Chapter 94 Counterattack (Part 2)

  Zhao Xuanhuan led Hong Ge through the Moon Gate to "Wu Wei Ju", and let his trusted servant guard outside. Zhao Xuanhuan and Hong Ge went inside to talk.

  Zhao Xuanhuan thought to himself, if Tao Wu's daughter was still alive, what would the situation be like now? In recent years, his father had become more willing to listen to his suggestions, and his attitude towards him was no longer as tough as before. He had gradually gained a foothold in this family and would eventually have his own place in life. The matter between him and Ronghua had been witnessed by Hongge alone, and today the two of them were together again in the study that Ronghua had previously envisioned, making him feel as if he could relive his life and regain the most precious emotions that had been lost.

  Two people sat for a while, each with their own thoughts, without speaking.

  It was Zhao Xuan who spoke first: "It's quiet here, you can say whatever you want." A faint smile, and the warm, gentle eyes still held a deep sadness.

  Brother Hong wanted to comfort him, but didn't know where to start. He remembered that he used to feel the same way about his sister, but now she was back by his side and the pain had gone away. Zhao Xuan Huan still didn't know about his sister's return, what would he think if he found out? His sister warned him not to say anything, Brother Hong looked at Zhao Xuan Huan twice, when he married his older sister, he had felt resentful, but now that emotion had faded away. When his sister first came back, he thought about telling Zhao Xuan Huan one day and seeing how he would face his sister.

  Hong Ge reached into his pocket and pulled out the book that his sister had given him, handing it over to Zhao Xuan Huan.

  Zhao Xuanhuan took it and saw that it was a book of poems, suddenly feeling a few points of surprise. "I originally thought this book was gone, but I didn't know it was still with you." He carefully opened the book of poems and flipped through it, this book of poems had once been used to send his notes back and forth with Hong Ge.

  Now this book is well preserved, but things have changed. An idea sprouted in my heart, if I still write a note and put it between the pages of the book, can it still be delivered to her side?

  Zhao Xuan was stunned, and only heard Hong Ge say in a low voice: "Have you ever suspected why my fifth sister suddenly fell ill and died?"

  Zhao Xuanhuan's eyes flashed and looked at Hong Ge.

  No matter who suddenly dies of a sudden illness, it will make people suspicious. What's more, at that time, the situation was like this, and Ronghua had no evil intentions. When he first heard the news, he couldn't believe it either, but later accepted reality.

  Although he believed that Yiren had passed away, he always felt that there was another hidden situation here. Over the years, he also didn't hesitate to ask Shuhua about the true circumstances. Every time he asked, Shuhua would say with certainty that Ronghua indeed fell ill suddenly, and even invited a doctor to come and see her at night. After taking a dose of medicinal soup, there was no improvement, and by the next day, another doctor said that they were afraid the illness would be contagious, so they found a place outside for Ronghua to recuperate.

  Who knew it was gone by then.

  Shu Hua is a person who is not good at telling lies, unless she doesn't know the inside story either.

  He carefully inquired about others, and his mother didn't even know about him and Ronghua's private affairs, let alone other things. His father also kept his mouth shut, and when he was pressed for an answer, he said: "Anyway, it's all about forming an alliance with the Tao family, just as a concubine's identity, neither our Zhao family nor the Tao family needs to harm an innocent life? Our Zhao family has no right, the Tao family is a scholarly family, and it's even more impossible for them to do something that goes against heaven and reason."

  These years, he had been sending people to pay attention to the Tao family's situation. After all, it was difficult to investigate internal affairs, and there were no gains in these years. Some people also suggested that he dig up the remains of the fifth young lady to take a look, but he hesitated, fearing both heartache and disturbing her peace.

  "Now, Brother Hong mentioned this matter. Although he is young, after all, he is a member of the Tao family and knows more than him." Zhao Xuanhuan said: "What have you heard?"

  "Big Brother said: 'When Fifth Sister was alive, she and Second Sister were very close. You and Fifth Sister's affair, Second Sister also knew about it. I think and think, only possible is that Second Sister was meddling in the middle, which led to the later disaster.'"

  But this statement cannot be spoken casually, Zhao Xuan furrowed his brow, "Is there any evidence?"

  Hong said, "If I had evidence, I would have exposed her long ago. Why wait until today? As he spoke, he told Zhao Xuan about the matter of Ma Dao's wife. That Ma Dao's wife often went to the second sister's room, and those three aunts and six aunts in the mansion liked to do what kind of tricks. If you have a mind to listen, you will know, but unfortunately, when I went to find Ma Dao's wife, she had already escaped. She can even harm an eight-year-old girl who has just entered the mansion, and the matter of her harming the fifth sister that I investigated before is not unfounded."

  As for Ma Dao Po, Zhao Xuan Huan thought of Qiu He's affairs.

  Hong said: "To investigate these things, Brother-in-law is much more convenient than me. Besides, Ma Dao's wife also came to the mansion, what exactly did she do I'm not clear about."

  "Now everyone says that if something happens to Eldest Sister, Second Sister will marry Eldest Brother-in-law and become the stepmother. That's why I'm saying these things now. Anyway, someday I'll definitely investigate the cause of Fifth Sister's death clearly. But before that, if you really marry the person who harmed your sister, won't you regret it in the future?"

  "Brother Hong said, 'I shouldn't be talking to you like this, but it's about Fifth Sister's matter, and apart from you, I have no one else to turn to. I just think that if you're willing, help me keep an eye on things; if not, then at least think of yourself - people all marry virtuous wives, can't just...I always need to remind you.'"

  Hong Ge stopped talking, but Zhao Xuan Huan was surprised that Hong Ge could say such a thing at his young age. Although there is no evidence, he clearly pointed out the places that would make people suspicious.

  Even if Ronghua's affair was a false accusation against Second Miss, once Madao's matter is cleared up, Second Miss with such a vicious heart cannot be brought back home.

  Moreover, Zhao Xuan Huan thought back carefully and found that Second Miss Yao Hua indeed had a suspicious hint towards him in private. That night in Ronghua Courtyard, seeing the lamp light, Yao Hua suddenly grasped his sleeve, which led to even more misunderstandings.

  Zhao Xuanhuan carefully observed Hong Ge, after all, he was just an eleven-year-old boy, how could he notice so many details. "Hong Ge, did you discuss this with others before coming here?"

  Upon hearing this, Hong's face stiffened for a moment before he spoke: "Brother-in-law doesn't believe me? Besides, who else can I discuss Fifth Sister's matter with? The things I said, brother-in-law only needs to investigate to know the truth. Although Ma Dao Po is nowhere to be found, she used to frequently visit several families to pay her respects..."

  Zhao Xuan Huan nodded, "I know."

  These people use nothing but the same means, as long as they investigate a little clue, they can infer the whole situation.

  It's hard to talk about this topic for too long.

  Zhao Xuanhuan's tone changed, and he naturally brought up Hongge's studies. He couldn't help but examine him a bit, and Hongge was able to answer fluently. Zhao Xuanhuan had some praise for him, and Hongge's eyebrows gradually revealed the innocence of a child, and he became pleased with himself.

  Zhao Xuanhuan looked at him coldly and indeed, Hong Ge was different from before. The worries that could be seen on his face every day had gone by more than half. What was the reason?

  The sky was getting late, Zhao Xuanhuan ordered people to prepare the car and horse, and sent Hongge to the door, instructing the coachman to be more careful, before returning to the mansion again.

  Sitting on the chair, thinking carefully, if he just inquired about the inner court like this, there might be some impropriety. He needed to find someone trustworthy to help him investigate. After thinking for half a day, he called over Kong De, who was by his side. Kong De's family worked in the inner court, and since his husband followed the master, they had some face in the mansion, and their ears and eyes were also quite sharp. Previously, he had always wanted to serve the master but had never been looked upon by Madam. Now that he had the opportunity, how could he not exert himself?

  Zhao Xuanhuang said again: "It can't be told to outsiders."

  Kong De's servant hastily said: "Our whole family relies on Master to make a living, whatever Master entrusts us with, we dare not be negligent."

  Kong De's family left, and a young servant beside Zhao Xuan said: "Master, the bed in the study has been laid out."

  Zhao Xuan hesitated for a moment, "Go and see if Da Nai's side has fallen into trouble?"

  The little servant was slightly stunned before reacting and hastily ran out.

  The little servant went to the gate of the Shu Hua courtyard and knocked on the door, calling everyone inside. As soon as they heard that the master was coming back to stay, everyone became busy at once.

  Shu Hua, who was originally lying in bed drowsily, was informed by the maid twice before she came to her senses. "Did you hear that Master is coming back?"

  Miao Tong said: "Yes."

  Shu Hua's eyes finally had a faint glimmer of light.

  ……

  Hong Ge returned to the mansion and detailed Shu Hua's situation to Old Lady and Madame. He also took out the gifts from Yi Cheng Hou Fu, among which one was specifically instructed by Cai Fu Ren for Rong Hua.

  The old lady smiled and let Rui Qing send the girls away, then said to Hong Ge: "It's getting late, we still have to attend school tomorrow, go rest early"

  Hong Ge finally retreated.

  The old lady said: "According to Hong Ge's words, Shu Hua's illness is getting better."

  The lady nodded, "I heard that you changed doctors earlier, I suppose these few doses of medicine were used up."

  The old lady took a sip of tea and said, "Now that Ronghua's matter is about to begin, we can't skimp on the dowry because of what happened with Shuhua."

  Mrs. Tai's face changed color, "Ronghua... can't be like Shuhua after all, Ronghua is..."

  The old lady's face sank, "Isn't Ronghua already registered under your name? The Hou Mansion has long since stopped caring about it. What else is there to say about the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children? Besides, when Shuhua got married earlier, the Zhao family hadn't yet regained their title. Ronghua married the young master of the Hou Mansion, so by rights, she should be treated even better than Shuhua."

  The lady had nothing to say.

  The old lady said, "Renhua's wedding is also going to be held, and it just so happens that you're not feeling well, which makes it hard for you. It's a good thing that the second and third branches haven't left yet, let the second and third daughters-in-law come over to help out."

  The Marquis of Wu Mu's mansion has Liao Shi speaking from the middle, which is easier to handle.

  The lady nodded.

  The old lady said: "After all, it's going to be the mother-in-law, so it's better to be happy and excited. How many families can make a connection with the Hou Mansion? Everyone is envious of you."

  The lady's face twitched twice and she forced a smile.

  The next day, the second old lady's eldest daughter-in-law led the Meng family to pay their respects and brought ten gifts according to custom, symbolizing perfection. The adults talked in the front, while the sisters went to Ruhua's room to chat.

  Miss Qiuhua was already engaged, and after learning that her sister's marriage had been settled, she would have to return home with her parents to await her own wedding. She couldn't help but feel a bit melancholic. When she arrived at Yanhua's place, she saw Yanhua sitting in a chair surrounded by people talking to her. Yanhua was smiling shyly and reluctantly, and Qiuhua thought back to her own experiences, feeling sympathetic, so she quickly went over and sat down.

  The Meng family is the husband's family of the second wife of the eldest lady, a scholarly family that moved from the south, although their ancestors had never held any high-ranking official positions, they had produced imperial scholars, provincial graduates and county-level scholars.

  Someone mentioned that "The Meng family is the descendant of Mencius, and Sixth Brother-in-law was already a student at a young age, and it's said that his ranking is also among the top."

  Yan Hua smiled with pursed lips.

  The two brothers Tao Jingyuan and Tao Jingyun from the second house came back from the front, and everyone rushed to ask, "How does Sixth Brother-in-law look?"

  Tao Jingyuan said: "I just took a sneak peek, anyway, as long as it's a talented person, that's all right."

  The girls all blushed and smiled at once.

  Yan Hua forced a smile and then went to look at Rong Hua, her slightly elevated mood suddenly fell again. Previously, she thought Rong Hua was engaged to that Mr. Gu, but unexpectedly, the people from the Hou Mansion came to propose marriage. Although Wu Mu Hou is a cold-faced lord, the Xue family is still a noble and aristocratic family. Moreover, Rong Hua was also remembered in the name of the first lady, so her status was already higher than hers by a notch. When Rong Hua got married and became the wife of the Hou Mansion's lord, she would be even more out of reach.

  In Yanhua's house, people were talking, while in the main house, Old Lady Liu took Second Old Lady and Tao Zhao's wife to the east wing to talk.

  The old lady smiled and said: "Did you receive the letter someone sent to you last time?"

  As soon as she picked up the letter, Tao Zhao's face turned red with embarrassment, and she hastily apologized: "Because I was thinking that today I would accompany my sister to pay respects and...

  "No reply was given to the old lady, so I hope she won't blame me."

  The old lady smiled and said: "What are you talking about? I know this is also something that can't be rushed."

  The old lady of the Chang house was so kind and gentle, but Tao Zhao's wife found it even harder to speak up. "I only just learned that the filial piety candidate I mentioned last time, although also a legitimate son of the Meng family, came from a poor background. He had barely managed to pass the exam, but still hadn't obtained any official position, and who knows when he would be appointed. Previously, my wife was thinking of selecting a young lady from the side branch of our clan to marry him, as their families were also somewhat matched. But unexpectedly, the old lady took a liking to him and wants to marry off the second miss to him."

  Upon hearing this, the old lady was startled. What did Tao Zhao's words mean? Generally speaking, when talking about others, one should speak of their good qualities, even if they are from a poor family background, it would be mentioned in passing with tact, let alone that the general situation of the filial and incorrupt official had already been brought up last time, why bring it up again today?

  Isn't it that the Xiaolian family is unwilling to make this marriage? The old lady had never thought of this possibility.

  No matter the dowry or the conditions, Yao Hua is already one step higher than anyone else, what's there to be dissatisfied with? Old Lady Tao thought of this and frowned, asking Tao Zhao Shi, "What's going on exactly? The Meng family won't agree?"

  Mrs. Tao Zhao hurriedly apologized, "Originally, when we heard it was the second young lady from the mansion, our family happily agreed. Who knew that later they came to me again and said something about low marrying high, fearing that they wouldn't be able to keep up with her status. Especially since that nephew of theirs is a stubborn one, he absolutely refused to agree. This matter was rushed, I didn't even have time to go ask again before it was settled, also in order to report back to the old lady first." In her heart, Mrs. Tao Zhao understood that perhaps when the Meng family first heard about the second young lady's identity they were overjoyed, but afterwards they must not have understood how someone like them could be matched with a young lady of such status, so they went to ask around... The Meng family, although their household was not well off, was a single line of descent, and that nephew of theirs had a proud nature, only wanting to rely on himself, unwilling to take a noble wife.

  The old lady's heart sank, she had taken a liking to that filial and incorruptible scholar-official, but hadn't expected to encounter such a family.

  Tao Zhao said up to here, and then said: "Tomorrow, daughter-in-law will go to his house again to ask."

  It's probably pointless to ask anyway.

  The old lady said: "I am looking at the child's future. Since his family has some ideas, you don't have to ask again."

  Tao Zhao's mouth apologized, but her heart felt relieved.

  The old lady was just about to take Tao Zhaoshi back to the main house when Rui Qing came and said, "Madam Xue has arrived with the people from the Imperial Censorate."

  The old lady hurried out to welcome them.

  Madam Xue personally came to fix the date for exchanging betrothal gifts and bringing in the astrologer from the Imperial Observatory, wanting to tell Old Lady Wu once again about the result of matching the eight characters of Wu Mu Hou and Rong Hua.

  Mrs. Tao II came out and invited the Meng family members to sit in the flower hall.

  Liu Gu Ye's mother, Meng Da Ta Tai, tactfully asked Tao Er Ta Tai, "I don't know if the Hou Mansion has set a date for the wedding?"

  Mrs. Tao Er smiled and said, "Not yet."

  Mrs. Meng's eyes sparkled, "When the time comes and there are not enough people in the mansion, our family can send more people to help."

  Mrs. Tao's mouth twitched, "How can that be good?" Yan Hua hadn't even married yet and was already thinking of someone else.

  Mrs. Meng said: "What's wrong with that? We're all family, and it's only right to be close." She paused for a moment, then asked, "Why haven't I seen Miss Ba?"

  Mrs. Tao said: "It should be waiting for the people from the Imperial Observatory to go ahead and entertain, before they will invite Eighth Miss over to talk."

  Mrs. Meng felt a little disappointed, "I thought I would see Miss Ba"

  Not even anxious to see her own daughter-in-law, but eager to see Eighth Miss, with the influence of Mrs. Meng, it's likely that Yanhua will have a hard time after marrying into their family. Second Mistress Tao thought of Eighth Miss's humble appearance in front of people, and indeed, Eighth Miss is a lucky person, how did such a great fortune fall on her head?

  ……

  Qin Tianjian finished speaking, and Mrs. Xue took over and said: "Everything is fine, but there's just one thing that might be a bit difficult to handle."

  The old lady looked at Mrs. Xue with a troubled face and asked kindly, "But I don't know what's the matter?"

  Madam Xue said: "The astrologer has calculated the auspicious day, and it's best to hold the wedding next June. Otherwise, there won't be a better day for the next two years."

  The old lady was slightly surprised, "So there are only a few months left to prepare?"

  Mrs. Xue said, "That's not it."

  The old lady had someone bring over a calendar and repeatedly checked the date, asking Madame Xue if there were any issues with the Hou Mansion.

  "Although it's a bit rushed, we can still manage, and we won't skimp on the formalities."

  The old lady nodded, "This matter will be settled when the eldest returns, I'll tell him about it, and it's likely to be no problem." The only thing is that the unmarried young ladies in front would have to come to accommodate the date of Eighth Miss's wedding.

  Someone is talking inside the house.

  A sedan chair with two bearers stopped in front of the Tao Mansion. The person got out of the sedan and immediately sent someone to inform the gatekeeper: "Go inside and announce that Gu Yan, the inspector of the Ministry of Justice, has arrived for a visit."

  …………………

  It's late today, because of a backache ~ went out to buy medicine and a waistband, came back and continued coding.

  Gu Ying is here again.

  The day of getting married is just around the corner.

  Still owing an extra chapter... after adding even more extra chapters