Wu Xian temporarily stabilized Xu Jie.
However, he knew that the biggest trouble did not lie with Xu Jie.
He returned to the backyard with a lot of worries in his heart. Concubine Mi was Wu Xian's favorite concubine in the past two years. After hearing the maid's report, she came to greet him with a gentle smile, holding the scarf and serving him attentively. Relying on Wu Xian's favor, Mi occasionally dared to ask about the things in the front yard: "Xianlang, what troubles have you encountered outside? Why do you look so depressed?"
"It's not a big deal, it's just..."
Wu Xian took the wrung cloth and wiped his face.
Mi turned around and took the copper basin of moderate temperature from the maid, squatted down and put it down. Wu Xian took off her shoes and put her feet in the warm water. She raised her hand to signal Mi to stand up. Let the servants do these rough work, and she, a concubine, didn't need to do these dirty and tiring work.
Madam Mi Ce pursed her lips and smiled coquettishly.
"Serving the virtuous man and making him smile, how can it be considered a dirty and tiring job?" Madam Mi Ce said this gently, but she still stood up and sat beside him after hearing Wu Xian's words, and changed the subject, "The virtuous man has not yet told you who made you unhappy."
Wu Xian had no intention of hiding it.
After all, it's not a big deal.
He also wanted to learn from Madam Mi Ce how to please someone. Upon hearing this, Madam Mi Ce's oval face, which looked quite blessed, stiffened for a moment, but she suppressed her jealousy and asked carefully, "Xian Lang's new favorite?"
Wu Xian: “…No, it’s Gong Su.”
Madam Mi Ce: “…”
Although she was only a female member of the backyard, and was only the lead dancer of the family dance troupe before becoming Wu Xian's concubine, and had a low level of education, she knew several key members of her husband's account. After all, if she offended these people, all the favor would be gone in an instant - Wu Xian's soft ears did not mean that he was not clear.
This "Gong Su" should be Qin Li.
Madam Mi Ce remembered that when Wu Xian got help from Qin Li, this man jumped three feet high with joy, which shows how important Qin Li is to him. In a flash, Madam Mi Ce's mind turned several times and she had already made up her mind.
"How did Xianlang offend Mr. Qin?"
Madam Mi Ce is very good at observing people's words and expressions.
With just a few words from Wu Xian, she knew clearly that no matter what happened, Wu Xian would blame himself for the mistakes.
She couldn't say anything bad about Qin Li without any tact.
Not only that, she had to speak from Qin Li's perspective and criticize her husband! Wu Xian was not angry.
Wu Xian told today's episode helplessly.
Qin Li was excluded and left angrily.
Wu Xian calmed Xu Jie down, but didn't know how to coax Qin Li.
This time, Qin Li also hit Xu Jie's taboo.
He has known Xu Jie for many years and he knows him well. He is usually quiet and likes to be harmonious in everything, but that doesn't mean Xu Jie has no edges - he not only has some, but he is also good at hiding a knife behind his smile. Gong Su has offended him badly this time.
Madam Mi Ce: “…”
She inexplicably felt that the scene Wu Xian described was familiar.
Isn't it the same with the several wives and concubines competing for favor in the backyard
However, she didn't dare say this out loud.
If she dared to say that Wu Xian and his men would kill her, she would compare the confrontation between Wu Xian's confidants to the competition for favor among the women in the backyard. Madam Mi Ce smiled gently and said, "Xian Lang, think about it. Who is Mr. Qin talking about this and doing this for?"
Wu Xian said: "Of course it's for me!"
Qin Li was afraid of Qi Shan, and also of Shen Tang, who was assisted by Qi Shan. The most reassuring way to deal with it was to strangle the danger in the cradle before it grew up. However, Wu Xian really felt that it was not serious to this extent, and Qin Li was too impatient.
Madam Mi Ce said, "Since it's for Xian Lang, Mr. Qin's piety can't get Xian Lang to come and apologize in person? Xian Lang is the master and he is the subject, but you are also like-minded friends. Is there anything that can't be said directly?"
Wu Xian was stunned for a moment.
The soles and insteps of feet rubbing against each other in the copper basin stopped.
After a while, he hurriedly got up, stepped on the cold ground with his wet feet, and walked out the door.
Madam Mi Ce hurriedly stood up and followed.
He advised with amusement, "Why are you in such a hurry, Xianlang?"
"At least put on your clothes before going!"
If Wu Xian caught a cold again after leaving his room, it would be difficult for her to explain when Madam Zheng asked her questions.
Wu Xian could only suppress his anxiety.
He dressed hurriedly and left without looking back.
Madam Mi Ce saw him off to the gate until the man disappeared at the end of the gravel road. Outside her courtyard was a carefully decorated garden with rockeries, flowing water, and exquisite plants. Even the fish in the pond had plenty of food...
They are all well taken care of.
Madam Mi Ce leaned against the door and watched for a long time.
"Madam, you should go back. Be careful not to catch a cold."
After being persuaded by her personal maid, she sighed and turned around.
She complained, her beautiful eyes showing a little sadness: "Caught a cold? If I were sick, would Xianlang be so nervous?"
The maid didn't understand what he meant.
Just a habitual flattery.
"The lady's favor continues, so the head of the family will do the same."
Madam Mi Ce shook her head upon hearing this, her dark eyebrows slightly knitted, and she said with worry, "You don't understand, he won't. Qin Gongsu can help Xianlang accomplish great things, and when he gets angry, Xianlang gets worried. What flower in the backyard can move his heart so much?"
Maid: "But, but it's different."
Madam Mi Ce asked her, "How is it different?"
The maid said, "Mr. Qin is the head of the family and can be used, but Madam is the head of the family's favorite and the biological mother of his son."
How can people with these two identities be the same
It is impossible for Mr. Qin to replace his wife.
The maid just couldn't understand her way of thinking.
Madam Mi Ce sighed again: "You never understand."
In the final analysis, it's the same. Whether it's subordinates or concubines, they are all people Wu Xian needs, and the latter can be replaced by younger and more beautiful women at any time, but how many people with such great talents as Mr. Qin can replace him
If you are not needed, you are easily abandoned.
Madam Mi Ce also really envied Qin Li.
Qin Li could make her husband bow his head sincerely and apologize and persuade her, but what about her? She usually lived her life carefully in the backyard, relying on her husband's favor. Favor was the key to whether she could continue to live in a comfortable home away from poverty, hunger, and war, without suffering from the hardships of rain and wind outside, and enjoy wealth and glory.
If it weren't for Wu Xian, she wouldn't know where she'd be dead now.
To be fair, Wu Xian is a good person.
Fortunately, the wife was not mean and never treated them badly. But was this because she was kind and generous? Not necessarily. She simply didn't really take these concubines seriously. They were just beautiful decorations that walked around in the backyard.
Lady Mi Ce felt sorry for herself and laughed at herself.
Wu Xian obviously didn't know what Madam Mi was thinking.
He wore a thick fox fur cape, braved the wind and snow, and knocked on Qin Li's door with a lantern, waking Qin Li up. Gong Su was not asleep either. He used the lantern light to see the person in the wind and snow, and asked in surprise, "My Lord?"
Wu Xian silently greeted the bad weather.
"My lord, please come in first."
Qin Li was both angry and amused.
I could more or less guess Wu Xian's purpose.
Wu Xian took off his cloak and followed him into Qin Li's house. He raised his hand to brush off the goose feather snow on his cloak and rubbed his hands to keep warm: "Why doesn't Gong Su light a charcoal basin? Why is the house so cold?"
Qin Li asked someone to light the candles.
Dao: "Using the spirit to protect the body can prevent severe cold."
Wu Xian said: "Isn't this a waste of literary energy?"
It also consumes your mind.
Who would do this deliberately when they have nothing to do
It’s not like our family is too poor to afford that little bit of charcoal.
Qin Li closed the fire starter and responded calmly.
“I’m used to it.”
Wu Xian heard the reluctance to discuss further in his words, so he stopped asking questions and changed the subject, saying solemnly: "I came to disturb Qin Qing so late at night because of something that happened during the day."
The essence of an apology is to get straight to the point. Beating around the bush and not getting to the point for too long will only make people angry.
The words "as expected" were written all over Qin Li's face.
"My Lord, are you here to lobby for Xu Wenzhu?"
Wu Xian waved his hand: "No, no."
He paused, stood up from the mat, bowed and apologized in front of Qin Li's shocked and puzzled eyes: "Actually, it's because I took sides today... It's my fault... Please forgive me, Qin Qing."
Although Wu Xian did not reprimand either Xu Jie or Qin Li, it can be seen from the fact that Xu Jie was supported by local people in Tianhai and Qin Li was driven away that he tacitly agreed to take sides.
Qin Li raised his eyebrows: "... My Lord, there is no need to do this."
Wu Xian observed his expression carefully, trying to glimpse Qin Li's true emotions from this calm face.
"… So Qin Qing is no longer angry?"
Qin Li couldn't hold it in any longer, and shook his head helplessly, saying, "Who do you think Li is, sir? Such conflicts and twists and turns are inevitable. It is impossible for colleagues to work without disputes. Li doesn't take such a small matter to heart, but-"
Wu Xian felt relieved after hearing the previous words.
But as soon as this "but" came out, my heart was in suspense again.
"But what?"
Qin Li thought about it again and again, and decided to speak out - since he chose to assist Wu Xian, he couldn't watch him fall into a trap, but honest words were unpleasant to the ears, and it was inevitable that it would make people unhappy and offend one or two people who didn't get along with him. He would be afraid of Xu Jie
"But Xu Wenzhu..."
Wu Xian interrupted him in a low voice: "Wen Zhu hates others talking about the Xu family's origins as a merchant. Qin Qing's contemptuous remarks about merchants today will definitely make him bear a grudge. This time, it's fine, but don't say it again in the future."
Qin Li's eyes were complicated.
But he continued: "Li does not despise merchants, but only dislikes those who pursue profit without considering the overall situation."
Qin Li is not from a wealthy family. When he is really down and out, how much dry food can this thing buy
But Xu Jie’s choice made him really angry.
Wu Xian heard the hidden meaning in his words.
He said awkwardly, "This is a bit too serious. Wen Zhu still knows the seriousness of the matter. If there is really a problem, Dayi will also warn you... Wen Zhu must have weighed the pros and cons before doing this..."
Qin Li snorted softly from the tip of his nose.
"There is no such thing as the best of both worlds. People who are too greedy will eventually be bitten back by their greed." Qin Li naturally knew that Xu Jie would not do anything that would be detrimental to Wu Xian, but Xu Jie changed his attitude because of the benefits given by Shen Tang. He hoped to establish a friendly relationship between the two families, which would be good for you, me, and everyone.
This idea is quite dangerous.
In Qin Li's view, it was a betrayal that was not considered a betrayal.
Wu Xian also knew that Qin Li was thinking for his own benefit, so he naturally couldn't force him to do what he should and shouldn't do, but he had to say a few heartfelt words to him. There was no persuasion in the whole sentence, but every word was persuasion.
What did you say
Just talk about how much Xu Jie "generously donated".
Wu Xian was able to develop so quickly because he had people, food, and money under his command. In addition to Wu's own solid foundation, the help of his followers, and the strong support of Xu were indispensable. As long as Xu Jie did not actually betray, stab him, or do something unforgivable, even if Xu Jie said that he liked his concubine in the backyard, Wu Xian would agree without hesitation.
Implications—
Qin Li is a smart man, so he naturally understands it.
Xu Jie doesn't speak easily, but once he does, it's hard to refuse.
At this point, Qin Li had to take a step back: "My lord, I will keep your words in mind."
Just try not to confront Xu Jie head-on.
Given Xu Jie's profit-seeking personality, going against him would be like pushing him into the arms of the enemy - Xu Jie cannot leave Wu Xian's camp, but as the head of the family and clan, if some of the clan members invest and pledge allegiance to others, he cannot stop them, right
There are always more solutions than problems.
Seeing Qin Li being wronged for him, Wu Xian swallowed his anger and said with a guilty conscience: "Ah, Qin Qing is wronged..."
"but-"
There's that word again.
Wu Xian's heart began to beat faster again.
"But what?"
Qin Li said: "But we still have to be wary of Shen Youli."
Wu Xian was puzzled.
Qin Li is too obsessed with Hei Shentang and Qishan.
Then he said, "I think Shen Youli is a good guy, a sincere and enthusiastic young man. It is a blessing for common people to meet him. Why is Qin Qing so afraid of him? Is it because he is the lord that the evil plot has set his sights on?"
Qin Li shook his head and said, "Not really. It's just that the moment I saw this person, I knew that he was not willing to be inferior to others. His kindness and sincerity were just a disguise. Under this skin, he has an ambition to swallow the sun and the moon!"
Wu Xian: “???”
Suddenly, he wondered if the Shen Tang that Qin Li and he were talking about was the same person. But even if that was the case, there was no need to be wary of Shen Youli so early. He would make an alliance first and then deal with the others.
For example, Gu Ren and Zhang He.
Wu Xian has been unhappy with these two for a long time.
Especially that guy Gu Ren.
Is it a great thing to have many sworn brothers
"Besides, the more I think about it these past few days, something seems to be wrong."
"What's wrong?"
Qin Li did not elaborate.
He always felt that something was wrong. The Four Treasures formed an alliance, and Shen Tang fled to take up his post ahead of time. On the surface, it was not easy to march and fight with a group of old, weak, women and children. In addition, the rebels retreated, and if they wanted to expand the results of the battle, they had to pursue them quickly, so they fell behind halfway.
But this is too much of a coincidence.
Everything is reasonable, yet everything is unreasonable.
But this was just his intuition and he couldn't convince anyone.
"In short, it's never wrong to be vigilant and cautious."
He also wanted to tell Wu Xian to pay attention to Xu Jie's actions, and not let him be blinded by the benefits given by Shen Tang and do something presumptuous, because then it would be too late... But thinking about today's conflict, he swallowed his words. Xu Jie is the head of an aristocratic family, not just a businessman, so he should have this self-awareness, right
At this time, Wu Xian said, "Wen Zhu brought back two hundred jars of wine from Shen Youli and sent fifty jars to my house. I don't know if the effect is real or not. Qin Qing can drink quite well, how about a few jars too?"
It’s free.
Qin Li: “…”
Qin Li was full of worries, what about Xu Jie
Hey, he's having a party.