Chapter 318 Confirmation and Speculation
Of course, the Third Prince wasn't stupid, so he naturally wouldn't reveal his thoughts at this time.
He simply gave Min Yuexi a helpless, bitter smile before looking away.
Li Sanqi walked to Min Qiaoshi's side with a solemn expression, took her hand, and said solemnly, "Madam, please rest assured for now. I will ask my mother for help when I return to the palace."
Seeing everyone's concern, Madam Min Qiao smiled and waved her hand, "No need to bother. I appreciate your kindness. As for asking someone to plead for me, there's no need."
"The imperial decree has been issued, so please don't let my matter implicate you any further."
"Grandma!" "Madam!"...
Everyone wanted to persuade her further, but Madam Min Qiao smiled firmly and shook her head at them.
Leaving the capital safely was exactly what she wanted!
If their well-intentioned pleas cause things to change, then it would be a case of losing more than they gain.
Watching the procession carrying the imperial decree depart, Madam Min's suspicions were finally confirmed.
Emperor Xiaozhao was indeed protecting Marquis Xuanping!
She had been suspicious at the time, wondering what kind of exchange of benefits Min Ji had made with Emperor Xiaozhao before his death.
Why are the things Min Ji left behind still effective even though he's dead? He can still divorce his wife whenever he wants, and replace her with the Marquis of Xuanping whenever he wants.
She had a vague feeling before that there was a secret between Min Ji and Emperor Xiaozhao.
In the past two years, her feelings have become increasingly apparent.
At this moment, this feeling reached its peak.
She was certain that Emperor Xiaozhao was indeed protecting the Xuanping Marquis's residence!
Previously, she had used her connections in Jiangnan to seize power and plunder, while Min Rong was impeached repeatedly in the capital. Yet, she and the Marquis of Xuanping's family remained unscathed.
Later, she had a dispute with the Lu family faction and publicly exposed the feud between the Min and Lu families. As a result, Old Madam Sun died, and the Sun family members were dismissed from their posts and returned home to observe mourning. Meanwhile, Min Rong was promoted.
There are many, many more things, whether it's her antics at the gate of the Prince of Chang'an's mansion, or Min Yuexi's annulment of the engagement that caused a city-wide uproar, or Min Yuexi and Min Yuerui joining forces to frame Tang Yunxiu...
If these things had happened to any other family, Emperor Xiaozhao would likely have already disliked them and even severely punished them. But the Marquis of Xuanping's family remained unscathed.
Back then, Lady Zheng was able to bypass her own concubine's sons and adopt a son from a collateral branch, and she was able to establish an heir before changing him even without the Duke of Jin. All of this was because she had the Empress Dowager as her backer.
But what does the Marquis of Xuanping's residence have?
The merits of our ancestors? Or the crimes of corruption and bribery in Jiangnan in earlier years?
The only person Min Qiaoshi could think of was Min Ji!
Whether the Marquis of Xuanping's family extricates themselves from the mess in Jiangnan, sacrifices themselves to the Qiao family, or uses her dowry to fill the hole...
These were all efforts made by Min Ji to save the Xuanping Marquis's Mansion from destruction, but they were far from enough to make Emperor Xiaozhao not only let the Xuanping Marquis's Mansion go but also protect it!
So, what else did Min Ji do?
Only then could Emperor Xiaozhao treat the Xuanping Marquis's family and her so well.
Yes, in Min Qiaoshi's view, Emperor Xiaozhao's edict was not a punishment, but a protection and preferential treatment.
Regardless of whether the deaths of Min Hui, Madam Yu, and Madam Sun were related to her, she was undoubtedly implicated in them.
Staying in the capital would undoubtedly mean facing endless trouble.
Leaving was the best option for her.
Moreover, she was powerless to fill the hole that Wei Jia had dug for her on her own initiative, so she might as well leave.
Judging from today's situation, the Third Prince and the Seventh Princess have completely united, and their confrontation with the Crown Prince has become public knowledge.
What follows is self-explanatory.
Therefore, no matter how you look at it, leaving the capital and escaping this place of trouble is the best way out for her right now.
Moreover, she had already made plans.
Even without today's imperial decree, she would have found a chance to leave the capital.
***
After returning from the Dali Temple, Madam Min Qiao began packing her things to prepare for leaving the capital.
Min Qiaoshi did not intend to sell the shops in the capital. Instead, she entrusted Yang An with their management.
From then on, she would send someone to the capital every year to collect the profits.
She didn't plan to sell the house in the south of the city either, and entrusted it to the Yang family for safekeeping. She would leave a few people to watch over the house.
"When Sister Weijia bought this house, she said that the previous two owners left the capital after living there for only a few years. I didn't expect that the Grand Madam would be the same."
Ah Shuang felt a mix of emotions. "We've only been here for less than a year, and now we're leaving the capital."
Madam Min smiled. "What, you're reluctant to leave? How about I leave you in the capital to look after the house?"
A-Shuang was startled and quickly waved her hand, "I'm not reluctant to part with you, I'm just a little sentimental. Madam, please don't leave me alone! Wherever you go, I'll go!"
Seeing that she had frightened the person, Madam Min Qiao stopped joking and asked seriously, "Have you asked your aunt? Is she leaving with us, or staying in the capital?"
Ah Shuang composed herself and replied, "My aunt said she's too old and won't be leaving the capital with the Grand Madam."
At this point, A Shuang hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Doctor Mu also sent word, asking if the Grand Madam could not leave with us."
"Sigh, let them be." Madam Min sighed, feeling regretful but not angry.
"Go back and ask your aunt what her plans are. After we leave, will she continue to live in this house, or will she find another place to live?"
"My aunt said that she has already asked someone to help her buy a small courtyard near Dr. Mu's clinic. After we leave, she will take Miss Cousin to live there."
"Very well." Seeing that Zhou had a plan in mind, Madam Min Qiao felt relieved.
If Zhou were to continue living in this house after she leaves, it would be too conspicuous and could easily attract unnecessary trouble.
Moving near the clinic would avoid some trouble and allow me to look out for Dr. Mu. It's a good choice.
Moreover, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Lao Qiao won't leave. After all, his mother, wife, and son are all in the capital, and there's no reason for him to leave with her.
As the two were talking, a maid came to report that Madam Zheng had arrived.
Madam Min immediately invited the person in.
When Madam Zheng entered the room and saw the various chests and boxes piled up inside, her expression darkened, but she still tried to ask in a normal tone, "How's the packing going? Did I disturb you?"
"I was just saying I'd send someone to look for you, and here you are. It saves me a lot of trouble."
Madam Min smiled and pulled the person down to sit, but quickly put on a bitter face and said, "I'm about to leave. There are some things I'd like to ask you to help me with. I just don't know if you'd still be willing to help me."
She is no longer a titled Lady Dowager; she is now just a commoner without any title, who is about to be driven out of the capital!
Although she trusted Madam Zheng's character, there were still some things she couldn't omit.
"Smack!"
No sooner had Madam Min finished speaking than Madam Zheng slapped her arm hard.
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