Chapter 77 extortion

In a courtyard deep in the Xiejie Hutong, Zhou Yinzhi stood up and escorted Jiang Xuening to the door. He only said, "If Miss Er wants to visit You Fangyin, she must wait until later to avoid being crowded and confused."

Yao Niang followed behind him and also came out to see off Jiang Xuening.

Jiang Xuening said, "Then I'll go later.".

She descended from the mossy step in the crack at the door, but stopped and turned to look at Yaoniang, smiling and saying, "Thank you for brewing tea for me this time."

Yao Niang was flattered and surprised.

She was just Zhou Yinzhi's maid, and I didn't know how this benefactor from her own family could be so polite to her. She hurriedly said, "I didn't have good tea to entertain you when I came back last time. I'm afraid the girl won't be able to handle it. You can enjoy it if you like it."

Jiang Xuening took his leave and returned to the mansion first.

*

At this time, the news that You Yue and You Fangyin had been detained and awaiting trial by the Royal Guards yamen had also reached the Qingyuan Bo Mansion.

Everyone only thought that You Yue had gone out for a trip, hoping that she would come back later.

Where did you expect to be caught after not seeing anyone for a long time?

For a moment, the entire mansion was restless. Upon hearing this, Madam Uncle almost closed her eyes and fainted. Miss You Shuang remained calm and only asked the messenger, "What did your sister do? How could she be caught?"

The next person said, "I heard someone said they started fighting with Miss San in the teahouse, and Miss Er from Jiang Shilang's mansion was right next to them, reporting the case. Unexpectedly, when the Royal Guards arrived, they arrested both of them. They said they couldn't figure it out for a while in the teahouse, so it's better to go back to the yamen and explain."

These words are all passed down by people.

At that time, it was actually You Fangyin's hand that moved, but when everyone heard that both of them had been taken away, they naturally thought it was the hand that these two people interacted with, and the words naturally changed.

Madam Bo immediately cursed and said, "You Fangyin, this little hoof, it's always bad to get involved with her!"

However, Youshuang was somewhat keenly aware of the existence of "Miss Jiang Er".

But she was not selected to be a palace attendant, only hearing about the grudges between her younger sister and Jiang Xuening. She was not clear about the details, and although she had some doubts that this matter was related to Jiang Xuening, it was not easy to make hasty conclusions at the moment.

Only Dao said, "My younger sister has already been selected as an accompanying reader in the palace, and the opportunity is rare. This time, I was only going out to rest in the palace, so I dare not make a big fuss. Whether my younger sister is innocent or not, it is always not good to pass it on to the palace. If one mistake creates a loophole for someone with intentions, I'm afraid the position of the accompanying reader will also be difficult to secure. Moreover, if I have to return to the palace in another day, it will be even more difficult if my younger sister is still detained in prison.". We, the women's family, cannot handle this matter well. When dealing with the public, we need our father's intervention

Madam Bo immediately said, "Yes, yes, at least we are also a noble family! These people of the Royal Guards take people whenever they say they take them. How could they ever keep an eye on us? I will go see Uncle and ask him to handle it."

The group hurriedly went to report to Uncle Qingyuan.

But who would have expected that after Uncle Qingyuan asked about the specific situation, his face changed drastically and he suddenly stood up and asked, "Is it Zhou Qianhu, who has just been promoted to the Jinyi Guard, who captured Yue'er?"

Everyone is not sure why.

Uncle Qingyuan, however, was already furious and said, "Foolish! Foolish! What are you doing to provoke the Jin Yi Wei? Originally, Zhou Qianhu could still deal with our mansion, but now this newly appointed person is also called 'Zhou Qianhu'. I have asked someone to visit him a few times but have not replied to me. The Jin Yi Wei gang are all cannibalistic ghosts who don't vomit their bones. What do you want me to use to satisfy their appetite now! You are causing trouble for me!"

Madam Auntie had already burst into tears and said, "Uncle, if you don't help us, what should we do with Yue'er? I heard that people who are detained for trial are staying in prison like those criminals. Who knows what kind of pitiful situation it is..."

Uncle Qingyuan's face was gloomy, and he also considered it.

Recently, there have been rumors in the palace that a consort will be selected for the Prince of Linzi.

Yue'er was finally selected as a palace attendant with the first place in calligraphy and painting at the Double Ninth Festival banquet that day, but it was a rare opportunity. If she could find a good marriage in the future, it would be of great help to the Uncle's Mansion.

I have to stay in prison

Miss Qianjin is not born to that lowly concubine of the third daughter. She cannot give up easily. If the matter spreads, who will be willing to marry her in the future?

This is really a sudden disaster. Although the Bo Mansion has been passed down from a noble family, no one has held real power for three generations. In today's court, it has long been on the edge, leaving only an empty and beautiful appearance. However, I don't know how much it will take to settle this matter!

Uncle Qingyuan became increasingly angry as he thought about it.

But there was nothing I could do about it here, so I gritted my teeth and instructed the butler, "Go, first order the silver coins in the treasury, and then prepare the carriage immediately. I'll go to the yamen first to take a look!"

*

When Jiang Xuening returned to Jiang Mansion, the sun had already set.

As soon as she entered, a woman said to her, "It's rare for you to come back from the palace. The master and his wife said they would cook in the main room at night, and the old servant was worried that you might come back late and miss the time. But now it seems like it's just the right time."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuening paused and said, "I understand."

No matter how we get along internally, we are still a family on the surface.

It's natural to come back and have a meal.

She went back to her own room to tidy up and then went to the main room.

At this moment, lights were lit everywhere on the corridor.

Jiang Boyou and Meng have been sitting in the room for a while.

Jiang Xuehui sat next to Meng Shi.

There was a gilded invitation on the table, and Jiang Boyou was looking down, frowning and furrowing.

Jiang Xuening came in to salute.

Jiang Boyou called her up, but as he watched her, he hesitated to speak.

Jiang Xuening noticed it and looked up to see the invitation in his hand. The strong and powerful handwriting on the outer seal was a bit familiar - it was Yan Lin.

Jiang Boyou felt that she should also take a look, so he handed out the invitation and said, "The invitation from the Yongyi Marquis's Mansion invites people to observe the Crown Prince's coronation ceremony."

When Jiang Xuening opened the invitation, her fingers trembled lightly.

Just because every word on this invitation was handwritten by Yan Linqin, although there was no mention of her, it seemed like just some ordinary words on the invitation. However, she wanted to know that since the Yongyi Marquis's Mansion had sent the invitation to the outside world, it was impossible for this one to be the only one, let alone for every invitation to be written by Yan Linqin.

Her invitation is special.

Even though he had already distanced himself from others in public, the young man still hoped to be by his side and witness the moment when he was crowned into adulthood.

Jiang Xuening slowly closed the invitation.

Jiang Boyou asked, "Will you go then?"

Jiang Xuening said, "Go."

Meng couldn't help but feel a bit worried as he listened to the conversation between his father and daughter. He wanted to say that something had happened in the Yongyi Marquis's Mansion, and he didn't know what was going on. He was afraid that most of the high gates in the capital wouldn't be able to avoid it. How could they have rushed like this?

Just because Jiang Boyou also nodded, it's not easy to say anything more.

She said, "Sit down and have dinner first."

The chefs in the mansion cook average dishes, and Jiang Xuening is a bit picky about the word "eat" because her appetite is always average and she eats less.

Jiang Xuehui sat next to her without speaking.

A meal, the whole family finished silently, inevitably feeling a bit heavy.

When Meng brought a few cups of tea after dinner, she said, "It's always the master who made the decision in the mansion, and some things are difficult for me to say. But now everyone knows that the Yongyi Marquis Mansion has been abandoned by the Holy Emperor, and we, Sister Ning, have been taken care of by the Little Marquis in the past. Although marriage is no longer possible, I do not object to this. However, Sister Hui and the Marquis Mansion have no contact. When I had tea with Lady Dingguo and others a few days ago, I heard that His Highness Linzi will soon start selecting concubines." "Look, on the day of the coronation ceremony, Sister Ning will go, and Sister Hui will be fine."

In the end, Jiang Xuening's attendance at the palace as a reading companion also earned face for the family.

Although she felt like she was fighting with the young ladies of the Qingyuan Uncle's Mansion in the palace, which inevitably made them feel embarrassed and embarrassed when they met outside, Meng didn't say much about her. She only wanted to take out Hui and his sister, and leave more room for future marriages.

Although Jiang Boyou and the Yongyi Marquis's Mansion have a close relationship, they are facing great difficulties and their arms cannot twist their thighs. Naturally, they also need to consider the situation of the entire family, so they cannot refute Meng's words.

Jiang Xuening also remained silent.

Jiang Boyou said, "That's good."

But no one expected that at this moment, Jiang Xuehui, who had not said a word next to her before, would lift her head and say, "I'm going too."

Meng widened her eyes and said, "Hui sister!"

However, Jiang Xuehui glanced at Jiang Xuening without any intention of changing her mind and said, "My father is the head of the family, and we have already received the coronation ceremony. It is not important for our children to choose. Moreover, there may not be any room for negotiation regarding the matter of the Yongyi Marquis's Mansion now. My father and sister have both gone, and my mother and I should also go."

Meng suddenly froze.

Even Jiang Boyou didn't expect it.

Jiang Xuening, on the other hand, looked at her with a calm expression and a clear complexion. Thinking of what she said was reasonable and emotional. Such a lady from a wealthy family, how could she be inferior to Xiao Shu?

So he slowly smiled.

Meng thought to himself, why is this not the truth?

Jiang Boyou sighed that Hui and her sister were indeed sensible and reasonable.

After drinking tea, Jiang Xuening and Jiang Xuehui withdrew from the room and walked on the corridor. Their footsteps stopped and they only said, "If I were you, I would not have missed such a great opportunity. After all, everyone in the capital knows that His Highness the Prince of Linzi has a good relationship with Yan Lin, and Yan Lin will give him a crown ceremony. He will definitely go."

Jiang Xuehui's face changed, as if she had never expected her to say such words, and her whole body couldn't help but become tense.

Jiang Xuening looked ordinary.

She lowered her eyes and saw the embroidered handkerchief she was currently holding in her hand. She gently reached out and pulled it out from between her fingers, spread it out and placed it in her palm, revealing a light green orchid embroidered on her face and a small red ginger flower on the corner. So she raised her eyebrows lightly and looked at Jiang Xuehui, saying, "I hope it will be some time later. It's best for you to also take this embroidered handkerchief into the palace."

The embroidered handkerchief was put back into Jiang Xuehui's hands by Jiang Xuening.

Jiang Xuehui looked at her as if she didn't understand what she was saying.

Jiang Xuening is not very close to her. She plans to do it herself, but she doesn't want her to understand or explain anything. In her heart, she still thinks about going to see You Fangyin. After returning the embroidered handkerchief to her, she turns around and heads out of the mansion.

I have to go out at night.

No one in the entire Kehe family dared to raise any objections, as if they were accustomed to it.

Jiang Xuehui stood in place, looking at her back, completely indifferent to the opinions of others. All the rules in this world, combined with those of women in the inner chamber, seemed to have been trampled on by her, and for a moment, she was somewhat envious.

In an instant, they were all put away.

Jiang Xuening has never experienced the days she has lived, so naturally she does not have such a temperament. Ultimately, everyone has their own destiny.

*

It's very late, Zhou Yinzhi is still staying in the yamen and hasn't gone back.

The subordinate asked him, "Has Mr. Qianhu not returned yet?"

===Kunning Section 97===

Zhou Yinzhi replied, "If you have something to do, go ahead first."

The royal guards dared not ask any more questions. Three in groups, five in groups, took off their official robes and went out to drink, leaving Zhou Yin alone.

Jiang Xuening came at the hour of Xu.

Wearing a dark cloak on the outside and a large hood, while wearing a goose yellow long skirt on the inside, her figure became even more slender. When she arrived at the yamen, she let go of her hood and revealed a white face, her eyebrows and eyes resembling pictures.

Zhou Yinzhi glanced down and said, "In the afternoon, Uncle Qingyuan's Mansion will come to retrieve people. However, Zhou remembers that Miss Er said she would take a two-day break, so she's not in a hurry for now. It's not too late to release people tomorrow."

He was recently promoted to a thousand households, but for the first time, he felt that he had power, which turned out to be so useful.

In the afternoon, Uncle Qingyuan personally came, but he didn't dare to speak when he saw him.

Hand over a box of silver notes, three thousand taels.

Zhou Yinzhi glanced at him and frowned, saying, "Uncle, there's no need to do this. The yamen will release the person after they have been reviewed. At most, it will take seven or eight days. If it is confirmed that love has nothing to do with provocation and disturbance, then naturally there will be no problem."

Uncle Qingyuan's eyelids twitched.

He took out another 5000 taels of silver note from his left sleeve and put it on.

Zhou Yinzhi frowned even deeper and said, "It's all the younger generation's business. The Royal Guards also have a sense of propriety, so they shouldn't be related to any Tianjiao Rebellion. Uncle, please come back."

Upon hearing this, Uncle Qingyuan almost knelt down in fear.

I gritted my teeth this time, as if it hurt so much that my flesh fell off. Then I took out a 5000 taels silver note from my right sleeve and put it on.

As she spoke, she almost burst into tears and said, "My daughter has not suffered much since she was born, and our family has been doting on and loving her. Although she always makes mistakes, it doesn't affect anyone's affairs. She finally chose to be the palace attendant and will be returning to the palace in a day. I would like to ask Lord Qianhu to show her respect and be accommodating."

Zhou Yinzhi then said, "Uncle loves his daughter very much, and it's pitiful to hear it. That's why I ordered someone to interrogate you overnight. You can come tomorrow."

Uncle Qingyuan has just left with great gratitude.

That 13000 taels naturally stayed.

As for whether he insulted him for being ruthless and ruthless after leaving, it is unknown.

At this moment, Zhou Yinzhi took out an envelope from his sleeve and handed it to Jiang Xuening, saying, "Uncle's mansion will send someone to pick up You Yue tomorrow, but he hasn't mentioned another illegitimate young lady in the mansion. I told Uncle Qingyuan that this matter still needs to be left for trial, and You Fangyin is the one who caused trouble, so he can't let anyone go for now. Uncle said, that's natural. Then he left."

Jiang Xuening took the envelope.

Upon dismantling it, there were two 5000 taels of silver bills.

She then stuffed the silver ticket back, secretly saying that there was indeed a three point stake in the broken ship. Although it's not much, it's definitely quite a lot, and she knows who Zhou Yinzhi is. She's afraid that Uncle Qingyuan gave her more at that time, and she only had this ten thousand in her hands.

I don't know how this uncle looked at that time. How much should You Yue hate him if she knew?

Jiang Xuening's heart trembled.

Only Dao, this money will be used for the Ziliujing Salt Field project. If you come back and make up for it yourself, it won't be much difference.

She said, "It took a lot of money to make a profit for a month, so Uncle's Mansion won't spend the second time being wrongly accused. One is a legitimate daughter, one is a illegitimate daughter, one is a palace attendant, one is a father who doesn't care about his mother, and even if he dies in prison, no one will care about him. Moreover, they want you to keep their handle in their hands to feel at ease, so they deliberately left You Fangyin for you, so that you can receive this money with peace of mind."

These are common methods in the officialdom.

Zhou Yinzhi listened and nodded.

Jiang Xuening asked again, "How is Fangyin?"

Zhou Yinzhi took her to the prison cell in the back office.

The prison guard saw a thousand households bringing a woman, all wrapped in a cloak. Although he couldn't see her clearly, he didn't dare to ask any more questions. He was ordered to open the door without saying a word and lead them in.

The Jin Yi Wei often arrests people for the emperor, involving either nobles or nobles. They often need to use some means to make these people speak the truth, so various ferocious torture tools are everywhere in this prison.

Jiang Xuening had never been to such a place in her past or present life, and when she glanced at it, she felt a sense of shock.

However, in the next moment, I couldn't help but think of Zhang Zhe.

In the previous life, that person was imprisoned, and it was his enemy who interrogated him. What kind of pain should it be due to various hardships?

In prison, there are no windows on all sides, it is dark and humid, and it is extremely cold in winter.

Some cells have people locked up, and most of them have already fallen asleep.

There are also some who keep their eyes open, but they don't react when they look at someone passing by. They look like walking corpses, with numbness in their eyes that makes people feel palpitated.

But as we move forward, there are fewer cells where people are confined.

Most of them are empty.

When she arrived at the innermost room, Jiang Xuening even saw several bright candles falling from the ground outside the prison door. Taking a closer look inside, although it was still a prison cell, it was kept clean and tidy: the bed in the corner was neat, with thick bedding placed on it; A bookshelf was placed against the wall, holding pens, ink, paper, and inkstones; At this moment, there are bright candles on the table. A person leaned under the lamp and carefully looked at a booklet in front of them. The bun was loosely tied into a simple bundle, hanging from the front of their shoulders to their chest, but their eyebrows were clear and their eyes were beautiful, with a gentle and gentle posture.

It is precisely You Fangyin.

Jiang Xuening suddenly froze and stood outside the cell, looking inside, unsure of what to do.

Zhou Yinzhi walked behind her without speaking.

It was actually quiet here. As they walked over from outside, there were footsteps. You Fangyin easily heard them and turned around to see Jiang Xuening standing outside. She was extremely surprised and quickly got up. She opened the closed prison door and said, "How did Miss Er come?"

Jiang Xuening: "..."

She cast a faint glance at Zhou Yin.

It has to be said that although this person has a heart of tigers and wolves, there are reasons why she liked to use this person and favored and valued this person in the previous life.

Doing things is too beautiful.

The prison door was originally unlocked, just closed like an ordinary person's door.

Upon seeing this scene, Zhou Yinzhi retreated to the distance first.

Jiang Xuening walked in and looked around. After all, she still felt that this place was too narrow. She looked at You Fangyin and said, "I had a sudden idea to come up with this, which has caused you to suffer from this imprisonment..."

You Fangyin has never been so happy before.

She looked at her prison cell from side to side but felt extremely comfortable. Upon hearing Jiang Xuening's words, she quickly shook her head and said, "No, no, no! Lord Zhou has arranged for me very well, and I know that the second girl also doesn't want me to go back to the mansion to be punished. It's all because I'm so angry and impulsive. I live here, very happy, very happy."

Jiang Xuening was taken aback and said, "Happy?"

However, You Fangyin nodded forcefully, unable to conceal the joy on her face. She wanted to tell her that this place was much better than a firewood house, and that there were lamps and candles to illuminate it, and books to learn from. When she was about to speak, she met her gaze, but felt that she couldn't know about it.

So she opened her mouth and closed it again.

My head also drooped down, losing its joy just now and becoming the most common timid appearance.

Jiang Xuening guessed seven or eight points when she saw her like this.

Looking at her emaciated and haggard description again, how could one not know that during her time in the palace, You Fangyin has been living a difficult life in the mansion?

At that moment, my heart was extremely sore.

She forced a smile, and Layoufang sat down on the clean bed, her eyes slightly hot. She only said, "I know you've been bullied by them in the mansion, but I find it difficult to intervene in the affairs of the Uncle Mansion. It was only under duress that I came up with this solution. Fortunately, there are thousands of households here who can take care of you, and nothing else can be considered. At least you can live a life like a human in this place that is not human. In a few more days, I'll ask Lord Zhou to be more lenient and secretly let you out. I'm going to the palace in a day, and that's something about the Ziliujing Salt Field. It's a matter of ambition, but I still have to do it." It's up to you. If you're in such a place, I'm naturally happy. But if you're not happy, don't give up on yourself. I have to rely on Fangyin to solve everything. "

She said it with a smile, but the sourness in her voice made You Fangyin's heart ache too. She quickly assured her, "Second Miss, don't worry, although Fangyin is stupid, she has already learned how to read the books these days. I have already talked about it this time when I saw that young master Ren. After the second sister in the family learned about this, she also wanted to do it. Fangyin still remembers what you said. Since this prison can go out, she can also go out to talk about business. There is no better place in the world than this. I, you, I am happy anyway..."

She spoke very randomly.

At the end, I wanted to say something to comfort Jiang Xuening, but my mouth was clumsy and I didn't know how to express myself.

Some people in the world feel more comfortable living in prison than at home

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuening initially let go of her feelings, but upon second thought, she realized that besides being amused, she felt very pitiful.

I dare not say much on this topic at the moment, I'm afraid I can't help but ask what kind of days she lived in the mansion

So he took out the envelope that Zhou Yinzhi had just given him from his sleeve and handed it to You Fangyin's hand, saying, "A skinny camel is bigger than a horse. The salt field of the Ren family in Ziliujing is far more dilapidated than ordinary people think. It's not easy to handle things with just a little silver. You can hold all of this in your hand."

You Fangyin opened it and looked, but was frightened.

She has never seen so much money in her life.

Jiang Xuening knew that the money was from the Qingyuan Uncle's Mansion, so she thought it should be in the hands of You Fangyin, so she should make up for it. It's just not easy to tell her. Thinking of the current situation, he said, "Uncle Qingyuan's Mansion doesn't treat people as people, and there's a sister like You Yue who treats people harshly. She shouldn't have wronged you to stay at home. But for a while, I can't think of a way to get you out..."

You Fangyin quickly comforted her and said, "It's okay, Fangyin is really okay. Even if she lives here for the rest of her life, it's okay."

Jiang Xuening did not smile.

She looked at her and for the first time felt that the girl was too attractive. "The best and most legitimate way to leave the Uncle's Mansion was to find a reliable person to marry, so no one can say anything about it. But unfortunately, if I want to protect you, I can only resort to this tactic. If you go to prison once, your future marriage will be difficult to find."

The best way to leave Uncle's Mansion is to get married.

You Fangyin blinked.

With his gaze down, he looked at the envelope in his hand, which contained ten thousand taels of silver bills, and began to ponder.