diskusbooks Chapter 379: Finding Peace
Chapter 379: Finding Peace
The legs have smooth and elegant lines, flared slightly outwards, and the bottom of the foot is rounded, making stable contact with the ground.
The entire set of tables and chairs is exquisitely designed, with mortise and tenon joints fitting together perfectly without a single nail, exuding a simple and elegant charm and showcasing ingenuity.
Gu Chenglin nodded: "The former Minister participated in the layout, prioritizing practicality and abandoning complicated decorations, yet this main hall exudes extraordinary taste in every aspect."
Granny Qiao, lost in thought, said, "I often heard people in the palace say that Minister Xue was upright and honest in his dealings with others."
When the Interior Ministry was preparing for the royal celebrations, the materials they purchased were cut at every level, resulting in questionable quality.
Upon learning of this, Minister Xue, despite pressure from all sides, insisted on thoroughly investigating the matter.
Even though he offended many powerful figures, he remained fearless and insisted on revealing the truth to the public.
Those who cheated and shirked their duties were punished, ensuring the smooth running of the celebration.
"On another occasion, when the Ministry of Works was in charge of repairing water conservancy projects, local officials, in order to line their own pockets, tried to use inferior stones to get away with it."
Minister Xue personally inspected the construction site, discovered problems, sternly refused the bribe, and ordered the work to be redone.
He also oversaw the project's progress day and night, ensuring that every repair was sturdy and durable.
Because of his uprightness and integrity, the local people were spared from floods and were deeply grateful to him.
Granny Xu nodded and added, "Back then, Minister Xue never fawned on anyone in the court."
In court discussions, he always argued his case based on reason, and dared to speak frankly and offer advice on matters of vital importance to the people's livelihood, never caring about the opinions of others.
Even when faced with some of the late emperor's inappropriate decisions, as long as they concerned the nation and its people, he would offer sincere and unreserved advice.
Granny Qiao hesitated, ultimately not revealing all the words she had been keeping to herself.
This Minister Xue was one of the few officials during the late emperor's reign who died peacefully without being punished.
Back when the Second Prince's power was at its zenith, many officials in the court became his vassals.
Although Minister Xue was secretly hampered and his actions were often inconvenient, he still stood on the side of the Second Prince.
However, he always adhered to his bottom line and never colluded with those who flattered and formed cliques for personal gain.
Over the years, Minister Xue has repeatedly submitted memorials requesting to retire and return to his hometown.
Others might not understand the reasons behind it, but Granny Qiao knew them perfectly well.
Those years in the palace were like walking on thin ice, serving the emperor was like walking on thin ice. During the reign of the late emperor, he was known for his extravagance and debauchery, and treacherous officials held sway.
Minister Xue had already deeply felt the infighting in the court and the perilous nature of his official career.
Since His Majesty ascended the throne, his style of doing things has been very different from that of the late Emperor, and the situation has become even more unpredictable.
Minister Xue's desire to resign was not without reason; after all, he had previously been a member of the Second Prince's faction.
Although His Majesty did not punish him, but...
Granny Qiao sighed, "Alas, all they want is to get away from the center of this power vortex, find a peaceful place, and preserve their reputation for integrity and the safety of their family."
Dongfang Jin noticed her emotions, but she didn't press her for details, since the house was now hers anyway.
Oh, and there's that building next door. I heard it belongs to a son-in-law of the Zheng family. The decor there is a bit more luxurious than this one.
If Jingye doesn't want to go back, she can arrange for Shen Qihui and the others to stay in that house.
Studying in the capital is much better than in Anyang. People naturally strive for better things. She'll discuss this with the child later.
With a smile, the wrinkles on her face radiated warmth, and she quickly added, "So you see, the main hall is decorated in such a grand and simple way that everyone who comes here feels comfortable."
The Xue family must have put a lot of thought and effort into this arrangement!
Back when the news first spread in the capital that Minister Xue wanted to sell this house and return to his hometown, it caused quite a stir.
The ladies of those dukes' mansions all had their eyes light up, and they were all planning to buy this house as a dowry for their precious daughters.
Although this house isn't in a good location, Minister Xue put a lot of thought and effort into it.
Such a magnificent house is hard to find even with a lantern.
But who would have thought that Minister Xue wouldn't sell it at all?
Granny Qiao gathered her thoughts and, seeing Dongfang Jin's puzzled expression, smiled kindly and explained, "Your Highness, you may not know this, but Minister Xue's house was originally his wife's dowry."
The residences of the Minister are all located on Zhongjie Street; you know what those residences are like.
Later, they bought all the small houses in the surrounding area.
After all this, the significance of this house has changed... Therefore, this house does not belong to the public.
This means that Minister Xue's residence is his own property, and he can buy and sell it at his own discretion.
Other officials' residences, however, could not be confiscated; if the emperor was displeased, he would confiscate their property and reclaim their houses.
For example, even her father couldn't buy the Prince Dun Mansion; he only had the right to reside there.
As they were talking, Tang Anjiu, the steward of the Gu residence, rushed over with a group of servants.
The crowd knelt on the ground in unison, their voices loud and respectful: "This old servant greets the Princess and the Master."
Gu Chenglin glanced at them, then turned to look at his wife.
Seeing his wife turn her head slightly, he understood that she was signaling him to speak. After all, he was the head of the household.
So he cleared his throat and said gently, "Get up, everyone."
As you probably know, our family came to Beijing this time, and we don't plan to stay here permanently. Just take care of yourselves.
If you have nowhere to go later, you can go to Lingyun Pavilion. I'll make arrangements for you there.
Tang Anjiu came out carrying a box: "Master, these are the servants' indentures."
The young master and Duke Rong said that from now on, we will all be part of your household.
Everything is at your and your wife's discretion.
Yu Ying leaned closer to Dongfang Jin: "Princess, don't you have an estate in the suburbs of the capital?"
When we leave the capital, we can send them to our estate.
Dongfang Jin did not respond after hearing this, because she had her own plans.
If Gu Jingye stays in the capital, then Aunt Hui and Jun Qirui also want to stay in the capital.
Besides, now is not the time to talk about this.
We'll talk about that later.
At this moment, Yu Ying walked briskly to Dongfang Jin's side, pointed to the two women beside her, and introduced them in a clear voice: "Princess, these are Qingying and Luying, whom the young master specially chose for you."
"Your subordinates greet you, Master." Qingying and Lüying stepped forward and curtsied, their voices clear and crisp.
Ruyi, [These two are good.]
Upon hearing Ruyi's response, Dongfang Jin looked at Qingying and Lüying with gentle eyes and said softly, "Get up. From now on, you two will be just like Yuying and the others."
"No need to cover your face, and no need to always hide in the shadows; just openly follow Yu Ying."
These words were like a ray of light, instantly illuminating the eyes of Qingying and Lüying.
They exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with surprise and disbelief; it seemed this was true.
For a long time, as secret guards, they have been hidden in the shadows, their faces covered, carrying out their missions silently like shadows.
Every action was taken from the sidelines, where one could only glimpse the light, watching others live and converse freely, while one could only silently guard them, unable to have any sense of presence whatsoever.
At this moment, Dongfang Jin's words seemed to open a door to a completely new world for them.
No longer having to cover their faces means they can face the sunlight and show their true faces;
No longer needing to hide in the shadows means they can stand proudly before everyone, no longer mysterious beings unknown to anyone.
"Yes," the two replied in unison, their voices trembling slightly—a tremor of excitement and anticipation.
They stood up straight, as if announcing the start of a new life, their hearts filled with anticipation for the future.
Finally, I can escape that endless darkness and stand in the light with a brand new identity.
The two looked at Yu Ying and Yue Ying with undisguised smiles.