When it got dark, Gu Jiu and Liu Zhao returned to the palace.
As soon as he got off the carriage, a eunuch came to the eunuch Lin Shuping and whispered what had happened.
Lin Shuping's expression changed slightly, and then he quietly reported to Liu Zhao.
Liu Zhao remained calm, nodded slightly, and then said to Gu Jiu: "You go back to your room first, I have to go out for a while."
Gu Jiu was worried, "You drank alcohol, can your body handle it?"
Liu Zhao said expressionlessly, "That's fine. I might be back home very late tonight, so you don't have to hold the door open for me. I'll just stay in the Wenshuyuan."
Gu Jiu said: "I will leave the door open for you, no matter how late it is."
In front of others, Gu Jiu will give Liu Zhao enough face.
Liu Zhao really benefited from it, and his hard heart suddenly became soft.
He didn't care whether there was anyone watching or not, he just held Gu Jiu's hand and didn't allow Gu Jiu to open his eyes.
He whispered to her, "Wait for me at night. I'll try to come back early."
Gu Jiu felt like he had dug a hole for himself.
She said stubbornly, "Then you must come back soon."
Liu Zhao nodded heavily, let go of Gu Jiu's hand, and led his men out of the palace.
Gu Jiu calmed himself down and took the maids and servants back to the east courtyard.
As soon as they entered the upper courtyard of the east yard, Xiao Cui, who stayed behind in the palace, told Gu Jiu a shocking news.
"Miss Wu died suddenly? Is this true?"
Xiao Cui nodded repeatedly, "This is absolutely true. I even went to check, and Concubine Wu is gone."
Gu Jiu felt a chill in his heart.
She dared to guarantee with her own life that Lady Wu would never die suddenly.
Concubine Wu was young and looked in good health. She just had a miscarriage, and Doctor Hu had already diagnosed her pulse and prescribed medicine. In any case, there was no reason for Concubine Wu to die suddenly.
Unless it's human-made.
Someone wanted Concubine Wu to die, so Concubine Wu had to die.
In the palace, the only people who could do this were the princess and Prince Ning himself.
Gu Jiu asked, "Has the body been buried?"
Xiao Cui nodded. "He's already been buried. Because he died suddenly, he needs to be sent to the funeral home before nightfall."
Gu Jiu rubbed his eyebrows. The cruelty of the palace was evident from this.
Lady Wu, who was smiling like a flower last night, was declared dead today.
What had she done wrong that she had to die?
Is it true, as Princess Pei guessed, that Concubine Wu is unfaithful?
But judging from the prince's expression last night, he should not have doubted Concubine Wu's chastity.
So what exactly is the problem?
Gu Jiu asked again: "Did the princess say anything?"
Xiao Cui thought for a moment before saying, "I didn't see the princess, I only saw Nanny Qin beside her. Nanny Qin sent word that Concubine Wu should be buried as soon as possible and her courtyard should be cleaned up. She also issued a gag order, forbidding anyone in the palace from discussing Concubine Wu."
So that's it.
Gu Jiu asked again: "Is the prince back? Did the prince say anything?"
Xiao Cui said, "The prince returned shortly after noon. Upon learning of Concubine Wu's sudden death, he instructed his men to properly handle her funeral."
Gu Jiu's heart was cold, and the cruelty of the royal family members was evident from this.
Nanny Fang whispered, "I wonder if it was the prince or the princess who gave the order for Concubine Wu to die suddenly."
Gu Jiu said: "Of course it was the order from the prince."
Nanny Fang was puzzled. "Why is Madam so sure it was the prince's order?"
Gu Jiu laughed sarcastically, "When the prince returned after noon, he was not surprised to hear that Concubine Wu had died suddenly. He simply ordered a proper burial. It was obvious that the prince had already known Concubine Wu's fate.
The prince went to the palace before dawn. How did he learn about Concubine Wu's sudden death?
Secondly, if the princess ordered the punishment of Concubine Wu, would the prince not even ask a single question?
Obviously, there is only one answer: the prince ordered the execution of Concubine Wu, causing her sudden death."
Qingmei speculated, "Could it be that what the Princess said is true, and Concubine Wu is really unfaithful?"
Gu Jiu shook his head. "There's no way to know. Maybe it's this reason, maybe it's another reason."
Gu Jiu was more inclined to believe there were other reasons.
There must be some inside story that caused the prince to change his mind at the last minute, leading to Concubine Wu's sudden death.
But she knew nothing about the matter, so she had no way of guessing.
Nanny Fang went out for a while and came back after a while, "Madam, the servants from the East Courtyard are all here. Would you like to see them now?"
This should have been done yesterday.
It’s just that I was too tired from the kiss yesterday, so I postponed it to today.
Gu Jiu nodded and said, "Let them come in in batches."
The four servants, washing the brush, washing the ink, washing the inkstone, and tending the sword, had been with Liu Zhao since they were young and were considered his most useful servants.
According to Nanny Fang, these four servants are all skilled in martial arts. They serve as both servants and bodyguards.
After that came four eunuchs and twelve guards.
There were originally twenty-four guards, twelve of whom had gone out with Liu Zhao on business and were not in the mansion.
Gu Jiu met with them one by one and gave them all first or second class rewards.
After that, there are the old women and maids.
Among the maids, there was a woman named Sun Da Niang, who was said to have nursed Liu Zhao for a period of time and was considered a half-wet nurse. Therefore, Sun Da Niang was very considerate among the maids.
She was in charge of the sewing room in the east courtyard. If the maids wanted to use some needlework and cloth to make a purse, they had to get Aunt Sun's permission.
Aunt Sun smiled broadly and said to Gu Jiu, "Madam, please tell me what needlework you want to do. I promise to do it properly."
Gu Jiu laughed, "Thank you, Auntie. I wonder how many children you have and where they work?"
Aunt Sun said, "My husband manages a farm for the prince's palace. My son works for the steward, doing errands and odd jobs. My daughter, Chunjuan, works for the young master."
oh!
Aunt Sun's family had become like the servants of the royal palace. The whole family depended on the royal palace for their livelihood.
But Aunt Sun’s daughter was actually serving Liu Zhao.
Gu Jiu noticed this information.
She smiled at Aunt Sun and said, "When you encounter problems in the future, don't bother me, come and ask me directly."
"I will obey Madam."
Gu Jiu gave Aunt Sun a first-class reward and sent him away.
She exchanged glances with Nanny Fang, who understood and stared at Aunt Sun.
If Aunt Sun is honest and decent, that would be fine.
Otherwise, I will definitely find an opportunity to give Aunt Sun a lesson.
Finally, Gu Jiu saw the several maids serving Liu Zhao.
There are eight maids, headed by four maids: the piano, the chess, the calligraphy, and the painting.
Among the other four maids was Sun Da Niang’s daughter Chunjuan.
There were eight maids, each of them had an elegant appearance and a tall figure.
Any one of them would be more respectable than the daughters of ordinary officials.
"You have served the young master for many years. Thank you for your hard work."
"I don't deserve it. Serving you, sir, is the duty of me and my fellow servants."
Gu Jiu nodded, "It's good that you know how to abide by your duties. From now on, you will continue to serve the young master, and don't mess around and cause trouble."
Several maids looked at each other.
They originally thought that the lady would definitely dislike them when she came in.
They had already made preparations before coming. If the lady canceled their duties and did not allow them to serve the young master, the eight of them would definitely argue with her and even go to the princess princess to make a scene.
But unexpectedly, the lady actually let them continue to serve the young master.
The eight people were overjoyed.
The leading servant, Shiqin, said, "Madam, rest assured. We, the servants, will do our best to serve the young master and will not let you worry."
Gu Jiu raised her eyebrows and smiled, "When it comes to serving people, this lady naturally trusts you. I have seen you serve the young master these past two days, and you are so careful and thoughtful. Many of the maids around me are not as good as you.
Qingmei, Qingzhu, learn from Shiqin and the others when you have time. Don't be proud and complacent, but be humble and eager to learn. Shiqin, are you willing to teach Qingmei and Qingzhu?"
Shiqin and the others lowered their heads and exchanged glances with each other, unable to figure out what the lady was up to.
Why should they be asked to teach Qingmei and Qingzhu?
But since the lady had spoken, they naturally couldn't refuse.
Shiqin said: "Madam thinks highly of us, so we, the servants, are naturally willing."
Qingmei secretly sneered, "The madam gave you some respect, but you still dared to open a dyeing factory."
Nanny Fang gave Qingmei a look, reminding her to be patient and not to ruin the lady's plan.
Qingmei hurriedly lowered her head, not revealing any of her thoughts.
Gu Jiu laughed, "You are all excellent. Here, this is your reward, one for each of you, don't be disgusted."
"Madam, you are too kind to me. Madam, how dare I despise your reward?"
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "The young master will be back late tonight, so you can make your own arrangements first. I'll call you when there's something."
"I will obey Madam."
The eight maids filed out of the upper room.
Gu Jiu breathed a sigh of relief. It was not an easy thing to meet so many people.
She leaned against the soft couch and asked, "Madam Fang, what do you think of those maids?"
Nanny Fang bowed and said, "They all think highly of themselves. They have the bodies of maids but the hearts of ladies. They rely on the dignity of serving the young master and are unwilling to be inferior to others."
Gu Jiu laughed sarcastically, "If they were serving me, I wouldn't mind giving them a chance to climb up the social ladder. But since they are serving you, that's another matter."
Nowadays, there are many maids who think the same as Jiang Yan.
However, not every maid is as frank as Jiang Yan.
Most people say one thing and mean another. They say they dare not, but in their hearts they are making all kinds of calculations.
Gu Jiu didn't hate those maids, but if they dared to touch her interests or compete with her for men, don't blame her for being rude.
Sooner or later, she and Liu Zhao would have a child. She would never allow anyone to dilute the child's interests or threaten his status.
In short, if those maids behaved themselves, Gu Jiu would naturally tolerate them.
If they were too cunning, Gu Jiu wouldn't mind taking action himself and sending those maids away.
Since she was able to send Taohong away back then, she can naturally send the maidservants around Liu Zhao away now.
Qingmei was a little indignant. "I've seen Shiqin and the others. They all have foxy faces and are unwilling to stay in their proper place. Madam, you have to be on guard."
Gu Jiu laughed, "That's not quite right. You, Qingzhu, Xiaocui, the three of you should get in touch with them more and try to get closer to them. Once they get familiar with you, they'll naturally be less wary of you."
Qingmei smiled happily, "I understand. I will definitely get along well with Shiqin and the others."
In the evening, Gu Jiu left the door open for Liu Zhao.
However, when she fell asleep, Liu Zhao had not returned.
When I woke up in the morning and touched the bed, it was already cold.
Looking at the marks on the bed, it was obvious that someone had slept there.
Gu Jiu rubbed his eyebrows, wondering whether Liu Zhao had returned or not.
She rang the bell and several maids came in to serve her.
Gu Jiu asked, "Did the young master come back last night?"
Qingmei nodded, "I have been back. I came back at midnight and went out again before dawn."
Gu Jiu said "oh".
Then he asked, "Did the young master say anything?"
"The master ordered the servants not to disturb the lady while she was resting. He also ordered the servants to remind her to eat well and eat more so that she could grow flesh."
The corners of Gu Jiu's mouth twitched.
Does Liu Zhao really want to raise her like a pig?
Can we slaughter and eat them after fattening them up?
Gu Jiu asked again: "Did the young master say anything else?"
Qingmei nodded, "The Master said he would be very busy these few days, leaving early and returning late every day. He told Madam not to wait for him."
Gu Jiu understood.
Either something happened in the court, or something unexpected happened in private.
After breakfast, Gu Jiu went to Chunhe Hall to pay his respects to the princess.
When she arrived, Second Madam Ouyang Fu had already arrived.
"Second brother and sister-in-law came so early?"
Ouyang Fu stood up and said, "Hello, sister-in-law. You came quite early."
Gu Jiu smiled softly, "I'm new here, I don't know what the princess likes. Can you teach me?"
Second Madam Ouyang Fu nodded and whispered, "The Princess naturally likes everyone to obey her. She deeply detests anyone who contradicts her. Furthermore, the Princess prefers luxury to simplicity."
With these two points, Gu Jiu could basically guess the princess's principles of action.
At this time, the fourth lady Xiao Qin'er also arrived.
As for the third wife, she has not shown up in recent days because she is ill and is afraid of spreading the disease.
The fifth and sixth sons are both unmarried.
There are three unmarried girls in the mansion. They entered the palace together yesterday to show their filial piety to Concubine Shu and will stay there until the New Year.
The three daughters-in-law came to pay their respects and report matters.
Ouyang Fu and Xiao Qin'er are now assisting in the management of the mansion. They can handle minor matters on their own. Major matters must be reported to Princess Pei for her decision.
After the three of them arrived, the two concubines, beauties, and talented women also came to Chunhe Hall to pay their respects.
When everyone was present, the eunuch shouted, and Princess Pei came out holding the hand of her maid.
Everyone stood up and stepped forward to greet her. "Greetings to the Princess."
"Let's all sit down and talk. We're a family, there's no need for all this formality."
Pei sat down in the main seat.
Gu Jiu sat at the lower left, with Xiao Qin'er and Ouyang Fu beside him.
Opposite her sat Concubine Shen, Concubine Luo and others.
Pei first glanced at Gu Jiu, who came to pay his respects for the first time after entering the room.
She asked, "My eldest daughter-in-law, I went back to my parents' home yesterday. How are my in-laws?"
Gu Jiu bowed slightly and said, "Reporting to the Concubine Mother, everything is fine in the Gu Mansion. The Madam of the Marquis Mansion also asked her daughter-in-law to send her regards to the Concubine Mother."
Pei said, "I know little Wei. When we were young, we were close friends. How is she?"
Gu Jiu nodded, "Very good."
Pei spoke in a friendly manner today and did not find fault with Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu wondered in his heart whether the princess had been particularly irritable in the past few days because she had her little one.
Pei didn't pay much attention to Gu Jiu, but asked about Xiao Qin'er, the assistant housekeeper.
Xiao Qin'er sat upright, "My Lord Mother, the farms, shops, and several business lines in the south have all sent this year's earnings to the mansion. Here are the account books."
It turned out that Xiao Qin'er had been prepared. She knew that Pei would ask about the accounts, so she even brought the account books with her.
Gu Jiu raised an eyebrow. Xiao Qin'er had actually taken the public account books out without the accountant's permission. Wasn't she worried that someone would tamper with the books and pocket the money?
Maybe she was overthinking it. The accountant should have made several account books.
Pei took the account book and flipped through it page by page.
Seeing the final summary, Pei frowned.
She asked, "But it's less than last year?"
Xiao Qin'er bowed and said, "Reporting to Mother, it is 20% less than last year."
"How could there be so much less? There have been no natural disasters this year, so how could this be possible?"
Pei was obviously very dissatisfied with the 20% reduction in profits.
She and Prince Ning both loved luxury and spent a lot of money every year.
The palace has to support so many people, and the reduced income means that expenses will also be cut by 20% next year.
Although it would not affect her, Pei was still unhappy.
With less income, the amount of money she puts into her private treasury also decreases. How can she be happy?
Xiao Qin'er whispered, "Reporting to the Consort, I'm not quite sure either. Why not call the accountant to ask?"
Pei snorted coldly, somewhat dissatisfied with Xiao Qin'er.
If you bring an account book but don’t know why this year’s income is less than last year’s, it means you haven’t done your homework.
At this time, Second Madam Ouyang Fu spoke up, "Your Highness, I know a little about the reason."
"explain!"
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