The Concubine's Survival Manual

Chapter 243

Now that the tone has been set, the upper echelons of the mansion also know what to do next if Yu Qiao is to die from chickenpox.

On the second night, someone came from Xiaotangshan to report, and the cloud and board rang in the inner hall: Yu Qiao died in Xiaotangshan Villa at the evening of the same day because of the high fever of chickenpox.

"It is said that the second attack is the most dangerous." Mrs. Xu's eye circles had never been dry, and seeing that the tears were about to disappear, she wiped them with a handkerchief, and the eye circles became red again. "I think I've had chickenpox, so it's best for me to take care of it—in case anyone in this family who has never had chickenpox, wouldn't it be more difficult if they get infected? I didn't expect to go so fast, I only had a high fever when I went to see it in the morning, and I died in the evening..."

The family members who came to attend the funeral hurriedly stepped forward to comfort them, "This is life, and it is the best if you don't pass others. Seeing that the children in the mansion have not distributed beans yet..."

With Daqin's medical conditions, it is quite normal for a daughter to die from pox in her family. However, neither the eldest daughter nor the fourth daughter of the Xu family have been raised. Even in the six months since Seventh Lady took charge of the family, there have been several funerals in the families of relatives and friends. , Either the old man died, or the young children died.Some are even younger, and they don’t even tell their relatives and friends, so they are buried quietly. Because they were not raised, it is a sign of poor fortune. The soul cannot be reincarnated in the next life, so the younger you are, the smaller the scale of the funeral—in fact, it’s just because it was commonplace for young children to die at that time. There are white affairs every month, and the frequent exchanges of human feelings are really troublesome.

At Yu Qiao's age, although he can't be called a child, the death of a teenager can definitely be counted as a child.Moreover, Mrs. Tai became 'ill' because of excessive grief, Mrs. Xu's health is not good, and Mrs. Fourth Younger has to raise a baby, so she can't work.There are several males in the Xu family, and Xu Fengjia went out with the emperor again. Both the fourth young master and the fifth young master are in charge, so Yu Qiao's funeral was very simple. He just stayed at home for seven days and chose a place for her. The best geomantic treasures were buried outside the city in a hurry, but a few relatives and friends sent the juniors of the family to sacrifice on the way, which is considered a complete ceremony.

Although it was a simple matter, but because the incident happened so suddenly, there was no time to prepare for it. The Seventh Lady, the First Young Madam, and the Fifth Young Madam were really busy before they sorted out the whole thing—after all, they were too busy Nearly half a month.

Because the fifth young lady locked the three of Xiaoliujiang outside the city in front of Qiao's grave, she never spoke about the matter again, and the seventh lady didn't bother to circle around with Duke Ping, so she went directly out of Menghuaxuan and asked Duke Ping what to do. How to deal with it.

She was straight to the point, which made the old man very satisfied. He just put his hands behind his back and pondered for a while, before he said decisively, "These people can't stay any longer!"

He would make such a judgment, which was not at all unexpected by Qiniangzi.Since it is impossible for these servants to serve the masters, no matter where they are placed, it is impossible for Ping Guogong to be completely at ease.However, Xiao Liujiang is usually literate, even if she is given dumb medicine, there is no way to completely cut off the possibility of her leaking secrets. Besides, Yu Qiao's death is already a bit suspicious. For Ping Guogong, it is naturally cleaner to wipe out all the mouths.

If this matter is leaked out, how it will affect the Xu family's reputation, everyone understands in their hearts: promiscuity not only proves that Yu Qiao's moral character is extremely low, but also shows that the Xu family has serious problems with the education of their children. Generally, a wealthy family who abides by etiquette will never get married with such a careless family.

If it weren't for the fact that the Qin family is still powerful and the Yang family is so prominent, whether Mrs. Xu will lose Duke Ping's favor because of this matter is still a matter of debate.Fortunately, Qin Niangzi hadn't been in school for a long time, and she could at most be accused of "lack of supervision caused Yu Qiao to escape successfully" in this matter. It was this crime that was also dragged by Xu Fengjia to Mrs. Wu that night. Duke Pingguo wanted to blame her for this incident, but it was really an unknown lesson.

Qin Niangzi's heart surged for a while, and when she saw Duke Ping say this, she looked at herself with deep meaning, and felt a little helpless in her heart: This old Duke who was born in the army and was decisive in killing people did not take human life too seriously. Seriously, but she has no way to arrange for a few maids to die so easily.

For more than ten years, it was because of her chance encounter with Xu Fengjia in the small courtyard that she implicated two families, and her personal advice, which caused the whole family of Zhang accountant to have no voice for a lifetime... It was these two things, and Qi Niangzi occasionally Thinking about it, I also feel that there is a big stone blocked in my heart.Zhang Zhangfang's family can also resolve it a little bit: people cannibalize people, if you don't be more ruthless, it will be your turn to be trampled.But the family of the two mothers-in-law back then did it for no reason, just because of their own negligence, Xu Fengjia's carelessness, and Mama Dong's carelessness...

However, Duke Ping didn't speak at this time, probably because he meant to force her to take over the matter. I'm afraid in his old man's heart, whether he can be ruthless to ruin the life of his servant is also related to whether she is a qualified person. Be the housewife.

Even if he doesn't agree today, he is afraid that one day the old man will make use of the problem, and he will never mind using a few lives to train himself.After all, Duke Ping had already expressed his dissatisfaction with his weakness that night.

These thousands of thoughts just passed by in a flash, and Qin Niangzi made a decision as soon as she gritted her teeth.

"It's true that we can't stay any longer." She echoed Ping Guogong calmly, "However, Yu Qiao fell ill and didn't invite Mr. Zhong to come to see and treat him. It's already very suspicious..."

Duke Pingguo's eyes suddenly froze.

He glanced at Qiniangzi, then fell silent.

Although there are not a few words, but the dissatisfaction is self-evident.

With Qin Niangzi's intelligence, why can't she understand his subtext?This is pretending not to understand, but also to change the subject, to plead for the girls of Xiaoliujiang tactfully.

If Mr. Zhong is not cautious, how can he advance and retreat freely in the homes of many dignitaries and nobles, without causing a little trouble for many years?For Yu Qiao's funeral, he only gave gifts, and didn't ask a single question that shouldn't be asked.Even if the maids in Xiaoliujiang were poisoned and died overnight, or pushed into the well, saying that they were overwhelmed with grief and committed suicide by jumping into the well, or forced to hang themselves on the pole... Could anyone else be so ignorant, because The death of two or three servants, against the Xu family?

Mrs. Yang is opening her pocket to scoop rice soup - she clearly wants to pretend to be confused.It's not a good thing for a headed mistress to be so soft-handed.

Duke Pingguo had already made a decision in his mind.

He stared at Qin Niangzi, and said meaningfully, "It's a good thing your mother-in-law went to Xiaotangshan, otherwise she will not be able to sleep well if she sees you so tall and weak tonight."

Seventh Lady was calm and Yuheng, not at all panicked by Ping Guogong's dissatisfaction.

Now that you have made a decision, you must have the courage to bear the consequences.

"Human life is at stake." She didn't mean to continue to pretend to be confused, but just narrated her reasons lightly. "When it's time to be ruthless, it's true that you can't be soft-handed, but if you can lose one life, you will lose one life--the kindness of a woman makes my father laugh."

Ping Guogong didn't hide his displeasure, he snorted coldly, "Women's benevolence, well said, isn't it women's benevolence?"

It's just that Qin Niangzi doesn't seem to have the intention of giving in, and Duke Ping is just a father-in-law after all. If this conversation continues, there will be no results.

Duke Ping took another look at Seventh Lady, shook his head, and reluctantly told Seventh Lady, "These people, you still can't stay!"

When he said this, he actually gave in: the death of these people was not decided by Seventh Lady after all, but for Duke Ping to reveal his identity as the head of the family to suppress his daughter-in-law.

Seventh Lady's eyes darkened, but she didn't continue to argue with Duke Ping.

In the final analysis, Duke Pingguo is the master of the Xu family, not himself. In many matters, even Xu Fengjia has no room to speak.If Duke Ping didn't treat him differently, Xu Fengjia wouldn't be able to make a sound even if the word filial piety was suppressed, let alone her stepmother with a foreign surname.

In the final analysis, she is still selfish, to offend Ping Guogong once for Xiao Liujiang and others is the limit of Qin Niangzi.

"Xiaoqi knows what to do." She lowered her eyes and agreed without hesitation. "Father, don't worry."

Duke Ping was finally a little satisfied. He hesitated for a moment, and said in a low voice, "Master, many times, there are some dirty things. If you, the mistress, don't do it, who will do it? There must be someone with dirty hands. You No, do you want your mother-in-law to worry about the family at such an advanced age? You should think about what your father said when you go back. "

With the status of Ping Guogong and the city government, if he is willing to say these words, he already values ​​​​Qi Niangzi very much.

Why doesn't Seven Lady understand what Ping Guogong means?A figure like him who was born in the military and rolled in the political arena, his every move involves the political situation of the world, so how can he take a few human lives at heart?

She let out a sigh of relief, pulled out a faint smile, and perfunctory Duke Ping, "Xiaoqi understands, but I still can't bear it for a while."

She was willing to admit her mistake in a disguised form, so Duke Pingguo naturally didn't care about himself, and he told Qin Niangzi a few more words, "Be sure to keep it a little more secret." Thinking of it again, he smiled, "You also have to go to the Fan family's marriage." Be careful, your fourth sister-in-law is now focused on raising the baby, so I'm afraid she doesn't care so much about Ping. When you have time, you can ask her, if she is unwilling, neither is Yu An, I think it's okay to let it go .”

The Fan family's marriage is not painful or itchy at all for the Xu family, there is no more than one family, and the Duke of Pingguo knows how to take care of the emotions of his daughters after he died.In any case, it cannot be said that he is a very incompetent father—in the social atmosphere of Daqin, he is even a little too enlightened.

It is because he is not a bad person that Qin Niangzi feels despair: the inhumanity of the feudal system has been immersed in it for more than ten years, and it is absolutely undetectable.

#
Because of Niu Shu's concubine's addition, shortly after the news of Liu Niangzi's happiness came out, Feng Jin's illness also recovered - although he only complained of illness in the past six months, some unimportant official duties were also delayed, and he was always so busy.There are also some matters in Guangzhou that need to be discussed by counselor Xu Fengjia. This pair of cousins ​​who have an awkward relationship have often gotten together recently.Since Xu Fengjia was busy with Yu Qiao's funeral, she went to the Yanyunwei Yamen every day to help them collect the Nanyang sea charts and information from other countries sent from the south, and often had to be busy until late at night. When I entered Mingde Hall, I felt that the room was quiet.

She smiled and said to Li Xia, "Usually the two children don't feel it when they are around, but now that they have gone to school, they feel that the house is very quiet."

Li Xia also forced a smile and replied, "It doesn't matter, the class will be released soon. Now Shiro is actually more talkative than Goro - when you come back later, I think you will be too noisy again."

Seeing that although she was smiling, the expressions in her eyes all showed deep worry, and she couldn't help sighing in her heart: Although she had mentioned it vaguely, they would never be implicated by this matter.But neither Li Xia nor Shang Yuan was stupid, and they were both accompanying them on the night of the dispute, so it was impossible for them to be unaware of the conflict between Seventh Lady and Fifth Young Madam.

"Don't worry." She promised a little tiredly, "This matter started from Yuqiao, and it ended in Yuqiao's house. The three girls, Xiaoliujiang, Xiaoguijiang, and Xiaorongjiang, the Duke of Pingguo If you speak in person, you will never be able to keep it. As for you, as long as you speak carefully, you will be fine. "

Lixia and Shangyuan glanced at each other, expressions of unbearable expression appeared on their faces.

Although the struggle of the Yang family was cruel, the second wife, the biggest loser, committed such a serious crime, and she was forced to move to the northwest to take care of her.Ordinary women and maids offended their masters, some resold them, some kicked them out, some sent them to work in Zhuangzi, but very few of them lost their lives.

Why didn't Seven Lady understand the subtext they didn't say?
"It's a family of soldiers and horses," she sighed. "For this matter, let... Lixia do it. It's the best medicine to make them die in their sleep."

These three servant girls were still guarding her spirit in front of Yuqiao's grave, and they did not return home. They took advantage of a few people who were still outside, and did it quietly, so as not to cause any more trouble, which was the best ending.

Lixia was startled at first, she jumped up and was about to speak, but seeing Qinianzi's expression, she swallowed the words again.

It is not a hard job to work under Qin Niangzi's hands.No matter how difficult things are, she still faces them by herself, never shirks responsibility, and counts on someone to help her.She has her own ideas about everything, and then arranges the subordinates to do it according to her best ability.

But at this moment, Qin Niangzi's face showed a rare weakness, and those bright eyes like water also dimmed rarely, revealing a faint panic.She looked at Lixia almost pleadingly, like a drowning person looking at the driftwood beside her.

Li Xia's heart was so sore that it almost melted.

Her own life was saved by Qin Niangzi, but how many things would Qin Niangzi do against her will in order to keep her position as the head of the house so that she could continue to take care of the servants?

She took a deep breath, and said in a low voice, "You don't need to worry about this matter anymore. Just be the Duke of Quan and hand it over to your slaves, it has nothing to do with you..."

Only then did Shangyuan feel overwhelmed, she quickly knelt down beside Qiniangzi, and comforted her cautiously, "You will never force people to death again in your life, we all know that you are also helpless, and you are also helpless." have no choice……"

Seventh Lady closed her eyes and let out a long sigh.

Countless faces swirled in her heart, like a huge vortex, swallowing her happiness bit by bit.

Even if she refused to personally speak up and silence the three maids, in the end, wouldn't she be the one to explain and send them to a dead end?

What's more worrying is that in Duke Ping's city, even if he wants to send the three of them away privately, he won't be able to hide it from his eyes and ears. If he acts rashly, he will put himself in a disadvantageous situation.

The fifth young lady is still waiting for her to make a mistake!

Thinking of the Fifth Young Madam, all the hatred in her heart seemed to find a gap, rushing towards that delicate face.

If it wasn't for her, the lives of these three people... might have been saved!

Qin Niangzi took a deep breath, and slowly suppressed her boiling mood.

She sat up halfway, and said lightly, "If you have no other choice, don't think too much about it. ——Li Xia, let's do this matter. Shangyuan, you go to Xiao Cui Jin and invite the fifth girl. Just say I have something to do with her."

No matter how much nostalgia is for something that is irreversible, it will be in vain.Now it is still necessary to arrange things that can be properly arranged, and try to arrange them as well as possible.

(End of this chapter)