Chapter 583 The Words of the Countess of Annam
"You said you went to Dali Temple to visit your mother later, but what happened?"
Qiao Qinghe looked at Feng Yuerou, whose expression was solemn, and had a bad feeling.
After they visited Lady Annan at the Dali Temple together, Feng Yuerou had clearly let go of some past events.
She could tell that Feng Yuerou seemed relaxed at that time.
However, Ah Shuang said that after Feng Yuerou returned from Dali Temple, she became preoccupied.
Feng Yuerou nodded heavily and said in a somber tone, "That was after you fell into a coma for two days. I thought you fell into a coma for no reason because my mother secretly did something to you when we went to Dali Temple to visit you in prison."
"Or it could be the father my mother spoke of, the Marquis of Xuanping, Lord Min, who is secretly plotting something."
"So I went to Dali Temple again."
"To ensure she would tell me everything, I even brought my two children with me."
Qiao Qinghe frowned slightly, wanting to say that it was inappropriate to bring a child to a place like a prison, but ultimately she didn't say anything.
Feng Yuerou continued, "My mother fell into a deep sleep after hearing that you had returned, and she was very confused. She said she did not lay a hand on you."
"As for whether it was Lord Min who did it, she wasn't sure."
Qiao Qinghe knew her own situation; she was simply exhausted. She just didn't know why she had fallen into a deep sleep and never woken up.
"And then?" Qiao Qinghe asked, getting to the point. "What did she say to you that made you so uneasy and anxious?"
Feng Yuerou took a deep breath and said in a solemn tone, "My mother said that the old Marquis Min is in the capital. However, he has now become a different person, someone that no one can recognize."
Qiao Qinghe scoffed; this was one of Min Ji's old tricks.
Min Rong had also met Min Ji, who was disguised as Minister Sun, before his death.
You might say you don't know anyone, but how could you not recognize someone you're truly close to?
Didn't Minister Sun's true identity get recognized by Min Rong at a glance?
But last time it was Sun Shiming, so what about this time?
Who did Min Ji disguise himself as this time?
"Did your mother say who Min Ji has become now?"
Feng Yuerou shook her head. "My mother hesitated several times before finally telling me, with great reluctance, that he now holds a high position of power. She refused to say anything more."
"High position and great power?"
Qiao Qinghe repeated these words, her emotions beginning to churn.
There are only a handful of people in the court who hold high positions and great power, so who will Min Ji disguise himself as?
Could it be Grand Secretary Zhao? Zhao Xianfei's nominal father. However, to avoid suspicion and to protect his family, he has always maintained a distant relationship with Zhao Xianfei, almost severing all ties.
Or is it Minister Zhong? Zhong Liu Niang's grandfather, the Minister of Personnel, who was known as the "head of the six ministries and the head of civil officials".
Or perhaps it's Old Master Liu, who just returned to the capital last year and was reappointed as the Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion? Although his official rank isn't high, only a fifth-rank official, he is a genuine minister appointed by the Emperor. Only someone trusted by the Emperor could be qualified for this position.
This is also the source of the Liu family's confidence to plot against Min Yuexi and scheme against the Qiao family.
Thinking of this, Qiao Qinghe couldn't help but frown.
The more I thought about it, the more suspicious I became of Old Master Liu.
She remembered that Old Master Liu was a peaceful man. Shortly after Consort Liu gave birth to the third prince, he retired and returned to his hometown, leaving the capital.
This was all to prevent Consort Liu and her family from harboring ambitions to seize the throne.
But twenty years later, when he was already half-buried in the ground, he suddenly changed his mind and had the idea of helping his grandson seize the throne.
No matter how you look at it, it's suspicious!
Moreover, the timing of Old Master Liu's return to Beijing was far too coincidental!
If you count the days, it was right around the time she returned from Xi'e.
So, is the current Old Master Liu actually Min Ji in disguise?
"Mother, is something on your mind?"
Seeing that Qiao Qinghe remained silent for a long time, Feng Yuerou couldn't help but wave her hand in front of her eyes.
Qiao Qinghe snapped out of her reverie and shook her head. "This matter requires careful consideration. You should leave it alone. Just focus on taking care of the two children."
"If you have some free time, please bring the children to visit me and see Qian-ge'er more often."
Feng Yuerou originally wanted to say that the old Marquis Min was now hiding in the shadows, and she didn't know what he was up to, which made her very worried.
Seeing that Qiao Qinghe seemed unwilling to say more, I didn't say anything more either, and just agreed, "Okay."
The two chatted about the children for a while longer before Qiao Qinghe sent them off to go back and check on the kids.
After everyone left, Qiao Qinghe had someone summon Wei Jia.
"My mother is looking for me?"
Wei Jia has been busy these days preparing New Year's gifts for various families.
Before you know it, it's almost Chinese New Year again.
Qiao Qinghe pointed to a stool, signaling for someone to sit down, before saying, "Have Chen San's men keep a close eye on the Zhong, Zhao, and Liu families..."
"Also, instruct the spies we previously planted in these households to keep a close eye on the old men in those households."
"If possible, have them sound out the old servants in the manor to see if there have been any changes in these old gentlemen."
"Report all differences, whether in personality or behavior, down to the smallest detail."
Wei Jia asked solemnly, "Mother, the people you mentioned are all important officials, and they have servants when they come and go. I'm afraid it will be very difficult for Chen San's people to get close to them."
"No problem. Just keep an eye on their daily activities. Make a note of who they associate with."
Qiao Qinghe didn't expect Chen San to discover anything.
All she wanted was to analyze these people's movements, interactions, and past information to identify who had changed the most and whose interpersonal relationships had shifted.
Then, through these seemingly insignificant changes, they can deduce who the hidden Min Ji is.
"Mother, what happened?" Wei Jia asked worriedly.
Previously, when she wanted to use the spies who had infiltrated various households, the old lady wouldn't allow it.
It is said that once it is put into use, it will bring trouble and danger to those children.
But now, the old lady has actually brought them up herself. This shows just how important the matter is.
Qiao Qinghe didn't hide anything from Wei Jia and told her the whole story, including her own speculations.
After hearing this, Wei Jia couldn't help but frown.
"According to Mother's guess, is Old Master Liu the most suspicious?"
"Hmm. Everything is too coincidental. It makes one suspicious."
“I understand,” Wei Jia said seriously. “I will give the order.”
After finishing their business, Qiao Qinghe inquired about matters in the manor, saying, "With the end of the year approaching, if you're too busy, you can ask Madam Feng and Rongrong to lend you a hand."
Wei Jia smiled and shook her head, "With the help of the He family, I can manage for now."
"Speaking of which, Rongrong told me before that she was going back to the Enping Marquis's Mansion in two days."
Qiao Qinghe was taken aback. "Why did she suddenly want to go back to the Earl's Mansion?"
Wei Jia sighed, "She said it's fine for her to stay here with us normally. But it's almost the New Year, and the Earl's mansion can't be without a master. Besides, Earl Enping isn't here, so she has to take his place in the ancestral worship ceremony during the New Year."
"Yes, it's time to go back." Qiao Qinghe nodded, then asked, "Is there anything else?"
Wei Jia hesitated for a moment before saying, "The Yang family has sent New Year's gifts."
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