Chapter 63 (None)
Jiang Ling was still worried and solemnly said, "Mother, sister-in-law, when you go back, you must tell Father and elder brother to just do their jobs well and not to pay any more attention to the Marquis of Yong'an."
The Xue and Tao families immediately tensed up and hurriedly asked, "Has something happened?"
Jiang Ling cursed Emperor Yuanming in her heart. Since the Jiang family lived far away, her life was somewhat easier. Now, brought to the capital, separated by high palace walls, she knew nothing of what was happening there…
Suddenly, Jiang Ling thought of Zheng Ze and Wu Shishan, her only connections outside the palace. Just as she was about to speak, Zishan entered the room and reported, "Your Majesty, Bai Qinzhi and the others have arrived and are kowtowing to Your Majesty outside to express their gratitude."
"Kneel down to thank me?" Jiang Ling was taken aback for a moment, then his mind raced, and he said to Zi Shan, "Take Bai Qinzhi to the side room."
Zishan should leave. Jiang Ling asked Wenjuan to watch the cradle and said to Xue and Tao, "Mother and sister-in-law, please sit down."
"Oh dear, you're still in your postpartum period, don't move around too much." Seeing Jiang Ling about to leave the room, Madam Xue became worried and concerned.
Tao, quick-witted, took the hood from Wenjuan and draped it over Jiang Ling's shoulders, saying, "It's cold outside, Your Highness, don't catch a cold."
Jiang Ling thanked him, put on his hood, and went to the side room. Bai Qin and Zhi Zi stood in the room, terrified and bewildered. Both of them looked haggard, their lips dry and cracked, bleeding. When they saw Jiang Ling enter, their legs trembled as they tried to kneel down.
"Don't move, don't move." Jiang Ling quickly stopped them, looking them up and down, and asked, "Are you unwell?"
Bai Qin said in a panic, "Your Majesty, this servant and Zhi Zi were taken away by the Palace Attendants and each received ten strokes of the cane before being expelled from the palace."
Zhi Zi struggled to support herself, bent down, pursed her lips, and said in a hoarse voice, "This servant thanks Your Highness for saving my life."
"Zishan, go and get some hot tea and snacks," Jiang Ling instructed, then said to the two, "Please sit down first. If it hurts to sit, don't worry about etiquette, just use the chairs to support yourselves."
Bai Qinzhi couldn't stand any longer, so she quickly thanked him, dragged her legs to the chair, and sat down sideways with difficulty.
Zishan led the palace maids to bring tea and snacks into the room. Jiang Ling said, "Have a little something to eat first, then we'll talk."
The two entered the cold, dark room of the Palace Attendant. They were terrified and hadn't eaten or drunk anything all day. Surprisingly, they only received ten strokes of the cane and were brought back to life. Seeing the hot tea and snacks, they were immediately ravenous and, disregarding everything else, began to wolf them down.
After they had eaten for a while, Jiang Ling asked, "Since you were expelled from the palace, do you have any money or belongings? Where are you from? What are your plans for the future?"
After being flogged, the two were driven out. Their clothes and valuables, which had been accumulated, were confiscated by the Inner Palace Bureau.
It was the dead of winter, and the two were thinly dressed and penniless. Although they had survived, they were left to wander the streets after leaving the palace.
Bai Qin couldn't help but cry and said, "My family is in Mingzhou Prefecture. We are poor. My father and two brothers are porters at the docks. My mother takes care of the household chores, washing and mending clothes to supplement our income. The capital is more than a thousand miles away from Mingzhou Prefecture. I don't know how to get back."
“My family is from Pingjiang, which is far from the capital. My parents make a living by farming on government land.” When Zhi Zi saw Bai Qin crying, she also started to cry.
Jiang Ling sighed and said, "Don't cry. I asked you because I was worried that even if you had money, how would two young women get home? You're both injured now, and in the dead of winter, you'll be vulnerable to being bullied by bad people, and you'll have a hard time at night."
The two grew increasingly desperate and wept uncontrollably.
Jiang Ling said, “How about this, if you are determined to go home, I will cover your travel expenses. After you leave the palace, you can go with my mother and sister-in-law and stay at the Jiang family to recover from your injuries. When my father and elder brother find a reliable merchant caravan in your hometown, they will take you back. If you do not want to go back, you can stay at the Jiang family and work for them.”
Bai Qinzhi trembled, tears welling up in her eyes. Overwhelmed with emotion, she knelt on the ground and kowtowed repeatedly, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty. Your Majesty is like my second parents. I could never repay Your Majesty's great kindness, even if I were to serve you like a cow or a horse."
"Get up quickly, get up quickly. You are all weak, don't knock yourself unconscious." Jiang Ling heard the crisp sound of his head hitting the ground and felt an indescribable sorrow welling up in his heart.
The two women wiped away their tears and happily helped each other to their feet. Bai Qin bit her lip and said firmly, "Your Majesty, this servant will not go home. I wish to stay in the Jiang family as a servant. Your Majesty, please rest assured, this servant will definitely serve diligently. If I fail Your Majesty's kindness, this servant will go to the deepest hell and be struck by lightning!"
Zhi Zi hesitated for a moment, then said, "This servant is also willing to sell myself to the Jiang family and serve the old lady and madam for the rest of my life."
"Don't push yourselves too hard. Let's talk about it after you've recovered," Jiang Ling said, telling them to have some tea and wait before getting up and returning to the side room.
Madam Xue and Madam Tao stepped forward, but Jiang Ling waved his hand and, without taking off his hood, said, "Mother and sister-in-law, I have something to tell you."
She briefly explained the situation regarding Bai Qinzhi: "They have served in the palace for many years, are well-versed in etiquette, and are literate and quick-witted, no less so than the servants of noble families in the capital. There are many customs in the capital, and it's always better to have a reliable servant at home. Take them back first, and don't worry about me. If you like them, let them stay. If you don't like them, don't make things difficult for them; just send them home safely."
When Xue and Tao heard that the two had almost been beaten to death, they turned pale with fright and were so nervous that they couldn't speak.
The Jiang family's foundation was too shallow. Coming from a small county to the capital city full of powerful and influential people, they lacked experience and wit, and needed reliable and loyal helpers.
Bai Qin and Zhi Zi had faced life and death together, and Jiang Ling had saved their lives. With two people by Xue Shi and Tao Shi's side offering guidance, Jiang Ling could rest assured.
However, Jiang Ling wouldn't force the issue, as both parties needed to be willing. Otherwise, it might backfire.
"My father and elder brother also need reliable advisors. I'll look for some more for them."
Jiang Ling pondered for a moment, then asked Wen Juan to fetch twenty taels of silver and give it to Xue Shi: "Mother, take this. Go back and buy them a change of clothes to help them recover from their injuries."
"Oh dear, there's still some silver at home. With the Third Prince on the way, Your Highness will need a lot of money. We should save it quickly."
Madam Xue snapped out of her daze and quickly declined, saying, "The two of them are pitiful, a homeless young woman who is also injured. Even if I were there, I would help them."
"Mother, take this. If they go home, the remaining silver can be their travel expenses. If they stay, their monthly salary will be the same as when they worked in the palace. They will receive clothing for all four seasons and holiday rewards. Since we need people, we must not be stingy or mistreated."
Jiang Ling laughed and said, "My salary is much higher now, and I have plenty of money. I don't lack this little bit of silver. If I really do need it, I'll go to the Emperor for it."
Hearing this, Xue's eyes widened. Jiang Ling pointed at the rocking chair and said with a smile, "He has a monthly salary, and his monthly salary is more than mine."
"Your Majesty is really something. The Third Prince is not even a month old yet, and you, as his mother, are already thinking about his monthly salary."
Madam Xue chuckled reproachfully and told Madam Tao to put away the silver. “Your Majesty, don’t worry, we are not a mean family. The Han couple in our household were originally hired helpers, but they saw that our family was kind and generous and that we lived a comfortable life. They begged and pleaded, signed a contract, and came to the capital with us.”
Tao also assured him, and Jiang Ling said, "After you leave the palace, take them back. They are waiting in the side room. I'll let you see them first."
The group arrived at a side hall. Bai Qin and Zhi Zi, upon seeing Xue Shi and Tao Shi, quickly and respectfully curtsied. After exchanging a few words, Xue Shi and Tao Shi took their leave of the palace as it was getting late. Bai Qin and Zhi Zi, carrying the imperial edict from the Inner Ministry of Personnel, departed the palace where they had served for many years.
Having resolved the matter of Bai Qinzhi, Jiang Ling instructed Zishan to invite Zheng Ze and Wu Shishan over.
After they had taken his pulse, Jiang Ling said, "Please sit down, gentlemen. I have something I need to trouble you with."
Zheng Ze and Wu Shishan hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, if you need anything, just give the order."
"As you both know, my father was originally a minor county magistrate, and my elder brother was an idle man. He was summoned to the capital by the Emperor and given a post in charge of the imperial gardens. Alas, when the Li family was in charge of the gardens, a scandal occurred. From the Minister of Works down to the lowest-ranking officials, some were dismissed and others were demoted. Even now, the gardens still often lack flowers and plants, and the Imperial Treasury has to purchase them from the people."
Jiang Ling spoke sincerely and without any concealment: "I told my elder brother and father that they should live with their conscience and not take or eat indiscriminately. In this world, conscience is worth very little. The imperial garden is a lucrative position, and countless people are envious of it. How can my father and elder brother possibly deal with those shrewd people? You two are familiar with the capital, and I would like to ask for your help in finding a reliable advisor for my father and elder brother."
Zheng Ze pondered carefully, while Wu Shishan said in deep thought, "I know quite a few people from all walks of life. Many of them are clever, but they are too flexible and don't follow the rules. I'm afraid they might cause trouble for Your Majesty."
Jiang Ling said happily, "Being too rigid would be a loss of courage. Father and elder brother are honest people. If the clerk is also like that, a bunch of honest people will be bullied. If he is proficient in the law, understands the intricacies of the yamen, has courage, and acts with restraint, that would be the best. As for monthly salary, that can be discussed."
Wu Shishan said, "Your Majesty, I understand. I will report back to you once I have made a thorough investigation and have some leads."
Zheng Ze said, "Your Majesty's matter will certainly be put first by me. After I finish my shift, I will go and handle it with Physician Wu."
Jiang Ling nodded his thanks and told the two that the Earl of Yong'an had come to their house and left Bai Qinzhizi at the Jiang family's residence.
"With the twelfth lunar month fast approaching, there will be many banquets and gatherings in the capital, and the imperial gardens will be very busy. Father and elder brother may be overwhelmed, so I would like to trouble you two to keep an eye on things. If you notice anything unusual or amiss, please let me know. You two should also be careful not to fall into any traps."
Zheng Ze was taken aback for a moment, then bowed deeply and said, "Your Majesty is truly kind and benevolent, far surpassing me. Your Majesty, please rest assured, I will act carefully and do my best to assist Physician Jiang and Chief Clerk Jiang."
Wu Shishan agreed and bowed before taking his leave. Jiang Ling looked at A'Ruo, who took out two purses and offered them to her. The two refused repeatedly, saying, "Your Majesty saved our lives. It's just a small matter. Your Majesty is too kind!"
When asking someone for a favor, one cannot be stingy. Besides, whether the two of them are looking for someone or taking care of Jiang Wenxiu and his son, it will all cost money.
Being overly polite is never a bad thing, but constantly acting like someone who has saved your life will always make people feel disgusted.
Jiang Ling did not use her status or rank to intimidate others; she still valued reciprocity. Even without the chivalrous spirit of江湖儿女 (jianghu children, people of the martial arts world), she added a touch of sincerity to matters of mutual benefit.
"It's cold, have a glass of wine to warm yourself up," Jiang Ling said with a smile.
Seeing that they couldn't refuse, the two put the purse away. After leaving Fanying Pavilion, with no one around, Zheng Ze clutched the purse and exclaimed from the bottom of his heart, "In this palace, there is actually someone like Consort Shu."
Wu Shishan recalled his narrow escape from death, and his nose tingled with emotion. He said, "I often find it unbelievable that Consort Shu, though virtuous and gentle, is as generous and righteous as a chivalrous woman. She had no prior dealings with you or me, yet she was willing to help us out. She is truly admirable."
Zheng Ze solemnly replied, "We must do our utmost to fulfill the task entrusted to us by Consort Shu, so as not to fail her kindness."
Wu Shishan agreed, and the two quickened their pace and returned to the Imperial Hospital.
Two days later, Consort Duan arrived in a sedan chair to apologize to Jiang Ling.
Zishan entered the room and reported, "Your Highness, this servant saw that Consort Duan is sickly and unable to walk. She needs the newly assigned Granny Gu and Granny Xu to support her."
Jiang Ling sneered and said, "She's still in her postpartum period, and so am I. Coming here half-dead to apologize, who are they trying to impress? If she's going to apologize, she must apologize in front of everyone! I won't see her. I'll just say I need to look after the Third Prince and can't see anyone until after my postpartum period!"
Zishan quickly agreed, and Jiang Ling, seeing that she was young, said to Wen Juan, "Go and send her away."
Since she is Emperor Yuanming's favorite, if she comes with ulterior motives, she might faint or get injured and then blame it on him. This matter must be told to him.
Jiang Ling then said to Zishan, "Zishan, go to the Chuigong Hall and report to the Emperor that Consort Duan was helped to Fanying Pavilion and that I have sent her back."
Wenjuan and Zishan went out together. When they reached the gate, Wenjuan saw Duan Cairen leaning softly against Gu Mama. She curtsied and said in a respectful but not arrogant manner, "Duan Cairen, Her Majesty needs to see the Third Prince and is not at ease to see anyone. Please go back, Duan Cairen, and come back after Her Majesty has finished her confinement."
The two old women, Gu and Xu, remained silent. Duan Cairen's eyes reddened, and she said weakly, "I'm afraid Consort Shu is truly angry with me. I have offended Your Highness, and I will accept any blame from you without complaint."
As she spoke, she brushed their hands away, her legs went weak, and she knelt down on the ground.
Wen Juan was secretly furious and quickly stepped aside, saying, "What does Consort Duan mean by this? Granny, why don't you help Consort Duan up? If others see this, they will think that Her Highness is deliberately making things difficult for Consort Duan and bullying her!"
Gu and Xu exchanged glances, then bent down to help Consort Duan up. She raised her hand to stop them, bowed her head to the ground, and kowtowed, saying plaintively, "If Your Majesty will not see me today, I will come again tomorrow. I will wait until the day Your Majesty is willing to see me."
As Zishan left Fanying Pavilion and passed through the alley, she encountered Emperor Yuanming and his entourage. She quickly stopped, bowed, and informed them of Consort Duan's visit to Fanying Pavilion.
Emperor Yuanming frowned. He had already learned of Consort Duan's visit to Fanying Pavilion. He frowned and strode forward.
Upon exiting the alley, Emperor Yuanming saw from afar that Consort Duan was kneeling weakly and kowtowing in front of the Fanying Pavilion.
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