The shock that the Old Jiang Madame's death brought to the Jiang fu could not be said to be small. Rather than saying that the news of the Old Jiang Madame's death was too shocking, it would be better to say that Jiang Ruan's imprisonment was even more shocking. When Jiang Quan found out about this matter, he was naturally enraged beyond compare. That day in Gui Lan Yuan, only Cai Que was left in front of the Old Jiang Madame. Cai Que had followed the Old Jiang Madame for many years and her words were naturally convincing. As for the Old Jiang Madame's tea, it was discovered that it had been laced with arsenic.
The rumor going around in the streets and alleys was that Jiang Ruan had a deep grudge against the Old Jiang Madame, so she had poisoned arsenic and fed it to the Old Jiang Madame. Although these words traveled far, a smart person would be able to pick up on the clues. If one wanted to murder someone, throwing arsenic in front of their face was a little too stupid. Princess Hong 'an was not a fool. Why would she seek her own death?
However, suspicions were just suspicions. After all, this was a matter of the Jiang fu. While everyone was talking about it, they were also waiting to see how the younger sister of the War God of the Great Jin Dynasty, the favored daughter of Empress Dowager Yi De, was going to reverse the situation.
Perhaps it was because the rumors outside were too ferocious that Jiang Quan issued a restriction order. Apart from purchasing goods, no one in the fu was allowed to come out and walk around. In Second Yiniang's courtyard, Yangliu was carefully helping Second Yiniang drink the medicine.
"Take it further away!" The Second Aunt waved her hand and pushed the bowl of medicine away. Her face showed a bit of annoyance. Jiang Quan did not allow the people in the fu to go out, and outsiders were also not allowed to enter. Even the servants who were supposed to pass on the news did not receive any news, let alone know what the situation outside was like. Thinking of the thirty thousand taels of silver that she had given away, the Second Yiniang gritted her teeth. She had staked all of her family's wealth on this. Even if Jiang Ruan grew wings, it would be difficult for her to escape.
Although Hu Qianqiu had asked for her help, many years had passed since then. On the surface, Hu Qianqiu had helped him because of their past friendship, but in reality, he had wanted to secretly build a connection with the Jiang family. The battle between Xuan Hua and Xuan Li became more and more intense. Even though Hu Qianqiu was on Xuan Hua's side, he couldn't help but feel a little hesitant. If he could establish a connection with the Jiang fu, then in the future, if anything were to happen, he would be able to take care of them.
Li Qiang, on the other hand, was her nephew. He was a gambler and owed a lot of debt. If she hadn't seen through this, she wouldn't have let Li Qiang help her. In the first place, she had never intended to overthrow Jiang Ruan by framing her. She had only wanted Li Qiang to use some tricks when she was in prison. As long as a woman experienced this, she would naturally commit suicide. Even if she did not, Li Qiang would help her make it seem as if she had committed suicide. At that time, it was all thanks to Jiang Ruan that Jiang Li's body had been defiled by that lecherous prince, and she had even gained a reputation for being extremely licentious. Now, she wanted Jiang Ruan to have a taste of what it was like to have her body ruined and her reputation ruined.
Only in prison would there be no one by Jiang Ruan's side, and it would be easy to make a move. It was supposed to be a foolproof matter, but there was no news from the other side. A trace of anxiety floated in Second Yiniang's heart. In this anxiety, there was also a trace of a bad premonition, which made her inexplicably flustered.
After a pause, she stood up and said, "I'm going to see Jiang Dan."
…
At this moment, Jiang Dan's courtyard, which was very close to Ruan Ju, was also quiet. White silk for a funeral had already been hung everywhere. Jiang Dan, dressed in plain white, sat in front of the window, fiddling with the small white flowers on the table. Her long hair was not tied up and casually spread over her shoulders, which made her shoulders look even more delicate. Her whole person was like the small white flowers in her hands, fragile and helpless, delicate and pitiful.
"Miss," a maidservant came forward and said, "Second Yiniang is outside."
"I'm not feeling well today, I won't see her." Jiang Dan fiddled with her hair, got up, and walked towards the side of the bed.
The maidservant was somewhat embarrassed, but she did not dare to disobey, so she braced herself and went out. Jiang Dan walked to the side of the bed and sat down. With a flip of her hand, she pulled down the soft tobacco curtain. The newly made "Tian Xiang Luo Soft Tobacco Curtain" emitted a faintly discernible fragrance. The color was bright and moving, and one bolt was very expensive. Although Mistress Hong Ying and the other young ladies did not dare to do anything to the rations, she, as a shu daughter, naturally could not afford to use these things.
However, it was a gift from someone who did not leave their name. It was easy to guess who that person was. Zuo Jiang's attitude was a little too warm. A trace of disdain flashed across Jiang Dan's face. In the past, the Lang Zhong fu was indeed a good place to go. But now, the future of the Lang Zhong fu was worrying, and there was no longer any room for advancement in their official career. She was not a fool, why would she go in? Zuo Jiang was just being arrogant, and really thought that she was eager to marry him.
In the end, there was still some use in keeping it. Jiang Dan played with the buckle that fastened the curtain, and her mood was very good. Second Yiniang, that idiot, had probably made a move yesterday. With just a few words of encouragement, that stupid woman had gone to find the person on her own. It would naturally be good if she could topple Jiang Ruan, but Jiang Dan herself was clear that with Jiang Ruan's methods, Second Yiniang would certainly not be her opponent. In the end, the person who would lose would still be Second Yiniang.
So what? Hatred flashed in Jiang Dan's eyes. At that time, Second Yiniang had instigated Jiang Li to snatch away the marriage that she had fought for. Did she really think that she was a soft persimmon? Jiang Li was dead, and Second Yiniang was alive and well. That would not do. In this world, those who offended her would not have a good ending. At that time, it was Jiang Li, now it was Second Yiniang, and in the future … She smiled slightly, stretched out her porcelain white hand, and coquettishly rolled up an embroidery. The embroidery was embroidered with a young phoenix. It stretched its neck and was about to cry, as if it was only waiting for a light breeze, and the phoenix's cry would reach the nine heavens.
…
In the Imperial Study, Zhao Guang wiped the sweat from his forehead, and his expression finally relaxed. No matter what he said, the Emperor had hinted that this matter would not be resolved hastily. Thinking about Jiang Ruan, who was now a Junzhu at the request of the Imperial Family, if something really happened to her, it would be a slap to the Emperor's face.
Thinking about Hu Qianqiu, the Minister of the Imperial Censorate, Zhao Guang had a belly full of anger. Zhao Guang was a veteran of the court, and also the Defender-general who supported the country. In the court, even his colleagues had to treat him with respect. Hu Qianqiu's ability to sit firmly in his position as the Minister of the Imperial Censorate could not be separated from his shrewd and slick personality. It was just that Zhao Guang had always been rather critical of the civil officials, and did not have much interaction with Hu Qianqiu. He did not expect that this seemingly respectful and courteous Minister of the Imperial Censorate would send Jiang Ruan to prison this time. On the surface, there did not seem to be any problems, but Zhao Guang's intuition was that this grandson of a b * tch must have had a hand in it.
The Emperor threw the memorial in his hand to the side and pressed his palm against the center of his forehead. Eunuch Gao stood silently at the side. Just now, Empress Dowager Yi De had also come to talk to the Emperor about Jiang Ruan's matter. These past few years, Empress Dowager Yi De had rarely paid attention to such trivial matters. He did not expect that now, for the sake of Hong 'an Junzhu, she would once again take care of such matters. Eunuch Gao pondered in his heart. Hong 'an Junzhu had received the Empress Dowager's sincere affection, and she also had the backing of the Zhao family. In addition to Jiang Xin Zhi's meritorious service, the Emperor had originally not paid much attention to her. Now, he was afraid that he would have to re-examine this di daughter of the Jiang family.
At this moment, a young eunuch came in from outside to report that Jinying Wang was requesting an audience. Xiao Shao had just entered the room when the Emperor looked at him and said, "What, don't tell Zhen that you are also here for the matter of Hong 'an Junzhu?"
Xiao Shao was silent.
The Emperor had inadvertently said this, but when he saw Xiao Shao's appearance, he was stunned. He thought for a moment, then frowned and asked, "What is your relationship with Hong 'an?"
Xiao Shao said lightly, "Hu Qianqiu, as an official of the Imperial Censorate, was not strict in his investigations. He was deceived by a slut and was repeatedly promoted. Your Majesty, please punish him severely."
"If you speak to Zhen like this, it means that you have already taken action. Why are you still asking Zhen?" The Emperor snorted coldly, "Hong 'an Junzhu really has some tricks up her sleeve. In such a short time, the person who came to plead for leniency has opened Zhen's eyes. Zhen never knew that Zhen's officials had such a friendship with Hong 'an Junzhu. "
Xiao Shao frowned. The Emperor's words did not sound like Zhao Guang and Empress Dowager Yi De. It was reasonable for Zhao Guang and Empress Dowager Yi De to plead for leniency for Jiang Ruan. The Emperor did not need to speak in such a manner. Could it be that there was someone else? He looked at the Emperor doubtfully. The Emperor slammed the memorial on the table, "No need to think about it, Grand Tutor Liu also came."
Liu Min also came to plead for Jiang Ruan. Xiao Shao was slightly stunned.
The Emperor was a little angry. Such a small matter should not have been brought to the Imperial Study to be discussed. But today, he had heard of Jiang Ruan's matters one after the other. How could he not think about it? Ever since Liu Min had entered the court to become an official, he had always been aloof and aloof. He had never even had a courtier that he was particularly familiar with. Yet today, for the first time, he had pleaded for leniency for Jiang Ruan. He glanced at Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan's gorgeous and charming appearance appeared in his mind. Had he really been bewitched by her beauty?
"Ah Shao, about your marriage..." The Emperor had not finished speaking when he saw Xiao Shao say indifferently, "Since there is nothing else, this official will take his leave first."
The Emperor choked and waved his hand after a long while, "You may leave."
The little eunuch waiting outside watched as Xiao Shao went in and quickly exited the door. He then looked at the Emperor's unsightly expression and thought to himself that Jinying Wang was indeed a rebel, even the Emperor couldn't do anything to him. Inside the room, Gao Gonggong sighed and shook his head.
Xiao Shao's visit to the Imperial Study today was only to inform the Emperor. He did not even need permission. After leaving the Imperial Study, Xiao Shao went directly to the Imperial Censorate.
The officials of the Imperial Censorate were dealing with official documents. This job could be said to be busy, but it could also be said to be idle. Only cases related to the royal family or important courtiers would be under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Censorate. Most of the people above were idle while the people below were busy. Moreover, everyone in the officialdom had a tacit understanding, so there had not been any major incidents. The fact that Hu Qianqiu had rashly arrested Jiang Ruan had already caused the people in the Imperial Censorate to be dissatisfied.
Today, the Imperial Censorate had two people, the Imperial Censorate and the slightly inferior Imperial Censorate. The Imperial Censorate was Hu Qianqiu, and the Imperial Censorate was Ke Xiuran. Ke Xiuran had been under Hu Qianqiu all year round, but Hu Qianqiu had firmly grasped the position of Imperial Censorate, so Ke Xiuran had not been able to find an opportunity.
The officials of the Imperial Censorate were divided into two factions. One faction supported Hu Qianqiu, and the other faction supported Ke Xiuran. Naturally, there were more who supported Hu Qianqiu. This time, Ke Xiuran was opposed to the imprisonment of Hong 'an Junzhu.
Suddenly seeing Xiao Shao enter, the officials of the Imperial Censorate were shocked. They saw a middle-aged man dressed in a dark blue official's robe sitting in the hall. He was thin and slightly tanned, but his eyes were somewhat gloomy. This person was Ke Xiuran.
Ke Xiuran stood up and bowed to Xiao Shao, "Xiao Wangye."
Xiao Shao looked at him coldly and threw the thing in his hand to Ke Xiuran. Ke Xiuran stared blankly at first, but when he saw that it was a letter, he walked to the side and finished reading it. He was so excited that he could not restrain himself. He looked at Xiao Shao, his gaze somewhat agitated, "This …"
"If Hu Qianqiu does not want to be the Imperial Censorate, then there is no need to do it." Xiao Shao said, then he turned and left the Imperial Censorate.
Ke Xiuran was left alone to hold the thing in his hand. The things written in this letter were enough to cause the Imperial Censorate to clean up again. Admittedly, it would not affect him, but Hu Qianqiu's official position would not be guaranteed. Since Xiao Shao had thrown this thing, his attitude was tacit. No matter what Ke Xiuran did, he would not be obstructed. However, why did Jinying Wang, who usually did not care about the affairs of the court, suddenly target Hu Qianqiu?
Ke Xiuran thought for a while and suddenly remembered that Jiang Ruan was still in prison. His heart stirred. So this was the case, Hu Qianqiu was courting death. He had long seen that Hong 'an Junzhu was not someone to be trifled with. Even if it was because of Jiang Xin Zhi's name, the Emperor would still protect Hong' an Junzhu. However, Hu Qianqiu did not know what had happened, but he had imprisoned Hong 'an Junzhu. He did not think that if something had happened and angered the God of War, Jiang Xin Zhi, then his official career would have come to an end.
Ke Xiuran naturally rejoiced in Hu Qianqiu's misfortune. He thought that Hong 'an Junzhu was really not a bystander. Even Jinying Wang had to stand up for her. Suddenly, he thought of something and hurriedly stood up. Even if it was for Jinying Wang's sake, he absolutely could not neglect this Hong 'an Junzhu. Right now, it was better to inform the officials.
…
It was not known elsewhere in the capital, but the atmosphere in the Jiang fu was very heavy. Old Jiang Madame's coffin was placed in the newly set up mourning hall. Everyone in the fu was dressed in mourning clothes, and the people guarding the mourning hall at night were Du Juan and Cai Que.
After Old Jiang Madame's death, the two servant girls had no place to go. Considering that they had followed the Old Madame for so many years and had worked hard, it was still customary to let them out of the fu. Du Juan and Cai Que were now in their twenties and seventeen years of age, and were still unmarried. Du Juan was the child of a family, and her father and mother were still working at the Jiang fu's farmstead. If they were let out of the fu, they would still have a place to live. Cai Que, on the other hand, had been bought by the Old Jiang Madame from outside, and she had always been alone.
At night, the mourning hall was even more deserted. The Old Jiang Madame's coffin emitted a faint and gloomy colour. A gust of wind blew through the mourning hall, causing the originally weak white candles to sway as if they were on the verge of collapsing. The unburnt paper money in the basin swayed and floated up, as if an invisible hand was playing with the paper money. Si Yue's men had long since left, and the Jiang fu was increasingly deserted, as if there were only the two of them in the huge mansion.
Du Juan got up and went to the latrine, but did not return for a long time, leaving Cai Que alone. The white paper lantern swayed on the rafters, sprinkling a mottled black shadow, and for no reason at all, it was somewhat horrifying.
Cai Que's heart tightened, and she could not help but reach out to hug her own arms. She did not know when the moonlight outside the window had already disappeared, and it seemed like there was only a faint light in the mourning hall. Now that the chilly wind blew, this faint light also seemed to be extinguished.
Suddenly, the coffin emitted a crisp sound. That sound was very strange, as if someone was scratching a wooden board with their fingernails. Cai Que's body stiffened, and a gust of cold air covered her head and face, drenching her body to the core. She walked forward uneasily, and then another loud noise rang out, frightening her so much that her face turned white, and her body went limp and fell to the ground.
Once Du Juan left, there seemed to be no more sound, and did not return. That loud noise grew louder and louder, almost exploding in Cai Que's ears. On the ground, in the shadow of the lantern's light, a shadow suddenly appeared.
That shadow was slender and long, and its body seemed to have been strangely elongated by someone. It was vaguely a woman's silhouette, and her long hair trailed down, which was unusually conspicuous in the mourning hall.
Cai Que let out a blood-curdling screech and was no longer able to maintain her calm. This scene was too horrifying. She knelt down and kowtowed towards the memorial tablet in the mourning hall, "Old Madam, it's this servant's fault. This servant shouldn't have harmed you. Please spare this servant, I beg you to spare this servant."
That black shadow, however, did not seem to let her go, and continued to circle around her from behind, getting closer and closer. Cai Que only felt a pair of ice-cold hands caressing her neck, and those long greyish-white fingernails grazed past. Finally, she could not help but raise her head, and came face to face with a deathly pale face, a pair of large, black eyes, straight hair, and a large piece of jet-black blood at the corner of his lips.
Cai Que finally broke down and cried out loudly, "Old Madam, this servant is wrong! Old Madam … "Her voice stopped abruptly, and Cai Que's eyes became unfocused as she collapsed weakly.
That horrifying ghost pulled off his hood, and revealed a flirtatious face. It was none other than Jin San. Jin San took out a medicine bottle from his chest pocket, and skillfully pinched Cai Que's chin to feed her. Cai Que then collapsed weakly onto the ground.
Only then did Jin San walk out in big strides. Outside the window, Jin One was holding onto Du Juan with an expressionless face. Du Juan's acupoints were sealed, and her expression was one of extreme terror. She could not say a single word.
"Be good, don't tell me that you want to become like her?" Jin San laughed. Even though he was born beautiful, in Du Juan's eyes, he was like an evil spirit.
Du Juan shook her head in terror.
Jin San laughed, "Then I shall release your acupoints, but you better not scream. If you scream and distract me, then …" One end of the silver hairpin in her hand was emitting a faint blue light, and it was obvious that it had been dipped in poison.
Du Juan hastily nodded.
Only then did Jin San release her acupoints. Once the acupoints were released, Du Juan hurriedly asked, "How is she?"
"Nothing much." Jin San's tone was relaxed, "It's just that from now on, she will probably become a fool."
Du Juan was taken aback, and a desolate feeling welled up in her heart. In the early years, she and Cai Que had served the Old Jiang Madame together, and these years, they had advanced and retreated together. Their relationship was very deep, but she had just been held hostage by this stranger, and could only watch helplessly as Cai Que was frightened to this extent. And from then on, she had become a fool … What good ending could a servant girl who had become a fool have?
"Don't just worry about her." Jin San chuckled, "Do you also want to become a fool like her? I wonder if Sir Wang would still like such a beautiful girl like you to become a fool? "
Du Juan was startled, and immediately felt a chill run down her spine. Sir Wang, how did she know about Sir Wang?
She knew better than anyone how the Old Jiang Madame had died. While she was shocked by Cai Que's boldness, she had also received a bargaining chip from that person. That person said that as long as she could testify, he would help her escape from her slavery status.
Du Juan had followed by the Old Jiang Madame's side, and had originally planned to remain unmarried for the rest of her life. However, she had not expected to meet Sir Wang. No matter what, a servant did not have the qualifications to marry Sir Wang as his official wife. If she could escape from her slavery status, wouldn't she be able to fly together with Sir Wang and become a pair of companions? Therefore, Du Juan fell silent and agreed.
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