Chapter 279 Zhao Zhaoxiang
The court was dismissed in Huangji Palace, and the officials walked out in twos and threes.
There was nothing new in today's political meeting. There were only the reconstruction progress of the three flood-stricken states, local reports on the upcoming autumn harvest, food and military equipment for the northern and southern borders after the autumn, and preparations for the Shufeng Dynasty delegation to enter the capital.
Today, His Majesty praised the talented women in the capital who volunteered to apply, saying that he has high hopes for them.
Some people are happy about this, some are sad, but most people are worried.
There is one new thing. The Jingzhao Prefecture reported that a group of human traffickers and loan sharks had been arrested.
When such a thing happened when a foreign delegation came to Beijing, His Majesty's face darkened and he only uttered two words: investigate strictly.
Several people gathered around Deng Hongyi, the prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture, all of whom were trying to inquire about this matter.
Originally, it would be best to keep what happened at this time secret, not announce it, arrest but not try, or quietly submit a memorial. It is necessary to bring it to the court.
Deng Hongyi is not a tactless person. Naturally, he is willing to find out about the unusual situation.
"Last night, there was a fire at Langyinfang. The smoke column was so strong that it scared me at the time."
Deng Hongyi wore his usual faint smile. "It's nothing serious. It just burned down a yard. Fortunately, there were no casualties."
Who asked this? Dingyuan Bo was secretly resentful.
He was a frequent visitor to Chengyuan, and although he enjoyed himself a little, he was no match for Deng Hongyi's father.
I heard there was a big commotion in Chengyuan last night, and then there was the incident of catching human traffickers this morning.
It is hard not to associate the good looks of the servants in Chengyuan with them.
After a few indirect hints, Deng Hongyi kept pretending to be ignorant.
Dingyuan Bo was impatient to play Tai Chi with him, so he came closer and whispered,
"Don't try to put me off, nephew. Why should you go there in person if there's a fire?
Tell the truth, is Chengyuan involved with human traffickers?
Deng Hongyi looked down at his tightly gripped forearm. Earl Dingyuan was a military hero, so he couldn't break free.
"There may be involvement, and it's still under investigation."
Dingyuan Bo looked a little flustered, he really guessed it!
Without waiting for him to ask again, Deng Hongyi, eager to get away, immediately pressed on, "Is Earl Dingyuan involved in this matter?"
"What nonsense! How could there be any connection? It's just...it's just that I go to Chengyuan for a few drinks occasionally."
Deng Hongyi sighed, looking rather helpless. "If that's the case, then there's nothing to worry about."
Dingyuan Bo thought to himself that he was just afraid of being implicated.
But to be honest, Marquis Bowang is definitely ahead of him. That old guy is really good at making trouble for people.
"My Lord, is there anything else I can do? I'm in a hurry to get back to the yamen to try a case."
"Oh oh..." Dingyuan Bo rubbed the back of his head, "I'm sorry for delaying my nephew. I'll treat Marquis Bowang to a drink later."
Deng Hongyi ignored him, and the other party strode out after letting go of his hand.
Drinking? I'm afraid you can only drink at the door.
Since last night, his father has been under house arrest and is not allowed to step out of the mansion during the provincial examination.
There are many people in the court who like to go to Chengyuan to play. Just now, everyone, whether near or far, heard their "quiet" whispers.
What Deng Hongyi meant was that he would only investigate the human traffickers and would not involve them, the patrons.
Come to think of it, with so many people there, would he dare to investigate? The first person he would have to investigate would be his father.
Everyone couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, as long as they were not involved.
A little later, the Supervisor of the Imperial Household Qin Wenyuan stumbled.
"Master Qin, please be careful."
Qin Wenyuan felt his arm being held by someone, and when he turned around, he saw that it was Duke Zheng.
"Thank you, Duke Zheng."
Duke Zheng released his hand and asked, "Lord Qin looks a little unwell, are you feeling unwell?"
Qin Wenyuan waved his hand and said, "It's nothing serious. I just caught a cold at night."
"It's the beginning of autumn now, and the night wind is bound to be a little chilly, so it's better to be careful."
“Yes, yes…”
Qin Wenyuan collected his thoughts and, taking advantage of the occasional cold, strode away hurriedly.
Because he was not feeling well, he did not go to the government office. He asked his servant to take a message and went straight home.
He was the one who had the final say in the position of Shaofujian, so naturally no one would interfere.
Deep in the mansion, the study door closed heavily behind him.
Qin Wenyuan lit three incense sticks, and the green smoke rose straight and heavy slowly.
In the dim light, he took out a plain white silk handkerchief and very slowly wiped the cold ebony tablet on the table.
Wherever his fingertips passed, he revealed the deep gold-painted inscription on the card, each word piercing his eyes like a needle:
"The memorial tablets of Qin Gong, who was granted the title of Guanglu Dafu and was in charge of the Imperial Household, and whose name was Wenyuan; and his first wife, Li, who was granted the title of Lady of Changping County, and whose name was Zhaozhao."
Zhao Zhao is different from ordinary women. She doesn't like sweet fragrances, but prefers cold and chill fragrances.
Qin Wenyuan was in charge of all the tributes in the palace, so he naturally knew that camphor was the best cold incense.
This incense is extremely precious, with only a limited amount available each year. It is rarely given as a reward except during sacrifices to heaven and royal family ceremonies.
In the early years, Qin Wenyuan did not dare to embezzle money, but he used his position to collect the ashes of camphor.
After that, I tried many times and actually created a cold fragrance that was 70% to 80% similar in aroma.
Thinking of his wife's smile when Chengxiang was born and named Zhaozhao, Qin Wenyuan quietly raised the corners of his mouth, as if it was still vivid in his mind.
At this time, he was not burning ordinary incense sticks, but the Zhao Zhao incense.
After carefully wiping it three times, Qin Wenyuan put the tablet back in its place with the gentlest movements. He sniffed the cold fragrance and remained silent.
Knock knock knock…
Qin Wenyuan came back to his senses. According to the rules of the mansion, students should not be disturbed easily when in the study.
He took a deep breath, as if greedily wanting to absorb all the fragrance, and then turned around and opened the door.
The old butler bowed and leaned close to listen.
“It is said that Ghost Fang showed up and took down the Nine Gates under the name of the Four Seas Gang.
The skull of the God of Wealth is still there, but the other three heads are missing.
Chengyuan is now guarded like an iron barrel, and no further information can be obtained for the time being."
Guiya and the Cui family, fighting among themselves at this very moment? Did the Cui family make a choice?
Qin Wenyuan frowned and pondered, feeling uneasy, and slowly exhaled.
"I want to see Jiang Jinxiao tonight. I'll go through the prison warden and not alert any officials from the Department of Punishment."
"This... Master, it would be too dangerous for you to go in person. It would be better if this old servant could deliver the message."
Qin Wenyuan interrupted, "No need, I've made up my mind, go and make the arrangements."
"yes."
At this moment, in the gray-green morning light under the corridor, a tall figure slowly approached. It was his only son Qin Huaizhang.
It was obvious that he had not had time to wash and comb his hair. His temples were slightly messy, his eyelashes were drooping, and he looked a little tired.
He is in his twenties and still looks lazy and ignorant.
"Father," Qin Huaizhang stopped at the threshold, his eyes fixed on his father's slightly pale face, "I heard you caught a cold."
"It's okay, go in and kowtow to your mother."
Seeing that his father had no other symptoms except a pale face, Qin Huaizhang nodded.
He followed his instructions, stepped over the threshold and walked into the study, then knelt down on the mat.
His shoulders and back were straight, his posture was respectful and rigid, honed day after day, and he kowtowed three times with his forehead touching the cushion.
Going to the study to burn incense and kowtow was his daily routine, day after day, year after year, without interruption.
Standing at the door of the study, looking at his wife's tablet, Qin Wenyuan clenched his fists.
"Zhao Zhao, rest assured. I will definitely protect our son..."
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