FIMA Ch60: Awooo

In the original storyline, Kou Yuanwu used the method of taking all the blame and committing suicide to pin the crime of stealing and selling military equipment on the Fifth Prince and the Wang family.

The Fifth Prince couldn’t defend himself even if he had a hundred mouths.

Everyone in the entire capital knew of the relationship between Kou Yuanwu and the Wang family; they knew how he respected Minister Wang, how he doted on his wife, and fundamentally wouldn’t believe Kou Yuanwu would deliberately frame them.

Moreover, the deceased are respected.
People wouldn’t throw any dirty water on him.

Aside from preserving the Wang family, who else could make Kou Yuanwu do this at the cost of his own life?
This deduction was simply far too reasonable.

To Emperor Yongjia, this naturally applied as well.
Especially since when Kou Yuanwu committed suicide, although he admitted in his confession letter that he did everything himself, he did not account for the whereabouts of the stolen military equipment.

Emperor Yongjia turned to interrogate the Fifth Prince, but the Fifth Prince simply couldn’t produce them.

As a result, Emperor Yongjia further believed he was unrepentant. In his great fury, he directly confined him permanently in the Prince’s mansion, forbidding him from leaving without a summons, and also threw Noble Consort Wang into the Cold Palace.

Minister Wang was also stripped of his post and sent home.
Those military supplies were never recovered in the end.

After entering winter, Emperor Yongjia fell severely ill again.
And at this time, news came from the palace that Emperor Yongjia intended to name a Crown Prince, and before that, he needed to clear the obstacles for the Crown Prince.

First, he ordered the death of Noble Consort Wang in the Cold Palace, and soon after, an imperial edict and poisoned wine were coming to the Fifth Prince’s mansion.

Upon hearing this news, the Wang family and the Fifth Prince could no longer sit still and wait for death, deciding to fight to the bitter end.

The Wang family hadn’t spent all these years doing nothing; their foundation was still there. Thus, they gathered a group of people and directly sent troops to force the Emperor to abdicate, but in the end, they naturally fell into a trap and were wiped out in one fell swoop.

Although it was the rebellion that ultimately sent the Wang family and the Fifth Prince to their deaths.
But if it weren’t for those previous events, with Noble Consort Wang’s power in the palace, they wouldn’t have fallen for such a simple scheme.

A fortress is always breached from within; the harm brought by Kou Yuanwu alone was immense.

But this time, because Gu Siyuan took precautions in advance, Kou Yuanwu was stopped before swallowing the so-called “fake death pill”, and furthermore learned that it was actually the real poison, Hedinghong. They truly wanted to kill him.

Of course, most importantly, he also learned that the son born to his mistress wasn’t even his.

He was completely deceived by Xiao Jingchuan and the Fourth Prince.
Although he wanted to take revenge on the Wang family, he wanted to live even more.

Moreover, a person with an extreme and sensitive mind like Kou Yuanwu couldn’t stand the betrayal and deception of others the most.

So, in a fit of madness, he directly wrote out the transaction between himself and Xiao Jingchuan in its entirety.
Furthermore, a person walking a tightrope over a cliff like him naturally left a way out for himself; he had all the account books, correspondence, and everything else.

The evidence couldn’t be more conclusive; it was impossible to even deny it.

Such a double-edged sword, if used well, could just as easily be turned around to stab the enemy to death.
Gu Siyuan naturally didn’t mind being the one holding the knife.

In the summer’s Hall of Diligent Government, the silence felt almost stagnant.
Aside from the dripping sound of the melting ice sculptures on the ice plates and the occasional chirping of cicadas outside the window, nothing else could be heard.

After Qin Huai finished explaining Kou Yuanwu’s self-admitted motives, he raised both hands horizontally and handed the collected evidence to Eunuch Liu, who presented it to Emperor Yongjia.

Emperor Yongjia took it and casually flipped through a few pages, his expression instantly turning extremely ugly.

Because it was recorded in far too much detail, and it even bore the private seal of the Zhennan General’s Mansion. Furthermore, since this was jointly uncovered by the Three Judicial Offices, there was no possibility of forgery.

Right at this moment, Xiao Jingchuan was also escorted over by Song Qi.

As soon as Xiao Jingchuan stepped into the Hall of Diligent Government, he was startled by the oppressive atmosphere, the sense of unease in his heart reaching its peak.

Emperor Yongjia looked at him and, without a word, threw the items in his hand at him, his face cold to the extreme: “To think We actually have such a talent in Our Yulin Guard! For a coarse boor like Xiao Lin to actually produce a son with such treacherous schemes as you, truly remarkable.”

Xiao Jingchuan was hit squarely in the face. Kneeling on the ground, he picked up the account book and letters, took one look, and then his entire spine slumped.

He knew this must mean something had gone wrong on Kou Yuanwu’s end.
Years of planning, ruined in a single day…

It was all over.

Emperor Yongjia walked down from the steps. Perhaps because he had already been angry time and time again, his expression right now was actually very calm.
However, it was the calm before the storm.

He walked in front of the people kneeling on the ground and finally stopped in front of the Fourth Prince, delivering a kick: “We truly underestimated you! You usually look virtuous, good, loyal, and honest, yet to think you would deceive your monarch and father, and frame your brothers, taking every step so meticulously!”

A hint of shock also appeared on the Fifth Prince’s usually warm and mild face. He narrowed his eyes at the Fourth Prince, waves of shock surging in his heart.

The books say a dog that bites doesn’t bark.
He usually only focused on guarding against the First Prince, never expecting that this guy before him had long prepared in secret to deliver him a fatal blow.

He didn’t even dare to imagine, if Kou Yuanwu had truly just died like that, what the ending would be…

The First Prince also looked at the Fourth Prince with lingering fear. If his fifth brother was beaten down this time, would this guy deal with him the same way next time?
Truly terrifying!

The Fourth Prince slid back several steps on the smooth floor, only stopping when the wall next to the hall doors blocked him.
It was evident that Emperor Yongjia hadn’t held back his strength in that kick at all.

The Fourth Prince’s clothes and hair were disheveled, and blood seeped directly from the corner of his mouth. However, his mood was very calm, calm to the extreme.

He raised a hand to wipe the fresh blood from his mouth, looking directly at Emperor Yongjia, and mocked slightly: “I am neither the eldest, nor the legitimate son, much less do I have a maternal family like the Wangs. What is wrong with me thinking more and calculating more?”

Emperor Yongjia looked at him, his expression indifferent: “Of course it is wrong, because I do not like you doing this.”

He also used “I” instead of “We”, signifying a conversation between father and son.

The Fourth Prince sneered: “Imperial Father, you aren’t trying to spout some nonsense about wanting harmony among brothers, are you? It’s too ridiculous. How did you obtain your throne back then? Didn’t you step over the bones of your brothers? I am also your son; why can’t I think it, why can’t I do it?”

Emperor Yongjia said expressionlessly: “Just because I can do these things doesn’t mean you can too. Moreover, I remember saying from the very beginning: I will appoint the capable, not the eldest. You, your eldest brother, and your fifth brother stood on the same starting line. I never favored any one of you; all three of you were fairly assigned to posts in the Six Ministries. I even harbored less wariness toward you than those two. As long as you performed excellently, I would only entrust you with more heavy responsibilities. Yet you still had to play these treacherous mind games?”

The Fourth Prince was slightly stunned.
A long while later, he laughed mockingly: “What is the use of saying all this now? Ultimately, it is just winners become kings and losers become bandits.”

“It seems you are already awaiting your ending.”
Emperor Yongjia gave him one last look, then turned to look at his other two sons, saying in a deep voice: “The same goes for you two. I will say this one last time: I appoint the capable, not the eldest. Do not do things that displease me, otherwise, the consequences will be severe.”

Perhaps, this empire will eventually be handed over to you in the future.
But right now he is the Emperor. If he dislikes it, no matter how much you want it, you cannot do it. If you do, you must bear the consequences.

This was an invisible restraint, otherwise, this imperial court would inevitably fall into utter chaos, with everyone forced to sink into the partisan struggles between the princes.

Emperor Yongjia strode over and sat at the dragon desk, his expression extremely cold and heavy: “Men, escort the Fourth Prince and Xiao Jingchuan to the Ministry of Justice’s Heavenly Prison. Confiscate the Prince’s Mansion and the Zhennan General’s Mansion. The Three Judicial Offices will immediately begin trying this case. We believe that over these years, Our good son has not only done these things.”

Right at this time, a report came from outside the Hall of Diligent Government: “Right Vice Minister of Justice, Pei Xiangnian, requests an audience.”

Qin Huai glanced at his younger colleague and blinked curiously.

Pei Xiangnian, however, looked straight ahead and knelt directly: “This humble subject greets Your Majesty.”

Emperor Yongjia sneered: “Speak directly. Let us see what other surprises you can give Us today.”

Pei Xiangnian kowtowed, his voice trembling: “This subject received a secret report from Hanlin Academy Bachelor Gu Zhen, stating that the Fourth Prince and Yulin Guard General Xiao Jingchuan have been raising a batch of private soldiers in the dense forests of Wuqing County, Tongzhou.”

Emperor Yongjia narrowed his eyes. The gaze he cast upon the Fourth Prince and Xiao Jingchuan was as if he were looking at two corpses.

The people in the hall either widened their eyes or trembled.
Although everyone had long suspected that this batch of military equipment might be used to arm a private army, the difference between a guess and hearing it with their own ears was still immense.

The Fourth Prince truly wanted to commit treason and rebel…

When the Longxiang Guards arrived at the Zhennan General’s Mansion, Shen Changhuan was currently inviting several good Ger friends and Madams in the capital to drink tea together. He had been married to Xiao Jingchuan for two years, and although he hadn’t given birth to a child, the entire backyard was already deferring to him and under his control.

After chatting for a while, someone smiled: “Changhuan seems to be in quite a good mood today. You’ve been smiling non-stop since we arrived?”

Shen Changhuan touched his face: “Is it that obvious?”

“Oh my, it seems something good truly happened? Tell us, let everyone be happy together…” someone teased.

Shen Changhuan shook his head.
How could he say it? He was happy that the Fourth Prince and Xiao Jingchuan were about to eliminate their great enemy, the Fifth Prince and the Wang family.
Furthermore, the Wang family had a good relationship with Gu Siyuan and Xie Changyue. If they could kill two birds with one stone, it would be for the best…

Right at this moment, the gatekeeper boy suddenly stumbled in.
Shen Changhuan was just about to reprimand him for his rudeness.

But the gatekeeper cried out with a weeping face: “Young Master’s Husband, a disaster has happened! The Longxiang Guards are at the door! They said they are under His Majesty’s orders to confiscate our Zhennan General’s Mansion!”

Shen Changhuan’s eyes were full of disbelief: “How is that possible!”

As he spoke, a burst of clamor and shouting rang out. Song Qi had already charged in with several armored Longxiang Guards: “Unrelated personnel leave immediately! By His Majesty’s decree, Xiao Jingchuan has plotted treason and rebellion, his crimes heinous to the extreme! Starting today, the Zhennan General’s Mansion is confiscated, and everyone in the Xiao family is to be detained in the Ministry of Justice’s Heavenly Prison to await trial!”

With a single command, the Longxiang Guards directly kicked open doors everywhere and arrested people. The entire courtyard descended into chaos.

Shen Changhuan’s face was deathly pale. His entire body trembled violently as if struck by lightning, crying out: “How is this possible? How could such a thing happen? Is there a mistake?!”

He was holding a tea party today, specifically to celebrate…

Shen Changhuan staggered and was about to fall to the ground, but was grabbed by two Longxiang Guards and directly dragged out of the mansion.

As for the other people who came for the banquet, after experiencing the initial shock, they had now reacted and rushed out of the General’s Mansion one by one.
This had nothing to do with them.

When Gu Siyuan came out of the imperial palace, it was already close to dusk.
He greeted Qin Huai and the others and headed straight for Yushu Alley. His current tasks were temporarily finished here.

Although Emperor Yongjia, seeing that he had merit in solving the case, did not implicate him because of Gu Zhen’s failure to report what he knew, he still very consciously requested to withdraw from the case.
Knowing when to advance and retreat tactfully was the way of an official.

County Lord Mansion.
Xie Changyue had someone move a lounge chair into the courtyard to cool off. Lazily leaning on the soft couch, he held an unknown book reading while waving a folding fan, directing the servants at home to catch dragonflies.

“Husband…” When he looked up and saw Gu Siyuan at a glance, he immediately got up and pounced toward him.

Gu Siyuan caught the person and said faintly: “The County Lord is very leisurely.”

Xie Changyue immediately waved the folding fan in his hand, fanning it vigorously at him: “I won’t enjoy it alone; I’ll share some coolness with Lord Gu.”

Gu Siyuan pinched his nose, let go of the person, and said: “Many thanks to the County Lord, but this official must go wash up first.”

It was midsummer right now. Throughout the day, he had first been interrogating cases in the Ministry of Justice’s Heavenly Prison, and later entered the palace. Running back and forth, his body had already been soaked in sweat many times.

Xie Changyue nodded, touching his husband’s cheeks that seemed to have grown a bit thinner, and said: “Go on, wash up clean and then come serve this Lord well. This Lord will dote on you.”

“…” Gu Siyuan.
Rebellion.

Gu Siyuan stared at Xie Changyue unblinking, his expression indifferent. His eyes conveyed only one sentence: You’d better not regret it later.

“…” Xie Changyue shoved the storybook in his hand behind him. I won’t read this kind of stuff next time, it’s misleading me.

Halfway through Gu Siyuan’s wash, he heard his little husband’s fawning voice coming from the outer room: “Husband, I’ve prepared dinner for you.”

Gu Siyuan smiled, deciding to be nicer to him tonight and bully him one less time.

Gu Siyuan had always been quick to wash up. He casually threw on an outer robe and walked out, ignoring his still-dripping hair.

He rarely looked this sloppy. Firstly, the weather today was quite hot. Secondly, from morning until now, he hadn’t even had a single bite of hot food, so he was truly very hungry.

The bathing room connected to the bedroom. As soon as he turned past the floral-pendant gate, he saw Xie Changyue sitting at the table, looking at him with a face full of smiles: “Husband, this is the dinner I carefully selected.”

Gu Siyuan sat down at the table. Seeing that they were all dishes he loved to eat, he deliberately teased: “Is Lord County Lord preparing to feed this official full first, so I can have the energy to serve you well?”

“…” Xie Changyue puffed out his cheeks.
I really don’t know whether to say my husband has a good memory, or to complain that he’s really so petty…

However, he just so happened to be unable to afford to offend him.

Xie Changyue blinked his large, watery eyes. Standing up, he picked up a fine cloth towel placed to the side, walked behind Gu Siyuan, and gently wiped his wet hair for him.

“Husband, how is it? Is it comfortable?” Xie Changyue asked attentively.

Gu Siyuan continued to eat his meal seriously, ignoring him.

Xie Changyue puffed out his cheeks and lowered his head to make a face at him.
As a result, he just happened to catch a glimpse of the robust and beautiful pectoral muscles exposed between his husband’s half-open robe collar.

Xie Changyue’s wiping movements gradually slowed. Thinking of the solid feeling of lying on top of them every day, he couldn’t help but stretch out a slender, fair finger and feel downward.

Gu Siyuan had just set down his bowl and was preparing to drink tea to rinse his mouth when he was startled by this sudden grope of his chest.

He grabbed the misbehaving finger, looked up at the person, and said in a low voice: “Is the County Lord in such a rush for this Lord to serve him?”

Xie Changyue curled his lips. Petty ghost, what’s wrong with touching a little? Doesn’t he let this person touch him every day?

Gu Siyuan pinched his pouting duck mouth with one hand, and pulled the person to sit in his lap with the other: “If you stir up my fire, don’t start crying and begging for mercy again.”

“…” Xie Changyue shrank in his embrace, hoping to pretend he didn’t exist.

Gu Siyuan sneered: “Both wanton and cowardly.”

“What does wanton mean?” Xie Changyue tilted his head up and asked curiously.

Gu Siyuan looked at him and explained with a straight face: “Exactly what you’re like.”

After speaking, he lowered his head and lightly bit the dark red lips of the person in his arms.
Xie Changyue felt comfortable being kissed and couldn’t help but stick out his tongue to carefully lick him.

The two held each other and shared a tender moment.

Xie Changyue asked about today’s events: “Gu Zhen should have gone to the Ministry of Justice today, right? His Majesty didn’t blame you because of him, did he?”

Gu Siyuan shook his head: “Gu Zhen didn’t participate in the entire process. He merely knew of the matter by coincidence. But at the time, he was just a mere scholar; how would he dare accuse a prince of this dynasty? His Majesty is also a reasonable person. He only stripped him of his position as a Hanlin Academy Bachelor and drove him back home.”

“Heh, he’s surprisingly lucky.” Xie Changyue thought for a moment, then asked: “What about Shen Changhuan?”

Gu Siyuan roughly told Xie Changyue about what happened in the Hall of Diligent Government today, and finally concluded: “The case is still undergoing trial, and the final verdict hasn’t been handed down yet. The Fourth Prince’s faction planned for many years; aside from stealing and selling military equipment and establishing a private army, there must definitely be other matters. It’s best to clear them up piece by piece.”

Xie Changyue wasn’t interested in the infighting and struggles among princes, but he deeply loathed that Kou Yuanwu: “The things that guy did are too weird, right? Do all you men have this kind of psychology?”

Gu Siyuan pinched his face: “Most men are like that, but I’m not. I said it before, I love eating soft rice (living off my spouse). Other people’s gossip is just entertainment.”

Xie Changyue’s face instantly turned bright red.
For some reason, he thought back to the topic of “eating soft and hard” his husband mentioned before, and couldn’t help but shrink himself into a tiny ball, lying prone in his embrace.

Although Gu Siyuan said the case was still undergoing trial and the final verdict required waiting.
But Emperor Yongjia was truly furious this time. The Three Judicial Offices and the various ministries cooperated with each other, and the trial proceeded with lightning speed and vigorous resolution.

Five days later, everyone’s sentences were finalized.

Emperor Yongjia ultimately still remembered a sliver of blood ties. He didn’t directly kill his son, but instead banished the Fourth Prince to guard the imperial mausoleum. However, he specifically issued a decree stating that even if he passed away in the future, the Fourth Prince was not allowed to return to the capital to pay his respects. It could be said his disgust for him had reached its peak.

But Xiao Jingchuan and Shen Changhuan didn’t get off as easily as the Fourth Prince. They were directly sentenced to beheading by Emperor Yongjia, while the rest of the Xiao family were implicated by them and all exiled to the frontier.

As for the Shen family of the Suining Earl’s Mansion, because of their failure to properly educate their child, they were stripped of their noble title, their mansion was confiscated, and they were reduced to commoners.

Regarding this, the Shen family was only grateful. Fortunately, Shen Changhuan had already married out, otherwise they would have had to be exiled like the Xiao family. Having lived in luxury with fine clothes and fine food since childhood, how could they endure such hardship?

As for Shen Changye, although he was previously arrested and thrown into the Ministry of Justice’s Heavenly Prison by Gu Siyuan, with his brains, he couldn’t possibly participate in a massive matter like raising a private army. He was merely used because of his stupidity.

After being stripped of his position, he was given thirty strokes with the heavy bamboo and thrown back to the front door of the Shen family like a puddle of mud.

And at this time, the Shen family was currently engaging in a massive war over splitting the family assets.
The First Branch wanted to seize all the properties. Second Master Shen and Second Madam naturally firmly disagreed.

But the First Branch argued forcefully that their Shen family had fallen to this state today entirely because they were implicated by the “good son” born to the Second Branch. You still have the nerve to inherit the property? If you continue making a fuss, we’ll immediately return to the clan and directly strike the Second Branch’s names from the registry, to save the Shen family from further disgrace!

Right at this moment, the few remaining servants in the mansion came to deliver a message, saying Shen Changye had been released.

Second Master Shen and Second Madam rushed out frantically to see their son, and then took him to a medical clinic to see a doctor. By the time they returned to the Earl’s Mansion, the residence had already been confiscated by the Ministry of Revenue, and the main gate was sealed with paper strips. The Shen family assets had already been completely scavenged and moved away by the First Branch.

Those concubines of Second Master Shen had also each snatched some silver and jewelry and fled for their lives.

The Second Branch was left with only their family of three, completely penniless. And at this time, Shen Changye was still in the medical clinic waiting for them to bring silver to pay for his medical treatment and heal his injuries…

On this day, half a month had passed since the end of the military equipment case, and the rumors in the capital had gradually calmed down.

Wang Xu very solemnly sent an ornate letter paper over, inviting the married couple Gu Siyuan and Xie Changyue to eat at the best time-honored brand restaurant in the capital.

The time-honored brand was at the edge of the Eastern City, separated from Yushu Alley by several streets. It took the two about half an hour by carriage to arrive.

And when Xie Changyue stood in front of the time-honored brand store, he was dumbfounded for a long time before finally realizing: “I was just wondering. I lived in the capital for over a decade after all. How could I have completely never heard of this time-honored brand he mentioned? Turns out it’s this kind of roadside diner. This guy Wang Xu is getting more and more stingy.”

“Why are you such a vulgar guy? Can gourmet food be simply measured with silver coins? A time-honored brand is a time-honored brand. Good food is good food. It doesn’t need storefronts and prices to decorate it.”
Wang Xu’s loud and careless voice came from the shop entrance.

Xie Changyue gave a cold laugh, crossed his arms, and said: “Could it not be because the elegant Sixteenth Young Master rushed into the Ministry of Justice’s Heavenly Prison to beat someone up a few days ago, and then had his salary docked by His Majesty and his monthly allowance stopped by Minister Wang?”

Wang Xu curled his lips and complained: “Aiya, don’t expose it even if you see through it!”

Gu Siyuan and Xie Changyue smiled, ignoring him further, and walked toward the small eatery.

Wang Xu attentively led the two to sit down at a table by the window.
“I’ve already ordered for you guys, it’ll be served right away. Although part of the reason is that I’m a bit short on silver, this place’s food is truly not bad.”

Just as he was speaking, a waiter came over carrying a large tray. On the tray were three large bowls, steaming hot and emitting white smoke, along with a small basket.

After setting it down with a “bang”, he walked away without looking back.

Gu Siyuan and Xie Changyue were momentarily stunned.
Wang Xu pulled out two pairs of chopsticks from the chopstick holder, handed them to them, and smiled: “See that? The waiter is so arrogant. That shows how good this food must taste for him to dare treat the paying masters like this!”

Gu Siyuan took a look. The steaming items were three bowls of Luzhu (pork offal stew), and placed in the basket were golden-brown baked flatbreads.

It had indeed been a long time since he’d eaten something with such a strong flavor. He wasn’t squeamish either, picking up his chopsticks and slurping it down loudly. This kind of food had to be eaten in large mouthfuls to hit the spot.

Xie Changyue also used his chopsticks to pick up a piece of pork intestine and put it in his mouth. He chewed a few times, then narrowed his eyes: “Indeed not bad…”

Wang Xu laughed: “Of course! Could the words of your Sixteenth Master be false?”

Eating such stimulating food in the height of summer, the three very quickly broke out in sweats.
However, chatting while eating, they didn’t really mind.

Chewing on pork intestines, Wang Xu looked at Gu Siyuan and said seriously: “Brother, this time I truly have to thank you. Otherwise, my Wang family would have been in grave danger.”

Gu Siyuan raised his head, using his usual cold and indifferent tone: “It’s good that you know.”

“…” Wang Xu.
Are you even a scholar? Don’t you understand ‘expecting no return for favors’? Don’t you understand modesty?

However, this was exactly Gu Siyuan.

Wang Xu smiled: “The Wang family and the Fifth Prince will both remember this. However, since you currently receive deep imperial favor, it’s inconvenient for them to meet you directly; otherwise, it would be harming you. So they can only let me invite you for some Luzhu.”

Gu Siyuan nodded.
He naturally understood this logic better than anyone.

After finishing with the thanks, the group continued to shoot the breeze.

Xie Changyue had a small appetite. After eating half the stew, he felt a bit stuffed. Holding his chopsticks, he transferred the pork lungs from his bowl over to Gu Siyuan’s.

Watching this, Wang Xu, this single dog, felt overly sappy. Pointing to a wooden bucket at the entrance, he said: “If you can’t eat it, just leave it be. The boss is kind-hearted. The shop collects the leftovers every day and distributes them for free to the little beggars nearby.”

Xie Changyue winked and made a face at him: “I just love sharing food with my husband. Are you jealous?”

Wang Xu sighed: “It seems that my mother wanting me to marry a wife also has its benefits.”

After all three finished their stew, they sat and drank a few mouthfuls of clear tea, then stood up to settle the bill.
Mainly because this stew shop’s business was indeed quite good. If they just sat there, it would delay the boss’s business.

Walking out to the entrance, Xie Changyue specifically turned sideways to look at that large wooden bucket holding the leftovers. Surrounding it happened to be several beggars in ragged clothes, eagerly waiting for the boss to distribute the food.

However… looking at one of them, Xie Changyue couldn’t help but narrow his eyes.

That person seemed to also realize someone was looking at her. She snapped her head up. Upon seeing clearly it was Xie Changyue, she hurriedly lowered her head again and rushed away with her bowl in hand.

After parting ways with Wang Xu and getting into the carriage, Xie Changyue asked Gu Siyuan: “Have the people from the Second Branch of the Shen family still not returned to their ancestral hometown?”

Gu Siyuan: “Shen Changye doesn’t want to go back.”

Xie Changyue nodded, roughly understanding.
When he was still in the Earl’s Mansion in the past, he had accompanied the Shen family back to their ancestral hometown once. The Shen clan members were extremely attentive and eager to curry favor with the Earl’s Mansion.

Shen Changye was even more arrogant, looking down on those collateral branch clan members, and had even fought with quite a few peers.
Now that he was so destitute and down-and-out, he naturally didn’t want to go back to be mocked.

Previously, when Second Madam Shen had hit a dead end, she had also come to the County Lord Mansion to make a scene. However, she was frightened off by Gu Siyuan, who said that if she dared to come, he would break Shen Changye’s legs.

In the end, they gave her five taels of silver and sent her packing.

Although five taels of silver wasn’t considered much to the former Earl’s Mansion, for ordinary people, it was enough to eat their fill and stay warm for a long time. Yet now, after only a few days, she was forced to beg for a living. It could be seen that she had completely no plan in her heart to live a proper life.

However, none of this was his business anymore.

The ensuing days were as plain and beautiful as before.
Gu Siyuan went out to handle official business every day, while Xie Changyue stayed home planting flowers and doing miscellaneous chores with Gu Er and Mu Xia.

After Gu Siyuan finished court, the two would stick together and be affectionate.

Until a few days before Shen Changhuan was scheduled to be executed by beheading, the Xie family from Huangyang Village came knocking on their door.

Xie Changyue looked at the several people in front of him, finding it bizarre: “You want my husband and me to go plead for mercy with the Emperor to spare Shen Changhuan’s life?”

Xie Er and Liu Zhi nodded.

Xie Changyue frowned: “Do you know what crime he committed? Treason and rebellion!”

Xie Er pleaded somewhat awkwardly: “But… Little Huan grew up at the knees of your mother and I. We are a family! Are we supposed to just watch helplessly as he dies?”

Xie Changyue said faintly with no expression: “You can close your eyes and not look.”

Liu Zhi grabbed his hand: “Changyue, I know you are angry about what happened in the past, but you are so powerful now and living so well. Don’t bicker with him anymore. Please, take pity on him!”

Xie Changyue looked at her with a cold sneer: “What from the past am I angry about? Why should I bicker with him? You actually have the nerve to come and beg me.”

Liu Zhi was momentarily speechless.

“Pleading for mercy is impossible. However, since you keep saying that you and Shen Changhuan are family, I can still accomplish this much. I’ll use some connections to have the Ministry of Revenue change Shen Changhuan’s household registration to your family. This way, your son Xie Dong will no longer need to participate in the imperial examinations, and the descendants of the Xie family will all be the descendants of a criminal.” Gu Siyuan happened to stride in from the courtyard just then, his tone so cold it was almost freezing.

Hearing this, the expressions of everyone in the Xie family changed.

Xie Er hurriedly said: “Son-in-law, do not be impulsive…”

Xie Dong even stood up directly, pulling his father and mother to leave. He absolutely couldn’t joke around with his own future.

After the Xie family left, Xie Changyue still maintained a cold face, his expression extremely ugly.

Gu Siyuan pulled the person to sit in his lap, pinching his face: “Are you imitating me?”

Hearing this, Xie Changyue burst into laughter and leaned into Gu Siyuan’s embrace: “So Husband also knows that you always have a cold face and a straight face normally?”

“…” Gu Siyuan.
Good intentions really don’t get rewarded.

His fingers pinched the soft cheek of the person in front of him, and suddenly a faint smile bloomed at the corners of his mouth: “What, do you prefer seeing me smile?”

Xie Changyue stared blankly, then reached out two fingers to pull the corners of his mouth down, saying righteously: “It’s better if you smile less. Even if you smile, you’re only allowed to smile at me when you’re at home! Otherwise, I’ll bite you to death! Awoo…”

As he spoke, he curled both hands into claw shapes, formed his mouth into an ‘O’, and let out a sound while shaking his head like a little lion.

Gu Siyuan blinked in a daze.
So cute.
It’s just… I feel like I’ve seen a little lion like this somewhere before.
A fluffy little lion.

Thinking this, he directly picked the person up horizontally, walked into the bedroom, and threw him onto the bed. Although he didn’t know when the little lion would bite him, right now, he only wanted to eat the little lion up.

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