Chapter Nineteen: Vengeance Achieved, Royal Rewards Bestowed!

Sticky phlegm slid gently down the hem of the garment, yet lingered stubbornly, neither falling nor letting go, hanging by a thread.

No one could fathom how young Zhou Qing managed to spit out such viscous phlegm—perhaps he was overheated these past few days.

After spitting, Zhou Qing reached out his pudgy little hand.

Du Zitong, already taken aback, had no idea what was happening. He glanced at the nauseating phlegm clinging to his hem, then at Zhou Qing’s innocent, wide-eyed face and outstretched hand.

He was puzzled. The Qin residence was a noble household, strict in etiquette. As the eldest grandson of the Qin family, how could Zhou Qing act so uncouthly?

What did he mean by reaching out?

No matter how Du Zitong racked his brains, he could not make sense of it.

“Pah…”

Seeing no coins given, Zhou Qing spat again.

Du Zitong’s face darkened instantly, but the boy was a child, and more importantly, the eldest grandson of the Zhou family—a confrontation would be unwise.

Though Du Zitong held the rank of Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Rites, equal to Zhou Xinyi, he lacked a hereditary title. Compared to Zhou Xinyi, a nobleman by birthright, he was outmatched.

That was why he sat alone, avoiding conversation with Zhou Xinyi and the other nobles. A crowd of noblemen—what business did he have with them?

Thus, even after Zhou Qing spat on him, Du Zitong could only endure his displeasure.

For such a trivial matter, it was unwise to offend the Zhou family.

But he could no longer remain here; everyone present was of high standing, and to converse with phlegm clinging to his clothes would surely disgust others.

Moreover, Du Zitong was a man of decorum; even if no one noticed, he could not walk around with phlegm hanging from his attire.

With this in mind, Du Zitong stood to leave.

Seeing this, Zhou Qing’s face was full of unhappiness.

“Assistant Minister Du, the banquet has not yet begun. Why are you leaving?” Zhou Yuanshan hurried after him to ask.

Your son chased me away… Du Zitong clasped his hands, forcing a smile: “I suddenly recalled urgent matters at home yet unaddressed. I must leave first—please forgive me.”

“Very well.” Zhou Yuanshan sighed, making no effort to detain him, and replied with a respectful gesture, “Since that is so, urgent matters must be handled. In a few days, I shall personally host a gathering and invite you, Assistant Minister Du.”

“That would be splendid.”

After a few polite exchanges, Du Zitong departed. Zhou Yuanshan truly believed he had pressing affairs at home and thought no more of it, turning back to chat with some noble youths.

“The Jiang family sent Jiang Tao? With his temperament, such an occasion must be torture for him.”

“Watching him fuss and fuss is rather amusing.”

“Haha… In that case, Brother Liu, why not invite him to your home for drinks in a few days?”

“I’d rather not—why invite trouble?”

“Haha…”

At this moment, their conversation was not about Han Fu, but about the youth seated nearby, meticulously wiping down his chair with a handkerchief.

That youth was named Jiang Tao, the legitimate eldest grandson of the Jiang family patriarch, of extraordinary status.

What was the Jiang family? One of the great clan houses of the Xu dynasty, their enterprises spanned the nation, and many family members held offices in court. Their foundation was so deep that even Emperor Xiaokang could not shake it.

Jiang Tao had never blended in with the noble sons since childhood—not for lack of social skills, but because the other nobles found befriending him exhausting, almost tormenting.

He had an eccentricity, a severe obsession with cleanliness. Everywhere he went, he found things filthy, and the handkerchiefs he carried were used up several times a day.

While they joked about him, Jiang Tao was wiping the chair he was about to sit on, cleaning from the backrest down to the legs touching the floor, leaving nothing unattended.

As he wiped, his face was full of distaste, prompting laughter from those watching.

Zhou Yuanshan chuckled as well, about to speak when a court official approached.

“Master Zhou, I have matters at home and must take my leave.” The man clasped his hands apologetically.

“Master Li, you also have urgent affairs?” Zhou Yuanshan was rather surprised.

“Yes.” Li Laiwen’s smile was odd as he said, “Regarding the Duke of Pei, please convey my apologies to him—I shall not disturb him further.”

“Very well.” Zhou Yuanshan had no choice but to agree, escorting him to the door.

“Master Zhou, I have urgent affairs at home—I must leave.”

No sooner had he entered than another person bid farewell with a respectful gesture.

Zhou Yuanshan was utterly baffled, sensing something was amiss.

One urgent matter was understandable, two could be accepted. But three in quick succession—it was obvious even to a fool that something else was at play.

“Master Zhou…”

Just as Zhou Yuanshan was about to inquire, four more approached together.

Their smiles were strained, almost pained, as they all apologized.

“We suddenly remembered—there are official duties left unfinished. Lest His Majesty hold us accountable, we must take our leave.”

“Yes, official business is pressing, Master Zhou. Please do not take offense. Regarding the Duke of Pei, kindly explain on our behalf.”

It turned out Zhou Qing had just walked up to the four and performed a series of four spits in succession.

Now, Zhou Yuanshan was certain this was no simple matter.

He frowned, puzzled, and asked, “Have my family's hospitality offended you gentlemen? If so, I offer my apologies.”

“No, no…”

“Haha… What are you saying, Master Zhou…”

The five waved their hands, laughing it off, refusing to explain.

The phlegm was still warm—spoken aloud, it would only sound petty to argue with a child and might lead to criticism of the Zhou household.

Older and wiser, none wished to stir trouble over such a minor offense.

Though being spat upon was hardly pleasant…

Afterward, the four glanced at the earlier guest.

Their eyes met—kindred spirits in misfortune.

“To be frank, Assistant Minister Du and Master Li left one after another, both claiming urgent affairs at home. Now, with you five…” Zhou Yuanshan voiced his suspicions.

So that’s it—the five realized. They had wondered why Du Zitong and Li Laiwen had suddenly left so abruptly.

If they didn’t leave, would they wander about with phlegm clinging to them, disgusting themselves and others?

“Master Zhou, don’t worry—I really do have business to attend.”

“Yes, so do we. As for what, hmm… official secrets, I’m afraid I cannot say.”

“Very well.” Zhou Yuanshan had no recourse, resignedly saying, “Let me escort you, gentlemen.”

“No need, no need…”

With some polite resistance, Zhou Yuanshan saw them out of the Zhou residence. Returning, he observed no more guests departing and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Yet his mind still pondered the true cause.

“Brother Zhou, look—your son is coming out.”

“Why is no one watching him?”

“The little fellow is truly adorable.”

“He’s headed to Jiang Tao.”

Back among the cluster of noble youths, Zhou Yuanshan followed their directions and saw Zhou Qing, who ought to be playing in the courtyard under the nursemaid’s care.

The nobles laughed and chatted as Zhou Qing toddled over on short legs, while Zhou Yuanshan grew suspicious.

Where was the nursemaid?

While he wondered, Zhou Qing approached Jiang Tao.

Jiang Tao was still meticulously wiping down the table and chairs. Sensing a small figure before him, he looked up with curiosity.

Zhou Qing: “Pah…”

Crouching, his spit landed right on Jiang Tao’s collar.

Zhou Qing reached out his hand.

Jiang Tao was stunned, then began trembling all over, ever more violently.

The nobles who had been laughing fell silent, their expressions odd.

Zhou Yuanshan realized trouble was brewing and rushed forward.

The next moment, Jiang Tao’s cries echoed through the Zhou residence.

“Ah… I’m no longer clean…”