The Concubine's Survival Manual

Chapter 274

Early the next morning, Qiniangzi and Xu Fengjia were pushed out of bed by Li Xia who came to deliver the news.

"...When I went in in the morning... I was out of breath, and the blood flowed all over the place." Although the eldest maid looked pale, her tone was still very steady. "Now the Duke of the country has passed away, please the son of the world to wash up quickly."

She paused, and then said, "Grandpa Guo said, Young Madam doesn't need to go to Shensi Hall, but I will ask you to go to Qingping Garden to talk in a while."

Seventh Lady was startled at first, but then quickly calmed down, she half sat up and said softly, "Got it."

Then asked Xu Fengjia, "When did you come back last night? I fell asleep before I waited, but I didn't feel it at all."

Xu Fengjia's actions were much more agile than hers. She turned over and got out of bed, and said while dressing, "I came in not long after you fell asleep. I didn't say anything clearly last night. Mother said that everyone should go back to rest. It’s better to talk about it sooner.”

There was a hint of sarcasm on his lips, and he whispered, "Look, isn't everything settled now?" Without waiting for Qin Niangzi to answer, he turned around and strode forward Cleaning the room, Shang Yuan and others were naturally busy preparing hot water, and Qin Niangzi also got up and changed clothes under Li Xia's service.

The fifth young lady's suicide was totally in her expectation, even in everyone's expectation last night.Only her suicide can avoid countless difficult problems that are difficult to avoid. Isn't Ping Guogong sending her back to Shensi Hall last night just to give her as much convenience as possible?It was only when she knew that Mrs. Wu had killed herself with a knife, Qin Niangzi was a little moved, "She is really ruthless." As she said, she couldn't help laughing at herself. "Yes, she is ruthless to others, but she is even more ruthless to herself."

After eating in such an unhurried manner, Shiro and Goro entered the room, both of them were unhappy, "Mother, Aunt Gu Yu won't let us go to school!"

Qin Niangzi looked at these two almost identical little faces, and felt that the big stone pressing on her heart had moved a little after all.She showed a faint smile from the bottom of her heart, "I have something to do at home today, and it's not convenient for Shiro and Goro to go to school. After a while, my mother will go into the garden to help. As for you, don't make trouble if you can't help. Just stay in the house." How about practicing calligraphy?"

Wulang is okay, Shiro followed closely and said, "Can we go to Zhishantang to play? Or go to Shensitang to find sister Xian to play!" Qin Niangzi was unprepared, and she was taken aback by Shiro's words. There are some difficulties.When Shiro saw it, a thoughtful look appeared on his face.At such a young age, you already know what a cliché is.Although this technique is rough, and even Shiro doesn't know it's called cliché, it can also show how smart this child is, he has mastered the technique of questioning almost instinctively, and he can already read the expressions of adults.

Qin Niangzi simply put down her job and asked Shiro, "How did you know what happened to Shensitang?"

Shiro looked at the ignorant Goro, he smiled proudly, raised his head and said, "While I was washing, I heard someone tell Aunt Gu Yu that there is such a thing at Shensitang, don't let it The children are going to school... Mom, what happened to my uncle and aunt?"

Qin Niangzi hesitated for a moment, and Goro rushed to say, "Speak up! What a dead brat is asking, when you should know, I will naturally tell you!"

The tone of this sentence is not at all like Wulang's childish voice, but more like the tone of old mothers scolding little girls outside. It is really just right to say it at this time.Seventh Lady couldn't help laughing, and played with the two children for a while, and waited for someone from Qingpingyuan to come, "Please young lady go to Qingpingyuan to talk." Then she told the two children, "You guys stay at home and don't go out. Add to the chaos." He took the two maids and entered Xiao Cuijin.

At this moment, everyone in Xiao Cuijin changed their expressions again. Although they could not be said to be panicked, everyone's faces were a little more serious.Qin Niangzi just entered the courtyard of Qingpingyuan, when she heard Mrs. Tai's trembling voice coming from the main room. "

How did this make such a fuss, that Yu Jing was locked up all of a sudden overnight?He just did something wrong. For such a grown-up man, he is going to be a father again, so Duke Pingguo can't teach him well, so he has to rub his son like this? "

Her tone was unusually fierce, and Qin Niangzi didn't dare to neglect, she quickly walked a few steps and lifted the curtain to enter the room.Seeing the first young lady and the fourth young lady surrounding Mrs. Tai, both of them were persuading Mrs. Tai, "You should sit down and talk."

Mrs. Xu stood by the window by herself, but didn't step forward. When she saw Qiniangzi coming in, she winked at Qiniangzi and said loudly, "Qiniang go and replace Sisister-in-law, she has two bodies, she can't help it." Such a toss!"

Mrs. Tai was standing opposite Mrs. Xu, she was beating her chest and feet, but when she heard Mrs. Xu's words, she was reminded, she immediately slowed down her movements, and slowly sat down with the support of the two young wives.She glared at Mrs. Xu, her eyes were rare and sharp, and she said angrily, "What's going on! Both of you are dumb?"

It seems that this person received the news that the fifth young master was imprisoned early in the morning, and in desperation, he went to Mrs. Xu's place to ask the teacher: as soon as Mrs. Xu came back, the fifth room was hit hard. Although the trick is suspected of relying on the old and selling the old, it did go well.

How could Mrs. Xu care about this with Mrs. Tai?She glanced at Qin Niangzi, sighed, and said solemnly, "Let's talk about Shanheng."

Qin Niangzi knew very well that the task of explaining still fell on her.Her eyes fell on Mrs. Tai's head.

A little doubt floated in my mind again.

Judging from Fifth Young Master's performance yesterday, he should still be aware of the poisoning.As for what Qiu Zhi did on the boat, it's hard to say whether he knew or didn't know.

Poisoning Wu Niangzi and hurting Xu Fengjia with arrows are two completely different things. First, poisoning may not necessarily cause death. In modern terms, this can only be called negligent death. Poison Wu Niangzi to death, otherwise she could choose a more concealed poison.Second, the relationship between Wu Niangzi herself and the Fifth Young Madam is also very bad. This may be because the Fifth Young Madam is still angry and hurt others. As far as the motive itself is concerned, although it is rebellious, it did not offend Ping Guogong's deepest bottom line after all. .

But if Qiu Zhi's hurtful incident is confirmed, Wufang is deliberately murdering the prince, and has the intention of replacing him...

It is precisely because this matter is so important and there is no direct physical evidence that Qin Niangzi and Xu Fengjia did not reflect it in the case, so as not to drag it around and muddy the water instead.But what kind of person is Ping Guogong?He must understand some subtexts, and Mrs. Wu also understands that Ping Guogong understands, so she confessed all the charges without hesitation, and emphasized that she did it on her own, and took all the charges himself.Pingguo believed it or not, but Qi Niangzi did not intend to let the fifth young master escape punishment like this. She did not necessarily take the fifth young master's life, but this slap must beat Wu Fang so that he could not hold his head up forever and four The young master got rid of any thoughts that might exist in his heart, and made Xu Fengjia's position as the heir apparent as stable as Mount Tai...

However, she still believed that Mrs. Tai did not know about Qiu Zhi's matter from the beginning to the end. Although she was dissatisfied with the sixth room, she didn't seem to have any hopes for the position of the son, otherwise, how could the fifth young master lie on the guard? Having fun at work?He had been driven to northern Xinjiang a long time ago and let him make contributions.

The old man didn't know about Qiu Zhi's matter, but what about Wu Niangzi's matter?Was she also kept in the dark, or did she know it well and just adopted an attitude of acquiescence, or even instigation?
Qin Niangzi turned her eyes on Mrs. Tai as she started from the beginning.

This kind-hearted old man's face changed after hearing Qinianzi say a few words.She didn't seem to have expected Fifth Lady's death to be put on the table again at this time. In addition to being surprised, there was less dissatisfaction on her expression, more cautiousness, and a little bit of worry that was almost invisible.She straightened her back and quieted down, listening carefully to Qiniangzi's narration.

In the past few days, Qin Niangzi has told this story countless times, and she is very familiar with it. She talked about Yu An, Xiao Songhua, Qiu Zhi... Finally, she talked about Wu Xun's family.

Mrs. Tai's expression has always maintained an abnormal tranquility, she seems to have kept everything in her heart, but Qin Niangzi can't see why, she can't see the guilt, and she can't see the anger.It's just that when Qin Niangzi mentioned that Mrs. Wu had confessed her crime last night, her expression changed suddenly and she let out a long breath.

"After going back last night, Fifth Sister-in-Law may..." Seventh Lady dragged her voice out, seeing a hint of shock and understanding on Mrs. Tai's face, she continued, "When I got up this morning, it is said that she committed suicide by drinking herself. When it was discovered, it was already impossible to save him. Brother Wu was locked up in the woodshed by his father last night, and he has not been released yet."

She picked up the tea and took a sip, indicating that she had finished explaining.Still watching Mrs. Tai's expression closely, wanting to see how this cunning and deep old man is feeling at this moment.

Mrs. Tai closed her eyes tightly, and remained silent for a long time, then puffed out her cheeks, let out a breath, and rolled her eyelids.

"This matter must not have a single word, spread outside!" The old man's eyes were shining brightly, and the first sentence categorically settled the whole matter.

Mrs. Xu kept her composure, nodded her head and said in agreement, "We discussed it last night, and that's what I meant. If this matter becomes serious, everyone will lose face, so we must cover it up."

Mrs. Tai asked in the second sentence, "Did the Zhang family send someone to deliver the letter?"

After all, she is the mistress of the Duke's mansion for many years. Although she has not been in charge for many years, she can still mention it when it comes to critical moments.

The first young lady and the seventh lady exchanged glances, and they sat down next to the fourth young lady, listening to Mrs. Xu and Mrs. Tai's discussion: In such an occasion, the daughters-in-law have no place to speak.

"This is a big matter." Mrs. Xu looked solemn, "I think it would be more appropriate for me or the old man to explain to the Zhang family in person."

She paused, and then said, "However, I heard that Mrs. Zhang left a letter beside her. The letter not only confessed all the charges, but also showed that she committed suicide in fear of crime and had nothing to do with others. She also covered her own crime." The private seal also left her dowry maid, Xiao Fuchun, as a witness, and if she testifies, even if the Zhang family wants to quarrel, they probably won't be able to quarrel."

Mrs. Tai's expression was serious, and she pondered for a while before she said decisively, "I think we should let her die of chickenpox just like Yu Qiao?"

It is not uncommon for consecutive deaths in a family due to an infectious disease.

"I have to ask the Duke first." Mrs. Xu had no other words, but said, "If the Duke has nothing to say, the daughter-in-law thinks this matter is also very good."

She glanced at Qinianzi again, and said in a low voice, "You have to know the matter of stopping the bed, Yi Zhen, and Xiao Yan."

Qin Niangzi was naturally prepared in her heart, she nodded and said softly, "As long as there is a word over there, we will knock on the cloud board to announce the funeral."

Mrs. Tai seemed to have aged a few years, she nodded dejectedly, and then struggled to stand up. "Then I'll go back to Leshan Residence, so I won't cause you any trouble."

Everyone has something to do, Mrs. Xu sent Mrs. Tai out of the house.Mrs. Tai walked to the door, looked back at Mrs. Xu again, then shook her head, turned around and walked away.

As soon as she left, Mrs. Xu ordered several daughter-in-laws, "The Duke of the country has actually led people to open the firewood room, and let Yu Jing see Mrs. Zhang for the last time. I didn't mention this matter just now. I am afraid that the old man will be sad, so I have to go." Look. Be careful when you talk, don't bring it out and let the old people know."

No matter how bad Mrs. Tai is with Mrs. Xu, she is also Mrs. Xu's mother-in-law. There are certain things that Mrs. Xu must do.

The daughter-in-laws all complied solemnly, and the eldest and young lady took the initiative, "Mother, there are a lot of things at home these days, and the fourth sibling is heavy, so don't let her come forward. The sixth sibling and I take turns to support, and we can support it if we think about it." past."

Mrs. Xu's eyes stopped on Mrs. Fourth Young Madam, and she also sighed, "Okay, this time, after all, he is really dead. Mrs. Mo, you should not go out of Shendutang these few days, so as not to collide—I think, or It’s good for you to go back to your mother’s house for a few days.”

There are many taboos when there is a pregnant woman in the family. Not only is it inconvenient for the Fourth Young Madam, but it is also inconvenient to do things at home. This time it is different from Yu Qiao's death. Looking at Qin Niangzi, she asked a little authentically, "Although it's not convenient for me to come out, I can still help you take care of your children..."

Everyone hurriedly said a few more polite words, and the fourth young lady got off the donkey, "Then I'll pack my luggage when I turn around, and let Yu Qian take me back to my mother's house later."

Mrs. Xu stared at the Fourth Young Madam again, and said calmly, "When you go back to your mother's house, you still have to be careful about what you say. Why did Mrs. Zhang die? If someone asks you, you have to know how to answer."

"Of course it's because of the chickenpox infection. It's hard to heal after a long time, and the high fever is gone." The Fourth Young Madam replied naturally, and there was nothing wrong with her expression, so Madam Xu nodded in satisfaction.Sending off the three sisters-in-law, "Then go get busy."

The three of them went out side by side, and the eldest young lady said, "I want to go back and ask someone to pick up the children from the school." She hurriedly took a step first, and Seventh Lady was also planning to go back to Mingde Hall to gather people, but she and the four The young lady walked for a while side by side.

The Fourth Young Madam was silent until the fork in the road, and then said softly, "I didn't expect it to be this night!" Before the Seventh Lady could reply, she said softly again, "The Liao family is pregnant and pregnant. When she was so happy, why didn't she think of today?"

Although there is a trace of sadness in the words, but when you listen carefully, there is also a trace of happiness that cannot be concealed.

(End of this chapter)