Chapter 75 She was moved to tears
Duke Xin's Mansion.
In the hall, smoke curled up from the incense burner, and the Qilin beast screen looked dazzling and majestic in the light.
Duke Xin, dressed in a blue Taoist robe, said as he ate breakfast, "In a few days, the temporary palace will be moved, and all court affairs will be handled there. Since you've already entered the officialdom, you should first take a position to gain some experience. I've already communicated with Commander Duan, and I'll arrange for you to be the commander of the guards in the Imperial Guard. You should stay with the Emperor on this trip to the temporary palace."
Liang Jinxian sat opposite, eating slowly and leisurely. Although his indifferent eyes and brows looked gentle, they revealed a bit of rebelliousness.
Duke Xin chuckled twice, and rarely did he show a father's desire to tease his son: "Are you still angry with me?"
"My son doesn't dare."
"Don't dare or don't you?"
"No."
"Your personality is the same as mine when I was young. Don't say you don't have it. Even if you do, it wouldn't be surprising. Now that you've grown up, I won't restrict you in many things, but I can't let you do whatever you want. The Liang family's great cause will eventually be handed over to you, and everything I do is for your own good."
"Son understands."
"I'm glad you understand." Thinking of something, Duke Xin said, "Your sister Yixin will also go to the palace this time. In addition to protecting the emperor, your sister should also pay more attention."
"My son knows."
After finishing his meal, Liang Jinxian put down his chopsticks, stood up and bowed: "Father, enjoy your meal. I have something to do and I'll have to go back first."
"Go ahead."
Duke Xin watched him leave from the corner of his eye. As Liang Jinxian walked away, the kindness on his face gradually disappeared.
On this side, Liang Jinxian returned to his own yard. When he entered the house, he saw a secret guard standing inside waiting, so he stopped.
"What's the news?"
"Your Highness, this is from Xizhu." The guard took out a letter from his waist.
Liang Jinxian took a look and raised his thin lips in mockery: "Only two were found?"
"yes."
"Tell him to keep investigating."
After thinking for a moment, he asked again, "What's the news from the Pei Mansion?"
The guard said, "Miss Zhuang was secretly spying on the caravan. A few days ago, she was planning to leave the capital with a merchant named Lin Gui, but she was unable to leave due to the city lockdown."
"Leaving Beijing?"
Liang Jinxian's long eyelashes slightly drooped, his thin gaze falling on his fingers. His hands were beautiful, white, slender, with distinct joints, and lightly covered with blue veins, which added a bit of masculinity.
He admired his fingers.
After looking at it for a while, he suddenly laughed: "Even Pei Xingju, who has been smart all her life, still has things that are hard to predict. In this case, I will lend her a helping hand."
.
Pei Mansion, study.
"Master Zhuang also left a letter?" Shen Yi was surprised.
Pei Xingju nodded: "I guessed that there was another injustice behind Mr. Zhuang's death, but I didn't expect it to be because of this incident."
He said, "Lord Zhuang secretly received a letter that listed Hezhou officials as a den of corrupt officials from top to bottom, who were corrupt and embezzled money, setting taxes and levies to enrich themselves."
"That's not the most important thing. The most important thing is that the Liang family has absolute power in Hezhou. The officials and people of Hezhou only know Lord Liang, not the emperor. The Liang family is like a country unto itself."
Chen Yi was shocked. "No wonder, no wonder Lord Zhuang was suddenly dragged into this political strife. I've always heard that he's honest and upright, and he's dedicated to his work. I never thought he'd get involved in this political strife. So that's why."
Pei Xingju said, "The Hou Clan has long been informed of this, and the memorial submitted by Lord Zhuang has been secretly withheld by the Censorate, but the impeachment memorial is now nowhere to be found."
"So..." Chen Yi continued, "The story that Lord Zhuang hanged himself in prison out of fear of punishment was false. Even after two weeks of torture, he still couldn't get the letter out, and then he claimed he hanged himself out of fear of punishment. It's really far-fetched. After hearing your analysis today, it's clear now."
"What a pity..." He murmured, "Master Zhuang is a good official."
After a moment, he asked again, "What did the emperor say after reading the letter?"
"How can I allow others to sleep soundly beside my bed?" Pei Xingju picked up his brush and dipped it in ink. "If Hezhou had simply imposed its own taxes, it would have been fine. But the people of Hezhou and hundreds of officials are unaware of the imperial court and only recognize Lord Liang. No emperor in history would tolerate such a thing."
"So... the Emperor has decided to continue investigating Hezhou?"
"Of course the Emperor must investigate, but he must do so in secret. The most pressing issue is the Japanese pirates along the coast."
"Of course I understand. If the Emperor wants to win this battle, he has to rely on Lord Liang. However, the Emperor does not trust Lord Liang, so he wants to secretly investigate Hezhou. But who should he let investigate this matter?"
"We're still discussing who will investigate. Everything will be decided after the Emperor arrives at the palace."
Chen Yi nodded. "I thought the Liang family would escape disaster because of the Japanese pirates' invasion, but I didn't expect that the law would be so strict. I also didn't expect that our plan could be able to see the moon. Speaking of which, I have to thank Madam Zhuang very much."
At this point, Shen Yi was puzzled: "Why did Madam Zhuang give you the news at this time?"
Pei Xingju sat at the table reading the verdict, his face seemingly calm, but Chen Yi noticed something unpleasant.
He chuckled: "Could this be related to Miss Zhuang?"
"Oh," he said, remembering something, "I met Miss Zhuang this morning and told her that you were going to take her to the palace."
"I'm not saying..." He walked over and patted Pei Xingju's shoulder in a mature manner. "Women often say one thing and mean another. It's okay if they say they don't want to go, but they actually care about it. You didn't tell her about the palace because you were afraid she wouldn't be used to it, but Miss Zhuang is worried about it. You don't know, when I told her you were going to take her to the palace, she was almost moved to tears."
Pei Xingju paused and asked, "She was so moved that she cried?"
"I didn't cry yet, but I almost cried." Chen Yi said, "She was originally going out, but after hearing the news, she immediately went back to the backyard. I asked her what she was going to do, and she said she wanted to make something delicious for you."
"Hey, if you mention the devil, he'll show up." He turned around and saw someone coming in: "Miss Zhuang is here."
Chen Yi winked at Pei Xingju with an ambiguous expression, signaling him to coax the woman properly. Then, he walked away, thinking he was very sensible.
Zhuang Wan met Shen Yi at the door and bowed, "Master Shen."
Chen Yi smiled and glanced at the food plate: "What did Miss Zhuang make today?"
Zhuang Wan said, "Osmanthus flower and water chestnut cake."
Chen Yi moved closer and said, "Come in. I just told him about your feelings. He's waiting for you inside."
Zhuang Wan's alarm bells rang. What was she thinking?
Brother, stop talking nonsense!
Ever since she heard the thundering news this morning, she has been a little afraid of Shen Yi's mouth.
She smiled stiffly: "Thank you, Master Shen."
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