Chapter 286 Hypocritical Uncle
At Zhenniang's home, the old widow was so angry that she left home.
Anyway, my daughter also brought back a message saying that Minister Qian asked them to stay away from the limelight for the time being and not to bother with these stinky-faced uncles and aunts.
The old widow was happy and at ease, so she took her daughter and went out.
Mrs. Qian treated Qian Zhenniang's house as her own, wandering around everywhere and even turning out Qian Zhenniang's clothes, shoes, socks, etc.
Finally, she said to Master Qian, "Do you think Qian Zhenniang really became a high-ranking official? Why is there not a single valuable item in this room? Apart from other things, she might have hidden them. But as a girl, she must have some jewelry, right?"
Mr. Qian squinted his eyes and shook his head, "That's wrong. Haven't you seen that all the female soldiers in Jinzhou Prefecture have short hair? Brother Liu said that short hair is popular among the girls in Jinzhou Prefecture now. Now that they have no hair, what's the point of having jewelry?"
"This house is way too shabby! Even in our Bianjing City, a house this big still has a few servants. Qian Zhenniang is such a high-ranking official, yet she only has an old widow at home. Who would believe that? Were we being deceived? Can we trust what that Liu said last night?"
"That's not the case." Master Qian was skeptical at first, then said firmly, "That's impossible. Even if Brother Liu lied to us, this old widow wouldn't lie to us, right? Besides, we asked around before we came here, and it was said that all the people living in this alley were high-ranking officials! Maybe this rebel didn't have much money, and the people below him were also poor—"
"That's even more wrong! Yesterday, when we were on the road, we saw the people of Jinzhou Prefecture, and they were all very rich! I think that rebel must be very rich!"
As the two were talking, they heard a noise outside. They were delighted, thinking that Qian Zhenniang had returned, and immediately ran to open the door, but they saw a black-faced man instead.
The man had a humble and flattering expression on his face, "Gentlemen, is this Minister Qian's home?"
The two people from the Qian family looked at each other, seemingly not knowing what was going on.
Mr. Qian asked cautiously, "What do you want from Minister Qian?"
"Who are you two?"
Mrs. Qian puffed out her chest and said, "I am Qian Zhenniang's aunt!"
"Hey! It's my uncle and aunt!" The man bent even lower, smiling brightly and becoming even more enthusiastic. "Minister Qian is always so caring towards me. I found some great finds and couldn't wait to bring them to her for her to see. Look, this is red coral from the east, as tall as a child. These are pearls from the East China Sea, each one round and perfect for hairpins or jewelry."
As he spoke, the man waved his hand, signaling the people behind him to move the things inside.
Mrs. Qian was blinded by the money and was extremely happy!
However, Mr. Qian was used to being cautious and stopped at the door: "No, no, no, we can't make the decision on this matter. You should wait until Zhenniang comes back."
"Hey, Master Qian, why are you being so polite to me? Minister Qian has been so kind to me. Without her, I wouldn't be the great man I am today. I should show my respect to her! Besides, these things are worthless, just toys. You are her uncle, just like her biological father. Why can't you make the decision?!"
Mrs. Qian immediately scolded Mr. Qian: "That's right! When Qian Zhenniang lived in my house, she ate my food, used my things, and drank my drinks. I treated her like my own daughter. Why can't we make decisions for her? In my opinion, we can do it. Not only can we do it, but she also obeys me in everything. That's filial piety!"
After saying that, Mrs. Qian shouted at Da Niu's men to move things in without caring about anything else.
Originally, Mr. Qian had some thoughts of refusing, but when he saw the blood-red coral that was as tall as a child, his eyes immediately lit up.
Although Mr. Qian is not familiar with antiques, he has seen some good things.
Oh my god, this piece of red coral...Isn't it worth tens of thousands of taels?!
Now, Mr. Qian lost all his caution and just wanted to sleep with the red coral in his arms.
The movement from Da Niu's side obviously alarmed the other people in the alley.
Many people were staring at this place and pointing fingers, but because Qian Zhenniang was in a high position and had great power, others did not dare to be too presumptuous.
If other people were to give or take bribes in broad daylight, they would have been reported to the government office long ago.
"Hey...hey...why is someone sending things to Minister Qian's house? Isn't that the guy at the door that big shot in construction? Why is he sending so many things?"
"Wow, these are all good stuff! This must cost tens of thousands of taels!"
"Minister Qian is so stupid! How could he accept bribes in broad daylight? His future is ruined now!"
Someone rolled his eyes and discussed with the people around him about reporting Qian Zhenniang.
Once Qian Zhenniang steps down, the position of Minister of Propaganda will be vacant.
"Hey, why are there so many strangers in Minister Qian's room? Where's that old widow?"
"Oh, stop it! I've been listening to this whole morning! The old widow got pissed off and left! That sturdy woman inside, claiming to be Minister Qian's aunt from Bianjing City, was so arrogant. As soon as she entered the house, she started rummaging around and even threatened to beat up the old widow!"
"Ah? That old widow isn't a servant in Minister Qian's household. She's just a maid!"
"That's right! I don't think these two people are good people. They might be scammers from somewhere! No, we have to go and tip off Minister Qian, otherwise we won't be implicated without knowing it!"
But for the two people from the Qian family, the reason these people were staring at them was nothing more than jealousy.
Which official in the Zhou Dynasty had a clean bottom?
On weekdays, no corrupt officials are ever arrested.
Besides, didn’t Qian Zhenniang say that she was highly trusted by the city lord?
Mr. and Mrs. Qian contentedly arranged all the things in their home, including the jadeite screen inlaid with gold, the translucent white jade ornaments, and calligraphy and paintings from who knows which dynasty. With these arrangements, the house instantly became glittering and magnificent.
Madam Qian contentedly lay in Qian Zhenniang's chaise longue, looking around and closing her eyes to enjoy herself: "Ah, this is what a human life should be like! Master, I think since Zhenniang is here, we might as well not leave and live a prosperous life here. I don't know what smoke came out of your ancestors' graves that Qian Zhenniang became a high-ranking official! Although we had some unpleasantness when she left. But we are her only relatives in the world! Let's not care about her birth date, maybe the rebel leader just happened to be unlucky for her!"
Master Qian exposed her: "Is there something unpleasant? We clearly kicked her out! What if she still holds a grudge against us?"
"What should we do? The so-called uncle and aunt are her parents. If she doesn't care about us, we will go to the government office and make a scene, making her lose face in Jinzhou Prefecture!"
"This...this is too..."
"You've always been easily influenced! Don't you think about how many chances our family has had to rise to prominence? We finally met Qian Zhenniang this time, it must be God's will! We have to solve the jobs of our two sons, right? If you still want to go back to Bianjing City to live out that hard life, go back alone! Anyway, my son and I will not go back!"
When it came to those two good-for-nothing sons, Mr. Qian suddenly fell silent.
"Alright, then I'll risk my pride and have a good talk with Zhenniang. We're all family, so how can there be any lasting grudges? If she still holds on to the past and keeps grudges against me, then she's truly heartless!"
But before Mr. and Mrs. Qian could enjoy their happiness for long, they heard a noise outside and the door was slammed loudly.
Madam Qian and the people she brought with her were startled. As soon as they opened the door, they saw a dozen soldiers in Jinzhou Prefecture uniforms standing at the door. "Are you Qian Zhenniang's uncle and aunt?"
Mrs. Qian was like a quail, not daring to make a sound and hiding behind her husband.
Mr. Qian also felt a little guilty, "What's wrong? Did we commit a crime?"
"We've received reports from local residents that you're impersonating officials' family members and accepting bribes. The evidence is irrefutable. Please come with us."
Mrs. Qian turned pale with fear and cried out in injustice, "Oh, it wasn't us who accepted the gift, it was Qian Zhenniang! Yes, it was Qian Zhenniang who asked us to accept it, it has nothing to do with us! My Lord, please don't wrongly accuse such a good person!"
Begging and crying didn't work, so he turned to threats, "I'm warning you, my niece is the Minister of Commerce! If you dare to arrest us, she won't let you go! Who is your superior? Tell him to come out and talk to me!"
But the people from the Supervisory Department refused to listen and dragged them out.
Mr. Qian finally understood that those people who were pointing fingers just now were not envious of them at all, but were clearly leaking information!
Who could have known that the customs in Jinzhou Prefecture were different from those in the Great Zhou Dynasty, and that accepting a gift could land you in jail?
It's really too late to regret it.
Da Niu hid in the crowd and watched the entire performance of the Qian family. Then he clapped his hands and went back to Feng'er with satisfaction.
Feng Er was so happy that she was bent over backwards, feeling quite happy that she had a great revenge. She also cursed: "That old thing, she used to treat me like an ox or a horse, now I will let her know what it feels like when the tide turns!"
After that, she assured Daniu, "Brother Daniu, thank you very much this time. The things you sent will be returned to you after going through the procedures of the Supervision Department."
"Hey, why are we talking like this between siblings?! As long as I can help you, it's fine!"
Da Niu has experienced the hardships of the business world, and his words and deeds are much more smooth than before. Now he calls Feng Er "girl" all the time, and keeps getting closer to her.
Although there was a suspicion that he was deliberately trying to win them over, as long as the other party did not show any disapproval, he would naturally take advantage of the opportunity to climb up.
"He dares to bully my sister, I will never let him off easily! Do you want to wait for them to come out, and then I'll find someone to beat them up?"
Feng'er coughed softly, and Da Niu came to his senses and remembered that Qian Zhenniang was sitting next to him.
This was a bit awkward for a moment.
After all, that couple were Qian Zhenniang's blood uncle and aunt.
Qian Zhenniang could only smile and say, "Don't worry about me. My black-hearted uncle and aunt treated Feng'er and me badly in the past, and now this end is what they deserve. Just don't kill anyone, let them suffer the consequences."
Feng Er said, "It's not bad at all. They treated us like cattle and horses! They came at your beck and call, and left at your beck and call. You're worse than even the lowest maids in Bianjing! Now that I, Feng Er, have turned the tables, I will never let go of those who hurt me in the past. This time, I will definitely teach them a lesson. If Heaven doesn't punish this evil couple, I, Feng Er, will!"
Qian Zhenniang sighed helplessly.
She herself didn't know what she thought of her uncle and aunt.
If we talk about hatred, there was a period of time before when she really hated them.
She didn't understand why they treated her like this even though they were her closest relatives, and even cheated her out of several thousand taels of silver left by her parents before leaving.
But as time went on, her heart was filled with official duties. Perhaps it was because her horizons had been broadened, perhaps it was because she had learned more from the city lord, or perhaps it was because she was in a higher position. She now felt that all the hatred had become insignificant.
There are still so many ordinary people in this world who have not lived the life of Jinzhou Prefecture. The war is still going on in this world. Instead of worrying about the Qian couple, it is better to do two more government affairs.
However, Feng'er's move of cutting off the source of the problem not only allowed her to vent her anger, but most importantly, no one would point at Qian Zhenniang and call her unfilial from then on.
After all, anyone with a discerning eye could see the trick behind the uncle and aunt accepting bribes the moment they entered the house. Qian Zhenniang had to cut ties with them early on so she wouldn't be implicated by them in the future.
"Alright, do whatever you want. You don't have to report this to me. Just handle it as you please. I really don't want to waste my energy on them anymore." Qian Zhenniang sighed helplessly, but she also reminded Feng'er, "Feng'er, don't forget, everything has its own laws. Don't overstep your authority. The city lord hates subordinates abusing their power the most."
Feng'er was delighted and immediately said, "Good sister, I get it. Just let me deal with that pair of bastards. The city lord said that a gentleman's revenge is never too late, while a villain's revenge begins at dawn and ends at dusk. I, Feng'er, am a vulgar person. I always think that whoever bullies me, I must bully them back! Once I vent this anger, I will feel refreshed for the rest of my life!"
Qian Zhenniang shook her head helplessly.
Feng'er, after going out, has become more and more courageous.
He was originally trained by the city lord, but he has an impetuous temper and is not like the city lord at all!
However, Qian Zhenniang sometimes envied Feng'er.
She envied Feng'er's close relationship with the city lord. Although the two were king and subject, they were clearly close sisters most of the time!
Qian Zhenniang, who is as sensitive as she is, can naturally feel that the city lord only relies on a few people the most: Ming Xiaoshuang, Jiang Yongkang, and Feng'er!
If I want to gain the city lord's full trust, I still need to work harder.
Qian's uncle and aunt were thrown into jail by the people from the Supervisory Department.
The certified materials are complete and they have no way of denying it.
Mrs. Qian cried and cried, and at first she didn't take it seriously, telling everyone she was Qian Zhenniang's aunt. But as time passed, and Qian Zhenniang never showed up, the two people in the Qian family finally panicked.
Finally they began to curse Qian Zhenniang.
He was also charged with contempt of an imperial official.
It is said to be an aggravated crime.
Well, now Mrs. Qian was speechless, but she no longer dared to curse in prison.
Finally, at night, Mrs. Qian saw the person she least wanted to see.
Feng'er.
She had the short hair typical of the green-headed female soldiers, wore a neat long coat and trousers, and came to the prison alone.
The man who looked like a jailer bowed to Feng'er and apologized, "Minister Xu, according to the jailer management regulations, no one other than those from the Criminal Department can visit the prison alone. We jailers are required to accompany you and keep records. Please understand."
Although Feng Er was a minister, she was very respectful to the people below her. She smiled slightly when she heard this and said, "I know. I came in with the proper procedures this time. Don't worry, I won't make things difficult for you."
I have to say, the people in Jinzhou Prefecture are really weird.
Feng'er was at least a second-rank official, yet she was so polite to the jailer.
The jailer was not afraid at all. After saying this, he actually stood behind Feng'er, as if he wanted to accompany her throughout the entire visit.
But this move undoubtedly gave the Qian couple a reassurance.
Mrs. Qian was furious when she saw Feng'er like that!
The servant who used to be so cautious in front of her was now looking down at her from a high position.
So what if Feng'er is now the leader of the rebels?
Once a slave, always a slave.
Mrs. Qian will always remember her humble appearance.
"You lowly servant, where is my Zhenniang? Why doesn't she come to see me? Are you interfering? Feng'er, don't think that just because you've become an official you've forgotten your former master! Do you still remember how you begged us to take you in?"
Feng Er stood outside the fence and smiled slightly at the words. "Of course I remember. You made Zhen Niang and I kowtow three times, like a basin of cold water poured over us on a winter's day. You said that since we had entered the Qian family, we would follow your lead from now on. If we didn't obey, you would sell us to brothels. Madam Qian, I remember every word of your words."
Mrs. Qian's face turned pale, but Mr. Qian next to her quickly grabbed his wife and pinched her secretly.
"Feng'er, at least you used to call me uncle, how can this family still hold grudges? I heard that you and Zhenniang have both become high-ranking officials. I'm really happy for you. Ever since you left, over the past two years, I've been thinking about you and worrying about what kind of life you've been living in exile in Qianzhou. Oh, and I even sent someone to Qianzhou to look for Zhenniang!"
Looking at Mr. Qian's sincere face, Feng'er could only sneer in her heart.
As expected of a businessman, his acting skills are also top-notch.
No wonder Feng'er only thought that Madam Qian was hateful in the past, and that her uncle was a poor man who was completely deceived by a woman!
After seeing more of the world, Feng'er realized that the most hateful person was Master Qian!
If it weren't for his connivance and acquiescence, how could Madam Qian dare to treat them like that?!
Seeing Feng'er silent, Master Qian thought he had persuaded her, and his expression became even more sincere: "Hey, this time I came to Jinzhou, I originally wanted to go to Qianzhou to look for that girl Zhenniang. After all, she is my sister's only bloodline left in the world! It's just that we don't know the rules here. We thought we could do something to help Zhenniang, but we ended up making things worse and were slandered for corruption and bribery! My dear girl, does Zhenniang know that her uncle and aunt are in trouble? Hurry, go and ask Zhenniang to come. Our family finally met in Jinzhou, and your uncle has a lot to say to her!"
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