Section 7, Making a Grand Entrance

In such chaotic times, should one encounter those bandits, it is feared that mere verbal bravado would cost one their life. In the past, this did not seem apparent, but now, in this place, Feng Ziying increasingly feels the peril of this world

The Feng family, it is evident, is still not quite clear-headed, relying on their noble title and wholeheartedly struggling to achieve military merits and accomplishments.

The surface of the scorpion pit is quite large, slightly resembling the shape of a pipa, smaller in the north and larger in the south. The long neck in the middle measures merely a little over ten zhang. When one looks up, they can see through the gaps in the reeds to the walls of the Feng family's courtyard. On the white plastered wall, the tiles and mud appear like the back of a loach, with occasional slight elevations, indicating that the terrain of the Feng family's old residence is indeed remarkable.

If it were not for the quick judgment, I fear that we would have been captured and plundered by that group of rioters earlier

The Jia family is a family of two dukes, while the ancestors of the Feng family were merely barons

Having no strength to even bind a chicken, yet still accompanying an elderly woman and a young girl, how did they happen to encounter civil unrest?

That may not be the case; what if the bandit is guarding the entrance of South Gate Street to prevent the government troops from coming out? Wouldn't we be seeking death in vain?

This Ruixiang was also a servant chosen by his father, quite clever in many ways. He had been very attentive during the journey from the capital, and in recent days, Feng Ziying had gradually begun to recall matters concerning his own family

Grandfather, do you think Uncle You will be alright? Why has he been gone for so long after going to https://www.hetushu.com?" Some nervously peered in the direction he had gone, and Ruixiang swallowed hard.

Jia Yucun was on the verge of despair

Feng Ziying's arms and the back of his hands were cut numerous times by the serrated edges of the grass blades, with strands of blood scattered everywhere; it was only at this moment that he began to feel the pain

The age is about the same as one's own, yet one can show off so brazenly in front of others? It makes one's usually clever and agile self seem inferior.

Feng You and the others returned quickly, calling for Feng Ziying and the other two to rise immediately, pressing against the courtyard wall as they circumvented from the side

Feng Ziying believed that if it were not for the soul that had crossed over, even with the influence of his family background since childhood, it would be difficult for him to possess such logical analytical ability and insight

Currently, every expedition is led by a civil official as the commander, and even those of higher rank can only serve as deputies. If a victory is achieved, the credit goes to him; if a defeat occurs, the blame falls on you

At this thought, Jia Yucun cast an annoyed glance at the old man and the young boy.

Proceed to the Guandi Temple on the north side, and you will find yourself at Nanmen Street. The Yongqing City Gate is directly opposite Nanmen Street, facing each other. Even if one cannot enter the city, there are still some government troops stationed on the city tower. If any reckless bandits attempt to provoke them, they are likely to face a barrage of arrows.

The old woman had already turned pale, trembling uncontrollably. Fortunately, she tightly held the girl, who was dressed in a light pastel pink dress, her face filled with horror, biting her lip tightly, afraid to make a sound

Where is there such delicacy? What package is being taken at this moment? Feng Ziying said irritably

Feng You and Feng Ziying both glanced at each other, each pondering in their hearts.

Although the Jia family is also gradually declining, they have already become aware of such changes

But how can one escape the fifteenth after dodging the first? The city of Linqing is in chaos, with several groups of rioters nearly colliding. Not to mention whether the chartered boats at the dock are still waiting; even if they are, how can one possibly get through?

Feng Ziying and Ruixiang huddled behind the grass by the courtyard wall. Earlier, under the pressure of tension, they did not feel it, but at this moment, as they relaxed, they suddenly felt their entire bodies weak and sore

Even Feng You, who had been through many battles, was greatly astonished by these words, while Rui Xiang was left speechless, unable to respond

Feng You's tone lacked much emotion or color. If it were him in this situation, he could only seek self-preservation first; how could he dare to open the door and let someone in? "I’m afraid we can only return to the old residence for now"

Uncle You, Yongqing Gate ... ... ? '' Feng Ziying looked at Feng You, and upon seeing Feng You's expressionless shake of the head, her gaze quickly dimmed.

"Let's go that way." Feng You did not waste any words, waving his hand as the thin, dark boy led the way, quickly moving north along the edge of the marsh and through the reeds by the library.

"You just stay put; Uncle You has been through countless trials in water and fire, so this is nothing unusual for him." Feng Ziying encouraged the other party while also boosting his own morale

This fellow appears to be no more than eleven or twelve years old, perhaps even younger than Feng Ziying, yet his mind is remarkably sharp. Coupled with the ferocity he displayed earlier, he is indeed quite extraordinary

Feng Ziying also prided himself on having crossed over from another world, relying on his intelligence to live a life of extravagance, but unexpectedly, he was struck down by this beggar-like young man before him

Both Jia Jing and Jia Zhu come from scholarly backgrounds, and both have passed the imperial examination to become jinshi. It is evident that the Jia family aims to transition from a lineage of nobility to that of civil officials, wholeheartedly seeking to transform their status into a family of poetry and propriety, a household of wealth and refinement.

The words of the thin and dark youth were also well-reasoned and substantiated, causing both Feng You and Feng Ziying to regard him with newfound respect

According to the regulations of the Great Zhou regarding military promotions, by the time of Feng Ziying's father, the family had acquired the title of a noble house but no longer held any peerage. The father and his two brothers endured twenty years of hardship at the border, and despite the sacrifices of the elder and second uncles, all that was earned for the father was a nominal title of a minor general, the God of War, which held no real significance.

Although this statement relies on familiarity with the geographical situation, the ability to analyze it so thoroughly, especially coming from a young beggar of merely over ten years, is indeed quite extraordinary

"Sir, would you like me to wrap it up for you?" Ruixiang, being quite clever in this regard, approached with a smirk upon seeing Feng Ziying leaning against the courtyard wall, eyes closed in rest.

Fortunately, the old residence is located relatively close to the Yongqingmen Wengcheng. Although it has long been closed off, and the streets are deserted, it is evident that this chaotic situation has not yet reached this area. However, everyone has already sensed the danger and has hidden away

It was easy to bypass the northern edge of the marsh, following the reeds, and sticking close to the northern section of the courtyard wall. Feng You reached out and pressed down on the shoulder of the thin, dark boy, not allowing him to struggle. He turned his head and said: "Keng Ge'er, you and Rui Xiang lie low here, do not make a sound. I will take this boy to have a look first."

Feng Ziying also knew that the past was useless, merely causing Feng You to worry unnecessarily, and could only respond: "Uncle You, please be careful."

The Feng family does not seem to be as glamorous as described in "Dream of the Red Chamber". Although they are family friends with the Jia family, it is evident that they have lost some of their luster.

The other party, seemingly unconcerned, said: "Opposite the Guandi Temple and Nanmen Street is the stone archway. That area is wide open and unprotected; if one were to set an ambush, it could only be at the entrance of Weijia Hutong. However, Weijia Hutong is rather short, running parallel to Woniu Alley, which is almost right at Yongqing Gate. If the government troops were to come out, they could simply exit west along Woniu Alley and then turn back, catching the bandits off guard. These bandits are nothing more than a bunch of ruffians from the city, familiar with the terrain but lacking in courage; how could they dare to act in such a manner?"

"Hmph, don't worry, Uncle You won't die here yet." Adjusting the narrow blade at his waist, Feng You proudly leaned forward, using one hand to push the thin, dark boy as they quietly made their way along the courtyard wall.

Could it be that I am really like Ruixiang, a person who is sharp-tongued, thick-skinned, and empty inside?

"Keng Ge'er, the Yongqing Gate has long been closed. The guards above pay no attention at all. Anyone who approaches the moated city will be shot with arrows."

A group of people was solely focused on escaping, yet they could still hear the commotion both inside and outside the city for a moment. Thick smoke obscured the sun, clearly indicating that the entire outer city had descended into chaos

If it were not for this girl hearing that the Linqing lion cat is famous and wanting to choose a top-quality lion cat, she herself would not have to come ashore to go through this ordeal. If she were still on the boat, she could cut the ropes and leave if the situation turned unfavorable, but now...

It seems that this cheap father of mine is still plotting a comeback, hoping to return to Datong Town, yet he has not witnessed the unchanging trend of the Great Zhou Dynasty, which continues the previous Ming Dynasty's suspicion and restrictions against military men.

As the power of the civil officials grows increasingly formidable, the status of the military officials becomes ever more subordinate, making it difficult for even those of noble lineage to compete with the civil officials

It was Rui Xiang who spoke, his face showing signs of displeasure, seemingly feeling somewhat unconvinced by this wild boy who had come from who knows where

It is unclear what the situation is like in the Feng family old residence, and Feng You's anxiety grew increasingly intense.

Neither Feng You nor Feng Ziying spoke, yet they were eager to see how this thin, dark young man would respond