Chapter 81081 Cold and Merciless
Chapter 81
When Meng Yuning woke up, it was already bright outside the window, and scattered sunlight shone through the carved window lattice onto the ground.
From the courtyard came Yi'er's childish yet earnest shouts, mixed with Qi Jingyan's low voice of instruction. It was obvious that the two brothers were practicing swordsmanship.
Meng Yuning listened attentively for a while, imagining Yi'er's clumsy yet cute little figure, and couldn't help laughing.
She lay in bed and didn't want to get up, and suddenly remembered the question she asked Qi Jingyan last night.
She slapped her forehead, trying to recall how Qi Jingyan responded to her, but she couldn't remember.
Forget it, if you can't remember it, then don't think about it. Anyway, no matter what, he wouldn't indulge her like this just because he likes her.
If she really thought so, she was being too self-indulgent.
In the original book, after Qi Jingyan returned to the capital and became the regent who had the final say, countless people sent all kinds of women to his house. Some were stunningly beautiful, some were talented, some were gentle, some were pretty and lovely... He had all kinds of outstanding women.
But without exception, they were all coldly and ruthlessly rejected by him.
There was once someone so daring as to secretly drug him in an attempt to offer himself to him, but he ended up with a bloody outcome.
According to the book, the woman was one quarter foreigner and had a stunning appearance.
But Qi Jingyan only took one look and threw his knife, directly cutting off the man's head.
When Meng Yuning thought of this, she couldn't help but touch her cold neck.
This man is really cruel.
Although Meng Yuning felt very good about herself, how could she have the ability to make a man who had no interest in women fall in love with her?
He treated her differently, probably because of her sincere care for Yier.
Well, that should be it.
---
The night before.
It was late at night in the backyard of the county magistrate's mansion.
County Magistrate Chen was sitting alone on the edge of the bed in his pajamas, sighing deeply.
Mrs. Bai had already gone to bed, but he disturbed her and she sat up, frowning and saying, "Master, if you want to sleep, then sleep. If you don't want to sleep, then get out. Your sighing and groaning are disturbing me."
County Magistrate Chen turned around, hugged Madam Bai's arms, and said sadly, "Madam, I'm afraid my head will soon be lost!"
Madam Bai shook him off twice but failed to get rid of him. She could only patiently ask, "What happened?"
County Magistrate Chen then recounted everything that had happened at Julongfang and Zuixianglou, becoming increasingly anxious as he spoke. "We can't afford to offend either side. We're stuck between a rock and a hard place. No matter what we do, we're doomed."
After hearing this, Mrs. Bai's expression gradually became serious.
She was silent for a moment, then suddenly grabbed a pillow and hurled it at her husband. "I've been telling you to stop playing dumb and trying to smooth things over. You're a high-ranking official, but you're so indecisive, allowing gambling houses and brothels to oppress the people. Now, you've run into someone like Prince Shen. If not you, who will die?"
As she spoke, she became even more angry: "If you want to die, then die. Don't bring trouble to me and the children. Hurry up and write a letter of divorce. I will take the children back to my parents' home."
Upon hearing this, County Magistrate Chen hugged Madam Bai and burst into tears, "Madam, how could you be so cruel? Now that disaster is imminent, you are actually abandoning me?"
Mrs. Bai rolled her eyes in anger and punched him hard twice, but she didn't push him away in the end.
She sighed deeply, "At this point, you have no choice but to choose a side and stand firm. You can no longer act according to the wind like before, hoping to have it all your way."
Seeing that Madam Bai was willing to analyze things with him, County Magistrate Chen felt like he had grabbed a lifeline and kept saying, "I'll listen to you, Madam."
Madam Bai pondered for a moment, then lowered her voice and said, "From what you've said today, it seems His Highness Prince Shen is a virtuous king who cares deeply for the people. As the saying goes, a county magistrate is not as good as a current governor. We will make a living within His Highness Prince Shen's fiefdom. From now on, you will follow His Highness Prince Shen wholeheartedly and work for him."
County Magistrate Chen nodded in agreement, but his face was still filled with worry. "But Madam, when Prince Shen first arrived, the settlement of the mansion had already displeased His Highness. If I seek refuge with him again now, I'm afraid..."
"It's not entirely your fault," Madam Bai interrupted. "Eunuch Ma was present at the time, and he insisted it was the emperor's will, so it was difficult for you to disobey. I believe His Highness Prince Shen is very perceptive and won't take it too seriously."
County Magistrate Chen felt somewhat relieved and nodded repeatedly, "Madam, you are absolutely right. His Highness Prince Shen is very magnanimous and will surely not bother with a small-time figure like me. Then I will go to Prince Shen's mansion tomorrow morning to apologize."
Madam Bai pondered for a moment, then shook her head and said, "The most important thing right now is to get to the bottom of the gambling house and brothel cases. You will conduct a thorough investigation according to His Highness Prince Shen's orders. Once the cases are concluded, you will bring the case files to His Highness and apologize."
County Magistrate Chen: "Yes, I will do as Madam says."
Madam Bai continued, "Also, you just said that Miss Meng, who is with Prince Shen, wants to settle down with the women from Zui Xiang Lou?"
County Magistrate Chen: "Exactly."
Madam Bai: "She is new here and so young. It would be very inconvenient for her to deal with a group of women from a brothel."
"Well, tomorrow morning, you and I will shamelessly pay her a visit and ask if she needs any help. If Miss Meng accepts our offer, it will mean that His Highness Prince Shen has no intention of killing us."
Upon hearing this, County Magistrate Chen's spirits suddenly brightened. He stepped barefoot on the ground and bowed solemnly. "Thank you, Madam, for your guidance. I will go to the case tonight and investigate the matter thoroughly."
After saying that, he grabbed his outer robe and hurried out in his slippers.
Mrs. Bai looked at her husband's receding back, shook her head gently, and murmured to herself: "I hope everything goes well tomorrow." After that, she blew out the candle and lay back on the couch.
The next morning, Mrs. Bai got up early.
After she had carefully washed and dressed, she called two personal maids and two housekeepers, and ordered people to prepare several baskets of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on her own farm. The group hurried to the mansion where Prince Shen was temporarily staying.
The guard who opened the door heard that the two men were here to see Miss Meng, so he politely stepped aside to lead the way: "Miss Meng hasn't stood up yet. Please go to the flower hall and wait for a moment."
Madam Bai looked up at the sun hanging high in the sky. After a moment of surprise, she quickly bowed and said, "Thank you for your help. We came too early and dared not disturb Miss Meng's rest."
After entering the gate and walking inside, Mrs. Bai looked up and saw that although the place had been repaired, it still looked a bit dilapidated.
She was furious and quietly reached out and twisted Chen Junshou's arm hard. Chen Junshou grimaced in pain but dared not make a sound.
The guard leading the way noticed the movement behind him and turned around to ask, "What happened?"
Madam Bai immediately put on a polite smile and said gently, "This courtyard is quite tidy. I guess it took a lot of effort, didn't it?"
The guard nodded, "His Highness does not like extravagance, so he only ordered simple repairs where necessary."
Mrs. Bai nodded when she heard this, and then secretly glared at the county governor before following the guards into the flower hall to wait.
---
Meng Yuning rolled around on the bed for a few times, then got up and dressed. Then she went to the bathroom to wash and comb her hair, and after she was ready, she went out.
Seeing her come out, Mu Shan clasped his fists and saluted, saying with a smile, "Good morning, Miss Meng."
Meng Yuning smiled and nodded: "Good morning, Mu Shan."
Qi Jingyan quietly looked at the girl with a bright smile, trying to find any sign of something unusual on her face, but she smiled and waved at him as usual: "Good morning, Your Highness. Did you sleep well last night?"
Qi Jingyan: "...It's OK."
Yi'er also finished practicing martial arts. He put away his small wooden sword, handed it to Mu Shan who was standing beside him, and ran towards her: "A Ning, you're awake. Yi'er missed you."
"Aning misses our Yi'er too." Meng Yuning responded with a smile, reached out to hug the sweaty little boy, and took him to the bathroom.
Meng Yuning gave Yi'er a warm bath and changed him into fresh clothes. Then she went to the pavilion in the yard to have breakfast with Qi Jingyan.
Strangely, Qi Jingyan was exceptionally silent this morning. He ate the entire meal without saying a word.
Meng Yuning glanced at him secretly a few times, thinking that he was busy outside, and did not dare to ask him.
The three of them had just finished breakfast when they saw Mu Feng walking quickly into the yard carrying a bamboo basket.
He smiled happily and bowed to everyone. Then he placed the bamboo basket gently in front of Meng Yuning and said with a smile, "Miss Meng, here are the shells you asked for."
Meng Yuning looked down and saw that the bamboo basket was filled with shells of various colors, each one beautiful and complete. She smiled from ear to ear: "You guys are amazing, how did you find so many?"
Mu Feng felt a little embarrassed by the praise and raised his hand to scratch the back of his head: "Let's go to that beach. Few people go there. There are a lot of shells like this. We picked them up when we saw them. Are these enough? If not, I will go pick up some more tonight."
Meng Yuning hurriedly said, "That's enough. We've been up for two nights in a row. Let's get some rest tonight. You haven't had breakfast yet, right? Go to the kitchen and eat something."
Mu Feng smiled and replied "yes", bowed again, then turned and left.
Meng Yuning leaned over and picked up a snail shell that was larger than her palm. She looked at it carefully against the light, her eyes and eyebrows filled with unconcealed joy: "It's really beautiful."
Yi'er squatted beside the basket and picked out a conch. He imitated An Ning and held it up to the light. "An Ning, this one looks good too."
Meng Yuning put the conch shell next to her ear again: "Yier, listen, there is the sound of the sea breeze."
Yi'er did as he was told. Suddenly, his eyes widened and he shouted happily, "An Ning, there really is a strong wind."
Meng Yuning was in high spirits and put the conch shell on Qi Jingyan's ear with a smile: "Your Highness, listen to it."
Yi'er saw this and stood up, tiptoed, trying to reach his brother's ear, but couldn't reach it, so he climbed onto a chair nearby and put the conch in his hand on his brother's other ear: "Brother, listen to this."
Qi Jingyan, who had a large conch ring on one ear, said: "..."
Mu Shan couldn't help but turn his head and smile.
Mu Feng, who had already taken a few steps, turned back and happened to see his prince in this state. He couldn't help but burst out laughing.
Qi Jingyan glanced at him indifferently.
Mu Feng quickly straightened his expression and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, Miss Meng, County Magistrate Chen and his wife are waiting in the front courtyard. I heard they are not seeking to see Your Highness, but Madam Bai wants to see Miss Meng for something."
Meng Yuning was startled when she heard this, a puzzled expression on her face: "Looking for me? But I've never met this Madam Bai before, what could she want from me?"
Qi Jingyan said gently, "I'll know once I see you. Do you need me to accompany you?"
Seeing that it was getting late, Meng Yuning shook her head and said, "Your Highness, you and Yi'er still have classes. Go ahead and do your work. I'll handle it myself."
Qi Jingyan nodded slightly: "If there is anything, send someone to report it at any time."
After saying that, he took Yi'er to Qingke Hall.
Meng Yuning straightened her sleeves and said to Mu Ying, "Go and ask Madam Bai to come to the west wing."
Mu Ying took the order and turned to leave.
---
Soon, Mrs. Bai followed Mu Ying into the west wing. As expected, County Magistrate Chen did not come with them.
Upon entering, Madam Bai bowed deeply to Meng Yuning and spoke respectfully, "I, your humble servant Bai, greet Miss Meng. I apologize for disturbing your peace and quiet by coming here. I hope you will forgive me."
Hearing her call herself "the minister's wife," Meng Yuning knew that she had misunderstood her relationship with Qi Jingyan. However, such a thing was not easy to explain to outsiders, so she smiled and said, "Madam Bai, there is no need to be so polite. Please take a seat."
The two exchanged a few pleasantries and sat down, and Meng Jin served tea and snacks.
After two sips of tea, Meng Yuning asked with a smile, "I wonder why Madam came here today?"
Seeing Meng Yuning's straightforward nature, Madam Bai didn't beat around the bush and directly stated her purpose: "I'm ashamed to say this. My humble husband, under pressure from circumstances, has previously offended His Highness Prince Shen. I've come here today to apologize on my behalf. I hope the young lady can say a few good words to His Highness."
Meng Yuning chuckled at the words and politely declined, "Madam, you are too kind. How can a mere woman like me speak so recklessly in front of His Highness? The matter of apology should be presented to His Highness in person by the County Magistrate."
Mrs. Bai quickly glanced at the two heroic female guards standing behind Meng Yuning with swords in hand, and then thought about the respectful attitude of the guard who had led them in at the door when he talked about Miss Meng. She understood in her heart that Miss Meng was by no means as insignificant as she said. Her refusal at this moment was probably because she did not want to be easily involved in right and wrong.
She changed her mind and realized that even if this person was really the future Princess Shen, it would not be appropriate to rashly interfere with the prince's official affairs at the moment.
Thinking of this, she nodded obediently, a proper smile on her face: "Young lady, what you say is reasonable. When the case is fully understood, I will personally go before His Highness and apologize for my crime."
She changed the subject slightly, her tone becoming more sincere: "I am sorry to bother you today, but I actually have something else I want to discuss with you."
Meng Yuning nodded: "Madam, please feel free to speak."
Madam Bai said gently, "I heard that the young lady is trying to settle the unfortunate woman who came out of Zui Xiang Lou. I wonder if I could do my best to help her."
Meng Yuning didn't expect that she came for this matter, and asked in surprise, "Why is Madam willing to lend a hand?"
Madam Bai sighed softly, a look of genuine pity on her face. "As a fellow woman, I feel deeply saddened by their plight. Previously, however, due to circumstances, I couldn't intervene. Now that you have so righteously rescued me, I thought if I could show some appreciation, it would bring some peace of mind."
Meng Yuning asked curiously, "How does Madam plan to help?"
Madam Bai replied calmly, "There is a charity hall in Canghai County that usually takes in homeless children and women. If you have time, you may want to go and take a look. If you think it is suitable, you can let those women go there to settle down."
Meng Yuning was worried about having no place to accommodate them. She didn't want to bring so many people into the mansion, but if she wanted to find another place to accommodate them, she would either have to buy a house or rent a house. But either way, it would cost a lot of money.
But right now, they are poor.
After hearing what Madam Bai said, she thought for a moment, then turned to Mu Ying and instructed, "Go and tell His Highness that I want to visit the Charity Hall."
Mu Ying took the order and left. Not long after, she returned to report, "Miss, His Highness said that you can make the decision on this matter yourself, but he asked you to bring Mu Jiang and others with you as escorts."
Meng Yuning nodded in agreement: "Okay."
---
Meng Yuning originally did not have high expectations for this ancient charity hall, but because she had nowhere to accommodate everyone, she decided to come and take a look.
Unexpectedly, when she stepped into the Charity Hall, the scene before her surprised her greatly. The courtyard was in good order, and the houses were clean and tidy, not at all like the dilapidated and dirty mess she had imagined.
The children were reading aloud with their teacher, while the women were working in groups of three or five, washing clothes and embroidering, each busy trying to earn a living.
When everyone saw Mrs. Bai coming, they immediately showed joy on their faces. They came forward and surrounded her, calling her "Madam" affectionately and vying to greet her.
Meng Yuning was curious and quietly asked the housekeeper accompanying her, "Does Madam Bai come here often?
The housekeeper quickly and respectfully replied, "Young lady, this charity hall was originally built with funds from the county magistrate's wife, and she has been providing financial support for many years. Whenever she has time, she will come and take a look at it herself."
Meng Yuning was quite surprised to hear this. She had thought that County Magistrate Chen was a fickle person, and that his wife must be the same type, but she had never expected her to be so kind.
But she didn't believe it easily. She just glanced at Meng Jin and Meng Zhu who were accompanying her. They understood and quietly blended into the crowd, seemingly chatting casually, asking everyone about it.
Mrs. Bai pretended not to know what was happening. She calmly dealt with the people who came to greet her, then led Meng Yuning around to show her around. She then excused herself and left, leaving space for Meng Yuning and her servant to talk privately.
Not long after, Meng Jin and Meng Zhu came back to report. They had asked different people, even ignorant children, and found that everything the housekeeper said was true.
Meng Yuning looked around and saw that everyone in the courtyard had rosy complexions and was full of energy. Only then did she feel relieved and her impression of Madam Bai also changed.
Seeing that Mrs. Bai treated people sincerely and acted appropriately, Meng Yuning felt quite fond of her.
Coming out of the charity hall, she smiled and invited me: "Madam, if you don't mind, why not ride in the same car with me so we can talk on the way."
After thanking her, Mrs. Bai lifted her skirt and boarded the carriage.
The more Meng Yuning looked at her, the more she felt that this lady had a gentle temperament and spoke appropriately. Thinking that she would live here for a long time in the future, she wanted to make friends with her.
So he smiled and said, "I see that Madam is a few years older than me. If you don't mind my being presumptuous, I'd like to call you 'Sister Bai' from now on, okay?"
Upon hearing this, Madam Bai was delighted, yet also felt apprehensive. She quickly bowed and declined, "How can this be allowed? The young lady is of noble status, how dare a humble woman violate the rules of propriety?"
Meng Yuning took her hand and said with a smile, "Sister and I hit it off right away. Why bother with all that formality? Calling her this way makes us feel closer."
Mrs. Bai saw her sincerity and could not refuse, so she finally agreed with a smile: "Since you are grateful for your kindness, I will be so generous as to call you 'Sister Meng'."
The two smiled at each other, and the atmosphere in the car suddenly became lively. The previous politeness and alienation disappeared, and the two spoke more intimately.
After some discussion, the two decided to place all the women in the Charity Hall, and then went to Zui Xiang Lou together.
The women in the brothel spent the night safely. When they saw Meng Yuning again, they came forward with gratitude to pay their respects and express their gratitude. Then, they waited expectantly for her to arrange a place for them.
Meng Yuning spoke softly about the Charity Hall and introduced Madam Bai to everyone.
The girls instinctively felt a little afraid of this official's wife. They looked at each other with hesitation, as if they were unwilling to leave with her.
Meng Yuning assured softly, "Don't worry, everyone. I'll send people to visit you regularly in the future. If everything is fine, then it's fine. If not, I'll make other arrangements for you."
After hearing this, everyone gradually felt relieved. They packed their luggage and got on the carriage prepared by Mrs. Bai one by one.
Meng Yuning said goodbye to Mrs. Bai solemnly, exchanged a few words of greeting, and agreed to meet again in the future.
Mrs. Bai led several carriages carrying dozens of women towards the charity hall.
There were still a few people who wanted to go home, so Meng Yuning asked them to get on another carriage in Prince Shen's Mansion, and asked two guards to drive and escort them. She also specially arranged for Mu Li and Meng Jin to accompany them and take care of them.
After everything was arranged and she watched the carriage drive away, she got on and headed home.
As Meng Yuning entered the mansion, she saw Mu Fengle coming forward excitedly, clasping his fists and announcing, "Miss Meng, you're back! Mu Yun has just returned, and His Highness has specially ordered me to wait here. Please go to the Qingke Hall as soon as you return."
Meng Yuning's eyes lit up: "Is there good news?"
Mu Feng smiled and replied, "That's right, you'll know once you go there."
That must be a gold mine. Meng Yuning smiled, lifted her skirt, and quickened her pace: "Let's go, let's go quickly."
-----------------------
The author has something to say: Here it comes, leave a comment on this chapter and there will be a red envelope drop [Purple Heart]
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
