Miao Yi wanted to get to the bottom of this as well, so he nodded at Yang Zhaoqing. Yang Zhaoqing immediately did as he was told and called for a carpenter!
The old staff of Tempest Tavern had also risen in status with Yun Zhiqiu. More importantly, their loyalty had been tested by time, and Miao Yi could rest assured that they were reliable. Even though these people didn't hold any positions in the military, and Yun Zhiqiu was intentionally avoiding getting too close to the military, Yun Zhiqiu still relied on these people to serve as the backbone of Miao Yi's work. Still, he could rely on them without worry.
There were some things that couldn't normally be seen or that needed to be done in secret. It wasn't appropriate for Qian'Er and Xue'Er to handle them, but they also needed trustworthy people to do it. Yun Zhiqiu had no choice but to let these trusted subordinates act as her eyes and ears, and assign others to assist them. As a result, these staff had become the backbone of most of Miao Yi's connections, especially the four stalwarts — the confucian scholar, the carpenter, the stonemason, and the chef.
Now that Miao Yi had reached this point, Yun Zhiqiu seemed to be handing over her authority to a certain extent. She knew that it wasn't appropriate for a woman like her to continue holding so much authority, as it would easily lead to a situation where she and Miao Yi were on equal footing. Perhaps she didn't want that to happen, but she knew that her subordinates might do something as time went by. As such, she handed over her entire staff to Yang Zhaoqing to prevent any conflicts between the husband and wife.
Naturally, this was done with Miao Yi's approval. At first, Miao Yi thought it was unnecessary and unnecessary for her to do so, implying that he had absolute trust in her. However, Yun Zhiqiu's reason for persuading him was that as the head of the harem, she shouldn't have too much authority in the outside world, or else things might go awry. She hoped that the relationship between husband and wife would remain as pure husband and wife, and the Great Majordomo of the Heavenly Palace shouldn't have too much authority either, as there needed to be some checks and balances. She weakened her own authority to a certain degree to keep Yang Zhaoqing in check. Handing over her staff to Yang Zhaoqing didn't mean that they were completely out of her control. With her interference, at least Yang Zhaoqing, as the Great Majordomo of the Heavenly Palace, wouldn't be able to do as he pleased. On the other hand, if she gave up direct control, she wouldn't be able to do as she pleased either.
In truth, Yun Zhiqiu's decision to give up her authority was a wise one. Gaining Miao Yi's trust was the greatest authority!
In fact, Miao Yi was very happy because of this. He was extremely happy, and this was a kind of happiness that outsiders would not be able to understand. And the result that Miao Yi was truly happy about was that even though Yun Zhiqiu had given up her actual authority, Miao Yi returned the favor by giving Yun Zhiqiu even more authority. But that was a story for another time.
As soon as Yun Zhiqiu recommended the Carpenter and the others to him, Yang Zhaoqing immediately understood her intentions. Thus, he made them his assistants to assist him directly.
This was why the Carpenter had appeared in the Starry Temple.
The carpenter's appearance caught Yang Qing's attention. He then stole a glance at Yun Zhiqiu, secretly lamenting in his heart that this woman's methods were far superior to Vivian's. She was able to combine strength and gentleness at the same time. In this lifetime, she would most likely have Miao Yi completely in her grasp. Miao Yi had conquered the world through bloodshed, yet this woman had conquered him without even shedding a single drop of blood!
The carpenter summoned Sima Wentian.
Sima Wentian could not be said to be unfamiliar with the Starry Hall, not to mention that the furnishings had not changed at all. How could he not know where he had arrived? It was just that everything remained the same, but the people had changed.
Speaking of which, two of Master Qing's top generals had died in battle, and the two supervisors had both betrayed him. This was a huge irony.
"Your humble servant pays his respects to Your Majesty and the Heavenly Empress!" Sima Wentian bowed humbly. Only he knew the bitterness in his heart.
Miao Yi asked, "I believe you are no stranger to Granny Lu of the Green Central Garden. Let me ask you, what is her background? How could Master Qing spare so many of his concubines?"
Sima Wentian was taken aback. He didn't expect Miao Yi to ask about this. He sighed and said, "She is probably the woman that Master Qing felt the most guilty about in his entire life."
Everyone in the hall exchanged glances. Miao Yi asked curiously, "Could she be Master Qing's woman?"
Sima Wentian nodded. "She could be considered Master Qing's earliest woman. At that time, Master Qing was still young and not very famous. He met Granny Lu, and the two of them fell in love. At that time, Granny Lu was still as beautiful as a flower, and her strength was stronger than Master Qing's. In order to save Master Qing, Granny Lu was saved, but her spiritual root was destroyed. Her cultivation could no longer reach a higher level, and she aged overnight. A young man and an old woman — even if they wanted to be together, it would be too far-fetched. As a result, Granny Lu gradually distanced herself from Master Qing, and Master Qing gradually kept quiet about their relationship. Even so, even though Granny Lu usually didn't involve herself in anything, if she was serious about it, Master Qing would find it hard to refuse her request. That's the gist of the situation. There's nothing else. "
Hearing this, everyone sighed inwardly. They didn't expect Granny Lu to have such a story behind her. No wonder Master Qing could spare so many people. Even Master Qing's trusted aides would find it hard to control such a matter.
As a woman, such matters were more likely to affect her emotions. Yun Zhiqiu's expression was a little sad for Granny Lu. She could imagine how sad it must have been for the beautiful Granny Lu to suddenly become an old woman and have no choice but to avoid her lover. Not to mention that she had to watch Master Qing marry someone else.
Miao Yi slowly said, "So this Granny Lu actually has a lot of hidden power?"
Sima Wentian nodded again. "Yes. It's just that she has never used it before."
When the carpenter took Sima Wentian into his pouch and left, Miao Yi saw Yun Zhiqiu's sad expression and felt a little annoyed. He could tell that this woman sympathized with Granny Lu. He didn't want to make Yun Zhiqiu sad either, but this matter was a little difficult to handle.
Yang Qing seemed to have sensed it. He said in a low voice, "Those sinful concubines aren't important. What's important is that Granny Lu has done His Imperial Majesty a great service. Her attitude puts His Imperial Majesty in a difficult position. Your Highness, am I right?" His words were more tactful.
Yun Zhiqiu looked at him with her bright eyes. "That's right. What do you think, Sir?"
Yang Qing said hesitantly, "If Your Highness doesn't mind, why don't you leave this matter to me? Perhaps I won't be able to satisfy everyone, but I might be able to give everyone an acceptable explanation."
Hearing his words, Yun Zhiqiu knew that he must have some kind of plan in mind. She immediately looked at Miao Yi, waiting for his reply.
Miao Yi couldn't help but smile bitterly. "You don't have to keep staring at me. I will agree to your request." He waved his hand at Yang Qing. "Go ahead and give it a try."
"Your Highness understands!" Yang Qing cupped his fists and accepted the order.
Not long after, Fei Hong returned to the Central Green Garden. Naturally, Yang Qing had come with her to resolve this matter.
In order to resolve this matter, Yang Qing couldn't avoid meeting Granny Lu. As he knew of Granny Lu's background, Yang Qing was rather courteous. As soon as he saw her, he cupped his fists and greeted, "Granny Lu!"
"You're too kind, Milord." Granny Lu came out to welcome him and bowed.
Yang Qing glanced at Fei Hong, then said to Granny Lu, "Red Concubine has asked the Empress to plead with His Imperial Majesty. His Imperial Majesty has ordered me to handle this matter separately. I am aware of the situation."
Granny Lu let out an 'oh' and asked, "How does Milord intend to handle this?"
Yang Qing looked around, then said, "Call them out. Let me meet them first, then we can discuss the matter. What do you think?"
Granny Lu nodded slowly, then turned around and gave instructions to the fairy behind her.
In the spacious green field of the Central Green Garden, the meadow was like a carpet, dotted with flowers. The beauties who were temporarily staying in the Central Green Garden gathered.
On the mound, Granny Lu lowered her head and held her staff, accompanied by Fei Hong.
At the side, Yang Qing stood with his hands clasped behind his back, looking at the beauties who came one after another. With so many heavenly beauties gathered, it was really dazzling, even he couldn't help but feel his heart flutter.
When the tens of thousands of guilty concubines, who were terrified and did not know what kind of fate awaited them, had all arrived, Yang Qing suddenly invoked his arts and said loudly, "Lord Qing betrayed the hearts of the people and has already been executed. Originally, he wanted to implicate all of you, but because of Granny Lu's protection, His Imperial Majesty has already opened his golden mouth. He will not kill all of you, and will give all of you two ways to live! The first way to live is to forever stay in the Central Green Garden and do odd jobs for Granny Lu, taking care of the flowers and plants here, never to leave without permission. The second way to live is to leave this place and become a concubine for the Heavenly Court's meritorious officials, enjoying glory, splendor and wealth. You can choose between the two ways, there is no need to say anything more for those who choose the first way, but for those who choose the second way, you can find Granny Lu and leave the Central Green Garden on your own. Someone will be arranged outside the garden to take care of you, and no one can force you to leave or stay, it is all up to you! I will give everyone three days to consider, those who do not leave after three days, will be considered to be willing to stay in the Central Green Garden and do odd jobs for the rest of their lives! "
Countless beauties whispered to each other, there seemed to be some commotion, at least they were relieved that they would not be able to keep their lives.
After saying that, Yang Qing turned around and looked at the silent Granny Lu, he returned to his normal voice and said, "Granny Lu, this is already His Imperial Majesty's biggest concession. Whether they leave or stay is all up to them, and His Imperial Majesty will not force them. Are you satisfied with this?"
Granny Lu bowed slightly and said, "Thank you, Sir."
Yang Qing cupped his hands at Fei Hong again, and then took his leave. Before he left, he turned around and glanced at the crowd of beauties, the corner of his mouth slightly showing a hint of mockery.
Fei Hong looked at him in shock as he left. That was it?
However, not long after, Fei Hong suddenly received a message from Yun Zhiqiu, asking her to return to the Heavenly Palace. She was sent away from the Central Green Garden to prevent her from exerting any influence.
Half a day later, people started to gather around the treehouse where Granny Lu lived, as if they did not dare to approach. It was not until more than a dozen people gathered that they gathered the courage to pay a visit together.
There was a table and a chair under the tree, and Granny Lu sat quietly behind the table, looking at them. She said with a face full of pity, "Are you really willing to be treated like an object? No matter how useless you are, you were once His Imperial Majesty's concubines. Are you willing to be humiliated? "
One of the girls said, "Granny, His Imperial Majesty has already been defeated. If you continue to address him as His Imperial Majesty, you will only bring trouble to yourself. Please be careful with your words, Granny."
Another girl said, "When His Imperial Majesty was alive, when did he ever really treat us as his concubines? His Imperial Majesty did not even look at us. If someone really valued us and really doted on us as his women, what's wrong with that?"
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