Jiang Dinglian, however, was not afraid. With a heroic spirit, he said, "I want to personally meet this so-called evil creature! I'll see if it has teeth of steel or iron, or if my long sword and sharp halberd are more resilient!"
Upon seeing this, the Imperial Astronomical Observatory rushed out to intervene. "The Duke of Huguo's Mansion is already filled with evil spirits. Your Majesty, you must not take such risks lightly! Your Majesty, in this situation, I'm afraid only Master Jingfan of Rong'en Temple can personally descend the mountain to exorcise the evil spirits and avert this disaster!"
"Isn't Master Jingfan currently practicing in seclusion?"
The Emperor knew that Master Jingfan had often come to the palace to preach and was a Buddhist master of high moral character. However, in recent years, Master Jingfan had lived in seclusion, and even a personal invitation from the Empress Dowager might not have been enough to attract him.
"The so-called retreat is nothing but empty talk. The imperial court allocates huge sums of money every year to repair Buddhist temples, and the donations to Rong'en Temple are even more substantial. Now is the time when we need them. If Master Jingfan is truly the only one who can solve this problem, then I will personally invite him down the mountain."
After Jiang Dinglian finished speaking, he immediately prepared to set off, as if he had made up his mind to bring Master Jingfan to the palace.
The situation was urgent, and even the Emperor didn't try to stop him, allowing him to leave. However, behind him, he deliberately put on a stern face and solemnly reminded him, "Master Jingfan is a highly virtuous monk with profound spiritual practice. Even the Empress Dowager treats him with great courtesy. Marquis Yongding, you must be respectful. When you bring him back, remember to avoid any damage or bumps."
…
At this moment, in the Yongding Marquis Mansion.
The Jinyiwei had all evacuated. Before leaving, they not only restored the counter in the house and the green plants in the courtyard to their original state, but also pulled out the weeds one by one. As a result, after their departure, the mansion exuded a fresh atmosphere of being carefully cared for.
The servants who had gathered together and were feeling a little uneasy now looked even more confused and at a loss.
"Are the Jinyiwei leaving now? Will there be further raids on the Marquis' Mansion? Will we still face the fate of being trafficked?"
"Probably not. The Jinyiwei's raids on property have always been violent, but they didn't attack our master or us."
The Yongding Marquis's mansion had always been luxurious, and they were generous and kind to their servants, generously rewarding them. Although they were servants, they lived a relatively comfortable life compared to many impoverished families. Consequently, these servants were unwilling to see the mansion decline and be sold off as prisoners. Everyone in the mansion was buzzing with discussion, and the mood was unsettled until Xu's chief steward slowly emerged to calm the crowds.
"Everyone, don't panic," the chief steward said in a calm and soothing voice. "The Marquis' Mansion has weathered many storms and has its own strengths. Now that the Jinyiwei have left, peace can be expected in the mansion. Everyone, do your job, live peacefully, and do not panic."
His words were like a spring breeze soothing the dry earth, gradually calming everyone's restlessness and worries.
"They all dispersed, each doing their own job."
Everyone's mood gradually calmed down, just like the turbulent sea finally returning to tranquility.
However, those villains who intended to take advantage of the situation and steal the treasures of the mansion to escape the law ended up with a tragic end. Not only did they not gain any benefits, but they were ruthlessly driven out and sold into slavery.
Deep within the main courtyard of the Marquis's residence, Madam Jiang's mood had been on a rollercoaster ride, but now she could finally breathe a sigh of relief. A sense of relief welled up in her heart, thankful that the current Emperor was wise and powerful, and that he had always trusted the Yongding Marquis's residence.
If this incident had happened under a more suspicious emperor, even if the Marquis's innocence was ultimately proven, the entire household would have endured endless suffering. If they were to encounter cruel officials like the previous Jinyiwei who abused their power for personal gain, the consequences would be even more disastrous.
Madam Jiang couldn't help but recall the events of her past life, which Jiang Songyi had mentioned. Back then, the Imperial Guards, manipulated by Jiang Yuyao, raided the Marquis's residence. By then, the Emperor had already passed away, and the new Emperor was the Fourth Prince, Xinyi Zigu. Xinyi Zigu didn't share the Emperor's unwavering faith in the Marquis's residence, leading to the tragedy of a loyal and righteous man being wronged.
Thinking of this, Madam Jiang couldn't help but sigh, and her face did not look optimistic.
She had a long-term vision and knew that the disaster of the Marquis's family being wiped out had not completely dissipated.
The Emperor's health is fading, and given the current situation, the Crown Prince is frail and vulnerable, potentially passing away at any moment. Leveraging the Liang family's immense influence, the Fourth Prince's succession to the throne seems inevitable, a natural progression of fate. The Yongding Marquisate possesses a distinguished position, distinguished achievements, and immense power. Few monarchs, save the current emperor, would tolerate their presence by their side.
According to common sense, if the Marquis' Mansion could retreat bravely and voluntarily hand over military power, it might be able to exchange it for a peaceful old age.
However, Madam Jiang's gaze involuntarily fell on Yue Qingyang, the Dongling hostage who was standing alone in the corridor.
The Western Wei Dynasty is currently engulfed in flames, surrounded by numerous enemies. Defending the homeland is the duty of the loyal and righteous members of the Yongding Marquisate. If the Marquisate surrenders military power simply for self-preservation, it will not only be the Yongding Marquisate itself that will be overturned, but the entire Western Wei Dynasty. The land will be trampled upon, and the people will be plunged into dire straits.
Song Yi once attempted to assassinate Yue Qingyang, and Jiang Dinglian also sent people to search for the body to stab him, but he failed.
Madam Jiang couldn't help but feel a trace of regret in her heart.
Perhaps, those who were able to unify the four kingdoms must have had a tragic fate and great blessings, and it is not so easy to fall. Madam Jiang did not dare to make any rash moves.
In the spring, the grass and trees in the courtyard are lush and green, and the flowers are as big as bowls, blooming one after another, gorgeous and eye-catching, attracting countless bees and butterflies, forming a vibrant picture.
Jiang Songyi leaned gently on the white marble steps beside the peony garden, her moon-white skirt cascading down the ground like flowing water. She toyed with a brilliant black and white jade disk in her hands. Her bright, dazzling face now revealed a hint of contemplation. Sitting there quietly, she was a tranquil scene, instantly eclipsing the bustling bustle of spring.
Yue Qingyang was contemplating the bizarre circumstances surrounding the raid on the Marquis's residence today. Things hadn't gone as smoothly as he'd anticipated. However, his gaze was drawn to Jiang Songyi, unable to stop.
He even secretly regretted why the Yongding Marquis' Mansion was not raided during this incident.
A desire surged in his heart, and he wanted to take the most beautiful and precious peony in spring into his own golden house and keep it as a treasure for himself.
Jiang Songyi was acutely aware of a gaze that made her feel uncomfortable, like being tightly coiled by a poisonous snake. She raised her eyes, only to meet Yue Qingyang's gaze, thin and frail, with a hint of innocence in his eyes.
A light chuckle.
Yue Qingyang slowly walked up to her and whispered soothingly, "Miss Jiang, you're frightened. Thanks to the wisdom and bravery of our emperor, the Yongding Marquis's residence is safe and sound. However, the stone steps are cold and the flowers are covered in dew. Please take good care of yourself, Miss."
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