You can't only love the Qing Dynasty when you're eating the fruits of others' labor.

Chapter 77 A dashing young man in fine clothes and riding a spirited horse, who doesn't know the Prince of Nancheng?

When Jiang Qingyun woke up, it was already late afternoon.

After waking up~
The first thing I saw was Nun Liu, meditating and chanting sutras. Her profile was straight and slender, her almond-shaped eyes were closed, and she was rhythmically turning the prayer beads in her hand.

Jiang Qingyun did not rush to get up, but quietly observed for a while.

The origins of the woman Liu Zhangtai are questionable; she was given to him by Li Shuotai in the name of Ke Erkun, and her quality is unclear.

……

Liu opened her eyes and slowly turned her face.

"Come here and help me change my clothes."

"Yes."

Liu walked to the bronze incense burner and took down the clothes and shoes that were hanging on it.

Looking at this woman whose emotions were too stable, Jiang Qingyun decided to probe further.

“I remember last time you said that your place of origin and family background were unknown, and that you were even taken in by a nunnery for a period of time.”

"Yes."

"Do you know Korkun, the Zhangjing (military officer) of the Zhenglan Banner?"

"know."

"Ok?"

“I was bought and placed here. At first, it was said to be a gift to Lord Korkun. Later, it was changed to a gift to a gentleman surnamed Li. And then, I came to live with you.”

"Besides chanting scriptures, what else can you do?"

"I am somewhat proficient in poetry, literature, etiquette, music, playing musical instruments, and singing."

What do you think of me, sir?

"pretty good."

……

For some reason, Jiang Qingyun was suddenly enraged by this indifferent woman.

"Madam Liu, there is something I do not understand. In this chaotic world, where wolves and jackals rule, how has a beautiful woman like you survived all this time?"

Liu Zhangtai knelt down, his expression remaining dignified.

"I can't explain it either; perhaps it's a blessing from heaven."

"So you're a Buddhist? That makes sense then." Jiang Qingyun glanced at the small wooden statue around her neck and asked, "Do you want to join the household?"

"Do not want to."

"Why?"

"I am a recluse and prefer quiet. I don't like to interact with people. Rather than being bullied by the mistress of the mansion, I would rather stay here and live peacefully as an outsider."

The hostility on Jiang Qingyun's face vanished instantly, and her attitude became amiable again.

However amiable he was, it didn't stop his hand from sliding down his face and parting his black robe.

"Are you wearing them?"

"Yes, it's the half-ounce shirt that Master sent last time. This kind of thing is rarely seen and is worth a fortune. This is the first time I've worn it."

"Backwards, then spinning in place."

Looking at the beautiful scenery unfolding before him, Jiang Qingyun thought to himself that it was indeed much better than when the thin and frail Dong'e Gege wore it.

Confiscating it was the right thing to do.

When she was in black robes, Lady Liu was dignified.

When Ziyi was not around, Lady Liu became even more charming.

Because of her elegance, she is charming.

Her allure, ironically, made her appear even more dignified.

The profound philosophical principles underlying this are difficult for those with limited consumer experience to grasp. In short, Jiang Qingyun has tasted success.

……

Jiang Qingyun's mind was racing.

On the day of the February 226 Mutiny, the entire capital was in chaos. The bodies of the Zhenglan Banner rebels, which had been gathered up, piled up like mountains. There were also many charred and mutilated bodies that were unrecognizable, and it was impossible to determine whether Korkun was alive or dead.

Vice Minister Li Shuaitai was promoted to Minister of Justice for being the first to report the rebellion of the Plain Blue Banner. He not only escaped punishment but also made a great contribution.

After the February 226 Incident, Jiang Qingyun and Li Shutai never met again, seemingly because they had reached a private agreement to release Korkun and deliberately avoided meeting each other.

but,
Jiang Qingyun always felt that there was something wrong with this.

This morning at court, everyone was verbally attacking and criticizing me!

Surprisingly, no one used this incident to impeach him.

Although he had already set up firewalls, he only gave verbal approval and let Li Lutai operate the whole process. Even if these people really impeached him, they could only bring Li Lutai down.

But trust your intuition.

……

Two incense sticks later~
Jiang Qingyun pushed Liu aside with satisfaction, walked to the table, and poured himself some water.

Gudu Gudu~
A cup of warm, light tea went down smoothly, leaving me feeling refreshed and all my worries gone. 18 years old! What a wonderful age, like a brand-new computer, running smoothly and without any lag or slowdown.

behind.

Lady Liu dressed silently, without anger or sorrow.

It was as if what had just happened had nothing to do with her. She remained as dignified and serene as ever.

Jiang Qingyun glanced at her:
"I'm hungry. Go to the kitchen and make me some noodles. You have to make them yourself; don't let the cook help. Oh, and add an egg to the noodles too!"

"Yes."

Lady Liu gracefully departed.

……

Jiang Qingyun was finally the only one left in the room.

He abandoned his previous frivolousness, his gaze sharp as he quickly scanned the room, examining the roof, walls, floor tiles, bed, and furniture.

Jiang Qingyun even turned the conspicuous Buddha statue in the room upside down to examine it, and he didn't even miss Liu's wooden fish and dressing case.

He also reached under the mattress and checked it.

Everything is normal, and nothing suspicious has been found.

"It's perfectly normal, but it's actually abnormal."

As Jiang Qingyun lay down again, he stared at the ceiling and muttered to himself. He secretly hoped that Liu would make an excuse to turn back halfway through.

That way, I can better verify my conjecture.

Unfortunately, my expectations were not met.

After a long while, Liu returned with the bowl.

"Master~"

Jiang Qingyun grabbed his chopsticks and devoured the food in a flash, then stood up, picked up his sword, and left.

……

As he left the hospital, he waved to an elderly woman to come over.

"Master, what are your orders?"

"I remember you were introduced to the manor by Aunt Wu two or three years ago?"

"Yes, I have been in this household for two and a half years."

How much do you earn per month?

"One tael, including food, lodging and clothes, this servant is content."

“Starting tomorrow, you will be in charge of this courtyard, and your monthly salary will increase to 1.5 taels. I don’t usually have time to come to the outer residence, do you know what to do?”

"I understand, tighten the fence."

"Yes, if you need anything, please contact me or Madam."

"Respectfully seeing off the master."

The old woman watched the dust kicked up as the horse caravan departed, and unconsciously put her hands behind her back. Her confidante—from this day forward, she was the young master's confidante.

To keep an eye on the young master's outer residence and prevent his mistress from having an affair.

Happy.

……

On the official road leading to Xibianmen.

Jiang Qingyun galloped away on his horse, escorted by 20 riders, 5 in front and 15 behind, following closely behind.

Pedestrians along the way quickly made way for them.

"A dashing young man in fine clothes, riding a spirited horse, who doesn't know the Prince of Nancheng?"

As we approached Xibianmen, the crowd gradually thickened.

"Your Excellency, shall we clear the way?"

Jiang Bei urged his horse to catch up and asked in a low voice. He had followed his sister's instructions and had to address her as his brother-in-law, both in public and at home.

"No need."

Jiang Qingyun reined in his horse and rode slowly.

At this time, the official road was crowded with people walking. They worked from sunrise to sunset, and although life was hard, they were content as long as they had hope.

Even hope is a luxury.

Many people have no hope in their lives, like the few kneeling by the roadside.

……

"Uncles and sirs, please have mercy! My family is out of food. This is my daughter. Give me one sesame seed cake, or two."

An old man and a young girl, a father and daughter.

The daughter knelt by the roadside with her head down, a straw tag stuck in her dirty braid, indicating that she had now transcended the realm of humanity and was merely an object.

(End of this chapter)