Chapter 082: Acting, Watching, and Being Abdominally Black!

  The development of penicillin began in earnest on July 7th.

  With Zhao's support, everything became much more convenient. Sun Zhengye specially set aside a room for her in the Liangyi Medical Clinic, installed several wooden shelves, and prepared some extremely valuable glass instruments that were popular at the time. She didn't need too many helpers, just Li Mei was enough, and she also found Mei Zi from Zhao's side to help out.

  That room was named "Study" by her, and a plaque was hung on it. The three big characters were written by Zhao Zun himself. The font is strong and powerful, the strokes are like dragons and snakes, just like him, piercing through the smoke and fog, making the words have a hard and strong atmosphere.

  She likes it very much.

  She doesn't allow outsiders to participate in or know about the things inside her study, usually letting Er Gui and the guards watch over it, and locking it up as soon as she leaves.

  At one time, rumors spread throughout the government.

  Everyone knows that Chu Medical Officer is developing a divine medicine, but it's so mysterious that no one knows what the medicine is.

  In the capital city, everything was calm and peaceful on the surface, but secretly there were shocking waves that ordinary people couldn't sense at all. People at that time liked to discuss politics in tea houses, wine shops, and brothels, where amidst the music and dance, and the fragrance of wine and tea, someone would always be secretly discussing the imperial court's affairs. As a result, the matter of the "divine doctor creating divine medicine" in the Jin Wang Fu also somehow spread, with some people treating it as a rare and interesting topic to discuss, while others had their own calculations.

  Time flies, it's just one day.

  In the blink of an eye, three days have passed.

  This day is the twentieth of the first month in the twenty-fifth year of Hong Tai.

  At the beginning of summer, she received her first monthly salary in this era. The three stones and five dou of food allowance were only worth about three taels of silver, which made her laugh and cry at the same time. However, it was still her hard-earned money, so she didn't despise it. On her way back to the mansion from the East Palace, she specially bought a roasted goose and took it to the medical office, where she shared it with the medical officials, doctors, and other staff members.

  While eating, she couldn't help but think of that idiot who loved to eat goose meat the most.

  I suppose he should be well-off now?

  Nor did I know when we could meet again, nor when it would be the "opportune moment" that Zhao Zhuang spoke of.

  Before noon, Yuè Yù came again.

  She came to take Xia Chuqi's measurements, saying that apart from the custom-made official robes of Liangyi Clinic, Master also specially instructed today when he went to court to make a few spring outfits for her. The fabric and tailor are all ready in the mansion, so it won't be much trouble. So when no one was paying attention, she asked quietly again.

  "Chu Qi, I'll prepare a few sets of women's clothes for you. When we're in front of your grandfather, put one on and wear it?"

  Looking at her gentle and peaceful smile, Xia Chuqi shook his head with a wry smile.

  "It's okay, I'm not used to it."

  No news is good news; no news means someone is up to no good.

  Yuè Yù's feelings for Zhao Zun have already taken root deep in her heart, so how could she not know by the seventh day of summer? Given her petty and narrow-minded nature, it's hard to imagine that a woman would be kind-hearted towards her romantic rival.

  Besides, even if she had women's clothing, she wouldn't have the chance to wear it. She was used to men's clothing and sometimes felt that it was more casual than those complicated women's clothes, without so much trouble.

  She was bluntly rejected by her, and Yuè Yù didn't say much, just smiled and pulled out the household chores with her. She said that Princess Zǐ Yuè is currently recovering from illness in the mansion, so she has a lot more miscellaneous tasks on hand. Princess Zǐ Yuè is noble and spoiled, and everything about food, drink, and daily life is very particular, making it exhausting for her to manage. And last year's accounts haven't been settled yet, Tian Fu is still waiting for her to report back, plus the various ladies of the other courtyards also need to prepare some new spring clothes, rouge, powder, etc., a whole bunch of things were said in a confusing manner, finally making Xiāo Chū Qī lose patience.

  "Sister Moon, is there something else you want me for?"

  She often hit the nail on the head, and after a moment's pause, Yue Yu smiled.

  "The imperial physician is indeed clever. It's not a big deal, but the master has instructed the people in the mansion to take care of you more often. However, I know that Princess Ziyue has a stubborn temperament and has been going to Qingtang Institute these days, often shouting about wanting to teach you a lesson. I'm afraid she might suddenly become foolish and cause you unnecessary trouble, so I wanted to remind you a few words: when you see her later, just avoid her and don't confront her directly, lest you provoke some unpleasantness. After all, she is a princess and the master's own sister, isn't that right?"

  So kind?

  Openly maintaining her, secretly letting her pay attention to her identity?

  As far as Xia Chuqi knew, Zhao Ziyue had been staying in the Qingtang Courtyard for several days to nurse her "spider rash" and didn't have time to come out and cause trouble. It was inevitable that she would scold her. But if someone wanted to make a mistake, could she stop it?

  Come on then! The soldiers have arrived, I'll go and block them.

  A faint smile appeared on his face as he cupped his hands in greeting, Xia Qiuzi hastily bowed to the moon.

  "Thanks for the reminder from Sister Yue, Chu Mou is really grateful."

  The more familiar she is with someone, the less polite her words become.

  On the contrary, Fang Li was more polite, generally those were people she had her guard up against.

  At this point, even Yuè Wèi could sense it.

  However, she seemed to be in a carefree mood and simply said "You're my sister, it's only right", smiled and greeted the other doctors before leaving Liang Yi's clinic.

  Xia Zhi Qi looked at her back and shook his head, continuing to worry about her pneumocystis.

  These days, she has been staying at the doctor's office every day, not even taking off her clothes, and even keeping watch here at night. The whispers and finger-pointing behind her back, she naturally heard them all.

  To resist plague, penicillin is essential.

  Once the prince is cured, everything will be much easier to handle.

  Things are linked together in a chain reaction, she doesn't care about others' opinions of her, only concerned with the significance of doing this thing herself. Having come to this era, she is not willing to spend the rest of her life living in a small world looking at men's faces for a living, and having to constantly guard against other women coming to plot, every day struggling for favor and arguing with some women over trivial matters, it's exhausting, it's maddening.

  The wise adapt to circumstances and plan accordingly, while the foolish go against the times and act impulsively. She wants to be her true self.

  So she still had to go and take care of another thing.

  ……

  ……

  It was after noon when Zhao Zhuo returned to the mansion.

  The old emperor is diligent in his work, making the ministers and princes very tired. Zhao Zun has to leave the mansion every morning before dawn to attend the early court session, and since the beginning of summer, he also has to go to the Eastern Palace every day to treat the crown prince's illness. Basically, the time they truly spend together is only left in the evening.

  Sometimes, looking at Zhao Zhen's busyness, Xia Chuyi couldn't help but think that perhaps his decision to go to Beiping Prefecture was the right one. It's better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix. Going far away to Beiping Prefecture to become a vassal king, he would be the big boss there, and could get up whenever he wanted, why bother with so much hard work like now?

  Zhao's carriage drove directly to the entrance of Liangyi Clinic, and he looked at the small figure busy inside the open carved wooden door. He lifted the curtain and looked for a while, but didn't get off the carriage, only softly asking Chen Jing.

  "What has she been doing these past few days?"

  Chen Jing stood beside the carriage, clasped his fists and bowed his head.

  "Even the subordinates didn't understand, Chu Yiguan collected a large number of mantou, oranges, noodles and other foods, and had Mei Zi move them into the research room of Liangyishuo, not allowing anyone to enter and observe. No one could figure out what she was doing..."

  Mantou? Tangerine? Noodles?

  A robust and powerful big hand rested on the car door, Zhao Zhu looked at the small figure inside, his elegant and handsome face had a hint of unease.

  "Is all food cooked?"

  "Yes, it's familiar." Chen Jing turned his head and glanced in the direction of Liang Yi, then continued to say, "Also, the leftover pastries from each hospital were also collected by Chu Yiguan, saying that they would be used for something, yes, waste utilization."

  Knocking his forehead lightly, Zhao Zhuo leaned back slightly and rested against the soft cushion of the carriage, lowering the curtains.

  "Let's go."

  He took a step forward, and Xia Chuzi, who was practicing calligraphy in the doctor's office, curled up the corner of his mouth and glanced at Li Mo.

  "Is he gone?"

  Li Mian nodded, "Let's go."

  "Well, we should be going too."

  He left immediately, and on the seventh day of summer, he went back to change into a shirt with embroidered flowers, dressed up like a handsome young man, led Li Mo out of the back door, and arrived at Danfeng Street in less than half an hour. After strolling around Yuan Xing's place for a while, they headed to "Jinxiu Building".

  The newly arrived beauties at Jinxiu Building will put on a stunning performance today, equivalent to their debut show. The young masters of the noble families in the capital will all go there to have fun and she will naturally join in the excitement as well.

  The second floor's attic room was filled with a cacophony of sounds.

  Xia Chuiqi and Li Miao exchanged a glance, stepped on the floorboard, and slowly went up.

  One by one, the elegant rooms were slowly searched. Finally, her footsteps stopped in front of a luxurious-looking room door, and she curled up the corner of her mouth.

  "What are you two looking at? Can't you hurry up and leave?"

  There were several guards standing at the gate of the Ya Ge, one of whom walked over with his hand on the hilt of his sword.

  "Little brother, I am familiar with your second uncle."

  At the beginning of summer, she glanced at that person, took out a golden waist card from her waist, held it in her hand, and swayed it in front of the guard. The man only took a glance, and his face changed slightly.

  "That little one just went in to report to Second Master."

  "Never mind, I'll go in myself."

  Putting on a serious face, Xia Qiuli gave him a sideways glance. In the midst of the enchanting silk and bamboo music, she sniffed that strong fragrance of cosmetics, rubbed her nose several times, before following Li Mo through the curtains into the inner chamber.

  The inner chamber was even more extravagant, and with just one glance, she almost lost her eyes.

  Fragrant wind surrounds the nose, soft couches are laid out, exquisite delicacies and fine wines, beautiful women like jade. There were about five or six beautifully dressed beauties attending to a man wearing a brightly colored brocade robe sitting on a crimson carpet, each one feeding him wine and food mouth-to-mouth, while the man's hands caressed, pinched, and rubbed against the beauties' bodies, provoking bursts of silvery laughter...

  Endless wind and moon without borders.

  On the seventh day of summer, her eyes were half closed, and she made a "tsk" sound with her mouth.

  "Second Master is living a carefree life, I admire him!"

  As soon as he heard her voice, Xia Xun, who had already been drunk and confused, pulled his mouth away from the beauty's chest, raised his head, and stared at her and Li Mo with a pair of drunken eyes, clearing his throat.

  "Who are you? Dare to be reckless on my turf?"

  Of course, before coming to Jinxiu Building, Xia Chuyi and Li Ma had made some preparations in Yuan Xing's small courtyard. They put on makeup, changed their facial features, and with a black and white gauze hat, not only did Xia Xun not recognize them, but even they themselves couldn't recognize each other.

  A smile on his face, a good-looking young man with a carefree air about him at the beginning of summer.

  "You ask me? My name is Bai Wuchang..."

  She smiled warmly and elegantly as she casually pointed at Li Mo.

  Her name is Hei Wuchang.

  "What's the difference between white and black?" Xia Xun, who had drunk to the point of being numb, was so infatuated with the wine that he had emptied his body, not to mention his brain, which was almost ruined. He pondered over these two words for a long time, until he suddenly realized that their expressions were not right, and then he came back to himself. The wine cup in his hand fell to the ground, making a loud noise, and the white jade cup broke into pieces, splashing wine all over the floor.

  "Come on in — Ah!"

  Before he could finish shouting, Li Mo rushed forward and covered his mouth with one hand.

  "Be honest."

  "Ah!" There was a Kabuki scream.

  "Don't shout! Whoever shouts will be killed!" Li Mo's eyebrows scanned horizontally, and those beautiful women stopped making a sound.

  Xia Xun was pinned to the ground by her, unable to get up or open his mouth, groaning in pain. His bright red eyes were filled with pleading and confusion.

  "Don't worry, I'll make sure you die knowing what's going on."

  At the beginning of summer, Qi'er hummed coldly, raised an eyebrow, and spoke extremely quickly. "Don't think that our Third Master knows nothing about what happened on Luoyan Street. Your dead father, the old ghost, assassinated the King of Jin and tried to frame it on our Third Master's head. How convenient would that be? But does such a good thing exist in this world?"

  "Ah!" Xia Xun shook his head, a look of horror on his face.

  A slap landed on his face, Xia Chuyi smiled lightly and said, "This slap is for those virtuous women who have been harmed by you." After that, she punched Xia Xun's nose again, then snorted and continued to say lazily, "Of course, you don't just get away with a beating. Today, I still need to teach your old man a lesson, so he knows who to mess with and who not to mess with——"

  She straightened her waist and looked at Li Mo.

  "Get moving."

  What needed to be said had been said, Li Miao no longer spoke, the long sword in his hand made a swift motion, and Xia Xun didn't even have time to let out a dying scream before he stared wide-eyed, blood gushing from his neck, his whole body convulsed a few times, and then his soul returned to the nine heavens.

  Those beauties covered their mouths and let out a short "ah" again.

  "Shut up!" Xia Qi picked up a peanut from the table, tossed it into her mouth, chewed twice, and then searched for two objects on Xia Xun's corpse before turning to look at them with raised eyebrows, seemingly smiling but not quite.

  "See? This is what happens when you offend our family's Third Master."

  She turned her head and saw Li Mi wiping away bloodstains.

  "Let's go!"

  "Second Master! What's going on?" The commotion inside was so loud that it was impossible for not a single sound to have leaked out. Just as the beauties were scared into frantically nodding, a questioning shout suddenly came from outside.

  He didn't seem to hear Xia Xun's response, and the guard pushed open the outer door and was about to enter. The footsteps were getting closer and closer, and just as he was about to enter the room, Xia Chuyi saw his chance, gave Li Mo a hand signal, and rushed out together.

  That person was stunned for a moment, then came back to himself and took a look around the room, and his whole body was terrified.

  "Get them—"

  "Quick! Second Master is in trouble, catch them!"

  "Brothers, up! Quick, up!"

  At this time, the originally bustling Jinxiu Building became even more lively. Coincidentally, there was a performance program in the building today, and the corridors were packed with people. As soon as the manager of Jin Palace heard that something had happened, more than a dozen thugs rushed out and collided head-on with Xia Xun's men.

  Xia Chui glanced back at Li Mo.

  "Split up! Here, I'll leave it to you."

  "Don't worry, go ahead." Li Miao exchanged a glance with her and nodded.

  At the beginning of summer, Xia Qī escaped in the chaos. Li Mò's kung fu was excellent, and he was best at playing cat and mouse games. When Xia Xún's people shook off the Jin Gong's thugs and rushed towards her, she ran and lured them out of the Jin Yu Building, chased them out of Danfeng Street, and circled around in the streets of the capital city, teasing them playfully.

  ……

  ……

  Ningwang Mansion

  At the beginning of summer, Xia Qi took a shortcut from a small path and came over. He glanced at the vermilion gate and the strict guards, slightly adjusted his clothes and hat, and then walked to the door with ease. First, he handed over Xia Xun's token, and then handed a small package made of silk to the deputy who had come out after hearing the news, saying with a smile.

  "The errand of the Second Master of the Wei State Duke's Mansion, please trouble yourself to hand this thing over to Consort Song."

  "What's in the small package on your hand?"

  Xia Chuiqi coughed lightly and still bowed her hands politely, "How would I know the affairs of the masters? Just hand it over to Consort Song and that's all. My second master said he won't bully you."

  As she spoke, she smiled and pulled out a bag of silver coins, handing them over.

  "Take it and drink."

  The look on his face still showed doubt about him, but not about the money. He casually stuffed the money into his pocket, took the small package, and waved his hand impatiently.

  "You go back, I will pass it on myself."

  Of course, whether it will be passed on or not is his business now.

  It seemed that Xia didn't mind either, and just pouted slightly, patting the man's shoulder familiarly before pulling him a few steps to the side. Then, with an air of mystery, he whispered, "Little brother, our Second Master has spoken. Later, someone from the Wei Guo Gong Fu will come to pick up Song Ce Fei. Please secretly let her wait at the back door, this matter cannot be known by others, you understand?"

  He let out an "ah" and was startled.

  It's clear he doesn't understand. But Xia Qi doesn't need him to understand either.

  "Thanks, little brother, Second Master said that there will be a generous reward later."

  Not giving him a chance to react, Xia Qiuzi smiled and bowed with her fists, then turned around and left in big strides.

  Before she disappeared, the deputy coldly snorted and directly opened the small package in his hand. Inside, apart from Xia Xun's personal jade pendant, there was also a woman's embroidered bellyband with the words "Jade Heart" - the nickname of Ning Wang's concubine, Song Shi.

  ……

  ……

  The time for walking the dog was almost up, and Li Mia began to run in the direction of Ning Wangfu. Behind her, those guards from the Wei Kingdom's residence still tightly pursued her.

  "Brothers, take down that little kid."

  "Boss, can't outrun him - that kid's too fast!"

  "We can't outrun them, but we have to run!" The leader grunted, "If we don't catch that kid, our heads won't be spared either."

  "Head, Second Master is dead, let's run!" someone shouted.

  "Right! If we don't run back to the mansion, won't we die too?" someone chimed in.

  "Run - ?" The black-clad guard leader hummed, "Where can you run to? Don't you care about your family?"

  Everyone fell silent, with no one making another sound.

  They have no other way but to chase.

  All the way forward and backward, that distance was pinched by Li Miao to be just right. They wouldn't let them get lost, nor would they let them see too clearly. Of course, with her skills, teasing them was effortless.

  Before long, they arrived at the back alley of Ning Wangfu. Li Mo turned his head and glanced at those people, suddenly quickened his pace, rushed to the back door of Ning Wangfu, knocked on the door vigorously, and said in a low voice.

  "Princess Song, my second master has sent us to come and fetch you."

  As soon as she finished shouting, she dodged and ran towards the other end of the alley.

  Just then, when the pursuers from the Wei State Duke's mansion turned around the corner and rushed into the alley, they no longer saw Li Mi, but a group of Ning Wang Fu guards wearing armor and holding knives, blocking their way and surrounding them so that they couldn't escape.

  "How dare you have such a big dog's gall, even in broad daylight, to commit such a heinous act?!"

  The guards of the Wei State Duke's mansion ran out of breath and looked at the situation in a daze.

  "Brother, we are from the Wei State's Public Office, and have come to look for someone——"

  "Looking for someone?" The leader of the Ning Wang Fu guards sneered, waving his hand. "Daring to insult the concubine of Ning Wang, the people of Wei Guo Gong Fu are really eating bear hearts and leopard gall. Brothers, beat him up!"

  The people in the Wei State Duke's mansion were somewhat bewildered and hesitated for a moment before hastily making amends.

  "It was our fault, let us apologize first, brothers, don't be offended."

  He said, then turned around, "First go back and report to the Duke, don't act rashly."

  "Prince of Wei? Ha——"

  The head of the Ning Wang Fu guards patted the waist token on Xia Xun's hand, gave a cold smile and said: "I've long heard that the second master of the Wei Guo Gong Fu is charming and flirtatious, and the Wei Guo Gong has always been covering for him. But I never thought that today he would actually play tricks on our Ning Wang Fu. Brothers, take these people down for me, and wait for the king to return and deal with them."

  As soon as they saw the waist card, the guards of the Wei State Duke's Mansion immediately turned red-eyed.

  "So it was you who did it?!"

  "What's going on? Screw you! Brothers, rise up!"

  "Whoosh" with a flash of the knife, the sound of clashing metal rose on all sides, and both groups of people's eyes turned red.

  "Brothers, death is on both sides, let's fight it out with them!"

  Both sides were hot-tempered and used to bullying others, so they couldn't stand the anger and didn't have the patience to sit down and explain. Before a few words were exchanged, the two groups of people started fighting, causing Xia Chuyi, who was lying on the roof of a house far away, to smile with narrowed eyes.

  "Sister, isn't it lively and fun?"

  "Great!" Li Mian leaned over beside her and sighed, "Chu Qi, apart from you, no one else would do something so stupid."

  On the seventh day of summer, a pair of eyes sparkled brightly, with a cunning glint in their pupils.

  "To capture the enemy's entire army without fighting is the ultimate in military strategy."

  Li Mian let out a gentle sigh, and today's mood was also extremely good.

  "It's a good plan, but I don't know if it will implicate Brother Yuan."

  "Perhaps it will. Otherwise, you'll marry him as compensation?"

  Li Miao poked her forehead, "You, what's wrong with you, still joking around!"

  Xia Zhi knew her concerns and didn't let her worry anymore.

  "Don't worry, Brother Yuan has managed to get this far in the capital, he must have some connections with the officials. Just think about those places he runs, which one is clean? How could there not be any casualties? If he didn't have a clear conscience, he wouldn't dare help us. And once this matter comes out, Xia Tingde will be nervous, and naturally won't suspect Ning Wang's wife, who was slept with by someone else and had her door kicked in. Ha! Xia Tingde wants Ning Wang to fight with Zhao Shi Jiu, so that Zhao Mian Ze can benefit, but I'm not going to let him have his way! Just wait and see, that old fox will lose his son and also suffer a defeat."

  Li Mo nodded quietly as she finished speaking.

  Have to admit, her calculation is correct.

  It's unclear whether Consort Song had any improper relationship with Xia Xun. Xia Xun died without leaving any evidence, but the bellyband was indeed something she personally retrieved from the Ning Wang Fu, and it belonged to Consort Song.

  Of course, Chu Qi had her own reasons for choosing Song Ce Fei. It was just the nature of a young girl's heart, knowing that the old emperor intended to marry the eldest daughter of the Song family to the King of Jin as his queen, so she took out a younger daughter of the Song family as an example first.

  It turns out that Song Shi was also wronged just because of his surname Song.

  Li Mian furrowed his brow again at this thought.

  "Chu Qi, in Jinxiu Building, where did you get that waist token from?"

  "Ah," said Xia Chuqi, taking out a waist card from his bosom and playing with it for a moment. "What about this?"

  "Hmm." Li Mian was somewhat perplexed.

  "Zhao Mianze's waist card - tsk, tsk, tsk! It's really useful." Xia Chuyi borrowed the light from the eaves to take a closer look at the waist card and said with a smile, "I didn't expect that our Great Yan Dynasty's ability to counterfeit is also so strong, not one bit worse than my hometown."

  "Fake?" Li Mian asked in surprise.

  "Of course, what else? Do you think Zhao Mianze would still give me his waist card?" Summer Seventh raised an eyebrow and smiled, "I just took a look at the appearance, then went to the shops on Chongyuan Street to find someone to make one that's exactly the same."

  Li Mian took a deep breath, "That's a capital offense, how dare they do this?"

  Xia Zhi Qi's eyes, half-closed like a cat's, gleamed with a hint of sarcasm as she raised the corners of her lips. "I'm telling you, cousin, you're just too serious all the time. In this world, with enough silver, nothing is impossible. Some people may be afraid to die, but there will always be those who aren't, get it?"

  Li Mi lay on the tiles with his elbows propped up under him and let out a sigh.

  "I don't understand you anymore."

  Bumped Li Mian's shoulder, Xia Chuqi lay down on the tiles under the eaves of the house, listening to the slowly weakening sound of fighting in the distance, looking at the dark sky, and laughed even sweeter. "You don't have to understand me, just remember to pick me up from the house later."

  Li Mian looked at her, speechless.

  The two people fell silent.

  Before long, the fighting sounds downstairs completely disappeared.

  "Hey, cousin, I put so much thought into designing this whole thing, but with only the two of us watching, isn't that a bit...underwhelming?"

  Li Mian was taken aback, "What do you mean?"

  She turned over and continued to lie down, Xia Qiuzi got up with one foot, half-closing her eyes, "I'll have to thank Zhao Mianze properly tomorrow for giving me an explanation. This matter should also let Xia Wenqiu know about it, right? Hmph, it's so complicated... With Zhao Mianze's token, I went in and killed Xia Xun, but those two people were actually Ning Wang's men and ran into the Ning Wang Fu. Xia Xun is dead, and he was involved with Ning Wang's concubine, this water is getting murkier and murkier..."

  "Aren't you worried they'll see through it?"

  "What's the use of seeing through it?" Xia Chuqi chuckled and let out a lazy sigh, "These people, they're just concerned with saving face. Now that someone is dead and their anger has risen, they were always incompatible like water and fire. This Liangzi is really going to make a big fuss."

  Li Mian looked at her, from the bridge of her nose to her mouth, scrutinizing her carefully. After a long silence, he sighed softly and said, "If you had been as clever two years ago, things wouldn't have ended up like this today. Our family wouldn't have fallen apart either."

  On the seventh day of summer, looking at the gray and hazy sky, smiling towards the place that can't be seen.

  "It's all fate."

  ……

  ……

  On January 20th, several big things happened in Ying Tian Fu.

  Early in the morning, the old emperor finally approved the punishment of Fan Congliang, the county magistrate of Qinggang, on the imperial court. According to official statements, Fan Congliang used "thousand-year-old stone stele" to deceive the emperor and delude the people, framing the King of Jin, and will be sentenced to death by beheading, to be executed in autumn. His property was confiscated, but considering that his family members were not guilty of similar treachery, he was spared from death and only exiled to join the army.

  However, the heat of this matter has not dissipated. Not long after noon, Xia Xun, the second son of Wei Guo Gong Xia Tingde, was found dead with his throat cut in Jinxiu Building, leading to a confrontation and fight between the people of Wei Guo Gong Fu and Ning Wang Fu.

  This incident came out, and Fan Congliang's affairs became a minor matter, and it was no longer possible to make headlines.

  For a time, Xia Xun's death was widely spread and talked about.

  Some say that Xia Xun had an affair with the concubine of Prince Ning, which led to Prince Ning's jealousy and intentionally sent someone to kill Xia Xun at Jinxiu Building, pretending it was Zhao Mianze, the eldest grandson of the emperor. Others say that it was Wei Guogong Xia Tingde who framed Prince Ning first, and Prince Ning, unable to tolerate it, sent someone to kill his own son as a warning.

  Of course, the above is a more formal version, and there are also more romantic versions circulating among the people. It's said that Xia Youxian was so bold that he crawled into the backyard of Ning Wang in broad daylight and did it with Song Ce Fei on the bed. He was caught red-handed by Ning Wang, and before he could even pull out his thing, Ning Wang cut it off with a knife. It got stuck inside Song Ce Fei's body, and they had to call a doctor over to get it out...

  This incident not only made Ning Wang lose face, but also made the Song family of Zhang Lie Hou lose face. The most direct impact is that people began to suspect the family education of Zhang Lie Hou, and even more suspected whether the legitimate daughter of the Song family could match up to the Dragon Chapter Phoenix's Jin Wang Gongxia.

  When she heard those rumors, Xia Chuyi was already obediently taking her medicine in Dr. Liang's clinic.

  Tonight, there is no moon and no stars, it's so dark you can't even see your fingers when you stretch out your hand.

  The Jin Wang Fu lit up the lanterns, but the houses were still shrouded in a dark and mysterious darkness. However, careful people can see that the guards and vigilance inside the mansion are more severe than usual.

  The night is cool as water.

  The lamp in the study is shining brightly.

  Zhao Zhuo quietly leaned on the chair behind the desk, his right hand propping up his forehead, silent for a while, looking at Chen Jing, but didn't mention the hot topic of today, only instructed him another important matter.

  "This morning in the imperial court, Your Majesty once again severely scolded Lao San. I'm afraid he won't be able to wait any longer. In recent days, you have sent people to closely monitor that fool's residence. As soon as there is any movement, you can take charge on your own."

  "Yes." Chen Jing clasped his hands and stood silently for a moment, then said, "The Ning King has been associating with officials and cultivating his followers. Your Majesty must have been aware of this early on, how could you tolerate him? In comparison, Your Majesty's treatment of you is indeed affectionate and respectful."

  Zhao Zun's eyes flashed, and his hand rubbing his forehead paused slightly.

  "Before taking, one must first give. Haven't you heard?"

  Chen Jingru was taken aback, "Your Highness..."

  He didn't say much more to him, Zhao Zun waved his hand, "Go, call Yuan You to see me."

  The days when Xiao Gongzi returned to the capital were very leisurely. In peacetime, he either tinkered with his firearms in the Divine Machine Battalion or sought pleasure with the beautiful women in his backyard, which was quite enjoyable, so he hadn't been to the Jin Wangfu for many days.

  Chengguo Gongfu is just two streets away from Jinwang Fu.

  Having received Zhao's summons, Yuan arrived quickly as well.

  The man was still outside the study when the noise had already been transmitted inside.

  "I said Zheng Er Bao, seeing me coming, what's with that look in your eyes?"

  Zheng Er Bao outside shouted "Aiyo" and said, "Young Master, forgive me, my eyes are itchy because of the wind."

  "No wonder, I thought you were kicked by some little girl's pants."

  "How dare I, how dare I! A humble servant like me doesn't have the good fortune to be compared to Young Master!" Zheng Erbao smiled apologetically, his forehead covered in cold sweat.

  This old man never says anything pleasant.

  Soon, the gate with auspicious plum blossoms was pushed open. Yuan You smiled and walked in, looking at Zhao Zhuo behind the desk, his innate charming eyes sparkled, playfully teasing him with a hint of a smile.

  "Your Highness, King of Jin, why did you think of me today? Is there good news?"

  Zhao Zun lightly swept his sleeve and pointed at the chessboard in front of him.

  "Let's play chess."

  "Ah!" Yu exclaimed, Yuan You became curious, "Have you encountered a ghost?"

  "Come sit down, you're acting like a madman!"

  "Are you kidding me?" Yuanshuo burst out laughing and sat down across from him, his face filled with skepticism as he began to arrange the chess pieces. "I'm saying, Tianlu, aren't you the one who hates it when others accompany you while playing chess? What wind blew into your head today that made you suddenly understand?"

  Zhao Zun glanced at him and said lightly, "It's not that I dislike others accompanying me to play chess, but the opponent is too weak, and I'm not interested."

  “……”

  Yuanyu's hand paused as he was about to pick up a chess piece.

  Loose, a chess piece "slapped" onto the board.

  He chuckled and said, "As it happens, I'm not fond of playing chess either. Let's just drop the act. What brings you to me? If there's something on your mind, speak up. If not, I'll take my leave. Yesterday, Xiaobao set his sights on a new girl, and she's a real beauty. He was planning to make his move tonight, and then you show up."

  Zhao Zun's eyebrows slightly furrowed as he glanced at him.

  "This year's Mid-Autumn Festival is said to be a grand celebration for the Crown Prince's recovery from illness, and His Majesty has ordered the Ministry of Rites officials to start making preparations."

  "Ah, I knew it! I heard that the Emperor is planning to arrange for you to marry the young lady from the Changzhao Mansion on the Mid-Autumn Festival and make her the 19th princess of the Jinwang Mansion. But with what happened today, it's a different story now." Yuan You snickered and then suddenly became serious, "But Tianluo, what does this have to do with me?"

  His lips pursed slightly, Zhao Zun's tone was calm, but the topic became even more endless. "Hmmm, the Jinwang Mansion in Beiping Prefecture will probably be built in a few months, and I'll have to go to Beiping to take up my post."

  Yuan You became even more bewildered, stared blankly for a moment, and then burst out laughing.

  "Hey, Tianlu, you wouldn't be reluctant to part with me, would you? Otherwise, I'll ask the Emperor for a decree tomorrow and accompany you to Beiping to take up a position like Protector of the Imperial Guard in the Jinwang Fu. However, you have to prepare more girls for me."

  "Even if I agree, your father won't."

  Zhao Zun glanced at him lightly and heavily, then fell silent for a moment. A slender finger stretched out to start arranging the chess pieces in front of him. But he moved them around as if there was something he wanted to say, yet he didn't say it. Until Yuan You couldn't hold back and urged him again, he furrowed his brow and asked another question.

  "Shaohong, is your father still well?"

  He slapped his forehead and Yuan Yu looked at him, almost worried to death.

  "Tianlu, what exactly do you want to say?"

  Yu Xiao Gong Ye really wanted to say that he didn't recognize the person in front of him.

  He, this nineteenth uncle, has always been concise in his words and never says a single unnecessary word. Today, he's been rambling on for half a day, talking about everything under the sun, but not a single key point was mentioned. What does this indicate?

  "You're sick? Why don't I get my cousin to take a look?"

  Zhao Zhen glanced at him and after a while, he said something even more outrageous.

  "Nowadays, the situation in the imperial court is complex, you should advise your father not to get involved and just observe the changes."

  Yuanyou nodded slightly.

  He was right, since the old emperor allowed him to go to Beiping Prefecture as a vassal, his 19th uncle's days could be considered leisurely, just waiting for him to spend some time organizing the army and he can go to Beiping Prefecture to become his vassal king. His momentum was already set, but on the other side, the crown prince's illness suddenly took a turn for the better, and the originally complicated struggle for the throne became a wait-and-see situation overnight. The outcome is uncertain, and no one dares to take sides casually, his father naturally also knows this.

  But these... obviously aren't his main points either?

  The little young master's charming eyes narrowed, his face full of puzzlement.

  "Tianlu, is there something unpleasant you want to say?"

  He picked up a white chess piece with his fingers and thought for a moment before speaking again.

  "I am concerned about your father's health."

  "What? Oh! He's doing great, how could he not be? He can eat, sleep and run, and just the other day, he even took in a new concubine. His blade is still sharp, his vigor undiminished from years past!" At the mention of Cheng Guo Gong, Yuan Yu sneered, showing off his pearly whites, looking quite pleased with himself, as if to say that like father, like son.

  But what does this have to do with him?

  "Uncle Nineteen, is there anything else you'd like to say?"

  With his left hand dropping down a son, Zhao Zun glared at him with one eye and said lightly.

  "I'll prepare some small gifts and visit your residence tomorrow."

  "Are you... crazy?"

  Finally, Yuan You's face was collected, and a pair of narrow and long Danfeng eyes were filled with 'incomprehension', and his gaze swept towards Zhao Zun like the wind.

  "You've never liked socializing with officials, and you don't get along with anyone in the imperial court. Why do you suddenly want to see my father privately at this critical moment?"

  "What's wrong with that?"

  Yuanyou was taken aback for a moment, narrowed his eyes and scrutinized him for half a while, suddenly enlightened, mysteriously glanced at the study door, then leaned over, lowered his voice, with excitement all over his face.

  "Uncle Nineteen, have you made up your mind?"

  Zhao Zun picked up a chess piece and glanced at him, "What's your idea?"

  "What about the position on top of the nine tripods, would you like to ask something?"

  "What's wrong with your head!" Unconsciously, Zhao Zun learned another line from the seventh day's script. He rubbed his brow and fell silent for a moment before calmly glancing at the flames burning in Yuan Yu's eyes, and suddenly poured a ladle of cold water on him.

  "I was just thinking of asking Cheng Guo Gong if he would be interested in taking on another daughter."

  So that's how it is!

  He let out a long sigh and Yuan Yu thoroughly admired him.

  He went around in a big circle, saying so much, isn't it just to let him go back and persuade his father, Cheng Guo Gong, to adopt Chu Qi as his daughter under the pretext of not having children, and then take advantage of the Mid-Autumn Festival when His Majesty is happy, change her identity and arrange a marriage for her, and quietly bring her to Beiping Fu to live a carefree life?

  How fake!

  How melodramatic!

  Yuan You shook his head, just about to speak, when Zheng Er Bao knocked on the door and walked in, bowing his body and saying, "Master, Princess Zhi Yue has arrived."

  Zhao You furrowed his brow, "She's not recovering from her illness in Qingtang Courtyard, what is she doing here?"

  "Claiming to be here to apologize..."

  Digression

  First spread then change, super duper!