Chapter 259

Xiao Yin's words made Gu Jiu Ling fall into thought; then her eyes lit up—Xiao Yin really is a crafty old fox.

If Xiao Yin were to speak up for Zhao Lang in court, it would surely arouse Emperor Longqing's suspicion.

What Emperor Longqing worries most about is these military aristocratic families; if they united, where would there be any room for his survival?

If Xiao Yin spoke for Zhao Lang, wouldn't that mean Zhao Lang and Xiao Yin are joining forces? What benefit would that bring to Emperor Longqing?

If it really came to that, Zhao Lang would surely die.

At this point, if Xiao Yin were to fiercely strip Zhao Lang of his military authority in court, he might even intend to annex the Southern Great Battalion.

If Xiao Yin expressed this intention, Emperor Longqing would surely worry that after Zhao Lang's death, Xiao Yin's status in the military would rise steadily, and then he could no longer suppress this dragon.

If so, Zhao Lang might soon be released from prison, and even the Duan family could fall under Emperor Longqing's suspicion; Xiao Yin's move is brilliant.

She lifted her gaze, stared at Xiao Yin, then suddenly laughed: "Your Highness is a smart person; if that's the case, I'll lend you another hand."

Xiao Yin raised his eyebrows and looked at Gu Jiu Ling.

Gu Jiu Ling had Jiu Yue come in and ask: "Has Miss Jinzhi gone far?"

Jiu Yue hurriedly replied: "In reply to my lady, Miss Jinzhi is probably almost at the Zhao residence."

"Go intercept her; if you can't catch her midway, make a trip to the Zhao residence, don't let anyone see you, and quietly tell Jinzhi a few words."

"Tell her that when she returns to the Zhao residence she must weep and wail, meaning the Rui Wangfu cannot manage the Zhao family's affairs."

"Have Jinzhi go back and tell her mother-in-law to pick an occasion to come kick up a fuss at our Rui Wangfu's gate."

"It would be best to give Jinzhi a hard time, make her wear small shoes for a few days; if a major fight breaks out between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, that would be perfect to watch."

"Do as I say, and this matter will be settled."

Xiao Yin's eyes showed a hint of approval; Gu Jiu Ling's words also gave him an idea—this is just telling outsiders that Jinzhi isn't as important as they think in the Rui Wangfu.

But she's just a servant; this time Jinzhi came to the Rui Wangfu seeking help, the Rui Wangfu drove her out, and because Jinzhi couldn't help, her mother-in-law caused another scene.

The less face we give the Rui Wangfu, the better.

This is just acting for the spectators in Shang Jing; the more realistic the performance, the greater the chance Zhao Lang will be released.

Jiu Yue hurriedly followed the Princess Consort's orders, caught up with Jinzhi, and told her everything Gu Jiu Ling had said.

Although Jinzhi was mute, she was quick-witted and instantly understood Gu Jiu Ling's meaning; she nodded through tears and returned to the Zhao residence by carriage.

Over the next few days, the capital buzzed about this matter.

First came news that the long-harmonious Zhao family was experiencing mother-in-law and daughter-in-law discord.

Even Lady Zhao locked the newlywed daughter-in-law Jinzhi in the rear courtyard's Chai Fang, and the matter immediately caused an uproar throughout the city.

Soon after, word spread that Jinzhi had sought help at the Rui Wangfu, only to be driven out by Prince Rui and Princess Consort of Rui.

Xiao Yin and Gu Jiu Ling acquired yet another slur, being called heartless and fortunate—nothing more than that.

Finally, on the fifth day, Zhao Lang was released from prison.

The punishment was merely a half-year salary deduction; for a capable general like Zhao Lang, losing half a year's pay was like a tickle—utterly insignificant.

Zhao Lang returned to the Zhao household and, from afar, saw Jinzhi supporting his mother at the gate, standing with his father to welcome him.

Lady Zhao stepped forward, dipped a willow branch in clear water, and whipped Zhao Lang with it—a ritual to welcome him back and dispel his ill fortune.

"You're this old and still causing trouble!"

"How much suffering did you endure in there? Look, you've become noticeably thinner."

Zhao Lang hurriedly laughed and said: "Mother, it's fine; your son is thick-skinned and sturdy—let alone sitting in jail for a few days, even five or ten years would pose no problem."

"Pah pah pah, what inauspicious talk—don't ever say that again!"

Lady Zhao spat repeatedly.

"You're just like that in prison, yet you've made us outsiders worry sick for you."

"Look at this child Jinzhi—she's lost a great deal of weight."

Zhao Lang looked at Jinzhi standing beside Lady Zhao, wearing a moon-white robe with red plum blossom embroidery at the hem.

She was serene and refined, gazing at him quietly, her brows and eyes filled with an indescribable gentleness.

Zhao Lang's heart softened; he slowly approached Jinzhi, pulled her into his embrace, leaned down, and whispered in her ear: "This time I made you worry—it's my fault; it will never happen again."

Jinzhi laughed, tears spilling from the corners of her eyes; she could no longer hold back her emotions and threw herself into Zhao Lang's arms.

The Zhao family finally breathed a sigh of relief; this affair was now over.

Afterward, Zhao Lang peacefully continued drilling troops at the Southern Camp, awaiting the end of the spring examinations before setting out for the frontier.

Meanwhile, news of Zhao Lang's release was also sent to the Rui Wangfu.

Gu Jiu Ling and Xiao Yin were standing by the stove in the warm pavilion, eating a steaming hot pot.

Gu Jiu Ling's belly was too big to bend over; she sat in a back-supported chair, while Xiao Yin, seated opposite her, personally helped her pick out ingredients.

"Prince, Princess Consort! General Zhao has just sent a messenger saying he will come to pay his respects to you, my lord, in a few days."

Gu Jiu Ling quickly laughed and waved her hand: "Go tell the Zhao family not to come to the Rui Wangfu these days, lest we cause unnecessary trouble."

"Let Junior General Zhao stay at ease drilling at the Southern Camp and treat our Jinzhi a little better."

Jiu Yue at the side laughed upon hearing this: "My lord, do not worry; I have heard that the Zhao household, from top to bottom, treats Miss Jinzhi better than anyone could hope."

"Junior General Zhao obeys Miss Jinzhi's every word, and Lady Zhao treats her as her own daughter."

"Now, according to the Zhao household's servants, Junior General Zhao dotes on our Jinzhi to an extraordinary degree, as if she were a child."

Gu Jiu Ling laughed, turned her face to look at the handsome man beside her.

"The Prince truly knows how to choose people; back then he chose the Zhao family as in-laws, but some with malicious hearts cannot enjoy this blessing."

Xiao Yin's face flushed slightly with embarrassment; mistaking General An's descendant was probably the biggest mistake he had made in his life.

He is often teased by this girl, and he finds himself unable to refute.

"You praise my husband so much; he feels a bit unaccustomed to it."

Gu Jiu Ling quickly laughed and said: "Honestly, General Zhao's affection for Jinzhi truly makes all women envious."

Just speaking of the tactic of cutting down all the persimmon trees in the city, not to mention others, even I myself can't help but feel envious.

Xiao Yin slightly raised his brow and looked at Gu Jiu Ling.

This woman actually envies another man? It's just persimmon trees, isn't it?

He, Xiao Yin, could just as easily cut down half the city's trees for her—what's there to envy?