Tianliangyuan

Chapter 418 Whoever Gets Involved Dies

Xu Zhaozhao thought for a moment. She had never seen Li Erlang in person, so it was not appropriate for her to make a promise directly now.

"Before or after the New Year, according to custom you should take your new bride to visit your wife's family to pay New Year's respects. At that time, bring your younger brother along."

Li Shun's eyes lit up, and he immediately bowed deeply: "This humble official thanks the county magistrate for her help."

The wedding preparations for Li Shun and Xie Juan are in full swing. Because Xu Zhaozhao is pregnant, most of the arrangements are being handled by Madam Yu.

Xu Zhaozhao was happy to have some peace and quiet. The court's focus was now on the war between the Shiwei and Mohe, while another part was still on the pursuit of Li Ye.

With so many people arrested and more than ten officials executed in the capital, the atmosphere in the court is now quite subdued.

Officials who used to make mistakes often had exceptionally clear eyes at this time.

Who wants to be dragged out and beheaded by His Majesty!

Xu Zhuzi came to report again. His Majesty was very satisfied with what happened last time and specially rewarded Xu Zhuzi with some gold and silver. This was a royal gift from His Majesty, which Xu Zhuzi could brag about for the rest of his life.

"Master, I have found out that the entire family of the executed military equipment supervisor has been reduced to slavery, and the women have all been sent to the brothel. One of them was bought by the second young mistress of the manor and came to the manor on the 6th."

Xu Zhaozhao paused slightly in her teacup: "Is the news true?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, I have verified everything. The girl's original name was Wang Yuhe. After being brought into the manor, she was renamed Xinhe. It is said that this was because her name contained the character 'Yu,' which clashed with the Second Young Mistress's name."

Xu Zhaozhao frowned. Was this done on purpose, or was her second sister-in-law just too stupid to dare to invite just anyone into the mansion?

"Do you know who brought you into the mansion?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the person who went to buy me was the dowry maidservant of the Second Young Mistress. I suspect she was acting under orders. I learned yesterday that the Second Young Mistress had returned to her parents' home once after the incident, and a few days later, the maidservant went to buy me."

"Yes, this matter needs to be investigated further; we must not let our guard down."

"Yes, master."

Xu Zhaozhao's belly isn't very big right now, and she knows that pregnant women shouldn't lie down or sit for too long, as this is not good for the pregnancy and even less so for childbirth.

Peony and Perilla accompanied her as they strolled slowly outside.

When Madam Yu learned that Xu Zhaozhao had arrived, she immediately had someone arrange for a softer seat cushion and prepare a health-preserving tea suitable for pregnant women.

"How did you get here? I heard you didn't even take a sedan chair and walked all the way here by yourself?"

"Don't worry, Second Aunt, I'm perfectly healthy. Besides, staying cooped up indoors all the time isn't good for the pregnancy. I heard you've been working hard on Seventh Miss's marriage, so of course I had to come and thank you."

That's a well-said statement.

Madam Yu smiled and said, "Do you have something to tell me? If you need anything in the future, just send someone over to let me know. Don't take so long to come back."

"Thank you for your understanding, Aunt. I'm really fine. I just happened to hear some news from the servants today, so I came here specifically to inform you. The main thing is that this matter is neither a big deal nor a small one, and I, your niece-in-law, dare not make decisions on my own."

If Xu Zhaozhao said she dared not act on her own, then it must be no small matter.

"Zhaozhao, just say what you have to say. Your second aunt believes you."

Xu Zhaozhao's smile became even more sincere: "Since Second Aunt has said so, then I won't beat around the bush. I heard that Second Sister-in-law recently brought back a new maid from outside and renamed her Xinhe?"

Madam Yu truly knew nothing about this. She turned to look at one of the head maids beside her.

"Reporting to Second Madam, this is indeed the case. That maid was brought into the manor six or seven days ago. I heard that the two young masters of the Second Young Madam's household were making a lot of noise, so I specially found a maid who was about ten years old to come in and play with the two young masters."

Yu nodded, thinking that since the woman was young, it didn't mean she wanted to take a concubine.

Moreover, Xie Lang is not at home now, so Liu Yushuang is simply thinking of the two children.

"Zhaozhao, is there something wrong with this person's background?"

"This person's real name is Wang Yuhe. Not long ago, his father was among those who were ordered to commit suicide by His Majesty. He was the former Assistant Director of the Arsenal who committed dereliction of duty. His Majesty also demoted his family to slavery. If the normal procedure is followed, then this woman surnamed Wang should enter the Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment institution)."

After Xu Zhaozhao's explanation, Yu understood.

Liu Yushuang must have been asked by someone to buy Wang Yuhe, but the problem is, she shouldn't have brought him into the mansion.

The crime committed by Wang Yuhe's father was neither too serious nor too minor, and the Duke's mansion was a military family. Li Ye was still on the run. At this critical juncture, anyone who touched these people would die!

"I had no idea about this. Someone, go and invite the Second Young Mistress here."

"Second Aunt, wait!"

Madam Yu raised her hand, and the servant returned.

"Second Aunt, because of Liu Bo's matter, Second Sister-in-law had some complaints about me. This matter was found out by my people unintentionally."

Yu was very clever; he immediately understood.

"Don't worry, this matter will not involve you. Our Duke's Mansion also has its own rules. If it's just about finding a maid to enter the mansion, how could I, as her mother-in-law, refuse? Never mind, you go back first, I will handle this matter myself."

"I'm sorry to trouble you again, Second Aunt. The capital may seem peaceful on the surface, but there are still undercurrents beneath. At this time, we must not get involved with anyone related to Li Ye."

How could Mr. Yu not know this principle?

It's good to have a kind heart, but you also need to see the situation clearly!

If you accidentally get yourself into trouble, can you still call that doing good deeds?

That's utterly foolish!

After Xu Zhaozhao left, Madam Yu became angrier and angrier. What kind of bewitching had this second daughter-in-law been? How dare she buy a servant of such low origin?

"Someone, immediately send someone to investigate that Xinhe. Once you have a clear understanding of the situation, directly ask the Second Young Mistress for her indenture, and then immediately send it to the government office. Whether she is resold or sent to the brothel, you are not allowed to interfere."

"Yes, ma'am."

Yu was truly furious.

The sight of a ten-year-old girl adrift in this place is truly pitiful.

But her father was involved with the former subordinates of Prince Fu.

This hot potato is something you absolutely must not touch.

Liu Yushuang had already sent a letter back to her family. It was just buying a maid, a trivial matter, but it even made her elders in the family owe her a favor. She had really made a profit.

As a result, she had just finished comforting the child when she was told that the madam had sent someone over.

"What did you say?"

"Second Young Madam, I am here on your orders. Please produce Wang Yuhe's indenture. This matter involves many things. After I deal with Wang Yuhe, I will report back to you."

Liu Yushuang trembled with rage: "You, you're so insolent! You dare to use your mother-in-law to pressure me? As the young mistress, am I not even allowed the right to add a maid?"