Chapter 7, the psychology is too dark

Regarding such rumors, Master Wang naturally scoffed at them. The next morning, as usual, he got up and went to the flower hall to leisurely sit and drink tea. As a supervising eunuch, he was responsible for overseeing some iron mines and cracking down on salt smugglers, but there was nothing significant for him to handle. However, once he entered the inner hall of the flower hall, Master Wang found himself unable to move his feet.

The blue and white porcelain vase fell with a crash, and the shattered pieces shot out. The kneeling officials and guests were struck by the flying shards, and crimson blood flowed from their wounds, resembling bright red earthworms

Some individuals even conducted covert investigations and surprisingly uncovered some clues. For instance, it is true that Master Wang regards a certain piece of cursive script as a treasure, yet his calligraphy skills are barely above average, showing no connection to renowned masters. When these pieces of information are compiled, they seem to corroborate the authenticity of this rumor

Jiang Kun is a failed scholar who enjoys the deep trust of Lord Wang; otherwise, the management of the accounts would not have been entrusted to him. At this moment, he stepped forward to lend his support, allowing Zhang Qin to breathe a little easier

He sat in the hall, silent for a moment, and then spoke in a low voice: "Come here."

The eunuch Wang paused indifferently, his gaze ignoring them as he faced the empty wall, a chilling smile on his lips: "Day defense and night defense, but it is difficult to guard against the family thief"

The Grand Eunuch leisurely said: "Go, summon the officials and the esteemed guests from the inner court to gather here."

Everything now is arranged by that young man with the surname Xu, but can this Xu really retrieve the genuine artifact? Grand Eunuch Wang does not have much confidence; his eyes narrow slightly, and a hint of murderous intent flashes by inadvertently. He silently thinks: If it cannot be found, our family will certainly lose its future, and this young man must also bear the consequences

He is aware of his own psychological darkness, but compared to these two individuals who force others into prostitution, he is indeed excessively pure

Zhang Qin, the official in charge of the inner court, looked even more displeased and hurriedly said: "Your Excellency, I have heard rumors outside that this calligraphy by Lord Wang is related to some treasure map. Is it possible that someone is stirring up trouble, leading people to believe that there is indeed a treasure map, which is why they are taking risks..."

The official Wang leisurely said, "Take our notice and go to the county office to summon someone for a thorough investigation!" The words 'thorough investigation' resonated like a great bell, shaking the roof tiles.

In the Xu family, there are two bachelors who, since no one cooks for them, usually just eat some pastries or make a few noodles to barely fill their stomachs

Xu Changzheng, becoming serious, hesitated and said: "As long as we can resolve the matter concerning Lord Wang, it would not be impossible to release her father." After saying this, he patted Xu Qian on the shoulder and encouraged him: "You are doing well; you are already showing some semblance of a father. It seems the child can be taught; you have finally come to your senses. Truly, Amitabha, the ancestors of the Xu family are watching over us, and our family is fortunate."

In a corner of the hall, the eunuch Wang's gaze turned cold as he raised his leg and kicked the blue-and-white porcelain vase in the corner.

His tone is very flat, yet carries a sense of indifference

Deng Jian awkwardly said: "Rumors? I am such an honest person, it seems..."

Another group, having eaten their fill and with nothing to do, tends to have certain pursuits. They are not satisfied with a lifestyle of eating and sleeping, and as a result, spreading rumors and gossip inevitably becomes their primary objective in life. In Qiantang County, any slight disturbance is always known to them first.

Xu Chang cast a deep glance at Deng Jian and said nonchalantly: "What do you understand? Do you think my family’s Qian’er is only interested in this money from selling herself? To be honest with you, having Miss Zhao sign the contract for selling her body does not mean we need to rush to sell her. We can first keep her in the Xu family. Doesn’t she have a father? At that time, we can slowly extort money from her father. Once we have drained him dry, we can then sell her to a wealthy family. In this way, it’s not just a matter of four or five hundred taels of silver."

Is that so? The eunuch Wang turned around, staring ominously at Jiang Kun, who hurriedly lowered his head again after having raised it.

Everyone lowered their heads, not daring to move.

Xu Qian was once again astonished

The eunuch Wang stood up, hands clasped behind his back, pacing in the hall

Deng Jian was severely humiliated by Xu Chang, yet he was not the least bit angry. On the contrary, he revered Xu Chang as a deity, admiring him to the point of prostration. He stood up and saluted Xu Chang, saying: "Uncle Xu is truly an extraordinary person. I, the young one, humbly bow to you. If I could often listen to your teachings and hear your celestial voice, I would have no regrets even if I were to die a thousand deaths."

Xu Qian was astonished

The eunuch Wang glanced back, surveying the servants with a cold gaze that made them feel very uneasy, not daring to breathe, remaining motionless in their kneeling position

Since the founding of the dynasty by the Taizu, it has been over 120 years. The realm has enjoyed stability for many years, and with the increasing consolidation of land, two types of people have begun to become overcrowded. One type consists of those who are hungry and unemployed, collectively referred to as the displaced populace, who are driven from place to place.

Xu Qian quickly replied: "It is all due to my father's good teachings."

This piece of calligraphy is truly of great importance to him. If the prominent figures in the capital were to learn that he does not cherish his treasured work, it is not only a question of whether he can continue to wield power here; once he loses their favor, he is likely to spend the rest of his life in the palace prison.

Treasures, eunuchs, and treasure maps have always been popular terms in any era. Within just a few hours, a piece of calligraphy from the residence of Lord Wang has become known to all.

The eyes of Lord Wang narrowed into a line, remaining completely still

Qiantang County town is not large, yet the number of idle people is considerable

Deng Jianmei exclaimed: "I understand now why he did not extort money from that Miss Zhao but instead wanted her to sign a contract of servitude. That Miss Zhao is exceptionally beautiful and graceful; judging by her appearance, she must also possess some skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. I have heard that in the Qinhuai area, a woman like her, if sold, would be worth at least four to five hundred taels of silver. Compared to extorting a small amount of silver from her, wouldn't Brother Xu earn much more? It's truly brilliant; I had not thought of this before."

A pair of deep-set eyes resembles a lit powder keg, exuding a fierce aura of menace

Consider this: how could an inconspicuous piece of cursive writing possibly be regarded as a treasure by someone of the status of Lord Wang? It seems that this rumor may not be entirely baseless, and it indeed possesses a degree of credibility

Looking at the desolate wall, the people felt a chill of fear, and thus did not dare to be negligent. They acted separately, rushing away like the wind.

At noon, Xu Chang returned home and saw Xu Qian looking very cheerful. In a tone of exasperation, he said, "You fool, it's not like a beautiful wife just fell from the sky. What are you so happy about?"

The three of them went to the hall to enjoy some pastries. Deng Jian was filled with suspicion, feeling that the Xu father and son were truly strange. If it were him, he would definitely extort a large sum of money from Miss Zhao. What use is a servant? Can a servant be eaten?

Upon the release of the news, the audience was in an uproar

Upon the call of the eunuch, several servants stumbled in from outside, hurriedly bowing and saying: "What orders do you have, my lord..."

He was puzzled for a long time, but after eating a pancake, his eyes suddenly lit up, and he felt he had grasped something. He slammed the table and exclaimed, "I understand now, I finally understand, it's wonderful, beyond words."

... ...

Bang

Led by the head of the Inner Court, Wang Qin, everyone bowed to Master Wang, saying: "We have seen Master Wang"

Xu Qian smiled mysteriously and said, "You will know soon."

Xu Chang laughed heartily and then said, "I brought some pastries; let us make do with them to fill our stomachs at noon."

Xu Qian gave a cold smile: "In any case, I won't take responsibility. Soon you will go out to the street, and I want the entire Qiantang to know one piece of news. This concerns a significant matter for Lord Wang. If you delay, you will not be able to bear the consequences later."

Before long, important figures from the residence gathered here, including the managers from both the inner and outer courts, the account clerks, the treasurer of the residence, as well as several advisors and honored guests, totaling more than a dozen individuals. They also noticed the empty walls, and someone seemed to sense something amiss

Upon hearing the words "Wang Gonggong," Deng Jian immediately stood in respect and said: "Brother Xu, what do you mean by that? Serving Wang Gonggong, I would not only accept rumors, but even if it were to involve the imperial concubines, I would still accept it with a heavy heart. You tell me, what rumors are being spread?"

Deng Jian interjected, saying: "Actually, it's no different from having a wife fall from the sky." He then enthusiastically recounted the story of Miss Zhao.

That pampered, fair face suddenly contorted into a grimace

"Well said, well said." Xu Changru, having encountered a kindred spirit, finally had a slightly better impression of Deng Jian.

Xu Chang and Xu Qian looked at him as if he were a madman. Xu Qian held in his hand half of a pancake that had been bitten into a crescent shape and asked, "What do you understand?"

In just eight short words, like a death warrant, everyone's heart rose to their throats. Zhang Qin, the person in charge of the inner courtyard, was covered in blood and said in fear and trepidation: "Your Excellency, please calm your anger..."

The eunuch Wang slightly nodded, and his anger seemed to dissipate somewhat along with the - picture - book. He sat back in his chair, his eyelids slightly lowered, appearing to doze off, and he no longer spoke a word

"Indeed, Brother Deng, I will trouble you to go out shortly and convey a message. Are you adept at dealing with rumors?" Xu Qian, unable to tolerate Deng Jian's flattery, shifted the topic.

Folklore is often like this: the more absurd it is, the more vividly it is spread. The disseminators, with good intentions, insist on embellishing these unfounded rumors, compelling others to believe in them.

Zhang Qin increasingly felt it was possible, and Jiang Kun from the accounts department quickly added: "Yes, I have also heard this rumor. It must be that someone, having listened to these slanders, has been blinded by greed and committed such an outrageous act."

In just one day, a shocking rumor suddenly emerged in Qiantang County, claiming that there exists a piece of cursive calligraphy guarded by the eunuchs at the Imperial Palace. It is said to involve a treasure, as Eunuch Wang has secretly accumulated a considerable amount of private wealth over the years. This silver and money cannot be taken back to the palace, so it has been quietly hidden away. The piece of cursive calligraphy, which Eunuch Wang treasures dearly, is said to be the key to uncovering the treasure. Whoever obtains this calligraphy will become immensely wealthy.

"Yes, yes, conduct a thorough investigation!" Zhang Qin took the opportunity to wipe her forehead, where blood and seeping cold sweat mixed together, staining his sleeve a deep red

The atmosphere was tense, and people discovered that a calligraphy scroll that had been prominently displayed in the flower hall had mysteriously vanished

Zhang Qin, the head of the inner court, who knelt at the front, was struck on the forehead by a shard of porcelain, leaving his forehead a bloody mess. However, he still dared not move, neither did he dare to cry out in pain, nor even to breathe heavily. He did not even dare to rise and wipe the wound, but merely clenched his teeth, his face pale with anger, silently enduring the pain.

The eunuch Wang coldly sneered, "Why has a perfectly good piece of calligraphy vanished overnight?"