyway, but if we rashly believe what the shopkeeper says, it might shake the morale of the army.
As he was pondering this, a burst of exclamations and "wows" suddenly erupted from the crowd. Everyone's eyes seemed to be drawn to something, staring blankly behind them.
Fang Yilan also turned around and met a pair of familiar eyes. Zhao Huaixu's face was pale, but it did not detract from his extraordinary beauty, but only added a bit of fragility.
What is he here for?
Seeing the figure walking towards him, Fang Yilan frowned subconsciously, took a few steps forward, exerted a little force with his hands, and held the person's arm steadily.
He couldn't help but blame the person: "You were injured, why did you run away?" There was a hint of anger in his tone.
The onlookers couldn't help but sigh inwardly when they saw that the general, who usually had a cold and stern look, could actually be so enthusiastic and earnest.
Looking at the angel-like man being supported, I felt that such a scene was not surprising. I just sighed in my heart that it was true that even heroes could not resist the temptation of beautiful women.
Zhao Huaixu felt the warmth on his arm, his eyes paused for a moment, and he glanced at Fang Yilan for a moment, then smiled the smile she was so familiar with. He said softly, "Thank you for your concern, General. I'm feeling much better now. I just woke up and heard a commotion outside. I was curious, so I came out to see what was going on."
After he finished speaking, he turned his gaze towards the crowd. When he saw Gao Qianhu kneeling on the ground, his eyes narrowed with some subtle meaning in them.
Gao Qianhu also noticed the person coming, and suddenly avoided his sight, his face becoming visibly panicked.
After thinking for a moment, he leaned his head close to Fang Yilan's ear, covering his lips with his robe, and whispered.
"I saw this man a few days ago. He came to the camp and took away several women from the prisoners. I'm afraid he has some connection with this matter."
Fang Yilan was startled. She knew the motive behind selecting the prisoners of war. However, she had never expected that Zhao Huaixu would be caught in such a dirty trick again.
It was strange, how could it be such a coincidence? Every time I encountered trouble since I came here, it seemed to be more or less related to him.
She didn't reveal a trace of emotion, temporarily suppressing her doubts. She turned to look at the shopkeeper and asked, "When was the last time Captain Gao returned your banknote? Do you still have it?"
The shopkeeper responded quickly: "I remember it was just five days ago. The banknote is still with me. I'll send someone to get it right away." After saying that, he called the clerk beside him and ordered him to go back to the store to get the banknote.
Fang Yilan beckoned over his personal guard and ordered, "Quickly bring me the soldier who was in charge of guarding the prisoners five days ago."
"Yes, sir!"
The guard took the order and left. A moment later, he hurried back and whispered in Fang Yilan's ear, "General, I've found out that the soldier on duty that day was one of the assassins who took part in the assassination attempt a few days ago. He is still being held in the dungeon. General, would you like to go to the dungeon and interrogate him immediately?"
In this way, the past and the present are connected.
Fang Yilan remained silent, just waved his hand gently, signaling the guards to retreat.
She repeatedly looked at the silver note handed to her by the clerk in her hand, and her eyes fell on the issuing mark on the note. This silver note came from Jinling Money House, one of the three major money houses in Ruining.
He called the butler over and gave him some instructions in a low voice. The butler looked serious, nodded repeatedly, and then left the house, his figure quickly disappearing outside the door.
About an incense stick's time later, the housekeeper and the bank's manager hurried over, carrying the signed receipt obtained from Yixianglou.
The Jinling Bank's owner saw Fang Yilan and bowed respectfully, saying, "General, Captain Gao did indeed withdraw two hundred taels of silver from our bank five days ago. I've brought the relevant exchange receipts and account records with me. Please review them, General."
Fang Yilan took it and looked through the booklet carefully. The time and amount on it matched exactly.
But when she checked the receipt that Yixianglou gave to Gao Qianhu, she frowned, because the redemption address recorded on the receipt was Shangjing.
This northwestern border is thousands of miles away from Shangjing. How could it appear and be used here?
Could it be that Yixianglou is involved with the forces in the capital again?
Fang Yilan gently closed the account book in his hand, looked up at the shopkeeper, and said slowly, "Thank you for your trip, shopkeeper. This evidence will be handed over to the Liuhou Mansion for safekeeping. Once this matter is completely resolved, I will send someone to return it to you."
The shopkeeper had no objection and bowed again to show his agreement.
The signed document presented by the housekeeper did not reveal any other suspicious points. It was clearly printed with Gao Mao's private seal, and this Gao Mao was none other than Gao Qianhu's younger brother.
Fang Yilan placed his hands behind his back and shouted, "Now that the evidence is irrefutable, according to our dynasty's laws, this man will first be severely punished with fifty lashes of the cane. He will also be dismissed from his official position. A team will then be dispatched to his residence to conduct an investigation and recover the full amount owed by the shopkeeper. The remaining funds will be immediately sent to Yixiang Tower to redeem the victims who were sold."
She nodded to her subordinates, and the guards quickly surrounded and arrested the man.
Gao Qianhu's expression suddenly changed. He drew his weapon and stabbed Fang Yilan: "I will fight you!"
Again???
Before Fang Yilan could react to this sudden change, Zhao Huaixu had already drawn the sword of the guard beside him and struck Fang Yilan in the throat with one strike.
Blood splattered on his face, but he didn't feel it at all. He turned around and smiled at Fang Yilan: "No harm, General?"
Fang Yilan looked at Gao Qianhu who was skewered on a sword, with blood foaming from his mouth and his eyes almost popping out.
But he felt that Zhao Huaixu was a million times more terrifying than any assassin.
But he saved his life time and time again...
...
Fang Yilan was still confused and followed Zhao Huaixu back to the side room where he lived.
The house was clean and tidy, and warmth poured in through the window lattices. The bright light made Fang Yilan feel a little more comfortable.
As soon as the two sat down, Zhao Huaixu picked up the teapot and skillfully poured a cup of Longjing tea for Fang Yilan.
Zhao Huaixu handed the teacup to her: "What's wrong, General? Were you scared just now?"
Fang Yilan took the teacup and drank it all in one gulp.
It's more than just scary, I'm almost scared to death.
But she was afraid that Zhao Huaixu would see that her identity was suspicious, so she could only change the subject with a fake smile: "You have a good eye, but we only met once, and you have memorized everything about the assassin and Captain Gao."
Zhao Huaixu humbly declined, "General, you're joking. I just happened to see him and mentioned that casually. If it weren't for your keen observation and connecting these things, how could the truth be revealed?"
Fang Yilan's mouth twitched, and he said tentatively, "Thanks to you for helping me solve a difficult problem this time. If you have anything you like, or want any reward, please feel free to tell me."
Zhao Huaixu smiled slightly and refilled her teacup, speaking slowly and calmly, "Huaixu is willing to help the general solve his problems and has never thought of asking for anything in return."
At this point, he suddenly changed the subject, a solemn expression flashing across his face. "Just now, I saw my servant come to report, and I'm a little confused. Could it be that the person who was in charge of guarding that day had some connection with the assassin?"
"You are really smart." Fang Yilan's heart sank. This man's appearance, strategy, and vision were definitely not ordinary, but his purpose was still unknown.
Zhao Huaixu seemed to have heard the hidden meaning, and with a look of grievance on his face, he said softly, "The world is not at peace now. I am alone and seeking a place to live in peace. Fortunately, I have some talents and am willing to serve you. Why don't you trust me, General?"
I don't believe you.
Fang Yilan resisted rolling her eyes and said unhappily, "If you stay with me now, even as an aide, those people in the mansion will already have a preconceived notion that you're a male concubine who only cares about her looks and is of low status. In this situation, you still plan to stay?"
Zhao Huaixu's face remained calm as he said calmly, "So what if others look down on me? Acting this way can conceal my tracks and avoid attracting other people's attention, but how can I protect myself from danger?"
His response was truly flawless.
There are countless difficult things piling up at the moment, and there are countless troubles that are more urgent than placing him. Besides, he is indeed smart and clever, and can be used. It is better to keep him by my side and be a capable assistant.
Besides, this man is so pleasing to the eye that just looking at him can make people feel happy. Why should I be so stubborn as to be a bad person and insist on driving him away?
If he really wanted to kill himself...
Judging from her current confused state, she must have died countless times already, right?
"Knock knock" There was a knock on the door, interrupting their conversation. Fang Yilan spoke up to signal someone to come in first.
Lieutenant General Lin strode into the house. When his eyes fell on the person next to Fang Yilan, a hint of surprise flashed across his face, and then his expression became a little dissatisfied.
He kept signaling Fang Yilan with his eyes to send this irrelevant person away.
Fang Yilan cleared his throat, raised his hand to cover his mouth and coughed twice before saying, "Deputy General Lin, please feel free to speak. This matter is somewhat related to Young Master Zhao."
After hearing this, Lieutenant General Lin's face became even uglier, but he couldn't get angry. He could only sigh helplessly and report.
"General, I have just sent someone to investigate. Gao Qianhu's wife is from the Vanjo Genji family and is a concubine of the fourth house."
Vanjo Genji? Isn't that the Governor-General of the Southeast?
In today's world, Ruining's military power is divided into four parts. In the southwest, the He family holds a large number of troops and has guarded the border for generations. They have always had close exchanges with the northwestern family.
The Central Imperial Guards were directly under the command of the imperial family, while the Southeastern Army was controlled by the Minamoto clan. Because they were the concubine's mother's family, they were deeply favored by the emperor, so they were superior to the western tribes in terms of military strength and financial resources.
In the court, Yuan Lao, as the Grand Tutor, has recruited many disciples over the years. His disciples are spread across the six ministries of the court. He also has close contacts with the aristocratic families, and his influence is even more deeply rooted.
What is puzzling is why the powerful Genji would target the Fang family? The Northwest Army is far away in the borderland, guarding the territory and not competing with the world.
Could it be that the man sitting on the throne has been eyeing the military power in his hands and secretly instructing the Genji clan to take action?
Whatever the truth is, it's not a good thing.
"But there's something right now that the General needs to pay attention to." Lieutenant General Lin's expression was solemn. He took out a secret letter from his bosom and handed it to Fang Yilan with both hands. He lowered his head and said, "This is an urgent letter from the capital. The emperor wants the general to speed up the advance and recover the lost territory."
Fighting? How could she do that?
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