This time, the capital city was like being swept by a storm. Fifteen titles were stripped, and two marquisates were brutally beheaded in public. The nobles in the capital city were like frightened birds, trembling with fear and walking on thin ice.
The biggest beneficiary of this was undoubtedly the emperor. He confiscated numerous court officials, filling the treasury to an unprecedented level. Furthermore, he also stripped away the titles of the princes' wives' families, significantly reducing the princes' support. The emperor's prestige among his officials grew immensely stronger.
Zhenguogong Mansion
Ever since they had brought their father-in-law and eldest brother home from the palace that day, the Duke of Zhenguo and Jiang Yunzhu had both fallen ill, like candles in the wind. In the Dali Temple prison, they had caught a cold; in the Pilgrimage Hall, they had been frightened like frightened deer, and in their terror, they had both fallen ill.
Now, the numerous patients in the mansion were like a heavy burden on the shoulders of the Duke's wife, Zhuang. She had never experienced such a situation before, but the situation was so critical that she could not afford to retreat.
She forced herself to cheer up, invited the best doctors to treat her mother-in-law and the Duke, personally supervised the decoction and feeding of medicine, and at the same time tried to appease and stabilize the people in the mansion.
Jin Linlin was also busy. Today she had to deal with her eldest brother's mistress. The crime His Majesty had brought against her was like a sharp sword, aimed squarely at the abduction of a woman. Her father-in-law had instructed her to talk things over, give her enough money, buy her a house in Gusu City, and then open a female household to properly settle her down.
Jin Linlin and Cao Jiao arrived at the courtyard in a small sedan chair, unnoticed. They really didn't want to make a big fuss about this matter. Survival for women in ancient times was as difficult as icy ice. They decided to send the woman away quietly and let her start a new life in a place where no one knew her.
This woman is truly beautiful, like a delicate flower, inspiring pity. Her delicate and vulnerable demeanor seems to evoke a man's strongest desire to protect her. No wonder my eldest brother is so captivated by her, even warning me before leaving. If it weren't for His Majesty's conviction, he probably wouldn't have let her go.
After Jin Linlin and Cao Jiao sent the woman away, they came to Baiweixuan, a famous restaurant in the capital, as planned, and walked into the reserved private room in advance.
They ordered the most famous Luofu Spring Snow Brew here, along with a few other dishes. After savoring it carefully, they found it to be truly nectar, with a low alcohol content and a gentle, feminine charm, perfect for drinking. As they savored the wine and chatted, they were in high spirits when someone from next door arrived.
The two of them quickly shut up and pricked up their ears, afraid to miss the slightest sound from next door. Sitting next door were none other than the Fourth Prince and Jiang Shiwei. Jin Linlin had been sending people to keep an eye on Jiang Shiwei. Knowing that she had an appointment with the Fourth Prince, she arrived early, hoping to hear what they were plotting.
Jiang Shiwei said softly, "Your Highness, the Fourth Prince, the world is in turmoil right now. You must prepare for a rainy day! I've been dreaming about the future a lot lately."
The Fourth Prince suddenly became interested: "Oh? Tell me, what did you dream about? Humph, Father's methods were ruthless this time, and this prince's support has been greatly reduced."
Jiang Shiwei smiled faintly, like a blooming spring flower. "I dreamed of the topic of this imperial examination. Your Majesty will definitely use many students in this examination. After all, many official positions in the court are vacant. Your Highness can take this opportunity to place your trusted confidants in this position."
Jin Linlin and Cao Jiao heard everything clearly from the next room. Cao Jiao was stunned and was held tightly by Jin Linlin. Jin Linlin's eyes were sharp and she lowered her voice and said, "Don't worry for now. Let's see if there are any more conspiracies and tricks."
At this time, whispers from two people continued to be heard from next door. Jiang Shiwei was so bold that he dared to interfere in the imperial examination. This was a capital crime!
The Fourth Prince reached out and gently stroked Jiang Shiwei's hand, saying softly:
"Wei'er is right. If this succeeds, I will definitely remember your contribution and I will dote on you in the future. Since you can predict the future, you must give me advice and help me."
Jiang Shiwei was as shy as a newly blossoming peach blossom, and said coquettishly, "I will marry Your Highness sooner or later, and I will naturally consider you in everything."
"Wei Er is so nice. No matter what the future holds, I will always have a soft spot for you."
"Your Highness!"
…
The two people who were eavesdropping next door got goose bumps all over their bodies. The Fourth Prince actually molested a twelve-year-old girl in such a greasy way. It was really outrageous and he deserved to be struck by lightning!
Imperial Palace Dragon Palace
Today is the day when Jiang Zhixu is on duty at Longchen Palace. He leads a group of Jinyiwei to guard the imperial palace.
Inside the Longchen Hall, Emperor Song was concentrating on reviewing memorials, while the chief eunuch Guo was gently fanning the emperor.
Emperor Song happened to look up and saw Jiang Zhixu standing at the doorway as straight as a pine tree. A knowing smile appeared on the corner of his mouth:
"Ash, come in."
Upon hearing the emperor's summons, Jiang Zhixu flashed into the hall, lifted his robe, knelt on his knees, and shouted, "Your Majesty!"
The Song Emperor waved his hand, as if a spring breeze was blowing: "Get up!"
Jiang Zhixu stood up, as tall and straight as a bamboo, and thanked him, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Emperor Song looked at Jiang Zhixu, who had grown up to a full-grown man with long arms and legs, for a moment, and his heart was filled with pride:
"Ah Xu, you've encountered so many cases since you first joined the Imperial Guard. Are you used to it? I heard that you've been living in the guard post for the past month and just returned home yesterday?"
Jiang Zhixu was flattered and kowtowed, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern. I've been dealing with numerous cases lately, and someone in my family is implicated. To avoid suspicion, I've been staying at the guardhouse. I just closed the case yesterday and returned home."
The emperor couldn't help but laugh when he saw Jiang Zhixu being so respectful:
"It's only been a few years since we last met, and yet you're already so distant from me. Your grandmother is my biological sister, so you're also my grandson. Three years ago, you vowed to become a general, and it's only been a few years, yet you're so respectful to me."
"Your Majesty, there is a difference between the ruler and the minister. I dare not forget the way between the ruler and the minister." Jiang Zhixu bowed and replied with a respectful attitude.
The emperor patted his shoulder gently, as kindly as an elder: "Work hard, and don't let my sister down."
Jiang Zhixu's expression straightened, as if he was facing a formidable enemy: "Yes, Your Majesty, by the way, Your Majesty, a poisonous insect has been discovered in my residence..."
Jiang Zhixu then reported everything about Zhuang's affairs and the poisonous insect to the emperor.
"I fear that Dong Jinguo is plotting something. Your Majesty must be more vigilant. Gu worms are difficult to guard against."
Emperor Song pondered for a moment and made a wise decision: "Let's keep an eye on Zhuang Shi in your mansion for now and see if we can get more information."
"Yes, I obey your command, Your Majesty. There are many people from Dong Jinguo in the capital right now. You must be careful."
"Yes, I know."
…
After Jiang Zhixu left, Emperor Song sat on the dragon throne and thought for a long time before calling the secret guards:
"Go and keep an eye on the princess and hostage of the Dongjinguo marriage, and send another group of people to keep an eye on Princess Qingmin."
"Yes, I will obey your order."
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