Chapter 194 Ten Years of Seclusion at the Family Temple
While the current emperor has some shortcomings, he is by no means a foolish ruler; in fact, one could say he is wise. For example, in this instance, a more ambitious emperor might have considered completely defeating the Xie family and their followers.
However, the Xie family had cultivated this land for two dynasties, and eradicating them completely would not be an easy task. Moreover, the Xie family might very well cooperate with the King of Lingnan, and if pushed too far, the Xie family and the King of Lingnan might rebel, which would inevitably lead to war.
Regardless of whether the war can be won, any war will inevitably cause immense hardship and financial strain on the people. Even with a prosperous treasury, the nation cannot withstand the devastation of war.
"Lord Duke." Li Zhong's voice came from outside, and Jiang Yu invited him in.
After Li Zhong entered, he bowed to the old Duke of Chu and Jiang Yu, and then said, "Today, Madam Xie took Xie Lei to offer incense. It is said that Madam Xie had an appointment with the master of the temple today, so she did not attend the Ning family's banquet."
The old Duke of Chu snorted, "I'm afraid this is just an excuse; he really wants her own sister, Madam Ning, to take the blame alone."
“Neither of the sisters is very bright,” Jiang Yu said.
Such a crude plan, how could they even come up with it?
"I brought Blue Peony and watched from afar as Madam Xie and Xie Lei offered incense and made wishes," Li Zhong added.
"How is Blue Peony performing?" Jiang Yu asked.
Li Zhong: "She was very calm; a petty person couldn't see what she was thinking."
“Lan Mudan is resolute and rarely reveals her emotions on her face.” Jiang Yu looked at the Duke of Chu: “I will go and meet Lan Mudan again; she should know the big secret.”
The old Duke of Chu nodded, and Jiang Yu led Li Zhong towards the dungeon.
........
The emperor's grand reward to Jiang Yu, following the farce at the Ning family banquet, inevitably led the powerful and influential families in the capital to once again speculate about Jiang Yu's position in the emperor's heart, or whether Jiang Yu was up to something again, and with the emperor's permission.
When Ning Qi received news of the Emperor's reward to Jiang Yu, he was interrogating Madam Ning. After hearing the steward's report, he remained silent for a long time, then muttered, "The Emperor is warning me!"
She looked at Madam Ning and asked, "The Duke of Chu's mansion has no enmity with the Xie family, so why would Madam Xie, the Second Madam, frame the Duke of Chu?"
This had always been a point of confusion for him. The Xie family and the Duke of Chu's mansion were both long-established powerful families in the capital, and both resided there. Although their relationship hadn't been very close over the years, they weren't enemies either. Why would Madam Xie suddenly want to frame Jiang Yu?
Madam Ning and her son Ning Jinpeng knelt on the ground. Madam Ning was over 40 years old and had been pampered for many years. Kneeling on the ground in public was too much for her to bear, both mentally and physically. She was almost swaying.
Hearing Ning Qi's question, she thought for a while and said, "Linglan said... her husband Xie Zihui died in place of Jiang Chengye. It was the Duke of Chu's mansion that killed Jiang Chengye, and Jiang Yu also broke Xie Lei's leg."
The room fell silent. Ning Qi and the others seemed to understand, yet also seemed not to. Xie Zihui was executed for smuggling salt; how could he have died in place of Jiang Chengye? The Xie family wielded far more power than the Duke of Chu's mansion. How could Xie Yun possibly swallow this bitter pill?
Ning Qi looked at Madam Ning and asked again, "Why would Xie Zihui die in place of Jiang Chengye?"
Madam Ning shook her head. "I don't know. Linglan didn't tell me."
The second wife of Xie was named Tao Linglan.
"They didn't tell you anything, and you're already doing things for them?" Master Ning was so angry he wanted to kick her.
"I...I asked, but she wouldn't tell me." Madam Ning was now filled with hatred, hating Madam Xie for making her harm Jiang Yu, and also hating herself for being so foolish as to listen to her in everything.
"You..." Third Master Ning could no longer hold back. He stood up and slapped Third Madam Ning hard across the face. "Do you know how much harm you've brought to the family?"
This not only brought a crisis to the Ning family, but also a huge crisis to their third branch. Although he was the legitimate son, he was not the eldest son. The Ning family had many descendants; he had three brothers of his own blood, and he had to fight for more resources if he wanted them.
But his wife had made such a grave mistake that he not only lost face among his brothers but also earned the scorn of his father, the head of the family. He now felt like killing Ning San's wife.
"Alright." Ning Qi stopped Third Master Ning's impulsive behavior and said, "The key now is how to give Duke Chu an explanation."
Madam Ning, who was initially overwhelmed with grievance, immediately lowered her head upon hearing Ning Qi's words. She knew very well that Jiang Yu was no ordinary young lady who could be appeased with a simple apology and some compensation. Jiang Yu was the Duke of Chu, a duke of the highest rank, and the head of the Duke of Chu's mansion. Giving her an explanation would require a significant financial sacrifice to quell the situation.
At this moment, she hated Madam Xie even more. These weren't sisters; they were enemies.
The room was quiet. After a while, Ning Qi said, "The Tao family has been sent to the Yuezhou family temple for ten years of quiet cultivation."
These words caused Madam Ning to collapse to the ground. Yuezhou was the Ning family's ancestral home, a remote place that couldn't compare to the capital. Moreover, she would have to stay in the family temple for 10 years—ten years! She was already in her forties; she might even die there.
"Please have mercy, Grandfather." Ning Jinpeng kowtowed repeatedly to Ning Qi.
"I want to see my father and mother!" Madam Ning cried out, supporting herself on the ground. Now, only her family could save her.
But Ning Qi replied, "If the Tao family doesn't agree with my decision, then let them take their daughter home."
In other words, if the Tao family dares to interfere in this matter, then they should divorce Madam Ning.
Madam Ning fell to the ground again. Ning Jinpeng helped her up and said with tears in his eyes, "Grandfather, my mother and I were instigated by someone. We were not the masterminds. The Duke of Chu was not harmed at all. There is no need for this."
Ning Qi looked at him with disappointment, then looked at Third Master Ning, as if to say, "Look at the good son you raised."
Third Master Ning blushed with embarrassment. He glared at Ning Jinpeng and said, "Shut up! Who is the Duke of Chu? He's a super-rank duke, someone ordinary people can't compare to."
But Ning Jinpeng was still unconvinced and opened his mouth to argue, but then Ning Qi's voice rang out again, "Ning Jinpeng and Tao Shi spent ten years in seclusion at the family temple."
Ning Jinpeng's eyes widened in shock. He was twenty-one years old this year, and he would be over thirty in ten years. These ten years were the best ten years of his life!
"grandfather..."
"Take him out."
Ning Qi didn't give him a chance to speak again. Several burly servants rushed in and dragged the mother and son out.
"Father, Father, save me..."
Ning Jinpeng looked pleadingly at Third Master Ning, but Third Master Ning turned his head away. He could have another son and daughter-in-law, but he couldn't bear to be completely abandoned by Ning Qi. Besides, given the current situation, even if he pleaded, it would be useless.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
