Chapter 59 059 The Envoy Arrives in the Capital

After he finished speaking, Meng Qingshan's Ren and Du meridians seemed to be opened up, and the emotions that had been hidden for many years flowed into the sea like rivers, surging endlessly in his blood.

What was he trying to avoid? She was as bright and beautiful as the sun. His actions could be described as despicable, as Huang Pu had said. However, he was decisive. Since this was not the right path, he would choose another.

Having reached an agreement with Huang Pu, he is bound to win in the end.

When they returned to the Meng residence, Meng Qingshan's eyes were bright, and his shoulders were no longer stubbornly hunched over as before. He was calm and composed, and his imposing presence remained, though he had lost his arrogant and domineering air. Coupled with his tall and dignified figure, he resembled a wealthy young man in the capital who manipulated power, relying not on his family's protection but on his own strength to look down upon those in power.

Jiang Yue watched as her mistress, upon returning, instructed her and Jiang Zhao to pack up all the things they had left behind at the Meng residence. They had traveled all the way from Yanmen City to the capital, and had nothing left but a few pieces of clothing.

"Miss, it's all packed up," Jiang Yue reported listlessly.

Qingli looked at the small bundle on the table, somewhat surprised and then understanding. She suddenly felt a little nervous, especially as the steady, powerful footsteps outside made her heart pound.

As soon as the shadow fell in front of the door, Jiang Yue and Jiang Zhao slipped out, brushing against the door.

Qingli: ...

Qingli muttered a few curses to herself, but inwardly she was relieved that leaving the Meng family had saved him a considerable amount of money, as well as some trouble, and...

Meng Qingshan watched her take small steps back, her body tense against the desk. He felt as if his heart had been violently struck, filled with both anger and guilt, angry that she was so afraid of him.

Having learned from past mistakes, Qingli was filled with anxiety, but remembering that things were different now, she mustered her strength and said in one breath, "I want to move out."

The words echoed in the empty room. After calling out, Qingli was no longer frightened. She stared at him, wondering how he would react. Seeing no anger on his face, he pursed his lips for a couple of breaths before asking, "Is the place safe?"

Qingli was momentarily unable to comprehend how normal he was.

Even though Meng Qingshan was prepared, he couldn't ignore her subconscious reaction of locking her up after she said it so bluntly. He couldn't just watch her leave like that, but the agreement had been made, so he had to suppress it. Seeing her dazed look, a feeling of suffocation surged in his stomach. Meng Qingshan not only had to swallow it but also had to do it willingly. He had really shot himself in the foot.

Huang Pu values ​​her so much, the place must be good. Meng Qingshan pretended not to know and asked again.

"Are you alright?"

Meng Qingshan: ...

Seeing his face darken even further, Qingli quickly explained, "Safe, very safe, it is..."

Meng Qingshan couldn't bear to see her racking her brains to deceive him, so he interrupted her, "When do you plan to leave?"

Qingli sensed a melancholy in his voice, like that of a sorrowful woman. She glanced at him cautiously. As for when to leave, she hadn't thought about that yet. She thought her wishes wouldn't be so easily granted. But with his approval, the invisible shackles in Qingli's heart were suddenly broken. She said, "In the next couple of days."

"Then let's go with February 13th, it's an auspicious day for both travel and staying at home."

Qingli picked up the almanac and turned to that day. Sure enough, it said that it was auspicious for travel, moving into a new house, seeking offspring, and betrothal. Qingli looked at him hesitantly, but he had been completely unmoved since earlier, so she couldn't figure out what he meant.

Three days later, the timing was just right, and there was also time to send a message to Tang Shuqing.

"Send a message to Miss Tang. I'll handle things with the Second Princess."

Qingli's eyes widened in disbelief. She even suspected that Meng Qingshan could read minds. How could he have spoken her thoughts so perfectly? Could it be that she had gotten carried away and unconsciously blurted it out? Today was truly strange.

The two discussed the moving arrangements for the mansion. Meng Qingshan picked up a small bundle from the table. It was light and fluttering. The pale yellow hem of his skirt had become dull from wear and tear. Qingli blushed and snatched the bundle away. She dared not say that she had been judging a gentleman by her own petty standards and had assumed that he was narrow-minded. She decided to leave in a huff.

Qingli watched as his gaze fell upon her, noticing that everything she ate, wore, and used was exquisite and luxurious. The smile in his eyes made her ears burn.

“Take these things with you, and Granny Huaying and the others will go with you.”

The words were irrefutable, and Qingli naturally agreed.

Liufeng Garden was busily being tidied up. Previously, Huaying and Qiu had been whispering among themselves, wondering if the young lady and the general had a falling out and that the young lady didn't want them anymore. Unexpectedly, the next day the general summoned them to the front yard and ordered them to go to another residence with the young lady. They were very happy, and the little maids cheered even more.

Such a big matter did not escape Jiang An's ears. Jiang An reported it with a look of excitement, and Meng's mother asked with a sidelong glance, "Is this true?"

Jiang An nodded emphatically and said, "Madam, your sincerity is so great that even the Bodhisattva is on our side."

As Jiang An spoke, he opened the window. Ever since Meng's mother moved into Dongwan Garden, she had complained about the glaring light and covered the windows with yellow paper that had been blessed by the temple. Incense was burned every day, and with the addition of a charcoal brazier, the room had a complex smell and dim light, which made his eyes sting.

Meng's mother muttered a few words that Jiang An couldn't understand, then lit two incense sticks in front of the Bodhisattva, saying, "Bodhisattva, you have shown your power and saved my son from the clutches of the fox spirit. If you can eliminate this evil spirit one day, I will surely restore your golden body."

After Meng's mother turned around, the light streaming through the window lattice shone on her thin face, making her look extremely cunning and vicious. She instructed, "Go and tell that person that as long as you keep your word, she will tell you the truth about her background."

Jiang An happily agreed, ran to the back wall of Dongwan Garden, parted the withered weeds, and found a low hole that she could crawl through. After crawling out, she patted the grass clippings on her body, shook the loose silver in her sleeve, and looked furtively at the front gate. She spat lightly at the remnants of the soldiers guarding the gate.

The next day, Tang Shuqing was accompanied by her elder brother to the Meng residence early in the morning. These days, the Tang residence was filled with laughter and joy, and there was no longer any quarrel or gloom like before. Tang Shuqing had a smile on her lips all day long, and even her face had become a little rounder.

"Qingli! Qingli!" Tang Shuqing called out repeatedly as she entered the front yard.

Qingli had no choice but to agree and go out to greet him personally. Liufeng Garden was the front courtyard, and no one usually came to visit, so it didn't seem abrupt. However, when she stood under the corridor, she saw a man in a black brocade robe standing outside the door. The man was turned to the side, looking straight outside. Everything he did was proper and respectful, so she stopped.

After Tang Shuqing stepped forward and scolded her a couple of times, Qingli coaxed her, "The new residence isn't far away. I'll be waiting for Miss Tang anytime."

Tang Shuqing then smiled, and as she awkwardly looked at her brother standing outside the door, she said with a hint of resentment, "Brother, why won't you come in? We're supposed to be family, but he's just so stubborn."

Qingli glanced at him from afar. Tang Yanqing stood politely outside the door, as tall and slender as a bamboo shoot. His presence at the door attracted the attention of the passing maids, who stole glances at him. He was now a refined gentleman from a high-ranking family, quite different from the stubborn, scarred man she remembered. She knew that her reputation would be very important after returning to the capital.

“Your brother is right.”

Qingli instructed Granny Qiu, "Take Young Master Tang to find the General."

Tang Yanqing curled her fingers, then released them. For some reason, she felt a little lost. Her voice was soft yet decisive, which made it clear that she thought it was the right thing to do. However, the two had met once before, and she had helped him return to the capital. They were in similar circumstances. Could it be that she didn't want people to know about her past?

Tang Yanqing thought about it more and more and felt that this was true, so she wanted to turn around and tell her not to worry, but Granny Qiu was already in front of her. She just turned around and glanced at her before heading to the front yard.

Meng Qingshan drew his bow in the front yard. The bow, as thick as an arm, was easily drawn to its full extent. The arrow flew out and pierced through the target, embedding itself more than three inches into the wooden stake behind it.

Meng Qingshan glanced at Tang Yanqing sideways, and when he saw Tang Yanqing sneakily trying to get closer but failing, he felt a sense of satisfaction. However, he still admired Tang Yanqing's knowledge and character.

"Want to give it a try?"

Tang Yanqing declined, saying, "I cannot compare to Brother Meng's might."

"I heard from Lord Tang that you are participating in this imperial examination."

"After arriving in the capital, I received much guidance from my father and decided to give it a try." Speaking of the imperial examination, Tang Yanqing became confident. His father took him to meet several officials, and the guidance he received was like a revelation.

Meng Qingshan simply couldn't stand the sight of that love-struck man, it annoyed him. As he listened to the man's long-winded talk about the imperial examination, his men unleashed a hail of arrows.

In Liufeng Garden, Tang Shuqing rested her chin on her hands. She had just finished eating a plate of pineapple cakes and drinking a cup of fragrant tea. She began to worry about the country and its people. Speaking of the lively talk in the capital today, she said with concern, "I heard that these barbarians have come to the capital this time and want to marry the princess."

The Second Princess was also forbidden from leaving the palace because of this matter. Emperor Mingkang was doing something and selected a woman who could speak a foreign language to enter the palace to teach. Even the youngest Third Princess went there every day. Her aunt sent a letter about this matter, and there was a hint of worry in her words.

"There is an unmarried princess above, and county princesses outside. There are many ways to solidify the relationship, so it is probably just speculation."

Qingli sighed. Women always become victims of interests. At this moment, she admired Meng Qingshan's ruthless methods, which made these restless women afraid, instead of making them leave their homes and families to live a life of hardship.

Inside Changyi Palace, Consort De felt a headache coming on as she listened to the sobbing from the inner chamber. These days, she had been squeezed out by Consort Gui and had no room to maneuver. She couldn't explain herself to the Empress anymore, so she got angry and scolded, "She's usually so arrogant and domineering. I thought she was a formidable person, but when it comes to trouble, she becomes a complete fool."

"The imperial decree hasn't even been issued yet, and you're already accepting your fate here? If you're so lacking in cunning, you should pack your bags and follow those tyrants!"

These days, the discussion in the palace about the selection of the princess for the marriage alliance has become increasingly heated. Even the teaching nanny has been giving her special attention. She has been suffering from anxiety and fear every day. Her mind was in turmoil, and today she finally broke down. But when she heard her mother's ridicule, the eldest princess was filled with sorrow.

"You've always disliked me, thinking I haven't been able to be entrusted with the role of a prince. But I didn't choose any of these things. You think I'm stupid, that I'm not as good at pleasing the Emperor as Ling Shuyao. But even someone as cold as Consort Mu knows to send clothes when it's cold. And you? You're only focused on scheming in the palace, and in the end, you got nothing!"

"Smack!"

Consort De scolded her with exasperation, "You good-for-nothing! All you ever think about is reaping the benefits without sowing. Is this all your mother is capable of? If you don't want a marriage alliance, then find a way yourself! In the past two years, I've suggested choosing a consort for you so many times, but you're too arrogant. Today he's ugly, tomorrow he'll be incompetent. What's the use of being anxious now!"

The eldest princess covered her cheek, flung the curtain aside, and ran out.

"Don't chase after them!" Consort De was so angry her liver ached.

Tuanhe gestured for the maid to go after her, while she served Consort De a cup of hot tea and advised, "Your Highness, the eldest princess is scared and wants to rely on you. The eldest princess is strong, and no one can tell from the outside, so she can only cry in front of you."

"Sigh..." Consort De was also powerless. This matter was not handled by the Empress, but by Consort Liu. If it weren't for her, she wouldn't have been unable to act freely, and the nannies under Consort Liu would have been unable to speak up.

Consort De straightened her slightly disheveled hairpin. "Let's go sit with the Empress."