“So that’s how it is, Mother, you truly have a keen eye!”
The little maid hurriedly gave a thumbs-up, flattering her.
“You still need a lot of practice!”
The madam smiled smugly, “Go tell Old Liang to spread Mr Jin’s poems well. I want Mr Jin’s name to be known throughout Guangyuan, and I want Little North’s name, worth a thousand gold for a single smile, to be known throughout Guangyuan too!”
“Yes!”
The maid gave a quick curtsy and turned to leave.
Soon, more scholars were discussing Jin Feng’s poems.
Before Jin Feng and Iron Hammer returned to the inn, they heard children on the street singing the nursery rhyme, “Those clad in silk are not the ones who raise silkworms.”
“Sir, this is spreading too fast, isn’t it?” Iron Hammer said, wide-eyed, upon hearing the rhyme.
“It seems someone is pushing it behind the scenes!” Jin Feng, having seen all sorts of publicity tactics in his previous life, saw through the madam’s little scheme at once.
“Sir, these poems won’t get you into trouble, will they?” Iron Hammer, finally starting to piece things together, said with concern, “If anyone asks, why don’t you say I wrote them…”
“Can you even write your own name?” Jin Feng glanced at Iron Hammer, “If you say you wrote them, would you even believe it yourself?”
“Then what do we do?” Iron Hammer grew anxious.
“What else can we do? Just let it be!” Jin Feng wasn’t too bothered.
In the past, he had discussed politics with Qing Huai. In Dakang, civil officials held power and, to protect their interests, were tightly knit. Shortly after Dakang’s founding, they jointly petitioned to establish the Censorate, a department of remonstrating officials.
The censors’ duty was to oversee officials and advise the emperor, some upright ones even daring to criticise the emperor himself.
Because of this, Dakang had never seen a literary inquisition, nor had anyone ever been punished for writing poems.
With Dakang currently plagued by internal and external troubles, Jin Feng didn’t believe that writing a few poems sympathising with farmers and silk weavers would lead to punishment.
Jin Feng wouldn’t do something self-sacrificing, but if a small effort could benefit the world, he was willing. If these poems spread and drew the court’s attention to improve the lives of the common people, Jin Feng would be pleased.
Since Jin Feng and Iron Hammer left, Tang Dongdong had been waiting at the inn’s entrance. Seeing Jin Feng return, she rushed over.
“Brother Feng, did you see Little North?”
“I did.”
“Is Little North okay?” Tang Dongdong asked anxiously.
“She seems fine, living in a separate courtyard with two maids attending her.” Jin Feng patted Tang Dongdong’s shoulder, comforting her, “And Chunfeng House has been training her, only letting her meet guests this year. She’s still pure.”
As expected, Tang Dongdong’s expression relaxed instantly, and she squatted on the ground, sobbing.
In this era, a woman’s chastity was crucial. Her greatest fear was that Tang Xiaobei had become a courtesan, which would haunt her forever.
A young woman crying loudly on the street drew sidelong glances from passersby, who looked at Jin Feng and Iron Hammer with disdain, as if they had bullied her.
Iron Hammer’s face turned red with embarrassment, wishing he could drag Tang Dongdong back to the inn.
But Jin Feng stood calmly by her side, quietly watching over her.
The biggest weight in Tang Dongdong’s heart had lifted, and she recovered quickly, standing up after a few minutes of crying.
“Brother Feng, what did Little North say? Is she willing to come back with me?” Tang Dongdong wiped her tears and asked.
Hearing that Tang Xiaobei was doing well, she shared the same worry as Jin Feng.
“Let’s talk back at the inn.” Jin Feng took Tang Dongdong’s arm and led her back.
After recounting his meeting with Tang Xiaobei, Tang Dongdong was finally at ease.
Guan Xiaorou had Runniang take Tang Dongdong to rest, then turned and asked, “Dear, the courtesan contest is five days away. Are we just waiting here?”
“What else can we do?” Jin Feng said helplessly, “You’ve seen Dongdong’s state. She won’t leave without getting Tang Xiaobei out.”
“That’s the only way,” Guan Xiaorou said, “Dear, are we still going to the slave market tomorrow?”
“Let’s hold off,” Jin Feng said after thinking, “We can’t leave yet, and buying slaves now would leave them with nowhere to stay. Better to buy them when we’re ready to go.”
“Fine, I’ll follow your lead.”
“By the way, where’s Mu Lan? I haven’t seen her.” Jin Feng felt the meal was quieter and only now noticed Qing Mulan was absent, along with half the female soldiers.
“Mu Lan said she has a family friend in Guangyuan. After you left this afternoon, she went to inquire about Chunfeng House’s background, to see if there’s another way if your plan doesn’t work,” Guan Xiaorou replied.
As they spoke, footsteps came from the door.
“Speak of you, and here you are,” Jin Feng said with a smile, “How did it go? What’s Chunfeng House’s background?”
“Sir, let me catch my breath first.” Qing Mulan gulped down a cup of water, then let out a long sigh, “I’m so angry!”
“What’s wrong?” Jin Feng frowned, “Does Chunfeng House have a big background?”
Chunfeng House had invested a lot in Tang Xiaobei. Taking her away would be a blow to them. If they had a strong backer, Jin Feng would need to rethink his plan.
“Their backer is just a local gentry in Guangyuan,” Qing Mulan said dismissively, “If I could act freely, or if my brother were here, one word would get Tang Xiaobei out. As long as we get her contract, if Chunfeng House dares to make a fuss, I’ll deal with them!”
“Then why are you so angry?” Jin Feng asked, puzzled.
“I’m not angry about Chunfeng House, but for you and my brother. It’s not worth it!”
“You and Lord Qing?” Jin Feng frowned, “What’s going on?”
“Look at this first!” Qing Mulan pulled an envelope from her bosom and slapped it on the table.
Jin Feng opened it with curiosity, and soon his breathing grew heavy.
“How can they do this? It’s outrageous!”
“Absolutely outrageous!” Qing Mulan said angrily, “Sir, you don’t know, when I first heard about this, I nearly exploded with rage.”
“Utterly absurd! Truly absurd!” Jin Feng’s hands trembled with anger.
“Sir, what are those court officials thinking? My brother was the greatest hero in resisting the Dangxiang invasion. How can they treat him and the Iron Forest Army like this?” Qing Mulan said, “Aren’t they afraid of destroying the nation with such actions?”
“Destroying the nation?” Guan Xiaorou was startled, “What are you two talking about?”
