Scholars are respected but also feared, especially a prestigious scholar like Gu Lei. If he cannot be used for his own purposes willingly, the result will be counterproductive.
From the bottom of his heart, Chu Nanzhi didn't like people like Gu Lei who thought too highly of themselves, but judging from the current situation, if he wanted to lead out the real culprit behind the scenes, this old man would have to be the one to lead him.
After silently calculating in her heart for a moment, she suddenly smiled calmly at Gu Lei: "I have heard about the prosperity of this capital of Zhongzhou for a long time. However, the palace is about to return to the capital, and I want to see Langzhou before I leave.
How do the officials in various parts of the city manage their areas? How about Mr. Gu accompanying me to visit various places today?"
"The queen's elegance is a blessing to the common people, and the common people are willing to go there."
Gu Lei was very confident about this and agreed directly.
"Very good."
Chu Nanzhi glanced at Zhan He with twinkling eyebrows, and then ordered: "Please ask Mr. Zhan to take us to Jichun County to observe the public sentiment in the county."
Zhan He was a clever man, and realized that this was a good time to expose the officials of various counties in Langzhou, so he happily replied: "I will accept my order."
After that, he led everyone straight to the home of the mother who had been registered with the government as having died in childbirth due to this national mourning.
Not far after leaving the Jichun County government office, I came across a house with a white banner hanging on the door.
Chu Nanzhi took a closer look and saw that the huge courtyard was unusually quiet, so she asked Tang Weiming to go up and call the door.
But the one who opened the door saw many officials standing at the door, and immediately closed the door tightly in fear, as terrifying as seeing Yama.
Upon seeing this, Tong County Lieutenant did not ask Zhan He and Chu Nanzhi for instructions. He went straight forward and patted the courtyard door fiercely, shouting arrogantly: "Chen Laosan, the Queen and Mr. Gu of Gujiazhuang came to the humble house in person.
To express my condolences to your late wife and children, why don’t you hurry up and open the courtyard door.”
After hearing the urging, there was movement in the yard again.
Not long after, the courtyard door opened wide, and a strong man hurried out with a few servants. Seeing Chu Nanzhi and others in a panic, he knelt down and prayed in a low voice: "Grass people!
There is nothing that exceeds the rules in the house, so I ask the official to be accommodating."
"Ahem, what are you talking about? The Queen and Mr. Gu came here to offer condolences out of kindness, but you act like you are guarding against thieves. You are so kind as to act like a donkey."
As soon as Tong County Lieutenant finished cursing, Chu Nanzhi strode forward, escorted the County Lieutenant away, and helped Chen Laosan up.
Seeing the frightened expressions of the master and servants, she had no choice but to lower her voice and asked in a low voice: "Why are there white flags hanging on the house?"
Chen Laosan looked at this plainly dressed woman with a blank look on his face.
Zhan He hurriedly came forward and explained: "This is the new queen of the court. I heard that my wife passed away and came here to express my condolences."
When he heard that it was the queen, Chen Laosan was so frightened that his legs weakened. He quickly knelt down again and knelt down in fear: "The common people have seen the queen."
Then he reported incoherently: "Cao Min. It's just because a member of the Cao Min passed away due to dystocia. Today has just passed the seventh day, and the white banners on the house have not yet been removed."
"Is it really difficult to give birth?"
Chu Nanzhi asked casually, but Chen Laosan carefully looked at the county magistrate and county lieutenant behind her. After a long time, he gritted his teeth and replied: "I don't dare to deceive the queen, it is indeed difficult to give birth."
James Heben felt that the number of maternal deaths reported in the county recently was a bit strange, and he was not willing to let it go at this moment.
Since he brought the queen and everyone here, he had to break the casserole and ask the truth. He looked at Chen Laosan with cold eyes and asked sternly:
"My wife, Mrs. Xu, I have heard about, and she is also a well-known lady, Chen Laosan. When you were not yet prosperous and were in poverty, you, your wife, followed you wholeheartedly and helped you build the rich fortune you have now."
Family property, in order to thank your first wife, you have never had a concubine in your house these years. The love between you and your husband is a good story in this county, and your wife has given birth to two children for you, both of which were natural births.
, why did it happen to be difficult to give birth to the third child?”
"Mr. Zhan, a woman's pregnancy and childbirth are like going through hell. Although Xu's previous two babies were delivered naturally, nature did not fulfill people's wishes. It is human nature to have trouble with this baby. Why should you do it again?"
To rub salt into Chen Sanlang’s wounds.”
Gu Lei scolded dissatisfied.
Then he helped Chen Laosan up with kind eyes and said solemnly: "Today, the old man and the queen have made a special trip to express condolences to your wife. If the queen has any inquiries, please tell the truth truthfully. There is no need to hide anything."
"Yes, Jie Nei did die due to dystocia."
Chen Laosan looked at Gu Lei, his face seemed indifferent, but there were sweat stains on his forehead.
"In this case, I can only blame your wife for not being blessed. Please forgive me."
Chu Nanzhi had already noticed something fishy.
It seems that if you want to hear some truth in Langzhou City, you have to think of some ways.
Looking around the hospital with light eyes, she asked warmly: "Is it possible for me and Mr. Gu to lay incense sticks for your deceased wife in the hospital?"
"this"
Chen Laosan glanced at Lieutenant Tong County standing beside him with a scared look on his face.
"Look at what he did. Don't you have to get permission from the county magistrate before you invite the Queen to the hospital?"
Zhan He was so angry that he shouted sharply.
"What did the county magistrate say?"
Tong County Lieutenant frowned and urged Chen Laosan in a cold voice: "Why don't you invite the Queen and Mr. Gu to visit us soon?"
Although Chen Laosan felt a hundred reluctances, he had to lead everyone into the courtyard.
Stepping into the small courtyard of the Chen family, Chu Nanzhi carefully observed the surroundings. Although it was not magnificent, the decoration was quite elegant and it was considered a well-to-do family. She couldn't help but think of the old house of the Chu family.
If it were not for Lin Jinxiao's secret life experience, I would have stayed with him in Luyan Port and lived such a life without fighting against the world.
The family is happy and happy, although some petty quarrels between the parents are inevitable, but the life is always comfortable and comfortable.
Ordinary people only pursue this.
After walking into the main house and looking at the various sacrifices and incense burners and paper money used in rituals that were filled in the living room, Chu Nanzhi couldn't help but take another look at Chen Laosan who was following carefully behind him.
Chen Laosan hurriedly dismissed the Taoist priests who were doing the ritual, and replied calmly: "Although the deceased wife and young son have been buried, the people are worried that their mother and son will not live well there, so they specially invited the Taoist priest from the temple to come before them.
Come to perform rituals and burn some more clothes and things for use."
At this point, his voice was obviously trembling and choked.
Chu Nanzhi stepped forward silently and lit a stick of incense. When she turned back, she accidentally saw two little children in linen clothes and mourning clothes sticking out of the door.
When their eyes met, the two children immediately dodged away.
Looking at the age they are almost the same as the quadruplets, I guess they are Chen Sanlang's two sons.
If you want to hear the truth, it is easiest to start with children.