Because she slept late last night, it was already daybreak when Lady Huarui got up. She lay in bed for a while and heard the sound of rubbing clothes in the yard. It was probably the maid washing clothes.
When they arrived in Tokyo, there were only two eunuchs and one maid left, but one of the eunuchs was arrested for delivering a secret letter and has not been released yet. Wei Zhong and the maid took care of the food and clothing of the few people, and it was a lot of work every day. They didn't have many complaints, firstly because the two really had nowhere to go, and secondly because Meng Chang was still the Duke of Qin, they were probably looking forward to a better life in the future.
In addition to working, that palace maid also had to serve the emperor in bed. Madam Huarui had not served the emperor in bed for a long time.
Madam Huarui got up, put on her clothes casually, opened the bedroom door with her messy hair, and took a wooden basin from the wooden shelf at the door to fetch water. Anyway, no one was watching her here, and she was not interested in dressing up to win favor, so she was too lazy to spend time on her appearance.
Madam, do you want me to fetch you some water? The palace maid looked up and asked.
I can go by myself, you are too busy.
The palace maid said: Yes, there is a bowl of porridge in the pot, left for the lady.
Of course, this place is completely inferior to the Shu Imperial Palace. Madam Huarui slowly walked from under the eaves to the kitchen in the east with the basin in her hand. The leaves on the treetops in the yard were sparse, and there was a layer of fallen leaves on the ground. Most of the houses around had hard hip roofs because there was less rain in the north, so most of the houses were of this style. They were not as beautiful as the hip roof houses of the wealthy families in Shu.
Madam Huarui did everything slowly. Since there was nothing to do all day anyway, she could make time pass faster by just dawdling.
After she washed up, she didn't see the eunuch Wei Zhong. She remembered that Wei Zhong said he was going out to buy something last night, so he was probably allowed to go out. Then she heard Governor Wang calling outside the courtyard gate. Meng Chang walked out and hurriedly said, "Governor Wang, just come in. The courtyard gate is open."
Meng Chang turned around with a smile on his face and greeted Madam Huarui again.
Lady Huarui saw that he was dressed neatly, in a brand new silk robe and black boots, and looked like he was going out. He must have been waiting for Governor Wang long ago. Lady Huarui felt even more uneasy.
At this time, the tall and fat Wang Zhenfu walked in, with a flattering smile on his face, and came forward to pay respect to Lady Huarui. Then he greeted Meng Chang, and the two walked into the hall to talk.
Madam Huarui ignored him and stayed under the eaves. She was a person with a strong sense of crisis, and couldn't help thinking about her future. After thinking about various situations, it seemed that no one dared to accept her except Guo Shao's retreat. Even if there was someone, Madam Huarui didn't trust him. The question was, what was Guo Shao thinking
Although Lady Huarui was displaced by this warrior who was originally an enemy, she could not hate him, because the swallowing between countries was not caused by hatred; what would he do to her, or was he simply attracted to women? At this time, Lady Huarui recalled the scene when she took the initiative to throw herself into the arms of a man in Chengdu. Guo Shao's body reaction was obvious. He might not be attracted to women, but he did not attach much importance to beauty.
But Lady Huarui had no choice. She felt that Meng Chang was unreliable. She had to make plans early. She couldn't rely on Guo Shao. At least Jingniang was a relatively reliable person in this unfamiliar place where she had no relatives.
At this time, Meng Chang and Governor Wang came out of the hall. Governor Wang bowed and said: "I have a favor to ask. I would like to ask Madam to recommend you to the Inspector of Guodu. I will never forget your great kindness."
Madam Huarui said casually: I can't see him either.
Governor Wang looked at Meng Chang and said calmly: People of Guodu Dianjian's status are busy with many things every day and it is easy for them to forget things.
Madam Huarui pursed her lips, and understood that Governor Wang had bewitched Meng Chang and wanted to encourage her to take the initiative to seduce Guo Shao. But Meng Chang did not react, as if he did not understand Governor Wang's implicit hint.
Wang Zhenfu added: "Originally, Duke Qin and his wife are not allowed to go out casually, but if I take you out, it is another matter. I don't dare to force you, it's just a suggestion. If your wife doesn't want to, then forget it."
Okay, I'll try to help Governor Wang. Madam Huarui said, even she herself felt it was a little unbelievable, and she hadn't weighed it at all. Maybe she felt that Governor Wang was right, even if she wanted to see Jingniang or Guo Shao, it was not convenient for her to go out.
Even though Lady Huarui didn't care about this bully who wanted to insult her, she hated him very much. Now she had to cooperate with him again, and Lady Huarui felt very helpless.
Wang Zhenfu's face showed surprise, and Shao Qing was very pleasantly surprised.
He hurriedly said to Meng Chang: "A little boy will go out with Duke Qin in a while. You don't have to pay attention to him. Just watch where Duke Qin goes. It's a routine matter. The people in that gambling house are familiar with you. Just bring your capital and go by yourself if you want to play."
Madam Huarui frowned and said: Ah Lang went to gamble only yesterday, there is no need to go every day
Meng Chang said: "What's the fun of staying in this yard with nothing to do? Since I can go out, I won't be bored even if I go out for a walk. You and Governor Wang are going to see Guo Shao.
Madam Huarui said: "Governor Wang wants to see Inspector Guodu, but I, a woman, cannot see him. I want to see Jingniang about something."
Wang Zhenfu hurriedly said: Duke Qin, rest assured, I have changed my ways and will never be disrespectful to you again.
Guo Shao happened to come back early, because General Gao Yanchou had sent a visiting card yesterday, hoping to see him. Guo Shao had just welcomed Gao Yanchou in, sat him down in the living room in the front yard, and exchanged some pleasantries.
Before they got down to business, Lu Chengyong walked in and whispered in Guo Shao's ear: Madam Huarui and Wang Zhenfu want to see you, and they have arrived at the gate of the mansion.
Guo Shao asked: Duke Qin didn't come
Lu Chengyong said: To reply to my lord, no.
When Gao Yanchou heard the name Duke Qin, his expression changed slightly.
Guo Shao looked at Gao Yanchou thoughtfully, and after thinking for a moment, he said: "Who is Wang Zhenfu? He is wasting my time. You go deal with him. Invite Madam Huarui in." Guo Shao had already guessed that Wang Zhenfu would cry and grovel when he saw him. Guo Shao really had no interest in this kind of person's submission and could not get any pleasure from it.
Yes. Lu Chengyong clasped his fists in response.
Guo Shao and Gao Yanchou were in the living room in the front yard, less than an arrow's throw away from the main door. Soon, Madam Huarui was invited in. When she reached the door of the living room, Gao Yanchou hurriedly stood up from his chair and said politely: "I am honored to see you, Madam."
When Lady Huarui saw Gao Yanchou was actually here, she was startled and said, "General Gao, please stop being so polite." After that, she slightly bent her knees and folded her hands on her side. "I have seen that the inspector of Guodu has come to your house today. I originally wanted to see Jingniang, and the governor Wang asked me to introduce you to the inspector of Guodu."
Guo Shao returned the greeting and said, "Madam, you are so polite." He turned to Gao Yanchou and smiled, "Jingniang is from my family. She received the favor of Madam Huarui when she was in Mount Emei. The two have been friends for many years and often visit each other."
So that's how it is, this is fate. Gao Yanchou said casually, without mentioning his old master.
Guo Shao said: Jingniang has gone out for something. Madam, please sit down and wait for her here. She will definitely be back before noon.
Madam Huarui said: I am afraid that my presence here will disturb your discussion of important matters. Otherwise, I will come in the afternoon.
It's okay, you wait for her for a while, Jingniang will come here when she comes back. Guo Shao spoke crisply and quickly. As for Wang Zhenfu, his wife didn't need to plead for him, and she didn't bother to care about his life or death. If he stayed in the officialdom, it would only cause chaos.
Madam Huarui couldn't help asking: How is Inspector Guo going to punish him
Guo Shaodao: Zuo You is in charge of this matter, and it should be done soon. The evidence of corruption and abuse of power is irrefutable, and he will be dismissed from office and stripped of his official title and never employed again; the Ministry of Personnel has it on file, and no matter how he tries, he cannot change the Ministry of Personnel's files.
He said a few words to Lady Huarui, then turned to Gao Yanchou and smiled: When will General Gao leave Beijing to take up his post
Gao Yanchou said: We will set off in three days. I will go to Huainan to take over the Shu army soldiers who have been settled in advance, and then wait for the troops to arrive by water.
I have to remember it three days later. Guo Shaodao, I will practice for General Gao at that time. There is a batch of new armor in the armor workshop, and General Gao will take it away to equip his elite soldiers.
Gao Yanchou was moved and said: I have heard that the number of elite armor is limited, and only the elite troops of the Palace Front Department can be allocated. I want to see Guo Du Dianjian today, but there is actually another matter. He looked at Madam Huarui and hesitated to speak.
Guo Shao thought there was nothing to discuss military secrets with him, so he said: General Gao, please feel free to speak.
Gao Yanchou said: I heard that a few days ago, a secret letter sent to me was intercepted by court officials. The eunuch Cao Tai of the Ministry of Internal Affairs discussed it with me and originally planned to send it to me to see how I would respond. However, Guo Du Dianjian stopped it and considered my dilemma. I am very grateful for Guo Du Dianjian's sympathy.
Guo Shao said calmly: "Since I recommended General Gao, I should trust you. I trust not only General Gao, but also the soldiers in Shu. They will understand that all Han people are one. What we are fighting for now is to end the chaos and resist foreign humiliation. This is not only the duty of the soldiers in the Central Plains. General Gao, don't worry. I am here, you can just lead the troops with peace of mind."
Gao Yanchou said excitedly: I wish I had known Marshal Guo earlier.
Guo Shao looked at Gao Yanchou sincerely and said: It's not too late now. Our brotherhood lacks the test of time, but you and I have plenty of opportunities to fight side by side, and there is a long way to go.
Gao Yanchou clasped his fists and said in a decisive tone: "I will never let down the kindness of the inspector Guo Du. From now on, I will follow the lead of the inspector Guo Du."