Chapter 111 Shocking Change
Li Xiaoxiao took Ayun to Lin'an Prefecture to have two extra fingers removed. Fearing that Ayun would get a fever and infection, Li Xiaoxiao stayed at an inn near Yanghetang for another half a month until Ayun's wounds healed before returning from Lin'an.
After returning to Biyang County, Li Xiaoxiao served under Magistrate Meng. She dressed up as a servant every day and followed Magistrate Meng to the countryside to promote agriculture and sericulture. She became close friends with the yamen runners and treated them like brothers. When Constable Shi organized the runners to learn stick fighting techniques, she also participated and learned faster than anyone else. Of course, she could not beat anyone.
Over time, people seemed to forget that she was a woman.
Two years is neither a long nor a short time, but when you're busy, it seems to fly by.
In the past two years, Meng Guanqi has indeed kept his promise. Even the letters he wrote to let Gu Shanzhang know that he was safe were written on his behalf. Each letter contained only two words: "Safe and sound," without any other words.
In June of the year following his departure, Liu gave birth to their second son, Meng Guanlin, nicknamed Ruirui. He is now over a year old and has already learned to walk.
Rui Rui doesn't look much like Meng Guanqi. Meng Guanqi's features are more like the beautiful Liu Shi, but Rui Rui is a spitting image of a young version of Magistrate Meng. His personality is also completely different from Meng Guanqi's. Meng Guanqi has been quiet and well-mannered since childhood, while Rui Rui is practically a little bully.
He can't speak yet, but he has a terrible temper. If he's not happy, he'll raise his little fists and yell "Ah ah ah!" His chubby little face turns bright red, with a dimple on each side and five little squiggly spots on his fists. He's not only harmless, but also incredibly cute, so everyone in the family loves to tease him and make him angry.
But children's anger comes and goes quickly. In the blink of an eye, he forgets what he was angry about and goes back to fiddling with his toys. With such a lovely child by her side, Liu has no time to be sentimental. She feels that the first half of her life was not as happy as the few years she spent in Biyang County.
She was just looking forward to seeing what kind of expression Qi Ge'er would have when he came back and found out he had a little brother who was over a year old. Would he regret not having written home for two years?
Every time she thought of this, Liu would be overjoyed.
That night, after putting Rui Rui to sleep, she made the bed herself, her voice light and cheerful: "Brother Qi's two-year seclusion is almost over, isn't it? When should we send someone to bring him back?"
Magistrate Meng's face was ashen; he didn't hear what Liu was saying, but was instead recalling the events of the day.
Lord Min actually sent his most trusted confidant, Yang Kun, to see him.
His three-year term has come to an end. Biyang County has experienced explosive growth thanks to the addition of his hairpin, which has also attracted many people from surrounding counties to come and work. Except for the year he was punished by the Ministry of Revenue and given a poor performance rating, the rank he was rated as excellent by Prefect Song in the past two years. Two months ago, Lord Min wrote to him, indicating that he could make amends by using his merits to pull some strings at the Ministry of Revenue and apply to be transferred back to the capital to serve as an official in the capital.
Before his demotion, he was already a sixth-rank official in the Ministry of Personnel. Now that his term is up, it is perfectly legitimate for him to apply for a transfer back. Moreover, he has laid a solid foundation for Biyang County in the past two years. As long as the successor magistrate continues to manage the county according to the current development model, it will be easy to transform Biyang County from a lower-ranking county into a middle-ranking county. This is a way to reap the rewards without lifting a finger. As long as he is willing to leave, Biyang County will no longer be a hot potato, but a coveted prize.
Magistrate Meng also intended to be transferred back to the capital. Firstly, the marriage between Meng Liniang and Min Yu had been discussed for two years, and the two families were already choosing an auspicious day in autumn or winter for the wedding. If he could be transferred back to the capital, Meng Liniang would not need to travel thousands of miles to be married off, and could get married directly in the capital. Secondly, Meng Guanqi's two-year period of seclusion for studying had also come to an end. He could first return to the capital to experience the changes in the capital and the atmosphere before the imperial examination, and then make travel plans for a few months, rushing back to the capital before the New Year to celebrate the New Year and wait for the spring imperial examination in March.
Lord Min had already paved the way for his return to the capital, but less than half a month after the agreement was reached, he actually sent Yang Kun to see him.
Magistrate Meng knew Yang Kun when he was a censor in the Ministry of Personnel. Yang Kun was Lord Min's page, accompanying Lord Min in his studies for the imperial examinations since childhood. Even after Lord Min married and had children, Yang Kun remained by Lord Min's side and was one of Lord Min's most trusted confidants. What major event had occurred that required sending Yang Kun to see him?
When Magistrate Meng saw Yang Kun, he knew something serious had happened. He immediately took him to his study and ordered Steward Zhao to stand guard outside the door and not let anyone in before he began to question him.
Yang Kun bowed to Magistrate Meng and said, "Magistrate Meng, there are some things that my master cannot write in a letter, so he sent me to deliver this message to you."
"It can't be written in the letter, that's a very sensitive topic," Magistrate Meng's heart sank, and he said seriously, "Knowing you were coming in person, I had a premonition, but what happened in the capital?"
Yang Kun said in a low voice, "Master said that you should continue to try to stay in office for another term, and then decide on the matter of being transferred back to the capital in three years."
Magistrate Meng frowned: "It was clearly agreed before that you would be transferred back, and I didn't hear Brother Min object. But what happened in the capital this month?"
Yang Kun glanced outside the door, then whispered in Magistrate Meng's ear, "On the ninth day of this month, the Crown Prince's second son passed away due to illness."
Seeing Magistrate Meng looking at him with a puzzled expression, Yang Kun said, "Three months ago, the Crown Prince's second daughter also passed away."
Magistrate Meng's face changed drastically: "I remember that two years ago, didn't His Highness the Crown Prince lose a young child?"
Yang Kun nodded: "Two years ago, the Third Young Master passed away at the age of three. This month, the Second Young Master passed away at the age of six. I heard that the Crown Prince's second daughter is also five or six years old... In the past three years, the Eastern Palace has not produced any offspring. Now the Crown Prince only has an eight-year-old heir and a seven-year-old eldest daughter, and I heard that her health is not very good."
His voice was barely audible: "There are already rumors in the capital that the Crown Prince is unlucky... The heir apparent is morally flawed, and the retribution is beingfall the child."
Magistrate Meng's face suddenly turned pale: "How could three children die in a row? Didn't the Emperor and Empress send anyone to investigate?"
Yang Kun's face was grave: "We investigated. This is a matter of national importance, how could we not investigate? The Emperor gave the order, and the Empress personally oversaw the investigation, turning the Eastern Palace upside down. They even investigated all the imperial physicians who had treated the young princes and princesses in the Eastern Palace, but they found nothing. The rumors are about to burst. If we can't find the real reason for the young princes and princesses' deaths, and if there are no more newborns in the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince's position will be in danger. Now, officials in the court are avoiding the Eastern Palace like the plague. My lord said that His Highness the Crown Prince has lost his composure..."
Magistrate Meng's expression was solemn: "It is precisely at times like these that we must remain calm and composed."
Yang Kun said, “My lord thinks so too, but we are not officials of the Crown Prince’s palace, so it’s not our place to say such things. My lord said that His Highness the Crown Prince’s position is unstable, the court is in turmoil, and everyone is in danger. You, sir, have been kind to His Highness. If you return to the capital now, you will easily become a target. If His Highness the Crown Prince stands up and forces you to take sides, I’m afraid you will find it difficult to refuse. It would be better for you to stay in Biyang County for another term and avoid the storm for the next two years. Returning to the capital now is not the right time…”
No wonder Lord Min dared not write to him and insisted on sending Yang Kun over. This was Lord Min's political intuition. The Crown Prince's position was unstable due to ominous rumors, and there must be other princes stirring things up behind the scenes. Magistrate Meng dared not say for sure whether this was the work of a third party hiding behind the scenes.
If it really was his doing... Magistrate Meng felt a cold sweat pour down his back. Even the Emperor and Empress themselves couldn't find out. Just how deep was he hiding?
Seeing that Magistrate Meng did not react, Liu repeated what she had just said. Magistrate Meng then came to his senses and subconsciously said, "No rush. Let me send a letter to Headmaster Gu and see what his arrangements are."
Liu asked curiously, "Is there another arrangement? Wasn't it already agreed that Qi-ge'er would go into seclusion for two years? That time is up, and weren't we planning to return to the capital? Has something unexpected happened?"
Magistrate Meng couldn't tell Liu about these things, so he said, "Although Qi-ge has been studying hard for two years, it's still hard to say whether he has achieved Master Gu's goal. How can we rashly send someone to bring him back? Of course, we should wait and see if he has made any arrangements based on his study progress and whether he has completed his plan."
Liu gave a somewhat disappointed "oh". Although she had her younger son to keep her company, she still missed her older son. She had been hoping to see him this month, but things had suddenly changed again.
The next day, Magistrate Meng wrote two letters in his study and handed them to Zhao Jian: "Take these letters to Headmaster Gu personally and ask him to postpone Qi Ge'er's return home by six months."
Zhao Jian was taken aback: "Master, why is this?"
Why is it that all of a sudden they want the eldest son to come home six months later?
Magistrate Meng said, "Just do as I say, and don't mention it to anyone. This is my instruction, understand?"
That means we can't let him know.
Zhao Jian hadn't seen his master with such a serious expression in a long time, so he didn't dare ask any more questions. He immediately replied "Yes," mounted his horse, and headed towards Luzhou.
Upon arriving in Luzhou, he entered Wanshan Academy and met Headmaster Gu. Headmaster Gu initially thought he had come to take Meng Guanqi back, but upon opening the letter, his expression immediately changed.
He pondered for a while before saying to Zhao Jian, "Guanqi had already packed his luggage and was waiting for you to pick him up. Now that things have changed, go see him and explain the situation. He will stay in the academy for another six months."
Zhao Jian bowed and withdrew, while Gu Shanzhang picked up his pen to reply to Magistrate Meng.
In fact, he had heard about the turbulent situation in the capital, but since he was hundreds of miles away from the capital, he was not as well-informed as Lord Min, who was an official in the court. Now that Magistrate Meng had mentioned it, he was as clever as he was and immediately realized that it was not appropriate to let Meng Guanqi go at this time.
This student also has a bloody and violent constitution.
He is still a sapling and needs to be protected. We must not let the turmoil of the succession struggle affect him. At this time, staying obediently in the academy to study is the safest thing to do.
Meng Guanqi was delighted to see Zhao Jian arrive, her eyes filled with anticipation: "Are you the only one here? Where are Xiaoxiao and Asheng?"
Zhao Jian looked at the young master, whom he hadn't seen for two years, in surprise. He had grown taller and stronger, with more defined features. His skin was still as white as snow, but he no longer looked as frail as before.
His scholarly air only accentuated his outstanding stature, making him appear as graceful and elegant as a jade tree. If the master and mistress were to see him, they would surely be incredibly proud.
Unfortunately, he was about to spoil his fun.
Upon learning that he couldn't go home and would have to study at the academy for another six months, Meng Guanqi's expression changed: "Why?"
Zhao Jian didn't know why: "This is what the master said himself, and he even wrote a letter to Headmaster Gu."
Meng Guanqi then went to find Headmaster Gu.
Headmaster Gu had already finished writing his reply, so it was no surprise that Meng Guanqi came to find him: "Don't worry, your father has a letter for you."
After two years of secluded study at the academy, this was the first time Meng Guanqi had received such a long letter from his father, aside from letting him know he was safe.
After reading it, his brows furrowed tightly. He hadn't expected that after two years, the Crown Prince's condition would worsen and now he was even associated with "ominous" rumors. He had already handed over all the evidence he had collected to him. Two years had passed, had he not found anything at all?
Furthermore, the Crown Prince lost three children within two years, and the Eastern Palace has no more offspring... He didn't know the truth, but judging from the outcome, it all seemed like a huge conspiracy, gradually approaching the Crown Prince and already driving him into a dead end.
Min Shibo asked his father to postpone his trip to Beijing, and his father asked him to return home half a year later, both to avoid the risk of his family being affected.
Seeing that he had finished reading, Headmaster Gu took the letter from his hand and burned it over the candle flame.
He stared at Meng Guanqi: "Do you understand your father's good intentions now? Are you going to stay here and study for another six months, or are you leaving immediately?"
Meng Guanqi was in a state of turmoil. He had promised Li Xiaoxiao that he would return home in two years and take her on a study tour. Now he had to break his promise to her. How could he explain this to her?
Will she be angry that he broke his promise and won't wait for her anymore?
His mind was in turmoil. He stood up and bowed to Headmaster Gu: "Please teach me, sir."
Headmaster Gu said decisively, "Then let's stay for another six months to see how things go. Not only you, but I hope that all the students in Wanshan Academy will not get involved in the struggle for the throne. You are just saplings that have just grown up and cannot withstand the ravages of the cold wind. After this storm has passed, you can go to the capital and wait for the imperial examination in peace."
Meng Guanqi still remembered: "Then the study tour I arranged..."
Headmaster Gu said, “Times have changed. Studying abroad is meant to broaden one’s horizons and solidify one’s foundation in order to achieve proficiency in writing. Although you are young, you have faced life-or-death situations several times, and your understanding is already much stronger than that of your classmates. For your current level, whether or not you study abroad is just a choice and will not affect your grades too much.”
The implication was that he didn't need to go on his study tour.
Meng Guanqi was caught in a dilemma again. How disappointed Xiaoxiao would be if they couldn't go on the study tour. He had already planned where to take her, but he didn't expect that they would be unable to go because of this sudden change.
It was rare to see him so conflicted and reluctant to leave, so Headmaster Gu joked, "Could it be that you still have a childlike heart and can't wait to go back to see your younger brother?"
"Younger brother?" Meng Guanqi was stunned. "What younger brother?"
Master Gu then came to his senses. In order not to disturb his studies, Magistrate Meng seemed not to have told him about having a younger brother.
He smiled and told him that Liu had given birth to another son more than a year ago: "He should be over a year old now."
Meng Guanqi was speechless for a long time. He actually had a younger brother? After calculating the time, did that mean he got pregnant right after he left home?
He was both surprised and delighted. He was surprised that a younger brother had suddenly appeared, and delighted that his brother had been taking care of him during the two years he was away, so his parents no longer had to feel lonely because of his absence.
Gu Shanzhang said, "The triennial spring imperial examination is just around the corner, the most crucial time for the court to select talents. Before this winter, His Majesty will surely find a way to quell the turmoil and prevent it from affecting the spring examination. You should stay here and study for another six months, and then go home in the autumn."
After thinking it over, Meng Guanqi felt that this was probably the best arrangement. He bowed and left, then immediately returned to his dormitory and wrote a letter to Li Xiaoxiao.
This was the first time he had written to her in two years. He wondered how angry she would be when she received it.
He told Li Xiaoxiao the real reason for his delayed return home and instructed her to burn the letter after reading it.
Originally, this secret matter should not be publicized to outsiders. As cautious as Lord Min was, he sent Yang Kun to dictate it to him. Magistrate Meng sent his confidant Yang Jian to personally deliver the letter to Headmaster Gu. Headmaster Gu burned it immediately after reading it, leaving no trace.
Even Magistrate Meng probably wouldn't tell Liu the real reason he delayed returning home, but he wanted to tell Li Xiaoxiao.
He had already disappointed her and didn't want to deceive her with any more high-sounding reasons.
After writing the letter, he sealed it and handed it to Zhao Jian to take back: "To personally deliver it to Xiaoxiao."
Zhao Jian agreed, took the letter, and carefully put it in the lining of his pocket. Meng Guanqi punched him lightly: "Why didn't you tell me I had a younger brother?"
Zhao Jian grinned and said, "My lord is afraid that you won't be able to calm down after hearing this, and you'll want to go home to see the young master."
Meng Guanqi asked expectantly, "How is he? Is he well-behaved? Does he look like me?"
Zhao Jian immediately pictured the domineering yet chubby little boy and chuckled, "The young master looks like the master, but his personality is completely different. He's usually very domineering and prone to temper tantrums, often threatening others with his little fists~"
Meng Guanqi was a little worried: "If he has a domineering personality, he needs to be taught properly. We must not spoil him and ruin him." She thought that although she had postponed her return home, she would still be going back in half a year at the latest. By then, her younger brother should be two years old, and she could try to reason with him and help him change his personality.
Meng Guanqi inquired about the situation of other family members and was particularly pleased with the changes in Biyang County over the past two years. If his father were to stay on for another term, Biyang County might actually be upgraded from a lower-level county to a middle-level county. At that time, it would be easier to transfer back to Beijing for meritorious governance than it is now.
Finally, he asked Li Xiaoxiao somewhat nervously, "Did she stay by my father's side and help him properly?"
Zhao Jian laughed and said, "She is now the right-hand woman of the adults. Everyone in the whole county knows her. She is very popular and has a great reputation. She never needs to bring food when she goes out. Everywhere she goes, people invite her into their homes for a meal."
This unparalleled affability was something even Magistrate Meng admired.
She truly possesses the vitality of a wild grass; no matter where you place her, she can live a vibrant life.
After receiving Meng Guanqi's letter, Li Xiaoxiao learned that Zhao Jian had already visited Wanshan Academy.
She glanced at Magistrate Meng discreetly; such a secrecy must mean something bad was going on.
Sure enough, Meng Guanqi apologized to her, saying that he would stay at Wanshan Academy for another six months and that he could not keep his promise to take her on a study tour.
But after reading his reasons, Li Xiaoxiao fell into deep thought.
Two years have passed, and the person behind this has no idea how the Crown Prince's investigation is going. Has he made absolutely no progress? On the contrary, he himself has lost three children in two years and has no newborns. Now he only has a son and a daughter left. This doesn't seem normal at all.
Could this be the work of someone behind the scenes again?
On second thought, it seemed unlikely. The emperor and empress had personally ordered a thorough investigation into the truth behind the deaths of the three children. These were the most powerful figures in the Great Wu Dynasty. If even they couldn't find any clues, there was only one reason: the crown prince was simply unlucky.
Unfortunately, this era disregarded science and readily believed in ghosts and gods. Unable to find the cause, the prince's bad luck was likely to be spread as "ominous."
Just like the rumors of "the aura of a true dragon" three years ago, this "ominous" omen is enough to stir up a bloody storm in the capital.
Li Xiaoxiao knew that scholars only said half of what they meant, leaving the rest to be understood but not explained. However, Lord Min's words, "The Crown Prince has lost his senses," were enough to make Magistrate Meng decide to stay on for another term. Meng Guanqi postponed his return home for half a year just to avoid the Crown Prince's "lost senses" behavior. So what exactly did the Crown Prince do in the capital?
She was both curious and relieved.
Fortunately, Magistrate Meng Guanqi was not blinded by the Crown Prince's identity and threw himself into the arms of this heir apparent. Otherwise, given the current situation, Meng Guanqi's future official career would probably be ruined before he even passed the imperial examination.
It seems there's a reason why powerful families don't easily get involved in factional struggles; they've probably learned this lesson the hard way.
Even the crown prince cannot easily pledge allegiance, let alone those idle princes. Once someone is branded as a prince and that prince fails to ascend the throne, the entire family's official career is basically over.
Magistrate Meng and Meng Guanqi were naturally ten or a hundred times more politically astute than she was, so avoiding this turmoil was the wisest course of action. However, this meant that her meeting with Meng Guanqi would have to be postponed for another six months...
Li Xiaoxiao couldn't quite describe the feeling in her heart—a mix of gratitude, relief, annoyance, and anger.
He had promised her, and she had been waiting for him for two long years! But he broke his promise. Even though he explained the whole story to her, he didn't say a word about missing her. What kind of lover is that?
He hasn't said he misses her, and two years have passed. How can she know if he's changed his mind? Or maybe he hasn't seen her for so long that his feelings have faded? Otherwise, why hasn't he said a single sweet word or even sent a portrait?
She doesn't even know what he looks like now—has he grown taller? He's heavier? He's more muscular?
That heartless little bastard said he wouldn't write a letter for two years, and he really didn't say a single word.
But it seemed she had no other choice but to wait.
Could she possibly stand up and object, insisting that he go home?
Three months later, Li Xiaoxiao was sitting on a stone chair in the front yard, completing the task assigned to her by Magistrate Meng, when a little figure huffed and puffed over, then skillfully climbed onto her head, hugged her head, sat on her shoulder, and mumbled, "Go, go."
He just turned two years old and speaks in one or two words, not yet able to say a complete sentence, but he can understand everything. Ever since Li Xiaoxiao carried him out once, he has been thinking about it and wants to climb on her head every day so that she can take him out to play.
Li Xiaoxiao grabbed him and pulled him down: "I'm not in the mood to go out today, you can play by yourself."
Rui Rui got anxious, clumsily clasped her two chubby little hands together, and kept making the "Gong Xi Fa Cai" gesture for her: "Go, go."
Li Xiaoxiao taught him this gesture, and he learned it in just one time. Now, whenever he asks someone for something or wants something, he clasps his hands together and bows repeatedly, and people are charmed by his cute appearance and will grant him any wish.
Liu Zhi, who was in charge of looking after him, was almost thirteen years old this year and had grown into a beautiful young lady. After giving birth to Rui Rui, Liu Shi was worried about the maids and servants she had bought later, so she entrusted Rui Rui to her. When Rui Rui couldn't walk yet, Liu Zhi thought this job was quite easy. After all, the second young master didn't like to cry and liked to laugh, so he was easy to take care of. But after he learned to walk, she was completely dismayed.
But no matter how naughty the child is, he is still the master. Moreover, the little master has a rather domineering temper. At such a young age, he can even tattle. As long as Liu Zhi doesn't let him do anything, he will pounce on Magistrate Meng when he returns, sit on his lap, and start pointing and tattling to Magistrate Meng.
Although he couldn't speak, he was exceptionally good at sign language. Magistrate Meng thought his son was incredibly adorable because he could express his thoughts clearly even though he couldn't speak. So every time Rui Rui finished complaining, he would see his father smiling and immediately felt that his father was on his side and that he had someone to rely on. That's why his temper became more and more domineering.
Liu Zhi was exhausted and looked pitiful: "Sister Xiaoxiao, could you take care of him for half a day? After seeing the excitement outside, he just wants to go out and can't stand staying at home for even a day."
Li Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and said, "How about we take him to the Guanyin Temple to play with A-Yun? He's incredibly strong. Let him climb up and down by himself. He'll definitely be able to sleep soundly until dawn tonight."
Liu Zhi's eyes lit up: "Great! I'll go and inform Madam right away."
When Rui Rui was eight months old, she went to Zimu Peak to worship Guanyin for the first time with Liu. She was halfway up the mountain when she suddenly started crying. Liu was wondering if she had frightened the child and was considering going home when she met A Fu and A Yun, who were returning from picking turmeric.
Ah Yun held a piece of bright yellow turmeric in his hand. As soon as he raised his hand, Rui Rui, who was crying loudly, miraculously stopped crying.
Both Granny Qi and Madam Liu exclaimed that Ah Yun and Rui Rui were destined to be together.
After that, every time I took Rui Rui there, he would not cry or make a fuss, and would even take the initiative to tug at A Yun's clothes.
After he learned to walk, he followed Ah Yun around the backyard of the temple. Ah Yun even took him to pick vegetables, and they pulled down several of the old monk's newly planted cabbages, which made the old monk cry out in distress.
He goes to the Guanyin Temple at least twice a month. Every time he comes back, he eats a lot and sleeps soundly. Liu thinks he has a special connection with the Guanyin Temple. Although Li Xiaoxiao keeps emphasizing that he is just tired from playing, Liu will not object if Li Xiaoxiao wants to take him there.
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