Xiao Qin'er complained to Liu Yi.
"The second wife and her husband must have embezzled tens of thousands of taels of silver."
Liu Yi had a blank expression on his face and ignored her.
She didn't care about Liu Yi's attitude and continued to talk to herself, "Last year, when you went south of the Yangtze River, Father and Mother found fault with you everywhere and even forced me to hand over the silver. This year, the Second Young Master went south of the Yangtze River, but Father and Mother didn't find fault with him. This is clearly favoritism."
Liu Yi said indifferently, "No matter who my mother favors, she will never favor Liu Ping."
The second young master's name is Liu Ping.
Xiao Qin'er was angry and sat in front of Liu Yi, "Why didn't Mother find fault with the Second Young Master? Why didn't she let Second Sister-in-law hand over the money?"
Liu Yi looked at Xiao Qin'er as if she were mentally retarded. "Liu Ping brought back over 200,000 taels of silver from Jiangnan. How can you expect Mother to find fault with him? He's been in Jiangnan for half a year, so he deserves some hardship pay. This is tacitly approved by my father."
"Why last year..."
“Don’t mention last year.”
Liu Yi's face suddenly turned cold.
For Liu Yi, going to the south of the Yangtze River last year was a humiliation.
He used to be heartless and could have cared less.
But now, he couldn't help but care.
Shame is shame, and one day it will be brought up and used to attack him.
But he didn't want these words to come out of Xiao Qin'er's mouth.
Xiao Qin'er was stunned, her lips opening and closing. Finally, she lost her momentum and whispered, "I'm just upset that the second branch got the money so openly. Last year, we got nothing."
In fact, Liu Yi embezzled a lot of money last year, but more than half of it was used to support his concubines.
As a result, Xiao Qin'er sold the concubine before she could even get used to her.
Liu Yi always had the answer in his mind. He was sure that it was Xiao Qin'er who did it and sent someone to abduct the concubine.
He was angry and hateful at first, but now everything is calm.
Time passed quickly, and in less than a year, he could hardly remember what his mistress looked like.
Thinking about it now, he couldn't understand why he was so obsessed with that mistress, spending so much money and time on her, and even falling out with Xiao Qin'er over it.
I can't figure it out, and can only explain it as being young and reckless, and being possessed by evil spirits.
Liu Yi, who has become mature and rational, seems to have lost interest in emotions and is no longer as crazy about women as before.
Before, I was always thinking about taking a concubine and having girls on both sides, but now I don’t care.
People are really strange.
When thoughts change, even feelings change.
Liu Yi looked at Xiao Qin'er and said calmly, "You don't need that little money, so why bother with it? I heard that my sister-in-law bought a large piece of land outside the South City Gate. When the time comes, you can invest some money and make some money together."
Xiao Qin'er snorted, "You know what's going on outside the South City Gate. You can't say for sure whether you can make money."
Liu Yi raised his eyebrows, "You mean you don't want to invest money?"
Xiao Qin'er bit her lip and said, "It's not that I don't want to invest money, I just want to see the situation first."
Liu Yi conscientiously suggested, "If you want to invest money, make the decision quickly. Show enough trust in your sister-in-law, so as to strengthen the relationship between you. Don't wait until she has achieved some results before you eagerly invest money, otherwise people will look down on you."
Xiao Qin'er was unhappy, "I paid money, but I still can't get anything good out of it."
Liu Yi laughed sarcastically, "Does your sister-in-law need this little money from you? She is willing to make money with you, not that she insists on your money. You should first understand your position."
"Which side are you on? Why do you always speak for my sister-in-law?" Xiao Qin'er was very dissatisfied.
Liu Yi didn't get angry. Instead, he said calmly, "I'm just kindly reminding you not to spend money and not get a single kind word in return. If you're going to spend money, it has to be worth it."
Xiao Qin'er bit her lip and said impatiently, "I know."
"I'm glad you know."
Liu Yi picked up the book and prepared to return to the study.
Xiao Qin'er pulled him back, "Where are you going?"
"Go back to the study." He said expressionlessly.
Xiao Qin'er looked at him eagerly, "Can't you stay?"
Liu Yi frowned, "Is today the date you set?"
puff!
Xiao Qin'er almost vomited blood.
She turned pale.
The day Liu Yi mentioned was the day for sexual intercourse.
In other words, he would only stay overnight when having sex.
As for the rest of the time, he only wants to sleep in the study.
Is this kind of life considered a married life?
Xiao Qin'er said, "I just want you to stay."
Liu Yi shook his head and pried open her fingers. "Let me know when you've set a date."
Xiao Qin'er's heart was in turmoil, and she asked angrily, "Am I your wife? Liu Yi, do you really care?"
Liu Yi didn't look back.
He said with sarcasm, "I don't have a heart. Do you have a heart?"
Leaving this sentence, he decisively left the upper room.
"Liu Yi, you bastard."
Xiao Qin'er was so angry that she burst into tears.
…
Early in the morning, Xiao Qin'er appeared in front of everyone with a haggard face.
Today, we all went to the palace to pay our respects to Concubine Shu.
Ouyang Fu didn't want to miss the chance to enter the palace, so she went out with her big belly.
"Fourth sister-in-law, did you not sleep well last night?"
Ouyang Fu asked with concern. Last night, she slept well and had a beautiful dream.
Xiao Qin'er said expressionlessly, "Thank you, second sister-in-law, for your concern. Second sister-in-law must have had a good rest last night. She looks radiant this morning. It's true that people are in high spirits when they are happy."
Ouyang Fu pursed her lips and smiled, "My young master is back, so I'm naturally happy. But the fourth young master is with my sister-in-law all day, so my sister-in-law should be happy every day."
snort!
Don't bring up things that are not related to the topic.
Xiao Qin'er gnashed her teeth deep down, but said calmly, "Second sister-in-law does care about our lives. Is it because of envy?"
Ouyang Fu laughed, "Fourth sister-in-law is really good at joking. You two have been through so many ups and downs, how could I possibly envy you?"
Xiao Qin'er's face changed and she looked embarrassed.
Ouyang Fu was clearly mocking her and Liu Yi for quarreling every other day.
She took a deep breath and prepared to fight back.
At this time, Gu Jiu arrived.
Ouyang Fu went forward to meet him and got rid of Xiao Qin'er at the same time.
"Sister-in-law is finally here."
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Is mother still awake?"
"I'm already up and getting dressed. Has sister-in-law had breakfast?"
"Thank you for your concern, second sister-in-law. I've eaten. Have the second and fourth sister-in-laws eaten?"
"I've already eaten. I wonder if Fourth Sister-in-law has eaten yet?"
Everyone looked at Xiao Qin'er.
Xiao Qin'er said with a serious face, "I've already eaten, don't worry about me."
Ouyang Fu said in a voice neither too loud nor too soft, "Don't be offended, sister-in-law. Fourth sister-in-law didn't sleep well last night, so she's a little grumpy today."
The sound of her voice was just loud enough for Xiao Qin'er to hear.
Gu Jiu smiled knowingly, "Many people are grumpy when they wake up. I don't mind."
"Sister-in-law is still generous."
Xiao Qin'er gritted her teeth. Did Ouyang Fu deliberately spread the news that she didn't sleep well last night?
If she hadn't taken into consideration that the other person was pregnant, she might really rush up and tear her mouth apart.
Gu Jiu did not interfere in the conflict between the two.
She's not too idle to do anything.
Besides, even if she intervened, would others definitely appreciate it?
After Pei had finished dressing and had a light meal, she brought her three daughters-in-law, as well as Concubine Shen and Concubine Luo, into the palace to pay her respects to Concubine Shu.
…
Changchun Palace.
There was an incense burner burning in the bedroom.
A light and refreshing fragrance covers up the smell of medicine.
Concubine Xiao Shufei lay in bed recuperating.
Gu Jiu followed Pei and went to pay his respects.
After not seeing each other for a while, Concubine Xiao Shufei was obviously thinner and older, with more white hair on her head.
In the past, Concubine Xiao Shufei, who had been well-maintained and looked ageless, caught a cold, which made her look old and revealed her true age.
"Greetings to Her Majesty. Is Her Majesty feeling better?" Pei was very worried.
Concubine Xiao Shufei coughed twice, signaled the palace maid to help her up, and sat her against the head of the bed.
"You just entered the palace two days ago, why are you here again today?"
Pei said hurriedly, "My daughter-in-law is worried about the queen, so she came to the palace to visit her."
Concubine Xiao Shu waved her hands and said, "There's nothing to worry about. I'm not going to die yet."
"My daughter-in-law is very worried. Please take care of yourself, madam."
Concubine Xiao Shu was panting.
She had some difficulty breathing and felt uncomfortable in her chest.
She looked at her three granddaughters-in-law and the two concubines.
"You're all here! Sit down and talk."
The palace maid brought round stools and asked everyone to sit down.
Everyone followed suit and sat upright on the round stools.
Concubine Xiao Shu stared at Ouyang Fu's belly and asked, "Is she about to give birth?"
Pei glanced at Ouyang Fu, then said, "She's due in less than a month."
Concubine Xiao Shu was very happy, "I like to hear the news of the royal family's new arrival."
Her gaze turned towards Gu Jiu.
"Gu Jiu still hasn't moved?"
Gu Jiu lowered his head and looked submissive, without saying a word.
Pei spoke for her, "There's been no movement yet. They've been apart for the past two years, so it's not her fault."
Gu Jiu was surprised that Pei would actually speak up for her. Has she changed her personality?
Concubine Xiao Shu frowned slightly, "We should hurry up and have a baby."
Seeing that Gu Jiu didn't move, Pei glared at her. She was usually quite clever, but why did she become so stupid today?
Gu Jiu received the signal sent by Pei, bowed slightly, and said, "Granddaughter-in-law will follow the Queen's orders."
Concubine Xiao Shu coughed lightly and said, "You are the eldest daughter-in-law and should shoulder the heavy responsibility. Don't let me down."
"Granddaughter-in-law obeys your command."
After saying a few words, Concubine Xiao Shu felt tired.
She gasped, "When will the prince come back?"
Pei said hurriedly, "I guess I won't have a chance to return to Beijing until the beginning of next spring."
"Yeah?"
Concubine Xiao Shu suddenly covered her chest and coughed violently, scaring everyone.
"My lady, are you okay?"
Pei quickly stood up and patted Concubine Xiao's back to relieve her cough.
Gu Jiu took the opportunity to step forward, pretending to be filial, but actually he was taking Concubine Xiao Shufei's pulse.
Huh?
This pulse condition is indeed a symptom of wind-cold.
But she still felt something was wrong.
puff!
A mouthful of blood spurted out and splashed onto the fur quilt.
Concubine Xiao Shu vomited blood!
Concubine Xiao Shufei actually vomited blood!
Isn't it a cold?
Why does wind-cold cause vomiting blood?
Pei was terrified and said, "Call the doctor, quickly!"
Gu Jiu took out a handkerchief and wiped the blood from the corner of Concubine Xiao Shufei's mouth.
A plain handkerchief, stained red with blood.
The imperial physician came hurriedly carrying a medicine box.
The bedroom was full of people.
Gu Jiu took the opportunity to retreat to the corner, holding the handkerchief, sniffing carefully to identify the smell.
She hoped to smell something in the blood.
If you can’t smell it, just taste it.
There is indeed a problem.
Gu Jiu's face changed drastically and his heart beat faster.
She stared at the imperial physician beside the bed, then looked at the palace maids and eunuchs.
His eyes swept over everyone?
What's the problem?
Concubine Xiao Shufei was poisoned!
This is Gu Jiu’s judgment.
Concubine Xiao Shufei did not simply catch a cold, but rather a cold caused by poisoning that weakened her body and reduced her resistance.
When did you get poisoned?
Where does the poison come from?
Where did you get poisoned?
diet?
articles for daily use?
Who is suspected?
Gu Jiu’s brain was about to explode. Someone actually poisoned Concubine Xiao Shufei!
This is terrifying.
How did the person who poisoned the person break through the numerous defenses and do it without anyone noticing?
She put away her handkerchief and didn't dare say anything.
Such a major matter requires Liu Zhao's intervention.
Because she couldn't explain how she knew that Concubine Shu was poisoned? After all, even the imperial physician was kept in the dark.
Judging from her pulse and symptoms, it was indeed a common cold. It was normal that the imperial physician did not find that Concubine Shu was poisoned.
If Concubine Shu had not suddenly vomited blood, she would have been deceived and almost misdiagnosed.
Gu Jiu's face was gloomy.
She had already told Zhou Miao to keep Concubine Shu safe.
Zhou Miao took the money but didn't do the job. Is he trying to demolish the bridge after crossing it?
At this moment, Gu Jiu was very irritable and alert.
Everyone in Changchun Palace was suspicious in her eyes.
Because if you want to poison Concubine Shu without anyone knowing, only someone close to her can do it.
Because only those who are close to you can get close to you.
Concubine Xiao Shu drank the medicine and fell into a deep sleep.
Pei asked the imperial physician nervously.
The imperial physician also frowned. They were also startled when Concubine Xiao Shu suddenly vomited blood.
It's just a cold, why is it so serious that I vomit blood?
After a long period of diagnosis and treatment, the cause was not found.
And judging from the pulse, apart from being a little weak, there is no other major problem.
Faced with Pei's question, the imperial physician was helpless and could only give a universal answer, "Don't worry, Princess. Your Majesty's condition has stabilized. Rest well and you will recover soon."
"really?"
Pei's face was serious.
The imperial physician gave repeated assurances.
Pei snorted, "Then tell me why the Queen is vomiting blood?"
The imperial physician began to mislead people, giving all sorts of panacea excuses, such as feeling depressed or worried about something.
Anyway, any disease can be attributed to depression.
Pei had no way to deal with the imperial physician, and she couldn't get angry with him, so she could only send him away with a gloomy face.
She was very worried, afraid that something might happen to Concubine Xiao Shufei.
If anything happens to Concubine Xiao Shufei, Prince Ning will be the first to suffer. Not only will he lose his mother, but he will also lose the support within the palace.
The emperor no longer needs to consider Concubine Xiao Shu's face. The next time Prince Ning falls into the hands of the emperor, the consequences will be worrying.
Everyone in the palace had to observe mourning, and so on and so forth, causing negative impacts.
More importantly, if Concubine Xiao Shufei were to pass away, it would mean a new reshuffle of power.
The Ning Wang Mansion will bear the brunt and will be suppressed and eroded by various forces.
This is a situation that no one wants to see.
Pei was very nervous. Why was Prince Ning not in the capital at this time?
If Prince Ning were here, she would still have a backbone.
Gu Jiu walked up to Pei and reminded her, "Mother, it's time to send someone to notify the young masters and ask them to come into the palace."
Pei came to her senses and said, "Yes, yes, yes, quickly call Liu Zhao and Liu Yi to the palace."
When Prince Ning is away, her son is her backbone.
Gu Jiu walked out of the bedroom and called Nanny Fang.
"Madam, is there any way to contact Zhou Miao?"
Nanny Fang hesitated. "I've been away from the palace for many years, and the palace has undergone several major purges. I can't guarantee that I can contact Eunuch Zhou Miao last week."
Gu Jiu bit his lip and said, "Then find a way to contact Jiang Shuyi first. Let Jiang Shuyi notify Zhou Miao to come see me."
She had to ask Zhou Miao in person, how did she protect Concubine Shu's safety?
The poisoning of Concubine Shu is definitely not a simple matter.
Nanny Fang agreed, "I will try to contact Jiang Shuyi."
Nanny Fang took a dozen purses filled with banknotes from Qingmei. She then left Changchun Palace and tried to contact Jiang Shuyi through her past connections.
…
The two brothers Liu Zhao and Liu Yi hurried to the palace after hearing the news that Concubine Shu was vomiting blood.
When Mrs. Pei saw her two sons, she said anxiously, "Hurry up and write a letter to your father. Tell him to return to the capital at all costs."
Liu Yi hurriedly said, "Mother, please be patient. Father needs the permission of the Emperor to return to the capital."
Pei said sternly, "Then hurry and ask His Majesty for help. You brothers should go together. The Queen is so ill. If anything unexpected happens, Your Highness must return to the capital immediately."
Liu Zhao said, "I will go to your Royal Grandfather's place. How is your Majesty doing now?"
Pei's face turned pale with worry. "Even the imperial physician can't explain it clearly."
Liu Zhao frowned. Isn't it just a cold? How could he not explain it clearly?
Pei urged the two brothers, "Don't worry about this place for now, go see His Majesty."
Liu Yi looked at Liu Zhao and said, "Brother, let's go see the Emperor's grandfather together."
Liu Zhao nodded and walked outside first.
Gu Jiu chased after him, "Wait!"
"If you have anything to say, sister-in-law, why not wait until we come back?" Liu Yi was a little impatient.
Gu Jiu said: "Just say a few words."
She pulled Liu Zhao aside and whispered in his ear, "Your Majesty is poisoned, not suffering from a cold."
Liu Zhao's face darkened. "Are you sure?"
Gu Jiu said with certainty: "It's a very mysterious poison, and it can't be seen from the outside. If the queen hadn't vomited blood, I wouldn't have discovered it."
"Is there a solution?"
"I'll find a way. You have to decide how to do this."
Liu Zhao nodded, "I have my own opinion on this matter."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
