Yan Qingqing had just finished breakfast and was thinking about who to find to cooperate with in the chemical cleaning business in Chengyang County when she heard Ruyi say that Xiao Mochen had arrived.
Upon hearing this, Yan Qingqing quickly put down what she was doing and asked Ruyi to invite Xiao Mochen in.
The children are all grown up now, and apart from Li Xiangyang and Li Jinxiu, anyone entering Yan Qingqing's room will announce their presence beforehand.
Xiao Mochen bowed to Yan Qingqing and said, "Aunt, I heard that you went to the prefectural city a few days ago. I have been so busy with my affairs that I didn't even know about it. It is truly unfilial of me not to be able to share your burdens in time."
Despite having lived in the countryside for so long and trying his best to adapt to life in Canghe Village, Xiao Mochen's inherent upbringing prevented him from fully integrating into the village.
Upon hearing this, Yan Qingqing pulled Xiao Mochen to sit down and said with a smile, "You're usually so busy, how could such a small matter bother you?"
You are destined for great things. Although your aunt hopes that you will live a peaceful and uneventful life, I also know that you cannot live a life like an ordinary person.
But your aunt wants you to make sure you're safe before you do anything.
These words came from Yan Qingqing's heart. Whether from the perspective of interests or feelings, she did not want anything to happen to Xiao Mochen.
Xiao Mochen smiled and replied, "Auntie has said this many times, and I have kept it in mind. I will definitely not act rashly or recklessly."
Xiao Mochen could naturally tell whether someone was truly sincere towards him, and that's why he felt a sense of warmth in his heart and would leave some room for maneuver when doing things.
Xiao Mochen and Yan Qingqing didn't beat around the bush and directly asked about Lin Ning'er.
Yan Qingqing naturally didn't hide anything and recounted how she and Lin Ning'er met and became friends.
After listening, Xiao Mochen nodded and said, "That's always been her personality. She's quite sincere, no wonder Auntie can become friends with her."
Xiao Mochen's words clearly indicated that he knew Lin Ning'er and that they were fairly familiar with each other.
Yan Qingqing simply looked at Xiao Mochen, waiting for him to continue. If he could speak, he would; if not, Yan Qingqing wouldn't press him.
Xiao Mochen had already told Yan Qingqing his true identity, so what else could he not tell her?
So she said, "Aunt may not know, but when my mother was still alive, Consort Yu and her son always pretended very well."
At that time, I had a very good relationship with Xiao Moyan, and Consort Yu's maternal family was my mother's maternal aunt's family.
My mother often sends Xiao Moyan and me to visit the Yu family. She says it's to strengthen the relationship between uncle and nephew.
Xiao Moyan is the current eldest prince, and Xiao Mochen's elder brother.
At this point, a hint of sarcasm flashed in Xiao Mochen's eyes. He only realized later that the so-called close relationship between uncle and nephew was nothing more than his good mother paving the way for her adopted son.
Thinking of this, Xiao Mochen continued, "Yu Chengzhong is Xiao Moyan's maternal uncle. Although he tries to please me on the surface, the contempt in his eyes is obvious. I don't like his sarcastic and strange face either."
However, Aunt Yu was a cheerful and outgoing person.
Whenever Yu Chengzhong pulled Xiao Moyan into the study to secretly plot important matters, Yu's aunt would have the kitchen prepare some delicious snacks for me.
Later, I heard that the Lin family was executed because they were involved in a corruption case involving military funds.
The aunt of the Yu family was the eldest daughter of the Lin family who had married out.
I even said a few good words for her at the time, hoping that the Yu family wouldn't make things difficult for her.
But later I heard that she felt guilty towards the Yu family and committed suicide out of fear of punishment.
I never saw her again after that, and I always thought she was gone.
Yan Qingqing was also somewhat moved after hearing this; she had no idea that Lin Ning'er had such a background.
No wonder she wouldn't tell Yan Qingqing what kind of deep-seated hatred she had.
Even if Yan Qingqing were told, it would be of no use. The Lin family was ordered to be killed by the emperor. If Lin Ning'er wanted to seek revenge on the emperor, it would probably be impossible for her in this lifetime.
However, Xiao Mochen's next words made Yan Qingqing think that Lin Ning'er's target for revenge might not be the emperor.
Xiao Mochen paused for a moment and then said, "However, there were some rumors in the capital that Lin Wanning was poisoned to death by the Yu family."
Moreover, not long after Lin Wanning passed away, Yu Chengzhong married the eldest daughter of the Qian family.
Later, with the help of my kind mother, Yu Chengzhong obtained military power over the capital's garrison from my uncle.
Yan Qingqing sensed a conspiracy in Xiao Mochen's words.
Perhaps it was all a conspiracy from the very beginning, starting with the corruption case involving military pay.
This involves a wide range of people, including the Lin family, the Yu family, the Qian family, Consort Yu, and even the late Empress.
The more Yan Qingqing thought about it, the more likely it seemed.
Even more likely, the Lin family might have been wronged and were simply scapegoated.
Thinking of this, Yan Qingqing asked, "The final investigation revealed that the Lin family embezzled funds, right?"
Xiao Mochen nodded and replied, "Yes, but although the Lin family has confessed, the military pay has not been recovered."
Many court officials suspected that the Lin family had colluded with the Northern Liang and secretly smuggled the silver out of the country.
Yan Qingqing found it somewhat amusing; were ancient people really so hasty in making decisions?
Seeing that Yan Qingqing seemed to have a different opinion on the matter, and considering that Lin Wanning was one of the few people in the world who treated him well, Xiao Mochen asked, "Does Aunt think there's anything wrong with this?"
Yan Qingqing thought for a moment and said, "I think there is a high chance that the Lin family was wronged and killed."
"Of course, they may have been involved to some extent, but the Lin family was definitely not the mastermind."
Xiao Mochen asked, somewhat puzzled, "What makes you say that, Aunt?"
Yan Qingqing analyzed: "First of all, embezzling military funds is a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of one's family. Given the Lin family's status at the time, even if they succeeded in their rebellion, they would not be the emperor. Why would they take such a risk?"
Secondly, such a serious matter as embezzling military funds could not have been accomplished by a small family like the Lin family without someone to help.
Thirdly, and most importantly, who ultimately benefited from this? The Lin family was wiped out because of this, and your uncle lost his command of the capital's garrison.
Even your mother is no longer here.
However, the Yu family was different. Not only did they sever ties with the Lin family, but they also married the eldest daughter of the Qian family and gained military power over the capital's garrison.
They possessed both beauty and power, making the Yu family the prime suspects.
I even suspect that this whole affair was orchestrated by the Yu family.
Xiao Mochen took a deep breath after listening. Yan Qingqing's analysis made perfect sense, and it might even be the truth. If that were the case, the Yu family would be terrifying.
Their ambitions have probably been brewing for a long time.
It seems he needs to speed things up; he probably can't keep his identity a secret for much longer.
After Xiao Mochen left, Yan Qingqing also sighed. It seemed that the peaceful and stable days were numbered, and she didn't know how many more days she could enjoy.
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