Before doing something bad, there's still other things to take care of.

  As time passed, the weather gradually warmed up, and the Wangfu courtyards removed their thick woolen curtains and replaced them with light and elegant silk gauze curtains. All the chairs had their heavy velvet cushions removed and replaced with lightweight and beautiful dust-proof silk scarves. Even the imperial bed and folding arhat bed were moved to the outer flower hall. The purple sandalwood incense burner was burning a soothing scent suitable for pregnant women, and the warm fragrance wafted out, making people even more languid and intoxicated in the quiet afternoon.

  Just then, in this quiet afternoon, something not big or small happened beside him.

  Zhou Mama brought in the new bamboo curtain with a soft rustling sound, causing the wind chimes on the door frame to tinkle. Her feet, clad in shoes embroidered with dark red peony flowers, stepped steadily onto the soft carpet, making a faint muffled sound.

  "As expected, Pinhua that little hoof indeed had thoughts that shouldn't be there."

  "Isn't it Pinlan? How did it become Pinhe?"

  Zhou Mama sneered, "At first, I also thought so, but things often turn out to be unexpected. The one who has been sending pastries to Wang Ye these days is indeed Pin He. However, this girl is quite clever and deliberately wore Pin Lan's clothes and hairstyle, making it difficult to distinguish at night, and I almost believed it was really Pin Lan. But in fact, the one who has been sending pastries to Wang Ye these days is indeed Pin He."

  Recently, the imperial court has not been peaceful. It is said that the White Lotus Sect, a heretical cult, has risen up in Shanxi Province. For nearly a hundred years since the founding of the Great Qing Dynasty, there have been no disturbances except in the north. People have become too used to living in peace and comfort, and the idea of being prepared for danger has been forgotten. When the heretical cult rose up, a group of officials panicked, arguing loudly in the imperial court but unable to come up with any practical actions.

  Li Xiong is a prince and also a military general. As a military officer, he does not have the right to discuss state affairs, so he can only think for himself, studying maps, observing the terrain, and preparing to find a way to easily eliminate the heretical cult. Therefore, every day after dinner at Longxianju, he would go to his outer study. Some of the servants who did not understand thought that Li Xiong was tired of her and would sneak into his outer study, trying to curry favor with him.

  Apart from Li Xiao's legitimate aunts, there were also some pretty maids.

  It's a pity about Pinlan. She usually gets along well with her sister, calling each other affectionately, but now she's being taken advantage of without even realizing it.

  "Ah, yes, it's indeed true what they say: a dog that barks doesn't bite, but a dog that doesn't bark bites even harder."

  "Have you got something on me?"

  "The princess indeed has a keen insight into human nature. Since this little girl is eager to climb up, it's not difficult to find her weakness."

  Pinlan and Pinhe, these two have indeed good looks, a beauty of the small family jade type. For men who are used to eating mountain delicacies and seafood, changing to a home-cooked dish is also delicious. Moreover, when emotions are pregnant with thoughts, this gives other concubines opportunities to think wildly, as for other little maids who have wild thoughts, it's naturally the best time to take action.

  Pinlan's Sima Zhao heart, like emotions had already heard, just always opened one eye and closed the other. On the contrary, Pinhe, like emotions slightly sat up, tidied up the hair that was messed up due to lying on her side, "Zhou Mama, are you sure it's Pinhe?"

  Zhou's mother sneered and laughed, "Absolutely true. Usually not showing off, but diligent in doing things, with a sweet mouth, and also putting in great effort on needlework. Who would have thought that such an unassuming person could make people look at them in a new light when they take action."

  "As if he had calmed down, he said in a soft voice: 'Tell me about what happened again.'"

  "Ahem, these days the king has been going to the outer study after dinner and staying for two hours. Those shameless things think the king is tired of the queen and keep running to the outer study, one day this servant sends food, the next day that servant sends drinks. Especially Yu Niangzi runs the most diligently, followed by Xiang Niangzi and Mei Niangzi. Unfortunately, ordinary people can't enter the king's outer study, they're stopped by the guards outside. Poor Yu Niangzi is dressed so seductively but can't even touch the edge of it. These days there are still some foolish maids who think they can get the king's favor by sending food and drinks. Especially two days ago, a maid from Longxianju claimed to be sent by the queen with food for the king. The king didn't suspect anything and let her in."

  Yu Qing smiled and said, "Mother Zhou told me about this yesterday. Never mind, just tell me how you caught Pin He's weakness."

  "Over the past two days, I've had Yu Dong and Linglong keep a close eye on Pinlan. It seems they've indeed heard some interesting things. Apparently, Pinlan was just being manipulated by someone else, and the real mastermind is actually Pinhe. This Pinhe has been constantly inciting Pinlan to seduce the king, and Pinlan seemed to be tempted, but didn't have the guts to take action. These past few days, the king has been busy with work in his outer study, so Pinhe instigated Pinlan to send food to the king. Although Pinlan agreed on the surface, she never took any action. The other night, when the king returned from his outer study, this shameless woman deliberately tripped and fell in front of the king, startling him. She then looked pitiful, clutching her foot and saying 'Your Majesty, I've hurt my foot'."

  Like a burst of laughter, "How is it exactly the same as Zhang Niang's trick back then?"

  Zhou's mother couldn't help but laugh too, "Yes, Zhang Niang also used to pretend to hurt her foot to get sympathy from the old master. Who would have thought that this cheap girl would imitate her? Unfortunately, Wang Ye is not the old master. He just said, 'You can't even walk steadily, how can you still stay in Longxian House? Next time, you'll be sent to work outside.' Then he ignored her. That poor girl was so angry she almost bit her teeth off."

  "Like a burst of laughter, 'Wasn't there anyone around at the time?'"

  "Yes, there is Long Xianju's guard. Apart from that, only Xiao Shunzi is left."

  It turns out that Li Xi came back and told her to take good care of the little girl downstairs the night before last, it was for this matter.

  "Are you sure it's Pin He and not Pin Lan?"

  "Absolutely true," said Auntie Zheng, nodding her head. "We previously thought it was Pinlan who had seduced Li Xiang, but now that we've been secretly keeping an eye on Pinlan these past two days, we discovered that it's actually Pinhe who is the restless one. What's more, we even found several sets of Pinlan's clothes under Pinhe's bed."

  "That week, Mother caught her in the wrong place." Even if Pinhao wanted to seduce the master, if the mistress punished her for this matter, she would indeed gain a reputation for being jealous and intolerant. Therefore, she could only catch her in the wrong place and then severely deal with her.

  "Speaking of which, this girl got a good scolding yesterday, probably because she didn't sleep well last night. She overslept and was late getting up, so she was reprimanded by the Madame Yuan's family. The girl still had the nerve to say that she was one of the queen's dowry maids and that they couldn't control her. However, the Madame Yuan's family didn't dare to scold her too much because they were afraid of offending the queen, so they just told her not to sleep late again next time. But today at noon, this cheap girl took it upon herself to leave her post and actually colluded with the maid from the Princess Yu's residence, chatting and laughing together in the empty corridor. That's when I got angry and ordered someone to bring her back, but she dared to defy me, saying that she was personally appointed by the Grand Madame to serve the queen and that I shouldn't take her lightly. The old slave was furious, so I had her brought before the queen to be dealt with."

  Yu Ru sat up straight, adjusted the pearl flower tassels on her chest, and coldly smiled: "Very good, indeed it's turned upside down."

  Zhou's mother saw that Ruo Yu had no reaction and asked again, "Is the princess not going to deal with her now?"

  "Why bother dealing with her? She still has greater use."

  ……

  In the evening, Li Xue didn't even return to Longxianju for dinner. He just had someone prepare a meal and personally selected a few dishes that Li Xue usually liked to eat, put them in a basket, and had someone send it to the outer study.

  Late at night, Li Xiang had not returned yet, and only let Xiao Shunzi bring a message to Ruqing, "Just now, someone came from the palace, and Wangye went into the palace. Wangye asked me to inform Wangfei that you should rest first, and Wangye will return later."

  With a gentle nod, she gazed at Xiaoshunzi with pity, "You've worked hard, running around so late. Linglong, get some fruit for Xiaoshunzi."

  Ling grabbed a large plate of fresh candied fruit and a plate of Ling's treasure tower pastry, and stuffed them into Xiaoshun's hands, smiling and saying: "Shun Gonggong, take it, it's still fresh, take it back to eat as a snack."

  Xiao Shunzi held onto the candied fruit and smiled obsequiously: "Your humble servant thanks Your Highness. Your Highness, there's something your humble servant doesn't know whether he should say..."

  "What's going on? You're being so mysterious. Just say it if you want to."

  Xiao Shunzi smiled and stepped forward, saying: "Lin Wangfei, today the king returned to the mansion and has been staying in the outer study room. He hasn't gone anywhere else. However, those servant girls didn't stop running around to disturb him, but were all chased away by the king."

  With a flirtatious raise of her eyebrow, she asked: "Which maids are these? So devoted and loyal."

  "Uh, there's Yufu Yuan's Jade Peach and Yongmei Xuan's Lily, these two are the most diligent. And also Jiaxin Tang's Plum Blossom."

  "What about Huan Mei?" As if it were a familiar phrase, the maids in the Qiong Yi courtyard and the Meixuan courtyard all knew it well. Only the maids in the Jiaxin courtyard, except for Song Jiang's family and a few other senior housekeepers, also recognized a few others, but who was this Huan Mei?

  "This old lady who brought the plum blossoms is also a manager of the Wang Fu, specifically in charge of needlework for the Wang Fei. Just now, she also carried a food box to the outer study and said that she was ordered by the Tai Fei to deliver food to the Wang Ye. However, this servant did not let her enter."

  Looking at Xiao Shunzi's flattering appearance, he already understood and smiled: "You're a clever one, not in vain that Wang Ye values you so much. Now, even I have to look at you with new eyes."

  Xiao Shunzi burst out laughing, "What is the princess saying? Being loyal to one's master is just a basic duty for a servant. The princess is being too kind to servants."

  "Ah, you're a loyal one," said Ru Qing with a smile. "I'm at ease leaving you by the prince's side. However, serving the prince is no easy task - he's as changeable as the weather, and it must be exhausting for you. Chen Xiang, what are you still standing there for? Quickly get two ingots of gold for Shun Gonggong." Then she turned to Xiao Shunzi and said, "Following the prince is indeed tiring. Take these rewards and consider them a token of my appreciation. If you continue to serve well, I'll have even greater rewards for you in the future."

  ……

  That night Li Xuan came back very late, and Qingyi had already fallen asleep early. This time he was woken up again, rubbing his eyes and turning over, looking at the cool figure of him, "Back?"

  Li Xiao nodded while unbuttoning his clothes, "Did I wake you up?"

  Ru Qing shook her head, "It's nothing. But Your Highness, why are you back so late?"

  Li Xue took off his clothes and let Liu Yue serve him to wash his feet, then he combed and washed himself again, put on his hair and got into bed. He snuggled into his arms as if it was a natural thing to do, "The White Lotus Sect has been getting more and more out of control recently."

  Ru Qing fell silent for a moment before speaking softly: "The Emperor has summoned the Prince to discuss how to deal with the White Lotus Sect."

  In the darkness, Li Xiu's head nodded slightly, one hand stroking the soft silk nightgown on Qing's body, while the other used his chin to stroke her soft black hair. "The Emperor has adopted the proposal of the Left Censor-in-Chief, using both civil and military means, a two-pronged approach."

  After a while of quietness, she asked: "Is Left Commandant? Is that my elder brother?"

  "Yes, nowadays my elder uncle is increasingly favored by the Emperor and often stays behind after court to discuss state affairs."

  His Imperial Majesty's appreciation of Eldest Brother is a great honor, and it's naturally a good thing for the Fang family as well. However, the matter with Bai Liancheng can't be taken lightly either. If it's not handled properly and doesn't yield the desired effect, he'll definitely face a situation where everyone will push him when he's already down.

  "Does Big Brother really have absolute confidence in dealing with Bai Lian Jiao?"

  Li Xue nodded, "In the past few years, due to the poisonous rice case involving a wide range of people, it also severely damaged the prestige of the White Lotus Sect, causing it to suffer greatly. However, even a dying insect can still struggle, and after three years of hiding, it has now become even more powerful. In Jiangxi Province, the situation has been stirred up into chaos, with temples being infiltrated by evil cults, and many officials have been killed. Now, Jiangxi is in a state of complete disorder." He let out a sigh, not without indignation, "The evil cult still enjoys high prestige among the people, but unfortunately, these innocent commoners are being manipulated like pawns to oppose the government, yet they don't even realize it themselves."

  As the saying goes, "If it were only a clean official who was killed, it would be fine. But they are all corrupt officials who harm the people. Bai Lianjiao is catering to their tastes by killing these dog officials. The common people will definitely lean towards Bai Lianjiao emotionally." In those days, wasn't Taizu Emperor also so good to the common people when he was seizing power?

  Li Xiao thought for a moment and said, "You're right, it's not the ordinary people's fault. It's these officials who have indeed provoked public outrage."

  "In the eyes of Taoism and Buddhism, there is no distinction between good and evil, yet it's not non-existent either. It's because people are deeply entrenched in worldly desires, prioritizing themselves above all else, and harboring jealousy and resentment towards others' goodness. Most people in this world are fond of comparisons, always thinking they're getting the short end of the stick, and failing to grasp the truth. This world lacks nothing but harmony, with an abundance of conflicts and a scarcity of peace. Unaware that everything is but an illusion, even the best things are fleeting, and many people are deeply entrenched in this delusion, satisfying their desires through heretical teachings.

  She further explained: "The common folk's dependence on heretical teachings and their belief in them can be attributed to the government's actions as well. If those in power didn't exploit the people, if officials didn't collude with each other, and if they didn't oppress the citizens, would the people still seek divine intervention and pray for blessings? On one hand, the government suppresses heretical teachings, while on the other hand, it also oppresses the people. It's no wonder that the common folk might view heretical teachings as sacred."

  Li Xiu was deeply moved and nodded, "I didn't expect that you, a lady from a secluded chamber, would also have such insight."

  Ru Qing smiled awkwardly and said, "In the past, Master Hu had told us that there is a way to govern, and as an official, one must also have a way of governing. In their position, they should plan for the people's welfare. As an official, one should bring benefits to the people and profit the country. Only by benefiting the people can one benefit the country. I think, if we really want to eradicate the evil cult, my elder brother should advocate for severe punishment of corrupt officials, return land to the people, win over the hearts of the people, and unite the people. Isn't that right?"

  Li Xiu sighed deeply, "No wonder, the Empress Dowager had previously praised you, saying that you are wise and have a good understanding of things, and also a rare virtuous helper. Now thinking about it, the Empress Dowager indeed has a high vision."

  It's really embarrassing, "The Empress Dowager only said half of it correctly. I just followed my brothers to read books for a few days. Hu Fu Zi's knowledge is profound and his vision is far-reaching, deeply understanding the way of being an official. I'm just casually compiling and editing at random."

  Li Xiao laughed and said: "You can even make up nonsense and say it so accurately. If you're serious, wouldn't I have to step aside as a husband?"

  "My grandmother taught me that a woman who is literate and can understand the general meaning of things is virtuous, but Mr. Chen also said: 'A woman without talent is virtuous.' This can be considered the ultimate truth in a man's world." Ruqin grasped his collar tightly and said wisely: "Grandmother said that men generally do not like women who are too intelligent, so it's better for me to pretend to be stupid in front of the prince."

  Li Xiao lost his smile, "Little slippery head, and intentionally bringing up topics to provoke me."

  "No, if a woman is too clever, it only makes people guard against her." So, being clever must not be shown on one's face.

  Li Xiao laughed weakly, "No wonder, it turns out that the daughter is good at hiding under the ninth earth, and the capture moves above the ninth heaven."

  Just like a silly smile, "Isn't the king also the same? In Datong that year, in order to find out Huang Zijin's treasonous crime of communicating with the enemy and betraying the country, didn't the king also pretend to be a pig eating a tiger? The Art of War says, 'The skilled warrior's victory is not due to fame or bravery.' Since the king can use it, why can't I?"

  "Unexpectedly, the daughter is indeed a divine person, and even the art of war has been brought out."

  "...this...I'm not capable at all, I also just heard it from others." She's really not smart, not capable at all.

  In the darkness, the man's lips twitched, "...... In front of me, why bother pretending again?"

  "It's precisely because it's you that I have to pretend even more." But because her voice was very low, Li Xu didn't hear clearly and asked: "What did you say?"

  "No, it's just that I think it's late at night and Your Highness should rest."

  ……

  On the second day, Ruo Qing got out of bed and Li Xiu was still nowhere to be seen. Xiang Mei told Ruo Qing: "The prince left very early and asked me to tell the princess not to worry."

  After breakfast, Ruo Qing strolled in the courtyard as usual, walking aimlessly along the corridor of the Wang Mansion. The mansion was vast, and she had not been able to fully explore it even after being married for over five months. Taking advantage of her pregnancy, she decided to take a good walk around. Zhou Mama supported Ruo Qing, following closely behind her, while Ling Long and Yu Qin trailed on either side, with Yu Xia keeping a three-step distance behind them. This was done to block the prying ears of the other concubines and to prevent others from sneaking peeks.

  Zhou Mama held onto Ruo Qing steadily, reminding her to be careful from time to time. "There's a hole here, and the ground is slippery over there." She looked just like an old mother hen.

  “……Last night, San Gu Niang came with a letter. Recently, Mrs. Yang has not been feeling well, and she is serving her in front, so the news is delivered a bit slower this time. I heard that Miss Yang has been quite calm lately, but she still often retreats into the house with Princess Qing An to discuss something unknown.”

  "This cheap mare has been a bit more obedient lately, but she doesn't look very spirited, always listless and lacking energy."

  As if she had lost her smile, Li Xue had been leaving early and returning late recently. She came back late at night and left early in the morning. She thought about seducing him but couldn't even get close to him, which must have made her very depressed.

  "Lately, the imperial court has been busy with many things, and the prince will probably be even busier for a while. She can't get anything done no matter how hard she tries. For now, let's not bother with her, our top priority is still to keep an eye on the movements of the Qingchang Marquis' residence."

  Mother Zhou nodded, "With Princess Qing'an around, there's definitely no good news. Unfortunately, Third Auntie can't investigate further."

  "Third sister has also done her best. Oh, by the way, how is Madame Yang ill again?"

  "It's unclear, but it seems like it was because of Third Uncle."

  "What's wrong with my third brother-in-law?"

  "In the last episode, Old Master severely embarrassed Mrs. Yang, and although this old lady seemed to calm down for a while, she must have been unhappy in her heart. She didn't dare to openly set rules for Third Madame again, but thought of another way to give Third Madame trouble. At this time, a group of people came from the front, it was the manager of the Wang's mansion, seeing them, they all lowered their heads and stood respectfully on one side."

  As if nothing had happened, he walked calmly past them, looked around cautiously and then asked in a low voice: "What eye drops are you using?"

  Mother Zhou hesitated for a moment, gritted her teeth and said: "This old woman actually said that she was bored staying in the mansion and wanted to go to the villa to relax."

  "As if she had already given up, Third Sister would have to follow her to the Zhuangzi and serve her for the sake of filial piety. It's clear that she wants to separate Third Sister from her husband." Ah, in ancient times, mothers-in-law were more powerful than heaven! Alas, as a daughter-in-law, the first person you had to serve after getting married was not your husband, but your mother-in-law!

  "Queen Wang is clever and perceptive, she understands at once," Mother Zhou praised. "Madam Yang has made up her mind to go to the villa to escape the heat, and Third Aunt can only grit her teeth and follow."

  "As if in a dark curse: 'This dead old woman, truly venomous.' If she were to go to the Zhuangzi and stay for three to five years, wouldn't Rumei also have to follow and live as a widow for so long?"

  "Third brother-in-law shouldn't agree, right?" After all, the eldest son hasn't even been born yet.

  "Third Uncle was a straightforward man and directly rejected Mrs. Yang. Third Uncle was an uncouth person, who didn't know the art of speaking, so the mother and son started quarreling, and then Mrs. Yang got angry and fell ill."

  "Probably faking illness again."

  "Who knows, but having such a mother-in-law is unlucky enough."

  Just like emotions follow the sinking point of view, who was it that used to boast in front of her about Yang Tai's benevolent eyebrows and good deeds? She was the first to tear her mouth.

  Digression

  I'm so exhausted, it's so painful... Waaahhh...