Chapter 64 Could it be her? Mu Hanshi lowered his brows, looking at the person grabbing him...
*
The plaque that read "Jade Mansion" has been taken down, and the new plaque has not yet been hung up.
The news that the name of the mansion would be changed had already spread, but the servants continued to do their work as usual, without any sign of panic or anxiety.
The main courtyard was brightly lit, but it lacked its usual warmth and felt rather desolate.
Shen Linlang looked Renchun and Hanxiao up and down, nodding occasionally.
"They all look good."
This is an affirmation of Shen Qinglu's discerning eye.
After giving the two some instructions and reminders, he gestured for Bao Kui and Yin Ping to come forward, saying, "They have been with me for many years and are both loyal and reliable. Choose one of them to stay by your side and serve you."
Bao Kui and Yin Ping stood in front of Shen Qinglu, their eyes filled with anticipation.
As Shen Linlang's servants, they were naturally the most respectable maids in the mansion. Their clothes and appearance were no less impressive than those of girls from ordinary families, and their temperament was even more outstanding.
For Shen Qinglu, this scene was somewhat familiar. But back then, she was just a pitiful little girl, avoided by everyone. Now, she was the eldest daughter of the household, and everyone was eager to curry favor with her.
Without much thought, she said, “Mother, they are all people you need. If I take one away, won’t you be short-handed? Besides, I already have enough people around me, so there’s no need to bring in new ones.”
"There's not much to do at the manor right now, so I can easily fill in if I'm short one or two people."
"I know my mother loves me, but I can't accept this."
Shen Linlang glanced at Bao Kui and Yin Ping and said, "You are the eldest daughter of the manor, and you need to have a full complement of people around you. If we were to select and train people from the estate, it would be too late. It would be better to pick someone who is already there, which would save time and effort."
“Mother, Xia Chan followed me when I was going through the most difficult time. I knew then that if I ever got out of this predicament, I would never let her down.”
"..."
Shen Linlang was both amused and exasperated, because these words sounded exactly like a promise a man made to a woman.
"You silly child, that's not how you look at it."
"Shouldn't this principle apply to all relationships, regardless of who they are with?"
Shen Linlang paused for a moment, then sighed.
"That's right, that's the logic."
Bao Kui and Yin Ping were both disappointed. They looked at each other, then turned to Xia Chan, who was standing quietly to the side, their eyes filled with envy.
Xia Chan's eyes were red, filled with emotion and relief.
What moved her even more was what Shen Qinglu said to her after the two of them returned to the right wing.
"No matter where I go in the future, you will always be the first person by my side."
Tears streamed down her face at those words. "My lady, what have I done to deserve this..."
"Because you are the first person who has been kind to me regardless of who I am."
"But I... I only did it because of my younger sister..."
“This is the fate between people.” Shen Qinglu wiped away her tears. “I’ve thought about it carefully these past few days. It’s probably not enough to just post pictures in those inns to find people. We need to find someone to help us find them.”
"Young lady, you've already spent so much money..."
"Good cicada, I will do my best to do what I promised you."
For Shen Qinglu, some things are either not done at all, or done to the best of her ability; otherwise, it's better not to do them at all. She possesses perseverance and patience; otherwise, she wouldn't have worn a mask until her death in her previous life.
Even if I didn't survive in the end, it seems like I have no regrets.
If her family knew the truth about her...
They'll probably be very disappointed.
Fortunately, they'll never know!
*
The bright moon shines on the pagoda, like a luminous pearl hanging in the night.
Yu Qingxue paced anxiously outside the guest room. The swelling had subsided, and her facial features looked the same as before, but at first glance, her appearance had changed somewhat.
"That Shen Linlang, who does she think she is? Calling people over so late, does she really think we are servants of the Shen family, or who she is trying to humiliate?"
"Perhaps she regrets it..." Qin's mother whispered.
"Regret?" Yu Qingxue's eyes lit up. "Could it be..."
Before he could speak, he saw Yu Liuzhu.
Under the bright moonlight, Yu Liuzhu's face seemed to be shrouded in shadow, and the dark and fierce aura about her startled not only Qin Mama but also Yu Qingxue.
"Tang'er, what's wrong with you?"
Yu Liuzhu approached step by step, her resentment from two lifetimes now overflowing with hatred, her eyes seemingly hiding poison. "You once said that you would do anything for me, does that still stand?"
"Yes, of course I've calculated it." Yu Qingxue nodded stiffly, somewhat frightened.
"Alright, let me ask you this: when you married into the Su family, wasn't it my mother who made the decision?"
"It's her!"
Yu Qingxue felt resentful whenever this was mentioned.
"She herself wasn't good-looking enough to catch the eye of those princes, otherwise, why would she have married your father? She was jealous of my beauty, and as soon as she heard that a nobleman had taken a liking to me..."
"Stop with this nonsense." Yu Liuzhu frowned, her anger intensifying. "What was the relationship between my mother and the Su family like back then?"
"She and my sister-in-law... ugh, what sister-in-law, she's a slut! She's illiterate, rude and unrefined. After she got married, in order to please your father, she pretended to attend some elegant gatherings, and gradually she started having dealings with that slut."
"In other words, she has close ties with the Su family, which is why she forced you to marry into the Su family. The Su family is a henchman of the Demon King. Did she already know something and deliberately use you as a link to curry favor with the Demon King through the Su family?"
Yu Qingxue was horrified.
No matter how much she hated Shen Linlang, or how much she resented being forced into marriage, she never considered things in this direction, because she knew it would lead to execution.
Yu Liuzhu dared to say it, but she dared not listen.
"Tang'er, you mustn't say such things carelessly. If someone overhears us, neither of us will be in good shape."
Yu Liuzhu scoffed, "We don't have the surname Chen."
When she thought of Shen Qinglu's words about not being surnamed Yu, she felt a sense of relief in saying those words herself.
“But if she falls on hard times, we will definitely be implicated. Tang’er, I know you hate them, but you can’t do anything reckless just to get revenge on them. You can’t do something like this where everything is destroyed.”
If such a thing could retaliate against the Shen family without implicating herself, Yu Qingxue would have done it long ago.
The reason she was able to escape from the Su family was because of the Shen family's power and connections. If someone with the surname Shen gets into trouble, she will not only be implicated, but will definitely be held accountable for past grievances.
She understood the cause and effect involved in this matter.
"In the current situation, it may seem that His Majesty is still in power, but everyone in the court and among the people knows that the Prince Xin's Mansion is the future of Daye. I have heard that the Prince Xin is wise and just in rewarding and punishing. If you go to report him, not only will you be able to make amends for your mistakes, but you may even receive a reward."
Yu Qingxue's expression changed drastically, and she shook her head desperately, "I...I dare not. What if something goes wrong and I get myself killed?"
Yu Liuzhu snorted coldly and glared at her, "You said you would do anything for me, but you were lying to me."
"Tang'er, if this won't work, can you try something else?"
"If I told you I had a foolproof plan, and that as long as you did as I said, I could guarantee your safety, wouldn't you dare?" She moved closer, scanning Yu Qingxue's face, which was covered with fine scars upon closer inspection. "You were forced into this situation back then, and you've suffered mistreatment from them all these years. Your face is the best proof of that. Trust me, everything will be alright."
Yu Qingxue was still terrified, her body trembling. "Tang'er, I won't..."
Yu Liuzhu pushed her away, saying, "If you don't go, I will. If I go, I can escape unscathed if something happens in the future, but you might not be able to."
Her eyes were wide open, filled with terror.
For a long time, the chill in my heart hadn't dissipated, so I had no choice but to nod in resignation.
In the corner of the guest room, someone tightly covered their mouth, afraid that their screams would be heard in shock. After they entered the room, the person leaned against the wall to get up and ran desperately out of the temple.
The bright moon seemed to follow her, illuminating her face, which was indeed Qiu Lu.
Qiu Lu didn't dare to stop for a moment until she saw Shen Qinglu, at which point her legs went weak and she almost collapsed to the ground.
"Young lady, something terrible has happened..." She trembled all over, her voice shaking as if blown away by the wind, as she recounted what she had heard in broken sentences.
Shen Qinglu immediately sent someone to invite Shen Linlang. After Shen Linlang arrived, she repeated what she had said.
"Madam, young lady, I risked my life to come and deliver this message..."
"Don't worry, I'll remember this favor." Shen Qinglu gave Xia Chan a wink, and Xia Chan immediately saw the person out.
Shen Linlang's face was grim, and her clenched fists revealed her current mood.
“Mother, now is not the time to concern ourselves with her character. If she really does act recklessly, the consequences will be unimaginable.” Shen Qinglu held her hand. “We should not delay. Let’s split into three groups. I will go and inform my uncle and aunt about this. I will also have my second brother keep an eye on them. If they make any unusual moves, we should take them into custody immediately. You stay in the mansion and make some arrangements.”
She looked at the girl in front of her. Although she was only a teenager, she had a composure and mindset that was hard for ordinary people to match. The sorrow on her face lessened and a hint of relief appeared on her face.
"Okay, we'll do as you say."
*
After an incense stick has burned.
A carriage drove out of the back gate of the Shen Mansion, exited Chongde Lane, and then passed through Xiangshi.
Horse markets have opening and closing times, while elephant markets do not.
As the night deepened, the brothels and music halls became even more lively, with the sounds of zithers and pipa filling the air. Deafening noises, either joyful or screaming, emanated from the gambling dens.
The driver, Ma Er, cracked his whip so hard it seemed he wished the horse could grow wings.
They rushed as fast as they could and finally arrived at the General's Mansion before curfew. Gu Ruxu was already asleep when she heard that Shen Qinglu had come so late. She knew that something must have happened, so she woke up Shen Kunyao.
The couple had just finished dressing when Shen Qinglu entered the house.
Gu Ruxu was still thinking that it was probably some small matter in the inner quarters. Even if it was urgent, it was not difficult to handle. She told the servants to prepare food while she told Shen Qinglu to rest and catch her breath before continuing.
Shen Qinglu, of course, wouldn't wait and explained everything in detail.
The more Shen Kun listened, the more his brows furrowed. "This is truly incomprehensible!"
After all, they were children he had once loved. He couldn't bring himself to say anything harsher, but his anger was palpable.
“She must hate us to the core.” Shen Qinglu lowered her eyelids, looking seemingly sad and distressed, but her eyes were actually icy cold. “I think we have to be careful. If she really doesn’t care, even if we are innocent, we will still be in trouble.”
"You did a great job." Gu Ruxu already liked her, and when she heard that she had asked Yu Jingliang to keep an eye on things and had Shen Linlang to make some arrangements in the mansion, she found her composure and calmness even more admirable.
“We already know about this, and your uncle will handle it. Good child, it’s too late today, and there’s a curfew outside. You can stay here for the night.”
Shen Qinglu readily agreed, appearing very obedient.
Gu Ruxu looked at her with a smile, thinking that she was exceptionally intelligent, knew how to advance and retreat, was tactful, and had a knack for planning, yet was also obedient and well-behaved. The more she looked at her, the more she felt that she suited her own taste, and she wished she were her own daughter.
Shen Kunyao said he was going out for a while, the purpose of which was self-evident.
“Uncle,” Shen Qinglu called out to him, “If things get out of control and are used as leverage against you by someone with ulterior motives, please put the General’s Mansion first. My mother did nothing wrong, and whoever investigates will surely get justice for her.”
He nodded in agreement, his face full of satisfaction.
He thought his niece was sensible and considerate of the bigger picture, but little did he know that Shen Qinglu was certain that he and Shen Linlang were deeply in love and would not abandon them, so she deliberately acted innocent.
The ingratiating act worked very well; he clearly enjoyed it.
However, the sudden change happened faster than anyone expected. Before he could even leave the mansion, the entire general's residence was surrounded by people.
A dark mass of people, flames soaring into the sky.
A servant rushed in to report that the Tianwu Guards had surrounded the General's Mansion.
The three major guards under the emperor's feet are: the Imperial Guards in the palace, also known as the Changming Guards; the Shenwu Guards, which guard the entire imperial city; and the Tianwu Guards, which are subordinate to the imperial family.
The Tianwu Guard was commanded by the most respected imperial relatives throughout history, and is now under the command of Prince Xin.
The leader was tall and robust, with a full beard covering half his face. He was a Lieutenant General of the Tianwu Guard, named Guan Hu.
Guan Hu did not dismount, but looked down at Shen Kunyao, who was dressed in plain clothes and without a sword. "General Shen, someone has accused your sister of colluding with the Demon King. The Prince is merciful and fears that it is the work of a villain. He is afraid of chilling the hearts of loyal people and does not want your Shen family to be implicated, so he specially sent me to tell you."
Is this what they mean?
The men and horses were fully equipped with bows and crossbows; were they really just here to deliver a message?
Shen Kunyao, of course, didn't believe such nonsense and asked directly, "Where is my sister now?"
"Your sister must have realized that her affair had been exposed, and she was actually trying to run away. Fortunately, my men arrived in time and captured her and her child."
"My sister could not possibly be colluding with the Demon King. General Guan, please watch your words."
Upon hearing this, Guan Hu burst into laughter.
"General Shen, do not be anxious. His Highness is merciful and will not torture them for your sake. His Majesty is a wise ruler who does not like killing. Many of the Chi King's henchmen and their families are still alive and well. Even if your Shen family is guilty, you will not necessarily have to die."
He spoke the word "death" in a chilling, sinister tone, and one could faintly hear the sound of grinding teeth.
"Guan Hu, you're still as impatient as ever. Before there's evidence, it's best not to jump to conclusions, lest you repeat the same mistake."
Shen Kunyao's words must have hit a nerve. He gritted his teeth, then suddenly seemed to remember something, and gave a forced smile, "His Highness has ordered that not a single member of the Shen family should be left out. I will personally inform them one by one. Someone, go and invite Madam Shen and the fourth young master of the Shen family out."
"There's no need for General Guan to invite us. This is our own home. How can the host not show up when guests come to visit?"
Gu Ruxu appeared with Shen Changting and stood beside Shen Kunyao.
Shen Kunyao asked in a low voice, "Where is Ali?"
“I told her not to come out. I’ve already arranged for people to protect her. If things change, those people can help her escape in the chaos.”
"That's good."
Shen Kunyao looked at her with gratitude, but even more so with affection; a thousand words were left unsaid.
Guan Hu, seeing the couple exchanging glances, had veins bulging on his forehead from anger.
At this moment, someone came to deliver a message. After saying something to him, his expression became increasingly strange and excited, and a bloodthirsty hatred burst forth in his eyes as he looked at Shen Kunyao.
"Shen Kunyao, your sister has confessed!" he shouted. "She said that back then she was acting under your orders, using the Su family as a cover to cover things up. In reality, it was you who colluded with the Demon King!"
After saying that, he gave the order, "Men, seize them! If anyone resists, kill them without mercy!"
"Guan Hu, how dare you!"
"Shen Kunyao, I think you're the one who dares to do it. You'd better not resist, or you can't blame me."
"Don't move! I want to see if he dares to touch me!"
Most of the servants in the Shen family knew a few martial arts moves, and when faced with the Tianwu Guards who surrounded them, no one backed down, and no one cried out.
Even so, Guan Hu on horseback still drew his bow to its fullest extent, facing them with a murderous aura that made it clear to anyone what he intended to do.
Behind a tree not far away, Shen Qinglu looked at the firelight reflecting off the wall and felt her heart sink.
She was unfamiliar with the political situation at court and knew very little about the distribution of power in the capital, but she still knew that something was wrong with this matter.
Without presenting evidence in court, and without a joint trial by the three judicial authorities, even if it was ordered by Prince Xin, how could a second-rank military officer be shot and killed in public?
Unless it's either to settle a personal score or someone wants to use another person to do their dirty work.
But under the watchful eyes of everyone, no one in the Shen family, including Shen Kunyao, dared to make any rash moves. If they did, they would be handing Guan Hu a handle to use against them.
Given the Shen family's power, they surely have people who can help. Things happened so suddenly, those people might not have received the news yet. Given the current tense situation, it's best to delay as much as possible.
She turned and whispered a few words to Hanxiao, who immediately obeyed and left.
As the Heavenly Martial Guards slowly approached, suddenly someone shouted, "The Divine Martial Guards are here!"
Both Tianwu and Shenwu were created by the founding emperor of the Daye Dynasty. Heaven represents the ruler, and God represents the people. Whether Heaven suppresses God or God suppresses Heaven, the struggle between Heaven and God has never stopped.
Upon hearing this, Tianwuwei clearly hesitated.
Guan Hu's face hardened with a fierce expression, like an arrow poised to be released from a bowstring, yet also tinged with surprise and doubt.
After a while, seeing no sign of the Divine Martial Guards, he flew into a rage, "Who was shouting like that just now?"
He waved his hand, indicating to his subordinates that they need not worry.
Just then someone shouted, "It's Lord Mu! Lord Mu is here!"
"Who?" He raised his bow and aimed it at the direction from which the voice had come.
Shen Qinglu realized something was wrong and was about to rush out to divert attention when someone grabbed her.
His features were exquisite, yet his bones were heavy and his spirit cold; it was none other than Mu Hanshi.
As the arrow shot through the air, he casually flicked his sleeve, likely throwing a pebble that knocked the arrow down mid-air.
"Who?" Guan Hu shouted again, his voice clearly tense.
Shen Qinglu grabbed the person in front of her as if grasping at a lifeline, "Lord Mu, you have a connection with my uncle, can you help him?"
If someone can get in, they can definitely get out too.
Mu Hanshi lowered his eyes and looked at the hand that was grabbing his arm.
Memories flooded back; there used to be a more slender hand that always liked to hold me like this.
Could it be her?
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