Chapter 69 The Outcome of the Game
Shen Qingyue came over with the account book, and Dongmai quickly pulled Aunt Xin to stand up.
"Young Miss!" Aunt Xin gave Shen Qingyue a proper half-bow.
That's how things are in the Great Yu Dynasty.
The concubines without children had a very low status in the mansion. Even though Shangguan Jin told them they didn't have to do it, Concubine Xin still insisted on bowing to Shen Qingyue.
She is different from Dongmaike.
Dongmai was the lady's dowry maid, and she also watched the young masters and ladies grow up.
Upon seeing this, Shen Qingyue quickly returned half a bow to Aunt Xin, and then sat down next to Shangguan Jin.
“Mother, all the accounts you asked me to sort out have been sorted out,” Shen Qingyue said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Shangguan Jin quickly took the ledger.
Upon seeing this, Dongmai and Aunt Xin quickly took their sewing baskets and two maids and took their leave.
"Yunniang, our Duke is gone, but you don't seem very sad!"
After leaving Shangguan Jin's courtyard, Dongmai suddenly spoke to Aunt Xin.
Upon hearing this, Aunt Xin quickly looked around.
“What do you mean I wasn’t very sad? I cried too, but I cried in my own yard, so none of you saw me,” Aunt Xin explained softly.
She did cry.
She cried for a long time but couldn't remember what the Duke looked like at all.
She tried to gather her emotions for a while, then realized that the Great Yu had lost a war god to guard the north, and then she cried her heart out...
Dongmai thought about it and realized that it made sense.
During the days of the Duke's funeral, Aunt Xin had no chance to leave the courtyard.
However, they must have cried. Anyone in the manor who didn't cry during those days would be considered an oddball.
"Oh! You're recovering quite quickly."
"You don't look sad at all now," Dongmai said casually.
Aunt Xin paused, feeling a little guilty.
She can't even remember what the Duke looks like, so why should she be sad?
Moreover, ever since the lady went to her own courtyard, she has been eating and sleeping soundly...
"Aren't you the same?" Aunt Xin muttered softly.
Winter wheat...
Do you think I'm the same as you? I know the Duke is still happily frolicking in the north! How could I be sad?
"I think my young lady is right. We need to look forward and not live in the past."
"You must live a good life, only then can you be worthy of the Duke." Dongmai quickly explained.
Aunt Xin thought about it and realized that Dongmai was absolutely right.
We must look forward. The Duke is gone, but those who are alive must continue to live!
She can't very well say that just because the Duke is gone, she should also give up on life!
What's the difference between this and being buried alive with the deceased?
Oh, even if she wanted to be buried with him, the lady certainly wouldn't agree!
So, let's just live well!
"Yes, we must look forward. So, I must learn embroidery well. Maybe in the future, the purses and handkerchiefs I embroider can sell for ten coins, just like you!" Aunt Xin said earnestly.
Winter wheat...
"Yunniang, next time I go out, you can come with me!"
"Take a look at the shops outside. What do they look like? And take a look at the estates outside?" Dongmai suddenly said.
Aunt Xin was taken aback.
Shall we go outside and take a look?
May I?
It seems she hasn't gone out since she can remember.
Before she entered the Duke's mansion, she was confined to a palace within the palace grounds, a square courtyard with a square sky.
After entering the Duke's mansion, she was still in a square courtyard.
The sky is still a perfect square...
The only problem is that this courtyard is a bit smaller, and there are no nannies watching over them every day.
"Can I go out too? Go outside and have a look?" Aunt Xin asked excitedly.
"Why not? My lady isn't binding your legs."
If you want to go out, just let the housekeeper know in advance.
The steward has arranged a carriage.
However, if you go out, it's best to wear a veiled hat," Dongmai added.
Aunt Xin happily held onto Dongmai's arm and wouldn't let go.
"Then shall I go out with you? How much silver should we bring? Or should we prepare some food?"
It's alright, I've saved up quite a bit of my monthly allowance..."
Aunt Xin held Dongmai's arm as they walked and muttered to themselves until they were out of earshot.
Shangguan Jin also picked up the account book.
"Mother, what were Aunt Dong and Aunt Xin talking about just now?" Shen Qingyue asked with a smile.
Shangguan Jin casually flipped through the ledger before smiling and replying, "What else can I say? Some things happening outside."
Clover and Daylily went outside to buy osmanthus cakes and also watched as the Ministry of Justice escorted prisoners out of the city.
It just so happens that Lord Mei is also inside.
That's what they were talking about.
Shen Qingyue said "oh" and then looked at Shangguan Jin.
“Mother, Lord Mei did not sentence me to death with reprieve, but rather to exile three thousand li away,” Shen Qingyue said earnestly.
Shangguan Jin nodded and continued looking at the ledger.
“I know! What’s wrong? Do you have any thoughts? Or have you thought of anything?” Shangguan Jin asked.
Shen Qingyue pursed her lips and thought for a moment.
"Actually, according to the laws of Dayu, Lord Mei should be sentenced to death with reprieve."
Lord Mei used to be on the side of Duke Anguo and Prince Qin.
Having embezzled so much, including funds for river management and disaster relief, even execution with reprieve would be too lenient.
"It seems that Duke Anguo has put in a lot of effort," Shen Qingyue said.
Shangguan Jin nodded.
"That's right, Duke Anguo and King Qin must have put in a lot of effort."
But the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Xu were not to be trifled with either.
"Why did they acquiesce to this verdict?" Shangguan Jin asked.
Shen Qingyue was taken aback.
Yes, Lord Mei's case was tried jointly by the Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice.
Both of these places are under the control of Prime Minister Xu and the Crown Prince.
Why did they acquiesce to this verdict?
“Mother, do you mean…” Shen Qingyue was a little surprised.
Logically speaking, the Crown Prince's faction and the King of Qin's faction should have been locked in a life-or-death struggle long ago.
How could Prime Minister Xu possibly give up such a good opportunity!
If this is the outcome, then Prime Minister Xu and the Crown Prince probably benefited from it as well!
"It would definitely be beneficial to have Prime Minister Xu lend a hand."
"And what are the benefits? We'll have to think about that carefully," Shangguan Jin said with a smile.
Shen Qingyue seemed to understand something.
In reality, there's no such thing as a benevolent and upright official who stands up for the people!
Regardless of the outcome, isn't it just the result of a power struggle between the Crown Prince and the King of Qin's factions?
“Mother, I think I’ve figured it out,” Shen Qingyue suddenly said.
“Come on, tell your mother what you’ve figured out.” Shangguan Jin immediately perked up.
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