Chapter 51 Sun Qin. You have been lecturing me every day and night! ...
The second day.
The news that something had happened to the wife and children of the Marquis of Jing'an spread throughout the city.
He Zhiliao also heard from the servants that they were clearly thrown into the carriage yesterday, and the driver was specifically instructed to send them back, but somehow they left the city. After asking the guards at the city gate, she found out that it was the Marquis's wife who said it!
If they had been drinking and talking drunkenly, it would be fine. After all, the driver wouldn't dare disobey. But the strange thing is that Zhuang Hongxiu insisted that she hadn't been drinking or drunk. It wasn't her who said that...
Who else could have said that?
Could it be a ghost? !
For a time, the common people would even avoid the servants of the He family when they saw them going out to buy things, for fear of being infected with bad luck.
He Ruman and He Ruxi were young after all, and they were frightened to death and became sick.
But He Zhiliao knew that the reason they were scared was that after waking up, they found that the medicine they had hidden on their bodies was missing.
That kind of powder will cause trouble no matter where it falls. If we find out that they are responsible, we will have no way to live.
"It's so satisfying! Look at their guilty expressions. Who knows how many bad things they must have done. They get scared by a little rumor. They are so useless!" Chun Jian cursed happily.
He Zhiliao didn't feel anything about this. The He family should just bear with it. Otherwise, it would always be as if they didn't exist. How could His Majesty find fault with them?
[Go find someone to make a memorial tablet for your mother.]
"Master, aren't you going to take the previous one back?" Chun Jian asked softly. In his opinion, it was not just a simple wooden sign, but also carried the tears and hopes of the young master over the years.
[Mother won't like that one; it's dirty.]
He Zhiliao looked somewhat indifferent and lonely. He had carried so many hopes and tears that he had already soiled his mother's tablet.
Besides, he had lived in the He family before, so his mother would not be willing to let that piece of money continue to stay with him. He is his mother's son, and he has the final say.
Chun Jian understood and smiled, "Then I will arrange it right away. I guarantee you will be able to enshrine the lady soon."
He Zhiliao smiled and nodded, but when it comes to offerings, since they cannot be placed in the Pei family's ancestral hall, they need to clear out a small room for their mother. He will go back and discuss it with Pei Ji.
"Zhengjun, it's almost time for us to set off." Xixin came in and reminded, "The carriage has been arranged."
He Zhiliao nodded. He was going to meet Sun Qin today.
Although he should have met him a few days ago when he returned, he didn't expect that the date for the imperial examination had been set by His Majesty, and the Hanlin Academy where Sun Qin's father worked also needed help. If he had gone to meet him at that time, he would probably be seen by someone with ulterior motives and gossip.
Even if we meet today, we will go to a secluded teahouse.
He Zhi stepped into the teahouse. Before the waiter could greet him, the maidservant beside Sun Qin ran up to him and said with a smile, "How are you, Pei Zhengjun? The young lady is already waiting for you in the private room. Please follow me."
He Zhiliao nodded slightly, raised his foot and followed her upstairs.
"My name is Aqiao. I didn't greet you properly last time. I'm really ashamed. Our young lady is very beautiful. Please don't be offended. She is kind-hearted and has no ill intentions." Aqiao explained as she walked.
Over the years, many girls didn't like playing with their young lady. They disliked her for not being able to say nice things and were even more annoyed by her cowardice. Gradually, they stopped inviting her to parties.
He Zhiliao was not unfamiliar with this situation, because he was in the same situation, even worse than Sun Qin.
After all, the Sun family doesn't bully Sun Qin's brothers and sisters all the time.
"Miss, Pei Zhengjun is here." Aqiao knocked on the door gently, fearing that a louder knock would startle her.
The door quickly opened from the inside, revealing Sun Qin's delicate and uncomfortable face. Although she liked being with He Zhiliao very much, she couldn't change her nervous nature when meeting people.
He Zhiliao nodded slightly at her. After all, he already knew her character and obviously didn't expect what she would say.
After ordering tea and snacks for them, the maids all retreated outside.
Sun Qin held her handkerchief nervously, and her rouge-painted lips opened and closed several times, but she couldn't utter a complete sentence. Fortunately, Pei Zhengjun couldn't say anything either. If he urged her again, she would be scared to death.
"The berries are delicious...thank you!"
He Zhiliao smiled at her when he heard that, meaning that as long as it tasted good, he just hoped that she would like it.
Sun Qin didn't speak to people who had no ill will towards her. She relaxed a lot and pushed the snacks slightly in front of him. Her meaning was very clear.
He Zhiliao also cooperated very well and picked up a piece of cake and took a small bite. The sweet pastry paired with the refreshing tea actually neutralized the sweetness, and the lingering aroma of tea filled his mouth.
The two of them just drank tea quietly. Occasionally, Sun Qin would say something, and He Zhiliao would just nod or shake his head in response. It didn't require much effort, so the two of them felt particularly comfortable getting along with each other.
Everyone was thinking about their own things, the atmosphere was peaceful and harmonious, and there was an inexplicable feeling of peace and tranquility.
Seeing that the time was almost up, He Zhiliao was about to leave. Sun Qin hurriedly stood up and stopped him, "Can you accompany me for a walk..."
She was so embarrassed that others always felt that she was not like a lady, but she should not be so polite and distant to her friends.
【ah. 】
He Zhiliao nodded, just strolling around, nothing big.
"Thank you." Sun Qin's face showed joy. She wanted to hug the little sister's arm like other young ladies, but she felt a little embarrassed because of He Zhiliao's identity. She was even more afraid that the other party did not regard her as a friend, so she restrained herself.
He Zhiliao saw her dilemma, but had no intention of taking the initiative. After all, this was fine at the moment.
The two of them strolled around the shops on the street. Sun Qin had seen good things before, but she was still curious about the things in the shops. It was just that there were few people to accompany her in the past.
He Zhiliao opened his mouth to Yanhua, who immediately understood and smiled at Sun Qin, "Miss Sun, our Zhengjun said you can stroll around freely without any worries."
"Yes!" Sun Qin nodded quickly and glanced at He Zhile with some introverted eyes. "Thank you very much."
He Zhiliao accompanied her as they walked and stopped, and the places they visited most often were jewelry shops and rouge and powder shops, as wealthy men needed these all the time.
Sun Qin was exceptionally generous, but it was also within the regulations of his father's official position, so as to avoid being used as a fuss. This is enough to show that Lord Sun is smart.
"This jade hairpin is nice. I'll give it to you to tie your hair with." Sun Qin whispered to him, "I know you don't need it. I just want to buy it for you. I don't mean to belittle you or look down on you. I have this jade hairpin too. I like it very much. I think it's very beautiful..."
He Zhiliao looked at her quietly. He naturally knew how such a temper was formed. It must be because her father did not love her, her mother did not care about her, and her brothers and sisters bullied her... But Sun Qin was obviously brought up by being pampered, so how could she be like this?
"Miss Sun, please calm down. Our Zhengjun has no intention of rejecting you." Yanhua quickly interrupted her with a smile. "You are good friends with our Zhengjun, so exchanging small gifts is normal. There is no need to be so nervous."
"I'm sorry..." Sun Qin smiled, but asked the shopkeeper to wrap up the warm jade hairpin and then handed it to him. "I rarely give gifts like this, please don't mind."
He Zhiliao smiled and shook his head. How could he mind?
This is a friend who voluntarily bumped into him, and they should get along well with each other.
Seeing that he liked it, Sun Qin was also very happy, so she didn't say anything else and continued shopping.
She now realized that Pei Zhengjun was the most sincere and straightforward person, without any twists and turns. If he really didn't like her, he would have avoided her from the beginning.
Since the decision was made to hold the special imperial examination, there have been more talented scholars and literati in the streets of the capital, but they all seem to be from well-off families. Those from slightly more remote areas have not arrived yet, and those who come before the special imperial examination will arrive at the end of the year.
"I seldom go out. I only heard from my father that the Hanlin Academy is now very busy. Now I have seen these scholars with my own eyes." Sun Qin said softly.
He Zhiliao nodded, intending to agree with her.
Sun Qin was particularly considerate of him and never asked or said anything that required a long response. As long as He Zhiliao nodded, shook his head, and smiled, she would respond gently.
Looking at the scholars who suddenly appeared, He Zhiliao couldn't help but think of Pei Ji. He has been much freer recently, and he wondered what his plans were. Are there any students among those scholars that he likes?
"Pei Zhengjun, I'm very happy today..." Sun Qin smiled lightly, she said a lot today.
He Zhiliao glanced at Yanhua, who immediately stepped forward and saluted, "Miss Sun, our Zhengjun meant that you should just call her by her name. There's no need to be so polite."
Sun Qin suddenly raised her hand to cover her mouth, and stars flashed in her eyes. She blinked quickly to hold back those inappropriate tears, and then nodded obediently.
"Azhi..."
He Zhiliao smiled and looked at her excited expression, and he also felt some inexplicable joy.
The two have been out for a long time and it is time for them to go home.
Perhaps because he had become familiar with He Zhiliao, Sun Qin was no longer as cautious as he was at the beginning. When leaving, he was particularly reluctant to let him go and said that he would ask him out again next time.
He Zhiliao smiled and nodded, watching her carriage gradually leave.
"Then shall we go back too?" Yanhua asked, her eyes meeting Xixin's.
He Zhiliao shook his head slightly. The family had been eating steamed fish these past two days. It was indeed fresh and delicious, but it was also a bit greasy. He wanted to eat something more indulgent.
Seeing him licking his lips, Xixin immediately said, "It's almost time for dinner now. Zhengjun, you haven't even thought about coming to the kitchen yet. So, shall we go to Songhexuan?"
【ah. 】
He's going to eat meat!
Songhexuan is always crowded during dinner time. He Zhiliao was enveloped in warmth as usual when he walked in, but then he realized that the restaurant started using charcoal braziers at this time.
The private room was booked by Pei Ji, so it was naturally not used for other purposes on weekdays. There was no charcoal brazier burning in the room, and it was still a bit cold when you went in. The waiters quickly lit the charcoal brazier, for fear that this precious guest would be frozen.
He drank hot tea and sat by the charcoal brazier to warm his hands. His slightly stiff fingers soon relaxed and he had the leisure to get up and walk around.
There is a crack in the window slightly away from the dining table to prevent the smell from the charcoal brazier from lingering for a long time and causing poisoning.
As soon as he walked to the window, he was hit by a cool breeze. He squinted his eyes and saw He Ruman sitting in the teahouse opposite through the window.
And a strange man.
The man was wearing blue clothes, and the material was shiny, which showed that it was made of expensive fabric. Moreover, he was calm and composed, and his actions were noble, which showed that he was of extraordinary status.
Looking at He Ruman's slightly shy expression, it was obvious that she was satisfied with him.
But why would that man look at He Ruman?
Not to mention that the Jing'an Marquis's Mansion has been mired in rumors lately, and looking at He Ruman's tender and affectionate look, one can tell that the man has a good family background. However, the fact that he was reprimanded by His Majesty alone should be enough to discourage the man from the capital.
No matter how you look at it, it always feels weird.
"What are you looking at?" Yanhua approached him and saw the person opposite her at a glance. Before she could be surprised, the person opposite her actually closed the window directly. "Isn't that the He family..."
He Zhiliao raised his hand to close the window, turned around and raised his index finger to her, indicating that she should be more careful with her words.
Yanhua quickly lowered her voice, "I didn't see anyone else there, and he was actually in the same room with a man from outside the family. If this gets out, the entire Jing'an Marquisate will be implicated, and it might even affect your reputation!"
[You guys go back and ask who this young man is from. I always feel something is strange about him.]
It was rare to hear him assigning tasks, and Yanhua and Xixin felt inexplicably relieved. Would their ruler finally be able to rule the country like the Fourth Master?
But, is that all?
"Zhengjun wants to ruin this marriage? He Ruman is really arrogant. If he marries into a wealthy family, he will surely be so proud of himself!" Yanhua was filled with indignation.
As expected of Pei Ji's subordinate, he speaks so boldly.
But He Zhiliao shook his head. Of course, he had to find out the situation of that person first. If he was a good person, it would not be too late to sabotage him later.
He really doesn't have much affection for the He family now. Even so, he will only fight back. As long as those people from the He family don't cause trouble for him again, he won't tell Pei Ji.
[Anyone who is still willing to discuss marriage with the Jing'an Marquis's Mansion at this time must be up to something.]
"I understand. I will investigate this matter thoroughly." Yanhua said with a smile.
The food was served soon, and He Zhiliao's heart and eyes were filled with delicious food.
Eating is to fill the stomach. After finishing two bowls of rice, there were still quite a few leftover dishes. He was thinking whether to take them back home to continue eating or to give them to the servants as a reward. However, it didn't seem right to let the servants eat the leftovers...
[You guys eat... and then order again...]
"Do you want to bring it back home?" Yanhua asked, "Then I'll go get the servants."
Xixin silently held her back and said to He Zhiliao with a smile, "If Master thinks it's a waste, why not just give us the food as a reward? You can eat it all and it won't be a problem."
Yanhua also realized what was happening and quickly nodded, "That's right, just reward us."
He Zhiliao was dazed and was taken by the two of them to rest on the couch next to him, almost on the right side, so they made clear arrangements for him.
He didn't move and let them eat.
He Zhiliao had the habit of taking a nap. Listening to the sounds of them chewing slowly, he slowly fell asleep.
Knowing that he was tolerant, Yanhua and Xixin stood up to cover him with a blanket, then sat back down to continue eating.
Xixin said, "I'll accompany Zhengjun for a while, you go across the street and ask around."
"Okay, then I'll do something else while I'm at it." Yanhua said.
"You handle it yourself and don't cause any trouble." Xixin said in a low voice.
They knew that He Zhiliao needed at least an hour to take a nap, which was enough time for them to do many things.
Yanhua quickly finished her meal, drank some tea to moisten her throat, wiped her mouth, and left.
When He Zhiliao woke up again, an hour had passed. Yanhua and Xixin supported him as he walked around the house. They waited until he was fully refreshed before returning to Pei Mansion.
"Master is back. I have done everything you asked."
Seeing him come back, Chunjian happily went to greet him, while Yanhua and Xixin quietly retreated to rest.
He Zhiliao immediately looked happy and decided to wait for Pei Ji to come back and discuss it with him. At this moment, he put his mother's tablet in his cabinet.
Pei Ji has been feeling much more relaxed recently. In addition, his second brother Pei Su has been busy with the imperial examination. The court officials are all keeping an eye on the Pei family and dare not argue with him anymore, for fear that he will pick out a few of the students.
Pei Ji didn't bother to pay attention to them. All those things that he thought were secret were more or less seen by Emperor An, but since Emperor An didn't mention them, he naturally wouldn't make any special efforts to get involved.
After all, he is Emperor An's most loyal mad dog. He will not bark in that direction until his master raises his hand.
In addition, the third prince had just been placed under house arrest, and everyone in the court and the harem was feeling insecure, and they didn't dare to do anything conspicuous to upset Emperor An, so Pei Ji had been doing pretty well recently.
He was ready to leave before the end of his shift.
Walking onto the long street that must be passed through to leave the palace, Pei Ji didn't even have the mood to appreciate the red walls and green tiles. He was only thinking about returning home as soon as possible.
"Master Xiao Pei has already left his post so early?"
Pei Ji turned his head and saw that it was the Fourth Prince. He immediately bowed and saluted, "Your humble servant greets the Fourth Prince."
The Fourth Prince smiled and stepped forward to help him up. "Why are you being so polite to me? It's been a long time since we last met. When are you free? We can get together."
Pei Ji coughed lightly with some embarrassment, "I'm afraid it's not appropriate today. I'm eager to go home and can't wait to see my husband."
"Then we'll meet again when you're on leave. The cool autumn season is the best time to drink." The Fourth Prince didn't seem to care about his refusal. It seemed as if he was already looking forward to the wine. He smiled and hurried away.
Pei Ji looked at the back of the Fourth Prince as he left, and a cloud of gloom filled his heart.
In his previous life, the Pei family did secretly support the Fourth Prince. Even before the Pei family encountered trouble, the Fourth Prince had already fought his way out of the siege and stood before Emperor An as if he had been reborn. He was only one step away from the position of Crown Prince.
This was due to the generous help from several members of the Pei family. The Fourth Prince himself also had some skills and was not as simple as he appeared.
In the previous life, the Pei family was purely artificial. As long as the new emperor could make the people live and work in peace and contentment, it didn't matter who ascended the throne.
Now, Pei Ji would no longer think so foolishly.
Emperor An is unreliable, and so is the Fourth Prince.
He had been secretly supporting the Fourth Prince, so no one would know even if he stopped supporting him.
After the Third Prince was placed under house arrest, the court seemed to have gradually quieted down, but disputes continued within. Other princes' factions wanted to win them over, and although Pei Ji remained unmoved, he didn't mind muddying the waters.
A blacksmith must be strong himself. If you want the throne, the help of others is one thing, and the abilities of those princes themselves are another.
Pei Ji naturally would not entrust the Pei family to outsiders again. He did not believe that he would have another chance to do it again.
And the Fourth Prince might have noticed something, so he wanted to test him like this.
"Master, what are you thinking about? I just saw the Fourth Prince, and his face seemed a little bad." Yuan Rong said softly.
"If he is in a good mood, your master should be in a bad mood." Pei Ji laughed, and the drifting white mist passed through his eyebrows, hazy and mysterious.
Yuanrong immediately understood what was going on and didn't dare to say anything more, because things were really going to change.
The carriage arrived at Pei Mansion steadily. Pei Ji got off the carriage and walked into the yard in a hurry.
Perhaps it was because winter was approaching, the sky darkened early. He felt that he had not seen He Zhile for a long time and he really missed him a lot.
"Know--"
The words died in his throat before he could finish speaking. Pei Ji looked at the objects placed in the yard and looked at everyone with some confusion.
"Where did this gift come from?" Pei Ji asked with raised eyebrows.
Perhaps because the Pei family has attracted some attention recently, many people have started to openly send gifts. It's fine if the eldest sister among the concubines in the palace sends gifts, and they can even say that it is a reward to supplement her family, but there are also some concubines who have never had any interaction with them, or the mothers of some princes and princesses, who do this...
That would be annoying.
Because scheming or flattery is too obvious. Even if His Majesty doesn't say anything, he will always have a scale in his heart. If he exhausts the Pei family, disaster will come...
It really can kill people, Pei Ji thought.
Qin Yurong sighed softly, "The Empress, Noble Consort De... and those favored concubines are really unwilling to let people have a peaceful time, as if they are afraid that others will not know that your second brother is busy with the imperial examination."
"Do you want to keep the list?" Pei Ji asked in a deep voice.
"It's all here." The butler immediately handed him the list. "It's all recorded, one by one, when and by whom the gifts were given."
Pei Ji nodded, "Very good, Yuanrong, take the list and send all these things to His Majesty."
Yuan Rong responded and hurriedly moved these items onto the carriage. He only hoped that the emperor would show mercy and ask someone to help him, otherwise he would not be allowed to enter the palace. He was afraid that he would be exhausted to death.
These concubines often like to do bad things intentionally.
Qin Yurong nodded and said, "It's better to send it back so that it won't be an eyesore in the warehouse. Let's all go back to our rooms." After saying that, she left.
"Zhizhi~"
"Husband~"
"My dear~"
Pei Ji shouted as he reached out to He Zhiliao, "I haven't seen you all day. Why don't you hug your husband?"
He Zhiliao reached out to hug him shyly and panicked.
Although it was a hug, it was clearly Pei Ji holding her in his arms, protecting her and keeping her warm.
He rested his chin on Pei Ji's chest and looked up at him with a silly smile.
"Why are you laughing so foolishly? I knew you missed your husband too. I miss you so much, how can you miss me?" Pei Ji picked him up face to face and walked into the house steadily.
He Zhiliao hurriedly hugged his neck tightly, and lay on him with her whole body, her legs hanging nervously on both sides of him, and her hips being held steadily by Pei Ji.
He won't fall, and he's not afraid of being fallen.
"What did you do today?"
"My husband has returned home earlier than usual, and you don't even know how to greet me? Do you still have me in your heart?"
"He Zhiliao, speak!"
As soon as he said this, Pei Ji felt like he was suddenly punched on the back.
He looked up and saw the little mute looking at him with shame and anger. It was obvious that he couldn't speak, but he still deliberately teased him like this!
There is no worse villain than Pei Ji!
Pei Ji tutted his words, "You hit me just because I tell you to? Where on earth did you find such a fierce husband? I'll have to find a chance to teach him a lesson!"
You did it on purpose!
"You've been teaching me a lesson every day and every night. You don't choose the right time. You don't have any time!"
He Zhiliao pulled at his eyelids with his hands and put his mouth very close to him. Even though his vision was blocked, Pei Ji could still see the two sentences clearly, which showed how much he was mumbling.
Pei Ji couldn't stand it any longer and stopped the chattering lips.
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The author has something to say: Little Zhiliao: He is so bad! I don’t want to play with him anymore! [Poor]
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