"After I left the Jing Ya prison the night before last, I ordered Xiao Wu to arrange for manpower to keep an eye on whether anyone would come to visit Zhan Yunjiao——"
At first, I just wanted to pay more attention to see if there were any so-called suspicious people, that is, if there would be any co-conspirators with Zhan Yunjiao.
Although this may be minimal.
Xu Mingyi roughly guessed his intention: "What's the result?"
He has always acted carefully, and even did many things that she didn't know about when she didn't know about it. But there is one thing that she has experienced now - he never says useless words. If it doesn't have consequences, he will
I wouldn't specifically talk to her about it afterwards.
"As a result, we met a middle-aged man who claimed to be a member of the Zhan clan last night, and he indeed saw Zhan Yunjiao." Wu Chao did not show off, and went straight to the point: "Based on the so-called identity of a Zhan clan member, naturally he could not see Zhan Yunjiao.
Such a repeat offender, according to the investigation, this person was allowed to see the person by Yin Zhun of the Ji Mansion just because of his connections with the Minister of War."
"I didn't notice much difference in this matter originally, and I haven't had time to talk to you in detail this morning." Wu Chao looked at Xu Mingyi and said, "But today Zhan Yunjiao suddenly changed her tune, which is very worthy of attention."
The Minister of War, Ministry of War, has a motive.
And the night visit to the Jingya Prison happened to meet the conditions——
Xu Mingyi's eyes changed.
Therefore, it was not the people of the Zhan clan who borrowed the connections of the Minister of War to visit the erring junior. It was the Minister of the Ministry of War who used the Zhan clan as a cover to visit Zhan Yunjiao.
However, what conditions were imposed by the Minister of War's Office to make Zhan Yunjiao seem to be so willing to change her confession?
Was it on the condition of saving her? - Apart from that, she couldn't think of anything else that could impress Zhan Yunjiao.
But would Zhan Yunjiao believe such an unrealistic and extremely risky lie?
Even if it was only half-belief due to no other choice, Zhan Yunjiao was not a determined person, so the Office of the Minister of War was not afraid of her leaking the matter?
Or is it that the Minister of War, Ministry of War, is absolutely sure that he can control Zhan Yunjiao to death?
Xu Mingyi thought too much at the moment and couldn't help but become distracted.
Until Wu Chao spoke again.
"It is said that Xia Tingzhen and Ji Xiu are now in a tit-for-tat situation in the court, and several times they offered advice in front of the Holy Father, Ji Xiu actually had the upper hand."
Xu Mingyi looked at him quite unexpectedly.
Others in Ningyang have always been aware of these things?
However, when you think about it, there is nothing surprising. After all, this person is a descendant of the Wu family. He is always concerned about political affairs. Maybe it is just a daily homework habit that he has developed since he was a child.
Speaking of homework, the young man in front of her really looked like a gentleman, and he did not forget to test her: "Do you think there is something strange about this matter?"
Xu Mingyi nodded.
She knew that the strange thing he was talking about was not because Ji Xiu and Xia Tingzhen were now in the same relationship - after all, the reason why this fire could be ignited was because of her and Wu Chao's tricks, which made Ji Xiu carry Xia Tingzhen's plan.
Han’s scapegoat.
What is really strange is that Ji Xiu not only did not suffer in this contest, but he has recently been trying to regain the favor of Emperor Qing Ming.
"My grandfather and I have talked about this in private. Grandfather concluded that based on his understanding of Ji Xiu, there must be someone behind Ji Xiu who is making suggestions for him."
This Minister Ji was not originally a man who was very good at playing political tricks.
Otherwise? As the man who contributed the most to supporting Emperor Qingming to ascend the throne, he would not have been suppressed by Xia Tingzhen all these years? Even the military power has been divided for most of it.
Wu Chao nodded and said: "The Duke of Zhen Guo really knows things well."
Xiao Qi on the side heard this and secretly thought it was a pity.
Such a sincere flattery, it's a pity that it was not photographed in person.
"It's not like knowing things like a god." Xu Mingyi said modestly on behalf of his grandfather: "It's just that I know Ji Xiu better and have known him for a longer period of time."
After saying that, he asked: "Do you know the reason for this?"
"I heard that there is a new staff member in the Minister of War's office?"
New staff?
Do you know what he said "heard"? It must be impossible to really hear it from the street. Xu Mingyi hurriedly asked: "Where does this staff come from?"
"It is because of the mystery of his origin that he was noticed by Xuesheng Tea House." Wu Chao did not hide anything from her: "Not only is his origin a mystery, but his age, appearance, and even whether he is a boy or a girl have not yet been identified.
After entering the Shangshu Mansion? He has never shown his face in front of others."
Xu Mingyi: "It's so strange?"
"Well, he should be regarded as a capable person." Wu Chao objectively commented: "Just judging from the strategies he has offered? The intention of surrendering to the emperor's favor is particularly profound, but he does not care about the real pros and cons of the overall situation? "That's right.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that one’s intentions are evil.”
Even if such a person is indeed talented, he is also a talent that brings disaster to the world.
Xu Mingyi couldn't help but frown slightly: "Where did Ji Xiu find such a person..."
And never show up in front of others...
Could it be that there is something unusual about the origin?
After all, what if you just want to have a staff? It’s not something that needs to be hidden.
Or is it? Ji Xiu is afraid that if his talent spreads, he will be targeted or even used by others?
And based on this, if there is such a person behind Ji Xiu, then the incident between Xia Xi and Zhan Yunjiao is probably related to this person.
"We can't just let this matter go." Wu Chao put down the tea cup in his hand and said.
Xu Mingyi was just thinking about the staff matter, when he suddenly heard this sentence and subconsciously said: "The situation is like this, Xia Xi can't escape this time."
Wu Chao glanced at her.
What is this girl thinking?
"I'm talking about the Minister of War's office."
There was no need to worry about the one named Xia Xi, but in this matter, the Ministry of War, while planning to sabotage the Xia family's plan to win over the new top scholar through marriage, used Xu Mingyi as bait, almost putting her in danger.
Of course, this account cannot be settled just like that.
"You said this..."
Only then did Xu Mingyi understand what he meant, but there was a smile in his eyes: "As the saying goes, a soldier never tires of deceit, but he was just plotted by others. What's the big deal?"
She didn't care, but Wu Chao was stunned when she heard it: "Aren't you angry?"
"Don't be angry." Xu Mingyi answered matter-of-factly: "These are not fights between little girls. If they stab me, I can kick them into the lotus pond. The Ji family has taken advantage of me. I
I have also used discipline repair in the past, and we are all in the whirlpool of this struggle, and everyone is just relying on their own abilities."
Wu Chao didn't speak for a while, he just looked at her quietly, as if he was thinking in his eyes.
Xu Mingyi then said: "Besides, on normal days, the anger will come out as soon as it is released. But now, if you attack Ji Xiu, won't you let Xia Tingzhen reap the benefits in vain? Don't say that you are angry then, and block your heart.
It’s too late.”
Speaking of which, she couldn't help but ask: "Ordinarily, shouldn't these be the first things you consider?"
He is clearly the one who always looks at the overall situation first when doing things.
"This is different."
"What's different?"
"You are different." The young man answered without hesitation.
She was different from everyone, including himself.
Xu Mingyi was startled for a moment, and then a smile overflowed from his eyes. He lowered his eyes and picked up the tea cup. He lowered his smiling eyes and said "oh", holding the tea cup and took a sip of tea.
It turns out it was because of her that there was an exception.
Wu Chao glanced at her, as if he was afraid that she would think he was impulsive and immature. A young man didn't want to be looked down upon by the girl he liked, so he uncharacteristically explained: "I will never do anything that disregards the overall situation."
Xu Mingyi nodded.
Of course she knows - when it comes to acting thoughtfully, she is not even as good as him.
However, Wu Chao felt that the attitude of the girl in front of him was casual and perfunctory. Somehow, he said "I'm not afraid that you will be wronged-".
Xiao Qi on the side was dumbfounded.
Young Master...why are you still resentful?
Is this the rumored "act of pity"?
I have to say, this is too unfair, right?
Also...did the young master forget that he was still standing here because he only had eyes for Miss Xu?
If the young master reacts later, will he kill him to silence him for the sake of face and dignity?
Xiao Qi was tense for a moment and wanted to retreat silently, but she didn't dare to move at all - is there any skill in this world that can make people instantly invisible? In other words, is it still too late to become deaf?
It was at this moment that someone knocked on the door of the box from outside.
Wu Chao didn't look back, he just said: "Come in."
The door was pushed open, and the waiter came in carrying a copper pot with a long spout: "The young man is here to give the guest some tea!"
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Xiao Qi carefully withdrew - it was really too difficult for him.
After the waiter left, only Wu Chao and Wu Chao were left in the box.
Xu Mingyi then answered what he just said: "...Don't worry, I don't feel wronged."
If you feel aggrieved by such trivial matters, why bother doing so-called big things?
Moreover, the crisis was getting closer and closer, and she had no time to feel aggrieved.
Wu Chao just said "hmm" and said warmly: "Then let's remember this account first."
It was he who underestimated her.
In fact, if he thought about it carefully, when he first met her, what he admired most about her was his heartfelt appreciation for her, feeling that this was a girl who could do great things——
But later on, his mood gradually changed when facing her. He was afraid that she would be wronged, and felt a little unhappy in his heart.
But he still doesn't plan to change.
Exceptions are exceptions, and with him, she will always be an exception.
If he encounters the same thing in the future, he will react the same way. What if she really feels wronged?
Of course, if she really felt that what he did was inappropriate, then he would choose to respect her idea - there was no conflict between what he wanted to do and what she didn't want him to do.
"Then just remember it." Xu Mingyi looked at him, feeling at ease in his heart, with a bright smile in his eyes: "If one day I suddenly feel aggrieved, I will tell you."
Seeing such a smiling face, Wu Chao also smiled in his eyes, and his tone became gentler: "Okay."
Xu Mingyi then asked: "By the way, I just heard you talk about Ji Xiu. It seems that you are very clear about the current situation in Beijing?"
"I just know a little bit."
"How about you tell me about it?" The girl's tone contained an air of humbly asking for advice. As she spoke, she personally filled a cup of hot tea for him and pushed it in front of him.
What she wants to hear most now is the situation in the court.
I heard what my grandfather said, what my father said, and occasionally what my mother said about the back houses of powerful people.
It is always good to listen more, and everyone has a different perspective. If the same thing is said by different people, it will also give her new thoughts and gains.
"What do you want to hear?"
Wu Chao picked up the cup of tea and was in an incredible mood.
"Just say whatever you want, anything is fine."
Wu Chao tried his best to pick out something useful and tell her.
When he stopped to have tea, Xu Mingyi stood up and opened the window to get some air.
At this time, a spacious oil-walled carriage passed by on the long street outside the window.
The weather is getting warmer day by day, and for people who pay attention to detail, the curtains on both sides of the car wall have been replaced with gauze.
There was a breeze blowing in the afternoon, lifting the gauze curtain for a moment, and then quickly falling down.
But even just this glance made Xu Mingyi see the person sitting in the car.
It was a girl's face. It had a somewhat spiritual appearance, but most of the time, there was an air of arrogance between her eyebrows and eyes.
Perhaps because I have recently felt that I have been having a lot of troubles, in addition to being irritable, I am also a bit cold and cruel at this time.
That's Xia Xi——
This girl has been at odds with her in every aspect of her life.
And that look just now should be the last time she saw Xia Xi - she just happened to open this window at this time, or it was God's will.
But Xu Mingyi didn't feel too happy in her heart.
Of course, there is no sympathy.
Girls like Xia Xi, while enjoying the glory and wealth, most of them also have many things they cannot control. And even if they are only daughters, they are not completely irrelevant to the power struggle in the court. If they do not know how to assess the situation,
Instead, if you act recklessly without caring about the honor and disgrace of your family, then once someone takes advantage of you, you will be wiped out in a matter of seconds.
Therefore, Xia Xi's incident also gave her another warning.
Today Xia Xi will be used and sacrificed as a pawn by the Minister of War, and tomorrow it may be her.
My grandfather said that if you want to save your life on the battlefield, in addition to a clear mind, you also need a knife in your hand.
She is now on the battlefield.
So, these should always be kept in mind.
…
Until he got off the carriage in front of the mansion, Xia Xi was still complaining: "Can you coax him properly? He cried all the way and it made my ears hurt."
The wet nurse said "yes" while patting the crying baby.
Ms. Xue stepped out of the carriage, took the child over, held it in her arms, and patiently coaxed her as she walked to the mansion.
Xia Xi glanced at her mother.
I always feel that when the mother holds the second brother's child, her eyes always look a little strange...
"Madam, Miss..." The concierge hurriedly came to greet her, with a complex expression on her face: "Master has been waiting for Miss for a long time. Miss, please go directly to the side hall."
Xia Xi frowned when she heard this.
Father is waiting for her?
Could it be that...the servant who went to urge her to return home but hesitated to explain why was actually sent by her father?