This time the emperor made arrangements nearby. He didn't want to give money anyway, so he just asked for someone. He even knew in his heart that the person who arranged this time was just delivering food without paying money, so he specifically found someone he didn't like.
And the people he dislikes often turn out to be good ones.
The general's surname was Zheng, and he had been a military general for generations. When the late emperor was still there, his family was very prosperous.
Later, when the emperor came to power, he could only stay at the border and live a miserable life where the court did not provide him with money or food, and he had to work hard to find food and drink by himself.
The emperor didn't think there was anything wrong with this at all for the Zheng family, who had saved countless kingdoms for the royal family. Although the Zheng family never took sides, this generation of General Zheng got along well with the eldest prince back then.
Even if General Zheng was measured, he could only say two or three sentences when he was young and nothing else. But for the emperor, sending people to the border instead of trying to kill them was already a mercy.
When the imperial edict arrived, General Zheng locked himself in his room and cursed.
Everyone knew who he was scolding, but they couldn't show it openly, so they could only watch General Zheng smash the table in anger. Finally, when he was angry, he still had to hold his nose and check the route, pack up his bags and lead people to support.
No one disagrees with supporting the people of Gezhou.
But in reality, a very big problem faced them: lack of food.
According to the current food in their military camp, it would be good if they can support them to Gezhou.
Even if their soldiers are good, it's hard for a clever woman to make a meal without rice. If she doesn't have enough to eat, she can't rely on perseverance to survive.
After General Zheng checked the remaining money and food in the military camp, he was so angry that he locked himself in his room and cursed all afternoon.
There is nothing more abominable than this.
The man above is a fool, but as his subject, you have to obey his orders, otherwise, you and the soldiers under you will not be able to save their lives.
There was no food, so we had to make do with it.
General Zheng, a high-ranking official, gathered together, some for you and some for me, and my wife would have to pay for it, but they have been at the border for so long, and they don’t have that much money. Even if they all come together, the amount they come up with is still not enough. .
The accountant who manages these is scratching his head, wishing that food would fall from the sky.
As a result, on the second day, a team of food actually arrived at the military camp.
When the carts of grain were unloaded, General Zheng could not wait to hold the legs of the cart and call out to Tathagata Buddha, True Supreme Enlightenment Bodhisattva, to bless him.
Before these soldiers could recover from this huge surprise, they heard the leader of the convoy saying: "Not only is our team the only one, there is another team behind us with more food than us. We are all working hard." Those who are in a hurry, unfortunately, two of their cars broke down yesterday, and there is nowhere to buy new ones in the wilderness, so we are asked to come first and wait until we get to the battalion commander before we bother the general to pick them up."
Oh my god!
This is another village where everything is bright and clear. God has opened his eyes.
General Zheng personally led his people to bring out the grain team trapped in the wilderness.
This night, the whole camp rarely had a full meal.
General Zheng, on the other hand, was sitting in his tent, looking at the letter in front of him and falling into silence.
"so… "
This general, who always had the appearance of a rough guy and was careless in everything, asked the man standing opposite him respectfully in a deep voice: "Does your master want me to help him?"
The man replied respectfully: "The general is busy with business, why would my master bother you? I just want to ask the general not to stop him when he needs help."
General Zheng was silent for a while.
"My Zheng family has been loyal for generations. I can't do this. Please take these grains back. I don't dare to take them."
The person sent by Ji Changze had long expected that he would react like this, so he only followed his master's instructions and said: "Your Majesty, you don't have to be like this. These grains are not for you. They are for your majesty to go into battle and kill the enemy." Soldiers, even if you don’t help us, we won’t take away this food.”
"My master knows what the general is worried about. Please rest assured that what I want to do is not what you think."
"Isn't it?"
General Zheng smiled in disbelief: "The throne is such a big temptation. If he had the chance, would he take it?"
Even he himself could not say that he had no feelings for the throne. If the Zheng family had not been loyal ministers for generations and wanted to maintain the family's reputation, he might have been able to resist the temptation to get that dog emperor to sit down on his own.
"The general is not my master, so how can he know what my master wants?"
"The younger one resigned."
The food delivery man left.
General Zheng was sitting alone in the camp, and he could still hear the laughter and laughter coming from outside, because it was rare that everyone had a full meal today, and the atmosphere in the military camp was very good. It was so late, and they all gathered together to warm up by the fire.
He looked at the letter on the table quietly, stood up and threw the letter into the brazier, watching it burn little by little.
In the rising flames, he seemed to see himself as a child.
At that time, his father had not yet passed away, and he had just begun to learn calligraphy. His father held his hand and taught him to write "loyalty to the emperor and service to the country" stroke by stroke.
He has been doing it, but the person on the throne is not worthy of him sitting like this.
The Zheng family protects the wise king and the people.
Rather than a fatuous emperor.
General Zheng sat alone in the tent until the laughter and laughter outside faded away, until the candles in the room burned out and the tent became dark. He sat stiffly in this darkness all night.
In the early morning of the next day, when the sunshine outside shone in, General Zheng moved.
He suddenly thought of what the man said last night.
Ji Changze doesn’t want the throne
So what is his purpose in doing this
Jifu
--Snapped!
The tea cup fell, and Li Ziqian's usually calm expression was rarely tainted with worry. She nervously grabbed Nanny Xu's hand and asked, "But is it true? The Hu people really went to Gezhou?"
Seeing her face turning pale, Aunt Xu sighed and nodded.
Li Ziqian's expression fell into a trance.
If so, if there is something wrong with Liu Shengyan, Mrs. Liu, Liu Leping, what will they do
"Madam, don't worry too much. Your Majesty has already ordered the dispatch of troops for rescue."
Aunt Xu patted Li Ziqian's hand and comforted her with a warm voice: "Mr. Liu has always been lucky, I think this time it will be good."
Li Ziqian could not be comforted, and even turned pale again.
The barbarians besieged the city, and the city had just suffered a famine, so there must not be much food. Although there was food for disaster relief, the city was besieged and nothing could be done.
In this way, the food will not last long, and people in the city will starve to death.
Even if reinforcements come and rescue the people, someone will still need to take the blame for the lives of the people who are trapped in the city and starve to death.
According to today's temper, it is probably Liu Shengyan.
If he is convicted...
Li Ziqian swayed and almost lost her balance. Aunt Xu quickly supported her: "Madam."
"Prepare the car and go to Liu Mansion."
"Madam, if you go, will it make the master suspicious?"
After all, Ji Changze has always been scheming. Once Li Ziqian shows something is wrong, he is likely to see something from her words and deeds.
Li Ziqian also knows this, but now she doesn't care much anymore.
She also knew the situation of the Liu family. If the news that Liu Shengyan was trapped was spread back, regardless of how sad Mrs. Liu was, the Liu family would definitely take the opportunity to do something against them.
Coupled with the fact that the current one is keen on scapegoating, as the Liu Shengyan family members who are likely to be scapegoated, they must make preparations in advance.
At least... you can't really stand and wait to die.
"Take my savings and prepare a car now. If Ji Changze asks, just say that I heard about the Liu family and was worried that Mrs. Liu wouldn't be able to survive, so I went to see her."
Fortunately, she and Mrs. Liu are close friends, and she has only seen Mrs. Liu for so many years, so this statement is not so abrupt.
In Liu Mansion, except for the small courtyard of Liu Shengyan's house, the atmosphere is quite good.
After all, Liu Shengyan was not the old lady's biological child. If he hadn't been an official and received a monthly salary, the old lady would not have let him live in the mansion.
Now that he was in trouble, the old lady wanted to set off firecrackers to celebrate, so how could she feel sad for this bastard
She is really happy.
The old lady doesn't like the concubine, but her dislike is not to say to her husband, "I don't like the concubine, so don't take concubines." She pretends to be generous and gives her husband concubines again and again, and then waits for them to give birth to a son. , and then resorted to means to cause these poor children to die "accidentally".
Liu Shengyan's mother was also a good girl. After being attracted by the old man, the old lady immediately helped him take him in virtuously.
Later, as soon as Liu Shengyan was born, the old lady repeated her old tricks and made various tricks to kill the bastard.
However, Liu Shengyan's mother protected her well, and Liu Shengyan himself was also very lucky. After so many years, the old lady never succeeded.
After finally relying on his filial piety to suppress the person from leaving, he thought Liu Shengyan would be depressed and uncomfortable, but it turned out not to be the case.
Liu Shengyan, a big-hearted person, closed the courtyard door and continued to live his own life.
On the contrary, the old lady's own reputation was mostly ruined because of this move.
She originally just hated the concubine, but after so many years, that disgust turned into hatred, and even Liu Shengyan's wife and children were on her hate list.
This time something happened to Liu Shengyan, she immediately called Mrs. Liu and Liu Leping over, "sadly" told them the bad news, and "kindly" comforted them not to be afraid, even if Liu Shengyan had some shortcomings, he would be It doesn't matter if the barbarians kill them, Liu Mansion will still take care of their orphans and widowed mothers.
Of course, it also includes Mrs. Liu’s dowry and the rare farewell gifts sent by Mr. Ji a few times ago.
The old lady almost laughed out loud.
After waiting for so long, she couldn't wait for this day.
That little broken land in Gezhou was besieged by the barbarians, so it’s surprising that it could hold out.
If Mrs. Liu loses her husband, their family must live in the mansion before her son gets married and starts a family.
At that time, without Liu Shengyan's support, the money would not be at their own discretion.
The old lady became more and more beautiful as she thought about it. She smiled and ordered the people waiting around her: "The child Shengyan is trapped. Leping will definitely be sad for her father. You go and ask some ladies to visit my sister and comfort her."
She knew what her direct granddaughters were like. At this time, she took advantage of Liu Leping's backer to let them go. Naturally, her intention was to let them take the opportunity to search for something.
They all belong to my sisters, so what’s wrong with giving them something
Mrs. Liu is an elder, can she still reprimand these juniors
She didn't believe that Liu Shengyan would be lucky enough to survive this disaster this time.
The old lady just thought angrily in her heart for a while, but when she thought of this, her body suddenly stiffened, remembering all the things in the past.
It should be... not that bad, right
Along the way, Liu Shengyan met many noble people and important things, so he couldn't let a noble person pop up in the end.
She was worrying about gains and losses here, but Mrs. Liu over there was relatively calm. After returning, she immediately asked the girl to pack up her valuables to prevent others from fishing in troubled waters.
Seeing Liu Leping's eyes turning red and trying to be strong, Mrs. Liu felt sorry for her daughter and held her in her arms to coax her: "Don't be afraid, nothing will happen."
She was worried that the old lady would do something stupid while Liu Shengyan was in trouble. She gritted her teeth and said, "Remember, if something happens while I'm away and you can't do anything, go to Ji's house and ask Mrs. Ji. She will definitely help." your."
Liu Leping nodded obediently: "Mom, I'm not afraid. Daddy will be fine. I know him."
Mrs. Liu burst into tears and nodded.
"Yeah, your dad will be fine."
But in my heart, I was still prepared for the worst.
When the time comes, it would be better to leave Leping and her son to Sissi's care. I'm afraid she won't be able to take care of them anymore.
Mrs. Liu also knew that her husband had always had good luck.
But every time something big happened, someone would appear out of nowhere to protect him.
But this time, who else in the Manchu Dynasty can protect Liu Shengyan.
Ji Changze can do it, but Mrs. Liu doesn't believe that Ji Changze is willing to take action.
What's more, this matter is not that simple. Even if Ji Changze really wants to keep Liu Shengyan, he probably has to see what His Majesty means.
Mrs. Liu hugged her daughter tightly.
"Don't be afraid, mother will protect you."
***
Li Ziqian left in a hurry. She needed someone she trusted in the house to help keep an eye on Ji Changze's movements, so she didn't take Nanny Xu with her, but only took Peach Blossom with her.
Although the car called in a hurry, it came very quickly, and there were thick cushions in the car. The driver heard Li Ziqian's destination and drove away immediately.
Aunt Xu stood by the side door, craning her neck to watch the carriage slowly leave. She raised her hand to wipe her tears with her sleeves.
If something really happens, Mrs. Liu and Miss Leping can be regarded as Li Ziqian's few pillars of support over the years. No matter what happens to either of them, it will be regarded as bad news for Li Ziqian.
If something happens to both of them, the madam may not survive.
Madam has been living on a breath these past few years, and her only thoughts are her two relatives, the old lady in Li's residence and Miss Leping. If something happens, she will definitely not be able to hold on.
The more she thought about it, the more afraid she became. She clasped her hands together and murmured a prayer: "I just ask the Supreme True Heaven Bodhisattva to bless Master Liu and be safe."
Suddenly, a voice came from the side and said calmly: "Don't worry, Liu Shengyan will return safely."
Nanny Xu was so frightened that she almost didn't jump. Her heart was beating rapidly and she turned her head. When she saw who was standing behind her, she almost stopped beating.
"O-Master..."
Although Ji Changze was talking to her, he was looking at the direction in which the carriage was leaving. He waited until the carriage turned and was out of sight, then he withdrew his gaze and looked at Nanny Xu who was looking at him in horror.
Nanny Xu was so frightened by him that she almost didn't send her away on the spot. At this moment, her mind was blank and she was still trying to make up an excuse: "Madam, Madam heard about Mr. Liu and was worried that Mrs. Liu couldn't bear the news, so she went to the Liu Mansion I’m visiting Mrs. Liu.”
"My maid, my maid is also worried that Mr. Liu is really up to something, and what will happen to Mrs. Liu? This is what I'm thinking about..."
As she talked, she couldn't go on because Ji Changze looked at her quietly without saying a word.
Although he didn't say anything, the information revealed in those eyes seemed to be that he knew everything.
No, how could the master know.
He must have deceived her.
Aunt Xu forced herself to calm down and smiled at Ji Changze.
"Master, is there anything else going on? If not, I will go back first."
After she finished speaking, she felt blessed, turned around and left in a hurry.
Just when he thought this incident was over, Ji Changze's voice came from behind him: "You are loyal."
Aunt Xu broke out in a cold sweat, turned around, and smiled reluctantly: "What are you talking about, Master? I am a member of the Ji Mansion, so I must be loyal."
Ji Changze looked directly into her eyes indifferently. When Nanny Xu didn't dare to express her anger, she suddenly turned her eyes and looked at the horizon.
"After all, Madam has not been out of the hospital for more than ten years. She may have forgotten how to socialize with others. It is not enough to take a yellow-haired girl with her. I will go to the Liu Mansion to stay with Madam for a few days and help her take care of her."
Nanny Xu swallowed nervously. She didn't know how the master knew that the madam planned to stay at Liu's house for a few days. When the madam left, she didn't even take a change of clothes with her. She carefully tested: "What did you say, madam?" I just went to visit Mrs. Liu, so I will naturally come back."
"She and Mrs. Liu are close friends. When the Liu family encounters changes, she will naturally help Mrs. Liu to support them. You don't need to say more, just pack up and go now."
Before Nanny Xu could leave, Ji Changze suddenly handed the box he had been holding to Nanny Xu.
"If the Liu family really has something that needs to be taken care of, leave this to Madam."
You couldn't tell what was inside the box just by looking at it. Aunt Xu could only guess from Ji Changze's words that it might be money or something.
She nodded in agreement, bowed hastily and turned to leave.
After taking two steps, she turned her head again and looked at the back of the man standing by the side door looking out, and suddenly felt something strange in her heart.
Nanny Xu took two more steps, then pulled the boy standing in the courtyard and asked, "When did the master arrive at the door?"
The young man recognized her as a close confidant of the madam and answered enthusiastically: "I came early in the morning. The carriage the madam was riding in was prepared by the master. It was originally at the gate. After watching the madam leave, , and went to the side door."
Nanny Xu stood there in shock, not knowing how to react for a moment.
Why does the master look like he is not surprised by his wife's behavior
Even, it was expected.
Does he really know nothing
Nanny Xu suddenly thought of something and opened the small box in her hand.
There were a few banknotes lying quietly inside. The number was very small, but when expanded, the amount on them was actually ten thousand.
These few banknotes alone were enough for them to live a very good life after running away with the Liu family.
Nanny Xu looked carefully at the numbers on the banknotes. These banknotes could be exchanged for money without identity verification.
An idea suddenly came to her mind.
The master personally ordered the carriage and stood at the door early in the morning to watch the lady leave. He sent her to the lady and gave her enough money to live on for a lifetime.
Putting all these things together, it seems as if the master knew the worst plan in his wife's heart and escaped with the Liu family and Mrs. Li.
"No, it's impossible..."
she muttered.
How is this possible
In the eyes of the master, Madam and Madam Liu are just handkerchiefs.
If the Liu family is in trouble, Madam will help her to the best of her ability, but escaping is something that the Master would never think of.
If he really thought about it and would help, or even allow his wife to take away almost half of the family wealth, then there is only one possibility.
Aunt Xu stood there, sweating in layers on her back in the cold weather.
This may be it, I know it.
He knew that for Madam, there were more important people in the Liu family.
——Miss Leping.