Chapter 278 The Night Li Mu and His Family of Three Died
Li Mu and Song Yi both looked at Li Nanke in surprise.
Li Nanke then realized that she had spoken too loudly. On a whim, she grabbed Li Mu and Song Yi's hands and acted coquettishly.
"Father, Mother, Ke'er still wants to go to Rainbow Bridge to watch the fireworks. If we take the Wang family's carriage, wouldn't that mean the Wang family's coachman will have to follow us the whole time?"
Let's use the Wang family's carts to transport our goods. That way, once the goods are delivered to the Marquis's residence, they can go back home.
Li Muyi thought it made sense.
"Ke'er is so thoughtful."
He immediately ordered his servants to start moving things onto the Wang family's carriage.
After they finished moving their belongings, the family of three got into their own carriage, and Li Mu sent his servant to go back with the Wang family's carriage.
"Tell your wife that we're going back after watching the fireworks."
On New Year's Eve, the imperial court would arrange for the imperial guards to set off fireworks along the Bian River near the Rainbow Bridge to celebrate the arrival of the new year and pray for peace and prosperity for the country.
Li Nanke, Song Yi, and Li Mu boarded their own carriage and headed towards Rainbow Bridge.
In a courtyard house not far from the Rainbow Bridge.
Marquis Anping, Li Yao, and Bai Sanniang sat around a table.
The table was laden with dishes, and the family of three enjoyed a happy time together.
Li Yao gazed at Bai San Niang with eyes full of filial piety.
"My son never expected that he would see his mother for the first time when he was over 20 years old. He never knew that being by his mother's side would feel like this."
Bai San Niang reached out and touched Li Yao's temple, her fingers trembling slightly, her eyes reddening.
"Back then, I had no choice but to leave you in the Marquis's mansion. I thought it would be better to let you live with me, exposed to the elements and living in constant fear."
It would be better to leave you in the Marquis's mansion; at least you'll have no worries about food and clothing, and I can guarantee your safety for life. I wonder if you've ever resented your mother?"
Li Yao pressed his face against her palm and gently shook his head.
“I know that I am doing this for your own good, so how could I blame you? If anyone is to blame, it is that He Shi. If she hadn’t insisted on marrying you back then, you and your lover wouldn’t have been separated.”
Marquis Anping patted Bai San Niang with exceptionally gentle eyes.
"See, I told you Yao'er could understand your good intentions."
One sentence brought tears to Bai San Niang's eyes.
"I heard from your father that you are now a father with a son and a daughter. Why didn't you bring them with you to let me see them today?"
Li Yao said, "The children are still young, and I was afraid they wouldn't be able to keep it a secret, so I sent them to their mother, Madam Sun, first."
Mother, do you know Madam Sun? She was my son's wife. Although Li Mu and Madam Song forced him to divorce her, my son and she had a good relationship.
One day in the future, my son still wants to marry her.
Bai San Niang frowned, seemingly disagreeing with Li Yao's words.
However, he did not voice any objection.
"She's just a woman. If my son likes her, he can keep her by his side. But what about in the future..."
Suddenly remembering something, she paused and didn't continue.
At that moment, someone outside whispered a report.
"Madam, we just received news that Li Mu and his family of three have boarded the carriage, and the carriage is almost at Rainbow Bridge."
The room fell silent for a moment.
Bai San Niang said, "Understood, everything will proceed according to plan."
"yes!"
After the people outside left, Li Yao sat up straight with excitement.
"That's great! Father has already arranged for the servants of the Marquis's mansion to tamper with the wheels of Li Mu's carriage beforehand. As soon as their people get on the carriage..."
Our people can easily break a cartwheel in two with just a pebble, and then we'll add our special fireworks.
"Heh, today, New Year's Eve, is the night Li Mu and his family of three will perish."
After saying that, he seemed to remember something and hesitated.
"Will this matter remain unchanged?"
Marquis Anping disagreed.
"What changes could there be? Your mother has already made arrangements, so don't worry. Once the fireworks explode, countless people will die or be injured around here."
And since it happens to be the New Year, the people will definitely complain and feel that the year is going badly.
The imperial court will be too busy quelling public anger to care how Li Mu and the others died.
Bai San Niang nodded in agreement.
“That’s right. As long as Li Mu dies, your father can legitimately submit a memorial to request that you be granted the title of heir apparent.”
A sudden glint of light flashed in Li Yao's eyes.
He had been looking forward to this day for far too long.
From childhood to adulthood, he was clearly better at studying than Li Mu and more diligent in his work. Li Mu only knew how to travel, eat, drink, have fun, compose poems, and paint every day.
Because he was the eldest son, Li Mu had always held the position of the Marquis's heir, and even the entire Marquis's mansion would eventually belong to him!
How could he possibly accept that?
Unable to contain his excitement, Li Yao poured wine for Marquis Anping and Bai Sanniang respectively.
"Father, Mother, your son respects you."
Marquis Anping and Bai Sanniang exchanged a glance and each drank the wine in their cups in one gulp.
Bang.
Just then, the sound of firecrackers rang out in the air.
Li Yao quickly got up and opened the door.
Brilliant fireworks burst in the sky, colorful and beautiful.
"Dad, Mom, look! The fireworks have started!"
Marquis Anping and Bai Sanniang got up and walked to the corridor.
Marquis Anping said, "Let's enjoy the fireworks in this courtyard today, as a way of seeing Li Mu off."
Li Yao quickly instructed his servants to bring over three chairs.
They set up a table and a small stove in the yard, warming the wine on it.
The family of three enjoyed drinks while watching the fireworks.
Bai San Niang glanced at Marquis Anping.
"Li Mu is also your own son, don't you really feel any reluctance at all?"
Marquis Anping snorted.
"Don't mention that unfilial son. He has only ever disobeyed me since he was a child. In my heart, I have never treated him as a son."
He looked at Bai San Niang with deep affection.
"Only our Yao'er, from childhood to adulthood, has been cared for by me."
Bai San Niang smiled slightly and gently leaned on his shoulder.
She said softly, "I know, you've worked hard all these years."
Marquis Anping embraced her, his eyes welling up with tears.
"Third Sister, after more than twenty years, I'm finally holding you in my arms again..."
"Shh!"
Bai San Niang gently pressed her finger against his lips, making a shushing gesture.
"Listen, the commotion outside is getting louder and louder; the plan must be working."
Marquis Anping couldn't help but turn around and look at the sky.
Another brilliant firework exploded in the sky, and outside, a cacophony of sounds could be faintly heard—shouting, crying, and shouting, a chaotic mess.
He couldn't help but hug Bai San Niang.
"It's done?"
Li Yao jumped up excitedly and grasped Bai San Niang's hand.
"Mother, is it really done?"
Bai San Niang nodded.
The family of three hugged each other excitedly.
Bang!
Just then, the courtyard gate was suddenly kicked open violently.
A group of people rushed into the courtyard with lightning speed.
Immediately following was a furious voice.
"What are you doing? Bai, you harlot, you're keeping two men in your home!"
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