The housekeeper asked, "Did the master really recommend Mr. Gu to be the prefect of the capital?"
Xie Mao snorted coldly, "Of course! Letting Gu Zhili continue in the northwest will only ruin my plans. Doesn't he want to return to the capital? I will lend him a hand and make his wish come true. However, Gu Zhili wants to join the six ministries, and I will not let him do so."
The housekeeper was a little worried, "Master, will Lord Gu's appointment as the prefect of the capital city interfere with the Eastern Palace?"
Xie Mao smiled complacently, "He doesn't dare, and he doesn't have the ability. Now that the Queen is seriously ill, based on my understanding of Gu Zhili, he wouldn't dare to make any moves at this time. Instead, he would be more obedient than ever.
Even if the Queen passes away one day, I will have a way to get him on board the East Palace’s ship.
At that time, he will be at my disposal. He must repay what he owes me, with interest."
The butler immediately said, "Your Excellency is wise. I believe that the best way to contain them is through marriage."
Xie Mao narrowed his eyes slightly, "There's no rush for the marriage."
Xie Mao didn't want to marry Gu Zhili from the bottom of his heart. If it was the Pingnan Marquis Mansion, he would be willing.
The Pingnan Marquis's Mansion is much stronger than the Gu family, and the Pingnan Marquis himself is also very influential in the court.
In a blink of an eye, Xie Mao laughed again, "After Master Gu and his family return to Beijing, our two families should visit each other more often. After all, relatives naturally become closer the more they visit each other."
The housekeeper looked confused.
Xie Mao didn't explain. He just thought to himself that after his sister returned to the capital, he would have to let his wife interact with his sister more often, so as to establish a relationship with the Pingnan Marquis Mansion.
By then, he would come up with a plan. Maybe he could really become in-laws with the Pingnan Marquis Mansion.
…
A few days passed in the blink of an eye.
Everyone is paying attention to the case of Mr. Zhang, the prefect of the capital, after all, so many people are implicated.
Everyone was also speculating who would have the chance to take over Mr. Zhang's position.
Unexpectedly, Emperor Kaiyao suddenly issued an edict to promote Jinzhou Governor Gu Zhili to the position of prefect of the capital.
Many people who received the news were confused.
Who is Gu Zhili?
After hearing the explanation, it turned out that he was a direct descendant of Pingnan Marquis and the nephew of Pingnan Marquis. Everyone suddenly understood.
It turns out that he is the nephew of Marquis Pingnan. No wonder His Majesty appointed him as the prefect of the capital.
Judging from Gu Zhili's qualifications, he is indeed qualified to serve as the prefect of the capital.
This news reached the Marquis of Pingnan's Mansion.
Marquis Pingnan lost his temper in the study.
The head of the Marquisate, Marquis Gu Zhiwen, the eldest son of Marquis Pingnan, was standing by, "Father, calm down."
I thought to myself, "Old man, even at his age, still has such a bad temper. He doesn't know how to take care of his body. Anger hurts the liver. I'll have to ask the imperial physician to come over and check on him."
Pingnan Hou was furious. "How can I calm down? Which bastard is behind this? Why did His Majesty suddenly let Zhili take the position of prefect of the capital?"
The prefect of the capital, huh, sounds nice, but he is a tight nut to crack. No one can afford to offend him, and he has to take responsibility if something goes wrong.
If Zhili encounters a difficult situation while in office and fails to handle it properly, the entire family will be implicated.
Who on earth came up with this idea? It's obvious that he's trying to harm our Gu family."
Gu Zhiwen coughed lightly, "Father, be careful, there are ears. As far as I know, when His Majesty asked about this matter, Minister Li made a suggestion. Then His Majesty decided to appoint my cousin Zhili as the prefect of the capital."
Marquis Pingnan frowned and asked, "Which Minister Li?"
Gu Zhiwen said softly, "The master in the harem."
Pingnan Hou suddenly realized.
Minister Li was the Empress's man. He suddenly suggested that Lord Gu Zhili be appointed as the prefect of the capital. It was obvious that this was the Empress's intention.
Behind the Queen is the Eastern Palace.
Thinking of the Eastern Palace, Marquis Pingnan couldn't help but think of Xie Mao.
Could this matter be related to Xie Mao?
Considering the fact that the former prefect of the capital, Lord Zhang, was arrested by the Praetorian Guards, everyone in the Eastern Palace must be in a panic.
Thinking of this, Pingnan Hou gritted his teeth and said, "This might be the work of Xie Mao."
Gu Zhiwen was surprised. "Xie Mao? That's impossible. He knew that the position of prefect of the capital city was not a good one, but he let his brother-in-law take it. Isn't he afraid that his cousin Zhili will hate him?"
Pingnan Hou snorted coldly, "You think too little of Xie Mao. He will do anything to achieve his goals."
In his position, letting Zhili take the post of prefect of the capital city is the best choice. Xie Mao is really shameless. "
Gu Zhiwen frowned, "Father, how are we going to explain this to cousin Zhili?"
Pingnan Hou said: "Tell the truth. Zhili was tricked by Xie Mao this time. You must remind him not to associate with Xie Mao.
Even his second wife, Xie, was not a good person.
Unfortunately, no one expected Xie Mao to reach this point today, and Zhili was seduced by beauty. The cause created that day has led to the result today.
Gu Zhiwen said: "Father is too pessimistic."
Pingnan Hou waved his hand, "Let's not talk about this. Go write the letter. Since His Majesty has issued the imperial decree, you should ask Zhili to pack up and return to the capital with his family before the New Year. I haven't seen him for many years, and I wonder if he has made any progress during his years of experience outside."
Gu Zhiwen smiled and said, "Don't worry, father. Cousin Zhili has made great progress. Serving as a local official, especially in the northwest, is not something that ordinary people can handle."
Pingnan Hou laughed heartily, "The sons of our Gu family are all good."
…
The letter from the Pingnan Marquis' Mansion arrived in the northwest three days before the official document.
After reading the letter, Lord Gu's expression changed repeatedly.
Master Ma and Master Liu were by his side.
Seeing that Master Gu was frowning, Master Ma asked, "What's troubling you, Master?"
"Just look at it."
Lord Gu placed the letter on the table.
Master Ma and Master Liu stepped forward together to read the letter.
Huh?
How could this be?
The two masters also frowned.
After reading the letter, Master Ma said, "Since the letter came from the Marquis' Mansion, this matter must be true. My lord, since the official document is on the way, you should make plans early."
Master Liu stroked his beard and said, "The prefect of the capital is a third-rank official. In terms of rank, you have been promoted. However, this position is not easy to hold."
Lord Gu knew very well that the position of the prefect of the capital was a hot potato and not an easy one to sit on.
There are many nobles in the capital. If a noble breaks the law, he should be tried by the prefectural governor of the capital.
However, a noble person is a noble person after all. If a noble person breaks the law, whether to try him or her and to what extent to try him or her are all matters of knowledge.
Otherwise, you might offend people accidentally.
What’s even more terrible is that the struggle for the throne in the capital is getting more and more intense.
As the Queen became seriously ill, all kinds of evil spirits came out.
If the governor of the capital fails to handle these monsters properly, he may be dismissed from office.
If it was just dismissal from office, that would still be good. At least your life would be saved.
I was afraid that I would not only lose my job, but also my head, and even my entire family and clan would be implicated.
The more he thought about it, the more sweat appeared on Lord Gu's forehead.
Xie Mao, that bastard, actually used such a treacherous scheme to plot against him.
Lord Gu gritted his teeth.
He really underestimated Xie Mao.
I thought that after the previous incident of catching the spy, Xie Mao would be warned and behave himself.
But he didn't expect that Xie Mao would slap him back.
At this point, there's no point thinking about this.
The official documents were already on the way, and soon he would pack his luggage, hand over his official duties, and leave Jinzhou.
Gu ordered the two advisors to sort out the official business and deal with the matters that needed to be handled. Those that could not be handled should be handed over to the officials who stayed behind.
Then, Lord Gu went to the upper room in the backyard to meet Mrs. Xie.
After recuperating for more than half a month, Mrs. Xie's health has greatly improved.
The originally thin cheeks have become plump again, and he looks healthy and blessed.
Seeing Lord Gu coming to the upper room, Xie stood up to greet him.
"Why did the master come here so early today?"
Lord Gu said expressionlessly, "I received a letter from the Marquis' Mansion and learned something."
Xie laughed, "Could it be a happy event?"
Lord Gu smiled indifferently, the smile not reaching his eyes.
"It is indeed a happy event. My husband is going to be promoted."
"Ah! Congratulations, sir. Congratulations, sir." After a brief shock, Mrs. Xie suddenly became happy.
She asked, "I wonder where the master has been promoted."
Lord Gu said, "The prefect of the capital."
Xie was stunned for a moment, then filled with ecstasy.
Beijing! After more than ten years, I can finally return to Beijing.
Xie immediately laughed, "That's great, Master finally got what he wanted and can return to Beijing."
Master Gu said calmly, "I have to thank my eldest brother-in-law for this matter. If it weren't for your help, I wouldn't be able to return to the capital."
Lord Gu's tone was light, but Xie was so perceptive that she could clearly hear the gnashing of teeth.
Xie immediately suppressed her smile and asked cautiously, "Isn't the master happy to be able to return to the capital?"
Master Gu smiled, but instead of answering, he asked, "Why do you think my brother-in-law wants to help me return to the capital?"
Xie shook her head, "I don't know."
"Then do you know what the position of the prefect of the capital is? What are the responsibilities?"
Xie tried to ask, "The prefect of the capital city should be like the governor of Jinzhou, in charge of the entire capital area."
Lord Gu smiled and said, "Madam is right. Then let me ask you again, who is the most powerful person in the capital?"
Xie said without hesitation, "Of course it's the emperor..."
Before she could finish her words, Xie had already come to her senses.
The prefect of the capital city sounds impressive, but it is not an easy position.
Mrs. Xie was a little nervous and flustered, "Is the master not satisfied with this position?"
Master Gu raised his eyebrows and smiled, "Brother-in-law, I can't thank you enough for helping me. How can I be dissatisfied?"
Of course this cannot be believed.
Xie said hurriedly, "Master, this matter has nothing to do with me."
Master Gu's expression was cold. He said, "Of course I know this matter has nothing to do with you. But, Madam, why don't you try to think about why my brother-in-law is so eager to help me?"
Xie shook her head repeatedly. She knew the answer but couldn't say it out loud.
She took Lord Gu's hand and said, "Master, why are you so sure that it was my brother who did this? Perhaps this is a misunderstanding. As an official of the Eastern Palace, my brother should not have the right to decide the appointment of the prefect of the capital."
Lord Gu nodded. "You're right. My brother-in-law is indeed not qualified to decide the appointment of the prefect of the capital. But don't forget, he has the Crown Prince behind him, and the Crown Prince has the Empress behind him. Is that enough weight?"
Xie suddenly burst into tears, "Master, please calm down. Although the position of prefect of the capital is not good in many ways, at least I am back in the capital.
Our whole family, young and old, lived on sand in the northwest for eight years.
As I see my children growing up day by day and reaching the age of marriage, I am extremely anxious.
You can't just find a family in the northwest to arrange the children's marriages.
Master, when we return to the capital, please ask your uncle and his men to find a way to transfer you from the position of prefect of the capital, okay?"
Lord Gu snorted coldly, "At this point, this is all we can do. We still have some time before we return to the capital, so we've dealt with everything that needs to be dealt with. Also, for the sake of the children, I hope you'll have less contact with your eldest brother's family after you return to the capital."
Xie nodded repeatedly, "Master, don't worry. I've seen through my eldest brother's character. For the sake of the children and your future, I will never work for him again.
Aside from the New Year and other festivals, when we interact with each other for formalities, I will cut off all contact with him and never cause trouble for the master."
Master Gu stared at Mrs. Xie and said, "I hope you can keep your promise and don't let me down. Otherwise, for the sake of my child's future, I will be cruel."
Xie shuddered all over, "Master, I will keep your words in mind."
Master Gu stood up and said, "Make good preparations for returning to the capital. Your husband will come over another day."
"I dare not delay the master's business."
Xie sent Mr. Gu to the gate before returning to her room.
As soon as she returned to the room, Xie collapsed on the couch, all her strength drained away.
Chun He brought the health-preserving soup and said, "Madam, please have some."
Xie waved her hand, "Put it aside and drink it later."
Chun He placed the soup bowl on the table and whispered, "Don't worry, Madam. The master's attitude is obviously much better than before."
Xie smiled, but it was a bitter smile.
How much the master respected her in the past.
Because of the eldest brother's matter, the master's attitude towards her plummeted.
Xie was very sad.
How much effort would she have to put in to help the master resolve his worries?
All this is my brother's fault.
Previously, what Xie said to Lord Gu about severing ties with Xie Mao was half sincere.
She had really been badly hurt by her elder brother Xie Mao. She was filled with anger, annoyance, and immense resentment.
She also really made up her mind that from now on, she would never help her elder brother Xie Mao again.
But now I have to go back to the capital.
When I return to the capital, we will inevitably meet.
When we meet, we have contact.
I'm afraid there will be more trouble by then.
Xie rubbed her brows. "Chunhe, give the instructions. I'll be returning to the capital in a few days, so have everyone prepare early. Pack up everything you need to take with you."
Also, tell the sewing room to hurry up and make winter clothes. This will prevent everyone from getting frostbitten when we return to Beijing due to the severe cold weather."
"As you command. Madam, do you have any other instructions?"
Xie said, "The shops in the city and the farms outside the city must be disposed of as soon as possible."
Chun He was surprised. "Madam, don't you want to keep the shop and the farm? If we sell them now, I'm afraid they won't fetch a high price."
Xie shook her head. "We won't keep the shop or the farm. What's the point of keeping them in this shabby place in the northwest?"
After taking the money, he returned to the capital and bought a new farm and shop.
In addition, someone had to be sent to the academy to inform Liu Lang to return home early. Since he was going back to the capital, there was no need to continue studying at the academy.
There are better academies and better teachers in the capital. He can just stay in the mansion and review his lessons before returning to the capital."
Chun He agreed, "I will send someone to the academy to inform the Sixth Young Master shortly. Madam, should we inform the wife of the prefect about our return to the capital?"
Mrs. Xie nodded. "It won't be too late to notify us after the official document comes down. But by then, the wife of the prefect should have heard from the prefect that we are returning to the capital."
Things were roughly arranged, and Xie breathed a sigh of relief.
Finally I can leave the northwest and return to the capital.
Although Lord Gu and Xie Mao had a conflict, Xie was still very happy in her heart.
After waiting for so many years, today has finally come.
The news of returning to Beijing quickly spread throughout the city.
Some are happy, some are sad.
Lord Gu is bringing his family back to the capital, and he certainly won't take all the servants in the mansion with him.
Some people will definitely be fired.
Among these people, the vast majority signed living contracts.
After Mr. Gu and his family left, they had to find work again.
All the children born in the Gu family were smiling happily.
After so many years, I can finally return to the capital.
When I think of the colorful world of the capital, my heart is excited.
"Girl, good news, good news."
Xiao Cui excitedly ran back to Zhilan Courtyard, "Miss, good news, we are going back to the capital."
Gu Jiu was stunned for a moment, "What do you mean by returning to the capital? Explain clearly."
Xiao Cui took a breath and then said, "I heard that the master has been promoted and is in the capital. We will all be able to return to the capital soon."
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