Chapter 069
Shen Jin's illness was not actually serious, and with Chu Xiuming's company, he gradually got better. However, he also returned to the way he was before Chu Xiuming left. It should be said that he was even lazier than before. If no one called him, he would sleep until noon every day and would not want to get up. Even if he got up, he would be in a daze and would not wake up until he had breakfast. He refused all the invitations from outside about appreciating flowers and talking about poetry, and stayed in the yard every day. Nanny Zhao thought that she had taken good care of Shen Jin during the time when Chu Xiuming was away, but who knew that in the short time after Chu Xiuming came back, Shen Jin actually gained some weight, and his skin was as white and tender as if it could be blown away.
She even smiled less than before, but anyone with eyes could see that Shen Jin was very happy every day. She stopped doing needlework and even didn't want to read books. She just waited for Chu Xiuming to finish his work every day, and then accompanied her for a walk in the yard.
When Concubine Chen found out that Shen Jin wanted to return to the Yongning Marquis' Mansion, she agreed. Even if Shen Jin didn't take the initiative to propose it, Concubine Chen would have driven them away in two days. It was not that she didn't want her daughter to accompany her, but it would be inappropriate for the Yongning Marquis to live in the Rui Prince's Mansion after his return. Even if someone wanted to come to discuss something with the Yongning Marquis, it would not be convenient.
During this period, Concubine Chen watched how Chu Xiuming treated her daughter, and she was completely relieved. She just waited for her daughter and her family to return to the border town, and then she reported to the princess, and planned to live in seclusion in Mo Yun Courtyard and take good care of the unborn child. She only hoped that her daughter, son-in-law and their family would always be safe and happy, and waited for the day when they could be reunited in the future.
In the main courtyard, Princess Rui nodded after hearing what Shen Jin said, "That's right, otherwise it would be inconvenient for the son-in-law to entertain guests. Are there enough people over there?"
"I'm here to ask Mother for help." Shen Jin said with a ruddy face, "I want Mother to arrange some people to help clean up the Yongning Marquis's Mansion."
Princess Rui nodded and immediately called Cui Xi over, asking her to select some people to go to the Yongning Marquis's Mansion. She made it very clear in front of Shen Jin, "Let them go to work, don't let me know that they are putting on airs and playing tricks, and come back after the work is done."
Cui Xi responded respectfully, and seeing that there was no other instruction, she went down to choose people. However, she had already made up her mind that she must choose some honest people, lest these people be blind and ruin the princess's good intentions.
Shen Jin smiled and said, "Thank you, mother."
Princess Rui said with a smile, "Just send a maid to handle this matter. You just recovered from your illness. What if you catch a cold again?"
Shen Jin held her belly and said, "I wrapped myself up very tightly, and I didn't walk very far."
Princess Rui smashed the walnuts with a small hammer and said, "You are right. Anping, bring this plate of walnut kernels to your wife."
"Yes." Anping held the walnut kernels that Princess Rui had just picked out in both hands and placed them next to Shen Jin's hands.
Shen Jin pinched the walnuts and ate two before saying, "Your Majesty will soon stop writing."
"It's almost time." Princess Rui said after calculating the time.
After Shen Jin recovered, Chu Xiuming returned from leave and went to court. He reported on what happened in Fujian and even presented the pirates' map of the capital to the court. The Minister of Revenue then asked about the properties seized from the confiscation of property.
Chu Xiuming said respectfully, "Because your majesty allowed me to do it at my own convenience, I..." Chu Xiuming skipped the money he had privately withheld and carefully recounted the money that had been distributed and returned to the people. Every penny was traceable. "The people of Fujian are grateful for your majesty's kindness, so they specially set up your majesty's longevity tablet."
Emperor Cheng's hands under the table were shaking with anger. Immortality card? Those people who would be grateful to him would never be him. Emperor Cheng didn't believe Chu Xiuming had such good intentions. If he was really a loyal minister, he should hand over all the proceeds from the confiscation of property to the national treasury, and then Emperor Cheng would distribute it in his own name.
After taking a look at the map of the imperial palace on the imperial desk, Emperor Cheng was filled with fear and said in a deep voice, "Marquis Yongning, before I sent you to Minzhong, I reminded you not to commit too many murders..."
"Yes." Chu Xiuming said respectfully.
Emperor Cheng pointed at the pirates' Jingguan map and asked, "What is this? It's not enough that you killed people, you also made something like this. Where is the prestige of our Tianqi Dynasty?"
"Your Majesty," Chu Xiuming said, "These pirates slaughtered our people and treated them as livestock for fun. Their crimes were extremely heinous. After the pirates were killed, the people of Fujian all took off their hats and celebrated."
Emperor Cheng's expression twisted for a moment, and he suppressed his anger and said, "But Lord Yongning, the New Year is coming soon, so we should have someone destroy the Jingguan and dig a pit to bury the body, so as not to harm the harmony of nature."
As soon as these words came out, the ministers present understood what Emperor Cheng meant. Chu Xiuming had the Jingguan built by himself, and now he had it destroyed. This would definitely hurt his position in the hearts of the people in Fujian. Emperor Cheng was seeking revenge. Even if there was irrefutable evidence, Emperor Cheng was unwilling to believe that the ministers he had sent down would actually do so many treasonous things. "Besides, the people killed by Earl Yongning were all high-ranking officials of the court, and they were not interrogated by the Ministry of Justice. It is inevitable that some people may not be convinced. However, considering Earl Yongning's eagerness to kill the enemy, I will not pursue the matter."
Emperor Cheng implied that those officials killed by Chu Xiuming must have been framed for being innocent, but Emperor Cheng was magnanimous and thought that Earl Yongning did so only in order to win the battle against the pirates.
"But this will not be an exception. The country has its own laws and the family has its own rules. If everyone else acts as recklessly as Earl Yongning, what is the point of me being the emperor?" Emperor Cheng's voice had become cold and hard when he finished speaking.
Prince Rui, who was standing aside, suddenly remembered a sentence for some reason, "If you are trustworthy but suspected, and loyal but slandered, how can you not feel resentful?" How can you not feel resentful... Prince Rui turned his head slightly to look at Earl Yongning, who was standing in the middle with a calm expression. He was the man who became his son-in-law by accident.
Not only King Rui, but also many of the ministers present had some indescribable feelings in their hearts. In their opinion, although Yongning Earl was a little impulsive, if they were in the same situation, they would probably make the same choice if they found such a crime and had the imperial edict of Emperor Cheng to act at his convenience. Moreover, Yongning Earl was only allowed to bring such a small number of troops at that time. Those officials had been rooted in Fujian for a long time. Who knew what other means they had? Even if they were imprisoned or immediately escorted to Beijing, it was probably not a foolproof plan. If they were Yongning Earl, what would they choose? Leave this group of ill-intentioned people behind and go to war by themselves?
They were simply playing with their own lives. If Chu Xiuming had not used this method to directly shock the remaining officials in Fujian, it would be hard to say who would win or lose in the battle with the pirates. Even if they won, more people would inevitably be sacrificed.
Chu Xiuming knelt down and said, "My crime is unforgivable. I am willing to be stripped of my title and leave the capital."
As soon as these words were spoken, the court fell silent. Many people were stunned. They did not care about their impoliteness in front of the emperor. They turned their heads to look at Chu Xiuming, who had his back straight even when he was kneeling, and then looked at Emperor Cheng who was sitting on the throne.
Emperor Cheng's face froze, and he secretly hated her. He gritted his teeth and said, "Is Earl Yongning threatening me?"
"I dare not." Chu Xiuming said, "What I have done is worthy of heaven and earth. The people I have killed are all those who betrayed the people of Tianqi. The purpose of building a Jingguan with the heads of pirates is just to calm the resentment in the hearts of the people. In the 20th year of Yongqi, dozens of pirates came ashore and killed... In the 24th year of Yongqi, hundreds of pirates came ashore... In just four years, the pirates killed 5,213 people of Tianqi and abducted 1,727 women. This time, 317 people were rescued, and the rest died tragically, with no remains left."
Chu Xiuming's voice was not loud, and there was no anger in it. It was as if he was just saying simple numbers. "These are just the numbers that can be found."
"Impossible." Emperor Cheng's rebuttal came out of his mouth, but he lacked confidence.
Chu Xiuming continued, "After the criminal Liang Cheng took office in Minzhong, he reported a total of 13 military exploits. The least he did was to behead more than 240 pirates, and the most he did was to behead 865 pirates, for a total of more than 7,400 people."
Emperor Cheng's face changed drastically, and he said angrily, "Nonsense! If this is true, why didn't anyone report it?"
Chu Xiuming looked at Emperor Cheng and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, this is a question. During his tenure, the criminal Liang Cheng used cruel means to eliminate dissidents and persecuted officials..."
As Chu Xiuming spoke out one by one, not only Emperor Cheng but also everyone present remembered many officials who were exterminated due to quarrels when Liang Cheng reported them. In addition to these obvious ones, there were actually...
Not all the people in the court are honest and good officials, but even so, they feel horrified after hearing about what happened in Minzhong. If it were them in the past... that is, the Earl of Yongning, I am afraid that no one else can clean up this mess, and the person who caused this situation... Some people exchanged glances with those they are familiar with, and it was the person sitting on the throne.
Seeing Emperor Cheng's expression, Chu Xiuming did not stop there, but asked, "May I ask your majesty, should these people be killed? Should they be killed?"
Emperor Cheng said with all his might, "I am not saying that these people should not be killed, but they should be interrogated by the Ministry of Justice according to the law."
Chu Xiuming said, "I request to be stripped of my title and leave the capital." After saying this, he did not say anything else. He did not even mention that it was Emperor Cheng who issued an order allowing him to act at his own convenience and granting him the right to kill officials who colluded with Haikou.
However, Chu Xiuming's silence did not mean that the people in the court had forgotten. Even the Minister of Revenue who had asked the question at the beginning did not speak. He was Emperor Cheng's man, but he was not a fool. If he went out to say that Chu Xiuming was wrong at this time, he would probably be scolded to death by the people of the world.
"Please stand up, my dear minister." Emperor Cheng said with a forced smile, "My dear minister, you are the pillar of the country, please don't talk about reducing your title or anything like that."
Chu Xiuming said, "How could Liang Cheng and his men do such a thing of deceiving their superiors and hiding the truth from their subordinates? Your Majesty, please investigate thoroughly."
Emperor Cheng was in a dilemma at this time. He knew that if he did not agree, Chu Xiuming would really resign and leave. Thinking of his daughter and son-in-law who had just arrived in the border town, he could not let Chu Xiuming leave Beijing now. He said, "Of course, this matter will be handed over to Yongning Earl for supervision. Yongning Earl will be the main person, and the Ministry of Justice and the Dali Temple will be the auxiliary."
Chu Xiuming then responded respectfully, "Your Majesty, I obey your order."
Emperor Cheng had no idea that Chu Xiuming's threat was not about returning to the border town. He just wanted Emperor Cheng to hand the matter over to him. Although Liang Cheng and his men were killed, Chu Xiuming thought it was not enough to repay the blood and tears of the people in central Fujian.
After returning to the Queen's Palace after the court session, Emperor Cheng could no longer hold back and smashed a bunch of things, angrily saying, "How dare he! How dare he threaten me!"
The Queen had a hard time recently. Looking at Emperor Cheng's appearance, she hated Chu Xiuming, but did not say anything. Emperor Cheng smashed everything that could be smashed, and then sat on the couch panting. The Queen asked someone to come in to clean up the things and serve tea and water again.
"If the Prime Minister were here, I wouldn't be so unlucky." Looking at the Queen's haggard appearance, Emperor Cheng sighed rarely.
This sentence made the queen unable to hold back her tears any longer. "Your Majesty, my mother came to the palace yesterday and said that my father felt sorry for Your Majesty and was depressed and now he is too sick to get out of bed."
Emperor Cheng was stunned for a moment and looked at the Queen, not knowing what to say.
When the Queen's father, Prime Minister Chen, was first impeached, Emperor Cheng could not withstand the pressure from the court officials, so he made him reflect on his mistakes behind closed doors and discipline his clansmen. In the end, he removed him from the position of Prime Minister and sent a group of Prime Minister Chen's disciples to exile. In the end, the once glorious Prime Minister Chen was left with only the title of Duke Cheng'en.
The Chen family were not good people to begin with. When Queen Chen married Emperor Cheng, who was still a prince, they never thought they would be as prosperous as they are today. After becoming suddenly wealthy, these people became frivolous and acted without scruples, offending many people. However, because of the presence of Queen Chen and Prime Minister Chen, those people were helpless.
But now, Prime Minister Chen has been dismissed and is staying at home. All his disciples have been implicated, some have been demoted and some have been exiled. Many people have realized that there is no hope for Prime Minister Chen to be reinstated, because those who stepped on him and divided up the interests under Prime Minister Chen will not allow Prime Minister Chen to rise again.
Even Emperor Cheng's people did not like Prime Minister Chen's reinstatement. Naturally, those people wanted revenge and complained, but because the Chen family still had a queen, they did not go too far. However, they still made Prime Minister Chen sick with anger.
Prime Minister Chen was angry at those who took advantage of his misfortune, and he was even more angry at Emperor Cheng. He felt that he had done so much for Emperor Cheng, and if it weren't for him, Emperor Cheng wouldn't even be able to sit in this position, but Emperor Cheng treated him like this. He sighed countless times, "When the birds are all gone, the bows are put away; when the rabbit is dead, the dogs are cooked." Even Empress Chen's mother inevitably brought some of this out after entering the palace, but Empress Chen would not say this, and even persuaded her mother to go back and advise her father not to say such things again.
Empress Chen said this today just to test Emperor Cheng's attitude. It can be seen that Emperor Cheng just sighed and said, "Tell someone to send the imperial physician to Duke Cheng'en's mansion to treat Duke Cheng'en well."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Empress Chen felt chilled but dared not say much. If she wanted to secure her position as empress, the only person she could rely on was Emperor Cheng. Emperor Cheng was still unwilling to appoint a crown prince, which made the concubines in the harem have extravagant hopes. If the empress dowager had not shown her support for her, the harem would have become even more unstable.
Chu Xiuming knew that his young lady was going to the main courtyard today, so he returned to the Rui Palace with Prince Rui after the court session. On the way, he told Prince Rui that he was going to move back to the Yongning Earl's Mansion. Prince Rui was a little reluctant and asked, "Why are you in such a hurry?"
"Both my son-in-law and my wife are reluctant to leave." Chu Xiuming was born with great appearance. He wore an earl's official uniform and a black fur coat on the outside, which made him look handsome and elegant. In fact, looking at Chu Xiuming's appearance and thinking about the prince of Yongle Marquis, Prince Rui couldn't help but sigh in his heart. If Qi'er could marry the Earl of Yongning, it might be better.
Although Shen Jin is also the daughter of Prince Rui, in Prince Rui's heart, the children born to the princess are more important. Moreover, Qi'er and Xuan'er are siblings, so they naturally have a good relationship. She can also help Xuan'er more in the future. It's not that Prince Rui thinks Shen Jin will not care about the affairs of Prince Rui's Mansion, but it's inevitable that people are a little biased.
Chu Xiuming had no idea what King Rui was thinking, so he continued, "It's just that the New Year is coming soon, and some people who have connections with the Chu family will inevitably come to contact us. My father-in-law is having a hard time right now, and my son-in-law will have to go back to the border town after the New Year. If too many people come to my father-in-law's house, it will inevitably cause... taboos."
This was all done for the sake of King Rui. King Rui understood it, and he was startled. His expression changed, and he nodded and said, "My son-in-law is really thoughtful."
Chu Xiuming smiled and said, "I hope my father-in-law doesn't think I'm meddling in other people's business."
Prince Rui said, "You are only thinking about me." Then he sighed, "Don't blame your father-in-law for being afraid of trouble. It's really..."
Chu Xiuming said sternly, "If my father-in-law says so, I will lose face."
King Rui shook his head and said, "I understand in my heart, I won't say more, remember to come over during the New Year."
"Yes." Chu Xiuming said nothing more.
When they arrived at the main courtyard, they saw not only Princess Rui and Shen Jin, but also Shen Qi. The three of them, mother and daughter, were talking. No one knew what they were talking about, but they all laughed non-stop. Shen Jin held her stomach and laughed for a while, then stopped and continued laughing slowly. Shen Qi did the same, which made Princess Rui keep telling them to be careful.
Seeing Prince Rui and Chu Xiuming, several people were about to stand up, but Prince Rui said, "We are all family, please sit down again."
Shen Qi and Shen Jin did not insist on bowing. Shen Jin looked at Chu Xiuming with a smile. Princess Rui joked, "Son-in-law, are you here to pick up Miss Jin?"
"Yes." Chu Xiuming said nonchalantly.
Princess Rui waved her hand and said, "Hurry up and take them away. I've been worried watching them for a while."
Chu Xiuming then bowed and said, "Then the son-in-law will take his leave first."
Prince Rui also smiled and waved. Shen Jin stood up holding An Ning's hand, said a few more words, and left with Chu Xiuming. At the door of the house, An Ping brought a long coat and a cloak. Chu Xiuming took them and put them on Shen Jin himself. After checking them carefully, he put on the cloak himself and walked out holding Shen Jin's waist.
Shen Qi looked at Chu Xiuming and Shen Jin, her eyes darkened, and she reached out to touch her belly. She couldn't help feeling a little envious, but when she thought about how Shen Jin looked after Chu Xiuming disappeared, and how Shen Jin fell ill after Chu Xiuming returned safely, she felt that if it were her, she would not be able to hold on. Shen Jin, her sister, was much stronger than herself.
Prince Rui noticed his daughter's expression and asked, "Where is Zhu Yuhong?"
Shen Qi heard this and said, "Yuhong has been quite busy recently. The New Year is coming soon, and the superiors have given him a lot of tasks."
King Rui frowned and said, "What could possibly happen to him?"
"Your Highness." Princess Rui interrupted Prince Rui and said, "Doesn't Yuhong need to go back to Yongle Marquis's Mansion? After all, he is the son of Yongle Marquis."
When Prince Rui saw Princess Rui speak, he stopped talking. Princess Rui asked softly, "By the way, Xuan'er's letter has arrived. I'm afraid he won't be able to come back for the New Year. I'm going to send someone to give him some gifts. Does Your Majesty have anything to say to Xuan'er?"
"He's going to stay in Fujian until after the New Year?" Prince Rui said in dissatisfaction.
Princess Rui thought it would be a good idea to let her son stay in Fujian. Then, Xi'er could go back to the border town with Earl Yongning. Even if something happened, they would be safe. However, she couldn't tell King Rui this. Princess Rui looked at Shen Qi and said, "Qi'er, you should go and have a rest too."
Shen Qi agreed, "Mother, I will ask the maid to pack up the things prepared for my eldest brother and send them over later."
Princess Rui nodded, and Shen Qi then stood up and walked out, holding the hand of the maid.
After Shen Qi left, Prince Rui couldn't help but sigh, "If I had known that Earl Yongning was of such appearance and character, I would have taken Qi'er..."
"Your Highness." Princess Rui interrupted Prince Rui, "Even if Your Highness is willing to do so, I am not. Think about when the barbarians besieged the city..." At that time, both Prince Rui and Princess Rui thought that Shen Jin might be... At that time, they couldn't help but sigh in their hearts.
King Rui also thought of it, nodded and said nothing more.
Chu Xiuming helped Shen Jin out of the main courtyard and asked, "Do you want to take a sedan chair?"
"Let's take a walk." Shen Jin hesitated and said, "I feel a little tired after sitting all day."
"Okay." Chu Xiuming spread out his cloak and hugged Shen Jin, who was already wrapped tightly, into his arms, so that Shen Jin could walk without so much effort. After all, her belly was already quite big after more than seven months of pregnancy.
Shen Jin felt warm all over, smiled and pulled his hand out from his handcuffs, and put it into Chu Xiuming's hand, "I told my mother about the return to the Yongning Marquis' Mansion, and my mother asked someone to help clean up."
"Yes." Chu Xiuming said, "Let Madam Zhao go back first."
Shen Jin thought about it before nodding and saying, "Okay." In fact, Shen Jin was still a little reluctant to leave Nanny Zhao, but thinking that she would have to go back soon, he reluctantly agreed.
Chu Xiuming looked down at Shen Jin and said nothing. Shen Jin said, "My mother told me personally that we should prepare midwives, wet nurses and the like."
"I have made arrangements." Chu Xiuming had written a letter to the border town long ago. He thought that those people should be sent here in a few days, not only the midwife and the wet nurse, but also the guards... After all, when Shen Jin returns to the border town after confinement, they will have to take the child with them. "I can't take you to the south for the time being."
"It's okay." Shen Jin didn't care.
Chu Xiuming responded, "Most of the things in Fujian were sent directly to the border town, and some were left to be sent to the capital. You can decide how to send them when the time comes."
"Okay." Shen Jin responded crisply, "Don't worry, my husband. I will handle it with Nanny Zhao." There are some personal relationships, and also some old friends of the Chu family.
Chu Xiuming smiled and said, "Is it given to Aunt Zhao?"
Shen Jin wrinkled his nose and looked around, "The baby moved."
Chu Xiuming heard this and said, "I'll carry you back."
"Yeah." Shen Jin responded.
Chu Xiuming reached out and carefully held Shen Jin in his arms, letting her sit on his arm as he always did, with his other arm around Shen Jin. Winter clothes were thick, and Shen Jin was pregnant, but the way Chu Xiuming held Shen Jin was as if Shen Jin weighed nothing. Shen Jin moved her feet comfortably, and suddenly sighed, "My belly is so big that I can't even see my shoes."
Anping and Anning helped to tidy up the cloak so that Shen Jin could be warmer.
Chu Xiuming didn't let Shen Jin go until they entered Mo Yun Courtyard.
Chu Xiuming and Shen Jin moved back to the Yongning Marquis' Mansion before the New Year. Princess Rui had people send over a lot of silver thread and carbon and other things. These were not valuable things, but they were what Shen Jin and the others needed. She seemed particularly thoughtful. Even Nanny Zhao felt that Princess Rui was very thoughtful.
Some more people came to the border town, so the Yongning Marquis' Mansion became a little more lively. They not only brought things prepared by Chu Xiuyuan, but also news about Chu Xiuyuan.
Chu Xiuming and Shen Jin listened together. The family letter only contained some common contents. After all, some things would be unsafe if written down. Manager Zhao came back with everyone else and said, "I informed the Major General of what the wife said, and the Major General immediately summoned people to make arrangements. The loyal and resolute general had read a lot of military books, but unfortunately they were all on paper. The Major General was also very deliberate and did not use any soldiers to capture all of them."
"How did you get it?" Shen Jin asked curiously.
Manager Zhao smiled and said, "It's just some folk tricks. Marquis Zhongyi and Princess Ruyang were alert and did not go to the general's mansion for the banquet. Instead, they stayed at the post station. However, they didn't expect that the entire border town was full of our people. The knockout drug was a little insufficient, so we used some croton seeds."
Shen Jin blinked and suddenly asked, "What about the person who took the knockout drug and used croton?"
Manager Zhao couldn't laugh anymore. There really was such an unlucky person. But why did the lady think in this direction? Shouldn't she ask about Princess Ruyang and her husband?
Chu Xiuming stretched out his hand and pinched his curious young lady and said, "You can only consider yourself unlucky."
Shen Jin thought about the effects of these two things, and felt like laughing but also a little sympathetic. Finally, she touched her belly and said, "My husband is right."
Chu Xiuming looked at Manager Zhao, who said, "According to Madam's instructions, Princess Ruyang, her husband and her personal maid were sent to the compound to be well taken care of." That compound was a place specially built in the border town for the people sent by Emperor Cheng to be well taken care of. It was not known whether there would be enough rooms for them after they moved in. However, according to the status of Princess Ruyang and her husband, they should be able to get a larger one.
"Yes." Chu Xiuming nodded, "Didn't the barbarians come to fight the famine this year?"
Manager Zhao shook his head and said, "I think it was last year when the general killed a lot of them. They haven't been found yet, but the young general has been sending people to patrol outside."
Chu Xiuming frowned and nodded, "Yes."
Manager Zhao talked about some things in the border town. Chu Xiuming kept listening and occasionally asked a few questions. The two of them started discussing. Shen Jin covered his mouth with a handkerchief and yawned slightly. Chu Xiuming gestured and Manager Zhao stopped. Chu Xiuming looked at Shen Jin and asked, "Do you want to go in and rest for a while?"
Shen Jin nodded, "I'm sleepy."
Chu Xiuming stood up and helped Shen Jin to stand up. Shen Jin nodded to Manager Zhao, leaned on Chu Xiuming, then held her stomach with both hands and slowly moved to the inner room. Nanny Zhao also followed her in.
Manager Zhao thought he would have to wait a little longer, but Chu Xiuming came out in just a cup of tea. Seeing the surprise on Manager Zhao's face, Chu Xiuming pretended that he saw nothing. He couldn't say that because Nanny Zhao was with him inside, he was driven out by Shen Jin and Nanny Zhao.
Looking at Chu Xiuming's expression, Manager Zhao's eyes flashed with some comfort, and he said, "General, why don't we continue the discussion?"
"Yes." Chu Xiuming agreed, "How many people are there in the compound now?"
Manager Zhao gave a number, "There are also a few who have clearly shown that they want to surrender to the general."
"Leave a few obedient ones behind." Chu Xiuming said. The memorials to Emperor Cheng every month must not be interrupted, and there were also some secret memorials. What Emperor Cheng received were only what Chu Xiuming and others wanted him to know. Even the affairs of Chu Xiuyuan had been kept secret from the beginning until now. From what Emperor Cheng knew, Chu Xiuyuan was just a sickly teenager. That was why Emperor Cheng was impatient to recall Princess Ruyang and her husband after Chu Xiuming disappeared, and sent them over.
Manager Zhao agreed and said, "I'm afraid that Shuzhong... is not good."
Shuzhong was exactly where the earthquake occurred, and Emperor Cheng specially sent his trusted confidants with a large amount of food and fodder there. Because Chu Xiuyuan had gone to Minzhong, he was a little behind in the news from there.
Manager Zhao said, "Ten taels of silver will only have ten copper coins left over there." This is just a metaphor, which means that the people sent there were too greedy.
Chu Xiuming frowned, not knowing what to say. Even if he was prepared... he never wanted the people of the world to suffer, so when the earthquake happened, he didn't fight at all. After all, the people over there would suffer for a day if they were late. Who would have thought that Emperor Cheng's confidants, at least those who were sent out to hold real power, were not even capable of anything worth showing off.
"The people's hearts are unstable." Manager Zhao said in a deep voice, "If this continues... even if it is for the sake of survival, I am afraid..."
The officials forced the people to rebel... Chu Xiuming didn't know what to say for a moment.
Manager Zhao said, "Then it will be the best time to take Madam back."
The Chu family has always been the patron saint of the Tianqi Dynasty. They have been guarding the border and dying on the battlefield. It was not for the military power, but to protect the people of Tianqi from the suffering of war.
But now, it is not those foreign races that are causing the people to suffer, but rather... Chu Xiuming lowered his eyes slightly and said, "I understand."
The two talked for a while, and Manager Zhao left first, as he had other things to arrange. Chu Xiuming drank the cold tea in one gulp and then got up and went back to the inner room. Shen Jin, who said she was sleepy and wanted to rest, was sitting on the bed, happily eating a bowl of jujube and yam soup with crushed walnut kernels and dried fruits. When she saw Chu Xiuming, Shen Jin smiled and said, "Husband."
Chu Xiuming felt that as long as he could see his wife's smile, he would feel comfortable. After walking to the bed and sitting down, Shen Jin scooped a spoonful of food into Chu Xiuming's mouth, and then looked at him expectantly. Chu Xiuming thought it was something sweet, but when he ate it, he found that it was not greasy. He didn't expect that the raisins and dried peaches that had just been delivered had been put in it, and it even had a sweet and sour taste.
"It's delicious." Chu Xiuming said with a smile.
Shen Jin took a bite himself, then fed Chu Xiuming a bite, then looked at Madam Zhao and said, "Madam, this one is delicious. Does it contain goat's milk?"
"Madam is really amazing." Nanny Zhao said with a smile, "If Madam likes it, I will make something else. This time, the young general asked someone to bring a lot of specialties from the border town."
Shen Jin was indeed happier. He smiled sweetly at Madam Zhao and said, "Madam, you are the best."
After Zhao Mama glanced at Chu Xiuming, she looked at Shen Jin and said, "Madam, please eat less. There will be other delicious food in the evening."
Shen Jin smiled and fed Chu Xiuming another spoonful, then began to eat by herself, her white and tender toes moving back and forth under the quilt.
Chu Xiuming didn't see Nanny Zhao go out to get it. He took a last look at the window. Nanny Zhao didn't deny it. She saw Shen Jin couldn't sleep just now, so she chatted with her for a while. When the food in the kitchen was ready, she asked An Ning and An Ning who were outside to go to the kitchen to bring the date and yam soup through the window. Who knew that Chu Xiuming came in just as Shen Jin took a few bites.
"I want to eat the pot." Shen Jin swallowed the last bite and spoke.
Madam Zhao smiled and asked, "How did Madam know that the young general had someone send a few live sheep?"
Shen Jin's eyes lit up when he heard this, and Nanny Zhao said, "But Madam can't use it."
"Ah?" Shen Jin blinked, looked at Madam Zhao in a daze, then looked at Chu Xiuming, and finally looked at Madam Zhao and said, "Isn't it for me to eat? Didn't my brother send it to me to nourish my body because he knew I was pregnant?"
Nanny Zhao looked at Shen Jin, whose face was rosy and beautiful after being nourished. Chu Xiuming touched his own wife's face, but could not tell where she needed nourishment.
"That's what the young general meant," said Nanny Zhao.
Shen Jin rubbed Chu Xiuming's hand, "So why don't you let me eat it? Isn't it a gift for me?"
"Because mutton is too dry, Madam cannot eat it." Nanny Zhao smiled even more kindly.
Shen Jin's eyes widened, he couldn't believe it. Aunt Zhao took the empty bowl from Shen Jin's hand. Shen Jin cried, "Then why did you tell me!"
"Don't you know, Madam?" Madam Zhao asked, "Aren't you going to eat the pot?"
Shen Jin moved his lips and said, "I just wanted to eat the pot, but I didn't know that my brother sent a live sheep for me to eat."
Chu Xiuming watched as Aunt Zhao deliberately teased his young lady. Shen Jin hesitated and struggled for a long time before asking, "Can I still eat the pot?"
"We can use some clear soup. I'll prepare some beef or something like that." said Madam Zhao.
Shen Jin breathed a sigh of relief and said, "That's good."
Madam Zhao said, "We sent ten in total, but only four were left alive after arriving in the capital."
Chu Xiuming said, "I'll keep two of them in my mansion and kill them for you to share. The remaining two will be sent to Prince Rui's mansion."
Shen Jin thought for a moment and said, "Actually, I think I can drink some mutton soup. What do you think, Mammy?"
Aunt Zhao said, "Okay."
Shen Jin was satisfied and didn't stay any longer. He said, "Then I will go down and prepare first."
"Yes." Shen Jin nodded, "By the way, give some of the dried fruits to my sister."
Nanny Zhao agreed, and when she saw there was nothing else to do, she left first.
Chu Xiuming simply took off his shoes and coat and sat on the bed. Shen Jin comfortably leaned into Chu Xiuming's arms, and then gave her entire weight to him, playing with Chu Xiuming's fingers. Chu Xiuming gently stroked Shen Jin's belly with both hands and said, "Turn your head over."
"Ah?" Shen Jin turned her head stupidly and looked at Chu Xiuming. Chu Xiuming lowered his head and kissed Shen Jin's lips.
There was still a sweet taste in Shen Jin's mouth, and Chu Xiuming felt that it was sweeter than the jujube and yam soup he had just eaten. Chu Xiuming kissed her gently a few more times, and saw that Shen Jin's almond-shaped eyes were moist with a little blush at the corners of her eyes. She was different from her usual coquettish look, and was more charming. Chu Xiuming lowered his head and whispered something in Shen Jin's ear. This time, even Shen Jin's white neck turned red. Chu Xiuming chuckled and coaxed her a few more words, and Shen Jin then bit her lip and nodded gently.
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