Chapter 150: Third Rank Minister

Du Qingtang threw Liang Yixing to the government office, told his family name and left, waiting to see how the prefect would deal with him and whose side he would stand on.

When they returned to the south of the city, the free clinic had ended early because of the farce just now, and the long case was nowhere to be seen, leaving only Du Jiu guarding the place.

Seeing Du Qingtang, Du Jiu came forward and bowed respectfully: "Master, the eighth lady has returned to the female doctor's office."

Du Qingtang responded calmly. After returning to the Du residence, he instructed Du San, "Go and investigate that person's identity and what dirty tricks are behind it."

"yes."

Du San took the order and left, while Du Qingtang ordered the maid to prepare water.

It was late June, the summer heat was scorching, and the carriage was like a steamer. Liang Yixing was beaten and dragged to the government office. He was already sweating profusely, and his clothes were soaked and stuck to his body, making him uncomfortable.

After bathing and changing, Du Qingtang put on a dry and comfortable robe and dried his hair until it was 90% dry. Then the maid came to announce, "Master, Madam Liang is here to see you."

Mrs. Liang, Liang Chuxia's mother.

This Liang is not that Liang, but her own surname is Liang, the same surname as her husband's family.

Earlier, Mrs. Liang divorced her father and went to Beijing with Liang Chuxia. After settling down, she took the initiative to take care of Liang Chuxia and Du Qingju's three meals a day.

In order to make Mrs. Liang feel at ease, Du Qingju agreed to go with her.

Upon learning that her daughter's uncle, the most powerful man in the Du family, had come to Beijing, Mrs. Liang naturally wanted to pay him a visit.

Du Qingtang had a good impression of Du Qingju's young apprentice. She was clear-headed and ruthless, so he was willing to give her mother some face. He put down his handkerchief and straightened his appearance: "Let her in."

"yes."

Not long after, Madam Liang came in and bowed to Du Qingtang: "This humble lady pays respects to Master Du."

It’s not appropriate to call him Miss Du or Uncle, so I just call him Lord Du, which is more respectful.

After getting rid of the annoying things in the Liang family's house, Mrs. Liang no longer looks haggard and vicissitudes of life as she did when they divorced. Now her skin is fair and her complexion is rosy. Her mental outlook is very different from before, and her eyes are much brighter and clearer.

"Madam, there's no need to be so polite." Du Qingtang raised his hand to signal her, then asked her if she was used to living here. If she needed anything, she could tell the staff below. "Chu Xia is now on duty at the Female Medical Bureau. With her help, the burden on my eighth sister's shoulders can be much lighter. So, there's no need for you to be polite with us. Just treat it as your own home."

Mrs. Liang finally put her worries to rest and answered Du Qingtang's questions one by one. Then she bowed and said, "I was able to divorce smoothly thanks to you and the village chief. I am grateful to you and thank you here."

When she was in Shaoqing Prefecture, she often heard the Liang family talk about who the prefect would imprison today and who would be executed tomorrow. Even though she knew that those people deserved their punishment, she was inevitably influenced by the Liang family and felt that the prefect was a strange woman with ruthless means and a cold heart.

Only when I saw the prefect in person did I realize that the rumors were misleading. He was clearly gentle and kind, and as friendly as a spring breeze.

Du Qingtang didn't care, he was just borrowing her name: "It's okay, I can help Madam escape from the sea of suffering, I have done a good thing."

Mrs. Liang did not stay long and left after paying her respects.

Du Qingtang took a short rest, dressed himself in front of the mirror, and went out in a carriage to find his sixth sister Du Qinglan.

Sixth brother-in-law Gu Tai and Fu Ci entered the court as officials in the same year. He currently serves as a sixth-rank temple director in the Dali Temple. His future is bright and promising.

In his first year as an official, Du Qinglan thought that the journey to Xiajing was too long, Jun Jie'er was too young to withstand the long journey, and he was reluctant to give up his teaching career in Qingyuan County, so he let Gu Tai go to Beijing alone.

The next year, Gu Tai suddenly received a letter saying that his superiors intended to marry his concubine's daughter to him. He politely declined, saying that he already had a wife and daughter. However, his superiors did not believe him and often invited him to their house for reunions.

Because of the other party's identity, Gu Tai had no choice but to attend the banquet.

Unexpectedly, after the banquet, when he was leaving, he happened to meet the concubine's daughter on the road and was almost bumped into by her.

Gu Tai was frightened. After returning, he wrote a letter to Du Qinglan overnight, asking her to bring Jun Jie'er to Beijing as soon as possible, otherwise his chastity would be in danger.

When Du Qinglan learned about it, she was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, and was also quite moved.

At that time, Du Qingtang's identity as a woman had been exposed by Yuanshi, and she was "exiled" to Shaoqing Prefecture to serve as an official. Her life and death were uncertain. However, Gu Tai never abandoned his wife and daughter and married another woman. Not to mention the relationship between the couple, this character alone made Du Qingtang look at him with admiration.

As brothers-in-law, both carefully selected by Du Qingtang, Gu Tai and Guo Qian are truly one in heaven and one in hell. The latter is not even worthy of carrying the former's shoes.

Let’s get back to the topic.

After Gu Tai entered the court as an official, the Gu family bought him a courtyard house in the south of the city, which was spacious enough for the couple, Jun Jie'er, and four servants to live in.

Gu's house was quite a distance away from Du's house, and it would take almost an incense stick of time to get there by carriage.

"Master, we're here."

Du Qingtang stepped down on a stool and went forward to knock on the door.

Du Shi took the gifts prepared for Du Qinglan's family of three and followed his master silently.

"Who's knocking at the door?"

A clear female voice came from far away, accompanied by the sound of footsteps, and it sounded very cheerful.

The gate creaked open and a little girl, about six or seven years old, poked her head out.

The little girl wore a pink skirt and had a flower-bud hairstyle, red lips and white teeth, and was as cute as a fairy. She looked 70% like Du Qinglan. Now she looked up at people, her almond-shaped eyes were round and wet, revealing her ignorance.

Du Qingtang lowered his head and looked at him.

She kept silent with a malicious intent, waiting to see if the little girl could recognize her.

Jun Jieer blinked and tilted her head: "...t啾啾?"

Du Qingtang: "...You should call me aunt."

Jun Jie'er's eyes lit up little by little, the corners of her mouth dimpled slightly, she opened the door and rushed towards Du Qingtang like a little cannonball: "Chirp!"

Du Qingtang was knocked off balance by her, but he managed to steady himself and placed his hand on Jun Jie'er's shoulder.

Good news, after not seeing her for four years, Jun Jie'er still remembers her.

Bad news, Jun Jieer has set her sights on Jiujiu and refuses to change her mind no matter what.

"During the years you were away, Sister Jun kept talking about you, asking me where Jiujiu was or saying she missed him. It drove Gu Tai crazy, and he felt really bad. She asked me to draw a portrait of you so that she could take it out and look at it whenever she missed you. That's why I recognized you the first time I saw you."

Du Qinglan placed the herbal tea next to Du Qingtang, glanced at her daughter with a smile, and exposed her shortcomings.

There was no need to go to the Qiongying English Society today, as the family who hired her to teach at their home were out for something. Just now, she was teaching Jun Jieer the Analects of Confucius, and when she heard someone knocking on the door, she sent Jun Jieer to open it. Unexpectedly, the person who came was Du Qingtang, whom she had not seen for four years.

This surprised Du Qinglan so much that she was almost grinning from ear to ear with joy.

Jun Jie'er's face and ears were red. She was so embarrassed that she grabbed Du Qingtang's wide sleeves and buried her face in them.

The act of covering one's ears and stealing the bell makes people laugh and feel soft-hearted.

Du Qingtang let her stay close to him, picked up the herbal tea and took a sip. The taste was slightly bitter, with a sweet aftertaste. "Can Sister Jun learn to read?"

Du Qinglan nodded. "I started teaching her to read two years ago. Her father and I took turns teaching her. Whoever had the time would teach her. Now she has mastered the common characters..."

Jun Jieer raised her face and said as if to ask for credit: "Chirp, I have memorized the Three Character Classic, the Thousand Character Classic, and the Hundred Family Names. I am currently studying the Analects of Confucius."

Du Qingtang raised his eyebrows slightly, a little surprised at Jun Jie'er's learning progress, and rubbed her buds: "Jun Jie'er is really amazing, she is a smart girl."

Jun Jie'er's eyes sparkled, and she swayed her legs gently, feeling so happy that she seemed to be flying to the sky.

"I almost forgot to congratulate you on being personally conferred the title of Earl of Wen'an by His Majesty." Du Qinglan still remembered the surprise she felt when she heard the news, and couldn't help but sigh, "You are the most promising person in our family. Because of you, Gu Tai has also been given a lot of care by the Minister of Justice."

Du Qingtang doesn't mind promoting relatives and friends, as long as it doesn't make her unhappy.

For now, she is quite satisfied with Gu Tai.

Du Qingtang held the teacup and said slowly, "Sixth brother-in-law is still young. He should first accumulate experience. When the time comes, he can be promoted."

Du Qinglan couldn't help but smile, her face widening with joy as she casually lamented, "The court has been turbulent over the past two years. Not to mention the tussle between His Majesty and the Prime Minister, the battle for the throne among the princes has been equally fierce. Some have died, some have been adopted. Every time Gu Tai talks to me about this, I'm filled with fear and worry."

After hearing this, Du Qingtang couldn't help but think of the former Fourth Prince Xia Qikun.

When they were approaching Xiajing, they learned that in April, Xia Qikun had behaved disrespectfully in front of the emperor, had spoken offensively, and had plotted to murder the second prince. Not only was he stripped of his status as a prince and demoted to a commoner, but he also changed his surname to Cao, becoming Cao Qikun. He was forbidden to set foot in Xiajing for the rest of his life.

Du Qingtang calculated with her fingers and inexplicably felt that this matter had something to do with her.

After all, if you calculate the time, the two secret guards will return to Beijing around the end of April.

Less than half a month later, Cao Qikun passed away due to illness.

——Whether he died of illness or for other reasons remains a question.

The prince that the entire family had supported was gone just like that, and more than 30 years of planning had gone to waste. No wonder Cao Yuan, like a mad dog, sent hundreds of people to kill her.

But to be honest, Emperor Qingyuan was really a good material to be an emperor. He was ruthless, suspicious and fickle.

It was a great humiliation for Cao Qikun that he abandoned his own son and even ordered him to change his surname.

Du Qingtang had no doubt that if she had not been useful, she would have been killed long ago because of her repeated exploitation, deception and testing of Emperor Qingyuan.

But in Du Qingtang's opinion, it was not Emperor Qingyuan's fault that Cao Qikun ended up like this.

The relationship between Emperor Qingyuan and Empress Cao was a dead end. Between them stood Cao Yuan and the power struggle.

There is no way that Emperor Qingyuan would make Empress Cao's son the crown prince and let the Great Xia fall into the hands of the Cao family.

——The answer to this question has been obtained from Du Qingtang’s test.

It’s all Cao Qikun’s fault for being born into the wrong womb and becoming the Empress’s legitimate son.

Later, he repeatedly committed suicide and colluded with the Cao family under the nose of Emperor Qingyuan, unable to distinguish between relatives and strangers.

This went on day after day, and Emperor Qingyuan's tolerance for Cao Qikun ran out, and his end was naturally tragic.

Du Qinglan didn't know what Du Qingtang was thinking, so she gently reminded him, "Gu Tai, a sixth-rank official, is so cautious. You, Xianyu, must also be cautious."

The youngest is a girl, and her career in the government is much more difficult than that of a boy. If someone finds her doing something wrong, she will be unable to move forward in the court, and may even be stripped of her official position and lose her life.

Du Qingtang was silent for a moment, then coughed lightly and said, "To be honest, Sixth Sister, I went to the city a while ago and happened to see a playboy harassing Eighth Sister. I couldn't stand it, so I taught him a lesson and threw him to the government office."

Du Qinglan: “…???”

Thinking of the complex network of powerful people in Xiajing, Du Qinglan's face turned pale and she asked anxiously, "Do you know where he comes from? What if they're from a family you can't afford to offend? What if they report you to the emperor?"

Compared to Du Qinglan's panic, Du Qingtang calmly soothed her, "Don't panic, Sixth Sister. He was the one who made the mistake first. I'm not someone who can be manipulated. Even if we confront him in court, he's in the wrong. We can't just let that bastard offend you in public."

The most important point is that Emperor Qingyuan is on her side.

The old fox wanted to see the Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace make a fool of himself more than she did.

Du Qinglan felt a little relieved, thinking to herself that she would ask Gu Tai to pay more attention to him, so that the youngest child would not only report good news but also bad news, and would not tell his family when he was wronged. "By the way, didn't Xiaoqi go to Beijing with you?"

Du Qingtang concealed the assassination attempt and said calmly, "Seventh sister is homesick, so she should go back and sort out the accounts at Shixiang Pavilion."

In recent years, Du Qingmei has been helping to manage the Shixiang Pavilion in Qingyuan County. Du Qingju has basically not asked about it and is only responsible for collecting money at the end of the year.

This time when I return home, I naturally have to take the opportunity to take inventory.

Du Qingtang added, "I plan to have my elder sister and the others come to Beijing so that we can look after each other."

Du Qinglan hesitated for a moment: "Xianyu, you know about the fifth sister, right?"

Du Qingtang nodded: "I know."

It was she who sent someone to cripple the ungrateful Guo Qian's hand.

Du Qinglan was about to continue when she remembered that Jun Jie'er was there and asked her to go inside to memorize the lessons. Then she said, "If Guo Qian comes with us, how do you plan to accommodate them?"

Du Qingtang would certainly not let Guo Qian live in the Wen'an Marquis's mansion. She had already made plans for this: "If Guo Qian comes to Beijing, I will pay for a separate residence for him outside. We can live separately."

On the contrary, if Guo Qian did not come, the sisters would all live in Wen'an Earl's Mansion, which would be more lively with more people.

Du Qinglan knew that the youngest sister always had a plan in mind, so she said no more: "Wait for Xiaoba to come back in the evening, and then the three of us sisters will have a good reunion."

Du Qingtang was thinking about this and asked her, "Where's Sixth Brother-in-law? Is he coming?"

This determines how much food the cook will prepare.

Du Qinglan waved her hand and said, "Let's get together as a family. Why bother with him? I'll let him teach Jun Jie'er at home."

Du Qingtang smiled, chatted with Du Qinglan for a long time, called Jun Jieer to test him, and then said goodbye.

Emperor Qingyuan bestowed upon him the Earl's Mansion, as well as a steward and several servants. Du Qingtang had no habit of being spied on, so he planned to go and clean it up in advance to prevent any spies from some household from sneaking in.

The Wen'an Marquis' Mansion is located in the east of the city. It was originally the Prince's Mansion. During the reign of the previous emperor, he committed a crime and his property was confiscated and he was beheaded. It has been vacant ever since.

At the beginning of the year, Emperor Qingyuan decided to confer a title on Du Qingtang and chose this Prince's Mansion from a number of vacant mansions. He also ordered the Ministry of Works to send people to renovate it inside and out and hang a plaque with the words "Wen'an Earl's Mansion".

As it is the residence of a prince, it is naturally very spacious, with carved beams and painted buildings, pavilions, terraces, small bridges and flowing water, and various flowers in full bloom, which is very beautiful.

In order to save face for Du Qingtang, Emperor Qingyuan selected a number of antique ornaments and calligraphy and paintings by famous artists from his private treasury and asked Fu Rui to send them to the Bo Mansion. He also asked the craftsmen in the Glass Workshop to replace all the doors and windows with glass.

Looking through the spotless glass windows, you can see that the house is magnificent and full of style, and it is obvious that a lot of thought has been put into it.

"I guess you'll be returning to the capital in the next few days, so I've specially had the entire Bo's residence cleaned thoroughly. Master, if there's anything you're not satisfied with, anything missing, or anything that needs to be changed, I'll have it made."

Meng Fang, the steward of the Wen'an Marquis's Mansion, was also sent by the palace. He was nearly forty years old, with gray hair on his temples and a gaunt face. He was tall and thin, and he was slightly bowed, his posture showing humility.

Although he was a eunuch, his voice was not sharp or harsh, but soft and gentle, with a hint of smile, which was very pleasant to listen to.

She has a good image and does things flawlessly, so she is most likely a spy sent by Emperor Qingyuan to keep an eye on her.

Du Qingtang's mind was filled with alarm, and he secretly cursed Emperor Qingyuan as an old fox, but he did not intend to find a reason to drive Meng Fang out of Wen'an Earl's Mansion.

Eyeliner that is visible is always more reassuring than one that is hidden in the dark.

Besides, Emperor Qingyuan already knew the secret of her rebirth, so there was nothing else to hide.

It’s better to be open and honest, do whatever you want, and plot against whoever you want.

As long as it does not harm the interests of Emperor Qingyuan and as long as Emperor Qingyuan is the beneficiary, he will turn a blind eye and allow Du Qingtang to stir up trouble and change the situation in the court.

Du Qingtang calmed himself down and waved his hand, saying, "No need, it's fine."

Meng Fang bowed his head respectfully: "Master, would you like to meet the servants in the mansion?"

Du Qingtang stroked the engravings on the ring and said slowly, "No need. You can take charge of the arrangements and send away all the restless ones."

Meng Fang was stunned for a moment, a smile flashing across his lips. "Master, don't worry. I'll go down and make the arrangements right away."

Du Qingtang did not stay in Wen'an Marquis's Mansion for too long. After returning to Du's house, he asked Du Si to go to Yan's Mansion to deliver gifts.

Since Yan Tiande has been tricked into joining the pirate ship, he must express his gratitude when he returns to Beijing to report on his work.

Du Qingtang not only prepared gifts for Yan Tiande, but also for Mrs. Yan, Yan Tiande's two sons and one daughter, and grandchildren.

In addition to woolen sweaters and dried fruits, which are special products of Shaoqing Prefecture, there are also some rare little items bought from foreigners.

As the saying goes, a small gift may be made with much thought. If the gift is too expensive, it will be unpleasant.

Half an hour later, Du Si came back: "Master, the housekeeper of the Yan Mansion has accepted the gift."

Du Qingtang nodded to indicate that she understood, wrote a menu, and asked the maid to send it to the kitchen.

It's so rare for the three sisters to get together, so naturally they want something sumptuous.

-

However, Du Qingtang raised his whip and whipped Liang Yixing like a top in front of everyone, and then sent him to the government office to let the prefect deal with him impartially.

Liang Yixing's servant didn't dare to chase after her, fearing that he would fall into the hands of the evil female star. He crawled back to the Liang Mansion and told the old lady Liang the story with exaggeration.

Upon hearing this, Madam Liang was furious, her rosy face turning pale with anger. "What a savage woman! Once I find out her name and family background, I will not let her off easily!"

After saying that, while reciting the name of his beloved daughter, he sent people to investigate Du Qingtang's identity and the whereabouts of his beloved daughter.

After Madam Liang finished giving her instructions, she beat her chest and stamped her feet, choking with sobs: "Xing'er has suffered such a great crime, it really pains me!"

Soon, Madam Liang came rushing over: "Mom, is Xing'er in trouble?"

At the glance of Madam Liang, the servant repeated the whole story.

Madam Liang slammed the table in anger, "It's their blessing that my son likes them. How dare they disrespect my son and be so rude and vulgar? They must be from humble backgrounds!"

Madam Liang agreed deeply. She closed her eyes and twirled her Buddhist beads, saying in a cold tone, "Once we find out whose family they are from, we'll send them both to Xing'er's courtyard. It will be a happy occasion for the two sisters to marry into a wealthy family together."

Mrs. Liang responded hesitantly, but she had already thought of a thousand ways to torture the two sisters.

From the above, we can see that Liang Yixing grew up to be a playboy who was lustful and regarded human life as worthless, which was inseparable from the doting of his elders in the family.

Who made him the darling child of Madam Liang, born after a life-threatening ordeal? Since childhood, he has been cherished by his grandmother, parents and mother like the apple of their eye. They hold him in their hands for fear that he will get cold, and hold him in their mouths for fear that he will melt. Even if he wants the moon in the sky, the Liang family will grant his request.

Over time, Liang Yixing grew up as a bad person. Relying on his father's position as the Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace, he bullied men and women in the capital and did all kinds of evil.

Before the person sent out returned, a guest arrived.

"Madam, Madam, Governor Zhou sent someone to our house, saying that the Seventh Young Master is at the government office." The housekeeper paused. "The servant also said that the Seventh Young Master is injured and asked the government to call a doctor in advance."

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law felt as if they were struck by lightning and the sky was falling and the earth was collapsing.

"What a vicious woman! Not only did she beat my son, she even sent him to the government!"

"What are you all standing there for? Why don't you hurry to the government office to bring Xing'er back, then take my visiting card and go to the palace to invite the imperial physician!"

After a period of chaos, Liang Yixing returned home.

Seeing her precious baby with a bruised face and bloodstains all over his body, Mrs. Liang was so angry that she fainted on the spot.

The maidservant who was serving Madam Liang screamed, "Doctor Liu, please save my old lady!"

The imperial physician was about to treat Madam Liang when Madam Liang grabbed him.

Mrs. Liang burst into tears and said in a strong tone, "Doctor Liu, please save my son!"

Doctor Liu: “…”

Otherwise, you two might as well break me in half.

Fortunately, the court physician arrived in time and rescued Doctor Liu from the dilemma, allowing him to concentrate on treating Liang Yixing's wounds.

Liang Yixing lay on the bed, howling like a pig waiting to be slaughtered, shouting in pain, flailing his limbs, and kicking Doctor Liu several times.

Doctor Liu: “…”

I am also ill, and I am asking for trouble just for this little medical fee.

Mrs. Liang listened from outside, her heart aching, tears streaming down her face. She clutched her chest and trembled, "Xing'er, don't cry. Mother has already sent someone to inform your father. He will be back soon."

Doctor Liu resisted the urge to roll his eyes and applied the powder on Liang Yixing's wound.

He is not a three-year-old child, and he is not on his deathbed. Is it necessary to mobilize such a large force?

The frightened Liang Yixing was harder to hold than a New Year pig. Doctor Liu was kicked a few more times. After he had finally treated his wounds, the Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace hurried back home.

He was handling official business in the cabinet when he heard that his young son was bullied. He immediately flew into a rage, said something to Cao Yuan, and rushed back like a gust of wind.

The Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace rushed in and asked anxiously, "Xing'er, do you know what the woman who attacked you looks like? I'll send someone to find her and bring her back for you to deal with!"

Doctor Liu: “…”

Everyone in the Liang Mansion seems to be sick. Everyone knows that Liang Yixing is a bully in the capital. Who would dare to bully him without any eyes? Are they tired of living?

The one who was beaten this time was most likely a female warrior who was trying to eliminate harm for the people.

Liang Yixing groaned in pain, his breath weak as he said, "She is extremely beautiful, and her name is also beautiful. Her name is... Du... Du Qing..."

The right eyelid of the Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace twitched for no apparent reason. An ominous premonition came to his mind, and a name came out of his mouth: "Du Qingtang?"

Liang Yixing patted the bed and said, "That's right! It's Du Qingtang!"

Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace: "......"

Doctor Liu, who hadn't even left the room yet, said: "......"

Why did you have to pick on Amber Shangwen when you could pick on anyone else?

He was a ruthless man who invented firearms that could defeat thousands of troops and led tens of thousands of defenders to repel 160,000 Qi troops!

Doctor Liu thought about the whip wounds on Liang Yixing's body and shook his head in his heart.

It seems that Wen Anbo still showed mercy. This bastard should be sent back to the womb and retrained!

Liang Yixing couldn't wait to ask, "Dad, do you recognize her?"

Madam Liang stared at the Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace, her brain working rapidly, trying to think of which powerful family in the capital had the surname Du. If there was none, she would definitely skin Du Qingtang alive!

While screening, I heard the Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace hum, and said in a complicated tone: "She is Wen Anbo."

"What?"

"She is Wen Anbo?!"

Liang Yixing and Mrs. Liang screamed in shock.

The Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace nodded and said, "Except for her, no other woman in the world would dare to do this."

Thinking back to the bad idea he had given the Prime Minister in February, which had led to the assassination of the Prime Minister and the two princes, and then a series of unpleasant events, the Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace wiped his face and said coldly, "This woman has always been arrogant and domineering, and has never known what it means to be humble. Xing'er, you are unlucky to have run into her."

Madam Liang couldn't bear to hear this: "Master, Xing'er was beaten so badly by that Wen Anbo that there's not a single piece of good flesh left on her body. We must not let her go easily!"

Liang Yixing's eyes rolled. "Dad, since she is an official appointed by the court, why don't you find someone to impeach her, remove her official hat, and take away her title!"

In this way, Du Qingtang will have no one to rely on, so won't he be at his mercy?

There is another beauty. If Du Qingtang is as cold as ice, she is as gentle as water.

Liang Yixing wanted to bring both of them into the room!

The Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace was somewhat tempted. After comforting his mother and wife, he returned to the cabinet and went straight to Cao Yuan's duty room.

"Sir, Du Qingtang has returned to the capital!"

Cao Yuan paused and sighed, "What a pity."

He sent out hundreds of assassins, but still managed to let Du Qingtang enter the capital alive.

The scene of Cao Qikun vomiting blood and dying with his eyes open appeared in front of Cao Yuan's eyes, and his heart was bleeding.

More than thirty years of planning came to nothing in one day, and Cao Yuan wanted to kill Du Qingtang.

If Du Qingtang had not been too eye-catching, how could they have thought of winning him over and sent secret guards to Shaoqing Mansion to investigate? The Fourth Prince would not have been assassinated, let alone died suddenly.

Thinking of the fifth prince who planned the assassination, Cao Yuan felt a dull pain in his forehead.

He had no choice but to choose the Fifth Prince.

As his thoughts raced, the Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace explained the situation: "...Sir, I intend to impeach Du Qingtang and use this opportunity to bring her down."

Cao Yuan closed his eyes and secretly gathered his strength: "Go."

The Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace was delighted and left immediately.

-

In the evening, Du Qingtang was reading in the study when the maid came to report: "Master, Miss Eight and Miss Liang are back."

Du Qingtang put down the book and just opened the door when Du Qingju hurried over, her brow furrowed. "Xianyu, have you found out the identity of that person?"

Du Qingtang knew this, but Du San hadn't released any results yet. He was probably investigating Liang Yixing's crimes, so he said calmly, "There are many powerful people in the capital. The earliest we can find out will be tomorrow."

Du Qingju pursed her lips, blaming herself deeply: "If I had known this would happen, I would never have organized this free clinic and implicated you for nothing."

Du Qingtang, taking advantage of his height, patted her bun, causing the tassels on her hairpin to sway slightly. "Eighth sister, this is your fault. It's that bastard's fault. As a victim, why should you throw the baby out with the bathwater?"

Du Qingju's eyes were slightly red. "But I saw with a cold eye that he had a mean look on his face and was obviously holding a grudge. What if his family found someone to impeach you? You went through so many hardships to return to Beijing, but because of me..."

Du Qingtang raised his hand and pinched her mouth: "Okay, I don't like to hear this, you are not allowed to say it again."

Du Qingju had tears in her eyes, and she was obviously feeling extremely guilty.

Du Qingtang sighed softly, "Eighth sister, I have tried every possible means to climb up, firstly to liberate women, and secondly so that my sisters at home can rely on me. Even if I can't handle it, His Majesty will support me, so you don't have to blame yourself, I will be fine."

Du Qingju pulled down the youngest's hand and looked at her eagerly: "Are you serious?"

Du Qingtang hummed, "It's more real than real gold and silver."

Du Qingju was still skeptical: "Xianyu, don't lie to me."

"Well, I won't lie to you." Du Qingtang put his arm around her shoulders and walked out. "I've been waiting for you at home for a long time. I'm already hungry. Sixth Sister will probably be here soon. Let's go to the dining room and wait, okay?"

Du Qingju was flustered by the previous farce. Her IQ dropped, and she was easily led astray. "Have you looked for Sixth Sister?"

Du Qingtang nodded and said half complainingly, "I corrected her again and again, but Junjieer still called me Jiujiu. I'm not a bird, so why should I be called Jiujiu?"

Du Qingju chuckled, "Maybe I'm used to it. These past few months since I came to Xiajing, every time I went to visit Sixth Sister on my day off, Jun Jie'er would pester me, asking me when Jiujiu would be back. Since she's so concerned about you, Xianyu, just let her call you that."

The two talked as they walked and soon arrived at the dining room.

But after a while, Du Qinglan also came.

The food and wine were served, and the three sisters sat around the table. Du Qingtang asked the maid to call Liang Chuxia and her daughter: "We are enjoying a delicious meal, we can't neglect them."

Du Qinglan responded, "Chu Xia is a good girl. She is Xiao Ba's apprentice and also one of our family members."

The maid quickly left and returned, but Liang Chuxia and her daughter were nowhere to be found. "Miss Liang is currently giving Madam Liang acupuncture. It will probably take another hour. Let the master and the two young ladies eat first."

Du Qingju knew Liang Chuxia was trying to avoid him, so she stopped insisting: "I'll ask the kitchen to send some wine and food over later."

The maid retreated immediately.

The three sisters ate, drank, talked and laughed until midnight.

That night, Du Qinglan stayed at Du's house. After washing off the smell of alcohol, she lay down on the bed and fell into a deep sleep.

......

The next day, Du Qingtang submitted his work report to the Ministry of Personnel.

The clerk in charge of receiving the report documents from the Ministry of Personnel was stunned for a moment when he saw the three words "Du Qingtang" on the document. He hurriedly bowed and greeted, his tone full of flattery: "So it's Wen Anbo. After three years, you finally returned to the capital. I was in Xiajing, but I have heard many stories of your heroic deeds and I admire you very much."

Du Qingtang smiled and said modestly, "Master Yun, you are too kind."

The clerk carefully put away the report and said with a smile, "Mr. Wen An will have to wait a few more days. The Ministry of Personnel will issue the appointment to you as soon as possible."

Du Qingtang cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Lord Yun."

The clerk said he dared not and politely sent Du Qingtang away.

After leaving the Ministry of Personnel, Du Qingtang looked up and saw the young eunuch waiting on the palace road.

"Your servant greets Lord Wen An." Yu Jue came forward with a smile and bowed, "Lord Wen An, His Majesty summons you to an audience."

Du Qingtang: “…”

With Du Qingtang's limited understanding of Emperor Qingyuan, the news had already reached the emperor the moment she entered the palace.

Du Qingtang was silent for a moment: "Let's go."

Yu Jue raised his hand and gestured, "Mr. Wen An, please."

Du Qingtang followed Yu Jue to the imperial study. Yu Jue went inside to report, and then returned after a while: "Mr. Wen An, His Majesty invites you in."

Du Qingtang bowed and thanked him, then walked into the imperial study and greeted him.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. Long live Your Majesty."

Emperor Qingyuan raised his head from his memorials and looked at the woman in indigo-colored clothes below him. "Lord Du, please stand up."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Du Qingtang stood up, lowered his brows and eyes, and acted extremely respectful.

Emperor Qingyuan twirled his beard and spoke in a gentle tone that sounded somewhat relaxed and comfortable at first: "Lord Du, you have governed Shaoqing Prefecture very well. I am very satisfied."

Du Qingtang raised his head slightly, his eyes quickly sweeping across the face of Emperor Qingyuan.

Perhaps it was because the imperial power was centralized and he held great power, Emperor Qingyuan's mental state was different from before, and the depression lingering between his brows had completely dissipated.

It can be seen that power is the best tonic.

Du Qingtang bowed his head, his tone unable to conceal his joy: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your praise. This is my duty. It is my honor to be able to help Your Majesty and solve his problems."

Emperor Qingyuan twirled his beard and snorted in an ambiguous tone: "Forget it, I'll be thankful that you don't plot against me."

Du Qingtang: “…”

Fury: “…”

Fu Rui tried to hold back his laughter, but his cheeks turned red and his shoulders shook.

Your Majesty is truly outspoken and has silenced Lord Du to the point where he is unable to utter a single word.

Du Qingtang was speechless. He had only plotted against Emperor Qingyuan one, two, three, or four times. Why was he being so sarcastic?

She decided to give Emperor Qingyuan a surprise: "Your Majesty, I returned to the capital yesterday and accidentally beat up the youngest son of the Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace."

Now it was Emperor Qingyuan's turn: "......"

Fu Rui also: "......"

Are you two hurting each other?

Emperor Qingyuan rarely lost his composure. He scratched his ear and leaned forward: "Lord Du, what did you say?"

Du Qingtang repeated, "Liang Yixing intended to molest my sister, the Deyang Township Lady, and in doing so, I also molested myself. I'm not a good person, so I beat him up in the street and took him to the government office."

"However, from my humble observation, I can see that the prefect seems to recognize Liang Yixing, and their conversation is familiar. I would venture to infer that Liang Yixing must be a frequent visitor to the government office."

Normally, who are the frequent visitors to the government office?

A person who stirs up trouble and bullies men and women!

"Later, I learned that he was the youngest son of the Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Palace, but it was too late. The deed had already been done and could not be undone."

Emperor Qingyuan: "...So why are you telling me this?"

Du Qingtang said with a confident tone, "I was thinking that if the Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace, who loves his son dearly, impeaches me at the morning court, you can support me."

Emperor Qingyuan: "...Why should I support you?"

Du Qingtang asked back, "So Your Majesty won't support me?"

Emperor Qingyuan: “…”

Emperor Qingyuan didn't want to talk. He raised his hand and pinched his brow, then abruptly changed the subject: "Let's not talk about this. Now that you've returned to the capital from Shaoqing Prefecture, you should stay in the capital and take up your post."

Du Qingtang was not surprised by this and said readily, "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."

Emperor Qingyuan did not specify which department or position he would assign Du Qingtang to. He then asked, "I intend to have the weaving house make a few extra official robes for you. Go to the weaving house tomorrow to get your measurements."

Du Qingtang shook his head: "Just an ordinary official robe will do. There is no need for the weaving house to make a female official robe specifically for me."

Official robes were used by ancient officials to distinguish their identities and ranks, and there was no distinction between men and women.

If she put on the women's official robe, it would mean drawing a line between her and the civil and military officials.

One against many, clearly separated, as if isolated.

What Du Qingtang wants is absolute fairness and justice.

She wants equality between men and women.

She wants men and women to stand shoulder to shoulder.

Emperor Qingyuan was not surprised by this answer, nor did he force it: "Since that's the case, you may withdraw."

Du Qingtang bowed and said, "I will take my leave."

As he turned around, he suddenly heard Emperor Qingyuan say, "I named you Earl of Wen'an because you brought Zhaoyang back."

Du Qingtang turned around, a look of surprise in his eyes.

Emperor Qingyuan stared at her straight in the eyes: "Lord Du, do you understand?"

Very good, now it is certain that her guess is 100% correct.

"I understand." Du Qingtang's heart was pounding. He leaned forward and said calmly, "Your Highness is the bloodline of Your Majesty. The golden branches and jade leaves of Daxia should flourish on Daxia's territory, nurtured by the people."

......

Du Qingtang left the palace and went straight to the Gu family.

After knocking on the door, I found that Gu Taishang was on duty and Du Qinglan was teaching female students, so only Jun Jie'er was at home.

Du Qingtang looked at Jun Jie'er, whose face was stained with ink and turned into a kitten's face, and asked knowingly: "What are you doing?"

Jun Jieer answered obediently: "I'm practicing calligraphy."

Du Qingtang stretched out his hand: "Would you like to go home with your aunt?"

Jun Jie'er's eyes lit up, and without hesitation she abandoned her writing brush, inkstone, and her parents, and threw herself into Du Qingtang's arms: "Great!"

That evening, Du Qingju returned from the Women's Medical Bureau and went straight to the second hospital.

She was still thinking about what happened yesterday, and wondered if the youngest had found out the identity of that person.

When I entered the second courtyard, I found that the youngest brother had brought back Jun Jie'er from the sixth sister's family and was teaching her "The Analects of Confucius".

It was not convenient to talk about those dirty things in front of the little girl, so Du Qingju had to leave.

The next evening, Du Qingtang was watching Jun Jie'er practicing calligraphy, and Du Qingju returned empty-handed again.

On the third day, the fourth day... until the sixth day, Du Qingju finally came to her senses. Du Qingtang was deliberately avoiding her!

It seems that the man is of extraordinary status, otherwise the youngest brother would not avoid talking about it.

Realizing this, Du Qingju felt as if struck by lightning, and her vision went dark.

Just when he was planning to find a time to pull Du Qingtang aside and "torture him to extract a confession", the appointment from the Ministry of Personnel came down -

Mr. Huang, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, has retired due to illness, and Du Qingtang has now taken over the position of Left Vice Minister.

At that time, Du Qingtang was transferred from the Ministry of Revenue to the Ministry of Works because of firearms and served as the Left Vice Minister.

Later, Yuan reported Du Qingtang to the police and he was imprisoned. Then he was ordered to make meritorious service while serving his sentence and led the Firearms Battalion to Loushan Pass.

Mr. Huang was originally the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, but was promoted to Left Vice Minister due to Du Qingtang's departure.

After going around in circles, I'm back to the starting point.

To be honest, Du Qingtang was a little dissatisfied.

However, there were no vacancies above the second rank, so he had to settle for the second best and hold the third rank.

"That's good. At least you got a promotion, right?" Du Qingju handed the appointment document back to Du Qingtang, then changed the subject, "Tell me, what is that person's identity?"

Du Qingtang tapped the document with his fingertips and said slowly, "Don't worry, Eighth Sister. You will know his identity after the morning court tomorrow."

Du Qingju frowned and put her hands on her hips with a serious expression: "Xianyu, I don't want you to be in danger because of me. It's not easy for you to get to where you are today..."

Du Qingtang picked up the appointment document and strode towards the second courtyard. "I suddenly remembered that I haven't had time to check on Jun Jie'er's homework today. I'll leave first."

Du Qingju: “…”

......

The next day at the hour of Mao, in the Golden Palace.

Du Qingtang was wearing a purple official robe and holding a tablet, standing behind the Minister of Works.

When Emperor Qingyuan, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, sat on the high throne, all officials knelt down and saluted, shouting "Long live the emperor" three times.

"Everyone, please stand up."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

All officials stood still, and Fu Rui sang loudly: "If you have something to report, please report it. If not, please leave the court——"

The Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Palace stepped out and knelt, saying, "Your Majesty, I have something to report."

Emperor Qingyuan raised his hand: "Approved."

The Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace kowtowed and said in a trembling voice, "This humble official wishes to report the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, Du Qingtang, the Earl of Wen'an, for his arrogance and arrogance. He attacked in broad daylight and assaulted my young son for no reason, leaving him seriously injured and still unconscious!"