Chapter 213: Destruction
Looking back from the time I was rescued until now, it seems like everything was just a dream.

The young man was holding on to the chair with both hands when he suddenly heard footsteps. He turned around and saw a man standing in the flower bed not far from his yard.

The man was very young, wearing a bright red robe. His profile was incredibly handsome and familiar. Ah Zhao looked at him for a while and suddenly realized that this man was the man who rescued him from the private prison in the princess's mansion that day. It was just that he was wearing a solemn black outfit that day, but today he was gorgeous. For a moment, he didn't recognize him.

Ah Zhao wanted to thank this savior in person. He saved his life, but he didn't have the chance to say thank you.

He pushed the wheelbarrow with difficulty and walked towards the flower bed.

The closer you get, the more you can see that the young man in red is standing in front of a tree. To be exact, it is a young tree. It is not very tall yet and is very tender and green. It is almost drowned in the thriving flowerbed. However, the young man in red is staring at it, and no one knows what he is thinking.

The wheels of A Zhao's wheelchair scraped across the ground, making a clear sound. He thought the man heard it but didn't pay much attention. After a while, when A Zhao was almost in front of him, he turned his head casually to look over.

Situ Jiuyue said that the person who saved him was the owner of the Duke's Mansion, Duke Su. There were many rumors about Duke Su, and the most common ones were probably his mood swings and beauty. His mood swings could not be seen for the time being, but just looking at his eyebrows, Ah Zhao had to admit that he was so good-looking that it made people a little nervous.

For a moment, Ah Zhao couldn't help but think of his sister. How many people praised Xue Fangfei as a stunning beauty back then, Ah Zhao knew it himself. He thought that there was no man in the world who could match his sister. Although Shen Yurong was talented, she was still inferior in terms of beauty. However, if Suguogong Ji Heng stood next to his sister, he would never be outdone. One was so beautiful that fish could sink to the bottom of the water and geese could fall to the ground, and the other was unique in the world. It was just that his sister was pure and beautiful, while Ji Heng was too intense and gorgeous.

"Idiot! Idiot!" A voice suddenly rang out, interrupting Ah Zhao's thoughts. He looked in the direction of the voice and saw a black starling standing on the shoulder of the young man in red. The starling stared at him with its black bean-like eyes, tilted its head and looked at him for a while, opened its beak, and called out "Idiot" again!
If you are not a good-tempered person, you will probably be pissed off by this rude mynah bird.

Ji Heng flicked her fan lightly over her shoulder, and the starling seemed to know that its master was unhappy. It flapped its wings and flew away, and in a blink of an eye it flew to the still young sapling, as if observing their every move.

"Sir." Ah Zhao took the initiative to break the silence. He said, "It was you who rescued me from the private prison in the princess's mansion that day. I have never had the chance to meet you. Now that I see you today, I just want to say to you face to face, thank you for saving my life."

The man raised the corner of his lips and said nonchalantly: "No need, your gratitude is worthless."

Ah Zhao was stunned for a moment, and said: "Despite this..."

"You don't have to be grateful to me," Ji Heng said, "I heard from Situ that you want revenge?"

"Yes, but my enemy seems to be no longer alive." Ah Zhao smiled bitterly, "It's really fate."

"You don't have to feel depressed about this. In life, there are always fewer happy moments than difficult moments. If you live well, you may meet your next enemy soon. There is still a good chance."

His words were harsh and hurtful, but for some reason, Ah Zhao didn't feel very angry at all. He also found it hard to feel bad about the man in front of him. Although he acted condescending and unkind, it might be because the other party saved his life, or because after going through so many things, his temper has become better.

However, Ji Heng didn't seem to want to continue talking to him, and turned to leave. Ah Zhao asked, "Sir... don't you want me to do anything in return?"

"Of course," the man's voice came slowly from the front, "You are free. You can leave anytime you want. You don't need to tell me."

that's all?
Ah Zhao felt strange. Ji Heng didn't ask for anything from him. The so-called Duke Su was "moody". So did he save me that day just because he happened to be "happy"?
Seeing the other party walking farther and farther away, and his figure gradually disappearing, Ah Zhao retracted his thoughts and looked at the sky above the yard again. I heard that King Cheng and his troops had fought with General Zhaode who returned to the capital, and now we don't know what the result is. Father... I don't know where my father is now, and my sister... When he thought of this, he couldn't help but lose his color. Princess Yongning had also said when she tortured her that if Xue Fangfei died, even if he had to go back to Tongxiang, he would not let his sister stay alone in Yanjing City. He would take his sister's coffin back with him, even if only the ashes were left.

……

Every day, news of the war was sent back to Yanjing from the front, and it seemed that every time it was a victory report. The rebellion that King Cheng had been planning for many years seemed like a joke and could not withstand a single blow in the face of General Zhaode's bravery.

As time went by, the people of Yanjing City also relaxed, and believed that the defeat of King Cheng was a matter of time. As long as General Zhaode was there, there would be no rebellion in Northern Yan. As a result, more and more people walked on the streets. Life went on as usual. Those people put their panic back in their stomachs and did what they had to do every day. Except for some old people and very timid women, most people were no longer affected by these things.

The spring days in Yanjing City passed by, and the summer came soon after. The heat in the summer seemed to have grown overnight. The sun was scorching, and people on the street looked lazy. The vendors carried their poles and began to sell cold food to cool off. The wealthy families simply stopped going out and hid in the shade of the houses with ice dragons installed.

Tong'er was sitting in the house embroidering when she asked Jiang Li: "Miss, it will be your birthday soon."

Jiang Li was stunned and asked, "Really?"

She herself did not realize that at this time last year, she was still in Qingcheng Mountain and had not returned to Beijing. In Qingcheng Mountain, no one came to celebrate her birthday. Now is different. She has become the second Miss Jiang again, so the Jiang family will naturally celebrate her birthday. It is now the twelfth of July. By the end of July, the second Miss Jiang will be sixteen years old.

It was a very good age, as if everything still had new hope. Jiang Li thought that she could take this opportunity to go to the Ye Mansion. Since it was her birthday, the Jiang family should not stop her. Thinking of this, she felt relieved. However, she had no special expectations for how to spend this birthday or what gifts to receive.

Bai Xue walked in from outside and said, "Girl."

Jiang Li noticed that she looked different, so she asked, "What's wrong?"

"Everyone outside is saying that King Cheng was defeated. General Yin took King Cheng's head to the palace. Hundreds of thousands of rebels were all defeated. The blood dyed the river red."

Jiang Li was sitting originally, but upon hearing this, she stood up and frowned, "King Cheng is dead, and the rebels are destroyed?"

Bai Xue nodded: "It should be true. I also heard from people who came back from outside that when General Zhaode returned to the capital, the people spontaneously stood on the street to welcome him."

Jiang Li didn't care whether Yin Zhan was popular or famous. She just kept thinking about what Bai Xue said. Although King Cheng was not extremely smart, he had been planning for so many years and was very patient. Since he started the rebellion now, his troops were not easily defeated. Although Jiang Li had guessed that King Cheng would lose in this rebellion, it was not only because of General Zhaode, but also because King Cheng underestimated his opponent, Emperor Hong Xiao.

But General Zhaode did not engage in a fight with King Cheng’s troops. He just killed his way through like chopping melons and vegetables, and just like that... he won?
This is less than two months.

Jiang Li suddenly felt a chill in her heart. Perhaps the late emperor had other reasons for banishing Prince Xia to Yunzhong. The late emperor was right, but now that Prince Xia was recalled to the capital, it seemed that the people had a safe place to live and the enemy was eliminated, but it might have brought greater danger.

General Zhaode’s true strength is really terrifying.

Bai Xue and Tong Er looked at Jiang Li quietly. Jiang Li's solemn expression made them nervous. What they didn't understand was why their daughter still looked so horrified after growing up.

Jiang Li looked at the table. Because it was summer, the white jade fan given by Yin Zhiqing could be used. She would put it on the table after fanning herself. The white jade fan was delicate and lovely, just like the owner who gave it to her, warm and harmless, but did the Yin family really have nothing else to ask for and were devoted to the country? Jiang Li believed that there were such people in the world, but this Yin family really made her feel too strange.

"Bai Xue, grind the ink for me." Jiang Li said, "I'm writing a letter to my cousin."

Ye Shijie was an official in the court, so he might have heard some rumors and might know a lot of inside information. If he didn't know, it would be better for Ye Shijie to be on guard to avoid getting into trouble for no reason.

……

The city of Yanjing is extremely lively tonight.

Perhaps it was because of the news that King Cheng was defeated and killed and the rebels surrendered that the people were finally able to put their minds at ease and settle down completely. Many people even knelt in front of the gate of the house where Prince Xia lived to express their gratitude to the general for protecting the safety of Yanjing City.

Prince Xia should also be a good person. Even the servants in their house greet people with a smile, not flattering the inferior. If elderly people come to express their gratitude, they will not accept their gifts, but give them some silver, saying that it is the general's order. These days, Yanjing City is in chaos, and the people are suffering. This doesn't have to happen in the future.

So everyone praised him highly, saying that General Zhaode was a good man.

The storyteller in the restaurant compiled a storybook about General Zhaode's killing of enemies on the battlefield. The second floor of the restaurant was filled with people who came to listen to the storytelling. This was the case every time. In the teahouses, wine shops, brothels and casinos in Yanjing City, no one was heard of being dissatisfied with General Zhaode. When talking about General Zhaode, he was a great hero with a kind heart and a great good man.

In the Yin Mansion, Yin Zhan took off his outer robe, washed up, and walked into the study.

There was a knock on the door, and Yin Zhan asked her to come in. She was a beautiful middle-aged woman, who was also very charming and attractive. Her eyes and eyebrows were somewhat similar to Yin Zhiqing. She was Yin Zhiqing's mother, the wife Yin Zhan later married, Madam Yin.

Madam Yin carefully placed the stone basket on the table and took out small bowls of cold food one by one. She said with a flattering smile: "I made these today. The general just came back from outside and I think he has eaten them in the palace. These are all sweet and refreshing cold teas. Drinking one can relieve the greasiness."

Yin Zhan didn't even look at her, he just said: "Put it on the table."

A trace of disappointment flashed across Madam Yin's eyes. She wanted to say something, but Yin Zhan said impatiently, "Go out. Zhili is coming in."

This was meant to drive her away. Madam Yin lowered her eyebrows, picked up the empty food basket, and said gently: "Then General, remember to eat a little. I just made two bowls, and the prince can have one bowl too."

Yin Zhan had already picked up the letter on the table and was reading it. He no longer paid attention to her. Madam Yin turned around, put away her grievances, and went out. When she was leaving, she happened to meet Yin Zhili who was about to come in. Yin Zhili smiled gently and said, "Mother."

Madam Yin's heart tightened, then she smiled, and told Yin Zhili to remember to eat the cold food, then she went out and closed the door again. It only took her a moment to go in and out, and the maids at the door were surprised that she came out so quickly. Madam Yin walked over with her head down, not looking at the expressions of the maids around her, but even if she didn't look, she could feel the mocking eyes behind her, like a thorn in her back.

But she had silently endured such looks for so many years.

She was from an ordinary family, not the daughter of a high-ranking official, and was considered marrying up to Yin Zhan in terms of family background. However, everyone thought that Yin Zhan married her because she was beautiful and charming, and even her parents thought so, and happily married her off.

At first, Madam Yin was also happy. This general was tall and handsome, and had made countless military achievements. It was just that a son left by a previous wife was becoming a stepmother to someone else. Madam Yin was a little reluctant at first, but Yin Zhili was well-behaved and gentle, and never made things difficult for her as a stepmother. Instead, she was polite and courteous, which gradually made Madam Yin feel relieved. As long as she was like this at the beginning, she would be sincere to them in the future. After all, they were a family and could live together.

Who knows, there is nothing wrong with the Yin family, Yin Zhili, but Yin Zhan. At the beginning, Yin Zhan was very considerate to her, and she thought that Yin Zhan loved her. But when she got pregnant and gave birth to Yin Zhiqing, Yin Zhan changed his attitude and ignored her.

At that time, they had already left Yanjing and arrived in Yunzhong. Madam Yin could not complain to her parents, and she really had no way to express her grievances. She thought that Yin Zhan was tired of her, so she took the initiative to find a concubine for Yin Zhan, thinking that this would keep Yin Zhan's heart. Who knew that Yin Zhan didn't even look at those concubines. This puzzled Madam Yin.

At first, she was terrified, uneasy, begging for forgiveness, but in the end, she became numb, submissive, and learned to cover her ears and steal the bell. In fact, it only took a few years. Even Mrs. Yin thought that although he ignored her, did not sleep with her, and never cared about her, he at least did not look for other women, which showed that he still respected her. At least he left her a daughter.

In front of Yin Zhiqing, Mrs. Yin acted as if nothing had happened, so Yin Zhiqing didn't even realize that her mother and father had become strangers to each other for a long time, which was very abnormal.

In fact, it was better when Yin Zhiqing was around. When Yin Zhiqing was not around, when Madam Yin and Yin Zhan were alone together, Madam Yin always felt like Yin Zhan's servant, humble, allowing him to order her around, not daring to make any requests of her own, and trying to please her cautiously, only to be impatiently driven away by him, just like what happened just now.

She knew what the maids in the mansion said about her behind her back, saying that she had a charming face but couldn't even keep a man, and was really a fool. Madam Yin could only smile bitterly. As the saying goes, treat the disease with the right medicine, treat the disease with the right medicine, but Yin Zhan's change seemed to have happened overnight, and she didn't know what the reason was, so how to treat the disease? She could only watch the disease slowly become incurable and muddle through.

She hurried back to her yard.

On the other side, in the study, Yin Zhili picked up the tea bowl on the table, tasted it carefully, and said, "Mother's cooking is very good. Dad should try some, so as not to hurt Mother's feelings."

"I've already eaten it in the palace." Yin Zhan said, "Since you like it, eat more and finish this bowl as well."

"Father is really... too harsh on Mother." Yin Zhili smiled and shook his head, seeming to disagree with Yin Zhan's approach.

Yin Zhan said: "Don't worry about these things. Your mother and I know what's going on between us."

"Yes." Yin Zhili said: "I haven't had time to congratulate my father today. This time, we have won a great victory, defeated King Cheng's rebels, and launched another attack."

"King Cheng is stubborn and self-righteous, not worth mentioning. It is not something to be proud of to defeat him. You should not be complacent. If I were not afraid of something happening in Yanjing City, I would let you go with me this time."

"My son wants to go with you, too." Yin Zhili said with a smile, "Killing enemies on the battlefield is the most satisfying experience." When he said this, the elegance on his face faded a little, revealing the bloodiness that only generals have. It was this bloodiness that made his temperament, which was originally poles apart from Yin Zhan, suddenly become very similar. This time, people who saw them would definitely think that they were indeed a father and son.

"Your Majesty may reward you according to your merits at this palace banquet. I am not short of titles and gold and silver. I would like to discuss this with you and ask for an imperial decree on your behalf."

Yin Zhili asked: "What imperial decree?"

"I ask His Majesty to grant you an imperial decree to marry the second young lady of the Jiang family." Yin Zhan said, "It's not a bad deal to exchange my military merit for a marriage. What do you think, Zhili?"

Yin Zhili was stunned for a moment, and didn't say anything for a while, just looking at Yin Zhan.

Yin Zhan asked, "Why? You don't like the second young lady of the Jiang family?"

"No, it's just..." Yin Zhili hesitated.

"Since you like me, there's nothing to worry about." Yin Zhan patted Yin Zhili's shoulder, "I'm also thinking about you. The second young lady of the Jiang family is now old enough. After becoming the king, the Jiang family is bound to rise. There are many families who want to marry into the Jiang family. If I don't fight for you, I'm afraid someone else will get there first. I've already asked Jiang Yuanbai, and I think the Jiang family likes you very much."

"It's just that Miss Jiang Er doesn't know about this." Yin Zhili said: "This is too unexpected for her."

"Do you think the second young lady of the Jiang family is not smart enough? A girl who can do so many things in Yanjing City is not an ordinary girl. You have visited the Jiang family frequently these days. Even if the second young lady Jiang herself can't notice it, the Jiang family will hint at it. If she doesn't strongly reject you, I think it should be a tacit consent. Let me ask you, has she expressed resistance to this marriage?"

Yin Zhili hesitated for a moment and said, "No."

"My son is the best man in Beiyan. How come he has become so indecisive now? You are so good, how could the Second Miss Jiang Family fall in love with someone else? You should stop looking back. The Second Miss Jiang's birthday is coming soon. When that day comes, you should spend time with her."

After that, he walked out of the door with a big laugh, and stopped looking at Yin Zhili. Yin Zhili stood there, looking at the two bowls of crystal clear cold food on the table, but his mind recalled Jiang Li's eyes in the Jiang family garden.

Her eyes were gentle, clear, and bright, but I always felt that there was something between them. What would Miss Jiang Er do if she announced her happiness with me before they even opened their hearts to each other?

Yin Zhili always felt that Miss Jiang II might not be very happy.

……

June 29th is the birthday of the second daughter of the Jiang family.

Jiang Li received various gifts from the Jiang family early in the morning, which were nothing more than clothes and jewelry, or gold and silver. Ye Mingyu also sent something over, and he sent silver notes, telling Jiang Li to buy whatever she wanted. Xue Huaiyuan also drew a painting and sent it over. Jiang Li hung it on the wall of the study room with great care. Her father's painting was still the same as before, but it made her much happier than gold and silver jewelry.

She couldn't go to the Ye Mansion today because there was a guest coming to the mansion today, and this guest was Yin Zhili.

By now, the Yin family's intentions were clear, and Jiang Li's persuasion had no effect. The Jiang family probably thought that the Yin family was indeed a good in-law, and Yin Zhili himself had nothing to complain about. Although Jiang Li was saying that she was resisting now, after getting along for a long time, she would naturally discover the strengths of the other party and would not be so resistant.

"What would you like to wear today, young lady?" Tong'er asked.

Jiang Li said, "Then let's change one." She pointed at one at random. Bai Xue looked at it and hesitated to speak. It was fine to wear that dress on weekdays, but it was a bit plain to wear on a day like this. But Jiang Li didn't mean to change it, so Tong Er pushed Bai Xue and said, "Let the girl wear whatever she wants. She has her own ideas."

Tong'er was thinking about Jiang Li wholeheartedly. Seeing that Jiang Li was unhappy about the Yin family's affairs these days, if Jiang Li could wear something that would make her young lady a little happier, even if Jiang Li said she wanted to wear the black robe worn in the nunnery in Qingcheng Mountain, Tong'er would not stop her.

The world is big, being happy is the most important thing.

Jiang Li smiled and sat in front of the mirror. Tong'er came over to help her comb her hair. Looking at herself in the mirror, Jiang Li thought to herself that the Jiang family always thought that her thoughts would change after a long time of getting along. However, only she knew how stubborn she was. Especially at the moment, it was impossible for her to slowly fall in love with Yin Zhili.

King Cheng's army had been defeated by Yin Zhan. Recently, all the officials and ministers related to King Cheng in the capital had their property confiscated and their families exterminated. This was an unforgivable crime of treason. Emperor Hong Xiao had finally got such an opportunity, so naturally he wanted to pull out all the nails King Cheng had planted and clean up the super physical difficulty inside and out.

But Emperor Hong Xiao did not touch the right prime minister.

Maybe it was because the Right Prime Minister was too powerful and had to be eliminated slowly, not all at once, or maybe Emperor Hong Xiao had other plans. But I think the Right Prime Minister's life was not easy, just like he was the biggest tree in the wild woods, and all the other trees around him were cut down, leaving only him within a few miles. Of course, he knew that he would be cut down sooner or later, but it would be even more uncomfortable to just sit there and wait for death, and his days would be like years.

Therefore, the third branch of the family that had taken refuge with the right prime minister began to beg Jiang Yuanbai again, hoping that Jiang Yuanbai could save them. Of course, Jiang Yuanbai flatly refused. If he really saved Jiang Yuanxing, he would probably implicate the entire Jiang family. The tactics of Emperor Hong Xiao were now seen by everyone. The court officials seemed to have finally seen the true face of the emperor. They were extremely well-behaved and no longer dared to act like they did in the past.

Of course, everyone also believed that Emperor Hong Xiao's eyes were sharper than anyone else's. It was not impossible that Emperor Hong Xiao did not know that the third branch of the Jiang family was colluding with the right prime minister. The reason why the Jiang family escaped the emperor's suspicion was because the Jiang family had already split up. If Jiang Yuanxing came back at this time, it would really bring disaster to the Jiang family.

Jiang Li heard about these things about the Jiang family's third branch from the Jiang family's servants. She herself didn't care about the Jiang family's third branch. Jiang Yuanxing was too cowardly, and Yang was short-sighted, so they couldn't cause any big trouble. I heard that Zhou Yanbang of Ningyuan Marquis's Mansion was already looking for a second wife, and Jiang Yu'e's life would only become more difficult in the future. Without the support of the Jiang family, the Jiang family's third branch would not be taken seriously by Ningyuan Marquis's Mansion.

But right now, Jiang Li really can't afford to worry about other people's affairs as her own affairs are a mess.

"Miss, the prince and the county lady have arrived. The old lady asked you to go to Wanfeng Hall." Mingyue came in and said.

"Okay." Jiang Li responded as Tong'er put on the hairpin for her. The girl in the mirror was pretty, gentle and lovely, but there was no joy in her eyes.

Tong'er sighed softly, feeling sorry for her young lady. Jiang Li clearly had her eyes on the Duke of Su. In fact, the Duke of Su's appearance and status were not worse than those of the prince, and even better. Although his reputation was not very good, he had been with Jiang Li for so long and had never hurt Jiang Li, and had even helped her a lot.

What's wrong with Madam Jiang and Jiang Yuanbai? They thought of Master Yin as their son-in-law, but didn't think of Duke Su as their son-in-law? If they were to discuss marriage with the Duke's Mansion, everyone would be happy.

(End of this chapter)