Concubine like a house

Chapter 103
She didn't go to Cuihu Lake to have a banquet after going out of Xiuxiu, but the day after she met King Mu, she set off to return to Yanlan City.This time when she came to Jingzhou, she didn't see Yun Xian. After all, the other party was Yun Muge's brother. Now that the girl died in vain, and it was caused by the overt and covert coercion of various people, she really didn't know how to face Yun Xian.

Came in a hurry, left in a hurry, the road was full of January, and when I returned to Yanlan City, it happened to be the first day of October.At this time, the construction period for the four memorial archways bestowed by King Mu has also come to an end.

Entering the south gate of Yanlan City, one can see four majestic archways standing on the wide street at a glance. It is not an exaggeration to use the word "tall" to describe them. First.

The stone pillars of the high gate of white marble are transparent throughout, and the styles of the four archways are different but extremely unified, except that the golden lacquer characters have not yet been rubbed.Birds of different shapes are carved on the high white jade pillars of each archway, but none of them is the same.The picture of a hundred birds symbolizes good luck.

Chuxiu specially ordered the carriage to stop for a moment in front of the four memorial archways. She opened the curtain and looked up from a distance. The material of the white marble was extremely transparent under the molten gold sunlight, and the undulating carved texture reflected rays of light. , It's like the heavenly gates to the fairyland.

The craftsmen are currently working on the final process - rubbing the inscription written by Mu Wang on the lintel.Looking up against the glare of the sun: Loyalty, Honesty, Charity, Chastity, the four archways and eight characters are the embodiment of all the glory of the Yun family.

Chuxiu suddenly remembered that he was 21 years old, and at this age, he could get a chastity archway, which was really a compliment from King Mu.

Putting down the curtain, the carriage rolled again, passing under the four archways one by one.Chuxiu was sitting in the car, and he could still hear admiration faintly coming from around him, probably because he was amazed at the magnificence of the archway and the prestige of the Yun family.

On the first day of the first winter month, the four archways were officially completed.On the same day, a decree was handed down from the city of Jingzhou, and the regent Nie Peihan canonized Chuxiu as "First Class Lady Protecting the Nation", and bestowed a thousand hectares of fertile land and countless pearls and jade.Taking advantage of this decree, what was transported to Yanlan City one after another was actually boxes of gold bars, which were exactly [-]% of the assets that King Mu had borrowed from the Yun family back then.It turned out that when the archway was being built, King Mu had already transported the gold bars mixed with white marble stones, and kept them hidden in several warehouses in Lincheng, guarded by heavy soldiers.Fangzhou is the fiefdom of King Mu himself, so it is not difficult to hide countless gold bars and ingots. As soon as the four archways are completed, they will be transported into Yanlan City generously.

Chuxiu didn't ask King Mu where he got the money, but he also heard that he found the treasure left by the Daxi Dynasty.For hundreds of years, everyone has been scrambling for the treasure of dragon veins. Countless people died for it, but failed to find it. In the end, it fell into the hands of King Mu.Maybe this is the talent of the emperor.

With the completion of these four archways, as well as a series of decrees and rewards, the name of Chuxiu has once again spread throughout the north and south.But the content of the rumors this time is not that she is unscrupulous, rooster-like, or not good at general affairs, but that she is far-sighted, assesses the situation, has a precise vision, and does not give way to women.

Why the Yun family gave up the Beixi property back then, and why they successively closed down the banks and banks, now have the best explanation - Mrs. Chuxiu spent huge sums of money to support King Mu's ascension to the throne, and she succeeded.

The surname "Yun" has maintained majesty, wealth and glory after hundreds of years of management. It is the most legendary family.How many people are jealous, waiting to see the decline of the Yun family after the division between the North and the South, waiting to see how the Yun family will make a choice.

However, in the hands of Chuxiu, the Yun family passed the most difficult moment and made the most correct choice in the turmoil of the North-South split.The death of Beixi, the rise of Beixuan, the death of Chen Xuan, the regent of King Mu... Everything has shown that the unification of Kyushu will be completed in the hands of King Mu.

Mrs. Chuxiu led the Yun clan to create a new glory.The Yun family is about to become a prosperous and wealthy family that has gone through two dynasties.This kind of glory, this kind of legend, it is not an exaggeration to say that it is "unprecedented and unprecedented".

Since then, in the eyes of the world, Marquis Lixin's Mansion has changed from its previous aloof image, and has become a more prestigious and precious place of wealth.Everyone was looking forward to making friends with Mrs. Chuxiu, for a while, there was an endless stream of people visiting Yunfu.

But Chuxiu made up his mind to say that the illness was gone, and handed over everything to the housekeeper Yunfeng.On this day, Danxin and Chuxiu were chatting in the room, when Yunfeng suddenly came to report: "Madam, I have something to ask." "Come in." Chuxiu looked out the door, saw Yunfeng enter the room respectfully, pregnant Still holding two bronzing red posts and... a stack of ledgers?Needless to say, the bronzing red post was naturally sent by someone.But this account book is... counting the days out of Xiuxiu, and said to Yun Feng: "It's not time to reconcile the accounts at the end of the month."

"Indeed not." Yun Feng didn't raise his head to see Xiu, more like lowering his head on purpose, letting Chu Xiu see his restraint and restraint.

It's been almost a year since Yunfeng took office, but he always looks like this.Chuxiu smiled relievedly: "Every time Steward Yun comes to see me, it's like facing a big enemy."

Yun Feng lowered his head in shame, obviously unable to let go of his infatuation in the past: "I was the one who was rude to Madam in the past."

"If you don't tell me, I'll forget about it." Chuxiu smiled lightly, then naturally changed the subject and asked, "What are you doing with the ledger?"

Yun Feng immediately turned serious when he heard the words, and temporarily put aside the restraint just now, and replied: "I recently sorted out the accounts and found out that there is a separate account that has not been signed and sealed in recent years. The last review was five years ago. At that time, it was stamped and signed by Lord Hou."

Stamped and signed by Yunci five years ago?Chuxiu took the account books and put them on his lap: "Maybe the accounts have already been settled and there is no need to review them again."

Unexpectedly, Yunfeng shook his head: "On the contrary, this is a set of accounts, which has been kept by my uncle himself. Every loan is clearly remembered. The borrower is... Mingzhang, the eldest son of the Ming family. .”

Yun Feng paused for a moment, and finally raised his eyes to Chuxiu: "Within six years, the interest rate will increase, and the amount he owes is... 5000 million taels of gold."

"5000 million taels of gold!" As soon as Yunfeng said this, Chuxiu and Danxin exclaimed at the same time.This amount is really not trivial, even if she is the world's most wealthy businessman and the head of the Yun family's mistress, Chuxiu cannot be underestimated.Nanxi has always been richer than Beixi, and the annual tax is less than 1000 million taels of gold, yet Mingzhang owes a huge debt of 5000 million taels of gold within six years!In other words, he owed Nanxi the tax of the whole country for six years!Furthermore, the entire Yun family does not eat or drink, and the wealth they have accumulated in a year is only 500 million taels of gold. How can Mingzhang owe the family fortune of ten years of hard work?Even if he was the nephew of Empress Nanxi and the eldest son of the right minister Mingcheng, with Yunci's personality, it is absolutely impossible to lend him this huge sum of money for no reason.

Chuxiu couldn't help looking down at the ledger, wanting to confirm what Yunfeng said.These three account books were indeed counted from six years ago, and it was indeed Yunci who handled them in the first year. The seals and signatures were all from Yunci himself.

She looked through the three account books carefully, and found that the account was only 2000 million taels of gold at first, but in the following five years, Mingzhang continued to borrow money, plus interest, and actually owed a full 5000 million taels of gold. Gold!
The more I looked at Chuxiu, the more surprised I was. Even though Yunci agreed to the loan at the beginning, why did the housekeeper Yunzhong continue to borrow money from Mingzhang after Yunci died?And it was tightly covered so that no one would know.If Yun Zhong hadn't died of illness this time, Yun Feng might not have been able to find out the account.

The most strange thing is that such a large amount of gold flowed out of Yun's, but it can be done without anyone noticing it?Chuxiu didn't know if Mrs. Tai knew about this, but she had been in charge of the family for several years, and she really didn't know the existence of this debt.

In particular, the borrower is still Mingzhang, and this surname is too sensitive... Chuxiu suddenly remembered something. When Shen Yu was presiding over Ming's case this spring, there was a rumor in Jingzhou City that he was the right minister. Cheng's eldest son was a gambler and owed a huge amount of debt, which was as large as Nanxi's seven-year tax... When Chuxiu heard this rumor, he just laughed it off.She believes that it may be true that Mingzhang is fond of gambling, and it may be true that he owes a huge amount of debt, but the amount will definitely not be Nanxi's tax for seven years.But now looking at the huge debt account in hand, it is enough to cover the national tax for six or seven years!It turns out that the rumors are true!
Chuxiu knew that the housekeeper, Yun Zhong, could never be a favoritism person, nor did he have the guts and ability to lend so much money behind Yun's back, not to mention that the debt was handled by Yun Ci in the first place.Chu Xiuyin faintly felt that this matter was very strange, some idea seemed to flash through her mind, but she couldn't grasp it, or she couldn't believe it.

Chuxiu considered it carefully for a moment, and said to Yunfeng decisively: "I will keep this account book, you just pretend you don't know about it, and don't mention a word in front of Mrs. Tai."

Yun Feng nodded, if he hadn't sorted out his uncle's belongings, he wouldn't have found these three books.Originally, he thought that it was because of old accounts that he would hide them carefully, but unexpectedly... he really didn't dare to neglect such a large amount, and even if his uncle Yunzhong was to be questioned behind him, he would never dare to hide it.

Yun Feng collected his expression, and replied solemnly: "Madam, don't worry, I will never say a word about this matter." Chuxiu nodded, and then looked at Danxin, before he could remind him, the other party had already promised himself: "Madam Don't worry, although the servant girl is usually outspoken, she knows what to say and what not to say." These two are reliable people in front of him, so let me calm down for a while, and then said: "You two first Go down and call Zhuying in for me." Danxin and Yun Fengqing knew that the matter was serious, so they didn't dare to talk too much, they looked at each other and bowed to leave, and called Zhuying in again.

Seeing Zhuying's candid expression, Chuxiu suddenly fell silent.Zhu Ying has been by Yun Ci's side for many years, if anyone in this world is Yun Ci's most trusted confidant, it must be him.But does Zhuying know about this?How much do you know?Why haven't you mentioned a word for so many years?
Yun Ci, a person with limited legs and feet, would bring Zhuying with him wherever he went. For such a large amount, he would have to travel to and from various places several times, so how could he hide it from Zhuying?Thinking of this, Chuxiu slowly raised his eyes to look at him, and first asked: "Zhuying, how have I treated you these years?"

Zhu Ying was startled, and then replied truthfully: "Madam takes great care of me." Chuxiu pinched the account book in her hand, and then asked: "Then what are you hiding from me?" Extremely solemn, even stern, his eyes were fixed on Zhu Ying, unwilling to let go of his expression.As she wished, she saw Zhuying lower her head, and replied with a frown: "I never hide any of my private affairs from you, but there are some things in the mansion that I did not let you know." He paused, then said, "It was ordered by the master before he was alive." With a "snap", Chuxiu put the three account books on the table on the table, and pointed with one hand: "Then tell me what's going on? Who told you to?" Hidden from me? Is it also Lord Hou?" Zhu Ying entered without knowing it, stood still, and reminded him in a calm voice: "Mingzhang, the eldest son of the Ming family, once borrowed heavily from the Yun family, and it was approved by Lord Hou back then. How much do you know about this?"

Sure enough, Zhu Ying's face froze when he heard the words, and he frowned and pondered for a long time.Seeing that he didn't speak, Chuxiu knew that he must know the inside story, so he couldn't help asking: "Why didn't you tell me about such a large debt? Do you know how much Mingzhang owes me, Yun's, these years? !"

After two questions, Zhuying still didn't reply.Only then did Chuxiu get annoyed: "Why did Lord Hou agree to lend him money back then?" She knew that Yun Ci was not an impulsive person, and she would never risk Yun's capital turnover because of power or other conditions. Lend money out.

"Madam really want to know?" After asking for a while, Zhu Ying only said this.Chuxiu stared at him.For the first time, she saw a look of sadness, emotion, and emotion on Zhu Ying's face. If she hadn't seen it with her own eyes today, she would never have imagined that Zhu Ying, who is usually unsmiling, would have such a fragile moment.She waited quietly, waiting for Zhu Ying to tell her the truth, and she also had a vague premonition that this was not a simple story.

"This money was not lent to Mingzhang by the Yun family... In fact, the reason why Mingzhang owed a huge gambling debt was a trick set up by the master." Zhu Ying suddenly didn't know where to start.

"How do you say that?" Chuxiu was puzzled, why did Yunci set this trap for Mingzhang?Zhu Ying sighed silently, and replied: "Master, I heard that Ming Cheng, the prime minister on the right, has two sons and one daughter under his knees. The second son Ming Cui plays with things and loses his ambition, so there is nothing to be afraid of; the youngest daughter Ming Ying is arrogant and jealous, and has no eyesight; there is only one eldest son Ming Zhang. Wentao and martial arts, but addicted to gambling... The master wants to bring down the Ming family, but the right minister Ming Cheng is an old fox, the master can only start with him, the eldest son..."

Yun Ci wants to bring down the Ming family?why?Chuxiu thought about it, but the words turned into: "When did this happen?"

"Six years ago." Zhu Ying no longer concealed it, "just after you came to Yanyan City." Six years ago, she had just followed Yunci to Yanyan City!Chuxiu suddenly thought of something, but she couldn't believe it, she didn't even dare to think about it, lest she would be self-indulgent.However, the timing was so coincidental that she couldn't help but think about it.

"Ma'am, you don't need to guess. I also asked the master why he did this for you." Zhu Ying couldn't hide his sadness so far, and said truthfully, "As early as when I was chasing Hongyuan, the master already guessed your identity. He specially sent me to investigate. It is precisely because he knew you were Han Chu that he made up his mind to bring you back... When he took action against the Ming family, I knew that he was really interested in you!"

There was a crisp sound of "啪啦啦", Chuxiu was careless for a moment, and the teacup on the table fell to the ground with his sleeve.The sound of the porcelain shattering was so clear, it was like her heart fell into pieces, nothing could be broken.

Chuxiu almost caressed his heart, calmed down and restrained for a while, before he dared to ask, the voice trembled unconsciously: "This matter... Does King Mu know?"

"I know." Zhu Ying nodded, "Actually, King Mu had planned to deal with the Ming family a long time ago, but he has been suffering from no chance. The Ming family has always been very polite to us in the past. King Mu took the initiative to come to the door several times and proposed to have a relationship with the master. They joined forces to attack the Ming clan, but the master refused...but since Ming Cui went after Hongyuan to arrest you, after the master brought you back, he took the initiative to cooperate with King Mu."

At this point, Zhu Ying finally told the whole story: "In order to set up this trick, the master took down all the biggest gambling houses in Jingzhou City. He is behind the scenes, and this matter is also very good. Concealment. At that time, Mu Wang found a few old men to trick Ming Zhang into placing a big bet, and in the end he lost a lot, so the master logically lured him to sign a loan shark..."

"Later, King Mu asked many people to press for debts. Behind the scenes, the master urged Mingzhang to gamble again. Sometimes he was allowed to win, and sometimes he was allowed to lose. It was designed like this for more than half a year, and Mingzhang had lost all over the entire Jingzhou city. I borrowed 2000 million taels of gold from our Yun family's bank..." Zhuying choked up so much at this point, "Uncle Zhong personally did this at the time. Mingzhang has been gambling for so many years, and there is no The bank is willing to lend him money, but Yun's..."

There were tears in Zhuying's eyes, and she found that Chuxiu was also crying.He gritted his teeth for a long while, and then held back his tears and continued: "When Mingcheng was beheaded this year, one of the charges was 'privately embezzling the treasury'...Why do you think Mingcheng did this? Naturally, it was to pay off his son's debts ...During this period, King Mu also did a lot of tricks to force the Ming family to embezzle the treasury..."

Misappropriation of the treasury... Then Shen Yu must have known the inside story. How could he not know such a big matter as the chief judge of the Ming family?It turned out that I was the only one who was kept in the dark... Chuxiu tightly covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face, fearing that she would lose her composure and cry bitterly in front of Zhuying.

After a while, she remembered a very important matter, and asked tremblingly, "Since it was a setup, where did our tens of millions of taels of gold go?"

(End of this chapter)