Prime Minister

Chapter 242, Section 241: [Each Talks Its Own Story]

North of Yangzhou lies the city of Huai'an Prefecture.

Inside a refined and elegant mansion, a graceful figure walked gracefully into the study.

The middle-aged man behind the desk put down his writing brush, stood up, and greeted him, saying, "Protector Hu."

"Mr. Meng, you certainly have a refined taste."

Hu Jiaoniang glanced at the Xuelang paper on the table, then turned and sat down in the armchair by the window on the right.

The middle-aged scholar was over forty years old, with a fair complexion, no beard, and a gentle demeanor.

He personally poured a cup of tea and placed it on the table next to Hu Jiaoniang, smiling as he said, "I've had some free time, so I'm copying a piece of calligraphy."

Hu Jiaoniang wasn't interested in these poems and songs, but she knew that the Mr. Meng in front of her was the most trusted confidant of the Holy Son of this religion, and that he could represent the Holy Son most of the time. So she smiled and asked, "What words?"

Meng Shusheng explained: "The poem 'Bu Suanzi: Ode to Plum Blossoms' was written by Xue Huai, the Assistant Magistrate of Yangzhou, at the end of the year before last in the capital. It made him famous overnight in the capital and later gradually spread to various parts of Jiangnan, where it was praised by many. It's just a pity that Assistant Magistrate Xue has been busy with official duties for more than a year and has not been heard to have published any new works."

Hu Jiaoniang's expression darkened slightly.

That night, Liu Ying and her trusted subordinates were all captured in Shen Garden. Hu Jiaoniang also suffered a great loss. Apart from those peripheral followers who died in confusion, twenty skilled fighters she had painstakingly trained were also killed in the West Garden of Daming Temple.

While this didn't completely destroy her, it certainly took a toll on her health. Unfortunately, her greed led her to actually consider assassinating Xue Huai.

Even with the protection of her ancestor, she still needs time to settle down. Not to mention, the Jing'an Division's henchmen have already begun a search in the Huaihe River region, so she cannot stay here for long.

Hu Jiaoniang suppressed her chaotic thoughts and said softly, "Mr. Meng, is that corrupt official's poem really that good?"

"Xue's poem is indeed exquisite."

Knowing that Hu Jiaoniang was not knowledgeable in poetry, Meng Shusheng brushed it off and continued, "Of course, he is now a great enemy of the Holy Sect, and no matter how well he writes poetry, he should be killed."

"I thought you had forgotten about it, sir."

Hu Jiaoniang smiled sweetly, which made Meng Shusheng feel no romantic thoughts, only vigilance and wariness. He knew very well that this seemingly delicate woman had a heart of a snake. If she hadn't been slandering Liu Ying in front of the ancestor every now and then, how could Liu Ying have been abandoned?
With this in mind, he calmly said, "The Holy Son said that we must get rid of Xue Huai sooner or later, but now is not the time to take action. Xue Huai has powerful backers, so we should not resort to assassination unless absolutely necessary. It would be better to let him perish in the power struggles of the court."

Hu Jiaoniang was quite wary of the mysterious and unpredictable Holy Son, so she immediately said, "The Ancestor also thinks so. Let's consider Xue Huai lucky and let him live a little longer. However, I just received some news and need to discuss countermeasures with you, sir."

Scholar Meng said gently, "Please speak, Dharma Protector."

Hu Jiaoniang said, "Our spies in Yangzhou have sent word that the Jing'an Division is planning to escort all the imperial prisoners to the capital."

Scholar Meng frowned slightly and asked, "Why is that?"

"It is said that Commander Han in the capital ordered that Liu Ying and others are wanted criminals of the rebel party and must be taken to the capital for trial immediately." Hu Jiaoniang said coldly, "This is really strange. The Jing'an Division is usually very secretive, how could the news be leaked so easily?"

After pondering for a moment, Meng Shusheng slowly said, "The Grand Canal is a long and winding road. Is the Jing'an Division trying to lure you into a trap?"

"They naturally want us to walk into their trap like that fool Liu Ying."

Hu Jiaoniang smiled sneer, then asked, "What do you think, sir?"

Meng Shusheng asked, "What has Xue Huai been doing these past few days?"

Hu Jiaoniang's face showed a strange expression, and she said, "He is busy proposing marriage to the Shen family. It is said that he will go to Shen Garden in person tomorrow. This matter has already spread throughout the entire Yangzhou City."

Meng Shusheng raised his hand and gently tapped the table, saying solemnly, "This is Xue Huai's open conspiracy."

Hu Jiaoniang looked at him, puzzled.

"Judging from the timeline, the Jing'an Division should not have been able to get Liu Ying and the others to talk yet. By the time they can't hold on any longer, we will have already eliminated all the hidden dangers. This was the original plan of our ancestor. And given the Emperor's past high regard for Xue Huai, Han Qian should not have forced Xue Huai to send the criminal to the capital so quickly, which means that this matter has at least been approved by Xue Huai."

Meng Shusheng paused for a moment, then said meaningfully, "Why is he in such a hurry? It can't really be about proposing marriage."

Hu Jiaoniang frowned and said, "Does the master mean that Xue Huai is setting a trap again? But how can we fall for it?"

Whether we fall for it or not is not important.

Meng Shusheng sighed softly and said slowly, "If something happens to a ship full of wanted criminals, do you think the emperor will be furious and thoroughly investigate the canal transport office in charge of the thousand-mile canal?"

Hu Jiaoniang finally understood and said coldly, "He actually wanted to deliberately create an accident and then frame us?"

"This is just my guess. Perhaps it really was an imperial decree issued by the emperor through Han Qian."

Meng Shusheng stood up and said solemnly, "Protector Hu, please report this matter to the Ancestor as soon as possible. I will also ask the Holy Son for a decision."

Hu Jiaoniang put away her usual playful demeanor and nodded in agreement, "Okay." ...

Southeast of Suzhou, the Jiangnan River flows.

This section of the waterway is the last stretch of the Grand Canal at its southern end, running from Zhenjiang to Hangzhou.

Princess Yun'an's treasure ship passed Suzhou yesterday and is expected to arrive in Jiaxing this afternoon. At the latest, it will reach its final destination, Hangzhou, the day after tomorrow.

Inside the top-floor flower hall, Su Erniang stood to one side, gazing at Jiang Li's jade-like profile, then at the subordinates who were respectfully reporting in front of her, a hint of worry quietly rising in her heart.

"Your Highness, the wedding officiant and guests invited by Madam Cui of the Xue family have arrived in Yangzhou. Magistrate Xue will personally go to Shen Garden tomorrow to propose marriage."

"I understand, you may leave."

Jiang Li responded with a faint "yes".

After her subordinates left, Jiang Li got up and walked to the window, gazing at the shimmering Jiangnan River outside.

Su Erniang stood quietly. She knew this day would come sooner or later, and only hoped that His Highness would not act too impulsively.

"Proposing marriage..."

Jiang Li's voice finally rang out, her tone so calm that no emotion could be discerned, as she slowly said, "He certainly chose a good time."

Su Erniang carefully considered her words and said cautiously, "Prefect Xue is indeed not young, and the Xue and Shen families are old friends, so this marriage is a natural outcome."

Jiang Li slowly turned around, a hint of amusement on her face, which made Su Erniang's heart skip a beat.

"Second Aunt, what do you think Xue Huai is thinking right now? Is he thinking about how to face Shen Qingluan's parents tomorrow, or is he figuring out that the marriage shouldn't delay his newly launched policies, or is he wondering if I'll suddenly return to Yangzhou and cause him more trouble?"

Su Erniang was full of surprise. Jiang Li's tone was completely different from what she had expected. There was no sharp sarcasm, but rather a kind of interesting speculation.

Unable to fathom Jiang Li's thoughts, she could only cautiously reply, "Prefect Xue is known for his composure and ability to distinguish between public and private matters. He will surely handle this matter properly. Your Highness, the matter is settled, so please do not take it to heart."

"Do you mind?"

Jiang Li chuckled and said with increasing ease, "Second Aunt, you're overthinking it. When did I say I wanted to interfere in his marriage? I was just wondering if Xue Jingche, who always has a stern face and remains unmoved even if Mount Tai collapses in front of him, will be so nervous that he doesn't know where to put his hands and feet when he stands in front of Shen Bingwen tomorrow?"

Su Erniang was stunned.

When she learned that Xue Huai had proposed marriage, she imagined all sorts of possible reactions from Jiang Li and even thought about how to comfort her. But she never expected this scene before her eyes—not only was His Highness not furious because Xue Huai was about to get married, but he was also excitedly imagining how Xue Huai would embarrass himself.

This made her feel dazed and increasingly worried. His Highness's expression was so abnormal; could he have been so angry that he lost his mind?
The two had been together for over ten years, their bond was extraordinary, and there were some things that only Su Erniang could say. Therefore, after a slight hesitation, she earnestly asked, "Your Highness really doesn't mind?"

Jiang Li walked back and sat down, picked up the slightly cool teacup beside her, and gently skimmed off the foam with the lid. Her movements were elegant and composed. She smiled and said, "Second Madam, what kind of person do you take me for? A resentful woman in the deep palace who is driven mad by jealousy because she can't get what she wants?"

Su Erniang couldn't help but smile bitterly, "How could I have such a foolish idea?"

"Alright, Second Aunt, you don't need to worry that I'll ruin my precious friendship with Xue Huai for the sake of a small thing."

Jiang Li stopped being coy and her tone became languid and indifferent again: "Don't worry, I know exactly what's important. Xue Huai will eventually get married, and if not Shen Qingluan, then someone else will. To me, Xue Huai has never been a suitable husband. He is meticulous and shrewd, and in the past year or so in Yangzhou, he has shown his ability to stand on his own. Let alone the fact that I am not deeply in love with him, even if I were, such personal feelings cannot compare to the real important matters."

Su Erniang breathed a slight sigh of relief; Jiang Li's words had dispelled her doubts.

"In any case, Xue Huai's engagement is a joyous occasion. Second Madam, please have someone prepare a gift and send it to Yangzhou."

Jiang Li's words completely reassured Su Erniang, who then respectfully replied, "Yes, Your Highness, I will take care of it immediately."

After Su Erniang left, the flower hall returned to silence.

Jiang Li casually leaned into the large armchair, propping her chin up with one hand and lightly tapping the armrest with the other, a slightly strange light flashing in her eyes.

A scene flashed through her mind: that day in Xue Huai's study, when they parted, because she deliberately dragged out the tone of "Brother Xue Huai," Xue Huai's body suddenly stiffened and his eyes widened instantly, a sight that was almost a once-in-a-century spectacle.

Even today, Jiang Li still wants to laugh.

This made her realize that dealing with a serious and rigid guy like Xue Huai by simply handling things in a businesslike manner would only make their relationship gradually become more distant. Only by being more proactive and even taking things unexpectedly could she resolve the barriers between them caused by their different statuses.

"So what if I propose marriage?"

Jiang Li, like a cunning cat, murmured to herself, "From the proposal to the wedding, it will take at least two years. Who knows what interesting things might happen in those two years?"

She reached out and picked up the cup of tea, which had gone cold, took a small sip, and her expression became increasingly relaxed and content.

(End of this chapter)