Chapter 77 077 Evidence Obtained
In mid-December, Du Qingtang received a letter from Qingyuan County.
Fu Ci was furious when he learned that Du Qingtang was not working in the Hanlin Academy, but was framed by the corrupt official who killed her father and was sent to Henan Province to serve as an official.
Apart from studying and doing exercises to prepare for the imperial examination, Fu Ci spent the rest of his time making trouble for Wu Guangwu.
"Qingtang, don't be angry. With your intelligence and talent, it won't be long before you can fight your way back to Xiajing and give that old thief Wu a good slap in the face!"
Du Qingtang couldn't help laughing. Fu Ci was good at comforting people.
She continued to read.
Fu Ci chattered about family matters, telling her interesting stories about Qingyuan Academy, and complaining that Wen Boqing had stuffed several arithmetic problem books into her hands again, which made her feel overwhelmed. Even in her dreams, there were all kinds of numbers, and they grew legs and chased her.
"But to be honest, my math skills have improved significantly... Qingtang, don't disbelieve me. Feel free to test me when the time comes!"
Du Qingtang could already imagine Fu Ci's smug look when he wrote this sentence.
The other letter was written by Du Qingzhu, which was nothing more than cursing and abusing Wu Guangwu and speaking up for her.
At the end of the letter, Du Qingzhu mentioned Guo Qian.
"My fifth brother-in-law failed the provincial examination and was very depressed for a while. My fifth sister also became depressed and looked quite haggard."
"I watched coldly. It seemed like they were having another disagreement. They used to have a good relationship and were practically inseparable every day. But now my fifth sister always comes over alone. I haven't seen my fifth brother-in-law in a long time."
Is he taking his anger out on Du Qingmei because he failed the exam and is in a bad mood?
Du Qingtang put down the letter and rubbed his eyebrows with a headache.
Before getting engaged, she observed Guo Qian for a long time and had close conversations with him under the pretext of discussing academic matters.
At that time, Guo Qian was gentle and humble, and very motivated. He was determined to pass the imperial examination and become an official to bring honor to his family.
After only a few years of marriage, he seems like a different person. He is easily influenced by others, has no opinions of his own, and is overly emotional.
Or is this Guo Qian's true nature, and it was just a disguise at the beginning?
If this is true, then Guo Qian's acting skills are really amazing, even she was fooled.
Du Qingtang folded the letter and put it back into the envelope, his face as gloomy as water.
Is it because she feels that she has been exiled and there is no chance of her making a comeback in her life, so she doesn't want to act anymore?
"Sir, the carriage is ready, it's time to go on duty."
"knew."
Du Qingtang suppressed his emotions, put the letter into a special box for storing letters, stood up, straightened his official robe, smoothed out the minor wrinkles, and strode out.
When they arrived at the government office, Du Qingtang was the first to arrive, except for a few minor clerks.
After checking in, Du Qingtang handled the official documents brought by the clerk as usual.
It's still some trivial family matters.
When the two clerks, who were called assistants but were actually monitors, came over, Du Qingtang directly handed over the dozen or so lawsuits on hand to them, asked them to rush around the city, and rode his horse to Yufu River.
The reason why Du Qingtang took the trouble to handle the lawsuit was just to accumulate reputation.
Nowadays, people in the streets and towns have a unanimous praise for her and call her the Justice Lady. I believe that Mrs. Liu must have heard of her.
The goal has been achieved and there is ready-made labor at hand, so there is no need to make yourself so tired.
We set out at Si time and arrived at Yufu River near noon.
The men were digging ditches, the children were helping out, and the women were busy preparing lunch.
“Whoa—”
Du Qingtang tightened the reins and the horse neighed.
The neighing sound attracted everyone's attention. They stopped what they were doing and greeted Du Qingtang warmly and respectfully.
Du Qingtang had a smile on his lips as warm as spring breeze and nodded, "Thank you for your hard work."
Receiving the gratified and encouraging look from the judge, everyone became more energized, as if injected with chicken blood, and worked even harder.
Du Qingtang stopped for a moment, called the yamen runner in charge of supervision, and asked about the situation in the past two days.
The bailiff did not dare to be perfunctory and answered truthfully.
After asking, Du Qingtang prepared to inspect other places.
"ah!"
Du Qingtang heard a scream and looked in the direction of the sound. An old lady who was in charge of cooking slipped and was about to fall down the slope.
Du Qingtang rushed forward and held her up in a lightning-fast manner: "Grandma, be careful."
The elderly woman was breathing rapidly, her withered white hair fluttering in the wind. She tilted her head back, her scarred face showing a lingering shock, and her hoarse voice cut like a knife: "Thank you, sir."
Du Qingtang looked at her calmly, without a trace of strange expression on his face, and said in a gentle voice: "Grandma is old, please be careful."
Then he said, "Grandma, let me help you to the side to rest for a while."
Mrs. Liu hesitated: "But lunch..."
A woman not far away shouted, "Grandma, just go and rest. We are here."
“That’s right!”
Mrs. Liu fixed her cloudy eyes on Du Qingtang: "Then I'll have to trouble you, sir."
Du Qingtang smiled back and helped her to the side.
Granny Liu slowly sat down on the small stool, her hoarse voice carried by the wind into my ears: "Thank you, sir."
"No need to thank me." Du Qingtang lowered his eyes to glance at her ankle. "If you feel any discomfort later, grandma, please let me know so I can send a doctor over."
Digging ditches is physical work, and bumps and bruises are inevitable.
Feng Shu's external image was that of an honest official who cared about the people. He specially invited a doctor to guard the Yufu River throughout the whole process.
Mrs. Liu was old and any violent movement could have resulted in a broken bone, let alone sliding down the slope just now.
It’s best if nothing happens, but if something happens, it’s better to seek medical treatment in time.
This person is an important witness and there can't be any mistakes.
Mrs. Liu nodded in agreement, and Du Qingtang felt relieved and went to inspect the other side.
"Mr. Du is so thoughtful. I have lived for decades and have never seen an official as amiable as her."
"Good deeds will be rewarded. Lord Du will surely live a long and peaceful life!"
The women echoed the sentiment one after another, their words full of praise and admiration for Du Qingtang.
Mrs. Liu sat in the leeward place, her back hunched, a glint of crystal in her dry eyes.
-
Du Qingtang stayed by the Yufu River for two hours and rode back to the city in the evening.
Before entering the city, a carriage came towards us on the wide official road.
Du Qingtang didn't pay much attention until a strange yet familiar female voice came from the side: "Are you... Du Qingtang?"
Following the sound, I saw a beautiful female face.
A hint of surprise flashed across Du Qingtang's eyes.
......
"Mr. Du!"
After entering the city, Du Qingtang passed by a teahouse. Tan Bitong was standing beside the carriage, calling her with a beautiful smile.
Du Qingtang looked calm as he tightened the reins and stopped: "Miss Tan."
After the chance encounter in the jewelry store, Du Qingtang and Tan Bitong met by chance several more times.
After a few interactions, the two learned each other's names and gradually became familiar with each other.
But until now, Tan Bitong still hasn't found an opportunity to hold a banquet to thank Du Qingtang.
Whenever she asked, Du Qingtang declined her invitation on the grounds of being "busy with official duties".
Tan Bitong was very disappointed, but at the same time she admired Du Qingtang even more.
Tan Bitong walked forward quickly and noticed the mud on the corner of Du Qingtang's robe: "Master Du, is he out on business again?"
Du Qingtang nodded and looked down at her condescendingly, but without showing any arrogance. His voice was clear and unhurried, quite gentlemanly.
"Ms. Tan has a sharp eye. Mr. Du is indeed out on business."
Tan Bitong chuckled softly and asked, "Mr. Du, are you free today? After so many days, it's time to give Bitong a chance to thank you."
I thought Du Qingtang would refuse as usual, but unexpectedly she nodded: "It would be disrespectful for Du to refuse."
Tan Bitong was overjoyed and quickly agreed on a time and place, fearing that Du Qingtang would go back on his word.
Perhaps because it stayed too long, the horse snorted and kicked its front hooves repeatedly.
Du Qingtang gently rubbed the thick mane, lowered her eyelashes, and her superior and smooth profile was incredibly gentle.
Tan Bitong was stunned for a moment.
Du Qingtang seemed unaware and withdrew his hand to hold the reins again: "Du has to go back to the government office, so I'll take my leave first."
"Mr. Du, take care."
Du Qingtang shook the reins and rode away.
As soon as they drove a distance, the gentleness in their dark eyes immediately faded away, leaving only calmness and alienation.
......
When he returned to the government office, Feng Shu happened to be returning from his shift.
Du Qingtang stopped and saluted: "Your humble servant pays respect to the prefect."
Feng Shu was so meticulous that he noticed the mud on the corner of Du Qingtang's robe and narrowed his eyes slightly.
After returning home, Feng Shu called his confidant and said, "Go check where Du Qingtang has been these days."
It hasn't rained in Runing Prefecture for a month. If I were just handling a lawsuit, there would be no possibility of mud and water on my clothes.
Moreover, the weather in December was freezing cold, and most rivers were frozen, except for...
The confidant took the order and left. Feng Shu had dinner with his wife Wu and was about to go see his pregnant concubine when another confidant suddenly asked for a meeting and presented him with a letter.
"Sir, there is an urgent message from Xia Jing."
Feng Shu immediately put his concubine out of his mind and went to the study.
It's a letter from Wu Guangwu.
In the letter, Wu Guangwu stated that Emperor Qingyuan appointed Yan Tiande as an imperial envoy, ordered him to inspect various places, and also gave him the imperial sword, allowing him to execute first and report later.
"Clean up the tail and don't leave any handle."
Finally, Wu Guangwu asked Du Qingtang whether everything had been handled properly.
Feng Shu sighed, crumpled up the letter, and threw it into the incense burner to burn it to ashes.
His father-in-law asked him to get rid of Du Qingtang as soon as possible, but he didn't know that Du Qingtang was very cautious and tactful. Since he took office, he had not found any evidence against Du Qingtang, not even a small mistake.
Wu Guangwu was in a hurry, and Feng Shu was also anxious.
If this continues, he might have to resort to some shameful means.
But in this case, he would have to take the trouble to clean up the mess and forge some absolutely thorough evidence to make Du Qingtang's disappearance plausible.
After all, Du Qingtang was not a minor official of the eighth or ninth rank, but a sixth-rank Tongpan recorded in the court.
If she disappeared out of nowhere, the imperial court would be alarmed and the cause would be investigated.
However, Feng Shu firmly believed that when that day really came, Wu Guangwu would never lend a helping hand.
Wu Guangwu even asked him to eliminate Du Qingtang, a potential threat, so how could he let himself get into trouble and arouse suspicion?
Feng Shu sneered sarcastically. Just when he was feeling annoyed about this, the confidant he had sent to investigate Du Qingtang came back.
"Reporting to the Lord, Du Qingtang is supervising the construction at Yufu River recently."
Yufu River?
Isn’t that Xie Kang’s job?
Feng Shu's face was slightly cold. He instructed Xie Kang to strip Du Qingtang of his power. Xie Kang actually dared to pretend to obey his orders and secretly let Du Qingtang take over other tasks!
This was not enough, and the confidant immediately said, "Sir, there is news from Dabie Village that Liu had a brief contact with Du Qingtang."
Feng Shu's face darkened completely.
Brief contact?
Was it an unintentional act?
Or was it intentional?
If it was done intentionally, who was the person with ulterior motives?
But whether it was Du Qingtang or Liu, one thing was undeniable—
The other party intended to harm him.
Anger was boiling in his heart, but Feng Shu remained calm on the surface: "Go, call Xie Kang."
The confidant took the order and left.
Xie Tongpan had just returned to the Tongpan Mansion from the government office when he heard the summons from the prefect. He thought that the prefect wanted to entrust him with an important task, so he did not dare to hesitate. He did not even bother to have dinner. He hastily tidied his clothes and went to Feng Shu's private residence with his confidant.
Entering the study, Judge Xie discovered that Feng Shu had only called him. He suppressed his excitement and bowed, "Your humble servant greets you, sir. I wonder what important matter has you summoned me for at this hour?"
Feng Shu put down his teacup, walked over to Judge Xie, and looked him in the eye coldly: "Xie Kang, how do you think I treat you?"
Xie Tongpan was a little confused. Why would the prefect ask this for no reason?
But he still chose a pleasant answer: "Your Excellency, you are my mentor and my adopted parent. If it weren't for your promotion and kindness, I would still be a ninth-rank official, looked down upon everywhere."
Feng Shu asked, "So you should obey my orders and be loyal to me, correct?"
Xie Tongpan was even more bewildered. Thinking carefully, he realized that he hadn't done anything to offend the prefect, so he felt relieved and patted his chest and said, "Your humble servant is completely loyal to you. You are my humble servant. I will sacrifice my life for you, even if it means I die!"
Feng Shu listened to his oath-like words, and then thought about what he had done. The anger that had been accumulating in his heart for half an hour erupted like a huge volcano in an instant.
Feng Shu slapped Xie Tongpan with his backhand so hard that he staggered and almost hit the corner of the table.
"Since I have treated you well, why do you want to betray me?"
Judge Xie was stunned by the slap, but he didn't dare hesitate. He knelt down, covering his burning face, and defended himself with pain: "Your Excellency, I have never betrayed you!"
Feng Shu was so angry that he kicked him again.
Xie Tongpan had lived a life of luxury for many years, and he was fat and kind-hearted. From a distance, he looked like a stone pillar. He was kicked to the ground, lying on his back, and was unable to turn over for a long time.
Judge Xie thrashed about, wailing, "I don't know what I've done wrong. Please tell me, sir!"
Feng Shu only said three words: "Du Qingtang."
Judge Xie was like a chicken with its neck pinched, staring with his eyes and mouth open. His throat seemed to be filled with cement and he couldn't make a sound.
Meeting Feng Shu's cold eyes, Xie Tongpan shuddered and regretted his decision to the core.
Having worked with Feng Shu for many years, Xie Tongpan knew very well that he was a hypocrite. The better his reputation was in public, the more cruel and ruthless he was in private.
Just from what he knew, the number of people whose families were destroyed and whose lives were taken away by Feng Shu was so great that he couldn't even count them with two slaps.
If he had known this would happen, he should not have handed over the Yufu River mission to Du Qingtang out of his momentary weakness and confusion!
Xie Tongpan's heart was pounding. He swallowed hard and stammered, "Sir..."
Feng Shu didn't want to hear any more nonsense and just warned: "Xie Kang, you need to figure out who gave you the status and position you have today."
"I can give it to you, and I can also take it back."
"roll!"
Xie Tongpan knew that the matter was over, as if he had been pardoned. He kowtowed a few times, got up and rolled away.
Feng Shu sat back at his desk, his face solemn, lost in thought.
He didn't know how Du Qingtang knew Liu's identity and who was the master behind it.
It is also unclear whether Fang Jianhong had a backup plan back then, which is why Liu deliberately approached Du Qingtang.
But none of this matters.
He only knew that as long as Du Qingtang died, all problems would be solved.
No one will know what happened back then, and he can continue to be the prefect of Runing Prefecture.
When the time is right and he has accumulated enough political achievements, he will be able to return to Beijing in glory, take charge of the six ministries, and hold great power.
——He married Wu, that ugly and faceless woman, and endured her jealousy and vulgarity for many years, wasn’t it just to get a shortcut and get promoted step by step?
Feng Shu thought again of the imperial envoy's inspection.
Everything that happens will leave traces.
That's why Wu Guangwu asked him to clean up the mess before the imperial envoy arrived, so as to avoid being caught and implicating the people above him.
Feng Shu tapped the table with his fingers, and suddenly a brilliant idea came to his mind.
There is no need to go to great lengths to eliminate hidden dangers, and Du Qingtang can be eliminated without any effort.
The anger in his heart gradually subsided, and Feng Shu revealed a sinister smile.
Anyone who dares to plot against him will have to pay the corresponding price!
"From now on, the two of you will closely monitor Du Qingtang's every move. Where he goes and who he meets must be reported to me."
"yes!"
The confidant took the order and left.
......
On the other side, Du Qingtang finished processing the remaining dozen or so official documents, and it was already dark when he left the government office.
After returning to the Tongpan Mansion, Du Qingtang went straight to the study.
In the study, Du Yi had been waiting for a long time. When he saw her enter, he bowed and saluted: "Young Master."
Du Qingtang untied his cloak, hung it on the rack behind the door, rubbed his hands, and put them on the charcoal brazier to warm them.
As the end of the year approaches, the weather is getting colder.
She had been outside in the wind all day, and even though she was strong and healthy, she felt a chill in her chest and hands and feet.
Du Qingtang sat with her back to Du Yi, warmed by the fire. The warmth washed over her, and the comfort made her say lazily, "Did you find it?"
Du Yida said, "I have found them. I have retrieved them all and placed them on your desk."
Du Qingtang hummed softly and asked, "How are the Liu family's ancestors and grandchildren?"
"Young Master is incredibly shrewd. He anticipated that Feng Shu would exterminate the Liu family's grandchildren. Du San and Du Si have already lured out the people secretly monitoring the Liu family's grandchildren and forced them to reveal how they contacted Feng Shu."
Du Qingtang lowered her eyes, her long eyelashes casting a soft yet cold arc under her eyelids: "Is everything cleaned up?"
"Du San and Du Si have secretly escorted the Liu family's grandparents to a safe place, disguised themselves as those two men, and returned to report."
Du Qingtang nodded and said, "Thank you for your hard work. It's getting late. There's no need to keep watch. Go back and rest."
Du Yi agreed and walked out.
Du Qingtang walked to the desk and saw a book stained with blood and traces of smoking.
......
Five years ago, in the 13th year of the Qingyuan Period, a minor official named Fang Jianhong accidentally discovered evidence that Feng Shu and others had embezzled tax silver.
In order to eliminate future troubles, Feng Shu sent people to set fire to Fang's house.
That night, Fang Jianhong, his father and his wife all died in the fire.
Before his death, Fang Jianhong used his last breath to help his mother Liu and his two children escape.
Feng Shu had been settled in Runing Prefecture for many years and was well-connected, so he quickly found the Liu family's ancestors and grandchildren.
Perhaps due to the arrogance and arrogance of those in high positions, Feng Shu did not think that Liu would be a threat to him. In the first few years, he sent people to monitor Liu, but when he saw that she did nothing, he gradually relaxed his vigilance and withdrew the people who were monitoring her.
But it was Liu, a woman with a disfigured face and a frail appearance, who dealt Feng Shu a fatal blow.
In the previous life, in the 23rd year of the Qingyuan period, Liu went to the capital with evidence and beat the drum to file a complaint with the emperor.
"Ten years! More than three thousand days and nights! I pretended to be deaf and dumb, and slept with a knife under my pillow at night, fearing that the three of us, the grandfather and the grandson, would fall into the hands of the corrupt officials."
"God has mercy on me! I have finally waited for this day!"
——Du Qingtang learned these words from word of mouth among the people of Xiajing.
Liu single-handedly exposed a corruption case that shocked the government and the public.
From the Minister of Revenue Wu Guangwu, the prefect of Runing Prefecture Feng Shu, to the ninth-rank clerks, there were hundreds of officials involved in the case. The crimes they committed were too numerous to list and were so heinous that they were beyond description.
During that period, the blood on the execution ground never dried, and the executioner's knife was even bent.
Corrupt officials were brought to justice, and many vacancies appeared in the six ministries and five temples, so Du Qingtang was able to be promoted.
From handling lawsuits to gain the hearts of the people, to deliberately playing the victim and tricking himself into the job of supervisor at Yufu River, Du Qingtang slowly plotted, just to get close to Liu and obtain the evidence in her hands.
Du Qingtang knew very well that Liu had been secretly observing him.
She took advantage of the situation and showed the side that Liu wanted to see.
Finally, with Du Qingtang's unremitting efforts, Liu chose to believe her.
This morning, Liu slipped her a note under the pretext of falling.
There was an address written on the note, and nothing else.
Du Qingtang suppressed his joy and ordered Du Yi and Du Er to find evidence. He sent Du San and Du Si to plan the fake death of Liu's grandparents and grandchildren, and asked them to disguise themselves and infiltrate the enemy camp.
Du Qingtang looked through the account book full of loopholes and smiled slightly.
At this point, the trip to Runing Prefecture can be considered half successful.
Just wait for Yan Tiande to come here for inspection, and then we can start the next plan.
-
The next day, Du Qingtang arrived at the government office at 11:00 AM as usual.
When it was time to roll the clock, Panist Xie appeared behind her like a ghost.
"Du Qingtang."
Du Qingtang was startled. He turned around to see who was coming. His eyes lit up, filled with intimacy and trust. "Thank you, sir. You came quite early today."
Judge Xie snorted coldly.
Last night, Feng Shu beat and kicked him, and he tossed and turned in pain, unable to sleep. In the second half of the night, he finally fell asleep, but he dreamed of Feng Shu's hideous face and woke up with fright.
"From now on, you no longer have to supervise the work at Yufu River." Judge Xie almost hated Du Qingtang to death. His tone was stiff and he didn't allow any room for argument. "Go back and handle your lawsuit!"
Du Qingtang was stunned, the joy on his face gradually fading: "W-why? Is there something I did wrong?"
Judge Xie was too lazy to waste time talking to Du Qingtang. He glared at her unhappily and walked away.
Du Qingtang stopped there for a moment, then went to the duty room dejectedly.
The clerks in charge of roll call looked at each other and sighed.
"It's really pitiful."
"Even if she offended a noble in the capital, there's no need to target her like this, right?"
"Alas, it's because she comes from a poor family and has no one to rely on."
Several people looked at each other and sighed.
......
In the blink of an eye, it was the end of the twelfth lunar month.
Early that morning, Du Qingtang suddenly received a notice asking her to collect taxes in the counties under the jurisdiction of Runing Prefecture.
Upon hearing this, Du Qingtang was so delighted that he packed up his things and set off with a few clerks.
The officials in the government office saw Du Qingtang's joy and were happy for her from the bottom of their hearts.
"At last I have a decent job."
"I always feel like something is weird."
"You know what, I feel the same way."
"Hiss—is this a trick?"
"Don't think too much about it. It's probably because there are too many official duties at the end of the year and the other adults are too busy to handle it, so they gave it to Lord Du."
"Tsk, I'm so happy for nothing."
Du Qingtang was completely unaware of his colleagues' discussions. He rode his horse quickly all the way and traveled through five counties in just eight days. He collected all the taxes before the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, before the New Year holiday.
"Your Excellency, these are the tax ledgers for the five counties. I have already sent the tax silver to the treasury. Please check it later."
Feng Shu's face was gentle: "Master Du, you have worked hard. You don't need to come again this afternoon. I will allow you to take your annual leave in advance."
Du Qingtang was overjoyed: "Thank you, Mr. Prefect. I wish you a happy New Year in advance and all the best."
If you die, everything will go well for me.
Feng Shu watched Du Qingtang leave and thought so.
About an hour later, Feng Shu's trusted confidant sent to monitor Du Qingtang arrived in a hurry.
"Sir, Du Qingtang went to Zuixianju with his cousin."
Cousin?
Tan Bitong?
Feng Shu frowned, becoming more and more certain that Du Qingtang had ulterior motives: "When did they meet?"
Confidant: "I have been following Du Qingtang these days and have never seen her meet my cousin."
That means Du Qingtang and Tan Bitong have known each other for a long time.
The confidant asked tentatively, "Sir, would you please remind my cousin to stay away from this person?"
Feng Shu pondered for a moment and rejected his proposal.
Tan Bitong is a vicious woman who poisoned her husband. She is also a stupid woman. She knows nothing and Du Qingtang can get nothing from her.
"Keep watching."
"yes."
......
After leaving the government office, Du Qingtang went to Zuixianju to keep his appointment with Tan Bitong.
During the meal, the two had a great conversation and did not return home until the evening.
New Year’s Eve is approaching, and the streets and alleys are filled with the strong festive atmosphere.
The hawkers’ cries were endless, and people were carrying large and small bags of New Year’s goods. Even the cold wind could not dampen the smiles on their faces or the warmth in their hearts.
The sound of the wind, accompanied by the sound of discussion, drifted into the carriage and reached Du Qingtang's ears.
"Great, Daxia won!"
"Young General Pei truly lives up to being General Pei's grandson. He repelled an enemy force of 50,000 with only 30,000 soldiers."
"If Daxia wins, we can have a good New Year."
Du Qingtang raised the corners of his lips in a happy arc.
Yeah, that's great.
-
On the 30th day of the twelfth lunar month, New Year's Eve arrives as scheduled.
Although Du Qingtang is the only master in Tongpan Mansion, the necessary procedures for New Year's Eve are still necessary.
Early that morning, the guards and maids in the mansion started to get busy.
Hang lanterns, post couplets, and prepare a sumptuous New Year’s Eve dinner.
Du Qingtang took a break from his busy schedule, leaning on a lounge chair under the eaves and basking in the sun leisurely.
That's when there was a knock on the door.
Du Qingtang didn't even open his eyes, but raised his hand to signal the servant to go over and find out what was going on.
Not long after, the servant came back and reported: "Sir, the Seventh and Eighth Misses are here."
Du Qingtang suddenly opened his eyes.
A clear and lively female voice came from far away, and the person jogging over was Du Qingzhu, whom I hadn't seen for several months.
“Dangdangdangdang——”
"Surprised? Unexpected?"
"I thought we would miss New Year's Eve, but luckily, we made it!"
Du Qingju was two steps behind Du Qingzhu, looking around the Tongpan Mansion.
As she listened to her seventh sister's energetic voice, a smile spread across her face.
In order to spend New Year's Eve with the youngest, they traveled day and night for the past few days and finally arrived at Runing Prefecture on the afternoon of the 30th day of the twelfth lunar month.
Tang Ge'er will definitely be very happy to see them, right?
Du Qingju thought about it and tiptoed slightly, looking past Du Qingzhu and at Du Qingtang under the eaves.
However, the scene that Du Qingtang imagined to be surprised and happy did not appear.
On the contrary, Du Qingtang's face darkened little by little, and he looked like a storm was about to come: "Who asked you to come?"
The smiles on Du Qingzhu and Du Qingju's faces froze.
Du Qingzhu: "We want to give you a surprise..."
Du Qingtang straightened up, expressionless: "Don't you know what's going on in Runing Mansion?"
The two repeated accusations brought the two girls' joyful hearts to the bottom.
The fatigue from the long journey and the grievance of not being understood came together, and bitterness surged in their hearts, and their eyes instantly turned red.
Du Qingju bit her lower lip, pinched her cuffs with her fingers, and whispered, "We just don't want you to be here alone."
Du Qingtang was stunned.
It was as if something suddenly hit his heart, a tingling sensation spread from his heart to every part of his body, and his expression was blank for a moment.
There was a suffocating silence in the yard.
The maids, servants and guards had left at some point, leaving only Du Qingtang and her two sisters.
We sat for two stops in silence.
Du Qingtang didn't expect that they came from afar just to prevent her from spending New Year's Eve alone.
On second thought, given the sisterly relationship between them, this was to be expected.
Thinking of this, the anger that had filled him with showing up at Runing Mansion without permission faded a little, replaced by a long-lost emotion.
Du Qingtang took a deep breath, calmed the surging emotions in his heart, stood up and walked towards them.
His tone was no longer as cold as before, but gentle and contained a hint of apology.
"I'm sorry, I got too emotional."
"I've already explained the situation in Runing Prefecture to you. This place is surrounded by tigers and wolves. I don't want you to be in danger."
Forget it, since she is here, it’s not like she is incapable of protecting them.
A sob escaped from Du Qingzhu's throat: "I'm still angry, I won't forgive you."
Du Qingtang: "I'm very happy to see you."
"...Hmph, I forgive you."
Du Qingju burst out laughing.
Du Qingtang also frowned.
......
That night, the three sisters had a lively New Year's Eve dinner.
After the New Year’s Eve dinner, we start to stay up all night.
There was a charcoal fire burning in the hall, making it warm and comfortable.
The three of them sat around the table, with melon seeds, peanuts and candied fruits in front of them and sour plum soup, the standard New Year's Eve treat, at hand.
They ate, drank, and chatted, ranging from the Qiong English Society to the hilarious stories in government lawsuits.
The silver bell-like laughter echoed in the hall for a long time.
Two hours passed in a flash.
At midnight, the sound of firecrackers was heard outside.
The seventeenth year of Qingyuan arrived as expected.
"Happy New Year."
At the beginning of the new year, family members are with us.
Du Qingtang ate the sour and sweet candied fruit, enjoying the calm before the storm.
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