Madam Hong Yingrong, wife of Marquis Xingyuan, lived a life of wealth and luxury, adorned in fine silks and delicious food.
Those around her constantly painted a picture of peace, allowing he...
At this time, outside the city, Hong Yingrong was resting quietly in the wing room of the farm in the west of the city, while Madam Zhao followed her like a shadow, serving her meticulously.
"This house in the countryside is so simple, even worse than the servants' houses in our mansion. It's really a great honor for you, old lady, to stay here for a while."
Nanny Zhao looked around. Even though this room had been spotlessly cleaned by the maids, it still did not catch her eye.
Hong Yingrong took a sip of the hot tea in her hand, but her heart was calm.
Having experienced the suffering of the imperial prison, which was like purgatory on earth, what is there to complain about in this ordinary room?
At this time, Xue Zhongfu hurried over with a serious look on his face, "I'm sorry for disturbing my mother's rest so late at night."
He had just conducted a careful investigation of the tenants on the farm and learned some new clues.
Hong Yingrong waved her hand, signaling him not to be polite. "I don't have the heart to sleep tonight. If you have anything to say, just tell me."
Xue Zhongfu sat down on a nearby chair and said in a deep voice, "Mother, I've found several tenants acting suspiciously. After being whipped several times, they revealed some information about the rice in the warehouse."
It turned out that yesterday morning, Zhao Wu and Lai Sheng had secretly instructed these tenants, strictly forbidding them to drink alcohol, and asked them to get up early and go to the warehouse to help move heavy objects.
After hearing this, Hong Yingrong immediately asked, "Is it the rice in the warehouse?"
Xue Zhongfu nodded. "They are talking about the grain with the Dacheng Rice Shop logo printed on it. A carriage will come to transport it away tomorrow morning."
Hong Yingrong's eyes flashed when she heard this, "If that's the case, things will be much easier."
She paused for a moment, then continued, "We haven't caught Zhao Wu and Lai Sheng yet. I wonder if they've tipped off Dacheng Rice Shop."
"If Dacheng Rice Shop hasn't heard anything yet, they'll definitely arrive tomorrow morning to deliver the grain as scheduled. Then we can catch them in the act."
"If they don't show up, as soon as the city gates open, we'll set out immediately to find out the location of the Dacheng Rice Shop."
After hearing this, Xue Zhongfu's eyes flashed with admiration, "Mother, you are very thoughtful. I will arrange it right away."
Hong Yingrong nodded, her expression firm. "Okay, tomorrow morning, you will arrange for people to set up an ambush around the warehouse. If they come to transport grain, they will be captured immediately."
Xue Zhongfu stood up and said, "Yes, mother, wait until tomorrow morning to see what kind of wonderful show will be staged in this farm."
As the morning sun slowly rose, the entire farm west of the city was shrouded in tranquility, as if all the disturbances of last night were just passing clouds, leaving no trace.
After receiving orders from Xue Zhongfu, the steward Xue Zhong informed all the tenants that they should continue working in the fields as usual today and not tell anyone that the carriages from the Marquis' Mansion had arrived at the farm.
At this moment, Zhou Jin had already gotten up early. She led several peasant women from the village to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
"Today we have to show off our skills and prepare a hearty breakfast for the old lady and the guards of the Marquis' Mansion." Zhou Jin said to the peasant women around her while washing her hands.
"Okay, don't worry. Although we are on this farm, our craftsmanship is not bad." A peasant woman responded with a smile.
Zhou Jin nodded and began to knead and roll the dough skillfully.
Soon, sesame oil flower rolls and noodles were born in their hands. Meanwhile, sweet sweet potato porridge was simmering in the pot, emitting an enticing aroma.
"This sweet potato porridge is so delicious." Another peasant woman praised.
Zhou Jin smiled and said, "I hope the old lady can get used to it."
She brought breakfast to the side room, and Hong Yingrong, who had just washed up, showed a surprised expression when she saw it.
"Thank you for your hard work in preparing such a sumptuous breakfast."
"Thank you for your praise, madam. This is what we should do." Zhou Jin replied respectfully.
Hong Yingrong took a bite of the sweet potato porridge. The sweet taste made her nod and praise: "This porridge is really well cooked, sweet and delicious."
Hearing Hong Yingrong's praise, Zhou Jinshi showed a happy smile on her face.
"As long as the old lady likes it." She said with a smile.
After breakfast, Hong Yingrong took Madam Zhao to the warehouse.
Xue Zhongfu had set up an ambush around the warehouse according to her instructions.
Time passed minute by minute, and Hong Yingrong waited quietly in an empty room next door.
Suddenly, she heard the sound of carriages and horses in the distance. She immediately became alert, knowing that it was people from Dacheng Rice Shop coming to transport grain.
According to the information revealed by the tenants last night, every time Dacheng Rice Shop came to deliver grain, Zhao Wu and Lai Sheng would always personally welcome them.
However, at this moment, if no one came forward to pick up these two people who had escaped from the farm, it would seem unusual.
So, the manager Xue Zhong disguised himself as a contact person and strode forward.
He smiled and said enthusiastically, "Everyone, the new rice in the warehouse is ready. Please follow me so that we can complete the shipment as soon as possible."
The middle-aged man on horseback was at the front of the group. He looked at Xue Zhong sharply and asked in a deep voice, "Where are Zhao Wu and Lai Sheng? They're usually the ones responsible for the support. Who are you?"
Xue Zhong was well prepared. He replied calmly, "I'm Zhao Wu's wife's eldest brother. He's been here recently to visit relatives. Last night, Zhao Wu and Manager Lai were having a good time and drank a few extra glasses. He was so drunk that he entrusted me with today's meeting. So, I came here this morning to lead you all."
A look of doubt appeared on the middle-aged man's face. He frowned and continued to look at Xue Zhong with sharp eyes.
Xue Zhong knew that the other party was suspicious, but he did not show any panic.
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