Chapter 319 - 320: Worry
Chapter 319: Chapter 320: Worry
Jin Qianqian had already sent people out several times, yet there had been no word from Gu Wenheng since yesterday.
Even if he had entered the Imperial Palace, there was no precedent for an outer court official to stay overnight. The anxiety was enough to make her faint.
"Madam, the morning court session hasn’t ended yet, but everyone saw many carriages gathered outside the palace gates early this morning. And all of them were loaded to the brim."
Jiang Zhongfu wiped the sweat from his brow as he trotted in. No one had slept a wink last night. As soon as the curfew was lifted, they had already dispatched several groups of servants to keep watch at the palace gates and the Hanlin Academy.
"Madam, you needn’t worry too much," Ou Qingshui advised in a low voice. "At least there’s been no bad news so far. The master was likely just delayed by something. After all, sometimes no news is good news."
Jin Qianqian had already sent someone to find Ye Yi. She couldn’t help but feel uneasy not seeing him.
They say serving a ruler is like accompanying a tiger. Being an official in ancient times was a risky business.
The person sent to find Ye Yi returned quickly with news that was neither good nor bad: Prince Bai had also not left the palace last night, and neither had Master Gong.
Jin Qianqian’s heart, which had been lodged in her throat, settled halfway. ’Perhaps they really were just delayed by something.’
In no mood to attend any banquets, Jin Qianqian gave an invitation to Housekeeper Fu and had him personally deliver her regrets along with a congratulatory gift.
* * *
The civil and military officials finally received the notice to attend the morning court.
They stood in their designated places, hearts trembling with fear. Those officials who had originally carried memorials in their robes quickly clutched their chests. ’Better hold back today,’ they thought. ’The timing is all wrong.’
Hua Shunming sat on the throne, leaning forward to gaze down at the officials below. In that instant, he found every single one of them displeasing.
When the officials chorused, "Long live Your Majesty!" Hua Shunming did not bid them to rise as he usually did.
"I’m sure you’ve all guessed why the morning court was delayed today. Do you think hearing you all chant ’Long live’ brings me any comfort?"
The hall fell silent. Whoever spoke first at a time like this would be asking for trouble. Unexpectedly, this silence only infuriated Hua Shunming further.
"Do you think if you remain silent, this matter will simply be swept under the rug?" He offered no further explanation, simply calling out several names. Imperial guards quickly appeared and dragged the men away.
As for their cries of "Injustice!" no one dared to step forward, and no one dared to question the Emperor.
Hua Shunming gave the ministers one last look before rising expressionlessly and leaving. This was likely the shortest court session of his reign.
Gu Wenheng and the others did not see Hua Shunming re-enter the study. Instead, a little eunuch came to escort the three of them out of the palace.
As soon as they exited the palace gates, they found the carriages of their three families waiting. Gu Wenheng watched Scholar Gong depart, then turned to bid farewell to Bai Jinglie before hurrying home.
The moment Jin Qianqian heard the report that the master had returned, she quickly scooped up her still-crying child and went out to greet him.
"What’s wrong with Cancan?" Gu Wenheng strode over. He was about to take the child from Jin Qianqian’s arms, but then remembered he hadn’t washed in a day and a night, and pulled his hands back.
"I’ve made you worry," Gu Wenheng said, looking at Jin Qianqian guiltily. He truly hadn’t expected this to happen and could only imagine how anxious she must have been all last night.
Seeing that he was unharmed, Jin Qianqian finally felt relieved. She was about to speak but quickly stopped herself. "Go wash up first. We can talk about everything else later."
Gu Wenheng did as she said and went into the adjoining washroom. When he came out, the kitchen had already prepared a meal and set it on the table.
Finally able to relax completely, Gu Wenheng contentedly filled his stomach. After all, when dining in the palace, one couldn’t eat according to one’s own preferences, and he really hadn’t been in the mood to savor the so-called Imperial Cuisine anyway.
"Are you still going to the Hanlin Academy this afternoon?" Jin Qianqian asked after he put down his bowl and chopsticks.
Gu Wenheng nodded. "I should. Don’t worry, I managed to get a little rest last night."
Once they had dismissed the servants and were alone, Gu Wenheng briefly recounted the events of the past day.
"No one discovered this for so long? These people must be a special breed of talent."
Gu Wenheng explained, "The old Emperor spent his youth on campaigns across the land. After founding the nation, he only concerned himself with matters of the court. The affairs of the harem were managed by the old concubines who had been with him from the start. Considering the old Emperor’s own origins, you can imagine the women he married weren’t exactly high-born ladies from prestigious families.
"It created a vicious cycle. When the people at the top are easy to fool, the people at the bottom grow bold.
"As for the current Emperor, his education was entrusted to the Grand Scholars. They taught him the art of governance, but practical, everyday knowledge was neglected. That’s how things got so out of hand."
Jin Qianqian sighed. "I imagine Shangjing will be on edge for a while. After this storm passes, every household will be inspecting its own staff."
Jin Qianqian had hit the nail on the head. In fact, they didn’t even wait for the storm to pass. The masters of every major household, accountants in tow, immediately began their own investigations, and indeed, they all uncovered some number of wicked servants.
He didn’t dare to linger for long. After a quick meal and a short rest, he had the housekeeper prepare the carriage to return to the Hanlin Academy and get back to the grind.
With her heart finally at ease, the exhaustion from a sleepless night washed over Jin Qianqian. She handed the two children over to Nanny Duan and the others, leaned against the bed, and fell into a deep sleep almost instantly.
When she awoke, she could faintly see the glow of the setting sun. "I certainly slept for a long time."
Jin Qianqian stretched. Hearing the movement, Lidong and Li Qiu, who had been waiting outside, came in. "Madam, are you ready to get up?"
Jin Qianqian replied, "I’m up. What time is it?"
"It’s almost 5 p.m.," Lidong said, helping her straighten her clothes.
"I feel like I’ve forgotten something today." Jin Qianqian couldn’t quite recall what it was, but she had a nagging feeling she had forgotten to do something.
Li Qiu said, "Xu Yapo from West Street sent someone over with a contract. The person is still waiting in the side hall."
"Why didn’t you wake me?" Jin Qianqian smacked her forehead. So that’s what she had forgotten.
Lidong and the others lowered their heads. In their view, the visitor was merely a manager from a brokerage. It was only right that she should wait, even if it was for a long time.
As she waited for her hair to be put up, Jin Qianqian asked, "Besides that, was there anything else? The two young masters didn’t cause any trouble, did they?"
"Nothing else. The nannies are with the two young masters in the rear garden right now." Speaking of the two little sources of joy in the residence, the smile on Li Qiu’s face deepened.
Since she wasn’t going out, Jin Qianqian didn’t bother with an elaborate appearance. She simply had her hair put up, tidied herself up, and headed out.
In the side hall, Gu Lehuan had already drunk two full pots of tea. But still, no one from the host’s family had appeared. She grew increasingly anxious. ’Please don’t let me mess this up,’ she thought. ’It’s my first time running an errand for Mr. Xu.’
Sanhua was also getting anxious. ’My lady must be getting impatient waiting at home. They’ve already served us a third round of tea. Are they going to see us or not? Just give us a straight answer!’