Volume 1 Chapter 111 Brothers
Shen Zhong Xiao stood there until Xiao Ye's figure disappeared outside the Moon Gate in the distance, before he turned back and asked Zhen Shi Niang, "What did His Majesty say?"
"What does the madam think about my memorial to the general for a leave of absence..." Zhen Shiniang hid the part where Wan asked her if she liked him, and told Shen Zhongjie everything else in detail, "... warning me not to interfere with state affairs, and not to do things that are not suitable for a woman."
Shen Zhongbo furrowed his brow, "Many times in one move!"
He walked towards Linhua Hall.
Zhen Shining stared at Shen Zhong's back in a daze, what did he mean by that?
Is it asking her what she thinks about his memorial to the emperor on the matter of resting and nursing, or is it warning her that it's unnecessary to prevent chickens from crowing in the morning?
Zhen Shining shook her head, this guy's facial muscles were paralyzed and his words were as valuable as gold, she really couldn't guess.
He looked up and saw Shen Zhongge had already walked a long way ahead, so he hurriedly quickened his pace to catch up.
The hall was packed with people, and the eunuchs were already leading them to their seats one by one. As they entered, a small eunuch came forward to greet them, and Zhen Shi called out, "General..."
Shen Zhong's head turned back.
"...I'll go find Qiuju first." She pointed in the direction where the women had gathered earlier.
He glanced at the direction she was pointing, and saw several girls sitting there chatting and laughing. He nodded and instructed Hong Lian, "Take good care of your mistress, don't let her wander off."
Shen Zhong's figure disappeared into the crowd, and Zhen Shi Niang found a place to sit down nearby. She called over a little palace maid to bring her a cup of tea and instructed Hong Lian, "I'll rest here for a while, you go find Autumn Jade and bring her back."
Recalling Shen Zhong's instructions, Hong Lian hesitated for a moment, but seeing Zhen Shiniang's calm and indifferent expression, she simply responded with a "yes".
Zhen Shi Nang didn't put down her teacup and stand up until the figure of Hong Lian was blocked by the crowd.
Passing through the moon gate that Xiao Yu had passed through earlier, in front of him was a desolate garden. Since it was winter, the flowers in the garden had withered long ago. Only a few yellowish-brown Chinese parasol trees still stood proudly in the wind and snow.
Why is there nobody?
Zhen Shining stood on the empty snowy ground, her eyes searching in all directions.
She clearly saw Xiao Yu come here, this is the deep palace, Xiao Yu should know that she is not familiar with this place, if he wants to invite her, he must be around here. Absolutely won't go far!
Wasn't there a deeper meaning in his glance before he left? Did he really go to Guanghuan Hall?
"Jian Niang!" Just as he was searching, a low and solemn voice suddenly sounded from behind him.
It was as if a thunderbolt had exploded in the clear sky, and Zhen Shiniang was stunned for a moment. She struggled to steady herself, then slowly turned around.
Xiao Yu Zheng's eyes were fixed on her, "...... Was Miss Jian just looking for me?"
Zhen Shi Niang bowed solemnly to Xiao Yu Zhuang, "The civilian woman was also forced by her living circumstances. General Shen is unaware of this matter, I hope Sir Xiao will show mercy." Since she knew she couldn't deceive him, rather than starting a futile struggle and ending up being forced into a corner by Xiao Yu, it's better to be honest and try to gain his sympathy, perhaps she could escape this calamity.
This was the moment when Zhen Shining made a decision as soon as she saw Xiao Yu and Shen Zhongjie walking out of Taihe Hall together. Although Xiao Yu did not immediately tell Shen Zhongjie about this, it meant that there was still room for maneuvering.
Xiao Shu had already seen Zhen Shi Niang come out. Xiao Yu hid and suddenly appeared, calling out to Jian Niang from behind, just to verify Zhen Shi Niang's identity, in case she denied it.
She saw her body tremble slightly, and Xiao Yu was completely sure.
Zhen Shining is actually Jian Dafu!
However, Xiao Ye didn't expect that. Zhen Shi Niang calmly admitted it, her gaze as clear as water, without any calculation, which made Xiao Ye at a loss for a moment.
She remembered the first time she saw her, she was wearing a worn-out cotton-padded jacket that had been washed until it turned white. Xiao Yu already believed Zhen Shi Niang's words, and she changed her name and surname to practice medicine among civilians, not to slander or take revenge on Shen Zhong Shuai, but indeed because of the pressure of life.
Think about it, her father and brother were killed, and she was abandoned by her husband's family. If she didn't think of a way to make a living for herself, what else could she do?
Xiao Yu's expression eased slightly at this thought.
Zhen Shi Niang's heart felt a little lighter, and she took the opportunity to say, "The people have already stopped making Jian Ji Agarwood, and they've announced to the outside world that Doctor Jian has left Wutong Town..." She looked quietly at Xiao Ye, "If General Xiao is still worried, I can also announce to the outside world that Doctor Jian is dead."
Xiao Yu suddenly remembered that the medicine she had asked him to send to Tai Hospital was not signed with Dr. Jian's name, and at that time he only thought she was physically weak and couldn't bear the reputation, but it turned out that she had already discovered Dr. Jian's reputation was too loud and had made preparations beforehand.
What a clever woman!
By now, Xiao Yu was even more certain that her private medical practice was not to slander or avenge Shen Zhongge. Otherwise, she would not have given up the reputation she had worked hard to establish after reconciling with Shen Zhongge.
Understanding is one thing, condoning is another.
Xiao Yu's expression was serious, "...... I didn't know you were my younger sister before, so I helped you sign those contracts with the Imperial Hospital. Tomorrow, I will personally go to the Imperial Hospital and cancel them!" His solemn tone brooked no argument, "Before, your actions were forced by circumstances, I can help you keep it a secret, but..." He changed the subject, "Now that I know your identity, from now on, you are absolutely not allowed to practice medicine or buy medicine again!" His voice softened, "...... General Xiong is a man of his word, he has acknowledged you, and will never shortchange you again. You won't have to worry about making ends meet from now on!"
She had a favor to ask of his mother, and he could help persuade Shen Zhongjie to treat her well, at least not to make things difficult for her in terms of money. He believed that with Shen Zhongjie's temperament, even if he disliked her, he would be able to let her live without worrying about food and clothing.
However, as a general's wife, she is practicing this kind of art. If it gets out and is used by political enemies, the consequences are unthinkable. He and Shen Zhongshuo are brothers, they are close friends, Xiao Ye will not allow anyone to harm his brother!
Even if she were Shen Zhong's legitimate wife, it would still be impossible!
Thinking of the rumors about Shen Zhongge and Zhen Shiniang's poor relationship, Xiao Yu's expression became even more resolute. Since he had agreed to help her conceal her identity today, he must make it clear to her where he stood. No matter what, he would always stand on Shen Zhongge's side!
Brothers are like hands and feet, women are like clothes. This principle is understood by every man, especially since she also has such a deep grudge against Shen Zhongge, and is so clever. Shen Zhongge is rough in character and doesn't know how to be on guard, but he can't help but warn him to be prepared.
What? He wants to dissolve those contracts?
Zhen Shining's mind went blank for a moment. Although she had guessed that Xiao Ye would not tolerate her identity and would be angry on behalf of Shen Zhongjie, she did not expect him to react so fiercely.
Think carefully and it's not hard to understand, after all this is ancient times, men are superior to women. Women have no status at all, their behavior in the eyes of the world is just a shame, unbearable.
But her pills were easy to open up the situation, and the contract was just in hand. Now it's going to be taken back, can her medicine factory still be opened?
If it were ordinary, then so be it, just as Xiao Yu said. Shen Zhongge would have recognized her and would not have made things difficult for her with money, without these contracts, she could plan slowly later on.
But she only has two years left, and if she can't lay a foundation for Jian Wu and Jian Wen in her lifetime, they will have only two outcomes after her death: either wandering the streets or returning to the General's Mansion to be bullied and framed...
She has no time left. No time left, really no time left!
Zhen Shining's heart was despairingly wailing, her eyes staring blankly at Xiao Ye. What else could she think of to persuade him?
The house leaked and the rain poured in, Zhen Shining was thinking of a countermeasure with a serious face like killing a pig, while Xiao Yu's side had another flash of lightning and thunder. "Qiu Ju said that Brother Mei Yu has a pair of twin sons, named Jian Wen and Jian Wu, are they General Shen's?"
Zhen Shining's ears buzzed loudly.
In the afternoon, her head felt like it was filled with lead. When she decided to confess to Xiao Ye, she always felt that there was something missing, and her heart was uneasy, but she couldn't think of what it was.
She finally remembered now.
Qiu Ju had long told Old Lady Xiao about Jian Wu's affair with Jian Wen!
But now it seems there's nothing else she can use, she has already confessed and they are at her gates.
Xiao Yu and Shen Zhongqiu are sworn brothers, would he let Shen Zhongqiu's children wander outside?
No way, he absolutely won't, Zhen Shining knew it just by thinking about it with her knees.
What's she doing?
The banquet is about to begin, time is pressing, she must persuade Xiao Ye to cover up the matter of Jian Wu and Jian Wen within a limited time!
Otherwise, she would face the bleakness of separation from her child.
The most important thing is that Chu Xinyi is in charge of the supplies in the General's Mansion, she has a vicious mind and will not tolerate them. Once they enter the Houmen, Jian Wu and Jian Wen may die even earlier than her!
Her mind had solidified, and Zhen Shi Niang's body swayed as if it was about to collapse. She felt her legs go soft and couldn't stand steadily, so she knelt down. "They are indeed the generals' descendants, but because they grew up in the countryside since childhood, they were naughty and lazy. The civilians were afraid that the general would not like them, so they didn't dare let them recognize each other. I hope Mr. Xiao can help with this matter!"
"Get up!" Xiao Yu frowned, "As General Shen's own flesh and blood, why wouldn't he be happy?" Shen Zhong had been eagerly awaiting a son, like waiting for the stars or the moon, and was overjoyed when he found out. "I will personally explain this to the general, he absolutely won't make things difficult for them, you don't need to worry, it's just unnecessary anxiety."
How can the son of a general end up in such a state, being bullied by anyone?
He Xiao Yu now knows about it, he absolutely cannot ignore it!
Zhen Shining didn't dare to get up, and she didn't have the strength to get up either. "They're too young, born with a stubborn temper and unaware of worldly affairs. Even if the general reluctantly acknowledges them, it's unlikely they'll be tolerated by the future mistress of the General's Manor... Please, sir, don't tell the general..."
Future Mistress?
Isn't she going to be the future mistress of the General's Manor?
He let Wan Si issue such an imperial edict, Shen Zhongge also personally guaranteed that he would never abandon her, how could he possibly remarry the main mother?
He furrowed his brow and stared at Zhen Shining, who was still kneeling on the ground. What was this woman actually saying?
Seeing his confusion, Zhen Shi Niang took the opportunity to say, "Dependent on each other for four years, Wen Ge and Wu Ge are just that to Min Nu. Min Nu doesn't ask them to be rich and noble, only hopes they can grow up safely." The situation forced her, facing Xiao Ye who was determined to protect his brothers' interests, she could only desperately play the sad card, "Min Nu's father, brother, sister were all killed, long ago lost the will to live. The reason I've survived until now is that I couldn't bear to part with them..." With a sorrowful gaze at Xiao Ye, "Min Nu's life won't last much longer, Min Nu will leave behind a will, letting them recognize their ancestors and return home after they turn thirteen, not fight for the position of heir, not remember hatred towards the general, not humiliate the ancestral gate...". Heavily exhaling a breath, "Min Nu has long been a lamp with no oil, a weak body that can't withstand separation from kin again. I hope Xiao Da Ren will fulfill my wish, in Min Nu's next life, I'll be willing to be a cow or horse to repay your great kindness..."
