Chapter 27: Yin Yue Saves Her Husband
"Miss."
Wei Qin held Jiang Yinyue in his arms and whispered in the crook of her neck.
This embrace was tight and powerful, a perfect fit, having already crossed the boundaries of allies and gone too far.
Jiang Yinyue dared not move. She didn't know if Wei Qin was faking his drunkenness or if he was really drunk, or if he was telling the truth or just talking nonsense.
"Let me go first."
Jiang Yinyue turned her head, her cheek brushing against the man's dark hair tied in a jade crown. She felt the strong smell of alcohol even more strongly, but his voice was deep and clear, without the slurred speech of someone who was drunk, and he did not lose his composure.
"Knock knock".
Two sudden knocks on the door froze the already tense atmosphere.
Jiang Yinyue breathed a sigh of relief and almost carried the man behind her to the door.
"Dujuan has come to bring hangover soup."
As the door creaked open, the night breeze rushed in, and Wei Qin, his arms filled with the warmth and fragrance of a woman, straightened up.
Unaware of what was happening, Du Juan handed over the cooled soup. If the Second Madam hadn't stopped her, saying that the Second Young Master didn't like warm soup, she would have brought it over long ago.
After hearing the explanation, Jiang Yinyue nodded and told her to go and rest first.
Carrying the hangover soup, Jiang Yinyue walked to the table and pricked up her ears to listen for any sounds behind her, but there was no sound.
Wei Qin went behind the screen to change his clothes.
The beauty fades away without a trace.
Jiang Yinyue turned her head back, but she didn't have the same composure as that person; the tips of her ears were still red.
After taking a bath, Wei Qin made the bed and reminded his wife that it was late at night.
Seeing that he was no longer drunk, Jiang Yinyue sat on the edge of the bed, kicked off her slippers, and shrank back inwards with a hint of wariness.
Wei Qin bent down to arrange the slippers, then leaned forward to support himself on either side of her. "Why are you kicking your shoes?"
On their journey to Yangzhou together, Wei Qin observed that she only made these little gestures when she was throwing a tantrum.
Jiang Yinyue instinctively leaned back, bending her legs and pressing them against Wei Qin's chest to avoid being overwhelmed by his oppressive presence.
Having lived under the same roof for three years, she had always been the one in control. Suddenly, she was intimidated by Wei Qin's inexplicable offensive. Miss Jiang was somewhat unconvinced and wanted to show off her power.
Wei Qin leaned forward, his strong arms supporting him on the side, and grabbed the silk quilt, forcing Jiang Yinyue to fall backward onto the bed, her back sinking into the soft bedding.
Jiang Yinyue tried to straighten her legs, her feet firmly planted on Wei Qin's chest. She tensed her cheeks, secretly struggling, but dared not exert any force. However, the man was still leaning forward, pressing down on her, causing her knees to bend and her legs to buckle.
No one gives in to her anymore.
Her moist, cherry-like lips unconsciously pouted.
Wei Qin withdrew at the right moment, stopped teasing her, and sat on the edge of the bed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
The strong smell of alcohol lingered, and something seemed to be breaking free of restraint and going out of control.
"Go to sleep."
He heard a rustling sound behind him, turned around, and saw a large cicada pupa on the bed.
She wrapped herself up again.
Don't get bored.
Jiang Yinyue twisted around in the blanket, revealing only her eyes.
Wei Qin felt a surge of tenderness in his heart. He gently stroked her long hair, his fingertips as if handling a priceless treasure.
**
As the night grew late and the lights dimmed, the bright moon hung over the paulownia trees. Wei Xichen, who was still sorting through the salt merchants' confessions and clues, turned his head amidst a sob.
Qi Bao was having a dream, lying in her bed twitching, seemingly half-awake.
Wei Xichen walked to the edge of the nest, rubbed its head, and showed tenderness in his light brown amber eyes.
It must be missing its other owner.
Qi Bao wasn't very brave, but the little guy from back then followed the two of them, jumping around and showing off, even daring to challenge the Emperor, barking incessantly.
Now, Qi Bao lacks a sense of security and feels quite pitiful.
Seeing the stool by the nest, Wei Xichen couldn't help but picture the woman holding Qi Bao and taking a nap. He sat down on it, leaned against the cold wall, tilted his head back, and closed his eyes.
A white cloth strip was wrapped around his right hand, which was resting on his knee.
Now that this matter is settled, he should leave; out of sight, out of mind.
The capital city.
In the days leading up to the start of summer, the capital was shrouded in drizzle. Finally, on a sunny day, which was also a day off, Jiang Song, the Minister of Justice, traveled by carriage to the Grand Secretary's residence to visit Grand Secretary Dong, who had been bedridden for a long time.
Tao Qian, the Minister of Revenue, had already stopped his carriage in front of the Dong family's gate.
Jiang Song ordered the coachman to stop further away, then rolled up the curtain and sat in the carriage, tapping a sandalwood folding fan in his hand, with wisps of sandalwood incense lingering around his sleeves.
After Tao Qian walked out the gate and bid farewell to the chief minister's eldest son who had come to see him off, Jiang Song stepped down and strolled over leisurely.
"Minister Tao has arrived early."
Tao Qian's eyes stung from the bright sunlight. As he raised his hand to shield his eyes from the sun, he heard a "snap" as Jiang Song, who was half a head taller than him, opened his folding fan and blocked the light for him.
"Minister Jiang is still the most considerate of people."
"Of course."
"Is Minister Jiang also here to visit Grand Secretary Dong?"
"Yes, Your Excellency's cold has been lingering for a long time, and I, Jiang, am unable to eat or sleep properly."
Tao Qian smiled, his voice slightly nasal, "Minister Jiang is very kind. By the way, your son-in-law's trip to Yangzhou to investigate the salt transport office's accounts may be risky. Minister Jiang won't blame you for acting on your own initiative, will he?"
"Not at all. My son-in-law's appointment to such an important position is thanks to Minister Tao's recommendation."
"Minister Jiang, have you made any arrangements for your son-in-law in Yangzhou? In case... I mean, in case they become desperate and act rashly, your son-in-law may be in danger."
Jiang Song nodded solemnly, "What you say is true, elder brother. It was my oversight. I will make the arrangements immediately."
Tao Qian didn't believe his nonsense, but he didn't expose him either. After exchanging pleasantries for a while, he clasped his hands in farewell and took his leave.
Jiang Song nodded, and as he turned around, he put away his folding fan, twirling it in his hand, his peach blossom eyes losing their smile.
Tao Qian's visit to Chief Minister Dong was nothing more than a wolf in sheep's clothing; he wanted to find out about Chief Minister Dong's current situation and whether he was still capable of serving as Chief Minister, so as to make new plans for the Third Prince's struggle for the throne.
If the pillar of the Dong family falls, the Crown Prince's power will be greatly diminished, and the Third Prince, supported by Minister Tao Qian and Minister of Justice Xie Xun, will not be able to restrain himself.
Xie Xun, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, originally supported the eldest prince, but after the eldest prince's death, he switched his allegiance to the third prince, though outwardly he remained impartial.
They are all thousand-year-old foxes.
Jiang Song forced a sorrowful expression and followed the eldest son of the Grand Secretary, who had come to greet him, to the bedside.
"Your Excellency, please rest assured and recuperate. With Jiang Song in the court, those nobodies and crooks will not be able to stir up trouble."
The aging Grand Secretary Dong coughed a few times and said in a weak voice, "Remember, no matter what means are used, the position of Grand Secretary must not fall into Tao Qian's hands."
"The student understands."
"Jiang Song, I will do my utmost to ensure you become the head of all officials. You must not have any disloyalty to the Crown Prince!"
Jiang Song wept uncontrollably, "Your Excellency, rest assured, Jiang Song will defend the Eastern Palace to the death and serve His Highness the Crown Prince faithfully!"
The middle-aged man stretched in his carriage as he left the Grand Secretary's residence. Of course, he would support the Crown Prince, but whoever was the Crown Prince, he would support.
In the past, he would have unconditionally supported Wei Xichen, but Wei Xichen hurt his beloved but vulnerable son and caused a rift between them. However, after weighing the pros and cons, he could not turn against the Crown Prince.
Love is worthless in the face of power...
Jiang Song gazed in the direction of Yangzhou, his peach blossom eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions.
At the same time, Chief Minister Dong shook hands with another trusted confidant of the court, promising to do everything in his power to promote him to the head of all officials.
On that haggard face, the yellowed old eyes were still sharp and piercing.
**
On his day off, Wei Qin had an appointment with a businessman who had promised at the dinner table the day before to hand over a list of officials who had colluded with Yan Hongchang, on the condition that he be safe.
Wei Qin was walking on the street to the market when Han Jian blocked his way.
"My master invited Judge Wei Yun to a banquet."
Although he wasn't old friends with Han Jian, Wei Qin remembered the favor he had done for Han Jian when he helped her get on the horse. "Han Jian, you are aiding and abetting evil."
Han Jianhui came to stop him, which meant that someone had leaked information about last night's drinking party, and Yan Hongchang couldn't sit still any longer.
With a blank expression, Han Jian gestured "please," saying, "My lord, don't refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit."
Wei Qin glanced at the bustling market street, where several of Yan family's guards, hidden among the crowds, were eager to make their move.
"elder brother!"
Amidst the tense standoff, a soft, hoarse voice rang out.
Wei Ying walked briskly to Wei Qin's side as she left the clinic, her face showing worry, but she was slightly taken aback when she saw Han Jian's face clearly.
It was him...a member of the Yan family.
The frail woman suddenly stood in front of her brother. Although she had never heard her brother mention the secret investigation of salt affairs, her brother was a transport commissioner appointed by the imperial court, and the head of the Yan family was the commander of the Salt Transport Bureau. If the commander sent someone to cause trouble for her brother, it was most likely because her brother had damaged the commander's interests.
"You are a kind-hearted person and shouldn't be a bad person. Please don't help the wicked and bring ruin upon yourself."
The young girl, barely of marriageable age, was thin, weak, and frail, yet the courage she displayed in standing in front of her brother was something few could match.
Also, she said he was a kind-hearted person.
Cracks appeared on Han Jian's perpetually icy face, and a hint of emotion, almost touching, flowed through her. She said he probably wasn't a bad person.
From childhood to adulthood, he worked for his employers, doing countless stupid and bad things just to earn a living. This little girl is the first person to say he wasn't a bad person.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you."
Han Jian raised his hand, signaling the thugs to stand by.
Passersby who noticed the unusual situation began to gather around and discuss it.
Wei Ying was extremely anxious, beads of sweat appearing on her pale face. "Brother, what should we do?"
Wei Qin pulled his sister behind him and looked at the stunned maid Miao Die, "Take Miss away."
He then instructed Wei Ying, "Go find your sister-in-law; she knows what to do."
Wei Ying was skeptical, but her steps were firm. Just as the thugs from the Yan family picked up their weapons, another figure hurriedly approached.
"No, no, don't ruin the harmony so early in the morning."
A stranger in a silver robe, carrying a scroll, stood between the two groups of people. "I have set up a stall here. Please have mercy."
They stood in the open space where the man in the silver shirt had set up his stall.
Han Jian glanced at the unfamiliar painter and was about to give an order when Wei Qin said, "I will go with you to see the Salt Commissioner."
"elder brother!"
"Go find your sister-in-law."
Wei Qin strode off and left with Han Jian and the others.
Wei Ying wanted to chase after him, but was stopped by the silver-robed painter.
"Didn't your brother say he was going to find your sister-in-law?"
Who are you?
"A street vendor."
Wei Ying watched her brother's retreating figure, suppressing her emotions, and pulled Miao Die back. However, she was too weak and became breathless after only a few steps.
"Miaodie, go find your sister-in-law."
"But Miss..."
"Don't worry about me, go quickly!"
Miao Die stamped her foot, telling Wei Ying not to wander off, then ran towards the Wei residence. She wondered what trump card the second young mistress possessed to contend with the local tyrant Yan family. Could it be... the Crown Prince?
Wei Ying clutched her chest, trying to turn back to the clinic, but her body slumped to one side against her will.
"Eh eh eh...!"
The silver-clad painter reacted quickly, stepping forward to help them up, his peripheral vision stretching endlessly along with the departing group.
**
Inside the magnificent study of the Yan family mansion, the portly Yan Hongchang tossed aside his ink brush and asked Wei Qin, who was sitting opposite him at the desk, with a smile, "Wei Yunpan, what do you think is the most valuable quality in a person?"
The aroma of melon rind tea rises like misty smoke, lingering between us.
After waiting for Wei Qin's reply for a long time, Yan Hongchang said with a forced smile, "The most important thing about a person is to know their place, don't you think?"
Without a second thought for decorum in front of others, Yan Hongchang stretched out his leg and rested it on the bench in front of the armchair, his posture relaxed and casual. "And another thing, how can you take what's said at the dinner table seriously?"
As the applause began, the businessman from last night appeared at the study door, bowing and scraping as he entered.
Yan Hongchang looked at Wei Qin and said, "Nephew, you are still too naive. You are too eager to make a name for yourself and think that you can make a name for yourself just by having courage. Little do you know how many newly promoted officials have failed because of their lack of courage. You and I are old acquaintances. Let's name a price for the sake of our past relationship."
Early in his career, his father-in-law had warned him that words spoken over drinks should not be trusted. Wei Qin had already anticipated being betrayed by that merchant. He raised his eyes and asked, "What do you mean?"
Yan Hongchang took out a silver note from his sleeve and threw it on the desk. "The most valuable thing about a person is to know when to stop. If His Highness the Crown Prince hadn't been in Yangzhou, my nephew might already be beheaded."
Wei Qin took the silver note, and it seemed as if ten thousand taels of silver were glittering before his eyes. He suddenly sneered, and a cold smile appeared on his face, which was even more solemn than Han Jian's.
"My lord, why do you think His Highness the Crown Prince is delaying his departure from Yangzhou? Is it merely for the purpose of rewarding him?"
Yan Hongchang was stunned. His legs, which were resting on the bench, stiffened, and his blood seemed to freeze. Yan Zhuyi, who was sitting behind the screen, suppressed the corners of her mouth.
"you mean......"
"The time for your death has come."
Yan Hongchang slammed his hand on the table and stood up abruptly. With a cold expression, he walked around the desk and stood in front of Wei Qin, looking down at this junior who preferred to work alone. "Is Your Highness really here to investigate me?"
Wei Qin sat motionless, his eyes unfathomable. He also took out a stack of thin papers from his sleeve and slapped them one by one onto Yan Hongchang's old face.
The papers fluttered to the ground and piled up in layers.
The evidence is irrefutable.
One part was collected by Wei Qin, and the other part was a "big gift" given to Wei Qin by Cui Shihan. All of them were evidence of Yan Hongchang's bribery and abuse of power for personal gain.
"In my humble opinion, the most valuable quality in a person is normalcy. Being fair and impartial, not showing favoritism, keeping one's word, and correcting one's mistakes are all normal behaviors."
Fairness, impartiality, and incorruptibility were meant for Yan Hongchang. Honesty, integrity, and the willingness to admit and correct mistakes were meant for the merchant.
When a person is not normal, they reap what they sow.
Yan Hongchang quickly picked up the papers from the ground and examined them one by one. His composure, which he had been so confident about, crumbled in an instant. Faced with evidence, even the most eloquent villain could not defend himself.
"Where did you collect these? Huh?!"
Seeing Yan Hongchang suddenly erupt in rage, Wei Qin stood up. His tall stature gave him a wider field of vision. He looked down at the panicked middle-aged man and said calmly, "You've spun your own cocoon. What face do you have to question the person who collected the evidence?"
"Do you think you can get away unscathed?" Yan Hongchang pointed at Wei Qin, gritting his teeth. "Today, you won't be leaving the Yan residence."
"On what grounds does Your Excellency impose restrictions on officials appointed by the imperial court?"
Yan Zhuyi, who could no longer remain calm, stepped out of the screen, her delicate brows furrowed with a deep shadow.
"Drunk and making advances at me, is that enough of a reason?"
Yan Hongchang looked at his daughter in surprise, then flew into a rage and said in a serious tone, "A court official who disrespects the Crown Prince's concubine, ten heads wouldn't be enough to make you lose!"
Yan Zhuyi's hands trembled as she clenched them into fists. That night, she saw her father gathering the salt merchants and whispering among themselves, and she vaguely sensed that something was wrong.
After pressing her father repeatedly with great anxiety, she finally learned the extent of the trouble he had caused.
They were filled with hatred and pain, but the most urgent task was to destroy the evidence and silence Wei Qin.
“Last night, Judge Wei was drinking with a salt merchant and got completely drunk. He happened to encounter me on the road and treated me with disrespect, spoke frivolously, and acted in a dissolute manner, with ill intentions.”
If an ordinary person were to be slandered, they might be eager to argue, but Wei Qin remained calm and composed, scrutinizing Yan Zhuyi with the same intensity he had shown her at the mountain inn that day.
"Is it baseless accusation?"
Yan Zhuyi knew that this reason was absurd enough, but the more absurd it was, the harder it was to discern. When she got to the Crown Prince, she would insist that Wei Qin was drunk and had acted recklessly. Whether the Crown Prince believed her or not depended entirely on how much affection he had for her.
affection......
She wanted to laugh, to mock herself. How could the Crown Prince believe her? How could he protect her? But she had no other reason to put Wei Qin to death.
"Brother Wei, let's get going."
I have a question.
"speak."
"Don't you hate your father for selling his daughter for personal gain back then?"
Touched on a sore spot and subjected to an unexpected turn of events, Yan Zhuyi braced herself on the table with both hands, chuckled, and retorted, "Brother Wei, you're from Jinyang. You were abused by your biological father since childhood, but after he hanged himself, you still paid off his debts. Don't you hate him?"
Wei Qin was not struck by grief or indignation; it was unclear whether he had become indifferent or numb to hatred.
Few people know that the gambling-addicted stable boy was burdened with gambling debts by Wei Qin's scheme, and was also indirectly driven to his death by Wei Qin.
Yan Hongchang, his face burning with embarrassment at being accused of selling his daughter for personal gain, lost his patience. "Why waste words with him? It'll only lead to more trouble! Hanjian, send her on her way!"
Han Jian entered the study, sword in hand, without answering.
Yan Hongchang retorted angrily, "Are you deaf?"
Han Jian remained silent, his hand gripping his sword trembling violently.
For a swordsman, a swift stroke of the sword is simple, but is it really right to be an accomplice to evil?
"Useless trash."
Because the matter was confidential, the father and daughter left only Han Jian, a trusted confidant, by their side. Now that they had no one else to rely on, Yan Hongchang went to the front yard to call for help. However, the situation in the front yard shocked him.
The hundred-strong entourage of the Yan family were blocked between the main gate and the hanging flower gate by thousands of men.
Defeated without a fight.
Surrounding them were soldiers from the garrison stationed in Yangzhou, government officials and soldiers, as well as attendants from the Empress Dowager's residence and the county princess's residence.
Not only that, Prefect Lin Yu came in person, accompanied by a woman in a red dress.
Jiang Yinyue stood there, completely subduing Prefect Lin Yu.
"Prefect Lin should know what to do, right?"
"I know, I know."
Lin Yu stepped forward and pointed at the stunned middle-aged man, "Yan Hongchang, you have kidnapped an official of the imperial court. Do you know your crime? Hand him over immediately!"
Yan Hongchang shouted, "Lin Yu, you've overstepped your rank!"
Lin Yu raised the waist token in his hand, "This is His Majesty's token. I am here by imperial decree to protect officials appointed by the court!"
This was a "protective charm" that Jiang Song secretly obtained for his son-in-law before the emperor, precisely to deal with the perilous situation where a powerful dragon could not suppress a local snake.
-----------------------
Author's Note: Little Sister: Daddy is so cunning! [doge emoji]
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