Liu Zhengjie, a skilled criminal lawyer, saw the gathering of all sorts of people in the capital, and he wasted no time. He immediately dispatched two separate groups to escort Man Niang and her son away. Unexpectedly, at nightfall the next day, Madam Liu arrived in a sedan chair and, upon meeting them, accused Chang Ge'er of being abducted.
Minglan was shocked: "What do you mean?"
"His father didn't think about it. He just said that it was the goose hunters who pecked his eyes!" Mrs. Liu looked ashamed, and her words were filled with a strong Sichuan accent. She was wearing an ochre-red jacket with a dark silver-thread treasure gourd, and she kept rubbing it by the corner of her clothes.
"Yesterday, his father chased that woman away. When he sent her outside the city gate, he even sent someone to scare her severely, saying that if anyone came to bother her again, they would definitely send her to the border to do hard labor! The woman responded repeatedly, saying that she would never dare to do it again, and then turned and ran away." Madam Liu lowered her voice and leaned forward slightly. "Actually, according to me, the head of the family, we should punish this woman this time and put an end to it all, but..."
"It's okay." Minglan waved her hands. The couple's relationship had come to an end with Man Niang. If they continued to act recklessly, they would only make a fool of themselves. As for Gu Tingye and the Marquis' Mansion, they were more worried about the little child. To put it bluntly, if someone with bad intentions sold Chang'er to that dirty place, or led Chang'er astray and became a bandit, it would be a huge hidden danger.
She asked anxiously, "What's going on with Chang Ge'er?"
Madam Liu wiped the sweat from her forehead with a handkerchief. "Because we needed a wet nurse to take care of him along the way, Chang'er left the city half a day late. Who knew that when we were passing the foot of Fengyun Mountain near Shibalipu in the suburbs of Beijing, a group of masked robbers suddenly rushed out and attacked without giving us any explanation. As the two sides were fighting, the female thief who had been hiding in the back suddenly rode up to the carriage, knocked the woman down with a stick, then picked up the child and rode away. The brothers who were escorting us were panicked and quickly killed most of the robbers. After interrogating the two survivors, we learned that they were from the Mandrill Gang. They were paid to rob people, but the brothers were not wearing official uniforms. The robbers thought they were servants of ordinary families, which is why they were so bold."
Minglan was stunned for a moment. She had a vague idea who the female thief was.
To be honest, ever since their first encounter at the Yu residence, she had never underestimated this seemingly unremarkable woman. She hadn't expected this to happen, but she'd still underestimated her. This remarkable woman wasn't just a talented singer and actress, she was also a skilled martial artist. She thought that during this encounter, it was fortunate that Madam Cui was so cautious, she would have searched and bound her. Otherwise, if Man Niang had suddenly attacked and attacked her, she would have been in great trouble.
She bit her lip and asked, "Master Liu, have you found out who ordered this?"
Madam Liu sighed heavily, her brows furrowed tightly, making her look even more aged and rough. "I asked, and those few who were still alive immediately pointed out that among the bodies lying dead on the ground was the brother of the woman who had entrusted me with this matter!"
Minglan uttered a soft "Ah," "Is he Manniang's brother?"
Madam Liu clapped her hands and said, "Isn't it? I heard that her brother has been hanging around Zhili for the past few years, befriending many thieves and idlers. Several survivors said they were also deceived. Her brother said his sister was the concubine of a wealthy family. Who knew that the wife of the wealthy family was so vicious that she couldn't tolerate them and their child and wanted to kill the child... Alas, if they knew that the other party was an official, who would dare to show any fear!"
Minglan raised the corner of her lip sarcastically: "That's not wrong."
Madam Liu chuckled and explained, "The masked female thief hiding in the back was Man Niang. My brothers wanted to stop her with arrows, but Chang Ge'er was also on his horse. Fearing that the child might be hurt, he could only watch helplessly as the mother and child escaped."
Minglan was silent for a moment before she said, "It's not the fault of the brothers who were escorting us. They had no idea that a little woman could be so lawless. I don't know if you brothers are hurt. If anything happens, how can we live with ourselves?" He was originally only ordered to be a courier, but he ended up having to work part-time as a security guard and was caught off guard when he was beaten.
Madam Liu quickly waved her hands and shook her head, "No lives were lost, only minor injuries. Those thieves weren't particularly capable, but they were outnumbered and entangled when they attacked, which is why they kidnapped Chang'er."
Minglan felt a little relieved and said that she wanted to give the guards money and medicine as a token of her appreciation. Mrs. Liu was reluctant at first, but after Minglan's clever persuasion, she agreed to take the things over.
The two of them exchanged a few more words about the details of the incident, and Madam Liu couldn't help but sigh, "I'm not trying to defend my master, but it's just that no one could have guessed it. That woman looked so emaciated and pitiful, so lost in thought. She was so frightened after being dragged down by the officers that she didn't even dare to speak. If anyone spoke a little louder, she'd burst into tears, her body shaking like a sieve. And who knew she'd turn around and go look for my brother, ordering people to follow her and even hiring people to rob her. Wow, she's truly amazing!"
She was several years older than her husband, and was practically a sister-in-law and mother to Liu Zhengjie's trusted brothers, so she inquired about them in great detail. When she first heard about Man Niang's situation, she had secretly blamed Minglan for not even having a child. Every high-ranking official had three wives and four concubines, and a multitude of illegitimate children. Now, it seemed that mother and child were truly unsuitable to be kept.
Minglan twisted her lips and said, "They are both capable people from the opera world, talented in both literature and martial arts. It's no wonder that Lord Liu and the brothers could not have imagined such a thing without seeing it with their own eyes. Besides, there are more than one or two people who have been deceived by this woman." The first and foremost victim was her dear husband.
Madam Liu was shocked and said, "That woman was really cruel. When her brother was chopped down by a knife, he shouted 'sister', but she didn't even turn her head and ran away. According to my boss, she deliberately used those thieves as human shields. She was afraid that something might be incomplete and she might have even concealed something from her own brother." She shook her head repeatedly as she spoke. She could even use the life of her own brother. The word "cruel and ruthless" could not describe her.
Minglan was silent for a while before she said, "Where did they go, Master Liu? Does he have any clues?"
Madam Liu smiled awkwardly. "Once you leave Fengyun Mountain Pass, you'll be able to go anywhere. I really can't figure out where the mother and child are going. Besides, uh, right now in the capital... I really can't spare any manpower..."
Minglan took her hand and said softly, "Sister, there's no need to explain. I understand Sir Liu's difficulties. I just feel sorry for the child. He's so young, and he's only had a few years of peace and stability. Now I don't know where he'll be displaced again."
Mrs. Liu had children early in life and was a kind-hearted mother. After hearing this, she sighed, patted Minglan's hand and advised, "Sister, please don't take advantage of your age and say something too much. Such a vicious woman, who will end up in a bad family? You two are kind-hearted people with sincere hearts. You will not do such a heinous thing, otherwise you would have killed her long ago! Alas, the child was also unfilial in his previous life, so he had such a mother. No one can blame him. He should have a good life in the next life!" She sighed and said.
Didn’t you cultivate in your previous life?
Minglan was bewildered. In fact, Chang Ge'er had many opportunities to change his fate, but unfortunately he missed them all.
As for myself, I wish I would never have to take over this hot potato, and I would avoid anything related to Chang Ge'er if possible.
As for Gu Tingye, due to his early experiences, he always felt that with his biological mother by his side, the child would be more or less properly taken care of, which was better than handing the child over to a stranger; in addition, he took into account his wife and son, and did not want Minglan to be implicated or Tuan Ge'er to be threatened.
As for Man Niang, she is a rare freak that can only be seen in a century. She should either let go of Chang Ge'er as soon as possible or live a good life with her son. But she is clinging to her delusions and refuses to give up.
For some reason, ever since she became a mother, Minglan has become more soft-hearted. In the past, she had handled many tragic cases impartially and turned a blind eye to them, but now she can't bear to see innocent children suffer and feels inexplicably sorry for them.
After seeing Madam Liu off, Minglan called Rong Jie'er over. After dismissing everyone, she told her the whole story in detail, sighing, "Alas, now no one knows where they have gone."
Rong Jie'er lowered her head and clenched her hands, her eyes were red and swollen. She seemed to have lost weight in the past few days. Her round cheeks were slightly shrunk, and her jaw drew a beautiful curve like a girl. She did not respond to Minglan's words, but just sat silently on the round stool in front of the kang, her nails deeply dug into her palms.
The two of them sat in silence for a while. Minglan was about to tell her to go back when Rong Jie'er suddenly said, "Thank you, mother." There was a strong nasal tone in her voice, and Minglan was slightly stunned.
Rong Jie'er wiped the tip of her nose with a handkerchief and whispered, "Thank you, mother, for worrying about brother Chang and asking Madam Chang to raise him. Ever since...ever since I found out about this, I've been so grateful...I think Madam Chang is upright, and my brother is able to study and make progress with Brother Nian. It's truly a blessing. Who would have thought that after not seeing him for a few years, brother Chang would become so erratic. Except...except mother, he wouldn't listen to anyone..."
Thinking back to the scene of meeting her brother that day, the siblings became like strangers. Tears welled up in her eyes, and her heart ached. "I begged Mother to agree to this proposal and persuade my brother to go to the Chang family. If I force him to go, he will insist on making trouble, not only tiring Nanny Chang, but also delaying my elder brother who needs to study for the exam. Who would have thought... who would have thought that Mother would not only refuse, but scolded me... and, and..."
She couldn't say the second half of the sentence. Her biological mother asked her to ask Minglan to let Chang'er stay in the Marquis' Mansion.
"...But...but Madam won't agree." She remembered answering like this at that time. After all these years of getting along, she knew very well that although Minglan appeared easygoing and gentle, she was very determined inside.
"You're useless! Then go cry, beg, and even commit suicide! You're the eldest daughter of the Marquis' Mansion now. How dare she watch you die? This is your own brother. How can you bear to see him wandering around without a name or status?!"
Looking at her biological mother who was full of nice words and calculating expressions, sometimes coaxing her with soft words and sometimes scolding her harshly, with no concealment of her intentions, she couldn't say a word at the time.
She was no longer an ignorant child, so how could she not understand the dangers and implications hidden in this? She was also not someone who did not know her own worth. After just two days of comfort, she became complacent, ignorant of her own limitations, and even wanted to change her stepmother's mind on major issues.
Rong Jie'er shook her head vigorously, trying not to think about the chilling scene that day. She looked up at Minglan and said in a trembling voice, "Mother, I really don't understand what you are thinking. Don't mothers always think about the well-being of their children? Why... why... does she have to ruin my brother before she will stop?" She couldn't hold it in any longer and finally burst into tears, sobbing softly with her handkerchief covering her face.
Minglan sighed and patted the girl's back.
From a dark perspective, Man Niang doesn't love Chang Ge'er at all. Her son is just a chess piece and she can use him however she wants. From a bright perspective, Man Niang also loves her son, but what she thinks is good for the child is quite different from the normal understanding.
It's like in some melodramatic dramas, where a poor girl gives birth to twin boys (girls) from a rich family, sends one back to the rich man's family to be a prince or princess, and keeps the other by her side; the final result... well, it depends on who is the protagonist.
The incident ended without a trace, and Manniang and her son vanished like cotton wool in the wind. Minglan was unhappy for several days, and only felt better after Hualan came to visit and comfort her.
"You silly child, there's nothing to worry about with such a thing!" Hua Lan still looked bright and charming, and she poked her sister's forehead and said with a smile, "You are so kind-hearted, you feel pity for everyone you see, and can't bear to see anyone else. The house will be in chaos. As the saying goes, every wrong has its perpetrator, and every debt has its creditor. That brother has his own parents, so what's your business?"
Minglan lowered her head and stroked her huge belly, whispering, "I have been more and more cautious lately, always afraid that if I do something wrong, it will be retribution for the child in the future." As an active member of the party, Yao Yiyi was also a staunch atheist; alas, the past is really hard to recall.
Hua Lan, with a carefree and plump figure, laughed heartily and said, "When it comes to matters concerning gods and Buddhas, one should believe in them in moderation and not dwell on them all the time. Since your brother-in-law doesn't want you to get involved, just push him away. Are you really going to bring that boy into your house?!"
"That won't do," Minglan said flatly, raising her head like a hen protecting her chicks, and mocking herself frankly, "No matter how pitiful they are, as a mother I must protect my own flesh and blood first. If anyone dares to hurt or endanger my child, I will fight her to the death!"
Hua Lan pinched the girl's face and said with a smile, "That's right!"
Looking at her eldest sister's bright and tolerant smile, Minglan sighed to herself that she was worrying too much about nothing, so she changed the subject: "I heard that my third sister-in-law is pregnant. I just sent her some of her favorite dried fish the other day. I wonder if she's doing well recently."
Ever since Wang returned to her hometown to serve her sentence, Hualan often went back to her parents' home to help out, fearing that Liu would have difficulty managing the inner chambers. Upon hearing this, she smiled and said, "Your sister-in-law is very lucky. She's pregnant now and is very happy. She eats well, sleeps well, and acts as usual."
As she was speaking, Xiaotao brought over a bowl of freshly fried garlic-flavored kidney beans from the kitchen. Hualan frowned, covered her nose, and vomited again.
Minglan frowned and said, "Isn't this what my sister likes to eat? Why..." A plate of sweet bean rolls with milk and candied honey apples had just been replaced. Hualan felt disgusted by the smell and had to ask the kitchen to make new snacks quickly.
Looking at Hualan's plump figure, Minglan said with a playful look, "Sister, are you pregnant too?"
Hua Lan stopped abruptly and scolded with a smile, "What nonsense! I'm already this age." There had been no movement in the past few years, and as she was getting older, she had given up the idea a long time ago.
Having said that, there are women who give birth in middle age. For fear of any mishap, Minglan quickly ordered the three-horse carriage with a soft gold-decorated roof to send Hualan back. Not long after, someone from the Yuan Mansion reported: the second wife was indeed pregnant.
Cui Chan, who had come to report the news, clapped her hands and laughed, "Second Madam refused to believe it at first, and only after two doctors confirmed it was pregnancy did she finally believe it. Second Master was so happy that he tied the legs of a harrier to a yellow oriole, and now he sticks with her, refusing even to leave the house."
Yuan Wenshao had his eyes on a piece of land outside Kouwai and wanted to buy it to make a horse farm. He had already asked for leave from his superiors, but now he saw that his wife was pregnant. The doctor also said that the pregnant woman was not young anymore and should be more careful. Yuan Wenshao decided not to leave.
"Serious matters are important. My husband has great ambitions, so you don't have to worry about me." Hua Lan said this of course.
Yuan Wenshao, however, had the demeanor of a male pig from a Hong Kong drama and began by saying, "There's no end to making money. The most important thing is that our family is happy and harmonious. Giving birth to a child safely is better than earning a mountain of gold."
Hualan blushed shyly, and glanced at him lovingly with her big watery eyes. Yuan Wenshao gazed back at her affectionately. The two middle-aged men and women, who were in their seventies together, were so affectionate that it was scary. They whispered to each other from time to time, which made Mother Cui, who went to give a gift on behalf of Minglan, feel so embarrassed.
"No wonder Sister Fang said that the Madam disliked the eldest daughter and the eldest brother-in-law at the beginning." Mother Cui felt that she had wronged Wang.
Minglan lay on the kang and laughed out loud, and all the unhappiness she had felt for the past few days disappeared.
A few days later, Tu Hu returned from outside the city with forty or so Zhuang Yong. Minglan became busy again, arranging food and accommodation for the outer courtyard, and discussing with Tu Lao Da how to divide the guards into shifts and how to send them to guard the various gates, walls and courtyards.
After everything was settled in, people outside continued to inquire about various news: indeed, many suspicious people came to the capital, in groups of three or five, and their whereabouts were unknown. Liu Zhengjie became more and more angry, but there was no place to investigate; Shi Xiaodi was also very angry. There was a bun stall that he and Xiaotao liked. The old couple said that the market seemed to be in turmoil recently, and they actually hid in their children's home in the countryside.
The Tingdi couple of the fourth house were busy reorganizing their shop, and business was gradually picking up. The fifth house's wife, Xuanda, was busy looking for a wife for her eldest son, and the Fu family responded very positively. The old lady still rarely went out, and it was unknown what she was plotting. The third master, Gu, still went out to drink and play opera every now and then. Yu Fangshi also visited the Tingwei mansion every few days. The eldest master of the Liang family continued to pretend to be a grandson, oh no, a filial son...
Joy and sorrow are both insufficient. The political awareness and decision-making level of the court clerk are only enough for Minglan to ask the servants to redouble their strict control over the doorman, and he cannot analyze the essence from the phenomenon.
At this time, the weather was getting warmer, and in just half a month, her belly swelled up as if it was inflated. Several maids said that the due date was near, but before Minglan could get used to the heavy body, Ruomei had an attack first.
Fortunately, the midwife and wet nurse were prepared in advance, making the bedding, boiling water, and ironing the scissors, everything was done in an orderly manner. Minglan personally went to the hall of Gongsun Courtyard to take charge, and no one dared to neglect it.
From noon until the moon rose above the treetops, Ruomei's screams could be heard one after another. It was not until Minglan woke up for the second time on the soft couch that someone came to report that Ruomei had given birth to an extremely fat boy.
Minglan wiped her saliva and forced herself to go and comfort the woman who had just given birth. She saw the wet nurse sitting by the bed, holding a swaddling cloth made of bright red satin embroidered with gold peonies. Although her face was pale, she was overjoyed and couldn't stop looking at the baby in the swaddling cloth.
Minglan leaned over to take a look. Yes, he was indeed plump, especially that huge forehead that scared mothers in labor. He looked just like the old man Gongsun. She sat next to Ruomei and said softly, "The child is very good. He looks very much like you, sir. You will have someone to rely on for the rest of your life."
Ruomei's voice was a little hoarse from shouting too much. She pulled Minglan's sleeve and looked up anxiously: "When the master comes back, I will ask the lady to say a few good words to me, saying that I gave birth to my brother at the cost of my life, and can...can I raise him myself..."
Minglan was silent for a moment, then sighed, "I would tell you, but this is, after all, your family affair. Ultimately, it all depends on what you and your mistress think." She added, "I told you this when you wanted to be your concubine."
After saying that, he gently pulled his hand away, ignoring Ruomei's tearful expression, and turned around and left while supporting Xiaotao.
After Ruomei gave birth, Minglan no longer visited her. She just asked Liao Yong's family to take good care of her and not to neglect any food, clothing or other expenses.
On the third day after the baby's bath, Minglan asked the maids to set up two tables in the Gongsun Courtyard and asked the maids and servants who were on good terms with Ruomei to join in the fun, comfort her and make her happy so that she wouldn't be frowning and sighing all day long, which would affect her confinement period.
On the third day of the bath, an urgent message from the Governor of Shaanxi and Gansu shocked the government and the public.
To rescue his father, the son of the Jie Nu King Zuo Guli ambushed Shen Congxing's army on the Qingshi River plain. Due to a recent victory, Shen's army was overloaded with baggage, stretched too far, and most of the generals were complacent. The army was cut into three or four sections by the lightning-fast Jie Nu cavalry. Another surprise attack stormed the central army camp, killing the key generals. King Zuo Guli was rescued, but Shen Congxing was seriously injured. The entire army was thrown into disarray, with countless officers and soldiers killed or wounded. General Duan Chengqian is currently in temporary command of the army.
There is another piece of news. Marshal Bo Tianzhou fell off his horse recently and is now unconscious. Bo's trusted confidants General Fu and General Gan are jointly in charge of the central army.
On the contrary, there is no clear news about the Zhang Gu army that was widely reported a while ago because it went deep into the grassland. No one can tell whether the army was defeated or wiped out.
Minglan counted on her fingers and found that according to the schedule of letter delivery, Shen Congxing must have been ambushed shortly after his great victory. At the same time, Marshal Bo fell off his horse and was seriously injured. The exact news about her beloved husband remained unclear.
The Emperor was furious, shocked, and worried. According to what Father Sheng had said, he seemed genuinely anxious now, compared to when news of Zhang and Gu's defeat arrived. The Empress and Little Shen both cried until they fainted. Zhang was a bit slower, and to accommodate the public, she herself became "worried and ill" half a day later.
Old Madam Bo said that she was extremely sad. For fear of dying, she decided to go to a farm outside Beijing to recuperate. Hearing this, Minglan couldn't help but complain: You have been a military wife for more than 50 years. Aren't you numb by now? Why are you sad?
That year, Marshal Bo caught a severe cold. Even the imperial physician said he was in critical condition. Madam Bo calmly patted her husband's blanket and said, "You go first. Don't wait for me. I'll find you."
Marshal Bo was furious and roared, "I will never die, you heartless bitch." After his tantrum, he recovered from his illness.
——When Gu Tingye told this story, he actually looked fascinated.
Military officers all requested reinforcements to send to the front, fearing that they would be left behind; civil officials submitted memorials like rain, some implicating several generals in negligence and asking the emperor to punish them severely, while others requested that the seriously injured Bo Chen be transferred back to the capital for further discussion; teahouses and taverns were also full of discussions, some scolding Shen, Zhang and Gu for their incompetence, while others whispered about the current situation of not knowing how to employ people and deploying troops carelessly - the capital was suddenly plunged into a strange noise.
Minglan remained silent.
In the next few days, I felt so tired that I couldn't even muster the energy to play with my son. I could only sit and watch Sister Xian patiently and gently teaching the little fat boy to speak. Sister Rong sat beside me and watched quietly, with a look of loss and longing in her eyes.
When she woke up that day, Xiaotao helped her sit up slowly. Cuiwei came in with a steaming copper basin, smiled and wet a towel, saying, "I went to see Ruomei this morning, and she looked much better. My brother is fat and strong, and two wet nurses are not enough to feed him."
Minglan struggled to stand up by supporting herself on the edge of the bed, put on a black and white quilted jacket with floral patterns, and slowly walked to the window. She opened the window slightly and reached out her hand. Fine raindrops fell on the back of her hand, and the cool breeze of late spring brought a cool feeling.
"It's a bit cold outside today, madam, please wear more clothes." Cuiwei wrung out the towel.
Minglan muttered, "I hate rainy days." She rolled her eyes and said shamelessly, "I might as well sleep a little longer." As she spoke, she moved her bloated body and walked to the edge of the bed with her feet turned outward like a fat penguin.
Cuiwei was both angry and amused. She placed the hot, damp towel over her hand and said, "Madam, if you want to sleep a little longer, it's fine. At least wash your face and hands first, and have some porridge before going to sleep. You may not be hungry, but the little boy in your belly needs to eat."
Minglan slowly wiped her hands and returned the towel. Just as she was about to say, "I want to eat some delicious milk cakes today," Lvzhi suddenly rushed in from outside in a panic. "Madam, madam, someone is coming from the palace and wants to summon you!"
With a "click", the towel in Cuiwei's hand fell into the basin, splashing a few small water droplets, which landed on the scarlet thick velvet carpet, staining some dark and ominous spots like ink stains.
Xiao Tao was the calmest, as she hadn't realized anything was wrong. Ming Lan said in a deep voice, "Change my clothes."
Luzhi took a step forward: "Madam, outside..."
Minglan calmed herself down and asked, "Is it an imperial decree or an oral order?"
Luzhi was a little confused. She tilted her head to think about it and immediately said, "It must be a verbal order, because Sister Liao didn't ask for an incense table to be set up." The Gu Mansion had received imperial edicts and rewards many times, and several of the maids knew the inside story.
Minglan no longer had the hazy, lazy look she had just had. She spoke succinctly and clearly, "Tell Manager Hao to invite all the angels to the front hall for tea and wait. Tell them that I haven't been feeling well lately and am still getting dressed."
Luzhi responded and was about to leave when Minglan called her back. She instructed, "You and Xia He, who have good eyesight, go to the front and identify whether the people who are here to announce the decree are the female officials and palace maids around the Empress or Eunuch Xia and his men."
Luzhi was quick-witted and realized the urgency of the matter, so she responded and ran out quickly.
Minglan took a deep breath, stood up straight, and opened her arms to let people help her dress and comb her hair; Xiaotao tried hard to put shoes on Minglan's feet, Cuiwei tied the belt of her dress and said in a trembling voice: "Madam is in this month, and you may give birth at any moment. Why did the palace summon you to the palace at this time? If something goes wrong..." Is it possible to give birth to the child in the palace?
Beads of sweat broke out on her forehead. "Could it be that the Marquis..." He wants to confiscate the property after the defeat?
Minglan slowly shook her head: "Don't scare yourself first."
Although the Queen is unreliable in many ways, she is indeed kind-hearted. Last time, because she was pregnant with the fat boy, she took the initiative to exempt her from entering the palace to express gratitude on the first day of the first lunar month. If there was no urgent matter, the Queen would never summon her to the palace at this time.
But if there is something important, shouldn't Xiao Shen give a hint in advance?
Unless you want to be held accountable.
But why would the Empress interfere in such a major military and national affair? A decree would suffice for the confiscation of property after a defeat, so why would she send a royal guard to announce it? Furthermore, there was no news from Liu Zhengjie. So, unless it was the Emperor...
After putting on the imperial robe, Xiaotao helped Minglan turn around in front of the mirror. Cuiwei carefully brought out the pearl crown and was about to put it on Minglan, but Minglan gently waved her hand and said, "This thing is very heavy. You hold it first."
At this moment, the sound of running feet like drumbeats could be heard outside. Luzhi and Xiahe came running in breathlessly. "Manager Hao has stabilized the angels. Xiahe and I took a closer look through the screen. They were led by a eunuch and a female official. They said they were following the Queen's orders, but we don't recognize any of them or the people behind them!"
Minglan frowned. This was a strange situation. She knew most of the prominent ladies-in-waiting and eunuchs around the empress.
Mother Cui came in from outside and whispered, "The sedan chair is ready, Madam, you..."
Seeing the old woman's worried face, Minglan comforted her, "Don't worry, Mom. You've never seen me suffer in my life."
Mother Cui felt a little relieved, and she helped Minglan to slowly walk out of Jiaxi Residence. Si sat in the sedan chair, and facing the cool drizzle, the group walked towards the front hall of the outer courtyard, and quietly walked around the main hall door. Minglan got off the sedan chair and walked along the side road, holding Lvzhi Xiaotao and quietly walked into the main hall from the back. Through the sixteen vermilion lattice windows, she could vaguely see Manager Hao in front of her constantly complimenting the angels and urging them to drink tea and snacks.
According to Luzhi, Manager Hao had already stuffed a lot of silver into the bag beforehand, so he could be so safe.
Minglan moved closer to the lattice and took a closer look through the lattice. From the big-eared eunuch to the skinny middle-aged female official, and even the row of young palace maids standing behind, there was indeed no one she recognized - could someone have forged the imperial edict?
Just as she was racking her brains to no avail, Mother Cui tiptoed over and whispered in her ear, "I've had a few seamstresses take a look. The clothes and accessories these people are wearing, as well as the batons they use, are undoubtedly from the palace."
Minglan frowned again, pondered for a moment, called Xiaotao over and whispered a few words, then looked up and whispered, "Just put it this way, and Manager Hao will understand."
Xiao Tao immediately ran out. Not long after, she saw Gu Quan quickly walk into the front hall and whisper in Hao Dacheng's ear, "Madam is behind the lattice fan. These palace maids are fake. Let's test them and ask Han Shanggong, the Queen's attendant, if her cough has healed."
Hao Dacheng was very shrewd. He glanced behind him calmly, then smiled and bowed, saying, "Eunuch Chen, Secretary Huang, the Empress has come to the palace many times in recent years to announce her imperial decrees and bestow rewards, but I have never seen you two. I guess there are so many nobles in the palace, and we can't recognize them all. It's also possible."
The eunuch's expression changed, then he said with a smile, "There are too many people to be employed in the palace. Today this person, tomorrow that person. Your Ningyuan Marquis' Mansion has always been generous. Coming to announce the imperial edict is a lucrative job. Many people are eager to come."
Hao Dacheng repeatedly said he dared not, and smiled at the female official, "Ms. Huang, I have a humble request. Before our wife arrives, I would like you to tell Han Gongling, who is serving as the Empress, that I have just made some excellent loquat paste and I don't know when it will be delivered. It's so cold today, and if the Gongling's cough comes back, what will we do?"
The female official remained motionless, her gaze glaring coldly as she said, "There are two palace officials in front of the Empress, one surnamed Liu and the other surnamed Wu. How could there be a palace official surnamed Han?! Stop trying to trick me! Hurry and get Madam Gu out. You've delayed important matters. Do you think the entire Gu family is going to survive?"
As soon as these words came out, Minglan's tense nerves seemed to loosen, her legs and feet went limp, and she almost couldn't stand. She supported Xiaotao and slowly walked away from the lattice fan. After sitting down, she wiped the cold sweat from her forehead and let out a long sigh.
The Queen did not have a palace maid surnamed Han by her side, but she had a highly trusted Han manager. The palace maid Liu was getting older and older and was about to retire. The Queen preferred Han to take over, so since the beginning of the year, the young palace maids and eunuchs had already called on Han to take over.
Of course, this kind of thing has always been about the subordinates but not the superiors. The subordinates know about it, but the superiors may not know about it. How could Huang, a small fifth-rank steward, not know about it, and how dare he be disrespectful?
Unless, she is not from the Queen's palace at all! Then it is... Minglan narrowed her eyes slightly.
Gu Quan ran into the front hall again to pass on the message. Hao Dacheng, who had been constantly apologizing and trying to please him, listened intently. Suddenly, his eyes lit up, and he turned around and laughed loudly, saying, "My Lords, I am ignorant. They say that fabricating something out of thin air is considered a false imperial decree. Then, does making up a decree out of thin air also count as a false imperial decree?"
The two men's expressions suddenly changed. The eunuch slammed the table and said sharply, "How dare you slander me like this!" The female official said sinisterly, "They say that Marquis Gu is very powerful outside, but this time we have seen it. Now he dares to disregard the words of the palace! He dares to disobey the order today, and I am afraid he will rebel tomorrow."
"You two don't need to accuse me of anything." Hao Dacheng smiled. He was a well-known figure in the outside world and was not the kind of person who would be easily frightened. "Our mansion is not one of those ignorant and insignificant families. With the friendship between General Zheng Xiao's wife and our wife, we still know who the important people around the Queen are."
The two men exchanged a glance, and the eunuch suddenly put on a smile. "Master Hao, you have good eyesight. We are indeed not from the Queen's palace. However, this decree was indeed issued by the Queen. Since the palace has been busy recently, the Queen sent us here to do this."
Hao Dacheng smiled and asked which palace they were from, but the two men hesitated and said they were just ordinary servants. Hao Dacheng immediately frowned and said, "You two are too contemptuous of me. Even if I were as stupid as a pig, I wouldn't believe it! The rules in the palace are even stricter than those in the homes of ministers. If such a large group of people want to leave the palace, they must have a pass. To be disrespectful, no matter how generous the Empress is, she is not likely to give out her own palace pass to anyone casually."
The eunuch was secretly worried because he saw that Hao Dacheng was not easy to fool. At this time, the female official suddenly said, "We are from the palace of Empress Dowager Sheng An. The Empress Dowager's position is higher than that of the Empress. You can rest assured now."
Hao Dacheng said coldly, "How can we be assured? You two have to give your own explanations. The Marquis is away from home, so we must be more careful to protect the Madam. How can we just hand her over to someone unknown?"
"Then what are you going to do? You are not going to disobey the order!" The eunuch was anxious and shouted in a shrill voice.
"We must know whether the two of you are from the palace." Hao Dacheng said slowly.
The female official looked at him coldly, slowly took out a black token with gold wire from her sleeve and slapped it on the table. Hao Dacheng leaned over to take a look, and found that it was indeed the entrance and exit token of the imperial palace; unfortunately, the female official quickly took the token back, and Hao Dacheng could not see the numbers A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and X engraved on the bottom of the token.
The female official said, "We are indeed from the palace. The palace is full of masters. It is not an injustice to ask Madam Gu to go there."
Hao Dacheng stroked his beard and was about to speak when he heard a commotion outside. A little maid stumbled in, crying, "Madam has a severe stomachache and is bleeding. She wants you to go get a doctor right away!"
Hao Dacheng's mind raced, and he immediately shouted in a panic, "Oh my! This is bad! The doctor just said my wife was pregnant, and it's really bad!"
He then yelled at a servant beside him, "You idiot, what are you still standing there for? Go get a doctor!"
The servant rolled on the ground and ran out. Hao Dacheng turned around and apologized with a smile: "My dear friends, our lady is going to give birth in the next few days, so we can't guarantee that... Alas, it seems that I can't enter the palace."
The female official and the eunuch's faces were extremely grim. They were about to threaten her when Hao Dacheng turned to the maid who had brought the news and said, "Hurry up and tell Madam that the doctor will be here soon. Please hold on. Madam, don't worry about entering the palace. I believe the masters in the palace are all kind and gentle. They would not deliberately take the lives of you and your child!"
The little girl seemed terrified. She wiped the tears from her face and ran out in a flash, all the way to Jiaxiju. When she entered the inner room, there was no trace of crying or panic on her face. She said mischievously and proudly, "Sister Xiaotao wanted to apply onions on me, but I said no. I cried so hard just now that I scared everyone!"
"Little girl, you're still showing off. Tell me what happened!" Luzhi pulled her into the house and asked repeatedly.
Cuixiu, like Xiaotao, said, half-wittedly, "Nothing serious. I left right after I finished speaking. Oh, Manager Hao said the doctor will be here soon."
Luzhi was so anxious that she jumped up and down, who asked the doctor?
Minglan laughed and said, "Why are you yelling at her? I told her to go and perform and she should come back after she's done." Luzhi glared at Xiao Cuixiu, sighed helplessly, and took her out to eat fruit.
Mother Cui and Cuiwei helped Minglan loosen her jacket, comb her hair into a bun, and take off her shoes and socks. After taking care of her for a long time, Minglan finally lay down on the bed. She felt sore all over and her calves were aching.
Seeing Cuiwei put away the imperial robes and iron them in the back, Madam Cui turned around and said, "Madam, is this okay...? After all, she is the Empress Dowager."
Minglan rubbed her temples and said softly, "The Empress Dowager is indeed the Empress Dowager, but she is not the Empress Dowager Sheng'an, but the Empress Dowager Shengde." One is her biological mother, and the other is... not even a stepmother.
Mother Cui was startled. "Ah, it's the Empress Dowager Shengde! We have no grudge against her, why are you trying to embarrass Madam?"
"Yes, yes, we all know she's trying to embarrass me. That old lady is just trying to tease me. If she asks me to stand in there for two hours, or kneel for half an hour, even if the Emperor and Empress come to rescue me, I'm afraid it will be disastrous. My life is at stake, and safety comes first. So, even if this decree is true, I can't obey it. The worst that can happen is that I'll go to court before the Emperor later. In short, we can't afford to suffer this loss right now..."
Minglan was mumbling to herself when she saw Xiaotao running in with red cheeks, followed by an anxious Lvzhi. She twisted Xiaotao's arm and asked repeatedly, "You've been waiting outside for a long time, hurry up and tell me!"
Xiao Tao shook off the green branch's claws and glared at him, "It hurts, let go, listen to me!"
After catching her breath, she approached Minglan and reported, "Butler Hao has already sent those people away. Madam, you don't know how furious those two were just now. They slammed the table, cursed, and said our mansion was going to revolt and that Madam must be sent away! I was terribly frightened, but Butler Hao wasn't afraid at all. He became more and more assertive the more he spoke. In the end, those two had no choice but to leave because they couldn't rush in to fight."
Minglan's lips curled up as she listened. She asked a few more questions about how the eunuch and the court lady had lost their temper and how they had threatened. Xiaotao recounted them all. Finally, Minglan praised, "Master Hao is a man of insight. There's definitely something fishy about this imperial decree."
The eunuchs who went to the ministers' homes to announce the emperor's orders were all arrogant and domineering. If anyone dared to disobey the emperor's orders, they would not say much, but would just sneer a few times and then file a severe complaint when they returned to report to the emperor and empress.
Unlike these two today, they seemed so anxious and seemed to be determined to take me away.
"They were furious. Before they left, they told us to just wait and see." Xiao Tao added the last sentence.
Minglan snorted disdainfully: "Just wait and see!"
Only the emperor had control over the imperial guards and the imperial guards, and could arrest criminals, confiscate their property, and bring them to justice. Even if there was nothing wrong with the imperial decree, Empress Dowager Shengde would have to report it to the emperor first, and the emperor would have to order the arrest, because the harem itself had no military power.
But if this will is false, hehe...
——Oops, that’s not right!
The smile froze on her face, and suddenly alarm bells rang in Minglan's mind. She sat up abruptly from the bed, pounded her pillow hard, and shouted, "Oh no! Oh no! Quick, Xiaotao, Luzhi, go find the steward Hao and ask him to send someone he trusts to first find Master Liu Zhengjie and tell him about this. Then go door to door and tell them not to enter the palace!"
"Who are these families?" Xiao Tao was startled.
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