Chapter 20 – Travis Translations

Su Zheng was led by the manservant to the guest room in the outer courtyard. Shunzi, his servant, entered and whispered, “Gongzi, I asked around and found that the Xie jia’s father and son will live in the neighbouring courtyard.” 

When Su jia fell, everyone was dismissed, leaving only Shunzi’s family. Shunzi’s family was a branch of Su jia and had served them for many generations with great loyalty. 

Su Zheng’s hand which held the tea cup paused. “Are you sure it’s them?” 

Shunzi nodded. “I saw clearly, there is no mistake. Xie jia servants are moving the luggage right now.” 

Su Zheng thought for a while before walking to the doorway looking outside. Sure enough, Xie jia‘s servants were moving things next door. 

Su Zheng frowned. Was it an accident that he was arranged to live next to the Xie jia? 

Recalling Gu Jiu biaomei’s words with hidden meanings, could it be that she specially arranged this for him? 

But how did she do it? 

The next second, Su Zheng smiled. Gu Jiu biaomei was extremely intelligent. This small matter was certainly not difficult for her. In short, whether it was an accident or deliberate, it was nevertheless convenient for him. 

Seeing Gu Jiu and Gu Ting, he realised that his biaodi and biaomei didn’t have it easy being controlled by their stepmother, Madam Xie. Su Zheng wanted to help them at once. 

Xie jia‘s father and son didn’t travel such a long way and intentionally came to Jinzhou simply to visit Xie shi. Gu Jiu biaomei was also apparently curious about their purpose. He was also curious. 

Su Zheng glanced at his neighbours and immediately thought that he had to seize this opportunity to make inquiries for Gu Jiu biaomei. 

Su Zheng waved his hand, beckoning Shunzi. In a low voice, he instructed, “Pay attention to these neighbours’ affairs, what they do and what they say.” 

Shunzi nodded, but then said embarrassedly, “Gongzi, we don’t have any money. It is impossible to ask around for news. What should we do?” 

Su Zheng was also somewhat embarrassed. “Endure for now. Jinzhou is a big city. Tomorrow, I will write two stories. You take them to the book shop and show it to them. It should sell for a good price.” 

“If gongzi is busy writing stories to make money, how will you have time to study? If you delay your studies and fail the imperial examination, laoye will be very disappointed.” 

“Don’t talk too much.” 

Shunzi pulled a long face behind Su Zheng’s back, then said, “Gongzi, I will go outside to familiarise myself with the situation. Rest assured, I will definitely bring some news for you.” 

Su Zheng smiled, “Go, don’t act recklessly.” 

Shunzi hurriedly ran out. 

Shang Fang. 

It was very calm inside the room. Only Xie shi and Xie er laoye were present. All the servants had been dismissed.  

Xie shi put down her tea cup, her expression indifferent. “I’m grateful that gege travelled so far to pay me a visit.” 

Xie er laoye smiled. “We are siblings. Saying these words means that you consider me to be an outsider.” 

Xie shi raised her brows. “I don’t dare to not see you as an outsider. Otherwise, my sister-in-law will accuse me again of taking advantage of my natal family.” 

“Your sister-in-law lacks knowledge. Don’t lower yourself to her level. I came to Jinzhou this time specially to give you money.” 

Xie shi said with a smile that wasn’t a smile. “How much money?” 

Xie er laoye extended five fingers. “Five thousand taels.” 

Xie shi snorted. “Five thousand taels is quite a lot. Why did gege have to personally make a trip for this? You could have as well sent the steward to deliver it.” 

Xie er laoye stroked is beard, smiling. “Isn’t it because I haven’t seen my meimei for many years? I was very concerned about you and took this opportunity to visit and take a look.” 

Xie shi’s mouth twitched as she looked at him disdainfully. “Gege, although your words are pleasant to listen to, I have the right to hear the truth.” 

“It’s all true, all my words are true.” 

Xie er laoye chuckled, seeming to flatter as he smiled.  

Xie shi humphed. “Gege, we are siblings. Don’t I know what kind of a person you are? That year when I married my husband as a concubine being embarrassed in the fu, I had to be cautious and prudent with my words and deeds all the time. Did er ge feel distressed for this meimei then?” 

Xie er laoye said, “You are my sister. When you became Gu daren’s concubine, I was naturally distressed. Fortunately, your bitterness has finished and your sweetness has begun. As a taitai in charge of the rear court, everything you say goes. Friends and family all say that you have good luck.” 

Xie shi’s brows raised as she looked complacent. “Even if I have good luck, that’s something I have earned with my ability.” 

“Yes, yes, yes! Meimei is indeed capable. I knew that you would have such impressive days.” 

“Speak, ba. Why did er ge make this visit? Don’t talk about all these false matters.” 

Xie er laoye looked around. Xie shi was dissatisfied. “Is er ge worried about someone eavesdropping? You can be rest assured at my place. My courtyard is guarded like iron. Even a word won’t be passed out.” 

Xie er laoye laughed. “Meimei‘s means are indeed commendable. I came this time bearing a mission.” 

Xie shi didn’t say a word, waiting for him to speak. 

Xie er laoye lowered his voice and said, “Does meimei know about the situation in the capital today?” 

“The capital?” Xie shi frowned worriedly. “Did da ge have an accident?” 

Saying this, Xie shi’s face paled. Xie jia‘s current circumstances relied on da ge. If he had an accident, what would happen? 

Xie er laoye waved his hands immediately. “Da ge hasn’t met with an accident. Don’t worry. It’s another matter. Does meimei know that Her Majesty the Empress is seriously ill? She has been bed-ridden for half a year.” 

Hearing this, Xie shi still didn’t understand. “If her majesty is ill, what does that have to do with me? I’m not a doctor.” After speaking, Xie shi suddenly remembered. “Er ge  means that his highness, the crown prince, is in danger?” 

Xie er laoye nodded heavily. Xie shi’s face paled. 

“Then what is to be done? Her majesty is probably really on the verge of death. If her majesty passes, can his highness succeed the throne smoothly?” 

Xie er laoye said seriously, “The crux of the matter is here.” 

Xie shi’s heart beat like a drum, banging loudly. Her palms were also sweaty. Da ge worked for the crown prince and already belonged to his faction. If the crown prince couldn’t ascend smoothly, one can only imagine what end da ge would have. 

If luck was on their side, if one person died, it would protect the family and save their lives. 

If they were unlucky, their three generations would be put to death. 

Regardless of the consequences, Xie jia couldn’t bear them. Before obtaining their current riches and honour, the Xie jia was merely a small household.  

Father Xie’s highest post in his lifetime was the manager of household registration in the yamen, an ninth-ranked post. 

It could be said that the Xie jia did not have any background at all.  

Compared to those grand clans with hundred-year inheritance, the Xie jia couldn’t withstand a single blow. 

If something went wrong, not a single person could be saved.  

Relying on the Gu jia?  

Xie shi shook her head. She couldn’t put her hopes on the Gu jia. 

Gu jia had not opened a charity hall and wouldn’t fish out a family that was doomed to fall. It was also impossible for them to rescue people only to become a thorn in the new emperor’s side.  

So, the crown prince couldn’t fall. He had to ascend the throne without any problems. Only if the crown prince succeeded would the Xie jia have a lifetime of wealth and honour. 

Xie shi thought about this matter thoroughly, then inhaled deeply, her mind settling down. “Da ge didn’t come to Jinzhou just to tell me about this. What instructions does da ge have? What does he want me to do?”