Her guards

Chapter 45 A Dialogue Between Father and Son

It is not a rumor that the Hou family of Yichun intends to arrange a marriage.

In fact, it wasn't just Marquis Yichun. Ever since Zhu Yunxiao, at the age of thirteen, won first place in the battle of firing ten arrows in succession during His Majesty's inspection of the capital garrison, countless families have been eyeing this young talent.

Although many people backed out upon hearing that a marriage had already taken place, others did not care, believing that there was still a chance as long as the marriage was not finalized, especially those from high-ranking and powerful families.

Of course, the Earl of Yongwu was no ordinary family. If they couldn't make ends meet and had to break their promises to marry into a better family, they refused all the marriage proposals.

However, when Marquis Yichun also expressed his interest, Earl Yongwu was tempted.

Marquis Chai of Yichun has made great contributions to the emperor. His daughter is the empress and gave birth to the eldest son, the Prince of Donghai. The next emperor will surely be the Prince of Donghai, and the Chai family's prominence will be extraordinary.

But Zhu Yunxiao resolutely refused.

“Father, don’t be impulsive. The next emperor is a matter for the next emperor to decide,” he said. “The current emperor will absolutely not allow Uncle Jiang’s daughter to be wronged.”

Jiang Feng was a major contributor to the emperor's successful ascension to the throne after entering the capital.

Moreover, it was a meritorious official who died.

The dead are always remembered as a benefactor by the emperor.

To dishonor Your Majesty is to disgrace the descendants of loyal ministers and generals.

The Marquis of Yongwu was naturally aware of this, and Jiang Feng was also his benefactor. He should have been the one to fight against the governor of Zhuozhou and the Xiongnu.

The Marquis of Yongwu sighed, “I am not greedy for wealth and power and have broken my promise. Now that the world is at peace, we must make long-term plans for our children and grandchildren. If only the Jiang family had a son, it would be good. But as things are now, the Jiang family is destined to decline.”

Zhu Yunxiao smiled and said, "Father also said that it's a long-term plan, so there's no need to rush. Let's look at the present first. Right now, my marriage with Jiang Rui has many advantages."

Besides his good reputation for loyalty and righteousness, the Earl of Yongwu also knew very well the loyalty and trust of Jiang Feng's former followers.

"Moreover, Jiang Feng's achievements were earned through real battles. Even if the next emperor were to take him for granted, the officials and powerful families in the court would not dare to look down on him. Wherever Arui goes, she will be respected," Zhu Yunxiao continued. "The princesses should all treat her with kindness."

The Earl of Yongwu nodded, then laughed: "That's right. Although the Jiang family is not a duke, marquis, or earl, they are not to be underestimated, while some dukes, marquises, and earls are just a joke."

Zhu Yunxiao asked curiously, "Whose joke did Father see?"

“I passed by the Marquis of Yichun’s residence today and saw Yang Bin sitting in the gatehouse,” said Earl Yongwu. “He looked like he had been waiting for a while.”

He chuckled as he said this.

“How can a dignified duke linger in someone’s gatehouse? He’s not a servant or a lackey.”

Yang Bin, Duke of Ding'an, said to Zhu Yunxiao, "Perhaps there are unavoidable circumstances, and he is willing to humble himself."

“Without real achievements to start from, you have no confidence,” said the Earl of Yongwu. “You may look glamorous, but nobody really takes you seriously.”

Zhu Yunxiao, however, had a different opinion. He turned his teacup and said, "He can be granted a title without any real merit. He must have a solid foundation. This foundation must be with His Majesty. Father, don't underestimate the Duke of Ding'an when you're out there."

Despite being reprimanded by his son, Uncle Yongwu was not unhappy.

He was actually lucky because he was in the same military camp as the emperor, and they naturally rebelled together.

During his conquest of the world, with a wise emperor as his leader and capable subordinates like Jiang Feng, he survived smoothly and even obtained a noble title.

The world is at peace. The emperor, who was once aloof, has become unpredictable. His comrades-in-arms have either died or survived, each with their own status and ambitions. Fortunately, his son is capable.

He hadn't noticed the previous changes in the court, but the young Zhu Yunxiao told him what to do, and he did it correctly, avoiding several disasters.

It seems he's still lucky, having a bright son.

"Listen to your son, he's right," Uncle Yongwu nodded with a smile. "I understand."

After saying this, she stood up. Thinking that her son was so outstanding, yet could only marry such a daughter, she still felt somewhat sorry for him.

It's all his fault for being carried out of a pile of corpses by Jiang Feng. He was too impulsive after surviving such a close call and immediately arranged a marriage between his children.

The daughter of the Jiang family inherited Jiang Feng's looks and was of average appearance.

He has let his son down.

"Several beautiful maids have recently entered the household," he said in a low voice. "Choose two to serve you."

Zhu Yunxiao smiled.

"Thank you, Father," he said, "but no need. Since I have something to gain, I won't indulge in momentary pleasure."

Uncle Yongwu clicked his tongue and said, "Then I won't bother with you anymore, do as you please." With that, he happily left.

The room fell silent again. Zhu Yunxiao was lost in thought for a moment, feeling as if he had forgotten something, until the pain in his leg returned.

Zhu Yunxiao hissed and took two breaths to relieve the cold air. This must be what people call bad luck. I never thought he would encounter it too.

As night falls, lights illuminate thousands of homes in the capital.

Mo Zheng looked at the figure in the window and called out from outside the door, "Miss, you have to get up early tomorrow. Don't study too late tonight." Yang Luo inside responded that she understood, opened the window, and saw the boy carrying an axe.

“I’m going to chop firewood for Brother Zhang next door,” Mo Zheng said. “I left the rented car at their house and I’m helping them with the work.”

Their yard was small and had no stables, while the neighboring yard was large, so they let the rented carriages and horses pass through.

I've gotten to know them better these past few days. The couple next door run a braised meat shop on the street.

Yang Luo said okay, then whispered, "You can lend them some money, so you don't have to work hard for them."

"Neighborhood relationships can't be based on money alone," Mo Zheng said, then waved and walked out, "Go to sleep early, I'll lock the door."

The sound of the door being locked came from outside. Yang Luo couldn't help but smile. Ah Sheng, this guard, was really reliable. She closed the window, turned off the light, and went to sleep peacefully.

A slightly muffled thud echoed in the yard as wood was chopped.

Mo Zheng threw a piece of firewood into the stove, and the braised meat in the big pot bubbled and steamed.

"Uncle Hong was almost discovered?" she asked.

Zhang Shengyou gripped his axe and chopped another piece of firewood, nodding: "Uncle Hong said it was fortunate that he dodged quickly and wasn't caught, but he did run into one of those people, and it was someone he knew."

"Know them?" Mo Zheng asked. "Who?"

“He was Qi De’an, a former advisor to the Qi family and also a palace eunuch,” Zhang Shengyou said. “Does the young master remember him?”

When Zhao Tan fled the capital, many eunuchs from the old imperial city also escaped. Some returned to their hometowns, some mingled among the common people, and some sought refuge with new masters.

Eunuchs in the imperial city always have some skills that they can sell.

This Qi De'an was not originally surnamed Qi. In the imperial city, eunuchs who lost their offspring also did not have surnames.

It means that after following a new master, one adopts the new master's surname to show loyalty.

Mo Zheng didn't recognize him at first, after all, the capital city was very large and there were many eunuchs, and she had been someone who couldn't be seen by others since she was a child.

At that time, Lady Qi wanted Qi De'an to replace Eunuch Zhang in taking care of him, but Eunuch Zhang dismissed him in no time.

Both were palace eunuchs, but Old Eunuch Zhang was older and more cunning.

Not long after, the Qi family perished, and the fate of Qi De'an became unknown.

It turned out to be him.

Mo Zheng gave a cold smile: "No wonder you know Mr. Jiang."

She met Jiang Wangchun at the Qi family's place.

"It seems he has a new master."

Zhang Sheng nodded slightly: "Although Uncle Hong wasn't caught, he exposed your movements. They guessed that you were heading to the capital. Young master, let's go."

Mo Zheng shook her head: "No need."

Zhang Sheng looked worried: "Young Master, don't confront them head-on." He then gave a wry smile, "If your identity is exposed and attracts the attention of the imperial court, it will be even more troublesome."

The world is vast, yet there is no place for the princes of the former dynasty to hide.

Mo Zheng seemed thoughtful, then suddenly smiled and nodded, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." She then looked inside, "Is Sister Peach Blossom at the butcher shop?"

Zhang Sheng nodded: "Didn't that list of exam study companions come out? Tao Hua was afraid they would hear it, so she personally guarded it under the guise of taking care of them."

Mo Zheng stood up: "It's not a solution to just keep guarding them. I'll go over and explain things to them, and try to persuade them."

Could they persuade the real Miss Liu not to pursue the case against Miss Yang, who had committed the heinous crime of impersonating the emperor and deceiving the emperor, which could result in execution?

Zhang Sheng said with some helplessness, "This Miss Yang is really easy to take care of. You do everything for her, young master."

They really act as guards and servants for others.

Mo Zheng smiled and raised an eyebrow at Zhang Shengyou: "Brother Shengyou, I believe that good people are rewarded, and helping others is helping yourself."

After saying that, he waved his hand and climbed over the wall.

Zhang Shengyou, holding an axe, watched as Mo Zheng leaped from the wall onto the roof, then disappeared into the night with a few quick bounds and jumps.

He reached up and scratched his head.

He understands that helping others helps yourself, but good deeds are rewarded...

Is the young master a good person for doing this?

(End of this chapter)