Contentment with modest wealth

Chapter 317 The girl actually has a rebellious streak
Shen Zhui left the capital that very night.

When Lu Jia saw that Shen Qingzhou had sent He Qu to lead the team, he was secretly relieved. Although the young man had grown up on the battlefield, he was still a novice in the court environment and needed an experienced person by his side.

The Second Young Master Shen was usually ignored by everyone. He did not hold any official position, and no one cared about him wherever he went.

The day after Shen Zhui left the city, He Ping also led the Embroidered Uniform Guard there.

Of course, not many people in the court knew about this, so it didn't cause any discussion. But at this moment, the atmosphere in Yan Shu's study was already heavy.

"Eunuch Gao said that He Ping interviewed a group of officials from the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue, and then reported to the Emperor. Their direction out of the city was northwest, and without a doubt, they must have been heading to the cliff where the accident occurred to look for clues."

"But it is still unknown whether his investigation in Beijing has yielded any results."

After listening to Yan Qu's report, Yan Shu turned his gaze to Yan Liang: "We have already cleaned up all the details of what happened back then, so there shouldn't be any incriminating evidence left behind."

"But He Ping has been in charge of the Embroidered Uniform Guard for many years and has always held the position of Commander. His abilities are obvious to all. Regardless of whether the truth of this case can be found in the end, he will definitely give an explanation to the Emperor."

“Our Yan family has stood firmly in the imperial court for decades. How could we possibly be thorough in everything? There’s even Zhou Sheng in prison.”

“He Ping is not afraid. As long as the Emperor does not make up his mind to deal with the Yan family, he will not suffer a thankless task.”

Yan Liang nodded: "The Shen family has been trying to keep an eye on things, but we have never let our guard down over the years. If we had any leverage over them, we would have gotten it long ago."

"Even if we delve deeper now, there needs to be a specific opportunity."

Yan Shu stood up: "If there's no leverage, we can create one. If there's no opportunity, we can create one. Don't stick to the old ways; be bold!"

Yan Liang remained silent.

Yan Qu stepped forward: "Shen Bo has been in command for many years, and those who understand him best are undoubtedly the military officers under his command. Last year, when the army returned in triumph, not everyone was awarded a title or rank."

“Those generals who did not receive any reward, or whose reward was not generous enough, may still be able to find fault with Shen Bo.”

Yan Liang turned his head: "Hu Yucheng is still fighting in the southeast. What good does stirring up trouble among the military generals do for the overall situation?"

Yan Qu snorted coldly: "But right now the Shen family has become a major threat to us. Why worry about all that? We can only be at peace after we wipe out the Shen family."

Yan Liang frowned: "Ignorant!"

Yan Qu looked at Yan Shu for help.

Yan Shu stroked his beard and took a few steps: "Liang'er is right this time. Hu Yucheng is another piece of our strategy; we can't let things in the capital affect him. Let's find another better plan!"

“Forming cliques for personal gain, colluding with foreign officials, being arrogant about his achievements, and abusing military power—if any one of these is proven, it would be enough for the Emperor to strip him of his real power as Minister of War.”

"As long as you don't have real power, what else can't you do?"

The two brothers exchanged a glance, and Yan Qu spoke up: "The Shen family has many supporters, and they have just returned with great merit. This plan may not succeed."

"You're so old-fashioned!" Yan Shu glared at him. "Back then, Yang Tingfang was the Grand Secretary, and everyone obeyed his call. In terms of official rank, your grandfather was even below him at the time, but in the end, he was still brought down and ended up with his family's property confiscated and his head beheaded."

He tapped his fingers on the table: "Remember, everything depends on human effort!"

Yan Qu lowered his head: "Yes..."

"Go and do it." Yan Shu inhaled. "Listen to Liang'er's actions and find an opportunity to strike as soon as possible. Although He Ping is unlikely to find any real evidence, we should still be prepared in case the Shen family interferes."

"At the same time, we must keep a close eye on He Ping's whereabouts, in case they actually get something and we are still in the dark."

The two brothers agreed to leave.

Yan Shu stood by the window, stroked his beard for a moment, and then went into the inner courtyard. Because of the mess Jin Shi had made, the family had suffered such a huge misfortune; how could Madam Yan not punish her?
During this time, she was confined to the family temple, where she copied scriptures and repented every day.

However, the two young children could not be separated from their mother, so after half a month of confinement, Madam Yan had her brought back.

This action made Lu Ying even more confused.

This is not just about offending Lu Jia, but also about implicating her father-in-law and husband's official positions. It is unbelievable that Madam Yan, known for her strictness, could tolerate this!

However, in the past two weeks, Madam Yan's attitude towards her has changed significantly, and Lu Ying would not be foolish enough to cause trouble at this time.

While accompanying Madam Yan in the room to review the accounts, Yan Shu entered.

Lu Ying personally served him tea, but Yan Shu glanced at her and waved his hand, saying, "I have something to say to your mother. Go back to your room."

Lu Ying obediently agreed and left.

Yan Shu put the tea down. "Where's Lu Jia?"

He suddenly mentioned the name, and Madam Yan was taken aback. "What's wrong?"

Yan Shu frowned: "We went to great lengths to send her to the Grand Commandant's mansion, but she hasn't accomplished anything since. This girl is probably unreliable."

Upon hearing this, Madam Yan's face also darkened. "When she relentlessly attacked Madam Jin at Baiyun Temple last time, I sensed something was amiss."

"If she were on our side, how could she be so ruthless?"

"On the other hand, if it weren't for her, where would the Shen family have gotten the right to be so arrogant this time? I actually think she's already in cahoots with the Shen family!"
But they've only been married for three or four months, and besides, there's Lu Jie standing right next to us. I don't understand how the Shen family could believe her.

Yan Shu said, "That's not the important thing. The important thing is that if this girl really tricked us and dared to manipulate us, then we have to let her know what the price is!"

Madam Yan nodded and said slowly, "It seems I should go see her."

"Go ahead." Yan Shu slowly lowered his head and sipped his tea. "It's been three or four months since you got married. You should have some news by now."

"If she wants to live, she should at least produce something useful."

……

Lu Jia sneezed twice when she woke up early in the morning.

Qinghe quickly grabbed some clothes and draped them over her shoulders: "How did you catch a cold in this hot weather? You probably stayed up too late last night."

Lu Jia casually wiped her nose with a handkerchief: "The second brother and the others have been gone for seven or eight days. Have they returned with any news?"

"The message that Guard He sent two days ago indicates that he is expected to return yesterday, and he probably won't be back until tomorrow at the earliest."

"What's going on at the Yan residence this time?"

Lu Jia couldn't rush things with Shen Zhui either. The letter He Qu sent only contained two simple sentences to report that they were safe and sound, and she had no idea how their progress was. She could only wait until they returned to find out.

As for the Yan family, their closed doors and windows meant that the matter she had previously discussed with Lu Ying had come to nothing.

Qi Rulan is still imprisoned, and this matter must be resolved eventually. But based on past experience, if she were to formally file a complaint with the authorities, it would be like scratching an itch for the Yan family. She would have to find another way to make the wicked suffer the consequences.

"Young Madam, here is a letter for you."

At that moment, Dawn walked in and placed a letter with no signature on the cover in front of her.