Chapter 53 I'm Not Tight
Chapter 53
Several people entered the house. Cai Yuezhao asked Fudong to help Lu Qiulian sit in the main room, and she followed Meng Yuning to the north room to talk.
As soon as he entered, he saw four maids packing things. Cai Yuezhao was startled, then realized, "The broker said someone took away four maids. So, it must be His Highness who sent someone to buy them."
The Luohan couch by the window had just been made. Meng Yuning pulled Cai Yuezhao over to sit there, then held Yi'er in her arms. She smiled and nodded, "Mu Yun did it. This yard is so big, it'll take a few people to tidy it up."
Cai Yuezhao: "That's how it should be." But she thought to herself, Yu Xiao was right, His Highness has his own arrangements.
Meng Yuning looked at Meng Jin and the others. Ever since they came in, they had all been standing there, not daring to move. So she said softly, "Go to the south room and clean up. We'll talk."
The four of them were obviously relieved, and responded in unison, taking rags and basins and going to the south room.
Meng Yuning then placed the indenture on the table and asked curiously, "Sister Zhao, what's going on?"
Thinking of the four nimble men just now, Cai Yuezhao suddenly felt a little embarrassed. "A Ning, I saw that you were short of manpower, so I thought of buying someone to serve you. I didn't expect His Highness had already made arrangements. I was being presumptuous."
"But it's okay. If you don't need her here, I can just take her away."
Meng Yuning recalled the words Cai Yuezhao had asked her when she saw the row of clothes on the clothesline. Her heart warmed, and she took her hand. "Sister Zhao, you've been so devoted to me, and I can't thank you enough. How can I be so presumptuous?"
"But, as you know, the situation here is complicated, and my identity is sensitive. I need to ask His Highness for his opinion before I can accept this person."
Cai Yuezhao nodded: "That's natural."
At that time, she was determined to buy a maid, firstly because she wanted her sister An Ning to have a helper as soon as possible so that she wouldn't have to do everything herself and work hard every day.
Furthermore, she wanted to give Prince Shen a hint, telling him that even if the Meng family didn't care about Sister Aning, there were still people who cared about her and protected her.
I hope this will serve as a reminder to His Royal Highness Prince Shen not to treat Sister Aning casually.
But she didn't expect that what she thought of was also thought of by His Royal Highness Prince Shen.
It seems that she was overstepping her authority, which was inappropriate.
But it’s a good thing that Bai is worried. At least it shows that His Royal Highness Prince Shen treats Aning seriously.
What's more, even if Sister Aning doesn't need the person she bought, it's a happy thing that she saved an innocent woman.
Thinking of this, she felt happy.
Meng Yuning pressed on, "Sister Zhao, let's talk about other things later. First, tell me about that girl."
Cai Yuezhao nodded: "We went to the matchmaker's office, but couldn't find a suitable one. Then we heard the matchmaker talk about Lv Qiulian..."
---
At the door of the main house, Yu Xiao was also telling Qi Jingyan about the woman's origins.
"This woman's name is Lv Qiulian. She lives in Guojiazhuang, ten miles west of the city. She's an ordinary farmer."
"Her husband's name is Guo Lao Da. He used to be honest and decent, but in the past six months he's suddenly become addicted to gambling. He's slowly wasting away the family fortune, even the family land. When the casino thugs came to reclaim the land, his father was so angry that he died on the spot."
"Boss Guo was filled with regret. After burying his father, he borrowed fifty taels of silver from the casino, hoping to turn things around. Unexpectedly, he lost everything again."
"The casino sent people to collect the debt. When he couldn't pay, they threatened to chop off his hands and feet. He then pushed his wife out to pay the debt. But the casino people not only kidnapped his wife but also dragged him away, saying they had to sell both of them together to barely pay off the principal."
"The casino took Lv Qiulian directly to a brothel and forced her to entertain clients. She refused and, after being severely beaten and humiliated, she attempted suicide by hanging. However, she was discovered by the brothel owner and her life was cut short."
"A Zhao wanted to buy a maid for Miss Meng. We learned about Lv Qiulian from the pawnbroker and went to redeem her."
"But whether or not they can stay depends entirely on your opinion. If it's inconvenient for them to stay, let Ah Zhao take them away and arrange for them to be relocated."
Qi Jingyan nodded slightly: "She is just a maid. It doesn't matter whether she stays or not. It all depends on An Ning's opinion."
"Understood." Yu Xiao nodded and then explained on behalf of Cai Yuezhao, "Yunzhou, although Ah Zhao's behavior was inappropriate, she didn't mean any harm. She just felt sorry for Miss Meng because she not only had to cook, but also wash clothes herself. She was worried that she would be too tired."
"I told her that you were all on your way, and Miss Meng was the only woman in the group. It wouldn't be nice to let those grown men touch her clothes. I think that's why Miss Meng took action herself, not because you intended to harass her."
Qi Jingyan didn't make any excuses and said frankly, "Miss Cai treated An Ning sincerely. She was right. It was my negligence."
"Mu Yun went to the pawnshop early this morning and brought back four maids to help with the chores. He assured Miss Cai that An Ning would not be burdened by these trivial matters in the future."
Seeing that Qi Jingyan was not at all displeased by Ah Zhao's transgression, but was only concerned about Miss Meng, Yu Xiao smiled: "Yun Zhou, you are sincere."
Qi Jingyan smiled but said nothing.
Then, he turned his head to Mu Yun, who was standing quietly beside him, and instructed: "Go to the County Magistrate's Mansion later and report the matter of the gambling house and brothel to County Magistrate Chen. Ask him to thoroughly investigate Boss Guo's sudden addiction to gambling. And pass on this word from the king: such a den of filth will not be allowed to remain in Canghai County."
Mu Yun cupped his hands and said, "Yes, I will go there later."
Yu Xiao nodded slightly and agreed, "I agree with Yun Zhou. Lu Qiulian's husband was most likely tricked by the gambling house."
Then his expression calmed down and he said seriously, "Yun Zhou, there is one more thing. I don't know if I am being too suspicious."
Qi Jingyan: "Just say whatever you want."
Yu Xiao: "The gambling house where Lu Qiulian's husband was trapped and the brothel where she was sold were both owned by the same owner, whose surname was Zhang."
Qi Jingyan raised his eyebrows slightly: "But it's Concubine Zhang's seal."
Yu Xiao: “Exactly.”
Qi Jingyan pondered for a moment. "The fact that they share the same surname might be a coincidence, but if it's really related to that character 'Zhang', then there's probably more to this than just Boss Guo gambling away his fortune or Lu Hsiu-lien being forced into prostitution."
Mu Yun: "Your Highness, do we need to inform County Magistrate Chen?"
"Not yet." Qi Jingyan changed his mind: "If it is the Zhang family behind this, then the Chen Jun Shou can't do anything about it. Mu Yun, you should have someone investigate thoroughly."
Mu Yun agreed solemnly and went to find Mu Shisan. After giving him some instructions, Mu Shisan agreed to all of them. He took a few of his brothers, disguised himself as ordinary Lingnan people, and went out.
---
West wing.
After listening to Cai Yuezhao's words, Meng Yuning felt quite sympathetic towards the suffering Lu Qiulian. She learned that she had not eaten a grain of rice for a whole day since she was rescued from hanging herself, so she called Meng Jin and asked her to go to the kitchen to make a bowl of noodles. Meng Jin agreed and went out.
Meng Yuning didn't know whether she could keep Lu Qiulian, and she didn't know how to comfort her. She asked Cai Yuezhao to wait in this room, and she took Yi'er out to find Qi Jingyan.
Seeing that Young Marquis Yu was talking to him, she knew that Qi Jingyan must have known about Lu Qiulian's background, so she approached and said straight to the point: "Your Highness, is it convenient for Lu Qiulian to stay?"
Qi Jingyan looked at her with a smile on his face, and said in a gentle tone: "It's not a big deal. As long as An Ning feels that she is useful, then she can stay. If you don't like her, then let Mu Yun take her somewhere else."
Meng Yuning wondered, "Why let Mu Yun settle me down? Sister Zhao said that if I don't stay here, she will take me away."
Qi Jingyan then told Yu Xiao about the Zhang family, "If that 'Zhang' is indeed Noble Concubine Zhang's maternal family, then this woman can be considered a witness."
Upon hearing this, a flash of lightning flashed in Meng Yuning's mind, and suddenly she exclaimed "Ouch".
This sudden sound startled Yi'er, who was holding her hand and leaning on her leg. He quickly raised his little head and asked, "A Ning, what's wrong with you?"
Qi Jingyan didn't know what was wrong with her, so he reached out and held her wrist, pulling her towards him, and asked with the same concern: "What's wrong?" "It's okay, it's okay." Meng Yuning first reached out and touched Yi'er's head, then smiled at Qi Jingyan: "I'm fine, I just remembered something."
Qi Jingyan looked at her curiously: "What's the matter? Can you tell me?"
Meng Yuning shook her wrist, trying to pull her hand back, but Qi Jingyan's two fingers, seemingly easily wrapped around her wrist, were as tight as a knot, and she couldn't get her hand free.
She thought about it, then began to make up a story: "Your Highness, do you remember I told you that I once had a dream?"
Qi Jingyan nodded: "I remember."
Meng Yuning moved closer and was about to continue speaking when she saw Yu Xiao also leaning towards Qi Jingyan, so she stopped, looked at him, and used her eyes to ask him to avoid suspicion.
Qi Jingyan also looked at Yu Xiao calmly: "A Ning has something to tell me, you go somewhere else first."
Seeing this, Yier also imitated the adults, puffed out his cheeks, widened his eyes, and stared at Yu Xiao.
Seeing the three people standing in unison, Yu Xiao was so angry that he laughed. He stood up and walked away: "Okay, okay, go, go, I'll make room for you."
Yu Xiao walked to the window at the north door of the west wing, and whispered to Cai Yuezhao through the window, telling her what he had just said to Qi Jingyan.
When Cai Yuezhao heard that His Royal Highness Prince Shen had actually handed over all matters in the harem to An Ning, the worry between her brows suddenly disappeared: "It was just my petty thoughts."
Yu Xiao chuckled and shook his head: "That's wrong. Yun Zhou just praised us, saying that our Ah Zhao treats people with sincerity and openness."
Cai Yuezhao smiled: "Your Highness is indeed a man of great generosity. He is truly admirable."
At the main door, Meng Yuning leaned over to Qi Jingyan's ear, covered her mouth with her hand, and whispered, "Your Highness, I had the same dream last time, and then I had it again."
Qi Jingyan laughed: "You can still dream? Ah Ning is really different."
Seeing that he was still joking, Meng Yuning glared at him and said, "Your Highness, are you going to listen? If not, I won't say anything."
Qi Jingyan chuckled, "Listen, An Ning, please speak."
Yi'er saw Aning whispering to her brother, and he couldn't hear clearly even if he stood on tiptoe, so he forcefully dragged the armchair that Brother Lingchuan had just sat on towards his brother.
After dragging it into place, he used his hands and feet to climb up, grunting, and stood on the chair. Holding his brother's shoulders, he squeezed the little head between the two of them.
Qi Jingyan tsk-tsk'd in a slightly disdainful tone, and Yi'er pouted in dissatisfaction: "Yier wants to hear it too."
"Okay, Yi'er will listen too." Meng Yuning coaxed, and was afraid that Yi'er would fall, so she quickly reached out to support him.
Then he continued, "In my dream, Concubine Zhang's family relied on the Third Prince's support to open casinos and brothels all over Daxing, making a fortune like crazy."
"What's even more disgusting is that they search everywhere for beautiful women, send the best ones directly to the capital, and give them to various officials to win over their hearts and minds."
"It seems the Third Prince also secretly had someone keep a small booklet to record which officials accepted the beauties he sent. What was the booklet called? Oh, right, it's called the Hundred Flowers Book."
Lu Qiulian never appeared in the book, so naturally there was no mention of the casinos and brothels in Canghai County.
She only remembered that the book said that the Zhang family had amassed wealth and traded power for sex. She didn't know whether this information would be useful for Qi Jingyan to overthrow the Third Prince, but since it was mentioned in the book, she wanted to tell him, even if it could only help him a little.
Qi Jingyan's expression darkened. "This matter is of no small importance. I will send someone to investigate immediately."
Meng Yuning's eyes widened: "Your Highness actually took it seriously?"
Qi Jingyan: "I believe what An Ning said."
Meng Yuning still couldn't believe it: "But, this is a dream I had."
Qi Jingyan: "Things like these bring disaster to the country and its people, and concern the safety of the country. It is better to believe it than not to believe it."
Meng Yuning smiled happily: "Okay, then good luck, Your Highness."
Yi'er also clenched his fist: "Come on, brother."
This wasn't the first time Qi Jingyan had heard the words "Come on!". After hearing them so many times, he automatically understood the meaning and said with a smile, "Okay, come on!"
Meng Yuning asked again: "Your Highness, can I stay with Lu Qiulian?"
If she was a witness to the Third Prince's crime, then she wanted to keep her and protect her, perhaps she could be of help in the future.
Qi Jingyan nodded: "It's up to An Ning to decide."
Meng Yuning smiled and said, "Thank you, Your Highness."
Qi Jingyan added, "If the Zhang family's crimes are proven true, I'm afraid there will be more women like this. Then it will be up to An Ning to take care of them. It will be hard for An Ning in the future."
Meng Yuning was shocked again: "Ah? Me? I can't do it? I only know how to cook." It's okay to arrange one person, but if there are many people, she won't be able to do it.
Qi Jingyan released her wrist and turned the wheelchair forward: "A Ning is so good at cooking, she must be able to do these things too."
He turned his wheelchair around, smiled at her, and imitated Yi'er's behavior just now, clenching his fist at her: "Come on, An Ning."
After saying that, he turned around, turned his wheelchair, and continued to walk forward slowly.
Meng Yuning was silent for a moment, then doubled over in laughter. This man always imitated her and Yi'er.
She smiled for a while, picked up little Yi'er who was also clenching his fist at her, spun him around, and kissed him on the cheek again, "Come on, Yi'er, let's go arrange rooms for Qiulian, Jinyinzhuyu and the others."
The two of them were nimble and quickly passed Qi Jingyan and ran to the west wing. They pulled Cai Yuezhao and said happily, "Sister Zhao, His Highness agreed to let Qiulian stay."
Cai Yuezhao was also very happy. "That's great. I asked around, and Qiulian is good at needlework and embroidery. You should have someone like her by your side."
Meng Yuning nodded and said yes, then asked, "Does she have any relatives still alive from her family?"
Cai Yuezhao replied, "I've inquired thoroughly. Her father passed away a few years ago, and her mother also died of illness shortly after she got married. Now she's all alone, with no relatives. So when that heartless, brute husband pawned her off to pay off his debts, there wasn't even anyone to speak up for her."
Meng Yuning was curious: "Don't you even have a distant relative?"
Cai Yuezhao sighed and lowered his voice, "Qiulian's father was originally a traveling doctor who drifted here from a foreign land."
"Later, he married Qiulian's mother. After the marriage, Qiulian's mother followed her husband and learned some medical skills, specializing in treating the hidden illnesses of women in the countryside."
"Everyone in the neighborhood called her 'medicine woman,' which incurred the dislike of her family members, who thought she was a disgrace to the family and cut off all contact with her early on."
"Qiulian had learned some medical skills from her parents when she was young, but her mother, known as the 'medicine lady,' was looked down upon by the world, and she vowed never to let her daughter make the same mistake."
"Not only did he stop Qiulian from pursuing medical studies, he also gritted his teeth and hired a famous teacher to teach her needlework, giving her a way to make a living. He also spent all his savings to prepare a generous dowry, and after careful selection, he chose a seemingly honest farming family."
Cai Yuezhao shook his head: "Who would have thought that, after all, man's plans are not as good as God's plans."
Meng Yuning was also heartbroken when she heard this. She patted Cai Yuezhao's hand and comforted her, "Sister Zhao, don't be sad. Qiulian will be with me from now on and won't suffer anymore."
Cai Yuezhao smiled and nodded: "Yes, now that I'm with Sister An Ning, my life has gotten better."
Meng Yuning stood up: "Then let's go and see where they live." There are new people in the mansion, and as the acting housekeeper, she has to make sure they are settled.
Cai Yuezhao smiled and stood up: "Okay, then go over and take a look."
By this time, Qiulian had already finished the bowl of vegetable and egg noodles that Meng Jin brought her. She had recovered and when she saw several people coming out of the house, she hurriedly stood up and knelt to greet them.
Meng Yuning glanced at Meng Jin, who quickly stepped forward and supported the man.
Meng Yuning called Meng Yin and a few others, and led everyone out of the main courtyard and ran towards the row of houses in the backyard where the servants were housed.
Early this morning, a close follower of County Magistrate Chen named Aqiang came with dozens of craftsmen and pulled several large ox carts loaded with blue bricks to the door.
With the help of these craftsmen, the guards and brothers had renovated most of the houses in the yard in just half a day.
It was already past noon, and the guards and the craftsmen were working hard again. The courtyard, which was previously overgrown with weeds and had a spooky atmosphere, was now bustling with activity and full of the atmosphere of life.
Meng Yuning's heart warmed as she watched: "Sister Zhao, look, I told you before, if we tidy up this yard, it will be a good place to live."
Cai Yuezhao nodded sincerely, "Yes, I didn't expect that the people around His Royal Highness Prince Shen would be so decisive and efficient. In less than two days, this courtyard has already been completely transformed."
The few of them walked away while talking.
Yu Xiao pushed Qi Jingyan and followed closely behind. He heard the two people's cheerful words and couldn't help laughing.
After they turned into a house, Qi Jingyan signaled Yu Xiao to stop, then waved for him to come over.
Yu Xiao walked over to him and sat down on a stone bench under a dilapidated pavilion a few steps away.
Qi Jingyan: "Lingchuan, I have something to tell you."
Yu Xiao spread his hands: "Then tell me."
Qi Jingyan straightened his expression, "The Zhang family relied on the Third Brother's influence to set up gambling dens and brothels throughout the prefectures and counties, making a fortune. They also recruited women of outstanding beauty and secretly sent them to the capital to be given to important officials in the court. They used their beauty to form cliques and engage in self-interest."
Yu Xiao's expression changed: "Really?"
Qi Jingyan: "It still needs to be verified, but it should be correct."
Yu Xiao looked at him suspiciously for a moment: "Yun Zhou, where did you get this information?"
Qi Jingyan looked up at the sky: "Lingchuan, I once had a dream."
Yu Xiao rolled his eyes: "You're kidding."
Qi Jingyan spread his hands, his tone helpless: "See, I told you but you don't believe it."
Then he added, "It's not convenient for my people to move around right now. You don't have to worry about Lingnan. Please keep an eye on the other provinces and counties for me."
Yu Xiao nodded seriously: "Don't worry, leave it to me."
---
The moonlight is like water, and everything is silent.
Meng Yuning, Yi'er, and Qi Jingyan were lying side by side in a small tent in the main hall.
Yi'er was wearing the pajamas that Meng Yuning had cut short for him, revealing his two chubby little arms and stretching out his two chubby little legs. He was lying on his back, sleeping soundly.
Meng Yuning propped up her head across from Yi'er and whispered to Qi Jingyan, "Your Highness, did you also fan us last night?"
Qi Jingyan also lay on his side, supporting his head with one hand and fanning himself with a palm-leaf fan with the other: "Hmm."
Meng Yuning: "Then isn't your arm sore?"
Qi Jingyan: "No, come to think of it, it does feel a bit sore." He shook his arms.
Meng Yuning reached out to take the palm-leaf fan: "Then let me fan you for a while, you take a break."
Qi Jingyan put his hand back and held the palm-leaf fan farther away: "You are weak and can't fan for long. Otherwise, can you help me massage my arm and I will continue fanning?"
Without waiting for Meng Yuning's response, he had already put the palm-leaf fan away, rolled up his sleeves, and stretched out the arm that had just been fanning it in front of Meng Yuning: "Thank you, An Ning."
Looking at the strong and powerful forearm that was almost reaching under her nose, Meng Yuning was speechless.
When this man sat there quietly, he looked like an elegant and otherworldly gentleman.
But when it comes to talking and doing things, it’s not like that at all.
Seeing that she didn't move for a long time, Qi Jingyan stretched his arm forward again: "A Ning?"
Meng Yuning thought about what Mu Yun said, that he had fanned her and Yi'er for half the night, so she couldn't bear to refuse, so she knelt down and said, "Here I come."
But just as she was about to reach out and grab his arm, he actually took it back and patted his side. His deep and gentle voice was irresistible: "A Ning, how about you sit over here? My arm is getting more and more sore from holding it up like this."
A grown man, yet so delicate and delicate, why does he have so many problems?
But looking at the man's eager gaze, she couldn't refuse.
"Okay, okay." Meng Yuning resisted the urge to roll her eyes, crawled around Yi'er on her knees, moved to Qi Jingyan's side, grabbed his arm, and pressed it hard.
As he pressed on, he said helplessly, "Relax, don't be tense."
Qi Jingyan suppressed a smile: "I'm not tense."
Meng Yuning continued pressing, but as she did so, she suddenly became angry for no apparent reason and threw his arm away: "Your arm is made of stone, right? How can it be so hard? I can't even press it."
Qi Jingyan laughed muffledly, then supported himself on the couch with both hands. Under Meng Yuning's shocked gaze, he turned over with great difficulty and lay down obediently. "Then, An Ning, can you give me a shoulder massage? My shoulders are sore too."
Meng Yuning looked at the tense muscles under the thin nightgown, rolled up her sleeves, and couldn't help but muttered softly: "Hit, hit, hit, I might as well step on you with my feet."
Unexpectedly, Qi Jingyan turned around and said seriously, "It's okay to step on it."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
