The news of Emperor Jingyuan's handling of the Chengping General's Mansion quickly spread throughout the capital.
In the hearts of the people, the Song family army has been loyal and brave for generations, especially General Song. The late emperor unified the surrounding tribes, but in Song Ziyu's generation, there was a traitor who colluded with rebels, which is truly regrettable.
However, once the imperial edict was issued, the crimes of Yuan Shi and Song Ziyu were confirmed.
In particular, the Yuan family's attempt to manipulate court officials using witchcraft and forbidden arts caused a great uproar in the capital.
Yuan Shi had always presented herself as kind and benevolent in public, and many people firmly believed in her innocence. Upon hearing this news, they were both disappointed and angry.
Within just three days, public opinion was in an uproar.
When people judged Yuan Shi and Song Ziyu, they inevitably thought of Jiang Wan, who had married into the general's mansion.
Everyone then realized that Jiang Wan's desire for a divorce had caused quite a stir recently, but there was still no result.
The people gathered in front of the general's mansion to watch the spectacle, but the legendary Madam Jiang did not appear. They could only see golden-armored guards with swords guarding the mansion gate tightly.
Anyone could see that this was clearly imprisonment.
The Crown Prince could exert pressure on court officials, but he couldn't control the gossip of the common people.
Public opinion was in an uproar, which brought Jiang Wan more attention, and the matter was starting to show signs of becoming uncontrollable.
On this day, Madam Shang rode in a carriage to visit Madam Sun at the Minister's residence. As she passed through the streets and alleys, she heard the people discussing this matter.
"The general's mansion has sent some people to exile and others to exile, leaving only Madam Jiang, a woman, who is confined to the mansion and not even allowed to divorce. Isn't this trying to drive her to her death?!"
"Alas, this marriage was bestowed by the late emperor."
"The late emperor wasn't the matchmaker, so why can't he arrange marriages by mistake? If someone is entrusted to the wrong person, why shouldn't they be allowed to separate? What kind of logic is that!"
Immediately, some people covered the mouths of those nearby, saying, "Shh! How dare you say such a thing? Don't you want to live?"
Realizing he had misspoke, the man quickly stopped, but his face remained indignant as he muttered, "Lady Jiang has spent money to relieve disaster victims, helped us treat the plague, and even shielded the Emperor from a knife. Now, all she wants is a divorce. She hasn't committed any crime, yet the Crown Prince is imprisoning her like a criminal. It's truly..."
That's really too much.
The people silently thought to themselves.
"Forget it, Lady Jiang saved His Majesty's life, he wouldn't treat her like this. Perhaps he has other plans," someone suddenly said.
"Indeed, His Highness the Crown Prince has always been wise and discerning. How could he treat a weak woman like this?"
"Let's wait two more days and see..."
Lady Shang lowered the carriage curtain and sighed silently.
After the investiture banquet that night, she waited every day for Jiang Wan to enter the palace to request a divorce, and even had already thought about how to speak to the emperor on her behalf. She never expected things to develop to this point.
Not only was Jiang Wan confined to her quarters, but none of the court officials mentioned the matter.
My husband says this seems to be at the behest of the Crown Prince.
The Shang family was very surprised. Everyone knew that Pei Xuan was of noble character, and all the court officials believed that he would become a wise ruler, or even surpass Emperor Jingyuan.
How could he do something so outrageous?
The Shang family felt indignant for Jiang Wan, but were powerless to help.
The carriage stopped at the entrance of the Minister's residence. She adjusted her expression and walked towards Madam Sun's courtyard with a smile.
Madam Sun is currently heavily pregnant and at a crucial time for her pregnancy. She rarely leaves the house and is unaware of what is happening outside.
"Sister Shang, you've arrived."
When Madam Shang arrived, Madam Sun was overjoyed, her eyes shining, and she subconsciously looked behind her.
Seeing that there was no one behind him, he felt a little disappointed.
"Why did you come alone again today? Is Sister Jiang still too busy?"
Madam Shang nodded and replied perfunctorily, "Yes, such a big thing happened at General Chengping's mansion, she has to take care of everything, so she's bound to be busy."
Sun was pregnant and had a deep relationship with Jiang Wan. To avoid making her anxious and upset, Shang kept making excuses, saying that Jiang Wan was busy, and did not tell her the truth.
Unexpectedly, the Sun family is not so easily fooled today.
"Has something happened in the court recently?" she asked.
For five consecutive days, Minister Xue was busy in his study until late at night. Guests came to the mansion in an endless stream, and everyone's face was full of worry. Madam Sun had already noticed the problem.
Shang wanted to give a perfunctory answer, but seeing Sun's solemn expression, she was afraid that she would overthink and become even more upset, so she had no choice but to speak frankly.
"It's the Eastern Palace. People in the court are all talking about His Highness the Crown Prince's inappropriate behavior."
She told Madam Sun about what happened at the General's Mansion, and upon hearing it, Madam Sun immediately stood up.
"What? You mean Sister Jiang has been imprisoned by the Crown Prince?"
Lady Shang hurriedly stepped forward to support her, whispering, "It is still unknown whether it is His Majesty's or the Crown Prince's intention. Moreover, the talk of imprisonment is just speculation. Don't be anxious."
“Sister Jiang was married in the name of the late Emperor, so His Majesty will certainly not easily grant her a divorce! However, His Highness the Crown Prince has gone too far; how could he send troops to imprison her?”
Sun called out urgently towards the door.
"Prepare the carriage, I'm going to see the Empress."
The Empress has always been kind to Jiang Wan; perhaps pleading with her would be of some use.
Even if they can't get a divorce, at least release the person first. What's the point of keeping them locked up in the general's mansion like this?
Lady Shang stopped her: "Do you think I didn't go? The Empress claimed to be ill a few days ago, and no one could see her. Judging from this, she doesn't want to get involved in this matter."
Upon hearing this, Madam Sun's face paled even further: "Even the Empress is not acceptable?"
Mr. Shang helped her to bed and offered her a few words of comfort.
Before leaving, he added, "Sister Jiang is a woman of great foresight. We might as well wait a few more days. If all else fails, we can go to the Emperor to speak on her behalf."
Sun nodded, but was very worried.
When Minister Xue returned to his room that evening, she asked about the matter again. Minister Xue advised, "The Crown Prince's actions were indeed inappropriate. Some officials have already heard rumors, and perhaps Lady Jiang will be released in a few days."
"What if a few days is a few days?" Madam Sun pressed. "What if those officials who dare to speak out are coerced or bribed by the Crown Prince?"
Minister Xue: "His Highness the Crown Prince is of noble character and would not do such a thing."
“A person of high moral character would not commit such a thing as imprisonment.” Madam Sun was very angry.
Minister Xue frowned: "Be careful what you say." He turned around and saw his wife holding her pregnant belly, her eyes red with anxiety.
“Sister Jiang has helped the Minister’s family before. Now that she is in trouble, it is time for us to repay her.”
"If my husband intends to stand idly by, I will go to His Majesty tomorrow to demand an explanation for her!"
Minister Xue quickly tried to coax her, but he felt a headache coming on.
In fact, he felt that this matter was strange. The Crown Prince was not someone who could not distinguish right from wrong, but he could not explain the affairs of the court and the country to Sun in detail.
Sun is naive and stubborn. In order to stand up for her sisters, she might really make a scene in front of the emperor. What if that causes harm to the fetus?
Minister Xue relented: "Alright, alright, don't worry, I'll write the memorial."
Anyway, this matter can't be covered up anymore. Jiang Wan's affair will inevitably reach the court sooner or later, so it won't make a difference if it takes a day or two.
Urged by Madam Sun, Minister Xue wrote a memorial that very night and had it sent to the palace.
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