Chapter Ten: Bad Luck

Xiang Yang was speaking with Fu Da Chun on the stone steps when he heard hurried footsteps coming from within the Zhou family's main gate. It was clear that many people were approaching, and they seemed quite anxious.

With a creak, the main gate opened, and a group of people emerged. The one in front should be Zhou Fugui, a prominent tea merchant in the county town. He was wealthy and had a plump, prosperous appearance. He wore a loose-fitting, light yellow brocade robe.

Looking at his face, though it was broad and his features were squeezed together, he appeared very haggard. His eyes were rimmed with dark circles, suggesting he hadn't slept well for many days.

Behind Zhou Fugui walked a thin, middle-aged man dressed as a steward, followed by four burly household servants. They were dressed better than Xiang Yang and looked quite dapper, truly showing how even the pigs and dogs of a rich family were superior.

"Young man, did Magistrate Li send you to my Zhou family? Have you found a way to save my daughter?"

Zhou Fugui reached out to grab Xiang Yang's hand as he approached. However, upon seeing the Wild Goose Feather Saber in Xiang Yang's left hand, he awkwardly stopped his movement. Despite this, his face remained anxious, indicating how much he doted on his daughter.

Xiang Yang shook his head. His phoenix eyes swept over the steward and servants behind Zhou Fugui. He pulled out his constable's waist token from his bosom and flashed it before Zhou Fugui's eyes, letting him know he wasn't being deceived and was indeed from the yamen.

"Master Zhou, I've come to visit in a private capacity, not as Magistrate Li's appointee. However, I might be able to help you with your urgent problem. May I discuss it further inside your mansion?"

Hearing that Xiang Yang wasn't sent by Magistrate Li, a flicker of disappointment crossed Zhou Fugui's eyes. But seeing the waist token, he didn't dare show it and quickly nodded. "Please come in, young man. Zhou Fu, quickly have the servants prepare tea and have the kitchen prepare some pastries. I need to entertain our guest."

He then led Xiang Yang inside. Fu Da Chun followed behind Xiang Yang, looking up at him with admiration. Zhou Fugui was a major merchant in the county town, and his usual associates were powerful figures from both the legitimate and underworld. He carried a certain presence. Fu Da Chun, upon meeting such an important figure, would likely struggle to speak coherently.

However, Xiang Yang conducted himself with neither subservience nor arrogance, even maintaining a position of initiative. He didn't seem like a fifteen-year-old boy at all, but rather like a seasoned martial arts master.

Entering the Zhou Mansion and stepping onto the clean, green stone bricks, Fu Da Chun surveyed the surroundings, occasionally showing expressions of surprise and envy. His own family was considered well-off, but they couldn't compare to the Zhou family. Just looking at the courtyard's layout and facilities revealed their extravagance. They were truly wealthy.

Xiang Yang, however, looked straight ahead. No matter how much money one had or how nice their home was, after death, it all turned to dust. Moreover, he had seen many modern luxury homes online before; those were truly magnificent and offered unparalleled comfort. The Zhou family's wealth didn't impress him.

Zhou Fugui led the way to Xiang Yang's left, secretly observing him. From their first meeting, he knew Xiang Yang's family background was not good. His clothes were coarse, and one of his boots was worn down. The only striking feature was the long saber in his hand, which was clearly no mere prop. Now, seeing Xiang Yang unmoved by the grandeur of his mansion, he thought even more highly of him and harbored greater expectations.

They entered the main hall, located north of the central courtyard of the Zhou family residence. Zhou Fugui invited Xiang Yang to sit on a rosewood chair to his left. After having servants pour tea and serve refreshments, he dismissed the rest of the household staff, leaving only the steward Zhou Fu and two sturdy servants guarding the entrance.

"May I ask your name, young sir? I know about seventy to eighty percent of the constables in Anyuan County, but I've never seen you before."

Zhou Fugui picked up the steaming teacup on the table and asked, swirling it. His words were not baseless. It would be foolish for anyone doing business in Anyuan County not to interact with officials. For him to have built such a large enterprise, he needed the protection of the government, or he would have been swallowed up long ago.

Placing the Wild Goose Feather Saber on the tall, square black table to his left, Xiang Yang cupped his hands towards Zhou Fugui and said, "My name is Xiang Yang. I was recently promoted by Li Da Ren. My father, Xiang Da Niu, is an old constable in the prefectural yamen."

Upon hearing Xiang Da Niu's name, Zhou Fugui showed a look of respect and admiration. "So you are the descendant of Hero Xiang. Hero Xiang fought against overwhelming odds and still slew two bandits. He is the pride of Anyuan. Now that you have also become a constable, a father's legacy truly lives on in his son.

Alas, speaking of which, I have had dealings with your father a few times in the past. If I hadn't been tied up with important matters these past few days, I would have paid my respects. But may I ask what brings you to my Zhou family today, young Xiang?"

Zhou Fugui had indeed met Xiang Da Niu before, but he generally didn't pay much attention to him—just a constable from humble origins.

However, this time, with his beloved daughter abducted by the Black Wind Mountain Stronghold, although Xiang Da Niu hadn't rescued his daughter, he had killed two mountain bandits, which had at least vented some of Zhou Fugui's anger. This made him view Xiang Da Niu in a much better light.

Xiang Yang cupped his hands again, thanking Zhou Fugui for his praise. His expression turned serious, and he looked directly at Zhou Fugui. "Master Zhou, let's be frank. I won't beat around the bush. Your esteemed daughter was abducted by the Black Wind Mountain Stronghold some days ago and has not yet returned. I would like to ask you to detail the rescue efforts you've undertaken since then. If you don't mind, I am also willing to lend a hand."

Zhou Fugui was not surprised. The abduction of his daughter had become widely known these past few days, and it was impossible to conceal. Furthermore, Xiang Yang's father had been killed by the bandits of the Black Wind Mountain Stronghold. He understood that Xiang Yang might want to leverage his knowledge of the stronghold to avenge his father, which was understandable.

"Since young Xiang is so forthright, I won't hide anything. After my daughter was taken to the mountain by those damned scoundrels from the Black Wind Mountain Stronghold, I offered a hefty reward to recruit experts to storm the stronghold and rescue my daughter. Unfortunately, none of the renowned strongmen in the county were willing to step forward."

He paused, took a sip of tea, and said with some dejection, "Actually, I had anticipated this. The Black Wind Mountain Stronghold is not an easy force to deal with. I simply couldn't stomach it.

Later, I tried to find connections to pay a ransom for my daughter's return, but still, no one dared to take on the task. I've scoured the entire county during this period, but unfortunately, I've achieved nothing."

Xiang Yang narrowed his eyes and asked, "Li Jin Hai, Old Hero Qian, and the two leaders of the Giant Bear Gang—these are all renowned for their courage, reputation, and formidable skills. Even they wouldn't dare? Did they give a reason?"

Zhou Fugui sighed upon hearing Xiang Yang's question. "Don't mention it. Li Jin Hai left the village half a month ago to visit friends in another county. Old Hero Qian is advanced in age and has been suffering from illness recently, making it impossible for him to leave his home. As for Xiong Da and Xiong Er, I have no prior dealings with them, and they are not short of money, so they simply ignored me.

As for the others, either their reputation isn't enough to command respect, or their skills are insufficient, lacking the ability to even ascend the mountain."

Xiang Yang's brow relaxed. So that's how it was. Zhou Fugui was truly unlucky. If he had managed to get these strongmen to act right after his daughter was abducted, perhaps she could have been returned safely. But now, the ones who could help him were either away, sick, or simply ignored him. By now, Zhou Fugui's daughter was likely no longer a maiden.

Fu Da Chun also realized this and looked at Zhou Fugui with sympathy. It was as if Zhou Fugui couldn't catch a break, like drinking cold water and getting stuck in his teeth.