Although Emperor Wen Xuan allowed Xiao Jue to bury Madame He Er, but Madame He Er was still a sinner and couldn't be made public.
On the day He Rufei and Xu Zhiheng were executed, Madame He Er was buried.
Madame He Er's grave was in a quiet forest on the Donghuang Mountain in the capital. There were pear trees everywhere. When spring came, the pear blossoms would bloom and the birds would roost. It should be a beautiful scene. She was like all the noble ladies in the capital. She followed her father at home and followed her husband after marriage. She was trapped in the eaves of the four corners of the house and couldn't decide her own fate.
Perhaps death, to her, was a kind of relief.
On the stone tablet, it was written: Therefore, the tomb of Dehui Yun.
Madame He Er's surname was Yun. Now that she had passed away, He Yan ordered people to carve this stone tablet. He thought that even if she died, Madame He Er wouldn't want to have any entanglements with the He family.
She squatted down in front of Madame He Er's grave and gently touched the words on the tablet. She whispered: "If there is an afterlife, mother, please don't be a woman. If you must be a woman …" She smiled: "Let me be the mother, and mother be the daughter."
The mother and daughter were not fated to be together in this life. They didn't even have a good conversation. And from today onwards, in this world, there was no one other than Xiao Jue who knew that she was He Yan.
Xiao Jue stood a few steps away. Madame He's identity was sensitive. Xiao Jue buried Madame He Er at this time. She was already spiteful by the imperial censors.
A woman's voice sounded behind him: "You …"
He Yan turned around and saw He Xinying in plain clothes.
He Xinying looked a lot more haggard. She used to be a beautiful girl, but now she was as thin as a skeleton. Her eyes were red and swollen, probably because she had been crying for a long time. When she saw He Yan and Xiao Jue's faces clearly, she was stunned and stood there uneasily. After a while, she said, "Military Governor Xiao, Miss He."
"Xu …" He Yan suddenly stopped. "Miss He." Xu Zhiheng was already dead. There was no Xu family, and there was no Eldest Madam Xu.
He Xinying's gaze fell on the tombstone in front of the grave. In an instant, his voice choked. "Is this my … mother?"
He Yan nodded slightly.
He Xinying took two or three steps forward and knelt down in front of the tomb with a 'plop'. He hugged the tombstone and refused to let go.
That day, an unfamiliar guard took her out of prison and sent her to the residence of Wei Xuanzhang, the curator of the Virtuous Prosperity Hall. Wei Xuanzhang stayed in the academy all year round, and only his wife and little granddaughter were at home. Madam Wei was very gentle with her and was very sympathetic to her experience. After He Xinying settled down in the Wei family, she gradually pieced together the whole story from the mouths of the servants.
It was no different from what she had imagined.
The incomprehensible things of the past had all been answered. Why was the masked 'Big Brother' always so cold to her, and why was the 'Big Brother' who took off the mask so patient and gentle to her? It was because the masked 'Big Brother' was actually the dead 'Big Sister'. She thought that the 'Big Sister' who was recuperating in the manor was actually the real 'Big Brother'.
No wonder her 'Big Sister' became blind not long after marrying into the Xu family. How could there be such a coincidence in the world? It was just man-made. After her 'Big Sister' passed away, her mother fell seriously ill and became depressed. It turned out that the truth was so terrifying and disgusting.
What about her?
Her 'Big Sister' had already died, her mother had also left, the He family was no longer around, and the Xu family was also scattered. She had been arranged by her biological father to marry Xu Zhiheng. It turned out that she was also a substitute for her 'Big Sister', a substitute for the He family and the Xu family. This marriage must not be broken.
Now that she was alone, where could she go? What could she do?
He Xinying hugged the tombstone and cried bitterly. She hoped that Madam He was still alive, at least she had someone to rely on. But now, she really had no one to rely on.
She suddenly thought of He Yan, who was alone in the Xu family back then. Was it the same? He was pushed into the abyss by his own family and had no comrades to rely on by his side? He couldn't see the ugly expressions on people's faces, nor could he guess their sinister intentions. He was so lonely and pitiful.
He Yan looked at her crying sadly and hesitated for a moment. Finally, he walked to He Xinying's side, bent down, and gently patted her back.
She knew the feeling of being homeless better than anyone else. She understood very well how He Xinying felt at this moment.
He Xinying cried for a long time before turning her head. He Yan handed her a handkerchief. She took it and said, "Thank you." Then she looked at the tombstone and said, "This inscription …"
It was as if it was carved in the name of a child for a mother …
"I ordered someone to carve it," Xiao Jue said lightly, "Your Big Sister and I were classmates, so I carved the inscription on her behalf."
He Xinying was stunned and whispered, "Thank you." She turned to look at the tombstone with a complicated expression. "She really … Even if she's not here anymore, she can still protect me at all times."
She and He Yan didn't actually spend much time together. Even if she vaguely guessed the truth at the time, she was more shocked than angry. But now, at a time when no one could help her, the warmth left behind by her elder sister's death was enough to make her feel a trace of comfort. Whether it was Wei Xuanzhang or Xiao Huaijin, it was because of He Yan that they protected her so much.
If only He Yan was still alive. He Xinying suddenly wanted to know what kind of person He Yan was.
The only few times she had interacted with He Yan was when she was wearing the mask. Later, when she returned to the fu, He Yan hurriedly got married. She didn't have the time and didn't have the opportunity to understand He Yan. He Xinying thought that He Yan must be a very good person to be able to make these people help her even after He Yan's death.
She shouldn't be as weak as he was. She shouldn't be able to find a way forward in despair.
"What do you plan to do in the future?" He Yan asked her.
He Xinying came back to her senses and shook her head. She said blankly, "I don't know."
She really didn't know how to move forward in the future.
"Don't worry," He Yan said softly, "You can think about it slowly. When you understand, you can do it."
He Xinying smiled bitterly, "Can I still have a future?"
A woman who was once the wife of a criminal, a woman whose family betrayed the country. Even if she was lucky enough to survive, what could she do? She also wanted to die with her family, but when it came to it, she couldn't muster up the courage.
"You can." The woman in front of her looked at her and said warmly, "You are the daughter of Second Madame He and General Feihong's sister. You can do what she can do."
He Xinying subconsciously raised her head and looked at He Yan.
This woman … She had seen her at Yu Hua Temple before, but at that time, she was attracted by Xiao Huaijin beside her and didn't look at her carefully. However, Second Madame He and He Yan had exchanged a few words. Speaking of which, Marquis Wu An in front of her was also fated to be with her elder sister. She also disguised herself as a man and entered the military camp. Her name was exactly the same. Perhaps because of this, God wanted to use her to redress the injustice of her elder sister.
He Xinying suddenly felt close to the woman in front of her, even though they had only met a few times.
He Yan pulled her up from the ground, "I know you are living in Teacher Wei's residence now. If you need help in the future, you can ask someone to tell me."
"You … why are you so good to me?" He Xinying couldn't help but ask.
He Yan smiled, "My fiancé was once your elder sister's classmate. It is reasonable for me to take care of you. Moreover, I only have a younger brother and no younger sister. In the future, you can treat me as your elder sister. Although I am not as powerful as General Feihong, "she said," I will take care of you for her. "
Inexplicably, He Xinying felt a sense of relief in her heart. It was as if she had finally found a small boat in a lonely and helpless sea.
"Thank you very much," she said.
"Let's go and burn incense for Second Madame He first." He Yan smiled.
After burning incense for Second Madame He and burning paper money, Xiao Jue and He Yan sent He Xinying back to Wei Xuanzhang's residence. Looking at He Xinying's back, He Yan sighed softly.
"What's wrong?" Xiao Jue asked her.
"I just feel a little sorry for her." He Yan turned around and walked home with Xiao Jue, "I remember that when she was in the He family, her temperament was very innocent and lively. He Yuanliang —" she refused to call him "father" — "always doted on her a lot. I used to be secretly jealous of her, but in the end, she was also treated as a sacrifice of the He family."
He Yan grew up alone and saw the coldness and ruthlessness of the He family early on. Therefore, it was not difficult for him to accept the day the truth was revealed. However, He Xinying had lived in a lie since she was young. The little girl who was pampered and raised would one day discover the ugly truth of the world. He thought that she would be especially devastated.
Xiao Jue comforted her, "She will come out of it."
As they walked, a passerby passed by and seemed to be talking about the execution in the city today. He Yan heard someone say, "When Xu Zhiheng was pushed onto the execution platform, he was so scared that he peed his pants. Hahaha, it was too funny!"
"He Rufei was even worse. 120 cuts. Just thinking about it makes me feel pain."
"Serves them right! Who told them to do such a disloyal and unjust thing? They are simply heartless and unscrupulous! It's just a pity for General Feihong. How many years has it been since the Great Wei produced such a talented general? Furthermore, she was a woman, yet she was killed by them. Your Majesty's actions can be considered as taking revenge for General Feihong. "
"This is called 'every wrong has its perpetrator and every debt has its debtor'. It's not that they won't take revenge, it's just not time yet."
He Yan listened to the discussions of the passersby and was momentarily stunned. She did not go to watch the execution. For her, it was enough that the guilty received their retribution. Watching the execution did not make her feel happy. Revenge was not the purpose of her life. People should learn to look forward. Only by looking forward would there be a future.
"Xiao Jue," He Yan said, "What do you plan to do about Prime Minister Xu's case?"
Xiao Jue's gaze paused. After a while, he said, "It's about time."
General Feihong's case, from the discovery of the truth to the execution of the guilty, happened very quickly. After all, He Rufei was guilty of the most heinous crimes. It was understandable that he was punished this way. However, Prime Minister Xu, who was left to be interrogated, made things a little awkward.
Xu Jingfu's disciples were all over the imperial court. Although they did not dare to say it directly, there were many people who ran around for him these days. Most of them used Xu Jingfu's contributions to Emperor Wenxuan's ascension to the throne. He also said that a few letters and He Rufei's confession couldn't convict Xu Jingfu, and that Xu Jingfu was framed.
But soon, General Fengyun, Xiao Huaijin, personally brought two people up from the throne room. They were the survivors of the Battle of Mingshui, a pair of brothers surnamed Luo. In front of all the civil and military officials, the Luo brothers told Emperor Wenxuan the truth of the Battle of Mingshui. It turned out that Xu Jingfu had secretly colluded with a spy in the Xiao family's army and deliberately sent the military map to the Southern Barbarians. The reason why Xiao Zhongwu was defeated in the Battle of Mingshui was not because of improper command. It was because Xu Jingfu's people had shot arrows in the back and wiped out the entire army.
When these words came out, the entire imperial court was shocked. Emperor Wenxuan flew into a rage in front of all the officials.
Everyone knew that Xiao Zhongwu was defeated in the Battle of Mingshui. The Xiao family was almost unable to recover from the setback. If not for Xiao Huaijin's determination to go all out and lead three thousand soldiers and horses into the Southern Barbarians, there would be no "General Fengyun" in Da Wei today.
After the Battle of Mingshui, the civil and military officials both openly and secretly criticized Xiao Zhongwu for being obstinate and self-opinionated. Among them, the one who criticized him the most was Xu Jingfu. Emperor Wenxuan also let the Xiao family sit on the bench for a long time. Now that the truth was out, it was really Xu Jingfu behind the scenes. On one hand, it made the old subordinates who used to follow Xiao Zhongwu bitterly disappointed. On the other hand, it made people feel that Emperor Wenxuan could not distinguish between loyalty and treachery, and was absurd and unreasonable.
Emperor Wenxuan was furious. He ordered the Supreme Court to thoroughly investigate the entire Xu family and reopen the old case of the Battle of Mingshui. He would not rest until the truth came to light.
This way, the original Xu party members were in danger. Their house was about to collapse. No one cared about whether Prime Minister Xu was Prime Minister Xu or not. They wanted nothing more than to cut off all their past ties with Xu Jingfu. At the same time, everyone was even more afraid of the legendary Jade-faced Governor. He had been lying low for so many years and had never given up on investigating this matter. Who knew if Xiao Huaijin had other evidence in his hands.
It was not easy to uproot an old tree that had been growing for many years. However, looking at Xiao Huaijin's momentum, it was clear that he wanted to settle accounts after the autumn and did not intend to let anyone off.
In the Crown Prince's residence, the Guang Yan restlessly paced back and forth in the hall.
The servants all knelt at the side, not daring to speak. These days, the Crown Prince's temper had become worse. A few days ago, he even hit the Crown Princess. Everyone knew who he was angry for. The Crown Prince and Prime Minister Xu had been friends for many years. Prime Minister Xu had always supported the Crown Prince. If Prime Minister Xu fell from power, it would be no different from cutting off one of his own arms. However, that old man was cunning. After so many years, it was not like he did not have any evidence. If he were to be dragged down as well … The Crown Prince clenched his fists, his expression becoming increasingly gloomy. The Guang Yan would definitely not let go of this opportunity!
When they were on the Heavenly Star Platform, the Guang Yan had added fuel to the fire in He Rufei's case. Now that both the He and Xu families had fallen, if the Xu family was next, then wouldn't the Crown Prince be next?
Wow, all of them had probably planned for this day to come a long time ago. If they were to succeed at this time, wouldn't all their efforts be for naught? However, Emperor Wenxuan was currently in a fit of anger. He could not speak up for Xu Jingfu at this juncture. Moreover, the evidence in the Mingshui case was conclusive. Right now, Xiao Huaijin was flushed with success. The Crown Prince could only avoid the sharp edge and did not dare to fight head-on.
Just as he was thinking, a maidservant came in from outside. She walked in front of him and softly said, "Is Your Highness worried about Prime Minister Xu?"
At this juncture, the only person who dared to speak to him was his favored maidservant, Ying Xiang.
The Guang Yan glanced at Ying Xiang. Today, he was not in the mood to flirt with the beauty. He only said, "That's right."
"If you ask this maidservant, isn't this a good thing?" Ying Xiang helped the Guang Yan sit down on the soft couch and gently massaged his shoulders. "Does Your Highness think that Prime Minister Xu's hands are too big? Now that Prime Minister Xu is in trouble, Your Highness should have fewer worries in the future."
"What do you know?" The Guang Yan said impatiently, "Xu Jingfu is this Crown Prince's person! If something happens to him, this Crown Prince will have to cut off one of my own arms. All my previous years of planning will be for naught! "
"Is Your Highness worried that after Prime Minister Xu is gone, there will be no one to replace him?" Ying Xiang said with a smile, "Doesn't Prime Minister Xu still have a son-in-law? Fourth Young Master Chu has been with Prime Minister Xu for so many years. If he can protect himself this time … it's not impossible for him to take over Prime Minister Xu's position. "
Chu Zilan? The Guang Yan was slightly startled.
He intended to rope in Chu Zilan. However, these days, one thing after another happened. He had forgotten about Chu Zilan. Now that he heard Ying Xiang's reminder, he suddenly remembered what Maningbu had said in his residence.
"With the same methods and connections, a young eagle is easier to train than an adult poisonous snake, isn't it?"
Chu Zilan was personally taught by Xu Jingfu. Compared to Xu Jingfu's viciousness, he looked more gentle and harmless. However, over the years, he had done many things for Xu Jingfu. No one would look down on him. Otherwise, he would really be a useless person. Why would Xu Jingfu marry the apple of his eye to Chu Zilan?
However … his gaze moved to the beautiful face of the servant in front of him. He suddenly reached out and grabbed Ying Xiang's wrist. He pulled her into his arms and asked, "Chu Zilan is Xu Jingfu's student. Once Xu Jingfu falls, Chu Zilan won't be able to escape. How do you know … that he will escape this disaster?"
"This servant was just speaking casually." Ying Xiang did not struggle. Her face still maintained a respectful smile. She nestled in his arms and softly said, "After all, this servant used to be this servant's master."
The Guang Yan stared at her for a while. He sneered and pinched Ying Xiang's chin, forcing her to look directly at him. "This prince hates betrayal the most. Ying Xiang, in the entire residence, you are this prince's most beloved servant. I hope that you know in your heart what you should do and what you shouldn't do. If this prince finds out that you have an affair with an outsider behind this prince's back … you have to know, "his smile looked a bit sinister," the number of women who have died in the crown prince's residence is not one more than you. "
Ying Xiang smiled sweetly and said, "Your Highness is scaring this servant again. This servant was born to be Your Highness's person and will die to be Your Highness's ghost. How could I have an affair with someone else? However, Your Highness, you must not forget the old because you have a new person. "
The beauty looked bright and moving. Her pair of eyes were obedient and there was nothing suspicious about it.
"As long as you are obedient," the Guang Yan touched her face with satisfaction, "this prince will always dote on you."
Ying Xiang smiled and lowered her head. On her slender wrist, there was an obvious bruise because of the Guang Yan's actions just now. She quietly used her sleeve to cover the bruise and buried her head in the Guang Yan's chest, hiding the deep meaning in her eyes.
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