Chapter 097
When Princess Ruyang and Marquis Zhongyi returned to their residence, they saw their children waiting for them, all with panic on their faces. Marquis Zhongyi said, "It's okay, go down first."
Several people looked at each other, and then returned to their rooms. Princess Ruyang sat on a chair with a dejected look on her face and asked, "What do they mean?"
Although Zhongyi Hou had gained a lot of weight, his mind was not confused. Hearing this, he said, "Whatever it means, besides following the route they arranged, is there any other way?"
Princess Ruyang pursed her lips and kept silent. Marquis Zhongyi looked at Princess Ruyang and said, "At least this is good. We don't have to stay here. Princess, when you return to the capital, no matter what Marquis Yongning and the others tell you to do, don't do it."
"But in this case..." Princess Ruyang looked at Marquis Zhongyi hesitantly, "Prince consort, what are you going to do?"
"Shen Jin is the daughter of Prince Rui after all. As long as Prince Rui is still in the capital, they will have to be more or less cautious." Marquis Zhongyi comforted.
Hearing Marquis Zhongyi say this, Princess Ruyang felt even more uneasy, and instead said, "Forget it, the secret letter has already been sent to father. Even if... even if I say anything else, father won't believe it. What's more... I don't think Marquis Yongning has any intention of being disloyal." When she said the last part, Princess Ruyang felt a little unconfident.
Marquis Zhongyi shook his head and said, "This is too embarrassing for the princess, and it is also very dangerous. When the princess returns to the capital, tell His Majesty the truth about the situation in the border city."
In fact, Princess Ruyang had thought about this when she first knew that Marquis Yongning was going to send her back to the capital, but this idea disappeared when she knew that she was going back to the capital alone. Now that Marquis Zhongyi actually advised her in this way, Princess Ruyang felt ashamed and guilty. She didn't even look at Marquis Zhongyi's eyes. Seeing Princess Ruyang's expression, Marquis Zhongyi's last bit of guilt disappeared. He reached out and held Princess Ruyang's hand and said, "It is my blessing in this life to marry you. I won't be able to take care of you in the future..."
"My dear husband." Princess Ruyang interrupted Marquis Zhongyi, "Nothing will happen to you. I won't let anything happen to you either."
When Marquis Zhongyi wanted to persuade him again, Princess Ruyang covered his mouth with her hand and said, "Don't worry, Prince Consort."
In the general's mansion, after returning to the border town, Chu Xiuming did as he promised Shen Jin. When the weather got cold, he spread thick furs on the floor of the house. However, because Dongdong often slept with Shen Jin, the furs were not spread in the main room. Zhao Ma and the others specially cleaned up a room next door. The furniture in the room was specially made. A specially made thick mattress was laid on the floor, and then the fluffy furs were laid on top. There were also many cushions of various sizes and shapes.
Sometimes when the weather was bad, Shen Jin would bring Dongdong here to play. After seeing off Princess Ruyang, Shen Jin came over with Dongdong in his arms. He also asked Anping to say hello to Concubine Chen and ask her if she wanted to bring Qingge and Baozhu over as well. In the end, Concubine Chen only asked Mother Li to bring Qingge over.
Qingge is older than Dongdong, but he doesn't look as strong as Dongdong. The two little ones are familiar with each other. After Mother Li put Qingge down, Dongdong crawled towards Qingge. Because the bedding was too soft, Dongdong was not stable. When he reached Qingge, he suddenly lay on Qingge's body, as if he found it fun. He tilted his little head and looked at Shen Jin, "Mother Qi!"
Brother Qing was not angry. He just let Dongdong press him down obediently. He even moved his limbs a bit, and then as if to say hello to Dongdong, he said, "Ah."
Shen Jin sat in the middle, reached out and patted the little dog's head and said, "Go."
The little one then stood up, and walked over to Dongdong and the others. He lowered his head and bit the back strap of Dongdong's cotton pants, then carried him back to Shen Jin's side, and then put Dongdong down. Dongdong seemed to have gotten used to it, and didn't move when being held in the mouth. After he was put down, he turned over and faced up at the little one, "Awooo!"
"Ouch." The little one also cried out, then lowered his head and rubbed the thing with his cool nose.
Shen Jin patted the little one's head and fed it a piece of dried meat. Although Dongdong left, Qing Ge did not get up. Instead, he turned over and lay down with his back exposed. Then, he stretched his head like a little turtle and looked at the little one, "Ah!"
Mother Li wanted to bend down and pick him up, but she heard him scream loudly. Mother Li asked with a puzzled look on her face, "What happened?"
Shen Jin smiled and said, "I'm afraid you also want the little one to carry it." He patted the little one's head and pointed at Shen Qing, "Go."
Mother Li had just seen the little one holding the thing in his mouth, so she was not worried. Besides, she had been taking care of Shen Jin and knew Shen Jin's character. She smiled and stood up and waited by the side. Sure enough, the little one walked over and held Shen Qing in his mouth like he did just now, and then put it down. Shen Qing then laughed and rolled into a ball with the thing that crawled over.
Shen Jin looked at Mother Li who was standing at the door and said, "Mother Li, come in too."
Mother Li smiled and agreed. Anping took out a pair of shoes specially made for indoor wear and put them on for Mother Li. The shoes were a little big, but it didn't matter since she didn't walk much. Anping smiled and said, "Mother Li, be careful. These are a little soft."
"Good." Mother Li also noticed that the feet of people in the room sank when they stepped on it, and it looked very comfortable. Somehow, Mother Li remembered Shen Jin's childhood. At that time, she said that she wanted a room where she could sit and lie down at any time. After taking a look at this room, the girl finally got what she wanted. No wonder the lady is so relieved now. The lady and the girl are now blessed.
After Madam Li also found a place to sit down like Madam Zhao, Shen Jin smiled and said, "Anping, bring the cushion to Madam Li."
Mother Li grabbed the cushion next to her and said, "I can do it myself."
Shen Jin didn't exchange too many pleasantries with Mother Li. After seeing Mother Li sitting down, he asked, "Where are Mother and Baozhu?"
Mrs. Li was not used to such a place, but she felt that it was novel and comfortable to sit here. She said, "Miss Baozhu was a little sleepy, so Madam stayed to comfort her and said she would come back later."
Shen Jin smiled and said, "Then let the two little ones play first." Then he poked Dongdong's sticking out little butt.
Dongdong turned his head and looked at Shen Jin, "Ah."
Shen Jin brought the cloth tiger over and placed it around Dongdong and Qingge, letting them play with it. Anping and Anning watched on the side. Shen Jin asked, "Mother Li, is there anything wrong with you and your mother coming to the border town?"
Although the border town is not as prosperous as the capital, and even a little dry and cold, Madam Li feels particularly satisfied. Moreover, the cook that her daughter has prepared for the courtyard is also very good at cooking. She can cook both the capital dishes and the border town dishes. She mixes them together every day, and even the lady eats half a bowl of rice more. She said, "There is nothing to get used to. I see that the lady likes to use the charred lamb and the like."
"That's good." Shen Jin was afraid that his mother would not trouble him, so she would not say anything even if she felt uncomfortable. "But has anyone been negligent?"
In fact, this question mainly refers to those who were brought from the capital. The people Shen Jin chose for his mother in the courtyard are all honest and have no worries. Besides, the people here are simple and the members of the general's mansion are also simple. These servants don't have the intention of flattering the powerful and trampling on the weak, so Shen Jin doesn't think these people will cause any grievances to his mother.
As expected, when asked this question, Madam Li showed some hesitation on her face. After a while, she said, "It's not that I'm being rude, but..." She seemed to be in a dilemma and didn't know what to say. "Although Madam doesn't mind, I feel like they seem to be on guard against Madam."
Shen Jin had a confused look on her face, but Nanny Zhao understood it all at once. Those who were taken away were all confidants of Princess Rui, and naturally they would not completely trust Concubine Chen. When Princess Rui was around, Concubine Chen was in a weak position, and these people naturally would not think anything of it. But now in the border town, Shen Jin is Concubine Chen's daughter and the mistress of the general's mansion, while Princess Rui and Prince Rui have returned to the capital, and the relationship between the strong and the weak seems to have been reversed all of a sudden. What's more, those who were taken to the border town now were almost all the property that Prince Rui's mansion could take out. These people were loyal to Princess Rui, and there were orders from Prince Rui himself. Most of these things should belong to the two young masters born to Princess Rui.
These people didn't really think that Concubine Chen or Shen Jin would have any plans, but they were just uneasy because they were suddenly in a weak position, which made them a little defensive.
I think Concubine Chen also saw all this, so she didn't care. But Mother Li felt sorry for Concubine Chen and was worried about her. It was obvious that Concubine Chen didn't have those thoughts, but these people did.
Mother Li looked at Shen Jin with some embarrassment, but Aunt Zhao explained to Shen Jin in a low voice, and Shen Jin suddenly realized and smiled, "So that's how it is. In fact, it's just like when that nest of snow rabbits first arrived here, they were also restless all day long." Shen Jin really didn't have any thoughts about those things, nor did he feel as indignant as Mother Li. After all, this is human nature. Thinking that Prince Rui and Princess Rui would be here soon, "So, put those people and their things in Ruyi Garden."
After saying that, Shen Jin looked at Nanny Zhao and instructed, "Don't arrange for anyone from the General's Mansion to be there. Just let them talk to Anping directly if they need anything."
Nanny Zhao responded respectfully, thinking that what the Madam did was not bad. If those people continued to do so after she had expressed her attitude, then don't blame her for taking action. The Madam's kindness did not mean that she was willing to watch the Madam being bullied. She should also let them know who was the boss in the border town. If the Madam really had those thoughts, would their defenses be useful?
Princess Ruyang and Marquis Zhongyi came with many guards and soldiers. What was the final result?
Madam Li also breathed a sigh of relief. Madam Zhao asked, "Madam, are all the people being moved to Ruyi Garden?"
Shen Jin thought for a moment and said, "How about Shuang Qiao?"
Mother Li said, "Shuangqiao doesn't show up much except for taking care of Miss Baozhu every day. She is very respectful to Madam and also keeps Miss Baozhu's wet nurse in check."
Upon hearing this, Madam Zhao frowned. Shuang Qiao seemed to be a smart person, but the way she did it seemed like she was trying to stay out of the matter and was not helping either side.
Shen Jin thought of what Shen Qi had told him, and said, "Please ask Shuang Qiao to come over."
"Yes." Anping went outside and called the maid to invite Shuangqiao.
Shen Jin said, "When I was in the capital, my sister asked me to help Shuang Qiao find a family in the border town. I don't know if she still has the same intention now. I have forgotten it."
Mother Li looked at Shen Jin with some disapproval, but Nanny Zhao didn't think it was a big deal. She glanced at Mother Li and said that Mother Li didn't understand what kind of status Shen Jin held in the border town. If she knew, she wouldn't be like she is now, feeling uneasy because of the vigilance of several people, and she wouldn't think it was a big deal to find someone for Shuang Qiao.
Nanny Zhao understood what Mama Li was worried about. She was afraid that Shen Jin's treatment would make Shen Qi unhappy, or that these people were Princess Rui's confidants. What if Princess Rui came or returned to Beijing? They said something to her, making Concubine Chen's life miserable.
Shen Jin glanced at An Ping and An Ning and smiled, "It's time for you to find someone. Has your family arranged a marriage for you?"
Anping and Anning blushed, but Anning was still young and was not in a hurry. Anping, on the other hand, was already old enough to get married. After all, the customs in the border town were more open. Anping suppressed his shyness and said, "It's up to Madam to decide."
Madam Zhao wanted to give Madam Li some advice, so she said, "Does Anping have anyone you like? As long as both parties are interested, Madam can help you make the decision."
Anping shook his head, thought for a moment and said, "I would like to marry a soldier under the general. I don't ask for anything else, as long as he is good and capable."
Shen Jin thought for a moment and said, "Then I'll ask my husband if there's anyone suitable, and I'll tell you then."
Anping bit his lower lip and nodded.
Mother Li looked at Anping and then at Aunt Zhao and began to think deeply. An Ning smiled and congratulated Anping. Dongdong and Qingge didn't know what had happened yet. They were having fun playing with the little one. No one knew how Dongdong climbed over to the little one and bit it. His saliva wetted the little one's ears. Qingge also wanted to go up, but the little one held him down with his paws so as not to hurt Shen Qing, but also not to let Shen Qing climb on him.
In the little one's eyes, Dongdong is its little master, so it is natural for it to be treated like this, but Shen Qing is just someone else's child, who comes to play with its own little master, so she will not let him ride on her.
Shen Qing had no idea what the little one was thinking. He thought Dongdong was playing with him, so he kept barking with joy and even pushed the cloth tiger towards the little one. When the little one saw that no one was noticing them, he stretched out his paw and pushed the big dog's head, and rolled Shen Qing to the side. However, Dongdong was lying on his head and he slipped down all of a sudden. Fortunately, the bed underneath was very thick, so he didn't get hurt. Dongdong laughed and clapped his hands. The little one stuck out his tongue, rubbed Dongdong with his nose, and then scratched his ears with his paws. They were wet.
However, they didn't know that all of this was seen by everyone. Although they were talking, they were all paying attention to them. Seeing the little one shaking his head vigorously, Shen Jin couldn't help laughing anymore, holding his stomach.
Even Mother Li and the others couldn't help but smile. The little one stopped his claws in confusion and looked at Shen Jin, "Awoo?"
Shen Jin reached over and rubbed its head, then took a piece of dried meat and put it in its mouth, saying, "So good."
Shuang Qiao was brought over very quickly, and Shen Jin asked directly, "Shuang Qiao, I haven't had time to see you in such a long time. Does your sister have anything for you to tell me?"
"In reply to the Marquis's wife, the Crown Prince's Consort didn't say anything." Shuang Qiao said respectfully.
Shen Jin asked, "When you were in the Rui Palace, my sister mentioned your marriage, and you refused at that time. What do you think now?"
Shuang Qiao was stunned for a moment, her eyes flickered as she said, "I will never marry and will serve you, young lady."
Shen Jin heard this and said, "I originally wanted you all to move into Ruyi Garden. Since you have this in mind, you should stay with Baozhu and serve her well."
Shuang Qiao's heart trembled and she said, "Yes, I will definitely listen to Madam Chen's words and serve the young lady wholeheartedly."
Shen Jin smiled and said, "Anping reward."
Anping took a purse and put it in Shuangqiao's hand. Shen Jin said, "Then you go back and take a look, choose two more to stay, and let the rest pack up and prepare to go to Ruyi Garden."
"As you command." Shuang Qiao already understood the real meaning of Shen Jin being called here today. In fact, she knew the thoughts of those people who served the princess in the past, but she felt that she was someone close to Shen Qi, and she also wanted to see what the attitudes of Concubine Chen and Shen Jin were. After all, it seemed that they would have to live in the border town for a long time, and Shen Jin was the one who was in charge of the border town. Although when they were in the capital, she saw that Shen Jin had a very good relationship with Shen Qi and respected the princess, but when she came here, she was sure.
Shen Jin didn't say anything recently, but it was also a warning to her. Although Concubine Chen was only a concubine, she was Shen Jin's biological mother. How could Shen Jin watch others treat her like this? Although she felt it was understandable, she would not have no reaction at all. If this was really the case, it would inevitably make people look down on Concubine Chen.
After Shuang Qiao left the main courtyard, she turned her head to look again and slowly exhaled.
Mother Li played with Shen Qing and Dong Dong for a while. Seeing that Dong Dong and Shen Qing wanted to sleep, she took Shen Qing in her arms and left. Aunt Zhao personally sent them back. On the way, she didn't say anything. But Mother Li suddenly asked, "Should I not bother Madam Hou with those trivial matters?"
Madam Zhao said gently, "This is not a trivial matter. Madam cares about Madam Chen, so naturally she hopes that Madam Chen can live a happy and comfortable life."
Madam Li nodded and said nothing more. Madam Zhao thought for a moment and said, "And Madam Chen doesn't need to think so much anymore."
In fact, Mother Li was not stupid, she just couldn't adapt to it for a while. She had lived in the environment of Prince Rui's Mansion for more than 20 years and had long been accustomed to it. Now she thought that she was too cautious.
When Chu Xiuming came over from the conference room, he saw Shen Jin and Dongdong were already sleeping on the cushions, and Little Bit was also lying beside them. When he heard footsteps, he looked at Chu Xiuming and wagged his tail. Because Dongdong was leaning against him, Little Bit did not move.
After seeing Chu Xiuming, Anping and Anning retreated. Chu Xiuming came in and sat next to Shen Jin. Because the bed was spread out at the back, it was no problem to sleep lying down. However, Shen Jin and Dongdong were both covered with quilts, and Dongdong's little feet were kicking his tiny belly, and he was sleeping very soundly with his little mouth slightly open.
Chu Xiuming gently tidied up Shen Jin's hair and simply lay down beside them. The little guy closed his eyes again, with one of his big paws still on Dongdong's body.
Shen Jin was sleeping in a daze. She opened her eyes and looked at Chu Xiuming, then she skillfully crawled into his arms, hugged his waist, and continued to sleep, not even caring about her son.
Chu Xiuming tucked in the quilt for Shen Jin, and then adjusted Dongdong's quilt. He put his arm around Shen Jin and gently stroked her back. Shen Jin couldn't fall asleep, so she yawned, closed her eyes and whispered, "I have asked someone to send Xue Qiao away..." and told Chu Xiuming about her arrangements.
Because Dongdong was still asleep, Chu Xiuming's laughter was particularly low. Shen Jin lay on Chu Xiuming and said, "I think she will think too much."
"Yeah." Chu Xiuming lowered his eyes slightly. Xue Qiao would not only overthink, but also make the Prince of Ying think too much, because not everyone is like Shen Jin. Even if Xue Qiao said how much she loved him, Chu Xiuming would not believe it. She said that it was because the Prince of Ying had saved her, so she was like this? If the person who saved her that day was not the Prince of Ying, but a beggar or a gangster, I am afraid he would not show such deep affection.
And did Xue Qiao really not doubt what happened in Xue Mansion? Xue Qiao was not stupid but extremely smart, otherwise he would not be liked by his mother.
Shen Jin told Chu Xiuming about Princess Ruyang again. Chu Xiuming responded and said, "I think Marquis Zhongyi will let Princess Ruyang make the right choice."
"Has there been any news from over there?" Shen Jin asked, knowing that Chu Xiuming had sent spies.
Chu Xiuming said, "No." The spies had completely lost contact, which made Chu Xiuming a little worried.
Shen Jin thought for a moment and said, "When do you think my mother and the others will arrive?"
Chu Xiuming pinched his wife's waist and said, "Shen Xi has already sent someone to pick her up. She should be here in March."
"Just in time to catch up with the loquats." Shen Jin thought for a moment and said, "The loquat and white fungus soup made by Cui Xi, who is beside my mother, is delicious."
Chu Xiuming smiled and said, "Then I want to try it too."
"Yeah." Shen Jin smiled, "And those are good for your health."
Chu Xiuming actually felt that Shen Jin's complexion had improved a bit since Concubine Chen came. It's not that she was not good before, but Shen Jin was particularly content now, as if all her worries were gone. At that time, when Concubine Chen was alone in the capital, although Shen Jin didn't say it, she still missed her a little in her heart.
"Actually..." Chu Xiuming was about to say something when he heard footsteps outside. Chu Xiuming sat up holding Shen Jin.
It was Yue Wen who came. Chu Xiuming stood up and walked outside. Yue Wen saluted and said, "General, the prince of England sent an envoy to tell you something."
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