Phoenix Cries Return to Court

When He Guangzheng returned home after court, he was still feeling smug because Prince Yu had spoken to him a few more times at the palace gate, as if his future was bright and he was about to rise to prominence.

No sooner had he stepped into the mansion than a servant came running out in a panic, trembling as he said, "Sir...it's terrible! Madam Wen didn't return home last night, and this morning she was cornered at the gate by Madam Tao. They're all waiting for your judgment in the main hall now."

He Guangzheng's smug smile froze on his face instantly. He stormed into the main hall, shouting angrily, "Shameless slut! How dare you disgrace the He family! I'll cripple her today!"

Inside the main hall.

Upon hearing the noise, Tao Qingqing seemed to change her appearance, her cheeks flushed, and she put on a tearful act.

"The news of what happened to my sister has spread throughout the entire mansion. People outside are saying that the First Madam of our Minister's Mansion is unfaithful and has been having an affair... Where does this leave the Lord's reputation? How can our Minister's Mansion maintain its standing in the capital?"

He Guangzheng stormed in, sees this scene, and his anger flares up even more.

Lin Xihe remained calm, having already devised a plan in her mind.

She looked at the furious He Guangzheng, smiled gently, and said, "My lord, you're finally back."

He Guangzheng was stunned. The panic and begging for mercy he had expected did not appear. The Wen family in front of him was frighteningly calm, and even their attitude towards him was strangely good.

He frowned, looked at Tao Qingqing, and asked in confusion, "Qingqing, what exactly happened? Did she really not return to the manor last night?"

Tao Qingqing felt even more aggrieved, tears welling up in her eyes, and choked out, "Zhenglang, how could I dare to lie to you? Last night at dawn, the maid from my sister's courtyard came to report that Madam Wen had gone missing. I sent people to search everywhere in the mansion, but we couldn't find any trace of my sister. She didn't return until this morning, just before dawn. When I asked her where she had gone, she wouldn't say."

"I wanted to discipline my sister, but she disrespected me. I feel so wronged," she said, raising her tearful eyes and looking at He Guangzheng with a pitiful expression.

He Guangzheng's heart softened, and he hurriedly pulled Tao Qingqing into his arms. His eyes turned even colder as he looked at Lin Xihe. "Wen family, do you have anything to say in your defense?"

"Your Excellency, please do not be hasty. This matter is of great importance and involves many people. It is not convenient for outsiders to know about it. Please dismiss your servants. I have something important to tell you," Lin Xihe said, meeting He Guangzheng's angry gaze with a mysterious and unpredictable demeanor.

He Guangzheng's heart skipped a beat. He was about to scold her for being pretentious when he suddenly recalled the scene of her getting out of the Grand Secretary's carriage that day, and he had personally seen the Grand Secretary himself in the carriage.

He remained calm and didn't ask any questions during this period, firstly because he was really embarrassed that day, and secondly because he felt that the Wen family wouldn't tell him the truth.

To have any dealings with the Grand Secretary, there must be something important to tell him.

He paused, then said to the servants and maids around him with a stern face, "All of you, step back."

"Wait!" Lin Xihe looked at an old woman and said coldly. "Untie me."

The old woman timidly glanced at the sullen Tao Qingqing, then at He Guangzheng's ashen face. Seeing He Guangzheng nod, she felt as if she had been granted a pardon and hurriedly stepped forward to untie the ropes binding Lin Xihe, muttering, "Madam Wen, please forgive me."

Seeing this, Tao Qingqing's expression grew even more gloomy.

For a moment, only He Guangzheng, Tao Qingqing, and Lin Xihe remained in the large main hall.

He Guangzheng walked to the head seat and sat down, suppressing his anger. He said in a deep voice, "Speak, where did you go last night? And what important business did you have?"

"You," Lin Xihe pointed at Tao Qingqing and said leisurely, "Get down!"

"Zhenglang!" Tao Qingqing grabbed his hand, looking aggrieved. "What if she's lying? I want to stay with you so I can help you discern the truth!"

He Guangzheng reached out and patted the back of her hand reassuringly, "Qingqing, be good, stay away for a moment."

As he spoke, he winked at Tao Qingqing, signaling her to hide behind the screen in the main hall.

Tao Qingqing immediately understood his meaning, and the grievance on her face faded a bit. She glared at Lin Xihe with feigned resentment.

"Now you can speak." Seeing Tao Qingqing "leave," He Guangzheng showed a hint of impatience. "I don't have time to waste with you for long."

As soon as she finished speaking, Lin Xihe's eyes suddenly welled up with tears, and she said softly, "My lord, please calm down. Because you have not yet returned the money you owe me, and Madam Tao's pearl is only temporarily pledged, I dare not make the decision. However, I do not have much money on hand."

"When has the manor ever mistreated you? What do you need so much money for?" He Guangzheng frowned and said coldly.

"My lord, please tell me, how about rewarding servants and buying them jewelry? Doesn't that cost money? And now that I'm married to you, I should help you make plans. If I could truly gain the favor of a noble person and act as a go-between for you, wouldn't that be even better?"

Lin Xihe's words were pointed.

She paused, glancing at He Guangzheng's expression, and continued, "I've heard that the market price of Eastern pearls has now reached a thousand taels of gold—what a fantastic investment! So this morning, I brought my land deeds and jewelry, intending to purchase a few more. Judging from the current situation, if the price rises further..."

"This is utter nonsense!" He Guangzheng stiffened abruptly upon hearing the words "Eastern Pearl." "But..."

He suddenly stopped talking.

Lin Xihe took in the changes in his expression, her eyes lighting up. She pretended not to understand and said, "Why do you say that, sir? These days, so many people are eager to buy pearls. If we could take out all the money in the manor and buy a few more, we would be rich if the price went up in the future."

"Shut up!" He Guangzheng slammed his hand on the table, sternly interrupting her. "What do women know! This is none of your business with the Dongzhu pearl. Don't go around echoing others' opinions, and never mention buying Dongzhu pearls again!"

After speaking, he suddenly realized his reaction had been too intense, and quickly composed himself, scrutinizing the person in front of him warily. "Where did you go today? Did you hear something? Or was someone instructing you to ask these questions?"

Lin Xihe's heart sank, but she became even more respectful on the surface. "I originally wanted to go to Baochang Company to take a look, but after thinking about it, I should consult Master first on such an important matter."

As she spoke, she gave a gentle bow, saying, "After all, the master is in charge of the Ministry of War and knows best the true value of these supplies."

This flattery eased He Guang's expression slightly. "At least you know what's important."

"I dare not make this matter public, so I went to check on it early this morning under the pretext of buying medicine. As for the Dongzhu pearl, whether or not to buy it is up to you, sir."

Looking at the gentle and respectful woman before him, He Guangzheng's anger gradually subsided. "This Dongzhu is not something a woman like you can understand. Don't mention it again."

"I understand, Your Majesty, I will obey." Lin Xihe said leisurely.

Looking at the gentle and beautiful woman in front of him, He Guangzheng felt much better. After all, this was the first time in a long time that Lin Xihe had been so respectful to him.

Her voice softened, "You've had a long morning, go back and rest."

Just as Lin Xi was about to take his leave, Tao Qingqing suddenly stepped out from behind the screen and said loudly, "Zhenglang! That's not how it's said!"