Chapter 21 How could such immense wealth be so easily squandered...?
For an emperor to lay a hand on his empress is a rare occurrence in any dynasty.
The Empress and the Second Prince were speechless with shock.
Xiao Qi kept his gaze fixed on his boots, his breathing slowed, as if he didn't exist.
After about half a cup of tea's time, Wu Ying came to her senses. She reached out and touched her cheek where the jade pendant had hit her, and hatred slowly welled up in her beautiful eyes.
"Song Qingwu, you hit me?"
Wu Ying spoke angrily, completely losing her reason at that moment. However, with the emperor now attacking her, her rationality became irrelevant.
The emperor has already concluded that today's events are related to her.
In the future, he will definitely be more wary and dislike her and Yunlan.
"Song Qingwu?"
The emperor repeated the way she addressed him, ending his words with a light, mocking laugh, "Wu Ying, you've been dissatisfied with me for a long time, haven't you?"
Wu Ying had a kind of candor before her death: "Yes."
"I've been dissatisfied with you for a long time."
"Has Your Majesty forgotten how you ascended to the throne and ruled the world?"
At that time, Song Qingwu was not considered outstanding among the princes.
If he hadn't married her and had a powerful father-in-law to rely on, why would the emperor's heart have been inclined towards him?
Now that he has been in a high position for so long, he has probably forgotten his past. While her father is still serving the court diligently, he has already begun to humiliate her.
The emperor was most disgusted by Wu Ying bringing up this matter.
If he had forgotten, he had already disposed of her when she poisoned Ayan.
Why have I tolerated her until today?
"Wu Ying, I have turned a blind eye to all the shady things you have done in this inner court. But now, you have even set your sights on Dai Dai."
"She is Ji Yujing's fiancée."
Mentioning this, Wu Ying's anger burned even more fiercely, "Why would I have designs on Dai Dai? This is inextricably linked to His Majesty."
"Yunlan likes Daidai so much, why don't you take a look at him?"
What's wrong with him?
At this point, the second prince suddenly knelt down, his forehead touching the ground, displaying an extremely submissive posture.
"Father, I truly love Dai Dai."
The emperor looked at the mother and son and chuckled contemptuously, "You like Dai Dai? And yet you treat her like this?"
"You all know the formula for Fu Hongzhuang, and you should know how extremely harmful this stuff is to a woman's body. Dai Dai grew up under your noses, so obedient and kind, how could you bear to do this to her?"
"Today, she was clearly in the right, yet she still managed to preserve your and the royal family's last shred of dignity through a roundabout approach."
"Compared to Dai Dai, you are practically poison."
The emperor said a lot, but it had no effect other than provoking Wu Ying's anger.
Her eyes were filled with discontent, a deep red hue, and an unquenchable hatred.
"In the end, you're just afraid of Ji Yujing. But have you ever thought that you raised this tiger, Ji Yujing, with your own hands?"
"It's you!"
Wu Ying unleashed all the resentment she had kept hidden in her heart, knowing full well that such a loss of control would not end well. However, she had tolerated him for too many years, and once she tasted the sweetness of insulting him, she could no longer stop.
"Afraid?" The emperor was not provoked at all, and his tone was even more gentle than before.
“I fear no one, including your reliance, Wu Tingshan.”
"Xiao Qi".
"Your servant is here."
"By my decree, Princess Zhaohua shall be betrothed to the Second Prince as his principal wife, and the wedding shall be held on an auspicious day within the month. Before the wedding, the Empress shall not step out of her palace without my permission."
The emperor's words are law; once spoken, there is no room for reversal.
The second prince kowtowed repeatedly to the emperor, his face filled with panic, pleading, "Father, please retract your decree."
"I beg Father to rescind his decree."
"Song Qingwu, this is your legitimate son. You're letting him marry an orphan girl of unknown origin?"
Wu Ying was so angry that her hands were trembling.
However, the emperor merely glanced at her indifferently, "The legitimate son?"
"That won't be the case for long."
After he finished speaking, the emperor rose.
The second prince knelt and chased after him, but was intercepted by the imperial guards after a few steps.
The silver light was sharp; if he went any further, he would only face death.
"Father."
The second prince cried out in grief, his voice unusually trembling with sobs.
However, nothing could stop the emperor from resolutely leaving.
Behind the Second Prince, Wu Ying was stunned by the words "It won't be like that for a long time," and dejection was slowly seeping out of her bones.
*
The next morning at court, Lin Yansen arrived at the earliest, which was unusual for him.
He's always been a mild-mannered person, believing in the principle of "flowing water doesn't strive to be first, but rather to be endlessly flowing." It's quite a rare sight that he's the first to arrive at court in the morning, like the sun rising in the west.
Zhou Zhangping and his group of wealthy idlers arrived unusually early today, as if to witness Lord Lin's rare early arrival.
Upon seeing Lin Yansen, even from a distance, their teasing began like a romantic gesture.
"Wow, did the sun rise in the west today?"
"Brother Zhou, the sun hasn't come out yet."
"..."
Hahahaha.
It was quite noisy, but ultimately there was no malice involved.
A moment later, Zhou Zhangping came to Lin Yansen's side and nudged him with his elbow, "Why are you here so early today?"
Lin Yansen said in a muffled voice, "I can't sleep."
Zhou Zhangping wanted to retort: "You're doing so well, how come you still can't sleep well? Are you trying to make life impossible for others?"
Before he could finish speaking, he remembered Lin Yansen's heartbroken weeping in court and changed his words, "Because Dai Dai is still Wu Wu?"
Lin Yansen: "Neither."
Zhou Zhangping immediately perked up, his dark eyes sparkling: "Why is that?"
Lin Yansen: "I'm waiting to see this beast get his comeuppance. If no one does, I will."
Zhou Zhangping was stunned by Lord Lin's unusual "aggressive demeanor" and was speechless for a moment.
After waiting for almost the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the emperor appeared in the court, and the commotion vanished instantly. Perhaps the commotion last night was too unpleasant, for his face was much colder than usual. Everyone in the court was a cunning old fox, and upon observing the emperor's expression, they immediately decided to keep quiet and avoid making any announcements today, prioritizing their safety.
"If you have something to report, do so now; otherwise, the court may adjourn."
With Xiao Qi's shout, the curtain of the morning court session was drawn back. Every now and then, key officials stepped forward to report on matters under their jurisdiction.
After about half an hour, everything came to an end.
The emperor summoned Xiao Qi to announce the decree, widely disseminating the news that the second prince was about to marry Princess Zhaohua.
The second prince accepted the imperial decree in front of everyone, but he could not find a trace of joy in his body; in fact, he was sad.
The court officials could tell at a glance that he was unwilling.
But upon closer reflection, it becomes understandable.
The Emperor and Empress's only child, possessing unparalleled prestige, and possibly even the future Crown Prince. He had long harbored feelings for the second young lady of the Lin family, leaving the position of principal wife vacant, when suddenly Ji Yujing appeared.
In matters of love, he could no longer get what he wanted.
Furthermore, although Princess Showa holds the title of princess, her origins are unclear, and she has no connections whatsoever. In the future, she is destined to be of no benefit to the Second Prince.
The crowd's emotions surged like a turbulent tide, but they showed no sign of it on their faces.
Just then, Lin Yansen suddenly stepped forward, facing the Second Prince, and clasped his hands in a respectful gesture: "Congratulations, Second Prince. I wish you and Princess Zhaohe a happy marriage."
Upon hearing this, the court officials began to congratulate the Second Prince.
Song Yunlan was filled with hatred and grief, but because the emperor was still holding court in the morning, she could only force a smile.
However, it was far from over. After the congratulations in the court had faded, the emperor called out, "General Zhang."
General Zhang, whose given name was Zhang Quanning, held the position of principal officer in the Ministry of War.
With numerous military achievements, he was a highly influential figure in the imperial court.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Quanning stepped forward and bowed to the emperor, saying, "Your subject is here."
The emperor's voice was low and clear: "By my decree, Wu Wenqi, the eldest son of Wu Tingshan, the western garrison commander, is hereby appointed as the governor of Jiaozhou, to take office in one month; Wu Wenqian, the second son, is hereby appointed as the governor of Ningzhou, to also take office in one month."
Before the emperor had finished speaking, a huge storm was brewing in the hearts of the court officials, which they could not control.
Of the forty-eight prefectures of Xun Kingdom, the Wu family occupied two.
In addition, there's the Empress and the Second Prince.
Their family was renowned for its glory, surpassing any other prominent clan at first glance.
However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that this is not the case.
Jiaozhou is located in the far north, separated from the southwest by mountains.
Towering and stretching, how difficult it is to cross.
Ningzhou is one of the twelve prefectures east of Lingdong, where Ji and Jing are stationed.
Having visited these two states, the future potential of the two Wu sons has been determined.
To put it bluntly, if something happens to the Wu family one day, the two sons' journey home will be fraught with danger.
Coupled with the imperial edict that was unexpectedly delivered to the Second Prince earlier, the Emperor's intentions are quite clear.
Does this also mean that in the battle for the throne, the second prince, who was originally the most popular candidate, was the first to be eliminated?
After the emperor finished speaking, Zhang Quanning responded in a deep voice.
The future of the Wu family is already set in stone.
Before leaving the court, the emperor called out to Lin Yansen, "Old Lin, come with me to the Imperial Study."
Lin Yansen was extremely satisfied with the retribution of certain people; he responded to the emperor's summons with great joy.
They followed in the emperor's footsteps to the council hall.
The quiet imperial study was instantly shattered when three people suddenly entered.
The emperor went straight around to the desk and sat down, while simultaneously summoning Xiao Qi to offer Lin Yansen a seat.
Lin Yansen quickly replied, "Your Majesty, I'll just stand."
The emperor didn't argue with him about it, finding it foolish.
He picked up a scroll, unfurled it, and as he looked at it, his words were directed at Lin Yansen: "Are you satisfied with how things were handled today?"
Lin Yansen: "Satisfied."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
“Dai Dai must have been frightened yesterday. Shu Ming stayed with her all night, tossing and turning until the early hours of the morning before she finally fell asleep. When she woke up this morning, she said she had a fever.”
"I was very worried, which is why I angered the Second Prince. If I have done anything improper, please forgive me, Your Majesty."
Lin Yansen's words confirmed that Dai Dai had experienced a lot last night; how could the young girl not be afraid?
Even under those circumstances, she still chose to handle the matter in a roundabout way to preserve the royal dignity.
After listening, the emperor couldn't help but sigh, "Old Lin, sometimes I envy you."
Lin Yansen panicked and quickly knelt down.
"Your Majesty is too kind."
"Without Your Majesty, I would never have been able to live such a smooth life. Do you remember? Shu Ming was sent to Yan Sen's side by Your Majesty."
These words came from the bottom of his heart, and the emperor felt Lin Yansen's sincerity, causing a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth.
There are always people in this world who know how to be grateful, aren't there?
In that instant, a question flashed through his mind, and he chose to ask: "If one day Ji and Jing were to clash with me, whose side would you be on?"
A sudden, blunt remark, sharp as a knife.
As the sword was slashed at Lin Yansen, his body instantly turned cold, and he could feel a chill creeping up his spine.
"His Majesty."
Lin Yansen's voice trembled; he had never been so nervous.
The emperor said calmly, "Speak frankly. Lin Yansen, if you lie, I will take your head right now."
Lin Yansen kowtowed several times to the emperor, only stopping when his forehead became red and swollen.
"Your Majesty, I swear on my life: if that day ever comes, I will lead the Lin family into seclusion and we will not help anyone."
"On one side is His Majesty, and on the other is my daughter. I really don't know who to help."
This answer isn't perfect, but it makes perfect sense.
Both the palm and the back of the hand are flesh, so no matter what choice I make, it's wrong, and it hurts even more.
Since that's the case, it's better to withdraw from the world and ignore everything.
"Your Majesty, I dare not boast. But as long as I live, anyone who wants to disrespect you will have to step over my dead body."
"Ji Yujing is here too?"
"Of course."
At this point, Lin Yansen suddenly put on a playful smile, and the slightly oppressive atmosphere eased a little because of him.
"He's still my son-in-law, isn't he?"
"Can't you at least give me some face?"
"If you piss me off, I'll bring Dai Dai back from Lingdong."
After listening, the emperor dismissively said, "That's utter nonsense."
"Out of ten sentences, only one or two are readable."
"Go back and take good care of Dai Dai."
Lin Yansen kowtowed again, then stood up, bowed, and left the Imperial Study.
As he left the Imperial Study, the cool morning breeze swept over Lin Yansen, gradually calming his restless emotions.
At this moment, his gaze was calm, without a trace of his usual nonchalance.
Emperors never ask people to speak without a reason.
Today is no exception.
The reason this has happened today must be because someone has stirred up his fear of Ji Yujing.
This also means that the Lin family has been drawn into the power struggle for the throne.
Whether they like it or not, they're involved now.
Lin Yansen didn't know what the future held. But what he said before was true.
Regardless of how others perceive His Majesty, he is very important to him. Throughout their journey, His Majesty has shown him countless favors, a bond forged since childhood.
If the situation worsens in the future, he will do his best to protect His Majesty.
I would gladly die for it.
...
Just past Chen Shi (7-9 AM), the entire capital was still shrouded in a gentle gray.
Ji and Jing appeared alone at Deyuelou.
He heard this from Shao Ning.
Shao Ning's original words were: "This is a unique place in the capital. Noble ladies and scions of prominent families near the imperial city love to come here to drink tea."
Since it was the beloved of a noble lady and gentleman, it must have been expensive, something Ji Yujing was unwilling to afford. However, when he needed to arrange a meeting place, the name "Deyuelou" popped into his mind without warning.
He came to his senses, but the words were already out of his mouth.
"Sir, you've come for tea so early?"
As soon as Ji and Jing entered, the shopkeeper, who was busy behind the counter, came to greet them.
"Hmm, I'd like to find a quiet spot."
Would you like a private room?
"No need."
"OK."
The shopkeeper was very hospitable and did not show any disrespect to Ji Yujing because of his simple attire. He led Ji Yujing to a spot on the third floor facing the street.
Once seated, a glance to the side reveals the full splendor of this capital city.
I don't tell this to just anyone.
The shopkeeper neatly placed the menu in front of Ji Yujing and said with a smile.
Ji Yujing sensed his friendliness and subtly curled her lips. "What?"
Shopkeeper: "Sir, have you heard of the four great families of the capital?"
I've heard a little about it.
"The foremost of the four great families is the Baiyang Lin family."
"Um."
"The two young ladies from the Lin family are regulars at our shop. Every time they come, they ask to sit here."
Ji Yujing was taken aback by his words, then came to her senses and asked, "Is there any particular reason for this?"
The shopkeeper smiled. "The second young lady likes it. She says the view of the capital from here is the most interesting."
"To be honest, after hearing this, I came here several times, but I didn't see anything interesting about it."
Ji Yujing imagined Lin Qingdai saying these words and couldn't help but chuckle softly.
"Then I'll take a look and see what I can glean."
"Great! If you find anything, be sure to tell me."
"must."
"It's rare to meet someone I can chat with. I'll bring you two snacks today. Would you like to know what kind of tea you'd like to drink?"
Ji Yujing's gaze fell on the menu. After a moment, he looked intently at the shopkeeper and asked, "What kind of tea does Miss Lin drink every time she comes here?"
Without hesitation, the shopkeeper replied, "Lotus Pu'er tea."
"Miss Lin loves lotus flowers the most."
Ji Yujing: "Then this one."
Shopkeeper: "Alright then. Please have a seat, sir."
The shopkeeper had left to attend to his work, and Ji Yujing glanced sideways at the street. It was still early, and there weren't many people on the street. Across the street were several restaurants, and although lunchtime was still far off, their doors were already open.
From his perspective, he could see the waiter busy inside.
They speak by shouting, and laughter can be heard from time to time.
"Lin Qingdai, is this what you saw too?"
Even at the height of the empire's prosperity, what truly touches people is the everyday life of ordinary people.
Ji Yujing's thoughts were interrupted by Mu Qinghuai.
The head of the Mu family, who was almost a household name in the North, chose to fly in through the window instead of using the door.
That's really strange.
"You do this in the North too?"
"Doesn't your wife mind?"
As soon as Mu Qinghuai sat down, Ji Yujing spoke.
His tone was neither warm nor cold, as bland as water.
Mu Qinghuai raised an eyebrow. "How do you know I have a wife? I'm not married yet."
Ji Yujing: "The most renowned genius in the North is bound to arouse curiosity."
Mu Qinghuai agreed with this statement.
Just like news about Ji and Jing, it would occasionally appear on his desk.
"Hey, what were you looking for last night?"
"Then what are you looking for?"
"I asked you first."
Ji and Jing remained silent.
Knowing there would be no answer, Mu Qinghuai didn't press the matter further.
When will you give me the Three Immortal Flowers?
Ji Yujing replied, "When I return to Lingdong, I will place a few plants at the Mu family business in Jingning City. You can send someone to pick them up."
"You're quite generous, aren't you?"
"That one is fine."
"Hey, Ji..."
I originally wanted to call Ji Yujing, but once I opened my mouth, I realized it was inappropriate.
Ji Yujing immediately replied, "Ji resigns."
"Ji Ci, that's a nice name."
"We agreed on a number of plants, so that's the number we'll plant."
"Since you're so generous, this tea is on me today."
The business was quickly concluded.
Before long, the shopkeeper brought up tea and snacks. He remained calm even though there was an extra person.
He walked to the table and carefully placed the tray down.
He asked kindly, "With one more person, would you like to order a few more snacks?"
Mu Qinghuai glanced at the two pastries that the shopkeeper had placed on the table, then focused her gaze on Ji Yujing.
How can you be so stingy?
"You'll never get a wife if you're too stingy."
Ji Yujing looked at him for a moment, then said in a particularly serious tone, "No need for you to worry."
Before Mu Qinghuai could respond, he said again,
"I have a wife."
"My wife is richer than you."
The implication is that Mu Qinghuai's words are not credible at all.
Mu Qinghuai finally remembered who someone's fiancée was. When it comes to wealth, no matter what standard you use to rank them, you can't ignore the Lin family.
"..."
How did such immense wealth end up falling on Ji Yujing?
If the marriage between the Ji and Lin families proceeds smoothly, Ji and Jing's only weakness, "poverty," will be compensated, making it even more difficult for him and Lingdong to cope.
A slight tremor ran through him, but Mu Qinghuai didn't forget his snacks. He glanced at the shopkeeper, who was still standing by the table.
"Bring me another six, seven, or eight dishes of pastries, pick the ones that sell best here."
Shopkeeper: "Alright. You two gentlemen, please enjoy your drinks. I'll go and make the arrangements right away."
Mu Qinghuai: "Thank you for your trouble, shopkeeper."
After the shopkeeper left, the place returned to tranquility.
Mu Qinghuai's gaze returned to Ji Yujing, "Second Miss Lin doesn't know you're here yet?"
Ji Yujing: "I don't know, and she doesn't need to know."
"hiss."
"Do you like her? If you don't, how will you spend this long life?"
"I heard that Miss Lin is very pampered at home. She must be lonely and cold after marrying into Lingdong alone. You must treat her well."
"You can't always have a cold face, and you can't see anyone training and fighting all year round. If you hurt a beauty's heart, especially the heart of a stunning beauty like Lin Qingdai, you'll be struck by lightning."
Ji Yujing: "..."
Another chatterbox.
The noise even made Ji Yujing, who doesn't believe in gods or Buddhas, suddenly have the idea of whether he should go to a temple to pray.
"Mu Qinghuai, when did you become such a kind-hearted person?"
This question was asked sincerely by Ji Yujing, without a trace of sarcasm.
Mu Qinghuai said matter-of-factly, "To be honest, I have two sets of standards now."
Ji and Jing remained silent, quietly waiting for his follow-up.
Mu Qinghuai: "Treat evil people worse than them; treat good people with gentleness."
Ji Yujing hesitated for a few moments before replying, "Did your wife say that?"
Mu Qinghuai: "Yes."
"What else did your wife say?"
"What's it to you?"
"It's okay, I just wanted to see how far you are from being a henpecked husband."
"If that's the case, then there's no need to verify it."
"I am a henpecked husband, a wife's treasure, having a wife is everything."
Ji Yujing: "..."
This tea wasn't absolutely necessary to drink this morning.
After a while, the shopkeeper brought out a few more plates of pastries and put them on the table.
While they were appreciating the food, Ji Yujing suddenly called out to Mu Qinghuai.
Mu Qinghuai looked at him, "What?"
Ji Yujing said calmly, "I'd like to talk to you about cooperation."
Upon hearing the word "cooperation," a strange light flashed in Mu Qinghuai's eyes. "Tell me about it."
Ji Yujing: "At this stage, we're just asking about your willingness. If some herbs and seafood from Lingdong are sold to the north, would you be willing to join as a middleman?"
Or it's not just herbs and seafood.
With the Lin family's second daughter's abilities, she could use these things as raw materials to create countless products.
Mu Qinghuai: "Why did you choose me?"
In the North, the Mu Family Trading Company was not the most powerful, and the name "Mu Qinghuai" was also notorious for its bad reputation.
Given Ji Yujing's abilities, he has many options.
Ji Yujing chuckled.
Mu Qinghuai asked him what he was laughing about.
Ji Yujing: "What bad intentions could a henpecked husband possibly have?"
I think you can do it.
Upon hearing this, Mu Qinghuai laughed in anger.
"Does this mean I'm benefiting from my wife's fame again?"
"You could say that."
"Seeing how discerning you are, I'll definitely participate in this. If we need to discuss the details later, just send a letter to the Mu family's trading company in Jingning City, and I'll be there as soon as possible."
After sitting for almost the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the two left Deyue Tower.
Before parting, Mu Qinghuai suggested, "Do you think we should buy our wives some gifts?"
"Ji Ci, you really can't be too stingy with your wife."
Ji Yujing: "...No, I'm poor."
After saying that, he left without looking back.
Mu Qinghuai stared at his back and sneered, "You stingy bastard, I'll wait and see you get struck by lightning."
After scoffing, he turned and headed in the opposite direction from Ji Yujing.
As Ji and Jing headed towards Shao Ning's house, they couldn't help but think of what Mu Qinghuai had said earlier.
You can't be too stingy with your wife.
But what does Lin Qingdai lack?
She lacked nothing; her food, clothing, and daily necessities were the best in the world.
The things he painstakingly chose might not even meet her standards.
Thinking about all this, Ji Yujing couldn't help but feel a little irritated.
When he became aware of this faint and unfamiliar emotion, he deliberately suppressed it.
He quickened his pace and headed towards the Shao family's house.
Passing by the Zhu family, where the conflict had occurred that day, the family of three happened to be coming out of the small courtyard.
This time, although there was still no joy on their faces, they were not as disheveled as they had been the last time they met.
Ji Yujing stopped and watched them close the door in silence before turning around and walking towards him.
They were all very kind people, and when they saw this stranger with a scar on his face, they would nod slightly in greeting.
Soon, they passed by Ji and Jing.
According to the established plan, Ji and Jing should be returning to Shao's family at this time.
After packing up, I returned to Lingdong.
However, upon seeing the Zhu family, his legs felt as if they were filled with lead, and he could not take another step.
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