Guanshi Deng's lips moved, a thousand or ten thousand people in his heart didn't want to hand over the two hundred stones of iron ore.
In Baiyue, the puppet king is now in power, and His Royal Highness is trapped in the king's capital to suffer. All of this is caused by the prince Xiao, and now they are going to subsidize military expenses for the prince
An indescribable aggrieved feeling made Deng Guanshi feel tight in his chest.
But now they are weak. Once the government comes to investigate, the secret of this mine will definitely not be kept. How will he explain to His Royal Highness in the future.
Steward Deng was thinking a lot, and finally made up his mind. He gritted his teeth and said, "Second Young Master, don't worry, as soon as this matter is settled, the younger one will raise two hundred stones of iron ore as soon as possible. This is considered a small favor to Second Young Master and the Southern Border Army." A little thought."
Nangong Yue picked up the teacup and drank the tea slowly, looking unhurried, which made Guanshi Deng sweat profusely.
Nangong Yue glanced at Zhou Dacheng, Zhou Dacheng immediately said: "As soon as possible? How long is as soon as possible?! Ten days and half a month, you can also say as soon as possible!"
Guanshi Deng could only coax the other party first, and responded immediately: "Three days, the younger one must give two hundred stones of iron ore within three days."
"Okay!" Nangong Yue clapped and said with a final word.
She opened the fan with a "snap", and warned with a smile that was not a smile: "Guan Deng, you have issued a military order in front of me now. If you can't get the iron ore by then, don't blame me for being rude." Already!"
Military order? ! Guanshi Deng didn't know whether to be surprised or angry, this young master issued a military order in a few words
Guanshi Deng was about to vomit blood, but he could only hold back his breath, and repeatedly promised: "Don't dare! Don't dare! I promised the second son, and I will definitely do it!"
Now that Guanshi Deng agreed, Nangong Yue was unambiguous, and immediately got up neatly, and took Zhou Dacheng and others to the county government office together with Guanshi Deng.
When they arrived at the county government office, the County Magistrate Chen had already retreated before two incense sticks, temporarily detained Xiao Ying and Master Hu, and ordered the government officials to go to the steward Xuan Deng to confront them, and they would be promoted to the court for retrial at an appropriate time, so there were many spectators The people have already dispersed.
County magistrate Chen was also afraid that Guan Deng would not come, or that he would go to Fang's house to rescue soldiers, and in the end he would lose face as the county magistrate, so he acted carefully.
His prudence was indeed right, when he heard that Steward Deng brought Second Young Master Xiao here, he knew that this case might be difficult to handle.
County Magistrate Chen and County Cheng Wang exchanged glances, and they went to meet each other at the gate in person, leading them all the way to the main hall of the county government.
Nangong Yue unceremoniously sat on the grand teacher's chair at the top of the main hall. The county magistrate Chen did not dare to say anything, even if the Second Young Master Xiao had no rank or official position, the other party was still the second son of Zhennan King, and he was always better than him. A small seven-rank county magistrate must be honorable.
After the young servant served the tea, County Magistrate Chen tentatively asked: "Second Young Master, what can I do for you?"
Nangong Yue waved her fan casually, and directly explained the intention of her visit: "Master Chen, I heard that a fugitive slave from the Fang family's mine came to the county government to make trouble early this morning? Are you slandering the Fang family for indiscriminate killing of slaves? This matter?"
County magistrate Chen made a bow, and said bravely: "There is indeed such a thing!" Then he hurriedly reported the matter truthfully, and finally emphasized, "Second son, the next official is also reported to the public. Since someone beat Wen Denggu, it must be done. It's the opening of the trial."
Nangong Yue assured her: "Master Chen, the Fang family is related to my Zhennan Prince's Mansion by marriage, and I can guarantee that there will be no problems with the Fang family's mine!"
County magistrate Chen was sweating profusely. He also knew that the Fang family was the in-laws of the Zhennan Prince's Mansion, but this could not be used as proof of the innocence of the Fang family's mine.
Nangong Yue continued: "Master Chen, don't worry, I won't make it difficult for you. Since there is a complaint from the sufferer, Master Chen will always give an explanation to the sufferer and the people..."
County magistrate Chen hurriedly asked: "Second Young Master, what do you mean..." If the case can be settled smoothly, County Magistrate Chen does not want to offend the Wangfu and Fang's family.
"Isn't that simple?" Nangong Yue glanced at him lightly, with an unteachable expression, "As long as Mr. Chen sends someone to the mine, he will check the identity of the miners with the roster, and then check once a month. , and the government came forward to announce that the people saw that those miners are living well, and this matter will naturally subside, and the innocence of the mine is beyond doubt. In this way, there is no need to go to war, so as not to delay the start of the mine!"
County magistrate Chen was startled when he heard the words, and immediately understood why Second Young Master Xiao came up with such an idea.
I am so stupid!
Second Young Master Xiao came here for the iron ore. If Fang's mine was temporarily suspended, how would he be able to hand over the iron ore? ! Now that the war with Nanliang has not stopped, the importance of the iron mine is unquestionable. Once it affects the military aircraft, my little county magistrate can't afford it!
"Magistrate Chen."
Nangong Yue urged her slowly, and seeing her dissatisfied eyes, County Magistrate Chen quickly said: "Second Young Master, you have a good idea!"
Guanshi Deng frowned. He thought that the second son Xiao would use the authority of the palace to suppress the county magistrate Chen, but he didn't expect to ask the government to go to the mine for inspection. But he didn't dare to question it out loud. With the temper of the second young master Xiao, if he said "no", he might walk away immediately... Forget it, it's just to check the head, and he will be careful when the time comes.
After weighing the pros and cons, Steward Deng could only act like a good citizen, and echoed: "Master Chen, our mine will definitely cooperate with the government's review!"
The three parties chatted happily, and the atmosphere became more relaxed. At this time, Wang Xiancheng asked cautiously: "Second Young Master, Mr. Chen, and the sufferer..."
Guanshi Deng couldn't help squinting slightly, and a look of sternness flashed in his eyes. Before he could open his mouth, Nangong Yue said impatiently: "It's really troublesome to make trouble! My son rewarded him with some money to redeem his body and sell him off." It’s a death contract.”
"It's so good! It's so good!" County Magistrate Chen and County Cheng Wang glanced at each other with joy on their faces.
This Second Young Master Xiao looks unreliable, but sometimes he comes up with good ideas. The bitter master has redeemed himself and canceled the bond of slavery. I'm afraid it's too late to be grateful, so naturally there is no need to sue the old master.
This matter will be over!
From the beginning to the end, no one asked Steward Deng's meaning, or to put it another way, if Second Young Master Xiao asked him for a death contract from a house slave, would Steward Deng, a mere steward of the Fang family, dare not give it
Since even two hundred stones of iron ore were given to Second Young Master Xiao for nothing, how could Guan Shi wait for such a trivial matter to make things difficult for Second Young Master Xiao!
Steward Deng suppressed his distress, but secretly rejoiced that this fugitive slave was a newcomer and didn't know anything yet.
Everyone in the room was "satisfied"...until Nangong Yue suddenly looked at Guanshi Deng and warned: "Guan Deng, don't forget the three-day agreement!"
Guanshi Deng was already trying to pretend to be smiling, so his smile became even stiffer.
How could two hundred stones of iron ore be raised in three days!
Even if His Royal Highness is willing to help, these two hundred stones of iron ore are not a small sum, not to mention, if His Royal Highness is still imprisoned, it will be even more difficult!
Guanshi Deng was worried for three whole days, and even his hair turned gray several times. He even took out real money and asked his men to go to the market to buy iron ore at a high price. .
He personally went to the post house, said all the good things, and guaranteed that the remaining one hundred and fifty shi would be ready within seven days.
Since there is no iron ore on Sigle Mountain, there is no doubt that it is an impossible task to prepare two hundred stones of iron ore in three days, so this is also the result that Nangong Yue has expected a long time ago, but now she Now that he has the upper hand, naturally he cannot simply let him go.
After a series of deceptions and scares, Nangong Yue extorted an additional 50 stones of iron ore from Deng Guanshi as interest for the delay. Afterwards, she left Zhou Dacheng and fifty elite soldiers here to receive the goods, while she brought The others left first.
Although due to various concerns, Nangong Yue could only hold back for the time being regarding the strange situation in Mount Siglei, but firstly, the death rate of the miners in this mine was too high to be ignored, which made her feel a little bit unbearable; secondly, she was He came here in the name of purchasing iron ore. If he left without achieving his goal, he would also arouse the suspicion of Steward Deng and the others; thirdly, A Yi's 20,000 people, plus Xuanjiaying, Shenarm The three elite battalions, the Yingying and Youqiying, all had to be supported by him with his own money, which was like burning money.
Now that the government has intervened, it will make life easier for the miners working in the mine, at least they will not be beaten to death arbitrarily.
And she fraudulently obtained the 250 stone iron ore from the Baiyue people, at least she could send a lot of iron arrows to the God Arm Camp.
Next, after returning home, just continue to search along the line of Sigle Mountain!
As the sound of horseshoes went away, everything in Mount Siglai was gradually left behind...
Nangong Yue first went to Hehe Town to meet Lin Jingchen and Han Qixia, and then continued on the road.
Before returning to Luoyue City, Tian He, who got the news, came to meet him in person and ordered someone to take away the fifty stones of iron ore.
Nangong Yue changed into women's clothes at the station outside the city, got on a Zhulun cart, and drove steadily all the way into Luoyue City, while Lin Jingchen and Han Qixia went back to the small courtyard where they lived after entering the city.
More than a dozen fine horses guarded a Zhulun cart and passed by the streets of Luoyue City.
Standing on the horses were the guards of Bixiaotang. They were wearing uniform blue uniforms, with long swords on their waists, exuding a sort of austere aura from top to bottom, making the viewers feel awe.
The people on the street stopped subconsciously, and when they saw them escorting a Zhulun carriage like stars holding the moon, they all showed surprise on their faces.
This Luoyue city, no, it is the entire southern border, and there is only one person who owns a Zhulun chariot—
Someone couldn't help shouting: "It's the Crown Princess who is back!"
The common people have vaguely heard that the concubine Shizi went to Yanding City regardless of danger to make medicine for the army.
Reminiscent of the recent great victory in the south, there are even more excited discussions:
"Have you heard that Yanding City won the battle?! I heard that 20,000 people from Nanliang were killed!"
"What 20,000? I heard that 50,000 Nanliang people were killed!"
"Didn't you say it was one hundred thousand?"
"I heard that the concubine Shi Zi looks like a fairy, I wonder if I can see her today..."
They spontaneously caught up with Zhu Lunche and arrived at Zhennan Wangfu.
In today's Zhennan Prince's Mansion, the vermilion front door was wide open, and the guards got off their horses unanimously and stood on both sides.
Zhu Luncar entered through the open gate, and the next moment, I heard a neat and loud salute from behind the gate:
"Welcome the Crown Princess back home!"
All the servants of the palace knelt on both sides, respectfully welcoming each other.
Zhu Luncar drove past the dense crowd of people, the main gate of the palace was slowly closed under the push of the concierge, and a group of well-trained guards all entered the mansion through the corner gate.
After a "bang", the main entrance of the palace was completely closed, blocking the excited eyes from outside.
The gate of the Zhennan Prince's Mansion is only opened on important occasions on weekdays, and even the Zhennan King's daily entry and exit will only go through the corner gate.
The next time the main gate of the palace is opened, it will probably be the time when the son returns in triumph!
The Zhulun chariot drove past the Qingshiban road of the Wangfu, entered Yimen, and then stopped slowly.
The two servant girls got off the Zhulun carriage and stood respectfully on one side, while Baihui reached out to help Nangong Yue down.
The nuns in charge brought all the maids and women in the inner courtyard to kneel down.
"Welcome the Crown Princess back home!"
Xiao Fei, who had been waiting at the side for a long time, showed an overjoyed smile. She didn't go forward immediately, but brought several other girls from the palace to curtsey together, and said, "Greetings, sister-in-law."
Nangong Yue said with a smile: "Sisters are welcome." She stepped forward to help Xiao Fei and Xiao Ni, then picked up Xiao Rongyu, and then slightly raised her hands to Xiao Rongxuan, Xiao Rongying and other concubines.
I haven't seen each other for a month, and the girls haven't changed much, but Xiao Fei seems to have a calmer demeanor, adding a little bit of generosity to her coldness.
After exchanging pleasantries with them, Nangong Yue sat in the soft sedan chair carried by her mother-in-law, and after being told, she went to Zhennan Wang's study.
She returned to the mansion from Yanding City, so she naturally wanted to greet King Zhennan.
Fortunately, King Zhennan got the news that Nangong Yue was coming back today, so he didn't go to the barracks, otherwise he might have to wait for a long time.
After Nangong Yue bowed his knees and saluted, King Zhennan raised his hand in a good mood, "The concubine is exempt!" In other words, since he received the military report from Yanding City, King Zhennan was in the same mood. .
The Battle of Yanding City wiped out 20,000 Nanliang's army, and killed the five and nine kings of Nanliang. It really boosted the military power of the Southern Frontier Army and made him, the King of Zhennan, honorable!
And Xiao Yi was naturally not stingy about telling the various achievements of his concubine in the military newspaper. Seeing that King Zhennan is now pleasing to this daughter-in-law, he only feels that since the concubine passed the family, even his unfilial concubine Nizi's words and actions are also quite reliable.
Now, from state affairs, war affairs, southern Xinjiang political affairs to family affairs, everything has become smooth, except for...
Zhennan Wang frowned slightly, remembering that the day before yesterday because of Qiao Shenyu's deportation, Mrs. Qiao came to him again and made a lot of noise, which made his head hurt. Even if he wants to be promoted, Qiao Shenyu has to live up to it! Obviously the two children from Chang's family and Yu's family went to the military camp with Qiao Shenyu, why didn't they see them being driven back? That is to say, Qiao Shenyu is so delicate that he can't bear it!
The king of Zhennan was too lazy to think about it, and asked with a smile on his face: "The imperial concubine has been hard on this journey, go back and rest first, my king asked Sister Fei to prepare a welcome banquet for you. There are not many trivial things in the mansion these days, so you can rest well A few days, it is not too late to give in."
Nangong Yue stood obediently in front of the desk, her calm face was neither arrogant nor dry, "Daughter-in-law, thank you, Father."
After coming out of King Zhennan's study, Nangong Yue immediately went to Tingyu Pavilion. She had just greeted Mrs. Fang, and before she could say a word, she was driven back to rest.
When Nangong Yue returned to her yard, it was just past time, looking at the familiar plants and trees, her heart also felt relieved.
It feels good to be home.
Yes, Bixiaotang is A Yi's home, and it is also her home.
An Niang had already asked the maids to prepare hot water. After taking a comfortable bath, she sat lazily in front of the dressing table and let Yinger dry her hair. As for the busy Baihui and Huamei, they were given a day off by Nangong Yue as soon as they came back, so that they would not have to wait on them.
Nangong Yue drank the pear juice brought by Que'er to soothe her throat, and asked, "During my absence, what happened in the mansion?"
Nangong Yue has only been away for a month, and the Zhennan Prince's Mansion is well-managed under Xiao Fei's hands. Occasionally something goes wrong, and there is side concubine Wei to help, but there is no trouble, except...
"... Half a month ago, Mrs. Qiao sent a maid into the mansion on the grounds that there was no caring person around her to serve her. About ten days ago, the maid met the prince by chance when she was feeding the lady. A few days ago Open your face and lift up your concubine."
Nangong Yue listened nonchalantly. There have never been fewer concubines around King Zhennan, and nearly half of them are servant girls in the mansion. As a daughter-in-law, she just heard about it, and she can't care about it anyway. , Immediately afterwards, I heard Que'er say: "...the new aunt's surname is Mei. The maidservants heard from some rough envoys in the palace that Aunt Mei looks a lot like the previous concubine."
Nangong Yue's hand trembled, and a few drops of pear juice spilled onto the dressing table.
She put down the pear juice in her hand and confirmed: "Is this true?"
"Yes." Que'er replied respectfully, "The servants have issued a password ban, preventing them from discussing in private."
"Well done." Nangong Yue nodded slightly.
The first concubine was A Yi's own mother, how could anyone casually compare her to a concubine raised by a maid! However, Mrs. Qiao sent a maid over, and the maid had a "coincident encounter" with King Zhennan in a short period of time, and was raised as a concubine. Could this be by chance
Moreover, even the rough envoy of the palace recognized that person who looked like his mother and concubine, so Mrs. Qiao would not recognize him? Apparently it was done on purpose...
"Don't let grandfather know about this." Nangong Yue warned.
The prince's new-faced concubine looks alike to his deceased daughter, which might not be good news for a father.
"Yes, Princess Concubine." Que'er bowed his knees in response, and then talked about some trivial matters, such as the small ceremony has been prepared; Nangong Yue has started teaching the girls' new teacher before leaving the mansion; Aunt Fang and Aunt Mei have been fighting fiercely recently, Xiao Fei, as a daughter, can't manage Zhennan King's concubine, and side concubine Wei has never been willing to get involved in such matters, chaos in the back of the palace is frequent, etc...
Nangong Yue listened to each other, sleepiness gradually came up, and she said vaguely: "If Sister Fei comes here later, let her come in..."
After an hour's nap on the beauty's couch, Xiao Fei really came.
Xiao Fei came to invite Nangong Yue to the welcome banquet. It can be seen that she slept so soundly, so she felt that she was not considerate enough. The journey of sister-in-law was really hard, so she should save the reception tomorrow.
"Meow!"
The cat, Xiaobai, curled up at Nangong Yue's feet and dozed off, raised his head and called out, as if to say hello, then buried his head and continued to sleep.
This cat meow made Nangong Yue open her eyes, she smiled at Xiao Fei, "Sister Fei, you are here." Although there was still tiredness in her eyes, she felt much better after sleeping.
The reception banquet was prepared in the flower hall of the palace. When Nangong Yue and Xiao Fei arrived, all the female relatives were there, the mistresses of the second and third rooms, the girls of each room, the side concubine Wei, and the family members of King Zhennan. Those concubines.
The concubines are naturally not qualified to sit at the table. If the concubine is here, they need to be close to serve the meal, but now, they just follow the rules to greet the concubine, and after the ceremony, they stand aside until the wind blows. The feast is over.
Nangong Yue's eyes swept over them, and landed on a woman wearing a rose-red gown. Her eyebrows and eyes were delicate and flawless, and her black pupils were shining like stars. of brilliance. Although King Zhennan's inner courtyard is so beautiful, she is clearly superior to others.
Nangong Yue is not familiar with Zhennan King's concubine, but she is almost sure that this is the new Aunt Mei.