Chapter 45 Chapter 45
Chapter 45
The Su brother and sister simply sat down in a nearby pavilion. As expected of the Imperial College in the capital, the surrounding scenery was very nice, with mountains, water, and even cruise ships.
The two of them sat in the pavilion. Su Yinyin opened her purse, which contained a few pieces of candy. She made them when she had nothing to do, just right to kill time.
The smell of toffee made the young man on the boat rub his nose. He threw his fishing rod to the servant and looked up at the people in the pavilion: "Are you here to wait for someone in the Imperial College?"
The Su siblings looked over and saw a boy of about thirteen or fourteen years old, dressed in fancy clothes, looking neat and tidy.
Su Yinyin nodded: "Yes."
After the conversation, the other party came over and said, "Little sister, what are you eating? Why is it so sweet?"
Su Yinyin picked up the candy. Seeing that he was not polite, she felt a favorable impression of him: "If you don't mind, try it?"
"I was waiting for you to say that." The young man took the initiative to introduce himself, "My name is Jin Yanlei, and what about you?"
The brother and sister looked at each other and subconsciously used a pseudonym: "Surname Zhou."
They came to cause trouble for Zhu Zhongjie. Although they didn't need to hide it deliberately, it was also not easy to make it public, so they simply used their mother's surname.
"Brother Zhou, Sister Zhou." Jin Yanlei said, "This candy is really delicious. Where did you buy it?"
Su Yinyin was of course happy when someone praised her craftsmanship. She tilted her head and said, "I made it at home. I didn't buy it outside."
Actually not?
What a pity.
Jin Yanlei was a very outgoing person. He was a student of the Imperial College, but he had not yet passed the examination to become a scholar, so the provincial examination naturally had nothing to do with him.
Now the teachers in the Imperial Academy are all focusing on the provincial examination and don’t care about them at all, so they just come here to fish.
Since she was free anyway, Su Yinyin went along to play and just waited for the prince to leave.
Fortunately, it was almost as she guessed. As the future king, the prince had a lot of things to do. He stayed here for less than half an hour and was about to leave.
Jin Yanlei even asked her to look at the prince's carriage: "We are far away, so we don't need to perform the ceremony. If we were closer, we would definitely need to do so."
The prince's carriage was indeed different. Whether it was the guards leading the way or the palace maids and eunuchs following behind, it was enough to see their majesty.
If this is the case when he is the crown prince, will there be more of them after he ascends the throne?
It was the first time that Su Yinyin saw the royal family's official procession. She looked at it curiously and asked, "Will we offend anyone if we look at it like this?"
Jin Yanlei said, "No, my cousin the Crown Prince is a very nice person."
Prince, cousin?
The Su siblings looked over.
Jin Yanlei knew that he had said too much, and said embarrassedly: "I am his distant relative, and my mother has a good relationship with the palace, so I can call him cousin."
When his cousin the Crown Prince was studying, he was supposed to be sent to the palace as a companion. Unfortunately, he was not good at studying, so he was not able to go and came to the Imperial College with great reluctance.
In the past, his relationship with the prince was pretty good, but in recent years, the prince has become increasingly busy, so he no longer gets close to him.
Alas, studying is not fun no matter where you are, and I am even less interested in discussing government affairs. Eating and drinking is more interesting.
"Well, give me some more candies, and I'll trade them with you."
"Look at these items, take whichever you like." Jin Yanlei said as he took out the little gadgets on his body, such as jade pendants and rings.
He didn't say he would buy it with money, he just treated it as an exchange between friends.
Su Yinyin said: "It's just a few candies, it's okay."
While they were chatting idly, Su Xian's eyes were still on the prince's carriage.
Since he went to Shan Family Academy, he knew more things than before and heard about the current emperor, empress, and prince.
They supported the New Deal, wanted to thoroughly investigate corruption in the court, and were also interested in reforming the imperial examination system.
However, there was considerable resistance within the court, and the people also needed to recover from the wars of previous years, so the new policies were implemented slowly.
However, this year the prince has begun to observe government affairs, and perhaps the situation will be different.
Su Xian narrowed his eyes slightly. There was a figure in the prince's team. He seemed familiar?
The distance is too far and I still can’t see clearly.
In the distant team, Guo Zhan said in shock: "Your Highness, it is indeed Mr. Su and Miss Su."
Just now, the Crown Prince was leaving the Imperial Academy and was about to get on the carriage. He glanced at the pavilion in the distance and happened to see two people fishing and Su Xian watching them fishing.
Li Ruiyuan subconsciously got into the car quickly and asked Guo Zhan to confirm.
"There is also Jin Yanlei from General Jin's family."
This is a distant relative of the Queen's family. He was promoted for his contribution in the palace coup and almost became His Highness's tutor.
Although he failed to become a companion reader, he was often summoned to the palace during festivals.
Li Ruiyuan frowned and looked across the carriage towards the pavilion: "Check to see what Yinyin is doing in the Imperial College."
After that, Li Ruiyuan said again: "Forget it, let's go to the Su family after finishing the business."
When the prince left, the students of the Imperial College were obviously relieved.
Especially the few scholars who were seeing him off at the door wiped the sweat from their heads.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is indeed worthy of his reputation.
Although he is younger than them, his knowledge and experience are far superior to theirs.
"Luckily you're here, otherwise we would be really nervous to death."
"Brother Zhongjie, you are really amazing and have a deep understanding of current affairs."
"Brother Zhu is worthy of being the son of the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites. He is amazing."
As everyone was praising him, Jin Yanlei's servant came over and said politely, "Excuse me, are you Master Zhu Zhongjie? Our master wants to invite you to go fishing."
As soon as the three words "Jin Yanlei" came out, the other scholars' eyes lit up even brighter.
The Jin family is a popular family around the Queen!
Zhu Zhongjie was equally excited. He wiped the sweat from his head and quickly followed the servant forward.
But doesn’t General Fengguo’s youngest son hate these things? Why is he calling me?
When he arrived at the pavilion, there was only a very good-looking brother and sister there. Soon the servant who brought him here left and went directly to the cruise ship.
When he was confused, Su Yinyin spoke up: "Brother, I heard a story these days."
"What story?" Su Xian said.
"It is said that six years ago, there was an embroiderer in Suzhou who married a young master from a wealthy family who concealed his identity and gave birth to a daughter."
"When his family disapproved, the young master severed ties with them. Unexpectedly, as time went by, he actually regretted it."
Zhu Zhongjie, who had just wiped the cold sweat off his face, took a few steps back in shock. He wiped his forehead and instantly began to sweat profusely.
"This young master from a rich family couldn't endure hardship, so he abandoned his wife and children, went to study in another place, and never wrote to his family again."
"No, no, it's written." Zhu Zhongjie said immediately.
Su Yinyin pretended not to hear and continued, "Not only did he not write a letter, but he also asked his family to drive the mother and daughter away."
"In order to silence the mother and daughter, they even went so far as to falsely accuse the woman of theft and put them in jail."
"I'm afraid I'll miss my provincial examination."
Prison?!
Zhu Zhongjie was extremely shocked and quickly stepped forward and asked, "What did you just say? They were put in jail?!"
Su Yinyin sneered: "Aren't you shocked that they went to Beijing, but only shocked that they were put in jail?"
After saying this, Su Xian couldn't help but look at his sister.
What a smart sister.
Unravel the problem and find the crux of the matter.
Yes, they have been married for six years. As a husband, how could he not know his wife’s temper? How could he not know that he could not receive accurate information? Given his wife’s personality, how could he come directly to the capital?
It’s not that I don’t know, it’s that I’m pretending not to know.
He also counts on his family to help solve the problem.
But he didn't think about the fact that he had feelings for his wife and daughter, but not for his family.
Put that mother and daughter in jail, and they might think they were showing mercy.
Zhu Shusheng in front of me.
He is just a coward who is tempted by beauty, loves leisure and hates work, and pretends to be ignorant.
"Tell me where they are being held."
"It is impossible for Yue Niang to steal. It is absolutely impossible."
Zhu Zhongjie was extremely anxious. His daughter was only four years old. How could she endure such hardship? Yue Niang had a stubborn temper and would never steal anything.
It must be a false accusation by his family.
Su Yinyin looked at her brother and said, "Go ask the West City Military Inspection Department."
Without even asking the brother and sister's names, Zhu Zhongjie ran away. It was his fault that he couldn't lock them up, and he absolutely couldn't do that.
Bingmasi is a place that the two of them definitely can’t stand.
Yue Niang might be bullied again, so he must rescue them both.
"It's so annoying." Su Yinyin gritted her teeth, "Does he still think he's a good person? Does he think he's softer than the rest of the family?"
Su Xian was relieved. His sister was so smart and clever that his previous worries were unnecessary. "Maybe, but no matter how he beautifies himself, he can't hide the fact that he can't bear the responsibility."
If you can't marry her, don't bother her.
If your family doesn't agree, you should fight for it. How can you have an affair without a matchmaker?
It doesn't matter. The couple can just live a good life. Even if he fails to pass the imperial examination, they can still live a happy life.
I want both the one I love and the luxurious life at home.
There is no such good thing.
The Su siblings did not doubt Zhu Zhongjie's sincerity.
But in addition to being sincere, you must also be responsible.
Unfortunately, he had the former, but not much, and the latter did not exist at all.
"If he is the next successor of the Zhu family, then the Zhu family will soon be finished."
This is what Jin Yanlei heard when he came up with the fresh fish.
He didn't know why the Zhou brothers and sisters called Zhu Zhongjie, so he avoided them consciously and only came back after the person left.
Hearing Sister Zhou's comments, Jin Yanlei said, "How is that possible? The Zhu family is now at its peak."
"The Zhu family has many students, and because Zhu Zhongjie has excellent grades, he stands out in the Imperial College."
"Don't let anyone hear it, or they will tell on you."
Anyway, to outsiders, the Zhu family had Old Master Zhu in the past and now has Minister Zhu as the head, so there is always someone to succeed them.
How many people are waiting to get married.
Su Yinyin raised her eyebrows.
Yeah.
Unfortunately, the illusion of perfection will soon be exposed.
It was Zhu Zhongjie who exposed it himself, it has nothing to do with her.
Su Yinyin was happy and stuffed all the remaining snacks in her purse to Jin Yanlei: "There are two more fruit candies, which are also delicious. See you again if there is a chance."
She pulled her brother and hurried away, waiting to go back to West City to watch the fun!
That would be a lot of fun!
Zhu Zhongjie rode a fast horse towards West City. He had to run because he couldn't ride a horse.
Xicheng Bingmasi.
Xicheng Bingmasi.
He will definitely rescue them.
He thought Yue Niang would come to the capital, but he never thought it would be like this.
Everything will be fine once he passes the provincial examination.
You can also bring both mother and daughter home.
Why is this happening.
He has tried very hard.
That's the Bingmasi, full of ruffians. How would they treat Yue Niang and her daughter?
The West City Military Department was the same as usual, with only soldiers coming and going.
The atmosphere inside was extremely tense.
In the past two days, everyone knows about the conflict between the two commanders of the Inspection Department and the Fire Ban Department.
One wants to put people in jail.
The other one is definitely not allowed.
Although the other two departments did not participate, they were observing secretly.
Most people support Commander Su, not only because Commander Su is a nice person and polite to his brothers.
Moreover, they are all subordinate departments of the Bingmasi. Why should your Inspection Department be superior? Just because you can arrest people?
It is good to have Commander Su now to dampen the enemy's arrogance.
What happened recently was that the Inspection Department was even more dishonest. Deputy Envoy Liang of the Inspection Department was embarrassed to see Commander Su.
I remember that the marriage of Deputy Envoy Liang’s daughter was arranged by Commander Su’s daughter.
Not only did her daughter's marriage go beautifully, but her son-in-law also passed the provincial examination and became a juren.
Two years ago, he was sent to work as an official abroad and brought his daughter with him. I heard that she was doing very well there.
Not everyone can find such a good marriage and such a good son-in-law.
Deputy Envoy Liang accepted such a big favor, but his own boss not only deliberately made trouble for him, but also spread rumors about Commander Su, saying that he had an affair with that beautiful woman.
That's Commander Su, who usually goes straight home after work. Not to mention going to brothels, he would go to clean places even to drink sake.
No wonder Deputy Envoy Liang has been unable to hold his head up recently.
With a boss like this, who can hold their head up high?
The people in their military department didn't believe it, but rumors were already spreading outside.
I heard that there have always been people watching the fun in front of Mrs. Su's Huinu Dim Sum Shop.
"Brothers, when you pass by, please help and don't let people gossip about you."
"Of course. A few years ago, my mother was sick and short of food. It was Madam Su who gave her rice and flour. I still remember it."
"When my brother was getting married, the family was in need of snacks, so we took them from her family and gave them the money afterwards."
"What are you doing? I have a fellow countryman who was a comrade-in-arms guarding the border. He relied on the money given by the Su family to heal his injuries in the early years, which was equivalent to saving his life."
"Stop talking. If you continue, some people will get jealous again."
In the West City Military Department, people’s hearts and minds are clearly divided.
In other words, a few commanders from the Inspection Department are lackeys and are determined to cause trouble for the Fire Prohibition Department.
Seeing that another conflict was about to break out, he started to utter dirty words.
"Only Commander Su is a good guy. We are all ruffians, right?"
"No wonder he didn't accept that beautiful woman. He just fell in love with her."
"So that's how it is. If you had told me earlier, it would have been easier for the brothers."
"It's the same no matter how many times I say it! Your commander didn't lock up that beautiful woman named Liu Yue, but he wanted to lock her up in his own home, right?!"
When Zhu Zhongjie ran over, he just happened to hear these words and was terrified. What does this mean? !
I have always known that the soldiers in the Bingmasi are all ruffians.
But hearing this still made him so frightened that he rushed over and punched the man: "What did you say?!"
"What are you talking about?!"
The soldier who was hit hit back.
This weak scholar with bruises on his face dared to hit him? !
After the fight, I found something was wrong. The other party was wearing clothes from the Imperial College and had nice accessories on him. He must be a young master from some family.
But whose young master comes to the Bingmasi to cause trouble?
Anger flashed in both parties' eyes. Zhu Zhongjie was stunned and even more panicked: "What did you do to Yue Niang? What did you do to Yue Niang?"
"Is she in prison? Take me to her!"
The soldier next to him realized something and immediately asked, "Who are you to her? Why do you keep calling her Yue Niang?"
Who is he?
Zhu Zhongjie hesitated, as his mother repeatedly warned him not to call her his wife.
If I admit that it was my wife, it would not end well.
The soldier who took Su Yinyin's chiffon cake yesterday followed up with a sentence: "She is guilty of a serious crime, and the girl next to her will also not escape punishment. She will be locked up in prison for at least ten years. It's a pity for such a beautiful woman."
Felony, little girl, punishment, beautiful.
After a few words were added together, Zhu Zhongjie said loudly: "I know her, I am sure she didn't steal! Yue Niang is not that kind of person!"
"How can you be sure? She became the mistress of the commander of the Fire Prohibition Department for some money, didn't you know?!" The soldiers from the Inspection Department shouted, obviously wanting to put the blame on Commander Su.
When Commander Su came in, his face turned black.
The commander of the patrol department beside him was still adding fuel to the fire: "Old Su, that girl is really beautiful. You took her as your mistress for just a few coins. Shouldn't you thank me, your brother?"
Without waiting for Commander Su to speak, Zhu Zhongjie said angrily, "I've already said that Yue Niang is not that kind of person! She is an excellent embroidery worker! Even if she doesn't have money for the time being, she will never do anything shameful."
"She, she will never let me down."
Everyone looked at the scholar who was causing trouble, but Commander Su spoke up instead: "Are you her husband?"
My husband.
Zhu Zhongjie didn't dare to admit it, but the people around him stared at him. If he said it wasn't her, Yue Niang would definitely fall into their hands!
The commander of the patrol department felt something was wrong, but he didn't know the inside story. He just had someone ask him to lock up Liu Yue, so he could only hesitate and say, "If you are her husband, why didn't you come before? Do you know what she did?"
"No! She didn't do anything!"
"With her abilities, she will be able to live a very good life and won't need any help from others!"
"You must be the ones bullying her!"
Also, his family bullied Yue Niang, which is why she was locked up by these people.
"Let her go quickly, or I'll report her to the government!"
Everyone looked at the crying young master and couldn't help but say, "If you were her husband, then you would take a serious attitude and clear her of the charges."
"If not, don't make trouble here."
"Yes, I am Yue Niang's husband! That little girl is my biological daughter! If you dare to touch her, I will report it to the emperor!" Zhu Zhongjie gritted his teeth. He must rescue Yue Niang and said to the so-called commander, "Where did you hide her?!"
Commander Su was speechless.
What are you hiding?
Neuropathy.
Commander Su said, "Since you know what kind of person your wife is, why bother asking me?"
Commander Su muttered a few words. Now that the other man's husband had arrived, the stigma on him could finally be washed away.
Although Hui Niang didn't say anything these two days, he obviously felt something was wrong. He felt wronged because she just coaxed him after closing the door every day.
As he was speaking, Liu Yue, who was taken to the Bingmasi for questioning, appeared.
Liu Yue brought her daughter with her. She was clean and tidy without a trace of dirt. It was obvious that she had not been imprisoned or hidden at home by anyone.
Zhu Zhongjie let out a long sigh and hurried forward: "I'm glad you're okay, I'm glad you're okay. Someone said you were locked up in a cell, I'm here to save you."
Liu Yue took a deep breath, apologized to Commander Su first, and said simply: "I was supposed to be detained, but Commander Su wanted to see the evidence. I have neither evidence nor a confession, so of course I will not be detained."
"Commander Su was kind-hearted and gave us some money to stay where we are. That's why the rumors started spreading."
Suddenly, the truth came to light.
She has nothing to do with Commander Su and she has a husband.
If you continue to spread rumors, your husband will cause trouble for you first.
Judging from the other party's identity, if they continue to say more, they might be sued.
The farce quickly spread throughout Xishi.
Everyone knew that the beautiful woman had come to the capital to look for her husband who was taking the imperial examination. Unexpectedly, she was falsely accused of theft. Fortunately, her husband came to look for her after he found out.
The person has been taken away now.
As for those rumors, they are all false.
The husbands of other people have concluded that their wives are definitely not that kind of person.
Mrs. Su from Hui Nu Dim Sum secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Rumors can hurt people, and there have been too many random words recently.
Even my uncle's family came to ask about it secretly, which was really frustrating, but now the problem has finally been solved.
After returning home, the Su brothers and sisters kept their achievements and fame hidden.
Alas, it’s a pity that I didn’t see the excitement in person. That scene must have been very interesting.
But Su Yinyin was also wondering, was Liu Yue really taken away?
It would be fine if it was just Zhu Zhongjie, but what if it fell into the hands of the Zhu family?
Fortunately, Zhu Zhongjie has already acknowledged that Liu Yue is his wife, so the divorce papers should be easy to get.
Seeing that there were so many people at this time, the rumors had also spread. After discussing with her daughter, Madam Su officially announced: "Tomorrow, Huinu Dessert will have a new product, chiffon cake, which is definitely the softest dessert in the entire capital. You are welcome to come and buy it."
Chiffon cake!
They've heard of it!
Someone has tried it!
I heard it’s really delicious!
Hui Nu Dim Sum had two good things happen at the same time: the rumors were dispelled and new products were launched.
There are still two days before the provincial examination. The already bustling Taipei City has obviously attracted more people because of Huinu Dim Sum's new dim sum.
Su Yinyin didn't have to worry about the store's affairs. She still thought about Miss Liu Yue, wondering if she had gotten what she wanted.
At this moment, the atmosphere in the Zhu family was a bit gloomy.
When the master of the Zhu family came back from the government office, he heard what happened today.
There is no wall that is impenetrable, not to mention that Zhu Zhongjie rescued a woman from the Xicheng Bingmasi and said that the woman was his wife.
Many people in the noble families were vaguely aware of the absurd things this young man had done in Suzhou, but they did not expect that it would cause trouble in the capital.
It would be fine if he didn't show up, but he went there himself, which would be embarrassing for everyone.
The old master of the Zhu family angrily scolded the current master of the Zhu family: "If you had been so ruthless, you could have loaded the mother and daughter onto a truck and sent them back to Suzhou. There wouldn't be any trouble now. The provincial examination will be held in two days. What if you delay his examination?"
The head of the Zhu family, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, was already overwhelmed by the provincial examination, and now he was scolded again, but he could only respectfully say: "Dad, things are different now. If the people from the City Gate Department find out that we have kidnapped a mother and daughter, they will definitely report us to the government. It's not easy to fool the government now, and they will definitely report to the court. By then, it will be more than just a shame."
This was also the reason why he hinted to his men to lock up the mother and daughter on charges of theft.
Speaking of the fact that times have changed, the old man of the Zhu family had an unpleasant expression on his face, but he also understood that the current emperor would not tolerate such a thing happening.
"The imperial court officials are afraid of a little girl like her."
"Where did you put her, grandson? Have you found the place?"
"We found them. They are in a courtyard in the west city." Minister Zhu said, "We need to keep them stable for now. We can talk about everything after the imperial examination is over."
"This is the only way. By the way, don't even think about the divorce. It's just an affair without a matchmaker. How can it be considered a marriage? Why would she need a divorce? The marriage certificate issued by the Suzhou government is not real. It's useless for her to show it to you."
"At most she's just a concubine, which is good for both of them."
They will definitely put the most academically gifted child in the family on the right track.
No matter what people say outside, we can't mess around now.
Zhu Zhongjie was in the study, feeling very uneasy.
He couldn't concentrate on his studies when he thought of Yue Niang and her daughter in the capital.
It reminded him of his time in Suzhou.
Yue Niang is wearing beautiful red sleeves and her daughter is sleeping soundly beside her.
The days are so plain and warm.
If only it could stay like that.
Perhaps, this kind of life can continue.
But, if that were the case, it would be unfair to Yue Niang.
But he had no choice. That method was already the best option. He had no choice. He hoped that Yue Niang would not be sad.
Zhu Zhongjie held the book tightly and tried hard to read.
There are still two days left before the provincial examination. When he passes, he will definitely tell his family about it.
At this moment, the Su family's home has finally returned to its former relaxed atmosphere.
Su Xian also picked up the book. He was also going to take the provincial examination, so no matter how nervous he was, he would study hard.
The family had just finished their meal, and when it was getting dark, they heard a knock on the door.
The person outside the door was still familiar, it was Yuan Rui.
Yuan Rui also brought two baskets of citrons and said, "I heard that you are going to sell chiffon cakes, so citrons are definitely a must."
That being said, you can’t just keep taking it for free.
Li Ruiyuan also took out a piece of paper and said, "Here are the addresses of several citron merchants in Bianjing. You can go to these stores and have a look. They are good quality and cheap."
This hit the nail on the head for Su Yinyin. She and her mother had been looking for a citron seller in Bian Jing recently.
Unfortunately, the citrons from Lingnan are too far away from here, and the lemons shipped here are either not very good or too expensive. Now that there are new merchants, things will naturally be better.
The two hadn't seen each other for a few days, and they were actually a little nervous at the moment.
Su Yinyin looked up at him, saluted him for the first time in her life, and said hesitantly, "Thank you."
The dark weather obscured Li Ruiyuan's fleeting light. His tone sounded normal, with only a few differences occasionally heard: "There's no need to thank us between us."
"By the way, I heard something happened with Commander Su. How is it going?"
Su Yinyin thought for a moment and said, "It's all right now."
"Is that so? What about you? What have you been doing recently?"
In previous years, Su Yinyin would have definitely told everything at once, including Liu Yue and Zhu Zhongjie. She would have had a lot to say.
In fact, I have an urge to express myself now.
But after thinking about it, she still said: "It's nothing, just make some snacks at home."
"I didn't go anywhere else. I just played around with my brother."
Have you been there?
Su Yinyin scratched her head. There was nothing much to talk about after going to the Imperial College with her brother.
"No, it's nothing, it's all resolved anyway."
Li Ruiyuan left the Su family and slowly walked towards the entrance of the alley with a puzzled look in his eyes.
Guo Zhan was trembling in fear behind him: "Your Highness, Miss Yinyin definitely didn't hide it from you on purpose. I think the matter must have been resolved. There is nothing to say."
There's nothing to say.
Li Ruiyuan pursed his lips and looked back at the Su family's gate. How could he have nothing to say?
They should be able to talk about anything.
Or does Yin Yin hate him?
is that so.
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