Chapter 088 (Complete)
Xue Qiao glanced at Shen Jin and said nothing. Shen Jin continued to ask, "Did he lie to you?"
"The prince is not that kind of person." Xue Qiao was a little angry and said, "I know you are trying to trick me. Now that I know the prince's situation, I will not betray him."
Shen Jin looked at Xue Qiao with some doubt, and asked in disbelief, "Why do you think I will play tricks on you now?" It's not troublesome enough.
Xue Qiao was silent. He was a little afraid of the Buddhist temple. After thinking for a while, he said, "I don't know before. Anyway, when I came to the prince's side, the prince had no children. If he really hid it, I don't know."
In fact, apart from the matter of the Prince of Rui, Xue Qiao was not stupid at all. On the contrary, she was very smart. She looked at Shen Jin and said, "Even if the prince deliberately hid other sons and used my child as a target, it doesn't matter, as long as it can be useful to the prince."
Aunt Zhao sneered and said, "You are really generous."
Xue Qiao's attitude of sacrificing everything for the Prince of England is a little hard to understand, but so far, she has sacrificed others.
Shen Jin stopped asking questions. Zhao Duan sighed in his heart. It was a good thing that Shen Jin had scared Xue Qiao in advance, otherwise it would be difficult to deal with them if they really met him. He was obviously not easily influenced by others. Even though he knew that he was being used by the Prince of England, he was still willing to do so.
However, Shen Jin felt that Xue Qiao actually loved him the most. If she was really as affectionate as she appeared to be, she would not have revealed all these things. Instead, she would have committed suicide when she was locked up in the Buddhist temple and found that she could not bear it.
Although there were no sharp weapons in the Buddhist temple, if a person really wanted to die, they could find a way. Although Shen Jin had people pay attention to not let Xue Qiao commit suicide, the gold and silver ornaments on Xue Qiao's hair and the jade bracelets on his wrists were not put away. At worst, there was still the belt.
But Xue Qiao never had any intention of committing suicide. Even when she seemed to be driven crazy because she could not see people or hear any sound, she had no intention of committing suicide at all, and she did not even try once.
Manager Zhao asked, "Where did the Prince of England usually hang out in the past?"
Xue Qiao bit his pale lips and said, "I don't know."
"Go to the Buddhist temple and think about it again." Shen Jin said calmly.
Xue Qiao looked grim, "I really don't know." After a pause, he said, "The prince was afraid that it was unsafe, so he let me live in a separate courtyard in Jiangshu."
"So how often does she come to see you?" asked Manager Wang.
These questions made Xue Qiao feel extremely embarrassed, as if she would be laughed at by everyone as soon as she said this. In fact, Xue Qiao herself knew that, to put it nicely, the Prince of England did this to protect her, but to put it bluntly, she was just the Prince of England's concubine, with no name or status at all. The Xue family had some reputation in the past, and she was the daughter of a good family.
"Do you want to go to the Buddhist temple and think about it?" Shen Jin looked at Xue Qiao and asked after taking a sip of rose tea.
Xue Qiao bit her lip. Madam Zhao said, "It would be better if you raise your head and speak."
Although she knew that Xue Qiao had given birth to a child, Nanny Zhao still called her "girl". One has to say there was a sense of irony in that.
Xue Qiao was also a person who knew the current situation, especially now that everyone knew that the child was not hers, and she no longer had any scruples, so she raised her head and said, "When I first came to the prince's side, he stayed with me for a while. In the next three years, I had my period about three or four days a month. In recent years, it has been less frequent, but... around the twentieth year of Yongqi, because I was pregnant, the prince stayed in Jiangshu for three months to stay with me."
In fact, the last sentence was somewhat boastful, as if trying to save face for Shen Jin. However, Shen Jin and the others did not care about this. Because of the cramming before Chu Xiuming left, Shen Jin was particularly familiar with the map of Apocalypse, so he was already recalling where Jiang Shu was and what was nearby.
"Have you been living in Jiangshu all the time?" Shen Jin felt that the Prince of England was not a man who was willing to travel through mountains and rivers to see a woman. Jiangshu was a remote place, and unless there was something worthy of the Prince of England's covetousness, going to see Xue Qiao was just a detour.
Xue Qiao said, "No, after the child was born, the prince sent us mother and child to Fengqu."
After Manager Wang asked a few more questions, everyone had a general idea of what was going on, so they had Xue Qiao taken away and put him under strict supervision.
After the people left, Chu Xiuyuan asked, "Sister-in-law, how true and false do you think her words are?"
"Nine true and one false." Shen Jin thought for a while and said, "According to the time, Xue Qiao couldn't have lived in Jiang Shu for that long."
Manager Zhao also spoke up, "Because Jiangshu was in Yongqi for about 20 years, there was a flood in Jiangshu, but because the place was remote and the local officials concealed it, it did not attract attention and the news did not spread."
In fact, they knew about this matter by coincidence. Xue Qiao might have lived in Jiang Shu, but not for as long as she said. This made Fengqu a bit subtle. She must have lived in Fengqu for a longer time. Xue Qiao did not expect that she was discovered just by saying one more word for the sake of face.
All the things Xue Qiao said about where to live and so on were explained to him word by word by the Prince of England before he came.
"Could it be that the Prince of England wants to lead us to Jiangshu?" Steward Wang frowned and said.
Manager Zhao narrowed his eyes and said, "I think he wants us to focus on these two areas."
It's a pity that Xue Qiao didn't know where the Prince of England hid the child, otherwise they wouldn't be in such a difficult situation now.
Zhao Duan pondered for a moment and said, "It is also possible that these two places are traps."
Nanny Zhao frowned but didn't say anything. Chu Xiuyuan didn't say anything either. Shen Jin thought for a moment and said, "Xue Qiao knows very little."
"Xue Qiao is a discarded child." Chu Xiuyuan also confirmed his guess, "From the beginning, the Prince of Ying never trusted her. After all, no matter what the reason, Xue Qiao had betrayed the Chu family. Even if the Prince of Ying had arranged this person himself, he probably wouldn't trust her."
In this case, a lot of the things Xue Qiao knew were probably deliberately let her know by the Prince of England, so even if she was telling the truth, her value in being exploited was not high.
Chu Xiuyuan couldn't help feeling a little disappointed. He also wanted to take this opportunity to see if he could get any news about the child so that he could confirm it as soon as possible.
"Then what about Xue Qiao?" Zhao Duan asked.
Chu Xiuyuan looked at Shen Jin, who thought for a moment and said, "Give it back to the Prince of England. A child this young cannot be without a mother."
Upon hearing this, Madam Zhao said, "Why don't you stay for a few more days? We should show you how to entertain guests."
"But if that's the case, the Prince of England will inevitably notice the Madam." Butler Wang's tone was a little worried.
Upon hearing this, Shen Jin said, "If this is true, it would be a good thing. I'm afraid that the Prince of England will only think that these are all arranged by my husband." Judging from the arrangements made by the Prince of England, the only person who can be equally matched with him in his eyes is probably Chu Xiuming. He started planning so early, even when dealing with Emperor Cheng, he didn't do so.
After a discussion, a few people decided to wait for a month before throwing Xue Qiao and his gang out of the border town. Now they separated everyone and even treated each person differently.
But before they released the people, Chu Xiuming escorted Concubine Chen and others back to the border town.
Coincidentally, Chu Xiuming returned the day before the winter solstice.
Because of the winter solstice, the entire border town has become much more lively. Every household has started preparing things like dumplings, and the general's mansion has already started getting busy for tomorrow's winter solstice. The military camp has even sent over a few pigs early, as well as cabbage and noodles.
Chu Xiuming and Concubine Chen can be said to be the most important people to Shen Jin. Shen Jin, who was inevitably a little sad because Chu Xiuming was not there, was standing at the gate of the general's mansion and saw someone coming from afar. She couldn't help but her eyes turned red and she ran over quickly.
Shen Jin was wearing a cotton dress with colorful gold embroidery and a bright red cape with snow-white rabbit fur. The moment he saw Shen Jin, Chu Xiuming jumped off his horse, took a few steps forward, hugged his young lady, wiped the tears from her face, and then put the hood on Shen Jin, saying gently, "Don't get caught in the wind."
"Husband." Shen Jin bit her lip, sniffed and said, "I asked someone to make pork, mutton and cabbage dumplings for you."
Chu Xiuming responded but didn't say anything. This kind of dumplings was Shen Jin's favorite. Shen Jin felt that mutton and cabbage alone were a bit smelly, so he liked people to add some pork and some dried steamed bun crumbs in it. In addition, there was also a filling made of sauerkraut and beef. However, Shen Jin only liked to eat dumplings made in this way when steamed.
Chu Xiuming didn't have any particular preference for these, no matter what kind of filling they were, they tasted the same to him.
"My mother-in-law is in the car." Chu Xiuming said, "Let's go back first."
"Okay." Shen Jin looked at the carriage and asked in a low voice, "What about my father and mother?"
Chu Xiuming held Shen Jin's hand. As they were only a few steps away from the general's mansion, Chu Xiuming simply walked with Shen Jin. "Father and mother have returned to the capital. There were a few younger people in my mother-in-law's carriage, so she didn't show up at this time." After all, children cannot stand the cold wind, so this was an explanation to Shen Jin so that she wouldn't think too much.
Shen Jin did not ask anything, but turned his head to look inside the carriage. The carriage was covered tightly, so he could not see clearly. There were many carriages loaded with luggage behind it. No wonder Chu Xiuming and his companions were walking slowly along the way.
The carriage went directly into the general's mansion. Shen Jin said, "Didn't you run into Shen Xi and the others?"
"No." Chu Xiuming frowned slightly and said, "I think I went the wrong way, but what happened?"
Shen Jin nodded, "I'll tell you later. Brother Yuan is in the military camp. I've sent him a letter. I think he'll be back soon."
Chu Xiuming nodded without asking any more questions. Shen Jin gently scratched Chu Xiuming's hand and said, "Dongdong is almost one year old, and he can't recognize you anymore."
If someone else said this, it would probably be full of resentment. Chu Xiu knew that Shen Jin was just telling him this and had no other intentions. "I was thinking that this winter solstice, I might have to eat dumplings with my brother Yuan and the others... Mother is here, and I don't know if she can get used to the food here. Besides my eldest sister's daughter and my younger brother, is Shen Hao the only one who came?"
"Yes." Chu Xiuming nodded slightly to Manager Zhao and the others, then waved his hand and asked them to go back first. He accompanied Shen Jin into the inner courtyard. When Nanny Zhao knew that Chu Xiuming and the others were about to arrive, she asked An Ping to help Shen Jin change clothes. She went to the small kitchen to prepare hot water, hot soup and the like. An Ning was taking care of Dongdong. When Chu Xiuming came in, the hot water was just ready.
Although Shen Jin still had a lot to say to Chu Xiuming, she also wanted to visit her mother. Before Shen Jin could say anything, Chu Xiuming said, "Go and arrange things for your mother-in-law first. I'll come find you after I wash up."
"Okay." Shen Jin bit her lip and agreed, "After you finish washing up, go visit Dongdong. I'll be here soon."
Chu Xiuming nodded, adjusted Shen Jin's cloak, and put the hood on Shen Jin. Then he looked at An Ping, who put the small hand warmer he had prepared in Shen Jin's hand, "Go."
"Yes." Shen Jin agreed, "Madame Zhao has made some chicken soup, remember to use some later."
Chu Xiuming raised the corners of his mouth slightly and said with a smile, "Okay."
Shen Jin then took An Ping to a courtyard not far away. After knowing what the Prince of England had done, Shen Jin had two courtyards cleaned up in the general's mansion. One of them was very large, only slightly smaller than the main courtyard. It was the courtyard where Shen Jin lived when he first arrived in the border town.
That courtyard was later renovated several times, and the things inside were even more exquisite than those in the main courtyard. After all, because of Shen Jin's preferences, the main courtyard was more comfortable and practical. For example, there were no flowers or plants planted in this courtyard, but there were many fruit trees. Even the wisteria flowers were replaced with grapes, and there were also soft cushions and other things that could be seen everywhere...
In addition to this courtyard, Shen Jin also specially prepared a courtyard for his mother, Concubine Chen. That courtyard was naturally not bigger than the main courtyard and the courtyard of Prince Rui, but the layout inside was very thoughtful. Shen Jin started preparing early, but he did not expect that only Concubine Chen and the three children would come this time.
When Shen Jin went over, she saw that Concubine Chen had already started to clean up, and Shen Hao was standing next to Concubine Chen. When he saw Shen Jin, he couldn't help but stick closer to Concubine Chen. Concubine Chen smiled when she saw her daughter, but she didn't ignore Shen Hao. She reached out and touched his head, saying softly, "Didn't you say you wanted to take a good soak in the hot water when you were in the carriage?"
Shen Hao pursed his lips. He had experienced so much in just a few years. Even if Shen Hao's talent was poor, he had grown up a lot. Hearing this, he looked at Shen Jin and then at Concubine Chen. Then he nodded and followed the maid inside. However, when he was about to leave, he still turned his head to look at Concubine Chen. Shen Jin saw all of this. After Shen Hao left, he went forward to hug his mother and said, "It's great. It's like a dream."
Concubine Chen thought the same thing. Since she entered the Rui Palace, she never thought that she would be able to leave. This was all because she had a good daughter. "How can you be so old, but still act like a child?" Although she said so, Concubine Chen gently stroked Shen Jin's back and said, "I am so grateful to my son-in-law for this journey."
When Shen Jin entered the house, he had already taken off his cloak and walked into the inner room with his mother. "Is there enough room in the yard? I thought only my fourth brother would stay with mother."
Upon hearing this, Concubine Chen just smiled and said, "That's enough. The prince has given your fourth brother the name Qing."
"Shen Qing?" Shen Jin thought for a moment and said, "I always feel that she looks a bit feminine."
"Nonsense." Concubine Chen tapped her daughter's head gently and said, "Your eldest sister's daughter is Baozhu, and Shuangqiao is taking care of her now. I don't have much to do here."
Shen Jin thought about what Shen Qi had asked her to do before, that she had almost forgotten about it, but she didn't expect Shuang Qiao to come this time, and she didn't know if she had brought any words with her.
"How is Dongdong?" Although Concubine Chen liked children, she also had a sense of closeness. After all, she only had one daughter, Shen Jin, and the two of them had depended on each other for so many years. Even though Shen Qing had been raised by Concubine Chen since birth, the affection between her and Shen Jin could not compare. This was not only because Shen Jin was her biological daughter, but Concubine Chen knew in her heart that now that Shen Jin had become the wife of Marquis Yongning and was spoiled by Chu Xiuming, no one would dare to bully them anymore. So even if Shen Qing was her biological daughter, she was not as important as Shen Jin in Concubine Chen's heart.
When talking about his son, Shen Jin smiled and said, "Tomorrow, I will bring him to mother to see. He is so fat now that I can hardly hold him."
"It's better for the child to be a little fatter." Concubine Chen felt particularly relieved when she thought of her little grandson. She seemed to have unloaded many burdens and looked more energetic. "It's cold now, so don't take the child out casually. I'll go see him tomorrow. I made a few sets of clothes, but I don't know if they will fit him."
"Mom, where's mine?" Shen Jin accompanied his mother into the house, looked carefully to make sure there was nothing missing, then gently leaned his head on Concubine Chen's shoulder and said, "It's good that mother is here. I've asked someone to prepare a cook. If mother is not used to the taste here, let the small kitchen..."
Shen Jin kept talking about the things and arrangements in the border town. Concubine Chen looked at her daughter. Her daughter was as tall as her now. There was no trace of sadness in her eyes and she was full of joy. The smile on Concubine Chen's face never disappeared. It was good like this... as long as her daughter was happy.
Because Concubine Chen was tired from the long journey, Shen Jin did not stay for too long. After making sure that everything was fine with Concubine Chen, he left first. When he returned to the yard, he went straight to Dongdong's room. When he reached the door, he saw Chu Xiuming inside, holding Dongdong in his arms. Although Dongdong did not cry, his face was tense and tears were in his eyes that would not fall. He looked serious and pitiful. Hearing footsteps, the father and son looked over. The moment he saw Shen Jin, Dongdong could no longer hold back and burst into tears.
Although Shen Jin wanted the father and son to bond, he felt particularly distressed when he saw this situation. He quickly went over and hugged Dongdong into his arms. Dongdong hugged Shen Jin's neck tightly with his little arms. In the familiar embrace, he stopped crying, but he still sobbed non-stop, "Woo..."
"Don't cry, be good." Shen Jin quickly coaxed him softly. Chu Xiuming watched from the side, feeling extremely complicated, a little proud but also a little uncomfortable. Dongdong really didn't recognize him. Before he left, Dongdong liked him or Shen Jin holding him the most, so why would he cry like this.
"Bad..." Dongdong didn't know many words, and they came out one by one, and were a little vague, but this word was particularly clear. He was afraid that Shen Jin didn't understand, so he pointed at Chu Xiuming.
Shen Jin gently kissed Dongdong's cheek and said, "Father... Dongdong is not a bad man, he is Dongdong's father." Her voice was particularly pleasant, not as delicate and naive as when she was with Chu Xiuming and his mother, but rather gentle.
"Hmm?" Dongdong stopped crying, with tears still hanging on her eyelashes. She turned her head to look at Chu Xiuming, but her little arms were still tightly hugging Shen Jin's neck.
Shen Jin carried Dongdong and walked towards Chu Xiuming. Dongdong had grown a lot fatter, and Shen Jin needed both arms to hold him. "Dongdong, this is your father."
As soon as Dongdong got close to Chu Xiuming, he turned his head and buried it in Shen Jin's arms, but he couldn't help but secretly look at Chu Xiuming. Chu Xiuming didn't move, but just said gently, "Dongdong."
"Ah?" Dongdong secretly turned his head to look at Chu Xiuming again. Why did he feel that this voice was familiar? "Hmm!" Anyway, my mother is... Dongdong looked at Chu Xiuming in confusion, then looked at Shen Jin, "Father?"
Chu Xiuming only felt a warmth in his heart and a slight sourness in his nose. He closed his eyes and when he opened them again, he had regained his calm. He was afraid of scaring his son, so Chu Xiuming reached out and gently touched Dongdong's little hand with his fingers. Dongdong seemed to be frightened and quickly retracted his little paw, then stared at Chu Xiuming. Chu Xiuming was not angry, but smiled and carefully moved his fingers close to his son's hand. Dongdong looked at Shen Jin, and Shen Jin said, "Dongdong, that's your father." Shen Jin just repeated this sentence. Maybe Dongdong didn't understand the meaning of it now, but even if Chu Xiuming left, Shen Jin was still telling Dongdong about this.
Dongdong moved his lips, then stretched out his hand slightly to touch Chu Xiuming's hand, then immediately retracted it. Seeing that Chu Xiuming did not move, he stretched out his hand again and grabbed one of Chu Xiuming's fingers, "Father?"
"Yeah, Dongdong." Chu Xiuming let Dongdong hold his fingers motionlessly.
Dongdong looked down at the finger in his hand, then looked at Chu Xiuming, blinked, loosened his hand, and lay back in Shen Jin's arms, "Egg..." He had been crying for a long time and was hungry. He wanted to eat egg custard.
Shen Jin looked at Chu Xiuming. Chu Xiuming didn't mind. He was the one who left first. The child's performance was much better than he thought. Shen Jin said softly, "Then ask Madam to make some steamed egg custard for Dongdong, okay?"
"Ah..." Dongdong screamed, then rested his head on Shen Jin's shoulder, looking at Chu Xiuming, not knowing what he was thinking.
Chu Xiuming looked at Shen Jin and said, "Take the child in first. I'll ask Aunt Zhao to make something edible."
Shen Jin nodded and said, "Okay."
But who knew that just as Chu Xiuming left the house, Dongdong, who had been lying quietly in Shen Jin's arms, suddenly cried out, "Ah! Aaaaaaah!"
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