Chapter 33 (The Annulment of the Engagement)
March 16th, the main hall of the Nanjiang County government office.
"Reporting to Magistrate Su, all the bandits from Luoning Temple have been handed over to the Prefectural Criminal Court. Three have already been sentenced to immediate execution, while the remaining accomplices have been flogged and exiled," said Clerk Gong. "The Prefect also attaches great importance to this matter and said he will resolve it as soon as possible."
The thought of so many bandits hiding in the temple is terrifying; who wouldn't be afraid?
Su Qing nodded: "What about Fuying County? Have they caught the traveling merchant who was involved?"
"The government has already sent officers, saying that the people in Fuying County have been locked up in jail and cannot escape punishment."
In that case, this matter is more or less over.
Gong Dianli paused for a moment, then recounted the rumors he had heard.
Having spent so much time with Magistrate Su, he knew the magistrate wouldn't hold a grudge.
"My lord, there are some rumors circulating in the city. We should probably be careful," said Clerk Gong.
Su Qing pressed down on the letter beside her: "What does it relate to? Is it about dissatisfaction with the government hiring another female clerk?"
"It's still about Yaogu Village; they used wounded soldiers."
"Or perhaps the magistrate of Fuying County is dissatisfied?"
Gong, the clerk, said helplessly, "All of the above."
He asked curiously, "Sir, how did you know?"
This was specifically mentioned in a letter from Gu Congsi's friend.
Since Gu Congsi went to the capital to take the exam, his unknown friend in the prefecture city had been sending him a letter every two weeks.
His tone became increasingly strange, almost like he was watching a spectacle.
Fortunately, he explained the situation in the prefectural city to her in great detail.
Su Qing listened to Gong Dianli's account of the situation and indicated that she understood.
We definitely need to hire a female clerk; she needs someone around her.
The use of wounded soldiers was unexpected, especially since the incident happened so suddenly and so many had come.
As for the matter of Yaogu Village, its involvement with Fuying County was purely accidental.
However, these things can cause so much dissatisfaction.
It's simply because of two things.
One is power; the other is dissatisfaction with her, this woman, having gained power.
Secondly, there's the issue of money. Nanjiang County, located in Guangle Prefecture, seems to be excessively wealthy.
If that's the case, then there's nothing we can do about it.
If someone insults you, it's because you have so much power and money.
Can you get angry?
I couldn't get angry at all; in fact, I felt a bit good about it.
Su Qing replied to Gu Congsi's friend, her tone as calm as she was.
First, I expressed my gratitude, then asked the scholar to keep an eye on the developments of medicinal herbs and the government's attitude towards medicinal herbs in Nanjiang County.
The things mentioned above will at most arouse jealousy.
The matter of medicinal herbs, or rather, money, is actually more sensitive.
People die for wealth, birds die for food.
The example of Luoning Temple is right before our eyes.
This is what we should be focusing on.
When the letter was sent out, Wu Hufang asked, "Is he a newly appointed scholar? Why isn't he going to take the metropolitan examination?"
Su Qing said, "His grandmother passed away before the New Year, and he is still in mourning."
So that's how it is.
It's such a pity.
This year's imperial examination is extremely important, but I cannot participate.
Wu Hufang also read the letter the other party had sent, and frowned, saying, "This person is so rude, deliberately being sarcastic."
Su Qing laughed and said, "Never mind him."
"We don't know much about the prefectural city, so we need him to pass on our messages."
There's really no need to worry about tone of voice.
After sending the letter, Su Qing asked, "How's the recruitment going?"
I've been so busy lately, but I've finally managed to free up some time.
Speaking of this, Wu Hufang's eyes lit up, and she looked at Magistrate Su with eyes full of admiration.
Her maidservant followed the entire incident at Yaogu Village and now praises it every single day.
Now that they've hired additional female clerks, I feel even more impressed by the magistrate's abilities.
“There were four good ones, but when I asked them if their families agreed, they all shook their heads.”
To be a clerk, one must be literate.
Families where women were literate generally did not lack a stipend.
The Nanjiang County government office was different from other places; officials there were not allowed to bend the law for personal gain or seek personal benefits.
Everyone will definitely disagree. She'll have to get married eventually, what if her reputation is ruined?
Wu Shanyue's intention was to protect her family, which strongly suggested she would not marry.
Su Qing has a promising fiancé, so she's not afraid of not getting married.
What about you?
A few words were enough to dispel many people's thoughts.
Those four women had also sneaked out for the interview, enduring considerable pressure.
After listening, Su Qing looked at Wu Hufang looking at her expectantly and said with a smile, "Which families are they? I'll go and talk to their parents on their behalf."
Having taken this step on her own initiative, her mind must be firmly set on it, and she's willing to lend a hand.
With Su Qing's intervention, there were naturally no major problems, and the four of them quickly took up their posts in the government office.
Among them, the most knowledgeable eighteen-year-old Zhu Fangjie followed Su Qing around, helping him write documents and calculate accounts.
Most of the others worked in the household affairs office, and would come over to help when Zhu Fangjie was not there.
Regardless of what people say outside.
In any case, Nanjiang County did recruit female clerks.
Those discussions naturally faded away; what difference would it make if they didn't?
They act as if they have the power to make decisions, but all they're doing is spouting nonsense.
As for the magistrate of Fuying County's dissatisfaction, it dissipated with the letter sent by Su Qing.
The reason was simple: Su Qing helped introduce several buyers of medicinal herbs so that the herbs from Fuying County would have a place to go.
In this way, the misunderstanding naturally dissipated.
Rumors of her using wounded soldiers without permission gradually died down.
The company commander of the wounded soldiers' ward said directly, "We're just recuperating here and doing some light exercise. Who listens to Su Qing?"
"In terms of official rank, I'm higher than her. Why would I listen to her?!"
This statement is even arrogant.
But it made many people nod in approval.
Yes, what makes Su Qing so capable that even the battalion commander listens to her?
Are they even mobilizing troops?
How could that be!
At the Nanjiang County government office, Lian Feiyang handed over a wooden gun: "If you want to defend yourself, practicing marksmanship is the best way."
"If you encounter danger, mount your horse and run away. If you also take a long spear, no one will dare to approach you, and you will most likely be able to escape alive."
Since the incident at Yaogu Village, Su Qing has become very aware of the potential crisis.
When Lian Feiyang found out, he took the initiative to come and teach her, and even made a wooden gun suitable for Su Qing's height for her to practice with.
Su Qing has grown quite a bit taller in the past two years, and his height is more slender than the average person, about 1.72 meters. This height is very suitable for using a gun.
Su Qing practiced a few moves, and during the break, she made a point of thanking Commander Lian.
After all, of all things, using military force is the most inappropriate.
"I just did as you said, there's no need to thank me." Lian Feiyang didn't take credit and said with a smile, "I'll do whatever you say."
Su Qing was silent for a moment before saying, "I'll practice on my own from now on. I won't trouble you, Captain Lian."
"By the way, I heard you're going to the front lines. Be careful. Consider this a favor I owe you."
It was fine just now.
Suddenly kicking people out?
Lian Feiyang looked him up and down, then directly asked the question that had been bothering him: "Why?"
Just then, Instructor Gu, looking excited, trotted over: "My lord! The results of the prefectural examination are out!"
"All fifteen candidates from our Nanjiang County have made the list!"
"Passing the prefectural examination basically makes you a Xiucai (a successful candidate in the county-level imperial examination)."
"Fifteen scholars were produced in a single year!"
"Cong Si is right, listening to him is the right thing to do!"
Gu Congsi.
Lian Feiyang then looked at Su Qing.
So that's how it is.
They all forgot that she had a fiancé.
Su Qing knew what Instructor Gu was talking about.
Last year, his whole family wanted to move away.
Gu Congsi advised his father that the students of Nanjiang County were far superior to those of other places, so their results in this year's imperial examination would certainly be excellent.
If his father stays for another year, he will have an excellent political record.
Fifteen candidates, fifteen scholars.
In modern terms, this translates to a 100% college entrance rate.
As the head of the local education bureau, how could he not be excited?
Su Qing was naturally happy as well.
Instructor Gu continued, "That Fei Kaiyu was the top scorer in the prefectural examination, the number one among the scholars."
"Excellent, excellent, truly excellent."
Why did Xiaofei do so well on the exam?
Everyone in the government office was happy for them.
This makes Nanjiang County even happier.
Look at their Nanjiang County, they're amazing in every way.
Fei Kaiyu also sent a letter, specifically writing about his observations in the prefectural city, and even saying that it was not as good as home.
They also said they would be able to return by the end of March, so please, Your Excellency, reserve a place for them and don't let anyone else take their clerk position!
It seems Xiaofei already knows that she has hired new right-hand men?
Zhu Fangjie frowned as she looked at the letter.
Despite her gentle nature, she was extremely dissatisfied at this moment.
Someone's trying to steal your job, aren't you happy about it?
Of course I'm not happy.
Moreover, her boss is Su Qing; whoever tries to take her away will become her enemy!
Su Qing was already reading another letter.
Gu Congsi received the letter from a friend and carefully investigated the medicinal herb situation in the prefectural city, even collecting information on the scale of medicinal herb cultivation in other counties of Guangle Prefecture.
The letter concluded, "You will be a thorn in their side."
“Last year, the military allocated 100,000 yuan, and some people were still wondering about it.”
"Fifteen scholars added fuel to the fire."
"The moon wanes after it is full, and water overflows when it is full."
The previous minor problem has been resolved.
The real trouble has arrived.
Su Qing knew that Fuying County wasn't the only place eyeing the medicinal herb business.
You can tell by looking at how medicinal herbs are flourishing all over Guang Le Fu.
Even the three counties that were just recaptured are preparing to plant medicine for wounds, and the reason is simple.
In the current battle situation, they are the closest to the front line, much closer than Nanjiang County, so they should be the ones to handle the military's medicinal herb trade.
Speaking of this, we must mention the 100,000 taels of silver notes that Minister Qi sent at the end of last year.
The 67,000 yuan inside is the full payment for the medicinal herbs.
The remaining 36,000 yuan was the advance payment for wound medicine in the first half of this year.
In other words, no matter how hard other places try.
Nanjiang County still holds the advantage.
Gu Congsi's friend was absolutely right to say that she was a thorn in someone else's side.
The fact that fifteen scholars had a 100% online rate made countless people envious.
"The moon wanes when it is full, and water overflows when it is full." Su Qing accepted these eight words.
"Being an official is too good, and too many people are jealous of you."
Su Qing silently praised herself.
After praising her, Su Qing sat down, her face calm.
If she weren't Su Qing, she would be one of those jealous people.
What to do now?
After a moment's thought, Su Qing's face became genuinely serious.
"Remove him from office."
The argument that women cannot hold official positions is sufficient.
Previously, Nanjiang County had a special situation, but now that it is far from the war, this position should be given up.
At this moment, a petition to impeach her may have already been sent to the capital.
They could even embellish the details of previous troop deployments.
However, at this moment, Su Qing breathed a rare sigh of relief: "Gu Congsi is in the capital."
Although the imperial examination had not yet arrived, he was already being taken seriously by the emperor while preparing for it at the Imperial Academy.
With connections in the capital, everything can change for the better.
It is now March 22nd.
There is still more than a month until the harvest of wound medicine in the first half of the year.
Those people who want to do business in medicinal herbs can only do so during this period.
Otherwise, all of this will be in vain.
Su Qing changed the paper again and took the initiative to write a letter to Gu Congsi.
However, given his personality, if he discovers a problem, he should help her resolve it.
Nanjiang County, which has always been the envy of many.
Another event added fuel to the fire.
That was one of the five logistics supply routes established by the imperial court, with Nanjiang County being one of them. Later, four more routes were added.
However, many people have noticed this.
Even if four new routes are opened, logistical supplies from all over the country will not use them.
They continued to take the detour, determined to pass through Nanjiang County and rest there.
I don't mind taking a slightly longer route.
Only those places that are truly inconvenient to travel to will settle down elsewhere.
Even during breaks, he kept complaining.
They always said they were inferior to the Nanjiang County government, inferior to the constables there, and even inferior to the county magistrate there.
"They all praised us as heroes, saying we were extremely efficient, and they even provided us with hot tea and soup. What about you?"
“If it weren’t for the fact that it wasn’t on the way, we would definitely have stayed in Nanjiang County.”
"That's right, a county magistrate who came from the imperial examination system is not as good as that female county magistrate."
These were originally just normal compliments.
But after saying it so much, even Gu Congsi's friend took it seriously and urged Su Qing to quickly loosen the reins and blend in with the crowd.
The friend's letter was blunt: "When a crane stands out from the crowd of chickens, the chickens either get so angry they die, or they go and peck at the crane."
"Su Hehe, blend in with the world!"
This letter is urgent enough.
Half a day later, another letter arrived, even more urgent.
"They know you have Gu Congsi as your fiancé, so they can't easily touch you. They're already preparing to undermine you from the start."
"Saving your marriage is saving your future, remember that."
Gu Congsi's future is already clear.
Su Qing could guess that Gu Congsi was in the capital.
Those people could think of that too.
So they want to ruin this marriage?!
Indeed, without this marriage, more people will be able to suppress her without restraint.
They are still wary of Gu Congsi, fearing that the emperor's close advisors will retaliate against them.
In the past, she definitely wouldn't have cared.
It's hard to say now. First, Gu Congsi is indeed a good man. Second, his friend is right: preserving the marriage means preserving his future.
Or rather, this is the simplest way to secure one's future.
Su Qing was half-reclined in the chair.
Zhu Fangjie, the clerk standing next to her, bit her lip, indignant: "Sir, they are bullying you because you are a woman."
Su Qing was surprised, but smiled and said, "Don't say that."
"It's less about bullying and more about taking advantage of that."
These people want to bring her down, not because she is a woman.
They were simply using this to seize power from her and the money she could handle.
They're even willing to resort to such underhanded tactics.
It seems he truly is a useless piece of trash.
After winning several battles, Shunchang Kingdom began fighting for its own interests again.
The previous harmony seemed to be just a fleeting moment.
Do these people deserve the respect of the general and his men?
“If you believe their framing, you’ll fall into their trap,” Su Qing laughed. “It’s just a normal power struggle within the imperial court.”
"If I were a man, wouldn't all this have happened? They could still attack me for not having achieved any official rank and for simply inheriting my father's position."
Su Qing stood up and straightened her clothes: "Let's go, let's go to my fiancé's house and visit my future in-laws."
To be honest, this was her first time visiting the Gu family.
This was the first time she had addressed Instructor Gu and his wife as her parents-in-law.
When Mei Niang heard this, she wanted to come along, but Su Qing stopped her: "Mother, aren't you going to the wounded soldiers' sanatorium? Go quickly."
"Since he is away from home, I am just fulfilling my filial duties on his behalf."
If Gu Congsi heard this, I wonder what he would think.
But when Instructor Gu and his wife saw Su Qing carrying gifts into the door, their faces turned ashen.
Su Qing asked the clerk, Zhu, to put the things down and said, "Cong Si wrote a letter saying that he wanted me to visit the two elders more often. He will be taking the imperial examination in April and won't be able to take care of the family, so he is very worried."
"I thought that if his mind was disturbed, it would be of no benefit to the imperial examination."
What do you think?
The clerk was dumbfounded.
This isn't visiting your future in-laws; it's clearly threatening them.
Magistrate Su would never feel that she needed to be subservient just because she was a daughter-in-law.
All she needs to do is identify her goal and then do her best to achieve it.
This is even another form of arrogance.
The faces of Instructor Gu and his wife turned even uglier.
Su Qing noticed the gold hairpin in Madam Gu's hair and tilted her head, saying, "It's not from this area."
"Has anyone been to the Gu family's house?"
Gu Congsi's friend said that someone would undermine his cause.
It seems this is where we should start.
“Magistrate Su, you are a very good person, intelligent and capable,” Madam Gu said, mustering her courage. “But following Si is not suitable.”
"Why don't we do it?"
Madam Gu didn't finish her sentence, but everyone knew what she wanted to say.
Let's just part ways.
I'll say it again.
In the past, Su Qing would have just felt lucky and immediately agreed.
Now we know it was a trap, that someone was plotting against us.
Those people believed that once Gu Congsi was no longer her backer, it would be easy to bring her down.
At that time, this lucrative prize of Nanjiang County will fall into the hands of those with ulterior motives.
Su Qing glanced at her, and Madam Gu subconsciously shut her mouth. The teacup was gently placed on the table, the sound clearly audible.
"OK."
Before Instructor Gu and his wife could be overjoyed, Su Qing continued, "I'll write a letter now and make sure Gu Congsi receives it before the imperial examination."
Can't!
Received before the imperial examination.
Then, then Cong Si must be unhappy.
The imperial examination is so important that there can be no slightest change!
Their plan was for their families to secretly call off the engagement.
Only they know this, and they're keeping it from Cong Si, who's about to take the exam.
"No, absolutely not! You're going to ruin Cong Si! What good will that do you!" Instructor Gu exclaimed, jumping up and down.
For him, his son's future was of paramount importance.
He flew into a rage, even frightening Madam Gu.
Su Qing chuckled and shook her head slightly.
Looking at the two of them, she had already made up her mind.
Su Qing said, "Actually, I came here to talk about annulling the engagement."
The clerk was astonished.
Are you here to chat?
Su Qing asked Instructor Gu to bring paper and pen, and wrote the annulment document on the spot, then gently affixed her seal.
However, the letter was not delivered to Instructor Gu.
The Gu couple were impatient, but Su Qing slowly said, "The imperial examination will be held on the sixth day of the fourth month, and the results will be released on the fifteenth day of the fourth month."
"The palace examination in May has ended."
"The letter will be sent out at that time."
"It won't hinder your son's future, and the engagement can be called off."
"However, it will take more than a month."
Why?
Su Qing went to such lengths just to avoid delaying Cong Si?
This is indeed a win-win solution!
The Gu couple experienced extreme emotional fluctuations, and their heartbeats were much faster than usual.
But a voice suddenly appeared: "No!"
"It's too late!"
Su Qing looked at the newcomer without surprise.
This man looked travel-worn and didn't seem to be a local.
Su Qingming asked knowingly, "Why is it so late?"
"Because around May, the first half of the year's medicinal herb procurement was almost over."
"If they replace me then, it will all be for nothing."
Their hasty and blunder-filled moves were all aimed at replacing Su Qing and monopolizing the profits from the first half of the year's injury medicine.
If we wait until Su Qing has settled the profits, there's no point in replacing him.
Therefore, Su Qing just needs to stall for time.
She would drag it out until the medicinal herb purchasing season was over, until she had finished integrating the resources of the pharmaceutical companies she had in hand.
Regardless of whether she remains the county magistrate or not, she will be able to control all the buying and selling of medicinal herbs in Guang Le Prefecture.
He even made connections with the military official Qi.
The godson and goddaughter of Qi Neiguan's deceased friend were all very close to her.
In this situation.
Trying to pry the military acquisition deal out of her hands will be extremely difficult.
Su Qing was also 100% confident.
The Gu family would definitely agree with her approach.
Because they disagree, she would definitely ruin Gu Congsi's imperial examination.
Destroy it without any psychological burden.
“Your family wouldn’t even be angry with me,” Su Qing said with a smile. “What do you think, parents-in-law?”
"We'll listen to them and break off the engagement now."
"Should we listen to me and discuss this after the palace examination?"
Su Qing handed the annulment letter to Zhu Shuli, asking her to deliver it to the two of them.
Gu Jiaoyu accepted the letter of annulment but refused to sign it, gritting his teeth and saying, "We will not annul the engagement."
"The Gu family and the Su family are also related by marriage."
"Outsiders should not interfere!"
The "outsiders" turned green with embarrassment.
He was a servant in the household of the head of the prefectural government's clerk's office. He brought countless gifts and used all sorts of sweet talk to try and persuade Gu Congsi's parents to break off the engagement.
Fortunately, the two families hit it off immediately. The Gu family had long wanted to annul the engagement and were very satisfied with the family background of the official in charge of the clerk's office.
If this succeeds.
Without the promising Gu Congsi as her backer, and with the envy of many, Su Qing will soon be brought down.
I didn't expect her to react so quickly, and even resort to threats against the Gu family.
She was even willing to ruin her fiancé's future.
With such skill, he could easily be a prefect.
The servant of the head of the clerk's household secretly admired Su Qing, but he was also very anxious.
If I mess up the job, I'll definitely get a scolding when I get back.
The man left dejectedly, taking all the gifts with him except for the gold hairpin in Madam Gu's hair.
As I was leaving Nanjiang County, I thought I saw a familiar figure from behind.
"That's a horse from the Hua family in the prefectural city? The beloved steed of Hua Jingming, the young master of the Hua family?"
"You must be mistaken. How could the Hua family come here?"
"I don't want to think about it anymore. Su Qing, you are the nemesis of the officials in the prefecture."
Su Qing, who had been being talked about, had already returned to the yamen.
Apart from the clerk Zhu, no one in the yamen knew that she and Gu Congsi were no longer engaged.
They are no longer engaged.
The clerk was stunned, but the magistrate remained calm.
Su Qing was too lazy to explain.
Her engagement to Gu Congsi was arranged in a rather haphazard way from the start.
I had my doubts before.
No need for that now.
The Gu couple are not rational enough and may do something astonishing at any time.
She was too lazy to deal with it, so she decided to end it all.
As for Gu Congsi's thoughts.
Su Qing sighed, hoping that he would pass the imperial examination in May and stop worrying about such trivial matters.
Everyone has their own future to look forward to.
However, using him to exchange for temporary peace is still a bit of a bad idea.
Su Qing felt unusually guilty and was thinking about how to explain things to Mei Niang.
Despite having a thousand thoughts running through her mind, Su Qing still instructed, "Summon the two heads of the Medical Training Department."
Dr. Bai and Dr. Hao are, in other words, Chief Clerk Bai and Deputy Chief Clerk Hao.
Since the establishment of the medical training department, the two of them have spent most of their time training medical staff.
Now that the front lines have been pushed forward, there's no need to do this anymore, and the two of them felt a little regretful.
After all, working in a government office is a different matter.
This time, Su Qing gave them an even more important task: "Integrate two parts, one is the purchase of medicinal herbs, which is easy to handle."
"Secondly, we should consolidate the situation of the suppliers and try to sign long-term contracts."
“The local pharmacy acts as an intermediary, supervised by the Medical Training Department, while your two pharmacies are supervised by the Household Department.”
That concludes everything.
Basically, it's about understanding both the planting situation and the situation of the buyers.
In particular, agreements are reached with buyers to understand market trends and to learn about the medicinal materials needed in advance.
At that time, Nanjiang County will follow the market changes.
Having acquired this knowledge, neighboring counties also needed them to act as intermediaries if they wanted to sell medicine.
What Su Qing needs to do is to turn Nanjiang County into a medicinal herb trading market.
To become a trading platform.
This might be difficult to do elsewhere.
However, given their reputation, port infrastructure, and pool of medical talent, it's only a matter of time before they become a trading center.
Previously, we could let things take their natural course, but now we need to speed things up.
Another function of medical training was brought out in advance: to understand the situation of local pharmacies.
Manager Bai and Deputy Manager Hao nodded repeatedly.
They did it immediately.
I've almost finished my tasks, and it's almost dusk.
Su Qing got up and stretched, telling Zhu Shuli to go home and rest early, and she also went back to the inner quarters ahead of time.
There will be an explanation for Mei Niang's situation sooner or later.
But it's better to say it sooner rather than later.
Mei Niang loves her daughter so much, she shouldn't be too sad, right?
Thinking this, Su Qing walked towards the back of the house, but the gatekeeper said, "Magistrate, there is a guest outside who requests an audience. This is his visiting card."
guest?
Su Qing looked at the name card and saw that it read "Hua Jingming" followed by his identity and background.
The Hua family in Guangyue Prefecture.
Everyone knows this name.
I heard that his grandfather was once the Grand Secretary and was able to retire peacefully.
The Hua family wielded immense power in Guangyue Prefecture, and every new prefect would personally pay them a visit.
This Hua Jingming was a good friend that Gu Congsi had made in the prefectural city.
He also came in second in the provincial examination last year; he is very talented.
Was Hua Jingming here because of Gu Congsi's request?
It's really impressive that someone would go to such lengths for a friend.
"Let's go to the main hall," Su Qing instructed. "Bring the best tea."
Hua Jingming was led to the hall of the yamen, took a sip of tea, and swallowed it with difficulty: "What kind of rotten leaves can be displayed like this?"
Although it was the first time the two had met.
However, after exchanging letters five or six times, they had a general understanding of each other's personalities.
Seeing that Su Qing was indeed not angry, Hua Jingming said again, "Magistrate, don't you want to give me an explanation?"
Seeing his expression, Su Qing knew that he must have gone to the Gu family first, and probably already knew the whole story, so she simply said, "There's nothing I can do."
"No way? Does that mean we can just call off the engagement?"
"Do you know how hard Gu Congsi worked for your engagement?" Hua Jingming said unhappily.
Knowing that the head of the clerk's office had sent someone to find Gu Congsi's parents, he immediately rode over.
But it was too late.
Gu Congsi and Su Qing did break off their engagement; in fact, Su Qing herself wrote the letter of annulment.
If Old Gu knew, he would probably go crazy.
He had personally witnessed how Gu Congsi refused to marry the clerk and how he avoided other people from proposing marriage.
After they became close friends, Gu Congsi, who was usually serious, actually smiled and said, "She's different."
"Really, you'll know she's different when you see her."
Now I've seen it.
It's definitely different.
What a ruthless and vicious woman.
Su Qing spread her hands and said simply, "So after the annulment letter is sent out, I'd appreciate it if you could help persuade them."
"His parents were right about one thing: we're not a good match."
“Even if it’s not a good match, you shouldn’t break off the engagement for his future,” Hua Jingming said bluntly. “He’ll definitely pass the exam, and with him as your backer, your position will be more secure.”
"Without him, those who are jealous of you will only become more insane."
Su Qing ignored his previous words and asked, "Even more insane, how insane is it now?"
Hua Jingming paused, but didn't try to hide it.
"At banquets big and small, everyone is talking about you, wondering how much money you and Eunuch Qi have spent on medicine."
"I'm curious how much money your Nanjiang County made as a transit point."
"Even with another bumper harvest, how much profit can be made through our relationship with the Ye family of Jiangnan?"
The more they talked, the more envious they became.
Therefore, various methods were employed.
Su Qing now has Gu Congsi as her fiancé.
What will she do if she loses it?
Unless you find a more powerful backer.
“Don’t feel ashamed to find a powerful backer. Many scholars and officials need to find their fathers-in-law or godfathers for help.” Hua Jingming thought for a moment and said helplessly, “No one can protect you except for my family’s background.”
Hua Jingming quickly explained, "Don't think about my family. I'm an only child. You can't mess with a friend's wife."
Strange and eccentric.
Who asked you?
Su Qing said, "You must be tired from the journey. Let's rest first. We can talk about it later."
This isn't a reversal of the truth; it's clearly just a way to fool people.
Su Qing was eager to explain to Mei Niang, but still arranged for Hua Jingming to stay.
As for the marriage of his friend Gu Congsi, there's no need to mention it again.
There's also the so-called "backer".
When Gu Congsi was just a scholar, they never said they needed a powerful backer.
Hua Jingming was right about one thing: a man can use his father-in-law as a stepping stone, and it's perfectly reasonable for her to want to ask for help.
However, instead of trying to build a good relationship with the Hua family, it would be better to ask the general for help.
I still have some influence with the General.
Su Qing finally returned to the inner quarters.
Mei Niang brought over dinner, which was a soup and rice dish that Su Qing loved, and she also made hawthorn water to help improve her eyesight.
"Reading so many documents every day must be exhausting."
"You still need to get more rest. It's been a bit hot lately, but don't overdo it with cooling."
After dinner, Su Qing finally mustered up the courage to be alone with her mother and bring up the matter of breaking off the engagement.
"Mother, I am going to the Gu family today, not to see my parents-in-law."
"It's a broken engagement."
Su Qing was about to continue explaining when Mei Niang grabbed her hand and suddenly burst into tears: "Qingqing, have you been wronged again?"
“The last time I took Gu Congsi to the exam, Mother noticed that the couple’s expressions were off.”
“They get angry if their son smiles at you, and they get even angrier if he’s nice to you.”
Mei Niang had many tears, all of which fell onto Su Qing's hand: "If she marries into that family, she'll suffer so much."
"Good for you to withdraw, very good."
Mei Niang is the kind of person who always thinks the best of things.
Approach people and things with the utmost kindness.
But on this matter alone, she felt only distress; the images of the Gu couple kept replaying in her mind.
This made Mei Niang realize that Qingqing and Gu Congsi were not another couple and their husbands.
But it seems inappropriate for her to bring it up herself and ask the two to break off the engagement; it's better to just observe how the couple handles it.
Seeing that the Gu family couple were actually a little afraid of Qingqing, she felt much better.
Mei Niang comforted herself, and then she heard good news.
Mei Niang was ignorant of the political situation and how the various factions were envious and jealous.
They didn't understand the pros and cons involved.
She just felt that her in-laws treated her daughter badly, so it was better to break off the engagement.
Regardless of what degree Gu Congsi achieves in the imperial examinations, it's best for him to retire.
Her Qingqing is the most capable; she doesn't need anyone else's help at all.
Su Qing looked at the teardrops on the back of her hand.
For the first time, I envied the original Qingqing.
This reminded her of her maternal grandmother; if her grandmother were still alive, she would probably support her in the same way.
After comforting Mei Niang, Su Qing couldn't sleep, so she decided to go for a walk outside.
The night in Nanjiang County was still very lively. She walked slowly among the crowd, feeling as if all the oppression and turmoil of the past had dissipated.
The air was filled with the lively atmosphere of people buying food and strolling around, and my hands were damp with the moisture from caring people.
She will definitely protect all of this.
When Lian Feiyang, the captain, came out to buy a saddle horse, he saw Magistrate Su. Before he could call out to her, he heard someone from upstairs in the restaurant say, "Su Hehe."
What's the name?
Su Qing didn't react at first, but when the man called out again, she looked up and saw that it was Hua Jingming.
"Who is he? Why is he calling you by that name?" Lian Feiyang strode up.
Su Qing smiled: "Now that you've called me by my full name, everyone's looking over here, right?"
"It's been a while since I've seen Lian Ba."
"Yes, I'm going to the front lines." Lian Feiyang raised the saddle in his hand and said happily, "My injuries have finally healed, and the General has agreed to let me go back."
While talking to Lian Feiyang, Su Qing heard Hua Jingming calling her from upstairs, so she had no choice but to say, "Let's go, let's go see what kind of soul he's calling for."
On the second floor of Ye Family Restaurant, Hua Jingming saw them finally arrive and pointed to the starry sky, saying, "Look, the constellations seem a little different today."
Looking up, the moon in late March was not very bright, but the stars in the night sky were exceptionally bright, one of which was dazzlingly bright.
“Sirius,” Su Qing said slowly.
Her maternal grandmother often took her to see the stars when she was little, so she recognizes them.
Unexpectedly, even Fei Yang and Hua Jingming looked at her.
Su Qing realized that Sirius, being the main star of war, was so bright today, which was not a good thing.
Hua Jingming's expression turned extremely serious. He took a few steps forward and muttered to himself, "To its east is a large star called Wolf. Next to Wolf is a large star called the Old Man of the South Pole."
"If the elderly are present, there will be peace; if they are absent, war will break out."
Su Qing subconsciously looked around Sirius.
There was no other large star, not even a trace.
If they do not see each other, war will break out.
Has fighting broken out on the front lines again?
Lian Feiyang stood ramrod straight: "I'm leaving immediately, I can't wait any longer."
Su Qing nodded: "Take care, and be sure to come back safely."
"If you come back, will you be married?" Lian Feiyang asked deliberately, seeing the somber atmosphere. "Oh, what a pity."
"That's really not right," Su Qing said. "As long as the person is back, nothing else matters."
Hua Jingming's teeth ached from looking at it.
Old Gu, if you can't even keep an eye on your wife, you shouldn't go out to take the exam.
The three of them couldn't help but laugh, and the atmosphere suddenly relaxed.
But the battle reports coming from the city gate made the atmosphere in Nanjiang County terrifying.
"Urgent! Urgent!"
"The government office will take it immediately!"
"Is this an urgent report from the front lines?" Hua Jingming asked.
"No." Lian Feiyang's expression changed drastically.
Su Qing was already heading towards the yamen (government office).
The front line is in the west.
This urgent report came from the east.
It seemed to be an urgent report from the capital.
Lian Feiyang and the other two immediately followed.
Su Qing had already opened that urgent report.
"An uprising has broken out in the capital and in Yizhou, which is near the capital."
"They said they wanted to honor the rebel leader, Wu Yong Wang, as emperor, and hoped that military generals from all over the country would rush to the aid of the capital."
The capital city is on the verge of collapse.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com