Chapter 78: Chapter 65, Jade Pendantl
Yan Zhigao hurried to the post station, his heart filled with anxiety. First, he worried that his children were being bullied, and second, he feared someone would take the opportunity to undermine him, causing him to lose his position as County Magistrate.
He wasn’t naive, having served as County Magistrate in Zhongzhou Province for nine years. Although he hadn’t built many connections, he would still catch wind of certain developments. His lack of promotion these years had been due to someone above suppressing him.
He didn’t know what exactly had happened at the station, but he believed in the son he had raised.
Ever since his eldest son had become a Scholar, whenever there was time, Yan Zhigao would explain the intricacies of officialdom to him, as well as analyze the future prospects of the Yan Family.
Over the years, his eldest son had lived up to his expectations, displaying maturity and restraint at a young age, unlike the prideful and arrogant young man he had been, offending others as soon as he entered officialdom, making it difficult for him to recover his reputation to this day.
With his eldest son present, even if something had happened, he would be able to manage his younger siblings. Therefore, if an incident had arisen, it was likely provoked by the other party on purpose.
Alas…
Yan Zhigao sighed quietly to himself.
This time, with the Prince’s inspection tour of Zhongzhou, it might be his only chance for vindication.
With people in Zhongzhou Province suppressing him, rising through the ranks was extremely difficult. He could only hope that during this performance appraisal, his achievements in resettling refugees in Linyi County would catch the attention of the officials from the capital.
He didn’t ask for much, just a fair evaluation that would make his years of hard work worthwhile.
But now, with this incident, no matter whose fault it was, he might end up being the one punished.
He was aware of the Prefectural Governor of Fanzhou; it seemed the Provincial Governor and the Prefectural Governor were of the same clan. With such a powerful connection, what chance did he, an official of humble origins, stand against it?
With trepidation, Yan Zhigao arrived at the post station.
He quickly jumped off the carriage and rushed towards the small courtyard where they were staying.
But after taking only a few steps, he sensed that something was amiss.
Just yesterday, the officials who had been dismissive towards him were now actively greeting him, the attitude particularly amiable, and many of their ranks were far above his own.
Yan Zhigao returned the smiles, thoroughly baffled, as he entered the small courtyard.
“Sir, you’ve finally returned!”
As soon as he entered the courtyard, Xiao Yeyang greeted him, with Li Shounian following close behind.
Yan Zhigao recognized Li Shounian, and after a formal exchange of greetings, he hastily inquired to Xiao Yeyang, “What exactly happened? Where are Wenxiu and the others?”
Xiao Yeyang, aware of Yan Zhigao’s urgency and concern, immediately tried to reassure him, “Sir, please don’t worry, it might not be a bad thing!”
“What?” Yan Zhigao was taken aback.
Xiao Yeyang glanced at the people occasionally passing by outside the courtyard and suggested with a smile, “Sir, let’s discuss this inside the house!” The three men quickly entered the house.
Soon, Yan Zhigao’s voice of surprise could be heard from within.
“What did you say? The Prefectural Governor of Fanzhou is going to bring his son over to apologize to Daohua and the others soon?!”
Yan Zhigao was truly astonished.
Putting aside the relationship between the Prefectural Governor of Fanzhou and the Provincial Governor, the Prefectural Governor held a Fifth-rank position, higher than his own. Even if the incident had been instigated by the Prefectural Governor’s son, there was no need for the Prefectural Governor himself to come over in person, was there?
Xiao Yeyang quickly recounted the cause of the incident and the events that followed, emphasizing the distinguished young master who had given a Qilin Jade Pendant to Daohua.
After listening, Yan Zhigao was silent for a long time before finally asking, “Where are Daohua and the others?”
Xiao Yeyang replied, “They got into a fight and suffered some injuries, more or less. The eldest daughter is currently applying medicine to them.”
Upon hearing this, Yan Zhigao couldn’t sit still. Just as he was about to go see them, Yan Wenxiu and the others entered the room.
“Father, you’re back?”
Yan Wenxiu’s face brightened with joy, and his previously tense emotions finally eased. Although Xiao Yeyang had been there, it was his father’s presence that truly comforted him.
Yan Zhigao inquired about their injuries and, learning that they weren’t serious, turned to Daohua and, suppressing his inner turmoil, calmly asked, “Where’s the Jade Pendant that young master gave you, let me have a look!”
Without hesitation, Daohua quickly untied the Jade Pendant from her waist and handed it over.
Yan Zhigao carefully received the Jade Pendant, which was a piece of warm jade with an exquisite green hue, clearly a rare item not easily obtained by anyone other than the very wealthy or noble.
Xiao Yeyang and Li Shounian also leaned in, having been eager to view the Jade Pendant but too embarrassed to ask Daohua directly.
After caressing it for quite a while, Yan Zhigao finally handed back the jade pendant to Daohua, “This jade pendant is too valuable, you shouldn’t have accepted it.”
Hearing this, Li Shounian looked at Yan Zhigao in surprise, while Master Xiao showed no reaction. Having been by Yan Zhigao’s side for a few years now, he knew about the man’s inherent nobility.
Daohua wore the jade pendant again, matter-of-factly stating, “I saved Xiao Yeyang’s life; I don’t see anything wrong with accepting a jade pendant from him.”
Yan Zhigao glanced at his eldest daughter, his lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he swallowed his words back down.
Seeing him like that, Daohua smiled, “Father, if you think the jade pendant is too valuable, the next time I see Xiao Yeyang, I can also give him something. I know when you accept a gift from someone, you should reciprocate. A mutual exchange can last long-term; I won’t just take without giving.”
Yan Zhigao wanted to speak but stopped himself. There really wasn’t anything worthwhile in their home to offer in return for gifts, and besides, it was uncertain whether they would even see the person again in the future.
But such words were not suitable for him to express openly, so he chose to keep his mouth shut and remained silent.
When he didn’t speak, Yan Wenkai couldn’t help but jump in, “Eldest sister, do we even have any valuable things?”
Daohua replied, “What nonsense are you talking about? Our family has plenty of good things.”
Upon these words, everyone looked over, even Master Xiao curiously regarded Daohua. He had a rough idea of the Yan Family’s assets, which were at best slightly better than those of an average person; they couldn’t even compare with some of the large families in the county town.
Yan Wenkai was stunned, “I didn’t know that, what good things do we have then? Tell me.”
Daohua answered, “The food I make, isn’t it something good?”
Everyone:…
Seeing Daohua’s matter-of-fact expression, Yan Wenxiu and the rest averted their gazes in unison, even Master Xiao and Li Shounian uncomfortably looked away.
Yan Zhigao was speechless too. So the ‘good thing’ his eldest daughter was talking about was the food she made?
Yes, the eldest daughter’s cooking was indeed excellent, but what haven’t the young masters of wealthy families eaten or seen? Would they value her ordinary homemade food?
He had even thought that perhaps Madam had secretly saved some valuable item!
Seeing everyone’s unconvinced looks, Daohua pouted her mouth.
Forget it, she couldn’t be bothered to explain further; how would they understand the preciousness of the food from her space?
Just then, the servant walked in.
“Master, the Prefectural Governor of Fanzhou has brought his son over, saying that he wants to apologize to the young masters!”
Yan Zhigao immediately stood up and exchanged a glance with Master Xiao before hastening to greet them.
Daohua and the others stayed put.
Yan Wenkai tugged at Daohua’s sleeve, “Eldest sister, should we forgive that Prefectural Governor’s son later?”
Daohua replied, “Fourth Brother, this matter is beyond our control. The adults are involved, and all we children can do is obey.”
Hearing Daohua’s words, Yan Wenxiu nearby let out a sigh of relief, then added, “Later on, let’s all stay quiet. We’ll do as Father instructs, understood?”
Yan Wenkai was somewhat unwilling, “That really lets that guy off easy.”
Daohua touched the jade pendant at her waist, “Perhaps that Prefectural Governor’s son also thinks he’s getting the better deal.” If it hadn’t been for Xiao Yeyang’s sudden arrival, who knows how things would have turned out!
And whether they would see that person again or not was another question.
And what exactly was his identity?
As Prefect Dong entered the room with Yan Zhigao, his gaze instantly fell on the jade pendant in Daohua’s hand, his eyes flickered rapidly a few times, and his smile became even broader.
“Aren’t you going to come in and apologize to the Yan Family brothers?”
Right from the start, Prefect Dong showed ample sincerity.
Dong Xiangrong looked reluctant, but under the force of Prefect Dong’s warning gaze, he slowly approached Daohua and the others, apologizing insincerely, “Sorry…”
In response to this, Daohua and her siblings kept their mouths tightly shut without speaking.
Finally, Yan Wenxiu stepped forward with a smile and said, “It’s all right. We were partly at fault too. Where we were wrong, we hope for your forgiveness, Brother Dong.”
As these words were uttered, Prefect Dong inwardly breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Yan Wenxiu with approval.
Although he didn’t know the relationship between the Yan Family and the dignitary from above, it was best not to offend them. Today’s matter wasn’t serious, just a few children making a fuss. As long as the Yan Family didn’t pursue it, the matter would be considered resolved..