Watching Old Lady Fang walk away and then seeing Miss Jun turn and sit by the campfire, Fang Chengyu lifted his foot to rush over, but Zhu Zan pulled him back again.
"Where are you going?" he said, pushing him out, "Go and appease your grandmother, you unfilial son."
With that, he himself strode over to where Miss Jun was sitting.
Fang Chengyu was furious and gritted his teeth.
"Didn't you say that men shouldn't interfere in women's matters?" he said.
Zhu Zan pretended not to hear and in two or three strides was already by Miss Jun's side.
Fang Chengyu stomped his foot angrily and had no choice but to turn and catch up with Old Lady Fang.
No one knew what he said, but in the end, he climbed into Old Lady Fang's carriage, leaving behind a portion of guards who, along with another group of guards, marched away with a loud clamor.
The surroundings gradually quieted down, leaving only the crackling of the campfire.
Zhu Zan slowly moved a piece of firewood and poked at Miss Jun's foot.
"What are you doing?" Miss Jun moved her foot and glared at him angrily.
"Nothing," Zhu Zan said, poking the wood on the ground, "Just seeing what you're doing."
Obviously she was sitting still, yet he asked what she was doing.
Miss Jun exhaled.
"I'm angry," she said.
"People's thoughts differ, getting angry over this is meaningless," Zhu Zan said, "How else would there be the saying, 'Don't turn back until you hit the south wall; don't shed tears until you see the coffin.'"
"I'm just angry," Miss Jun raised her voice and looked at him, "Is that not allowed?"
"It is," Zhu Zan solemnly nodded, "Of course it is. I mean you're right, she was wrong. Not listening should indeed make you angry."
He could say nice things too, Miss Jun glanced at him, grabbed the firewood from his hand, and tossed it into the campfire.
"I really don't know what she was thinking, how could she think like that?" she said.
Charging into the tiger's den despite knowing there are tigers?
No, that's about braving difficulties. But what Old Lady Fang did, what was that, like a moth to a flame?
"As long as you know what you think," Zhu Zan said, "As for what others think, it doesn't really matter. Our goal isn't to discuss why others think the way they do, we just want them to follow what we think."
True.
Actually, she's always been like this, whether it was when she first arrived at the Fang Family and persuaded Old Lady Fang by curing Fang Chengyu, or in the capital by gaining reputation for curing smallpox. What others thought wasn't important, she just did what she wanted to do.
Then why was she suddenly so angry now? Probably because she was upset at their lack of fight.
She truly regarded the Fang Family as her own relatives, seeing her family rushing toward death, how could she not be anxious?
Miss Jun sighed lightly.
"When you heard I died, were you angry?" She suddenly turned her head to look at Zhu Zan and asked.
"Of course," Zhu Zan said, "You were stupid to death."
Miss Jun glared at him.
"I was willing." she said.
Zhu Zan's expression darkened for a moment.
"I don't want to talk about this topic," he said, turning to look at the campfire, "You're still in time to be angry now, but back then, my anger was completely meaningless."
At that time, she was already dead.
Miss Jun looked at the side of his face, when he was not speaking or smiling, his face always seemed to hold a layer of sadness, she had noticed before, and at this moment, it appeared even more intense.
"Luckily, I'm still alive now," she said softly, "This also shows that not all despair is truly hopeless."
Zhu Zan made a sound, tossing his head.
"Then let's go," he said.
Miss Jun looked at him and smiled, Zhu Zan also smiled.
The two stood up and walked towards the horses.
"But speaking of, that Old Lady is quite audacious," Zhu Zan said.
"Yes, she has always been quite assertive," Miss Jun laughed, "You noticed?"
"Of course, I noticed. When she saw me, she wasn't excited at all, nor did she greet me," Zhu Zan said.
Miss Jun burst out laughing.
"That's because she doesn't know you. Chengyu and I forgot to introduce you; she probably thought you were my attendant," she said.
"Nonsense," Zhu Zan said, raising an eyebrow, "Do I need an introduction? My extraordinary presence is evident at a glance."
Miss Jun snorted and laughed heartily.
Hearing this laughter, watching the two of them mount their horses and head towards Yangcheng, the guards of the Fang Family heaved a sigh of relief. Just now, it was obvious that Old Lady Fang and Miss Jun had parted on bad terms. It was fortunate that Miss Jun didn't just leave, otherwise, Young Master would have been anxious, so everyone hurried to follow.
The streets of Yangcheng were bustling, with everyone talking about the Third Miss born to the Fang Family's concubine coming to sue the Fang Family, rumors were rampant. During this time, Old Lady Fang went into the county government and then left again, then came back. Although Fang Chengyu did not show himself in the carriage, some people familiar with him instantly recognized his guards.
"Young Master Fang is back."
"Why is Young Master Fang only coming back now?"
"Oh, why come back at this time? With the sisters at home fighting over the family property, what a difficult position he's in."
Young Master Fang's return sparked more discussions and speculations about the unfolding events, and not long after, another familiar figure rode through the streets.
When this person first rode in, no one paid much attention until they had passed, then someone finally realized.
"Isn't that Miss Jun?"
A woman shouted as she came to her senses.
All eyes turned to look, and they saw a woman on horseback surrounded by guards. Although it was a view from the back and they hadn't seen her for years, they still recognized her.
The street immediately burst into excitement.
"Miss Jun is actually back too."
"With such a big issue, it must be that Old Lady invited her back, right?"
"It's great that Miss Jun is back. With Miss Jun here, things will surely be resolved smoothly."
Standing at a corner listening to this conversation among the townspeople, Registrar Lin couldn't help but scoff.
These foolish people, they actually regard Miss Jun as a bodhisattva, wanting her to preside over justice. This was all her doing.
Really...
Registrar Lin shook his head, watching the woman's silhouette disappear down the street with a bit of envy.
So, it is said, reputations are always written by the strong themselves. If she is strong, she is the queen, even if she does the work of Yama, she is still a saint, a deity, a bodhisattva saving the world.
......
......
The Fang Family residence was even quieter than before.
Seeing her son after a long time, Lady Fang did not display the expected joy, but her face was solemn.
"Was it your doing?" she whispered sharply, looking at Old Lady Fang, who entered directly, refusing them to follow her.
Fang Chengyu chuckled.
"Not really," he said, "If the ghost has been figured out by you all, how could it still be a ghost?"
Lady Fang scoffed.
"You've ruined your sisters' reputations," she said.
Fang Chengyu's expression turned solemn.
"Mother, how can my sisters' reputations be ruined by this matter? Besides, the Fang Family's reputation does not need others to comment on it." he said, slightly raising his chin.
Lady Fang sighed, just about to speak when Miss Jun walked in. She was startled, and then quickly understood.
"So it was you..." she said.
Miss Jun bowed to Lady Fang.
"I'm sorry for startling you, Aunt. I'll explain the details to you later," she said, "Let me first check on Grandmother."
Lady Fang had a complex expression and said nothing more, watching Miss Jun head inside. She then glanced at her son, who was smiling again.
"I won't get involved," she said, pressing her palm to her forehead and turning to leave as well.
Once Lady Fang had left, Fang Chengyu was about to go when a young maid slipped out of a corner.
"Young Master, Young Master, don't just care about Cousin to forget about your sister," she said timidly, mimicking Fang Yuxiu's tone, "Forget everything else, first send some fine treats."
Fang Chengyu laughed heartily.
"It's alright, it's alright, I'll go check on my sisters," he said.
Fang Chengyu headed towards where Yunxiu and Yuxiu were, while Miss Jun entered Old Lady Fang's room. The maidservants tried to stop her but were unable to.
Old Lady Fang lay in a rocking chair, seemingly exhausted and asleep.
"I know Grandmother is very tired, but there are some things I must say," Miss Jun sat beside her and said, "Grandmother, you are wrong."
Old Lady Fang smiled without opening her eyes.
"I didn't say I was right," she said, "This is just my belief. You think I'm wrong, I think I'm right. Arguing is pointless, just like those scholars say, 'Different paths cannot make plans together.'"
Miss Jun shook her head.
"No, I mean it's not about Grandmother's belief being right or wrong," she said.
Old Lady Fang's brow furrowed slightly, but she didn't open her eyes.
"I mean, your belief in this jun is wrong," Miss Jun continued.
Your belief in this jun?
Old Lady Fang opened her eyes, looking sharply at Miss Jun.
"Do you know what you're saying?" she said in a stern voice.
"I know," Miss Jun looked at her, "That's why I said it's dangerous, that's what I meant."