Chapter 147: None of My Business (Basic + Pink 40)

  Basic + 40 pink this month's, first add this month's, then return last month's. Ask for pink tickets.

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  The old lady was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice: "Zhong Er doesn't usually go out and socialize with people, and you've been very cautious over the years, never having any enemies. I don't believe he would offend someone to this extent, just to have trouble with the Zhu Guo Gong Fu. This is clearly a deliberate scheme by someone who wants him to lose face and ruin his reputation...". She saw that Zhu Guo Gong only furrowed his brow, looking somewhat perplexed, and after a pause, she pointed out: "If he loses his reputation, which family would still be willing to marry their good daughter to him? His future prospects are also worrisome. Who will benefit the most from his downfall?"

  Zhu Guogong seemed to have understood her meaning and couldn't help but say angrily: "Mother is saying that this was done by Dalang? He's not that kind of person."

  The old lady shook her head: "I didn't say it was definitely Dalang who did it. I just feel that this matter must be investigated clearly, and the child's reputation must also be salvaged, it can't be let go, otherwise it will affect the other two children. Also, Dalang, this child has never come to see me since returning from Anxi Du Hu Fu, nor is he willing to step into this mansion, I'm afraid there is hatred in his heart. People can change, you and I don't know what he's been told these years, the Dalang we knew was just a child, not the current Dalang. Some things, we must be clear about."

  Zhu Guogong furrowed his brow, remaining silent for a long time before speaking: "This position of heir was always meant to be his. He is my eldest son by birthright, and he has proven himself capable. Just the other day, he received an imperial appointment as General Mingwei of the fourth rank, and was awarded two golden swords, along with a large quantity of gold, silver, and silk. In terms of talent and vision, the other two children are far inferior to him."

  The old lady disapprovingly said: "These two children are still young, and the people and things they come into contact with are different. They have their own strengths. You put away your bad temper and teach them well, and over time they will definitely make progress. I've heard that the eldest son's temper is just like his mother's, both stubborn and hard-headed. The kind of thing he did on Dragon Boat Festival can only be done by him... If he continues like this, he'll suffer a great loss sooner or later." She fell silent for a moment before saying: "He offended the imperial family, and it's possible that this matter is related to that incident..."

  Zhu Guogong sighed: "You have too many prejudices against Ayu. She is not that kind of person, her temper is bad and she is stubborn, but she is a person who understands right and wrong. Dalang is not stupid either, he understands it too. I heard that several princes tried to win him over, but he didn't respond. The emperor has also praised him to me several times."

  "This is just right, this might be a warning." The old lady's face sank: "Speaking of that woman, are you still blaming me? What's wrong with Du Shi? She was gentle and virtuous, if she hadn't cut her flesh to make medicine for me back then, I would have died long ago. How could I have lived until today? All these years, she has been filial to me, and even more so to you, she has been tolerant and magnanimous, managing the household with great care, without any fault. And that woman is about to be promoted to a high official position, where does she still have any regard for old feelings? You'd better give up on this idea."

  It's pointless to say more, so Zhu Guogong didn't want to discuss this matter further. He stood up and said: "You've had a long day, take a rest, I'll go take a look at that scoundrel."

  The old lady hurriedly said, "Don't hit the child. That child was only raised with that personality because you beat him severely. The more you pressure him, the more you harm him. He's still young and impulsive, who doesn't make mistakes? After this time, he won't do it again."

  Marquis Zhu nodded without expressing his approval or disapproval, but the old lady was not willing to give up. She pulled at his sleeve and said: "You must agree with me today, otherwise it will be my death. I have already lost my eldest grandson, this cannot be decided by you again."

  Zhu Guogong had no choice but to patiently coax her, saying: "I promise you."

  The old lady said, "You go and tell Da Lang to be more cautious and steady in his actions, don't offend people he shouldn't. Also, let him come back in two days no matter what, so that he can have a good talk with his brother. As for the girl from the Xiao family, you should send someone to investigate again, how could she provoke Zhong Er and then go after the young master of the Zong family? Don't bring in someone with improper behavior."

  Zhu Guogong responded with a low voice, got up and went to Du Furen's courtyard. As soon as he arrived at the door, he saw Jiang Changzhong wearing only his undergarments, with disheveled hair, pale face, kneeling in the courtyard. Du Furen was dressed in mourning clothes, calm expression, standing aside, seeing him coming over, she came forward to pay her respects and ask after his well-being.

  Zhu Guogong had a bellyful of anger, so he didn't look at Du Furen, but instead stared coldly at Jiang Changzhong. Jiang Changzhong trembled with fear, kowtowing desperately and stuttering, his pale lips quivering as he struggled to get the words out.

  Zhu Guogong couldn't help but burst into anger when he saw this, and stepped forward to scold him, poking his forehead: "You wicked child, you've done a great job! You're really good at making a fool of yourself, and then you dare to shift the blame onto your brother. I think the last time's whipping wasn't severe enough, it didn't teach you a lesson."

  Mrs. Du's face was extremely ugly, and the truth of the matter had not been investigated yet. How could he be so sure that it had nothing to do with Jiang Changyang as soon as he came? Jiang Changzhong was indeed foolish and stupid, but if someone hadn't deliberately set him up, how would he have ended up in this situation? After all these years, even a stone would have been warmed up, how could he be so heartless and unrighteous? Her heart cooled down halfway, followed by another kind of resentment and unwillingness. For the time being, she didn't go forward to persuade him, but just stood aside quietly, watching what he would do next.

  But then Jiang Changzhong saw Zhu Guogong's iron-green face, his eyes full of murderous intent, and his index finger, which was thicker than two of his own fingers put together. Madame Du was also watching from the side without saying a word. He couldn't help but feel anxious and fearful at the same time. What made things worse was that he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his abdomen, and with these two anxieties converging on him, he couldn't bear it anymore. He clutched his belly tightly, trembling all over, and finally managed to shout out: "Son knows his mistake, father please spare my life!"

  "Still dare to let your grandmother plead for you, I must make you remember this lesson today, otherwise in the future you will only become more reckless and ignorant of shame."

  Before the words were finished, Jiang Changzhong cried out in a mournful voice: "Mother save me!" Then his eyes rolled up and his body went limp, collapsing to the ground, immediately followed by a foul odor spreading out.

  Mrs. Du saw the situation, and with a heart-wrenching pain, she didn't care about the stench anymore, and hastily rushed forward to pinch Jiang Changzhong's people, anxiously shouting: "Zhong'er, my Zhong'er" And then repeatedly shouted at people: "Quickly carry the young master in to clean him up, go invite a doctor"

  Zhu Guogong was taken aback, followed by a deep sense of disgust and sadness. How could such a person be his son? He glared at Du Furen: "At this time, you still want to spoil him, it would be better if this bastard died! No one is allowed to move him, let him fend for himself!" After saying that, he kicked away Bai Xiang who was about to help Jiang Changzhong.

  Mrs. Du looked up at the gloomy sky, and years of resentment suddenly erupted. She stepped forward, grabbed Zhu Guogong's sleeve, glared at him with her beautiful eyes, and said viciously: "Jiang Chong, you're so heartless! Your son has become like this, don't you have any fault? Can you only blame me for spoiling him? Over the years, you've been away from home frequently, how much did you care about him? Look at all the families in the capital, which son is afraid of his father like this? Do you want to take his life? Do you want us mother and son to give way to others? Go ahead, kill him first, then come and kill me. It's all over. You're not satisfied, but I've been obedient to you for years, giving in to everything. Are you still not satisfied? If you're really so heartless, why didn't you refuse to marry me back then?"

  Mrs. Du had always been gentle and elegant, never having such a fierce and violent look, but she had another kind of beauty. Zhu Guogong looked at her familiar face and couldn't help but think of what the old lady had said earlier. When the old lady was seriously ill, she said that human flesh was needed to make medicine, and Mrs. Du immediately cut off a piece of flesh from her arm without saying a word. To this day, there is still a scar on her arm. She was obedient and submissive, only to him, and was kind and friendly to the concubines, children, servants, and his brothers who came to visit. Everything was fine, except that their son had not been taught well... But as she said, where was it just her fault? The mistake of not teaching the father... That person is already engaged to be married, and can never come back again, nothing can change.

  His eyes gradually softened, and after a long sigh, he threw out a sentence: "Let someone clean him up, and I'll send him to the army tomorrow."

  A thunderclap on a clear day. Mrs. Du dared not believe her own ears and asked in a hoarse voice, "What did you say? Send who to the army?"

  Zhu Guogong said in a deep voice, "He's lost so much face, even if I cover it up with my life, I won't be able to deceive those who are paying attention. His future and marriage prospects will all be problematic. Moreover, if he continues like this, he'll never amount to anything in his lifetime, and if he's not careful, he'll bring disaster upon himself and harm the family. If you truly want him to become a man, listen to my plan. Only blood can make him a real man."

  Mrs. Du was as still as a wooden chicken, her son had been sent away, and what use were all her careful arrangements now? By the time her son came back, it would be too late! The yellow flowers had already wilted, she felt resentful, bringing with her a few parts of pleading, a few parts of weakness, pale-faced, she went forward to hug Zhu Guogong's arm, and said sorrowfully: "Ah Chong, Ah Chong, the border is hard and bitter, recently it has been even more unpeaceful, he has never suffered hardship before, he will die, I beg you, it was all my fault, I will teach him well, and tell him to reform, or else, you can beat him severely? I beg of you..."

  When she shouted out his nickname from when he was young, Zhu Guo Gong couldn't bear to look at him, but his tone was very firm: "It's not allowed for other people's sons to go onto the battlefield, and my son can too. I would rather he die on the battlefield than be like this. My heart has been soft for too long, thinking that I could teach him well, but in the end it was me who harmed him. If you truly care about him, then you shouldn't have spoiled him so much, this is harming him." Only by keeping a distance from these two women at home and those sycophants around them, letting Jiang Chang Zhong go to the military for some training, will there be hope in turning him around.

  The gentle and elegant demeanor of the mistress was nowhere to be seen, she only covered her face and sobbed uncontrollably: "It's all my fault, I didn't teach him well, I shouldn't have let him go hunting, otherwise this wouldn't have happened and our family's reputation wouldn't be ruined. Blame me, don't blame him, he's just a spoiled child who doesn't understand anything."

  "It's because he doesn't understand, that's why he needs to be taught." Duke Zhu sighed: "I'm indeed angry that he lost face for me, but he's also my flesh and blood, I've always been thinking of his well-being. Don't cry, after a few years when he comes back, if he happens to achieve some merit and gets an official position, won't it be much better than now? It's settled then. If you have anything to say, you can talk to him tonight, tomorrow morning I'll send him off. Now I'll go ask for leave."

  He saw Mrs. Du wanted to speak, and coldly said: "If you must disagree, there is still another way to go. Tomorrow I will take him, house by house, to apologize and admit his shameful behavior, asking everyone to forgive him because of his youth and ignorance, and give him another chance. What do you think?"

  What's the difference between that and directly killing Jiang Changzhong? Madame Du gazed despairingly at Zhu Guogong as he walked further and further away, desperately covering her mouth to prevent her sobs from being heard. Bai Xiang directed people to carry Jiang Changzhong inside, then turned around to see Madame Du still standing blankly in the same spot, and worriedly came forward to advise: "Madame, shouldn't you go tell Old Madame about this? Perhaps only Old Madame can change Sir Guogong's mind now."

  Mrs. Du turned around, the tears on her face had dried up, replaced by calmness and serenity. She looked up at the bare branches of the red plum tree behind Bai Xiang and said quietly: "It's no use, he has made up his mind, and no one can change it. Not even Old Madam." If things went as she expected, before Zhu Guogong came over, Old Madam must have already pleaded for leniency on behalf of Jiang Changzhong, but to no avail. She could continue to make a fuss and struggle, but it would be pointless, only serving to annoy him further, making him think that she had ruined her son, and in the future, he would be even less willing to discuss things with her.

  Bo Xiang knew she was determined not to let Jiang Changzhong go to the border to suffer, so she frowned and said: "What can be done? Is it just like this..."

  Mrs. Du said faintly, "Going to the army may not be a bad way out." She entered the house and ordered Bai Xiang to grind ink and spread paper for her. She picked up her pen and began writing a letter. After a while, she finished writing the letter, carefully blew it dry, sealed it, and handed it to Bai Xiang: "You go out immediately and give this letter to Uncle."

  Bai Xiang nodded, carefully put the letter into her bosom, and was about to bid farewell and leave. Madame Du raised an eyebrow and said: "On your way back, take a trip to Furong Garden in Qujiangchi and see if Yier is still there. If he is, let him come back and say goodbye to his brother. If not..." She didn't finish speaking.

  Bai Xiang didn't ask her anything else and bowed, quietly retreating from the room.

  Mrs. Du sat for a while, then shouted: "Come on, serve me to dress up" After a while, after finishing dressing, she changed into a delicate and luxurious outfit, walked steadily to the bedside of Jiang Changzhong and sat down, saying softly: "Zhong'er."

  Jiang Changzhong had already woken up, but the events that had just occurred made him too ashamed to face anyone. He wished he could die and be done with it, so he turned onto his side, pretending to sleep without moving. When he heard Madame Du's voice, his eyelashes fluttered, but he refused to turn around or make a sound.

  Madam Du didn't care whether he was really asleep or awake, and gently reached out to touch his forehead, softly saying: "Zhong'er, just now your father said that he wants to send you to the army for two years of training..."

  Before the words were finished, Jiang Changzhong suddenly sat up and shouted: "I won't go! I don't want to be with those rough men who are all sweaty and lousy!" As he spoke, he threw the porcelain pillow on the ground and ranted wildly, "This is a conspiracy! He's driving me away, so everything will be his! Mother, you must expose his true face, you can't swallow this insult."

  Mrs. Du was distressed and rubbed her forehead: "This matter is bound to have no room for maneuver, don't be afraid, I've already written a letter to your uncle, he will take care of you, you absolutely won't be in any danger. You can rest assured and stay for two years, work hard and make progress, it will only be good for you in the future..."

  Jiang Changzhong understood her meaning, and to his surprise, she was actually taking Zhu Guogong's side. He immediately flipped over and got out of bed, rushing barefoot outside: "I'm going to die! I'll go find my grandmother, she will definitely not let me suffer this kind of hardship, allowing people to bully me like this."

  "Stop him for me!" Madam Du shouted coldly.

  Several women immediately appeared, blocking Jiang Changzhong. Jiang Changzhong frantically kicked and hit them. Madame Du stepped forward and slapped him with all her might, scolding: "You good-for-nothing, are you trying to kill me? I now regret spoiling you too much in the past, otherwise it wouldn't have come to this today. Fine, I won't stop you, nor will I care about you anymore. Your father can do whatever he wants with you, just go!"

  "Grandma..." Jiang Changzhong muttered.

  Mrs. Du sneered: "Grandma, she's not just your grandma. If she could help you, she would have helped you long ago."

  Jiang Changzhong's eyes reddened: "Grandma, if Grandma were still alive, I..."

  The old lady's nose turned sour and her voice became even sharper: "Your paternal grandmother is already dead."

  Jiang Changzhong stood stiffly for a moment, then slowly slumped down. Madame Du let out a long sigh and said: "You're not making things easy for yourself, now you can only take a step back, calm down for the time being...the key is that you have to live with some dignity, or else people will look down on you forever. He has deep grievances against us, once he inherits the title, you'll be waiting for him to trample us mother and son under his feet, never to rise again."

  Jiang Changzhong heard her affirmative tone, and thought of Jiang Changyang's face that resembled Zhu Guogong, cold and expressionless, and suddenly shuddered: "Mother, I'll do as you say."

  Mrs. Du said slowly, "Alright, if you want to keep your life and title, you'll have to listen to me. When your father returns, you'll tell him that you're willing to go into the military. If your grandmother is reluctant to let you go, you'll also personally tell her that you've lost face for the family and want to learn some real skills on your own accord." Did she think that by pushing people away, she'd have an opportunity? With soldiers coming and going, and water flowing and earth covering, she had plenty of ways to delay the matter of Fēng Shìzi's succession, as long as Jiǎng Chángzhōng put up a good fight, she would eventually turn things around.

  By the side of Qujiangchi Furong Garden, Zhu Guogong brought only one follower and rode his horse slowly towards Jiang Changyang's residence. When he arrived at the door, the follower went forward to knock on the door. The gatekeeper took a look and hastily opened the big gate, inviting Zhu Guogong in, then flew inside to report the news.

  Jiang Changyang was listening to Wu San speaking: "He Niangzi arrived at noon today, and I've already had someone tell her to go to Xishi tomorrow to see people. The unnamed wine building has also booked a elegant room."

  Jiang Changyang smiled slightly and was about to speak when someone came to report: "The Duke of the State has arrived."

  He furrowed his brow and stood up to welcome him out.

  Zhu Guogong stood in the central hall, his hands behind his back, staring intently at the Butterfly Perched on a Stone Bamboo Six-piece Silver Hinged Screen, so absorbed that he didn't notice Jiang Changyang approaching until he was right beside him, and then he suddenly came to.

  The father and son didn't exchange pleasantries or greet each other, but instead found their own seats. Jiang Changyang watched as the servant presented him with tea, then said, "What's this about?"

  Zhu Guogong disliked his attitude and tone, but had no choice, remained silent for a moment, then said: "Two days ago, your second brother went hunting and did something shameful."

  Jiang Changyang blew a mouthful of scalding hot tea: "Not too ugly yet."

  "Have you heard?" asked Zhu Guogong.

  Jiang Changyang didn't pretend to be ignorant, nodded: "I've heard." He didn't make any other comments, and his face didn't show any expression of gloating.

  "Zhu Guogong said with some difficulty: 'What's your take on this? For example, what do you think is the best way to handle this matter?'"

  Chiang Changyang was silent for a moment before saying, "None of my business."

  Duke Zhu was taken aback, then suddenly furious, standing up abruptly with his fists clenched. Jiang Changyang looked at him calmly, unfazed. Duke Zhu slowly sat back down, his shoulders slumping: "You say it's nothing?"

  "Of course it has nothing to do with me. First, I didn't do it; second, it still has nothing to do with me."

  Zhu Guogong was somewhat surprised by Jiang Changyang's acuteness, he turned around and looked at Jiang Changyang, towards the calm and composed eyes that didn't dodge or flash, he completely believed that this matter had nothing to do with Jiang Changyang. He remembered the old lady's words, maybe someone wanted to give the Zhu Guogong Fu a warning, he chose his words carefully, being somewhat cautious: "No matter if you are willing or not, blood ties cannot be severed. You are my eldest son, he is your brother, in the future you will still have to..."

  Jiang Changyang cut him off: "I have an appointment, it's something important, I'm just about to head out." He emphasized the two words "something important" heavily.

  Zhu Guogong took a deep breath, grabbed the horse whip and stood up: "You be more careful with your actions, don't get involved. Your grandmother misses you, see when you have time to go visit her." Seeing Jiang Changyang not responding, he said heavily: "You must go, otherwise I will tell the Emperor that you are unfilial"

  Chiang Chang-yang said lightly: "Alright, when are you coming?"

  "Lately I won't be around, tomorrow I have to send your second brother to the army. When I come back, I'll let someone pick you up." Zhu Guogong breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that Jiang Changyang wouldn't agree, but unexpectedly Jiang Changyang agreed so easily. He looked at Jiang Changyang suspiciously, what was he hiding?

  Jiang Changyang fell silent and didn't even ask another question about Jiang Changzhong. Zhu Guogong could only helplessly leave.

  As soon as Zhu Guogong's servant walked far away, Wu San stepped forward and said: "Young Master, are you going to the Guo Gong Mansion?"

  Jiang Changyang said: "After meeting with He Niangzi tomorrow, we'll go."

  Wu San Dao said: "You're not waiting for Master Guo to be at home?"

  Jiang Changyang smiled and said, "It's better if he's not around to do things. That kid went into the army, it's actually a good opportunity for us to have some peace and quiet. You go take a look, who exactly did this good deed?"