Chapter 108 109: This is a big gamble
The Song Mansion was not peaceful at this time, the eldest lady in the East Court discussed important matters with her son and son-in-law, and even wrote a letter to her husband in a hurry.
West Courtyard is the opposite. Mrs. Cai brought Song Qinghan to prepare the dowry, as if she wanted to take a gamble. The dowry prepared for Song Qinghan was very rich, and Song Jinxuan was so angry that her eyes turned red, but there was nothing she could do.
Aunt Che was not in a hurry at all, she spread her speculation, and now it is confirmed that the birth mother of the concubine in Marquis Wuxin's mansion has another one, but the marriage has already been negotiated, and Song Qinghan, a big girl, has a bad reputation.
Madam, this is tooth breaking and blood swallowing, she wants to save face for the older girls who are married as dowry.
Song Jinxuan doesn't go out at all except to pay her respects every day. Mrs. Cai is in a bad mood, her father is not in Beijing, and Yun Zhao has become a noble Jieyu, so Madam can only vent her anger on her.
Although Aunt Che is favored, it is useless if her father is not at home. Fortunately, their mother and daughter have always acted in a low-key and cautious manner. If the wife is not caught, life is still going smoothly.
"When Daddy comes back, tell him about my marriage. When I get married, Auntie, you don't have to be so cautious all day long." Song Jinxuan felt sorry for her Auntie.
She is a girl who grew up in the backyard, so she was naturally ruled by her wife. Back then, Song Yunzhao was still a legitimate daughter, and her father had always protected her, so she would be wronged in front of her wife.
She is a concubine, but she doesn't have the confidence to go against Madam.
Only when she is married and the wife has nothing to do with Auntie, can Auntie's life really become easier.
Aunt Che kept sewing in her hands, she rubbed the tip of the needle between her hair, continued to thread the needle, and said in a low voice, "It's a big deal for a daughter's family to get married, and the husband's family has to keep their eyes open. I'm not in a hurry, what are you in a hurry for? Just wait and see, the three girls are now in the position of Jieyu, and they may be able to make progress next year. By that time, your marriage will be even better. Auntie doesn't want to be rich, but she doesn't want you to marry and suffer hardships." , when the master comes back and carefully palms your eyes for you, you can just wait with peace of mind."
Song Jinxuan didn't have such patience, "I feel that my wife has been looking at me strangely recently, as if she was looking at something. Auntie, I'm afraid that my wife will make an appointment for me while my father is not at home."
Aunt Che stopped sewing, "When did it happen? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was afraid that you were worried, and I was afraid that I was wrong. But I went to pay my respects in the past two days, and this feeling became stronger, so it may not be my illusion."
Aunt Che's face darkened suddenly, and she slapped her hand on the table, "Don't worry, wait for me to check. If Madam is really upset and kind, I won't sit and watch her push you into the fire pit. Since Madam is so idle, let her get busy."
Song Qinghan's marriage is full of deceptions. If Madam really plots against her Jinxuan, she will let Song Qinghan and Wushunhou's mansion become famous in the capital, and when she gets busy, she won't be able to take care of Jinxuan.
"I think you should tell Da Furen about this matter." Song Jinxuan was very worried. Now Da Furen is helping to manage major affairs in the mansion. If her aunt does something to make Da Furen unhappy, it will be bad.
"I know." Aunt Che sighed, "It will be fine when the master comes back."
The two families have already separated, and the eldest lady seldom cares about the affairs of the third bedroom, but as Jieyu's weight in the palace becomes more and more important, the eldest lady has now taken care of the affairs of the East and West Second Courtyard.
Although Madam is displeased, Da Madam is entrusted by the master one by one, even if Madam is dissatisfied, she dare not confront Da Furen.
Both the master and Jieyu in the palace trust the eldest lady more. Now the lady is standing on the edge of the cliff but she doesn't know it.
Aunt Che thought of this and put away her needle and thread, unfolded the little clothes she had made, looked carefully, and nodded with satisfaction. This was made for the eldest girl's youngest son. When Song Guiyi was not married, she was the first girl in the Song family. Now that her husband and son-in-law came to Beijing for the exam, she took the opportunity to return to Ning with the child, and loved her granddaughter and grandson's wife very much.
Aunt Che has always been clever, so she made a suit of clothes for the two children, worked hard for five or six days, and today is considered a good day.
Wrapped the two small clothes, Aunt Che got up, "I'll go to Da Furen's side."
"Auntie, I'll go with you."
Aunt Che shook her head, "The two of us are too conspicuous, I'll just go there quietly."
Song Jinxuan could only nod her head, "Then I'll go talk to Eldest Sister tomorrow."
Aunt Che went out with her bundle in her arms, and walked to the east courtyard by a small path.
Aunt Che came by coincidence, the eldest lady had just sent her son and son-in-law out, and when she heard that Aunt Che was coming, she was invited in.
Aunt Che saluted as soon as she entered the door, "I have met the eldest lady."
The eldest lady knew that Song Yunzhao still had some sisterly affection for Song Jinxuan, so she was polite to Aunt Che, "Why is Aunt Che here, but something happened?"
"The concubine made clothes for the cousin girl and the young master. The needlework is rough, please forgive me." Aunt Che said and put the burden on the table.
"You have a heart, sit down and talk." The eldest lady didn't expect Aunt Che to have such a heart, and looked at her kindly.
Aunt Che thanked her, sat down on the brocade stick brought by the girl, turned her body slightly, and smiled all over her face, "Why didn't you see the eldest girl?"
"I went to talk to her sisters." The eldest lady said.
Aunt Che praised Zhong Runyi and Zhong Minxing again. There is no one in this world who praises other people's children to make people happy. The eldest lady was really happy by Aunt Che.
As she was talking, Aunt Che turned the conversation to Song Jinxuan, and then brought up Cai's mistakes these past few days. She said with a sad face and helplessness, "I am very worried about the second girl's marriage. These years, my wife has been very displeased with my concubine. I am afraid that because of me, I will hurt the second girl's life.
The eldest lady frowned slightly, "The third sibling is busy with Qinghan's marriage, I'm afraid I won't be able to take care of Jinxuan now, Aunt Che is too worried."
She said this, but considering Cai's temperament, I'm afraid Aunt Che is not talking nonsense.
When the third brother went south, he asked her to take care of the house. She really couldn't ignore it.
"I really wish I was thinking too much." Aunt Che's face was full of bitterness.
"Now the third sibling has not mentioned Jinxuan's marriage. If she mentions it, I will ask about it." The lady said.
Aunt Che immediately stood up to thank her, she felt at ease with the Da Madam's words, and didn't ask the Da Madam to really block Cai, as long as the Da Madam was willing to step forward, she would naturally do other things by herself.
Madam is the first grader, so don’t blame her for the fifteenth grade.
After Aunt Che left, the eldest lady called Mother Zhao and asked her to find out if there was such a thing.
Mother Zhao hesitated when she heard the words, and said softly: "Ma'am, there are indeed a few wives visiting the west courtyard recently. I don't know if it is for the second girl's marriage."
The eldest lady's expression was not very good-looking, "You go and find out what's going on."
If Mrs. Cai really wanted to find a bad marriage for Jinxuan, she would come forward to stop her if she had no choice but to think about it, she would get very angry. What kind of thing is this?
"Mother, what's the matter?" Song Guiyi came back with his youngest son in his arms. As soon as he entered the door, he heard his mother's tone of voice was not very good, so he hurriedly asked.
Mother Zhao quickly took the young master Biao and said with a smile: "Miss, I will take the young master Biao to the nanny."
Song Guiyi nodded in agreement, his son was a little sleepy, and his little head was biting. These days, he has become familiar with Zhao's mother and others, and now he doesn't reject her holding him.
After Zhao's mother left, the eldest lady told the eldest daughter about Aunt Che.
Song Guiyi frowned her long, slender eyebrows. She was not particularly outstanding, but her facial features were very attractive. After she got married, she helped her mother-in-law manage the housework, and she also had a bit of dignity.
"Aunt Che dared to ask you for it, but you are becoming more and more lenient now." Song Guiyi felt sorry for his mother, "With Third Aunt's temperament, you will have to make things difficult for you."
Hearing that her daughter loves her, the eldest lady is very upset, and said softly: "Jieyu and Jinxuan have a good relationship, if she marries someone who is not good-looking, it will be disgraceful to Jieyu. This time about the son-in-law and your younger brother, Jieyu will have to spend a lot of time in the palace. Naturally, I will share Jieyu's worries about family affairs. A little hard work is nothing, as long as you are all well."
Hearing what his mother said, Song Guiyi raised his eyes and looked over, and said softly: "Mother, I'm in a state of turmoil. Is it really okay to make such a big fuss? What if..."
"Wealth and wealth are in danger, and our family has a beloved Jieyu, so we can only bite the bullet and move forward. But your father and third uncle's official positions are too low, not only can't help Jieyu, but they may also hinder her. Guiyi, there is no good thing in this world that has the best of both worlds. We can't just think about taking advantage of Jieyu."
Song Guiyi couldn't help laughing when he heard this, "Mother, are you saying that, am I that kind of person? I'm just worried that Jieyu's popularity will be bad for her."
The eldest lady glanced at her when she heard her daughter's words, "Ever since Yun Zhao entered the palace, she has been favored all the time. Back then, the third concubine still shared the emperor's grace equally, but now your third younger sister is the only one out there. Do you really think it's just because of Yun Zhao's beauty?"
Song Guiyi had just arrived in Beijing not long ago, and he didn't know much about the affairs in Beijing. Hearing what his mother said, he asked, "Isn't it?"
In her memory, when Yun Zhao was young a few years ago, his face was already quite beautiful.
So she was not surprised that she was favored after entering the palace.
"Of course not." The eldest lady taught her daughter earnestly, "It has been five years since the emperor ascended the throne, and no prince has been born in the harem. After Yun Zhao was favored, he overwhelmed the three concubines. How can he have such ability with just a face, the emperor is not the first emperor."
Song Guiyi's expression also became heavy, "Mother, what you mean is that the emperor used Yun Zhao to suppress the third concubine and her family?"
Song Guiyi's complexion changed again and again, and finally he sighed, "You mean that Yun Zhao had an accident?"
"It can only be said that she sensed the emperor's thoughts and acted according to the emperor's wishes." The eldest lady smiled, "Otherwise, with so many ladies entering the palace together, how could Yun Zhao stand out?"
"But... this is too dangerous." Song Guiyi said with a pale face.
"You're right. Because of this, the Song family was able to stand up as quickly as possible. Why did your third uncle go south to help the disaster? Why did your father marry Li Rong to Yucheng? Now even the son-in-law and your younger brother can't stay out of it. The leak of the exam questions this time is indeed dangerous, but it is also a great opportunity."
Song Guiyi's heart was pounding, and he couldn't hold back his expression for a while, "Mother, if this matter doesn't work out..."
"Why can't you work hard? If you don't succeed, you will succeed!" Da Furen said firmly, "I have already written to your father. This time, there are many students in Yucheng who have come to take the exam, and many of them are the sons of local dignitaries. As long as everyone joins hands, is it true that this court is really a world of right ministers? What's more, your father has colleagues and classmates. In the same year, as long as the news is released, as long as there are candidates at home, as long as His Majesty wants to check it out, this matter will never be easy. Let go."
Song Guiyi finally understood at this moment why her husband's expression was so solemn before. This was indeed very dangerous. It was the first time she experienced such a thing, and she was afraid and hopeful, nervous and looking forward to it.
"Mother..." Song Guiyi's heart was beating violently, "If things can really come true, my brother and husband will have made great contributions."
The eldest lady nodded slightly, "There are thousands of students, how many of them can be remembered by the emperor? If they can catch the emperor's eyes this time, as long as they don't go astray in the future, they will be fine. Guiyi, don't say anything about this matter, and don't mention it to your sisters."
"I see." Song Guiyi nodded hastily, "I didn't expect that I would encounter such a big event after traveling all the way back to my mother's house. When I go back in the future, I will be able to brag about it in front of my mother-in-law."
The eldest lady was amused all of a sudden, "If your mother-in-law hears, don't beat you."
Song Guiyi smiled, "My mother-in-law treats me like her own daughter, she is the only one who is happy for me."
The eldest lady sighed softly, "You didn't catch up with the good times. Your father's official position was low back then, so your marriage was inevitably lower."
"Mother, how can you say that, my husband is motivated and hardworking, my in-laws treat me kindly, my daughter is very grateful for the marriage that my mother chose for me." Song Guiyi said immediately.
Seeing her daughter protecting her husband's family so much, the eldest lady smiled and said, "That's good. As long as your son-in-law makes progress, you will have a better life in the future."
Song Guiyi naturally thought so too. She watched her mother change the subject, "Before I left Beijing, I wondered if I could meet Jieyu. Our sisters haven't seen each other for many years."
"I'm afraid it won't work right now. Jieyu mentioned to me that I miss you very much, and I'm afraid I will have to wait until the imperial examination case is over." The lady said.
"It's good if we can see each other. It doesn't matter if it's earlier or later. The main reason is that our sisters don't know when we can see each other again." Song Guiyi said slowly, the disadvantage of marrying far away is that it is not easy to meet family members.
"As long as the son-in-law is motivated, he will be able to become an official in Beijing sooner or later. At that time, there will be no difficulty for your sisters to meet each other." The eldest lady smiled and comforted her daughter, but she knew in her heart that even if Zhong Yingzhang was really motivated, he would only have to make progress step by step if he wanted to become an official in Beijing unless he made some special achievements in order to achieve it in just a few years.
If it is fast, it will be ten or eight years, and if it is slow, it will be ten or twenty years.
But there must be something to look forward to.
With Anshun's help, Song Yanran's progress went very smoothly. Someone had evidence, coupled with a group of young and passionate students, things quickly became serious.
Many students feel that they didn’t do well in the exam, and they don’t want to wait for the imperial list to come out and return home. As a result, such a thing happened and they didn’t leave. If the exam questions were really leaked, then the matter would definitely not just be exposed. Many people felt that maybe they could still have a chance to try.
Countless candidates rushed into the yamen to seek justice. These candidates have merit and fame, and even the government cannot arrest them and imprison them at will. The matter suddenly became stalemate.
After hearing the news, Xie Jinshu called his sister over immediately, "You go to see the eldest lady immediately, and ask the eldest lady if she can find a copy of the test paper that she bought and lend me a copy."
"Brother, what are you going to do?" Xie Linlang asked strangely, what's the use of asking for exam papers at this time?
Xie Jinshu said: "Didn't you see that it was Young Master Song who took the lead?"
"I know." Xie Linlang didn't understand for a while.
"Master Song dares to make such a fuss, do you think there is anyone behind him?"
Xie Linlang was shocked, "You mean Jieyu is behind the scenes?"
"Almost, what Jieyu dares to do must be sure of success. At this time, we have to help. There are very few people who can afford this kind of test paper, and many people have never seen it. Let's take the test paper and engrave it overnight. Even if everyone doesn't have a copy, we must let everyone know what the test paper looks like. Seeing such a test paper can make everyone more confident and seek justice. "
Xie Linlang heard that it made sense, "I'll go right away."
This is a big event and cannot be delayed.
Xie Linlang hurriedly went to the Song Mansion to ask to see the eldest lady. Xie Jinshu asked people to spend a lot of money to hire a engraver. Fortunately, he had a friend who was in the bookstore business.
After Song Yunzhao in the palace told the matter to the emperor, he didn't ask any more questions. Even after Anshun introduced the person who had been arranged well to Song Zhenran, he stopped going out of the palace. Wangyou Palace seemed to have returned to its previous state.
After two days of free time, Han Jinyi was the first to come over.
"A major accident happened to Yunzhao, have you heard?" Han Jinyi was sweating slightly on his forehead, with an anxious look on his face.
"What happened?" Song Yunzhao asked knowingly, pretending to be ignorant.
"Didn't your family write to you about the leak of the test questions? Oh, hurry up and ask, this time it's your cousin who took the lead." Han Jinyi's eyes were full of anxiety, "Don't be used by others. The leak of Qiu Wei's test questions is of great importance. If there is a mistake here, I'm afraid your cousin will be used as a stepping stone."
"It turned out to be for this matter, and I know this matter." Song Yunzhao waited for Han Jinyi to say it, and made a look filled with righteous indignation, "You don't know, my cousin bought a so-called guessing paper through someone's introduction before the exam, but he didn't expect that the guessing paper was all, but he was terrified. He didn't dare to write a word on the exam paper and handed in a blank paper. Is it?"
Han Jinyi was stunned, "There is such a thing? Someone is selling exam questions at a high price?"
Song Yunzhao nodded with a melancholy face, "Yes, these people really fed their conscience to dogs in order to earn money. After ten years of hard work, they have been studying all day and night, but they are no better than those incompetent people who spend a little money to go to high school. Who do you think can swallow this breath?"
Han Jinyi agreed with her relatives, "Yes, who can be willing?"
After a pause here, she looked up at Yun Zhao, "You know about this matter, don't you support your cousin's troubles?"
"That's natural!" Song Yunzhao was filled with indignation, "My cousin has always been a man of integrity, otherwise he would have given in a blank paper, and would not have joined forces. Not only my cousin, but my cousin's husband is also a fool. He wrote the paper the first day, and then handed in a blank paper in the next two rounds."
Han Jinyi:…
I really didn't expect that the descendants of the Song family had such a backbone, and I couldn't help admiring them. No wonder they could cultivate Yun Zhao's temperament.
If you were an ordinary person, who would hand in a blank paper?
Thinking about it this way, she understood that Song Xunran took the lead in seeking justice.
It's just that this matter is not easy, so I can't help but worry: "But this matter may not be able to get a satisfactory result."
"There will definitely be a result." Song Yunzhao said with great confidence.
"Why?" Han Jinyi looked at Yun Zhao suspiciously. This was not a fight between concubines in the harem, and it could easily end.
"Of course it's because I sued the court!" Song Yunzhao said confidently.
Han Jinyi was speechless, looked at Song Yunzhao in shock, nodded in admiration for a while, "It's you!"
Song Yunzhao and Han Jinyi looked at each other, and they couldn't help laughing.
"Since you have plans in mind, I'm at ease. I'm afraid that your cousin will be plotted against you, but now that you are backing him, why should I worry?" Han Jinyi was really relieved, and his whole body relaxed.
"Thank you, Jinyi." Song Yunzhao said sincerely, "Only you will remember me like this."
Han Jinyi shook her head, "You and I have met each other. Now that I know about it, I can't just sit idly by."
"Then let's just wait, there will definitely be a good result." Song Yunzhao said.
As long as the emperor upholds justice for these students this time, he will definitely win the support and love of these people, and the emperor's justice will win him a group of important officials.
At that time, the title of Emperor Mingjun will slowly be recognized, and it won’t take long. It only takes the emperor to deal with it for two or three years, and these people will gradually be able to use them. At that time, the situation above the court will slowly reverse.
In the past two or three years, the most important task Song Yunzhao set for himself was to give birth to a prince.
It's not that she favors sons over daughters, but the status of the prince can guarantee her status. With her status and power, she can be stable even if she has another daughter.
This big gamble is not easy for anyone.
Today’s update is here, my little cuties, have a nice weekend.
(end of this chapter)