Chapter Eighteen: Feng’s Betrayal

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In no time, the afternoon had slipped away. Feng Yuan’s paid reading initiative was a resounding success—after the first group of more than four hundred students finished, they were left wanting more. They spread the word everywhere, inadvertently becoming his enthusiastic promoters. Many who hadn’t yet read it became eager to see what the excitement was about. As each new group finished and discussed the book, those who hadn’t yet read it were drawn in by the commotion. Thus, over the course of the afternoon, nearly fifteen hundred people passed through the school to read, unable to tear themselves away.

By dusk, the income had already reached five thousand copper coins—equal to five taels of silver. Feng Yuan divided fifteen hundred coins to Master He, as agreed, which was thirty percent. He also gave two parts, a thousand coins, to Fat Zhang. Though Fat Zhang was a bit slow, he was sharp when it came to money, and besides, he was well-informed and nosy—a useful ally in the future. Naturally, Feng Yuan had no intention of slighting him.

Both men were delighted with their share, grinning so wide their teeth showed.

As night approached, Feng Yuan and Fat Zhang bid farewell to Master He, ready to head home, but Master He stopped them.

“Feng Yuan, Zhang Zhen, stay here tonight. I’ve asked my wife to prepare a simple meal. Let’s have a good talk, the three of us as master and disciples!” Master He beamed at them, his little old face alight with joy. With money in hand and knowing Feng Yuan was a veritable money tree, he was naturally eager to strengthen their ties.

“Master, that’s not proper. We’re your students—if anyone should be inviting, it should be us. How can we let you treat us? That would turn tradition on its head. Here’s what I propose: in a few days, I’ll arrange a table and invite you, to thank you for your guidance. How does that sound?”

Master He was even more pleased to hear Feng Yuan speak so graciously. “Very well, if you say so, then so be it!”

“Thank you, Master. In that case, your students will take their leave now.” Feng Yuan bowed respectfully, and Fat Zhang hurried to do the same. The two then departed together.

“A teachable child, a teachable child, indeed! Hahaha!”

Master He watched them go, stroking his little mustache as he laughed heartily. He fished the copper coins from his pocket and fondly caressed them before chuckling and heading to the back courtyard.

...

“Feng Yuan, I don’t understand. You gave me a share, which I deserve—after all, I, Fat Zhang, am uniquely talented. But why give Master He so much? He didn’t really do anything to help.”

Feng Yuan rolled his eyes at Fat Zhang. “Where do you get the nerve to praise yourself with such words? Are you planning to rewrite the very definition of those terms?”

“Heh, I admit I might be exaggerating a little—it’s artistic license! But really, Master He only provided a room. Those places rent for a hundred coins a month everywhere. Why let him profit?”

“You’re still young—you’ll understand in time.”

Feng Yuan smiled mysteriously at Fat Zhang, then strode toward home.

“Hey, Feng Yuan, just say it! Don’t keep me guessing—I’m not good with suspense, it’ll give me a heart attack!” Fat Zhang shouted, hurrying after him.

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They soon reached Feng Yuan’s door. The sky was already growing dark. As Feng Yuan was about to step inside, he saw three people approaching from the street. Looking closely, weren’t these Feng Fugui and his two cronies?

Feng Yuan’s heart sank. Why were these three here? Could it be the kidney tonic recipe didn’t work and they’d come looking for trouble? That would be bad—he’d better slip away.

But just then, Feng Fugui spotted him. He hurried over, face lit up with glee, and called out, “Brother Feng, I’ve finally found you!”

In a flash, Feng Fugui was standing before him, clearly in high spirits. Feng Yuan relaxed—at least they didn’t seem to be here for trouble.

He forced a smile. “Well, if it isn’t Brother Fugui! What brings you here today? Forgive me for not welcoming you sooner.”

“Ah, don’t say that, Brother! You’re my benefactor—I can’t thank you enough. How could I possibly blame you?” Feng Fugui replied, full of politeness.

“Judging by your expression, did the recipe actually work?” Feng Yuan asked.

Feng Fugui nodded, beckoning Feng Yuan closer. In a low voice, he said, “Heh, Brother, you were right. That medicine of yours is potent! After just one dose, I was full of vigor. Last night at the Drunken Fragrance Pavilion, I was the star of the show, haha!”

“I’m glad to hear it, Brother Fugui!”

“Brother Feng, you’ve done me a great service. From now on, I’ll make sure you enjoy the good life. I’m here tonight to keep my promise—let’s go to the Drunken Fragrance Pavilion and have some fun! What do you say?”

Feng Yuan readily agreed—he’d long been curious about the nightlife of this era and wanted to experience it firsthand. But he didn’t accept right away.

Instead, he remembered the matter of the painting in the second courtyard. He’d meant to burn it today, but had forgotten. That painting gave off an evil aura, and Feng Yuan had a bad premonition—if he destroyed it himself, he might invite disaster. Since Feng Fugui was here, why not use him to test the waters? After all, Feng Fugui had done plenty of bad deeds—if he suffered, he’d deserve it.

So Feng Yuan put on a troubled face. “Thank you for looking after me, Brother. I’m deeply grateful. But right now, I’m in a bit of a predicament.”

“A predicament? Who dares trouble my brother? I’ll teach them a lesson!” Feng Fugui fumed.

“It’s not that someone’s bullying me. It’s just… something happened at home, and it’s been weighing on my mind. I wonder if you could help me.”

“What is it? Just say the word—I’ll definitely help you!” Feng Fugui declared with a grand gesture.

“If you’re willing, Brother, I’ll speak frankly. I rented a house, and last night I was frightened by a painting inside. I couldn’t sleep and have been anxious ever since, too afraid to even go home. I heard that if I burn the painting, the problem will be solved, but I’m too timid after what happened. Would you help me?”

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“Oh, that’s nothing! Take me there—I’ll handle it for you!” Feng Fugui pounded his chest confidently.

“Thank you, Brother! My house is right here, please come in.”

Feng Yuan led the way, a sly grin tugging at his lips, as he brought Feng Fugui and his companions into the house. Fat Zhang followed, looking baffled.

“You’re back, young master!” As they entered, Hu Xiao appeared from inside, holding a cloth, evidently in the middle of cleaning.

“Get some tea ready—we have guests tonight,” Feng Yuan instructed.

“Yes, young master,” Hu Xiao replied, nodding and going to prepare.

Feng Fugui stared after Hu Xiao, lust evident on his face. Only when she disappeared inside did he tear his gaze away and leer at Feng Yuan. “Brother Feng, you’re a lucky man, having such a pretty maid at home!”

“Don’t tease me, Brother Fugui. She’s just a servant—nothing like the beauties at your side.”

“Oh, you say that, but this little maid, though plainly dressed, is quite the beauty—so fresh and lovely. Judging by her walk, I’d wager she’s still untouched. Brother, if you don’t mind, why not sell her to me? I’ll give you five taels of silver!”

Naturally, Feng Yuan would never let Hu Xiao fall into Feng Fugui’s hands. But instead of refusing outright and risking offense, he smiled and replied, “Let’s deal with the painting first. We can discuss other matters afterward.”

“Fine, lead the way!”

“This way, please, Brother Fugui.”

Feng Yuan pointed toward the second courtyard at the back, stepping aside so Feng Fugui and his men would go ahead.

“What are you doing?” Fat Zhang tugged at Feng Yuan’s sleeve, curious.

“It’s nothing,” Feng Yuan replied, following behind. Fat Zhang hurried to catch up.

Just then, Hu Xiao emerged from the house, carrying a lantern and trailing after them, as darkness settled in...