Stone coffin female corpse 4
When Xiao Congzhi and Xie Mowen left the table, the four members of the Xiao family were still not fully awake and all looked dazed. Naturally, Xiao and Xie could not trouble themselves to ask for lodging, so they declined and left the Xiao residence.
The early winter was chilly, and the streets were deserted late at night. The moonlight, however, was bright and clear, casting a tranquil glow over the area. Xiao Congzhi and Xie Mowen walked side by side, exchanging a few words every now and then.
“Before, you wouldn’t say a word no matter how I coaxed you to call me ‘husband,’ but today you keep calling me ‘husband.’”
Xiao Congzhi chuckled: "There's no such thing as calling out 'one' at a time; it was just called out once."
"Why not my husband? I prefer this one."
"That's how my mother addressed the late emperor in her letters."
How should we usually address them?
"My father was still the crown prince at the time, so he should be addressed as Your Highness."
Xie Mowen paused for a moment before speaking: "Your parents truly have a very deep affection for each other."
“I can see that. This is the first time I’ve heard this.” Xiao Congzhi sighed slightly. “I never knew these details. I used to think that my mother was just a woman from Jiangnan whom my father had chosen to have children, and that she would later become a victim of political maneuvering.”
Xie Mowen reached out and squeezed Xiao Congzhi's palm.
"My mother must have been a woman of great talent. After she returned to Yidu with my father, I must have done something during those two years. I will study those letters carefully when I get back."
"Hmm." Xie Mowen nodded, then asked, "Have you talked too much with the Xiao family?"
"Trust those you employ, and don't employ those you don't trust. You should trust my judgment."
Xie Mowen shook his head and smiled: "I was overthinking it."
"Xie Mowen." After a long silence, Xiao Congzhi suddenly called out.
"Um?"
"Have you decided whether you want to come back to Yidu with me?"
Xie Mowen glanced at Xiao Congzhi and replied with a smile, "Why do you ask that?"
“The situation is unpredictable now, and I may not be able to protect you.” Xiao Congzhi pursed his lips. “Don’t think I’m being dramatic tonight. After hearing those past events, I’m scared.”
Xie Mowen stopped, put his arm around Xiao Congzhi's shoulder, and made him turn around to face him. He raised his hand to touch Xiao Congzhi's cheek and said earnestly, "You went to Yidu and faced a life-or-death situation, while I returned to Anling to eke out a living. How could such a thing happen? I sent a message to Shaocheng to rush to Yidu. I will use everything I have to help you. Congzhi, I am your husband, and you are my husband. Although it sounds sentimental, we should share life and death."
Xiao Congzhi pulled Xie Mowen's hand down and held it in his own, smiling faintly as he replied, "I didn't mean to stop you from going. It's just... if something goes wrong, I might miss you?"
He couldn't possibly do what his father did, not missing his mother for eight and a half years.
"I will obey, my good husband, we will live and die together. Will you not die for me?"
Xiao Congzhi silently looked away.
"That's enough." Xie Mowen understood Xiao Congzhi's meaning. If something went wrong, neither party should take their own life. They both had inescapable responsibilities and had no right to be willful for love. "Shaocheng has a lot of things that I've played with since I was a child. You can find them and reminisce about the past."
After saying that, Xie Mowen shook off Xiao Congzhi's hand, turned around and continued walking forward. Xiao Congzhi jogged a few steps to catch up, and quietly reached out his finger to take Xie Mowen's hand again.
Xie Mowen didn't shake him off again.
The topic of life and death seems to have been easily agreed upon, but that's only because things haven't reached their conclusion yet. Who knows what the situation will be like when they actually encounter it?
The two stayed at Yinglai Inn, the largest inn in Ninghai, where the Emperor No. 1 Room was the most comfortable.
Upon entering the room, before he could even light a lamp, Xiao Congzhi embraced Xie Mowen from behind, pinned him against the wall, and half-removed Xie Mowen's clothes, kissing and nibbling at his collarbone.
"Hiss—don't bite."
"Mmm..." Xiao Congzhi responded, but still occasionally showed his teeth during the kiss.
...
"No, let's go to the Xiao family again, pick up the things, and then leave." Xiao Congzhi's voice was clear now.
Xie Mowen kissed Xiao Congzhi's forehead, then got up and rummaged through his bundle for clothes.
After about half a cup of tea's time, the two finished packing and headed to the Xiao family again.
The Xiao family members were waiting at the gatehouse. When they saw Xiao Congzhi shimmering in the air, they came out to greet him. Xiao Congzhi smiled and raised his fan from afar, as if afraid that the family members would kneel down.
"If I had known you were all waiting here, I would have come earlier," Xiao Congzhi said, gesturing for everyone to enter the house.
Old Master Xiao's attitude was much more lenient than the night before, and a slight smile appeared on his face: "I was quite drunk last night, Your Majesty must have seen me like this."
"Xiao Congzhi".
Old Master Xiao paused in confusion.
"Just call me."
"This..." Old Master Xiao frowned and thought for a while before agreeing, "That's true. With so many people around, it's best to be careful."
Xiao Congzhi did not mean that; he simply remembered his mother's letter mentioning that she wanted a nickname for his maternal grandparents to use. Although Congzhi was not a nickname, it was still a more intimate way of addressing him, much better than "Your Majesty" or "Your Majesty." However, Xiao Congzhi did not insist on it.
Where is Si Zhao?
“I urged him to pack his luggage as soon as I got up early,” Xiao Hezhang replied.
Xiao Congzhi nodded: "The situation in Yidu is urgent. Brother Xie and I will ride back as fast as we can. If Sizhao finds it difficult to keep up, she can stay behind for a few more days."
Xiao Hezhang adopted a stern fatherly demeanor: "How can he not endure this little hardship? Let him follow you, so that he can be looked after."
Old Master Xiao, who was leading the way, turned around upon hearing this and said with a sigh of relief, "I knew I was too drunk last night and misheard. Young Master Xie is indeed your friend. We vaguely heard... well, never mind."
Xiao Congzhi glanced silently at Xie Mowen. Sure enough, there was helplessness in the man's eyes. He wondered why the Xiao family members were so calm when he came here today. It turned out that they had sobered up and were trying to avoid the issue by explaining that they had misheard.
Hesitant at the moment, Xiao Congzhi stopped and spoke cautiously: "I probably didn't mishear, but I don't usually call him my husband."
Just then, Xiao Sizhao, who had finished packing his bags, came out of the inner courtyard. Hearing the word for the second time, he was so frightened that he fell flat on his face on the stone pavement, wincing in pain.
Xiao Hezhang was completely stunned. His mental preparation, which he had spent the entire morning, collapsed in an instant. He stood frozen in place, his soul seemingly leaving his body.
Old Master Xiao was better off. He didn't believe that the four of them had all misheard, but he indulged in self-deception and refused to accept reality.
"Follow him." Old Master Xiao walked up to Xiao Congzhi, sighed heavily, and said calmly, without being overly earnest or condescending. "Do you know that this is even more difficult than what your mother did?"
Xiao Congzhi was stunned for a moment. He insisted on telling the Xiao family that his relationship with Xie Mowen was both willful and selfish, because he did not want to deceive his family with all sorts of excuses, nor did he want Xie Mowen to follow him around as if he had no status and could not be seen in the light.
Therefore, he was prepared to accept disappointment, blame, admonition, or even betrayal, but he never expected that the first thing he would hear was concern.
After saying this, Old Master Xiao stopped talking, turned around and continued leading the way. Although he didn't sigh, his steps were noticeably heavier.
Xiao Congzhi used the hem of his robe to cover his mouth and squeezed Xie Mowen's palm. Such concern was rare in the past twenty years, and he was unfamiliar with responding to it, leaving him at a loss.
Xie Mowen grasped Xiao Congzhi's hand, hiding it in his sleeve, and said clearly, word by word, without speaking loudly or softly enough to be inaudible: "I thought the second thing he would say was that he would be worried about me, his relative by marriage."
Old Master Xiao stopped in his tracks, Xiao Hezhang came to his senses, and Xiao Sizhao got up from the ground. All three pairs of eyes glared at Xie Mowen, like three sharp knives that wished they could cut him into a thousand pieces.
Xiao Congzhi shook off Xie Mowen's hand and muttered, "Don't talk nonsense."
After saying that, he bowed apologetically to Old Master Xiao and explained, "He's a man of the martial world who doesn't care about formalities, please forgive him."
Despite his efforts to calm his turbulent emotions, Old Master Xiao pointed at Xie Mowen and said sternly, "Do you really want to be with this kind of person?" At that moment, he recalled the anger he felt more than twenty years ago when his beloved daughter brought a man back and insisted on eloping.
Xiao Hezhang, suppressing his anger, chimed in, "How can His Majesty, the supreme ruler, associate with such a foul-mouthed person?!"
Xiao Sizhao dared not speak, but he was also very angry. Back in Yidu, he had disliked Xie Mowen for being arrogant and disrespectful.
Xiao Congzhi stared blankly at Xie Mowen. Although he appeared calm on the surface, he was completely numb inside. He had never seen anything like this before.
Xie Mowen leaned close to Xiao Congzhi's ear, this time lowering his voice seriously so that only the two of them could hear: "If you're not familiar with each other yet, get to know each other first, and you won't feel so awkward later. I'll wait for you outside the mansion." After saying that, he patted Xiao Congzhi's arm, didn't even glance at the Xiao family members, and leisurely left on his own.
"What did he say to you?" Old Master Xiao asked urgently.
Xiao Hezhang then asked, "Is it slander and flattery?"
Xiao Sizhao leaned close to Xiao Congzhi, his face earnest: "Your Majesty, how can you allow him to act so recklessly?"
Xiao Congzhi slowly raised his hand and pressed it to his forehead, sighing wearily. He desperately wanted to ask Xie Mowen if he knew that going too far was a bad thing.
But it was too late now; in such a difficult situation, that guy had abandoned him to face it alone.
"His Majesty!"
Xiao Congzhi waved his hand, and the three people in front of him immediately fell silent. Xiao Congzhi then slowly said, "I know what I'm doing."
Before the three members of the Xiao family could speak, Xiao Congzhi quickly added, "But they were indeed too indulgent, and they will be disciplined."
Old Master Xiao clearly didn't believe such polite words, and Xiao Hezhang also looked like he wanted to say a few more words. Fortunately, Xiao Congzhi changed the subject in time: "Let's put that aside for now. Today I'm here to collect that share of the assets."
Since they were getting down to business, Old Master Xiao couldn't continue his outburst. With a stern face, he welcomed Xiao Congzhi into the study. Xiao Hezhang and Xiao Sizhao stood guard at the door and personally handed Xiao Congzhi the box containing the account books.
Xiao Congzhi composed himself, his expression hardening as he carefully examined the contents of the book, his brows furrowing deeper with each page. The reason was simple: the assets the Xiao family had so casually dismissed were far too substantial.
Not to mention being richer than a country, this is several times the amount in the current national treasury, enough to support the Zhenxi Army in fighting a thoroughly enjoyable battle.
Even if the Xiao family were wary of becoming a hindrance to the emperor, if Xiao Sizhao were to bring this ledger to Yidu, it would be a clear way to restrain Xiao Congzhi.
But now, it has been given to Xiao Congzhi without reservation or any backup plan.
They are not afraid of being discarded once the emperor bird is used up, or perhaps they don't care at all.
Xiao Congzhi closed his eyes tightly, still remembering Xie Mowen asking him the night before if he had said too much about the Xiao family. But based on that alone, he deserved it.
“This is a profound favor, and I will remember it.” Xiao Congzhi gazed at Old Master Xiao, speaking each word with utmost solemnity.
However, Old Master Xiao waved his hand dismissively, saying, "This is a trivial matter. It is that young man surnamed Xie who should not be allowed to live."
Xiao Congzhi never expected that this matter hadn't been resolved yet. He awkwardly touched his nose and didn't agree.
Suddenly, a noise came from outside, growing louder as it approached, stopping the storm that Old Master Xiao had just begun to brew.
Xiao Congzhi carefully put the account book away in his pocket, then turned and opened the door before Old Master Xiao could, asking in a deep voice, "What happened?"
About twenty people walked towards him, the leaders of whom were dressed in red, both men and women, and laughed as they explained, "We are here to deliver the dowry to the prefectural government. Congratulations, Young Master Xiao! It is a blessing from your past life that you can marry the daughter of the prefectural government."
Xiao Congzhi then remembered the story he had heard at the teahouse outside the city. He had been too busy these past two days to remember it.
Xiao Sizhao was stunned for a moment, then flew into a rage: "What? I already refused, I will never marry that woman!"
Xiao Hezhang straightened his face, pulled Xiao Sizhao behind him, and said loudly, "Marriage is a major event. It is the parents' decision and the matchmaker's words. There is no reason for the woman to send her dowry directly to the man as a gift."
“Oh dear~” A woman dressed as a matchmaker, about fifty years old and slightly plump, wearing a red flower in her hair, stepped forward, flipped a silk handkerchief to her lips, and said in a high-pitched voice, “We didn’t have this before, but we do now, don’t we? Besides, we have parents and a matchmaker, and Magistrate Feng doesn’t need your Xiao family’s dowry. We have everything, we just need an auspicious day to hold the wedding ceremony.”
Xiao Congzhi found it increasingly bizarre. Even if it was a forced marriage through power, how could someone barge into someone's residence in broad daylight and force a dowry on them? But right now, the other party was a government official, blocking the way. It was truly a dead end, and he could only compromise for the time being.
The three members of the Xiao family understood this principle, so they all had solemn expressions and remained silent.
The matchmaker pressed her advantage: "Then it's settled. Tomorrow at noon is an auspicious day. I hope Young Master Xiao will be on time for the wedding and not miss the auspicious hour."
After she finished speaking, a man dressed in red standing behind her casually bowed to the Xiao family members and said loudly, "The city gates are closed today. I hope Young Master Xiao will not have any other thoughts, lest..." He curled his lips meaningfully, "...cause bloodshed."
After making the threat and leaving the dowry behind, the group left without saying goodbye, just as they had come.
"What kind of mess is this?!" Xiao Hezhang exclaimed loudly in the direction the uninvited guests had left.
Old Master Xiao remembered that Xiao Congzhi was there, and said apologetically, "Please forgive me, we will handle this matter ourselves."
Xiao Congzhi raised his hand to indicate that it was alright, then frowned and asked, "How should we resolve this?"
Xiao Hezhang sighed again: "I don't know what's gotten into Magistrate Feng. A few days ago, he proposed marrying his daughter to Si Zhao. His Majesty probably doesn't know..."
“He knows.”
Everyone stared intently as Xie Mowen descended from the sky, landing right next to Xiao Congzhi. After standing still, he ignored their expressions and said to himself, "We heard about the Qian family on our way here."
Xiao Congzhi felt a headache and anger upon seeing Xie Mowen, and did not respond. Xie Mowen continued, "This matter is strange. There was a row of people standing in front of the Xiao family's gate just now. They were government officials and soldiers. If you had forced your way in, you would probably be in the government office by now."
Xiao Congzhi lowered his head and pondered, then said, "If Magistrate Feng is in a hurry to find a son-in-law, he has other options. Why force him to this point?"
“Although his daughter’s reputation is somewhat tarnished, there are plenty of families who would like to climb the social ladder and wouldn’t mind.” Xie Mowen said, opening his palm to Xiao Congzhi. Without much thought, Xiao Congzhi handed over the account book in his arms, which Xie Mowen then began to peruse.
They always had a tacit understanding, and their communication was always natural and smooth without needing to say much. By the time Xiao Congzhi reacted, it was too late. He didn't dare to look up at the expressions of the Xiao family members.
“These industries involve rice and silk, and no matter how careful you are, you might not be able to avoid being detected.” Xie Mowen closed the ledger and handed it back to Xiao Congzhi.
Hearing this, Xiao Sizhao became anxious and hurriedly asked, "You mean, the government is targeting me because we've been exposed?"
Xie Mowen shook his head: "It's hard to say. Knowing that your Xiao family is extremely wealthy, you wouldn't be in such a hurry to marry your daughter into the family."
"Si Zhao." Xiao Hezhang seemed to have made a decision. He walked up to Xiao Si Zhao, put his hands on her shoulders, and said seriously, "You will leave Ninghai with His Majesty in a little while." After saying that, he looked at Xiao Congzhi, "After nightfall, I think you will definitely have a way to leave. I'm entrusting Si Zhao to you."
"Father! What are you saying?" Xiao Sizhao asked in surprise, her eyes wide. "If I leave, what will happen to you, Mother, and Grandpa?"
Old Master Xiao leaned on his cane: "Would a county magistrate dare to actually use private punishment?"
"It's hard to say." Xiao Congzhi's face was heavy. Although Magistrate Feng was just a county magistrate, he was practically a local tyrant in Ninghai. The current situation, which was putting him under too much pressure, was actually not easy to resolve, not to mention that there might be other reasons behind it. However, the situation in Yidu was complicated, and he had to return as soon as possible; every extra day could lead to unforeseen changes.
“It’s fine to stay for one more day.” Xie Mowen nudged Xiao Congzhi’s hand and analyzed seriously, “We originally planned to return to Yidu in three days, but if we can exchange a Ferghana horse for a Ferghana horse every three hundred li, we can arrive in two days, day and night. We can stay until this time tomorrow before setting off.”
"No, absolutely not!" Old Master Xiao said solemnly, "How can we let His Majesty ruin the grand plan for Yidu because of the affairs of my Xiao family? If anything goes wrong, wouldn't my Xiao family be sinners for all eternity?"
“It’s alright, my mind is made up,” Xiao Congzhi said. “We can save a day by riding fast. We’ll set off again tomorrow. If the problem is still not solved by tomorrow, I will find a way to take the four of you out of the city together.”
Before Old Master Xiao could say anything more, Xiao Congzhi raised a hand, his eyes narrowed, and his imposing presence made everyone afraid to speak.
"If there's no solution by tomorrow, I'll take them out," Xie Mowen said calmly.
Xiao Congzhi thought for a moment and nodded. Almost all of his men were in Yidu, but the Demonic Sect had its own influence in Jiangnan, which was indeed more convenient.
Xiao Sizhao asked cautiously, "Since you can go out, why stay an extra day?"
Xiao Hezhang smacked Xiao Sizhao on the head, telling him to shut up.
Xiao Congzhi, however, was good-natured and offered some advice: "Since there's still time, it would be best to resolve this matter within a day. Otherwise, if it gets stuck in your mind, it might become a hidden danger."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com