Chapter 71 Release From Prison

Old Master Guan and Guan Father each took their disciples to travel around townships and counties, vigorously publicizing the benefits of revising the law, with the emperor personally set an example and solved the doubts, a disaster that could have burned the entire Wei Kingdom was extinguished in an instant. The people who spread rumors behind the scene were all arrested, the common people were assigned to the frontier, the officials were dismissed and investigated, and Prime Minister Wang's faction, which was already weakened, suffered another round of heavy blows.

On this day, Old Master Guan and Guan Father returned to the capital after finishing their errands. Before they could step into the house, they were summoned by the emperor and entered the palace to make a report.

"These days, it's all thanks to the Emperor Teacher and Chief of Ceremonies to appease the hearts of the people, promote the country's law, and work hard to make great contributions. Since Zhen ascending the throne, every time there was a problem, always relies on the Emperor Teacher and Chief of Ceremonies to work out strategies for Zhen and the gratitude in Zhen's heart is indescribable. Hope in the future monarch and subjects will be united and create prosperous world together. These three cups of wine Zhen will drink first as a respect. Emperor Teacher, Chief of Ceremonies, please."

Emperor Sheng Yuan drank three cups in a row, and then stopped the old man who wanted to drink with him, worried that he would hurt his body by drinking too much, then he had no face to explain to Madam. Chief of Ceremonies was good wine, a thousand cups would not drunk, so he actually have a good drink with him. Although he was unable to marry Madam, in his heart, he had already recognized her as his wife, so he naturally treated the two elders with the courtesy of Mount Tai*, and was extremely respectful in both words and deeds.

Old Master Guan had a low alcohol tolerance, and he was tired from the journey, only had half a cup of slow drink, and he was a little overwhelmed. He was helped by two palace maids to rest in the inner hall. While pouring wine for the emperor, Guan Father secretly looked at his spirit, and the more he looked at it, the more satisfied he became. He could never have imagined that this ignorant emperor could grow to such a level in such a short period of time.

Before this, he was also thinking about the trick of "challenging the law", but it was quite dangerous. First, it might cause mob of people to attack. Second, it was possible to attract the assassination from the remnants of the previous dynasty. If something goes wrong it would speed up the collapse of Wei Kingdom, then it would be self-defeating, so it had to be calculated repeatedly to ensure that it was foolproof. When he was still brewing and was about to raise a suggestion, the emperor actually realized this truth himself, and practiced it without hesitation. And the local officials who were supposed to be under great pressure, they got out of the predicament in an instant and quelled the people's grievances .

It should be said that this person had only studied the culture of the Central Plains for two or three years, but already mastered to this point, he was indeed a natural Heavenly Emperor, really made people admire.

Thinking like this, Guan Father sighed, "Your Majesty is wise and decisive, with extremely high comprehension. This time, can calmed down the whole country without spending a single soldier, and solved the danger of the country's subjugation. Within five years, afraid there is nothing else this minister and his father can teach you. This world truly belongs to the emperor, others say a hundred sentences, also not as good as a word from the monarch. Therefore, the emperor either does not open his mouth, or when he opens his mouth, his word are powerful and resonating, with power to carry the Nine Tripod Cauldrons*, which is the honor of the emperor and cannot be broken. Although the emperor was born in the wilderness, but when this minister look at this moment, you already have a mighty dragon power and a magnificent purple energy, and in the future will be the Holy Monarch of this whole generation."

Madam also said this, and it made Emperor Sheng Yuan so embarrassed that he did not dare to look up, but his heart was full of joy and excitement. How was this his credit for quelling the chaos this time? It was clearly Madam's idea, but he didn't dare to confess to the two elders. After thinking about it, he said seriously, "People in the Central Plains have a saying that learning is endless. If we're talking about learning, Zhen has not even reach Emperor Teacher and Chief of Ceremonies' skin and hair*, so how dare be proud of one's achievement? This time quelling the chaos was guide by an expert, and Zhen just did what was told."

"Oh? Which expert is it? Can the emperor introduce him to this minister?" Guan Father's eyes lit up.

Emperor Sheng Yuan felt bitter in his mouth, waved his hand and said, "Zhen thought of her day and night, however she and Zhen do not share the same heart. Zhen will introduce her to Chief of Ceremonies in the future when Zhen take her by my side." (T/N: in case you don't know she and he in mandarin are different character but they sound the same, so unless you know the context you can't differentiate just from hearing them)

Guan Father understood it very well and comforted him, "Most of the talented people in the world are arrogant and aloof. They don't care about the burden of position and wealth, and they can't give up the fun of idle clouds and wild cranes*. The emperor must not be in a hurry to seek success, but have to the other with sincerity and slowly impressed, that is the best method."

Treat the other with sincerity and slowly impressed, Emperor Sheng Yuan chewed these eight words, and couldn't help but cheer up. The monarch and the minister chatted for another half an hour, the they said goodbye after Old Master Guan sobered up. As soon as the two Mount Tai were sent away, Emperor Sheng Yuan disguised himself and went out of the palace in plain clothes, because today was the day when Zhao Luli was released from prison, and Madam would definitely go to the Heavenly Prison to meet him.

—-

After the civil unrest subsided, the case of Ye Quanyong was put on the agenda again, and within three days, the truth was sorted out and reported to the imperial court, each of which was to be punished. Most of the male members of the Ye family were beheaded, and the children were to be exiled for 3,000 miles. Among the womenfolk, Song shi and Liu shi were guilty of serious crimes and were sentenced to beheaded, and the rest were demoted to untouchable status* and sent to the border to become labor for the army.

The Zhao family was stripped off their title and demoted to the commoner. To outsiders, it might be a tragic ending, but to Zhao Luli, it was equivalent to a redemption. This title, this brocade garment and jade food, glory and wealth, were all obtained by selling out his ex-wife. When it held it scald the hand, it would be more comfortable to just throw it away, so he didn't care.

As a result, after spending more than a month in prison, he not only did not look haggard, but also became more calm.

Staggering out of the cell door, walking through the dark corridor, and into the brightly lit front hall, his eyes suddenly wet with tears and choked with emotions. It turned out that his mother, wife, and sister-in-law had already waited under the steps with the children, holding clean clothes, fragrant food and a few wicker sticks in their hands. When they saw him, they hurriedly rushed forward to greet him, comforting him.

"Mother, you have been frightened these days." He shook the old madam's thin wrist, thanked Ruan shi, and finally held Madam and the three children tightly in his arms and hugged them tightly.

"Suyi, I have let you down. Although I have no title, I won't let you suffer any grievances in the future. If I violate this oath, I will be struck by thunder on the spot." He buried his cheeks in his wife's sweet and warm neck, only to feel that it had never been so peaceful, never so happy.

Those unbearable pasts and humiliating memories seemed to be far away from him. He had such a respectable and lovely wife, sensible and obedient children, and a family who would cross the river in the same boat. He had nothing else to ask for in this life.

Guan Suyi's body was stiff, she was stunned for a while before she pushed him away and beat him with a wicker stick, "Apology don't have to be said over and over again, it won't show sincerity if it said too much, but like acting. You've been in prison for dozens of days, and it's unknown how much bad luck you have on your body. Hurry up and stay away from the children. I'll exorcise the evil spirits for you, later step over a brazier when we got home, and take a bath with grapefruit leaves at night and this matter will be finished."

Zhao Luli hugged the children with one hand, and went to pull Madam with the other, with tenderness on the corners of his eyes and brows, "Alright, everything listen to Madam's arrangement. There's bound to be good fortune after surviving great disaster, and when the bad luck is gone, the blessings will come to the door. "

"That's right. Isn't my son going to turn extreme sorrow into joy? Let's go, go home quickly, I have asked people to prepare a feast, and our family will sit down and have a good meal to celebrate the reunion." The old madam stared at the couple holding hands and laughed heartily.

There was a lot of joy here, and the whole family was happy, but they didn't know that somewhere on the street corner, someone was watching this scene intently, with heart full of hatred and sorrow that was beyond words. Marquis Zhenxi just got his sister-in-law's acceptance word and ended his closed-mouth mantra. At this time he was in very high spirits, and he couldn't help but say a few more words, "Yo, isn't this reattaching the broken mirror? Look at the two of them, one tall and handsome, the other with unparalleled beauty and character, when holding each other like this, it seems like a good match. Zhao Luli that guy was the best at pleasing women, otherwise he would have not charmed Ye Zhen, who has eyes above the head, and if he sincerely repent and try to make up for his mistake, afraid Madam cannot withstand."

Emperor Sheng Yuan looked at him coldly, "How is your investigation on the Miao expert? Have you found any clues?"

"Guizhou is so big, and it is also a place where Miao people live, it's extremely xenophobic. How can I get news so quickly." Marquis Zhenxi waved his hand helplessly.

"Then hurry up and check it. If you don't find any clues, you don't need to come back in this life. Zhen will send someone to take care of your sister-in-law, so you don't need to worry about it." Seeing Madam being carried into the carriage by Zhao Luli, his already gloomy face became even more murderous, the palm of his hand pressed on the hilt of the sword, seemed ready to move. After he restrained it with great difficulty, the carriage had already driven far away. He used light energy (qinggong) to follow, and on the way, he happened to meet the womenfolk of Ye Mansion who were tied together in shackles and being pulled out of the city gate.

"Ugh…" The coachman slowly loosened the reins, slowed down the carriage, and whispered, "Madam, the Ye family's criminal women is in front of us, should we avoid it or…"

Guan Suyi's hand was held by Zhao Luli, she wanted to pulled it out but couldn't, and her whole heart in a bad mood. After hearing this, she immediately said, "Stop and take a look."

"Look at what, just go around!" The old madam was full of disgust. Ruan shi remained silent as always, but Zhao Chunxi and Zhao Wangshu achoed in whisper, "Yeah, let's not watching, let's go home soon."

Guan Suyi lifted the curtain and said indifferently, "Master, you were the one who said you wanted to take concubines, these convicted women can be bought as slaves as long as someone is willing to pay, and now Ye Fan is here, will you still keep this marriage contract? Are you still saving people?"

Zhao Luli stared at her, suddenly smiled, "If I save one, what about the others? To redeem one person is twenty-two taels, my Zhao family is in great trouble, how can I afford it? Just as the so-called one liter rice raises a benefactor, a bucket of rice feeds an enemy*, if I only save Ye Fan, not only will they not be grateful, but they will hate me even more. If they kneel in front of the carriage and don't let us leave and let others watch, then they will scold me for being cruel and ruthless. It's better not to look, what remains unseen is deemed clean. Madam is right, I gave them a hand, but they stomped on me hard, the grievances have been cleared, and each take care of oneself."

"Good, good, good my son finally wake up, we should cut off with their family clearly, so as not to be entangled in the future." The old madam was greatly relieved and smiled.

Guan Suyi stared at Zhao Luli for a while, and then she said lightly, "Then go around, avoid it, and don't let the Ye family see it." She was now living freely and comfortably, why would she bring back Ye Fan, this troublemaker, to cause chaos? It was just to test Zhao Luli.

The coachman turned his horse's head as he complied, and ride slowly along the dark alley.

Zhao Luli whispered in Madam's ear, "My performance just now, is Suyi satisfied? From now on there will be no concubine, no "dead wife", only you and I will as we live together and die together, inseparable until head turn white."

Guan Suyi heard Zhao Luli spoke love words in such a gentle voice, not only was not touched, but felt extremely terrible, and wished to block his mouth and throw him off the carriage. If this fellow entangled her in the future, how could she live?

Emperor Sheng Yuan suddenly changed his mind after following them halfway. He turned to Department of Justice, found Zhou Tian, and ordered, "Go and redeem Ye Fan and send it to Zhao family with gongs and drums. In addition, You warned her that it's alright to hook up with Zhao Luli, but she can't hurt Madam, if she hurts even a strand of Madam's hair, Zhen can save her from the quagmire, and Zhen can push her into the fire and water."

No concubines? No dead wife? Live together and die together, inseparable until head turn white? It also depends on whether Zhen agree or not! What you owe Zhen will be paid back sooner or later!

Mount Tai*: father-in-law.

Nine Tripod Cauldrons*: cauldrons cast by the legendary yu the great, they were viewed as symbols of authority given to the ruler by the mandate of heaven.

skin and hair*: superficial knowledge.

idle clouds and wild cranes*: people who lives idly and disconnected from the world.

untouchable status*: untouchable are a special social class with the status in the hierarchical society was the lowest.

one liter rice raises a benefactor, a bucket of rice feeds an enemy*: it means that if you give someone a little help, they will appreciate you, but if you help people too much it make them dependent, once you stop helping, it will make them hate you.

Chapter 72 Concubine

The carriage drove into the inner lane and gradually approached the mansion. Zhao Luli had only been away from home for dozens of days, but it seemed that half his life had passed, he couldn't help but lift the curtain and stared in trance.

Sensing that the coachman wanted to stop at the west gate, Guan Suyi instructed, "The master of the east mansion is back, what are you doing taking him to the west gate? Go to the east gate."

Now that the wall of the two mansion have been built, because Zhao Luli was stripped off his title, many things above the regulation in the East mansion could no longer be used, the redundant pavilions and halls were banned, some noble utensils were put on the high cabinet, and the plaque of "Masquis Zhenbei Mansion" hanging on the door beams had been replaced with ordinary word "Zhao Mansion". On the contrary, the West Mansion was still magnificent and majestic, and even the plaque of "General Zhengbei Mansion" was extraordinary.

The carriage stopped at the west gate for a while, and then slowly circled around to the east gate. Zhao Luli stared at the five powerful characters on the plaque and asked, "Whose handwriting is this? It actually have a lustrous sound with killing spirit. With this sign, the momentum of the West Palace has risen a lot."

"This is written by mom." Zhao Wangshu glanced at his stepmother with a blushing face, and said obediently, "Dad, I will never be naughty again, I will practice calligraphy, study hard, and earn back the title of our family."

"Good, Wang Shu has grown up." Zhao Luli was very happy, he couldn't help but grasped his wife's white fingertips and sighed, "Suyi, thanks to you, our family didn't break up. I will not say any words of apology and vows, you just see how I will perform in the future."

Guan Suyi smiled lightly, but she was very alert in her heart. When the carriage stopped, she immediately jumped out of the carriage, slapped Zhao Luli's outstretched hand, and hugged Mu Mu instead. Zhao Luli was not annoyed at all, but smiled softly and stepped forward to help his elderly mother. There were many misunderstandings and estrangements between their husband and wife, which could not be solved overnight. As the saying goes, gold and stone yield to the power of sincerity*, as long as he treated the other with sincerity, as long as Madam was not hard-hearted, sooner or later, she would forgive him.

While thinking like this, the east gate squeaked open, and Minglan greeted her with a smile, followed by a servant with a brazier in her hand.

"Miss is back? Quickly cross the brazier to get rid of the bad luck." She only greeted her master, without even looking at Zhao Luli.

"Master, you cross first." Guan Suyi turned to the side, let everyone cross the brazier one by one, and only went in by herself at the end, then ordered the servants to prepare water and pick grapefruit leaves, let everyone who went to Heavenly Prison to soak for one or two quarter of an hour and ask for peace of mind.

Everyone went back to the room to take a bath without saying a word. After a while, they all came out with water vapor and went to the main hall to eat the reunion dinner. Before the dishes were ready, they heard the sound of gongs and drums from outside, interspersed with women's cry.

"Is this a wedding or a mourning?" The old madam was displeased. "Housekeeper, go out and see who is this demon, and let them go away!"

The housekeeper took the order and left, only to came back with a bitter face after a short while, followed by the smiling Zhou Tian and the pitiful Ye Fan. Ye Fan seems to have been groomed, wearing a brand new pink dress with a set of emerald pearl hairpins on her head, her dark yellow cheeks were slightly flushed, and before she could stand still, she bowed down and choked out, "This lowly concubine Ye Fan has seen husband, has seen Madam, has seen old madam."

"Why are you back?" The old madam jumped up in shock and glared at Zhou Tian viciously.

"Why can't she come back? Didn't the Ye and Zhao families already agree that they would accept her after the first month? When the Ye family has bad luck you don't recognize her, very beautiful of you! If you don't accept her, this official will let people from all over Yanjing come to judge and see what a treacherous thing you, Zhao Luli, are!" Zhou Tian sneered.

Zhao Luli had just returned home, he didn't want to cause more trouble, and the excitement just now must have attracted many spectators. If Ye Fan was kicked out on the spot, his reputation would be bad, so he couldn't help but look at Madam. Ye Fan knew that the current Zhao family was relying on Guan Suyi as the master, and even Zhao Luli couldn't speak up, so she walked over on her knees, hugged the other person's legs and cried, and when she saw her indifferent, she kowtowed vigorously until there was a line of blood on her forehead, looking like a sorry figure.

Guan Suyi stared at her for a while, then said coldly, "Don't kowtow, get up. Jinzi, Yinzi take her down to wash up and put her in Nanyuan. General Zhou, your goal has been achieved, please go back." Once the words fell, she slightly tossed her wide sleeves, ordering someone to see guests off.

Zhou Tian didn't expect her to give in so easily, so he couldn't help sneering, "Madam has agree? This general thought you were too difficult to deal with, but I can't see it today."

Before Zhao Luli could speak, Zhao Chunxi cried out, "Mom, you must not be soft-hearted on this kind of thing. My third aunt is not a fuel-efficient lamp, and she will disturb the whole family, it's like luring the wolf into the house. It's better to spend some silver to send her away."

The old madam glanced at her admiringly, and agreed, "Yeah, she's just a cheap concubine, just order someone to sell it."

Guan Suyi tapped her finger on the table and said indifferently, "Since General Zhou sent the person here, in any case he must want her to stay, no matter how we take the person out or whether we sell her far away, I'm afraid General Zhou will not be tire bringing her back and throwing her into the mansion. Rather than tossing and turning back and forth, it's better to just accept it, so as not making people see the joke over and over again. Besides, Ye Fan has no other place to go except the Zhao family, and in order to stay, she will do whatever it take. This cry is the first step, the second is to make nuisance, then the third is to tie a rope on the door beam of our house to attempt suicide, and let passers-by to see. How many years will it take for our house to clean up this pot of sewage?"

Speaking until here, she smiled coldly, "You came prepared, one big drama after another must have been arranged, just to counter my every moves. How stupid will I be if I'm still messing around with you? Wouldn't it be more efficient to simply accept and keep the person under the nose, so you can't use her as a raft and keep making waves."

Zhou Tian was dumbfounded for a moment, then gave a clasp-hand salute and said, "It's good if Madam knows, this general is leaving."

Guan Suyi patted the angry old madam, while sneering, "General Zhou is an important member of the court, but his eyes only focused on the inner house of other people, don't you feel ashamed to play with these women's tricks? Besides, you are here to give a gift, but you only give the wooden basket, not the actual goods, which seems really petty."

Zhou Tian stumbled and almost tripped over the threshold. He turned back and glared at Madam fiercely, then took out a life contract from the front of his clothes and threw it away before flung his sleeves. If it wasn't for His Majesty's order, how could he use such an insufferable trick? He would just slashed Zhao Luli with a knife long time ago! He only hated that His Majesty had been poisoned too deeply by the Emperor Teacher, and he had to be some kind of wise monarch. Wouldn't it be nice to kill anyone who wasn't pleasing to the eye like in the past?

If His Majesty's wishes come true one day, and brought Madam Guan into the palace, wouldn't she become more annoying? Benevolence, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom, and faith are indeed some misguided things!

After the door closed with a bang, isolating the crowd watching the liveliness outside and the gong and drum troupe were drifting away, only then did Zhao Luli speak bitterly, "It's all because husband was not thoughtful, misused sympathy, and brought disaster to the family. And now one thing after another came to the door, and still have to rely on Suyi to deal with the aftermath, which is really shameful."

"You are indeed confused and have made Suyi miserable!" The old madam planned to teach her son a good lesson, but she heard the housekeeper shout from outside, "Madam is not good, your maid is here too, and is waiting outside the door now."

"Maid, Mingfang?" Guan Suyi laughed, raised the cup and shook it gently, "Zhao Luli, you are on the first day of the month and I will be on the fifteenth, you take one and I also take one. Now that the great catastrophe have just passed, they come one by one, and no one can hide. Forget it, what's the different between accepting one than accepting two, let her in. "

Zhao Luli's cheeks flushed with shame. The old madam quickly soothed, "This cannot be blamed on you. It was Chen Guang who made mistake first, so you just put a little pressure, otherwise, wouldn't you let a lowly concubine bully the head of the main room? Come, come, give her a bite of food to eat, although our Zhao family is down, but not lack this much of money, you don't need to blame yourself."

"Yes, sister-in-law, don't think too much. When the wind blows over, send those two to village estate far away and it will be over." Ruan shi comforted her gently. Several children also looked at their mother eagerly, for fear that she would be angry.

Zhao Luli, who was sitting in the main seat, became a lonely man and was squeezed out by everyone. All the faults were caused by him. Madam was good everywhere, she was perfect, even if the servants encounter major events, they only knew that Madam was in charge of the mansion, and the master was not counted.

The situation seemed to be very bad, afraid the husband's dominance couldn't be established, but Zhao Luli was not dissatisfied, instead very impressed. Madam's words were all gems of wisdom. Listening to her words could never be wrong. No wonder everyone said virtuous wife make husband have few misfortunes, filial children make father reassure, which had been passed down for hundred years and it still a profound philosophy.

While thinking like this, Mingfang came in with a small package, and was about to show her loyalty, but Guan Suyi waved her hand to interrupt, "Let's save the beautiful scene, I know all the bad things in your family. Since your father has lose all the dowry I gave you, you should write a deed and sell yourself as a lowly concubine."

Mingfang was horrified and cried, "But Miss, you clearly said that you wanted me to be a noble concubine, how can you go back on your word?"

"A noble concubine not only needs to be a good citizen, but also has a dowry, can you afford it?" Guan Suyi said coldly, "Your father have gambling addiction, and he already wasted everything. When he saw the Zhao family was about to die, he thought he could promise you to others and cheat a betrothal gift, but because he couldn't find a higher rank than the Zhao family, he had no other choice but abandon this idea. When the Zhao family was in trouble, I didn't see you back. Now that the catastrophe has just passed, you hurriedly stick yourself here, how can there be such a cheap thing in the world? I said that I wanted to accept you, but I didn't leave any evidence, and now I refuse, what can you do to me? It's you who betray first, and now still dare to question me? If you don't want to be a lowly concubine, you can go out of this door, just find a farmer to marry, and be the main wife."

If Mingfang really had the guts to marry a poor farmer, she would not be the Mingfang who framed her master in order to get rich in her previous life. Although the Zhao family had lost the title of Marquis Zhenbei, they still hung up the name of General Zhengbei. After she left this gate, where would she find a wealthier family? Besides, her appearance could only be regarded as ordinary, and it would be disgusting to marry a merchant, so she gritted her teeth and wrote a body deed to became a lowly concubine.

After going around in a circle, the old enemies of the previous life were alive again. Guan Suyi had thousands of ways to get the people gone, but she had to change her mind when she thought of Zhao Luli's intimacy. You don't cherish the people's heart when it's still alive, and want to take it back when it's already dead, how can it be so easy? She threw these two into the East Mansion to play with him, forgive her for not accompanying in this life.

gold and stone yield to the power of sincerity*: no difficulty is insurmountable if one is sincere.

Chapter 73 Beloved Wife

After everyone finished their meal, they walked to the side hall to chat about the current situation at home.

Guan Suyi took out a letter from her sleeve pocket and handed it to Zhao Luli, "This is Mr. Lu's leave letter, saying that the elders in the clan are sick and need to go back to Langshan to take care of them, and the return date is uncertain. Except for him, there is no one in the house that resign for the time being. Your study was smashed by Zhou Tian's subordinates a while ago, and many antique ornaments were damaged. I have ordered stewards in the front yard to register them one by one. You can take a look later and check it out to avoid any mistakes."

"Of course I feel reassured with Madam's work." Zhao Luli seemed to inadvertently pat the back of his wife's hand.

Guan Suyi felt uncomfortable with his gentle voice and intimate attitude, so she couldn't help but move away, and continued, "No matter how reassured, you should go and have a look, you know the numbers of items in you heart. Although I tried my best to stop the raid, but many building and utensils were still ruined, and a lot of gold and silver jewelry were lost, it can be said to be a serious damage. I have sent someone to deliver a letter to the second brother, but due to the tense war at the border, he has not been able to reply for a long time. It's probably will take a few months for him to learn the accident at home. But now it doesn't matter, all the disasters have subsided, and he didn't intervene, but left a righteous impression on others."

After finished speaking, she took a small box from Minglan, placed it on the low table, and sighed, "The property you left with the old madam, the old madam passed it on to me. Because all the shop hung the name of Marquis Zhenbei at the front, when you were stripped off your title and imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison, a lot of people wanted to take advantage of someone's misfortune and take it by force. Fortunately, I put on the signboard of General Zhengbei in time, only then able to save them, but it still lost 30% to 40% of its income. I have already sorted out the account books, you can take it back to check, and if you have any questions, just send someone to ask."

Zhao Luli pushed the box back and said with a wry smile, "Why Madam is so distant? What's mine is yours, what's yours is still yours. I am very reassured to handed over these properties to you."

Guan Suyi looked directly at him, and said firmly, "You better take your things back. Internally, I have take charge of the central feed, serve the elders, take care of sister-in-law and the children, and externally, I have to help you take care of the property and dispatch expenses. Do you think I have three heads and six arms? They all say that men are the master outside and women are the master inside, but you are good, want me to be the master inside and outside, and you as the family head is going to relax and doesn't have to worry about anything. If so, it's better if I exchange with you, anyway, you are very idle now."

Zhao Luli really wanted to do something for his family, and even more wanted to make up for his wife, so he said that he would give her full authority over the property, he intend to pat the horse's butt but didn't expect to pat the horse's leg, his heart was full of remorse, and he bow down to sincerely apologize. Seeing Madam turned her head away with a cold snort, revealing half a delicate profile, although her eyes, ears, mouth and nose were already vibrant, they still carried a little bit of childishness. Only then did he realize that she, when all said and done, was only eighteen years. Having encountered such a terrifying change, if she hadn't been strong enough and kind enough, she would have left everyone in the Zhao mansion and ran back to her parents' home to escape the disaster.

What's even more hateful was that he had never given her a hint of warmth and tenderness before, but instead repeatedly humiliated and placed blame. No wonder now, no matter what he said or done, he couldn't warm up Madam's heart. If the two people changed places, Zhao Luli knew that he could never do better than her.

The more he thought about it, the more guilt he felt in his heart. When he looked at the cold-faced of his little wife again, he felt that she was extremely respectable and also very lovely, and he couldn't help but think of an old saying – having a wife like this, what else can a husband ask for?

He smiled tenderly, and was about to hold his wife's boneless wrist, thoroughly admitting his sin and comfort her, but then heard his mother scolded, "I thought you have really change this time, turns out still as out-of-tune as before! Suyi manages from top to bottom, maintain inside and out, and is already very tired. Didn't you say you will support this family, but then push everything to her, do you still have a conscience?"

Ruan shi patted the sleepy Mu Mu, and whispered in agreement, "Yes, eldest brother, since you have nothing to do, you can share one or two burden for sister-in-law. How much trouble have you brought to sister-in-law? Leaving aside the Ye family's matter, just saying that scholar Mr. Lu you hired before is really an ungrateful and arrogant person. On ordinary days, our family has never given him less tutoring salary. Wangshu alone is twenty taels of silver a month, then to have clan's parent sent over cloth, food, brush, ink, paper, inkstone and other items, enough for ordinary people to spend a few years. Treating him so kindly, but not only he's not grateful, as soon as he heard that you have been stripped off the title, he threw away the children of the clan, and came to ask sister-in-law for resignation, which made the already panic-stricken clan even more uneasy. I don't think any elders in his family were sick, he just made an excuse to get away. Even the elders dared to curse, his inferior character is evident. Just wait, once the news that our family is safe and sound has spread, he will definitely return within half a month. Your eyesight is also too poor!"

Since long ago Ruan shi had a lot of complaints towards her brother-in-law. In the past, she didn't dare to say it, but now she had to, otherwise he wouldn't know how to repent, then wouldn't be sister-in-law who suffered?

Zhao Chunxi and Zhao Wangshu didn't make a comment, but they were also very dissatisfied with their father. If he hadn't insisted on bringing the Ye family back, the following things would not happened. Fortunately, Zhao Chunxi was clever and escaped the arresting guards, fortunately Guan Suyi had a life title and could suppress Zhou Tian, otherwise the two would be like those servants, stripped off their clothes and humiliated, and then death would be better than life.

Seeing his family members glaring at him, Zhao Luli felt very uncomfortable. He didn't even have the face to mention the words of apology again, could only smiled bitterly. A few words of "I'm sorry" couldn't erase all the past disasters. Forget it, don't say anything, just concentrate to treat his family wholeheartedly in the future.

He took the account book and bowed deeply. He wanted Madam to stay in the East Mansion, but he couldn't say anything. How could he be worthy of such a good Madam now, even touching her jade-white fingertips felt like he desecrate a sacred object.

Watching Madam helped his mother back to the West Mansion, closed the courtyard door and dropped the copper lock, Zhao Luli rubbed his eyebrows, feeling quite sad.

"Don't look Daddy, there is me and my brother with you." Zhao Chunxi gently tugged at his sleeve and comforted him, "Mom have a sharp tongue but a soft heart, she looks very strict on the surface, but when encountering difficulties she will definitely stand up and bear the burden for the whole family. Besides, she is prideful and ordinary people cannot enter her eyes. If you treated her wrongly in the past, don't blame her for treating you coldly. Only sincerity can be exchange with sincerity. Let's slowly let her see our true heart, one day the old suspicions will be cleared up."

"That's right. Although mom is annoyed with us, she still let us to go to the West Mansion to read and write characters every day, without any perfunctory. Mom is soft-hearted." Zhao Wangshu added.

Zhao Luli took the two children and said with relief, "You can now distinguish who is good and who is bad, which is better than daddy. Before this, daddy was confused and almost made a big mistake and hurt the whole family. In the future you can ignore your daddy's words, but you cannot ignore your mom's, okay?"

The two children nodded again and again, obediently agreeing. Without experiencing life and death catastrophe, they might never be able to see through people's hearts, let alone distinguish right from wrong. This time it was a blessing in disguise.

The three walked along the dark path and walked to the waterside pavilion where the gauze lamps were hung, then saw a woman wearing a misty-green floor-length dress standing under the dim yellow light. Her black hair only used wooden hairpin to bind the hair behind the head, which looked extremely indolent. Her face didn't have any makeup, looking very pure, but she used color ink mixed with gold powder to depict a camellia on the forehead. The whole body had only this little bright color, but it seemed to be a finishing touch that gave birth to spirituality.

Zhao Luli shook his head, his eyes blurred, and he was stunned for a while.

Zhao Wangshu was still ignorant, but he saw his sister walking over, pushed the person down, rubbed her forehead with a handkerchief, until she wiped the camellia completely before scolding sharply, "What are you calculating?" Dare to learn from my mom?

She had already remembered stuffs when her mom left, no matter how her daddy deceived and induced her, she couldn't forget the hazy shadow in her heart. Therefore, how could she not know who Ye Fan was imitating now? This person first prepared to find another way out, and seeing that the Ye family had no room to turn around, she resorted to some despicable scheme and performed such ghostly tricks. If Daddy was really bewitched by her, wouldn't this family that was finally saved from disaster be ruined again? Even if the broken mirror was reattached, it would inevitably leave a gap, and it would be torn apart with only a slight bump.

She must not tolerate anyone who disturb their peace and spoil their happiness.

"You roll back to Nanyuan for me! Mother is kind-hearted, generous and tolerant, but I am a small-minded master. If you continue to play these dirty tricks, believe it or not I will let people ruin your beautiful face and sell you to the border as an army labor? By the way, the Ye family is all there now, you just went to reunite with them." She whispered in Ye Fan's ear, her voice was soft, but it contained a trace of cruelty.

For the first time, Ye Fan saw the savage side of her niece. In a trance, she remembered the long-dead aunt Liu shi, and couldn't help but shudder. She hurriedly pulled up the hem of her skirt, stroked her red forehead, and ran away quickly.

Zhao Luli woke up from the trance and said, "Xi'er, do you still remember your mother?"

"I was over six years old and almost seven, how can I not remember?" Zhao Chunxi squeezed her father's wrist and said word by word, "Father, mom is already 'dead', forget her!"

How could Zhao Luli not understand the meaning of his daughter's deliberate accentuating the word "dead"? He was stunned for a while, and finally smiled bitterly, "Alright, daddy will forget her, don't think about it any more, it's not something you should worry about. Let's go, go back to rest, and go to the West Mansion tomorrow morning to greet your grandmother."

The three gradually drifted apart, and the silhouettes under the illumination of the candlelight get longer and slowly blended together.

On the other side, Ye Fan, who had fled back to Nanyuan in embarrassment, happened to bump into Mingfang, and her face couldn't help turning white. Mingfang naturally saw that she had carefully dressed up, and sneered, "Yo, the Ye family really has some family learning, and can't wait to hook up with the master when you barely came?"

"What are you talking about? Go there if you have the ability, and shut your dog's mouth if you don't!" Ye Fan straightened her back and choked back, so angry that when Mingfang came up she wanted to tear her up.

The servant who was in charge of taking care of Nanyuan couldn't stand it any longer, and roared, "Can you two stopped for a while? Both of you have been reduced from noble concubines to lowly concubines, and you still can't see who is in charge of the mansion? If you have the skill to hook up with the master, why don't you go to the main house to serve Madam. Bah, what a two stupid trash!"

Chapter 74 Rakshasa

Since Zhao Luli met Ye Fan who looked like his ex-wife that night, subconsciously he had been avoiding her. He went to the West Mansion every day to greet his mother, accompanied Madam and the children for breakfast, and then went out to handle the business. He was good at planning, although he had never learned to do business, he quickly mastered it. With the name of his younger brother behind him, he had recovered a lot of losses. Even if he missed his official career in this life, being a rich man was more than enough.

Zhao Chunxi and Zhao Wangshu were repentant and sincere, and Guan Suyi, as a "virtuous wife and mother", could only pinch her nose and admit it, and taught them the things that should be taught one by one.

On this day, Zhao Wangshu came to the main house on time for the morning class, and saw that his stepmother holding Mu Mu in her arms, reciting the stories in the "Classic of Mountain and Sea", and his sister came earlier than him, holding an embroidered frame in her hand, seriously thread the needles, ready to make a purse.

"Mom, son is late." He wiped the oil stains from the corners of his mouth and said in shame.

Guan Suyi was not a person who would deliberately makes things difficult for others, especially if the other person was a child who hasn't done anything. She glanced at the sky and said indifferently, "It's not too late, there is still a quarter of an hour until chenshi (7-9am), sit down first and memorize the book. After memorizing, recite the chapters that will be learned today one hundred and twenty times, and I'll come back to explain the essence later."

"Son understand." Zhao Wangshu quickly put down the book case, walked to the window, shook his head at the morning light to wake up his brain. Zhao Chunxi glanced at him, and then looked at her stepmother who was holding her adopted brother. She only felt that the years were quiet and the world was stable. This was the day she dreamed of, and this was the scene that a happy family should have.

Mu Mu was getting along very well with his brother and sister now, and gradually he talked more and more. He tugged at the sleeve of his adoptive mother and whispered, "Mom, can Luo fish* really fly? What does it look like? Son cannot picture it."

"You want me to draw it for you?" Guan Suyi pinched the tip of Mu Mu's nose, and then picked up the brush to draw it carefully. Her vision was extremely wide, and the strange things that others couldn't think of were already vivid in her mind with only a little thought, coupled with her superb drawing skills, with only a few strokes an exquisite and vivid painting was already finished.

Mu Mu was stunned, poking here and there with his fat and short fingers, secretly thinking that the Luo fish was actually alive. Zhao Wangshu also forgot to memorize the book, secretly glanced at his stepmother, and complained in a low voice, "Mom, why do you only tell stories and draw pictures for Mu Mu, but you always punish me with a ruler?" His face turned slightly pale after he said that, and hurriedly added, "I, I don't mean to blame you, I also want to listen to your stories and watch you draw."

Did I tell you less story in the previous life? I have painstakingly compiled the philosophy of life and the essence of Confucianism into the story, to guide you from hate learning to eager to study, then to be able to study by yourself. How do you repay me? The story has already been told in the previous life, so in this life, you can recite it by yourself.

Of course, Guan Suyi couldn't say these words outright, she tapped on the table and said, "How to teach and educate people is also a kind of knowledge and has its basic principles. My Guan family is a Confucian family and an educator family, since the ancient times it has passed down a legacy, one is to teach without distinction, and the other is to teach according to aptitude. Teach without distinction means anyone can be taught, there is no distinction between noble or lowly, old or young. Teach according to aptitude means the treatment of the people shall use their compatible methods, not everyone follows the same mold or shaped into the same shape. You are the eldest son of the Zhao family, and in the future you will inherit the family business and revive the lintel. The burden on your shoulders is heavier than anyone else, and you must never slack off, so I discipline you in a strict way and polish your will. However, Mu Mu is young, sensitive and introvert. In the future, he may enter an official position, or maybe wander around, or maybe study some specialty, or even become a merchant, and learn ingenuity craftsmanship. It's up to him to decide, so I discipline him loosely and let it develop freely."

Guan Suyi looked directly at him and said cautiously, "You two have different backgrounds, different fates, and different responsibilities on your shoulders. If your words to win honor for your father are just casual words, then I will tell you stories every day."

Zhao Wangshu blushed with shame, and waved his hands quickly, "No, no, no, son will no longer listen to the story, son must study hard, take the exam in the future, become a high-ranking official, be a superior person, protect mom, grandmother, second aunt, and sister. "

Zhao Chunxi originally thought that her stepmother doted on Mu Mu and treated her brother coldly, favored one over the other. After hearing this, she realized that she had her own reason for doing so. In the future, her brother would bring honor to the family, how could he still playing around? The stepmother treated him not only without fault, but also with great dedication.

It was said that the Guan family is honest and upright, this statement was not false. If there was some misunderstanding towards their stepmother, it must be pointed out in person, do not keep the resentment in the heart, which would eventually ruin the mother-child relationship. This kind of reciprocal, frank, and without reservation way of getting along made Zhao Chunxi felt very fresh and touched. She thought, looking at the whole of Wei Kingdom, afraid she would never find a stepmother better than her stepmother.

While she sighed, Jinzi walked in with a gold-rimmed post, and whispered, "Madam, this is a post from the Department of Internal Affairs, inviting you to attend the palace banquet tomorrow."

"Palace banquet? It's not a festival now, why the palace held a banquet?" Guan Suyi slowly scraped off the red clay seal.

"I heard that some of the sacred orchid trees planted by the Empress Dowager has bloomed. The fragrance can drift for hundreds of miles, the color is colorful, and it changes when it meets the light, she has always been generous and magnanimous"

"So that's the case. Empress Dowager niangniang personally invited me, so how can I, a subject woman, not go?" Guan Suyi closed the post and asked tentatively, "Will you enter the palace with me tomorrow?"

Zhao Chunxi was moved at first, but then firmly refused, "No, mom can go by yourself. You are still a first-rank madam, and you are also the descendant of Emperor Teacher and Chief of Ceremonies, the true proud daughter of heaven, but what am I now? There's no noble blood, no prominent family background, just like a chicken trying to drill into a group of cranes, in addition to self-humiliation, can I still get touched by immortal spirit? Mom, you are right, people needs some self-knowledge. It's enough to be an ordinary rich girl and marry an honest man of the right family. The high place are not necessarily beautiful, and it may also be cold to the bone."

Guan Suyi looked at her in astonishment, she never expected that these modest and open-minded words came from Zhao Chunxi's mouth. Shouldn't she focus on climbing high? How in this life she was like a completely different person? However, looking closely at her face, she couldn't find any trace of reluctance, that was her sincere thought.

But this was not surprising. In the previous life, she had never experienced life and death disasters, and she had never been framed by her grandfather to the brink of family destruction, so she could not understand the true meaning of ordinary life. Her ideals were completely destroyed, and she slowly repaired herself, and in the process, she inevitably absorbed the strengths of those close to her and assimilated.

Guan Suyi was this person, so she tried to get closer to her, tried to imitate her actions, and carefully figured out her methods, so it was only natural to became like this.

The world was indeed impermanent, a small change could determine success or failure, shape good and evil, destroy a person or save them. Guan Suyi thought a lot of thing, but in fact it was only for a moment, she patted the back of her stepdaughter's hand, and sighed, "You are more sensible and smarter than I thought."

Zhao Chunxi smiled lightly, and seemed to be calm, but in fact she was both excited and a little proud. Getting a compliment from her stepmother was not easy.

The next day, Emperor Sheng Yuan walked in the imperial garden in civilian clothing, followed by the grand princess with a saber in her hand.

"Why do you even carry a saber to enjoy the flowers? When entering the palace to face the saint, people must remove their weapon. You know this is knowing the law and break it." Emperor Sheng Yuan frowned.

"Habit. Even if it's not removed, what can you do to me?" The grand princess was tall and straight, and her face was like a crown jade*. At first glance, she had the appearance of Pan An. Several passing palace maids were fascinated by her, and knelt down to greet her with flushed cheeks.

"Forget it, Zhen allows this outlaw thing and let you go this time. Last time Zhen asked you to check the Miao expert, have you done it? Didn't you say that you sent someone to pick up Madam? When will she enter the palace?" Emperor Sheng Yuan was quite anxious.

"Guizhou is a long way, how can you get the news so quickly? Just wait patiently for a few months. Madam over there, This Palace has sent an imperial carriage to pick her up, and it will arrive in less than a quarter of an hour."

The two walked out from behind the rockery and saw several children standing in front of them, ranging from three or four to eleven or twelve years old, all dressed in rich and noble clothes, surrounded by palace maids, laughing and joking. One of them seemed to have a particularly distinguished status, there were always inner attendants around him, shouting without a word, "Little Highness, slow down, be careful of falling!"

The young boy didn't listen to the advice, instead became more violent, suddenly he looked at Emperor Sheng Yuan, and exclaimed, "Rakshasa* is here! The man-eating Rakshasa is here, everyone, run!"

The joking expression on the grand princess' face faded in an instant, she watched helplessly as these princes ran away as if they had encountered a man-eating monster, and fled in all directions. A tall, luxuriously dressed woman ran over while lifting up the hem of her skirt, without paying attention to her manners, she immediately bent down and picked up the leading young child, patted his back to comfort him, "Imperial son, don't be afraid, mother concubine is here, imperial grandmother is also here. Rakshasa won't dare to eat people!"

"I'm afraid, mother concubine, let's go back quickly!" The young child choked.

"Alright, let's go back. There are gods enshrined in the imperial grandmother's palace, and the gods will protect us from being murdered by Rakshasa." The woman lowered her eyes and did not dare to look at Emperor Sheng Yuan, but her words contained poisonous thorns, which was unbearable.

The grand princess pulled out her saber halfway through, and the murderous golden roar was enough to make her shut up, and then she quickly walked away with a group of children and palace servants. When they disappeared at the end of the path, the eldest princess said quietly, "Hunnar, it's time for you to have children, or sooner or later your throne will fall into the others' hand. Although the eldest, third, and sixth are dead, but their children are all raised by the Empress Dowager's side, and they are also serious dragon sons and grandsons. When they grow up, if you are still alone, I am afraid that your head will fall from your body, and you will not end well."

Emperor Sheng Yuan's jaw tightened and his tone was cold, "Children, can a Rakshasa like me have children? I won't give anyone a chance to conceive a child. Imperial sister, you don't need to say anything more."

The grand princess fixed a look at him and asked, "What if that person is Madam? Can she come and give birth to you?"

Emperor Sheng Yuan was shocked, but quickly dismissed this delusion, and said bleakly, "She is even more impossible, imperial sister, don't hurt her!" When the words fell, he flung his sleeves and left, looking like a sorry figure.

Luo fish*: a strange beast with a fish body and bird wings, wherever it appears it will bring flooding.

crown jade*: beautiful man.

Chapter 75 Palace Banquet

Because Zhao Luli was stripped off his title, many objects that exceeded the regulations could not be used, even the carriage was smashed, so he could only go out on horseback or on foot. And the West Mansion had just been set up, and things have not been neatly arranged, so it was difficult for Guan Suyi to enter the palace. Fortunately, the grand princess sent someone to pick her up early in the morning, and just after turning out of the inner lane, she met Li shi who was kind enough to visit, and the two went on the road together.

They handed over the sign, entered the palace gate, and walked around the imperial garden under the guide of the inner attendant, and listened to the beautiful singing inside. While the strings were bustling, there were women's tender voice intertwined with the men's eloquent talk, it was really lively.

Li shi frowned and sighed, "I'm a village woman from a mud-legged background, if I haven't receive my brother-in-law's light, I'm afraid I wouldn't be eligible to participate in any palace banquets for the rest of my life. To be honest, I and the group of people inside originally are not of the same kind. When entering the palace it doesn't feel the glorious, but instead I feel bad. You have to pay attention to your manners when you eat, and you have to choose your words carefully. If you take a wrong step, you will become a beam-jumping clown, and you will be ridiculed wherever yo go. If I want to get out of the palace safely this time, I'm afraid I will have to exchange five years of my life."

Guan Suyi smiled gracefully, "Sister-in-law doesn't need to worry, let's enjoy our flowers, and when the time comes, we will go to the main hall for the banquet, and let's not say a word during the banquet, who can still rush to find trouble with us? I am also from a poor scholar, it is difficult to integrate into such a materialistic flashy world. However, when people live in the world, there will always be instance when we forced by circumstances, since we are already in the noble circle, then we have to abide by the rules of the noble circle. Aren't they the best at ranking hierarchy based on status and power? When sister-in-law take out your identity as Marquis Zhenxi Mansion's main house madam, just this bunch of womenfolk, the only ones who can overwhelm you in terms of power are the imperial family."

Li shi's brows smoothed out, then she laughed, "What my sister means is that there are only a few people who can compare to us when it comes to identity, then I don't have to be afraid of anyone." After thinking for a while, she shook her head and said, "But it's best not to deal with this group of people, it's uncomfortable to deal with them, my chest feel unbearable. Sister, how about finding a quiet corner to enjoy the flowers, and then go back when the palace banquet begin? At that time just bury our head and eat hard, and save all the socializing."

Guan Suyi was pleased, and agreed. The two avoided the crowd and walked into the deep and winding path. In the distance, they saw a green lake and a magnificent palace, which complemented each other under the brilliant spring light.

"Unlucky! How did we come here?" Li shi spat.

"This is… Ganquan Palace?" Guan Suyi's eyesight was extraordinary, even though there was a dazzling spring light across the lake, she could still clearly see the plaque hanging on the door beam.

Li shi replied in a low voice, "It's indeed Ganquan Palace. Because Ye Jieyu had damaged her root bones when she treated His Majesty in the past, in order to prevent her illness from getting worse, His Majesty deliberately chose Ganquan Palace with excellent lighting, pleasant scenery, and warm in spring and cool in summer for her to live in, it made all the concubines red with anger."

While speaking, a line of guards with swords and halberds came out from the back wall. When they saw that some palace ladies wanted to approach, they immediately chased them away with a fierce attitude.

Seeing this, Li shi said cheerfully, "But that was all in the past, and now this Ganquan Palace has become a cold palace, and no one can enter without the Holy's will. Look at it, she must have heard that today the Imperial Garden held a palace banquet, and she actually came out while dressed up. I'm afraid she still want to see His Majesty from afar, and gain some sympathy. This bitch is still as pretentious as before!"

Guan Suyi was very curious about what this legendary Ye Jieyu looked like, and immediately followed the direction Li shi pointed out, only to see a woman wearing a pale pink gauze skirt swaying out. After reaching the first step, before approaching the palace gate, two guards crossed their spears to block the way.

She didn't put on powder on her face, only a vivid camellia was drawn between her eyebrows, and the flower buds seemed to be dotted with gold powder, shining with brilliant light. Even though her face was as white as paper and her expression was haggard, with this forehead decoration she looked even more like a flying immortal, not stained with vulgar dust. She looked at the guards with tears in her eyes, walking back and forth at the palace gate, hesitating, her reddish eyes were dripping with tears, which looked soft and weak, made one feel pity.

Guan Suyi watched silently for a while, then suddenly laughed. No wonder Zhao Luli looked down on her so much in her previous life. It turned out that Ye Zhen was like this, like a very weak little flower that collapsed when the wind blew, making people want to hold it in the palm of their hand and rub it into their heart to take a good care of her. On the other hand, looking at herself, she was frank and arrogant, where's the slightest bit of pitiful cuteness?

However, as a woman, was it true that only by showing weakness one could win the favor of her husband? Could it be that someone too strong only have to endure humiliation and be crushed again and again in order to reflect their value? In this world, were there only two ways out for women? Either wagging their tails and begging for pity, or became breakable, with sad ending.

She couldn't accept it, being reborn again, she couldn't accept it no matter what!

It seemed like she watched for a long time, but it was only a short while before she said hoarsely, "So this is Ye Jieyu. When truly meet it's not as good as they said. Sister, let's go."

"Let's go, this old woman will be annoy every time seeing Ye Zhen's face!" Li shi and Ye Zhen were always at odds, and she hurriedly took people elsewhere. As soon as they turned around, they heard a stern rebuke from across the lake, turned out Ye Zhen wanted to step out of Ganquan Palace, but was savagely pushed back by several guards, her grand palace maid knelt on the ground and kowtowed her head, looking very miserable. Ye Jieyu, who used to be high above, was now just a prisoner, and it's unknown when she would see the light of day again, or maybe this life was already hopeless.

After walking along the flowery path for a while, Li shi left in a hurry on the pretext of going to the restroom. Guan Suyi had just seen her old enemy from her previous life and was a little absent-minded, so she casually found a secluded corner to sit and rest.

The spring breeze was soaked with the strong fragrance, and carried the warmth of the bright sun, when it reached the face and covered it, it made people feel comfortable. Guan Suyi narrowed her starry eyes, leaned on the stone table, and soon fell asleep.

"Madam, have you lost?" A deep voice broke the silence.

Guan Suyi opened her sparkling eyes, when she saw that the person was Hunnar, she couldn't help but smile slightly, "Look at the quinoa, the flowers are flying everywhere* . If you are fortunate enough to travel in this fairyland on earth, how can you not be enchanted by the beautiful scenery?"

Hunnar was captured by her bright smile and starry eyes, suddenly felt his mouth was dry and he couldn't speak. When he opened his mouth, he could only lowly and timidly called "Madam." This is his madam, not Zhao Luli's madam, he believe so.

Jinzi stood behind Madam, glanced at His Majesty quickly with surprised eyes, then buried her head deeply and did not dare to look again. It turned out that His Majesty actually behaved like this in front of Madam, his face was flushed, his ears were red, and his mouth was clumsy, almost impossible to imagine the majesty of roaring on the battlefield and sweeping through thousands of enemies.

No, still very majestic, but like a coward bear.

Guan Suyi saw that he was standing in the same place and did not dare to approach, and was still at a loss, unable to speak, so she could not help but smile, "Look at me, I'm just talking nonsense. I am tired from walking, and too lazy to socialize, so I found a deserted place to take a rest, and avoid any disturbance to be idle. Why you didn't accompany your Lord Marquis?"

Emperor Sheng Yuan gathered his courage to walk over, and said in a low voice, "Lord Marquis saw Li shi and had something to say to her in private, so he sent me away."

Probably those words of remarriage again. Guan Suyi thought for a while, then beckoned, "Since you have nothing to do, come over and sit down, and we'll look for them together after they finish talking."

"Follow Madam's orders." Emperor Sheng Yuan respectfully made a clasp-hand salute, and then sat down cautiously, but he didn't dare to sit firmly, only leaned on the stool with his legs open for support, as if he was squatting on a horse, everyone that looked at him felt tired and unbearable for him. When love was heavy the fear was born, he did not dare to be slacking and disrespectful towards Madam.

Jinzi glanced at him over and over again, the fierce and domineering image was finally broken by this bear-headed person in front of her, and her heart was bleeding.

Guan Suyi had never seen what Hunnar looked like on the battlefield, still thought that it was his nature to be honest and upright, so she couldn't help chuckling, "You sit properly, we have equal relationship regardless of identity, just do whatever we want."

"Follow Madam's orders." Emperor Sheng Yuan clasp-hand salute again, then moved and relaxed his long legs, no longer bulging out his strong muscles, and dropped the fabric of his trousers.

Guan Suyi glanced at him up and down, and sighed, "Juliu people are generally tall and strong, eight-foot tall men can be found anywhere, even a woman like the grand princess is around seven feet. However, when I look at it, I realize that you are the best of them. Your height is probably nine feet tall, right?"

"Answering Madam, no more, no less, just nine feet." Emperor Sheng Yuan stretched his long legs, so that Madam could see his strong physique.

Jinzi silently covered her face, unable to bear to look directly.

Guan Suyi, however, liked his straightforward and boldness, and asked with a smile, "What did you eat growing up? I have a young child in my family, just at the growing period, after I return I will prepare food for him according to your method. Let him grow into a heroic and extraordinary figure like you."

Emperor Sheng Yuan's ears were red, mumbling without speaking. He was both happy for Madam's praise and awkward by her question. He wanted to dig his heart out for madam, but didn't dare to bear the consequences, lest what he waited for would not be love and friendship, but fear and hatred.

After hesitating for a moment, he said hoarsely, "I have no mother since I was a child, and I was rejected by my father and my clansmen. I was thrown into the barren mountains and ridges to fend for myself. I have never eaten normal people's food, only devour raw meat and fowl. How can I grow so tall and even survive safely, even I can't figure it out, maybe I was hated by people and ghosts, even the underworld is lazy to ask for my soul?"

Guan Suyi's eyes widened, she was speechless for a while, and after taking a few breaths she said hoarsely, "You are an innocent child, why are they so cruel?"

"Innocent child?" Emperor Sheng Yuan shook his head with a wry smile, "Not every newborn is innocent, there are also Rakshasa evil ghosts that born with sin."

"No!" Guan Suyi interrupted angrily, "Every child is…" What is it? Innocent? She couldn't say the second half of the sentence, because she thought of the child she lost in her previous life. He was an undesirable life and a sin that needed to be erased, his arrival, was Hunnar was also like this?

Emperor Sheng Yuan held his breath and waited, but for a long time he didn't hear Madam's rebuttal, and the eyes that were bright like stars were finally extinguished. Even Madam believed in the reincarnation of evil spirits, what else could he hope for? The so-called redemption and transcendence were just lies made up by monks to attract believers.

T/N: His background story is actually up there on the tragic scale.

"Look at the quinoa, the flowers are flying everywhere* : it is a line from an anonymous poem of man jiang hong ( a type of poem) in the song dynasty.

Chapter 76 Joy

Deathly stillness atmosphere filled the air, making the corners of this place seemed to be divided into two halves, one half was in full bloom of spring and full of sunshine; the other half was in depth of winter, the cold wind was blowing, and Hunnar curled up in the ice and snow cellar, like a wounded beast, alone, with no way out.

He was a soldier, walking, sitting, and lying with an air of valiant and uncommon spirit, but now he hang his head low, his shoulders slumped, and his back hunched, looking tired and pitiful. Looking at his appearance, Guan Suyi felt a dull pain in her heart for some reason, and she felt uneasy. The maternal love that could only be stimulated by facing Mu Mu came like a surging flood.

She wanted to open her mouth to comfort him, but the topic just now was also a taboo in her heart. The pain she thought had long forgotten was actually buried deep in her heart, just it had never been provoked. A wave of resentment collided, stirred, and boiled in her chest, but she couldn't do anything to her former enemy, because now she not only had to take care of her own reputation, but also had to maintain the official reputation of her grandfather and father. How difficult it was for them to get to today, only she who had experienced the previous life could understand.

Have a clear conscience! These four words were so easy to says, but they were made with tears and blood! She put her hand on her forehead, her face full of forbearance and blankness, she could neither comfort herself nor others, but she couldn't bear to leave this lone wolf here, after a moment of thought, she changed the subject and said, "Last time you wrote to ask for advice, I have given the answer, but this time I'm the one that have a question."

Emperor Sheng Yuan was always willing to answer Madam's question, and immediately broke free from the unbearable past, and said solemnly, "Madam, please tell me, naturally I will tell you anything I know."

Guan Suyi thought for a while and said, "How did the red coral tree of the Ye family shattered? I have inquired about this repeatedly before, and I also asked my grandfather and father to ask the official in the Commandant of Justice, and asked a certain madam who was present at the scene to draw map and described the process in detail, but still could not find any flaws. More than 20 servants in their prime to keep guard, more than 40 pairs of eyes, stared without any gap, no one approached, and no one opened the box. And it's huge and hard, but it was silently smashed into powder, which is so mysterious even ghosts cannot guess. I thought about it for many days, but still have no solution.

She swiped back and forth on the stone table with her pinkish crystal fingertip, sketching out a map of the crime scene with just a few strokes, and sighed, "If I can't get an answer, every time I think about it, I will toss and turn and have sleepless nights, and ask Hunnar to please save me."

Emperor Sheng Yuan stared at Madam's furrowed eyebrows and confused face, only then found out that there were also problems in the world that she couldn't figure out. However, instead of detracting from her charm, it added a bit of cuteness. On second thought, she was only eighteen years old this year, just like that tender peach and plum's branches that was flourishing in the spring, in one's prime time. Originally she should have many insignificant worries, naughtily throwing tantrum and speak angrily, and not the kind of restraint and cautious attitude like she shown all the time.

She was the jewel in the palm of Emperor Teacher and Chief of Ceremonies. Although her family education was strict, she should never depressed to this point. Her changes were all honed by the Zhao and Ye families bit by bit, forced by her husband and stepchildren again and again. She should have left unsolved puzzles to others as she did now, and then wait in peace…

Emperor Sheng Yuan suddenly didn't dare to look at her clear eyes, lest the mistakes and stupidity he had committed would be seen by her, he slowly took off the blood jade thumb ring he had worn all year round, and said in a warm voice, "It's a coincidence, if Madam asks others, it will certainly incomprehensible, but if it asked to me it was the right question. Please ask Madam to find a box, regardless of the material."

"Do you want to show me?" Guan Suyi waved at Jinzi, "Go find a box."

Jinzi glanced at blood jade thumb ring, feeling her heart throbbing. It was the spoils of war that His Majesty took off from the Emperor of Persia's finger after he killed him with his own hand. It was once a very precious treasure, when encountering difficult things, he always like to rub it to seek peace. How could he be willing to destroy it this time? His Majesty is too obsess!

Aware of the extraordinary nature of the blood jade thumb ring, Guan Suyi hurriedly stopped him, "If I'm not mistaken, later it will shatter into powder like the red coral? Such a bright and pure blood jade is bound to be priceless, you are willing, but I am not, so find something else to replace it." Then she took off a jade pendant from her waist and handed it over, "Use this."

"I'm even more reluctant to use Madam's things." Emperor Sheng Yuan pushed the jade pendant to the table, thought about it, and then picked up a stone, "Then use it. I thought this blood jade was the closest in color to red coral, and the texture was the same, so that the madam can see it more clearly."

"It's the same with anything, I just want to know the process." Because of Hunnar's frankness, Guan Suyi finally smiled.

The haze in Emperor Sheng Yuan's heart also dissipated a lot, and there was a hint of tenderness in the black and blue eyes.

While talking, Jinzi came over with a food box and said politely, "Madam, this servant asked for some refreshments and conveniently got a food box. What do you think?"

"It's okay, bring it here." Emperor Sheng Yuan took the food box and threw the stone into it.

"Wait, I have to check it." Guan Suyi smiled slyly, picked up the stone and looked at it, tried to break it, and knocked it lightly on the edge of the table, listening to the crisp sound of the hard object, she nodded with satisfaction, "Yes, it's really a stone, not a fake made from dough."

It was the first time that Emperor Sheng Yuan was questioned to his face. Not only did he not feel angry, instead he was delighted like his heart had been tickled. Madam was also has some naughty moment, this kind of her, afraid even Zhao Luli have not seen it, right?

"Do you want to check the food box too, Madam?" His voice was full of smiles.

"Of course I will." Guan Suyi had already pulled the food box in front of her, and kept tapping with her fingers to see if there was an inner-layer to cheat people, and explained kindly, "Have you ever seen a wandering entertainer's magic trick? The first time I saw them when I was eight, I was really amazed that I spent several months researching their mechanisms, and finally cracked them one by one. If you are trying to fool me, there must be an inner layer in this food box, and the trigger is on the handle, turning it left and right to display different layers, one layer fill with the stone, the other layer is with crushed stones. You can let me see which layer you want to show, so you can crush the stone and restore it, which is an amazing ghostly trick. The red coral of the Ye family, I guess it should not be broken, but was replaced by someone, am I right?"

As she spoke, she checked, and after a while said in amazement, "How can there be no inner layer mechanism?"

Seeing Madam's frustrated expression, Emperor Sheng Yuan was finally completely happy, laughing loudly while pulling the box, "Turns out Madam can also guessed wrong, this situation is really rare."

Guan Suyi still didn't give up. After checking the box, she bent down to check the stone table, pounding it up and down, left and right. Her bright white cheeks were flushed, and there were even beads of sweat on the tip of her nose, which shone brightly under the sunlight, showing a little bit of childishness and loveliness. Looking like this, she finally revealed her peach and plum's age, truly adorable.

Emperor Sheng Yuan's eyes lingered for a long time, and when sat down and frowned, with great difficulty he moved his gaze, and properly collected the desire and admiration in his eyes.

"Is there really no mechanism? You didn't dig a secret passage in the ground where the coral was placed?" Guan Suyi was puzzled, and even more curious about the truth.

Facing her bright star-like eyes, Emperor Sheng Yuan's ears slowly turned red, and said softly, "There is no mechanism, there is no smokescreen, and there is no secret passage. Madam, if you want to know the truth, just watch what I do." He threw the stone into the box, closed the lid, pressed down slightly with his palm, then in a flash he said, "Alright, Madam, open the box and take a look."

Guan Suyi hurriedly opened the box, only to see that the rock, which was still extremely hard just now, had turned into a pile of powder, and what the mystery hidden inside, even if she watched a thousand times it would be useless, she couldn't help but stunned.

"How could it be? How did you do it?" Not caring about the difference between men and women, she pulled over Hunnar's palm to check it over and over again.

Madam's fingertips were thin and white, her nails were round and beautiful, and the inside was crystal clear, although she had developed a few thin calluses due to practicing calligraphy, it could cause bursts of itching when scratching the skin, which made people feel even more unbearable. Not only did Emperor Sheng Yuan have hot ears, but even his bronze-colored face was a little flushed, his black and blue eyes stared at the top of Madam's hair without blinking, as if he had become stupid. Only need a slight grip and a gentle pull, he could hug this person in his arms and hold her firmly, but he couldn't take a step beyond the thunder pool*, because he knew what kind of person could be despised, and what kind of person even the slightest grievance could not bear to give.

Madam was the latter. He couldn't stand letting her suffer a little grievance, and he couldn't stand her frowned brows. But he couldn't stand it, but others showed no pity, not only she suffer humiliation, but she also frowned all day long. How painful and distressed he was now, how remorseful and self-blame, but all to no avail…

Seeing Madam raised her head, he immediately covered his gloomy expression and forced a smile.

Guan Suyi was eager to know the answer, so did not notice his abnormality, and asked, "How did you do it? Tell me now!"

"Madam only studies learning and doesn't know anything about the methods of warriors. Otherwise, you would have solved the riddle by yourself. There is a martial art in the world called Yinzhang (seal palm), it's interpreted as fighting cattle across the mountain*, just with deep internal strength one can make the outer layer undamaged but injured the internal organs, or skip over the former to injured the latter, to catch enemy off guard with surprise attack. The red coral was shattered with this trick. When it revealed like this it's really not worth mentioning.

Guan Suyi suddenly realized, stood up and walked around Hunnar, sighing, "How can you say it's not worth mentioning? I've never heard of such method, it's really eye-opening today! According to you, you are also a master of this inner martial art? How do you compare to the one who broke the red coral?"

Jinzi proudly raised her chest and said in her heart: Although the red coral was broken by leader, but leader's martial arts are still far worse than His Majesty!

On the other side, Emperor Sheng Yuan also raised his chest and said proudly, "Compared with me, his skills are far behind. If Madam has an errand in the future, just order, I will try my best to do it for you. Although I'm a rough person, hasn't drink a lot ink, but when it come to force, I can sweep the world. As long as Madam open your mouth, there is absolutely nothing that I can't do."

Guan Suyi pressed her index finger to her lips, and smiled, "There is nothing in the world that you can't do, so where do you put this place here? Shh, just say this to me, don't let outsiders hear it. I know that you are unruly and bold, but when you're on errands around the powerful, you should be careful."

Emperor Sheng Yuan's heart felt warm, and after he had received the earnest advice from madam, and shared this little secret with her, those unbearable memories finally stopped looming, but were replaced by infinite joy.

couldn't take a step beyond the thunder pool*: dare not go one step beyond the prescribed limit.

fighting cattle across the mountain*: legendary Chinese martial arts, it is said that this kung fu can be used to strike people with fists and palms at a distance and knock them down.

The title contained spoiler so it's moved to the end

Guan Suyi took out the stones and examined them. Feeling that it was novel, she picked up a few more and put them in the food box, and let Hunnar smash them one by one.

"It's amazing!" Every time she generously complimented, clapping her hands in praise.

Emperor Sheng Yuan played with her tirelessly, and as long as Madam showed a cheerful expression, he was also satisfied. After playing for about a quarter of an hour, Guan Suyi finally realized that she was a little rude, and said apologetically, "Your cultivation of inner strength must not be inexhaustible, right? Stop playing, lest you exhausted your inner strength and affect your job."

Emperor Sheng Yuan was about to wave his hand to say it was no problem, but he heard Madam laugh lowly, "It's rude not to reciprocate. Since you have performed a stunt, then I will show my skill too." while speaking she rolled up her wide sleeves, looked very domineering.

"Madam also practice martial arts?"

"No, it's just a small trick compared to your Yinzhang. Jinzi, get me some rice."

Jinzi accepted the order and go, and Minglan, who was always left to the side, pouted, as if dissatisfied. Guan Suyi glanced at her and said indifferently, "Are you still complaining? In this inner garden of the forbidden palace, if I send you to find food boxes and rice, will you be able to find them successfully? Do you dare to deal with those palace maid whose eyes above their head?"

Minglan thought for a while, and couldn't help but turn pale and murmured, "This servant doesn't dare, this servant knows its' wrong, and will never be angry with Sister Jinzi in the future."

"As long as you figure it out. Jinzi is not a simple character. You should learn more from her. The rules are strict in the palace, don't write all your thoughts on your face, and leave people with the handle." After Guan Suyi finished speaking she cupped her hands in salute, "The little girl is ignorant, let you laugh."

"It's no problem, as a subordinate, who doesn't want to get face in front of the master, I can understand." Emperor Sheng Yuan also climbed up step by step from the bottom, and naturally understood Minglan's mood, and carefully pondered Madam's words just now. Knowing that she had doubts about Jinzi's origin, she did not deal with it, but used her to the fullest extent and waited to see what happened.

However, she could never imagined that the master behind Jinzi was sitting in front of her, the "little bodyguard" of Marquis Zhenxi Mansion, so she said those words without any precaution. Madam trusts him very much, but he… Thinking like this, Emperor Sheng Yuan felt even more guilty, but it was absolutely impossible for him to withdraw the manpower. First of all, he wouldn't feel reassure with Madam's safety, and second, he didn't like Zhao Luli to get close, someone had to separate them.

While thinking about it, Jinzi hurriedly came back, holding a small cloth bag in her hand, "Madam, this servant went to the imperial kitchen to ask for a small bag of rice, do you think this is enough?" Then she opened the bag and showed it to the two masters.

"It's enough." Guan Suyi pushed the bag to Hunnar and smiled, "You can grab a handful of rice and slowly pour it into the food box, and when you're done pouring it, I will tell you how much grains of rice you have just grabbed."

"You can count the number of rice grains while it poured? This is absolutely impossible!" Emperor Sheng Yuan raised his eyebrows slightly, and his interest grew stronger, he took a lot of rice grains and slowly poured them into the food box. There was a loud crackling sound, but within a short time, the rice grains had been spread into a thin layer, and it looked densely packed from a naked eye. Not to mention pointing out the number of grains in an instant, even if the grains sweep away one by one afraid it would take half an hour.

"A total of six thousand, two hundred and fifty-seven grains of rice, give or take twenty grains. Would you like to check?" Guan Suyi didn't need to look at it at all, she reported the number with her eyes closed.

Emperor Sheng Yuan didn't believe it, and even Minglan and Jinzi were greatly surprised. Each of them gathered some rice and counted them one by one with small pieces of wood. They got busy for half an hour and then added it up. After making sure that the number was correct, he exclaimed, "It's really six thousand, two hundred and fifty-seven grains of rice, Madam, how did you do that? It's simply divine!"

Guan Suyi pointed to her ears, pointed to her eyes, and said with a smile, "Without it, sight become sharp, ears become nimble." Then she pointed to the center of her eyebrows, "It's just a powerful computing power. I usually like to play with the abacus, but it's just a decoration and to move the hands around, the answer has long come to mind. But wisdom will hurt*, and wisdom will be close to demons, all is too meddlesome, so I usually covered it up in the past."

"So it's like that!" Emperor Sheng Yuan suddenly realized, he couldn't help but love Madam a little more, and said, "Don't worry, Madam, I will never tell others about this."

"So what, who will believe you?" Guan Suyi smiled slyly and brightly, making Emperor Sheng Yuan go crazy. In order to restrain the surging love in his chest, he plucked off a slender orchid leaf and said in a hoarse voice, "Madam's talent is a godsend, and it's beyond the reach of mortals like me, so Hunnar will perform another stunt in return."

Guan Suyi looked intently, and saw that the soft and slumped leaf was hard for some reason, the edge was flickering with cold green light, as if it had turned from vegetation to metal, looking very sharp. Before she had time to marvel, she saw Hunnar's fingertips move slightly, shoot the leaf, and nail it to the rockery not far away with a thud, smashing the stone into many part. The leaf that lost the support of internal force turned from hard to soft, and the tail swayed left and right when the wind blew, it was indeed a very ordinary leaf.

Guan Suyi immediately ran to check, tried to pull out the leaf, but accidentally snap it off, she couldn't help but be amazed, "Hunnar, you said that you can sweep through thousands of armies, I finally believe it now. Flying flowers and picking leaves can hurt people, you are not human…"

Emperor Sheng Yuan's expression was stunned, but he heard Madam paused and continued, "But a walking weapon." After the words fell she raised her eyebrows and smiled, her eyes were full of evil after teasing.

Such Madam was really cute, making Emperor Sheng Yuan felt funny and his heart was itchy. He was about to show some other martial arts, but saw her slowly rolled up her sleeves and said with interest, "Alright, since you have used your unique skills, then I can't hide mine. Let the force of full power come out, and make you broaden your horizon! Jinzi, bring a watermelon."

The omnipotent Jinzi had to make another trip to the imperial kitchen to bring a two-pound watermelon. Although it was spring, the imperial hot spring manor could produce fruit from all season, and watermelon was not a rare thing.

Guan Suyi gathered her fingers together like a blade, put it in the middle of the watermelon, suddenly raised her wrist and slashed fiercely. There was a crisp "pop" sound, the skin of the melon cracked, revealing the bright red flesh, and the juice splashed everywhere. Not to mention, Emperor Sheng Yuan was stunned, and even Jinzi couldn't return to her senses. Although he had long heard of such stunt by Madam, but seeing it with his own eyes, the impact was still very huge.

In any case, they could not imagine the appearance of an elegant and graceful Madam with her sleeves rolled up high and splitting melons with her bare hands. However, when they actually saw it, it didn't feel vulgar at all, but instead realized the endless heroism and wantonness from her open-minded attitude and dazzling smile.

She could be arrogant and upright, could be virtuous and dignified, and even more could be chivalrous and heroic. Every part of her was so wise, how could Emperor Sheng Yuan not love? Missing Madam must be the biggest regret and the deepest pain in his life. He stared blankly, it didn't look obvious on his face, but his heart was already filled with sourness and reluctance.

Guan Suyi didn't notice, she picked up a piece of melon and put it in her mouth, handed it to Hunnar, and urged, "What are you doing, hurry up and eat, the palace banquet will start soon, we will eat, but you can only watch. Jinzi, Minglan, you also come to pad your stomach, so you don't feel uncomfortable later."

"Thanking Madam!" Emperor Sheng Yuan took the melon and ate it slowly, his eyes flickering and his heart troubled.

Minglan and Jinzi happily took the melon and hid in the corner to eat it. A few people were eating and chatting, and unknowingly, more than half an hour had passed. Seeing that the palace banquet was approaching, Guan Suyi went to the lake to wash her hands, and sighed, "Let's go, after hiding to find peace, it's time to go to the flashy world to crawl and fight."

Crawl and fight? Madam's words were really funny. Emperor Sheng Yuan was amused in his heart. He then followed her step by step to send her to an intersection of the road. He planned to watch her leave silently, but the love in his chest was unbearable, and he somehow revealed his heart, "Madam, wait a moment, I have something to say."

Guan Suyi turned her head to look back, her eyes gentle.

"Madam, I always love you." As soon as he finished speaking, the nine-foot-tall man lowered his head in panic, his ears were red.

It took several breaths before Guan Suyi understand this sentence. A stunned expression appeared on her face, then it turned cold, and she said word by word, "Then Hunnar must also know that I am married? For my sake, for the reputation of Guan family, as well as your career, you have never said those words, and I have never heard them. In the future, do not meet in private, let alone pass letters, so as not to sink into the mud, and eventually unable to pull out."

The bright light in Emperor Sheng Yuan's eye went out bit by bit, and the longing expression was replaced by regret and despair. When Madam turned her head without hesitation and walked away quickly, he wanted to chase but afraid of ruining her, and then ruining the Guan family that she cherished the most, so he had to restrain his legs and stood in the same place like a trapped beast.

His heart was full of anger, unwillingness and pain, he wanted to scream and smash everything in front of him, but he knew that it was just a futile struggle. He could have Madam, but because of his stupidity and stubbornness, he forcibly missed her. He hated himself immensely, and even more hated Ye Zhen and Zhao Luli. Unconsciously his eyes turned red, and there was a strong murderous aura rolling and surging.

Suddenly, Madam who walked quickly stopped, seemed to hesitate for a moment, and finally turned around slowly. She stood on a path covered with colored stones, surrounded by flowers and greenery, the spring sun shining above her head, the light and shadow were scattered, her ethereal beauty and refreshing air made her like an immortal.

Her icy face suddenly burst into a very gentle smile, cupped her hand, bent down cautiously, gave a big salute, and sighed, "The things today are not impropriety or frivolous teasing, but a piece of sincerity and a little bit of true feeling, I should engrave it in my heart and cherish it properly. However, the flowers have fallen far away from people's heart, and the mountains and rivers will not meet*. From now on, hope that each will be well, each take care of oneself."

After two lifetimes, Hunnar was the first man who waited for her, worried for her, answered her questions, and cared for her wholeheartedly. From his helpless actions, his longing and admiring eyes, to his deep pain after being rejected, she could see his sincerity and love.

How precious was this deep friendship to her lonely self? However, there was a saying: Seeing each other is like not seeing, to be in love is like being ruthless*. Met the wrong person at the wrong time, and their ending was nothing more than forgetting each other.

Chapter 77 Confession

T/N: Did you expect a confession? I have already read the whole novel and read/translate the title, and it still surprised me LOL.

wisdom will hurt*: it means if you are too smart, you will easily see the world, experience more of the world, and you will be easily hurt.

the flowers have fallen far away from people's heart, and the mountains and rivers will not meet*: it basically means in the future you and I will be far apart and the relationship will no longer be the same.

Seeing each other is like not seeing, to be in love is like being ruthless*: it is hard to say goodbye when we meet, if the meeting cause more pain, why not be cruel and not meet at seeing each other seems ruthless, but in fact it uses more affection.

Chapter 78 Fall Into A Trap

When Madam rejected His Majesty sternly, and then turned to leave, Jinzi couldn't help but look back, only to saw His Majesty standing with his hands behind his back, the bright spring light was above his head, but it couldn't shine into his deep eyes, he stared blankly for a while. Then he took a step forward uncontrollably, as if he wanted to chase, but had to restrain himself, and then retreated sharply, as if struggling in pain.

He couldn't retreat too far, lest he lose sight of Madam's figure, he finally stood still, clearly without any expression, but it made people feel a kind of deep sadness for no reason. The surrounding flowers, fragrance, and birdsong seemed to have gradually moved away from him. His fists were clenched, his eyes were red, and he was obviously on the verge of collapse.

Jinzi suddenly felt uncomfortable, uncomfortable like she never felt before, she had never seen His Majesty like this before. She always thought that he was indestructible, even if he was abandoned by his father; thrown into the beast by his clan; or several brothers joined hands to kill him; even worse, he was trapped inside ten thousands of enemies and could not escape… He could kill his way out with his own hands.

He had never let anyone enter his heart, even if people saved his life, they would never get more than his gratitude and corresponding rewards. Until this time, Jinzi finally realized that she was wrong. His Majesty was not a stone, how could he not be hurt; he was not a plant, how could he be heartless? On the contrary, once he uses his heart and soul, he would fall deeper and more vulnerable than anyone. He was an emperor, but he was also flesh and blood.

Seeing the brilliance in His Majesty's eyes was extinguished little by little, Jinzi did not dare to look any further, trying to restrain the sorrow in her heart so as not to be noticed by Madam. Before, she admired Madam very much, a strong and intelligent woman like her was very rare in the world, but now, she suddenly became resentful.

If it was another ordinary woman today, the subconscious reaction would be to flee shyly, rather than to say such heartless words calmly and rationally. If you run away, His Majesty will not have to suffer this piercing pain; if you run away, His Majesty will be able to keep a little thoughts. Unlike now, the front and back roads have been cut off, actually so close yet world apart, like a thing from previous lifetime.

Then what should I do next? Do I still need to stay in Zhao Mansion, guarding Madam?

While Jinzi was still confuse, she saw Madam stopped and hesitated. After a while, she finally turned around and gave a big salute in the most sincere manner, with a gentle tone and a smile in her eyes, but it seemed that tears would fall any moment. It turned out that she was not indifferent, it turned out that she could also feel His Majesty's true feelings, it was just that they had no fate and could not meet when they were both unmarried.

It was not her fault, it was fate, even more so His Majesty, who's now couldn't get what ones asked for*, was the culprit that led her to fall into misfortune. Their ending was written by His Majesty, so who should be blamed?

Jinzi felt a pain in her heart. She felt sorry for His Majesty and sad for Madam, but in the end, she still favored Madam. She looked so strong, but this was by no means a reason for others to wantonly hurt her. His Majesty already knew what kind of person Zhao Luli was, so he shouldn't have easily pushed a woman into the fire pit.

At that time, he probably never expected that the fire would not only burn Madam, but also burn himself to ashes, right?

Even the words "The flowers have fallen far away from people's heart, and the mountains and rivers will not meet" had also been said, His Majesty should give up this time. Jinzi raised her head slightly to look at His Majesty's expression, but saw his lethargy eyes had ignited some sparks again, his gray face quickly lit up, and immediately melted into the warm spring light, becoming joyful and excited.

Wait, what is this? Jinzi was greatly surprised, and when she was about to examined it further Madam had already turn around and left, so she could only follow in a hurry. After leaving far away, she suddenly held her forehead, finally understood the problem. Thinking that His Majesty had give up his mind, and he was able to comfort himself, but actually he only listened to the first half of Madam's speech, and automatically ignored the second half.

What did Madam say before? "The things today are not impropriety or frivolous teasing, but a piece of sincerity and a little bit of true feeling, I should engrave it in my heart and cherish it properly." Looking at this cherishing attitude and gently comforting, afraid that in an instant, His Majesty who was deep in hell, was pulled back into heaven.

One word could determine life and death, has Madam's influence on him already been so great? No, he had bowed down to madam a long time ago, and it was not surprising that every joy and sorrow were now controlled by Madam. So, can I still work as a errand by Madam's side in the future? How should His Majesty handle this messy relationship?

When everyone was chatting and laughing, drinking and having fun, Jinzi stood silently behind Madam and struggled, not only for her own future, but also for Madam's future. Looking at His Majesty's deep-rooted feeling, he was rejected this time, afraid there would be a next time, maybe he would end up robbing someone else's wife.

While thinking like this, the palace banquet quickly ended, and many noble ladies who were looking forward to the emperor's arrival somewhat felt regretful, but it was a worthwhile trip to be able to enjoy the spring in the palace. Before getting into the carriage, Jinzi finally got an order from above to let her continue to guard Madam and never let Zhao Luli touch her.

The mission object seemed to be changed, Jinzi was bound to have a headache, how could one prevent a proper husband and wife to not sleep together? But Madam was very different. Since she already felt cold towards Zhao Luli, she would never give in at all. Seeing her long-term staying in the West Mansion and her drawing a clear line's attitude, afraid she intend to be a nominal husband and wife with Zhao Luli.

Yes, it was indeed didn't know happiness in the midst of happiness, so how he could know that someone's eyes were red with jealousy! Jinzi mourned for Zhao Luli and His Majesty silently for a while, and then carefully helped Madam into the carriage.

"Don't move yet, wait for my grandfather and father." Thinking of the child who had no chance to come into the world, Guan Suyi was in depress mood, and did not want to go back to the Zhao Mansion to face those familiar and unfamiliar faces.

The coachman respectfully complied, then stretched his neck to look inside the palace gate. Because the ministers and womenfolk were having a separate feast, each go back separately. They waited for about a quarter of an hour before they saw the Guan family's carriage driving out unhurriedly.

"Yiyi, your grandfather said that you will be waiting at the gate of the palace, so your father came out early." Guan Father lifted the curtain of the carriage and laughed, and Old Master Guan snorted coldly, "I told you to drink less, lest making Yiyi wait, you still don't believe it."

"It's all son's fault, son is greedy for cups." Guan Father had no choice but cupped his hand in obeisance, and finally winked at his daughter and asked her to help smooth things out.

The depression in Guan Suyi's heart was all dissipated, lying on the window of the carriage and making a few jokes, causing the old man to stroke his beard and laugh, and the clouds turned sunny. The family drove the carriages back to the Emperor Teacher Mansion, entered the corner gate, and chatted as they walked.

"His Majesty was a little unusual today, suddenly raised his eyebrows and sighed, like there's great bitterness and hatred; suddenly pursed his lips and snickered, as if he was overjoyed, and invited me to the front to set up a food table, and insisted that I accompany him to drink, and then invited your grandfather you to say something vague." Guan Father frowned.

"What did he say?" Guan Suyi asked curiously.

"Said that he shouldn't grant you a marriage. To actually matched you, a grand first-rank madam, with a commoner with sinner body, he was ashamed of me and your grandfather, and even more ashamed of you. He drank too much, even ask me if I want to request a reconciliation decree."

Guan Suyi said with amazement, "It was his idea to grant marriage, and it was also his idea to reconcile. This emperor is really," after thinking for a while, she shook her head and smiled, "It's really an earthy emperor*, as his wishes' temperament."

Old Master Guan had to say a few words for his student, "He is indeed an earthy emperor, and he doesn't understand everything, but he has three biggest advantages, that is, he accept advice like a stream, use people without doubt, and recognize his mistakes and corrected them. He listened the advice of the courtiers and even the common people; also can make use of poor and and weak scholars; moreover he can also reflect on himself and change his way. Although he has made some mistakes since he ascended the throne, he has made up for them in time. As long as he perseveres and doesn't forget his original intention, he will become a wise monarch of the whole generation. If you say he is earthy, then his strength is exactly lie in this 'earthy' word."

"Father is right." Guan Father also felt the same way, "The emperor does have many shortcomings, but these three points alone are enough to overshadow any monarch in the previous dynasty. As long as your words are reasonable and sincere for the common people, he will accept it, which is completely different from those nobles who are high above and have their nose up to the sky. He let our family reconcile, only because he's afraid of delaying you and damaging the honor of the Emperor Teacher Mansion." (TN: no he's not!)

Guan Suyi blinked, never expecting that Emperor Sheng Yuan could win such excellent recognition in the hearts of her grandfather and father. She still remember in her previous life, when he first ascended the throne, his methods were so inexperienced that he couldn't suppress noble families and clan relatives at all, causing a lot of troubles, both big and small. Later, when riots broke out, he commanded a heavy army to crush the whole territory, killed many people, resulting in river of blood and white bones, and finally managed to control the government inside and outside.

In this life, he did not spend a single soldier to divide the prime minister's power, suppressing the noble families and clan relatives, and made the imperial power climb to the top. These changes were not because he had changed his nature, but because he had a better counselor and a more open-minded minister. Grandfather and father were indeed indispensable, but the person who makes the decision was ultimately him, so everything that was well right now also depended on him.

Guan Suyi suddenly eliminated the prejudice against Emperor Sheng Yuan from her previous life, and chuckled, "His Majesty is quite down-to-earth."

"At first I looked at him like a grumpy warrior, but after getting along for a long time, I realized that he is actually very easy-going. Your grandfather and I have already rejected his proposal in person. Our Guan family are not like those who change after seeing something different, fickle and ruthless Since Zhao Luli has already admits his mistakes, we must give him a chance to correct it. Does Yiyi think so?"

"Naturally." Guan Suyi didn't want to mention the Zhao family, hastily agreed.

Guan Father noticed that she had a strange look on her face, but it was difficult to ask about her daughter's back house, so he could only hide it. While they were talking, the three of them had already walked to the study, and Guan Father suddenly clapped his hands and said, "If you don't come today, I almost forget a happy thing. Come in, I just got a wonderful article and I'm waiting to share it with you."

Old Master Guan also said enthusiastically, "Do you still remember Shang Chongwen?"

Guan Suyi had a strong memory and blurted out, "Twenty-fourth senior brother Shang Chongwen, like grandfather, is a clumsy person. Usually he only knows how to read books and rarely talks. His personality seems to be a little gloomy."

"He is not so gloomy, rather simple on the outside and clear on the inside. A few days ago, he wrote a policy theory and sent it to me for guidance. I was shocked when I looked at it, and I hurriedly called him to discuss it. The questions and answers are well organized, has a clear logic, far-sighted and open-minded. It's an outstanding writing that is rarely seen in a century. I revised and discussed it with him again and again, and then presented it to the emperor for a reading, and recommended him to take up an important position in the three divisions, in a few days the decree will come down. Come and have a look, or you can follow suit."

Guan Suyi was highly interested, took over the article and read it eagerly, then her heart sank abruptly. How come this choice of words and sentences, and the habit of writing, become more and more like Xu Guangzhi's handwriting? Not good, grandfather and father afraid has fallen into a trap!

couldn't get what ones asked for*: one of the seven suffering in buddhism.

earthy emperor*: it means local tyrant or domineering person in certain area.

Chapter 79 Unravel

In the previous life, Xu Guangzhi was known for his good policy theory, and every splendid article would be spread and highly sought after by his disciples. When Guan Suyi was bored she often read it, and when she was sent to the estate village, desperate for life, she studied it word by word like a demon, to compare where he won over her grandfather and father.

To tell the truth, he was indeed a prolific writer, and his literary talent was outstanding. If there was rank of seniority in terms of writing, he should be the top of the list. From presenting arguments to step-by-step verification, and then to throwing conclusions, it could be called seamless and brilliant. And his writing technique was very distinctive, so after only reading the opening, Guan Suyi was so sure that this must be his article!

"Father, have you really discussed this article with Shang Chongwen, is he very familiar with the essence of it, was he answered fluently?" Guan Suyi confirmed again and again.

"Naturally, after each discussion, he can come up with more subtle points, and then revise them together with me." Guan Father noticed something was wrong and frowned, "Why Yiyi ask such a question? Could it be that there is something wrong with this article?"

"Father, this article is no way written by Shang Chongwen, but by Xu Guangzhi. You must have watch the Ten Days Word Battle. You can carefully recall every sentence of his, from the concise and sharp beginning to the middle of the argument, and then to the thought-provoking ending, this kind of link-style prose is his unique technique. Father, you quickly send someone to investigate, I suspect that Shang Chongwen has joined hands with him, intending to drag you and grandfather down."

Old Master Guan's eyes glazed over, and said solemnly, "Bring the article here and let me look again."

While Guan Father secretly sent people to investigate Shang Chongwen's recent whereabouts, he and the old man read the article carefully, and really found many traces. They were naturally familiar with Shang Chongwen's writing style, but they were very unfamiliar with Xu Guangzhi's prose, but those who listened to his ten-days debate would be impressed by his profound knowledge, so it was not without evidence.

At the beginning, this article did seem to have the style of Shang Chongwen, but after studied in depth, the essence of its skeleton was Xu Guangzhi's handwriting, and the understanding of "Inquiry into knowledge*" is completely in line with Xu Guangzhi's point of view in the ten-days debate. But because it only involved one or two sentences, it had not attracted other's attention.

Old Master Guan and Guan Father were the literary giants of current age, and they were best at viewing people with literature, how could they miss all kinds of doubtful point? They didn't notice it before because they had great trust in their students, and didn't think about conspiracies and tricks at all. Now that Guan Suyi had exposed it, they naturally understood the key to it.

"Shang Chongwen is good, every time he was able to reply fluently, it seems that he has discussed and negotiated with the real author, and then sent it to me. Now I have recommended him to serve as an official, if there is a rumor of stealing article and stealing names in the future, not only I and your grandfather will incur the crime of nepotism and deceiving the monarch, but will end up with losing our literary reputation. The thousand-year-old reputation of the Guan family will be destroyed by our hands!" Guan Father was heartbroken and furious.

Old Master Guan was as steady as Mount Tai, and said solemnly, "What's the hurry, let's wait for the people below to get concrete evidence. For scholars, the crime of stealing a literary name is comparable to beheading, which can make one unable to turn around forever. Once the scandal breaks out, our Guan family would be unlucky, and Shang Chongwen would definitely be doomed. Why do you think he is willing to lose his future and reputation? Xu Guangzhi must have held a deadly handle on him. Dig deeper into his background and you will be able to find clues."

Guan Father quickly calmed down and cupped his hands in obeisance, "Son will follow what father said and send some more people to investigate. The emperor has not issued a decree to recruit Shang Chongwen to become official. If Xu Guangzhi wants to retaliate, this is not the best time. We still have time to turn the tide."

"It's good if you know, go check it out." Old Master Guan looked at his granddaughter and said with relief, "Thanks to Yiyi today. Your senior brothers, including your father, can't do anything for you, so I have to teach you personally to become a worthy person!"

"Grandfather, are you complimenting me or complimenting yourself?" Guan Suyi didn't know whether to laugh or cry, and asked again, "If we can't find any concrete evidence, what will our family do?" Xu Guangzhi was extremely cunning, and since he already push Shang Chongwen as a scapegoat, he would certainly not leave any evidence involving him. It was very difficult to confront him. Ye Zhen, Zhao Luli, and even Qin Lingyun have not been able to hurt his fur in the previous life, his treacherous means were very evident.

Old Master Guan was not at all frightened, and said indifferently, "If we can't catch his tail this time, then we will see the real chapter in the next round. But Shang Chongwen will definitely leave a lot of clues, after all, Xu Guangzhi will have to expose his plagiarism crime later, the evidence must be sufficient, so we take it directly from him."

"What about after you take it?" Guan Suyi was still worried.

"After I take it, I will report it to the imperial court for your father's crime of negligence." Old Master Guan said word by word.

The crime of negligence? This was much less than the three crimes of nepotism, deceiving the monarch, and stealing literary names. If the father impeaches the son, and the son stand up to repent, the Guan family's reputation would not only undamaged, but would also go to a higher level. From then on, the Guan family would become a model of selflessness, loyalty and patriotism, and the emperor would not severely punish him for her grandfather's face, at most he would be told to reflect behind close door and his salary would be reduced.

Guan Suyi thought about it for a while, and finally calmed down. She smiled at the old man and sighed, "Grandfather, they all said that ginger get spicier as it gets older, I finally have a deep understanding of this today."

Guan Father also bowed his hands in shame and apologized again and again.

Old Master Guan was still in the same state as before, waved his hands and said lightly, "The officialdom is like a battlefield. It can be said that the situation is ever-changing, and every step is unstable. If we are not careful, we may lose our life. However, I still stand by this sentence, just follow the path of loyalty and uprightness, be worthy of the monarch above, be worthy of the people below, and to die without regrets."

"Father's teaching, son will keep in mind." Guan Father bowed deeply, and Guan Suyi also quickly bowed.

Old Master Guan thought for a while, then added, "Although you almost fell into the villain's trap, but in the future, when recommending talented people you should keep your eyes open and at the same time not be too shy. Even if it is your disciples and followers, those who have real talents and practical skills must be recommended, you must not stop eating for fear of choking*. If Yiyi is not a daughter, I would have written a letter of guarantee to recommend her as Commander-in-Chief*."

Guan Father was waiting to answer with compliance, when he heard the last sentence, he couldn't help but laugh. The old man really treasured his granddaughter. He always thought that his granddaughter was number one in the whole world, even him as her father has to retreat.

Guan Suyi also laughed "Pftt", holding her grandfather's arm for a good laugh.

—-

As Guan Suyi expected, the matter of Shang Chongwen stealing the article really left a lot of evidence, but Xu Guangzhi was not implicated in the slightest.

Xu Guangzhi first went to Jueyin Temple to worship the Buddha, and then "improvised" an article to share with the senior monk Xuan Guang, still pretended to be modest, let him not making it public. The monks didn't like to talk nonsense, so Xuan Guang silently accepted the manuscript and did not pass it on. A few days later, Shang Chongwen also went to Jueyin Temple to enjoy the scenery. He saw the article by "coincidence" and was astounded, so he secretly made a copy, hid it in his arms and took it away. After returning home he studied it repeatedly and imitated it. Soon after he found the original owner, used the identity as Chief of Ceremonies's disciple to "coerce and induce" him, and ordered him to not say anything, then he submitted it and took the opportunity to enter the officialdom.

Now the original manuscript was in Jueyin Temple, and the copy and imitation manuscripts were in Shang Chongwen's place. The three manuscripts and Xuan Guang's testimony were ironclad evidence. When Shang Chongwen won an official position and this matter revealed, Guan Father's crime of deceiving the monarch and deceiving the world to usurp a good name would be carried out, even if he jump into the Yellow River, he could not wash it away.

Without waiting for Xu Guangzhi's action, Old Master Guan got the manuscripts one by one, asked Xuan Guang to write his testimony, and forced Shang Chongwen to confess his guilt, and then went to the court meeting with all kinds of evidence.

The various incidents that happened in the Guan family had long been reported to Emperor Sheng Yuan by the spies. The two Mount Tai were in trouble, how could he sit back and ignore it. He originally planned to take care Xu Guangzhi and Shang Chongwen himself, but when he saw that the old man had formulated a solution swiftly and decisively, he felt deep admiration in his heart, so he went with flow.

In today's court meeting, the one standing at the forefront was no longer Prime Minister Wang. After the division of the two governments and three divisions, all power was spread out, everyone seemed to have benefited, but no one could monopolize, and in the end they have to listen to the emperor's decision. However, even so, it was better than the past when they were suppressed by Prime Minister Wang and unable to lift their head, so the capital was calm and tranquil, content with the status quo.

Emperor Sheng Yuan stepped onto the throne and raised his voice, "Does beloved ministers have any important thing to announce?"

Immediately, several people stood up to report, but the old man never moved. Emperor Sheng Yuan thought for a while, suddenly realize: This is to wait for him to take the initiative to mention Shang Chongwen's entry to the officialdom! All right, Zhen will issue the imperial edict to help you build a ladder.

After listening to the government affairs patiently, he approved a few more memorials, and then took out a volume of imperial edicts and said slowly, "Chief Minister of Ceremonies recommended Shang Chongwen to join the Third Division, and Zhen have seen his article which indeed very unique, really talented, so then… "

"Your Majesty, this minister has something to report!" Old Master Guan interrupted loudly.

Emperor Sheng Yuan pretended to be surprised, "If Emperor Teacher has something to say, it's the same to say it later, why interrupt the Holy's word?"

Old Master Guan took a step forward and knelt down to make a report, "This minister want to impeach one person, and it is related to Shang Chongwen's entry to become official, so has no choice but to be disrespectful in front of the emperor."

Impeachment again? Who is it this time? The courtiers immediately changed their faces, some were apprehensive, some secretly speculated, and some were looking forward to it. The Emperor Teacher unfolded the memorial, then he recited in full-spirited manner. Oh man, last time he impeached Ye Quanyong and the emperor, this time even his own son was not spared, the Emperor Teacher is really cruel!

At the end, the courtiers who were either horrified or gloating over someone's else misfortune all bowed their heads, showed the appearance of deep contemplation and reflection. It turned out that Chief of Ceremonies did not make any big mistakes, but he was negligence for a while and was deceived by his disciple. But the Emperor Teacher was not lenient at all, and he did not dare to cover up the slightest bit, even directly disclosed it to the emperor here. In the heart of the Emperor Teacher, afraid there were only the sentence "loyal to the monarch and loves one's country", without any selfishness and distracting thoughts. His iron bones and vast righteousness were unparalleled in the whole country!

Before they could finish their sighs, they saw Chief of Ceremonies removed his official hat and robe, knelt down and repented, and bluntly said that he was negligent in his duties, and his eyes were so confused that his tolerance raised a villain and mistreated talents. He was not worthy of the post of Chief Minister of Ceremonies, and implored the Emperor to dismiss him.

The courtiers were gasping with shock. They never expected that Chief of Ceremonies would have such a destructive momentum. If it were them, they would just kneel down, confess their guilt then beg for mercy. How could he destroy his future for a student? Guan Family is so daring, truly strong-willed!

Not only did the civil servants kneel down in unison to plead for mercy, but even the military generals also came out one after another to vouch for Chief of Ceremonies.

Emperor Sheng Yuan looked down at the clear and righteous court, and couldn't help laughing. Good! What he wanted was such a wide-ranging situation, and what he longed for was this extraordinary atmosphere. Emperor Teacher and Chief of Ceremonies were really the trusted aides that would bring peace and stability to the country!

"Inquiry into knowledge*": study the principles and laws and summarize as a rational knowledge.

stop eating for fear of choking*: avoid something because of a slight risk.

Commander-in-Chief*.": the highest military commander.

Chapter 80 Reward

After this incident, Emperor Sheng Yuan respected Emperor Teacher and Chief of Ceremonies even more. These two people have loyalty, have talent, one was flexible on the outside but firm inside, the other was upright and selfless. Standing up in the court seemed to able to hold the sky with one hand, enough to help him support the Wei Kingdom. With these two people around, he felt safe everywhere, and no longer felt like walking on thin ice and trembling with fear.

"Emperor Teacher please get up, Chief of Ceremonies please get up!" He personally walked off the imperial platform to support the two Mount Tai, with sincere words and a respectful attitude said, "This matter, Chief of Ceremonies is also deceived by others, so there is no need to blame yourself, this official hat, this official robe, still ask you to wear it again, if there are two less people in the court, Zhen will feel like Zhen have lost the backbone, the heart is truly restless."

Guan Father still wanted to refuse, but the emperor resolutely put on his official hat, put on his official robe, and comforted him, "The matter of Shang Chongwen stealing the article, Zhen will send someone to investigate. for the time being Chief of Ceremonies will go home and wait for the news, and don't say anything more about resignation. Emperor Teacher, don't get angry when you are the elder, Chief of Ceremonies was deceived by villain to make mistakes, it's really an unintentional mistake. Not only the beloved ministers help intercede for him, but also have Zhen to defend him, and you as the elder will give him a chance to rectify. You always say that knowing mistakes can make a big difference. You are so tolerant to outsiders, why are you so harsh on your family? You are strict with yourself and lenient with others, Zhen is deeply admire in the heart, then on behalf of Chief of Ceremonies Zhen ask for forgiveness."

Old Master Guan and Guan Father knelt down again to plead guilty and thanking the emperor's favor, and their eyes were red when they got up. The emperor was indeed lenient, and his reaction was as expected by the two, but they didn't feel proud, instead felt very guilty. If they were more careful and perceptive of the finest detail, how could they make such a mess? In the future they need to be more cautious.

The emperor was indeed a good emperor, and the Wei Kingdom would make great achievement under his rule.

After the end of the court meeting, a line of guards was ordered to arrest Shang Chongwen. Old Master Guan and Guan Father left the Jinluan Palace unscathed, then were called by the emperor to Weiyang Palace to talk. They were consoled and rewarded many treasures, then bid farewell after lunch.

Guan Suyi hadn't slept well all night, and the next day she went to the Emperor Teacher Mansion with dark circles under her eyes to wait. Seeing that noon had passed and her grandfather and father had not yet come back, she felt anxious and walked to the second gate. Suddenly heard the sound of a carriage driving outside the wall, she hurriedly asked the servant to go check.

"It's the old master and the master who are back." The little servant shouted happily.

"Grandfather, father, are you all right?"

"Old Master, master, has the emperor make things difficult for you? Yiyi and I waited all morning, and when we saw that you haven't return after noon, we were very anxious. I also heard that there was a line of armored guards running outside, and my heart almost pops out of my throat!" Zhong shi went up to meet them with a pale face, handed the official hat that the old man took off to her daughter, then take a look at her husband's hat.

"That line of guards should be sent by the emperor to arrest Shang Chongwen. We have not been able to obtain evidence of his collusion with Xu Guangzhi. I hope the emperor can have a result, and also to help prevent this person from playing dirty tricks behind our back in the future." While speaking, Guan Father helped the old man to cross the threshold, and when he opened his mouth, a strong smell of alcohol spewed out.

"Why are you still drinking?" Guan Suyi frowned and she said firmly, "Could it be that instead of punishing you, the emperor was rewarding you, so he kept you for lunch, is that right?"

"Exactly. The emperor is lenient and generous, easily forgive father, and tomorrow I will take up the job as usual. There is no need to reflect behind closed doors, there are no reduction of salary and still received a lot of treasures, which are now stacked in the front yard. You go open the box and check it, then register it and put it in the warehouse." Guan Father poured a cup of hot tea for the old man, and said warmly, "The old man is so happy today, and drank two more cups with the emperor. When he came back, he kept shouting that he wanted to drink the sober soup that Yiyi boiled, and it just so happened that Yiyi is here. Go and make soup for your grandfather."

Guan Suyi happily complied, boiled the soup and brought it to the main house in person, waited for her grandfather and father to drink it slowly, and took a rest before went to help her mother sorting out the imperial gifts.

Zhong shi held a booklet and written on it, the tip of the brush continuously moving, but her eyes were full of doubts. When she saw her daughter coming, she hurriedly said, "I was confuse about something and then you came. Come and help mother to see if the emperor accidentally put the things for the palace concubine into the box for the courtiers? Look at these cloths, jewelry, head ornament, rouge, spices, all of them are women's utensils, and they are very valuable, where can your grandfather and father use them!"

Guan Suyi took a closer look and saw that there were six large boxes in total. One box contained cloth, all of which were very luxurious satin such as Ruan Yan Luo, Qing Chan Yi, Fenghuang Huo, and Yunwu Silk (TN: not gonna bother translating that); One box contained jewelry, east pearl and south pearl piled up at the bottom, full of sparkles, with red, orange, yellow, green, blue, blue, purple and other colored gemstones sprinkled on it, facing the sun, it could really blind ones eyes; A box of head ornament that were all handmade by great expert, the workmanship was extremely exquisite, not to mention the whole set of head and face jewelries, even the nine-tailed phoenix hairpin, which could only be worn by the imperial concubine, was among them; The remaining two boxes, one box contained all kind of rouge and spices that were tributes from various regions, only others haven't heard of it, looking all over the palace there wouldn't be any. The last box was full of big silver ingots, neatly stacked inside.

Today, the sun was already full, so Guan Suyi felt her eyes were sore after counting for a while, and hurriedly turned her face away and rubbed the corners of her eyes. Minglan's eyes were also lit up, her cheeks flushed, and she was obviously fascinated by these things. It's no wonder, as long as it's a woman, where was there reason not to like treasures? If it changed to someone with less willpower, they would have thrown themselves into the box and rolled around on it by now.

Jinzi bowed her head silently, thinking that His Majesty had really changed. Many of the things stacked in the box were the spoils of war that he had earned with his life. Usually he wouldn't even let people touch it, but today he picked the most valuable ones, then transported it all to the Emperor Teacher Mansion, and it was also considered an indirect gift for Madam

Because he suffered too much when he was a child, His Majesty paid special attention to his own things, especially food and money, to the point of obsession. He fought in all directions, destroyed the Turks, Sogdians, Tubos, Dangxiang, and Persia successively, looted their imperial courts, and secretly hid them in private treasury. No one knew how much net worth he had accumulated over the years, but if really want to compare wealth, the legendary Ye family who were rich and invincible or the treasures left by the previous dynasty, they were just so-so.

No one knew where his private treasury was located. Jinzi followed him from birth until now, and she only went there once while being blindfolded, and was kicked out in less than a quarter of an hour. If it weren't for her sharp eyesight and excellent memory, she really wouldn't know where these things came from.

What was the red coral given to Ye Jieyu previously? Should really let those people outside to see the treasures in these six boxes. Pampering or not, loving or not, could sometimes be seen from these external things. Jinzi sighed again and again, and was finally dizzy by the dazzling treasure light, and hurriedly covered her face with her palms.

Guan Suyi waited until her eyes were not so sore before calling the eunuch who was carrying the box, "This gonggong (eunuch), you have a gift list there, can you show it to me? I suspect that the things were sent to the wrong place, perhaps it's the gift for one of the niangniang, but you sent it to the Emperor Teacher Mansion."

The eunuch had also counted it once earlier, and got the death order from Baifu, saying that it must be sent to the Emperor Teacher Mansion and could not be transported back, therefore Emperor Teacher Guan and Chief of Ceremonies cannot refuse, so he bent down and pretended to check the seal outside the box, said firmly, "Reporting to Madam, the box is not wrong, you can accept it. Then this servant will return to make completion report."

Guan Suyi wanted to interrogate him in more detail, but saw him kneel and kowtow, then hurriedly slipped away, stepped out of the door and got on his horse, running fast.

Zhong shi said in surprise, "How could he run so fast? We haven't finished asking yet!"

Guan Suyi thought for a moment, then shook her head and smiled, "Even if it was sent by mistake, how dare he bear the responsibility? In order to survive, he can only make the mistake and leave quickly. I don't know how the palace concubine who received the reward for grandfather will react, and I'm afraid she wouldn't dare to doubt the emperor and just accept it silently. Mother, don't worry about it, put the things in the warehouse first, and if no one from the palace come to asks, then you're picking up a big bargain."

"Can someone still make this kind of mistake ? It's amazing! These things are too precious, and most of them are suitable for women in their prime. It's useless for me to take them. Or you can take them back to the Zhao Mansion, consider it's mother making up for your dowry. I guess the one in the palace would definitely not dare to ask the emperor, because she would appear to be vain and small-minded, if it's wrong, then so be it." Zhong shi sighed and snickered for a while.

Where Guan Suyi was willing to take these hot things, quickly bid farewell to her mother and returned to the General Zhengbei Mansion. As soon as she entered the corner of the gate, she heard that Shang Chongwen committed suicide to escape punishment, and also set fire to his thatched hut, which showed that dead men tell no tales.

"It's such a ruthless method with no way to survive." She stood on the corridor and pondered for a long time, and then returned to the main house while sighing.

On the other side, Xu Guangzhi wished he could eat the father and son of the Guan family alive, but there was nothing he could do about them, so he had no choice but throw the pawn to save the rook, hastily interrupt the plan. He couldn't figure out how the Emperor Teacher saw through his deception, but he also knew that it was not appropriate to investigate at this time, and he had to seize the opportunity to improve his reputation in order to become an official, so he contacted County Prince Jing privately and naturally did not mention these arrangement.

After Shang Chongwen committed suicide to escape punishment, his plagiarized policy spread wildly in the elegant scholar circles, and those who were fortunate enough to see it all praised it and quoted it as an outstanding article. Xu Guangzhi, whose reputation was damaged by burning books and abolishing the legalism, quickly took the stage and became a hot figure in the upper circle. There was also great scholar who specially wrote a preface for his policy theory, calling him the successor of Confucianism, and perhaps in the future would open his own school, and become the great expert for the whole generation.

Therefore, in just a few days, his prestige had been close to that of Guan Father, and the civil servants repeatedly recommended him to become official, and the important positions on the Two Government and Three Division have been mentioned again, as if he was a rare all-rounder. However, in Emperor Sheng Yuan's heart, this person was a scheming, ruthless and wicked man who cannot be used. Every time there was such a memorial, he didn't publish it, but he would send additional personnel to investigate his life behind the scenes, trying to find one or two incriminating evidence to get rid of him.

When Guan Suyi heard the news of Xu Guangzhi's comeback, she felt depress in her heart, which was difficult to dispel no matter what, so she ordered someone to find the original manuscript of his policy, read it carefully, and then write a refutation against its loopholes.

In this life, she would never give Xu Guangzhi the slightest chance. If he want to be promoted then so be it, what's the matter with taking grandfather and father as his stepping stones? Could it be that the Guan family had a grudge against him in his previous life? That being the case, she would knocked this person down with her own hands.