Cui Yong didn't know what Ninth Lady Cui asked Feng Xiao, or what Feng Xiao answered her. At this moment, all his focus was invested in the unexpected change of events before his eyes.
Originally, he thought that the most Cui Buqu could do was to unmask the whole incident in front of everyone, or perhaps seek out a chance to speak with the Prefecture's Magistrate and invite him to uphold justice. Regardless of what the other wanted to do, the Cui family would know how to deal with him. With just a Cui Buqu alone, in the end, it would be simply a case of fighting against overwhelming odds, and he would have retreated without victory. If he knew his place, then Cui Yong could still take a step back and either let him pursue Cui Pei in studies, or allow him to manage one shop belonging to the Cui family. After the one coaxes, the other coerces, it would be enough to make Cui Buqu submit.
In life, one's greatest dependence was his family's clan. At most, they could give him a wife; but with how talentless Cui Buqu was and with such a fragile and weak body, they feared that getting him a wife would be nigh impossible. The fact that he was able to live for so many years was already hard-earned. If the Cui family was willing to take a step back and allow him to remain, they were already showing the greatest philanthropy and generosity.
Cui Yong also believed that the reason Cui Buqu came back to create such a scene was for this purpose alone. Exposing his background to the world would do him more harm than good, but if Cui Buqu still had a brain, then he wouldn't make such an idiotic move.
However, Cui Yong could never have believed that the other took the unorthodox path and chose to attack from Cui Da Lang's flaw.
Then, he looked at those Zuoyue guards, clad in blacken robes and equipped with long swords and looking ferocious, yet they would only hearken to Cui Buqu's orders alone. Even if Cui Yong continued to deceive himself, he knew that this was a reality that cannot be altered.
The Cui Buqu before his eyes was not the Cui Buqu from before, and no longer was he the same person who allowed the Cui family to step all over him or push him around as they pleased.
For the first time in his life, Cui Yong felt the true meaning of a heart confused and disconcerted.
He could not question his eldest on the spot, for that would only give Cui Da Lang the chance to say things that shouldn't be said.
"Since Cui Xu has committed such an offence, then the Prefecture's Magistrate should step out and question him, it shouldn't be you who…" Cui Yong bit the inside of his cheek as he forcibly suppressed the fury in his heart. He walked quickly in between his eldest and Cui Buqu, although he knew that doing that was pointless.
Cui Buqu spoke coldly, "Such a great offence should be taken with special care, so naturally it cannot follow the usual protocol. Bring the man away!"
"Wait!" Cui Da's face was as white as ash, yet Cui Yong wanted to struggle in his deathbed, "The way you do your job with simply just taking anyone you wish; you speak of evidence, but that "evidence" has yet to make it to your hands. It's difficult to accept! Since the Han Dynasty, my house prospered over centuries, yet what we've depended on wasn't the Emperor's favour, but the strength of character of our members, the strength and influence of our house. Today, if you take my eldest away, all the aristocratic families beneath the Heavens will surely be bitterly disappointed because of this. I request an audience with the Emperor, to uphold justice for us!"
There were many members of the aristocracy present; as the saying goes, "If the rabbit dies, the fox grieves", so when they heard Cui Yong's words, they couldn't help feeling a heart full of sorrow.
A few people stepped out to beg for mercy, even the magistrate spoke, "Today is the grand ceremony of the literary festival. On such a virtuous day, even if there is a case, can it not be taken care of after the festival?"
As everyone listened, they nodded their heads in agreement. Someone even asked the Prefecture's Magistrate Yuan to step out, but as a new official who succeeded his post and should have originally sided with the people, he reverted from his familiarity just now, remaining silent as an onlooker.
Cui Buqu looked towards Cui Yong and saw the threatening look in his eyes.
Today, he has finally seen the power of a family of influence.
If he dragged Cui Da Lang away now, after a few days, a few edicts about him will appear on the Emperor's desk.
The joint powers between aristocratic families was something to be taken seriously, and Boling Cui was definitely worthy of this capability.
Only, it was a pity that Cui Yong's opponent was Cui Buqu.
Cui Buqu raised his hand and waved a finger at the Zuoyue guards. Before the eye could blink, the Zuoyue guards ignored everything spoken by onlookers and simply dragged Cui Xu away forcibly.
"Cui Xu sowed illicit relations with foreign countries. Upon valid evidence, he will now be taken into custody and questioned by the Ministry of Justice, the Court of Judicial Review, and the Four Judiciaries of the Zuoyue Bureau. If anyone has any objections, you may proceed to the capital to raise an appeal. However, if I discover anyone to be an accomplice, I fear that your appeal will not stand, and you will join Cui Xu instead to keep him company. This can be called, as people say, 'To share life and death together with morality that transcends the Heavens.'"
His tone was arguably gentle and soft, but as far as one can tell, people who met his gaze couldn't help but look away, not daring to see him eye to eye.
Watching this all, Cui Yong's heart sank into hopelessness. In his heart, he knew that other than the Cui family, no one would dare put up a squabble with Cui Buqu today.
"Save me father, save me!" Cui Da shouted, yet his voice was drifted apart in the end.
Their relationship was profound, his heart hurt. Cui Yong was unstable to stand it in the end, he dragged himself forward but very quickly stumbled down. Thankfully, Cui Pei's reflexes were quick and held his father in time.
"You! You're avenging a personal grudge in the name of public interest!" Blood veins appeared in Cui Yong's eyes. He glared at Cui Buqu, uttering every single word.
Cui Buqu raised a brow, "Ridiculous! What grudges do I share with the Cui family?"
Words slipped from Cui Yong's mouth, "You are obviously bearing grudges for your dead mother, and from when you were young—"
"Father!"
Cui Pei's words woke Cui Yong to his senses. The rest of his words remained unspoken upon the realization.
Cui Yong's lips quivered.
Of course, what could he say? Maiden Yu's identity, or Cui Buqu's past?
Regardless of which, it would only bring shame to the Cui family.
Cui Buqu stared at him with a smile that didn't look like a smile, as if he was certain that Cui Yong wouldn't dare to speak nor ask.
Cui Yong felt a surge of intense emotions caused by this smile. He felt his chest suffocating, he couldn't breathe.
Zuoyue Bureau. Zuoyue Commander.
Who could have guessed that all these years drifting in the outside, not only did Cui Jie live a pleasant life, he even returned with an identity which overrides power from that of usual people.
Even if he became an official, had he been just like any magistrate of a county or prefecture, the Cui family would not need to fear.
Yet, he reached the Heavens with a single step, succeeding as the Zuoyue Bureau's commander at such a young age.
The eldest grandson of the Cui family, Cui Fei, who was a few years older than him was only a scholar with a little amount of fame.
Cui Yong couldn't help but regret it. Had his attitude been softer yesterday night and allowed Cui Pei to let Cui Jie into the family's genealogy, perhaps this incident would not have happened today.
However, there was no 'what if's in this world. Like the year Doctor Sun announced Cui Jie dead, no one would have suspected the truth, and no one would have sought it out either, because during that time, none of them took Cui Jie seriously.
Compared to Cui Yong, Cui Pei's inner thoughts were even more of a mess. Guilt existed within his heart, so he couldn't bring himself to reprimand him, yet he also couldn't watch his eldest brother being dragged away. So he could only beg tactfully, "Cui…Commander Cui, my father's day of birth is half a month away. May you raise your hand high so I may pass under it as your mercy, and come back to arrest this man half a month later?"
Cui Buqu raised a brow, "Why don't you say then, 'after his next birthday, and the year after it'?"
These words obviously meant that his pleas were rejected. Cui Pei's heart was filled with bitterness.
Felicity never turned out in pairs, disaster piled up one after the last; it was as if the Heavens wanted the Cui family to experience all manners of wind and rain today.
Cui Da Lang had just been taken away, then the county's magistrate brought a few men to their doors and said that something happened in the Baoning Hall of the Cui family. Doctor Sun issued a wrong prescription and that it had cost someone their life. Right now, he was already arrested, but since Baoning Hall was under the Cui family's name, on the day someone died, everyone related must be brought back for questioning. Among them included Cui San and all the employees.
The employees have been taken away, yet Cui San remained in the Cui family. Thus, the assistant county magistrate brought men to their doors.
The assistant county magistrate knew that the Boling Cui clan was powerful and that today was the Literary Festival, so he feared that it wouldn't be easy to deal with. Originally, he wanted to wait until the festival was over so he could seek a solution from the county magistrate, but he couldn't have known that Cui Buqu would act first and arrest Cui Da Lang. A thought clicked on the assistant county magistrate's head; this was a good opportunity for himself. Refusing to let the opportunity pass, he gathered all his men and approached their doors.
As the saying goes: 'rain happened to pour continuously when the roof was leaking'; Cui Yong practically turned pale on the spot.
He didn't even cast a look at the assistant county magistrate, his finger pointed at Cui Buqu and with a trembling voice, "All right, all right! Your ruthlessness prevailed!"
Cui Buqu didn't care enough to explain that this has nothing to do with him, he turned to the assistant county magistrate, "Since an incident happened, take whoever you deem necessary. However, I wish to listen to the trail, may I know if it's permitted?"
The magistrate prefecture that hadn't uttered a word just now also said, "I too wish to witness it."
Since both his superiors have spoken, how would the assistant county magistrate dare to decline? He immediately said, "Both of you, this way please!"
Once both of them left, the remaining guests were at loss of what to do. Who would still have the mood to craft poems? Every one of them rose to their feet and left.
Cui Yong had no heart to accompany them. He allowed the servants to help him sit alone in the study and allowed Cui Pei and the housekeeper to send the guests on their way.
Once the women of the Cui family heard the news, they immediately rushed here to beg Cui Yong to rescue the men. However, Cui Yong knew clearly in his heart that Cui San's matter was done for, and he feared that there was no escape for Cui Da Lang as well. He could save neither of them.
The only one who could save them couldn't wait to see the Cui family turn into a joke. How would he extend a helping hand?
Cui Pei, who returned from sending off guests, pushed the door and entered. His heart twitched when he saw his father who seemed to have aged a few years.
His old father's voice was dull as he raised his head and asked him, "Say, do you think that if I begged him in person right now, and knelt on my knees, he would show mercy?"
As for who 'he' was, it was needless to say. Cui Pei understood.
"I fear he will not." After a moment of silence, Cui Pei answered honestly.
Cui Yong closed his eyes, "It was my fault. Either I remain and do nothing at all, or leave no room for manoeuver. I failed to be cruel enough during that year, thus leaving a seed of trouble."
"Father!" Cui Pei was shocked. Listening to him, it was as if Cui Yong didn't regret that he wasn't kind to Cui Buqu, but he had regretted that he hadn't cut out the grass and destroyed its roots.
Cui Yong replied blandly, "I have placed the most faith in you. Your prudence surpassed all your brothers. The only flaw in you is that your heart is too soft, and you are too kind."
Cui Pei remained silent for a while, "Elder brother truly collided with the Southern Dynasty?"
Cui Yong laughed bitterly, "Ever since Da Lang was little, he had enough diligence to spare but he wasn't gifted enough. I had never dared to completely let go, fearing he wouldn't have been able to carry such a hefty responsibility. Who could have guessed that in order to prove his abilities, he walked the perilous path…"
Cui Pei immediately said, "Just now Cui… he also said that elder brother will go through the Four Judiciaries' questioning, perhaps we can still hope for a turn of events. However, someone lost their life at Baoning Hall, this is a hard-press. Doctor Sun had saved lives aplenty, how could he deliver a wrong prescription and killed someone? There is more than meets the eye. Father, please think of a way to rescue them!"
Cui Yong replied coldly, "There is no need for you to worry. Without Doctor Sun's help that year, how would he be able to stage his death and escape? If that vile spawn's conscience is still intact, he would definitely devise a way to absolve Doctor Sun of his charges!"
Cui Pei was stunned on the spot. He only felt that the version of his father right now was unfamiliar to him.
"Grandfather! I have something of importance to speak!"
The sound of knocking on the door broke the silence between both father and son. Ninth Lady Cui's voice sounded from the outside.
Cui Pei inhaled deeply, suppressing all the chaos in his heart as he turned and opened the door, speaking in a low voice, "Ninth Lady, return to take a rest, here…"
Ninth Lady Cui interfered and spoke with urgency, "Forth uncle, listen to me. The man with the Zuoyue Bureau's Commander is the true Second Commander of the Jiejian Bureau Feng Xiao. I heard that the Jiejian Bureau and the Zuoyue Bureau both walk their own paths, neither one is inferior to the other and they each hold their own set of powers. If we can invite Young Master Feng to step out and reason, perhaps there can be hope to save First Uncle and father!"
Cui Pei was stunned for a moment, "What you said, is true?"
Ninth Lady Cui nodded her head, "When I first entered the city with them, Young Master Feng did not behave like Young Master Cui's subordinate. They even bickered with each other frequently on the road; to say they were friends would not be quite the case."
Cui Pei turned around to look at Cui Yong.
Naturally, Cui Yong heard their conversation.
"Has he left?"
Ninth Lady Cui immediately said, "Only after ceaseless begging from me was he willing to stay a while more."
Cui Yong remained silent for a moment, "Ninth Lady, go—no, Si Lang, follow Ninth Lady and have him invited here together."
Feng Xiao really was still here.
He didn't accompany Cui Buqu in his departure, and instead remained and under the company of Ninth Lady Cui, he roamed the gardens and watched the variety of colours of flowers. He was carefree and content, compared to the Cui family's anxiousness, he looked fresh.
Ninth Lady Cui left and returned to invite him over along with Cui Pei. He didn't feel surprised by it, and laughed instead, "I thought that Host Cui would have come himself."
Cui Pei gave him a solemn bow, "My father has just been through a series of grievances just now. He is experiencing precordial discomfort and found it difficult to even take a step forward, so we can only ask Young Master Feng to come forward himself."
"Experiencing precordial discomfort?" Feng Xiao pondered and smiled, "Cui Buqu carried with him heart diseases and stridor. Shouldn't he have been experiencing precordial discomfort ever since he was born?"
Cui Pei laughed bitterly, "Are you…feeling indignant for Young Master Cui? It seems father's pleading will be hopeless."
"Before speaking, how can you know it's hopeless? Perhaps your father can relay a condition that I am satisfied with." Feng Xiao raised his fan, and with such a faint gesture, one can see that he has been in a commanding condition for many years. "Lead the way."
Cui Pei was feeling mixed emotions, midway in the journey, he couldn't help but inquire in a low voice:
"Cui Jie… has he been faring well all these years?"
Feng Xiao, "Who is Cui Jie?"
Cui Pei was dejected, "My apologies. This name really should just be thrown away."
Feng Xiao ridiculed, "Those subordinates of his, no matter which one you choose, they treated him like priceless treasure, and like invaluable gems. They fear that he can be harmed by the slightest bit, couldn't wish for anything but to take his place and be hurt themselves instead. Tell me, do you think he fared well?"
Cui Pei spoke in a harsh voice, "Naturally, he's fared very well."
Feng Xiao, "If you left the Cui family, you would lose at least half the capital of what you are proud of. As for him, even if his surname wasn't 'Cui', he would have still been Cui Buqu."
Ninth Lady Cui could not understand the ups and downs held in those words. She had a half-baked knowledge of what was going on, her face riddled with confusion.
Cui Pei refused to say more, not willing to humiliate himself further.
He thought that his father really had committed a grave mistake. He wasn't wrong because he didn't murder Cui Buqu when he was young, but he was wrong because he allowed that child to be born, but he never loved or was kind to him.
Otherwise, would he have had the need to worry that none of his bloodlines were left today?
Cui Yong at last, waited for Feng Xiao's arrival.
To him, these fifteen minutes felt as if he'd waited half his life.
Dismissing Cui Pei and Ninth Lady Cui, he rose to his feet as he trembled and knelt before Feng Xiao.
"I beg Young Master Feng to spare Cui Xu's life."
The corner of Feng Xiao's lips raised in keen interest, "Why should I save him?"
He didn't allow Cui Yong to rise to his feet, so Cui Yong could only stomach his knees hurting as he sprawled into a bow.
"The Jiejian Bureau was established by the Emperor himself. The power they wield is tremendous, and their position is not inferior to the Zuoyue Bureau. In all of Boling, you are the only one who could save Da Lang's life. I understand that you possess high aspirations and interests, and that prosaic things would never meet your standards. I am willing to offer the zither Yu Yin and Emperor Wu of Han's beloved suet jade bottle as a gift."
Feng Xiao laughed, "Didn't Host Cui say before that my poetry was not fit to be seen? If you gave me the zither Yu Yin, wouldn't other people think that I am your grandson?"
Cui Yong grovelled his head, "This old man failed to recognize a great talent and have spoken such bizarre words, I beg for atonement from Young Master Feng."
Feng Xiao, "That is to say that, Host Cui, you think of my poetry being decent?"
He had never begged someone else in such a dejected manner before in his life, but for the sake of his eldest son's life, Cui Yong could only condescend himself, pinching his nose and utter things that were against his heart.
"Young Master's poetry is fresh and refined with the air of aristocracy. It inherits the style of the Wei and Jin Dynasties, suffice to emerge as the grandmaster of a new generation. It looks seemingly vulgar, but it is actually elegant. My eyesight was dimmed, and I haven't been able to tell in detail. To speak in such a way, I have sullied your efforts. Another day, I will compose an article to right your name."
Cui Yong's exaggerated as if it were raining flowers with a stoic face. It was extremely disgusting.
Feng Xiao, however, felt his heart soothe as he listened. Even his voice sounded delighted, "It seems like Host Cui isn't too willing to accept me as your grandson?"
Cui Yong laughed bitterly, "How would I have enough merit for such grace? Young Master is a generous and tolerant man, you would not haggle with us."
Feng Xiao shook his head, "Would it not be too cheap for the eldest son of the Cui family to be worth only a zither and a jade bottle?"
This meant that he intended to bargain.
Cui Yong gritted his teeth, yet he has no choice, "I have four granddaughters in my name. Among them, Ninth Lady Cui's looks take the lead. She is well-mannered and well-learned. If Young Master does not mind, you may marry Ninth Lady."
Feng Xiao, "As a wife? Then wouldn't I become your son-in-law?"
Cui Yong closed his eyes, feeling cornered to the wall, but since their conversation had reached this point, it was not his choice to regret it.
"Be it wife or concubine, it will be as you wish."
Author's Notes:
Feng Xiao: How was my poetry?
Cui Yong: I have never heard such rotten poetry.
Feng Xiao: Giving you another chance.
Cui Yong: Fresh and refined, with the air of the aristocracy, and the style of the Wei and Jin Dynasties, enough to be the grandmaster of a new generation.
If the rabbit dies, the fox grieves: to have sympathy with a like-minded person in distress.
Rain happened to pour continuously when the roof was leaking: Unfortunate events happened continuously.
Cut out the grass and destroyed its roots: Get rid of something once and for all.