Shen Xinyan left the palace worryingly, and first arrived at the Zhongyihou's mansion. Seeing Wei Yingzhi who had been waiting for the notification, she put aside her worries for the time being, took her hand and said in disapproval: "They are all pregnant. Why are you still standing in the air? You don't know how to take care of yourself at all, how can Yun Fu feel at ease when you're like this?"
"Didn't I hear that my mother was coming, and I was anxious for a while?" Wei Yingzhi hugged her arm and said coquettishly.
Shen Xinyan poked her forehead angrily: "If you can't even take care of yourself, how will you take care of your children in the future?"
Wei Yingzhi smiled flatteringly at her, and the mother and daughter entered the room together, and a clever girl offered fragrant tea.
"Mother has already told the imperial concubine that she will take you back to the Duke's mansion for a while. You order someone to clean up. We have to go back before dinner. You can't leave your grandmother's place." Shen Xin and Yan Daoming made it clear.
Wei Yingzhi also had this idea long ago. After all, this child is her and Yunfu's first child. She dare not be negligent, but if anyone can make her trust her wholeheartedly at this time, it is only her grandmother and Yunfu. Mother kissed.
"Ma'am, this is the list for next month." The mother and daughter were talking when a woman came in with the list and presented it to Wei Yingzhi.
Wei Yingzhi took it and glanced at it before throwing it on the round table beside him: "The fifth expense is wrong, go back and recalculate it before withdrawing it!"
The woman didn't dare to say anything else, she lowered her head and answered 'yes', took the list and hurriedly backed out.
"It's becoming more and more like the mistress of the house." Shen Xinyan said happily.
"Mothers are used to making fun of people. If they weren't too greedy, I wouldn't be so fussy. Although the water is so clear that there will be no fish, but if the water is too turbid, how can the fish survive?" Wei Yingzhi Quite a bit disapproving.
"It's just that you can't handle everything by yourself. You have to cultivate a few trustworthy people so that you can share the burden. Otherwise, won't you exhaust yourself to death?" Shen Xinyan said.
"I'm thinking the same way, and I have a candidate in my heart, but I'm still slowly observing."
"It's good that you have an idea in your heart." Shen Xinyan was finally relieved.
While the mother and daughter were talking, the maid packed up everything Wei Yingzhi needed.
Wei Yingzhi called the nanny in charge of the mansion and the steward of the outer court, and explained everything in the mansion properly, and then went out with Shen Xinyan, and took a carriage to the Duke's mansion.
The mother and daughter went back to the mansion, and went directly to the Eldest Princess, and saw that the Eldest Princess was leaning on the soft couch, listening carefully to Brother Xiang's children's words, and stretched out her hand to caress the little guy's head from time to time Guazi looked relieved: "Grandma's brother Lin is really a smart boy."
"Grandmother, I'm not Brother Lin, I'm Brother Xiang." Brother Xiang corrected her childishly.
"Brother Xiang?" The eldest princess was obviously stunned for a moment, squinting her eyes and looking carefully at the little guy with bulging cheeks. After a long time, she suddenly realized: "Grandma made a mistake, this is Brother Xiang, Grandma's little brother Xiang."
"Xiang Xiaogan" heard it, and immediately smiled with brows and eyes crooked with joy.
"Mother, grandma?" Wei Yingzhi's heart skipped a beat, and she subconsciously looked at Shen Xinyan.
Shen Xinyan sighed and shook her head, then said in a low voice, "I'll talk to you later."
The situation of the eldest princess is good and sometimes bad. When it is bad, people can't even recognize her. When it is good, she is still the shrewd and strong eldest princess.
Shen Xinyan became more and more worried. News had already spread from the palace that His Majesty was in a bad condition, and that the Crown Prince would be in charge of the government for the time being.
The courtiers were not too surprised. After all, the prince had gradually started to participate in political affairs in recent years. When Emperor Yuanyou left the palace to go to the summer resort, all government affairs were handed over to the prince.
However, Shen Xinyan always felt uneasy in her heart, as if all this is just a moment of calm before the storm.
A few days later, Empress Zhou, who was gradually forgotten by the world, suddenly regained her favor, and Fengkun Palace, which was like a cold palace in the past, became lively again.
Shen Xinyan turned pale with shock.
Since coming to the harem, the competition for favor has been one ebb and the other. If Queen Zhou returns to favor, it means that Concubine Rui is about to fall out of favor.
"Ma'am, Mrs. Fang Wu is here again, and she said she wants to visit her sick sister." Zi Yan came in to report.
Shen Xinyan pursed her lips, thought for a while, and ordered: "Take her! Just don't take it lightly."
Zi Yan nodded: "I understand."
In fact, recently, Fang Birong came to the door every now and then, either in the name of visiting the eldest princess, or in the name of missing the eldest sister who was ill. Shen Xinyan thought about it, and once in five times, she would get what she wanted.
After all, to the outside world, Fang's family is just recuperating from illness. As her direct sister, Fang Birong visits her own sister at home, and it is very common for her to refuse her.
However, Fang Birong, she has always maintained her vigilance, even though she was allowed to go to Fang's, but she has always let the servants keep a close eye on the two sisters. At least, for now, she still can't figure out what Fang Birong is up to.
Wei Junhang and Wei Chenglin were not in the mansion. Although Wei Chengzhao, Wei Chengyue, and Wei Chengqi also had errands one after another, they hadn't reached the point where they could get in touch with the affairs of the palace.
She was always very concerned about Emperor Yuanyou's sudden illness and Empress Zhou's sudden return to favor, and she couldn't let go of her mind no matter what. Concubine Rui did not know why, she had already refuted her two posts to pay her respects when entering the palace.
As for the eldest princess, she didn't dare to bother her with such things.
For some reason, a face appeared in her mind, and she had a flash of inspiration and slapped her forehead.
Yes, how could I forget him!
***
Qiao Liu came out of the store with a face full of disappointment, looking at the bustling street, there was a constant stream of pedestrians on the road, and occasionally naughty children chased him by, but the person he wanted to see was still nowhere to be found.
He rubbed his forehead with a headache.
If he really deserves to be the decisive leader Xu, if he says he won't see him again, he really won't see him again. In this life, he can be regarded as kicking the iron plate and admitting it!
"Master Qiao Liu." He suddenly heard someone calling him from behind, he turned around and saw a strange young man dressed as a servant.
"Master Qiao Liu, my wife wants to ask you a few words."
He frowned, and was about to refuse, when suddenly he saw a jade tablet pinned to the other's waist, thought for a moment, and nodded in response: "Please lead the way."
Following the other party to a familiar grocery store, the guess in his heart was a little more certain, until the one who led him into the back hall, he was already sure who was going to see him .
"Sister-in-law!" Sure enough, when she entered the room, she saw Shen Xinyan sitting inside waiting for her.
"Master Qiao Liu!" Shen Xinyan greeted him politely.
As Wei Junhang's wife, and because of Xu Sumin's relationship, Qiao Liu became a business partner with him, Qiao Liu was no stranger to Shen Xinyan, but he couldn't imagine why the other party took the initiative to find him.
But it doesn't matter, it just so happens that he also wants to ask her something.
"I don't know if Mrs. Sister-in-law has seen Mr. Xu recently?" After taking his seat, he asked hastily.
"I saw her once about a month ago, but she said that she had to leave the capital for a while and would not be back in the short term."
"Did she say why she left? When will she come back?" Qiao Liu asked persistently.
"I didn't say what the reason was. I only said that it could be as short as a year, or as long as two years." Shen Xinyan thought that he had something urgent to find Xu Sumin, so she didn't hide it from him and answered truthfully.
Qiao Liu's thick eyebrows frowned, after thinking about it, she still refused to give up: "Then where did she go?"
"That was never said."
Although the answer was expected, he still couldn't restrain the disappointment on his face when he heard it again.
"I don't know what my sister-in-law asked Qiao Liu to come here to inquire about. Ma'am, please tell me straight up. Qiao Liu knows everything." He calmed down a little, and asked Shen Xinyan's gaze.
"Your Majesty's illness is not as simple as it appears on the surface? The empress's return to favor also has deep meaning? But this?" Shen Xinyan asked the question that had troubled her for many days.
Qiao Liu's complexion changed, and he subconsciously wanted to deny it, but when he thought of the other party's identity, he hesitated for a while, and finally nodded: "Sister-in-law's guess is not bad."
After a pause, he reminded softly: "Ma'am, don't worry too much. You can just thank the guests behind closed doors as before. If there is nothing very important in the palace, don't go in easily. Just wait for the second brother Wei to come back." , everything will be clear after the rain.”
Seeing that Shen Xinyan opened her mouth as if she wanted to ask again, he quickly interrupted: "I can only say so much. Now that the situation is unclear, Mrs. Sister-in-law can just stay in the mansion with peace of mind and take care of everything in the mansion. , even if you have the heart, you are powerless if you are afraid."
Seeing that he refused to speak any more, Shen Xinyan also knew that she would not be able to ask any more questions, so she was a little disappointed for a while, but this trip was not fruitless. At least she knew that the palace had changed, and the situation was not optimistic.
Concubine Rui's refusal to see her was probably a form of protection for the Duke's Mansion.
Now she only hopes that Concubine Rui and the Crown Prince can stabilize the court situation, as long as they stabilize, they will provide Wei Junhang and Wei Chenglin with the most persistent support.
Since the generals are out leading the troops, what they are most afraid of is that the rear is unstable. The Lord is holding back and delaying the battle opportunity!
Although Wei Junhang may not be able to go into battle, he is still in the army after all. If something happens to him, he will naturally not be able to escape.
A few days later, the news that Emperor Yuanyou's condition had worsened and he was almost unconscious finally spread in the court, and the hearts of the courtiers fluttered for a while.
Not to mention when it started, it was reported that His Majesty was ill again, probably because of someone's secret scheme. And this caring person pointed to the 'beneficiary' - the prince, both openly and secretly.
Empress Zhou in the palace suddenly issued a decree to confine Concubine Rui in the palace. Because the prince defended his biological mother, he verbally clashed with Queen Zhou. Immediately, the prince disrespected his aunt again from the ruling and opposition parties.
Immediately afterwards, Chao Zhonglu continued to voice dissatisfaction with the prince. At the same time, no matter what their motives were, people who supported the second and third princes gradually increased.
Although Shen Xinyan closed the gate of the mansion tightly, she still paid attention to the affairs in the palace. She soon knew the crisis facing Concubine Rui and the prince.
The worry between her brows became more and more serious.
The response was so quick, and the rumors spread so quickly, she would never believe it if there was no push behind it. And what is the purpose of the people behind it? Do you want to take the opportunity to take the crown prince and replace him, or do you have some other purpose
"Mother, the situation in the palace is not good for the imperial concubine, I want to go to the palace to see her." Naturally, Wei Yingzhi couldn't hide these things.
Shen Xinyan shook her head: "The imperial concubine will not see you, you should rest assured to raise your baby!"
Concubine Rui didn't even want to see her, so how could she let the pregnant Wei Yingzhi into the palace!
Wei Yingzhi also understood this point, bit her lips lightly, and after a while, she suddenly said: "Queen Zhou has gained power again, who do you think is the most proud?"
"Of course it's the direct line of the Zhou family." Shen Xinyan replied.
After a short pause, she shook her head again: "Back then, the direct descendants of the Zhou family would not save the empress, and they have ignored them all these years. I am afraid that the empress's heart has been chilled, and the empress may not be willing to support them again. They are honored."
On the contrary, Zhou Mao, who was born as a concubine, was implicated and lost his official position because he interceded on behalf of Queen Zhou. Moreover, Zhou Mao was much more capable than the adou who could not be supported by other houses in Zhou Mansion.
The mother and daughter were discussing in a low voice, when Zi Yan stumbled in with a pale face: "Husband, madam, something is wrong!"
"Talk slowly if you have something to do, don't worry!" Shen Xinyan gasped for breath and hurriedly said.
"Ma'am, it has been spread all over the world that the army resisting Rongdi failed and retreated one after another. It is said that the Duke and the Rongdi people colluded internally and externally, which made General Murong's plan to retreat back to the enemy!"
"Absurd, simply too absurd! The man from the Wei family is dedicated to serving the country, how could he do such a thing of collaborating with the enemy and treason!" The eldest princess walked out on crutches at some point, just hearing her words, she immediately panicked. Trembling with anger.
Shen Xinyan was worried that her body would not be able to bear it, so she hurriedly stepped forward to persuade her: "Mother, don't be angry, the so-called clean is self-cleaning, and His Majesty and the crown prince will not believe such nonsense. talk money."
"Mother is right, if grandma gets angry because of such untrue words, then the loss outweighs the gain." Wei Yingzhi also persuaded.
The mother and daughter persuaded one from the left and the other from the right, and the eldest princess's face softened a little, but the anger in her heart could not be extinguished for a while.
The news of the army's defeat gradually spread. Although the Rongdi people failed to capture another city, they were gradually approaching. Breaking the city seemed to be just a matter of time.
There was another quarrel in the court, some said that it would be better to send more troops to assist General Murong, some said that it would be better to replace the generals, and some said that General Murong would not be able to defeat mere Rongdi people in half his life, there must be a reason for this.
Now that someone raised a question, it is unknown who started it, and the arrow gradually pointed to those rumors in the capital that seemed true or false recently—the British Duke Wei Junhang colluded with the enemy and treason, resulting in successive defeats in the front battles.
The prince watched coldly, and when he saw that they finally pointed their finger at the British Duke, he was extremely angry.
"... Collaboration with the enemy and treason will leave evidence of correspondence. I believe that this black sheep must be caught as soon as possible and sent to comfort the heroes of our soldiers who died in battle!"
"What Master Wang said is true."
"The minister seconded the proposal."
…
Seeing that someone finally put forward the idea of searching the mansion, and there were not a few people who even seconded it, the prince finally shouted angrily: "Absurd! To search the mansion of the family of loyal and good people for generations just for some nonsense, this move is not afraid of the cold. Heart!"
Naturally, there were also many people who unswervingly supported the prince, and upon hearing this, they also joined the array to denounce the courtiers who proposed to search the government.
Immediately, everyone in the hall talked to each other, and it was very lively when you came and went.
There are those who support Soufu and those who oppose it, but there are no pan-neutral reservations.
The prince suppressed his anger and watched this chaotic scene. Ever since Empress Zhou suddenly returned to favor, he felt that he had been greatly challenged whether it was the harem or the front court. However, Emperor Yuanyou's condition worsened and he had fallen into a coma recently. Concubine Rui Gui had been in the palace for many years, but Empress Zhou was in charge of the palace. The two had nothing to do with each other.
A few days later, Shen Xinyan was waiting for the Eldest Princess to drink medicine. In the past two days, the Eldest Princess became more and more depressed. When she was awake, she would keep asking about the battle ahead, and asked Wei Junhang if there was any letter back.
Shen Xinyan was also worried about Wei Junhang on the front line. The news from the front line became more and more unfavorable, and the rumors about the British public collaborating with the enemy became more and more intense. Even Wei Chenglin did not die, but secretly took refuge in Rongdi people.
She felt that the Duke's Mansion seemed to be being watched by someone, and a big net in the dark was gradually opening up.
However, as a housewife, she couldn't think of any effective solution, so she could only strictly follow Wei Junhang's instructions before leaving, guard the entire Duke's mansion tightly, and even severely punished the mansion for a few sentences by means of thunder. Spread false rumors here, attracting panic-stricken servants.
This trick of killing chickens and monkeys has indeed achieved results, and no one dares to confuse people with their mouths.
"Ma'am, officers and soldiers are coming!" At this moment, Chunliu came in with a pale face and whispered in her ear.
Shen Xinyan shook her hand holding the spoon, and a few drops of the potion dripped onto the thin blanket on the eldest princess.
She took a few deep breaths, suppressed the worries in her heart, and calmly handed the medicine bowl to Mingshuang who was beside her: "You wait for His Highness to drink the medicine first."
Then she said to the Eldest Princess: "Mother, I will go back as soon as I go. You have to take a rest after taking the medicine. If you feel bored and panic, let Ying'er come and accompany you."
The Eldest Princess was in low spirits, her eyelids were drooping, and she didn't care what Chunliu said, she just responded with a "hmm".
Shen Xinyan breathed a sigh of relief, and ordered the maids in the house to take care of her, and then walked out quickly with Chunliu.
On the way, Chunliu reported the matter to her in detail.
"It was said that they were ordered to search our house, but they didn't say clearly what they wanted to search. How dare the chief steward let them in, but those people are vicious. There is no other way, the chief steward can only delay the time for the time being, and order someone to come and invite them. lady."
Shen Xinyan's footsteps stopped, her brows were tightly frowned, and after a while, she whispered a few words in her ear.
Chunliu kept nodding her head, and finally said, "Don't worry Madam, I'll take care of it right away."
When Shen Xinyan arrived at the front hall, the atmosphere in the hall was tense. On one side were several men dressed as guards with weapons, and on the other side were the juniors in the mansion headed by Wei Chengzhao.
"Do you want to search the house? It also depends on whether the stick in my master's hand agrees or not!" Wei Chengyue waved the stick in his hand that was as thick as a child's wrist, and said viciously.
"Your Majesty also obeyed the emperor's order. It's better for the third son not to obstruct it, otherwise His Majesty will blame you. I'm afraid not only the third son, but also the Duke of the state in the mansion will not be able to bear it." The leading man sneered.
"you dare!"
"Brother Yue!" Seeing Wei Chengyue blushing with anger and about to rush forward, Shen Xinyan quickly stopped him.
"Second Aunt/Second Aunt." Seeing her coming, Wei Chengzhao and Wei Chengqi hurriedly greeted her.
"You all go back, just leave this place to me." Shen Xinyan ordered.
"Second Aunt, I'll stay and protect you!" Wei Chengyue held the wooden stick tightly and stood beside her with a firm face.
"You go in first, I have my own arrangements." Shen Xinyan whispered.
Wei Chengyue still wanted to say something, but Wei Chengzhao's eyes flickered slightly, he pulled his brother's cuff, and said firstly: "Since that's the case, my nephew will go in first. If the second aunt has something to do, just ask someone to call."
After speaking, he pulled Wei Chengyue with one hand and Wei Chengqi with the other, dragging them away.
"Mrs. Duke is reasonable." The man sneered again.
Shen Xinyan also responded to him with a cold snort: "I want to be reasonable in everything. How dare I ask this lord, who ordered you? What are you doing here?"
"Under the order of His Majesty, I came to search the Duke's Mansion, and I asked Madam to make it easier for me. Otherwise, His Majesty will blame me, and I will be fine with you. If it hurts your mansion... I am afraid that Madam will not be able to face Long Yanzhi. angry."
"Since ancient times, one has to be famous to be a teacher. I don't know who in my mansion committed a crime? What did he do? He will bring disaster to search the manor?"
"Your Majesty's intention is something that we can guess, Madam, as long as it is convenient, there is no need to ask about other matters." The man's tone was quite strong.
"Presumptuous! My Wei family has been loyal and good for generations, quelling internal strife, driving out foreign enemies, and made great contributions to the court. The emperor's royal pen wrote the four characters of "loyalty to the emperor and love the country" and bestowed the title of Duke of the country, which has been passed down for generations. How can you be alone? Shameless juniors are easily insulted!" Shen Xinyan suddenly angrily reprimanded.
"If you want to search the house, step on the corpse of the Wei family's wife and the spiritual tablet of the Wei family's heroes!" She suddenly grabbed a red plum porcelain cup with a white background on the table and smashed it on the ground. ' With a crisp sound, the porcelain cup shattered, and then, Wei Chengzhao and other juniors who had already left rushed in.
Each of them holds a spiritual tablet in their arms. In the arms of the youngest brother Xiang, it is his real grandfather, the spiritual tablet of the previous British Duke.
Wei Chengzhao and the others lined up with solemn expressions, all staring at the man.
The man's expression changed.