The Duke House's Ideal Daughter-in-law
Chapter 138
Xu Nian’an and Zhao Jiazhen hurriedly rushed to the Imperial Court of Judicial Review.
Zhao Huanxi had already been moved out of the prison cell and was lying in a wing room within the court.
By the time Xu Nian’an and the others arrived, the physician invited by the Imperial Court of Judicial Review had already begun treating Zhao Huanxi.
Zhao Huanxi was still conscious, though his complexion was somewhat pale. When he saw Xu Nian’an, he anxiously and weakly explained, “I tried the silver leaf, but it didn’t change colour.”
Seeing that he was still worried about being accused of slacking off, Xu Nian’an sighed helplessly. She went over and touched his forehead, saying, “It’s not your fault, the silver leaf can’t detect all poisons.”
Zhao Jiazhen anxiously asked the physician, “How is my brother? What poison did he take?”
The physician replied, “Everyone need not worry. It’s not a life-threatening poison. From the pulse and symptoms, it seems to be just some medicine that causes discomfort in the stomach and intestines. A few days of treatment, and he’ll be fine.”
Xu Nian’an, Zhao Jiazhen, and even Zhan He, the Minister of the Imperial Court of Judicial Review who had been rushed there overnight, all breathed a sigh of relief. The case of the heir of Cheng Guogong being killed had caused such a stir. If Zhao Huanxi had been harmed in the Imperial Court of Judicial Review prison, Zhan He’s position as the Minister of the court would have been finished.
The physician went to prescribe medicine, and Xu Nian’an turned to ask the minister, “Zhan Daren, the person who did this to my husband, has it been discovered?”
Zhan He replied, “We have already sent someone to investigate. The prison guard responsible for distributing the evening meal fell ill and went home after dinner. He has since disappeared. Our men are currently in pursuit.”
It wasn’t poison, just some medicine to cause discomfort in the stomach and intestines, but what was the other party’s intention?
Xu Nian’an couldn’t figure it out, so she said to Zhan He, “Zhan Daren, the true culprit behind the murder of the heir of Cheng Guogong has already been found. You should be informed about it tomorrow. May I stay tonight to take care of my husband?”
Zhan He was surprised, “The true culprit has already been found?”
Xu Nian’an nodded, “Yes, we’ve found them.”
Seeing that she didn’t elaborate further, Zhan He didn’t press the matter and simply said, “If you wish to stay, you may.”
Xu Nian’an thanked him, and he then left.
The physician had prescribed the medicine, but with no pharmacy open at such a late hour, Zhao Jiazhen sent someone to get the medicine from the pharmacy Yin Furen owns.
Once everything was arranged, Xu Nian’an said to Zhao Jiazhen, “San Jiejie, you should return to the residence. We don’t know if Zufu has woken up yet, and with Er Taitai,s situation, Second Branch might cause a stir. Mother might be overwhelmed handling everything on her own. The physician has already said there’s no major concern with Sanlang. The medicine has been arranged, so I can stay here and look after him. Besides, we’ll be heading home tomorrow anyway.”
Zhao Jiazhen glanced at Zhao Huanxi lying on the bed, nodded to Xu Nian’an, and said, “Alright, I’ll come to pick you up tomorrow morning.” She then walked over to remind Zhao Huanxi to rest well before leaving.
In the room, only Xu Nian’an was left. Mingli had gone to fetch the medicine, while Rongbing went to the kitchen to prepare hot water.
Zhao Huanxi squirmed on the bed, shrinking back to make room on the already small bed. “Dong Jiejie, why don’t you lie down for a while?”
“There’s no need. Don’t move around. When Rongbing brings the hot water later, I’ll help wipe you down,” Xu Nian’an said as she pulled the thin blanket over him.
Zhao Huanxi pouted. “Do you think I smell bad?”
Xu Nian’an, still holding the edge of the blanket, leaned down at his words, her face hovering directly above his.
Zhao Huanxi, seeing her seemingly about to kiss him, felt elated despite his discomfort.
But just as she stopped half an inch from his face, she sniffed, wrinkled her nose, and said disdainfully, “It does seem like you smell a bit.”
Zhao Huanxi, both embarrassed and annoyed, reached out and hugged her tightly.
Xu Nian’an chuckled, “Stop fooling around. You’re sick. If I press down on you like this, you’ll feel uncomfortable.”
“Then lie down next to me,” Zhao Huanxi insisted, refusing to let go.
“What if Rongbing comes in?”
“Let her. We’re just lying here and chatting. What’s the big deal?”
“Alright, but you have to let go of me first.”
Zhao Huanxi released her, and Xu Nian’an slipped off her shoes before climbing onto the bed. She lay on her side in the space he had made for her, and he shared half of the blanket with her.
“How are you feeling now? Still uncomfortable?” she asked, facing him.
“After throwing up, I feel much better,” Zhao Huanxi said, holding her hand under the blanket. His eyes still carried the reddish tint from the tears shed earlier in his discomfort. “Dong Jiejie, when the stomach pain first hit, I was so scared. I thought I was going to die.”
“Were you scared because you wouldn’t get to see your mother, sisters, and me anymore?” Xu Nian’an asked.
Zhao Huanxi nodded and added, “I was also worried that you’re so young, yet you’d have to spend your whole life as a widow for me. That would be too cruel.”
Xu Nian’an looked at him and said softly, “You’re such a fool.”
“Dong Jiejie, what happened at the residence? Earlier, I heard you and San Jie talking about Zufu and Er Shenshen. Did something happen?” The topic of widowhood wasn’t exactly pleasant. Knowing he wasn’t going to die, Zhao Huanxi decided not to dwell on it further.
Xu Nian’an hesitated, unsure whether to tell him.
“Dong Jiejie, please tell me. Don’t treat me like a Didi who always needs your protection anymore. If something happens to Zufu, I’ll be the only one Mother and you can rely on. I need to know these things so that when the time comes, I’ll know what to do. If you and Mother keep hiding bad news from me like before, I’ll never be able to shoulder any responsibility,” Zhao Huanxi said earnestly.
Hearing his words, Xu Nian’an decided not to keep him in the dark any longer. She explained the entire case until the incident of Guogong Yé collapsing in detail.
Zhao Huanxi lowered his gaze and remained silent for a long time. When he finally looked up again, he only asked, “Zufu isn’t seriously ill, right?”
Xu Nian’an replied, “I don’t know. He had just fainted when I left, and the physician hadn’t arrived yet. The people from the Imperial Court of Judicial Review said you were poisoned, so San Jie and I rushed over to check on you.”
Zhao Huanxi turned over to lie flat on his back, staring at the canopy above. “Zufu went to the battlefield with Zeng-Zufu when he was just a teenager. He fought in wars for decades, and his most beloved son was lost on the battlefield. Now, in his old age, he still has to endure things like this. Why does it have to be this way?”
“Because he didn’t marry a long-lived wife who could raise his children properly and manage the household,” Xu Nian’an said.
Zhao Huanxi turned his head to look at Xu Nian’an.
“No matter whether a man is home or not, the inner courtyard is a woman’s domain. And when the man isn’t home, the woman often has to manage even the affairs of the front courtyard. For a general like Zufu who spent years away at war, the requirements for a wife are much higher than for the wives of ordinary noble families. Your biological Zumu passed away early, and as for the step-Zumu, there’s no need to speak of her. Thankfully, over the past decade, your mother has managed the household affairs fairly and efficiently. Otherwise, it’s doubtful that Jing Guogong Residence would even be in its current state.”
As Xu Nian’an spoke, she raised her eyes to Zhao Huanxi and asked, “Sanlang, have you ever, even for a moment, resented Zufu like Er Taitai does, thinking he’s unfair in his actions?”
Zhao Huanxi shook his head. “Zufu fought in Liaodong in his early years, defeating the Tiele tribes so thoroughly that they didn’t dare invade the border for years. After laying down his armour and returning to the capital, he was promoted to the position of Left Commander of the Central Military Commander Office due to his merits. For a man to achieve such accomplishments in a lifetime is already extraordinarily rare. How could I, just because he’s my grandfather and his every decision affects me, demand that he also be perfectly fair and just in handling household matters and the affairs of his descendants? No one is without flaws, and in my eyes, Zufu’s image is already close to perfection.”
“If Zufu could hear what you’ve just said, he would surely feel deeply comforted,” Xu Nian’an said warmly.
In the Dunyi Hall of Jing Guogong Residence.
Yin Furen, Zhao Jiazhen, and Xiangzhong anxiously watched as the imperial physician examined Guogong Yé.
After carefully taking Guogong Yé’s pulse, the physician turned and asked, “Does Guogong Yé often suffer from headaches?”
Xiangzhong quickly replied, “Guogong Yé occasionally experiences symptoms of dizziness and headaches.”
The physician said, “This is a case of head wind syndrome, which can vary in severity. Judging from his pulse, Guogong Yé currently has qi stagnation and blood stasis. While there is no immediate danger to his life, he must not exert himself or engage in martial activities anymore. He will need to recuperate calmly and carefully in the future.”
Hearing that Guogong Yé’s condition was not life-threatening, everyone let out a sigh of relief in unison.
After sending off the imperial physician, Yin Furen, Zhao Jiazhen, and Xiangzhong stayed by Guogong Yé’s side. After the medicine was prepared, they gave him a dose. Just after the Yin hour (after 5 a.m.), Guogong Yé woke up.
Due to their age, Yin Furen and Xiangzhong couldn’t stay awake and had both dozed off. It was Zhao Jiazhen who first noticed Guogong Yé had woken up.
She quickly went to wake Yin Furen and Xiangzhong, and the three of them gathered at the bedside.
“Gongdiē, how do you feel?” Yin Furen asked, looking at Guogong Yé, who appeared weak and aged due to his illness, feeling anxious inside.
“What happened to me?” Guogong Yé was still unclear about his condition.
“You fainted earlier, so we called an imperial physician. He said you have head wind syndrome and must avoid strenuous activity. One needs to calm the mind, nurture health, and rest properly,” Yin Furen explained.
Guogong Yé was silent for a moment and then asked, “What time is it?”
Zhao Jiazhen responded, “Zufu, it’s just after the Yin hour.”
Guogong Yé lifted the blanket and tried to get out of bed. “Soon it will be time for court. Lao Dajia, take Jiazhen back to rest. I’m fine here.”
“Gongdiē, the physician said you must not overexert yourself. Why not take a break from the court today?” Yin Furen said, truly worried about his well-being.
Xiang Zhong agreed.
“Huanxi is still in prison. I need to resolve this matter today. Don’t worry, I know my own body well, there’s no issue. You can go back now,” Guogong Yé said.
Hearing this, Yin Furen and Zhao Jiazhen bowed and left.
Under Xiangzhong’s care, Guogong Yé briefly washed up. As he dressed, he said, “Hurry and send someone to call Lao Er back.”
Xiangzhong acknowledged the order.
Once Guogong Yé was fully dressed, he was ready to leave.
Xiangzhong reminded him, “Guogong Yé, it’s still early.”
Guogong Yé looked outside at the dark sky and said, “It’s not early. We need to go to the house of the Magistrate of the Shuntian Prefecture first.”
At the beginning of Chen hour (around 7 a.m), in the Chenji Palace (the Throne Palace).
The Emperor, while listening to the ministers report on various matters, subconsciously stroked his beard. A faint pain from his chin reminded him of last night’s incident. He had uttered a single remark that infuriated that little wildcat. Not only had she scratched him, but she had also yanked out a few strands of his beard. Truly audacious!
Yet it was precisely this audacity that bewitched him, making it impossible to let go. Compared to her, the other respectful and obedient concubines in the palace now seemed utterly dull and uninteresting.
“Your Majesty,” a minister spoke up, “Chen has heard that Zhao Huanxi was poisoned at the Imperial Court of Judicial Review last night. This clearly indicates a lack of proper oversight at the court. Chen requests that Zhao Huanxi be handed over to the Ministry of Justice, so that they may take charge of investigating the case of Chen‘s son’s murder.”
The Emperor was lost in his thoughts when Cheng Guogong abruptly interrupted him.
He raised his eyes and looked down, only to see Zhan He, the Minister of the Imperial Court of Judicial Review, stepping forward hurriedly to report, “Your Majesty, Zhao Huanxi was not poisoned. Je merely ate something bad. Chen is currently investigating this matter.”
“Does an upset stomach not affect the progress of the case? Your Majesty, Chen requests that Zhao Huanxi be transferred to the Ministry of Justice so that justice is served as soon as possible,” Cheng Guogong reiterated his petition.
“There’s no need for further schemes. The murderer is not my grandson Huanxi,” Jing Guogong stepped forward to report to the Emperor. “Your Majesty, regarding the case of Cheng Guogong’s heir’s murder, the true culprit has already been apprehended by the Shuntian Prefecture, and is currently detained in the prison.”
Cheng Guogong was astonished.
The Emperor turned to the Magistrate of Shuntian Prefecture and asked, “Is this true?”
Wu Wenlong, the Magistrate of Shuntian Prefecture, stepped forward and replied, “Replying to Your Majesty, it is indeed true. The culprit’s name is Wu Kui. He has confessed to the murder, and both his motive and the details of the crime match the evidence.”
Cheng Guogong, furious, demanded, “Jing Guogong, could it be that you bought someone to act as a scapegoat?”
Jing Guogong shot him a cold glance and said, “The real murderer has been found, yet instead of relief, you are enraged. It seems to me that you care less about avenging your son and more about using his death to target me.”
“You’re utterly…”
“Enough!” The Emperor interrupted impatiently before Cheng Guogong could finish his sentence. “Must this case be brought before me every day? Do you think the death of Cheng Guogong’s heir rivals matters of state? Or is it that you, Cheng Guogong, believe that just because Zhen Fei resides in the Imperial Harem, Zhen is obliged to settle your family affairs?”
Cheng Guogong was startled. Suppressing his resentment, he bowed his head and said, “Chen would not dare.”
The Emperor looked down at him, his expression and tone cold. “Considering that you have just experienced the pain of losing a son, which is no small matter, we will let it go this time. But let there be no next time.”
“Understood.”
The Emperor, clearly impatient, rose as soon as he saw that no one else had anything to say. “Court is dismissed!”
The ministers began to leave the palace one after another. Cheng Guogong could feel numerous unfriendly gazes surreptitiously sweeping over him.
His heart was filled with both anger and unease. He had heard that yesterday Consort Zhen had been ordered to be slapped by the Emperor, all because of that vile woman with the surname Liu. And today, the Emperor’s attitude toward him in court was like this…
Could it be that his younger sister, who had enjoyed smooth sailing for over a decade in the palace, might actually stumble this time because of this Miaoyin Niangzi?
Thinking of this, he decided not to go to the Shuntian Prefecture but instead hurried home. Summoning his trusted confidant, he asked, “I told you to investigate that Miaoyin Niangzi’s background. Have you found anything?”
The confidant replied, “Shuxia was just about to report to Laoyé. Upon investigation, it was discovered that Miaoyin Niangzi initially worked at a teahouse in the capital, selling tea and pastries. Tracing the pastries led to a famous brand from Hangzhou, exclusively made by the century-old establishment named Qiyu Zhai. Shuxia sent someone to inquire at Qiyu Zhai in Hangzhou and learned that the manager’s eldest daughter ran away from home five years ago and hasn’t been heard from since. According to those familiar with the matter, the eldest daughter of Qiyu Zhai took her mother’s surname, Liu, and was known for her exceptional pipa skills and stunning beauty, all of which match the characteristics of Miaoyin Niangzi.”
Cheng Guogong’s gaze turned sinister. “Continue your investigation. If this person surnamed Liu is indeed the eldest daughter of Qiyu Zhai, you know what to do.”
The confidant bowed and said, “Understood.”
Since the real culprit has been caught, there was no reason for the Imperial Court of Judicial Review to continue detaining Zhao Huanxi. Guogong Yé went to the court to fetch him as soon as the morning session ended.
Zhao Huanxi, having taken his medicine last night and this morning, felt much better. As he and Xu Nian’an stepped out of the wing room, they saw his grandfather standing in the courtyard of the Imperial Court of Judicial Review, his face ashen, talking to Zhan He. Hurriedly, Zhao Huanxi went forward, bowed to both men, and asked his grandfather with concern, “Zufu, how is your health?”
Guogong Yé, seeing the genuine concern in the eyes of his pale and weak grandson, felt a warmth in his heart. No matter what, at least one grandson truly cared about him.
“Zufu is fine. You’ve suffered this time. Go home and rest well, your mother is worried about you,” he said gently.
Zhao Huanxi agreed and left the Imperial Court of Judicial Review together with Xu Nian’an. Just as they stepped out, they encountered Zhao Jiazhen, who had come in a carriage to pick them up. The three of them, accompanied by their maids and servants, happily returned to the Jing Guogong Residence.
Once back, the household bustled with activity again. Lu Feng, Xu Moxiu, Qian Ming, and others, upon hearing that he had been released from prison but had fallen ill, swarmed over to visit him.
After two days of being overwhelmed by visitors, Zhao Huanxi finally found some peace and suddenly remembered, “Aiya, Dong Jiejie, I forgot to send word to Shang Xiansheng and Elder Qu that I’m fine now.”
Xu Nian’an smiled faintly and said, “I already sent someone to inform them early on. Both Shang Xiansheng and Elder Qu asked you to focus on recovering and mentioned that they would come to visit you in person in a few days.”
Zhao Huanxi felt reassured and went over to hug Xu Nian’an. He said, “Dong Jiejie, you’re so thoughtful and capable. Sometimes I feel like marrying me is beneath you. You should be with a man like Zufu, someone accomplished and capable of great achievements.”
“That’s easy to arrange,” Xu Nian’an replied with a smile. “We’ll stick to our original agreement. After three years of marriage, we’ll separate. Then you can find me a great and accomplished man to marry.”
Zhao Huanxi’s expression darkened instantly. “Don’t even think about it! Once you marry me, you’re mine for life. I’d rather die than agree to a separation. Hmph!”
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