bayedsolid Chapter 339 Looking at each other
Chapter 339 Looking at each other
into the night.
The night breeze is slightly cool.
Lu Qingyao remembered what Princess Yuqing had said.
I tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.
So he got up and chatted with Xiuxiu, repeating what the princess had said to her: "Xiuxiu, do you know who sent the evidence to Jiang Yunze?"
Xiuxiu shook her head.
If it were a princess or Prince Jing, even if they wanted to save the Lu family, they wouldn't need to benefit Jiang Yunze.
who can that be?
Lu Qingyao said, "Prince Chen, it was Prince Chen who sent it."
"Prince Chen? Isn't Prince Chen suppressing a rebellion? Why would he send someone to deliver evidence to save the Lu family? This person's reach is truly extensive; even from thousands of miles away, he still has such a thorough understanding of the situation in the capital." Xiuxiu found it somewhat unbelievable.
Yes, how could it be Prince Chen?
Lu Qingyao thought about it and then felt something was wrong.
Suddenly it occurred to him, "It's not about saving the Lu family, but that Prince Chen wants to use Jiang Yunze to expose Prince Su's cronies in the court, and also wants to win Jiang Yunze over to his side."
As it turns out, he did indeed succeed.
All the court officials involved in the Qi family case were arrested.
Compared to Prince Su, Prince Chen was the one with the most ruthless and decisive methods.
This person is definitely the biggest threat to the Crown Prince and Prince Jing.
If it weren't for the trip to Lingquan Town and the encounter with that Physician Feng, probably no one would know the true face of Prince Chen to this day.
Prince Chen must have planted many spies in the capital.
Hearing her older sister say this, Xiuxiu realized the seriousness of the matter.
She looked around and asked, "Sister, are you worried that if Prince Chen rebels, Jiang Yunze will implicate the entire Jiang family?"
Lu Qingyao nodded, "Of course."
She was indeed worried that Jiang Yunze would side with Prince Chen.
"The evidence that Prince Chen poisoned the Crown Prince's family will be presented to the Emperor sooner or later. If he is convicted for this, that's fine. But what if he makes a last-ditch effort and tries to rebel? If he rebels, not only his relatives will suffer, but also the court officials who are allied with him. No one will be able to escape."
It's also ridiculous to say.
How could she have been so blind as to fall for Jiang Yunze and even bear him children?
Now that they're divorced, they still worry that he might commit a heinous crime, implicating their two sons and their relatives in Jiangzhou.
Jiang Yunze rose to prominence, but he didn't let them enjoy any of the benefits; when he committed a crime, he even implicated innocent bystanders.
This person is simply a source of trouble.
Xiuxiu glanced at Lu Qingyao and suddenly grabbed her hand, laughing, "Sister, how about... we get some food for Jiang Yunze, just like the Prince of Liang did, so he can't hold this position and can't cause any more trouble? What do you think?"
I heard that the current King Liang is a cripple. He needs to be served in every way, from eating and drinking to relieving himself, and he can't even speak properly anymore.
The concubines and maids whom King Liang had previously mistreated now take turns looking after him.
The power over the Liang King's fiefdom and palace fell entirely into the hands of the Liang King's wife and heir.
The Crown Prince was raised by the Princess Consort of Liang and is very filial to her.
When Princess Liang heard that her elder sister had opened a cloth shop, she sent her several boxes of silver over.
She seemed certain that her older sister would make money.
Anyway, they put all their bets on their older sister.
As for Princess Liang herself, she held a prestigious position, and even the emperor and empress had to call her "Imperial Aunt." She had no parents-in-law to serve, obedient children, and plenty of money to spend.
That's truly enviable.
It's a pity that Jiang Yunze has no title to inherit, nor does he have a fortune.
Otherwise, she would have crippled Jiang Yunze without hesitation.
Xiuxiu was lost in thought when her older sister tapped her on the forehead.
"What are you thinking? Jiang Yunze doesn't like this kind of thing, and we can't just go over there and force him to eat it." Lu Qingyao could tell what Xiuxiu was thinking at a glance, and smiled helplessly.
To put it bluntly, Jiang Yunze is not even as good as the Prince of Liang.
Besides his mediocre official position and the meager monthly salary of a few dozen taels of silver, he was also blessed with a handsome appearance.
There was nothing else.
Now, when she thinks about it, she realizes that she was blind in her heart and mind.
Xiuxiu rubbed her forehead with one hand and held a teacup in the other.
If she uses any more force, she might crush it.
I feel so wronged and frustrated!
If it weren't for the sake of Feng'er and Yan'er, and Qiao'er's parents, Jiang Yunze would have been finished eight hundred times over.
He actually dares to spread rumors about his elder sister, and even dares to dream of getting her back. He even wants to join Prince Chen in rebellion.
Let him dream his pipe dream.
"Sister, how about I break his arms and legs? That way he'll be a cripple and can never be an official again, let alone work for Prince Chen."
Lu Qingyao frowned.
He got up and walked around the room, then suddenly stopped. "If we could sow discord among them, wouldn't it be even better if we could turn them into enemies?"
Xiuxiu nodded, "Yes, that's good. Prince Chen must have a lot of spies in the capital. I'll find a way to find them all. The first one will naturally be that steward Jiang Yunze. Then I'll have someone spread the news that Jiang Yunze has sided with Prince Jing. I don't believe Prince Chen won't be suspicious. Let's see if he still dares to use Jiang Yunze."
The two hit it off.
After Lu Qingyao finished speaking, she felt relieved and went back to her room to rest.
early morning.
The sky is bright.
Jiang Miaomiao woke up naturally.
Her biological clock is a bit too early now, and she can't seem to adjust it.
This is all thanks to my second aunt.
Habits are a wonderful thing; once formed, they are hard to break.
The chickens in the backyard have crowed several times, but the old lady next door still hasn't woken up.
This has been the case for several days in a row.
It seems that Mother and Auntie have gone out to stay up all night again.
The little girl was bored and rolled around on the bed. She rolled around several times before she saw Xi'er lift the curtain.
"Girl, get up now that you're awake, don't linger in bed." Xi'er smiled and handed her a handkerchief.
As Jiang Miaomiao wiped her face, she asked Xi'er, "Didn't we say we were going to Grandma's house for a banquet today? Haven't Mother and Aunt woken up yet?"
Whenever the topic of going back to see her maternal grandmother comes up, my mother is always the most enthusiastic.
I actually got up later than her today.
"He's not awake yet. Let me help you get dressed and wash up first," Xi'er said as she dressed her young mistress.
Jiang Miaomiao wore a light purple dress today. The patterns on the dress were actually sewn with gold thread and inlaid with gemstones.
At this time, the gold thread on the clothing of nobles was indeed made of gold.
Besides, this little dress was a gift from the princess. She's so wealthy, so naturally the clothes she gives to her own daughter are the best.
Wearing this outfit, I truly feel like a princess or noblewoman.
The little skirts shimmered and sparkled in the sunlight.
"Isn't it too extravagant and ostentatious?" Miao Miao asked Xi'er.
It looks nice, but it's also a cage.
You can't run or jump, and you have to be very careful when sitting, for fear of accidentally knocking off the gems and pearls on top, which would break your heart.
I feel uncomfortable, unwell, and uncomfortable all over.
Seeing the little master twisting and turning, Xi'er couldn't help but laugh, "Madam said that you should wear this for just one day so that you can support your older brother and sister."
"Okay." Jiang Miaomiao pouted and stood obediently, letting Xi'er dress her up.
People always respect a garment before they respect a person.
After being exiled, the Lu family must have suffered a great loss of strength.
Among those attending the banquet were old friends, people who wanted to find out what was going on, and even people who wanted to see the spectacle.
Those who want to marry into the Lu family will have concerns.
Has the Lu family truly regained its former glory?
Could it be just a flash in the pan?
Or perhaps they simply cannot afford a decent betrothal gift or dowry.
This is when it's her turn to step in.
Wearing this priceless little dress, I can flaunt it in front of all the wealthy ladies and instantly put them to shame.
A married-out daughter of the Lu family actually donated grain to the imperial court under those circumstances.
Now that they're divorced and still have a child, they're actually doing quite well.
Everyone will surely think that the Lu family is still very powerful.
Jiang Miaomiao then prepared to go find her mother.
Today, my maternal grandmother is hosting a banquet and has invited the wives and daughters of officials and noblewomen from the city. If my mother arrives late, she will probably be criticized.
Lu Qingyao woke up with a start and saw her daughter scratching her face with a feather.
The little girl, dressed up in her finest clothes, lay by the bedside, grinning foolishly at her.
"Achoo..." She sneezed several times in a row.
"Miaomiao actually got up so early!" Lu Qingyao reached out and pinched her daughter's cheek.
"Mother, it's getting late. Have you forgotten what day it is today?"
What day?
Lu Qingyao frowned and thought for a moment, then looked at her little girl's clothes and exclaimed, "Oh no!"
She hurriedly threw off the covers, scrambled out of bed, and frantically searched for clothes, washed up, and dressed, as if in a battle.
I almost forgot, I'm going back to the Lu family for a banquet today.
The whole family got ready before heading out.
Once we were in the carriage, things finally calmed down.
Jiang Miaomiao looked down at herself.
The skirts and capes were embroidered with gold thread, and even the little embroidered shoes were embroidered with gold thread and sewn with pearls.
She wore a small gold lock around her neck, and even her wrists were adorned with gold bracelets given to her by the princess.
The whole thing is glittering with jewels.
However, it seems that she is the only one dressed like this.
My mother and Aunt Xiuxiu dressed much more luxuriously but in a more understated way, and even lied to me, saying that this is how young ladies from wealthy families in the capital dress for banquets.
Jiang Miaomiao: ……
Fine, for the sake of her older siblings' happiness, she's willing to be a tool for them this once.
Miao Miao habitually lifted the carriage curtain and looked out at the bustling traffic.
The wheels rolled on and on until they reached the gate of the Jiang residence.
I saw a coffin at the gate of the Jiang residence before, and then my mother received silver from Princess Liang a few days later.
Will we see a coffin this time too?
It is said that if a businessman encounters a coffin while traveling, it is a good omen, signifying promotion and wealth.
However, this time they didn't see a coffin, but rather soldiers.
“Mother, a lot of soldiers have entered the Jiang family’s territory.” Jiang Miaomiao pointed to the opposite side.
Xi'er volunteered to go and inquire.
A short while later, he came running back, panting heavily. "Madam, Steward Wang of the Jiang family has disappeared, and even several maids and servants in the mansion have gone missing."
Xiuxiu glanced at Lu Qingyao and said, "Sister, this doesn't seem like Jiang Yunze's style. How could he be willing to report a few servants to the authorities?"
Lu Qingyao laughed, "It's just a cover-up, trying to tell Prince Chen that the disappearance of those people has nothing to do with him, but what's the use? Once the seed of doubt is planted, it will take root and sprout, and Prince Chen will find it hard to believe him again."
After she finished speaking, she pulled her little girl back, lowered the curtain, and said, "Let's go, don't look anymore."
The carriage started moving and arrived at the entrance of the Lu residence.
As soon as they got off the carriage, a woman rushed towards them.
It startled Xiao Miaomiao.
Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be my second aunt.
Shouldn't she be showing her cousin Yun around right now? Why is she here?
My second aunt's eyes were red, as if she had just been crying.
She grabbed her mother's hand and led her inside, saying, "Third sister, you've finally come! Quickly, help me think of a solution."
Miaomiao couldn't catch up even when she was running behind, and then Aunt Xiuxiu picked her up in one go.
"What's wrong?" Lu Qingyao asked, seeing Lin's anxious state. She pulled her to a quiet pavilion and sat her down. "Second sister-in-law, tell me slowly."
Madam Lin took out her handkerchief and began to cry. After a while, she choked out, "Third sister, you don't know, today Mother invited many old friends, and the families of Father and my husband's colleagues to our house. Those ladies came because of Mother, but almost all of them came to the banquet alone. Whenever Mother brought up the topic of their children's marriages, they all changed the subject and had no intention of finding a spouse for their children... They still look down on my Yun'er... My Yun'er's life is so bitter..."
As she spoke, Lin broke down in tears.
She thought that with the Lu family's recovery, Yun'er's marriage should also be settled.
Unexpectedly, not a single family wanted to take a liking to Yun'er.
Are you really going to let Yun'er stay at home and become an old maid?
No, absolutely not.
She held Lu Qingyao's hand tightly. "Third sister, please help your sister-in-law think of a solution. I know you always have a lot of ideas."
"Where is Yun'er? How is Yun'er?"
"She's crying inside."
Lu Qingyao patted her back gently and comforted her, "Second sister-in-law, listen to me, there may be something fishy about this. Yun'er's talent and beauty are top-notch in the capital. It's impossible that no one would want her. You go back first and have Yun'er get ready to go out and meet the guests. We can't let ourselves lose our composure. We have to tell everyone that even if the girls of our Lu family never marry, they are no worse than others."
Upon hearing this, Lin stopped crying.
She felt sorry for her daughter, a well-bred lady from a prestigious family, who was now being disliked.
Back then, people came to propose marriage so often that they wore out the door.
They just happened to choose the He family.
My sister-in-law is right. What's wrong with her daughter?
She is good-looking, well-educated, and comes from a good family. So why is she being looked down upon?
She insisted on taking her daughter out to show those blind people what her daughter was like.
Lin wiped away her tears and led her maids and servants back in a grand procession, where she gave her daughter a fresh makeover.
Jiang Miaomiao felt sad after hearing this.
I released Chiu Chiu into the air.
When it comes to eavesdropping, Chiu Chiu is an expert.
I followed my mother to see my maternal grandmother first.
The maternal grandmother was talking to Old Mrs. Mu, with the two Mu sisters accompanying her.
But they didn't dare to utter a sound, quietly listening to the two old ladies' complaints.
Lu Qingyao led her little girl into the house.
Silence fell instantly, and everyone stared at them.
The two old women saw that their mother looked serious and stopped talking halfway through their sentence.
Lu Qingyao looked completely bewildered.
If she hadn't just run into her second sister-in-law, she would have thought the two old ladies were gossiping about her.
Otherwise, why would he be looking at her with such a mournful expression?
But when the old ladies saw the pretty little girl, their expressions changed instantly, from anger to joy.
"Miaomiao is here, come and see your grandma." The little girl instantly became the center of attention.
Mu Jiangyue took the opportunity to pull her best friend out, saying, "They're worried about your niece and nephew's marriage, so don't go looking for trouble."
Lu Qingyao nodded, looking like she understood.
It seems I interrupted their conversation.
However, with Miaomiao around, she'll cheer them up in no time.
But Lu Zhiyun's matter is the most urgent.
Something feels wrong.
……