At this point, the Emperor’s expression turned even more unpleasant: "These were all people I deeply trusted. How could they choose to betray me for Gongsun Yi?"
Initially, the battle for the throne among the princes was extremely fierce. Now, the current Emperor, the Sixth Prince, had few supporters apart from Marquis Mu Houchu, and the only powerful courtier in the Imperial Court was Old Man Chen. It can be said that their interests were closely intertwined. Why would they act this way in the same boat?
As for the commander of the imperial guard, Feng Yan, he was a loyal and righteous man, and there was absolutely no reason for him to betray them.
How could something so crucial be easily handed over to those who are not trusted?
"We must not make haste in dealing with this matter. Otherwise, who knows when the second Gongsun Yi will appear," said Marquis Mu Houchu in a cold voice.
Although Gongsun Yi was dead, the hidden dangers had not yet been eliminated. If they were careless, who could guarantee what could happen next?
"Investigate! We must investigate thoroughly!" the Emperor announced in a stern voice: "I have come this far, I must secure this throne at all costs!"
——
After Ji Xinhe and the shopkeeper, Wu Zhanggui, wrapped up their grape wine business, it was already late in the afternoon. As they walked out, they saw Ji Dong and Xiao Bei waiting outside.
"Big brother, Xiao Bei, why are you here?"
Ji Dong gave a smile, "We just closed the shop and thought it would be nice to pick you up and head home together."
Ji Dong was actually not very comfortable leaving Ji Xinhe alone. He was worried that she might do something unthinkable and he wouldn’t even notice.
Ji Xinhe could see right through Ji Dong’s concern. She simply gave a light laugh and shook her head, "Okay, let’s go home."
"How did the business talk go?"
As soon as Ji Xinhe got on the bullock cart, Ji Dong asked.
"It went pretty well. We’ve cooperated multiple times and there were no major issues. The main point was discussing the supply of grape wine to the palace. We need to keep our business going in the long run, and we must do our best."
"Don’t worry, big brother will look after this grape wine business for you, we’ll make sure to do our best." Ji Dong was leisurely driving the bullock cart. The cart wasn’t fast to begin with, and amongst the bustling streets, it moved even slower.
"Okay." Ji Xinhe held Xiao Bei in her arms, "Did you study hard at school today, Xiao Bei? What did the teacher teach?"
Xiao Bei excitedly replied, "Today the teacher taught us the Thousand Character Classic, and he praised me for learning fast. In reality, I have learned it before with Brother Mu Chu. That’s why I was able to learn it fast..."
As soon as Xiao Bei finished speaking, he hastily covered his mouth, regretting that he couldn’t smack himself.
The smile on Ji Xinhe’s face faded a little.
Suddenly, she began to hear some chatter from the street.
"Did you hear about the big commotion in the capital? Rebels have invaded the city, tsk tsk."
"Oh, we live far away from the Emperor’s scrutiny; all of these things are beyond us."
"You probably don’t know. This time, the rebel even kidnapped the daughter of Old Man Chen, Marquis Mu’s childhood sweetheart. I’ve heard a storyteller talking about it. In order to save her, Marquis Mu was willing to give up his throne. He just asked them to release the girl and let them invade the palace freely. Such deep affection, it’s truly unparalleled in this world!"
"I’ve heard about this. The story is spread all over the capital city. Everyone thinks Marquis Mu is ruthless and cruel, but who would have thought that he actually has such a passionate side? Now storytellers in all major teahouses are narrating this story, every session is packed! I even went to listen yesterday! They are truly a match made in heaven!"
"I’ve also heard that the Emperor is probably planning to grant them a marriage soon. It looks like good things are coming. Let’s wait and see."
When these words reached Ji Xinhe’s ears, she was already numb. In the Da Qian Dynasty, every whisper about Marquis Mu Chu, a figure of his stature, was a topic of discussion, let alone anything concerning his woman.
She wanted to forget him, but the people around her kept mentioning him, reminding her continuously of that farcical wedding ceremony.
Xiao Bei, looking puzzled, asked, "Wasn’t it said that Marquis Mu died? How did he appear again? Could it be that he didn’t die? If he didn’t die, why was there a rumor saying he did?"
Ji Xinhe’s expression was slightly cold. Lowering her gaze, she raised her hand to touch his little head, her voice calm: "Because he lied."
Seeing Ji Xinhe’s poor look, Xiao Bei decided to change the topic. He suddenly exclaimed, "Right, the Lantern Festival is coming up in a few days. There will be a lantern show on the street at night. A lot of people at the academy said they were going to the lantern show. I heard it’s really fun! Sister, can we go too?"
If sister sees so many beautiful lanterns, maybe she will cheer up.
Ji Xinhe gave a faint smile and ruffled Xiao Bei’s hair: "If Xiao Bei wants to go, then let’s go and see."
——
Lady Wang returned home in a daze.
Master Wang had been anxiously waiting for her return. With the current situation of the Wang Family, they have fallen to the point of begging for business outside. It was already a disgrace for him to let his wife do such a demeaning task.
However, who would have expected that she returned with a ghostly pale face after having been out?
"What happened? How did it go with the task I asked you to do?" Master Wang immediately asked.
Lady Wang’s eyes flickered slightly as she shook her head in a daze: "I don’t know."
Master Wang stamped his foot in annoyance: "You are utterly incompetent!"
He then let out a sigh: "Fortunately, the Le Yuanhou Mansion is still willing to help us out. Just behave yourself and don’t cause any trouble. After a while, when the Emperor calms down, Le Yuanhou will personally appeal for us. I hope there’s still room for a turnaround. Furthermore, the last rebellion resulted in the arrest of many high-ranking officials in the Imperial Court. This is a time when there are positions to be filled. Perhaps our sons, Zhao and Yang Yang, have a chance to get their official posts back. Our Wang Family cannot allow this downfall to continue."
Yet, Lady Wang seemed to not hear Master Wang’s words. She was squirming uncomfortably, unable to sit still: "Master ..."
Master Wang gave her a sidelong glance: "What is the matter with you? How did you become like this after just one trip? Did you get into trouble with some evil spirits?"
Lady Wang clutched her handkerchief tightly before finally voicing her concern: "Master, do you think that the child from sixteen years ago might still be alive?"
Upon hearing this, Master Wang’s hand trembled, and the tea cup fell to the ground and shattered, scattering water all over. Immediately he frowned and barked angrily: "What kind of nonsense are you spouting? Have you grown tired of living?"
Lady Wang’s face turned as white as a sheet: "Today, today I think I saw the handkerchief from that child’s swaddling clothes."
"Impossible?! There are so many similar handkerchiefs in this world. How can you ascertain her existence based on just one handkerchief? You really lack common sense!" Master Wang angrily retorted.
"But I, in my heart, I am uneasy." Lady Wang was panicking.
The color drained from Master Wang’s face as well, he licked his lips before asking, "Whose hand did you see that handkerchief in?"
"It was in the hands of Ji Dashan’s daughter, the one who brewed the grape wine. She, she looks about the age of ten..." As Lady Wang continued to speak, she grew more anxious. She immediately grabbed Master Wang and warned: "Master, we must check this out. By no means can that child be... "
Master Wang snapped in annoyance: "Get the carriage! We’re going to Yangluo Bay."
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