Chapter 67: Not Engaging in Proper Business

  Yan Kuan looked at the young man, who was not very old but wore a Confucian robe. There were actually seven or eight pale and spiritless youngsters around him, like quails, who seemed to be scholars on an outing to drink flower wine. Yan didn't want to be rude, but his own documents had been snatched away, and he was worried that something might go wrong. Hearing that Zhu Houzhao was still there, reading away as if no one else existed, Yan couldn't help but lose his politeness and stepped forward, stretching out his hand to grab the documents back.

  Zhu Houzhao was reading the document when he saw him reaching out to grab it, and hastily dodged to the side. Yan Kuan's palm slapped onto his arm, Zhu Houzhao's arm sank down, and with a ripping sound, tore the ransom document in two.

  Zhu Houzhao burst out laughing and pulled the neck of the goose, saying: "Everyone saw it, he tore up the document himself, it has nothing to do with me."

  He suddenly became furious and threw a punch, cursing: "You little beast, go to your mother".

  He punched Zhu Houzhao right on the bridge of his nose, and Zhu Houzhao immediately saw stars in front of his eyes, with a long flow of blood from his nose, and couldn't help but let out a loud cry. Zhu Houzhao had been practicing martial arts since he was young, and in the palace, he had actually learned some impressive skills from the high-ranking eunuchs who were hired from Wudang, but he had no real combat experience, and secondly, he had never been hit by anyone before, so now his nose was both sour and painful, and when he reached out to touch it, his hand was full of blood, and he suddenly panicked, and couldn't even think about fighting back.

  Yan Kuan snatched two documents from his hand and compared them. Fortunately, the words all matched up.

  The crown prince was beaten, and the eight "quails" were like they had dug up their ancestral graves, all of them were frantic, their faces flushed red as they rushed forward.

  Although eunuchs are generally weaker than ordinary people, Zhang Yong had practiced military books and martial arts before entering the palace. This punch was quite powerful, and Yan Kuan had just put the document back in his arms when Zhang Yong's fist arrived, causing him to stumble backward several steps and land on his buttocks.

  Yan Kuan was furious, and he shouted to his four sturdy men: "Get them!" The four sturdy men immediately rushed up and tangled with the eight eunuchs. Although the four sturdy men saw that their opponents were scholars and didn't dare to use their full strength, those eight soft-shelled shrimp were no match for them. Eight against four, except for Zhang Yong who was able to both attack and defend, Liu Jin and the others were beaten down in one direction.

  Yang Ling saw such a "pitiful" group beating, and after thinking for a moment, even if he added himself, it would only add one more target. So he made a decisive decision and immediately rushed up to support the prince, asking him kindly: "Prince, how are you? Is it serious?"

  Zhu Houzhao covered his nose, and fresh blood flowed out from between his fingers. He muttered incoherently, unable to speak clearly. Suddenly, a slender and delicate hand appeared beside him, holding a fragrant handkerchief: "Young master, wipe yourself clean."

  Zhu Houzhao couldn't help but be stunned, and he subconsciously took the handkerchief, his fingers touching her small hands, feeling soft and smooth, with a gentle and slippery texture, and an unprecedented feeling arose in his heart. As far as his eyes could see, those speaking eyes had an indescribable tenderness, and the faint smile contained concern and sympathy.

  Zhu Houzhao covered his nose with Tang Yixian's handkerchief, and the fragrance was intoxicating, he was momentarily stunned and didn't even hear Yang Ling's question.

  Su Huai and a few turtle men who rushed to the scene upon hearing the noise saw more than ten people in the yard tangled together, not knowing whether to persuade or help, all standing by with their hands and feet in disarray. Just as they didn't know what to do, a soft voice shouted: "Stop fighting!"

  The girl's voice was extremely pleasant, and the twelve people who were working in the yard couldn't help but stop what they were doing, all looking towards the source of the sound. They saw a girl standing inside the building, wearing white clothes as white as snow, with long hair flowing down her back, and a slender figure like the moon.

  The girl said faintly: "Uncle Yan, why must you harm the innocent? Please leave now, and three days later, Su San will follow you wherever you go."

  Next to her, a green-shirted girl named Xue Li Mei hastily said: "Yu Jie, do you really want to follow someone like him? What if we meet an official, I know the Etiquette Department..."

  The young woman in white interrupted her and said quietly, "Silly sister, what's the point of saying those things? Those old men who recite poetry and paint with us are just passing the time, they've paid their money and don't owe us anything. If it really gets to the point of involving the authorities, I'm afraid they won't even dare acknowledge us."

  She let out a sorrowful sigh and said, "Don't say any more. People like us are rootless and homeless, like willow catkins in the wind or duckweed on water. Wherever the wind blows is where we go, wherever the waves take us is where we end up."

  Yan Kuan burst out laughing, his eyes scanning the scene before him. He saw that those few bookworms who had been beaten by him were now nursing their bruised faces and casting resentful glances in his direction. Not wanting to stir up any more trouble, he said with a self-satisfied smile: "Alright, I've already said what needed to be said, why would I still be angry? Ha ha, let's go! One hundred taels of gold, three days from now I'll come back with some men. If you dare to obstruct me again, humph!"

  He waved his hand and led the four burly men away. Yang Ling glanced inside, and what caught his eye was like a classical painting of a lady. Her white dress was as snow, her makeup was light and elegant, although it was hard to see clearly in the dim light inside the building, but her figure and movements were full of rhythm, like a bright moon not losing its luster, standing together with Xue Li Mei who was standing like a branch of cold plum blossoms, both movement and stillness were fitting, and their beauty was even more pronounced.

  This beauty is indeed not disappointing, just that demeanor and temperament are elegant and uncommon. The eight tigers, although men, have long been cultivated to the highest realm of "Originally there was no thing, where did the dust fall?" Beauty or ugliness has nothing to do with them, they have already puffed up their old faces with a blue block and a purple block and crowded around Zhu Houzhao's side to show off.

  Zhu Houzhao didn't bother with this nominal 'ugly freak', he hastily wiped away the fresh blood from his mouth, rubbed his nose and no more blood flowed out. He put down his hand with a sigh of relief and said to Tang Yixian: "Thank you, miss, I'm fine now."

  Tang Yixian smiled sweetly and said, "That's good. Those are just rough people, relying on their two cents to bully men and women, you're a weak scholar, just focus on reading your sacred books, where are you a match for those rascals? Don't stick your head out again in the future."

  Zhu Houzhao was usually not lacking in young palace maids serving him in the palace, but those women, even if they were not ugly, would always lower their eyebrows and eyes in front of him, not daring to breathe a word. Which one looked like this girl, so gentle and soft, yet dared to scold him, but sounded sweet and likable.

  A thread of obscure emotions was secretly growing in his heart, and this lovely, sweet-voiced little girl had already quietly left her mark on Zhu Houzhao's heart. As the crown prince, he was also a man, and men who had just experienced love affairs must have had similar experiences - the other person's every frown and smile, every word and action, were all so important to him.

  Zhu Houzhao's face turned red with anger as he said, "Who says I can't beat him? My ten-section brocade skill is not something that three or five big men can withstand. Teaching a few small rascals a lesson is easy as turning my hand over. It's just that earlier...earlier when I first fought someone, I was momentarily stunned."

  Tang Yixian listened to him boast that no one could get close to him, yet he claimed to have never fought anyone before. Who knew if what he said was true? He thought this young scholar was just trying to save face and couldn't help but let out a faint snort of laughter. "Alright, alright, Master's skills are impressive, I believe you now. Is your nose okay? If nothing's wrong, then it's best for you to head home early. This kind of place isn't suitable for someone like you."

  Zhu Houzhao's face suddenly turned red with anger, standing in front of the girl who had made him feel a little nervous for the first time. He was being treated like a child by her, how could he bear it? Zhu Houzhao stamped his foot in hatred and said urgently: "Don't you believe me? I can deal with that rascal with ease, and as for that whatever dogshit document, see how he treasures it, humph! I'll get it back, just a matter of one word."

  Tang Yixian's eyes lit up, but he immediately let out a disappointed sigh. This young master must be the son of some wealthy family, unaware of the heights and depths, daring to utter such arrogant words. Five thousand taels of silver is no small sum, even if he comes from a rich family, how would his elders allow him to take large amounts of silver out to cause trouble?

  Zhu Houzhao saw that she didn't believe him, and couldn't help but get anxious. He glanced around and saw Liu Jin and others with torn sleeves, fallen hats, disheveled hair, and bruised faces. No matter which one he presented, none of them would be convincing. So he pointed at Yang Ling and said: "Don't you believe me? If not, ask him, can I do it or not?"

  Yang Ling saw that the little girl's bright eyes were staring at him, and even Su San Niang and Xue Li Mei inside the door, although they seemed to be unintentional, actually pricked up their ears and listened carefully, so he nodded and said: "Not bad, this young man is not wrong, let alone teach that rascal a lesson, it's really easy to redeem the betrothal gift for the girl".

  Yang Ling was a talented and majestic figure, now he was openly the Crown Prince's reader, secretly a high-ranking officer of the Brocade Guard. His actual mental age and experience were far beyond his current appearance, and when he spoke, there was an air of authority to his words. Su San, who had been quietly watching him from inside the door, let out a breath, while Tang Yixian looked at him with suspicion and said: "Young Master, is what you're saying... really true?"

  In her mind, this young master, even if he has a high status, can force Yan Kuan to return the silver and the book. If he didn't also have feelings for Yuer, why would he make such an effort? Looking at him, elegant and refined, a scholarly man with a good reputation, if he also wanted to redeem Yuer, she might be very happy. But in doing so, she couldn't help but add a few more points of envy and self-pity to her feelings.

  "Of course it's true," Zhu said with a pleased expression, pointing at Yang Ling with an air of righteousness: "Yang... Brother Yang, this matter is now in your hands. Give that rascal a good scolding and bring his documents over."

  In his mind, he was the master and Yang Ling was the servant. The tasks he entrusted to Yang Ling were equivalent to doing things for others. However, when Yu Tang Chun, Xue Li Mei, Tang Yi Xian, and Yi Zhong Jin heard this, they suddenly realized that it was no wonder this young scholar was so confident. It seemed that his older friend might be someone with a special background.

  Inside the gate, Yu Tangchun took a deep look at Yang Ling and saw that he was somewhat dazed. She was also a very clever woman, so she immediately curtsied: "In that case, Su San thanks Young Master Yang first." This move was like striking while the iron was hot, nailing it down firmly.

  "Hey? I'm the one who's supposed to be helping, so why are you thanking him instead?"

  Tang Yixian smiled and said: "Who says I won't thank you? If the two gentlemen are willing to help, I'll set up a banquet to thank you."

  "Good!" Zhu Houzhao heard that she was going to set up a thank-you wine, and he couldn't help but burst into bloom. He immediately said eagerly: "We're leaving, you just wait for our good news, at the latest within three days, this matter will be settled."

  He now has only one clever and charming Tang Yixian in his heart, and he can't wait to get things done and present her with treasures. He hastily rushes out of the Lianhua Pavilion gate, sees Yan Kuan leading people almost running out of the street, and immediately says: "Gao Feng, Luo Xiang, follow him, don't let him run away".

  Then he ordered Yang Ling: "You go to the Wucheng Military Command, and get some soldiers for me to capture this person."

  Eight eunuchs and Yang Ling were all startled, this matter has blown up big time. The Crown Prince got into a fight with a guest in the Qing Lou, and people from the Five Cities Military Command had to be called out to quell the disturbance. If word of this gets out, it'll be disastrous!

  Several people came forward to persuade him, Zhu Houzhao angrily said: "He dares to hit me, killing his head is not excessive, do you want to disobey orders?" Zhu Houzhao was usually casual and had no dignity at all, but at this time, under the anger, the kind of air that had been cultivated from a young age, pointing and commanding, and being unobstructed, unconsciously emanated out, the eight tigers were so frightened that they didn't dare to speak, and Yang Ling also couldn't help but shudder.

  Gao Feng and Luo Xiang saw that even the closest people to Yang Ling and Liu Jin, Zhang Yong, did not dare to speak again. They hastily followed Yan Kuan with a forced smile. Gu Dazhong knew that Zhu Houzhao had made up his mind and couldn't be persuaded, so he pushed Yang Ling and hinted for him to quickly find someone from the Five Cities Military Garrison.

  Yang Ling could only leave with a wry smile, he had originally thought that this young prince was easy to deal with, and with a little trickery, he would let Zhu Houzhao willingly become his pawn, pulling out all the stops to rescue Zheng He's sea chart. He had felt rather pleased with himself, but now he realized he had misjudged one thing - Zhu Houzhao's willfulness and fanciful ideas were not something that others could have anticipated or prevented.

  He didn't dare to get too far away, on the one hand holding onto the prince, on the other hand searching for people from the Five Cities Military Command. Originally, people from the Five Cities Military Command were all patrolling the streets at this time, but now it seemed like they had all been taken away to participate in a patriotic sanitation campaign at the Imperial Academy, and not one could be seen. Just as Yang Ling was thinking of taking advantage of the situation to report back to the prince and prevent him from making a big deal out of things, several Jin Yiwei guards wearing flying fish robes suddenly emerged from the wine shop up ahead.

  Yang Ling was overjoyed. These people were experts in extortion and blackmail, so it would be best to let them take the lead. Did the Imperial Guards need a reason to arrest someone? This way, the prince's identity wouldn't be exposed.

  Yang Ling hastily stepped forward, blocking their path and showing them his badge to assist in capturing the person. Several slightly intoxicated Imperial Guards looked at each other but didn't move. Yang Ling saw that most of them were low-ranking officers, mostly lieutenants and guards, with only two small flags, and not high-ranking officials. Knowing he had the authority to mobilize them, he shouted: "What are you still standing there for? If the fugitive escapes, it will be on your heads!"

  A lazy voice came from the back of the crowd: "What's going on? Which official is on duty and wants to borrow my men to help?" As the voice spoke, several Jin Yiwei guards parted to either side, and a man in casual attire with six or seven others walked out of the wine tower.

  That man was over thirty years old, with a lean and strong physique, and an air of laziness like a leopard. He walked to Yang Ling's side, the two men sizing each other up, guessing at each other's identity. After a long while, the man suddenly smiled and bowed his hands, saying: "I am Qian Ning, the commander of the Beizhen Fu's penal battalion, and you are......".

  Yang Ling suddenly realized, no wonder those people didn't move, it turned out that their current leader was not only present, but also of a high rank. After hearing Qian Ning's identity, Yang Ling hastily said: "I am Yang Ling, the South Town Pacification Commissioner of the Brocade Guard."

  Qian Ning heard that he was a person from the Southern Pacification Commission, and also one of the key departments in the Brocade Guard. Although not as powerful as the Northern Pacification Commission, at least his rank was half a grade higher than his own. He politely said: "So it's Lord Yang, I don't know what matter you need my brother to help with? Although the Brocade Guard doesn't need an imperial edict to make arrests, under the emperor's feet, one should still have some restraint..."

  Yang Ling pulled him aside and said in a low voice, "Qian brother, to be honest with you, I and several friends went to the front of Baishun Hutong... haha, as a result, we had a conflict with a merchant, under the fists and feet, my friend was injured, want to ask brothers to go over and teach him a lesson".

  Qian Ning, upon hearing that it was such a small matter, was worried that after drinking wine he had no place to exercise his fists and feet. This face must be given to others, no matter what. He immediately waved his hand at his subordinates and said: "Let's go, be more spirited, we have a mission."

  PS: It's been too cold these two days, and after catching a cold, my body feels sore and weak, I don't feel like moving. Plus, there's a lot of year-end accounting work to do, so the code is being written slowly. Now it's time for sleep, gentlemen please excuse me.