When Gu Jiu returned to the palace, she was greeted by everyone's admiring gazes.
Then I heard from the servants that the fourth young master Liu Yi had been beaten.
"Who beat up the Fourth Young Master? What happened?"
The concierge was a qualified gossipmonger and she kept on talking:
"I heard that he was beaten by several young masters of the Xiao family. They blocked him in the alley, put a sack on him, and beat him to death. The Fourth Young Master didn't even see what his attackers looked like before he was beaten to the ground."
"Since you didn't see clearly who hit him, how do you know it was the young masters of the Xiao family who did it?"
"Someone saw a member of the Xiao family near where the Fourth Young Master was beaten. It's impossible for anyone other than the Xiao family to be involved in this incident. Everyone in the mansion is discussing whether the Fourth Young Master will fight back."
Gu Jiu laughed sarcastically, "Fourth Young Master, do you have evidence to prove that it was the young master of the Xiao family who beat him? If you don't have any evidence, why would you fight back?"
If she were to say, Liu Yi deserved to be beaten.
Then she asked Xiao Cui to find out what the current situation was.
Xiao Cui took the order and left.
She had just returned to the East Courtyard and had just taken a sip of tea when Ouyang Fu arrived.
"Sister-in-law, congratulations! You've finally completed the mission assigned by His Majesty. Even I, a pregnant woman who never leaves the house, have heard about your story. Now you've become a celebrity throughout the capital."
"Second brother and sister-in-law, please sit down."
Gu Jiu asked Ouyang Fu to sit down.
"My sister-in-law's ability to attract wealth is truly enviable. I'm counting on being able to follow her and drink some broth in the future."
Gu Jiu laughed, "Second brother's wife is really good at joking. This time I just happened to come at the right time. I can't say for sure if there will be such a good opportunity in the future."
Ouyang Fu smiled and said, "It doesn't matter whether it's accurate or not. I believe in your ability to make money. If you have a profitable business, don't forget me."
Gu Jiu nodded, "Since my second brother and sister-in-law trust me, I am naturally willing to work together."
"Regardless of anything else, when it comes to making money, I trust you 100%."
Gu Jiu took the opportunity to mention the house in Yuhua Lane, "In a few days, after receiving the remaining payment, I can distribute dividends to everyone."
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Fu was delighted and sighed, "If I had known that Yuhua Alley was so profitable, I should have invested more money so that I could get a bigger share of the dividends."
Gu Jiu smiled but said nothing.
Ouyang Fu suddenly lowered her voice, "When my sister-in-law came back, she should have heard about the beating of the Fourth Young Master."
Gu Jiu nodded, "I heard about it. Rumor has it that it was the Xiao brothers who did it."
"Although there is no evidence, everyone knows that the people who attacked people at this time would not be anyone else except the young masters of the Xiao family."
Gu Jiu asked curiously, "What's the situation now?"
Ouyang Fu said, "Mrs. Xiao and Grandma Xiao came together to visit Fourth Brother's wife. They are currently in the west courtyard."
"The fourth young master was beaten, and the princess didn't say anything?"
Ouyang Fu looked around and said, "Your Highness, you're feeling guilty! I heard that Madam Xiao came to the palace to pay her respects to the Concubine Shu the day before yesterday. The Concubine Shu was furious when she learned that Fourth Brother's wife had a miscarriage.
If it weren't for the fact that the beauty was bestowed by Concubine Shu, Concubine Shu would definitely send people to severely punish the Fourth Young Master, and even the Princess would be in trouble.
I guess the reason why the young masters of the Xiao family dared to attack the Fourth Young Master was most likely because the Concubine Shu was on the side of the Fourth Brother's wife.
Concubine Shu was happy to see the Xiao family come forward to teach the Fourth Young Master a lesson, so the Xiao family naturally had no scruples when they took action.
If it weren't for the fact that Fourth Brother's wife would continue to live with Fourth Young Master in the future, the Xiao family would definitely rush to the palace to beat them up instead of just hitting them halfway."
Gu Jiu nodded, Ouyang Fu was right.
No matter how much of a bastard Liu Yi is, he is still the emperor's grandson.
Beating the emperor's grandson is a serious matter, but it is also a minor matter.
If Concubine Shu agrees, then everything will be fine.
However, the Xiao family still chose a safer approach, which was to use a sneak attack instead of knocking on the door in person, because they didn't want the two families to directly break up.
If the palace and the Xiao family really fall out, how will Xiao Qin'er continue to live in the palace in the future?
As the saying goes, leave a way out for everything so that you can meet again in the future.
But could Princess Pei swallow this anger when Liu Yi was beaten? Could Liu Yi himself swallow this anger?
No way!
…
West Garden.
Madam Xiao and Grandma Xiao were talking to Xiao Qin'er.
Xiao Qin'er leaned against the head of the bed, her face pale.
In just a few days, I lost a lot of weight.
Xiao Qin'er's anger had not completely subsided.
She had hatred in her heart, so how could she forgive so easily?
She hated Madam Xiao. She hated that when she was most helpless and needed help the most, she did not stand up for her, but instead stood up for Liu Yi.
The atmosphere between the mother and daughter was obviously very strange.
awkward!
Alienation!
When Grandma Xiao saw this, she had to step forward.
"Sister Qin'er, your brothers have beaten up the Fourth Young Master. Did you hear that? He's screaming in bed right now."
Xiao Qin'er said nothing.
Grandma Xiao continued, "Sister Qin'er, your mother-in-law personally went to the palace to consult the Concubine Shu about your matter. She even cried for you in front of the Concubine Shu. Otherwise, the Concubine Shu would not have relented. You should calm down. There is no such thing as a night of hatred between mother and daughter."
Mrs. Xiao looked at Xiao Qin'er expectantly.
Xiao Qin'er turned her head, glanced quickly at Madam Xiao, and said nothing.
Mrs. Xiao's face was full of disappointment.
Grandma Xiao said, "Sister Qin'er, you're too angry. Liu Yi was beaten and couldn't get out of bed for at least two weeks. As your family, we've already vented your anger, but why don't you even say thank you?"
Xiao Qin'er was unhappy, "If sister-in-law is dissatisfied with me, there is no need to come to visit me."
Grandma Xiao was unhappy. "What you said is so sad. My mother-in-law and I have been working so hard on your behalf these past few days, but you don't even give us a good look."
Xiao Qin'er bit her lip and said, "If you had stood up for me on the day of my accident, my child might not have been aborted. I wouldn't have to suffer this."
Grandma Xiao defended Madam Xiao, "Mother-in-law said those things out of consideration for you. After all, you and the Fourth Young Master have to spend your whole lives together. If you really fall out, how will you live in the future?"
Xiao Qin'er said, "The future is the future. I can't even make ends meet now, so why should I think about the future? Sister-in-law, I appreciate your kindness. I'm especially grateful to my brothers for standing up for me, and I'm also grateful to you for visiting me. But there are some things you have to give me time to think clearly."
Grandma Xiao looked at Madam Xiao. She had tried her best, but there was nothing she could do since Xiao Qin'er refused to listen.
Madam Xiao sighed, "It was mother who let you down. I didn't know you were so upset at the time."
Xiao Qin'er turned her head away, feeling very embarrassed, tears welling up in her eyes. She warned herself not to cry.
If you cry, you are a bastard.
Madam Xiao continued: “Mother promises that if anything happens in the future, mother will definitely stand by your side.”
Xiao Qin'er raised her hand and secretly wiped the corners of her eyes.
Madam Xiao was also crying, silently shedding tears.
Grandma Xiao couldn't bear it any longer. "Alright, alright. Sister Qin'er, calm down. Your mother-in-law has apologized to you humbly. You can't continue to be so willful."
Xiao Qin'er burst into tears.
Madam Xiao took the opportunity to hug her.
Xiao Qin'er struggled for a few times and then gave up.
The mother and daughter hugged each other and cried uncontrollably.
Grandma Xiao was affected and started wiping away tears as well.
She was very glad that this storm was finally over.
As for the fourth prince Liu Yi, let him die.
All men are bad.
The mother and daughter cried for half an hour before they stopped crying.
Both of their eyes were red.
At this time, the servant came over to invite him.
The princess prepared a banquet to entertain her in-laws.
Madam Xiao wiped her tears and said, "Let's go and meet her and see what she has to say. She bullied our Qin'er like this. If she doesn't give an explanation, there will be no end to this matter."
Grandma Xiao nodded heavily, "A daughter-in-law should listen to her mother-in-law."
Madam Xiao told Xiao Qin'er to take good care of her health, and she went to deal with Pei and was determined to get to the bottom of this matter.
…
Of course, Mrs. Pei would not be intimidated when facing Mrs. Xiao.
But she also needs someone to help maintain her popularity.
So he called Ouyang Fu and Gu Jiu to accompany him.
Pei has been busy with Xiao Qiner's affairs these days and has no time to care about Gu Jiu running around outside every day, let alone asking about the bidding conference.
Anyway, she just needed to know that Gu Jiu completed the task and would not implicate the palace.
Chunhe Hall.
Gu Jiu and Ouyang Fu arrived one after another.
"Come on, sit down."
Pei coughed lightly and continued, "My in-laws will be here for dinner soon, so you all need to be alert."
Ouyang Fu secretly exchanged a glance with Gu Jiu.
She asked aloud, "What does Mother want us to do?"
Pei said coldly, "No need to do anything special. It's mainly to make up the numbers and liven up the atmosphere."
"My daughter-in-law understands."
The servant reported that Madam Xiao had arrived.
Pei said, "Follow me to welcome him."
Ouyang Fu was secretly shocked.
How guilty the princess must feel. As a princess, she actually has to personally welcome Madam Xiao.
Gu Jiu smiled. Pei might really feel guilty, or it might be a strategy.
Take the initiative to lower your status and be polite. We all have to save face. Does Madam Xiao really have the nerve to turn against her directly?
"My dear, you are finally here."
Pei greeted him with a smile.
Mrs. Xiao was stunned at first, but then she handled it with ease.
Both of them were people who were good at dealing with people. They were all cheerful and said auspicious things that they didn't even believe in. And they were very sincere.
Pei took Madam Xiao's hand and walked into the small flower hall, as close as sisters.
Everyone took their seats.
Pei also personally poured tea and wine to give Mrs. Xiao enough face.
At this time, the princess's status is not important, and family matters are discussed based on their status as in-laws.
Pei was more enthusiastic than ever before, chatting about various topics, but never mentioning Xiao Qin'er and Liu Yi.
Madam Xiao wanted to explode several times, but was resolved by Pei with ease.
This made Mrs. Xiao extremely depressed.
Who wants to drink with you? I'm here to settle accounts with you.
Looking at this scene, Gu Jiu nodded secretly. Pei family won this round.
Pei was prone to losing her temper, but that happened in the palace, in front of her own people.
In front of others, she is very cunning.
To be able to sit firmly on the position of princess, besides having a strong family background, one must also have real abilities.
Pei is a man of real ability.
Seeing how badly she suppressed Madam Xiao, you can tell how powerful her tactics are.
After the banquet, Mrs. Xiao didn't have the chance to turn the topic to Xiao Qin'er and Liu Yi.
Throughout the whole process, Pei was the one who set the pace.
After three rounds of wine and five dishes, the banquet was about to end.
Mrs. Xiao gritted her teeth and went for it.
"We've been talking all night, but why haven't I heard you mention anything about Qin'er? Qin'er married into your palace and gave birth to your eldest grandson, yet you bullied her and caused her to have a miscarriage. In-laws, shouldn't you give us an explanation? Don't treat us like there's no one in our Xiao family."
The atmosphere suddenly turned cold.
The whole audience was silent.
The maids even held their breath.
Pei picked up the teapot and poured tea for Madam Xiao, neither hurriedly nor slowly, and with great composure.
"Don't worry, dear in-laws. I already scolded Liu Yi about Qin'er. I also remind him to get along well with Qin'er and not to act naughty. This incident was purely an accident, and no one wants such an accident to happen.
But since it has already happened, let's move on. We'll do what's best for the couple. What do you think, in-laws?
Madam Xiao smiled, her eyes scornful, "Then I'll listen to my in-laws' opinions. What do you think we should do?"
Mrs. Pei was very straightforward. "Liu Yi is in trouble. Just beat him. If one beating isn't enough, beat him twice to teach him a lesson. What do you think of my plan, my dear in-laws?"
Grandma Xiao asked on behalf of Madam Xiao, "Who hit her? And to what extent?"
Pei smiled softly, "Beat him to death, even if it means killing or crippling him. This princess won't feel bad. I'm just worried that Qin'er will feel wronged. It would be so frustrating for her to spend the rest of her life with a cripple.
If he wasn't disabled, I would have just beaten him to death and put an end to it. It would be a shame for Qin'er to become a widow, and for my eldest brother to be without a father, what a poor child.
After saying this, Pei took out her handkerchief and wiped her tears, looking sad for her eldest brother.
Madam Xiao was so angry that she was shaking all over. "My in-laws, what you said is so insincere."
Pei took off her handkerchief, looking aggrieved. "I promised to hand over Liu Yi. You can beat him to death or maim him. And you, my in-laws, actually say I'm not sincere? Do you think I'd be sincere only if I skinned Liu Yi alive and pulled out his tendons?"
Madam Xiao snorted coldly, "On the one hand, you're talking about beating her to death or crippling her, and on the other hand, you're talking about how miserable it is for Qin'er to be a widow and spend her whole life with a cripple. You're clearly trying to provoke her, betting that our Xiao family will be afraid to act rashly and have no choice but to hold back. You've got a good plan, but unfortunately, we're not fooled."
Pei threw the handkerchief onto the dining table.
Her face turned slightly cold. "Since my parents-in-law don't accept my solution, how should we handle this matter according to their wishes?"
Madam Xiao said with a stern face, "Sell those three concubines first."
"What happened next?" Pei asked casually.
Madam Xiao added, "Before Qin'er gave birth to her third legitimate son, Liu Yixiu wanted to take a concubine."
When Pei heard this, her brows began to frown.
"What if Qin'er never gets pregnant, or if she does get pregnant and gives birth to a girl, wouldn't that mean Liu Yi won't take concubines for the rest of his life? That's impossible. Liu Yi is the grandson of the emperor. Is it too much for a grandson of the emperor to have a few concubines?"
Compared to other imperial grandchildren, our Liu Yi only has three concubines. This is simply incredible. Look at the several young masters in the Zhao Palace. Who doesn't have seven, eight, or even more than ten concubines? Don't push them too far, in-laws.
Madam Xiao sneered, "Your palace forced Qin'er to have a miscarriage, and you even dare to accuse us of forcing her."
Pei also sneered.
Grandma Xiao stepped forward again and said, "How about this: the Fourth Young Master cannot take a concubine until Sister Qin'er gives birth to a second legitimate son."
Pei shook her head. "No! The most this princess can agree to is that Liu Yi won't take a concubine for a year. If Qin'er can get pregnant and give birth to a child again within this year, that would be the best. If not, then it's fate."
"After one year, Liu Yi must take a concubine. This is the bottom line. Don't forget, Liu Yi is the grandson of the emperor. How can a grandson of the emperor not take a concubine?"
Madam Xiao suddenly pointed at Gu Jiu and said, "The eldest son has no concubines, and he lives a simple life just like Gu Jiu."
Pei snorted coldly, "Today we are discussing Liu Yi, not my Liu Zhao. Liu Zhao and Gu Jiu are another matter."
Madam Xiao pointed at Gu Jiu and said, "Madam, what do you think about this?"
Gu Jiu: It’s none of my business!
However, she still said: "With my father not here, this matter will be decided by my mother."
Pei raised her eyebrows and smiled, "My dear, please don't make things complicated. Just do as I say. The deadline is one year."
"Two years!"
"No, only one year, that's the bottom line. If my in-laws don't agree, then there's no room for negotiation. This princess can afford the wait, but I'm afraid Qin'er can't."
Mrs. Xiao was furious.
Pei's bullying is too much.
This is the sadness of being a woman.
Men can afford to waste time and have plenty of time to waste.
A woman’s youth is limited and she really can’t afford to waste it.
Moreover, as the daughter-in-law of the prince's palace, Xiao Qin'er must live in the palace.
It is impossible for her family to go to the palace every day to speak up for her.
Xiao Qin'er has to live her life on her own.
In order for Xiao Qin'er to live a good life in the palace, the Xiao family must compromise and make concessions and cannot break off relations with the palace.
Although deep down, I really want to break up with her.
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