Zhang Fang did not expect that these two officials would be so bold as to throw stones and loudly scold, “Where did these beasts come from? How dare you disturb this young master!”
Upon hearing Zhang Fang’s voice, the official who was about to strike froze in fear. Realizing the situation, he immediately released Lin Qiao Qiao and left with his companion.
Even though Zhang Fang was now a criminal, he had a father who was a statesman! They couldn’t afford to offend him!
Seeing that the two officials had fled, Lin Yue Rong hurriedly emerged from the bushes to help Lin Qiao Qiao to her feet and help her put on her clothes.
Lin Qiao Qiao clung to Lin Yue Rong, crying, feeling fortunate to have survived but overwhelmed with fear.
“I… I…” Lin Qiao Qiao suddenly realized that she wanted to follow Zhang Fang. She preferred to be with this young master rather than endure humiliation at the hands of the officials!
Even though she hadn’t been the one harmed, Lin Yue Rong was still deeply shaken. Taking a deep breath, she tried to maintain her composure. She thought that the two sisters could express their gratitude to Zhang Fang and seek his protection.
As Chapter 8 titled “The Debauched Son of the Prime Minister’s Family” unfolded, Zhang Fang initially hesitated to show himself and interact with the two girls. However, upon witnessing their humiliation, he felt pity for them and could only walk out from the bushes.
Under the moonlight, the young man stepped forward, striking a chord in the girls’ hearts.
Lin Qiao Qiao stared blankly at Zhang Fang, suddenly forgetting to cry.
Lin Yue Rong tensed up, her heart racing.
Zhang Fang directly stated, “I’ve seen through the Lin family’s intentions. As long as you both listen to me, I will naturally take care of you in the future.”
This blunt declaration startled the sisters, turning their faces pale.
“Alright, you can go back now!” After speaking, Zhang Fang quickened his pace and left them behind.
Watching his retreating figure, the sisters felt a sense of shame, as if their dignity had been stripped away. Unfortunately, this was the reality they could not escape.
Hao Zhuang kept a close eye out and noticed that a couple of young ladies from the Lin family were missing. Concerned about their interaction with Zhang Fang, he went out to find him. He bumped into the two officials from Mo Zhou who were hastily returning.
“Do you think they might have mixed together already? Otherwise, why would that young master Zhang react so angrily when we interrupted?”
“I didn’t expect the Lin family to still have a chance to cling to the leg of the prime minister’s son after being exiled! I really underestimated them! We should be more polite to the Lin family.”
“That’s true. After all, Prime Minister Zhang is still in court. Even if that young master Zhang has been exiled for now, he might be recalled to the capital one day to live a life of wealth and luxury. The Lin family might even benefit from it, soaring to success.”
Hao Zhuang, overhearing their conversation, inquired, “What’s going on?”
The two officials from Mo Zhou exchanged awkward glances as they explained, “We disturbed the young master’s business just now. I suggest you not go over now; the young master is busy!”
As they spoke, one of them winked and gave a lewd glance.
Upon hearing this, Hao Zhuang frowned. He had repeatedly warned Zhang Fang, yet this young master still couldn’t resist interactions with the Lin family.
Hesitating, Hao Zhuang pondered whether he should approach Zhang Fang. If Zhang Fang was truly involved… would his sudden appearance provoke Zhang Fang’s anger?
Just then, Zhang Fang returned.
“Hao brother, you came out to look for me?” Zhang Fang asked calmly, his clothes neatly arranged.
Hao Zhuang scrutinized Zhang Fang and quietly asked, “Have you had contact with those two Lin family felons?”
Zhang Fang nodded nonchalantly, recounting, “I was relieving myself just now when I heard shouting. I looked over and saw the two officials from Mo Zhou bullying the young girls from the Lin family. Such beasts!”
Hao Zhuang was astonished, unexpectedly realizing the situation had escalated. These kinds of incidents often happened when transporting exiled criminals, especially when female felons were involved; errant officials would seize opportunities to humiliate them. Women unable to bear such abuse often chose to end their lives, resulting in very few female criminals reaching the border alive.
Hao Zhuang and Shi Hou De were legitimate officials, so they had no such wicked thoughts. Though others sent to escort exiled criminals were also referred to as officials, they were essentially thugs. Young and strong men free from taxes could become laborers. These thugs were among the lowest class of ordinary people, and those with ill intentions loved to bully their prisoners. This was a known issue within the profession, yet no one enforced oversight.
Zhang Fang’s attitude made Hao Zhuang feel that this young man harbored a sense of justice. Sighing, he advised, “Young master, the journey is lengthy, and you’ll encounter more criminals along the way. Such things are inevitable, so it’s best not to meddle too much.”
Zhang Fang could scold the officials from Mo Zhou and offend a few of them; Hao Zhuang and Shi Hou De could protect him. However, if he angered a whole group of officials, they could not guarantee his safety.
“I understand.” Zhang Fang responded absently. This corrupt atmosphere disgusted him, and he was determined to step in if he encountered it again.
Since he was already a criminal, what more did Zhang Fang have to fear? Offending those thugs wouldn’t matter; they would just return to their original places after their duty. Nevertheless, if Zhang Fang intervened to help the mistreated criminals, he not only could help rectify the situation but also win the hearts of those criminals. Ultimately, those who would toil together at the border were these criminals, and Zhang Fang certainly needed to win their loyalty for his own benefit.
Hao Zhuang thought Zhang Fang absorbed his advice and returned with him to the temple.
Lin Zheng had been beaten and was huddled in a corner, holding his wounds. When he saw Zhang Fang return neatly dressed, he felt somewhat disappointed. Did that beating go to waste? Those two daughters were truly useless!
The two officials from Mo Zhou bowed their heads, not daring to look at Zhang Fang, fearful of being recognized as the ones who had just gone out to humiliate the Lin family’s female criminals.