Chapter 7: Clouds in Motion

Ouyang Feng emerged from the inner quarters, his face still full of disbelief. He had thought he would have to endure his grandmother’s scolding, but what awaited him was something altogether different.

Let us turn back time a little. Ouyang Feng and Ouyang Fu had gone to the inner quarters to pay respects to the Old Madam. The Old Madam’s face was haggard—only a few days had passed, and yet the scenes of the old sending off the young had unfolded one after another, an agony no person of advanced years could bear. Since ancient times, untimely deaths have always been lamented, and the sorrow of the old burying the young is the greatest pain of all.

Now, the Old Madam was no longer the dignified matriarch she once was. The successive blows had left her frail and withered. Ouyang Feng was startled by her appearance, but dared not neglect the proper etiquette. He bowed respectfully, saying, “Grandson pays respects to Grandmother.”

For a long moment, there was no response. Ouyang Feng repeated, “Grandson pays respects to Grandmother.”

“Oh, oh, who is it?”

“It is your grandson, Ouyang Feng.”

“Oh, Feng’er, rise and come to Grandmother.”

“Yes, Grandmother.”

Ouyang Feng stood up and lowered his head, approaching her side. The Old Madam grasped his hand, and Ouyang Feng shuddered, raising his eyes to look at her. Her hair was now completely white, wrinkles creasing her brows, and her eyes, those wells of experience, were bloodshot—surely from sleepless nights and grief.

She spoke, “Feng’er, your father died a wrongful death, and now the Second Madam is gone as well. Though she was not your birth mother, she was your father’s wife. Now, both have departed, and this vast clan is left with only us, old and young, without support. You are now of age and must shoulder responsibility, seeking justice for your father and mother.”

Hearing these words, Ouyang Feng was at a loss for how to reply. Memories flooded him, grief overwhelming his heart, and tears streamed down his face.

The Old Madam sighed, “Ah, child, you have suffered. I too bear blame. Had I not been stubborn in those years, you would not have endured so much hardship. Though I later reflected, the mistakes were already made and could not be undone.”

At this, years of pent-up grievances burst forth in Ouyang Feng, unstoppable as a breached riverbank. The Old Madam, seeing Ouyang Feng, was reminded of her son, and for a moment, grandmother and grandson embraced in bitter tears.

Ouyang Fu, waiting by the side, knew it was not his place to speak, but patiently offered counsel, “Madam, what’s done is done. The most urgent matter is to take charge of the household and restore justice for the Master and Madam.”

The Old Madam, seasoned by years, knew that tears alone would not help. Someone must step up and oversee affairs. Now, age had left her powerless, but this eldest grandson, though she had once disfavored him, was still Ouyang blood—thicker than water. In these times, it was best to rely on family.

Thus, the Old Madam’s attitude changed drastically toward Ouyang Feng, her words now laced with concern. They say the elderly grow wise; she was no senile fool. Self-preservation is human nature, and in such a short time, she had made a decisive choice—her wisdom not to be underestimated.

She wiped her tears and said, “Afu, you have served Xun’er the longest, and your management of the household has been faultless. Now that Feng’er is to assume the role of head, you must assist him.”

Ouyang Fu knelt down, “Madam, the Ouyang family’s kindness is as heavy as a mountain. Even if it costs my life, I will help the Ouyang clan through these troubled times.”

The Old Madam nodded with relief, “Good, good. True feelings are revealed in adversity. With your help, Xun’er was blessed, and now Feng’er is as well. Feng’er, help Afu up.”

Ouyang Feng wiped away his tears and helped Ouyang Fu to his feet.

The Old Madam spoke earnestly, “Feng’er, the affairs of the household are complex. Consult Afu often. Now, your parents’ matters fall to you. You have suffered, child.”

Ouyang Feng nodded in assent.

The Old Madam gave a few more instructions before her exhaustion overcame her, and Ouyang Feng and Ouyang Fu withdrew from her courtyard.

This was why Ouyang Feng felt so astonished after leaving the Old Madam’s presence.

Straightening his appearance, Ouyang Feng asked, “Uncle Fu, what is happening? Why has Grandmother’s attitude changed so drastically toward me?”

Ouyang Fu replied, “Master Feng, those involved are often blinded, while outsiders see clearly. As I said before, in these turbulent times, though you were not favored by the Old Madam, you remain the legitimate eldest grandson of the Ouyang clan. When all is said and done, you are the most suitable.”

With those words, Ouyang Feng understood. Though the Old Madam’s authority was long established, he had always maintained proper decorum. No matter her dislike, his status remained unchanged. Had years passed, and Ouyang Yun and Ouyang Yu grown up with their parents still alive, he might have been sent away. But now, with internal and external crises, he was suddenly the suitable choice.

Though it seemed cold-hearted, the facts were undeniable. Reluctant though he was, what else could he do?

The Old Madam was no fool!

Ouyang Feng’s face regained its composure. He was always clever, merely blinded by the enigma before him. With the veil lifted, everything became clear.

He glanced at Ouyang Fu, then at the courtyard around him, thinking to himself, “Who would have thought that disaster in the Ouyang manor would bring me such benefit? Alas, words fail to describe it.”

The ways of the world are ever-changing, impossible to sum up in a few words.

…

Ouyang Feng and Ouyang Fu made their way through the courtyard to Ouyang Yun’s quarters.

Ouyang Yun was pale as paper, his body feverish. The physician had been summoned and was tending to him.

After half a stick of incense’s time, the physician rose and greeted Ouyang Feng and Ouyang Fu.

Ouyang Feng asked, “Doctor, how is my brother?”

The physician replied, “Young Master Yun’s body is weak with internal heat. Now, having suffered shock, a chill has invaded, resulting in fever. I will prescribe two remedies—the first to dispel the chill, then he will need careful nourishment. One point is crucial: he must avoid alcohol, or the medicine’s effect will be greatly diminished.”

Ouyang Feng listened, his face darkening with anger as he looked at the bedridden Ouyang Yun.

Ouyang Fu, seeing this, comforted him and quickly sent someone to pay the physician and collect the medicine for Yun’s treatment.

Once the physician departed, Ouyang Fu said, “Master Feng, do not be angry. Young Master Yun is still a child, prone to mischief.”

Ouyang Feng’s anger did not abate. “From childhood to now, Ah Yun has always been unruly. With such a calamity in our family, he dares to act even worse—truly unfilial.”

Perhaps his voice was too loud, for Ouyang Yun stirred on the bed, slowly waking.

Ouyang Yun looked bewildered at his surroundings, realizing he was in bed and feeling weak. Turning his head, he saw Ouyang Feng and Ouyang Fu, and tears immediately streamed down his face.

“Brother, Mother is gone, Xiao Yu is gone, I’m scared. Wuu…”

Hearing his brother cry, Ouyang Feng’s heart softened. Alas, he had lost his father, and now Ouyang Yun had lost his mother—a pitiable child.

Looking at Yun’s youthful face, Ouyang Feng sighed, “Ah Yun, don’t think too much. Once the medicine arrives, focus on getting well. We’ll talk after you recover.”

Ouyang Yun sobbed, and soon fell asleep, his face streaked with tears.

Ouyang Feng sat at the bedside, adjusting Yun’s covers, sighing, “Uncle Fu, why has disaster struck our Ouyang clan, leaving us in such a state?”

Ouyang Fu replied, “Master Feng, fate is unpredictable. Calamities cannot be altered. You must bear your grief and take care of yourself.”

Ouyang Feng said fiercely, “I will find those who harmed our Ouyang clan and bring them to justice, avenging my father and mother.”

Ouyang Fu, his face full of concern, was comforted by Ouyang Feng’s resolve.

From the bed, Ouyang Yun murmured, “Mother, don’t leave me. I won’t be naughty anymore. Father, I don’t dare anymore. Xiao Yu, Xiao Yu…”

Ouyang Feng looked at his brother and felt the weight in his heart. Indeed, at this moment, misfortunes piled upon misfortunes, each demanding urgent resolution—how could he face them all?

Ouyang Fu said, “Master Feng, perhaps you should rest. Let me watch over things here.”

Ouyang Feng shook his head, “My parents met with sudden tragedy, Xiao Yu is missing, and Ah Yun is ill. I cannot rest until Ah Yun is properly cared for.”

He said no more, personally tending to Ouyang Yun.

After a quarter of an hour, the servants returned with the medicine. When it was prepared, Ouyang Feng carefully fed Yun, and waited until he slept soundly. He instructed the maids to take extra care before leaving.

Ouyang Feng and Ouyang Fu returned to the central courtyard to attend to other matters.

…

Let us set aside this thread for now and turn to Chen Hong’s group.

Chen Hong was informed by the servants that the mutton soup shop was now deserted. He led two others to the shop, found the door closed but not locked, and entered directly to search. Finding nothing in the main room, they proceeded to the backyard.

They examined Boss Jin’s room, and apart from some personal belongings, nothing of note remained.

Then they came to Ah Feng’s quarters. Chen Hong looked around and found it neat and orderly.

The two searched the bed, discovering two bundles beneath. One contained a servant’s coarse clothing; the other, a set of night clothes.

Had Ah Feng been there, he would have been shocked, for the night clothes were not his.

Chen Hong examined the night clothes and found something inside—a jade ring.

His eyes brightened as he studied it. Inside the ring was an engraved character: “Xun.”

“You two, search more thoroughly. Don’t overlook anything.”

“Yes, sir.”

Chen Hong looked at the jade ring, his expression thoughtful, suspecting that the so-called Ah Feng was also an assassin.

Suddenly, there was a noise outside. Chen Hong signaled to the others to be cautious.

As someone approached, he shouted, “Seize him!”

To be continued.