Tianliangyuan

Chapter 296: Visiting for questioning

Although Xu Zhaozhao had only flipped through a few account books, she already had a general idea of ​​what was going on.

So, when Xie Zheng came back that evening, she casually mentioned it.

“Sun Qian is your cousin. If the Jia family is implicated, your cousin will also be implicated.”

“I know. But some things are beyond human control. Take Prince Qing, who is far from the capital, for example. Who would have thought that he would dare to make underhanded moves now?”

Xie Zheng frowned; he really didn't want to get involved in such scheming and intrigue.

It's easier to be a military general.

But now that he's in the capital, he has to take care of all sorts of things.

Xie Zheng's fourth uncle, Xie Xiaowei, held an official position, but Xie Xiaowei's wife, Xiao Lin, had always focused on business over the years.

Although they can't be said to be entirely merchants, only one of Kobayashi's brothers had the title of Xiucai (a scholar who passed the imperial examinations at the county level), while the rest did not, so they mainly engaged in business.

Although they were primarily engaged in business, they were actually still an official family, since Xiaolin's father was an official.

Therefore, most of the Kobayashi brothers nowadays own shops under the guise of servants, and then they mainly spend their time eating, drinking, and having fun, without studying or caring about the shops.

Xie Zheng found Xie Xiaowei, and the uncle and nephew had a brief discussion in the study before getting down to business.

"Does Fourth Uncle know the relationship between Fourth Aunt's family and the Jia family of Yunyang?"

Xie Xiaowei looked puzzled: "The Jia family? Never heard of them. As you know, I don't really like to associate with the Lin family. Even my father-in-law is quite slow-witted these days, and he can't make sense of many things."

The Lin family that Xie Xiaowei was referring to was not his mother's side of the family, but rather the family of Xiao Lin's mother.

"Fourth Uncle should keep a closer eye on things. I've heard that the Jia family isn't doing so well these days. If someone gets the wrong information, the Lin family, who have frequent business dealings with the Jia family, will probably find it hard to clear their name."

Xie Xiaowei's expression changed: "Sanlang, have you heard some news?"

Xie Zheng sighed: "In short, it's not good. I can't say much more. The higher-ups probably intend to investigate soon. Fourth Uncle, it's only because I'm considering that we're family that I'm risking coming to remind you. If this matter gets out, neither of us will benefit."

As Xie Zheng spoke, he cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, and Xie Xiaowei immediately understood.

So what is the background of the Jia family, and how did they come to the attention of His Majesty?

Of course, the focus now is not on speculating about the Jia family, but on finding a way to inform the Yue family to sever ties with the Jia family as soon as possible. Moreover, this matter must be done flawlessly so that the Jia family cannot detect anything amiss.

This is difficult to handle.

"about how long?"

"It's hard to say. A merchant from Yunyang County bought wine from Baiguoyuan and had some dealings with the Jia family before. A couple of days ago, he found an excuse and turned his back on them."

Xie Xiaowei understood.

Merchants who can purchase large quantities of alcoholic beverages at Baiguoyuan must be extraordinary.

Either they have powerful backers, or this merchant is a person appointed by some powerful figure to be in charge.

So, someone already got the news first?

Moreover, they deliberately made it so inconspicuous; it's obvious they didn't want to attract attention!

"Thank you, Sanlang. I will personally go to my father-in-law to explain this matter."

"Alright, but you must keep a low profile and not involve anyone else, otherwise it will be difficult to explain to your superiors."

Xie Xiaowei realized the seriousness of the matter even more, and without saying a word, he immediately set off to take action.

A few days later, Xu Zhaozhao listened to the two female managers of Meirenzhuang coming to report the accounts in Jinxiu Garden. She nodded occasionally, and after glancing at Shaoyao lingering outside, she gave them a few simple instructions and told them to go back to work.

"What's wrong?"

Peony looked unwell: "Reporting to Your Majesty, it is Madam Xie who has come. I noticed that she was very angry, so I have already ordered someone to serve her tea and refreshments. However, I heard her mutter a few words, as if she was blaming Your Majesty for meddling in other people's business."

Xu Zhaozhao looked puzzled. Why was she meddling in other people's business?

Besides, she's no longer in charge of the household affairs, so how can she blame herself?

As soon as the two met, Xu Zhaozhao gave a simple junior's greeting and sat down, and then Madam Lin began to speak sarcastically.

"Sanlang's wife is indeed formidable! She manages everything, both inside and outside the home. I'm quite puzzled. Although my nephew's wife is capable, she's never been to Yunyang, has she? How come she manages to offend her in every way?"

Xu Zhaozhao frowned: "Why does Fourth Aunt speak so strangely? I have never offended anyone from the Fourth Branch since I married into the Duke's Mansion, let alone been disrespectful to Fourth Aunt. I don't know where you got these words from?"

Kobayashi's face stiffened. She had only spoken because of her seniority, but she hadn't expected the bride to be so unfazed.

Judging from this demeanor, she was even more confident than her, an elder who had been married into the family for many years!

Just because she married Xie Zheng?

At that moment, Kobayashi felt a pang of bitterness welling up inside her.

“You don’t need to hide it here. I know you and Sun Qian don’t get along. You’re cousins, so you should be visiting each other more often, since your aunt only has one biological daughter. But I never expected that you sisters would be so irreconcilable. Now you’re even targeting the Jia family she married into?”

Xu Zhaozhao frowned. What did this come from?

Besides, is it really worth it to go to such lengths for someone as insignificant as Sun Qian?

Xu Zhaozhao was too lazy to explain to her, and just lowered her head to drink her tea. Let her say what she wants, or don't say anything at all.

Seeing that Xu Zhaozhao didn't respond, Ms. Lin felt even more justified.

"My niece-in-law is silent again. Does she think I, as her elder, am bullying her?"

Xu Zhaozhao said helplessly, "Since Fourth Aunt came in, she has been blaming me, but I really don't know what I did to offend you. As for Sun Qian, whom I just mentioned, I find it even more inexplicable. Is a little Sun Qian really worth my attention? Is Fourth Aunt looking down on her, or is she overestimating her status as a woman from the Jia family?"

Ms. Lin was taken aback, and met Xu Zhaozhao's sharp gaze, and for a moment she was at a loss for what to do.

It was only at this moment that she realized that the difference between Xu Zhaozhao and Sun Qian's identities was like heaven and earth!

Indeed, Sun Qian was merely married to a merchant; how could she possibly warrant the concern of a county princess?

If she really wanted to target Sun Qian, why would she go to such lengths?

A single fabricated charge could ruin Sun Qian's career.

Kobayashi's heart skipped a beat, and she said awkwardly, "You, you really have no dirty secrets between you and Sun Qian?"

Xu Zhaozhao scoffed, "Fourth Aunt, where did you hear these rumors? It's true that Sun Qian is my cousin, but I haven't seen her for a long time. Besides, she married and moved to Yunyang County, and I've never been there. She's never come to the Duke's Mansion to visit me either. How could I possibly have a falling out with her?"