Chapter 18: It is better to kill the wrong person than to let him go
"Where has my sister gone? She told me to wait for her." He Jing saw Min Shi'an coming back and hurried forward to greet her. She smiled and continued, "The Queen summoned me to the palace yesterday and said she would hold a flower viewing banquet for me in ten days."
He Jing's mansion was close to Min Shi'an's princess mansion, which was arranged by Queen Xie. Because of the close distance, He Jing often took the initiative to look for Min Shi'an.
At first, Min Shian felt a little uncomfortable, worried that He Jing would bear a grudge against her. Unexpectedly, He Jing seemed to see through her concerns, and said in a firm tone that you and I are both women, and it is not easy to survive in troubled times, so there is no need to worry about it.
After a few interactions, the two gradually became familiar with each other.
Min Shian took her hand and sat down, saying, "Mother, this move is intended to connect you with other noble ladies. Do you have any concerns?"
She lowered her eyes, grasped He Jing's hand, and continued, "See how well you remember, sister. Didn't I tell you there was no need to be so distant? Just call me mother, just like me."
When Hejing was adopted, Empress Xie registered Hejing under her own name out of guilt and had never thought that she would come back, but now that she is there, she has to consider her.
He Jingyuan definitely could not go back to her mother's home. Her identity was awkward. Although she was loved by the people, her marriage was really difficult to arrange. She had to show her face in front of the ladies first.
"I know that Queen Mother is doing this for my own good, but the men of Northern Wu are brutal and savage, and I don't want to have any contact with them for the time being. Sister, could you please help me talk to Queen Mother?"
He Jing also knew what this flower-viewing banquet meant. He embarrassedly lifted his sleeves, revealing large bruises and rope marks on his arms. The old wounds had not yet healed when new ones appeared, and scars were everywhere he looked.
Most women of the royal family never leave their homes, so their skin is particularly delicate. He Jing is even more so. Even after recuperating in Beifeng for some time, the marks on her body still took a long time to fade away.
Song Tinglan also mentioned in her letter that He Jing stayed in the room all day and was very resistant to Song Sheng and Xiao Wangjing's approach. As long as any man appeared within five steps of her, she would tremble all over and retch uncontrollably. It was not until later that she gradually got better.
"Good sister, you..." Min Shian stroked those marks, and all words seemed so pale and powerless at this moment.
"After all, I am sorry for you."
He Jing shook his head, put down his sleeves, and said sincerely: "Shi An, you have done me no wrong."
"The ones who really wronged me are those who wantonly toyed with and trampled on me, and those who used their power to ruin my life."
"Shi An, I don't blame you. You are also the one who will be sacrificed after weighing the pros and cons."
Min Shi'an felt a bitter feeling in her heart. She could imagine what He Jing had experienced in Beifeng. Just when she didn't know what to say, He Jing took out a light green sachet and waved it in front of her.
"Look, sister. When I went to the rouge shop, I felt that this sachet suits you very well." He Jing has upturned eyes, a teardrop mole under his right eye, bright red lips under his high nose bridge, and an exotic demeanor in his every move.
Even though Min Shian was used to seeing beautiful women, she couldn't help but be dazed for a moment. She quickly came to her senses, took the sachet and tied it around her waist, and said with a smile: "Sister, you are so thoughtful."
"This spice is truly unique and irresistible. I'm genuinely curious." He Jing seemed to suddenly think of something, took a deep breath, and continued, "I've heard that Princess Linglong is the best in the Western Regions at making incense."
"I wonder if she can see the mystery?"
Min Shian raised his eyebrows, his eyes teasing, and replied with a faint smile: "I'm afraid I'll have to ask Shi Le about this."
After sending He Jing away, Min Shian's face instantly turned gloomy. She took off the sachet, put it aside, closed her eyes and carefully recalled Yu Linglong's every move in the capital.
How could she forget that when it comes to making incense, Yu Linglong is gifted and can be said to be the best in the world, and no one can match her.
In addition, Yu Linglong is also a practitioner of medicine and poison.
Perhaps it was because since she returned to Beijing, Yu Linglong rarely appeared in front of her, and only ran around Min Shile on the streets. Her appearance was harmless, and she was quirky, lively and cheerful, which made people want to get closer to her and ignore her inner danger.
Min Shi'an thought about it for a long time and was not sure. It was unlikely that Yu Linglong would cause any trouble since she was alone in Shangjing.
In line with the principle of rather killing someone by mistake than letting the criminal go, Min Shian still went to the Song residence to visit and inform Song Sheng about the matter.
"Your Highness is right. I will send someone to keep an eye on Princess Linglong. Your Highness, don't worry."
Song Sheng's eyes were slightly dark blue, and his brows were filled with fatigue. He took a sip of tea and said softly, "I have found some clues."
Min Shian's expression turned serious. He sat upright and waited attentively for his next words.
"That spice is produced in Yuntong, near the Arctic Bay in Cangzhou. It's controlled by the local Qian family, and they do have connections with the Western Regions." Song Sheng didn't make fun of it and continued, "I've sent Song Chen to investigate, and we'll have results soon."
Min Shian frowned and said hesitantly, "But if it's really the Western Regions that are behind this, what are their intentions? They have become a complete vassal of our dynasty and there is absolutely no chance of them turning things around."
"Your Highness, nothing is absolute."
Min Shian thought for a moment and still felt that there was no way to retreat to the Western Regions, but she was too lazy to argue with Song Sheng over such a small matter, so she nodded and stood up to say goodbye.
"You should have a good rest. I will keep a close eye on Yu Linglong."
She frowned and couldn't help but start to worry about that idiot Min Shile. If he was really related to the Western Regions, Yu Linglong would inevitably take action against Min Shile.
However, she and Song Sheng had a tacit agreement to keep the matter of the Five Stones Powder a secret and not reveal it to outsiders. If more people knew about it, it would easily alert the enemy. Min Shian was a little worried about what reason to use to temporarily separate the two of them.
Min Shian caught a glimpse of the large characters she had written a few days ago, and instantly had an idea. He immediately rushed to Queen Xie's palace.
"Mother, Shile and Linglong's relationship is growing stronger day by day, but Shile is a gentleman who is not proficient in any of the six arts. So let's not worry about that for now, as he will be your husband and father in the future."
Min Shian's face was filled with worry, and he sighed deeply, "How can we go on like this?"
Empress Xie smiled with relief upon hearing this, and said somewhat helplessly, "Since Shi An has said this, I'm afraid he has already thought of a countermeasure?"
"It's always good for Le'er, Shi An, just do whatever you want."
She changed the subject and warned with some concern, "Remember, don't hurt your brother."
"He's grown up now. If you hurt him again, how will he face Linglong?"
Min Shian laughed twice, touched his nose, and said with a laugh: "Your son will do his best."
She was very smart when she was young and learned things quickly, but her two younger brothers seemed to have smarts just to look taller, but in fact they were full of confusion, and everything she said went in one ear and out the other.
Totally brainless.
Little Min Shi'an was often so angry that she would pick up something nearby and chase her two younger brothers around the yard to beat them. She was older and taller and could run faster, so she would soon beat them both until they were crying loudly.
After the incident, she was too lazy to coax them, so she drove them to Xianyang Palace with a stern face. Empress Xie was often at a loss whether to laugh or cry, and patiently coaxed the three little kids.
Thinking of the past, Min Shian's eyes showed a smile. She looked at Queen Xie, curled her lips and whispered, "Just two idiots."
"What?!!!" Min Shile's face turned pale, and his voice cracked at the end. He repeated in disbelief, "Royal sister, you want to be my teacher?!"
Min Shian kicked him swiftly and said sternly, "Why are you reacting like that? Do you think I'm not qualified enough?"
Min Shile screamed, jumped up on one foot, covered the other leg that was kicked with both hands, and wailed, "It's unfair, Royal Sister! It hurts, it hurts..."
Yu Linglong, who was standing by, couldn't stand it any longer and kicked him again on his intact leg. She frowned and scolded him in a delicate voice, "What are you talking about?!"
Min Shile immediately stood up despite the pain, and tears flowed uncontrollably, like beads with broken strings, rushing down in pieces.
Yu Linglong finally nodded in satisfaction, turned to Min Shian, held her face in her hands, and said softly with sparkling eyes, "Sister, can I study with Min Shile?"
"Of course you can. You can prepare yourself and come to the class tomorrow."
Min Shi'an readily agreed, which was exactly what she wanted. This way, both of them were under her supervision, and she didn't have to worry about Yu Linglong doing anything.
Before the exact results come out from Song Sheng, she must prevent any future troubles.
However, she was not prepared to rely entirely on Song Sheng. Xie Zhuangyi had been secretly investigating for a long time, but due to many constraints, the clues he had found were all insignificant and trivial.
Now that he had a general direction, Xie Zhuangyi immediately took sick leave and went to Yuntong, Cangzhou in person.
The next morning.
Yu Linglong grabbed the reluctant Min Shile's ear and whispered something to her. But when she saw Min Shian approaching, she immediately let go and put on a sweet smile, saying, "Sister, did you sleep well last night?"
Min Shile, who was standing next to him, still couldn't get used to Yu Linglong's expression changing so quickly. He raised his hand to rub his red and swollen ears, muttering to himself. Only after Yu Linglong glared at him did he shut up and look at Min Shian aggrievedly like a puppy.
Unexpectedly, his good sister didn't even look at him.
"Well, where's Linglong?" Min Shi'an's face was full of concern. She gently pinched Yu Linglong's chubby face and continued to ask, "Has Shile ever neglected you?"
As a foreign envoy, Yu Linglong should have been given accommodation by the Honglu Temple, but because of her special status and with Empress Xie's tacit approval, Min Shile allocated a courtyard for her near the Third Prince's Mansion.
"Royal sister, how dare I!" Before Yu Linglong could reply, Min Shile spoke first, taking the opportunity to complain, "She's like a little ancestor. I'm almost going to set up a memorial tablet for her, Royal sister!"
Min Shian and Yu Linglong smiled at each other, leaving Min Shile aside and chatting happily for a while. After the atmosphere became completely lively, they officially started to study.
"Shi Le, Ling Long, I am a disciple of Grand Tutor Zhang. You two also know that, considering Duan Xiang's literary reserves, I will not teach you in the Grand Tutor's way." Min Shi'an looked at the two of them and said seriously.
Min Shile nodded rapidly. He had heard of Master Zhang a long time ago. In his mind, Master Zhang was even more terrifying than Yu Linglong and Min Shian.
When he was young, he was glared at by Master Zhang, and he immediately fainted out of fright.
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