Huai Lin injured an arm and has been resting in the palace for so many days, but this persons injuries are not limited to his arm. The wound on his back shoulder even burst open at one point, yet he still wants to enter the palace as if nothing is wrong?
Li Huaiyu had already raised his hand to the back of his neck, thinking that he might as well knock him out and take him away.
Jiang Xuanjin sighed and reached out to grab her sleeve: "Go ahead, Ill be right back."
Although her tone was soft, she was very stubborn. After finishing speaking, she let go of Yun Lanhua and nodded towards the outside before walking out.
Yunlan absent-mindedly made way for him, looking at the imperial edict in her hand and then at his handsome back, a little dazed.
"This guy is as stubborn as a donkey!"
"Huh?" He tilted his head.
"Doesnt it look like that? A donkey pulling a cart will still turn its head after three calls, but he wont listen no matter how you advise him!" said Madam Bai to her husband.
This tone is really getting more and more familiar as I listen to it.
Yun Lianqing didnt look at Jiang Xuanjin anymore, put away the imperial edict and carefully looked at the lady in front of him, hesitated and asked: "Have I met you somewhere before, madam?"
"This is natural." Hua Yu smiled, "The Jiang familys grand wedding, the Tingwei government tea hall, werent all the adults there?"
"No." Yun Lian Qing shook her head, looking deeply into her eyes, "Even earlier than that."
How perceptive? Hua Yu raised an eyebrow, blinked a few times and then smiled: "Then I wont remember it, lets just invite the adults first."
Yun Leng Qing was silent, everyone else had denied it, he couldnt keep asking, but in his heart, he was still puzzled and couldnt let go. He couldnt help but take a few more glances at her.
Where have I seen it before? This familiar feeling...
Entering the palace requires riding a carriage and then walking, Jiang Xuanjins wound had just been re-dressed, but by the time he stood before the Emperor, the snow-white gauze was again stained red.
"Your Highness?" Li Huailian was startled when he saw him and immediately ordered the palace staff, "Quickly, help him over!"
"Your Majesty." Jiang Xuanjin frowned and looked at the dragon bed, "It doesnt conform to etiquette."
"Theres no outsider here, please sit down!" Leaning against the soft cushion, Li Huailun looked at him with a worried expression and asked, "Not taking good care of your injury, why did you come to the palace?"
Jiang Xuanjin glanced at the eunuch standing beside him.
"Everyone go down."
Normally, there would be at least one guard left to protect the Emperor, but since he was here, Li Huailian directly chased everyone out and even had someone close the doors of the grand hall.
"Whats going on?" he asked.
Jiang Xuanjin shook his head: "I came to the palace today just to ask Your Majesty for a favor."
"What?"
"In the past, many of the slaves in Fei Yun Palace were imprisoned for their crimes," said Jiang Xuanjin. "I wish to request Your Majestys benevolence and pardon them."
Li Huailian was shocked and looked up at him in disbelief: "Pardon the people of Feiyun Palace?"
At first when they were put in prison, Jiang Xuanjin was the one who signed on Qi Chengxiangs petition. How could he come to ask for pardon now?
"Princess Danyang is guilty, but they are innocent." Facing his surprised gaze, Jiang Xuanjin calmly explained, "A great amnesty has two benefits: first, it shows the emperors magnanimity, and second, it alleviates the grievances accumulated in the prisons, achieving two goals at once."
Li Huailian thought for a moment, then said: "The slaves of Feiyun Palace are indeed not guilty of any great crime. Since Your Majesty has spoken, I am naturally willing to release them... But why did you suddenly bring up this matter?"
Why? Its because Liu Yunlie was too direct this time, making him truly aware of the abnormality. Liu Yunlie didnt want him to help the remaining Dan Yang party members, and even less did he want him to interfere with the old case of Sima Xu. However, looking at recent events, the remaining party members he helped seemed to be in the right, while the people Liu Yunlie helped were actually wrong, and quite far off the mark.
Since thats the case, then the Court of Judicial Review is suppressing the old case of Sima Hui, will he still investigate or not?
Look! Someone wants to obstruct, he simply releases all the slaves of Fei Yun Temple, thoroughly stirring up this muddy water! This was his decision when he saw the imperial edict, only now in front of Sheng, he cant say so.
"Your Majestys recent assassination attempt has caused me great concern." Jiang Xuanjin said with a lowered gaze, "The imperial edict was posted, and the people are discussing it in hushed tones. If we dont handle this properly, there will be rumors that Your Majesty is unpopular. After careful consideration, I think a general amnesty would be best."
Amnesty is not casually granted, death row prisoners are impossible to release, no matter how you look at it, the group of people from Fei Yun Palace are suitable, with many in number and falsely accused.
Li Huailian nodded and suddenly sighed: "If the imperial sister were still around, Your Majesty would be so gentle too."
Jiang Xuanjin paused: "Am I not warm enough towards Princess Chang?"
Li Huailian looked at him with a complex expression: "Every time you see her, its always an unhappy parting."
In the past, whether in the imperial court or the harem, they couldnt exchange two words before the emperor would start to mock and ridicule. Princess Chang wasnt someone who could be easily bullied, so she would immediately retort, and then the two of them would quarrel right in front of him.
Jiang Xuanjin seemed to have recalled something from before and furrowed his brow, saying: "The eight characters dont match."
"Actually, elder sister is a very gentle person." Li Huailian said seriously.
Jiang Xuanjin heard this and wanted to laugh: "The Eldest Princess is gentle?"
If she were gentle, wouldnt the water in the Luoshen River flow backwards?
"Dont be ridiculous." Li Huailian muttered, "Ive always thought that if the emperor would treat my sister well, maybe they could still make a good match."
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty." Jiang Xuanjin shook his head, "I am unworthy of such treatment."
Whats the fate between a woman who only knows how to raise her face and me? Its better to maintain the doomed relationship with the four silly members of the Bai family.
"Achoo!"
The four silly Bai brothers were pouring tea for Yunlan Qing when, without warning, one of them let out a massive sneeze that shook the beams.
"Excuse me." She covered her mouth and nose with a handkerchief and muttered, "Whos been talking about me behind my back?"
Yun Lian Qing looked at her with a complex expression, the more he looked, the more familiar she seemed, even this sneezing appearance was familiar. But with so many servants around, he couldnt ask anything, and could only rub his temples to think carefully.
"An adult can come and proclaim the imperial edict, I suppose you have earned the emperors trust." He put down the teapot and the person in front of him spoke with a smile.
Yun Lianqing returned to his senses and cupped his hands in response: "I dont dare, its just that I happened to have an appointment with the Emperor, so I took on this task."
When it comes to His Majestys trust, he still has some reservations. After making a great achievement in the neighboring country and returning, his annual salary should have been increased by 2,000 stones, but for some reason, the promotion order was delayed, and he had held the title of Li Guan Daifu for two months.
"Does the master seem to have a worried mind?" She smiled warmly, "As an official in the court, one cant avoid having all sorts of troubles. Fortunately, Lianhua River is close to the palace wall, so every day after court, the master can still take a walk by the river and clear his mind."
It sounded like a casual concern, and Yun Lianqing responded casually after hearing it, without thinking much.
Jiang Xuanjin returned to the palace after two hours, and as soon as he came back, he led the edict and thanked the emperor. Yunlan Qing handed over the imperial decree, had no reason to delay, and left the Jiang Mansion after paying his respects.
"Sit down for me." Looking at Jiang Xuanjin, Huai Yus smile that had just been used to entertain guests disappeared completely, with his hands on his hips and his eyebrows furrowed, looking fierce.
Jiang Xuanjin pursed his lips and lowered his head: "My wound hurts."
Hua Yu was amused by him: "Why didnt you cry out in pain when we were entering the palace? Now that were back, you suddenly know how to feel pain?"
"Entering the palace is for serious business."
"What serious matter must be said now?"
"Putting off until tomorrow will make things late by a day."
"Alright, alright." Huai Yu waved her hand, "I wont argue with you, lets take a look at the wound first!"
She fetched some ointment and, scolding her husband as she undressed him, said: "You really think youre made of steel? Look at yourself, covered in blood! Youll end up with scars all over your body like me. Whats the use of applying more medicine? With your careless ways, I bet this wound wont heal for a month!"
"Hmph," Jiang Xuanjin said, "You were always going to take my surname anyway."
She married into the Jiang family and took her husbands surname, thus becoming a member of the Jiang family.
Hua Yu rolled her eyes and said viciously: "Be honest!"
After changing the medicine and re-bandaging, Huaiyu led him into the inner room, wrung out a towel to wipe his face: "From tomorrow on, stay at home for half a month to recover from your injuries, dont run around randomly."
He reached out and grasped her wrist, Jiang Xuanjin shook his head: "Im afraid it wont work."
"What are you doing?" Huai Yu glared at him. "Is the entire imperial court left with only you as a capable person? Youre still working despite being injured, all for the sake of loyalty to the country?"
"Not..."
"Then dont say anything else." Waving her hand, Huaiyu said, "I will always be guarding you, whoever comes and says what, its all useless!"
Its really reassuring to hear that. In the past, when you were ill and went to court to read documents, no one dared to say more than half a sentence to you. Now its good, Madam scolded him with a burst of words, and he didnt make a sound. It seems that he will be honest for a while.
He brought his wife back several years ago!
Li Huaiyu pinched the handkerchief and wiped Jiang Xuanjins face, with great force, rubbing out two red marks on his originally pale face.
Jiang Xuanjin didnt dodge either, his pitch-black eyes were moist and glistening as he stared at her.
She smiled as she held her breath, stared at him for a while, then suddenly hugged him in her arms, rubbing his head with her chin and stomping her feet: "How can you be so cute!"
The family slaves standing in the house all have a bruise on their feet.
What words can be used to praise Ziyang Jun, lovely...? A glance at the suddenly gloomy face of the person being held, and he shook his head with a shiver.
Only the lady dared to say so.
However, compared to before, Juns demeanor has indeed softened considerably. The aura that kept people at arms length had dissipated, and his gaze was no longer icy cold. Even the coarse servants dared to exchange a few words with him when they came in to pour water or serve tea.
Such changes were not only noticed by the people of Moju, but also by the people of Jiangfu. Even when Jiang Shen went out to write poetry and lyrics with others, he couldnt help but sigh twice. Heroes are hard to get past beautiful women, arent they? Heroes are cold as ice? No matter, as long as the beauties are warm and passionate.
At this time, articles lamenting the heroic beauty began circulating in streets and alleys.
Even if she was written as a charming and seductive demon, Li Huaiyu didnt think it was a big deal. After all, previously these people wrote about her in the likes of "Lang Xiao Nu Bao" and "Huo Guo Lun", so compared to those, being called a demon is actually a good word.
But unexpectedly, someone saw these things and actually believed them, and even came to accuse me.
"Xuan Jin." Liu Yunlie frowned, "Your Majestys great amnesty, is it your idea?"
Jiang Xuanyin leaned against the edge of the bed, without even lifting his head, revising official documents: "Not suitable?"
"Where is she?" Liu Yunlie couldnt understand, "Why would you do such a thing? Could it be that you were really blinded by beauty as the rumors outside say?"
Jade pen paused, Jiang Xuanjin said in a light tone: "I have my own measure."
Whats the point? Even if those palace maids in Feiyun Palace are just minor characters, once theyre all released, who can guarantee that they wont say something out of line?
Liu Yunlie said, "Recently, when I talked to Prime Minister Qi about you, I felt that your mind had been bewitched by someone. The previous matters were still understandable, as you had a sense of justice in your heart and wanted to distinguish right from wrong. But this matter of the great amnesty, you are completely acting arbitrarily!"
The pen tip paused, Jiang Xuanjin finally looked up at him: "What are you afraid of?"
"Whats there to be afraid of?" Liu Yunlie frowned.
"If youre not afraid, why did you come to find me specifically for this matter?" Jiang Xuanjin said, "You think Ive been bewitched and lost my mind, but I also feel that youre different from before. As long as its not a wrong thing, why do you want to oppose it?"
Liu Yunlies face changed color, and he frowned, saying: "I never thought that you and I would also have a day when we would take different paths."
"This king has not changed, but the path is different; perhaps its because the adults perspectives have changed."
"You are clearly being deceived without realizing it!" said Liu Yunlie, "From the time you re-examined Sima Xus old case, you have already taken a wrong turn and gone in the opposite direction of us! Xuanjin, have you ever carefully thought about why after the grand wedding, you were slowly seen as standing on the side of the Danyang remnants?"
Jiang Xuanjins eyes widened slightly, and he furrowed his brow.
This was something he hadnt thought of. He didnt stand on the side of the remnants of Danyang, and he knew it in his heart - it was a matter of principle, not personal feelings.
It can be seen that, in the eyes of outsiders, from Xu Xian and others sitting at the wedding banquet in the brides home, he seemed to have been labeled as a remnant of the Dan Yang party. His investigation of old cases, his handling of Li Fengxing, his transfer of Liang Sihuan, and his rescue of Xu Xian... all these actions were deepening this label.
Whats going on?
"A word of warning, Ill remind you once more." Yu Yunlie looked at him deeply and said, "Danyang Princesss mind is deep and her methods are ruthless. Even if she has already passed away, its possible that she left behind many hidden moves to deal with you. Your wife, who knows Lu Jinghang and can make Xu Xian and others sit in the seat of honor at her natal home, should be careful."
Jiang Xuanjins face sank: "Youve overstepped your bounds, sir."
"I knew youd be unhappy if I mentioned her." Liu Yunlie shook his head, "But think carefully, onlookers see more clearly."
Having said that, he stood up, bowed and walked out.
Holding the jade, guarding the kitchen maid stewing tonic soup, when it was done and she went to serve it, she felt that the main house was gloomy.
"Whats wrong?" Walking to the bedside, she put down the tray and scooped up the soup while asking, "Has Lord Liu upset you again?"
"No." Jiang Xuanjin lowered his eyes and composed his expression, saying in a low voice, "The wound has been hurting, its a bit annoying."
Hua Yu heard this and put down the spoon, pointing at his injured body, sternly warning: "Dont be in pain! Look how annoyed my husband is!"
Jiang Xuanjin: "......" He couldnt hold it in, he chuckled softly and covered his eyes with his hand, laughing for a while. The dark clouds in his heart also gradually dispersed.
"Hey, you look so good when you smile, why dont you smile more?" Huai Yu gazed at him with a sly grin and sighed, "What a waste!"
He pressed his mouth with his hand and looked at her: "Youre so good at talking, not going to a teahouse to tell stories is also a waste of talent."
"Its different." Huai Yu raised her chin, "My good words are only said to you alone, others wont do even if they pay!"
A serious tone, apricot eyes are also full of genuine emotions, Jiang Xuanjin looked at him for a while, and his heart relaxed.
Xu Xian and those people went to the wedding banquet because of Lu Jinghangs face, Li Fengxing deserved his punishment, Xu Xian also saved him voluntarily, as for Liang Sixuan... it can only be said that it was a coincidence, after all, it was Liang Sixuan who swapped the papers herself, she at most just said that the handwriting looked familiar.
Danyangs cunning and cleverness are undeniable, but how could she possibly be so omniscient that even after death, she could still outmaneuver him? Moreover, at the time of her death, she had no connection with Bai Zhuxi whatsoever, so its impossible to link them together.
Shaking his head, Jiang Xuanjin looked at the soup in her hand: "So diligent today?"
Hua Yu smiled and said: "You try it first?"
She took a sip of the soup she had fed him and he nodded: "Better than last time."
Thats right, the cooking skills of the Jiang familys kitchen maid are definitely better than those of the Bai family. Huaiyu smiled and said: "I cooked a bit more, let Lingxiu send a bowl to my father, its just nearby."
Its quite filial of you? Jiang Xuanjin thought for a moment: "Your father seems to still be investigating that gambling den."
"Isnt it?" Hua Yu sighed, "I dont even know whats good to investigate, at most its just some black accounts."
"After searching for so long...the number of secret accounts must be quite large."
"What can you do if I dont?" she said disdainfully. "The silver in the gambling house, cant it be traced back to its origin?"
Generally speaking, it cant be investigated, so its called a "black account". However, if the amount is too large and can be matched with an existing case file, its not impossible to investigate by tracing back.
Speaking of which, Jiang Xuanjin suddenly thought of Li Fengxing, who had accepted a huge amount of bribes, and many of the ill-gotten gains were of unknown origin. If that casino had him backing it up...
He thought for a moment and then instructed the person beside him: "Go and find out who the owner of the sealed gambling den usually associates with."
"Yes."
Hua Yu had a look of not understanding what he was saying, and continued to feed him soup. After he finished drinking a bowl, she couldnt help but pinch the spoon and say: "Youre really lucky to have married such a virtuous wife like me!"
She coughed and Jiang Xuanjin looked at her with disdain: "Is there a need to praise yourself like that?"
"Im not bragging, you come and praise me then!" Huai Yu pouted, a bit resentful, "Ive been so good to you, but youve never praised me!"
"How can I praise?" Jiang Xuanjin said, "I dont like lying."
"Hmph! Not only didnt you praise me, but youre also bullying me? Next time if you want to drink soup, go cook it yourself!"
After finishing speaking, he picked up the bowl and left.
Jiang Xuanjin felt innocent and looked at her back disappearing out the door, muttering softly: "What a bad temper."
The person beside Yu Feng couldnt help but burst out laughing.
"Whats wrong?" Jiang Xuanjin tilted his head, "You see Madam scolding me, youre very happy?"
Hurriedly shaking his head, Yu Feng said: "I just think... You should also say something pleasant occasionally, daughters like to listen to sweet words."
Jiang Xuanjin sneered: "Does she love listening so I have to say it? Look at her from head to toe, whats worth me saying good things about?"
The wind closed his mouth, and his experience of serving in a humble capacity told him that it was better for others to avoid arguing with the master except for the mistress.
"Master." Lingxiu delivered the soup and came back with a letter for her.
She took the jade over and looked at it, which was written by Lu Jinghang in a wild cursive script that only she could recognize. After roughly scanning it, she tore up the letter and walked towards the back house of the main building.
Knowing that there have been a lot of things recently, Moju has been coming frequently, and Qingsi has been quietly staying in the room. The wounds on her body have basically healed under Lingxius care.
Let Lingxiu guard at the door, and Huaiyu pulled Qing Sis hair and asked in a low voice: "How is it?"
Qing Si nodded: "The Dark Guards layout has been thoroughly investigated. If Master has any orders, I can sneak out of the Ink Residence under the cover of night."
Finally, the time has come. Huai Yu let out a long sigh of relief. Qing Sis skills were even more formidable than Dan Yangs in the past. Now that she had recovered, it was as if he finally had eyes, ears, and limbs again, and he didnt have to worry too much about her safety.
It would be even better if I could have her by my side with a clear conscience.
Hua Yu thought for a moment, then said: "Lu Jinghang passed on the message that Jiang Xuanjin released the people of Fei Yun Palace. He really wants to investigate the old case of Sima Xu, so you should hold back for now and wait for my orders."
"Yes." Qing Si nodded and looked at her thin face again, furrowing her brow, "Take care of your body."
"Dont worry, Im fine." Clenching her fist, Li Huaiyu hooked the corner of her mouth and smiled, "And it will get even better."
Jiang Xuanjin has been helping her get rid of the treacherous and turn things around for her step by step, with his help, its really reassuring, even sleep is particularly sound.
She had a premonition that Sima Xus case would soon be cleared up.
The next day, Huaiyu said he wanted to go out early.
Jiang Xuanjin was still recovering from his injuries and naturally couldnt go out. He looked at her with a pair of displeased eyes: "Must you go?"
"Look!" Hua Yu pointed out the broken rosary to him with a pitiful expression, "I have to re-string it now, this was your gift to me."
He had worn that pearl necklace for so long without any issues, how could she possibly break it? Jiang Xuanjins displeasure grew, his eyebrows furrowed and his thin lips pursed tightly.
Li Huaiyu hastily hugged his arm and said, "I didnt do it on purpose, it was fine all along, it broke by itself! The things you sent me, I treasured them, not a single pearl is damaged, just find someone to restring it again."
"May good fortune follow you."
"Its okay." Huai Yu waved her hand, "Ill go to the clothing store on the way, hes a man and its not convenient for him. Ling Xiu can follow me instead."
He hummed softly and turned his head to look at the bed, ignoring her.
Hua Yu couldnt help but laugh at the sight, gave him a quick peck on the cheek and then ran off with her skirt lifted.
Jiang Xuanjins eyes flashed with anger as he shouted: "Wind Control!"
"Master... Master? Madam doesnt allow it, but if I still follow, wouldnt that be a bit..."
"Who told you to follow her?" he scolded, "She left in such a hurry without even bringing any silver tickets. You go deliver them to her."
“……”
Whats the point of getting angry while giving people silver tickets? Yufeng couldnt help but laugh and cry, responded to his words, took the silver ticket from the nearby cabinet and chased after him.
The room fell silent as soon as the lady left, and several servants crouched at the door whispering: "We used to think that the master didnt like women, but now..."
"Previously, the court was unstable, and the emperor was single-mindedly devoted to the country. How could he have had time to manage other things? Now that the young emperor has taken power, our emperor should also take a breather."
"Yes, if I may say so, one wife is even too few. With our masters status and position, we should have at least three wives and four concubines. We cant lose to the second young master."
The words were very much to their hearts content, and people who had come from afar laughed and handed them two purses of money.
The servants were taken aback, and turned around in confusion, only to see a young lady wearing a dark flowered cloud-patterned skirt standing before them, saying: "Please announce my arrival, the eldest daughter of the Yi family requests an audience with Your Majesty."
A face as beautiful as a flower and moon stunned everyone in front of the door. A quick-reacting house slave hastily said, "Young mistress, please wait!"
The lady just left, and then this woman came to see you? The house slave ran inside while slapping his own mouth, huh, I wonder if it really came true with one word?
Jiang Xuanjin was revising the official document with a hum, when he heard the report that there was a guest arriving. His face instantly regained its usual calmness: "Pull back the curtain, please come in."
The silk curtain at the partition was lowered, and someone followed the servant into the house. As soon as they came up, they paid their respects: "Young lady Yi Su has seen you, sir."
"Whats wrong?"
"My father offended you some time ago and has been feeling uneasy about it, but as he was acting on orders, he didnt dare to come and apologize himself. So today, Ive asked my younger sister to visit you."
Furrowing his brow in thought for a moment, Jiang Xuanjin asked: "What about Father?"
"Hu Ban Zhong Lang Jiang, Yi Yang." The girls words were full of confidence, her voice loud and clear, with a hint of amusement.
The man outside couldnt help but lower his head and glance at her with a hint of curiosity.
She walked with her knees bent in courtesy, but her eyes were not honest and kept looking behind the curtain. She had been admiring Prince Ziyang for a long time and previously thought that entering the Jiang Mansion was hopeless, which made her sad for a while, and she even stayed in the temple for several months. Now that shes back, she heard that Prince Ziyang got married and also refined his gentle and soft nature, which really surprised her.
What skills does Bai Si have to convince Zi Yang Jun?
She inquired carefully and even bribed the servants of the White and Jiang families, finally learning the secret - Ziyang Jun likes proactive girls!
If he liked someone else, Yi Su wouldnt have come today. But if being proactive could move this person, why would she lose to Bai Si? Isnt it just a matter of being bolder and thicker-skinned? She can do it too!
Then, after reporting her family name, Yi Su continued: "My daughter heard that you have an injury on your body, so she specially brought the wound-healing sacred medicine Yu Qing Gao."
The voice from behind the curtain stopped, and he took a peek, then nodded in understanding as he stepped forward with his hand out: "Thank you for your kindness, Miss Xiao. Ill take it from here."
Pinching the ointment box, Yisu withdrew her hand and frowned at him: "This ointment is not easy to apply, even if I give it to the adults, they wont know how to use it. Its better for me to go in and tell His Majesty in person."
As she spoke, she directly reached out and lifted the muslin curtain at the partition.
To be honest, this kind of unscrupulous behavior, Mou Xi had seen many times on Bai Zhujis body, he thought he was already used to it, but now that he took a closer look, Mou Xi found that although Madam could do such things without any problem, others doing the same would always seem very rude.
Jiang Xuanjins face sank on the bed, his eyes coldly staring at the person who came in, and he said in a low voice: "Get out!"
Yi Su was startled and the energy she had just gathered dissipated: "The little girl just wanted to tell you, Your Highness, about this medicine..."
"Take advantage of the void and send off the guest!"
"Yes, please come in."
Yi Su was taken aback, a bit at a loss. This wasnt what others had said, was it? Werent they saying that Zi Yang Juns temperament had become gentle and he no longer rejected people from afar? Werent they saying that no matter how much Bai Si Xiao Jie made a fuss, he didnt get angry? She had only lifted the curtain to enter, so why did he want to drive her away?
"Your Highness!" Seeing the situation was unfavorable, Yisu quickly dismounted and knelt down, ignoring the gesture of inviting her out. She said sorrowfully, "Its this humble girls fault, please calm your anger, Your Highness! This humble girl came to apologize, if the apology is not accepted and instead angers Your Highness, going back will surely mean being beaten to death by Father!"
As she spoke, she looked up at him with a pitiful expression.
Jiang Xuanjin leaned against the headboard with his clothes open, holding a letter in his hand that he had flipped halfway through, gazing at her sideways without speaking.
Yi Su hardened her scalp and continued: "The young woman has admired you for a long time, not seeking your favor, but only asking you to take pity on her. Dont drive the young woman away like this. The young woman will certainly make amends properly and never overstep again!"
Just then, a servant came in to report: "Your Lordship, Miss Liang has arrived and requests an audience."
One hasnt finished yet, and another one comes? Jiang Xuanjin felt a bit surprised. These girls usually didnt dare to enter his ink house, whats going on today? Are they coming in succession?
He looked around at the people on the ground with a puzzled expression, then relaxed his tone and said, "Get up."
Yi Su hastily stood up, nervously pinching her handkerchief.
"Go sit in the side hall." Jiang Xuanjin said.
Whats the side room for? Yi Su gave him a glance, didnt dare to retort again, and reluctantly followed. As soon as they sat down, Liangs younger sister was also invited in.
As soon as she saw her, Yi Su felt a lot more at ease. At least she had met with Jun Shang and spoken to him, but this one hadnt even stepped into the main house.
"What are you doing here?" Liang Rao Yin frowned as soon as she entered the door, looking at her guardedly.
"The early bird catches the worm."
"Whats wrong, have you seen Jun?"
"Nature."
Liang Weiyin was somewhat annoyed, she had heard the news and didnt believe it at first, originally thinking of finding an excuse to come over and try, but who would have thought that someone would get there before her!
It wont work, I have to think of another way!
In the main house.
Jiang Xuanjin stared at the document in his hand with a thoughtful expression, and suddenly asked Cheng Xu: "Whats going on outside?"
He carefully handed him a few days worth of articles that had been passed down to the government: "Its this one."
He took a glance and furrowed his brow: "Who came up with this? Beauty Trap indeed, does she even look like a beauty?"
"Madam has also read it, she said its written quite well."
Its okay? Openly and secretly, theyre all pitying this "hero" for being led astray by that "beauty", turning a good person into a fox spirit. Isnt he angry at all? His heart is really big.
After reading through it all, Jiang Xuanjin asked: "What does this have to do with those people outside?"
"This article spread throughout half of Kyoto. Those young ladies from noble families looked at it and perhaps felt unwilling to give up, wanting to give you... a few more rounds."
Jiang Xuanyin irritably pinched the rice paper and was about to throw it away.
However, he raised his hand halfway and stopped, lowered his eyes and thought seriously for a moment, and suddenly his eyes lit up.
"Your sister has arrived." The house slave came in again to report, "Miss Qi is also here."
She made a series of urgent gestures to him, wanting him to shut up and avoid provoking the masters anger. But unexpectedly, the person on the bed said, "Alright, please all come over."
What? The surprise was palpable: "Everyone, come over?"
"Along with the side hall, lets go have some tea."
The house slave departed at her bidding, and she stood stupidly by his bedside for a long time before asking in a quivering voice: "What if the mistress were to return suddenly?"
"Then let her come in and have tea together." Jiang Xuanjin asked with a serious face, "Is it not allowed?"
The line is a line, just... He looked up at the beam of the house with a vacant expression, and thought nervously, wondering if this house could withstand the demolition by his wife.
Li Huaiyu had an ulterior motive in mind, and going downtown to string pearls was just a ruse; she would soon be returning home.
"Lingxiu asked: Arent you going to look at the finished clothes?"
"Keep it for tomorrows viewing."
"What? Going out again tomorrow?"
"Its natural." She stroked her chin and smiled, "Youll get used to it after going out more often."
Come up with something, cant deliberately go out and arouse suspicion, right? Under Jiang Xuanjins eyelids, everything has to be done very naturally. She had already thought it through, and on the third day when she went out, she could coordinate with Lu Jings actions.
Just thinking about having the chance to bring Qing Si over to her side, Hua Yu couldnt help but smile happily, and even her footsteps on the way back were very light.
However, when she pushed open the door of the main house with her hands, her smile froze on her face.
The whole house was filled with government officials, and the young lady sat upright and properly. When she heard the commotion, they all turned their heads to look towards the door, their eyes burning with intensity, which made her tremble with fear.
"Is your wife well?" Zijia, who had always been the most courteous, stood up and bowed to her.
With her leading the way, everyone in the house stood up and bowed their knees to her, calling out in sweet voices: "Milady is well."
"I must have taken a wrong turn," Li Huaiyu muttered to herself, "I was supposed to return to the main building of Moju, how did I end up in the rear palace?"
He emerged from the inner chamber with a stiff bow: "Madam."
"Are you here too?" Huai Yu blinked, "Then I didnt go wrong?"
"Yes."
So why were there so many girls in the main building of Moju? Li Huaiyu couldnt figure it out, and she picked up her skirt and headed towards the inner chamber.
Jiang Xuanjin sat calmly on the bed reading documents, his slender white fingers lightly tapping on the paper pages, looking very pleased. Hearing footsteps, he turned his head and said quietly, "Youre back quite quickly."
"If I had known that so many guests would come to the mansion today, I wouldnt have gone out." She leaned over to his bedside, frowning, "Are they disturbing you?"
Jiang Xuanjin shook his head: "Not at all, every young lady is very quiet."
"What are they doing here?" She looked surprised, "Theyve already entered the house, how can we not take the opportunity to disturb them a bit?"
Jiang Xuanjin: "......" He seemed to know that Xiao Jies actions were learned from someone.
Glaring at her with a bad temper, Jiang Xuanjin said, "They know Im injured, they all came to ask after my well-being."
"Oh..." Hua Yu rubbed her temples, "Arent you done yet? Why arent you leaving?"
Jiang Xuanjin didnt respond, he just raised his eyes and looked outside.
As he looked up, the outer room fell silent with a soft intake of breath. The young ladies stood up straight and proper, their faces adorned with captivating smiles, and those sparkling eyes all seemed to want to land on Ziyang Juns body.
Hua Yu understood, its not easy to come all the way, who would be willing to leave? Even if they just sit there, theyd be happy! Its strange to say, but before these people couldnt even enter, why today not only did they enter, but also sat in the main room?
Take a look at Jiang Xuanjin, she rolled her eyes. All men love beauty, and so many beauties are sent to the door, he has no reason to refuse them.
My heart feels a little uneasy, just a tiny bit, the size of a fingernail. Huai Yu didnt show any expression at all, and only nodded slightly, smiling slyly: "The hardest thing to bear is the kindness of a beauty!"
Jiang Xuanjin carefully observed her expression and seeing that she didnt react much, he said: "Guests are to be treated with courtesy, you should also entertain them a bit."
How should I entertain you? Huai Yu rolled her eyes and stood up, gesturing to the ladies: "Please take a seat and have some tea, Ill go ask someone to bring some refreshments."
"Thank you, madam." The women all responded to her and took their seats, but their eyes were still fixed on the person in the inner room.
It feels like shes hung a piece of meat in her inner chamber, and all these outside are hungry wolves. However, the wolf is the meat that came in by itself, and theres nothing she can do about it even if she gets angry.
Clasping her fists, she smiled and went out to instruct Lingxiu to prepare some refreshments. Thinking that "out of sight, out of mind", she herself also lingered in the kitchen, plucking a couple of vegetable leaves to play with.
"Sister, whats going on?" Ling Xiu grabbed her sleeve in a fluster, "We just went out for a trip and so many people came?"
"What else could it be? Your master is a jade tree in the wind, pleasing to peoples eyes. Hes recovering from his injuries in the mansion, and its only natural that someone would come to visit him."
"Arent you in a hurry?" Ling Xiu said softly, "I see that those young ladies all look quite elegant."
Its not just about being pretty, Qijias younger sister can be said to be stunningly beautiful, while Bai Zhujis face is at most considered delicate and lovely. Is she anxious? She is anxious, but this person is very strange, usually when shes unhappy, it shows clearly on her face, but this kind of unhappiness from being jealous...
She will bury it deep in her heart, the more unhappy she is, the deeper she buries it, and on the surface, shell put on a good show to make sure no one can tell!
Its really embarrassing...
Hua Yu thought that, in fact, there was nothing to be excited or unhappy about. The one who married Jiang Xuanjin was Bai Zhenzhu, and she was just a lonely soul who had borrowed someone elses body to live on. This vinegar should have been eaten by Bai Zhenzhu, not her.
Thinking of this, she felt much better, she relaxed her eyebrows, picked up the freshly baked pastries and stuffed them into her mouth, wandering around the kitchen as if nothing had happened.
Its been a while and he still hasnt returned, Jiang Xuanjin looked at Cheng Xu with a puzzled expression in the main house.
"Madam has gone to the kitchen."
Whats going on in the kitchen? With so many people here, doesnt she care? Jiang Xuanjin furrowed his brow, slightly anxious.
Left and right, finally waited for her to come back, this person was holding a plate of hot pastries enthusiastically inviting each familys young sister to taste. After walking around the outer room in a circle, he carried a plate into the inner room and asked him: "Want to try some?"
Jiang Xuanjin said in a low voice: "No need."
"With so many girls around, youre still throwing a tantrum?" Hua Yu raised an eyebrow.
He let out a soft hum, Jiang Xuanjin stretched out his hand and lifted the bed curtains: "Im tired."
As soon as they heard this, the several young ladies who had just picked up their sewing immediately stood up and said in soft voices: "Your Majesty, please take a good rest, we wont disturb you any further."
"See you again sometime."
"Take care of yourself."
Holding jade, she glanced sideways and saw them bowing their knees in unison to leave, with elegant steps and a thousand postures. If they were to enter the palace in this manner to select consorts, they would certainly be chosen one by one.
She let out a snort of laughter and popped a piece of pastry into her mouth, asking the person on the bed, "Dont you dislike crowds?"
"They dont quarrel."
Even if someone wanted to make a fuss, they didnt dare make another sound afterwards.
Hua Yu nodded: "Thats right, they are all dignified and elegant ladies. The one in the front is from the Qi family, isnt she? Ive often heard people praise her."
"Hmm." Jiang Xuanjin gazed at her and said, "In the early years, Father wanted me to get married and had planned for a marriage with the Qi family."
"Its a pretty good match." Huai Yu nodded solemnly, "She looks like someone who understands the rules."
Still so arrogant? Jiang Xuanjin sneered: "Knowing ones own shortcomings and being willing to learn from others is a good thing."
Her eyebrows jumped, and Li Huaiyu suppressed her temper and said: "Why are you speaking so rashly?"
"Fact."
"Even if its true, theres no need to say it like that?" Huai Yu snorted with laughter. "Luckily it was me; if you said this to another wife, youd definitely end up quarreling."
"Who else dares to argue with me besides you?"
"I... " I forced myself to swallow my anger, and Hua Yu pulled the corner of her mouth. "I wont argue with you either, its better for you to learn from Qijis good manners."
Jiang Xuanjin felt stifled. Normally, this persons smile was still somewhat acceptable, but at a time like this, she was still smiling, and it was really annoying to look at! Even if they were to have a real argument with him, it would be better than her current appearance.
He didnt even want to look at it again, so he turned over and lay on his side with his back to the wall.
This is the standard Jiang Xiaojie angry posture, normally, Li Hua Yu would go to mediate, but today she also had a stifled anger in her heart, no matter how she thought about it, nothing felt smooth, seeing him ignore people, she didnt even bother to say another word, got up and walked out.
"Ah, madam." Cheng You hurriedly chased after her, following behind her and asking in a low voice, "Are you angry?"
"The trees in the backyard need watering." Hua Yu replied calmly, "Anyway, your master doesnt want to bother with me either, so Ill go take a look at the trees."
"Arent you... angry?"
"Whats there for me to be angry about? Go and persuade your master instead, hes still injured, dont make his condition worse."
Her face turned red with anger, and she said helplessly: "You actually... if you get angry with him, he wont be angry."
"Huh? Huai Yu frowned: "Whats wrong?"
He didnt know how to explain it and scratched his ears and cheeks, saying: "You just go."
Shaking her head, Hua Yuxi smiled wryly: "I like him so much, how could I bear to be angry with him? You go back to the house and let your master try some of the pastries made in the kitchen, theyre not bad."
After finishing speaking, he squatted in front of the orange tree and didnt make another sound.
"Take advantage of the emptiness:"..."
The atmosphere in Moku became even more eerie.
The lady still spoke to the lord as usual, and the lord also replied as usual, but neither of them looked into each others eyes, as if they were exerting some kind of force. The next morning at dawn, the lady went out for a stroll again, and the lord allowed the visiting officials younger sisters to enter the mansion, letting them sit in the outer room.
"Have you heard?" Yi Su said on the way to Jiang Fu, hastily pulling Liang Rao Yin and saying, "I heard that after we left yesterday, Jun Shang and his wife had a falling out!"
Liang Yao didnt bother to look at her and waved his hand to continue walking forward: "Isnt this something that could have been expected all along?"
Whose wife likes a group of girls to show off in front of her husband? Its normal for the lords wife to be jealous, and its good that they cant get along. If the lord is unhappy, he might just ignore his jealous wife and welcome others into their home.
She can think of this, and the rest of the girls will naturally be able to think of it too. Today, when they went to pay their respects, they intentionally or unintentionally mentioned something about "jealousy, which disrupts the family". A jealous wife is guilty of one of the seven grounds for divorce and should be divorced.
Jiang Xuanyins face turned gloomy upon hearing this.
Is jealousy a crime punishable by law? Who made that rule? He has always looked down on Lu Jing, cant he also be abandoned?
Ridiculous!
Look at them getting more and more worked up, Jiang Xuanjin finally lost his patience: "Shut up!"
The whole house fell silent in an instant.
He picked up the document and continued to flip through it. As he flipped, he suddenly thought, "Is Bai Zhuji not committing because she knows that jealousy is one of the seven grounds for divorce?"
The more he thought about it, the more sense it made, and Jiang Xuanjins mood improved a lot. By evening, when all the people in the house had left, he casually said to her, "The Seven Outings are truly absurd."
Li Huaiyu was taken aback and asked vaguely: "Which seven clauses are the seven exits?"
“……”
His eyes sank, Jiang Xuanjin sneered: "Your rules are really not learned well."
"How come youre talking about me again?" Hua Yu pouted, flopping onto the bed with a rather tired tone, "Ive walked a long way today, my legs ache!"
After finishing speaking, seeing that the person beside him didnt react, he snorted twice and said: "I knew youd forget old love once you had new love, not caring about me at all."
"Feeling heartache for you?" Jiang Xuanjin let out a light snort, his tone filled with disdain.
Hua Yu turned over, buried her head and said: "Only see the bride smile, who hears the old one cry. Forget it, forget it, Ill just feel sorry for myself, tomorrow Ill go buy some more jewelry."
Are you going again? Jiang Xuanjin said in a cold voice: "Youd better stay on the street."
Haiyu hummed a smile, thinking that it was the last day anyway, and didnt bother to talk to him, conserving her energy for tomorrows big show.
The young ladies from the Jiang family who came to pay their respects found that since they were able to enter the Meng residence, Zi Yang Jun and his wife seemed to have become somewhat estranged. The day before yesterday, Madame returned after one hour, yesterday she returned after two hours, and today was even better, they all sat for three hours, using countless thoughtful gestures, yet still hadnt seen Madame return home.
Isnt it... they had a big fight, and now the lady doesnt want to go back and see them?
Looking at the gloomy face of Zi Yang Jun in the inner chamber, Yi Su felt that it was probably so. A person like Jun Shang would definitely not like a woman who is prone to jealousy. At this moment, he must be both disappointed and heartbroken. They need to comfort him!
Several young ladies looked at each other, all hesitating about how to speak up. Afraid of being the first to take the lead, yet also afraid that others would seize the opportunity and gain the emperors attention before them, they all stood there, hesitant and not daring to step forward.
Just as someone finally gathered enough courage to speak up and shouted "Your Majesty", a eunuch suddenly rushed in from outside the door, immediately cutting off their words.
"Your Highness!" He looked flustered and rushed into the inner chamber, standing beside the bed and saying, "Somethings happened!"
Jiang Xuanjin was already feeling stifled and didnt even lift his head as he said, "Theres always something happening in the imperial court every day, do we need to be so panicked?"
"Not the Emperor of China." He shook his head slightly and swallowed a mouthful of saliva, saying "Its the lady."
His fingers stiffened on the document, Jiang Xuanjin slowly raised his head: "What did you say?"