Chapter 56 Chapter 56 Jinjiang First Release
Chapter 56
I haven't seen Cui Shunying for nearly half a year. The young lady is about to reach marriage age, and her height has grown like a bamboo pole.
Before, Choi Sun-young's height was only up to Su Li's ears, but now she is as tall as her.
Su Li glanced at Cui Shunying's tightly embraced arms, feeling both happy and sad.
She was afraid of Cui Shunying's intimacy, simply because she didn't know the inside story and still cared about their previous friendship.
Su Li was also worried that if she told Cui Shunying about "impersonating the third daughter of the Su family", it would make her angry, and the two of them would have a rift and go their separate ways and have no contact anymore.
Su Li's heart was in turmoil, but Cui Shunying asked frankly, "Sister-in-law, you've entered the main room. Did Second Aunt give you any trouble? Also, why isn't Qiu Gui here today? Where did she go? Yuanchun is still waiting for her to teach her those Suzhou embroidery techniques."
Su Li suddenly realized that Cui Shunying actually knew everything. Did Cui Jue leak this information? Or did Cui Weng tell her?
Su Li whispered, "I'm not Su Sanniang. Do you mind? Aren't you angry when you know I'm lying?"
Cui Shunying chuckled and winked at her playfully. "What's there to be angry about? After all, this is a matter between the Cui family in Lanhe and my grandfather. What does it have to do with me? I only know that Sister Su saved me from death and often brought me food and drink. Isn't it enough for me to be happy with you?"
Su Li breathed a sigh of relief, and the smile on her face grew even wider. She couldn't help but say, "Aying, you are so nice."
Cui Shunying gave her a teasing look and said, "That's right. I'm not like my brother. He says he hates the young lady, but secretly he's so treacherous that he dares to hide my sister-in-law at home."
Su Li was speechless, a bit embarrassed, not knowing what to say in response... Should she argue that Cui Jue didn't have any deep feelings for her, but only treated her as a plaything? Or should she praise Cui Shunying for her for being so discerning, for being able to see that Cui Jue was a two-faced hypocrite?
Cui Shunying had a delicate heart. Her mind was racing. Suddenly, she grabbed Su Li and ran towards Cui Jue.
The young lady lifted her skirt and ran restlessly like a wild horse. Before Su Li could react, Cui Shunying brought her to Cui Jue.
Seeing that lonely and cold handsome face, Su Li was so scared that her soul was about to leave her body, and even her breathing was choked in her throat.
Su Li stammered, "My Lord, my Lord..."
Cui Shunying's next words made Su Li even more horrified.
She actually called Su Li "little sister-in-law" in public and asked Cui Jue, "Brother, I've been looking forward to meeting you and little sister-in-law for nearly half a month. Finally, you've come to Jianye! Can I take little sister-in-law out for a walk? Anyway, you have to go to the palace to discuss matters later, so you won't be able to look after little sister-in-law."
Cui Shunying deliberately made fun of Su Li in public, and in front of so many dignitaries, she affectionately called Su Li "sister-in-law".
This move was quite meaningful. In the eyes of the young ladies who came with their mothers to admire Cui Jue's demeanor, it was undoubtedly a demonstration and support for Su Li.
Having such a sister-in-law who doesn't distinguish between wives and concubines and only cares about protecting her brother and doting on his concubine, I'm afraid she will have to endure a lot of resentment before she even marries into the Cui family and becomes the first wife!
Cui Shunying acted despite the great disapproval because of this consideration.
She just liked Su Li, but she was also worried that Su Li was born into a commoner peasant family and her status was too low, so she would have to endure the bullying of the clan mistress in the future.
In this case, it would be better to speak up and protect him early on.
In this way, those young ladies who have no means and love to be jealous can also take the opportunity to think about whether they have the courage to enter the Cui family's gate since their sister-in-law is too difficult to deal with!
However, Cui Shunying's defense made Su Li's face lose all color.
She couldn't help but look up at Cui Jue's expression, and expressed her loyalty helplessly with her eyes... She didn't instigate Cui Shunying to act so boldly. It was just a sudden whim of the little girl, who insisted on standing up for her.
Su Li was afraid that Cui Jue would get angry in public.
If Cui Jue confined her to the rear house, then Su Li would be delayed in visiting her grandmother and taking the sterilization medicine in two days.
Su Li was like an ant on a hot pan, running around in a panic.
But Cui Jue stood tall and slender, silent, with her narrow eyes slightly closed, without revealing too much joy or anger, making it difficult to understand.
He didn't agree, nor did he say no.
After a moment of stalemate, Cui Jue tilted his head and glanced meaningfully at Cui Shunying.
Cui Shunying's fighting spirit and morale were completely worn away by the endless silence. She had always been afraid of her brother, and now she was given such a cold look.
Cui Shunying trembled all over and whispered in defense: "What's wrong with shouting like that? The person in my brother's room is my little sister-in-law. If, if my brother really feels that it is against the rules, I will change my mind when my wife comes into the house in the future! Okay, okay, stop talking about these unpleasant things! Can I take my little sister-in-law out to play?"
Cui Jue didn't want to embarrass his sister in front of others, so he replied indifferently, "Okay. But I want to take Huirong with me so that we can have someone to accompany us."
Cui Shunying stuck out her tongue and muttered, "I know."
Cui Shunying thought that Cui Jue was afraid that she would eat snacks outside again.
But Su Li understood that Cui Jue clearly wanted Aunt Huirong to monitor her.
He was extremely suspicious and still didn't believe that Su Li would stay in the Cui family obediently.
Su Li knew that she couldn't act rashly and had to be more careful to avoid bringing harm to Qiu Gui and her grandmother.
-
The Imperial City of Wu, the Golden Palace Hall.
The bright sunshine poured down on the glazed tiles of the curved roof, illuminating it with a brilliant light.
Inside the magnificent hall, the bronze Ten Thousand Buddhas censer was emitting curls of sandalwood incense and creating a hazy atmosphere. At the top of the jade steps stood an empty red sandalwood ascending dragon throne.
The Li family has been destroyed, and the person in power now is Cui Jue, the lord of the Cui family.
Below the high steps, a man with a stern face sat quietly in front of a purple lacquered table piled with documents and memorials with a crane pattern.
Cui Jue was dressed in a solemn and majestic tall hat and wide belt. His pair of cold and fierce eyes were brewing a storm, and he suddenly slammed the memorial in his hand to the ground.
Cui Jue suddenly attacked, frightening all the officials so much that they suddenly knelt on the ground, trembling with fear and lips like quails.
There was a loud bang.
The scrolls of documents scattered in the wind, and they contained countless black characters that condensed the accusations.
Those pages of evidence were like huge rocks, weighing down the hearts of the civil and military officials in the hall. The heavy pressure made them dare not breathe.
Cui Jue raised his chin slightly and said in a cold voice, "Grand Minister Yan, this marquis has high hopes for you. While I am out of town on this tour, I will place the heavy responsibility of supervising state affairs on your shoulders."
"You, however, are one of the Six Lords, in charge of the finances of Wu. Yet, you allowed your officials to sell official positions and titles, forging private passports to facilitate the escape of the former Li clan rebels to the north, causing war and disaster. Now, the Li clan rebels have rallied the northwestern clans, instigated rebellion by local princes, and have marched south, capturing Jiashan Pass and Juyan Pass. Hundreds of thousands of troops are approaching the capital, plunging Wu into dire straits and causing devastating suffering for the people! What crime have you committed? Even death alone cannot atone for your sins!"
Upon hearing the accusation of confiscation of property and extermination of the clan, Yan Situ immediately knelt on the ground, his lips moving, "Lord, please calm down! We, your servants, dare not harbor such evil intentions that harm the country. The officials in various departments have deceived their superiors and their subordinates, and have deeply misled us. I, too, have suffered greatly from this!"
Situ Yan naturally knew that Cui Jue was well aware of the affairs of the court. It was common for officials to embezzle money. In the past, as a prime minister, Cui Jue had simply turned a blind eye and let it go lightly.
Now that he's become the regent, he's actually trying to fabricate charges and target Situ Yan. This guy is so ruthless, he just sees that the Yan family has been officials for many years, controls the household registration of the common people in Wu State, and reaps the most benefits!
If Cui Jue wanted to lead the troops to war, he naturally had to fill the national treasury. His design of charges clearly intended to rob the money of the noble families.
Today, the Yan family will definitely die!
It’s a pity that Situ Yan didn’t have many private soldiers, and he made a wrong move and was defeated, so he couldn’t compete with Cui Jue.
Situ Yan burst into tears and begged Cui Jue to spare his life.
Cui Jue was not the kind of person who was indecisive. He listed the ten serious crimes of the Yan family, such as conspiracy, treason, corruption, and so on.
In order to prevent any further complications, Cui Jue pretended to be furious and insisted on issuing a killing order to Situ Yan.
Before the guards could take Situ Yan into the prison, Chen Heng swung his sword and chopped off Situ Yan's head at lightning speed!
The head fell to the ground, but Yan Situ died with his eyes wide open. Before he died, his mouth was still open, revealing a stunned and horrified expression.
Blood splattered three feet, and the court hall was once again covered in scarlet.
Cui Jue stood up from the chair and walked over to the blood. The hem of his robe was clean and elegant, soaked in the glaring blood, leaving a few tiny bloodstains.
He was so decisive in killing that he looked like an evil ghost. All the civil and military officials were silent, and they were so frightened that they dared not breathe, fearing that Cui Jue would have the intention to kill again and target them.
For a moment, the atmosphere in the hall was solemn and terrifying.
With the death of the elder of the Yan family, the Yan family is leaderless and has become a mess.
Even if Cui's troops surrounded them, it would be like catching a turtle in a jar, and no one could escape.
Cui Jue gently stroked the emerald ring and looked at the officials in the court one by one with cold eyes.
Others looked at his calm expression and did not dare to guess the thoughts of the superior.
But in fact, Cui Jue had given up his murderous intent.
Cui Jue was well aware of the principle of combining kindness with severity, and would not kill all of them, so as not to go too far and force the elders of the aristocratic families to take desperate measures.
Cui Jue frowned and feigned fatigue, saying, "No need to panic, my lords. As long as you fulfill your duties diligently and serve the country diligently, you will not follow in the footsteps of the Yan family. This incident is the fault of Minister Yan alone, and the crime does not extend to his family... Well, come, search the Yan family, confiscate their property, strip the members of the family of their official positions, pardon their lives, and exile them to their hometowns as a warning to others."
The reason why Cui Jue didn't slaughter the Yan clan members was not because he showed mercy, but because he was in charge of government affairs and had to weigh everything and grasp the right measure.
If too many aristocratic families were investigated, it would cause panic among the people and could lead to the division of the powerful families and their allegiance to the great northwestern clans. By arresting only the most powerful aristocratic families and using them as a false threat, we could secure military supplies and help unify the officials of Wu. This would achieve the best of both worlds and was the best strategy.
Today's tactic of making a show of force was used effectively, and Cui Jue's worries were mostly relieved. When he heard the subsequent officials reporting on their work in a trembling manner, a rare look of joy appeared on his face.
Not only did he promote several people to higher positions, but he also bestowed upon them a number of precious treasures.
The officials below looked at each other, observing the other's expressions and breathing a sigh of relief.
After the storm, I think Cui Jue will not target anyone again.
Some elders of noble families became more interested and offered auspicious signs from all over the country to Cui Jue.
Such as the Qilin stone with the word "Cui" engraved on it in the sea, the Ganoderma lucidum with the Cui family crane pattern...all the offerings showed that Cui Jue's ascension to the throne was the popular choice and destiny.
"I believe that a country cannot remain without a ruler for even a single day. Since Heaven has bestowed auspicious signs upon you, and you are considered the Mandate of Heaven, why don't you comply with the will of Heaven and ascend the throne as soon as possible, thus reassuring the people of Wu?"
The ministers flattered him with fawning words, speaking eloquently and eloquently.
They thought that Cui Jue was reluctant to ascend the throne simply because he was afraid of what the people would say. Now they were using auspicious signs to build momentum and pave the way for Cui Jue to become emperor. Cui Jue should have nothing to worry about, right?
Cui Jue is ambitious and determined to achieve his eternal empire. No matter how he flatters him, there will be no mistakes...
However, Cui Jue remained remarkably composed. He simply glanced at the nobles and said coldly, "Now that the great tribes of the northwest are leading their armies south, the flames of war are raging, and the people are suffering. This marquis is deeply worried. Without peace in the war, how can we govern the world? Let's discuss the monarch's matter later."
Cui Jue had made up his mind and sent the court officials away with just a few words. He went straight to the imperial study, summoned his counselors and generals, counted the troops, and prepared for the battle to meet the enemy.
After the court was dismissed, the ministers who left the hall were all confused.
They had something hidden in their minds and were very worried. They couldn't help but surround Mr. Xie, the person Cui Jue relied on the most, and ask him questions indirectly.
"According to Minister Xie, do you truly have no interest in the throne?"
Xie Xianggong was a clever man, so he wouldn't dare discuss such a secret with anyone. He simply played dumb and said, "Your Excellency is a man of deep thoughts and meticulous actions. How can we possibly understand anything? Let's not discuss this matter privately."
Having said that, Mr. Xie sneered in his heart.
Cui Jue is so ambitious, how could he not want to be the king?
You should know that in order to extend favors to the common people, he had already drafted a new policy for local imperial examinations with the central officials.
In the future, court officials will not only be recruited from aristocratic families, but will also give local poor people an opportunity to climb up.
In this way, it is possible to cultivate disciples who are loyal to the monarch and select talented scholars, thereby playing a role in dividing and checking the power of the aristocratic families.
This move is extremely beneficial to the people, but it shakes the foundation of the powerful families and reshuffles the court, which is equivalent to killing the donkey after it has served its purpose.
Cui Jue considered that implementing the new policy at this time would definitely cause an uproar, so he only spread some rumors and did not implement it.
But how could Mr. Xie, who had a keen sense of smell, not know that Cui Jue was now being gentle with her out of affection for the old times, it was simply because the timing was wrong.
One day Cui Jue will kill those stubborn families!
Since Cui Jue wanted to promote the imperial examination system and consolidate the royal power, he also intended to ascend the throne.
If he had not wanted to become emperor, how could he have dared to seek his own death by implementing the imperial examination system that could disintegrate the aristocratic families and control the government?
Cui Jue is not stupid, he is just waiting for the opportunity.
In that case...
Xie Xiang thought of his young, beautiful and talented granddaughter Xie Qinghan and sighed.
It is time to offer the Xie daughter and forge a more solid alliance with the Cui family.
I just hope Cui Jue can have some compassion and give his granddaughter a little more respect.
-
In the teahouse, as soon as Su Li was pulled away by Cui Shunying, many wives of officials and young ladies pretended to meet her by chance and came forward to make friends with her.
This was not the first time that Su Li met these wives of officials. In the past, when they heard that Su Li was from Lanhe County, they all looked down on her.
Now they watched Su Li get off Cui Jue's carriage, and naturally guessed how this girl became favored, and they wanted to make friends with Su Li.
Su Li was not stupid. She understood the nature of children from wealthy families to look down on the weak. She was just a little concubine, so how could she dare to accept any invitation to visit the mansion to appreciate the flowers?
Su Li refused to eat or drink anything, and everyone was at a loss as to what to do.
Unfortunately, the women of the Yao family were entrusted by their husband, Yao Jingze, to win over Su Li by any means necessary.
In order to talk to Su Li, Mrs. Yao even booked an entire teahouse just to visit Su Li in person in the private room.
Countless gold, silver and jewelry were delivered to the side rooms like water.
The room was filled with dazzling golden light.
Madam Yao pulled out her handkerchief and knelt before Su Li, tears streaming down her face as she pleaded, "Please, Madam Li, save my master's life!"
The elder lady of the aristocratic family knelt before Su Li, speaking so humbly, just to ask her to say a few good words for Yao Jingze in bed.
"Madam, please get up quickly!" Su Li was so frightened that her whole body was trembling with fear. How could she dare to respond to these words?
Others may not know Cui Jue's personality, but how could Su Li not know?
This guy is very hard-hearted. At most, he is greedy for pleasure, but he will not be misled by beauty!
If Su Li dared to intercede for others, regardless of whether Cui Jue was enjoying the sex or not, and whether he was following her pace and making love...
Even if Cui Jue reached the top and was about to lose control of her spirit, he could immediately be distracted and reach out to strangle her to death!
Thinking of this, Su Li suddenly felt a chill on her neck. Her life was in danger. She apologized softly, "Madam, I really can't help you with this matter..."
Fortunately, before Madam Yao could get to her, a servant from the Cui family hurried upstairs and reported, "Madam Su, Madam Si, the prince's carriage has arrived at the bottom of the building. Please come down and get in together to return home."
As soon as these words came out, not only the Yao family members in the private room, but even the women outside the teahouse were all stunned... Which man would personally drive a carriage to pick up his concubine and take her back home? Let alone the ruthless Cui Jue!
Even if she was the wife, I'm afraid she wouldn't be so dignified, right?
Su Li is indeed a charming young lady. She can actually charm the noble and self-respecting Cui Jue. She really has some good skills in controlling men!
Cui Shunying was also annoyed by these people. She pulled Su Li over, skipped downstairs, and said happily: "Let's go! Let's go back home and play, and not stay outside!" Su Li was also scared by these women of officials and wished she could run away.
However, when she boarded Cui Jue's carriage and opened the curtain, a strong smell of blood suddenly surged from deep inside the felt carpet.
It smells extremely fishy and strong, not like animal blood, but more like human blood.
Disgusting.
Su Li froze in place, feeling terrified.
Seeing that she was hesitant and didn't dare to get in the car, Cui Jue said coldly: "What's the matter? You've been out for a long time and don't want to go back home?"
Su Li didn't dare to answer, she quickly shook her head: "No, it's just that my legs are a little sore from shopping today, I'll get in the car slowly."
After saying that, Su Li took a deep breath, bent down and got into the carriage.
She was afraid of the cold murderous aura and didn't even dare to look at Cui Jue's face. The place where she sat was a million miles away from the man.
Cui Jue glanced at him lightly with a dark look in his eyes.
Su Li avoided him, which obviously made the man unhappy.
The atmosphere suddenly became solemn.
Perhaps because the carriage was too quiet, Cui Shunying made small talk and asked Cui Jue, "Brother, what are we having for dinner?"
Cui Jue thought of the head that had rolled to his feet in the hall just now, and said slowly: "...be a vegetarian."
Upon hearing this, Su Li's red lips turned pale, her legs suddenly felt sore, and she began to tremble.
She understood the hidden meaning in Cui Jue's words.
Killing someone breaks the precepts, so one should be a vegetarian for a few days to reduce the sin.
It turns out that Cui Jue just came back from killing someone in the palace...
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