Nanny Ping came to the main house of Furong Courtyard, glanced at Gu Yue first, and then bowed to Xie.
"Madam, I have something to report."
Xie glared at him, then softened his expression again.
She said to Chunhe, "Take the third young lady away and take good care of her."
"As you command."
Chunhe helped Gu Yue leave.
Gu Yue was not very willing, she stared at Nanny Ping.
This old witch doesn't show up on weekdays, but when she does, there must be something going on.
She wanted to hear what Nanny Ping had to say, but Chunhe was too strong and dragged her out of the main house.
After everyone left, Xie asked, "What's the matter?"
Nanny Ping said, "The Crown Prince's guest, Lord Wu, committed suicide, and Lord Liu took the initiative to resign and return home."
"What?"
Xie was confused for a moment, but she quickly reacted.
"Brother is no longer an official of the Eastern Palace. Why are you telling me all this?"
Nanny Ping continued expressionlessly, "The Prince's Household Manager was found dead in his study early this morning. He died of poisoning, and there was no suicide note. The Ministry of Justice has accepted the case. It could be suicide or poisoning."
Xie gradually felt the biting cold.
She roared at Mammy Ping, "What on earth do you want to do by telling me all this? Did Big Brother send you here? Big Brother still refuses to give up, does he?"
Madam Ping ignored Xie's shouting and continued, "Last night in the Eastern Palace, two eunuchs committed suicide, three eunuchs were executed, and the whereabouts of five palace maids are unknown. They are probably no longer alive."
Xie's face was ashen and she was gasping for breath.
She was very angry and she wanted to kill Nanny Ping with a knife.
She angrily scolded, "Go tell my eldest brother that his affairs have nothing to do with me, and don't involve me. From now on, he and I will go our separate ways, and tell him to stay away from me. And you, get out of the Gu Mansion right now. Otherwise, I will sell you out directly."
Matron Ping sneered, "Today, a beauty in the Eastern Palace committed suicide by swallowing gold. Furthermore, the Crown Prince's Left Guard is working hard to reorganize the Eastern Palace guards, replacing many of them."
Mrs. Xie was almost driven crazy by Madam Ping. "Where did you get all this information? I know. You must have gone to the Xie family and met Big Brother, right?"
Madam Ping looked at Mrs. Xie and said the most important words of the day, "Before the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the eldest master will definitely be reinstated by the Eastern Palace and will most likely be promoted to a higher rank."
"What did you say?"
Xie was shocked and couldn't believe it.
"It's only been a short time since Big Brother resigned, and the Eastern Palace is actually reinstating him? Is there no one left in the Eastern Palace? Why can't Big Brother let go? Why does he continue to serve as an official in the Eastern Palace? It's because he's an official in the Eastern Palace that he and the master have become enemies. Doesn't he know this?"
Matron Ping said, "Once you are an official of the Eastern Palace, you will be an official of the Eastern Palace for the rest of your life. The stigma of the Eastern Palace has been etched on you. There is no other way forward except to be an official of the Eastern Palace."
Xie slumped in her chair. "So the Xie family is completely tied to the Eastern Palace."
Madam Ping nodded, "Yes! The Master asked me to ask Madam if she wants to watch the Xie family being exterminated."
Xie stared at Madam Ping and said with gritted teeth, "I can't just watch the Xie family get plundered and exterminated, but can I just watch the Gu family get plundered and exterminated? Don't you know the stance of the Gu family and the Marquis' Mansion? They're clearly going against the Eastern Palace. If the Eastern Palace is in power, how can the Gu family be safe?"
Matron Ping said, "If the Eastern Palace gains power, the Gu family won't be well, but with the eldest master around, at least they won't have to worry about being exterminated. But if the Eastern Palace doesn't, the Xie family, from top to bottom, will be doomed to die without a burial place. The eldest master asked me to remind Madam to think more deeply about everything and not just focus on the present."
Xie chuckled, "Does Xie Mao think I'm a saint? He wants me to sacrifice my entire family for the sake of their prosperity. Go back and tell him, there's no way."
My son wants to study and become an official. As a mother, I can't help him much, but I can't hold him back either.
Also, tell Xie Mao that I'm not a fool, and tell him to stop treating me like one."
Xie was so angry that she couldn't breathe.
Madam Ping frowned, "Madam, do you really have to do this?"
Xie stared at Madam Ping fiercely, her expression twisted as she said, "It was Xie Mao who forced me into this state. In the past, when the master was exiled, I could ignore the right and wrong of the capital. But now that the master is sitting in the position of prefect of the capital, I can't just ignore it.
I haven't read many books, but I'm not stupid. In the past, I was blinded by greed and blinded by his words.
Now, I finally understand. I am a married woman, and even if the Xie family encounters a disaster, it will not implicate me.
I have a son by my side. As long as I take good care of my family and my son has a promising future, I can become a decent old lord in a few years.
Go tell Xie Mao that when he is beheaded, I will collect his body.
If his wife and children survive, I will do my best to take care of them. Beyond that, nothing else is possible."
Nanny Ping narrowed her eyes, seemingly unable to understand why Mrs. Xie had suddenly changed her attitude and made a 180-degree turn.
Xie snorted coldly.
Some time ago, she was ill and listless, unable to do anything. During that time, she kept thinking and thinking.
After thinking for such a long time, she finally figured things out.
The only people she can really rely on now are Lord Gu and her two sons.
The premise of all this is that nothing can happen to the Gu family, and both the Gu family and the Marquis' Mansion must be well.
In this case, she must draw a clear line with the Xie family, especially Xie Mao.
The Gu family and the Xie family naturally have conflicting positions.
Even if the Xie family fell, she could still continue to enjoy wealth and glory.
But if the Gu family failed, she would become a prisoner. If she was luckier, she would just be a poor old woman.
The Xie family's wealth and glory have nothing to do with her.
The Xie family had all kinds of delicacies, but she could only eat coarse food.
When Xie thought about the consequences, she no longer hesitated or wavered. She finally made up her mind.
Nanny Ping did not give up, she was making a final effort.
"Madam, can you bear to see the old man and the old lady suffer in their old age?"
Xie smiled coldly, "Father and mother have enjoyed wealth and glory for so many years, that's enough.
If you ask me, if the Xie family is really finished, the two old people might as well end their own lives cleanly.
Please tell them that after they pass away, I will personally collect their bodies and bury them. However, the funeral will not be grand.
Of course, if we can hold the funeral before the Xie family falls into decline, we can have a grand funeral.”
Madam Ping angrily scolded, "Madam, you have such a cruel heart."
Xie's expression was ferocious. "I'm so cruel, I learned it all from the Xie family. Who in the Xie family is kinder than me?
What Xie Mao did over the years, calling him a beast, is an insult to beasts.
Also, so many people died in the Eastern Palace this time. Isn’t Xie Mao involved?
Others may not understand him, but I do. Xie Mao is a ruthless, ruthless, ambitious, and shameless bastard.
"Master is absolutely right. Xie Mao is a shameless bastard. I will resolutely draw a clear line between myself and Xie Mao."
Nanny Ping said with a stern face, "Now that we've come to this, I'll take my leave. I just hope Madam won't regret it in the future."
Xie smiled coldly, "Don't worry, I will never regret it. From now on, get out of the Gu Mansion. I will notify the doorman not to let you in."
Nanny Ping snorted coldly and turned away.
Chunhe passed by Nanny Tongping.
Matron Ping glanced at her with disdain and said, "Don't waste your youth."
Chun He said with a cold face, "Madam, you should take care of yourself first."
The two men disliked each other, snorted at each other, and passed each other.
Chun He came to Xie's side and said, "Madam, the third young lady has been settled in."
"Um!"
Mrs. Xie frowned. The news that Nanny Ping brought to her was too shocking.
She was a little nervous at this moment, wondering whether she should discuss it with Lord Gu.
Since Xie decided to draw a clear line between himself and Xie Mao, he felt more confident.
She didn't have to worry about being suspected by Lord Gu because she was honest enough and had no evil intentions in her heart.
She glanced at Chunhe, "What else?"
Chunhe looked like she wanted to say something but hesitated, and it was impossible to ignore her.
Chun He hurriedly said, "Madam, I see that the Third Young Lady is not in a good mood and I'm worried that something has happened to her."
"What could possibly happen to her? She's obsessed with marrying Zhao Erlang. Before the wedding, she was more careful than anyone else. There's no way anything could go wrong."
Xie didn't care at all and thought Chunhe was worrying too much.
Chun He smiled and said, "Madam is indeed insightful. I have worried for nothing."
…
After leaving Gu Mansion, Nanny Ping went directly to Xie Mansion to meet Xie Mao.
These days, Xie Mao has been shutting himself in, refusing visitors and even inviting no one to his mansion for the New Year. Behind closed doors, he spends his days cultivating his character through music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. He appears indifferent to fame and fortune.
The servant came to report, "Master, Madam Ping has returned from the Gu Mansion."
Xie Mao was painting at the moment, without even looking up, "Let her in."
After a while, Nanny Ping was invited into the study.
When Nanny Ping saw Xie Mao, she immediately knelt on the ground. Her attitude changed from the arrogance she had in front of Xie to one of great respect.
"This servant pays homage to the master."
"No need to be polite."
Nanny Ping stood up, bowed and stood aside, not daring to disturb Xie Mao from painting.
Xie Mao was very satisfied with the completion of a painting of an eagle spreading its wings.
He washed his hands and ordered the servants to put the paintings away. Only then did he have time to look at Nanny Ping.
When Xie Mao looked at her, Nanny Ping became even more respectful.
"How's it going?" Xie Mao asked casually.
Madam Ping said anxiously, "I am incompetent. Madam said she wants to draw a clear line between us and the master. From now on, the Xie family is the Xie family, and the Gu family is the Gu family. Madam even kicked me out."
Xie Mao looked calm and not angry. He just asked, "You didn't tell her that the Xie family's prosperity and wealth naturally depended on her."
Nanny Ping lowered her head. "She did, but Madam was stubborn and refused to believe it. From what I've seen, she was scolded by Master Gu after arriving in Beijing, and she's become afraid. That's why she had to distance herself from you, Master."
Xie Mao sneered, "She is really not a worry at all."
Nanny Ping asked cautiously, "Master, what should we do next?"
"Let's leave it at that for now. The palace is not peaceful. Let's finish the palace affairs first, then talk about other things. Go find the steward and ask him to arrange accommodation for you. Since she kicked you out, you can work in the Xie family with peace of mind."
Nanny Ping immediately breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Thank you, sir." Then she bowed and took her leave.
The housekeeper came out from behind the screen and asked, "Master, what do you want to do with Madam Ping?"
Xie Mao's face darkened and he cursed, "Waste!"
He was obviously scolding Nanny Ping.
Then he added, "Keep her for now. She'll still be useful for the time being."
With just one sentence, Aunt Ping escaped and survived. However, Aunt Ping didn't know all this.
The housekeeper accepted the order and asked, "What should we do about the Gu family?"
"As for the Gu family, let's talk about it after the first month of the lunar year."
"I understand."
…
Weiyang Palace.
The Queen Mother was lying in bed. In just a few days, she was so sick that she couldn't get out of bed.
Fang Shaojian waited beside her, "...Don't worry, Your Majesty. Everything that needs to be dealt with in the Eastern Palace has been dealt with thoroughly. The Jinwu Guards will withdraw if they can't investigate further."
The Queen nodded, "How is the Crown Prince?"
"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is just outside the bedroom. Does Your Majesty wish to see him?"
The Queen smiled and said, "Let him in. I also want to hear what he has to say."
Fang Shaojian took the order and had his Royal Highness the Crown Prince invited into the bedroom.
In just a few days, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince seemed to have aged several years and looked extremely haggard.
He stood by the bed and saluted the Queen, "Mother, are you feeling better?"
The Queen pointed to the stool beside the bed and said, "Sit down and talk."
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince bowed and accepted the order, sitting upright on a round stool with a cautious look.
The Empress stared at the Crown Prince, "Do you have any complaints?"
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince shook his head. "I have no complaints. I have already dealt with the personnel according to your Majesty's instructions."
"Why, have you softened your heart? Or do you still think that I am cruel and ruthless and have no regard for human life?"
The Queen's tone was clearly dissatisfied, and her expression became angry.
The Crown Prince looked terrified, "I have never thought of this before."
The Empress snorted coldly, "Who am I doing all this for? It's all for you. I don't have many days left to live. If I don't clean up the termites around you now, what will you do when I die?"
The Crown Prince was panicked and said, "May your mother live a hundred years..."
"That's enough, stop talking nonsense, cough cough..."
The queen started coughing, but fortunately the cough soon passed.
She was furious. "It's already this late, and you're still talking nonsense. You're wasting my time."
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince lowered his head, a look of shame on his face.
The Queen looked at the rooftop and said, "I've been thinking a lot these days. I bear a great responsibility for your cowardly character. When you were still young, I shouldn't have left you to be taught by those so-called great scholars. They led to your corruption."
"The gentlemen are all very knowledgeable, and I have benefited a lot from them." His Royal Highness the Crown Prince defended himself in a low voice.
The Empress scolded him angrily, "You are the Crown Prince and will be the Emperor in the future. It is useless to just know how to greet others. Look at all the emperors who have left their names in history. How many of them were well-educated?"
What you need to learn is strategy, the mindset of an emperor, and the means to control your subjects. However, what have you learned all these years? Poetry and prose, the manners of a scholar.
You are not a scholar, and you don't need to take the imperial examination, so what's the point of learning these things? You are not clear-headed, and those drunkards in the East Palace are not clear-headed either?"
The Queen Mother opened fire and cursed the Crown Prince.
The prince lowered his head and dared not speak back. It was unbelievable that a man in his forties, a dignified prince, could be scolded like this.
The Queen Mother was so angry that she could hardly breathe.
Upon seeing this, Fang Shaojian hurriedly took out the pills and gave them to the empress.
After swallowing the pill, the Queen finally came back to life.
She stared at His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. "How can I be at ease with you like this? Even if I die, I will not rest in peace."
"Mother!"
The Crown Prince looked terrified. These words were too heavy. The words, "die with your eyes open," weighed on the Crown Prince like a mountain, leaving him breathless.
The Empress laughed at herself, "What are you afraid of? Are you worried that I won't be able to rest in peace after my death, so I'll go to the Eastern Palace to find you?"
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's face turned pale, his lips opened and closed, and he couldn't utter a word.
The Empress waved her hand wearily, "Don't say anything. After I die, if you encounter something you can't decide, ask Young Eunuch Fang."
"Your son obeys your order."
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince bowed in response.
The Empress looked at Fang Shaojian again and said, "When I leave, you will protect the Crown Prince for me and prevent the treacherous people from harming him."
Fang Shaojian accepted the order, "As you wish!"
The Queen knew very well that she didn't have much time left.
But before she died, she had to continue planning for the prince.
"Pass on my imperial decree to summon into the palace all the girls betrothed to the Emperor's grandson. Before I die, I want to take a good look at my future grandson's wife."
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