On Luoming's side, Bai Qian was ordered to escort the Gong family father and sons to the capital, while on the Gong family's side, Jiang He came in person.
"My lord."
Jiang He stopped not far from Longzuo, instead of heading straight for the Gong family.
"Tell me about the recent situation in Longzuo." Jiang He unfolded a map and carefully examined the terrain of Longzuo.
"Reporting to the Marquis, the people of Longzuo have been restless lately. They have spontaneously gathered outside the Gong family's gate three times, but the gate has never been opened. However... it is understandable that the Gong family will not come out at this time."
Chang Qing's words made Jiang He frown. He felt that something was wrong, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
Is there anything else?
That's all.
"That's it?" The premonition in his heart became clearer. Jiang He stared at the map in front of him and pondered. Seeing this, Chang Qing didn't say anything more and just waited for Jiang He.
"That's not right!" Jiang He suddenly exclaimed, "The Gong family's gate has never been opened from beginning to end?"
"It's absolutely true. Our spies in Longzuo have been keeping an eye on the Gong family."
"What about the doctor? The Gong family hasn't invited a doctor to their residence these past few days." A deep meaning flashed in Jiang He's eyes. "The Gong family's usual physician doesn't live in the Gong residence."
"That's right!" Chang Qing slapped his forehead. "Upon hearing such terrible news, it's astonishing that Old Madam Gong is perfectly healthy, and Madam Gong herself is also unharmed. According to custom, a doctor should have been summoned to the mansion long ago."
"That's the problem."
Jiang He took a deep breath. It seemed that the Gong family had a backup plan waiting for them.
"His Majesty warned me before I came that I must pay attention to Old Madam Gong, and it seems His Majesty's worries were indeed justified." Jiang He glanced in the direction of Longzuo. "Chang Qing, do you have any good ideas?"
"this......"
"I do have a way."
A bright light suddenly flashed in Jiang He's eyes. He got up, sat behind his desk, and quickly picked up his pen to write a letter. "Order someone to send this letter to the capital as quickly as possible. Also, send someone to tell Madam to temporarily halt her journey."
"Lord Marquis, you mean..." Chang Qing's mouth gaped open enough to fit an egg after he figured out Jiang He's intentions.
"Go quickly."
Jiang He curled the corners of his lips. Wasn't the Emperor just worried about how to deal with the Gong family father and sons? Now was the perfect opportunity to do so.
The letter was quickly delivered to Gu Qingyan after several horses had died from exhaustion. Gu Qingyan stared at the contents of the letter for a long time, then picked up a pen and wrote a large "允" (allowed) on the letter paper.
"Yingzhi, bring out all the spies from the aristocratic families captured in the prison and send them to your uncle. Be quick."
After saying that, Gu Qingyan took out another letter, "This letter is for my aunt."
After Yingzhi hurriedly left the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Gu Qingyan leaned back in his chair. His uncle was right; it was indeed an excellent opportunity.
Meanwhile, the Gong family...
Madam Gong approached Old Madam Gong and spoke in a trembling voice, "Mother, everything is arranged."
"Okay." Old Madam Gong seemed to be lacking energy, and even her voice sounded weak.
"Don't blame me for being heartless." Old Madam Gong opened her eyes with difficulty, her cloudy eyes looking at Madam Gong. "Now that the father and his two sons are in grave danger, even if you and I survive, it will be full of humiliation. We might as well take the people of Dayu with us."
“Mother…” Madam Gong wiped her eyes with a handkerchief, “If I could exchange my life for Sheng’er’s, I would be willing to do so.”
“It’s all my fault for being so foolish. My mind is full of scheming within the family. I urged Sheng’er to go to Luoming as well, afraid that all the credit would go to Ming’er. If the Gong family hadn’t ended up like this, I would feel guilty.”
"That's enough, that's enough."
Madam Gong waved her hand, "It's all fate."
......
Two days later, Bai Qian, along with the Gong family father and two sons, met with Jiang He.
"I haven't had a chance to congratulate you on your great victory yet." Jiang He looked at Bai Qian, who was wearing armor, with smiles in his eyes. He loved his wife's heroic appearance on the battlefield.
"It's almost your turn to make a contribution."
Bai Qian reached out and punched Jiang He's chest. This standard soldier's greeting made Jiang He both laugh and cry. "Where are the other three?"
“Except for Gong Liuming, who has difficulty moving around, I brought the other two to you safely.”
Hearing Bai Qian's words, Jiang He's lips twitched.
Meanwhile, the spies from the aristocratic families were also brought over. Mei Chu fed them drugs that could make them lose their minds, and Jiang He ordered his men to dress them in the armor of the Dayu soldiers.
"My lord, we still need someone to lead us. Let me go!"
Chang Qing volunteered, "Give me the credit for this. Don't worry, Lord Marquis, I will definitely complete the mission!"
"good!"
Jiang He walked up to the head of the Gong family and Gong Liusheng, smiled, and then spoke, "Now you have a chance to meet Old Madam Gong and Madam Gong. Will you go?"
Even though he knew it was a dead end, Jiang He still asked it with a smile.
"go."
The head of the Gong family and Gong Liusheng answered in unison.
They both knew in their hearts that even if they didn't go and were escorted back to the capital of Dayu, they would only face certain death. But if they went, they might have the chance to see their loved ones one last time.
"Alright, here are your armors."
Chang Qing led all his spies and the Gong family father and son toward Longzuo. When the people of Longzuo saw the flag of Dayu, they all made way for them, without any intention of resisting.
In this way, Chang Qing arrived at the palace gate with almost no difficulty.
"Break down the door."
Chang Qing slowly opened his mouth, and the spies whose minds had been controlled immediately began to ram the door, which was soon broken open.
"I am General Chang Qing of Dayu. Those inside had better surrender quickly to avoid losing limbs." No sooner had Chang Qing finished speaking than the news reached the ears of Old Madam Gong.
Old Madam Gong gripped Madam Gong's hand tightly, "Once they all step into the Gong residence, we'll turn on the switch."
"My daughter-in-law understands."
"Search the mansion!" Chang Qing raised his spear, and the crowd behind him rushed towards the mansion. Chang Qing turned his horse around and hid, watching as the Gong family head and Gong Liusheng entered the mansion.
"Mother, everyone's come in."
"Start...start switch..."
A few breaths later, a loud bang was heard, and the ground of the palace suddenly caved in. Everyone fell into the hole formed by the cave. The head of the Gong family and Gong Liusheng also died a few steps away from the old lady's courtyard.
"Damn it, there was something else buried underground, trying to take us all down with it!"
Chang Qing dusted himself off and quickly headed towards Jiang He's location.
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