Chapter 875: Farce [Seeking Monthly Tickets]
Wu Xian usually watches TV dramas, but this time he's watching Shen Tang's drama with great excitement.
However, his gloating lasted only two days before he discovered that a fire had spread to him, and the arsonist was none other than his wife.
After parting ways with Shen Tang, Wu Xian did not return directly to Tianhai. Instead, he led his troops on a detour to Yiru to take over Zhang He's political legacy. When news of Zhang He's death reached Yiru, ambitious local families began to stir, secretly inciting unrest among the common people, causing many to flee. Based on their experience accumulated during turbulent times, they knew that war was imminent in Yiru!
Besides the aristocratic families, the remaining Zhang He troops were also eager to seize power, raising the banner of supporting the young ruler and avenging their former master, and gathering their forces to become the new ruler of Yiru. Wu Xian, of course, wouldn't give them the chance, and marched in a large force to quell the unrest.
It lasted for no more than half a month, and on the surface, things calmed down.
What are those unseen undercurrents?
Wu Xian was just waiting to lure the snakes out of their hole so he could catch them all in one fell swoop.
After finishing all that, he returned in triumph with his elite confidants.
Tianhai hadn't changed much since he left. Wu Xian had just sat down and taken a sip of hot tea, preparing to summon the people left behind in Tianhai to find out what had happened during his absence, when his ears caught a commotion. As a martial artist, Wu Xian's hearing was naturally excellent, and he keenly noticed that the commotion outside was approaching his direction. He put down his bowl.
He gave a look to the guard beside him.
A short while later, the guard returned, looking somewhat troubled: "My lord, those outside are General Zhao's family members, wife and children."
[General Zhao's family, wife and children?]
Wu Xian's nonchalant expression vanished in an instant, replaced by a moment of stunned silence.
He'd been trying to avoid thinking about Qin Li and the others lately, but every time he discussed matters with his subordinates, he'd unconsciously glance at Qin Li's location. Only after being suddenly reminded by his guards did he remember that Zhao Feng and the others' families were still in Tianhai. Wu Xian felt guilty towards Qin Li and the others, and given that their new lord was Shen Youli, he naturally wouldn't make things difficult for the women and children. Sigh, let's part ways amicably and maintain some decorum.
Wu Xian adjusted his mindset.
"Send someone to invite Madam Zhao over."
He did not notice the strange expression on his wife's face beside him.
Before long, a group of people filed in.
Wu Xian had met Zhao Feng's wife before and remembered Zhao Feng's three sons. Even with his excellent memory, he almost didn't recognize the mother and her three children in front of him, let alone the elderly and children who had come with them. They were all disheveled, if not unkempt.
His complexion was sallow, as if he hadn't eaten in a long time.
Wu Xian's raised hand froze in place, the smile on his lips stiffened, and after a long while he asked, "What's going on here...?"
His gaze swept across the faces of the crowd before settling on the personal guards.
The guards had just returned and didn't know what had happened.
Having failed to get help, Wu Xian had no choice but to solve the problem himself. He hurriedly got up and helped the people who were about to kneel up, saying, "No need for formalities, no need for formalities. What happened to your sister-in-law and nephew?"
Lady Zhao Feng remained calm and avoided the situation.
He replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "I have come to say goodbye."
Even though Wu Xian was somewhat prepared, he was still taken aback for a moment.
He had barely returned, barely had time to warm his seat, when Zhao Feng's family arrived with entourage to say goodbye. It was clear they had come as soon as they heard the news. Why the rush? As the saying goes, if you're going to put on an act, you should go all the way. Considering his years of friendship with Zhao Feng, he should be given time to prepare, perhaps by hosting a farewell banquet and having someone escort them safely to Zhao Feng's side.
He didn't share the spoils with Qin Li and the others in a respectable manner.
Shouldn't we leave a little bit of fig leaf behind?
Wu Xian refused Madam Zhao's request, instead making an excuse that he had just returned and had too many things to do, asking her to wait patiently for two more days while he could send someone to escort them away. Even though Madam Zhao refused his offer—
“Sister-in-law, this won’t do! You and your nephew are both Da Yi’s closest relatives. The outside world is not peaceful right now. If you set off rashly and something happens to you, where will I find someone to compensate Da Yi? Please put your minds at ease and wait a couple more days!” Wu Xian’s last words carried a hint of pleading and an imperceptible firmness. Madam Zhao Feng knew the importance of the matter and had no choice but to give up.
certainly--
She hadn't expected her departure to be successful.
If that's the case, why did she make this trip?
Hehe, before leaving, she glanced at the obviously uneasy First Wife from an angle that Wu Xian couldn't see, and sneered.
After the elderly, women, and children left, Wu Xian sent people to deliver tables laden with fish and meat, along with boxes of nourishing and beautifying herbs. He aimed to make them plump and healthy as quickly as possible! Their faces were sallow; anyone who didn't know better would have thought he was withholding the salaries of his former favorite general and mistreating Zhao Feng's family. Having made these arrangements, Wu Xian then summoned people over in front of his wife.
We need to sort things out as soon as possible.
Thinking of this, Wu Xian narrowed his eyes dangerously—although he hadn't said anything since Qin Li and his men jumped ship, it didn't mean he'd forgotten. He just hadn't wanted to alert them. Taking advantage of this opportunity, he'd also dealt with some of the traitors.
I still can't forget the humiliation of being kept in the dark.
Concentrating intently, Wu Xian didn't notice his wife's pale face and anxious demeanor. No, perhaps he did notice, but chose not to, waiting for her to speak first. The last thing Wu Xian wanted was for her to be involved.
Clearly, this idea of his was wishful thinking.
As the last rays of sunlight disappeared below the horizon, the sound of splashing water echoed intermittently in the courtyard. A large basin of water was poured in, instantly mixing with the blood on the stone slabs. The sweepers, brooms in hand, were engrossed in cleaning, while corpses were carried out of the houses one after another. The faces of these corpses were familiar, and blood was still dripping from them as they were carried out.
Hot, soft, just dead.
The cleaning and chores dared not look at it for more than a second.
swish—swish—swish—
The sound of brooms sweeping away blood was quite lively at this moment.
Outside the courtyard, it was bustling, but inside, the air was heavy and suffocating! The usually dignified and elegant First Lady lay sprawled on the ground, her hair disheveled, her breathing labored. Of course, nothing inappropriate for children was happening; her breakdown stemmed solely from Wu Xian's execution of dozens of people before her very eyes—people who, to varying degrees, had connections to her and her family…
Wu Xian killed them; his stance was clear.
The first wife had only one thought in her mind—
Oh no, he's serious!
Looking down at his wife, who had vented her emotions, Wu Xian laughed angrily: "After so many years of marriage, I never knew you harbored so many grievances and resentments, enough to drive you to murder your husband! You opened the door for them, but did you ever consider that the person who died was one of Zhao Feng's subordinates? Zhao Feng was my beloved general! He wasn't just an ordinary subordinate officer, but a general who risked his life for your husband! As the mistress of the house, you helped others conceal the truth and plot against the relatives of your general. What will outsiders think of you?"
"If you were in that situation, wouldn't you feel disheartened?"
Wu Xian knew his wife's plans and was trying to curry favor with his subordinates and their families to pave the way for her son and her own family. In contrast, Qin Li's faction was unyielding and even ignored her attempts to win them over on several occasions, which naturally displeased her.
If they can't win over Qin Li's faction, then so be it.
When Qin Li's faction clashed with the Tianhai faction, which could be courted, it was pointless to choose sides. The First Madam didn't frame anyone; she simply chose to ignore the Zhao family's pleas for help, coldly observing the unfolding events and suppressing related information…
As the matriarch, she has this right.
In addition, other families worked together in concert...
Are you disappointed that I came back alive?
Wu Xian's words successfully angered the wife.
"Wu Zhaode, you're spouting lies!"
Having killed so many people, Wu Xian's emotions had calmed down considerably. He said, "Besides this reason, I can't think of any other reason why you did this. If I die, everything will be for our children. But have you ever thought about who will help you control these people if I die? The two children haven't grown up enough to stand on their own yet. Who can you rely on? Your maternal family?"
He was really too angry before.
Now that they've calmed down, they're speculating one by one: "...Or is it that my good-for-nothing brothers promised something, that they're willing to step in and help? If I don't die, all this wealth will eventually go to our children. What are you panicking about?"
Seeing that Wu Xian was becoming increasingly absurd, and that some people had even guessed her hidden thoughts, they couldn't help but interrupt her: "Wu Zhaode!"
Wu Xian stopped talking and just looked at her.
She caught her breath and used her hands to push herself up.
"Don't fabricate these baseless accusations against me. Even though you have been disloyal, I have never had the thought of harming you because of it... I knew about what happened at Zhao Feng's residence long ago, but what could I do? Did I intend to offend the Tianhai family and harm my son for the sake of a few unrelated people, just to make way for your sons? Let me tell you, you're dreaming!"
Wu Xian stared at his wife in astonishment.
"I never had the idea of promoting someone born out of wedlock."
He himself had won a battle against his brothers and knew the harm it caused, so he did not consider his several illegitimate sons as his successors.
Even if he wanted to consider it, the child's age wouldn't allow it.
You know perfectly well whether it's true or not!
The wife, however, did not want to hear his explanation.
Besides those of truly lowly birth, Wu Xian's concubines also included several from prominent families whose families had prospered considerably in recent years. In addition, the brothers of his wife's family were utterly useless, which made Wu Xian feel increasingly pressured.
She knows Wu Xian's personality too well.
With such an easily swayed attitude, even if she firmly chooses her son now, who knows if she won't be persuaded to change her mind and choose someone else in the future?
Even if there's only a tiny chance, she's still afraid.
So she helped her son win over the resources he could, while secretly planting seeds of trouble for several competitors—among the dozens of people Wu Xian massacred this time were her trusted confidants and informants—what should belong to her son could only belong to them!
During this period, it was inevitable to communicate with her family.
She knew her brothers were no good, but Wu Xian was even less reliable.
Seeing this, Wu Xian didn't want to continue communicating with her. The couple had accumulated both old and new grudges, and he hadn't thrown out a divorce letter on the spot because of his two sons. He said irritably, "You should spend some time reflecting in the backyard. Come out when you've thought things through."
Saying she'd come out after thinking it through was essentially an indefinite period of house arrest. The First Madam wrung her handkerchief tightly, unable to voice her pent-up resentment and grievances. Her previous intervention with her men was intended to prove Qin Li's faction's disloyalty and protect Wu Xian's reputation, but he was ungrateful and instead blamed her. She took a deep breath, unable to resist provoking Wu Xian once more.
"Do you know that Zhao Feng and his men betrayed us long ago? Otherwise, how did their families disappear without a trace?"
Wu Xian's reaction was not the furious outburst she had expected.
"If I were acting out of a sense of righteousness, I should have already planned my escape route after the execution of the entire official's family. Otherwise, I'll continue to be harmed by you?"
His words were undeniably harsh.
The wife's already unpleasant expression darkened further.
Wu Xian summoned his attendants to take his wife away, but just then, his second son, who had received word of the situation, rushed over in a panic.
The voice arrived before the person.
"If Father wishes to make things difficult for Mother, then punish your son first!" A blur of motion rushed forward, shoving aside the guards who were about to step forward, and shouted, "Who gave you permission to touch the mistress?"
Wu Xian glared at his son and said angrily, "I gave you permission! This is none of your business. Go stay where you belong."
The second son knelt down with a thud.
He stood defiantly in front of the wife.
Wu Xian had recently become determined to have his eldest son succeed him, and he no longer held his previous sympathy for his disobedient second son. Furthermore, the son's indiscriminate interference in his parents' conflict only fueled Wu Xian's displeasure. However, this was, after all, his proud son of many years, and he didn't want to strain their father-son relationship too much because of his wife: "Listen to me, get out of here!"
The second son stubbornly insisted, "I cannot comply!"
Wu Xian looked at him and then at his wife.
Enraged, she stomped her foot and said "Fine" several times in a row: "You don't want to leave, huh? Fine, I'll leave!"
Having said that, he turned and left.
The mother and son clearly heard Wu Xian instruct the servants to seal off the courtyard and make the first wife stay here to reflect on her actions: "It would be best if the unfilial son inside were willing to come out. If he is not willing to come out, then he and his mother will be locked up here to reflect on their actions!"
After giving the instructions, he left without looking back.
His blood pressure hasn't gone down in the half day since he came back.
After calming down a bit, she asked where her eldest son was.
The guard replied, "The eldest son is still in the camp."
Wu Xian stopped in his tracks: "Didn't he hear the news?"
He killed dozens of people as soon as he got home, making such a big fuss, yet his eldest son didn't receive a single word? He had clearly provided his eldest son with quite a few capable people, yet he couldn't even use those who came to him for help? Wu Xian was somewhat disappointed by this.
The guard replied, "The young master knows."
Wu Xian's face darkened further: "You knew but didn't come?"
The guard shook his head awkwardly: "He didn't come."
Wu Xian: "..."
He didn't come even though he knew his birth mother was in trouble...
For a moment, he couldn't tell whether his blindly filial and impulsive second son angered him more, or his heartless and ungrateful eldest son disappointed him more. A thousand worries tangled into an unsolvable knot.
"...It's better to be single like Shen Youli, saving myself a lot of troubles..." Being alone is so carefree! No need to worry about an heir, one person is enough to feed the whole family.
Wu Xian gave up the main courtyard to imprison his wife, and having nowhere else to live, he moved to the side courtyard, which happened to be the courtyard of Consort Mi.
Lady Mi gently persuaded him to calm down.
There's a folk saying that couples fight at the head of the bed and make up at the foot of the bed. The master and his wife were young lovers who have supported each other all the way through thick and thin. What conflicts can't they talk about?
Wu Xian curled his lip: "Wind and rain? Thirty percent of the wind and rain was brought by her! Her willfulness almost got me killed!"
The Qin Li lineage also suffered losses—
He wanted to salvage some of his reputation and send Zhao Feng's family away, which would inevitably cost him a fortune and require him to clean up the mess his wife had made.
"When choosing a wife, choose a virtuous one. If she were half as understanding and sensible as you, you would have so many fewer worries. Let's not talk about her anymore."
|ω`)
My darling Wan'er has a new book out! I have to tell you this for three days straight.
Synopsis: A time-traveling adventure to the Han Dynasty.
Reborn in the funeral hall, Zhao Fusheng wakes up to find himself entangled with a vengeful ghost and doomed.
Despite facing certain death at the start, she miraculously survived and restarted the Investiture of the Gods.
He will deify the vengeful ghosts and rebuild the underworld.
The link to the new book is below; just click it to jump to the page!
(End of this chapter)
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