Quick Wear: Crazy Female Supporting Role She is Bai Yueguang

Therefore, since his wife's death, Situ Jin no longer had much hope for marriage. He believed that his fate was already determined and was unwilling to pursue so-called happiness.

"Thank you for your concern, Madam Dowager. However, the situation in the court is so turbulent right now. How can I settle down and start a family? I'll just let fate take its course when it comes to marriage. I never force anything."

Situ Jin replied calmly.

Hearing Situ Jin say this, Concubine Shu was slightly stunned, but she did not continue to dwell on the matter.

She is not Situ Jin's parent, so there are some things that cannot be transgressed and would hurt their relationship.

"Jin'er, there's something I need your help with. Would you be willing to take it on?"

The concubine's tone was deliberative. She knew that this matter could not be forced, so she naturally did not make things difficult for Situ Jin.

"Your Highness, please feel free to speak up. As long as I can help, I should do it."

Hearing this, Concubine Shu was completely relieved. She told Emperor Wen An about his worries and breathed a sigh of relief.

"I don't know who to trust in the capital. But Jin'er, the emperor's own flesh and blood are living abroad. The empress dowager and the emperor are not on the same page. Recently, the empress dowager has been in frequent contact with court officials. I'm worried that something might happen."

There are countless things happening in the court, and Concubine Shu cannot remember everything, but everyone in the world knows that the emperor has become ill due to worry about the third prince.

After the third prince disappeared, Emperor Wen'an sent many people to look for him, but his whereabouts are still unknown and he has been forgotten by everyone over time.

Concubine Shu looked at Situ Jin and said slowly, "Now, I can only trust you."

"Please rest assured, Madam Dowager, I will do my best."

Situ Jin understood Concubine Shu's concerns and knew that he had an important responsibility.

"Thank you, Jin'er."

Concubine Shu said gratefully, with a glint of trust in her eyes.

Situ Jin smiled slightly, indicating that this was what should be done.

"My Lady Dowager, I will investigate this matter as quickly as possible and find the young prince as soon as possible."

Concubine Shu nodded and felt a little relieved.

She knew that Situ Jin was smart and clever, and would definitely be able to find clues and solve the mystery.

"Okay, then it's up to you."

Situ Jin thought about the clues he had pieced together over the years, and the truth seemed to be hidden, he added.

"I have been investigating this matter for a long time. Recently, I received some information that someone from the Fu family's side branch may have some clues. I just need to verify it. Please don't worry, Queen Dowager. Give me some time and I will definitely handle this matter."

Concubine Shu naturally did not urge her. After hearing this, she felt relieved.

"As long as you are here, I will not worry about anything. You are truly my lucky star."

Situ Jin smiled but did not agree. However, Concubine Shu seemed to be hesitant to speak, and it seemed that she had something else to ask for.

"As long as it is the Queen Mother's order, I will do my best."

Concubine Shu then said.

"Speaking of which, the Emperor's birthday is coming up soon, in just three months. Jin'er, go outside the palace and find a few merchants with superb embroidery skills to buy clothes for the Emperor's birthday banquet. You also have to take care of the concubines as well."

Speaking of this, Concubine Shu got a headache.

She frowned, feeling a little embarrassed.

There is a special clothing shop in the palace that is responsible for purchasing clothes for everyone in the palace, but this also means a huge expense.

Moreover, the quality of these clothes is not always satisfactory, and many times the stitching is not tight enough, which does not match the high price.

The monthly expenses for the concubines in the palace amount to tens of thousands of taels of silver. Such a huge sum of money makes Concubine Shu feel extremely stressed.

Now the border situation is unstable and the country is at a critical moment. Every penny should be spent effectively.

If we can save some unnecessary expenses, we can solve many problems.

Concubine Shu was well aware of the heavy responsibility she had and she hoped to make a contribution to the country.

Even though it was not her job, she couldn't help but want to do her part for the country.

After all, soldiers are fighting on the battlefield, and their food and horses are vital. If their combat effectiveness is affected by insufficient funds, it will be a disaster.

Thinking of this, Concubine Shu couldn't help but shook her head and sighed: "Alas, if we can save this money, it will increase the chances of victory for the soldiers at the front."

She decided to find ways to save money and save every penny for the country.

However, some things have to be brought to light, so seeking help from the Royal Merchant to resolve the matter is the best way. Thinking of this, the plan in her mind gradually took shape.

Situ Jin suddenly remembered that Minister Fu's father-in-law's family was either engaged in weaving gold cloth or in the embroidery industry.

It seems that this business needs to be discussed with someone from the Wan family.

Thinking of the girl he met at the palace gate just now, Situ Jin touched his chin. Maybe he could ask his grandfather to come forward and handle this matter.

"Toffee, why don't you give me a few days? I think this problem can be solved quickly."

Hearing this, the concubine smiled slightly and said to Situ Jin with appreciation: "Good boy, I will leave this matter to you. I am very relieved."

Situ Jin chatted with the concubine for a while, then left the palace.

However, as soon as he came out of the palace, he saw Queen Mother Yuan being very intimate with a man next to the Hexi Palace not far away.

The man looked familiar. It seemed to be the newly crowned top scholar Zhou Wenqing.

However, Situ Jin was too lazy to pay attention and turned around and left.

Empress Dowager Yuan was born charming and affectionate, and today she wore a pink and blue dress, which made her look as delicate as a young girl in her twenties.

However, time is not forgiving, and the crow's feet at the corners of her eyes still reveal her age. However, this does not affect her beauty, but adds a bit of mature charm.

Zhou Wenqing trembled uneasily, feeling a burning gaze fixed on him.

He looked up and saw Queen Mother Yuan looking at him with eyes full of possessiveness, with a faint smile on her lips.

"Zhou Lang."

Empress Dowager Yuan's voice was low and hoarse, as if it contained endless temptation.

Zhou Wenqing was shocked and his face changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure.

He bowed and said, "Empress Dowager!"

Empress Dowager Yuan gently waved her hand, signaling Zhou Wenqing to stand. Her eyes never left Zhou Wenqing, and her burning desire grew stronger.

"Zhou Lang, I have a special liking for Tao Ji's dim sum recently."

Empress Dowager Yuan spoke, reaching out to pick up a piece of delicate pastry from the table, putting it in her mouth and chewing it slowly. Zhou Wenqing frowned slightly. He knew what Empress Dowager Yuan was up to, but he didn't want to become her lover.

He suppressed his disgust and responded.

"The Empress Dowager likes it. I will definitely bring it with me next time I enter the palace."

Empress Dowager Yuan smiled, and her smile was exceptionally bright.

She stretched out her fingers, gently stroked Zhou Wenqing's cheek, and spoke softly.

"Zhou Lang, you are becoming more and more pleasing to me."

Zhou Wenqing's heart tightened and he quickly took a step back to avoid Empress Dowager Yuan's touch.

He politely declined Empress Dowager Yuan several times, but later, Empress Dowager Yuan threatened his future, and Zhou Wenqing had no choice but to agree to some of her unreasonable demands.

He lowered his head and spoke in a firm tone.

"Your Majesty, I have something important to attend to, so I will take my leave first."

After saying that, he turned and left with hurried steps.

Empress Dowager Yuan looked at Zhou Wenqing's receding figure, a trace of resentment flashing in her eyes. She murmured to herself.

"Zhou Lang, sooner or later you will become my man..."

Zhou Wenqing turned around and left the palace, but he didn't know that Empress Dowager Yuan's eyes gradually became cold, no longer as gentle and affectionate as before.

"Empress Dowager, this number one scholar already has a wife. If the Emperor knew about this, he would inevitably have a quarrel with you, wouldn't you agree?"

Empress Dowager Yuan sat in a chair, a mocking smile curling her lips as she heard this: "I am his mother, and the Emperor has always been filial to her. How dare I say anything? But you should refrain from spreading rumors and letting the Emperor know anything."

The maid replied respectfully, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Empress Dowager Yuan glanced casually to the side and saw Zhou Wenqing leaving through the window. The corners of her mouth curled up slightly and her eyes sparkled with interest.

She thought to herself, "This prey is already under my control. No matter how noble he is, with the temptation of power, can he really resist?"

Empress Dowager Yuan knew that fame, wealth, and status were irresistible to men. Zhou Wenqing, a peasant by birth, found fame and fortune even more difficult to let go.

She firmly believed that as long as the time was right, Zhou Wenqing would definitely bow down at her feet and become a chess piece in her hands.

One day, she would make this man who had rejected her kneel before her, kiss her toes, and submit to her!

Thinking of this, Empress Dowager Yuan couldn't help but laugh out loud, her laughter filled with confidence and anticipation. She believed that day wouldn't be too far away...

*

Shi Qing closed her eyes to rest. She learned about the conversation between Concubine Shu and Situ Jin from Tuanzi.

She captured key information from their conversation, such as the whereabouts of the Third Prince. She heard that he was now in the Fu family, so Shi Qing asked Tuanzi to investigate the matter.

Of course, the plot has not yet unfolded, so it is hard to say what will happen next.

The carriage swayed forward towards the Shangshu Mansion.

Mingyue's mind was obviously still in the imperial city. Her eyes were shining and she spoke nervously.

"The Prime Minister has helped the young lady today. He usually keeps a distance from women, but this is the first time he has spoken to someone so gently. It's obvious that he really likes the young lady."

Shi Qing smiled indifferently, but she knew clearly in her heart that the reason why Situ Jin's attitude towards her had changed was entirely because of the kind old tutor.

"Lord Situ is kindhearted, but the Grand Tutor has helped us a lot. It's been so long since we returned to the capital, so it's time to pay him a visit."

Thinking of the many times the old man had helped her, Shi Qing decided to visit the Taifu's house in person.

After Mingyue knew her arrangement, she said with a smile, "Yes, I will do it right away."

Shi Qing ordered Mingyue to take enough silver to the opera troupe in the north of the city and invite them to perform at the Taifu's house to please the old man.

At the same time, she also prepared some valuable gifts and visited the mansion.

When she arrived at the Taifu's mansion, she found that although the mansion was not big, it was decorated very exquisitely, and the style of the courtyard was somewhat similar to that of the mansions in the south of the Yangtze River.

Since Master Situ lived alone, this large house with two entrances and exits seemed particularly spacious.

Moreover, most of the attendants here were transferred from the Situ Mansion and are very trustworthy.

When she entered the mansion, she saw Master Situ playing chess intently.

He held the black chess piece in one hand and the white chess piece in the other, as if he was playing chess with himself.

However, after careful observation, it can be found that the white pieces have been surrounded by the black pieces and are in trouble.

Master Situ tried to solve the dilemma of White chess, but he could not find a solution for a while.

Shi Qing approached quietly without disturbing the old man.

At this moment, the butler's voice came.

"Sir, the eldest lady of the Fu family is here."

When Master Situ heard the butler's voice, he quickly looked away and saw a pretty little girl beside the butler.

He said to the housekeeper with a smile, "Tell the kitchen to prepare snacks and lunch. We can't treat our distinguished guests badly."

When the old man called Shi Qing like this, the housekeeper knew that this little girl was valued by the old man. She must be the girl who saved the old man in Qingshui County.

After the housekeeper left, Shi Qing walked to the side of Master Situ and said with a smile.

"Meet the Master."

As soon as Shi Qing came in, he saw Master Situ sitting on the couch, holding a chess piece in his hand and staring at the chessboard.

After hearing the voice, Master Situ raised his head, and when he saw that it was Shi Qing, he smiled.

However, the next second, Master Situ suddenly glared at Shi Qing, puffing his beard and glaring.

"Girl, where do all these rules come from? Just call me Grandpa Situ."

Shi Qing was a little surprised, but still shouted obediently: "Yes, Grandpa Situ."

Taifu Situ was in a good mood. Looking at Shi Qing wearing cloud brocade and with a rosy complexion, he looked much better than before, with his face visibly rounder.

Compared to the dusty little girl he met in Qingshui County, Shi Qing is now much prettier and no different from a noble lady in the capital.

It is true that clothes make the man. Looking closely, she and Minister Fu really look alike.

"Girl, come quickly and help Grandpa Situ see how to break this chess game."

Shi Qing walked forward obediently and stood beside Master Situ. She took only one look and began to move the white pieces.

She just lightly tapped her finger and the white piece landed on the chessboard.

Just by moving two chess pieces slightly, the whole situation became different.

Master Situ stared at the chessboard without blinking, but was surprised to find that the chess game he had studied for a long time was easily solved by Shi Qing.

Shi Qing made a few more moves, and the white pieces, which were originally at a disadvantage, instantly gained the upper hand.

Master Situ couldn't help but stare wide-eyed, his face filled with disbelief. He had never imagined that this little girl could possess such superb chess skills.

"That's awesome, girl."

Master Situ exclaimed in admiration.

"You are really smart and likable, girl."

Shi Qing smiled slightly. The chess game was easy to crack. It was just because he had seen it too many times. The original owner was a master at it.

"It's just a coincidence, you're joking."