"Fourth sister is loved by her grandmother, uncle and aunt, so she is naturally innocent and naive, which makes Meng'er envious!" Yun Qianmeng raised her eyes and looked at Yun Xuanmo, only to feel that this time, compared with the last time they met in Sucheng, Yun Xuanmo had a touch of unfathomable depth!
Yun Xuanmo smiled with scrutiny as he carefully observed Yun Qianmeng in front of him. In his mind, he recalled the content of his usual correspondence with his eldest son and compared it with Yun Qianmeng at this moment. Then his smile widened, and he praised Yun Qianmeng in front of the old lady, "Mother is so lucky to have a granddaughter as sensible as Meng'er! If Yiyi was half as sensible as Meng'er, your aunt and I wouldn't have to worry so much!"
Seeing Yun Xuanmo's politeness, Yun Qianmeng smiled and replied, "Fourth sister is the apple of my aunt and uncle's eye. Even in the Prime Minister's residence, how can I let Fourth sister suffer any injustice? Uncle and aunt don't have to worry. Meng'er will definitely fulfill her responsibilities as an older sister and take good care of Fourth sister!"
These words made Yun Xuanmo and Li laugh even more happily. Li took Yun Qianmeng's hand and said with concern, "It's been a long time since we last met. I'd like to congratulate Meng'er on her upcoming marriage into the Chu Xiangfu! Of all these children, I think Meng'er is the most blessed! She will become the Princess of Chu in the future. As her elder sister, you will have to worry about Yiyi's marriage!"
As she spoke, Li's gaze could not help but sweep towards the old lady and Yun Yiyi. The smile in her eyes was so sincere, but a trace of annoyance flashed across the faces of the old lady and Yun Yiyi at the same time. Especially the old lady's eyes, which were filled with fierceness, shot straight at Yun Qianmeng, as if she wanted to pierce her body!
Seeing this, Li held Yun Qianmeng's hand even more gently!
Looking at the couple who had changed so much, Yun Qianmeng also had an impeccable smile on her face, pretending not to feel the old lady's eyes that wanted to eat her. She smiled and chatted casually with Li, "Aunt, what are you talking about! The fourth sister's marriage is decided by several elders, and there are two cousins to check it out. Meng'er is only a cousin after all. How can I interfere with the fourth sister's marriage without you? Besides, Meng'er is shallow in knowledge. What if I find a bad marriage for the fourth sister, wouldn't that harm her? Meng'er really dare not take on such a big thing. I hope Aunt will forgive me!"
Seeing that Yun Qianmeng seemed difficult to fool, the smile on Li's face paused slightly, and the enthusiasm in her eyes also faded a little. She let go of Yun Qianmeng's hand unnoticedly while drinking tea!
"What are you talking about, sister? When you become the Princess of Chu in the future, it will be easy for you to choose a good marriage for me. Why are you shirking your responsibility? Can't you just bear to see me marry someone better than you?" Seeing that Yun Qianmeng was trying every possible way to push her away, Yun Yiyi felt embarrassed in front of everyone, so she immediately spoke sarcastically!
At this time in the inner room, except for Yun Xuanmo and his wife and Yun Yiheng who had relatively calm expressions, the other three people stared at Yun Qianmeng with hatred!
"Yiyi, you are too presumptuous! How can you speak to your elder sister in such a tone? An elder sister is like a mother. You will have to rely on your elder sister more in the future! Do you think that your grandmother and parents can accompany you for the rest of your life? There is nothing wrong with what your elder sister said just now. How can you be so ignorant and make people dislike you for no reason?" At this time, Yun Xuanmo harshly rebuked Yun Yiyi for her rude words!
But in Yun Qianmeng's eyes, all this seemed too much like a show!
If Yun Xuanmo really wanted to blame Yun Yiyi, would he have to wait until she finished speaking?
It's obvious that they want to use Yun Yiyi to scold me, and then Yun Xuanmo will play the good guy. This kind of drama is really boring, but these people are happy to perform it over and over again. Do they really think I'm easy to bully?
Looking at the ferocious men in front of her with a faint smile, Yun Qianmeng retreated to her own chair and sat down gracefully. She then picked up the teacup beside her and took a sip slowly. The smile on her face gradually faded as she drank the tea. After a while, she slowly spoke, "Yes! There are some things that Fourth Sister, please don't say nonsense! The King of Chu is in good health now. If what Fourth Sister said just now gets out, wouldn't it be considered a curse? This crime can be serious or minor. If it is used by someone with ulterior motives, it will seriously implicate the Prime Minister's Mansion, and at the least, it may even affect the future of my two cousins! Fourth Sister is young and naive, but you still have to think carefully about some things. Don't get so angry just because others don't fulfill your wishes. It will make you look petty! Grandmother has always been magnanimous, and Fourth Sister has been by her side since she was a child. I believe she will learn a thing or two!"
At this time, Yun Qianmeng's eyes were filled with snow, and her eyes, which were as dark as the night, were as crystal clear as a piece of ice, making people dare not look directly at her!
Especially when she said this, there was a hint of murderous intent in her tone, which made everyone in the inner room stunned. They didn't expect that this rich lady who rarely went out of the house would have such an imposing aura, which made people tremble with fear!
"Yi Yi has been raised in the palm of her hand since she was a child. When it comes to scheming and cunning, she is naturally no match for the young lady from the capital. Besides, she is still young, so please don't blame her, cousin!" At this time, Yun Yiheng, who has always been frugal with words, suddenly spoke!
But the meaning of the words is very clear. First, it points out that Yun Qianmeng is very scheming, which sets off Yun Yiyi's simplicity and kindness; secondly, it probably points out that Yun Qianmeng lost her mother at a young age, and compared with Yun Yiyi who grew up under care, she seems vicious and cunning!
Yun Qianmeng had heard too many comparisons and comments like this since she came to the ancient times. She was in no mood to exchange a few words with the still immature Yun Yiheng. The fingers that were stroking the bowl lid gently loosened their grip, and a crisp "pop" sound was heard in the inner room that was as quiet as night. It scared everyone's heart and they all looked at Yun Qianmeng, but they only saw a faint smile on the corner of her lips. Her eyes, as bright as stars, were shining with a hint of wisdom, making people feel that she was unfathomable!
"Madam, the Prime Minister is here!" In the silence, Nanny Rui lifted the curtain and spoke. As soon as she finished speaking, everyone saw Yun Xuanzhi, who had just returned home and had not had time to change out of his court robes, walked in!
Except for the old lady, everyone else stood up. Yun Xuanzhi, who walked into the inner room, first glanced at Yun Qianmeng. Seeing that she was fine, his worries were relieved. Then he put away the worry in his eyes and looked at his brother, whom he hadn't seen for more than ten years, with a sharp look. He immediately said emotionally, "Second brother!"
"Brother!" Yun Xuanmo's eyes were already filled with tears. Seeing his elder brother whom he had not seen for many years, he immediately took Li forward to pay his respects, but was quickly supported by Yun Xuanzhi!
"What's the matter? You and I are brothers, how can I ask you and your sister-in-law to perform such formalities? You're not feeling well, so get up and sit down quickly. Don't make it difficult for me!" Yun Xuanzhi forcefully helped Yun Xuanmo up, who refused to get up. With a flash of disapproval in his eyes, Yun Xuanzhi pressed Yun Xuanmo's shoulders to make him sit down. Then he walked to the old lady and bowed to greet her. "My son greets you, mother. I'm busy with official business today, so I rarely come to visit you. I hope you won't blame me!"
Seeing that the quarrel she had expected didn't happen, the old lady's tense expression slowly relaxed. Seeing that Yun Xuanzhi had behaved well today, she gave him some face and said with a smile, "Of course, we should prioritize the affairs of the court! I have Yi Heng and his sister to take care of me, and many maids and servants to serve me, so you don't have to worry! I know you've been very busy today with the autumn examination, but you should also take care of yourself. The children in this mansion are still young, and they all rely on you!"
The pointed words revealed not concern for his own son's health, but consideration for the future of Yun Yiheng's brother. Yun Qianmeng covered her eyes with the tea bowl, and a cold smile appeared on the corners of her lips. She felt that these people in front of her were really interesting. They could talk and laugh in front of the people she hated in her life. She admired their adaptability!
"Thank you very much for your concern, mother! But there are some things that can be done, and some things that cannot be done! If the affairs of the court are not handled well, it will implicate your own family. How can I not do my best? Unlike you, I am a carefree and idle wanderer, living a fairy-like life with my younger brother and sister-in-law in Sucheng! Now Yi Heng and Yi Jie are also going to be successful, which makes me, as the eldest brother, very envious!" Yun Xuanzhi even said something with a hidden meaning, pointing out that the affairs of the court must be done, but some other things that the old lady hopes for cannot be done!
It was just that because he didn't express it clearly, the old lady couldn't help but hit a snag, which seemed a bit embarrassing for her!
Yun Xuanmo and the old lady had always been close friends, so naturally, he couldn't bear to see her unhappy. He smiled and tried to smooth things over. "Big brother has become more and more capable over the years! Unlike your younger brother, who stays at home all day, he's grown a lot older, but his knowledge hasn't improved at all! No wonder the emperor values big brother so much and entrusted such an important matter as the autumn examination to big brother with confidence! Yi Heng and Yi Jie, you must humbly learn from your uncle. When you become officials in the future, you must also contribute to the country and the court like your uncle did!"
"Yes! Father!" Yun Yiheng and Yun Yijie responded immediately!
However, when Yun Xuanzhi listened to Yun Xuanmo's words, a flash of displeasure flashed through his heart. He looked at his brother with smiling eyes, but a hint of murderous intent was hidden in his eyes!
"Now that your brother and his family have all come to Kyoto, you should ask Concubine Liu to prepare a courtyard for them, so as to prevent outsiders from laughing at our family!" Seeing Yun Xuanzhi just smiling and saying nothing, the old lady spoke hurriedly. Now that she has the support of her youngest son's family, the old lady is fearless. What's more, her youngest son has already taken office in the Prime Minister's Mansion. Does Yun Xuanzhi still want to drive them back to Su City?
Hearing this, Yun Xuanzhi smiled, and then replied warmly, "Mother, what you said is very true! I was thinking about this a few days ago! However, my second brother and I had already separated back then. If he comes to Kyoto to visit relatives this time, it is naturally no problem for him to stay in the Prime Minister's Mansion for a while! But from what mother said, my second brother seems to have moved his family to Kyoto, and living in the Prime Minister's Mansion for a long time would be inconvenient! So I asked Concubine Liu to clean up a villa in the north of Kyoto first, and let my second brother and his wife live there for the time being. It won't be too late to move in when we find a suitable house in the future! What do you think, mother and second brother?"
"You!" The old lady didn't expect that Yun Xuanzhi was thinking of driving her youngest son out of the prime minister's mansion again. She glared at Yun Xuanzhi in anger, wishing she could eat him alive. One hand tightly grasped the Buddhist beads, and the joints were glowing white. It can be seen how angry the old lady was at this moment. I'm afraid she wished Yun Xuanzhi would die now!
"Big brother's thoughts are more profound than mine! My younger brother only thought about Yi Heng and Yi Jie, so he came directly to Kyoto, but he didn't consider the inconvenience it would bring to big brother! Now big brother has come up with such a best of both worlds solution, which relieved my younger brother's embarrassment! Mother, don't you think so?" But Yun Xuanmo didn't show any anger. Instead, he happily accepted Yun Xuanzhi's proposal and even comforted the old lady, hoping that she could also accept such an arrangement!
The old lady withdrew her glare from Yun Xuanzhi and instead fixed her gaze on her youngest son, whose smile was as gentle as spring breeze. After a moment, the anger on her face faded away. Then, in a calm yet commanding tone, she addressed Yun Xuanzhi, "In that case, you can give the property deeds and land deeds of the other courtyard to your brother and sister-in-law as a meeting gift! They are not like you, who have been an official for many years and have ample financial resources. They have only been living on rent for many years. It is really not easy for them to support an old woman like me who has no one to care about. "
After hearing what the old lady said, Yun Qianmeng couldn't help but feel amused. Some people just couldn't see the current situation clearly. Yun Xuanzhi was the one in charge now, but the old lady wanted to control Yun Xuanzhi everywhere and suppress him in everything. It really made people feel a little ironic!
Moreover, the old lady's words just now clearly meant that she wanted to say that Yun Xuanzhi was corrupt and accepted bribes. Such an unfounded and presumptuous judgment would only bring more hatred to Yun Xuanzhi!
Sure enough, Yun Qianmeng noticed that after hearing the old lady's words, a hint of anger flashed across Yun Xuanzhi's smiling eyes. Then, his slightly cold reply rang in her ears, "Mother, you also know that when the family split up, all the land and property of the Yun family was given to my second brother. Now, these villas are all Ruoli's dowry! These will all be Meng'er's dowry in the future. I really can't give them to my second brother. I hope mother can forgive me!"
In one sentence, the old lady's intention to continue making money was blocked!
After all, even if the old lady had her son's support, she would never dare to openly oppose the Prince of Fuguo's Mansion. Otherwise, if the emperor got furious, the future of her two grandsons would be ruined in her hands!
However, after being rejected repeatedly by Yun Xuanzhi and Yun Qianmeng, the old lady's face was already extremely ugly. At this time, the sound of a child crying in the side room only made the old lady even more upset. She shouted directly outside, "Are all wet nurses dead? You can't even take care of a child? What's the point of having you? All you do all day is eat and sleep, and when it comes to working, you only know how to make excuses. It would be better not to hire you in the first place!"
The indirect criticism didn't attract the attention of Yun Xuanzhi and Yun Qianmeng. Yun Xuanzhi spoke gently to Yun Qianmeng, "Meng'er, the wedding is approaching, and you must prepare well. Ask Concubine Liu to buy anything you need, but you must not lose your status as the eldest daughter of the Prime Minister's Mansion! If you have nothing to do in the near future, try to stay in Qiluo Garden. You must know that you are now of noble status. From now on, you must be aware of your status as the wife of Prime Minister Chu. Don't let yourself be laughed at by others when you enter the Prime Minister's Mansion!"
The words were said to Yun Qianmeng, but they were actually meant for others to hear. It was also to tell them to stop bothering Yun Qianmeng, so as not to make Yun Qianmeng unhappy and indirectly offend Chu Feiyang and Chu Nanshan!
"Miss, the Marquis's wife sent some cloth and fabrics. Please go back to Qiluo Garden to check them!" At this time, Liu Hanyu walked in with a smile. After bowing to the old lady and others, she immediately reported to Yun Qianmeng!
Yun Qianmeng glanced at Yun Xuanzhi and saw him nod. She smiled faintly and stood up. She bowed to the old lady and the others before saying softly, "Granddaughter will take her leave first!"
Then he left the inner room with Liu Hanyu!
"Did my aunt really send someone to deliver something?" On the way back to Qiluo Garden, Yun Qianmeng looked at Mu Chun and the other two who were grinning mischievously, and asked with a hint of doubt!
"Of course... No! We servants are just worried that the young lady will be bullied, so we came up with this idea! Young lady, do you think we have become smarter?" Mu Chun came forward shamelessly, smiling and wanted to ask for a reward!
"So clever!" But Yun Qianmeng only rewarded her with a flick of her finger, then smiled at Mu Chun who was pouting with eyes full of grievance, and felt that the depressed mood in the room just now suddenly improved!
"Young lady is always bullying me!" She grumbled even after being scolded. Looking at Muchun's look like a young wife, even Yingxia and Yuandong couldn't help laughing!
However, as soon as everyone stepped into Qiluo Garden, they saw Aunt Mi coming up to greet them with a smile on her face. When she saw Yun Qianmeng, she immediately said, "Miss, you are finally back. Miss Le Yao has been waiting for you for half a day!"
"Le Yao? Is there something wrong with my cousin?" Yun Qianmeng couldn't help but feel a little worried after hearing what Aunt Mi said, but seeing Aunt Mi smiling, it didn't seem like a bad thing!
"My cousin sent Miss Le Yao to bring you a complete set of the bridal back! It's now waiting in the side hall for you to come and check it out!" Seeing Yun Qianmeng's puzzled eyes, Aunt Mi immediately explained!
Unexpectedly, her explanation caused Mu Chun and others to laugh!
"What are these crazy girls laughing at? They are so frivolous all day long. Be careful or I will assign you new tasks!" As she spoke, even Aunt Mi herself couldn't help laughing, and the Qiluo Garden was suddenly filled with laughter!
Yun Qianmeng let them fool around while she was the first to enter the attic and quickly walked to the side hall. Sure enough, she saw Le Yao standing there. When she saw her enter, she immediately stepped forward to greet her, "Your servant greets my cousin!"
Yun Qianmeng nodded slightly, looked at Le Yao with a gentle expression, and said with a smile, "Have you been waiting for a long time?"
Seeing Yun Qianmeng in a good mood, Le Yao smiled faintly as she walked over to the table and lifted the red silk covering it, revealing a set of neatly stacked pillow covers. She said with a smile, "Miss, this is a complete set of red satin pillow covers and backs with a pattern of mandarin ducks playing in the water that Miss asked me to bring to you! Miss wanted to deliver it herself, but yesterday the old lady ordered her to stay in Tingyu Pavilion, so I sent this maid here!"
Listening to Le Yao's deliberately leaked words, Yun Qianmeng couldn't help but frown slightly, and then asked, "How is my cousin? Why did the old lady suddenly not let my cousin leave the Marquis' Mansion? Can't she even leave my residence?"
Hearing this, Le Yao simply shook her head, indicating that she didn't know the whole story. She then pulled out a wax-sealed letter from her sleeve and handed it to Yun Qianmeng, then explained, "The young lady asked me to give this letter to my cousin!"
After receiving the letter, Yun Qianmeng immediately tore open the wax seal, pulled out the rice paper inside and opened it to read it carefully. Her expression became even more serious than when she entered the door just now!
Only after reading the entire letter did Yun Qianmeng slowly fold it up and said to Le Yao, "Go back and tell my cousin that I'll definitely visit her when I'm free. Don't let her worry!"
"Yes!" Le Yao saw that Yun Qianmeng's expression had returned to its usual calm and indifferent state, and her heart couldn't help but relax a little!
"Remember to thank your cousin for me! You've been out for a long time today, so I won't keep you any longer!" Seeing that Le Yao looked much calmer, Yun Qianmeng smiled lightly and spoke, then called Aunt Mi over and asked her to bring the back of the table into the inner room!
However, Le Yao bowed to Yun Qianmeng and left the Prime Minister's Mansion with a few little girls behind her!
"Miss, my cousin's craftsmanship is really good. The mandarin ducks playing in the water are so lifelike!" Aunt Mi carefully turned over the backs of the layers, her admiration was beyond words!
Yun Qianmeng, however, only glanced at the back of the letter indifferently. She then asked Mu Chun to bring a candle and placed the letter in her hand on the candle, burning it completely. Only then did she speak, "My cousin is a real lady from a noble family, so her craftsmanship is naturally good!"
Aunt Mi laughed when she heard Yun Qianmeng's words, and jokingly said, "Listen to what you said, young lady, it seems that you are not a lady from a noble family! Young lady, please don't underestimate yourself. Young lady is very talented and intelligent, and few people can match her. This is something that others can't envy!"
Listening to Aunt Mi's comfort, Yun Qianmeng knew that she must have misunderstood and thought that she was jealous of Qu Feiqing's craftsmanship. She felt a little amused and helpless. She knew herself well. If she was to hold a gun, she would be good at it, but if she were to hold that small embroidery needle, she would probably feel dizzy!
"Mammy, please keep it carefully and don't let it get eaten by insects!" Looking at the brightly colored back, Yun Qianmeng's heart tightened slightly. Since Qu Feiqing was not allowed to go out, and was not allowed to have too much contact with her, she couldn't refuse to let her in when she went to visit her!
Seeing that Yun Qianmeng seemed to have something on her mind, Aunt Mi nodded slightly, carefully wrapped the back of the bag with silk cloth, and then put it in the box, waiting to take it out and use it on the day of Yun Qianmeng's wedding!
That evening, after Yun Xuanmo and his wife accompanied the old lady to finish dinner, they were sent to the villa by Guard Liu. The old lady was very angry about this and even broke many of the precious porcelain in the house. Not only did she clamor to go to the villa, she also asked Nanny Rui to pack up and prepare to leave!
Upon hearing this commotion, Yun Qianmeng did not go to comfort them. Instead, Yun Xuanzhi, who had been in the study, went to Baishun Hall in person. Looking at the porcelain shards scattered all over the floor, Yun Xuanzhi's eyes flashed with anger, and he sneered, "Mother, why is this happening? Has your son wronged you?"
The old lady was furious and naturally disliked Yun Xuanzhi in every way. Especially today, he had contradicted her in front of her youngest son, breaking up her reunion with her youngest son. This made the old lady hate Yun Xuanzhi even more. Pointing at the concubine, she said coldly, "Take that child away. I am a dying man and I can't afford to raise such a precious child!"
The old lady's words caused Yun Xuan to burst into laughter, and she then sarcastically said, "Mother, you eagerly went to Fenghe Garden to wait for Su Qing to give birth. Naturally, your son thought you were eager for your grandson to be born, so you gave the child to you to raise! But today you said such sad words, which really put your son in a difficult position!"
"Difficult? Is it more difficult for you than for me? I raised you two brothers to start a family and build a career. Do you think all this is easy? Now that you are the prime minister of a country, it is natural that you don't take your useless brother seriously. The couple haven't even sat down on the benches yet, and you sent people to drive them to another courtyard. Now you are so powerless against me, your mother. Tell me, what are you thinking?" At this time, the old lady turned her hand, and the finger with the Buddhist beads hanging on it pointed directly at Yun Xuanzhi, and she opened her mouth to question him!
However, Yun Xuanzhi looked coldly at the furious old lady in front of him, his eyes filled with hatred, which made the originally arrogant old lady tremble in her heart, but she was unwilling to give in in front of Yun Xuanzhi, so she could only stare at this eldest son who always displeased her!
"Although my son has been busy these days, he is not so busy that he doesn't even know what is going on in his backyard! Although Ruoxue did something wrong, she is still my daughter. I am naturally happy for my mother to discipline her, but isn't it too much to beat her half to death? When has my mother ever treated Yi Heng and his siblings like this? My mother is too biased! Moreover, I heard that Yi Yi asked the maids to beat Xue'er to death just because her hand was red from being disturbed by her. In this mansion, there is Concubine Liu as the housekeeper, and there is Meng'er as the eldest sister. Why is it her turn to be the boss? Mother, please explain to your son!" Yun Xuanzhi wanted to show some mercy to the old lady. After all, she was the mother who gave birth to him, and he couldn't really break up with the old lady. But today the old lady had gone too far and challenged his bottom line again and again. How could Yun Xuanzhi not be annoyed and angry?
After hearing Yun Xuanzhi's series of questions, the old lady wanted to curse but couldn't say anything!
She thought that she was the only one in Fenghe Garden that day and that everything would be safe, but she didn't expect that the news would still leak out!
What made the old lady even more puzzled was that Yun Ruoxue had clearly disappointed Yun Xuanzhi before. She thought that Yun Xuanzhi would never look at Yun Ruoxue again, but she didn't expect that he would start to feel sorry for the child that Su Qing, that bitch, gave birth to for him so soon!
Thinking of this, the old lady's hatred for Su Qing deepened a little. She only regretted that she had been so kind-hearted that day and did not kill Su Qing directly!
Seeing the old lady remain silent, Yun Xuanzhi knew that every word he had just said was true. The old lady was feeling guilty and dared not respond. She looked at Rui Mama with a cold look and said in a cold voice, "Clean up the house and take good care of the old lady from now on. Don't just gossip all day long, otherwise I will be the first to kick you out of the Prime Minister's Mansion!"
The words were said to Nanny Rui, but he was actually warning the old lady to stay in the backyard. Otherwise, if she really angered him, wouldn't the Baishun Hall be at the mercy of Yun Xuanzhi?
Seeing that she had angered Yun Xuanzhi because of her momentary loss of patience, and fearing that Yun Xuanzhi would vent his anger on the brothers Yi Heng and Yi Jie, the old lady immediately softened her tone and spoke with a hint of peace, "Son, don't blame mother! Your brother has been in poor health for many years, and with so many children at home, mother naturally has to bear more responsibilities! As the eldest brother, you can't be angry with your brother!"
However, after hearing this, Yun Xuanzhi strode out of Baishun Hall without saying a word!
It seems that Yun Xuanzhi must have heard too many of these high-sounding words and has become immune to them now!
As soon as Yun Xuan left, the old lady's face darkened. She called over the wet nurse from the side room and scolded her, "From tomorrow on, you're only allowed to feed that little beast twice a day. If I catch you feeding him more than once, I'll cut off your feeding stuff!"
The wet nurse had never seen such a vicious mistress before, and was so frightened that she fell to her knees on the ground, and did not dare to resist the old lady!
After feeling a little relieved by the wet nurse, the old lady turned around and walked back to the inner room!
The ninth day of October was originally the day when Northern Qi and his men were to leave Kyoto, but Qi Jingyuan, on the pretext of never having seen the Western Chu imperial examination, told Emperor Yu Gan that he wanted to stay a little longer!
In response to such a request, and considering that Prince Rui was still being hidden by Qi Jingyuan in a place where he could not be found, Emperor Yugan agreed after discussing it with all the civil and military officials!
With only one day left before the autumn examination, urgent news came from Luocheng, a thousand miles away from Kyoto, saying that a plague had broken out in the city and had spread to several surrounding towns, with the death toll reaching over ten thousand!
As soon as this news spread, people in Kyoto were in a panic. Those inns that had received candidates from other places became even more worried and afraid that they would accept candidates from Luocheng and surrounding towns!
The court was already extremely busy preparing for the imperial examination and the Northern Qi envoys. Now with the plague, all the officials were in great pain and didn't know what to do!
"At this time, Luo City has been sealed off. People can only enter but not leave. However, the specific type of plague has not been figured out by any official yet! These good-for-nothings can only flatter and fawn on me on weekdays, but at the critical moment, they shirk responsibility and seal my people in that dead city. They have all fled Luo City! Come, convey my decree. All officials in Luo City who have abandoned their posts and disregarded the lives of the people will be put under arrest!" In the Yangxin Palace, Emperor Yugan looked at the memorials that had piled up like a mountain in front of him, and suddenly stood up anxiously, pacing back and forth!
"Your Majesty, the most urgent task is not to execute the officials, but to send people to Luocheng to investigate the truth of the matter! If the source of the disease is not found as soon as possible, I am afraid that not only Luocheng will become a deserted city, but the entire Western Chu will not be able to escape this disaster!" Yun Xuanzhi looked at Emperor Yugan and advised earnestly!
After all, if the existing officials in Luocheng were killed now, new officials would have to be sent to take over. By then, everyone would be afraid of life and death and unwilling to go. Even if they were forced to go to Luocheng, those officials would still be resentful. If unnecessary turmoil was caused, wouldn't that give the people of Northern Qi an opportunity to take advantage?
Emperor Yugan listened to Yun Xuanzhi's analysis, and his furious mood suddenly calmed down. He also knew that if all the officials in Luocheng were executed now, the people there would be truly hopeless. He calmed down and looked at the group of officials below and said, "My dear ministers, what suggestions do you have? Tell me everything you know now. I allow you to speak freely!"
But even with Emperor Yugan's guarantee, no one dared to speak!
For these pampered officials, preserving their own and their families' wealth and prosperity was paramount. The lives of the untouchables meant nothing to them! They wouldn't even consider giving up their already established positions and power, even at the cost of their own lives, for the sake of a few untouchables.
Facing the questioning of Emperor Yugan, a group of people lowered their heads. No one was willing to take on this task!
"Your Majesty, I am willing to go to Luo City, please grant me your permission!" At this time, Chu Nanshan strode into the Yangxin Palace, followed by Chu Feiyang with a solemn face!
"No!" But Emperor Yugan rejected the King of Chu's proposal without even thinking!
Then Emperor Yu Gan stepped down from the dragon throne, took the King of Chu's hand, and said carefully, "The King of Chu is the treasure of Western Chu. How could I allow you to go to such a dangerous place? Besides, with the King of Chu in the capital, the people of Northern Qi will not dare to act too recklessly, and I can rest assured!"
Chu Nanshan, however, had a resolute expression, his eyes revealing an unshakable determination. He then spoke loudly, "I thank the emperor for his sympathy! However, the court has supported me for many years, so naturally I must serve the court! I, along with my ancestor, once rode across the world, and I couldn't bear to see the people suffer! Now that something like this has happened in Luocheng, how can I sit idly by? I beg the emperor to allow me to go to Luocheng!"
Emperor Yugan was deeply moved by these words, but thinking that the people of Northern Qi were still staying in Kyoto and Prince Chen was in frequent contact with the Crown Prince of Northern Qi and others, Emperor Yugan still did not agree with Prince Chu leaving Kyoto at this time. He was about to refuse, but Chu Feiyang beat him to the punch!
Chu Feiyang glanced at King Chu and then said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to go to Luocheng with King Chu. I hope Your Majesty will approve it!"
As soon as these words were spoken, not only Emperor Yugan, but all the civil and military officials in the hall looked at each other in confusion. They were very confused as to why others were pushing people out, but the grandfather and grandson of the Chu family were so eager to go in and die!
Although Chu Nanshan and Chu Feiyang are both skilled in martial arts, no matter how powerful a person is, they cannot defeat the plague!
Among these people, Yun Xuanzhi was the most anxious. Meng'er had just been granted marriage as the wife of Prime Minister Chu. If something unexpected happened to Chu Feiyang in Luocheng, Meng'er would become a widow before she even got married. Then she would be branded as a jinx, and it would be impossible for her to marry again in this life!
I have finally managed to get the upper hand over my second brother in Meng'er's marriage, so how can I make a mistake at this critical juncture!
Thinking of this, Yun Xuanzhi immediately spoke, "It's a good thing that Your Highness and Prime Minister Chu are concerned about the country and the people, but if Western Chu loses two of its pillars at this time, it will be a greater loss for Western Chu! Your Highness and Prime Minister Chu, please think twice before acting!"
At this moment, Emperor Yugan's face was already showing a hint of anger. He immediately rejected the two people's request. "No! Feiyang, you are the chief examiner of this martial arts examination. How can you leave at this time? Besides, you and the King of Chu are both pillars of Western Chu. I will never let you go to Luocheng!"
Chu Feiyang, however, curled his lips into a smile and slowly replied, "Your Majesty, I have a candidate who can replace me as the chief examiner for this martial arts examination!"
"Who?" Seeing Chu Feiyang smiling so lightly, Emperor Yugan knew that he had made up his mind. He was afraid that it would be useless to stop him, so he could only ask!
"I believe Qu Changqing is capable of taking on this important task! Qu Changqing was once my subordinate. He is a cautious person, and his martial arts have been tempered by the baptism of the battlefield and should not be underestimated! I think he can serve as the examiner of this martial arts examination!" Chu Feiyang looked at Emperor Yugan and slowly told him the countermeasures he had already thought of in his mind!
"Qu Changqing! He is a good candidate! But I am afraid that with his official position, he can't control the situation!" Emperor Yu Gan naturally understood Qu Changqing's ability, but Qu Changqing was only a third-rank assistant minister of the Ministry of War. Compared with Chu Feiyang, the first-rank left prime minister, he was really far behind!
Chu Feiyang glanced at the silent Prince Chen at this moment, then smiled and said, "If Your Majesty is worried that Qu Changqing will not be able to control the situation, why not ask Prince Chen to serve as the chief examiner for this martial arts examination? This way, we can not only select students with real talent and hard work, but also suppress the gossip of the people. What do you think, Your Majesty?"
Listening to Chu Feiyang's words, Emperor Yugan stared at his smiling eyes and immediately understood Chu Feiyang's intention!
The autumn examination, the metropolitan examination, and the palace examination of the imperial examination last for several months. If Prince Chen and Qu Changqing are allowed to serve as the chief examiners of the martial arts examination at the same time, it will take several months for both of them to complete their work. With Qu Changqing by Prince Chen's side at that time, Prince Chen will probably not dare to act rashly!
Chu Feiyang and King Chu only need to suppress the plague during this period of time, and the problem will be solved easily!
After such an analysis, Emperor Yugan couldn't help but admire Chu Feiyang's meticulous thinking, as he had already thought of a countermeasure!
"But..." But things in the world are unpredictable. Emperor Yugan believes in Chu Feiyang's ability, but the plague is really frightening. He is also worried that Chu Feiyang will accidentally get infected!
"Your Majesty, I will be extremely careful!" Chu Feiyang naturally understood Emperor Yugan's concerns, so he immediately made the promise!
Seeing that Chu Feiyang and King Chu could not be persuaded, Emperor Yugan took a deep breath, then turned around and walked up to the dragon throne and sat down, and issued an order in a deep voice:
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