in2ebook Chapter 336 It's too early to breathe a sigh of relief.
Chapter 336 It's too early to breathe a sigh of relief.
"What did you say? Consort Zhuang actually left Prince Yong's residence and headed towards the imperial mausoleum?" The Emperor looked at the guard who came to report with a face full of astonishment, seemingly unable to believe his ears.
The guard knelt on one knee, not daring to raise his head, and replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, that is indeed the case. The captain has already led men to follow us in secret."
The Emperor frowned slightly and muttered to himself, "This Consort Zhuang is really a worry. My fifth brother and sister Jianping aren't home, is she going to completely let loose? She finally managed to stay well-behaved for a few days at Prince Yong's residence, but now she can't hold back anymore." As he spoke, he unconsciously stretched out his right hand and gently rubbed his temples, as if he had a headache.
After a while, the Emperor slowly said, "Alright, since Consort Zhuang has already passed away, you should all protect her secretly." His tone revealed a hint of helplessness.
After receiving the order, the guard immediately saluted and then vanished from the spot like a ghost.
At the same time, Su Nuannuan was sitting in a carriage, speeding along the official road towards the imperial mausoleum.
Actually, she had originally planned to return to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion for a while. However, her parents, along with her sisters-in-law and children, had not yet returned from their hometown, so she had to change her mind. After much deliberation, she finally decided to stay at the estate near the imperial mausoleum for a few days.
It was August, and some of the fruits in the mountains were ripe. She wanted to go up and pick some.
"Your Majesty, is it really alright for you to leave the city without a word?" Tingxue asked softly, her face showing worry.
"It's alright, the Emperor should find out soon. I'm just going to my own estate for a short stay, not going on a sightseeing trip," she replied casually.
Upon hearing this, Jinse and Tingxue exchanged a glance, their eyes both revealing sympathy for the Emperor.
Your Majesty, why are you so foolish as to acknowledge your own concubine as your mother? The Empress Dowager is now living peacefully in the palace, requiring no one to worry about her, but your own concubine acts like a child, doing whatever she pleases, which is very worrying.
If the Emperor knew that Tingxue and Jinse sympathized with him, he would probably sigh and say, "I was too young back then and failed to see through Consort Zhuang's true colors. Now it is too late to regret it. I can only send people to protect her in secret."
The sun gradually sank in the west, like a golden crow falling to earth. After a long journey, Su Nuannuan and her group finally arrived at the estate located in the imperial mausoleum.
Upon hearing that her mistress had arrived, Qin Ruyun, the steward of the estate, hurriedly ordered the servants to open the gate. She then personally stepped forward and respectfully greeted Su Nuannuan, saying, "This servant, Qin Ruyun, greets Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live a thousand years!"
Su Nuannuan got off the carriage and was somewhat surprised to see Qin Ruyun who came to greet her. She had originally thought that Granny Song would arrange a male steward for her, but she didn't expect it to be a woman.
Seeing that Su Nuannuan was somewhat surprised, Qin Ruyun quickly explained, "Your Highness, please don't be offended. Although I am a woman, I can still manage the affairs of the estate very well."
Su Nuannuan smiled slightly, indicating that she didn't mind, and then said, "I will be staying at the estate for a while. During this time, you don't need to come and serve me. Just go about your own business. If needed, I will send someone to summon you."
Qin Ruyun quickly replied, "Yes, Your Highness. Please rest assured, Your Highness, I will send people to clean the courtyard where you used to stay every day to ensure it is clean and tidy."
Su Nuannuan nodded and walked towards the courtyard. As she walked, she suddenly stopped, turned to look at Qin Ruyun behind her, and asked, "What is your relationship with Granny Song?"
"Your Majesty, I have no relation to Granny Song, but I do have some connection with Granny Ru," Qin Ruyun replied respectfully, following closely behind Su Nuannuan.
Su Nuannuan stopped and turned around, looking Qin Ruyun up and down before asking slowly, "Oh? What is your relationship with Granny Ru?"
Qin Ruyun lowered her head and said, "Your Majesty, I am a distant niece of Granny Ru."
Su Nuannuan nodded slightly to show that she understood, and then asked, "Since you are Granny Ru's niece, how come you came to work as a manager on this estate?"
Qin Ruyun took a deep breath, composed herself, and answered truthfully, "Your Majesty, I am a divorced person and have nowhere to go. Since I used to be a manager in an embroidery shop and know a little about accounting, my aunt went to ask Granny Song to find me a place to settle down. Granny Song saw that I was literate, had experience as a manager, and could do accounts, so she agreed to let me try to take over the estate."
After hearing this, Su Nuannuan remained silent for a moment, thinking that Qin Ruyun was indeed a pitiful person. Since she had returned after the divorce, she must have gone through a lot of suffering. Why should she ask about those embarrassing details? So, she waved her hand and said, "Alright, if that's the case, then you should take good care of the estate."
Seeing that Su Nuannuan was no longer asking questions, Qin Ruyun felt relieved and quickly replied, "Yes, this servant will do my best and live up to Your Majesty's expectations."
After escorting Su Nuannuan to her residence, Qin Ruyun bowed respectfully and turned to leave.
After Qin Ruyun left, Su Nuannuan watched her receding figure and turned to Li Desheng beside her, instructing, "Li Desheng, send someone to investigate Qin Ruyun's specific situation, the more detailed the better."
"Is Your Highness worried about Qin Ruyun?" Li Desheng looked at Su Nuannuan with suspicion, seemingly puzzled by her words.
Su Nuannuan smiled slightly, shook her head, and said softly, "No, it's not that I don't trust Qin Ruyun. It's just that I heard she divorced her ex-husband, and I'm a little curious about what caused them to part ways."
"This servant understands. This is to arrange for someone to investigate," Li Desheng said, bowing respectfully.
Su Nuannuan nodded slightly and sat on the brocade stool, her posture elegant and composed. Her gaze fell on Li Desheng, her eyes revealing a faint sense of authority.
"No rush, we can arrange it tomorrow," Su Nuannuan said, her tone gentle but containing an undeniable determination.
Night had quietly fallen, and the lights in the manor gradually came on. Since they had arrived after dinnertime, the small kitchen had not prepared any ingredients.
Seeing this, Zhixiang hurriedly sent someone to the main kitchen to fetch some flour and pork. She worked quickly and efficiently in the kitchen, and soon a bowl of fragrant noodles with soybean paste was served.
Su Nuannuan looked at the noodles with soybean paste in front of her. Although it was simple, it made her very hungry. She smiled and thanked Zhixiang, then slowly began to savor the delicious noodles.