The guard lowered his head and said, "In response to the young lady, we are disciples of the South City Taishan Hall. Our master is the eldest son of 'Mountain Opening Kick' Mr. Li."
Upon hearing this, Fu Zhen nodded. She asked again, "And is your master, Mr. Li, in good health?"
The guards exchanged glances. After all, the delicate young lady in front of them looked like the wind could knock her over, yet she seed to be very familiar with their highly skilled master and was inquiring about him?
But they had to answer, so they said, "The master is doing excellently, very healthy, and can eat three bowls of rice in one al."
It seed that he was indeed well.
When Emperor Zhou entered the capital city years ago, many benevolent and heroic individuals had assisted in capturing the city gates. After the enthronent ceremony, the emperor, led by the Ministry of War, appointed military generals to host a grand banquet for these civilian heroes annually on the Winter Solstice, which continued until the northwest turmoil arose.
The Li family of Taishan Hall was among these people.
Originally people of the martial world, they aided the Righteous Army out of hatred for the corrupt previous dynasty. Gaining respect from the court, they naturally pledged allegiance to the court.
Later, so martial artists with high skills and virtues, like the Li family, established martial arts schools, passing down martial arts and assisting the Shuntian Prefecture in maintaining public order. They also provided guards and martial arts instructors for noble families, benefiting both sides with this arrangent by the court.
The Winter Solstice banquet held every year was hosted by the five General Mansions and the Ministry of War as representatives of the court.
Liang Ning often sneaked in with her two brothers to enjoy the food and drinks and once even dined with people like Mr. Li Yi, having a wild chicken leg that was specially offered to her. Back then, these martial artists would consu at least two pounds of at and three pounds of wine in each al.
Although Li Yi was more than ten years older than Liang Qin, he never assud the status of an elder, treating each other as equals when they t.
Thus, Fu Zhen was considered as an equal to Li Yi, and these two before her were considered her grandnephews!
Granny Fu didn't say much, imdiately returning to the Baopning Sect.
She instructed Shun Er to wait while she went back to her room to write letters.
Bixi followed her in, "My lady! We're fully capable of paying those ten taels of silver. How about persuading those two guards to our side?"
"Hiring guards isn't difficult. But have you forgotten? The managent rights over the servants in the mansion lie with the Old Lady, and without the roster or the deed of selling one's body, even if we could hire them, they wouldn't obey ?"
Bixi suddenly realized and then panicked in the next instant, "Then what should we do?!"
Missing the opportunity to target the Master in the future is such a pity!
Fu Zhen flicked the brush, placed the letter into an envelope, drew a large drumstick on it, and said as she was leaving, "For now, let's not show off our martial skills, let's go for sothing big!"
Upon finishing her words, she went out, handed the letter to Shun Er, and said, "Take this letter to the South City Taishan Hall and deliver it to Mr. Li. After delivering the letter, don't leave imdiately; Mr. Li will see you. Then clearly convey his response back to ."
Shun Er was clearly doubtful, "I heard that Mr. Li is a guest to many high officials and has connections with nurous nobles. Now retired, he's hard to et; even if our Master went personally, he might not see him. Would the old man et the likes of ?"
Fu Zhen tapped the large drumstick drawn on the envelope, "Whether it works, you'll only know by going!"
With that, Shun Er said no more and turned to leave.
After sending Shun Er off, Fu Zhen gathered all the maids in the courtyard to see them one by one and sent soone to Rongfu Hall to inquire further.
She was inford that Nanny Qi returned to Rongfu Hall with a stern face, and subsequently, Fu Rou chased after her with a big paper bag when Ru Yi announced Shun Er had returned.
Madam Fu didn't particularly like Mrs. Liu, and her displeasure towards Mrs. Fu was independent of whether Mrs. Liu was present. Before Mrs. Liu ca, she found Mrs. Fu unpleasant because the family background of her daughter-in-law surpassed Fou Family's and was more substantial than her own family. How could she be happy when Mrs. Fu had such a rich dowry compared to her's being so little?
After marriage, Fu Jun was considerate towards Mrs. Fu for two years, which only made her more dissatisfied.
Mr. Fu was a scholar who believed in the principles of the sages, but throughout his life only managed to beco a candidate for the imperial exams.
During the years when he focused on gaining recognition, he had to manage the family's few rice shops in his spare ti, leaving little ti to communicate lovingly with Fu Jun. In educating Fu Jun, he rely scolded him.
Madam Fu, on the other hand, only had this one son and couldn't bear to scold him.
Even when the old man disciplined him, she would interfere. Having a daughter-in-law from a rchant family dare to order around her beloved son was nothing but a nuisance to her.
Later, when Fu Jun brought back Mrs. Liu and her two children, although she found it scandalous that her beloved son favored soone of such low standing, the fact was done, and she couldn't drive Mrs. Liu, who had birthed several children, out. Moreover, since she already disliked Mrs. Fu, having Mrs. Liu in the house to make things difficult for her daughter-in-law sowhat pleased her.
Having served others for years, Mrs. Liu learned how to observe others and behave accordingly. At Rongfu Hall, she was humble and paid close attention to Madam Fu's moods. Knowing Madam Fu didn't think much of her, she rarely visited Rongfu Hall, only sending Fu Rou, her granddaughter, to serve. This way, since she was attentive, Madam Fu had no reason to reject her.
Nanny Qi naturally followed Madam Fu's inclinations, and Fu Rou often flattered and bribed Nanny Qi to make herself likable at Rongfu Hall. Nanny Qi had grown accustod to extending her hand for benefits; even if she suspected Fu Zhen was tricking her today, would she truly forgive Fu Rou?
But Fu Zhen hadn't planned to instigate them successfully today. Since Nanny Qi ca voluntarily, she simply took advantage.
Compared to their issues, it was that estate in the southern suburbs worth six thousand taels that she was more resentful about.
She called Shun Er in and didn't even have a chance to ask about his experience before he rushed into the flower hall and knelt down!
"Today, thanks to relying on you, Granny, I received great honor!"
Bixi was startled, "What do you an by that?"
Shun Er, still catching his breath and with his hand over his chest, replied, "Mr. Li read the letter and not only received but even had soone serve tea!
"He asked who wrote the letter and inquired about the young lady. After finishing, he invited you to visit the martial arts school, and when I was leaving, he even gave a string of reward money!"
As he recounted this, he fished out the string of money, looking at Fu Zhen in amazent, "My lady! How did you know the Li family master? And how did you earn such respectful treatnt from him?"
Fu Zhen rely asked, "Did he ntion when it would be convenient?"
"He said he awaits your presence at any ti!"
Fu Zhen turned to glance at the still-early sky and stood up without hesitation, "Then what are we waiting for? Get the carriage ready!"
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