"You mean to say that someone has already taken the initiative to start aiding the refugees?"
Xiaoyu softly nodded: "Indeed."
This was not a good sign. Assisting refugees is a matter of course, but the timing is off; the influx of refugees will inevitably provoke some chaos. Now that Duan Lan is watching cunningly from the sidelines, isn’t this offering him a golden opportunity? If he really takes advantage of this chaos and uncovers some trickery in Yu State, that would spell disaster.
Xin He spoke in a low voice, "Who is leading the charge?"
Xiaoyu replied, "It’s some of the distinguished families in the prefecture city. They say they can’t bear to see the refugees suffer, so they took the lead in providing aid. Many others have followed suit, building shelters and distributing porridge for the refugees."
"Who led the charge?" Xin He was really becoming suspicious.
These prestigious families, who always care only about their own interests, have suddenly begun to show concern for the common people at such a crucial time. Ji Xinhe really couldn’t help but be on guard.
"It seems to be the Liu Family and the Li Family."
Xin He narrowed her eyes slightly, "Go check thoroughly. See if there has been any clandestine contact with Duan Lan."
Upon hearing these words, Xiaoyu’s expression also became serious. She nodded, "This servant understands."
In theory, whether or not to aid the refugees should be decided by Marquis Mu Houchu. However, if someone had already started aiding the refugees in advance, they couldn’t possibly send them away. In this way, it was as if they had to directly accept this chaos.
And this chaos is, no doubt, exactly what Duan Lan was hoping for.
Ji Xinhe naturally suspected that this had something to do with him!
Xin He’s expression became slightly gloomy, and she turned to Manager Jin, "You go ahead and take them to get familiar with the procedures of the Winding Pavilion."
Manager Jin naturally understood her meaning, and hurriedly nodded in agreement, "Yes."
He then beckoned to Lai Fu and Li Saner, "You two go downstairs and wait for me first."
"Yes." Lai Fu and Li Saner turned and left.
Just as Manager Jin was about to leave, Xin He asked, "Could you wait a moment?"
Manager Jin bowed respectfully, "Does the owner have any further instructions?"
"What’s the situation with Master Wang?" said Xin He in a quiet voice.
"After Master Wang left the Winding Pavilion yesterday, he hurriedly went to Minister Duan’s residence. It is said that he kneeled before Minister Duan, crying and begging for a long time, so genuinely expressing his predicament and asking for shelter." said Manager Jin.
Xin He chuckled, "Master Wang seriously doesn’t mind lowering his dignity."
"The lower he lowers his dignity, the less likely Minister Duan will suspect him. After all, why would he throw himself at the mercy of Minister Duan unless he was desperate?"
In this play of hers, Master Wang happened to be her spy.
Now Master Wang and the Winding Pavilion have fallen out, although outsiders may not perceive anything, Duan Lan must be very clear about it. This is equivalent to the Prince Pingyang Mansion wanting to deal with the Wang Family, and the decline of the Wang Family is inevitable.
The Wang Family has been cornered, with no other option but to turn to the court in hopes for a chance of survival.
This is how she has arranged the play, as to whether Duan Lan believes it...
Xin He was seventy percent sure he would.
Because Duan Lan understood the Wang Family better than she did. Like most prestigious families, what they care most about is their own interests, they wouldn’t put other things to heart.
Just as now, all the prestigious families in the Yu State are holding Marquis Mu Houchu in high esteem because he can indeed bring them benefits.
The Wang Family, being abandoned by the Prince Pingyang mansion, what other options do they have except to side with the court?
Duan Lan is also in need of people now, perhaps he won’t refuse.
"What did Duan Lan say?"
"Minister Duan simply said he was powerless and dismissed Master Wang, but Master Wang secretly sent someone this morning to report that Minister Duan sent someone to find Master Wang again last night, expressing his willingness to support the Wang Family and protect them."
Xin He sneered, "That’s absolutely his style; not alarming the snake in the grass."
However, Manager Jin helplessly said, "But after Minister Duan spoke to Master Wang in secret, there was no further command. Master Wang now knows nothing of Minister Duan’s current situation, so this line of connection seems to have no special utility."
Xin He spoke in a low voice, "All we can do now is wait. As soon as there is any news from Master Wang, have someone inform me immediately. Every detail, anything related to Duan Lan, must not be omitted."
"Yes, owner, be at ease."
Only then did Xin He stand, "Alright, I won’t keep you. I’ll leave first, let Lai Fu and Li Saner stay here to get familiar with things here at the Winding Pavilion. It doesn’t matter if they return late."
"Yes."
——
Xin He couldn’t sit still any longer, she ordered her people to return to the mansion.
"Where is His Highness?" Xin He immediately asked as soon as she returned.
The maid hurriedly replied, "His Highness left. It was about half an hour ago."
Xin He’s eyes flashed, she naturally thought he might have also received some news. She lightly pursed her lips and turned to leave.
But the maid suddenly knelt before Xin He, "His Highness instructed us before he left that if the princess returned, we shouldn’t let the princess go out again, or the servants... "
Xin He rubbed her temple, this domineering man!
Xin He ended up waiting in the room.
It wasn’t until nightfall that Marquis Mu Houchu returned home.
"What happened?" Xin He immediately approached him as soon as he came in. Touching his hand, she felt its chill, and she frowned, "Why are you so cold?"
Marquis Mu Houchu took her hand and sat down, "It rained a little on the way, I got caught in it."
"Even if it was raining, you should have not rushed and taken care of your health! How can be so careless with your health?" Xin He quickly pulled him up towards the bath, "You’re still sitting here after getting wet in the rain, hurry up and get in there to wash and change your clothes!"
Marquis Mu Houchu let her drag him in, "That’s because I was worried you would be anxiously waiting at home."
The servants had already prepared hot water, a whole pool of hot water steaming. Marquis Mu Houchu looked at Xin He who was still standing in place and not preparing to move, and raised an eyebrow, "Planning to help me bathe?"
Xin He widened her eyes, "Who said I was going to help you bathe? You haven’t told me what happened yet!"
She was anxious, and this man dared to joke with her!
Marquis Mu Houchu smiled, casually undressing, "If you’re not going to help me bathe, then let’s bathe together, or else am I showing you for nothing?"
Xin He: "······"
I’ve seen you for six years already!
Who’s interested in looking?!
Shameless!
In the end, Xin He chose to silently help him bathe.
Marquis Mu Houchu leaned contentedly against the edge of the bath, letting Xin He diligently scrub him with a wet towel.
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