"It seems you don't know exactly where you went wrong."
After speaking, Jiang Yu was about to walk into the house when Zhong Qi'er quickly spoke up, "Your Majesty, I know I shouldn't have pushed Sun Shu into the water, but the way she spoke to Brother Kui Ruo, I..."
“That’s not your brother Kui Ruo, that’s Kui Xiang of Dayu.”
Jiang Yu looked straight at Zhong Qi'er, who was so frightened that she didn't dare to say another word.
“I remember that before Wei Ruo became the top scholar, you often looked down on him because he was unwilling to cherish you like your brother did, so you treated him with disrespect.”
"Both right and wrong?"
"I..." Zhong Qi'er panicked a little, wanting to argue but not knowing where to begin.
"He is now the prime minister, yet you keep pressuring him. Zhong Qi'er, he is a person, not an object of your Zhong family." Jiang Yu's mocking gaze stung Zhong Qi'er, and large tears slid down her cheeks.
“These past few years you’ve caused trouble in the capital, and every time it was Wei Ruo who cleaned things up for you. Zhong Qi’er, one should know when to be pragmatic.”
"This humble woman...this humble woman understands..."
At this point, Zhong Qi'er's voice began to tremble slightly.
"This time, I will not pursue the crime of your father's failure to properly raise his daughter. For the next three days, you shall come to Zhaoning Palace at noon every day to kneel and repent for your sins."
Zhong Qi'er was carried out of the palace. Bai Qian glanced at the bloodstains on the ground and waved to the palace servants beside her.
"Her Majesty still chose to protect Zhong Qi'er."
Otherwise, why would she be made to kneel in Zhaoning Palace for three consecutive days?
This is to prevent members of aristocratic families from seeking revenge against Zhong Qi'er.
“Although Zhong Qi’er is naturally willful, we ended up using her this time.” Jiang Yu sighed slowly. She had imagined that Zhong Qi’er might have a quarrel with Qin Ke’er and Sun Shu, but she never thought that Zhong Qi’er would push them into the lake.
"This time, I will make her completely rein in her temper, otherwise..."
One day, the Zhong family will pay a heavy price for this.
......
At the same time, in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
"So, the Empress Dowager specially invited Qi'er to this chrysanthemum appreciation banquet today?"
After a moment's thought, Kui Ruo understood the crux of the matter. "The Chen and Qiu families both seemed strange today. I will investigate them thoroughly."
"etc."
Gu Qingyan looked at Wei Ruo with a helpless expression.
"Prime Minister Kui, your sworn sister has truly astonished me today." The scene of Zhong Qi'er pushing someone into the water flashed before Gu Qingyan's eyes. "Mother protected her today, but if there's a next time..."
"Your subject understands."
Kui Ruo lowered her eyes. Her godfather appeared stern to Zhong Qi'er, but in reality, he doted on her.
Otherwise, I wouldn't have been completely helpless against Zhong Qi'er these past few years.
"Alright, you don't need to worry too much. The Empress Dowager should have a better solution."
Gu Qingyan opened the memorial. "As for the Chen and Qiu families, I have already entrusted my uncle and aunt to investigate them. My father will also send people to investigate. Now there is an even more important matter that I need Prime Minister Wei to do."
"Your Majesty, please give your orders."
"Tomorrow, have the Zhong family go to Miss Sun's place to apologize in person." Gu Qingyan's eyes flashed with a strange light. "Remember, the apology must be grand, and Madam Chen and Madam Qiu must be invited to go with them."
"Just say... ask them to help mediate."
"Make peace?"
"Prime Minister Kui, as long as these two ladies follow, Miss Sun will surely see you."
The Qiu residence.
"Did Madam speak up for Miss Sun today?" After returning to the manor, Imperial Censor Qiu heard about the chrysanthemum appreciation banquet during the day and looked at his wife with a smile. "Madam is indeed like the wife of an Imperial Censor."
Madam Qiu blushed instantly upon hearing this. "My lord is making fun of me again. I didn't want to be in the limelight today, but if Miss Zhong really pushes Miss Sun into the water again, Da Yu will be in a difficult situation."
"The lady is wise in a seemingly foolish way."
Madam Qiu helped Imperial Censor Qiu change out of his official robes. "If it were me, I would definitely write a scathing report against the Zhong family tomorrow. Only by making our stance clear can we turn this big issue into a small one and a small one into nothing."
“What you say is true, Madam. I will go and write the memorial right away.”
Watching Imperial Censor Qiu hurry to his study, Madam Qiu smiled, revealing wrinkles at the corners of her eyes. Even the maid beside her wore a genuine smile.
"Madam has truly made a name for herself in the capital today."
“You must be careful what you say in the future.” Madam Qiu’s expression became more serious. “I’m afraid the entire household will have to be even more cautious in the coming days.”
......
The next day.
When the carriage stopped outside the Qiu residence, Madam Qiu was still somewhat dazed.
When I came to my senses again, I found myself outside the house where Sun Shu lived.
"I have taken the liberty of inviting both ladies here today because I am truly ashamed to request an audience with Miss Sun alone," Zhong Wuyi sighed. "But I cannot shirk my responsibility and apologize for this mistake."
“Lord Zhong is right, then let’s go in.”
Madam Qiu spoke softly. As she entered the mansion, she caught a glimpse of Madam Chen beside her and paused in her tracks. Madam Chen seemed to be very familiar with the place.
"Madam Chen seems to be very familiar with this place."
Madam Qiu spoke softly, and Madam Chen's expression stiffened upon hearing this, "This house was also overseen by my husband, so I'm quite familiar with it."
"I see."
After that, Madam Chen made a series of small moves, and Madam Qiu's smile became somewhat forced. After leaving the mansion, she immediately returned to the Qiu residence.
Zhaoning Palace.
"Your Majesty, Madam Qiu claimed to be ill after returning to the manor."
Hearing Wanji's words, Jiang Yu smiled and said, "This Madam Qiu is quite a clever woman."
They are meticulous and know how to assess situations.
"Keep an eye on the Chen family; they must have some shady dealings with powerful families."
Just as Wanji stepped out of the house, Gu Lin hurriedly returned. After changing his clothes, he embraced Jiang Yu and said, "Ayu, I have thoroughly investigated Chen Ping. He was transferred to the capital for his meritorious service in flood control."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yu's eyes flashed. "I hadn't paid attention to this person before."
"This man appears kind and honest, and he was promoted to Minister of Works for his meritorious service in building the dam. His political achievements over the past four years have been remarkable."
Gu Lin still feels a chill run down his spine when he thinks about it. How could such a wolf have been kept by his side for four years and hidden so deeply?
“Although Chen Ping’s actions are inappropriate, we don’t have concrete evidence yet. Ah Lin, we can’t be impatient.”
Jiang Yu relaxed and leaned lazily against Gu Lin's chest.
"Have you had any discomfort in your stomach these past few days?" Gu Lin reached out and stroked Jiang Yu's belly. "On the way back, I specially went to get a peace charm for the little one in your belly."
Not only must I land safely, but more importantly, I must ensure my mother's safe and worry-free arrival.
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