Golden Branch

Yizhou, Wang’s Fortress.

"Is Prince Consort Pei dead?"

Wang Heng leaned one elbow on the table and held a letter in the other hand.

What happened in the capital during the day was conveyed to Wang Heng by carrier pigeons in the evening.

Some were written by Lou Yu himself, and others were sent by Wang Mian and Zheng Shisan.

Wang Heng read all the letters and finally focused on the one from Lou Yu.

Because Lou Yu's letter not only contains the superficial story of the death of the son-in-law Pei Si, but also the in-depth details of Lou Yu's personal investigation.

For example, the manner and cause of Pei Si's death—

"The body became rigid, and the mouth, nose, and skin turned cherry red. After a few hours, livor mortis appeared on the body, also a cherry red color."

"There was vomit residue on the body's mouth and nose, and urine stains on the ground."

"All signs indicate that the deceased died of carbon monoxide poisoning!"

Wang Heng's fingernails pinched a mark on the charcoal poison.

"Charcoal poison?"

Wang Heng has a "divine disciple" named Wang Mian by her side, who has known what charcoal poison is since childhood.

In winter, charcoal braziers are burned in the house to keep warm.

When charcoal burns, smoke is produced.

If the room is sealed and not ventilated, the smoke will become poisonous gas that is enough to kill people.

Wang Mian actually didn't need to remind people of this truth repeatedly. Nobles like Wang Heng, who came from wealthy families, also had experienced old ladies and palace doctors to remind them.

After all, every winter, people die from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Ordinary people may not know about it, but the powerful and wealthy must have heard of it.

"It's common sense that I know all about it. Pei Si, who was born into the Pei family and married a princess, couldn't possibly not know this!"

"Another point. Even in a separate courtyard, a family like Prince Consort Pei's doesn't rely solely on charcoal basins for heating!"

Wang Heng's brain was working rapidly, and her pair of black and white lychee eyes involuntarily glanced at the smoking cage in the corner.

Under the fumigation cage is a charcoal basin, in which the high-quality silver charcoal burning is gradually going out.

However, the maids did not add more charcoal in time. It was not because they were derelict in their duty or neglected Wang Heng, but because Wang Heng did not give the order.

Because the heating of such a large hall does not rely on charcoal braziers.

Instead, there is a warm channel under the floor of the entire room, which is the so-called "fire dragon".

There are several heating tunnels underground, burning charcoal day and night. The heat generated is enough to keep the room warm enough to wear only a single layer of clothing.

The fumigation cage is mainly used to dry hair and fumigate clothes.

The charcoal brazier may be filled with spices or orange peels or other fruit peels. As the charcoal burns, wisps of fragrance mix with the curling smoke, adding fragrance to the room and clothes.

Wang Heng enjoyed this because she had sufficient financial support and the "magic power" of the eldest daughter-in-law - Wang Mian "invented" coal, and innovatively used natural coal instead of the usual charcoal in the Dayu Dynasty.

The fire power generated by coal burning is far greater than that of charcoal, and can fully drive the heating equipment such as "floor heating" and "wall heating" designed by Wang Mian.

The Princess's Mansion may not have the opportunities that Wang Heng has, but it is not short of money.

The Pei family is also a noble family.

Even though Pei Si's villa could not be as lavish as Wang Heng's and install fire dragons in every room, he would still install sufficient heating equipment in important rooms such as the main hall, bedroom, and study.

No matter how much Pei Si was at odds with the princess, he would never fall to the point where he had to rely on a charcoal brazier to keep warm in winter!

He also won't have to close all the doors and windows to maintain the indoor temperature.

Just like Wang Heng at this moment, because the indoor temperature is too high and the air smells bad, she will deliberately open the window for ventilation.

As long as the window is open, you won’t get carbon monoxide poisoning even if there is smoke!

"Pei Si still died from carbon monoxide poisoning! Is there really no problem here?"

Wang Heng's intuition told her that Prince Consort Pei's death was definitely not just an "accident" given by the coroner.

If it was someone else's husband, Wang Heng wouldn't care so much.

First, she was not the prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture, so she did not need to find out the truth of the case; second, she was not the saint's Hundred Cavalry Officer, so she did not need to find out the inside story of the incident.

She was just a noble lady with the empty title of princess, and all she needed to do was enjoy wealth and live a stable life.

Unfortunately, the person who died was Princess Ping'an's husband, and Wang Heng had some grudges with Princess Ping'an.

Although the initial friction seems to have been reconciled.

Wang Heng and Princess Ping'an, half-sisters, also had close contacts, just like real sisters.

However, Wang Heng and Princess Ping'an both knew in their hearts that they could not be as close as sisters, and there was a trace of resentment in their hearts.

Since it was a matter concerning Princess Ping'an's mansion and the sudden death of her husband, Wang Heng had to understand it carefully and get as much information as possible.

Lou Yu is indeed the person who understands Wang Heng the best. He knows all about Wang Heng's "enemies" and her "preparations for a rainy day".

Therefore, the information he provided in the letter to Wang Heng was the most comprehensive.

And, it’s not just this one letter.

In the next three to five days, Wang Heng received two or three more letters from Lou Yu via carrier pigeons.

"Since last autumn, Princess Ping'an has favored a scholar named Zhou. I, Zhou, have passed the winter examination and have been admitted to the Ming Dynasty exam!"

The imperial examinations of the Dayu Dynasty were divided into regular examinations and special examinations.

The regular examination was the imperial examination held every year. The tribute students recommended by officials from various prefectures would go to the capital to take the examination of the Ministry of Rites.

The commonly selected subjects are divided into: scholar, Mingjing, Jinshi, Mingfa, Mingzi, etc.

Mingzi, as the name suggests, means having expertise in calligraphy and writing.

Among the many commonly cited subjects, it is one with the lowest value.

It is far inferior to the scholar, jinshi and other subjects.

However, being able to stand out from the crowd and win first place in a single event is also a talent.

This Mr. Zhou was able to pass the Mingzi exam, so his calligraphy must be quite methodical.

In addition to his special talents, his appearance, speech, etc. are also very outstanding.

"Shen" refers to figure and appearance. Well, ancient people paid much more attention to appearance than modern people.

An ugly person cannot become an official even if he is well-educated. Please refer to Zhong Kui for a specific example.

Those who can pass the layers of selection of the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Personnel and finally pass a certain subject are all elites with outstanding appearance and great talents.

Coincidentally, Princess Ping'an is a face-obsessed person.

Zhou Mouding is also a person who is good at scheming.

Both parties were seeking color and power, and they hit it off immediately.

Zhou became Princess Ping'an's lover and was quite favored.

Oh no, it’s not just love, Princess Ping’an seems to have fallen in love with Zhou.

"...So, Pei Si is an eyesore?"

Wang Heng read the letter from Lou Yu and secretly speculated, "Although Pei Si has already willingly become a living cuckold, facing Princess Ping'an's romantic affairs, he simply fled the capital."

"But for those who have changed their hearts, the presence of their spouse is an obstacle."

"Killing the old love to promote the new one seems perfectly reasonable!"

Wang Heng continued to talk about conspiracy.

Jingzhao Prefecture has reached a conclusion about Pei Si’s death: accident!

Wang Heng still couldn't help but doubt.

Because it's really not normal, and the suspect has a motive for committing the crime.

"In fact, it's not just me, my brother should be suspicious too!"

Otherwise, there wouldn't be so much information about Zhou in the letter Lou Yu wrote to Wang Heng.

"Perhaps, we need to see what Princess Ping'an does next!"

Wang Heng was far away in Yizhou, silently following the gossip in the capital.

Just as Wang Heng had expected, just after three months and the hundred-day mourning period for Prince Consort Pei had passed, Princess Ping'an remarried.

She married Zhou He, a rising star in the imperial examinations and a great calligrapher in the capital.

Wang Heng: ...Well, worthy of being the fierce Princess Dayu!

Tsk, this is the real golden branches and jade leaves.

The princess doesn't care about etiquette or women's teachings.

Princess Ping'an remarried so quickly, without being bound by etiquette at all.

Mourning for your husband for three years?

what!

Can a princess be like an ordinary woman?

Princess Ping'an was willing to mourn Pei Si for three months just for the sake of her two children.

If there were no children—

For example, the newly promoted Prince Consort Zhou was far less favored and wealthy than Pei Si.

Wang Heng had a strong premonition: Prince Consort Zhou’s glory would not last long!

The scandal surrounding Princess Ping'an has come to an end for the time being.

Wang Heng became busy again.

After the New Year and into spring, all the affairs in Yizhou had been settled, and it was time for Wang Heng to return to Beijing.

After changing into plain white spring clothes and taking her younger brother and sister-in-law with her, as well as many Yizhou local rituals, Wang Heng's huge motorcade officially set out on the official road back to Beijing on the chosen auspicious day.

The wheels are rolling, and outside the car window, the spring breeze is warm and the green willows are as silky as silk.

Wang Heng leaned against the carriage, enjoying the spring day while chatting or sharing delicious food with Zheng Shiliu.

Bai Shao, Bai Wei and other servants were serving in the corner of the carriage.

Bai Wei even has needlework in her hands.

Ahem, during the two days on the road, Bai Wei had already made a belt for Wang Heng.

The sachet that Wang Heng started making last year now only has half a peony embroidered on it.

Bai Wei silently estimated that with her princess's speed, she probably wouldn't be able to make it to Mr. Lou's birthday this year.

It’s my birthday next year, maybe I can still look forward to it!

The carriage rocked for half a day and arrived at the post station before noon.

Wang Heng disliked the shabby post station and did not get off, but continued to stay in the carriage.

She asked her servants to set up curtains, screens, etc. in the open space next to the post station, and then had her meal outdoors.

After eating, we continued on our journey.

In the evening, Wang Heng received a letter sent by carrier pigeon from Lou Yu.

"Oh wow! There's new gossip!"

"The capital city is really bustling this year. Even that holy monk has returned!"

The so-called holy monk, whose Buddhist name was Mingtong, was once a famous and enlightened monk in the capital.

The holy monk Mingtong was obsessed with Buddhism. In order to supplement the Buddhist scriptures, he traveled thousands of miles to India.

He left the capital during the reign of the former emperor.

After six or seven years, he not only returned safely, but also brought back hundreds of volumes of Buddhist scriptures.

"Oh wow, Master Mingtong not only brought back Buddhist scriptures, he also has dozens of disciples and followers."

Wang Heng continued to read Lou Yu's letter. Suddenly, when she saw a certain line of words, she couldn't help but widen her eyes.

"Princess Ping'an truly lives up to Princess Dayu's reputation for bravery."

"You've just gotten married for the second time, and you already have a new love?"

"The new love is a monk?!"