Chapter 55: Sick. Little Cicada: What a nasty villain! ...

He Zhiliao returned to Pei Mansion in a daze, and caught a fever in the afternoon.

The sleeping man was covered in sweat and clearly unable to speak, but his mouth kept opening and closing as he muttered something. Coupled with his changing expression, one couldn't help but feel that he looked a bit scary and pitiful.

Qin Yurong changed the cloth on his forehead. Her hands had turned red because it was soaked in cold water, but she still did it herself, as if she wanted to make up for something.

The servants had tried to persuade him many times, but were rejected every time, so they did not dare to persuade him anymore.

"What exactly happened in Jing'an Marquis' Mansion? You didn't say a single word when I asked you, yet you are so loyal..." Qin Yurong's voice, which was already as cold as jade, became even colder at this moment.

The voice was very calm, but without any hint of sarcasm.

Since they were trained by Pei Si, they would naturally only follow his instructions.

Chun saw several people kneeling on the ground, but they didn't dare to say a word. He didn't say anything because the matter was of great importance and he needed his young master's consent before he could say anything.

"Putting aside other things, did you really suffer injustice in Jing'an Marquis' Mansion?" Qin Yurong asked again.

This question was relatively easy to answer, and several people nodded. Otherwise, he wouldn't have felt so uncomfortable.

Seeing their expressions, Qin Yurong sneered, "That filthy place always makes people feel sick."

The Jing'an Marquis Mansion has caused too much trouble for the Pei family. It was He Hongan's doing that forced them to marry He Zhiliao. Although they had no dissatisfaction with He Zhiliao, they were disgusted by the He family after all.

But after today, no matter what happens to the He family, nothing is certain.

Of course, Pei Ji could not hide the fact that He Zhiliao was ill. Lin Feng had already passed the news to the palace. While Qin Yurong was still taking care of He Zhiliao, Pei Ji hurried back.

He didn't know the real reason yet, and just thought that he had caught a cold, which caused him to have convulsions and a high fever.

"How's it going now?" he asked softly.

"I've given him some medicine and applied cold compresses, but he's still not feeling better." Qin Yurong said softly, "You should ask them what's going on."

Pei Ji naturally saw her red fingers and quickly stepped aside to see her off. "Mom, go and rest. I'll take care of you here."

Qin Yurong stood up and the maid immediately put the glove on her hand. She looked at the glove with fine stitching and extremely comfortable fur in her hand and sighed softly.

Everyone around will know about it, so there is no need to rush.

Even though he knew he was fine, Pei Ji still personally touched his head, tucked in the quilt for him, and did some trivial things before turning around to look at the three kneeling people.

He was not being unreasonable. Getting sick was unpredictable, so he naturally would not blame them for it. However, his mother must have understood this better, yet she still turned a blind eye to it, which only made her unhappy.

"Tell me what happened yourself, don't make me even more unhappy." Pei Ji glanced at them indifferently and continued to help He Zhiliao soak the towel to dissipate heat.

Yanhua and Xixin really didn't dare to talk about this matter casually, so they could only turn their attention to Chunjian, wanting to see his reaction. If he was willing to talk, they would naturally not hide it anymore.

Chun Jian is He Zhiliao's servant. Pei Ji knows that the two of them have been through thick and thin together in the He family and that their master-servant relationship is extraordinary. He has never treated Chun Jian as a servant in the Pei Mansion, but that doesn't mean that Chun Jian can climb over his head.

Chun Jian was also hesitant. He hoped that Pei Ji, as his son-in-law, could help his young master vent his anger, but he didn't know whether it was right or wrong for him to speak rashly...

"If you don't tell me, how can I find a way to seek justice for him? Time is opportunity. If you miss it once, I don't know when the next time will be." Pei Ji threatened lightly.

Even he himself didn't believe what he said.

If he really wanted to deal with someone, why would he wait for the right opportunity?

Chun Jian gritted his teeth, made up his mind, and told everything that happened in Jing'an Marquis' Mansion.

Even though Pei Ji had already vaguely guessed that there might be some hidden story behind his mother-in-law's death, and that it was closely related to the Jing'an Marquis's harem, he never expected that Zhuang Hongxiu would admit it herself.

He actually underestimated that crazy woman. She was able to coax He Hongan into not taking a concubine for more than ten years. Even if he had an affair outside, he would not let her know. This was enough to show her ability.

"Please seek justice for our young master, brother-in-law." Chun Jian kowtowed heavily. Apart from him, he couldn't think of anyone else to entrust his trust to.

After all, the young master can only rely on the Pei family now.

Pei Ji lowered his eyes and glanced at him, "I will handle this matter myself, you all can leave for now."

Although I didn't say much, I already kept this matter in mind.

Harujian and Yanhua looked at each other, all of them somewhat confused about his attitude. His beloved Zhengjun was bullied like this, so he should be extremely angry, so why was he so calm?

But they had to obey their master's orders and could only leave first and not be a nuisance or a nuisance here.

Pei Ji was indeed very angry. You could say he was indifferent or cold-blooded.

He was only angry about He Zhile's illness. He actually... didn't really care how his mother-in-law, whom he had never met, died. He only cared about He Zhile.

But because the other party is physically injured because of this, he will also solve the matter properly.

It’s just the Marquis of Jing’an’s Mansion.

If they were at peace with each other, he would allow them to continue to live. After all, it would not be good for his little Zhiliao to be without a mother and a natal family. Now it seems that they are clearly deliberately making things difficult for him in the Jing'an Marquis' Mansion.

"Get well soon. Even if you want to kill Zhuang Hongxiu with your own hands, I will agree to it." Pei Ji kissed his hot palm, with heartache revealed in his eyes.

His consciousness was burned to a state of confusion, with a cold cloth hanging on his forehead. He drank bowl after bowl of bitter medicine. It was not until the evening that he felt a little more alert.

There were a few candles sparsely lit in the room, and the candlelight was not glaring, but he still closed his eyes tightly. After adjusting a little, he opened them again, and this time a face came into view.

He widened his eyes slightly, as if frightened, then smiled calmly. With his overly rosy face, he looked a little silly, yet particularly lovable.

Pei Ji leaned over and pressed his forehead against his. It was still a little hot, but much lighter than in the afternoon.

"Do you have an appetite?" Pei Ji asked softly, "The kitchen has made some nourishing yam and red date porridge. If you have an appetite, I'll have them bring it over."

He Zhiliao didn't have much of an appetite, but he was starving and felt uncomfortable with an empty stomach. He had to eat, so he simply nodded.

The high fever had not subsided, and even the slightest movement of his head made him feel nauseous, so he quickly closed his eyes and remained motionless.

As soon as the yam and red date porridge was served, the sweet aroma immediately aroused He Zhiliao's appetite.

Yam is good for the stomach, and red dates are good for replenishing qi and blood. After drinking a bowl of hot porridge, He Zhiliao broke out in a sweat and felt much better.

I want to take a bath.

My body was already sticky from sweating, and it felt even more uncomfortable now. I felt like my clothes were sticking to my skin, and the contact between flesh and flesh was so severe that it could be pulled apart.

Pei Ji was a little embarrassed. "You haven't recovered yet. If you get cold again, it will only make you sicker. Why don't you just endure it?"

[I'm going to smell like rotten rice, so stinky!]

What does rotten rice taste like?

Pei Ji was a little curious, so he moved closer to his neck and sniffed it. It was just some sweat, not the smell he described!

He Zhiliao looked at him in horror. This, this is really a hooligan. Does he still want to smell the smell of rotten rice?

Pei Ji coughed awkwardly, "Well, how about taking a bath in this room and having them bring the tub over to save us the hassle of going back and forth?"

He Zhiliao wanted to nod his head heavily, but he was still a little dizzy, so he just clenched his fists tightly.

Pei Ji wrapped his fist and kissed it gently, then stood up and went outside to instruct the servants to do their work. When he came back and saw He Zhile's sickly appearance, he suddenly remembered what he had forgotten when he was decorating Qingyuan.

Hot water is always available in the kitchen and the bathtub is quickly filled. The charcoal basin and fire in the house are also exceptionally warm, not to mention the floor heating, so even if you are wearing light clothes, you won't feel cold.

He Zhiliao was sick but didn't realize it, but Pei Ji was sweating in the house.

A screen blocked the main bathtub. Pei Ji helped him walk to the edge of the bathtub and raised his hand to help him undress. He Zhiliao's already flushed face became even redder at this moment.

He shook his head slightly in refusal.

Pei Ji said: "Okay, okay, I'll take it off faster."

He Zhiliao held his hand, making her rejection more obvious.

Pei Ji said: "What's wrong? Did it hurt you? Then I'll be gentler. Don't worry, you can take a bath soon."

【ah! 】

He Zhiliao was so anxious that he almost stamped his feet and said he didn't want it.

He seldom changed his clothes in front of Pei Ji on weekdays. Even in bed at night, he would extinguish the candles in the room, leaving only one or two flickering lights. The shadows were so dim that they could not see each other clearly, so naturally he was not afraid of taking off his clothes.

But this time it was different, the candlelight in the house was very bright.

You could almost even see the small black mole on his round shoulder.

"I'm afraid you'll fall." Pei Ji said softly, lowering his eyes to look at him with an extremely fiery look, "If you don't want me to help, then I won't help you. Then hold on tight, and I'll help you wash when you get in."

As he spoke, he placed He Zhiliao's hands on the edge of the bathtub. Seeing that he had supported him completely, he turned around and slowly left.

three.

two.

【ah……】

Pei Ji's rolled-up sleeves were gently tugged, and accompanied by Xiao Zhiliao's soft voice, he immediately turned around and began to pull off the other person's clothes. Before Xiao Zhiliao could react, he was stuffed into the bathtub.

He Zhiliao: “…???”

Pei Ji couldn't hold back the smile on his face. He helped him wipe with trembling hands, and laughter soon broke out.

He Zhiliao immediately looked up at him and asked, "What are you laughing at?"

"It's okay. Is the water temperature comfortable?" Pei Ji wiped him gently with a towel. The towel fell on his shoulders and slid along his round shoulders to his arms.

He did not take his hand out, but continued to wipe it in the water. His arm, which was not in the water, was touched twice firmly, and his movements were extremely skillful.

Seeing that he was about to continue falling, He Zhiliao quickly held his hand, raised his head and looked at him pitifully.

How could you have the heart to treat a patient like this?

What a hateful bad guy.

Pei Ji said righteously: "You are not feeling well, so you should restrain yourself. When you are well again, we will be happy again."

He Zhiliao: “!!!”

So angry!

Pei Ji didn't dare to delay his bath, so he quickly helped him wash, applied scented soap and rinsed him again.

He Zhiliao stood in the water, and Pei Ji neatly wrapped him with a long cloth. The extremely soft touch made He Zhiliao feel soft all over.

Pei Ji put him on the edge of the bed, dried his body, and then pushed him into the bed to prevent him from tossing and turning.

.

He Zhiliao's illness was originally a convulsion caused by catching a cold. A gust of wind blew him down. It was indeed serious at first, but he recovered in a day or two.

In addition, he has completely let it go. Now that he knows who killed his mother, it is not a solution to immerse himself in grief. The only way to appease his mother's spirit in heaven is to send the enemy to hell.

Even He Ruxi was not surprised by what Zhuang Hongxiu did, which showed that she was aware of her words and deeds on a daily basis. He Zhiluo did not believe that He Hongan did not know about it.

Even if he really didn't know, he couldn't wait to bring his concubine in less than a year after his wife passed away. Such behavior is disgusting enough!

He was ill for two days, and Pei Ji took care of him at home for two days. This time, the emperor did not urge him again, and Pei Ji went to court on his own initiative.

He Hongan originally did not need to attend court, but something happened in his mansion two days ago, and he was really afraid that Pei Ji would impeach him on some false charges in the court, so he got up early to attend court.

Unexpectedly, Pei Ji not only did not impeach him this time, he didn't even say a few words, and the court meeting was also very simple, just talking about some ordinary things.

If you have a basis, you can report; if you don’t, you can run away.

The morning court was quickly dispersed.

Pei Ji was escorted to the Censorate. Now that he was a fourth-rank assistant censor-in-chief, he naturally had to work harder than before.

"Censor Pei."

Pei Ji did not stop, he was not an imperial censor.

"Pei Qiandu Yushi!"

Pei Ji then stopped and turned to look at the person who came.

He Hongan walked up to him quickly, panting. After calming down a little, he looked a little embarrassed and hesitant. It was obvious that he had something to say but was unwilling to say it in front of these officials.

The officials were particularly understanding and took their leave one after another.

Pei Ji then looked at He Hongan, with a faint smile on his face, but his voice was particularly dull, "Is there something wrong, Marquis Jing'an?"

"I heard that Azhi is sick. As a father, I should be concerned about him. How is he?" He Hongan asked nervously.

This kind of question is a test and a doubt, but it is not a concern.

"What does Marquis Jing'an want to know? My lord has been ill since he came back from your mansion, and I haven't even tried to hold him accountable, yet you come up to me eagerly?" Pei Ji said this with a smile on his face, as if it was just a joke.

"It's just the season, so I can't say that..." He Hongan was a little embarrassed. He rolled his eyes and continued, "I heard that he had a tantrum at the mansion that day. What happened?"

Pei Ji raised his chin slightly and narrowed his eyes. "Marquis Jing'an, don't you know? If you don't know, go ask your wife. She did such a bad thing and can still live with a clear conscience. Even if she is a woman, she should not be underestimated. Marquis Jing'an, please be careful when you rest at night!"

He reminded him half-seriously, and his words with a hint of meaning made He Hongan shudder. Dense beads of sweat covered his back, as if he was being pricked by needles.

Pei Ji didn't look at him again.

Now he finally understood that he could not show the slightest mercy to the Jing'an Marquis He family, because they were always testing your bottom line, and once tested, they would step on it without hesitation.

Of course, we must cut the grass at its roots, but for the powerful people in the capital, dying so quickly and happily is actually a way to enjoy a peaceful life.

Pei Ji's eyes were dark, reflecting the noble purple official uniform on his body, as if there were traces of purple in his eyes.

The capital city is particularly lively as the year draws to a close, and the source of this liveliness is still partly due to the contribution made by the Jing'an Marquis Mansion.

Just as He Rumangao married into Duke Zhou's mansion, He Yao and the seventh prince fell in love with each other. Although His Majesty has not yet granted the marriage, the news spread like wildfire, and it seems to have spread all over the country.

If the Jing'an Marquis's Mansion really married into the royal family, its status would be completely different.

He Zhiliao was also extremely anxious when he learned about this. If He Yaozhen married the seventh prince, it would no longer be as easy for him to deal with the Jing'an Marquis Mansion in the future!

【ah? ? ? 】

"The truth of the matter has not yet been determined, and I cannot tell you at this moment, but just trust me, no one in Jing'an Marquis's Mansion can be implicated." Pei Ji whispered to comfort him, "Calm down, I know you've been wronged, and I will never let them have an easy time."

He Zhiliao was so anxious that his eyebrows and eyes turned red, fearing that he would not even have the chance to take revenge.

Pei Ji held him in his arms and patted his back gently to soothe him. "He Ruman has been married to Duke Zhou's mansion for a few days now. He must have known how dangerous it is. If he knew that all this was planned by Zhuang Hongxiu, he would definitely make a scene."

Having said that, Yuan Rong naturally knew what to do and retreated quickly.

He Zhiliao was still angry. He wanted to ask Pei Ji how he could help him take revenge on the He family, how he could make Zhuang Hongxiu suffer the consequences of her actions, and how he could overthrow the He family...

After thinking about it, he felt that it was too heavy for the other party to bear the revenge for his mother's murder.

Pei Ji should bear his responsibility, but he shouldn't bear all of his burdens.

He should also find a way to punish those people himself, even if it means just giving them a small lesson for the time being.

Only after calming down completely did He Zhile feel strange.

[Isn't the Seventh Prince fond of you? He even argued with Xu Xinran because she helped me. He doesn't seem like the type to marry He Yao.]

He naturally had not forgotten how the Seventh Prince had forced him before, but for such a scheming prince to condescend for his maternal grandfather's family, he must have a broad vision.

Even if the Marquis of Jing'an's Mansion is married to the Duke of Zhou's Mansion, it is only prosperous in appearance. Even he can see it clearly, so there is no reason for the other party not to know it.

Pei Ji said: "The Seventh Prince has a hot temper and is unyielding. He seems to be favored, but in fact he is in fear. Your Majesty has many princesses and princes, but some of them are not yet of marriageable age. Only the Seventh Prince is of the right age. If he delays any further, I am afraid he will have to marry a foreign prince."

[Marriage?!]

Even though He Zhiliao disliked the Seventh Prince, he couldn't help but widen his eyes. What was going on with the marriage?

Moreover, Miaojiang has always been on friendly terms with the Southern Region and Tianqi, and Beique was also repelled by Pei Ji. They have agreed not to invade again, so why would they be involved in a marriage alliance?

"The barbarians in the northern border of Beique are mostly rough and unruly. They agreed not to attack again simply because they can't afford to fight. But once they have adjusted themselves, they will attack again." Pei Ji said softly, "Tianqi naturally has a way to avoid fighting, which is to marry a princess. But if we fight, it will be a disaster for the court and the people."

It is undeniable that Emperor An really loves his people.

If war breaks out again, the princes and princesses of marriageable age will be immediately pushed out. Now the seventh prince is the most suitable, so he is afraid.

In addition, the previous Zhao Chenghui incident implicated the entire Zhao family, and their status is no longer as stable as before, and there is even a hint that it is no longer useful.

The Seventh Prince's mother, Concubine Zhao, was not favored in the harem and was afraid that she would not be able to protect him safely. Therefore, he had to find another way out. He Yao, who seemed unsuitable, became suitable at this time.

Just driven by interests.

He Zhiliao hesitated again. He didn't know whether marrying He Yao was more hopeless or marrying a foreign prince was more tragic... But judging by the seventh prince's choice, it was obviously the latter.

"Whether the Seventh Prince can marry He Yao is still uncertain. These are not things you should be thinking about." Pei Ji pinched his cheek to signal him to come back to his senses. "The New Year is coming soon, and the mansion should be bustling with activity. If you have nothing to do, you can help mother look after the mansion."

The implication is that he should learn to be a housekeeper.

He Zhiliao felt a little resistant. This was not something he should do. He would have his second sister-in-law to take care of him in the future.

Pei Ji knew what he was thinking at a glance. He sighed softly, "I just want you to have fun. There's no need to think about those messy things. It will only make you feel bad."

He Zhiliao puffed up his cheeks and wrinkled his nose at him in dissatisfaction. He was also very busy now!

I also want to check the shop accounts and the farm's harvest.

"That's right. You all forgot that my darling is now a wealthy man." Pei Ji chuckled, with endless tenderness and love in his deep eyes.

He Zhiliao blushed when he looked at her, and turned his head slightly, but he straightened her face again. Then he held her in his arms, blocked her mouth heavily and fiercely, and wanted to deprive her of even the breath.

After being kissed so hard, He Zhiliao didn't even have the energy to argue with him. She just snuggled in his arms, occasionally gently picking at his clothes.

Pei Ji was distracted by his touch, but he couldn't move too much because he hadn't had dinner yet, so he could only hold his hand and try his best to endure it.

The two were enjoying the tenderness when someone from the front yard came to call them to have dinner.

Pei Su came back unusually early today. Usually, he couldn't wait for him to have dinner.

"Are you ready for tomorrow's exam?" Pei Ji asked, "Are you going to be the invigilator?"

"Yes, the time for this special examination is extremely tight. You will be in the Imperial Examination Hall for the next few days, so there is no need to wait for me." Pei Su said this to everyone, but his eyes glanced at He Zhile and then fell on Pei Ji.

Pei Ji understood instantly, and after dinner he followed Pei Su directly to his study.

Pei Su said, "Although I have been busy with the Imperial Examination these days, I also heard Qing Yan talk about family matters. I guess you are thinking about how to deal with the He family right now."

"Tell me about it." Pei Ji raised his chin slightly.

"If He Yao is colluding with the Seventh Prince, he must have already colluded with the Fifth Prince. And there are many strange people among those who have passed the imperial examination this time." Pei Su chuckled, but his gentle eyes were filled with sarcasm. "It's not difficult to deal with the He family. It would be more convenient to eliminate them all at once."

Pei Ji nodded slightly, "What are you going to do?"

Pei Su said: "Don't worry, you will know during the palace examination. I'll be in front, don't worry."

"Of course I trust you, my second brother." Pei Ji smiled like he was being adored, but then he changed the subject, "When are you going to get married? Zhizhi doesn't even want to work with mother, so as the older brother, you should take on the responsibility."

Pei Su was just immersed in the illusion that his younger brother was well-behaved and sensible, but now his illusion was suddenly shattered, and the gentle smile on his face gradually turned cold.

He raised his hand and pointed to the door of the study, and said lightly: "Please, go away."

Pei Ji sighed softly, "I just keep getting annoyed..."

Pei Su narrowed his eyes and called out, "Pei Yunzhou."

"Speak!" Pei Yunzhou was very indifferent.

"I have old friends in Miaojiang..."

"Hey, brother, please speak slowly!" Pei Yunzhou can stretch and shrink.

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The author has something to say: Pei Gou: "Those who can stretch and shrink are turtles!" [Angry][Angry][Angry]

Little Zhiliao: [kiss][kiss][kiss]

Spectators: [yellow heart][yellow heart][yellow heart]

I will revise all the typos and bug fixes after the article is finished. I usually don't dare to change the words easily, as they may be pulled for re-examination [Please][Please][Please]