[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-phoenix-returns-to-rule-the-world":3,"chapter-the-phoenix-returns-to-rule-the-world-the-phoenix-returns-to-rule-the-world-chapter-35":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Phoenix Returns to Rule the World",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2353159,4602,"Chapter 35: Escorting Mama Xue Away","the-phoenix-returns-to-rule-the-world-chapter-35",35,"\u003Cp>The Jingzhao Prefecture, because it was the Minister’s residence that reported the crime, was shocked that someone would commit murder within the jurisdiction of the Imperial City, and the target was none other than a Young Lady of the Jun family. Although rumors claimed she was an unfavored good-for-nothing, she was, after all, a legitimate daughter of the Jun family. Furthermore, it had been heard that just the day before, the Crown Prince had personally visited the Jun residence to bestow gifts upon the Second Young Lady. Given the gravity of the matter, the Governor of the Jingzhao Prefecture dared not be negligent; even with tough nuts like assassins, he had managed to extract a confession within a few short days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the Governor of the Jingzhao Prefecture personally came to the Jun residence to report the case to Jun Zhengming, Jun Zhengming was in his study reading. Hearing that the Governor had arrived, Jun Zhengming frowned. In terms of official business, the Minister of Rites and the Jingzhao Prefecture had no direct connection, nor did they have much private interaction. What business could the Governor have at his residence?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zhengming set aside his inner doubts, put down the book in his hand, straightened his robes, and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Show him in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the Governor of the Jingzhao Prefecture entered, his expression appeared slightly nervous. Jun Zhengming grew increasingly curious, yet he only raised his eyes slightly and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Governor, what brings you here this time?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the Governor of the Jingzhao Prefecture bowed respectfully, he said in a low voice:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Minister, the assassin has confessed regarding the matter of the attempt on your Second Young Lady's life. The ten assassins who attempted to kill the Second Young Lady are all killers from the Brightness Pavilion. According to the assassin's confession, a Mama wearing a veiled hat gave money to the Brightness Pavilion. They did not know who this Mama was, but a corner of the Mama’s veil and collar was blown up by the wind, and one of the assassins saw that she had a large black mole with hair on the left side of her neck.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zhengming sat up straight abruptly, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief, and exclaimed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What did you say? Such a thing actually happened?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Governor of the Jingzhao Prefecture hurriedly said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How would this official dare to deceive you, my lord? Just three days ago, a maid from your residence came to report that the Second Young Lady of the Minister’s residence had encountered danger in the suburbs and requested that the Jingzhao Prefecture constables go to rescue her. Constable Wang brought back ten criminals. This official dared not be negligent and has been interrogating them day and night. Today, the case has made progress. This official dared not delay and came to report the case to you, my lord.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zhengming’s brow furrowed tightly. Although he did not like his second daughter, she was, at any rate, Jun Zhengming’s daughter. He might not like her, but he could not tolerate others harming her life. However, if this matter were to spread, it would mean he, Jun Zhengming, could not even protect his own daughter, and the Jun family would surely become a laughingstock. This matter had to be investigated, but it could not be allowed to spread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After some deliberation, Jun Zhengming spoke slowly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This matter must not be made public. You go back first; I will consider carefully how to handle it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Governor of the Jingzhao Prefecture acknowledged the order and withdrew. Jun Zhengming paced back and forth in his study, his eyes gloomy, repeatedly pondering the information in the Governor’s words: ten assassins—this was an attempt to put the second girl to death; a Mama with a hairy black mole on the left side of her neck; the second girl was ambushed in the suburbs...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the past few days, the First Lady had been living in constant anxiety. The day Jun Zijin returned to the residence with people, the First Lady knew the matter had failed. Fearing the matter would be exposed, she ordered Qingyu to keep a close watch on the movements within the residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, Qingyu came to report that the Governor of the Jingzhao Prefecture and the Master were in the study, and there were servants guarding outside the door. She dared not approach and did not hear what the two were discussing, only knowing that the Governor had stayed in the Master’s study for a long while before leaving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The teacup in the First Lady’s hand shook, nearly falling to the ground. She steadied her mind; as long as she told Mama Xue to go out and hide, nothing would happen. Even if she were found, Mama Xue’s daughter was in her hands, and she reckoned Mama Xue would not dare to implicate her. Mama Xue had helped the First Lady commit countless evil deeds, but the First Lady did not trust her—or rather, she did not trust anyone. The First Lady had always secretly sent people to monitor Mama Xue’s family. A fierce look flashed in her eyes, and her heart calmed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, Jun Zijin had also instructed Xiao He to keep an eye on the movements in the residence, especially for news from the Jingzhao Prefecture and the First Lady’s side, and to report immediately. Jun Zijin was certain the First Lady would still take action.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao He had a lively and cheerful personality. Although she had only been in the residence for a few days, she had already hit it off with some of the young maids and servants, listening to gossip from time to time to report back to Jun Zijin. This day, Xiao He intended to go to the front courtyard again. Just as she crossed the corridor, she saw Qingyu, who was by the First Lady’s side, hiding sneakily behind a rock, just a few steps away from Jun Zhengming’s study.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao He remained calm and found a place to hide as well. After a long while, she saw the Governor of the Jingzhao Prefecture come out of Jun Zhengming’s study. Xiao He looked toward Qingyu; as the Governor left, Qingyu also left. Xiao He figured this matter was no small thing, so she beckoned to the servant outside the study door and whispered:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Little Lezi, come here quickly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Little Lezi usually followed Jun Zhengming. Once, when Xiao He saw he had an injury on his hand, she had quietly given him a bottle of medicine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Little Lezi glanced toward the study before coming to Xiao He and saying, \"Sister Xiao He, do you have something to ask me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I ask you, the Governor of the Jingzhao Prefecture came to see the Master; did you hear what was said?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I didn't hear it clearly, only that it seemed to have something to do with the Second Young Lady. Oh, and I also heard something about the Brightness Pavilion and a Mama with a large hairy black mole on the left side of her neck!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did you hear anything else?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Here, this was made in my Young Lady’s small kitchen.\" Xiao He took out an oil-paper parcel and stuffed it into Little Lezi’s hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Little Lezi hurriedly opened it; it was a few pieces of sticky rice cake. He beamed with joy immediately, as he had been craving the pastries from the Second Young Lady’s small kitchen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Jun Zijin heard the news brought back by Xiao He, a Mama with a large hairy black mole on the left side of her neck—she felt as if she had seen it somewhere before. She felt as if something was looming in her mind, elusive, as if it were right before her eyes but impossible to grasp. Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck Jun Zijin. Damn, Jun Zijin cursed inwardly; she remembered, it really was Mama Xue!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Xiao He, immediately take people to block the front and back gates of the residence. Don't even let the dog holes go; make sure you don't let Mama Xue escape!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Also, immediately spread the news in the residence that Mama Xue hired assassins to kill, spread it as fast as you can!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This matter, no matter what reaction my father has, I will make it so he cannot ignore it.\" Even if she couldn't topple the Wu woman with just a Mama Xue, it would be good to remove her arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within half an hour, rumors that Mama Xue had hired assassins to kill were spreading throughout the residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zijin found Jun Zhengming and did not beat around the bush, asking directly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Father, a few days ago, daughter heard that Mother’s dowry maid, Mama Dong, was in the suburbs. Daughter, remembering Mama Dong’s past care, went to visit her. Never did I expect that Mama Dong would almost die in a fire, and daughter was also ambushed. If it weren't for daughter’s good fortune, I fear I would not have returned. Daughter originally did not intend to disturb Father, as I was not seriously hurt. But now, rumors are spreading in the residence that Mama Xue, who is by the First Lady’s side, hired assassins to take daughter’s life. Daughter would like to ask, what does Father think?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zhengming’s brow furrowed tightly. Mama Xue was a Mama by the First Lady Wu’s side. Although he did not believe it had anything to do with Wu, this matter concerned her, and it was already spreading like wildfire in the residence; it could not be suppressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Regarding this matter, I will give you an explanation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zhengming pondered secretly in his heart: if he asked Wu for Mama Xue directly, she would likely overthink it. Besides, whether Mama Xue had a large hairy black mole on the left side of her neck was not yet known.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zhengming called for the steward, He Zhong, and ordered him to call all the Mamas in the residence to the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zijin added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Steward He, remember to tell the Mamas to wear collars that are lower, so they cannot cover their necks.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although He Zhong was puzzled as to why the Second Young Lady would have such a request, how could he question what the master had ordered? He Zhong suppressed the doubts in his heart and went to make the arrangements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before long, the Mamas of the residence were standing in line in the courtyard, not knowing what had happened, discussing it among themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mama Xue received word from the First Lady and dared not delay for a moment, hurriedly packing her things to sneak out of the residence. She quietly arrived at the back gate, only to see Hanxiao and Miaozhu guarding there. Mama Xue’s heart tightened, and she hurriedly turned back. She arrived at the main gate, only to see Mama Zhou guarding there with a maid. Mama Xue was sweating with anxiety. Suddenly, she thought of a dog hole by the south courtyard wall. That dog hole was narrow and hidden, surrounded by weeds, and rarely noticed by anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mama Xue could not care about much else; she lifted her skirt and ran toward the south courtyard wall. She struggled to squat down and crawl into the dog hole. Just as she poked her head out of the hole, she bumped into a pair of feet. Mama Xue looked up in terror, only to see Mama Dong standing there with a cold expression. Mama Xue hurriedly retreated, only to see Xiao He standing behind her with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mama Xue let out an \"Aow\" in fright, slumped to the ground, and trembled, unable to speak. Do not underestimate this girl; she looked harmless, but she had suffered at this girl’s hands before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this time, Xiao He walked over:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mama Xue, where are you going? I didn't know that Mama Xue didn't like using the main gate and preferred crawling through dog holes?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mama Xue finally found her voice and begged for mercy:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Little Aunt, with your great kindness, please let me go!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao He could not be bothered to listen to her nonsense. She called a little maid to hold her down, and she herself took off her socks in one, two, three, and stuffed them into Mama Xue’s mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mama Xue was so resentful she could have bitten someone; this stinky girl had stuffed her smelly socks into her mouth for the second time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zhengming looked out, but there was no Mama with a black mole on the left side of her neck. He asked the steward beside him:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Steward He, are all the Mamas in the residence here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Replying to the Master, Mama Xue from the First Lady’s courtyard seems to be missing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The First Lady heard that Jun Zhengming had summoned all the Mamas to the front courtyard. She was extremely uneasy, her heart pounding. Although Mama Xue was no longer in the residence, she was truly worried. After thinking about it, she also went to the front courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the First Lady arrived at the front courtyard, she heard Jun Zhengming asking He Zhong. She hurriedly stepped forward and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master, since today, Mama Xue has been nowhere to be found, and this concubine has been looking for her as well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just at this moment, they saw Xiao He bringing two little maids, escorting Mama Xue from the south.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zhengming saw Mama Xue being escorted with a bundle of something stuffed in her mouth, frowned, and asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is going on here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Replying to the Master, this servant saw Mama Xue carrying a parcel and trying to crawl out of the dog hole. This servant thought it was strange, so I called out to her. Who would have thought that Mama Xue, without a word, would rush up and try to bite me? If this servant hadn't dodged quickly, I fear I would have had a piece of flesh bitten off. Helpless, this servant had to stuff her mouth and escort her here to see the Master,\" Xiao He said calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zijin held back a laugh; this girl was telling lies with her eyes wide open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mama Xue’s face turned bright red, and she wanted to open her mouth to defend herself, but her mouth was stuffed with the smelly sock, and she could only make a \"woo-woo\" sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zhengming ordered someone to take the thing out of Mama Xue’s mouth. Jun Zijin did not wait for her to speak and asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mama Xue, is it true that you hired assassins to kill?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am wronged! It must be some god-forsaken person framing this servant!\" Mama Xue had long been holding back the urge to curse. Now that her mouth was free, she didn't even think, just started cursing and crying out that she was wronged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Xiao He, pull down her collar,\" Jun Zijin said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao He responded and, without any hesitation, pulled down Mama Xue’s collar. A large hairy black mole on the left side of her neck was revealed before everyone’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zhengming’s eyes darkened; he did not expect it to really be Mama Xue. He dismissed everyone in the courtyard, leaving only Mama Xue, before saying:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mama Xue, the Jingzhao Prefecture has investigated and found that you hired assassins to assassinate the Second Young Lady. I did not expect it to really be you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that the matter was exposed, Mama Xue collapsed to the ground, crying and begging for mercy:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master, spare my life! Master, spare my life! This servant is... is...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just at this moment, Mama Xue suddenly saw the First Lady holding a hairpin belonging to her daughter. Despair appeared in her eyes, and she slumped to the ground, only speaking after a long while:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was this servant who was muddled. The day I brought the Second Young Lady back to the residence, I held a grudge because the Second Young Lady hit me, and I kept wanting to find an opportunity for revenge. A few days ago, I learned the Second Young Lady was going out of the city, so I hired assassins to put the Second Young Lady to death... This servant was momentarily possessed by a ghost, which is why I did such a stupid thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zhengming’s face turned livid:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are so bold, daring to plot against a Young Lady of the Jun residence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mama Xue kowtowed like a pestle hitting garlic:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master, spare my life! This old servant knows she was wrong. I beg the Master, for the sake of my many years of service, to deal with me lightly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zhengming’s expression was extremely ugly, but he immediately thought that this matter did not implicate Wu, and he secretly breathed a sigh of relief, saying:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Take Mama Xue away first!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Father, Mama Xue should be handed over to the authorities. This matter has already alarmed the authorities, and we cannot fail to give them an explanation. Father has been upright and self-disciplined all his life; I cannot let Father’s reputation be ruined because of daughter,\" Jun Zijin said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zhengming sighed, shook his head, and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well, very well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Someone, send this reckless old woman to the Jingzhao Prefecture,\" Jun Zhengming ordered expressionlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mama Xue’s face was ashen, her whole body trembling as she slumped on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>",2898,"2026-06-21T03:35:39.629Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","8f7c9a770cb1af665fa3398f81e208af9701d6a210b76f3c3abeee5e354b7bd3","the-phoenix-returns-to-rule-the-world-chapter-36","the-phoenix-returns-to-rule-the-world-chapter-34",224,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-phoenix-returns-to-rule-the-world-cover.jpg"]