"There are two brochures in the Jinxiu workshop in the capital. The one in the north is mostly dedicated to several workshops outside the imperial city. Everything in it is top-grade, but most of them are sold in bulk, so it is naturally expensive, and ordinary people or If you want to make a wedding dress or something, if you want a few feet of good material, you have to go to the smaller one in the south of the city, such as the gold-weaving gauze we bought just now. To make a lining for my daughter's house, I only need to cut a few feet."
Because they had reached the most prosperous place, the Hu family and his party no longer rode around in a carriage. Hu held Qin Chaoyu in one arm, and Qin Xiang floated on his side, so he happily introduced the prosperity and wealth of the capital, jewelry shops, In the rouge and gouache shop, the Hu family, whom the young daughter’s family likes, brought Qin Wan into the shop. Walking down the two streets of Dongshi, Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang both added a lot of things, and Qin Wan also had two more things that the Hu family stuffed. Qin Wan had no choice but to accept the rouge and gouache given.
Another jewelry shop came out, Hu frowned and said, "It seems that we have to go to the west for a walk. It's the New Year's Eve, and the four of you have to buy some decent jewelry. If you want to go out to meet guests after the new year, you must dress up nicely." some."
Mrs. Hu told Qin Yan, "Yan'er, let the carriage come here, and we'll go to the west."
Qin Yan went away at the sound, and Qin Wan looked at Hu's heart slightly moved. When he first saw this aunt, she felt that she might be a little cautious, but now it seems that she treats them very generously.
After waiting for a while, Qin's carriage drove over, Hu and his party got on the carriage, and turned to the west.
In the carriage, Mrs. Hu smiled and said, "How is my eldest aunt doing?"
Qin Chaoyu bent his lips, "Of course it's excellent, what mother did was right."
Mrs. Hu sighed, patted Qin Chaoyu's hand and said, "You have become more and more sensible in recent years, but you can teach me how to do these things. You grew up held in the hands of me and your father. You are spoiled and spoiled, and you are naturally arrogant and indulgent. I originally thought that you should have such a temperament. With me and your father, I will find a suitable family for you in the future and they will treat you well. But later, But you got involved in the palace, where in the palace, ordinary people might be able to stand? I was worried at first, but seeing you have changed a little over the past few years, it puts my mind at ease."
The corners of Qin Chaoyu's lips curved slightly, "Mother, don't worry about your daughter growing up."
The Hu family put Qin Chaoyu's hand in his palm like a baby, "Don't worry, why don't I worry about it? I just feel sorry for you. There are many things hidden in your heart now, and I don't want to say anything because I'm afraid you will be wronged."
Qin Chaoyu then leaned on Hu's shoulder, "Isn't that how my mother came here? When she grows up and is going to marry, she will naturally suffer a lot of grievances. Right now, I have you and my father, and my third brother, too. I don't know how much better."
Hu sighed, "I don't want to part with you, I would rather keep you for another two years, let alone..."
Hu said in a low voice, "I married your father, although I suffered a lot of grievances, but after all, your father is not a heartless person, and there is no one else besides the two maids around me for so many years, This saved me a lot of worry, but you... your future, whenever I think about it, I don't want you to go to that place. Look at the current emperor, there are countless concubines in the harem, so what if you become a queen? Today's The empress is the lord of the middle palace, and her son is the heir apparent, but can she sit back and relax? I heard that very few people go to her palace—”
As soon as this topic was mentioned, Hu's heart seemed to be stuck in something, she suddenly grabbed Qin Chaoyu's hand, "Yu'er, think about it carefully, if you don't want to, I will tell your father, there is a lot of room for this matter foot."
Qin Chaoyu sighed with a wry smile, "Mother, you are so worried about me."
Hu snorted, "This is not nonsense, you are my baby, I am not worried, who are you worried about?"
Qin Chaoyu sighed again, "Mother, don't worry, I chose this path myself. I also thought about what you said just now. I will not change my mind just because I have thought clearly."
Seeing Qin Chaoyu's exquisitely made-up face, Hu hugged her in his arms helplessly.
On the other side, Qin Shuang was playing with a rouge box inlaid with red agate, smiling all over her face, "Auntie is so kind to us, this box of rouge is worth half a year to ordinary people."
Qin Xiang also had a small box in her hand. She liked to play with it very much. When she heard Qin Shuang's words, she immediately put the box in the bag beside her, "What is this? It's just a rouge. Auntie will treat us more Well, now that we are in the capital, don't be as petty as we are in Jinzhou."
Qin Shuang curled her lips and didn't answer, but opened the curtains and looked out.
Those who enter the city always go to the east, and this is the first time for Qin Shuang to go to the west. The Zhongyonghou mansion is surrounded by tall and spacious duke mansions. Compared with the west side, it is a little less majestic and dignified, but more Qin Shuang didn't expect the capital to be so big.
"The capital is really big, I'm afraid it's bigger than the two Jinzhous." Qin Shuang was in high spirits, and everything he saw felt fresh. After a while, the silence of the folk square disappeared, and the bustle of the square city suddenly spread over. Qin Shuang hurriedly said , "It's almost there! It's almost there!"
As Qin Shuang said, he pulled Qin Wan who was beside him, but he didn't see any reaction from Qin Wan. When he turned his eyes, he saw Qin Wan staring at the northwest direction. Qin Shuang was surprised, "What's wrong with you?" ?”
To this question, Qin Guan, who is usually very spiritual, still didn't respond.
Qin Shuang pulled Qin Wan again, "Ninth Sister? What's wrong with you?"
This forceful pull only woke Qin Wan up, Qin Wan suddenly looked back at Qin Shuang, "What's wrong?"
Qin Shuang looked at Qin Wan in surprise, "I called you twice and you didn't respond, what are you doing over there?"
Qin Shuang followed Qin Wan's gaze, but his gaze was blocked by a whole row of shop buildings next to the market. When he took a closer look, Qin Shuang suddenly saw a three-story red lacquered building called "Fengqi Building". Qin Shuang looked at it. Look at Qin Wan, then look at the little red building, "What do you see that doing? Where is Fengqi Tower?"
Qin Wan bent her lips helplessly, "No, I was just thinking about something, I don't know where it is."
Qin Shuang blinked her eyes when she saw what Qin Wan said, but she didn't believe it. Qin Wan has always been a calm and dignified person, and usually he doesn't say anything, let alone act weirdly. Once he does, there must be a reason .
Not only did Qin Shuang feel that something was wrong with Qin Wan, but Qin Xiang also looked at Qin Wan strangely. Suddenly, Qin Xiang thought of something and said, "By the way, who is the son that the third brother met just now?"
Qin Shuang replied subconsciously, "Young Master Zhao from the family of General Fuguo."
Qin Xiang immediately looked at Qin Shuang and Qin Wan, "How do you two know? Also, that Mr. Zhao knows Jiumei?"
Qin Shuang glanced at Qin Wan, saw that Qin Wan had no expression, and said, "The person Jiumei saved that day was Mr. Zhao's subordinate."
Qin Xiang was stunned for a moment, his expression changed slightly, and then he said with a half-smile, "No wonder..."
There was something in Qin Xiang's words, Qin Wan's brows were cold and he didn't bother to talk to her, Qin Shuang said, "Third Brother took us to dinner, and never expected to meet those people, not to mention Ninth Younger Sister is just here to save lives."
"How was that man saved?" Qin Xiang's tone was cool.
Qin Shuang raised his chin slightly, "Naturally, he was saved. Jinzhou Little Doctor Fairy is not famous for nothing."
Before Qin Xiang could speak, Qin Wan said, "Third brother said that the man still didn't survive in the end."
"Ah—how could it be? You obviously saved the day..."
Qin Shuang didn't believe it very much, Qin Xiang's eyes showed mockery, Qin Wan sighed, "The injury is not serious, once it festers, it would be life-threatening, and it seems that something went wrong later."
Qin Shuang was silent for a moment, "It's really pitiful, you are so young."
Qin Wan didn't say anything for a while, and looked to the west again before withdrawing his gaze. Soon, the carriage stopped.
After getting out of the carriage, I heard Hu said, "There are also a few good shops here, but they are far away, and they don't come here often."
The carriage stopped at an extremely bustling market. It was almost noon at this time, and there were more people in the market. Although the weather was cold, because it was the Chinese New Year, most of the people on the street were buying new year's goods. People, Qin Yan was instructing people to park the carriage aside, suddenly, a group of black-clothed soldiers came over at the end of the long street.
There were about twenty soldiers in this group, and they seemed to be on patrol. Mrs. Hu was busy looking at Qin Yan, "This is..."
"Mother, don't worry, under the new year's day, there will be new patrol soldiers in the Nine City Patrol Battalion."
Mrs. Hu nodded and sighed, "Hey, that's why we've bought everything we should have bought today, and we're going to sell less recently."
Qin Wan walked at the end, watching the patrolling soldiers walk by.
The passing crowd made way for the patrolling soldiers, and after the patrolling soldiers started whispering and discussing something, the expressions on the faces of the people were slightly angry and frightened, Qin Wan thought for a while, seeing that Qin Yan was also walking at the end, he couldn't help but ask, " Third brother, the case hasn’t progressed yet?”
Qin Yan nodded, "Not yet..."
Qin Yan knew that Qin Wan was smart, so he figured it out after seeing these patrol soldiers, so he simply answered her.
Qin Wan frowned slightly, "What is the case? How long has it been?"
Qin Yan said in a low voice, "Several people died, it seems to be a month and a half."
Several people have died, and it has been so long, but why is there no progress
Qin Wan was about to ask more details, but Mrs. Hu in front of her was already calling her, "Come here, girl Wan, I see that you are wearing this jade plaque, come here and try it, and this white jade bracelet, I see that you have a Not wearing anything."
Qin Wan walked over hurriedly, and only slightly declined, "I don't usually like these, so Auntie will buy them for my sisters."
"You're yours, and they all have them too. Quick, hold out your hand—"
Mrs. Hu was very enthusiastic, and Qin Wan couldn't refuse, so she had to agree to Mrs. Hu, but Mrs. Hu became interested. Qin Chaoyu was dressed up exquisitely since she was a child, but now Qin Wan and the other three owed three points, so Mrs. Hu took three People try what they see, and when they finished shopping the whole street, Qin Wan and the three had a lot of things around them. Mrs. Hu didn't notice anything when they were shopping. Mrs. Hu didn't feel tired until after shopping. Hou's mansion rushed, although Qin Chaoyu accompanied him on this journey, but did not buy a few things, and her arrogance was only a little docile in front of Hu and Qin Yan, from the beginning to the end, she was not very friendly. Qin Wan and the others spoke.
Back at the Marquis Mansion, lunch was ready, and the group was all tired. After lunch, they went back to the courtyard to rest. Qin Chaoyu and Qin Yan sent Hu back to the courtyard together. When they came out, Qin Chaoyu said in a low voice, "Brother, this time King Cheng was punished a little by the Holy Majesty, but His Royal Highness the Crown Prince seemed not happy. Yesterday I entered the palace and saw him at the empress's place. Seeing him, he seemed to be frowning."
Qin Yan said, "You should know about the case in the capital city. His Highness the Crown Prince is in charge of the East Palace. Apart from discussing the state affairs with the Holy Majesty, His Majesty the Crown Prince is also responsible for the important affairs of the capital. This time, when such a case happened, the Majesty directly handed it over to His Highness." , It has been more than a month, and the Holy Majesty said that His Royal Highness would find the murderer before the year."
Qin Chaoyu frowned, "There are still four days."
"Exactly, this is what His Royal Highness is most anxious about right now."
Qin Chaoyu paused slightly, "Brother, is there any way I can help His Highness?"
Qin Yan smiled wryly, "It's hard, I have no position in the court, and my father is not from the Ministry of Justice. It's really not easy for our family to intervene. Besides, His Royal Highness is surrounded by Zhengfu Yin and Li Dalord. If we talk about manpower, in fact That's enough."
"But why hasn't the case been solved for so long, what is the governor's office doing?"
"Sister, murder cases are not that simple, and there are not a few unsolved murder cases."
Qin Chaoyu frowned slightly, "But there is no way to delay this. If the case is not solved by New Year's Eve, won't His Royal Highness be held accountable by the Holy Majesty?"
Having said that, Qin Yan's heart also sank.
First, the Hou Mansion chose the prince, and then Qin Chaoyu wanted to enter the East Palace. Even if Qin Chaoyu didn't say anything, he should still think of a way. Thinking about it this way, Qin Yan was the first to think of Qin Wan, but soon, his face showed Two points helpless, even he can't interfere, Qin Wan has no official position and is a woman, so she can't play any role in this matter, the capital is at the foot of the emperor, it's not like being in the Herb Garden.
"Don't worry, Mr. Fu Yin and Mr. Li will definitely help the prince. If the prince is held accountable for this matter, the subordinates will not be able to escape the responsibility. Moreover, Mr. Zheng Fu Yin is the official of the people's parents, even if he is not held accountable by the sage, He will do his best."
Qin Chaoyu sighed, "King Cheng has just lost the wind. If the prince's case remains unsolved for a long time, I'm afraid that King Cheng will find a way to attack the prince. Yesterday... yesterday I heard from the palace people that Concubine Su was ill. The emperor is with her every day."
Qin Yan sneered, "These are nothing more than the concubine's means of favoring... But the current emperor is not so easy to fool." Qin Yan said comfortingly, "It's almost Chinese New Year, and this case will be handled by Zheng Fu Yin Cha, we still have to celebrate the New Year, don't worry, help mother a little these few days, and he will naturally think of a way with His Royal Highness, don't worry, it will be broken."
Seeing that Qin Chaoyu was still frowning, Qin Yan said again, "I'll discuss it with my father when he comes back."
Only then did Qin Chaoyu look slightly relaxed, "Okay, thank you brother."
Qin Yan laughed, "Silly, we are a family, what are you thanking me for?"
Said with eyes narrowing, "Could it be that you are treating His Royal Highness..."
Qin Chaoyu raised his jaw, "I told my brother that I must enter the East Palace."
Qin Yan let go of the joke, patted Qin Chaoyu's head and said, "I know, I know, my sister has great ambitions in her heart, don't worry, I will let you know as soon as I have news."
Qin Chaoyu gave a "hmm" before returning to his yard.
When it was the New Year's Eve, the Hou's mansion was busy inside and out. Qin Chaoyu was waiting for news from Qin Yan, and Qin Wan was also waiting. Hu's intention was clear. If the case was not settled, they would not be allowed to leave the mansion casually. Although it was for their own good, but she thought about it day and night in Jinzhou, how could she hold back when she returned to the capital
This wait lasted for another two days. During the two days, the servants of the Hou Mansion swept away the dust and began to prepare for the new year. Qin Wan only saw Qin Shu on the first night, and only saw Hu Shi during the rest of the time. On the evening of the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, Qin Wan and his sisters were called to Renshou Hall for dinner. Hu said with a tired face, "Recently, your uncle and your third brother are busy, and we don't even have time to eat together. I'm also very busy, if they don't come back today, we will have dinner together, don't care about them, but... don't you feel that your uncle doesn't care about you. "
Qin Xiang hurriedly said, "How could it be? Auntie is very considerate to us, and uncle is naturally concerned about us when he is dealing with business." Mrs. Hu smiled with satisfaction, and Qin Xiang said again, "Auntie is so busy, if she needs us Do what you are told."
Hu wanted to refuse at first, but after another thought, he said, "Yu'er and Guan'er are fine, but you and Shuang'er can really help me. Did you learn how to be a housekeeper when you were in Jinzhou?"
Qin Xiang nodded, "I have learned a little from my mother, but Xiang'er is clumsy and hasn't learned much."
Qin Shuang shook her head directly, "No..."
Hu said with a smile, "At your age, it is indeed time to learn how to be a housekeeper."
Having said that, both Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang's complexions changed slightly. After the new year, the two of them will be eighteen, which is the most suitable time to talk about marriage. Eighteen is the best time to talk about marriage. At twenty, it was a bit late.
Qin Shuang lowered her eyes for some reason, and felt a little heavy in her heart. Qin Xiang's eyeballs moved when she heard the words, and immediately said, "If Auntie needs us to order something, it happens that Xiang'er can learn from Auntie, come on. The ex-mother said that the eldest aunt came from everyone, and that's what we should learn from."
Of course everyone likes to listen to nice words. Mrs. Hu patted Qin Xiang on the shoulder, "Okay, you will learn how to spend the New Year first. Come to my courtyard early tomorrow morning. The day after tomorrow will be New Year's Eve. I will teach you for a day."
Qin Xiang hurriedly responded, and Qin Shuang also nodded, and Mrs. Hu ordered everyone to move their chopsticks. After eating a few mouthfuls, Madam Yu strode in from the outside, "Ma'am, the master and the prince are back—"
Hu was surprised, "Hey, didn't you say you won't come back?"
Mother Yu shook her head and said, "No, Master Hou came back with guests, and Master Shizi also went to the study outside. Master Hou asked Madam to prepare refreshments and send them over, and asked Madam to bring out the tribute tea."
"Gong tea?" Mrs. Hu hurriedly stood up, since she was allowed to take the tribute tea, it must be a distinguished guest.
"Eat first, I'll come over later."
After Hu finished speaking, he left in a hurry, and took someone with refreshments to the study outside.
When they arrived at the door of the outer study room, they saw Wu Chao waiting at the gate of the courtyard. When they saw Mrs. Hu coming, they immediately stepped forward and said, "I pay my respects to Madam."
Hu raised his jaw towards the study, "Who's in there?"
Wu Chao hurriedly said, "It's Zheng Fu Yin and Dali Temple Minister Li Daren."
One from the third grade, one from the third grade, Hu nodded, handed over the refreshments, turned around and left.
Wu Chao led the people into the courtyard gate and brought refreshments into the house.
Inside the room, Zheng Baishi sighed, "Several people mentioned this case in the court today, and the people in the court were very excited for a while, and they seemed to blame me. To blame me, isn't it just to blame the prince? The emperor's expression was not very good at that time." Looks good, if there are any key clues, that's all, but the current situation is that there are no clues at all."
Li Muyun's eyes darkened slightly, "Their purpose is quite obvious. Seeing that the time given by His Majesty to His Royal Highness is running out, they first slowly provoke His Majesty's anger. When the time is up, His Majesty's fury will be over Of course."
Qin Shu frowned, "Is this case so difficult? Master Li can't do anything about it?"
Li Muyun smiled wryly for a moment, "I have spent a lot of time with Zheng Fuyin these days, so I really don't have any clues." Then he said, "I have been in Dali Temple for so many years, to be honest, I have rarely investigated cases by myself. ,mostly… "
Saying this, Li Muyun's words suddenly stopped, Qin Shu and Zheng Baishi's complexions changed slightly.
Li Muyun coughed lightly and sat up straight, "It's a pity that he went astray in the end. If he was here, this case might be easier."
Zheng Baishi glanced at the four people in the room, including Qin Yan, "They are all acquaintances, so there is no need to hide them. I am also thinking that if he is here, it will not be so difficult for me. When it comes to meticulous attention to detail, I will I have never seen anyone who is more powerful than him, we all search by casting a net, but he seems to have a talent that is more powerful than others, and he can always notice things that ordinary people would not think of."
Qin Shu squinted his eyes and thought for a moment, "It's useless to say these things, he doesn't know why..." As he spoke, Qin Shu glanced at Li Muyun imperceptibly for a moment, and Qin Shu said again, "It's really impossible, find a way A scapegoat should break the game first."
Li Muyun frowned, "Master Hou, I'm afraid it's impossible—"
Zheng Baishi also said, "Yes, Lord Hou, even if this trick can solve the temporary difficulty, if it is discovered by King Cheng, it will actually put His Royal Highness in danger—"
Qin Shu smiled wryly, "I have no choice but to find out."
Having said that, Zheng Baishi and Li Muyun also looked bitter and helpless, and Qin Yan, who had been standing silently beside him, suddenly said, "My lords, father, I have a way to break the situation here—"