The carriage galloped all the way towards the Zhang Mansion.
As soon as it stopped, the Zhang family's gatekeeper stepped forward. Seeing that she was a stranger but the carriage bore the emblem of the Marquis Mansion, he immediately realized that this was the young lady from the Marquis Mansion.
He quickly said, "Greetings, Miss Fu. Our young lady is in the courtyard at the moment. I'll have a maid lead you in."
Perhaps Zhang Lan had informed her family in advance, for the gatekeeper wasn't surprised to see her and let her in right away.
Fu Zhen thanked him, saying, "I came in a hurry today without a visiting card. Please forgive me."
The gatekeeper smiled and said, "Our young lady said that as long as you or Miss Jin come, there's no need for a visiting card. Just have a maid lead you to her courtyard."
"Thank you then."
As she was preoccupied, Fu Zhen didn't take a close look at the furnishings in the Zhang Mansion. She only thought that large families were all alike, but the Zhang Mansion had an added touch of freshness and elegance.
Zhang Lan was painting in the courtyard. Seeing her, she quickly put down her brush and greeted her with surprise. "Zhenzhen? It just cleared up today, and the roads are still a bit damp. I was going to visit you in a few days."
Fu Zhen took her hand and smiled. "We must have a telepathic connection."
Zhang Lan led her into the room and sat down. She called someone to make scented tea. Seeing that although Fu Zhen was smiling, there was a hint of worry between her brows and she seemed absent - minded, she asked considerately, "You came in such a hurry today. Is there something wrong?"
"Sister has noticed," Fu Zhen forced a smile. "I'm here today because I'd like to ask sister to find out if there's any news about the bandit - suppression operation in Taiyue Mountain."
"Don't laugh at me, sister. Uncle and cousin have been away for a few days. Aunt and I have been worried for several days. Last night, aunt was so anxious that she couldn't sleep. She didn't fall asleep until this morning when she was exhausted. I'm really worried, so I had to come and ask sister for help."
Zhang Lan quickly comforted her. "Don't worry, sister. I understand your intention." She thought for a moment. "It's almost time for father and brother to come back from court. Why don't you go to the main courtyard with me? If there's any news, they won't dare to hide it from you."
The Zhang family were all well - educated and adhered to rules. They usually didn't discuss court affairs with the women in the inner courtyard, not even their own daughters. Zhang Lan was afraid that if she asked alone, they would keep their mouths shut. But if she brought Fu Zhen along, they might be more willing to talk.
"That would be great. Thank you, sister," Fu Zhen said gratefully. "I'll always remember your kindness, sister. If you ever encounter any trouble in the future, please let me know. Although I'm not as intelligent as you, I've read some books. I just hope I can help you."
Zhang Lan covered her mouth and laughed. "No wonder Xianghuan said you're simple - minded. It's just a small favor. Why take it so seriously?"
Since Fu Zhen realized that in her past life she had done many stupid things and let down many kind - hearted people, she had always felt remorseful. She secretly told herself that in this life she must change her personality and never hurt those who were kind to her again.
Actions speak louder than words. Fu Zhen lowered her eyes and said no more, just sipping her tea quietly.
After a while, a young maid came to report. "Miss, the master and the young master are back from court. They're drinking tea in the main courtyard now."
"Okay, I see," Zhang Lan turned to look at Fu Zhen. "Let's go."
Zhang Lan's father had a beard. In his late thirties, he looked serious and old - fashioned. He was sitting upright in the main seat, drinking tea while asking the maid beside him, "I heard someone came to see Lan'er today?"
The maid bowed and replied, "It's the young lady from the Marquis Mansion, sir."
Zhang Cheng, who was sitting beside, thought for a moment and said, "I heard that although this young lady is from the countryside, she has good manners and some knowledge. Her reputation is quite good."
Master Zhang nodded. "Chen Xuan and his son are not easy to fool. This girl must be a good one. Don't worry. Lan'er has good taste."
Zhang Cheng showed a helpless expression. "When did I say anything bad about Lan'er? But Lan'er is getting harder to manage as she grows older. I'm just afraid that outsiders might lead her astray."
Master Zhang snorted. "You're so old - fashioned. I'm too lazy to talk to you."
Although Master Zhang looked serious and old - fashioned, he was actually kind - hearted. On the contrary, his son Zhang Cheng, although young, was too stubborn. When Zhang Lan wanted to do business outside, Master Zhang didn't say anything, but Zhang Cheng disagreed and opposed it at every turn, which made Zhang Lan angry with him for two months.
In the end, he couldn't persuade her, so he found a shop for her as an apology.
Master Zhang took a sip of tea and brought up another matter, shaking his head and sighing. "At first, I thought Chen Xuan's son had a good temper and was smart and motivated. I wanted to betroth him to Lan'er early on. But not only did he not want to, but Lan'er didn't either."
"Since Lan'er has her own mind, just let her be," Zhang Cheng joked. "Didn't father say so himself?"
Master Zhang glanced at him. "Lan'er takes after me. She has excellent taste. She must have her reasons for not wanting to marry into the Marquis Mansion. She's much better than you, fool. Look at the women in your backyard. They're always fighting with each other and bothering your mother from time to time! You're really something. You can't even control these women."
"Why are you talking about me?" Zhang Cheng was helpless. Not wanting his father to mention the affairs in his backyard, he abruptly changed the topic. "I wonder what the young lady from the Marquis Mansion wants with Lan'er."
Master Zhang stroked his beard and thought for a moment. "Chen Xuan and the others left the city gate and there's been no news so far. I guess she's here to ask about this."
Just then, Zhang Lan led Fu Zhen in. They bowed and said, "Father, elder brother, this is Fu Zhen, the young lady from the Marquis Mansion."
Fu Zhen sized them up discreetly and bowed to greet them. "Greetings, Uncle Zhang, Elder Brother Zhang."
Since she was on good terms with Zhang Lan, such an address wasn't impolite.
Master Zhang stroked his beard. "Sit down."
"Are you here to inquire about your uncle's news?"
Master Zhang knew that his serious face might scare this seemingly timid girl, so he tried his best to soften his expression.
The timid Fu Zhen pursed her lips and nodded. Not noticing his expression, she replied anxiously but politely, "Uncle Zhang guessed right. I'm here for this very matter. Uncle Zhang and Elder Brother Zhang are both officials in the court. You must have more information than we do. Have you received any news?"
Zhang Cheng couldn't help but find his father's actions funny. He covered his mouth to hide his smile and said seriously, "There's no news yet."
Fu Zhen's expression fell, and she couldn't help showing a disappointed look.
Master Zhang couldn't help glaring at Zhang Cheng and comforted her, "No news is good news in this case. Your uncle has been in battles for many years. A bunch of bandits are no match for him. Don't worry too much."
Fu Zhen wasn't willing to go back like this. After thinking for a while, she asked, "Uncle Zhang, can I know the specific situation of this matter?"