Chapter 61 Inspired
Before ascending the throne, Emperor Sheng Yuan was known for making big moves, rough and heroic, if it could be beaten then beaten, if it could not be beaten then beaten later, and he never liked to play any conspiracies and tricks. But after having more contact with the Han people, he suddenly realized: These Central Plains people are too goddamn tricky, if you go straight with them, you may be led into a pit and buried.
After several big losses, he gradually became interested in Central Plains culture, and the more he learned, the more he understood its strength. Of course, among the many learnings, his favorites were the military and legalism schools. Every time he got its classic, he reads it eagerly. Only then did he realize that to govern the people of Central Plains, he had to use the means of the people of Central Plains.
At the beginning of the founding of the country, he couldn't even figure out how the imperial court mechanism work, so he had to use a large number of Han officials, barely holding up the Wei Kingdom. But new problems came one after another, such as the Wang clan of Langya, the Xie clan of Chenjun, the Yuan clan of Runan, and the Xiao clan of Lanling… each had their own background, each had their own territory, raised private soldiers, and acted as powerful officials, if it weren't for them to lost most of its strength in the war, they would almost make him a mere figurehead.
Among them, the Wang clan of Langya had the most wealth and talents. As early as the coexistence of various vassal states, they secretly controlled some of the most powerful forces. The head of the family and the descendants of the direct line were all high-ranking officials, and held the power of life and death. When the Wei Kingdom was established, they didn't want to be outdone, on one hand, they won over the courtiers and on the other hand, they consolidated their power.
Emperor Sheng Yuan was used to being domineering, and naturally impossible to be used as puppet by them, so the two sides looked harmonious, but secretly fought fiercely. In the past, the noble family always had the upper hand, but recently, the people cultivated by Emperor Sheng Yuan slowly infiltrated the court. He also established the Emperor Teacher, and recruited a group of upright Confucian scholars who were famous all over the world and loyal to the imperial power to take on important positions, so the situation improved slightly.
It was just that the noble family was a noble family after all, the family style was clean, and the children were quite promising, unlike the Ye family, which full of shortcoming that was easily exploited by other. Therefore, it may be difficult for the Emperor Teacher to impeach the Wang family and suppress the power of the prime minister.
Emperor Sheng Yuan remembered the arrogance and influence of the Wang family, could not help but gritted his teeth with hatred, and then looked at the Emperor Teacher and Chief of Ceremonies who were always loyal to the country, his heart was finally smooth, and he was more willing to be honest about his mistake.
"What the teacher taught, Zhen has realize the mistake. In those year when entering Yanjing for the first time, and the court was re-established, the Ye family asked for a position, and Zhen pick a position that is not too low nor too high, casually gave it to him and sent him away, how did one expect that the post of Grand Astrologer to be so important."
He always thought that Grand Astrologer was just looking at the sky, counting the days, and regularly drying the classics under the sun. Anyone could do it well. How could he know that there were so many particulars? When he understood, Ye Quanyong had already taken office, and he could only pretend not to know.
The beard on Old Master Guan's lips was trembling, showing that he was very angry with the emperor. However, he finally held back, and after pondering for a while, he said quietly, "Your Majesty, you are completely wild!"
Emperor Sheng Yuan's ears were getting red, and his heart was full of shame, it was just that his skin was dark that it couldn't be seen, then he said honestly, "Emperor Teacher, you don't know, when Zhen was young, Zhen followed the wild beasts in the mountains and forests. When I was a little older, I joined the army to fight. I can't even recognize Jiuli characters, let alone Mandarin characters. The little ink in Zhen's stomach has also been slowly learned in recent years, and there are still many ignorant things, please ask Emperor Teacher for more advise."
"Your Majesty doesn't have to undervalue yourself. You have only started learning in recent years, but to be able to reach your level is already considered an extraordinary talent. No one is born an emperor, let alone know how to manage a country. They all learn from history and take people as a mirror, little by little carve and polish it. Don't worry, this minister and others will try our best to assist you, help you become the holy monarch of the whole generation, help the people of the world to live and work in peace and contentment, and support the Wei Kingdom for generations to come."
All the ministers also cupsed their hands in obeisance, and the solemn atmosphere instantly washed away the gloom in the hall.
Emperor Sheng Yuan even said a few "good" word, rebuilding his confidence and at the same time more respectful to the Emperor Teacher, and hurriedly asked him to go to the back of the palace to wash and change clothes. With this episode, today's proposal could only be left unsettled, all the ministers withdrew, only Guan Father sat in the hall while waiting for the old man.
Seeing that there were no other people around, he said meaningfully, "If the emperor wants to realize his ambition, the first thing is to restrain the Prime Minister. Now the power of Prime Minister and the power of the monarch are almost equal, all your decisions can be vetoed by him, then this revision of the law and reconstructing the system cannot be carried out, in the end it may shake the foundation of Wei Kingdom and cause the people to fall into trouble."
How could the Emperor Sheng Yuan didn't know this? But how to suppress the Prime Minister's power, this was a difficult problem. In fact, the conflict between the monarch and Prime Minister had existed since a long time ago, and many monarchs had also made great efforts. They divide the prime minister's power from one person's monopoly into several people working together, and successively had the left and right Prime Ministers. When they felt that it was not safe enough, they proposed the inner attendant to be the central minister. In the end, it made the court became even more chaotic.
Emperor Sheng Yuan would never let eunuchs take on important positions, and made his surrounding become dangerous, so he shook his head and continued to think bitterly.
Guan Father had some ideas, but it was inconvenient to propose it himself. Before he took office as Chief of Ceremonies, he was a teacher, and he was best at giving example to illustrate the point, guide patiently and systematically, let the disciples learn to think independently, make judgement and resolve the problem themselves, instead of doing everything for them. If not so, not only people would not be able to mature, but would also gradually degenerate.
Emperor Sheng Yuan, this disciple, was even more special. If you think more and do more for him, he may not be grateful to you, but may even have a gap in his heart and secretly guard against you. The best thing to do was to steer him in the right direction and make him realize how to take the helm. When the goal is achieved, he will be happy and confident, and others will be safe.
Both of them were thinking about the countermeasure, but one was still ignorant and the other had a plan. Just at this moment, an inconspicuous-looking inner attendant walked in quietly, and presented a secret letter with both hands, saying that it was sent from the border.
Emperor Sheng Yuan took the secret letter and said apologetically, "Chief of Ceremonies please take a sit, Zhen will go for a while."
Guan Father did not dare to delay the military situation, only let the emperor handle it himself.
Entering the side hall, Emperor Sheng Yuan opened the letter and read it carefully, he could not help but breathe a sigh of relief. Madam and Zhao Luli actually divided the mansion and lived separately? Good, she deserved to be the proud and arrogant daughter of the Guan family. When she make a decision, she was unhesitating and hits the mark. Even if Zhao Luli had regrets, it was too late, right?
The trick of dividing the mansion was really wonderful. Based on things that Zhao Luli had done, it was not unjust to seize his title. If Madam did not divide the mansion, the gold plaque of the Zhao family would not be able to be preserved, and its end would only be the same as the Ye family, end up in ruins. However, if the east and west mansion were divided, they each re-establishing their main gates. As soon as the plaque of "Marquis Zhenbei" was taken off, the plaque of "General Zhengbei Mansion" could be hung immediately. Who would dare to be rash? Who dares to throw stones at them? The whole family was also saved. (T/N: General Zhengbei is Zhao Luli's brother)
And that's not all. The West Mansion had no head, and old madam Zhao and Ruan shi respected her, she then could control the power and do whatever she want. While the East Mansion had cut the title and reduce the expense, and when people's heart were scattered, they could only rely on the West Mansion, so they also resigned themselves to her. Even if Zhao Luli was her husband and should have take the lead, but he also couldn't touch her.
In the future at Zhao's house, she could live however she want, whoever got in the way, she wouldn't have to deal with it, just kick it away. It's really a sharp method and an open layout.
Emperor Sheng Yuan read the secret letter over and over again, suddenly a flash of inspiration struck him and he clasped his hands while laughing. It turns out that managing a country can actually follow the same way. Since Zhen can't beat you with power play, well, then Zhen simply don't play any more. Divide the powers, divide the military force, divide the functions. When people are confused and the factions are scattered, even the prime minister cannot be the master, won't they still turn around and rely on Zhen to make decision? Madam is really a wonderful helper!
Father Guan heard the emperor's extremely leisurely laughter, it seemed there was a good news from the border. He was secretly recalling where there had been frequent wars in recent times, when he saw the emperor walking in with a tiger's stride, before he sat down he said, "In Zhen's opinion, to control the Prime Minister is by dividing and transformation."
"Oh? How to divide?" Guan Father's eyes brightened slightly, there's was a surprise expression on his face, obviously he didn't expect the emperor to think of this step without his own advice.
"It is not the division of left, center and right, but the division of authority, just like there are specializations of academic studies. Didn't the prime minister say to let the specialize ministers and military officers handle the court affairs? Then let the specialize army, criminal, household, work, ceremonies officials, or whoever proficient in certain areas be in charge of this. Not all gold is sufficiently red, everyone has their defect, and no matter how omniscient and omnipotent prime minister is, there is always something he is not good at. And although those people under him only follow him blindly, if they are given a portion of the prime minister's power, Zhen thought no one will object. But in case the prime minister will resist, causing the court to be shaken, Zhen want to separate the military powers and re-establish Ministry of Commandant, and Zhen will be personally in charge in order to suppress the whole territory. In the past, one person ate a big cake and the rest of the people starved. Now it's a big cake shared by everyone, except the person who originally took the cake, who will refuse? Afraid no one will refuse, still fight until the head broken and blood flowing. When the voice of supporting this motion increased, Zhen wants to see if Prime Minister Wang can withstand it and whether he dare to take the risk of defying the world."
"The emperor already has a massive military force. If you want to set up a separate Ministry of Commandant, it will be easy. If Prime Minister Wang loses military power, it's equivalent to cutting off the tiger's claws and teeth, there is nothing to be afraid of, and everyone flocks to divide the power. Afraid the thousand years glory of Langya Wang clan will soon come to an end." Guan Father couldn't help but admire the emperor.
"Exactly. In the past there are already three divisions of left, center and right, so Zhen will follow the old example and come up with a three-divisions, each with its own special department, and the specific arrangement still need to be discussed with Emperor Teacher, Chief of Ceremonies, and all the beloved minister. After that, the two powers of military and government were divided, and each opened the office. From then on, the management of the government should not involve the army, and the army should not involve with political affairs, and they would constraint each other." Emperor Sheng Yuan had a prototype of a new bureaucratic system in his mind. Under this system, the power of the emperor would climb to the peak. At that time, he would reform whatever he want, and no one could stand in his way.
Of course, his wisdom alone was extremely limited, and he still had to listen to the opinions of the ministers.
Guan Father was amazed by the Emperor Sheng Yuan's comprehension. It was not easy for a non-Han emperor who came from a barbarian background to realize such a delicate way of manipulating people without anyone's guidance! The first Holy Monarch who split heaven and earth apart? He really has this potential!
"The emperor has great talent and insight, brilliant and benevolent, loves the people like his own children, which is indeed the blessing for the Wei Kingdom and the common people. The emperor's strategy is not only feasible, but it may become a model for future generations to control the officials. This minister thought about it repeatedly, how about naming this law the Two Governments and Three Divisions system? As for the specific division of powers, after returning, this minister will write a memorial and present it to the emperor and the court for discussion."
"Two Government and Three Division, two mansion ?" Emperor Sheng Yuan clasped his palms in praise, "Very good!" At the end, his face was quietly stained with a blush. If Chief of Ceremonies knew that the idea of dividing the government was learned from Madam, it's unknown how he would react. That's it, in the future, it's better to find a way to make Madam reconcile, and then confess to the Emperor Teacher and Chief of Ceremonies.
He did not dare to take Madam's credit.
Not all gold is sufficiently red,: no-one is perfect.
two mansion: the word fu has several meanings, it can be translated as government and residence or mansion.
Chapter 62 Surrender
After Old Master Guan washed up, changed his robes and came out, he saw that his son and the emperor were chatting happily. He sat down and listened for a while, his eyes became brighter and brighter, and wanted to say a few words, but then heard a sharp voice from outside the hall, "Reporting to the emperor, Marquis Zhenbei is now kneeling in front of Xuande Gate to plead guilty, ask the emperor for instruction?"
Plead guilty? Seems like he's not hopelessly stupid. Guan Father raised his eyebrows, there was a smile yet not a smile expression on his face. The old master Guan stroked his beard, but did not express his opinion.
Emperor Sheng Yuan was talking about happy thing, where did he have the mind to take care of Zhao Luli, but his serious father-in-law and grandfather-in-law were here, it's impossible to not give face at all, so he waved his hand and said, "Announce him into the palace."
Zhao Luli was quickly taken into the Weiyang Palace, wearing only a pure white single shirt, with a bundle of thorns tied behind his back, the sharp thorns pierced the skin, and a little blood oozes out, making him like a sorry figure. He obviously didn't expect Old Master Guan and Guan Father to be here, and his pale face couldn't help but turn red, he then buried his head deeply, ashamed to face the two of them.
"This sinner sees the emperor, sees the Emperor Teacher, sees the Chief of Ceremonies." He was half-kneeling and saluted, his voice hoarse.
Old Master Guan and Father Guan nodded slightly, with neither indignation nor condemnation on their faces, let alone disappointment. They were originally reluctant for this marriage, and now it was not surprising that it had fallen to this point, as long as their Yiyi did not suffer then it's alright.
"Get up." While observing the expressions of Emperor Teacher and Chief of Ceremonies, Emperor Sheng Yuan tapped the table and asked, "I heard that you intend to plead guilty?"
"That's right. This sinner knows that his sins are heavy, his evil is accumulating a lot of calamity, so he came to the palace to show his own way, and use all loyalty and righteousness to redeem himself." He looked at the expressionless Emperor Teacher and Chief of Ceremonies, ans said in dumb voice, "This sinner is bold, ask the emperor to speak in private."
Emperor Sheng Yuan pondered for a while, then waved his hand and said, "Come in with me. Emperor Teacher and Chief of Ceremonies please sit for a while, Zhen will be right back."
Zhao Luli also blushed and said, "Chen Guang is rude."
The emperor and the courtier entered the inner hall one after another, one sat down on the chair, the other knelt on the ground with a thud, and said with difficulty, "Your Majesty, all the things Ye Quanyong committed, you can ask anything you want, this sinner will surely not hide anything he knows."
Emperor Sheng Yuan didn't have anything he wanted to ask. He pried open the mouth that could be pried open, and grasped the secrets that could be found. The only thing was, how did the life-saving grace happened that year, Ye Quanyong would rather die than confess, directly bit through the poison sac and commit suicide. On the contrary, this showed that what happened back then was suspicious. If he could find concrete evidence, he would make Ye Zhen pay the price.
He was one of the people blinded by the Ye family, but Zhao Luli probably knew even less, so what could he ask him? As for the fact that he helped Ye Quanyong to intercept the victims of Gejia village, the evidence had long been discover. If he had not come to plead guilty this morning, the Imperial Guard would go to Marquis Mansion to arrest people in the afternoon.
"I have nothing to say to you." Emperor Sheng Yuan closed his eyes and shook his head slowly.
Zhao Luli smiled bitterly, "I never expected us to come this point. I remember the time when you and I worshiped the sky on the vast grassland, the time when we became sworn brothers, fought on the battlefield together, and entrusting each other with our lives. You once went through ten thousand armies to save me, and I have rushed through the night to save you. Sitting in front of the bonfire at night, singing 'Qin Feng Wu Yi' together. I thought that even if the heaven and earth changed, this brotherhood would never be change. But I didn't expect that to create the foundation for the world, I would fight for you in the front, you faked death in the back to deceive the enemy, and attacked Yanjing by surprise, but even my wife was attacked together."
The more he recalled the past, the worse Emperor Sheng Yuan's mood became. He suddenly slammed the arm of his chair and scolded, "Enough, I know that you are making a bitter trick. After all, you Zhao Luli still cherish your life and don't want to die!"
When his plan was discovered, Zhao Luli could only smile bitterly, "Yes, this sinner is indeed making a bitter trick. Who in this world are not afraid of death? Besides, I have to take care of the family's old and young, and now there are still a person who I want to make amend to and accompany for the rest of their lives, so I can't leave them alone. Am I wrong? Back then, I fought with the Second Prince, the feudal vassal's force came from all sides, and Xue Mingrui was in the front, risking nine death to contain several troops, otherwise can you smoothly break into Yanjing, captured the little emperor, holding the Son of Heaven to command the feudal vassal? And the Ye family treated you well, they didn't hesitate to donate all their property to help your conquest. Which of your weapons, war horses, and food and grass are not supplied by them? Even just for the sake of those supplies, you can't take things too far!"
Emperor Sheng Yuan almost couldn't control the tyrannical desire to kill in his heart. Zhao Luli didn't know anything, but still dared to run to him and made these accusation? Could it be his, Huo Shengzhe, vision was so bad that even a pretentious woman like Ye Zhen could look at it? Could it be that his, Huo Shengzhe, character was so despicable that even his brother's wife could be forcibly seized?
If it weren't for Ye Zhen had saved his life once. When he passed by the Zhao family's village for a short rest, and the next day after pulling out of the camp, he found that the Old Marquis had actually stuffed a big living person in his luggage, he would have thrown Ye Zhen away into the barren mountains and forest to fend for herself without saying a word. He really couldn't understand the thoughts of Han women, what was it that they couldn't live without chastity? He didn't even touch a single finger of her, but he became a greedy and hungry ghost who snatched woman, a shameless villain who betrayed his faith.
And not only he couldn't ignore Ye Zhen, but he also had to offer her a shelter to repay the life-saving grace, and in order to retain the last trace of brotherhood. The results? This fucking thing is a complete scam!
Who should he complain his grievances and injustices to? How should his anger and unwillingness be vented? What's more, Ye Zhen even joined force with Zhao Luli to intercept the empress who should belong to him! Who exactly took whose wife? Who owes whom?
Emperor Sheng Yuan silently recalled the past, he did not feel that there was any guilt in him, but instead endless grief and pain poured out of his chest. He just missed Madam like that, just watched her suffer humiliation in a place he couldn't reach. But this couple was good, one cheated and used him for many years, the other ruined the pearl in his heart, and now if he said he want to repent, then he repent, if he said he want to make amends, then make amends, if he said he doesn't want to throw it away, he won't throw it away, who is he? What are his qualifications?
Yes, why not? Isn't this qualification exactly what you gave him? Knowing that Ye Zhen had intervened so skillfully, he also issued the imperial edict to grant marriage, thus giving up the most precious and most beautiful treasures that should belong to him. Not only did Ye Zhen do this brilliantly, Huo Shengzhe, you also deserved to be here!
Emperor Sheng Yuan felt a rush of anger attacked his heart, he held his forehead and laughed lowly. For a moment, the laughter was mixed with a few traces of brokenness and depression, as if he was crying. But he quickly restrained his laugh, looked at Zhao Luli with a blank face, and said in a deep voice, "Since you want to mention the past, then Zhen will make it clear with you. You have indeed restrained the various armies and gained enough time for Zhen to attacked Yanjing secretly, but have you forgotten how Hancheng fell? How did the hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians die? How did Zhen's imperial sister was pierced in her heart with arrows and almost died? Do you think your outstanding military exploits cancel out everything in the past? Zhen indeed has done something wrong, but Zhen has never been ashamed to the people, ashamed to the fellow soldiers, or ashamed to the heavens and earth!"
Zhao Luli finally bent his back under his word by word beating, and buried his head in shame. The loss of Hancheng was the eternal pain in his heart. Originally he wasn't the kind of coward who was devastated because of the love pain, but after Hancheng was slaughtered, he knew that he would never be able to stand up in this life.
In order to forget that monstrous sin, he could only live in confusion, and could only turn all his attention to his "dead wife", as if he could drill into his head that he was a victim, then he could sleep peacefully. But in fact, he never had a good sleep even for one day, and never forgot that river of blood devastation.
So he kept indulging himself, and committed many more sins. People really shouldn't make mistakes, because one step wrong often means every next steps would be wrong, until come to an end.
He withered, tears pouring out of his eyes silently.
Emperor Sheng Yuan glanced at him coldly and continued, "Let's talk about the Ye family. If there was no protection from Zhen, could they come and go in the war with a large amount of supplies? Could they make a lot of money without being killed by various forces? All their wealth, even their family's lives, was given by Zhen, why shouldn't Zhen take it back? Don't tell Zhen that the Ye family is innocent."
The Ye family was not innocent, so Zhao Luli couldn't speak. It was obvious that talking about feelings couldn't impress the emperor in the slightest. He already tried his best, so he resigned himself to his fate.
Thinking like this, Zhao Luli closed his eyes and kowtowed three times.
Looking at his dark hair and thin back, Emperor Sheng Yuan seemed to hear that song again – How can you say you have no clothes? You have the same robe with your son. Master Wang Yuxing, repair my spear and halberd… In the end, we will share the same clothes and overcome adversity, that's all, that's all…
"Zhen can punish you with the death penalty, but for the sake of that year's friendship you will be forgiven once. You will go to the Department of Justice without your official hat and court clothes to state your crimes and cooperate with the case, wait until this matter is over, and then your title will be stripped off and downgrade to a commoner. Do you accept it?"
"This sinner accept it! Thanking the Emperor for his kindness." Zhao Luli kowtowed again and again.
Emperor Sheng Yuan's anger was still in his heart. He wanted to explain the event of that year, and then reveal his doubts about Ye Zhen, but after a little thought, he didn't mention it. If Zhao Luli was completely disappointed with Ye Zhen, then he would one day see the benefits of Madam, and that would be troublesome. No, he was already aware the extraordinary thing about Madam and he regretted it.
Although the Zhao family had been divided into east and west mansion, they were only separated by a wall. No matter what, the distance between him and Madam was closer than himself, and they were a legitimate husband and wife. As time goes by, maybe Madam would forgive him for his sincerity and good performance, and return to the East Mansion to live their lives.
At that time, he couldn't even dreaming of her. Emperor Sheng Yuan was annoyed, and wanted to retract his words and send Zhao Luli to the Heavenly Prison for a lifetime.
Zhao Luli felt a chill on the back of his neck. He hadn't heard the order "get up" for a long time, so he couldn't help but look up, and found that the emperor was staring at him with murderous eyes, as if they had an irreconcilable revenge, and the words to ask Ye Jieyu's conditions were swallowed immediately, he didn't dare to open his mouth again.
Qin Feng Wu Yi: how can you say you have no clothes, the most famous patriotic poem in the book of songs, which describes the high morale of the qin soldiers before they want to wear.
Chapter 63 Raid The House
When the monarch and minister came out from the inner hall, Zhao Luli had changed into a clean robe, then walked quickly to Old Master Guan and Guan Father and knelt down.
"Son-in-law has pleaded guilty to the crime, and now will go to Department of Justice to assist in the investigation of Ye Quanyong's case, and the title has been stripped off and demoted to a commoner, it's indeed reaping what ones has sown. However Suyi is also implicated in this great hardship with son-in-law, so the heart is uneasy and remorseful, especially ask grandfather and father-in-law for forgiveness. Son-in-law is confused, and every misconduct, oversight, and blunders has make Suyi grieved and sad. In the future son-in-law will definitely make up to her, treat her well, and if repeat the same mistake, immediately will be strike by thunder!"
Old Master Guan and Guan Father looked at each other, waved their hands, and said, "Get up. There is nothing better than knowing your mistakes and correct them, and I hope you will do what you say. It doesn't matter if you don't have the title, only hope you get back on the right path, forget the past, to take pity on the people in front of you."
"Son-in-law understands, thank you grandfather and father-in-law for your teachings!" Zhao Luli kowtowed three times in a row, and then his eyes turned red.
Emperor Sheng Yuan sat on the side and watched coldly, unable to tell what he felt in his heart. He never thought that if Zhao Luli lost his title, the Guan family would look down on him and ask for reconciliation; he never thought that even if he had the heart to repent, the Guan family would not give him a chance.
The Guan family were tough, loyal, and seemingly decisive, but in fact they always gave people a chance to survive. This was exactly their benevolence. The Guan family loved talent but not wealth, gold and silver, pearls and jade, high post and generous salary were just optional embellishments, achieved it honestly and lose will be indifferent. Zhao Luli could marry their daughter, even if he fell to this point, in the future as long as he kept his promise and treated her sincerely, they would be able to get rid of the grudges before and lived in harmony.
So Madam was a treasure, no matter who married her. Wasn't a stupid insect like Zhao Luli also awakened by her? No, he was not a stupid insect, he was just pretending to be confused. When he realized how precious Madam was, even if he had a deep affection for Ye Zhen, he would slowly wake up, slowly forget, and then devote himself to the present.
Emperor Sheng Yuan has no doubt that Madam had that charm. As long as she wanted, she could conquer any man in the world.
The more he thought about it, the more fear and anxiety in Emperor Sheng Yuan's heart, he couldn't help but look up at Emperor Teacher and Chief of Ceremonies. The two had stood up and saluted to bid farewell, without showing the slightest desire to ask for reconciliation decree, and when they were far away, Emperor Sheng Yuan cursed "bastard" with red eyes.
The low and hoarse voice was full of hatred and unwillingness, as well as a strong sense of self-loathing.
Baifu was taken aback and wondered who the emperor was angry with. Did the Emperor Teacher and Chief of Ceremonies offended him?
In fact, Emperor Sheng Yuan hated both Ye Zhen and Zhao Luli, as well as himself. This 'bastard' word, scolding himself weight more heavily. He desperately wanted to take the initiative to let Madam reconcile, but he was the one who bestowed the marriage, and he was also the one who demanded for divorce, then in the Emperor Teacher' and Chief of Ceremonies' mind, they would probably think of him as a dimwitted monarch who was unsympathetic with his courtiers and regarded the lifelong happiness of their daughter as a child's play.
So he couldn't mention it himself. Madam was now living a comfortable life, it didn't matter whether to mention it or not. Emperor Teacher and Chief of Ceremonies were too tolerant, so they unlikely mentioning this. And Zhao Luli, who had experienced the benefits of Madam, would not mention it. If his chaotic home didn't have Madam to take care of it, afraid it would fall apart overnight.
It was as if the beast took the initiative to jump down to the trap, walked into the cage, and trapped himself to death. Emperor Sheng Yuan's mind was in a mess, and his temper was about to explode. However, he seemed to have no other way but to endure, and he had to endure it until his heart bleed.
"You bastard!" In desperation, he could only curse fiercely, holding back his heart.
Baifu didn't know who the emperor was scolding, but looking at his gloomy complexion, he must have encountered something that was difficult to solve, so he didn't dare to attract his attention, and silently walked to the corner and stood still. After a while, he didn't know if it was an illusion, he seemed to hear the emperor whispering, "When I want you to wake up, you are confuse, and when I want you to be confuse, you understand! Do you two husband and wife have any grudges against Zhen?"
—-
Since Zhao Luli went to the palace with the thorns on his back, the Zhao family and the Ye family's had stretched out their necks in hope for his safe return, however, after waiting for a whole morning, there was still no movement. So they all returned disappointed and were preparing to have some lunch, when suddenly heard a loud noise from the main entrance, and then there was a burst of crackling. After a while, a servant woman shouted, "Killing! The officers come killing!"
The officers? The Ye family, who had suffered from the disaster of imprisonment, was extremely sensitive to these words, and quickly locked the door to hide. On the contrary, the Zhao family was unprepared and injured by a group of imperial guards. The cries, shouts, scolds, and screams were incessant, interspersed with loud noise of hitting and smashing things.
Zhao Chunxi hid in the study to protect her younger brother, and anxiously ordered, "Hexiang, go and see what happened at the main entrance." With such a big disturbance, she immediately remembered that it seem to be the same on the day when Ye Mansion was raided. Can't daddy come back? Could it be that Marquis Mansion will also follows suit?
She repeatedly told herself to be calm, don't think too much, but tears flowing out uncontrollably. Zhao Wangshu was also so frightened that he clung to her arm and said in a trembling voice, "Sister, I'm afraid!"
"Don't be afraid, Daddy will come back soon, nothing will happen to our family." even Zhao Chunxi didn't believe these words, let alone others.
Hexiang panicky ran to the front yard. From a distance, she saw several guards holding long halberds hitting the plaque with the words "Marquis Zhenbei Mansion", breaking it in half. Another man, wearing a blood-red official robe with silver armor, which indicate the grade was not low, was grinning and stomping the cracked plaque into pieces, his eyes full of hatred.
She took a breath of cold air and ran back to report quickly. In her panic, she heard the man screaming loudly, "Arrest all the Ye family members one by one for trial, and don't let a single fish slip through the net!"
Sure enough, Madam had hit the nail on the head, even the womenfolk of the Ye family were involved in Ye Quanyong's case, which attracted these devils! Out of breath, she ran to the study, truthfully stated what she saw and heard, and finally mentioned the point, "Miss, with such a big matter why don't you hurry to find Madam? Now she is the only one who can handle this messy situation."
"Yes, yes, go to mother, she will definitely have a way." Zhao Chunxi was completely helpless, and when she heard the word "Madam", it was like a beam of light descended from the darkness, making her whole body bright. She took her brother and ran to the west side, hiding from left to right, and then saw the Ye family being caught one by one, tied up and kneeling in the open space, the officers groped their whole bodies with sinister smile on their faces, tearing apart their collars, belts, and even their undergarment, and the room was also turned in a mess.
Of course, there were also servants of the Marquis Mansion who were mistakenly arrested and humiliated as well, but no one would believe them no matter how much they explained, so they could only cry and kowtow.
If she was caught and suffered such torture, wouldn't it be better to die than living? Zhao Chunxi's heart was beating wildly, her mouth and tongue were dry. Taking advantage of the cover of the rugged rockery and the familiarity of the terrain, she finally dangerously reached the main house. The officers seemed to have received order, and did not dare to approach this place. When she saw Jinzi and Minglan under the porch from a distance, she avoided the officers, and even her shouts were lowered a lot.
When they turned around, Zhao Chunxi rushed out from behind the rockery, with disheveled hair, looking rather embarrassing.
"Yo, where's this little lunatic came from?" Jinzi raised her hand to stop her and joked.
"Sister Jinzi, I beg you to go in and report, say that the mansion has suffered a great disaster, ask mother to come help!" Zhao Chunxi burst into tears, her expression was terrified, she was indeed quite frightened. Seeing that Jinzi was indifferent, she added, "Those officers arrested people when they saw one, beat them up when they saw one, and dragged the womenfolk for a body search, all their clothes were taken off…"
Before she could finish speaking, the door opened in response, and Guan Suyi walked out slowly, wiping the ink on her fingertips with a handkerchief, and said solemnly, "Let's go, let's take a look. Have the old madam and my younger sister over there been disturbed?"
"Answering Madam, they have not been disturbed. This servant have already explained to the officers that the Ye family only lives in the east end, and we don't have one in the west courtyard." Jinzi bowed and replied.
Just explain and not check? Guan Suyi glanced at her thoughtfully, continued walking towards the noisy place, and ordered a few maids to let the old madam and the Ruan shi stay still, so that they would not be frightened.
Minglan was a little scared and persuaded in a low voice, "Miss, there's a lot of chaos at the front, you better don't go, lest you be hit by someone who doesn't have long eyes. The Ye family humiliates you like that, why do you care about them?"
Guan Suyi said in a low voice, "This and that are different matter. The old feud between me and the Ye family will be put aside for the time being, it's injustice for those officers to treat weak women like this. I am not here for the sake of mercy, nor for retribution, only for the dignity of those women and for keeping the innocents from being implicated."
Minglan thought for a while, then lowered her head in shame. Jinzi also bowed her head deeply, and her eyes flashed with worship, reverence, and admiration. It was only now that she finally understood why the master was so fascinated with Madam that he couldn't extricate himself. Her thoughts, vision, and mind were more open than men's. She looked so weak, but inside she was extremely strong, and she had an unsullied heart. She truly deserved the words "having a clear conscience".
Zhao Chunxi and Zhao Wangshu followed behind her step by step, looking at her not tall nor strong back, somehow they felt extremely relieved. It turned out that this was the meaning of "mother". Someone who corrects you when you make mistakes; someone who guides you when you are confused; someone to rely on when you are helpless. Although she was no much bigger than them, she was able to carry the family by herself, and she perfectly fulfilled both benevolence and righteousness for the Marquis Mansion.
After a while, the group entered the front yard, and they saw a fierce military general leaning on a soft couch, with his feet on the back of a kneeling Ye family's second young master, his attitude was very aggressive. By the side there was a little eunuch reciting the decree, to the effect that Ye Quanyong had helped the remnants of the former dynasty to secretly rescue a prince and send it to Xue The Thief in exchange for the imperial family's treasure of the former dynasty. Now that the treasure map was in the hands of the Ye family, as long as they hand it over, they could avoid the death penalty, and if they didn't hand it over, the nine clans would be executed. And because the Marquis Zhenbei helped bad people to commit crime and slaughter the common people, his title had been stripped off and demoted to a commoner, and was being held in the Heavenly Prison awaiting trial.
After Zhao Chunxi listened carefully, a blackness came before her eyes and her heart was screaming madly – grandfather, you are indeed killed by your own greed, and even the prince of the previous dynasty dared to touch it! You did your sins, why do you still drag my father into the water? The Ye family ending up like today, they are not wronged at all!
Chapter 64 Investigation
Guan Suyi had never understand this doing anything for money thing, knowing that it was the prince of the previous dynasty, and sending it to the Xue family's army means that it was enough for them to occupy half of the Central Plains in the name of orthodoxy, but they actually agreed to it. Did the Ye family make less money? Their greed really has no end!
The prince was so used to being pampered, he contracted a serious illness and died on the way to Shuzhou, and Xue Mingrui's plan to rely on the Son of Heaven to command the feudal vassal failed, otherwise it's unknown who those noble family giants, who were now working for the emperor, would favor. After all, they valued bloodlines and orthodoxy the most.
Guan Suyi knew that if she couldn't find the treasure map today, this matter would never end up well. What's more, she knew the general who led the team was Zhou Tian, a newly appointed General of the Household, whose brother died tragically in the battle in Hancheng, it could be said that the feud with Zhao Luli was as deep as the sea. The greatest wish in his life was to kill Marquis Zhenbei with his own hand, but unfortunately he could not achieve it in the previous life, and he still needs to work hard in this life.
He was one of the most powerful lackey under Emperor Sheng Yuan's hands, pointed him to where to fight and there would be no perfunctory at all. But he was different from Qin Lingyun and others who still had a bottom line, his methods were extremely vicious and extremely perverse. Falling into his hands means either death or death was better than life, there was no other option.
Today, the emperor sent him to deal with the Ye family members, it could be seen that he had endured to the extreme, and he was about to explode. When the Son of Heaven was angry, millions of corpses were laying down, and blood running like a river, these words were definitely not a joke.
Guan Suyi was trembling in her heart, but her face didn't show the slightest fear. She stepped forward in front of Zhou Tian and cupped her hands to salute while lightly said, "General Zhou, you are running your mission and it's reasonable to say that it's inappropriate for this Madam to intervene. However, if a death row prisoner sentenced to beheading can have a full meal and get a little mercy before dying, isn't against morality for you to treat these weak women like this? You can arrest people, you can search people, but please send a few female yamen to save them from humiliation."
Zhou Tian didn't take Marquis Zhenbei Mansion seriously at all, and because he had a deadly feud with Zhao Luli, he could rectify as much as he wanted, and destroy as much as he wanted. But this Madam Guan, not a single hair could be touched, only because the emperor had deliberately instructed him not to disturb Madam in the slightest, and if she was frighten even a little bit, he would be held accountable.
Zhou Tian originally thought that under such circumstances, Madam Guan would definitely not dare to step out of the room, but did not expect that she not only came, but also intended to meddle in his business, and he couldn't help but feel hostile. He narrowed his eyes, stood up reluctantly, and said politely, "Madam, you yourself said that it is inappropriate for you to interfere with the criminal law, so it is better to stay away. A hen crows at daybreak is not inline with common sense, don't you think?"
"A hen crows at daybreak?" As soon as Guan Suyi raised her hand slightly, Jinzi brought a chair for her to sit down.
"Since the general is going to argue with me, I will have a good fight with you. This is the Zhao Mansion, and I am the mistress of the Zhao family. Since you broke into my house and insulted my children and servants, am I not allow to stand up for them? If not as Zhao family's clan woman, then as a first-rank title Madam?" She seemed to remember something and went to look at the little eunuch, "I almost forgot to ask, does the emperor say in the decree that he will take the official title from my head and also demoted me to a commoner?"
The little eunuch shook his head in fear, and quickly took out another decree from his cuff, and recited aloud, to the effect that although Marquis Zhenbei was guilty of serious crimes, Madam was loyal to the country, done her utmost in the family, promoted the benevolence manner, graceful and virtuous, could be regarded as the model of the clan women, the example of the titled madam, and rank title was especially retained to show the Holy's favor.
"Thanking His Majesty for the favor." Guan Suyi bowed three times in the direction of the imperial city, and asked, "General Zhou, may I ask if this Madam is qualified to protect my family and servants now?"
Zhou Tian snorted angrily, "Let all the people in the Zhao family go!" Then he grinned, "Madam, don't think that everything is all right. If the Ye family refuses to hand over the treasure map today, not only their nine clans will be executed, but in order to prevent the criminal woman hiding the map in your place, even if we have to dig three feet into the ground we will dig it out. These pavilions, carved beams, painted pillars, precious antiques, and the lives of your whole family, afraid that they will not be able to be saved."
Are you really planning use pubic interest for personal vendetta? Guan Suyi raised her eyebrows, knowing that Zhou Tian would not let the Zhao Mansion go easily. While letting Minglan wrap the cloaks on the womenfolk, she said slowly, "Old Madam Ye, you must have heard it? Hand over the map in exchange for the lives of your Ye clan?"
Zhao Chunxi and Zhao Wangshu also looked at her anxiously, with hints of urging in their eyes. They had hid behind Guan Suyi for some unknown time, and each put a hand on the back of her chair, as if this was the only way to feel a sense of safety. When Guan Suyi kept saying that she was the mistress of the Zhao family, and it was her duty to protect her children and servants, they almost burst into tears. It turned out the word "mother" could be so heavy and so radiant that it made all fears settle down and dispelled all haze. It's nice to have a mother.
Liu shi said anxiously, "What treasure map, I really don't know! If I have it I would have handed it over a long time ago, why would I have waited until now?"
"Then I'm sorry," Zhou Tian stood up and ordered, "Search everyone, all items, and all rooms. If you still can't find it, then kill one person every quarter of an hour until they are willing to tell the truth. Let this official think about who to start first."
He slowly paced among the terrified crowd, and suddenly pointed at a baby held by a wet nurse and said, "Just this one. Whose child of Ye Mansion is this?"
The fourth daughter-in-law, Tang shi, cried in fright, struggling desperately under the guard's hand, "Please don't kill my daughter, she is only three months old! My lord, I beg you! Mother-in-law, quickly hand over the treasure map. Is money more important than our family's life? Mother-in-law!"
Liu shi was sweating like pulp, her face was as white as paper, and she shouted while her hands gripping the hem of her clothes, "I really don't have a treasure map, I haven't even heard master mention it! Really, Lord General, believe me, where is there anyone who love money to this point, I'm not a fool!"
Zhou Tian was indifferent, scanning the crowd with a pair of cold and ruthless eyes. Guan Suyi also didn't stand up to stop it. The more critical the situation, the more you could see the secrets buried deep in a person's heart. If one observe carefully enough, they could always catch the clue.
Zhou Tian obviously knew this very well. After walking around, he picked up the son of the eldest daughter-in-law Song shi, who was still in swaddling clothes, and hung him above the lotus pond. He said slowly, "You still refuse to hand it over?"
Song shi, who was extremely flustered, finally couldn't stand it anymore, and shouted again and again, "I will hand it over, I will hand it over, I beg the general to spare my son! He is the only seed of the main house!"
Liu shi looked at the eldest daughter-in-law with disbelief, she actually didn't know such an important thing, how could her husband step over her head and hand it over to the daughter-in-law? But this was not the time for inquiry or jealousy, Song shi had already tore the hem of her skirt, took out a roll of parchment from the gap, presented it to Zhou Tian with both hands, and then looked at the child in his hand with pleading eyes.
Zhou Tian casually discarded the child and spread out the parchment to look at it. Song shi hurriedly caught him, pressing her cheek against her son's cheek while crying in fear, then reached out to touch the inside of the swaddle to see if he was frightened, whether he was sweating, whether he might get sick from the wind, and finally took his arm out of the swaddling clothes, put it on her lips for a kiss, and then putting it back with great care. This earnest love towards a child was very touching.
But the womenfolk of the Ye family who had suffered insults hated her to the bone. It was clear that it could be handed over earlier, so why only at this point that she agreed to confess? Could it be that other people's lives were not lives, only her son's lives were lives? The Ye family was indeed not have many male descendant, and her son was indeed the only seedling of the main house, but how could it be compared with the life and death of the entire clan? Song shi was absolutely selfish!
Song shi clenched her son's small hand wearing a silver bracelet and moved away quietly to avoid everyone's hateful eyes. She licked her lips and murmured, "General, the drawing have been handed over, can you let us go?"
Guan Suyi raised her eyebrows and smiled, but her eyes were cold.
Zhou Tianyi sneered and asked, "Do you think this official is a fool? Before it's verified whether the treasure map is true or false, none of the Ye family members are allowed to leave. All of them will be arrested by this official and sent to the Heavenly Prison!"
The Ye family was crying and grabbing the ground again, making a lot of noise in the Zhao Mansion. Song shi was stunned for a while, then hugged the child in her arms tightly, as if she felt it was not proper, she pushed him to the wet nurse, begging, "Sir, I will go with you voluntarily, but please spare my child. He is only five months old, and his body is weak. If he enters the prison and contracted the gloomy moisture, I am afraid that he will not be able to hold on! He is only a baby, he can't talk, he can't walk, he can only be at someone's mercy, he won't get in your way, let alone involve with the case. I beg the general to be gracious and let him be fostered in the Zhao family! I kowtow to the general!"
When the words fell, she kowtowed a few times, and seeing that Zhou Tian still had that cold and solemn face, she turned to kneel to Guan Suyi, and cried, "Madam, you are the most benevolent and righteous, please consider the child's innocent and save his life! In the next life, I will definitely repay your kindness as a cow and a horse."
The other mothers also knelt down with their children in their arms, crying one after another.
Guan Suyi showed a moving look, reached out to take the children, and said slowly, "Well, I have taken these children, what else do you have to say?"
Song shi raised her eyes to look at her son, swept across his face with affection, and finally stopped on his exposed wrist, as if afraid that he would be cold, she hurriedly stuffed it back inside, and choked, "I beg Madam to raise him well. In the future let him leave Yanjing and never return. Afraid Madam doesn't know how to take care of young children, so please take his wet nurse and give her a bite to eat. She is a loyal servant of my family and will take good care of the child and save Madam from many troubles."
Guan Suyi glanced thoughtfully at the wet nurse, and nodded in agreement, "You can go in peace, I will settle them." Then she turned to look at Zhou Tian, "General, these children will stay in Zhao Mansion temporarily, it should be fine by you, right?"
"If Madam doesn't mind with the troubles then carry on." Zhou Tian snorted coldly, escorted the prisoner and walked away. But then he heard the sound of something thrown in the air from behind, and reflexively grabbed it. Saw on his palm was a silver bracelet worn by children, he couldn't help but looked confuse.
When Song shi saw the thing clearly, her face suddenly turned pale.
"Take what you're looking for with you. The Ye family is really good at these ghost tricks, entrusting the child and the wet nurse with me, and taking the advantage when the treasure map in the general's hand is still not verified, they could escape from the loosely guarded Zhao Mansion and make a living for themselves. In the future, the child will take out the treasure and restore the lintel. In order to keep this single seedling, they actually will let the entire Zhao clan be buried with the Ye family. They are indeed the best foreign relatives of the Great Wei, the feeling are deep and righteous, made the Heaven very moved! I think Ye Quanyong has already arranged a back road. If the child wants to leave the capital, there will be someone to meet him, and since he has taken the treasure from the previous dynasty, it should be Xue The Thief? General Zhou, follow this clues to investigate clearly, and you will have a great opportunity to make a meritorious contribution." Guan Suyi handed the child to Jinzi, and while stroking the non-existent folds on her skirt, she slowly and methodically uncover the truth.
Everyone looked at her, for a moment they couldn't keep up with her train of thoughts.
A hen crows at daybreak: a woman usurps authority.
Chapter 65 Defeated
Zhou Tian weighed the silver bracelet and noticed that the weight was wrong, so he immediately used a dagger to carefully cut the outer layer, and found that the inside was really hollow. A piece of parchment was rolled into a thin strip and stuffed inside. He took it out, then spread it, and it was also a treasure map. The two pictures were compared with each other, and the overlapping parts were as high as 8 to 9 point, only the destination was slightly changed with a huge distance difference.
It was difficult for Zhou Tian to tell which one was real and which one was fake in a short period of time, but judging from Song shi's desperate expression and common sense, the latter was obviously more credible. He only saw that Song shi was the most anxious and looked guilty, in any case he couldn't figure it out, but how this Madam Guan knew that she hid the drawing in the silver bracelet. Could she read minds?
Thinking like this, Zhou Tian bowed with his hands clasped, "Thank you for your help, Madam, but how did Madam know, I hope you can enlighten me."
Guan Suyi liked to be a teacher, but she was extremely disgusted with such a cruel and ruthless person like Zhou Tian, so she coldly replied, "No comment".
Zhou Tian was so angry with her that his nose was flared out, but because of the emperor's order, he didn't dare to make trouble, his eyes turned as he calculating carefully, smiled while saying, "Madam doesn't want to tell me, but this Zhao Mansion still need this general's help to offset the crime of sheltering major criminals. If Madam does not agree, this general will enter the palace and ask for a decree again."
When he said this, he was also nervous in his heart. If it a different person, the emperor would definitely not care about the host's feelings, if the other side didn't cooperate, they would be charge with the 'intention to rebel' crime. But this Madam Guan was not an ordinary person. She was the beloved daughter of the Emperor Teacher and Chief of Ceremonies, and she had such an extraordinary appearance and talent. As a man, there was no reason for the emperor not to be fascinated, otherwise he would not call him alone to earnestly gave order and warned repeatedly, she obviously on the tip of his heart.
On this side, Guan Suyi also knew that the matter was big, and after a little thought, she made a decision, "Does the general want to put a long line to catch the big fish? Since its related to Xue The Thief, my Zhao family doesn't dare to hinder. If you want to secretly arrange your troops, I only have one request, not to hurt anyone in my house, including the servants."
The servant women who had been humiliated by the officers were wrapped in cloaks, cloth and other things, and hid behind Minglan and cried. After hearing this, they looked at Madam with fear and gratitude. Among them, many were the helper of the eldest miss, the eldest young master and liked to oppose Madam, and some of them secretly made trouble for Madam. At this moment, they all wished to turn back the time and slap themselves at back then. Madam was a good person, a very good person.
Zhou Tian said coldly, "It's not your, a married woman, turn to order this general around. These people obstructed the search, and this general didn't kill them on the spot is already giving face for Madam, still hope Madam doesn't want a foot after given an inch. Although you can still keep the first-rank title, but this Marquis Zhenbei mansion is no longer Marquis Zhenbei Mansion, if this general is unhappy, he can destroy all of you in an instant!"
His eyes were red, his murderous aura was stern, and his hand was on the handle of the knife, which showed that he was already stirred up.
The mahogany gate he kicked was closed crookedly, and a line of guards holding swords and halberds stood under the steps outside the gate, preventing idle people from approaching. The bold ones stood on tiptoe and watched, although they couldn't see anything, they discussed with great interest, "Yo, another raid! I said earlier when the Ye family was raid, the Zhao family would certainly not be able to escape. You see, isn't come true?"
"Marquis Zhenbei was so powerful back then, and now he's going to collapse. He is also a fool, knowing that the Ye family is not clean, and he dare to take in their family's women, he deserves to be implicated."
"How do you think the womenfolk of these two families should live? When the gate of the mansion is seal, they will be homeless. If anyone is involved in the case, it's not impossible for them to be dragged to the market and sold as as slaves, or even worse, reduced to be official prostitute and sent to the military camp. Look, the person leading the team is General Zhou Tian, who is known as the Devil, it's definitely impossible to escape this catastrophe."
"That's right, as soon as General Zhou made his move, blood would flow like a river! The Zhao family is really miserable this time! It's just a pity that Madam Guan, such a loyal and martyr woman, has been dragged down to this point! If I were her, at this moment I would rush back to my maiden's house, and beg them to ask for reconciliation, so as not to suffer with the Zhao family."
"You soft egg, how dare you compare yourself with the iron-boned Madam Guan, you can't disgrace others!" It's unknown who spit out a sentence, which caused a lot of ridicule.
Zhou Tian guessed that there must be spies sent by Xue The Thief in the crowd, so he ordered his subordinates to change into civilian clothes and sneak in to observe.
The rumors outside the gate had spread all over, and inside the walls, all the Zhao Mansion listened to these words, and felt that they were doomed. Several young maids had been sobbing uncontrollably, for fear of being noticed by officers they had to block their mouth with their fists. But for a moment, the sky above the mansion was shrouded in miserable fogs, and the atmosphere of despair was suffocating.
Zhou Tian glanced at Madam Guan triumphantly, then sat back on the soft couch and said coldly, "Now this general has taken over this mansion. Madam would you please go back to your room and stay still, don't walk around as you please. If Madam doesn't heed the advice, don't blame this general's sword for having no eyes."
The guards drew out their sabers in response to the scene, and the metal sound of "whooshing" pierced people's eardrums.
If it changed to a timid woman, she might have fainted at this moment, and no matter how bold the woman was, she would definitely be captured by a strong murderous aura and become timid. However, Guan Suyi had such a tenacity to not admit defeat. If others wanted to crush her, even if she broke her legs, she must move forward on her knees, and she would never compromise.
In the last life, if it wasn't for the future of the women in the clan, and to lessen the burden on her family, she would never cut her way to survive. If her own death could make the Guan family cleaner, to have an easier time, what was she afraid of? She was not even afraid of death, would she still afraid of these swords and halberds?
Thinking like this, she smiled coldly, and raised her hand at Jinzi, "Fetch the plaque that was just made the day before yesterday, today is a good day, we will open the mansion now."
Jinzi returned the baby in her hands to the pale-faced wet nurse, and thrown a murderous look at Zhou Tian before going down to fetch the thing.
Guan Suyi slowly rolled up her sleeves and said indifferently, "Forgot to tell the general, my Zhao family just decided to divide the mansion the day before yesterday, you can use this east side for arranging the troops, but if you set your foot on my west side, and hurt anyone without reason, don't blame this Madam for accusing you of disrespecting one's superior and abusing power."
"Dividing the mansion? Divided into what mansion?" Zhou Tian felt bad, just as he was about to ask, he saw Jinzi move a blank plaque with a black background and blue edges, placed it on the long table, and then respectfully presented a writing brush and a bowl of gold paint.
Guan Suyi held the brush with one hand and rolled up her sleeves with the other, dipped a thick smear of gold paint and quickly wrote the three characters "General Zhengbei Mansion", dried it slightly, and ordered, "Come on two servants, hang this plaque on the west gate. General Zhou, I will take the people from the mansion, and hand over the East mansion to you, please feel free to do whatever you want." After the words fell, she flung her sleeves, her skirts were flapping, and the person had gone far away.
The people in the East Mansion were very aware of the opportunity, they understood that Madam was protecting them, and hurriedly followed suit. When Zhou Tian returned to his senses, all the courtyards in the East Mansion had long since been empty, and only Ye Mansion's family members and servants were still detained on the ground, full of despair.
"Fuck! I forgot about that shitty Zhao Jinyu!" Zhou Tian gritted his teeth with hatred, but he couldn't take Madam Guan. If this Zhao Mansion still bore the name of Marquis Zhenbei, after Zhao Luli's nobility was stripped off, logically, he could smashed this place to pieces, and others could not catch any mistakes. When Zhao Jinyu got the letter and sent people to come to rescue, a few months would have passed and it was enough for him to trample the Zhao family to death.
However, Madam Guan's thoughts were so fast that she even already built the plaque of "General Zhengbei Mansion" and hung it on the gate. Who would dare to touch the Zhao family? Zhao Jinyu was a major general on the Su border with outstanding achievements. Although he was implicated by his brother and had to act in a low-key manner, he was not an easy person to deal with. He had quite a bit of background in the army, and it was easy to suppress a General of the Household.
Zhou Tian smashed the teacup and said embarrassingly, "Leave these little cubs and wet nurses behind, and the rest will be sent to the Heavenly Prison!"
A lieutenant raised a point in a low voice, "General, if there is no one in the East Mansion, how can you put a show for those traitors? This matter still needs Madam Guan's full cooperation."
Zhou Tian stared at him with blood-red eyes, and then slowly laughed. Good, what a good strategy, Madam Guan! She clearly knew her own plans, and also knew that this show could not be performed without her cooperation, but she went so swiftly, and took all the servants away, leaving only an empty shell for him. She didn't say anything, and she didn't hesitate at all. This was to force him to apologize!
The person who could make the emperor put them on the tip of his heart, but couldn't ask for it, definitely extraordinary. Well, since even the emperor couldn't deal with her, then how about him? Thinking like this, Zhou Tian finally calmed down, and raised his voice to order, "Whoever beat people or stripped off their clothes just now? Follow this general to kowtow to Madam and apologize. If Madam doesn't forgive you, go back by yourself and take fifty sticks !"
He was extremely strict, and everyone did not dare to be disobedient, so they came forward one by one to confess their sins and then went to the West Mansion to kowtow and admit their mistakes.
There were many people on the street outside the Mansion to watch the fun. Although the guards used the sword and halberd to push them out of the way, but they were unwilling to leave, pointing to the broken plaque and sighed, "This is already the second plaque that has been trampled to pieces in Yanjing. Such a big official family collapses on the spot in an instant. The world is really impermanent."
"I heard that the Ye family and the Zhao family are rich in beauties. If the womenfolk of the two mansions are also guilty and dragged to the market to be sold, I will definitely buy two and go back to make them concubines! Think about it, they were originally serving high officials and nobles. The taste must be endlessly interesting!" It's unknown who was laughing obscenely, and then there was a sound of applause.
Just at this moment, the door of the West Mansion opened, and several servants carefully lifted out a plaque, set up a ladder, and slowly hung it on the gate beam. When everyone looked at it, they couldn't help being horrified. They saw three big characters written in gold paint on it – General Zhengbei Mansion. The brushstrokes of iron painting silver hooks and the vast and majestic momentum were breathtaking.
"General Zhengbei? The second master of the Zhao Mansion? Mother, I almost forgot about this killing god. Let's go, let's go! No matter how down the Zhao family is, we can't mess with them!" In a flash the gate of the mansion was empty, and even the guard who was raiding and guarding showed a look of awe, and unknowingly lowered their sword and halberd and extinguished their arrogance.
