Chapter 122 Auspicious times, a prosperous era…

How things will develop in their hometown of Suzhou is another matter. After the betrothal ceremony, Miaozhen will have a tea ceremony at the end of the year, after which they will choose a wedding date and get married. Of course, it would take a long time for other families to prepare for these things, but Miaozhen had already allocated money for her three children, so preparing for them was easy and not a problem.

She thought, no wonder people say money can solve 99% of problems. Sure enough, because it's so effortless, she didn't even think it was a big deal.

Take out the prepared list, use what you already have at home first, and purchase the rest separately.

She also said to Madam Zhang, "Now that my second brother is working as a clerk in the Dali Temple, he receives a monthly salary. Your brother-in-law and I have discussed it and will also give you an additional fifty taels a year. You two should save some of this money."

Kun-ge'er's strength lies in his honesty and obedience; he rarely has his own ideas and almost always does what Xiao Jingshi says. His work isn't particularly strenuous, and the Dali Temple provides meals, while Miaozhen's family takes care of their food, clothing, and other necessities, which is already quite good. If Kun-ge'er gains experience in the future, he could work as a clerk in the Dali Temple for a long time, which would be a secure job regardless of circumstances, and he could even save some money.

Madam Zhang declined, saying, "We've already troubled my sister and brother-in-law so much by living here, how can we let you subsidize us? We don't want it."

“You can’t say that. Your brother-in-law usually has to pay for even a small cleaning service. Do you think it’s okay to let Brother Kun do it for free? Just accept it. I always put things out in advance to avoid any future disagreements,” Miaozhen said with a smile.

Only then did Madam Zhang accept it.

Although she lived in the mansion, she had her own courtyard and didn't spend much time with her aunt. In particular, there were many people seeking medical treatment in the capital, and her aunt had to treat patients and socialize, so the two sisters-in-law didn't see each other very often.

But in any case, she still takes very good care of herself.

They did some needlework together, and Madam Zhang asked, "So, does that mean Sixth Master Xiao will be working at the Imperial Academy from now on?"

“Yes, at least his studies should be passable. He was originally a student of the Imperial Academy, but he studied at the Southern Academy before. Now that he has settled down, he will be given a real post in the future. As long as he does well, although he can't compare to those who passed the imperial examinations, he will still have a good future.” Miaozhen could tell that Xiao Jingtang was a very flexible person. He was a bit impetuous when he was young, but now that he has settled down, he is very good at socializing.

Hearing this, Madam Zhang couldn't help but nod, and then smiled and said, "Zhao-ge'er is the best. He will definitely pass the imperial examination in the future, and his future is beyond question."

“Many people who have passed the provincial examinations may never pass the imperial examinations in their entire lives. I hope that he can concentrate on his studies now without any distractions. Otherwise, it will be difficult for him to settle down when he gets older.” Miaozhen was telling the truth, so Zhaoge’er still needs to bury himself in his studies.

However, it seems unlikely that Zhao Ge'er will be able to study today. During dinner, Xiao Jingshi mentioned a case, "There's a case submitted by Shuntian Prefecture that I find a bit strange. Zhenzhen, I'm afraid I'll need your assistance."

Miao Zhen frowned: "What case? Can I help with that?"

“Of course you can. This case isn’t big, but the person who handled it has problems. If we can overturn the case, it will be a good thing for me,” Xiao Jingshi said with a smile.

People like Xiao Jingshi are unwilling to stick to the rules and regulations. While focusing on their current position, they also strive for advancement.

Miaozhen couldn't help but ask, "What exactly is the case?"

"It's not a big deal, really. There was a clerk in Jizhou Prefecture named Zuo. One day, he and his wife, Lady Le, were having dinner at home when Zuo suddenly died. However, after the coroner examined his body, it was found that Zuo had not been poisoned. The Ministry of Justice said that someone had accused Zuo's wife, Lady Le, of poisoning him with talismanic water in collusion with two accomplices. The testimonies were inconsistent, but they had already been forced to confess," Xiao Jingshi said.

Miaozhen couldn't help but say, "Although I am a doctor, I am not very knowledgeable about the art of coroner's work."

“I plan to pretend to let them go home first, and then slowly investigate the case incognito. It just so happens that I didn’t rest during the Dragon Boat Festival because of the case. I have a few days off, so let’s go to Jizhou Prefecture together,” Xiao Jingshi said.

Miaozhen immediately replied, "Okay."

"Ahem, Father, Mother, count me in too. You two are going to those minor officials' homes, you can't have a whole entourage, your son can at least help out." Zhao Ge'er immediately joined in smoothly.

Xiao Jingshi glanced at him and said, "You don't need to do this. You should stay home and study."

"Father, your son can protect Mother too! What will happen to Mother after you leave?" Zhao Ge'er quickly tried to justify his actions.

Miaozhen smiled and said, "Jingshi, let him go. This child has been studying really hard these days. Let him relax a bit, and when he comes back, let him go inside to study. How about that?" She could understand Zhaoge'er's feelings. She had also gone through the college entrance examination. She could say that as long as she didn't have to study, she would do anything.

With Miao Zhen speaking up for him, Xiao Jingshi glanced at his eldest son and said, "If I were you, I would be so ashamed to fail the imperial examination that I wouldn't have the face to go out and play."

Zhao Ge'er looked embarrassed.

These days, father-son relationships seem to be like this. At first, Miaozhen tried to mediate, but later found it was to no avail. Zhao Ge'er became more motivated after being scolded by his father.

After the meal, Zhao Ge'er was very happy and hummed a tune as he walked home. Halfway there, he sighed, "It's a pity that Hu Hai'er isn't here. If he were, we would truly be a family."

Little did he know that Xiao Jingshi was also thinking of Zheng Ge'er: "If only Zheng Ge'er were here, Zhao Ge'er looks too noble."

"What? Are you saying our Zheng-ge'er is unsophisticated?" Miao-zhen was speechless.

Xiao Jingshi coughed lightly: "It's not that simple. It's just that he's incredibly skilled at climbing trees, scaling walls, running, and shooting arrows. He's a promising talent."

"Tch, I'll tell Zhao-ge'er tomorrow that you're biased." Miao-zhen tapped his nose.

Xiao Jingshi looked at Miaozhen and asked, "Are you afraid?"

“If I were alone, I wouldn’t dare to investigate anything, always afraid of being killed. But with you, I’m definitely not afraid,” Miaozhen said with a smile.

Hearing his wife say this, he didn't believe her: "You're just being modest. Back at Xuanda University, I saw how bold you were. Zhenzhen, I have to say something to you: excessive modesty is arrogance."

The couple burst into laughter.

**

In June, the weather in Jizhou was not yet hot. A blue-gray mule cart entered the prefectural city, driven by a handsome young man dressed in fine cloth and wearing a net on his head, looking like a young man from an ordinary family. After the mule cart came to a stop in the city, he was the first to get off, and soon a couple got off the carriage. The man was wearing a long robe and was probably a scholar. He had phoenix eyes and sword-like eyebrows and looked very handsome. The woman had an oval face and willow-leaf eyebrows, wore a dark blue jacket, and a white headscarf.

This was Xiao Jingshi with Miaozhen and Zhaoge'er, the mother and son. The three of them were disguised as a family of officials newly appointed by the court. Such minor officials usually lived in the yamen.

Madam Zuo had just been released and was staying at the yamen (government office) to help with her deceased husband's funeral.

"Husband, we are so grateful to Master Xie in the capital for filling this vacancy. We owe it all to you, our cousin."

Xiao Jingshi looked around and whispered, "Zhenzhen, we've already gotten to the point so quickly."

“That’s right, he even put on airs like the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.” Miaozhen laughed at him.

Miaozhen used to wear light purple, pale yellow, and freshly baked silver clothes, since her skin was quite fair and her face had a baby-like appearance. But now, in order to match her husband and try to appear more dignified, she dressed like this.

The three of them arrived at the Jizhou Prefecture government office. Zhao Ge'er gave them official documents, which were quite simple; their son-in-law, Zhao Rui, could easily forge one. These were essential documents for investigating a case.

Although the official's rank was not high, he still occupied half of the courtyard, which had three bays. There were several potted plants in the courtyard, and some of them had yellow leaves and withered flowers, probably because no one was taking care of them.

A simple mourning hall was set up in the central hall. A woman knelt before the Buddha. She was not particularly beautiful, but she was extremely fair-skinned, with a delicate whiteness. Under the candlelight in the mourning hall, she looked like the woman described in Zheng Qiao's poem: "The flowers below the steps are cold and beautiful, while the Buddha's fire in front of the hall is dim."

Miaozhen quickly explained her purpose: "We are the family members of the newly appointed Chief Clerk, and we have come from the capital to take up our post. Has the new Chief Clerk passed away?"

Ms. Le had just been released from prison and was said to be interrogated at any time. She was terrified, but looking at her husband's mourning hall and recalling the events of the past few days, it all felt like a dream.

She felt speechless, but upon hearing the word "passed away," she suddenly nodded and said, "Yes, he passed away."

"I think you should be about my age, why are you here alone? Where are your children?" Miaozhen continued to look around, feeling very strange. Zuo Dushi was, after all, an official, and she had heard that the Zuo family was a local gentry, so why was only Madam Le here?

Thinking that Miaozhen was trying to get rid of her, Madam Le quickly said, "I only have one daughter, who is already married. Please allow me a few more days, Madam."

Miaozhen had heard Xiao Jingshi say that the confession stated that Le Shi and her son-in-law were having an affair, so she asked, "Of course, we'll stay at the inn for the next few days. But why don't you stay at your daughter's house? Speaking of which, my daughter gave birth in April, and I stayed at my son-in-law's house for quite a while."

Madam Le smiled and said, "Madam is truly blessed."

Seeing that she didn't want to talk about it further, Zhao Ge'er came in at this moment and looked at Miao Zhen and said, "Mother, can't we move in yet?"

When Yue saw the strange man, she flinched, clearly showing strong wariness towards him. Miaozhen looked at Zhaoge'er and said, "I don't know either. We'll see when this lady leaves. But there's a mourning hall here. Why don't we tell your father and ask us to stay somewhere else?"

"Mother, Father said we've spent almost all our money, where would we get the money to stay at an inn?" Zhao Ge'er said with a bitter face.

Miaozhen looked at Madam Le: "Should I go and call your daughter to come and pick you up?"

Upon hearing this, Madam Le's eyes reddened: "No need to call them, I really have nowhere to go now, please allow me a few days. In short, you don't need to tell my daughter."

"Big Brother, have your father find a good inn first, then don't pressure this lady." After saying this, Miaozhen went out with Zhaoge'er.

After the three met, Xiao Jingshi said, "The four people involved in this case are: Le Shi and her son-in-law committed adultery, and she bought talisman water from a sorcerer through her neighbor Jiang Da Kui, and used the talisman water to harm her husband. The testimonies of these four people are different. Zhenzhen, we're counting on you for Le Shi's case."

Miao Zhen was never good at dealing with people, but Le Shi was indeed innocent. If her innocence could not be completely proven, or even if the real murderer could be found, she would probably still be forced to her death.

As evening fell and smoke began to rise from the chimneys, the two maids who used to serve Lady Le were nowhere to be seen; the house was cold and deserted. Indeed, her reputation was ruined; who would want to see her now?

Even her family members didn't come.

As darkness fell, she grew increasingly hungry.

Suddenly, the warm light from outside wafted in, and she saw the woman she had seen during the day carrying a bowl of noodles on a gilded begonia tray. The braised beef on top was trembling, and the scallions looked tempting. She swallowed hard.

Miaozhen smiled and said, "Are you hungry? Have something to eat. You've had a tough time."

She handed the noodles to Madam Le, who was already very hungry and didn't think about anything else. She took the noodles and started eating. While she was eating, Miaozhen also gave her some fried eggs and side dishes.

Le Shi finished eating almost in a flash, and then looked at Miao Zhen somewhat embarrassedly: "Sorry, I was just too hungry."

“It’s nothing. I overheard some stories about you and your son-in-law when I went out today, but I don’t think you seem like that kind of person.” Miaozhen looked at her.

A person needs to be well-fed to have the strength to speak.

Especially for Lady Le, who had just been released from prison, she was almost all alone and helpless. A bowl of noodles was enough to bring her to tears. When Miaozhen brought up this matter again, Lady Le felt a warmth in her heart.

She didn't want a newcomer to misunderstand her. Many people are reluctant to talk to those around them, but are willing to talk a lot to strangers because there is no conflict of interest.

“I didn’t, I really didn’t,” Mr. Le defended himself.

Miaozhen scratched her head: "Then why would someone accuse you like this? Do you have any enemies? Don't be afraid. My uncle is the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture. If you are really wronged, I will definitely tell him and let him stand up for you. But this relationship cannot be told to outsiders."

Upon hearing that Miaozhen had a relative who served as the prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, Madam Le, being somewhat gossipy, asked, "Madam Xu, was your husband's job also arranged by him?"

"More or less. My husband has been a scholar for several years but has never passed the imperial examinations. He's stubborn and insists on taking them. Now that my son is about to get married, he sees no hope in the examinations and that's why he asked my relative for help." Miaozhen said, feeling sorry for Xiao Jingshi in her heart.

Upon hearing this, Lady Le couldn't help but say, "My late husband was a scholar who passed the imperial examination, but in order to improve the family's circumstances, he had to take up an official position to increase their income."

This harmonious conversation made Ms. Yue feel as if she had returned to the past.

Xiao Xi was outside thinking that his wife, who was usually terrified of ghosts, was so calm and even composed as she walked in today, and she could even make up lies without stumbling.

Now she really does resemble the original Mrs. Cheng. Back in the Cheng family, she was truly a woman who said one thing to one person and another to another. But after getting married, she gradually returned to her original honesty and integrity.

After chatting with Miaozhen for a while, hot tea was brought in from outside. Miaozhen brought the matter back to the main topic: "We are just ordinary women, how could you suddenly encounter such a thing?"

"I don't know either, maybe it's just bad luck," said Madam Yue.

Miaozhen, however, did not believe it: "Although it is an undeserved disaster, everything has a cause. Do you have any enemies? Or people you have had conflicts with?"

After thinking for a moment, Lady Le said sadly, "My husband was originally from a military family. He had a childhood friend named Wang Bao, who was a captain. Before my husband passed away, he harbored ill intentions towards me. After my husband died, he harassed me in every way. I had to threaten to kill myself to stop him. Since ancient times, a good woman does not serve two husbands. Besides, even if I remarry, I will not marry Wang Bao."

Miaozhen frowned: "As the saying goes, one should not flirt with a friend's wife. How can this person be so shameless? She doesn't like him, yet he still pesters her."

"Yes, we're about the same age, you know. We're not young girls anymore. If people find out, they'll all point and whisper." As she spoke, Madam Le fell asleep.

Miaozhen immediately went out and told Xiao Jingshi the news. Xiao Jingshi tapped the table: "This matter was originally done by the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. This Wang Bao is also a member of the army, so it's no wonder. Zhenzhen, I want to interrogate Wang Bao tonight and get his confession."

How to judge the case was beyond Miaozhen's ability to do. With a woman's keen insight, she investigated the matter and found that the case was actually very simple; it was just that the officials protected each other and dealt with it hastily.

When Zhao Ge'er finally found the son-in-law, neighbor, and fortune teller mentioned in the testimony, he realized that these three were completely innocent victims. This was the first time he had ever collected testimonies, and his writing was irrefutable and utterly flawless. This made Xiao Jingshi look at his son with newfound respect: "I didn't expect you to actually have some talent."

"My son still has many shortcomings and needs Father's guidance." Zhao Ge'er appeared quite humble.

Xiao Jingshi patted his shoulder: "Take all the prisoners to Dali Temple later, I'm afraid they'll be taken away by the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

Zhao Ge'er said, "Father, doing this will easily offend the Ministry of Justice, the Censorate, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

"So what? They'll have to think twice before they try to mess with me." Xiao Jingshi was a ruthless man and wasn't afraid of such things.

Zhao Ge'er laughed and said, "Father, your son is proud of you."

In his youth, Xiao Jingshi longed to serve as an official in the provinces to understand the people's lives. Now, in the capital, he has become a seasoned and experienced man, and every step he takes is full of profound meaning.

After returning from Jizhou Prefecture, Xiao Jingshi quickly overturned the case, found the real culprit, and successfully exonerated the four members of the Yue family. To prevent the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard from fabricating charges to vent his anger, Zhao Rui directly accused his old rival, the Earl of Xian'an, and even revealed a secret.

Back then, the Earl of Xian'an instructed his second brother, Master Zhao, to imitate the handwriting of the Marquis of Yunjian, so that Master Zhao could kill innocent people and claim credit for them. In the end, the matter was directly pinned on the Marquis of Yunjian, causing him to be wronged. The Earl of Xian'an did this because he had embezzled military funds and was afraid that the Marquis of Yunjian would find out.

Upon hearing this, Miaozhen couldn't help but think that Zhao Rui had seized the perfect opportunity. The Yan faction had already been impeached and brought down by Zou Yinglong this year, and Chief Minister Xu was Xiao Jingshi's teacher, while the Earl of Xian'an had once been a henchman of the Yan faction. If they had submitted a memorial before, they would have been retaliated against long ago, but now the time was just right.

The saying "prosperous times, peaceful and auspicious days" perfectly describes this situation.