Chapter 12: Convergence Of Interests
Rebirth: Grand Marshal's Wilful Fiancée-Chapter 12
After her Second Uncle departed, Jiang Feng jia carefully observed the growing crowd around them. The morning sun cast long shadows across the cobblestone street as curious onlookers gathered, their whispers growing like rustling leaves in a strengthening wind.
What Tao Feng had revealed to Jiang Feng jia's Second Uncle was indeed a calculated move. Their procession had deliberately wound through the busiest streets of Tan yang, drawing attention from merchants, craftsmen, and idle nobles alike. Tao Feng's bold declaration about Ling Yuanling's alleged fornication with Ling Yin's concubine would spread through the city faster than wildfire in dry grass. By nightfall, there wouldn't be a household in Tan yang unaware of the scandal.
Jiang Feng jia walked closer to Tao Feng, studying the magistrate's impassive face. Despite her youth, Jiang Feng jia had quickly learned that in these matters, official procedure could be a powerful weapon when wielded correctly.
"Your honor," Jiang Feng jia said in a measured tone, just loud enough for Tao Feng to hear but not so loud as to alert others, "according to common practice, this kind of case should be heard in open court, should it not?"
Tao Feng turned slightly, meeting Jiang Feng jia's gaze. Something flickered in the magistrate's eyes, a cunning assessment that seemed to penetrate beyond Jiang Feng jia's composed exterior. The way Tao Feng regarded her had changed subtly, carrying layers of meaning that hadn't been there before.
"Yes," Tao Feng replied after a calculated pause. "It can serve as a warning to others not to commit such... indiscretions." His lips curved into the barest hint of a smile.
This simple exchange confirmed what Jiang Feng jia had suspected, Tao Feng understood perfectly what he was proposing. Before Zheng Wei could arrive to rescue Ling Yuanling, they needed to ensure that multiple barriers stood in his way. The court of public opinion would be their first battleground, making whatever came next considerably easier to accomplish.
Both of them recognized the strategy without needing to articulate it further. A silent agreement passed between them, and Jiang Feng jia felt a small measure of satisfaction. In the game of power, finding an ally, even a temporary one, was no small victory.
From her peripheral vision, Jiang Feng jia noticed Tao Yi watching her with undisguised interest. She deliberately avoided returning the gaze, instead focusing on the growing chorus of whispers around them. The crowd's reaction was unfolding exactly as she had anticipated.
"I simply cannot believe it," gasped an elderly woman to her companion, not bothering to lower her voice. "Miss Ling actually dared to fornicate with her own father's concubine! What has become of women's propriety these days?"
A merchant with a silk handkerchief dabbed at his forehead as he added, "Is it that dancer Master Ling recently acquired? I said from the beginning those folks are nothing but trouble. Not content with ensnaring the father, he's trying to eat from the other side as well!"
A burly man spat on the ground. "Pah! What a disgrace to the Academy's scholars,having such a shameless pupil!"
"The Ling Family has lost all honor," declared an elderly gentleman whose fine robes marked him as a retired official. "In my day, such a family would never recover their standing."
The whispers continued, growing in volume and viciousness as more people joined the procession. Several young miss pointed toward the group of cousins who had been arrested alongside Ling Yuanling.
"Those young misses look familiar, aren't they Ling Family cousins? What crimes have they committed?"
"Perhaps they were also caught with that troupe dancer," suggested a woman, her tone dripping with scandal,her mouth covered by her delicate handkerchief. "One man shared among all of them!"
An old tea merchant shook his head solemnly. "As the ancient saying goes, one cannot judge a man's heart by his face. They present themselves as respectable young Misses, yet behind closed doors, they engage in the most depraved acts!"
The murmurs swelled into a roar of condemnation. Jiang Feng jia watched with calculated detachment as public sentiment turned exactly as she had orchestrated. The crowd's judgment was swift and merciless—Ling Yuanling was guilty in their eyes before any official verdict had been rendered.
Suddenly, from somewhere in the throng, a projectile arced through the air. A stinking, rotten egg smashed against Ling Yuanling's back, its foul contents splattering across her once-immaculate flowing brocade dress. The putrid smell immediately wafted through the crowd, causing several people to cover their noses and step back.
Ling Yuanling, who had maintained a semblance of dignity until that moment, nearly collapsed from the combined assault on her senses and pride. The color drained from her face, transforming her normally elegant features into a mask of rage and terror. Her elegant composure shattered completely, revealing the ferocious desperation beneath.
With trembling shoulders, Ling Yuanling raised her bound hands to wipe away the filth. Her gaze locked onto Jiang Feng jia's back with an intensity that could have burned through stone. Her eyes blazed with a mixture of hatred, panic, and the dawning realization of her predicament.
Jiang Feng jia could feel that stare between her shoulder blades but did not turn. She had seen that look before, the moment when a man realizes he has lost control of his fate. Ling Yuanling finally understood that today would permanently stain her reputation. If convicted of adultery with her father's concubine, no amount of family connections or scholarly achievement could restore what she had lost.
"Clear the way!" Tao Feng commanded, his authoritative voice cutting through the chaos. "Disperse the onlookers! We must return to the yamen immediately!"
The yamen runners sprang into action, creating a path through the swelling crowd. They quickened their pace toward the state's yamen, but their attempted discretion had the opposite effect. The spectacle had become the day's entertainment, and curious citizens followed in their wake, eager to witness the downfall of a prominent family.
By the time they reached the yamen, its imposing gates were already surrounded by what seemed like half the population of Tan yang. News traveled quickly in a city where gossip was currency, and a scandal involving one of the most respected families was worth its weight in gold.
Before Tao Feng departed to change into his formal magistrate's robes, he exchanged a meaningful glance with Jiang Feng jia again. Though casual to any observer, the look contained volumes of unspoken understanding. Jiang Feng jia met his gaze steadily, acknowledging the silent message.
"Miss Jiang," Tao Feng said quietly, "don't let me down."
Jiang Feng jia's lips curved slightly at the corners as dhe replied with equal softness, "Your honor, please don't worry."
From this moment forward, Jiang Feng jia and Tao Feng were accomplices, their fates temporarily intertwined. Yet Jiang Feng jia harbored no illusions about their alliance. In Tao Feng's calculation, she remained unproven, a potentially useful tool, but not yet a respected equal. This was merely a convergence of interests, not a true partnership.
Jiang Feng jia understood the stakes perfectly. She must succeed brilliantly in the coming trial, not just to achieve her own ends but to earn Tao Feng's genuine respect. Only victory would transform her from a convenient ally into someone worthy of the magistrate's true regard.
As she watched Tao Feng disappear into the inner chambers, Jiang Feng jia's resolve hardened. Today would be more than a public humiliation for Ling Yuanling, it would be Jiang Feng jia's first step toward claiming her rightful place in this intricate dance of power.