Chapter 156: Redeeming a Person

Hearing that he had placed first in the provincial examination, Zhou Runan was overwhelmed with a mixture of sorrow and joy. However, being naturally poised and steady, he quickly regained his composure.

He accepted the invitation card with both hands and swept his gaze across it. The card was inscribed with a few sweeping, flying characters. He had heard that Lord Wei had also placed second in the imperial examination during his own youth and was exceptionally scholarly. Seeing his handwriting was indeed like seeing the man himself; the reputation was well-deserved.

Yao Xuanrong instructed Mother Wang to bring out a bag of copper coins to reward the official messengers who had delivered the good news. The messengers cupped their hands, offered a few more congratulatory remarks, and then turned and left.

The neighbors who had followed along all the way to catch a glimpse of the newly minted provincial scholar were even more astonished to see how young and handsome he was. They could not help but click their tongues in praise. Naturally, beneath their admiration lay quiet currents of envy and jealousy, though these remained hidden from the outside world.

Once everyone had dispersed, Zhou Runan turned and stepped back into the house.

Before Yao Xuanrong, the detached calm on his face vanished instantly, blooming like fireworks suddenly bursting across the night sky. The smile on his face became intensely brilliant. No longer suppressing his excitement, he pulled Yao Xuanrong fiercely into his arms and held her tight. "Xuanrong, my dear wife... I... I have finally..."

His voice grew somewhat choked, and he buried his head in the crook of his wife's neck, swallowing the rest of his words into the rapidly warming room.

"Daddy, Mother..."

A childish voice rang out from behind, interrupting the tender and intimate moment. The couple quickly separated. Yao Xuanrong's face flushed as red as the brightest hibiscus blossom on the branches outside the window. Embarrassed, she pulled out a handkerchief, half wiping and half hiding her face.

Zhou Runan's expression also shifted slightly. Why had this child walked in without knocking? Unable to say anything more, he rubbed his nose and bent down to pick up Zhou Chengzhi, who stood before him. "Zhi'er, what brings you to look for Daddy and Mother?"

"Did Daddy pass the provincial exam and become the Jieyuan?"

"Oh? Our little Zhi'er knows about it too."

Zhou Chengzhi shook his head and said triumphantly, "Elder sister said Daddy passed the exam, so I'll get to eat lots and lots of pastries from now on."

"Haha..."

"You, you only ever think about eating."

Yao Xuanrong, torn between laughter and exasperation, tapped her son's head, her annoyance mixed with a smile.

Zhou Ruomei watched with bright, sparkling eyes. After all, she was older and understood a bit more of the world. At this moment, her face was also flushed, yet her heart was filled with incomparable elation, much like the little chicks she raised herself out in the yard, fluttering their wings as if about to take flight.

The members of the Liu family received the news at the same time. Before they even had time to send their congratulatory gifts, Zhou Runan had already arrived at the Liu residence with his entire family.

Consequently, a grand banquet was held in the Liu household to celebrate Zhou Runan's success in the examinations.

On that day, everyone in the Liu residence became half-intoxicated, and Xing Sheng and An Kang were no exceptions. Walking unsteadily back to his room with a slight flush of wine on his face, Chang Kang pulled a small box out from beside his bed and opened it.

Inside lay scattered silver pieces and copper coins—his monthly wages combined with the rewards given by the young mistress and other masters of the household. He counted them meticulously, though he already knew the exact tally without counting: altogether, they converted to nine taels and eight fen of silver.

Ransoming Xiao Xing would cost at least twenty taels, leaving a shortage of over ten taels. What should he do?

At this rate, it would still take about half a year to gather enough. Yet Chang Kang did not want to wait. The mere thought that he was here eating, drinking, and making merry in a lively atmosphere while Xiao Xing might be suffering beatings and hardship elsewhere made his heart ache unbearably.

He could wait no longer; he had to ransom Xiao Xing as soon as possible.

Having made up his mind, Chang Kang put the box away, stood up, and went to find Chang An.

Among the four of them, his relationship and bond with Chang An were the closest.

Without knocking, he pushed the door open and walked right in. Chang An, who was wiping his face with a damp handkerchief, was startled. "Oh, it's you. You've had so much wine. Why aren't you resting? What brings you to my room?"

Chang Kang leaned against the doorway. The lingering flush on his face, coupled with the alcoholic scent of his breath, made it obvious even without looking that he was somewhat drunk.

"Xiao Liu," Chang Kang laughed foolishly, using Chang An's old childhood name. "Can you lend me some silver?"

"How much do you need?"

"Eleven taels."

"That much? What on earth do you need it for?"

"Don't ask. Just tell me, will you lend it to me or not?"

Chang An cast a skeptical look at him, stood up, retrieved a purse from the cupboard, and tossed it before Chang Kang. "This is all I have, take it. But Chang Kang, don't blame me as an older brother for not warning you—don't go running wild outside like Feng Da. If I catch you, I won't let you off easily."

"Rest assured, this is for a serious matter. I can't explain the reasons right now, but you'll understand in the future." Chang Kang picked up the purse and cupped his hands toward Chang An. "Xiao Liu, thank you."

"Get along with you, you rascal. Suddenly trying to be all polite."

Amidst Chang An's smiling curses, Chang Kang chuckled, turned, and sprinted away.

At the back door of the Fang residence, the same middle-aged woman was keeping watch. Upon seeing Chang Kang, however, she was not as amiable as usual, and her expression appeared somewhat peculiar.

Feeling the eighteen taels of silver hidden in his tunic—which perhaps still might not be enough, but at least gave him some backing—he figured he now only needed to exchange a few words with Xiao Xing first. It would both set her mind at ease and allow him to ask how the redemption contract should be handled.

With this in mind, Chang Kang smiled cheerfully and bowed to the gatekeeper woman. "Good day, Mother. I am Wen Xing's older brother; do you still remember me? Today I must trouble you once more to pass along a word, and let my younger sister come out for a brief meeting. Thank you so much, Mother."

Hearing this, the woman neither moved nor answered, merely fixing him with that same strange look.

A moment later, she cast a stealthy glance to her left and right. Seeing that the surroundings were completely deserted, she beckoned Chang Kang closer.

Chang Kang stepped forward in confusion until he stood right before her. Only then did the woman cup her hands around her mouth and whisper in a low voice, "I see that young fellow is an honest and good-natured person, which is why I am taking the risk to tell you this. Your sister is in trouble; she stole the young mistress's hairpin and incurred the mistress's wrath. She's been locked up now, and I hear they're going to sell her off. If you have any capability, young man, you'd better think of a way to save your sister quickly."

When she finished speaking, the woman looked around again before letting out a sigh. "That girl usually seemed quite sharp; how could she suddenly lose her wits and do such a thing? Alas!"

Chang Kang stood rooted to the spot as if struck by lightning.

His mind buzzed deafeningly. How could this be? How could it have come to this?

"Why is the young man just standing there like a fool? Hurry back and think of a way."

The woman's warning voice finally jolted Chang Kang back to his senses. He stammered a hasty word of thanks, turned, and dashed out of the alley like a gale.

His brain raced frantically. What should he do? Who could help him?

The young mistress! The young master!

At this thought, Chang Kang did not hesitate a moment longer. He rushed back to the manor like a gust of wind, pushed open the gate of Moxiang Courtyard, and stood there completely out of breath.

He leaned against the doorway, panted for a few moments, and then looked up to see Liu Qin and Jiang離 walking out of the room together, appearing as though they were about to head out.

Without a word, Chang Kang walked straight up to them and dropped heavily to his knees with a dull thud.

His sudden kneeling startled both Liu Qin and Jiang Li. Ever since the four of them had begun working under her, Liu Qin had neither permitted them to refer to themselves humbly as lowly servants nor allowed them to kneel. Yet today, what on earth had gotten into Chang Kang?

"Chang Kang, whatever the matter is, stand up and speak."

Without realizing it, Jiang Li's voice already carried the natural majesty of a master, making it impossible to refuse.

The nearly fourteen-year-old youth had grown fully during his martial arts training. According to Liu Qin's estimation, he stood around one hundred and eighty centimeters tall—tall, slender, and upright. His facial features had become even more refined, looking as though they were meticulously carved masterpieces gleaming with the luster of fine jade.

Liu Qin gazed at him with delight, momentarily completely forgetting the deep anxiety etched across Chang Kang's face. (To be continued.)