Seeing that her complexion was not good, Jiayin greeted her and sat down, then asked, "Auntie, have you heard any rumors?"
Madam Liu was taken aback for a moment, then smiled wryly, "You're such a clever girl! I thought you didn't know, and I was worried you were scared, so I rushed over to tell you. I didn't expect you already knew!"
"Although I know some of it, it's all news from yesterday." Jiayin poured some cool tea for Madam Liu and said with a wry smile, "What did you hear today, Aunt? Is it something troublesome?"
Grandma Li also took Madam Liu's hand and urged, "Tell me quickly, is someone eyeing my Fu Niu again?"
Madam Liu nodded and replied, "My steward went out to buy things early this morning and heard someone say that the princess is very lucky and has the ability to turn misfortune into good fortune. Broken Gold Beach was originally a wasteland, but after it became the princess's fiefdom, it has become a treasure trove."
"The world is suffering from a severe drought, yet Broken Gold Beach is lush and green, all thanks to the princess's protection. If the princess were to offer a sacrifice, heaven would surely send down sweet rain..."
"Bullshit!" Old Mrs. Li was furious. She slammed her hand on the table, then grabbed the shoemaker's screwdriver, her hand clenching so hard that the veins on the back of her hand bulged. But she didn't know who to take revenge on!
"The Broken Gold Beach was renovated by the whole village, young and old. What does it have to do with Fu Niu'er? Besides, from the beginning of spring until now, everyone in the village has been carrying water to irrigate the fields, otherwise the fruits, vegetables and crops would have died of drought! Are they blind? Can't they see it?"
Madam Liu sighed and comforted her, "Auntie, it's not that nobody knows about these things. But what can they do even if they do?"
"The drought is severe now, the crops have failed, and refugees are besieging the city. Everyone is afraid and just wants to find an excuse to vent their anger. Especially at Broken Gold Beach, the lush greenery is truly eye-catching, so it has become a target."
"But don't worry too much. Such sacrifices have never ended well since ancient times. Anyone with a clear head would not agree to it. It's just that ignorant people are making a fuss about it."
Old Mrs. Li sighed. If it weren't serious, why would Madam Liu have come to remind her personally?
That's because I didn't want her to worry.
"No, Fu Niu'er must go to Quanzhou immediately. She can't stay any longer." Old Mrs. Li was very firm, giving her granddaughter no room for discussion.
"The Empress passed away before, which caused the delay. Now that the rain-praying ceremony is still undecided, we should leave quickly. Even if a sacrifice is made, we won't be able to find you."
Jiayin had thought about it for a long time last night. Leaving would indeed ensure her safety, but the whole world belongs to the emperor, and there would be trouble wherever she went.
Moreover, with her departure, her grandmother and second uncle, as well as the old and young of Suijintan, and even her godfather and father who have not returned, may all be implicated.
The fundamental solution lies in confronting and addressing the problems head-on.
For now, she can only stall for time.
"Grandma, Second Uncle is investigating. We can decide after we have definite news."
"You..." Old Mrs. Li was heartbroken, her eyes reddening.
For the past ten years or so, life has been comfortable and easy. But this year, it feels like something has been overturned, and nothing feels right.
Madam Liu also joined in the persuasion, and just as they were talking, Madam Xing also came to visit.
The group exchanged greetings again and took their seats. Without Madam Xing saying anything, they all guessed her purpose for coming, and their expressions became even more unpleasant.
The rumors seemed to spread much faster than they had anticipated.
Madam Xing originally wanted to be more tactful and remind the Li family members.
Seeing this situation, she realized that things were more serious than she had thought.
Old Mrs. Li didn't want everyone to worry about her, so she tried to find joy in her hardship and persuaded everyone to stay happy.
“Our family has offended many people over the years, and there’s no shortage of people who would kick us when we’re down. But the fact that you’ve come all this way makes me feel like you’re offering help in our time of need!”
Everyone laughed along and offered words of advice.
"Don't worry, Auntie, this matter is still under investigation."
"That's right, the princess is naturally intelligent, she will surely turn misfortune into good fortune."
"Besides, the Northern Expeditionary Army will be back soon. Even if someone wants to do something, they'll have to think twice about the knives in the hands of the Marquis and the Fourth General."
After talking for a while, it was noon.
Jiayin busied herself preparing lunch, but no one wanted to stay.
Just as they were struggling, Madam Jia Er arrived in a flurry of activity.
It turned out that she had also heard the rumors from the old women in the house that morning, but compared to Madam Liu and Madam Xing, she was even more fierce.
She led her servants and maids out the back door and arrested all the gossiping onlookers in the streets and alleys.
There's no need for beatings or scoldings; a little intimidation is enough to find out the source of the gossip.
It turns out he was a good-for-nothing who spent his days drinking and fooling around, and the neighbors all hated him.
He was quite tactful and never lingered near other people.
But for some reason, this time he started chasing after the neighbors to gossip about praying for rain.
He also promoted the idea of a blessed woman offering sacrifices!
Madam Jia was quite decisive. She used the excuse of losing something to arrest this scoundrel, and now he's gagged and tied up in the carriage outside the door.
Everyone was surprised by her quick action and praised her highly, which made her beam with joy.
Jiayin directly instructed the household steward to take over and send Erlaizi to the relief agency.
With my second uncle leading the investigation, this scoundrel might be a breakthrough.
After lunch, Madam Xing and the others went home.
Old Mrs. Li had been waiting countless times, and finally, at dusk, she saw Li Lao Er and Jia An return, followed by Liu Zhiheng.
After the meal, everyone got together and started talking.
Unsurprisingly, the message about the blessed woman offering sacrifices to pray for rain was indeed deliberately spread by thugs or similar individuals.
Someone paid them money to spread the rumors so quickly.
The person behind this was the owner of a small shop, but the owner had some connection with the Lady of Dingbei.
The shopkeeper's wife was a distant cousin of the Jiao family!
At this point, it doesn't matter if it's a coincidence, as long as it's even remotely related, it's fine.
Because the Li family didn't want to file a lawsuit, they just wanted to find out if the person in the palace had made up their mind and disregarded their past relationship!
The result... left everyone heartbroken!
Li Lao Er insisted, "Fu Niu'er should hurry up and pack her things so she can leave Xindu as soon as possible."
Liu Zhiheng also said, "Yes, Auntie, let's go together too. This new capital is really unbearable to live in! That man in the palace is like a tiger about to die of illness, wanting to bite anyone he sees, he has completely lost his mind."
Jiayin objected, "No, I can't leave yet!"
"We have to go!" Jia'an said anxiously, rarely raising his voice to his sister like this.
“If anything happens to you, no one in your family will be able to live a good life! You have to leave. I’ll go and inform Zheng Feng right away. The boat is waiting in the river fork.”
Jiayin quickly grabbed her brother's arm, pulled him down to sit, and patiently persuaded him, "Brother, listen to me. This isn't as simple as it seems!"
"No matter what, you have to leave!" Jia'an gritted his teeth with hatred at the thought of his sister being sacrificed.
Today's update is here!
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