Chapter 284: Suppression
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The next morning, rumors spread throughout the capital. The Bo Lai Wu, overnight, was closed for good, or rather, sealed by the Jingzhao Prefecture yamen. News circulated about the Changxing Marquis Mansion making illicit money, and Second Miss Jiang, who had previously enjoyed a good reputation, suddenly became the center of gossip, facing accusations from all sides, causing everyone associated with Changxing Marquis Mansion to hang their heads in shame.
Jiang Shanshan fell ill. When summoned by the Jingzhao Prefecture yamen, she was unconscious due to high fever. The Marquis and his wife tearfully sought help everywhere, but it was the young emperor who finally spoke up, saying the matter was highly suspicious and there must be schemers at work. Second Miss Jiang, a decent person, couldn’t have suddenly turned into a villain. He ordered the Jingzhao magistrate to investigate rigorously.
With the young emperor vouching for Jiang Shanshan’s innocence, the rumors finally began to quiet down. But good reputations are hard to build and easy to destroy. Jiang Shanshan’s severe illness led to few of the noble ladies who were once close to her willing to visit her. Everyone was watching from the sidelines. Although some of the protesting craftsmen were arrested under pressure, the relatives of Zhou Er, the steward who died at the Changxing Marquis Mansion, joyfully caused a scene, directly blaming the Marquis Mansion.
People could see through some of the schemes. Jiang Shanshan had offended someone. Her glass and soap business would no longer thrive, and the Changxing Marquis Mansion couldn’t retain its cash cow.
Of course, some of the rumors targeted Mingzhu. Who had the biggest grudge against Jiang Shanshan in the capital? It was undoubtedly Ying Wang’s main consort. Ying Wangfei snatched Second Miss Jiang’s husband, constantly wary of her becoming a concubine in the palace. Both came from influential families, matched in looks and talent, and no one would willingly accept such a formidable rival. Suddenly, rumors of Mingzhu’s jealousy and tyranny were everywhere, supported by evidence: the incidents involving Zhou and Ping Nushi, and Jiang Shanshan’s case.
Mingzhu didn’t care about these rumors at all. People talk, and talk they will. Even if everyone knew it was her doing, who would dare to come and bite her?
Zheng Momo stood by, waiting for her orders. “Several businesses are waiting. Just waiting for Wangfei to say when to go and demand the goods.”
Mingzhu glanced at the sky, the clear blue sky and bright sun. “Better to strike while the iron is hot, let’s go today. Bo Lai Wu closing its doors doesn’t matter. As for the Changxing Marquis Mansion, they either compensate or we shut their doors. And if they don’t compensate, we’ll take the contract to the yamen and make sure they cough up all the money they’ve made recently.”
So what if she came from a family known for manipulation? Since she had this reputation, she had to do something to live up to it. Was Jiang Shanshan impressive? Did she have talent and virtue? Fu didn’t need to put in much effort to make things difficult for the Changxing Marquis Mansion.
As for the young emperor and Empress Dowager Min, they would definitely protect Jiang Shanshan. But the Marquis also had his own connections. Mingzhu wasn’t afraid of them. It was a battle of wits and determination. Regardless, Jiang Shanshan would lose some skin this time, she wouldn’t be able to flaunt in front of her all the time.
Zheng Momo left to carry out her orders. Soon, the owners of several major businesses arrived with contracts from Mingzhu. Mingzhu, feeling a bit bored, had Su Zi and Su Ye come over to entertain her with music. She also inquired about the talents of the women in the northern garden. Learning that many could sing and dance, she decided to form a group and have them rehearse musical performances. During leisure time, she and Yuwen Chu could enjoy their performances, preventing them from causing trouble out of boredom.
Just as she was busy planning, someone from the palace arrived: “Her Majesty the Empress Dowager summons Wangfei to the palace for an audience.”
Yuwen Chu had been busy with sewer matters these days and was not at home, leaving early and returning late. Mingzhu knew Empress Dowager Min’s intentions were not good, but she wasn’t afraid. She sent Li Quanxin to inform Yuwen Chu and then dressed herself according to her status, following the palace attendant into the palace.
Empress Dowager Min held two prescriptions and a list, smiling brightly. “Jiang Shanshan is quite sensible. Seeing she couldn’t monopolize the market, she immediately offered the glass and soap formulas. She’d rather suffer a loss than let Fu Mingzhu benefit.”
Hai Momo flattered, “Actually, Second Miss Jiang might not have wanted to monopolize it before. Our old madam also received a share.”
Empress Dowager Min sneered, “She’s smart, very good at seizing the opportunity. Forget it, since she came to me, I can’t turn a blind eye. Regardless, the Fu really is disturbing the court, why can’t they tolerate even a little makeup money earned by a young girl in her boudoir? Ridiculous.”
Hai Momo dared not reply and listened with lowered eyelids. As a faithful dog of Empress Dowager Min, she usually dared to bite people’s words, but because of the camel soup incident last time, not only did she not gain favor, she almost got herself into trouble. Therefore, most of the time, she chose to behave honestly.
Empress Dowager Min played with the treasures sent from Changxing Marquis Mansion, growing a bit impatient. “Why hasn’t Fu Mingzhu arrived yet? Send someone to urge her!” She had calculated the timing of Mingzhu’s summoning. At this hour, the Great Empress Dowager usually was in court, too busy to attend to the trivial matters in the harem. If Mingzhu delayed any longer, she might miss her chance.
The person sent to urge came back to report first: “Those who heard the summons immediately got on the carriage, but the mud accumulated on the Changan Avenue in the past few days hasn’t been cleared yet, so they’re moving slowly. They should be here soon.”
Empress Dowager Min snorted coldly a few times, then sat stern-faced on the phoenix chair to wait for Mingzhu. Indeed, it wasn’t long before Mingzhu arrived.
Empress Dowager Min had a lofty demeanor. When Mingzhu greeted her with a grand gesture, she didn’t acknowledge it, keeping a cold expression as she said, “Ying Wangfei is indeed a busy person.”
Mingzhu smiled and replied, “Just busy with eating, drinking, and having fun every day. How can it compare to Your Majesty’s busyness?”
Empress Dowager Min sneered, “So you also know I’m busy.”
Mingzhu sensed something amiss from her words, especially since her attendants Su Lan and Xiangli, who accompanied her into the palace, were left outside the gate and not allowed in. She knew Empress Dowager Min was trying to pressure her, so she remained silent with a serious expression.
Seeing Mingzhu didn’t respond, Empress Dowager Min slammed the table and exclaimed, “Since you know I’m busy, why do you still cause trouble for me?”
Mingzhu looked puzzled. “What does Your Majesty mean? I’m dull and don’t understand. Please clarify.” Thinking about the past, Empress Dowager Min had always been kind to her until Fu got into trouble and the Great Empress Dowager fell ill. Now she had turned against her so early. Could it be because she and Yuwen Chu had become a family, so she couldn’t restrain herself anymore?
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