Chapter 221: Lord of Qianzhou
"Second uncle is dead?" Xu Zhenying looked up from a pile of documents when she received Mo Jinchun's report. Her face didn't seem to show much shock. "How did he die?"
Mo Jinchun answered truthfully, "They say he hanged himself."
"Oh." Xu Zhenying responded indifferently, which made Mo Jinchun a little confused.
Xu Zhenying was in a trance for a moment. The summer sunlight shone through the window onto her fair face, and the girl's pupils looked extremely deep.
No matter how many times he met Xu Zhenying, Mo Jinchun would feel afraid of this sincere, frank, yet gloomy and heartless girl.
She seemed like a cloud of mist, always elusive.
"Although my second uncle is accused of collaborating with the enemy and betraying his country, the matter is still under investigation, so there's still room for maneuver. He actually committed suicide out of fear of punishment." Xu Zhenying held his forehead, seeming to have a headache. "Well, the dead are gone, and he was my dearest relative. Let's end the investigation here, and I don't want to pursue it any further. Report a sudden death from illness and give him a proper burial."
Mo Jinchun said repeatedly, "The City Lord is merciful. This can be considered as saving County Magistrate Xu's face."
Xu Zhenying sat alone in the room, recalling Liu Dazhuang's private report the day before, saying that Xu Yinxi asked him to go to the pharmacy to get arsenic.
So what happened in the middle?
Or is it that Xu Yinxi couldn't bear to kill her own relatives for the sake of justice?
Xu Zhenying didn't seem to care about the process. No matter who killed him, as long as Xu Deyuan was dead, it was fine.
And he died very far away, so this troublesome thing could never reach her.
Mo Jinchun walked out of the room, feeling heavy in the heart.
He carefully recalled the situation just reported, as well as every word and expression Xu Zhenying said.
The city lord did not look surprised, nor did he ask about the details of Xu Deyuan's suicide, nor did he send anyone to investigate the cause of his death.
It seems that Xu Deyuan is deeply disliked by the city lord.
Yes, it is understandable that a treacherous person would end up like this.
Qian Zhenniang walked slowly into the room and heard Xu Zhenying sitting sideways in a chair. "Zhenniang, take my handwritten letter to the second branch of the Xu family and ask them to complete the funeral within five days. Then, order my fourth sister to go to Qianzhou immediately to take up the position of the new Lord."
Qian Zhenniang asked blankly, "Who died?"
Xu Zhenying curled his lips, "My second uncle who is loyal to the emperor and patriotic."
Qian Zhenniang opened her mouth wide, as if she wanted to ask something, but her voice was stuck in her throat.
That Xu Deyuan who was so arrogant and always against them died so quietly?
She really wanted to ask how he died, but she felt it was meaningless.
When a person dies, it is like a light going out. This person is finally dead!
"City Lord, aren't you going to let Secretary Xu observe mourning? If so, those White Deer Academy students will probably write another manifesto to denounce you."
"It doesn't matter. Let them scold me if they want. Once the civil servant exam results come out, I guarantee they won't have the energy to do it." Xu Zhenying completely ignored the group of scholars and continued to talk to Zhenniang, "Our situation is special, so we don't need to follow the Zhou Dynasty's mourning system. Besides, Fourth Sister is a woman. She only has mourning rules, not mourning. They don't recognize our temporary court anyway, so doesn't this suit my needs? Let Fourth Sister observe mourning for three years. Ask my Second Aunt for the details. She's always been very good at dealing with people, so this little thing won't be a problem for her."
Qian Zhenniang took the order and left.
As the white banner was hung outside the door of the Xu family's second house and the mourning shed was set up, everyone in the city soon knew that the city lord's uncle had died of a sudden illness in the house.
However, Xu Deyuan never left his house and did not like to socialize, so people had a very vague impression of him. They only heard that some time ago he joined forces with outsiders to attack Jinzhou Prefecture, but was discovered and imprisoned by the city lord. He fell seriously ill within a few days, which was still a bit sad.
But that’s all.
There were too many busy things going on in Jinzhou Prefecture. The civil service examination was coming in full swing, small stalls and vendors were set up in the city, and there was also the newly emerging craze for land reclamation. Xu Deyuan's suicide was like a small stone thrown into a lake, without causing even a ripple.
However, everyone was quite dissatisfied with the fact that Xu Deyuan's eldest daughter Xu Yinxi took office right after his death.
But then he thought about it again, Xu Yinxi was a girl, so there was no need for her to observe mourning.
Wearing mourning clothes when taking office is not unfilial.
What's more, the court team of Jinzhou Prefecture is just a bunch of rabble. How can we expect rabble to follow any rules?
Therefore, the discussion died down within two days.
When Xu Yinxi received the document to go to Qianzhou to serve as the Lord of the Prefecture, the people from the second house who were in mourning could not hide their joy on their faces.
As long as Xu Yinxi can be reinstated, the second branch will be able to return to Xu Zhenying's command.
With Xu Yinxi taking office, the younger members of the second house, Xu Huizheng, Xu Huirong and Xu Minglu, now have hope.
Xu Deyuan died a good death.
Now everyone in the second house is relieved.
No one even mentioned asking for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Xu Deyuan's body was carried out and placed in a fine golden wood coffin. Several enlightened monks were invited to chant a few mantras for rebirth, and then the body was prepared for a proper burial.
Everyone was dressed in white linen mourning clothes, with tears on their faces, crying loudly.
Lian and several concubines had soaked their handkerchiefs with ginger juice in advance, so they naturally cried and sobbed.
Apart from Huang and Xu Lezhi who were heartbroken, Xu Zhenying, who came to pay his respects in person, said a few polite words out of courtesy, while everyone else seemed indifferent.
However, considering Xu Lezhi's reckless character and fearing that she would go crazy in the mourning hall, Lian used the excuse that Xu Lezhi was too sad and crying herself sick, locked her in the house, and remained unmoved even though she cried.
What was supposed to be a grand event ended in such a hasty manner.
Before Xu Yinxi left, Xu Zhenying asked her with a smile: "Fourth sister, do you hate me?"
Xu Yinxi was wearing a plain dress, with a black veil on her arm and a white flower tied in her hair. Her face was pale, making her look even more fragile.
There seemed to be some confusion in her eyes.
After a long moment, she said, "I don't know. But... I feel a kind of unbelievable relief."
Xu Zhenying patted her shoulder.
When he tried to pull his hand away, Xu Yinxi grabbed it.
Her hands are cold.
Looking up, Xu Zhenying saw a pair of cold yet determined eyes.
"Sixth sister, you've never trusted me. You haven't even trusted anyone. I've said it before, I can give you my life."
Xu Zhenying's eyes suddenly became gloomy, but only for a short time. Then she smiled again, as if the gloominess just now was just Xu Yinxi's illusion.
"Fourth sister, go to Qianzhou and work hard. I'll leave my back to you."
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The day Xu Yinxi set out was a few days before the civil service examination.
The entire Jinzhou Prefecture seemed to be filled with a restless atmosphere.
Xu Yinxi traveled light, bringing only a few sets of clothes. The rest were books and documents, a large bundle of pencils, and even the latest limited edition cement. She also brought a lot of sweet potato seedlings, some good varieties, various types of tea and fruit trees, almost filling the entire carriage.
It was because time was tight, otherwise Xu Yinxi would have to go find some tea merchants to go with her.
Although she had read Zhang Wanjun's five-year plan in advance, she had to admit that the content was detailed and highly operational, and even made her feel a sense of crisis at one point.
But... Zhang Wanjun has never had any management experience. I wonder how the two of them will get along as her deputy.
What's more, the peace talks have not yet been finalized. Everything makes Xu Yinxi anxious, and she just wants to set off immediately.
The second branch of the Xu family came to see her off. More than a dozen people sent her to the gate of Jinzhou Mansion before saying goodbye reluctantly.
Everyone in the second house seemed to have tacitly agreed to keep silent about Xu Deyuan's death.
Don't even mention it.
Once a person is buried, it's like a light goes out, as if he or she had never existed.
Even everyone in the second house felt an unprecedented sense of relief, as if the knife hanging above their heads had finally fallen down steadily.
And now, the head of the Xu family's second branch has undoubtedly become Xu Yinxi.
Therefore, when Xu Yinxi left, almost everyone from the second house came to see her off.
Xu Yin looked at the hopeful eyes of the second wife and felt that although the burden on her young shoulders was heavy, she was still full of hope in her heart.
She, Xu Yinxi, is not afraid of challenges!
She will definitely lead the second family to an unlimited future!
Xu Yinxi is now even more calm. Although her eyebrows and eyes seem to have not changed much in her smiles and frowns, her whole person has a kind of sharpness that comes from precipitation.
"Huizheng, Huirong, study hard. The City Lord will also offer advanced courses. You must obtain your advanced class diplomas. There are many opportunities in Jinzhou Prefecture. You are still young, so you must first master the cultural knowledge."
"Minglu, you just graduated from the intermediate class, you must not miss this civil servant exam."
Everyone who was called responded one by one.
"Aunts, each of you should do your best to serve the City Lord. You should know the City Lord's temperament. As long as you work hard, she will not treat you unfairly."
The other people in the second house nodded in agreement.
Xu Yinxi pulled Lian aside again, and everyone knew that the mother and daughter had something to say. Aunt Chun immediately understood and said, "Just now I saw a stall selling sweet soup in the village ahead. Let's go buy some and try it. Madam, we'll wait for you there."
Aunt Chun took everyone away.
Lian held Xu Yinxi's hand, and both mother and daughter had complicated expressions. Lian's face was full of reluctance. "You really don't want me to go with you? You've grown up and never left my side... and now you want to go to Qianzhou alone. How can I feel at ease?"
Xu Yinxi squeezed Lian's hand and carefully wiped the tears from her eyes. "Mom, don't worry. I still have Aunt San and my sister in Qianzhou. I'm not alone."
"They are all with the chieftain of Qianzhou. They are not with you."
"I still have so many guards here."
Lian still couldn't let it go and wanted to pack her bags overnight and follow Xu Yinxi to her new post. Xu Yinxi had to persuade Lian to stay.
"Mom, what will happen to the logistics when you're gone? Third Aunt is being held hostage by the natives, and Fourth Aunt is in charge of all the logistics. You've always been great at handling these things, don't you want to make further progress in Jinzhou Prefecture?" Xu Yinxi coaxed. "Mom has worked hard for us sisters all her life, so she should have something she wants to do. Rather than following me around, I'd rather Mom make progress with me. If the City Lord can finally conquer the world, our family will at least have two marquises."
Lian stopped sobbing.
Yes, there is no need to worry about Xu Yinxi's future.
But there is also Xu Lezhi at home.
The title of Marquis can be inherited, so she must leave something for Xu Lezhi.
Thinking of her children, Lian's eyes seemed to become tough. "You're right. We must fight for what we should fight for. This opportunity is rare. Apart from the city lord, where else in the world would we women be allowed to hold official positions? I must work hard and achieve something, otherwise what will happen to that girl Le Zhi in the future? As a mother, I must be strong and support you three sisters!"
Xu Yinxi's lips curled slightly as she tried to persuade Lian: "Mother, I see that my second sister has no interest in studying, let alone working. Instead of letting her live in such a muddle-headed way every day, it would be better to marry her off early."
Lian disagreed, "Son, you have such a bright future. Who knows what position you'll hold in the future. Your sister is still young. If you wait a few more years, maybe she can find a better one."
Xu Yinxi said, "Mother, you only see the good side, but not the other side. We are now engaged in a rebellion, and who knows how long it will last. If the court really sends troops to suppress the bandits next year, we will probably all be caught in one fell swoop, and no one will be able to escape. As the saying goes, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Marry my second sister early. If something unexpected happens in the future, she can at least protect herself. Besides, after she gets married, won't she still be my sister, Xu Yinxi? As long as we, mother and daughter, are in high positions and have power, do we still worry that she will have a bad life in her husband's family?"
Lian frowned slightly, seeming moved.
"What's more, she should be married off sooner rather than later and find a husband's family to properly manage her, so that she won't end up like her father."
After saying this, both of them paused.
This was the first time that the mother and daughter mentioned Xu Deyuan's name after his death.
The flesh on Lian's cheeks trembled noticeably.
For a moment, there was no conversation between mother and daughter.
Xu Yinxi sighed and reached out to hug Lian.
At that moment, Xu Yinxi felt that she could protect her mother and sister from the wind and rain.
Xu Yinxi's voice was a little hoarse and muffled, "Mother, thank you very much."
Lian only realized that Xu Yinxi's hot tears soaked her neck, and her crying was as soft as a mosquito.
Lian had never seen her cry like this.
Although Xu Yinxi has a gentle personality, she is actually very tough at heart. It's rare to see her so sentimental.
Lian patted her back gently, just like when she was a child, and said word by word, "I am your mother. I am willing to do anything for you, even if it means taking my life. What are you thanking me for?"
"Mother." Xu Yinxi cried so hard that her words were almost incoherent, her tone resolute. "Mother, don't worry. I will make sure you return to Bianjing City in glory. I will let you step on the heads of your aunts and tell them that even if you didn't give birth to a son, your life is still much better than theirs! Let all those who have mocked us, openly or secretly, crawl at our feet!"
"You kid..." Lian was a little shy, "Why are you talking about this for no reason..."
Xu Yinxi wiped her tears and said, "I'm just leaving my mother. Maybe I'm a little sentimental."
"You, you, how can I feel at ease?"
Xu Yinxi smiled, "I have so many people taking care of me, not to mention I'm already the ruler of a state. I'm just being a spoiled brat in front of mother. Mother is fine too. I'll go home to be with you during the New Year this year!"
"Ah! Ah!" Lian wiped her tears and pushed her away. "Go away quickly, don't make me cry."
Xu Yinxi got on the carriage, looking back every few steps.
The green curtain of the carriage swayed, and Lian's figure became smaller and smaller, until it was finally blocked from view by the green mountains and forests.
Xu Yinxi came back to her senses.
Lian may never know that she was looking at Xu Deyuan through the window on the night he died.
She witnessed with her own eyes how she and Aunt Chun suffocated her father to death and then hung him from the beam.
She could even see Xu Deyuan's blue face and his eyes that were still open in death through the moonlight.
And that night, if Lian had not taken action, Xu Deyuan would have died at the hands of Xu Yinxi!
Xu Yinxi closed her eyes in some pain——
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