East House.

Mrs. Zhu sat on the couch with her forehead supported, her eyes dull. In front of her eyes, the scene just before she sent her son to leave constantly appeared: the son and his grandmother said goodbye solemnly, with great respect. When he said goodbye to himself, he just told her not to worry, just a few words.

That's all, after 20 years, she also knew the old lady's position in her son's mind, and she didn't expect to overwhelm her.

But before leaving for the last time, Mrs. Zhu noticed that his eyes kept falling on Nv Qiao's face.

The way his son looked at Qiao Nv made Zhu Shi deeply feel anger and loss in the depths of his heart.

She didn't dare to let herself go to Mrs. Xu. But she naturally has no scruples about her daughter-in-law, whose status is not equal to her own.

A daughter of an enemy family, why should she overwhelm her with her son?

The more Zhu Shi thought about it, the more angry he became. The sound of footsteps approached behind her, she turned her head, and Jiang Li came.

Jiang Yu brought Zhu Shi a boiled snow clams. Zhu Shi took two sips and put it down.

Jiang Li advised: "Madam has been working hard these days. Xue Ha is better to rest and calm down, eat a few more bites."

Zhu Shi pushed the cup away, shook his head and said, "I really can't eat anything. Seeing that Qiao woman's pretense, I feel chest tightness."

Jiang Nu sighed: "Why doesn't the maid feel the same way? I don't know what she said to the old lady, but now the old lady sees her alone. Yesterday, Shi Nu, the food storehouse, came to tell the maid that although the Taoist lady has not yet Remove her from the management position, but use someone else to manage the accounts. It took only a few days for her to move the lady's people. If you give her a few more days, I am afraid that the lady will have no place to stand. "

Zhu Shi was poked at the central matter, his heart skipped a beat, and his face became even more ugly. After a while, he said, "She has a blind woman to support her, what can I do?"

Jiang Mi looked behind her, leaned over and said in a low voice, "Madam, the maid went to visit Zheng Shu a few days ago according to Madam Rizhao's words. When she came back, she couldn't bear to say something to Madam. I was afraid that Madam would be sad."

Zhu Shi said, "What are you talking about? Hurry up!"

Jiang Yu sighed: "When Zheng Shu came home, her aunt was afraid of the old lady's pressure, and hurriedly found a family for her to marry. Her husband was rude and didn't know how to be considerate. Now Zheng Shu's life is very sad, when she saw me , I couldn't stop crying. When I came back, I didn't dare to mention it because I was afraid that my wife would be sad. "

Zhu Shi showed heartache: "I killed my niece!"

Jiang Ni said: "What's the matter with Madam Gan? Zheng Shu is still grateful for mentioning Madam. Only mentioning..."

She paused and pouted in the direction of Westinghouse, "I hate the mention of the person in that room."

Zhu Shi gritted his teeth and said, "Why don't I hate it! What can I do!"

Jiang Yan's eyes moved slightly: "It's not impossible. It depends on what you can't do, Madam."

Zhu Shi was startled: "What method?"

Jiang Ni whispered to her ear and said, "The great witch knows the method of witchcraft. I have heard that as long as you get the birth date and eight characters to make a puppet, the great witch will cast a spell and add enough resentment, and in ten days and a half, the person will surely die of a sudden illness. , because there is no special state, others will never doubt otherwise."

Zhu Shi was taken aback: "You told me to kill Qiao Nu?"

Jiang Concubine hurriedly knelt down: "Madam forgive me! The maid was just out of anger and babbled nonsense! If madam couldn't bear it, then the maid didn't say anything!"

Zhu Shi waved his hand: "I didn't blame it!" She was upset and had a hard time deciding. His breathing gradually became rapid, and his face turned red and white. For a while, she felt that Jiang Li's plan was very much in line with her heart. After thinking about it, I felt trembling again and didn't dare to start.

Jiang Mi glanced at her face and said in a low voice, "Madam, it's not the maid who talks too much. The Qiao family and Madam have an undeniable hatred, and I wish they could sacrifice the heroic spirit of the first master and the first young master in the sky. Madam. Tzu Chi, Ms. Qiao is not only not grateful to Madam, but opposes her everywhere. Only Madam can tolerate her, but she is forced to retreat step by step.”

Zhu Shi squeezed her palms sharply, her nails digging deep into her palms, and she gritted her teeth and said, "What you said is not without reason! If I back down again, I'm afraid that she will be pushed to a dead end in the end!"

Jiang Li said: "It's not that Madam doesn't allow her, it's just revenge for the former master who died that day!"

When Zhu Shi thought of the pain of losing her husband and child that day, her heart was twisted like a knife, and she turned to look at Jiang Li: "How can this be done properly?"

Jiang Mi said in a low voice: "To be honest, this plan was not made by the maid, but Zheng Shu's intention. If the madam agrees, the maid will go out again and hand over the matter to Zheng Shu, and she will do it secretly, so as to hide people's eyes and ears. If it really works, it will never cause people to suspect Madam!"

When Zhu Shi heard that it was his niece, he felt even more united, so he no longer hesitated. He nodded and said, "That's very good. You can take another trip in the next two days, take my words with you, and tell her to be careful and don't give anyone a handle."

Jiang Li agreed.

…

In the south of the city near the city gate, there is a family named Liu. Although the ancestors are not prominent, the family has a small family, but the family has three houses, hundreds of acres of land, and there is no shortage of servants in the family. Last year, my son was recommended by the local government because of his filial piety. He became the chief secretary in the Yafu in the adjacent Changxian County.

Half a year ago, a matchmaker came to do matchmaking and told the niece of a family surnamed Zheng to the son of the Liu family. The Liu family's parents found out that although Zheng Shu's parents were both deceased, there was an aunt, who was the head mistress of the monarch Wei's house. Before Zheng Shu returned home, he had lived in the Wei Mansion for many years. Although I don't know why Zheng Shu didn't marry at an old age, she has returned to Zheng's house solitary now. But if he could take this opportunity to climb up to the relatives of the Wei family, he would not be able to control it for a while. Not only did he not hesitate, but he felt that his family was high, and he agreed to the marriage at that time. Three months later, Zheng Shu came in. The Liu family's parents were happy when they saw Zheng Shu's outstanding appearance and generous dowry, and because of her relationship with the Wei family, they dared to put on the air of elders in front of her, and wished they were careful to worship her. The Liu family's son loves his newlywed wife's appearance and is also happy.

The Liu family originally thought that a good relationship had come from heaven, and it was a good marriage. But he never imagined that in less than half a month, Zheng Shu began to change his face. Every day, instead of disliking the poor food and making it difficult to swallow, he punished the servants for being clumsy and poor in serving. The Liu family's parents endured it at first, thinking that she was used to the days of brocade clothes and jade food in the Wei mansion, and when she married into her own home, she couldn't get used to it for a while. Who would have thought that Zheng Shu would not dare to do anything to herself after eating Dingliu's family. All the resentment and dissatisfaction of being kicked out of Wei's house in the past were all vented to her husband's house. It was even more sarcastic, calling him useless, sleeping with him when he was in the room, and shutting the door to prevent him from going to bed when he was disgusted. Now that this time has come, the Liu family's parents regret it. I hate that I was greedy for wealth and sow bitter fruit. Then Zheng Shu would move out of Wei's mistress at every turn to press people, how dare you do it. As for the son of the Liu family, he is now even more afraid of his wife, so he simply avoids the county and does not come back several times a month. The family has become Zheng Shu's world.

It's been three poles that day, Zheng Shu was drunk last night, and didn't wake up until this time. Lazily getting up and being served to comb their hair, the parents of the Liu family outside saw a green felt mule cart parked in front of the door, and an old woman got out of the car, her legs and feet were slightly lame, and they recognized it as a decent old woman who had come to the Wei residence a few days ago. , did not dare to neglect, hurriedly went out to meet. Jiang Li didn't see the Liu family's parents in her eyes, but after a faint face-to-face, she entered as if she were her own. When Zheng Shu in the room heard Jiang Li coming, she showed a look of joy, and she hurriedly welcomed her into the room and asked the maid to offer tea and fruit, and said with a smile: "Amu Fang came to see me a few days ago, and I also said that I don't know when the next time will be. Let's meet again!"

Jiang Li replied with a smile and gave her a wink. Zheng Shu knew that she should have something to say, so she screened the servants out of the room, closed the door tightly, and asked, "Amu went and returned, but have something to say?"

Jiang Mi called her to her side and whispered. After Zheng Shu heard it, her face changed slightly. When she hesitated, Jiang Mi said, "This is Madam's advice. Madam is now deeply suffering from Qiao's daughter, and she has to do it. It is just her own suffering. It is inconvenient to come forward and treat you as a caring person, so I will secretly leave this matter to you. You think, if you hadn't been killed by that Qiao Nv before, how could you have been kicked out of the Wei House, and now you are wronged to marry such a dilapidated family People?" He said, looking around the room with contempt.

Zheng Shu was touched, and gritted her teeth: "What Eminem said is very true!"

Jiang Mi smiled and said, "Madam said, as long as this is done, all the gold and silk will be paid out. When I came back, Madam gave some convenient money first." Only the purse was opened, revealing the golden loaves inside.

Zheng Shu originally hated Qiao Nv. Forced to marry into the Liu family, I thought this was the end of my life, but I didn't expect that my aunt suddenly planned to get rid of Qiao Nv. After thinking about it for a while, he made up his mind and said, "I will take the money first, and I will use it for Dawu. Dawu easily refuses to shoot. Fortunately, I had some friendship with her in the past, and if I ask for it, maybe it will be done. You go back and wait for the news."

Jiang Li was happy. The two of them each told them not to leak the rumors, and plotted repeatedly in a low voice. After the agreement was reached, Zheng Shu sent Jiang Hao out as if nothing had happened.

…

Wei Shao dispatched troops to leave Yuyang, and three days passed in a blink of an eye.

Without Wei Shao, Xiao Qiao loses one of the duties of serving her husband, so she can act more freely. In the past three days, except for some family matters, she went to the North House in the morning, and in the evening, she waited until Mrs. Xu went to bed, and then came back.

That night, Mrs. Xu took the medicine. Before she took a break, she smiled and told Xiao Qiao that she would not have to guard herself like this from tomorrow.

Xiao Qiao said, "My husband left for the expedition, and the Westinghouse was empty. It would be boring for me to stay there alone. Why don't I come here to accompany my grandmother. I'm afraid my grandmother thinks that I am clumsy and will get in the way."

Mrs. Xu shook her head and said with a smile: "How could it be? Grandmother wished you were always in front of me. I was afraid that you would be too exhausted. It's really meaningless to be with me as an old woman, I know it in my heart."

Xiao Qiao smiled and said, "Grandmother Ciyan, I'm not close enough, how can I be boring? When my grandmother recovers and I don't have to drive me away, I will be lazy myself. I hope my grandmother will not be blamed at that time."

On the side, Zhong Ni said: "The lady is filial. And that's what it should be. The old lady doesn't need to feel distressed. When she is healed, she can go back with a little more pain."

Mrs. Xu smiled and said, "It's okay. If my grandson is not with me, I will enjoy the blessings of my grandson-in-law."

Xiao Qiao helped her to lie down. After she was settled, she stayed by her side. Seeing that she gradually fell asleep, she got up and was sent out by Zhong Er. When I returned to my Westinghouse, I also felt tired. After taking a hot bath in the bath room, I came out and put on my clothes, and sat alone in front of the lamp.

It's already a bit late. The hustle and bustle of the day faded away. The huge Wei Mansion also fell into the tranquility of the night.

Xiao Qiao slowly wiped her long hair, and when she was in a trance, Chunniang suddenly came in and said something in her ear. Xiao Qiao asked her to bring someone in. After a while, Huang Hao from the East Room entered secretly, entered the door, and greeted Xiao Qiao.

Xiao Qiao asked her to excuse herself from the ceremony and then offered her seat. Huang Li repeatedly said that he did not dare.

Xiao Qiao smiled and said, "Chunniang said you have something to say?"

Huang Concubine stepped forward and said in a low voice, "In the past few days, the maid has been instructed by the maid, and she has always paid attention to the movements of the madam and the Jiang concubine. This afternoon, the madam fell asleep, and the Jiang concubine changed her clothes and quietly left the house through the back door. I didn't take a car, and I didn't take anyone with me. The maid followed suspiciously. Does the maid know where she went?"

Huang Li paused. Seeing Xiao Qiao's gaze, she said in a low voice, "She went to a large house with high walls in the west of the city. When I followed, I saw her flashing in the back door, as if someone was waiting inside, and she disappeared immediately. It was inconvenient to approach, so I just waited far behind. Before a cup of tea, I saw her sneaking out and hurried back to the house. The more I thought about it, the more strange it became, and I remembered the lady's order, so I came here to report. "

Xiao Qiao asked, "Do you know who that family is?"

Huang Nuo said: "The maid has been in Yuyang for decades and knows some things. It seems to be the residence of a widow in a township surnamed Li."

Xiao Qiao asked her to describe the location and address clearly. He cross-examined carefully, and seeing that there were no omissions, he asked Chunniang to hand over the money to Huang Yu. Huang Li shied away a few times and took it, grateful.

Xiao Qiao smiled and said, "Amu did a good job today. Don't leak the news when you go back. If there is any change, let me know."

Huang Nuo hurriedly said: "I don't dare to be loved by the maid. The maid only wants to serve the maid. So the maid returned first, so as not to be noticed."

Xiao Qiao nodded with a smile. After Huang Hao left, she pondered for a moment and asked Chunniang, "You helped me deliver the letter the day before yesterday, is that person still here?"

Chunniang said: "It should still be there. I heard what the gentleman said, Yuyang seems to have an old friend of his, and wants to hang around for a few more days to visit friends, and come back after a while."

After Chunniang finished her response, she saw Xiao Qiao was silent, as if she was thinking about something. At first, she didn't dare to disturb, but she couldn't help it and asked, "Seeing that the maid has been thinking these days. What happened? Why? Ask the whereabouts of that gentleman?"

The "Lang Jun" in Chunniang's mouth is the person who passed the book to Yuyang several days ago. Da Qiao also mentioned in the letter, saying that the man named Zongji was originally the son of the first family in Xuzhou, and he had an enmity with Xue Tai for generations. . Returning to Xuzhou a few months ago, the assassination of Xue Tai failed, and when he was injured and in distress, he was rescued by Bi She. Ranger has always made great promises, and the two sympathized with each other. Zongji immediately swore to serve in return for saving his life. He learned that his couple wanted to send a letter north to Yuyang, saying that when he was young, he had traveled far away, and Yuyang still had one or two old friends. Willing to send letters on your behalf.

In today's chaotic world, there are dangers everywhere on the road, and communication between the north and the south is even more difficult. I don't know how many books are lost on the road. De Zongji promised that Da Qiao immediately wrote a letter to the family and asked him to send it to Amei.

Da Qiao also mentioned a sentence in the letter, saying that if there is a book back, he can be assured that Zongji will bring it back. It was Xiao Qiao who wrote a letter the other day and sent Chunniang to the inn where Zong Ji lived.

Listening to Chunniang asking herself at this moment, Xiao Qiao pondered for a moment, and said, "Tomorrow, you will accompany me to see that gentleman together. I have something to ask him."