Chapter 57 is undoubtedly true.
As the conversation progressed, fine beads of sweat appeared on Mo Jian's forehead: "This Jin Yunnian, who married into the family, was found by spies to be a relative of a collateral branch of the Cen family in Zhaoqing Prefecture. However, both his parents were deceased, and he could not find a single acquaintance he knew. It seems as if this person appeared out of nowhere specifically to find a husband for Miss Cen."
There's no need to say more. With the Cen family's influence in Zhaoqing Prefecture, arranging an identity for someone would be incredibly easy. Too many coincidences coming together are no coincidences at all; there's no doubt that the 'Jin Yunnian' who married into the family is Meng Qingci.
The 'Zhongxiang' was originally presented to Fu Heng by the Cen family, and Miss Zhu's mother was from the direct line of the Cen family.
No wonder she suddenly changed her mind and wanted a child; she had figured out the key to it and was paving the way for her own future.
This tactic of keeping things hidden under one's nose is indeed a good method. No matter how many people he has sent out over the past two years, he has searched everywhere without success.
She not only changed her appearance but also disguised herself as a man and pretended to be a loving couple with the eldest daughter of the Zhu family, giving her a legitimate identity. It was really great.
If he hadn't been curious about Gu Huaixu and dragged her into it, he probably wouldn't have discovered it for at least ten years, let alone two. She dared to hide so brazenly right under his nose, even swaggering around Xiaohai, living a carefree and happy life.
Fu Heng lowered his eyes, a cold smile playing on his lips, revealing no anger, but the jade pen in his hand snapped in two.
He scoffed: "That good junior brother of his, why did he stay after going to the Maritime Trade Office? I wonder if their meeting was accidental, or if they had been secretly having an affair all along. Was it her own doing that she blew up the death shield in the alchemy room at Qingyun Temple? Or was she already having an affair with that good junior brother back then?"
Thinking of this, Fu Heng's heart tightened suddenly. Now that she could get rid of him unharmed, that two-year-old child must also be his.
He really underestimated her abilities. Back then, he used his money to buy the Zhu family's property, helped Zhu Youyi get rid of the Zhu family, and was willing to pretend to be her husband and hide her identity.
The eerie silence in the study, punctuated by the sound of a pen snapping, sent a shiver down Mo Jian's spine. His throat tightened, and he nearly let out a terrified burp. He held his breath, trembling with fear, afraid to make a sound lest he incur Mo Jian's wrath.
If Mo Song hadn't been crying his eyes out, saying his son had just been born and his whole family was counting on him, he wouldn't have gone to the trouble for Mo Song. He was really going to great lengths for that bastard.
In Xiao Hai's Maritime Trade Office, everyone was Mo Song's man. Mo Song was also the one who had been with the lady the longest. He had been able to remain unnoticed for two years right under her nose. Not only could he swagger in and out of the Maritime Trade Office, but he also mingled very well among the aristocratic families and wealthy merchants of Guangzhou Prefecture. His business even extended to his master's military.
If Mo Song were to report this matter himself today, his master would probably skin him alive.
Fu Heng finally let out a chilling laugh: "For so long, hasn't anyone realized that she's a woman?"
Fu Heng's eyes sharpened as he suddenly remembered an old incident.
About a year and a half ago, when Yao Ruhai came to report on his work, in order to curry favor with him, he mentioned that when he returned from the capital, he was traveling through Zhejiang with Meng Qingci, and his wife and Meng Qingci had a casual conversation at the prefect's residence.
Recalling that Yao Ruhai seemed to have mentioned at the time, "Speaking of which, my teacher's wife once chatted with my wife a few times and showed some interest in my wife's family's maritime trade business. My wife still remembers my teacher's wife's concern and care to this day, and often feels grateful for her gentle and virtuous nature, never showing the slightest disrespect because of her humble background..."
Then he thought back to those days on the ship, when he only thought of her as a young and impulsive girl, using this as a pastime for entertainment, never suspecting any real intention. Ah, how ironic! Where she went was already traceable.
It turns out that she had been thinking about how to leave him for a long time, and had even planned out where she would go. Her mind had never changed from beginning to end.
Mo Jian, almost forcing himself to speak carefully, replied, "Madam... is extremely skilled in disguise. Her demeanor and appearance are completely different from before, so it's impossible to tell. In addition, besides her reputation for being 'henpecked husband,' what's even more widely known is that she has several confidantes, and all of them are deeply in love with her. This is considered a beautiful story among foreign merchants and wealthy businessmen, and everyone envies Madam for enjoying the blessings of having multiple wives. Therefore, no one has ever suspected anything."
Fu Heng's face was extremely gloomy at this moment, and the pent-up anger surging in his chest was about to burst out.
How dare she! Not only did she fake her death to deceive him, but she also showed her face in public, engaging in all sorts of romantic escapades with others! Fu Heng suppressed the turmoil in his eyes, his rationality taut and on the verge of snapping, and gritted his teeth as he ordered, "Prepare the ship, set sail immediately."
Mo Jian was greatly alarmed upon hearing this. There were only a few days left before the army marched to the capital, and everything was ready. If his master were to leave now, wouldn't that be seen as undermining morale?
When Mo Jian met Fu Heng's seemingly calm eyes, which were actually ready to burn everything in the next moment, he didn't dare to say a word of advice. He bowed and accepted the order, hurriedly retreated to make arrangements, and didn't dare to delay for even a moment.
The governor's mansion was suddenly brightly lit in the dead of night. The servants hurried about, but none of them dared to make a sound. In the oppressive silence, everyone was orderly performing their duties.
Xie Luan was old and frail, and with the army about to set off, his mind was in turmoil as Fu Heng's strategist, making it difficult for him to sleep. Suddenly, he saw lights being lit outside the courtyard, casting many shadows. A thought struck him, and he immediately put on his clothes and got up.
His servant was dozing in the porch when he was startled awake. He rushed forward to help him up and asked sleepily, "Master, where are you going?"
Xie Luan was speechless and tapped his forehead with his finger: "Didn't you see that the lights are all on outside? If you go out, don't say you're with my people. I can't afford to lose face like that."
"I was still half asleep." The servant chuckled憨厚ly, then asked suspiciously, "What are you doing in the middle of the night?"
Xie Luan: "Let's go out and take a look."
Upon leaving the courtyard, the servant saw the servants of the mansion and stopped them, asking, "What happened?"
"I don't know." The servant bowed his head and waved his hands repeatedly, keeping his mouth tightly shut. He ran faster than a rabbit and disappeared into the shadows in the blink of an eye.
Xie Luan knew Fu Heng's rules; the servants in the governor's mansion were all like wooden sculptures, and they would never utter a word of dissent. He sighed and said, "Let's go and take a look at the front."
The master and servant walked through the bustling courtyard, watching the chests and boxes being moved back and forth. The servant couldn't help but ask again, "Master, what are you doing in the middle of the night?"
Xie Luan remained silent until he reached the gate of the mansion, where he happened to see Fu Heng riding away on horseback, disappearing into the night in a cloud of dust.
The old man stroked his beard, lost in thought.
The servant, seeing that it was the middle of the night, was in a panic and asked anxiously, tugging at his sleeve, "Master, is something serious happening? Is there an enemy attack? Is there going to be a war?"
Xie Luan pulled back his sleeve in disgust, puffed out his beard and glared at her, and said irritably, "What do you mean by 'attack'? Stop talking nonsense."
The servant was in a good mood despite being scolded. As long as it wasn't war, he was fine. He was terrified of dying, but he didn't dare to ask any more questions.
Xie Luan's small eyes gleamed. Standing in front of the gate, in the quiet night, he turned and went into the mansion. Suddenly, he laughed twice: "Madam is probably coming back. Wonderful, wonderful! That old Taoist priest really can see through the secrets of heaven. He deserves to die before me, hahaha."
The servant followed Xie Luan, speechless and choked with emotion, thinking to himself, "What kind of outrageous words are these?" He was, however, incredibly curious about the reticent governor's wife, but dared not ask any more questions. He had personally witnessed someone being beaten to death for mentioning her.
Outside the capital city, Qixia Temple stands quietly amidst the misty mountains, like a secluded place for immortals to cultivate themselves, isolated from all the turmoil and intrigue within the capital.
Inside the Sanqing Hall, incense smoke curled, adding an air of unapproachable mystery to the solemn and majestic statues. The air was filled with the tranquil scent of sandalwood, and the occasional clear sound of a bronze chime echoed within the hall, further emphasizing the profound Taoist atmosphere and the grandeur of Taoist practices.
In a corner of the side hall, Fu Jingyu wore a loose, plain-colored Taoist robe, which made her slender waist appear even more delicate. She only used a lotus-shaped jade crown to tie her hair up, without any makeup. Her eyebrows and eyes were sparse and her temperament was otherworldly. Apart from the white jade bracelet she wore at night, she had no other jewelry.
Fu Jingyu bent over in front of the rough wooden table, her eyes lowered and her mind at peace, carefully copying the "Supreme Mysterious Treasure Limitless Salvation Classic" stroke by stroke. This is a sacred text in Taoism for saving the dead and praying for blessings.
A thick stack of copies lay on the table, the ink neat and the mind focused, as if a female Taoist priest were sincerely praying for blessings and devoted to the Tao.
Only in the moment she put down her pen and focused on her work, when she looked out the window at the towering palaces, did a faint yet inescapable complex emotion flicker across her eyes.
Fu Jingyu thought: If she copies more, the Crown Prince will not blame her. As the legitimate daughter of the Fu family, she has no choice in the matter.
Zi Fu came in from outside, put down the hot tea she was carrying, and said with great concern, "Master, why are you making things so difficult for yourself? The Crown Prince has passed away, and you are the one who is most heartbroken. You are ruining yourself by copying scriptures day and night. If the Crown Prince were alive, he would be heartbroken to know this."
Fu Jingyu continued writing without looking up and said calmly, "It's alright, you can go about your business."
Zi Fu's eyes reddened: "The dew is heavy on the mountain, how can your body withstand it? It's not good to stay in the temple all the time."
At this moment, Chunxi came in and pulled Zifu out. Once they were in a secluded corner, Chunxi lowered her voice and asked, "Are you really stupid, or are you just pretending?"
Zi Fu wiped away her tears, pursed her lips, and asked, "What do you mean?"
Chunxi said irritably, "Now the entire capital is controlled by the First Prince. Doesn't he know what he's thinking about our mistress? If she hadn't come to the Taoist temple, our mistress, the former Crown Princess, would have been completely taken advantage of by the First Prince."
Zi Fu glanced at her, then lowered her eyes: "Only you are smart. I'm a blockhead. I only know how to care about my master. Aren't there all of you?"
Chunxi thought Zifu was hopeless, shook her head in disappointment, and turned to leave.
Seeing that Chunxi had disappeared from sight, Zifu smiled mockingly. Everyone was just putting on an act. They all knew perfectly well how the First Prince had died, but their master wouldn't say. They were all just putting on an act.
She now envies Qing'er, who escaped the quagmire of the Marquis of Anyi's mansion early on, much better than her having to put on an act every day with constant anxiety.
As for hiding from the Crown Prince, she really didn't know. It was just an excuse. Who in this Taoist temple is a vegetarian these days? What's the situation now? What are the masters thinking? How could they, who serve them closely, not know?
Overthrowing the world, poisoning the crown prince, framing the eldest prince, colluding from within and without—none of these can be told to outsiders.
Yun Jian and Liu Chun have vanished without a trace, leaving only her and Chun Xi. She wonders what tricks that little hussy Chun Xi is up to.
Zi Fu thought to herself: If she doesn't pretend to be stupid, she will become a pawn, and once the dust settles, she will inevitably be silenced.
Since Meng Qingci and Chen Junyan completed the sugar transaction, they have developed a close relationship based on shared interests, and their friendship has become more than just superficial. Taking advantage of their "honeymoon period," Meng Qingci took the opportunity to mention her desire to buy and sell mines.
With iron ore, Meng Qingci was able to use the methods given to her by Gu Yuchen to research and develop refined iron and steel, enabling her to forge better knives and even wooden guns.
She had been looking for mines for a year and had made some progress. However, at this time, it was absolutely impossible to do business in mines without connections in the government. For example, it was impossible for merchants to mine and resell copper mines privately.
What she had her eye on was an iron mine. Although it was not as valuable as copper mines, ironware was also subject to government control. Meng Qingci did not want to get involved in the Cen family's favors, so she could only exchange her interests with Chen Junyan for his connections.
It just so happens that Zhao Jinglun is hosting a dinner today, inviting the wealthy and powerful members of the Fujian-Guangdong Chamber of Commerce and foreign merchants to gather at the theater to watch a play and drink. Meng Qingci thought that she would discuss this matter with Chen Junyan alone after the banquet.
After several rounds of drinks, as the banquet was in full swing, Xue Tianlu's gaze sharpened. He saw Chen Junyan, not far away, slightly turned his head and leaned close to Jin Yunnian, their heads almost touching, whispering to each other. It was unclear what Chen Junyan was saying, but Jin Yunnian occasionally chuckled softly, his posture relaxed, the two appearing quite intimate.
It was evident that the two had only known each other for a short time, yet they had already become very close.
Xue Tianlu was almost driven mad with jealousy. He couldn't stand Jin Yunnian's talent and luck. A son-in-law should keep a low profile. How could he sit at the same table as these aristocratic merchants? It was an honor for him. But the foreign merchants and Chen Junyan at the table insisted on praising Jin Yunnian. No matter how he did, he couldn't compare. How could Xue Tianlu not be jealous?
Seeing that Xue Tianlu's expression was off, Zhou Jichen nudged him and asked, "What are you looking at? You look so cold. Who upset you this time?"
Xue Tianlu sneered, "Brother Zhou, you mean well. Now that Jin Yunnian has climbed up to Master Chen's high branch, he has probably long forgotten your kindness. You have done all this for nothing, and I wonder how you feel now, Brother Zhou?"
Zhou Jichen knew him too well. Hearing this, he chuckled and shook his head, poured him a full cup of wine, and advised, "Why do you seem to become more shrewd as you get older? Business, business, 'The world is bustling, all for profit; the world is bustling, all for gain,' this is human nature. You and I are all in it, so why do you insist on getting stuck on this dead end?" (From Records of the Grand Historian)
Zhou Jichen thought to himself: I've already reaped all the benefits of this matchmaking. It's all about buying and selling, what's the difference? His introduction business is risk-free and highly profitable. Out of brotherhood, he gave Xue Tianlu a few pointers, which was more than enough.
Xue Tianlu didn't refuse Zhou Jichen's request, picked up his wine cup and drank it all in one gulp, but he didn't listen to what Zhou Jichen said.
At this moment, Meng Qingci took the opportunity to lean closer and said to Chen Junyan, "Seventh Brother, after the banquet is over, please allow me to have another meal alone. I have something to ask of you, and I need your help."
Seeing her mysterious demeanor and lively, expressive eyes, Chen Junyan couldn't help but smile slightly. He could hardly contain his doting affection for her. His gaze swept over the soft downy hair behind her ear, and he chuckled, "Then you mustn't get drunk."
Meng Qingci's gaze unconsciously drifted towards Hongxiao, who was moving among the guests: "Seventh Brother, don't worry, someone will come to my rescue." A fleeting blush crossed her face. In her mind, she and Hongxiao had settled their transaction, and she considered it as hiring a top-notch public relations professional at a high price.
Strangely enough, ever since she made that sugar deal with Chen Junyan, she has never been troubled by him at any drinking party where he was present. She doesn't know what kind of "perk" this is.
The two were so close that their clothes overlapped, making them look like brothers.
Just then, the performance downstairs ended, and the innkeeper brought the famous actress Miaoyan to express his gratitude. Today's performance was about a female general who joined the army in place of her father. The actress Miaoyan was dressed as a man, and her smart military costume made her look heroic and dashing. Compared to the group of delicate girls who were serving drinks, she had a unique charm.
Miao Yan was familiar with everyone present. She performed a fancy gesture, clasped her hands in a generous manner, and bowed to everyone present. Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at Jin Yunnian with affection and shyness. Few men could resist the tender affection she exuded.
As the host, Zhao Jinglun was naturally not stingy. He immediately ordered his servant to give him another reward and then jokingly said, "Brother Zimin is truly blessed with good fortune. Even Miaoyan, a famous actress from our Guangzhou, is in love with you."
Meng Qingci quickly waved his hand: "Brother Zhao, please forgive me. If my wife finds out about this, I will suffer. Besides, it's no big deal for a grown man like me to be teased, but Miss Miaoyan's reputation is more important. If I ruin Miss Miaoyan's reputation, then Zimin will truly deserve to die a thousand deaths."
Hongxiao waved her fan and giggled, "Young Master Zhao, you'd better not scare him. Didn't you see how pale Young Master Jin's face turned?"
Several familiar courtesans at the table started to giggle and covered their faces as they laughed together.
Miao Yan lowered her eyes to hide a hint of unspeakable disappointment, then looked up with a smile and said, "It's rare for everyone to come and support Miao Yan today. Miao Yan would like to offer you all a toast, bottoms up." After saying that, she poured herself a glass of wine and drank it all in one gulp.
Hongxiao praised, "What a straightforward female general!"
At this moment, Xue Tianlu said sarcastically, "If you ask me, you don't know what she's trying to achieve! Zimin is an amateur at the opera house. Miaoyan's sword dance is good, but it's no match for Zimin."
When Meng Qingci recalled how she had once been soft-hearted and taught Miaoyan, who was then unknown, and how Xue Tianlu had caught her red-handed and almost kidnapped her, her expression immediately darkened.
As expected, Xue Tianlu saw Jin Yunnian's face turn cold, and he said even more smugly, "Tsk tsk, it's no exaggeration to say that he is amazing. If you didn't know, you would think he was a famous star in the brothel."
Zhou Jichen scolded, "I think you've had too much to drink. What are you talking about?"
Comparing someone to an actor is an insult; he's practically courting death. Didn't you see that Master Chen's expression had already darkened? This reckless fellow isn't afraid to offend the Cen family; the eldest daughter of the Cen family is fiercely protective of her own.
Unexpectedly, Nalong Tirasha became interested. Ever since he came to Zhaode Dynasty and came into contact with the theater, he had become a first-rate theater fanatic and did not realize Xue Tianlu's ill intentions. He said with great interest, "Zimin, how come I've never heard you mention this before? Why don't you let your good brother see it for himself? You know, I've always been obsessed with it."
Chen Junyan knew that Jin Yunnian was a woman, and when he heard Xue Tianlu say this, although he was surprised, he still stopped him and said, "He drank quite a lot today, let's do it another day."
The foreign merchants, who were skilled at singing and dancing, also got excited. They had a good relationship with Jin Yunnian and knew that when Jin Yunnian wasn't talking about business, he was mild-tempered and easy to talk to. After drinking, they became even more excited and joined in the commotion.
"Zimin, don't be stingy with your talent, let us all see it."
"Is there anything Zimin can't do? We're so curious."
"There's no time like the present. Come on, Zimin, my good brother. I'll give you a round of applause, and you can join in the fun."
Xue Tianlu said with a sinister smile, "What? You're not giving us face? With so many of us, you think you can't get us to come?"
These words put Meng Qingci in a very difficult position.
Knowing that it was no longer appropriate to forcibly stop him, Chen Junyan could only remain silent. His cold and deep gaze shot towards Xue Tianlu like a sharp blade, his intention to tell him to stop was self-evident.
Although Xue Tianlu was timid and guilty, the alcohol emboldened him, and he still forced himself to stand up. He thought to himself that it was just Jin Yunnian dancing the sword, and it wasn't just him who wanted to watch, but everyone else did.
Meng Qingci wasn't intimidated; she simply didn't want to be too conspicuous, lest word get out and sow the seeds of future trouble. Knowing she couldn't avoid it, she sighed helplessly, "Since you're so kind, I'll make a fool of myself." She said to Miaoyan, "I also need to borrow your sword."
Miao Yan hesitated, knowing that it was all because she missed him so much that she had people seize on his weakness and make trouble for him, dragging him down. But since things had come to this, there was no room for her to speak. Miao Yan could only take the sword and hand it to Jin Yunnian.
Meng Qingci understood her thoughts and gently reassured her, "It's nothing."
Meng Qingci took the sword, deftly twirled it, and said to the crowd, "I haven't used it in a long time, so I'm a bit rusty. I'm not very good at it, so please don't laugh at me."
After speaking, she lightly turned her wrist, and the sword in her hand seemed to be connected with her. As it turned, it emitted a clear and melodious hum, and when it cut through the air, it made a ringing sound. The blade rang out as it turned, and the sound of it cutting through the wind was sharp, showing its heroic and dashing appearance.
Compared to Miao Yan's female general's combination of strength and gentleness, Meng Qingci's movements possessed a more masculine, cold, sharp tension. His sword was sharp and piercing, and he and his sword were one, displaying a heroic and vigorous spirit.
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Author's Note: Fu Heng: Heh, you don't even want your eyes anymore?
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