Three-bedroom Buhuaxuan
In the evening, Cao Jiao, supported by Mei's mother, took a leisurely stroll in the yard. She was more than four months pregnant, her belly slightly bulging, and her body was noticeably heavy.
Jiang Shuyan returned to the courtyard and saw his wife taking a walk. He quickly handed his official hat to Mother Mei and went forward to help Cao Jiao up.
"Jiaojiao, is the baby bothering you?" After saying that, he gently touched her belly.
"He's very well behaved. He's fine despite the dangerous situation a few days ago. He must be worried about his mother!" Cao Jiao's face was full of loving smiles.
"I finished my last diplomatic mission today and will go to the Ministry of Revenue tomorrow. The envoys from these countries have finally returned home today. This past month has been incredibly busy, but all the hard work has paid off. I finally got promoted to the Ministry of Revenue."
Jiang Shuyan pursed his lips and said:
"Jiaojiao, my brother said that you and my second sister-in-law saved the emperor, so my second brother and I were promoted twice. I'm sorry for taking the credit from you."
"We're husband and wife, why are you being so polite to me? If you were to reward my second sister-in-law and me, it would just be some empty title of Madam, or some gold, silver, and jewelry. It's no better than a promotion."
Cao Jiao rambled on and on about her thoughts. Jiang Shuyan couldn't help but raise his lips slightly as he listened to Cao Jiao's words, his eyes filled with tenderness: "Jiao Jiao is really understanding. But this credit originally belonged to you, and I always feel a little guilty."
Jiang Shuyan sighed and continued:
"Many officials were bribed by Dong Jinguo in this incident. His Majesty is already conducting a thorough investigation and has transferred many officials from the local areas. The court is about to change. Prime Minister Zhuge is dead, and Second Minister Lu has been imprisoned by the Dali Temple. The only cabinet minister left is Second Minister Su. His Majesty will probably use many young students in this imperial examination."
Cao Jiao rubbed her temples with her hands. She didn't know what was going on. After she became pregnant, she always felt that the baby would have the same great powers as her. Her great powers would appear and disappear at times.
At this time, a little maid came running over, panting, and said, "Third Master, Third Madam, the Duke has sent someone to tell you two to come over."
Jiang Shuyan and Cao Jiao exchanged a glance, each beginning to wonder what their father-in-law wanted to talk to them about at this time. They quickly gathered their clothes and headed towards the Duke's courtyard.
When we got there, the people from the Second House were there, as well as Jiang Shiwei. The Duke sat steadily in the main seat, glanced at everyone, and then spoke slowly:
"Your second and third houses have made great contributions this time. Zhixu and Shuyan have both been promoted. This is a great joyous event for our family. However, people are afraid of fame, just as pigs are afraid of being fat. You must be more careful in what you do in the future."
Then he looked at Cao Jiao and said, "You are pregnant, so you must take good care of yourself and stop running around." Cao Jiao nodded obediently.
"Your grandmother and I will be returning to our hometown tomorrow. This Duke's Mansion will be handed over to you two. Don't be proud and complacent. Be careful what you say and do."
"Leaving tomorrow?" Jiang Zhixu was a little surprised. "Father, why are you so anxious?"
The Duke waved his hand and said, "You've made all the arrangements back home. Besides, you're all capable of handling things on your own now, so your grandmother and I can go back with peace of mind. This mansion depends on the two of you to hold it together."
Jiang Shuyan and Jiang Zhixu exchanged a glance, then bowed and said, "Don't worry, father. We will manage the Duke's Mansion perfectly."
The Duke turned to look at Jiang Shiwei:
"Shi Wei, I will take your aunt back to my hometown. Do you want to stay or go with us?"
"My daughter will be getting married in two years, so she won't be going back to her hometown." Jiang Shiwei's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't developed a good relationship with the Fourth Prince yet, so why would she go back to her hometown?
The Duke raised his eyebrows:
"Okay, then you can just embroider your dowry in the yard, and don't run outside the Duke's Mansion all the time, and don't cause trouble for your second and third sisters-in-law."
Jiang Shiwei felt relieved, as long as he didn't take her back to her hometown.
Imperial Palace
Dragon Palace
The Song Emperor tightly grasped the "Gu-absorbing Incense" gifted by Jiang Zhixu, his emotions incredibly agitated, unable to calm down for a long time. He had originally believed that only the Imperial Preceptor could cure the Gu in his body. If he couldn't find the Imperial Preceptor after a month, he would have no choice but to commit suicide. He truly didn't want to become a beast at the mercy of others.
Who would have thought that the brat actually possessed such a rare treasure? Unfortunately, there was only one, so it was truly invaluable! The brat also said that he had used it once, and that this incense could only draw out four Gu worms at most.
If he hadn't been poisoned, the boy probably wouldn't have been willing to take it out, saying that he bought it at a high price at the night market and extorted a lot of gold from him.
Emperor Song stared at the "Sucking Gu Incense" with a determined look. He decided to give it a try tonight. He wondered if it would be effective against the Gu worm.
As night fell, the Song Emperor dismissed everyone and, alone in the Dragon Palace, lit the "Gu-absorbing incense." Wisps of green smoke rose. Not long after, the Gu-worm that the Imperial Master had implanted that day, as expected, scurried out of his nose like a frightened mouse.
The beast twisted and struggled in agony on the ground. The Emperor was overjoyed and immediately blew out the incense and candles. Such a rare thing should be carefully preserved.
Looking at the insect on the ground, Emperor Song snorted coldly, then threw it into the brazier without hesitation. The insect was instantly engulfed by the raging flames in the brazier, making a sizzling sound, and turned into ashes in a moment.
The Song Emperor gazed at the vanishing Gu insect, his worries slightly eased. He knew that while this "Gu-absorbing incense" could temporarily alleviate the crisis, it was by no means a long-term solution. He had to dispatch troops as soon as possible. Dong Jinguo's methods of using Gu poison were insidious and ruthless. Since he had dared to anger him, he must bear his wrath.
Su Mansion
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