Farmer's Wife Has Magic Skills

His gaze swept past Chu Qingzhi and settled on Tang Jinghong. “Bringing a young woman to the dungeon at midnight, what are you doing, General Tang?”

Standing upright behind Chu Qingzhi, with a hand behind his back, Tang Jinghong exuded an air of dignity and authority. He spoke calmly, “There’s no need to be surprised, sir. She is simply curious about the secret you’re hiding and came specifically to inquire.”

The Minister of War was bewildered.

Why would Tang Jinghong let an unfamiliar woman inquire about his secrets?

Chu Qingzhi, with arms crossed and a smile as elegant as a blooming flower, straightforwardly asked, “Sir, what is the secret you are so reluctant to reveal?”

The Minister, naturally unwilling to divulge, uncontrollably blurted out, “Cao Changsheng gambled away the national treasury. I agreed to help Master Ye, and in turn, he will refill the treasury.”

Empting the national treasury was a grave crime, akin to treason, punishable by the extermination of three family generations.

Chu Qingzhi and Tang Jinghong exchanged a shocked look. No wonder he was reluctant to speak – admitting this was tantamount to admitting a capital offense, requiring a sea of blood to atone for such errors.

Tang Jinghong inquired, “What conditions did you agree to with Master Ye?”

Realizing what he had just confessed, the Minister appeared dumbstruck and helpless, “I agreed to replace the military commanders in the eastern border with his people.”

Military officers, appointed directly by the Ministry of War and differing from civil officers, held significant power. Replacing the eastern border’s military commanders with Master Ye’s men meant he would effectively control the army and, indirectly, the eastern border itself.

Master Ye was cunning, but his plot was thwarted by a traitor. Without the traitor’s intervention, his scheme might have succeeded already.

Chu Qingzhi bluntly asked, “Who is Master Ye?”

The Minister, with a despondent shake of his head, replied, “I don’t know.”

Chu Qingzhi felt pity for the once powerful official, whose lifetime achievements were ruined by his son. This underscored the importance of proper child-rearing, as one never knows when a child might bring ruin to the family.

She reached for Tang Jinghong’s hand, “Let’s go.”

Leaving the Minister behind, they departed from the dungeon.

Exiting the Ministry of Justice, Tang Jinghong turned to Chu Qingzhi with a hint of expectation, “Qingzhi, would you accompany me to the General’s Mansion?”

Chu Qingzhi paused, “Your home in the capital?”

Tang Jinghong, holding her hand, walked forward, “It’s your home too. From now on, you’ll be the sole mistress of the General’s Mansion.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled, “Do you have maids there?”

Tang Jinghong replied, “No, but we can hire some to serve you if you wish.”

Chu Qingzhi shook her head, “No need, I can take care of myself.” She was wary of maids due to their potential to overstep boundaries, especially with a man as devoted and desirable as Tang Jinghong.

Tang Jinghong suggested, “If you don’t want maids, we can hire some matrons. They’re very capable and often more reliable.”

Chu Qingzhi agreed, “That’s a good idea.” Matrons, being older, would be less likely to have ulterior motives.

Tang Jinghong mentally noted this, planning to recruit some matrons who retire from the palace. They had no children and would be ideal to assist Chu Qingzhi.

The General’s Mansion, vast and grand, was formerly owned by the capital’s richest family. After their downfall, the emperor had gifted it to Tang Jinghong.

Chu Qingzhi admired, “Jinghong, the mansion is beautiful.”

As they walked through the corridor, Tang Jinghong said, “You can redecorate it however you like. You’re in charge.”

Chu Qingzhi laughed softly, “Aren’t you spoiling me too much?”

Tang Jinghong earnestly replied, “I just want to treat you better. I’m afraid of letting you down or causing you any discomfort.”

“Jinghong!” Chu Qingzhi called out. As he turned, she walked up to him, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him as a reward for his good behavior.

Tang Jinghong’s heart skipped a beat. He wrapped his arms around her waist, taking the initiative.

Under the moonlight, in the corridor, the two tall figures clung to each other like intertwined swans.

Their kiss lingered…

Tang Jinghong embraced Chu Qingzhi, calming his heated, chaotic breath, “Qingzhi…”

His voice, now tinged with deep affection and a hint of huskiness, was irresistibly seductive. Chu Qingzhi felt a tingling sensation upon hearing it.

She whispered, “Jinghong, I’ll marry you when I turn eighteen.”

Tang Jinghong softly hummed in agreement, then asked, “When do you turn sixteen?”

Chu Qingzhi thought for a moment, “The first day of October.”

Tang Jinghong gently said, “I’ll celebrate your birthday then. Is there any gift you’d like?”

Chu Qingzhi hadn’t thought about it, “I’ll tell you when the time comes. It’s still a while away.”

“Alright,” Tang Jinghong responded, then offered, “Let me take you to rest.”

“Ok.”

Tang Jinghong led Chu Qingzhi to the main house. He had been staying in the study, leaving the main house vacant.

The next day, after the morning court session, Tang Jinghong stayed behind for a private audience with the Emperor.

The Emperor, looking up at Tang Jinghong, had a stern expression on his face. “What has happened?”

Tang Jinghong bowed respectfully. “Your Majesty, may I request that the attendants leave us?”

Sensing the gravity of the situation from Tang Jinghong’s demeanor, the Emperor’s heart tightened. Tang Jinghong, a general who commanded the entire army and was known for his stoicism even on the battlefield, had never looked so troubled. Something significant must have occurred.

He waved his hand, signaling, “Everyone, leave us.”

The maids and eunuchs hurriedly exited the Imperial Study.

The Emperor focused on Tang Jinghong. “What exactly has happened, Minister Tang?”

Tang Jinghong informed the Emperor about the incidents involving Afu Rong and the depletion of the national treasury.

These were matters that shook the foundations of the nation, potentially disastrous for the country. Upon hearing this, the Emperor was furious. “Minister Tang, thoroughly investigate this matter. You have my full authorization to act as necessary.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Tang Jinghong replied. “Your Majesty, the incense made from Afu Rong has been distributed within the palace. Hongjun and Linjiang have already returned to the capital. Please allow them to enter the palace secretly to investigate this matter.”

The Emperor’s face turned extremely grave, realizing he might have already used the poisoned incense. “I will arrange this matter myself.”

“Your Majesty, the issue with the treasury needs to be confirmed,” Tang Jinghong reminded him, as he had no authority to inspect the treasury himself.

The Emperor declared in anger, “I will personally inspect it.”

At the inn.

The young girl woke up, feeling uneasy in the unfamiliar surroundings. “Where am I?”

Just then, Ge Lihua entered the room, smiling upon seeing the girl awake. “You’re up?”

The girl looked at her warily, but upon seeing Ge Lihua carrying food, she relaxed.. “Sister, where is this? Where is my brother?”