Chapter 32 Don’t Care
In late March, Bianjing was immersed in continuous spring rain.
The border war is imminent. Since the emperor issued the decree, a low-pressure atmosphere has spread among the major families.
The fourth master of the Xie family went to war and took command, and made the original leader of the battle, Marquis Yongyi, his deputy general. Isn't this ridiculous?
However, the emperor's actions led many people to speculate that he was dissatisfied with the current situation, or it could be said that he was dissatisfied with the situation in the court.
Even if a family that started out as a merchant is highly valued by the government, it will not help any party in the court.
The Xie family was loyal and honest. They did not get involved with the King of Wei and the Crown Prince, and were only loyal to Emperor Dayin.
This is why it is difficult to guess what the government is thinking.
The situation in the court seems stable, but in fact it is turbulent.
The prince has made no attempt to conceal his ambition in the past two months.
Although the King of Wei seemed to have no involvement in government affairs with the Empress Dowager in the palace, he was actually still brooding over the death of the previous emperor.
Even after nine years, the remnants left by the late emperor are still a thorn that deeply pierces the emperor's heart.
In this way, many aristocratic families did not know what to do next in the face of the government's attitude and the ever-changing court.
When Qin Shiyuan, the Marquis of Yongyi, who was still in the Earl of Yongqin's Mansion, received the imperial edict, his face was filled with unconcealable emotions. After receiving the edict, he stood up and asked the people in the palace.
Why would the Xie family ask for permission to go to war?
The palace people gave an ambiguous answer: "My Lord, the border needs money, and the government needs loyal ministers."
These words made Marquis Yongyi feel uneasy. He remembered that his eldest son had told him a while ago that he would go to the border to ask for permission to go to the battle, but now it was the Xie family. He thought that his eldest son had been working for the prince.
Does this mean that the emperor is dissatisfied with the prince?
Before leaving, the people in the palace said their condolences to the Jiang family, which meant that the emperor also knew about Jiang Yin's affairs.
Jiang and Marquis Yongyi were thinking the same thing. She stepped forward and asked, "My Lord, what did that eunuch mean just now?"
"Let's take care of Sixth Brother's affairs first." Marquis Yongyi had been immersed in officialdom for half his life and could more or less guess at the emperor's intentions. The crown prince's recent actions had displeased the emperor: "Tell Junyi to be careful in what he does recently."
Jiang's expression changed slightly. She guessed that the emperor must have been dissatisfied with the prince recently, which was why he asked Qin Junyi to be more careful in his actions.
"We will set off for the border tomorrow, so I will go back home to pack up first." Qin Shiyuan said.
Upon hearing this, Jiang's expression darkened as she watched Marquis Yongyi leave.
At this time, Mother Yuan came forward and murmured in dissatisfaction: "The Marquis is leaving at this time, which is a bit disrespectful to Madam."
Even if we are going to leave Bian Jing tomorrow, we should wait until later. There is no need to leave in front of everyone. The person in the mourning hall is my wife's younger brother.
"There's his precious child in the mansion. If he doesn't go back now to settle her down, when will he?" Jiang sneered, "The war at the border is urgent, and the emperor's order is hard to disobey."
Jiang was sure that Qin Shiyuan would not dare to enter the palace to meet the emperor and ask about the specific details of this expedition.
When Mother Yuan heard Jiang mention her 'treasured child', she thought of Zhou and questioned, "Does the Marquis want Zhou to stay in Bianjing?"
"The Marquis must be reluctant to let Zhou stay in Bian Jing, but Zhou has followed the Marquis for so many years, which is definitely not a long-term solution. The Marquis wants to spend time with Zhou under the moonlight outside the border, while Zhou wants to secure a future for her son." How could Jiang not understand Zhou's purpose of returning to Bian Jing this time?
Zhou has been following Qin Shiyuan outside for so many years. Now that her son has grown up, how could she still focus on Qin Shiyuan?
"If Zhou insists on staying in Bian Jing, it would be a good opportunity for you, Madam, to set some rules for her." Mother Yuan would murder anyone who came to covet the interests of the Jiang family.
Jiang sneered, "Let's talk about this later. Let's bury our sixth brother first."
March 20th is a good day for burial.
Jiang Yin was buried quickly. Because he had no children, he did not stay at home for the full seven days. Also, because his death was so ugly, even though it was just the beginning of spring, a faint stench of decay could be smelled.
As the saying goes, the dead are the greatest, and there is no need for the living to make the deceased uneasy by being too sad.
Jiang Jin ignored the grief of old lady Jiang and buried Jiang Yin after three days.
During this period, no one from the Duke of Ying's Mansion showed up, nor did they explain to the Jiang family why they agreed to spare Jiang Yin's life, and why Jiang Yin died so miserably in the end.
The Jiang family knew that the Duke of Yingzhou wanted Jiang Yin dead, and that Jiang Yin's death was the best thing.
Since the eldest daughter of the Zhang family still needs to get married, how can the person who defiled her be allowed to live well?
Being alive means that the eldest daughter of the Zhang family will never forget what happened in Kaibao Temple in her life.
The Duke of Yingguo would never let Jiang Yin live too long, and telling Marquis Yongyi that they only wanted half of Jiang Yin's life was just a polite statement.
Now that Jiang Yin had died in accordance with the Duke of England's wishes, everyone in the Duke of England's mansion naturally applauded.
How could he possibly come out to offer condolences?
After all, the moment they learned that Jiang Yin had humiliated Zhang Ruru, the Duke of Yingguo's Mansion no longer wanted to continue its friendly relations with the Earl of Yongqin's Mansion.
Jiang returned to the Yongyi Marquis' Mansion only after she personally buried Jiang Yin.
At this time, Xie Rongying also returned from the Xie family.
After Jiang returned to the north yard to tidy up, Mother Yuan came in.
"Madam, the young marquis requests an audience."
Jiang thought about what Qin Shiyuan had said during the day, asking Qin Junyi to be more careful in his recent actions, so she said, "Let him in."
When Qin Junyi walked in, he saw Jiang sitting in the main seat.
"Hello, mother." Qin Junyi bowed and sat down.
Jiang's eyes were filled with scrutiny. "What's going on? Didn't you say she told the emperor? Why are the Xie family and your father the ones going to the war?"
The Jiang family was not surprised that Marquis Yongyi would go on the expedition, but what was surprising was why the fourth son of the Xie family would go on the expedition?
"She simply went to tell the Emperor that there was no need to negotiate with the Jin people. If the Emperor insisted on negotiating, then what would her family's sacrifice mean?" Qin Jun disagreed. Jiang's attitude had obviously improved a lot, and she felt better. "The Emperor naturally knows the pros and cons of this, but he has been swayed by those around the King of Wei for a few days."
"Then why is it the Xie family that's going to war?" Jiang frowned. This was something she naturally didn't want to see. "Didn't you say you wanted to ask for permission to go to war?"
Xie Rongying's fourth uncle went to war, and was the commander-in-chief, while Qin Shiyuan was the deputy general. It was obvious that he was suppressing the Yongyi Marquis' Mansion, which was not a good sign.
"Originally, the prince had already made plans for me, but I didn't expect the emperor to issue an edict this morning. No one thought that the emperor would reuse the Xie family." Qin Junyi was also annoyed. Compared with the advice given to him by Shangguan Yao, he was more inclined to the previous plan.
"You mean you can't go to war with your father now?" When Jiang said this, she had the answer in her heart, and she didn't know whether to be relieved or disappointed.
She always wanted her son to live a more casual life, but she also didn't want him to be too far away from her.
Qin Junyi's silence meant that Jiang was right.
Jiang asked, "So what are your plans next? Are you still going to take her away from Bianjing?"
Now that Qin Junyi wants to leave, Jiang doesn't even consider how Xie Rongying will prevaricate.
At this time, in Jiang's eyes, Xie Rongying was just an enemy who had not yet been executed.
Qin Junyi remained silent.
"Don't worry, as long as you think clearly, mother will support you." Jiang's voice was much gentler: "You want to take her away, take her away and fly away. Mother will agree to your wish, as long as you are happy."
"Mother." Qin Junyi suddenly raised her eyes and stared at Jiang: "I won't leave."
Surprise flashed in Jiang's eyes, and she smiled faintly: "Really?"
"She wants to enter the mansion." Qin Junyi stared at Jiang who was sitting in the main seat without blinking: "As a co-wife."
Jiang's originally gentle face instantly turned a little cold, and she raised her eyebrows: "Why did you change your mind again?"
"Mother, I know it's a bit embarrassing for you to say this at this time, but..." Qin Junyi said as he stood up and knelt down: "Yao'er is my wife. How can I be a concubine with no status?"
Jiang's eyebrows furrowed as she sneered, "Shangguan Yao is your wife, so who is Xie Rongying to you?"
Qin Junyi suddenly raised his head and stared at Jiang: "Mother, Xie Rongying is the one you married for the Yongyi Marquis's Mansion."
Jiang felt inexplicably refreshed when she heard Qin Junyi's words.
Yes, no matter how capable Xie Rongying is, there is no reason for her to leave since she has already entered the Yongyi Marquis’ Mansion. This mistake allowed Xie Rongying to fight back, but there won’t be a next time, right?
Xie Rongying was a member of the Yongyi Marquis Mansion when he was alive, and even after death he will be a ghost of the Yongyi Marquis Mansion.
Even if Xie Rongying had no feelings for Qin Junyi, if Qin Junyi married another woman, it would be Xie Rongying who would become the laughing stock of Bianjing. Her husband would marry a concubine not long after getting married. Xie Rongying would be a laughing stock in Bianjing.
Since we can't let Xie Rongying die for the time being, we can just torture her slowly.
As long as the cage is locked tightly, the bird cannot escape from her grasp.
Aren't you just letting her, the mother-in-law, control you?
"Are you determined to do this?" Jiang asked in a resolute voice.
Qin Junyi saw that Jiang's intention had softened and said, "My son is determined to marry Shangguan Yao."
"Okay, mother promises you." Jiang thought about the resentment that had been accumulating for a while and she had to let it out. She added, "Bring Yao'er home tomorrow. Since you married Xie Rongying in a sedan chair, the rules cannot be broken. Even if Shangguan Yao is marrying into the Yongyi Marquis's mansion as a concubine, she must serve tea to Xie Rongying."
"Mother," Qin Junyi clearly didn't want Shangguan Yao to meet Xie Rongying. "Yao'er is pregnant now. If Xie Rongying finds out, I'm afraid she won't let Yao'er off easily."
"So what do you do?" Jiang didn't realize that her eldest son was a coward. "How can you let a woman step on you to deal with the woman you love?"
Qin Junyi frowned and said, "My son is always away from home."
"Then you're so powerful that no one can touch Shangguan Yao!" Jiang was furious to see that Qin Junyi was no different from the Marquis of Yongyi. She said in a deep voice, "Your father has asked you to be careful recently. It must be the Crown Prince who has caused the emperor's displeasure."
When it comes to royal affairs, we’re afraid of implicating innocent people.
Although the emperor and the prince are father and son, if the prince does something to make the emperor angry, the only people around him will be implicated.
"The prince has also noticed something and asked his son to do only some idle things recently." Qin Junyi thought about the expressions of the Shangguan family in the court, and couldn't help feeling a little uneasy.
I was afraid that the government, as everyone speculated, wanted to overturn the previous stable situation in Bianliang.
If the government extends its hand to the aristocratic families, there will definitely be bloodshed.
Qin Junyi suddenly said, "Mother, do you think the emperor will ask the nobles who owed money to the court to return the money because of the urgent war situation?"
As expected, Jiang's face suddenly changed when he heard these words.
After this incident, the topic was brought back to the one million taels of silver that the Yongyi Marquis' Mansion owed to the court.
"Mother," Qin Junyi understood that this matter had always been a knot in Jiang's heart. She married Xie Rongying because she was attracted by the Xie family's beautiful wedding dress. "My son will go and collect some money from everywhere and return some to the court first."
"Where are you going to get it?" Jiang scolded coldly, "Your father and I should figure this out. You don't have to worry about it."
Qin Junyi knew that Jiang's mind was still on Xie Rongying's dowry, and said, "Even though my father is going to the battle this time, I think the emperor will give the Yongyi Marquis' Mansion some time."
Jiang sneered, thinking that apart from successfully marrying Xie Rongying, there had been no progress in her previous plans, and her face became more and more gloomy.
I thought Xie Rongying was a piece of meat that was easy to bite, but unexpectedly she was a prickly black heart lotus!
"Okay, now just do what you have to do, and leave the rest to your mother." Jiang said calmly.
Qin Junyi heard this and stood up and bowed, "Yes, mother, please go to bed early. I will take my leave."
After Qin Junyi left, Jiang told Mother Yuan, "Go to the East Garden and tell Xie Rongying what Junyi just said. See what her attitude is."
"Madam," Mother Yuan said, puzzled. "We've already torn the surface of the matter apart with Young Madam. Why are you still asking Young Madam about this?"
"You don't understand." Jiang chuckled. "Xie Rongying is the one who cares most about rules. It's only been less than a month since we got married, and her husband wants to take a concubine. She'll naturally feel unbalanced and afraid of becoming a laughing stock in Bianjing. She'll definitely do something."
No matter what Xie Rongying does, Jiang must find Xie Rongying's mistakes this time to vent his anger!
What's more, Shangguan Yao is pregnant. How could Xie Rongying tolerate that the concubine is pregnant before the wife gives birth to the eldest son?
It would be best if Xie Rongying could get rid of this troublesome Shangguan Yao!
"Yes, I will go to the East Garden right away." After saying this, Mother Yuan walked out of the main hall.
About three quarters of an hour later, Mother Yuan arrived at the East Garden and found that there were more maids guarding the outer courtyard of the East Garden than usual, and she frowned.
"Mrs. Li, has the young lady gone to bed? Madam asked me to pass a message to her." Mother Yuan said politely to the maid guarding the outer courtyard, and handed the copper coins in her hand to Mrs. Li.
Mrs. Li weighed the copper coins in her hand and said, "Madam Yuan, please wait a moment. I'll be right back."
Just when Mrs. Li opened the gate, Mother Yuan happened to see Gu Xun appear in the outer courtyard. Her heart tightened and she wanted to go in to find out what was going on, but was stopped by another maid.
"Mother Yuan, Mrs. Li hasn't come out yet, you can't go in."
Seeing the Xie family's servants being so cautious, Mother Yuan's doubts grew even stronger: "Then I'll wait a little longer."
Mother Yuan waited there for almost a cup of tea before Mrs. Li came out and said, "Mother Yuan, the young lady wants you to come in."
Hearing this, Mother Yuan walked towards the courtyard gate with satisfaction. She said, "How dare Xie Rongying disobey the lady so blatantly?"
Arriving at the wing room in the inner courtyard, Mother Yuan was surprised that Xie Rongying still had no intention of returning to the main house. Was she disgusted with the room where the young marquis had slept?
"Your servant greets the young lady." Mother Yuan bowed.
Xie Rongying, who was lying on the couch, had obviously just woken up. She stared at Mother Yuan lazily, "I wonder why Mother Yuan came here so late?"
Mother Yuan also spoke directly: "Madam said that the young marquis wants to marry a concubine, and asked me to ask the young lady's opinion."
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