On the surface, after the New Year, nothing seemed to have happened, and Jiang Quan's sentence was handed down, which was to be executed by beheading. Actually, there were many filthy things that happened in large families. If they were slightly covered up, they would lose their official hat and their reputation would be ruined. The consequences of losing one's life were somewhat severe, but when everyone thought about who the victim was, they were well aware of it. Zhao Guang had exerted a lot of pressure on the court judge in this case, and the final outcome of the case had been personally witnessed by the Emperor. When a wall is down, everyone pushes it, and when a tree is down, the sun will scatter. Those who had previously curried favor with Jiang Quan now wished that they could distance themselves from him. Naturally, no one would speak up for Jiang Quan.
On the day of Jiang Quan's beheading, Jiang Ruan did not go. Lian Qiao did not dare to ask too much. After all, he was Jiang Ruan's biological father. No matter how ruthless he usually was, personally sending his own father to the guillotine was a different scene. Presumably, Jiang Ruan was also very sad. Looking at Lian Qiao's cautious appearance, Jiang Ruan was somewhat amused. She and Jiang Quan had been mortal enemies in their previous lives, and this had not changed in this life. Between the two of them, one would die at the hands of the other. As for blood relations, as Jiang Xin Zhi had said to her that day, in this life, she would no longer have anything to do with the Jiang family.
Speaking of this, Lian Qiao seemed to recall something and said, "Young Madam, Eldest Young Master has spoken to the General fu. Madam's memorial tablet will be sent to the General fu's ancestral hall on another day, and your name will also be erased from the Jiang family's genealogy book. In the future, the Jiang family will not be able to speak of this matter."
Jiang Ruan sending her biological father to the guillotine should have set off a storm in the capital. People's hearts were like this, as long as there was something to discuss, they would always regard themselves as a wise person who could guide the country. Up until the day of Jiang Quan's beheading, there was not the slightest mention of Jiang Ruan being unfilial. This was because Xiao Shao had used a special method to block the mouths of the public. As for that method, be it iron or blood, or gold or silver, in the end, it was a slow act of shielding her, unwilling to let anyone mention a single bad word to Jiang Ruan.
"That's good," Jiang Ruan put down the brush in her hand, "I'll return to the General fu another day, the opening of the ancestral hall is also a major event." Zhao Mei's memorial tablet had always been in the Jiang fu's ancestral hall. When she had first gone to the rural residence, it had been several years since she had returned. During this time, Zhao Mei's memorial tablet had not been worshipped and had accumulated a deep layer of dust. If she had not cleaned it herself, it would have rotted in the ancestral hall. Now that the three of them were no longer part of the Jiang Family, the memorial tablets should be returned to the General's Mansion. As Jiang Ruan spoke, she looked outside and asked, "Why don't I see any dew?"
In the past few days, she had been writing about Lu Zhu's marriage. To her, Lu Zhu was a trustworthy person after her rebirth. She was not so much a maidservant, but a companion whom she had always supported. Dewdrop had no parents, but she couldn't hastily arrange the marriage. Otherwise, she would always feel inferior in the future. Although they couldn't do anything extravagant, they had to do it according to the standards of a proper family's young miss.
"She's probably embroidering her dowry in the room." Lian Qiao smiled and said, "Young Furen treats Lu Zhu so well that nubi is a little jealous."
Other people's personal maidservants could marry with dignity, but it was only because they had more money. It was rare to see one who personally took care of it with all her heart. Moreover, Lu Zhu had married well. Although Jin Er was a little stubborn and mischievous, his heart wasn't bad. What was even rarer was that the two of them were in love with each other. For a servant, marrying the person she loved was almost impossible. But now, it was done. Lian Qiao thought of how difficult it was for the few of them to take a step forward in the rural residence. She had thought that a peaceful and smooth life was an extravagant hope. Looking at the good days they had now, she could only sigh with emotion.
"In the future, when you and Ye Feng get married, I will also arrange it for you." Jiang Ruan smiled.
Lian Qiao stamped her feet and said, "Young Furen is making fun of nubi again." Although she was embarrassed and angry, she was also happy to see Jiang Ruan smile. She didn't know why, but she felt that Jiang Ruan had changed a lot. She couldn't tell what had changed, but she felt that Jiang Ruan seemed to be more gentle when she looked at people. She wasn't like before, when she looked at people through clouds and mist, which made people feel a little diffident. This was probably all thanks to Xiao Shao. Lian Qiao thought about it and felt a little grateful towards Xiao Shao.
"Go to the room and see if Lu Zhu is there." Jiang Ruan said, "If she is, bring her here. She has to look through this gift list herself."
Lian Qiao complied and ran out. Lu Zhu was indeed in the room, but she wasn't embroidering a dowry. Instead, she was embroidering a screen for Official Lin's wife. Lin Furen's birthday was coming up in a few days. Jiang Ruan and Lin Zi Xiang were on good terms, so she had to give some gifts. Official Lin was an elegant person, so it was best to give her a pine crane screen. Although this screen looked simple, it was somewhat complicated to embroider. Coincidentally, double-sided needles were Lu Zhu's specialty, so she also embroidered in the room, but she forgot the time to go out.
Lian Qiao pushed the door open and came in. Seeing this, she said, "Why are you still in the mood to stay here? Young Furen wants you to look at the gift list."
"Ah, I want to finish embroidering this crane's beak as soon as possible. There isn't much time left. If there are any areas that are not right, I can still make changes." Lu Zhu smiled and said, "What's there to look at in the gift list? How can Young Furen's foresight be bad? I am very relieved."
Lian Qiao laughed and scolded, "Nonsense. Can't you order your mistress around? Hurry up and go. I don't know how you, a bride-to-be, are not even anxious about the dowry. You are really getting more and more mischievous. "
Lu Zhu knew that she was in the wrong, so she packed up her embroidery needles, stood up, shook her skirt, and followed Lian Qiao. Jiang Ruan was adding a few things. When she saw her, she handed over the list, "Take a look and see what else is missing."
Lu Zhu took the list with a smile and quickly looked through it. At first, her expression was full of smiles, but then she became somewhat stunned. In the end, there was even some panic. She said, "Young Furen, this, this is too expensive."
"What's there to be afraid of?" Jiang Ruan smiled, "In any case, it's all from the wang fu. Your Wangye has plenty of money."
Lian Qiao snickered. Why did these words sound as if Xiao Shao was an old master who had a sudden outburst? Lu Zhu's eyes darted around. Although her expression softened a little, she was still somewhat uneasy, "But …" The gift list inside was really too expensive for a servant girl. Even those head servant girls who had been with high officials and noble families for the longest time did not have this kind of dignity. However, what moved her the most was that it was not only gold and silver. Even some of the dowry's jewelry and other trivial things were also arranged in a thoughtful manner. This meant that one had to be attentive.
"No buts." Jiang Ruan interrupted her, "You deserve it."
Lu Zhu did not speak. She only bit her lip and slowly knelt down. Lian Qiao and Jiang Ruan were startled. Lu Zhu solemnly kowtowed to Jiang Ruan three times and said, "Miss's kindness towards Lu Zhu is as heavy as a mountain. Lu Zhu does not have any relatives. Miss, Miss is Lu Zhu's relative in my heart. In this lifetime, Lu Zhu will definitely serve Miss well and follow by Miss's side forever. "
Jiang Ruan laughed in spite of herself and said, "Get up. Don't kneel at the drop of a hat. There is no need to talk about kindness being as heavy as a mountain. You and I have come through the most difficult times together. At that time, you endured. Now is the time for you to enjoy your blessings. Moreover, it is not a big deal. In the future, it is better for you to live well on your own. "
These words were referring to Jin Er. Lu Zhu seemed to have thought of something and she also smiled shyly.
At the same time, Jin Er, who Jiang Ruan and Lu Zhu were talking about, was standing in front of a residence in an alley in the eastern part of the city. He went forward and knocked on the door a few times. Very quickly, a manservant came out from inside and opened the door. After exchanging a few words with Jin Er, he went in to take a look. Just as he walked into the courtyard, he saw that the door to the house had been opened and a short and plump middle-aged woman walked out. When the woman saw Jin Er, she was stunned for a moment before she called out in pleasant surprise, "Second Young Master."
Jin Er also smiled, "Zhou mama, why have you suddenly come to the capital city?"
"This old servant has been ordered by Furen to bring you here to see someone," Zhou mama also smiled. Another person walked out from behind the door. This was a young woman. She was also born with the countenance of a flower and the countenance of the moon. Her charm was outstanding, but the style of the clothes she wore was from a few years ago. The color was also somewhat pale. Even so, she still appeared to be quite cultured. She looked at Jin Er and smiled faintly, "Second Young Master."
…
Very quickly, the wind began to blow in the night. The cold wind outside blew loudly against the windows, but Jing Yang Palace was a sheet of silence. Occasionally, a few hurried coughs could be heard, but they were indistinct and unreal. Eunuch Li handed over a bowl of white silk and worriedly said, "The weather is cold and the dew is heavy. Your Majesty should rest early."
"There are still many memorials to the throne." The Emperor waved his hand, "If this continues, perhaps before the approval is finished …"
"You cannot say that." Eunuch Li immediately knelt on the ground, "Your Majesty."
"That's enough." The Emperor smiled first, "We haven't said anything yet. Why are you kneeling?" Perhaps it was the illness that caused his expression to become more haggard. His originally imposing expression had also softened. It was as if his previous domineering aura had diminished overnight, and he actually appeared to have aged. Eunuch Li's heart immediately jumped. He felt that the Emperor's appearance was very similar to the late Emperor's when he was gravely ill. At that time, he was still a young eunuch. His adoptive father had accompanied the late Emperor back. Now, the Emperor's expression, could it be … Eunuch Li shivered and didn't dare to think further.
"You can leave. We will be alone for a while," the Emperor suddenly said.
Eunuch Li hurriedly complied and pushed him away.
In the empty great hall, there was only a bright yellow figure sitting alone on the soft seat in the center. The Emperor's hand was on the armrest. The armrest was carved in the shape of a roaring dragon. The dragon bared its fangs and brandished its claws. The scales on its body were lifelike. Dragons had reverse scales, and those who touched them would die. He suddenly smiled and then pulled out a bright yellow silk from the table at the side. It was an imperial edict.
He thought for a moment and then picked up his brush and began to write. The Emperor's brush moved very slowly as if each stroke was strenuous. However, there was no pause. It was clear that he had thought over the contents of this imperial edict countless times in his heart to write it so steadily. He thought for a moment and picked up another bright yellow silk. This was another imperial edict. He paused and then slowly picked up his brush to continue writing.
The candlelight danced on the Emperor's face. His face, which had appeared a bit gray because of his illness, was illuminated very brightly by the candlelight. It was like the final radiance of a dying person, setting off his spirit. For a moment, it was as if he had returned to his youth. Finally, this imperial edict was finished. He slowly raised his hand, picked up the imperial seal at the side, pressed it on an imperial edict, and then raised it, as if he wanted to catch his breath. His fingers unconsciously stroked the dragon head on the imperial seal, his gaze becoming somewhat hazy in an instant, his mouth even began to hum a country song of unknown origin.
"In the spring of the second month, little brother goes to Water Bay City. Aiyo, whose wife is called Qiusheng? After going around and around, he wants to enter the house …" It was a bit abrupt for such a rural opera to suddenly start playing in this grand hall. However, the Emperor's expression gradually relaxed. He sang slowly and looked at the empty hall in front of him. It was as if he could see through the void the charming young girl carrying a medicine chest walking along the country road. As he sang, he suddenly began to cough heavily. The song stopped abruptly and he was lost in thought as he looked at the bloodstains on Bai Juan.
After a moment, the Emperor slowly closed his eyes and pressed the royal seal heavily on another imperial edict. Dong — —
…
By the time Jin Er returned to the manor, it was already dark. He had just walked into the courtyard when he saw a person standing under a tree. That person also saw him and skipped over. It was Dewdrop. Dewdrop saw him and said, "You weren't here when I looked for you this afternoon. Did you go out on a mission?"
Jin Er paused and then nodded instinctively. "Yes."
"Don't tell me you went to the brothel to look for the top courtesan there again?" Dewdrop purposely asked.
Jin Er was caught off guard by Dewdrop's question and his expression became somewhat awkward. He said, "No …"
"I was just joking." Dewdrop waved her hand. "Why are you so nervous? I'm not a tigress."
Jin Er could not help but laugh when she compared herself to a tigress. He patted her head and said, "Indeed, you are a tigress." He paused and asked, "Why did you specially come here to wait for me?"
Dewdrop saw that he laughed and did not bicker with him like she usually did. She only said, "You look a little different today. You're probably tired. Go and freshen up and rest first. I don't have anything to do, I just came to see you. " Dewdrop swallowed the two words "miss you". She had heard from Lian Qiao and Jin San that women should be more reserved. If they said everything they wanted, they would be completely dominated by men in the future. She and Jin Er were not married yet, so she could not flatter him.
Jin Er smiled and did not tease her like he usually did. He only said a few words to Dewdrop to rest well and then left. As soon as Jin Er left, the smile on Dewdrop's face disappeared and was replaced with a puzzled expression. Dewdrop stood at the same spot and muttered to herself, "He doesn't seem to be in a good mood. Could it be that he messed up the task? "After thinking for a while, she still could not think of any reason, so she turned around and returned to her room.
…
Jiang Ruan put down the book at the side and conveniently placed her hand on Xiao Shao's chest. This person's body was not as cold as his appearance. It was really a big warm stove. Her hand was very warm. Xiao Shao was caught off guard by her ice-cold hand and for a moment, he did not know whether to laugh or cry. However, he could not bear to tell her to take it out, so he only said, "Why is it so cold?"
"It's a list to help Dewdrop plan a marriage." Jiang Ruan pressed her hand against his body again, "So marriage is so complicated. At that time, our marriage was completely dependent on Housekeeper Lin alone. It must have been hard on him." Dewdrop's simple marriage was so complicated. At that time, she and Xiao Shao had made it so that everyone would turn out, and the tricks involved were even more dazzling. It did not seem like much, but once she did it herself, she felt that it was very difficult to sit up.
Xiao Shao looked at her for a while and suddenly said, "I also asked about it."
"What?" Jiang Ruan did not understand his words. However, Xiao Shao said indifferently, "Nothing." His expression was somewhat unnatural. Jiang Ruan thought about it and guessed a bit more. She said, "Don't tell me that you also thought about many of the tricks involved."
Xiao Shao did not answer, which meant that he tacitly agreed. Jiang Ruan was stunned. This person did not seem to care much about marriage, but why did he secretly inquire about such trivial matters? Naturally, she did not know that at that time, the marriage was indeed handled by Housekeeper Lin, but those details were all personally given to Xiao Shao to look over. Xiao Shao had even arranged it according to the most expensive wedding of the late Emperor. Otherwise, with just Housekeeper Lin alone, how could it be possible for him to throw money so recklessly and not say a word?
Jiang Ruan laughed. Xiao Shao was somewhat annoyed. He glanced at her and said, "You are so serious as if you are marrying off your daughter."
Since her rebirth, besides revenge, Jiang Ruan had never properly handled such a matter. For her, this was also the first time. Xiao Shao's words seemed to be somewhat jealous. These past few days, she had been busy asking Housekeeper Lin about Dewdrop and had indeed neglected him. Thinking about this, Jiang Ruan reached out and pinched Xiao Shao's cheek, saying, "If I had a daughter, she would definitely be even more serious. Not to mention me, I think you would be even more nervous than me."
"Daughter?" Xiao Shao looked at her thoughtfully. His gaze was as deep as the stars. When Jiang Ruan was looked at by his dark eyes, she immediately felt numb all over her body. She said, "Do what?"
As soon as her voice fell, she felt the world spin. She and Xiao Shao had already become one above the other. Xiao Shao looked at her and faintly said, "Indeed, but first, we must have a daughter."
…
In the Eighth Prince's fu, the advisor looked at Xuan Li, who was drinking and enjoying himself. For a moment, he was somewhat puzzled. It seemed that he had not seen Xuan Li so happy for a long time. Although Xuan Li had been used to putting on a smiling posture for many years, the people around him knew that it was just a facade. It had indeed been a long time since they had seen their master's face reveal such pride from the bottom of his heart.
The advisor cautiously asked, "Your Highness is so happy. Is it because you have made an appointment with that Yuan Chuan?"
That envoy of Tian Jin's conduct was mysterious and strange. Although he was an envoy, he did not have the slightest bit of servility or subservience. In fact, there was even a natural air of superiority. The advisor had followed by Xuan Li's side and had seen many people in his life. With one glance, he could tell that this Yuan Chuan was not a person who was easy to control. To have a relationship with such a person, or even to form an alliance, was a very dangerous thing. If one was not careful, one could lose one's life. Moreover, this Yuan Chuan did not seek fame or fortune, which made the advisor even more vigilant. The two of them were undoubtedly using each other. Xuan Li was using Yuan Chuan to scheme for a great cause, but what did Yuan Chuan want to use Xuan Li to seek?
The advisor could not see through it, so he could only explain to Xuan Li.
"No, there is no need to make an appointment for a great plan." Xuan Li slowly raised the wine cup on the table and took a sip. He smiled and said, "There are no allies, only a knife that I can use. Moreover, it is a good knife. "
"This …" The advisor suddenly thought of something and asked in surprise, "How does Your Highness use this knife?"
"The person who uses the knife is not you or me." Xuan Li said, "But the tree cut by this knife is also in my way."
This was to reap the benefits. Although the advisor was still a little confused, looking at Xuan Li's appearance, it did not seem like he wanted to tell him. Although this eighth prince had countless followers and advisors, he had his own unique ideas on many things. He did not even completely distrust them. There would always be some leeway for everything. This kind of person was actually rare in the world. To be able to always maintain a vigilant heart and not be shaken by any external things, this was the quality of an emperor.
"Your Highness, do you think it will succeed this time?" The advisor asked, "That Yuan Chuan did not seem to have done anything from the beginning to the end. How can Your Highness be so sure just based on his mouth?"
"I have said that the knife is a good knife." Xuan Li smiled and drank the wine in his hand. "I hope it can be used to the best of its ability."
As he spoke, a person dressed as a guard rushed in from outside. He took out a letter from his hand and presented it to Xuan Li. "Your Highness, a secret letter from the palace."
Xuan Li took it and looked at it carelessly. There were only two simple words on it: Success.
Xuan Li smiled again. That smile fell into the eyes of the advisor, had a different meaning. Compared to the joy just now, there was a bit of ruthlessness. That expression quickly disappeared, as if it had never existed on Xuan Li's face. He sighed and said in a low voice, "His Majesty is seriously ill."
….
That night, in a house in the capital, a young woman stood under a tree. Her expression was very sad. The short and fat woman on the side advised, "Miss, you should rest early. The wind is strong here. Miss's body is not good. You have to recuperate here. "
The woman smiled bitterly and her voice was very bleak. "Mother, my heart is uncomfortable."
"Miss, don't think too much." The woman also said, "Second Young Master will certainly understand. You are serious. Second Young Master's child, this old servant, has watched him grow up. He has a good heart. Since he has come today, he will not refuse. Second Young Master invited a doctor for Miss. After a long time, he will naturally see through Miss's heart. Miss, don't worry. Madam and Master will definitely make a decision for you. "
"But he has already said it." The woman shook her head again. "What's the difference between me and a wicked person who breaks up a family?"
"How can you be a wicked person?" Mother Zhou comforted her, "Miss is a girl from a decent family. You are also an old acquaintance. There will be no mistake in this matter. If it is really wrong, how can Madam and Master agree to let you come to the capital? Since the princess is a sensible person, she must know the reason. She will never embarrass Miss with this matter. As for Second Young Master, I will say something overstepping. Miss is beautiful and kind-hearted. You are also from a decent family. How can you be worse than a maid? Second Young Master will definitely like you. How can a man not like a well-educated daughter? So Miss, you can rest assured. Now it is better to have a good rest. Don't hurt your body. "
After listening to Mother Zhou's words, the woman's expression also relaxed. She smiled and said, "I think too much. Forget it. This is also fate. Since I am here, I just want to ask his opinion. Since I have seen him, and my body is not good, I have to rest here first. When I feel better, I will go back. "
Mother Zhou wanted to say more, but when she saw the woman's expression, she stopped and had to nod.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
