Duke Jing's younger sister

Chapter 194 Father Released from Prison

"What's the big deal? Why don't you just go back to Qinghui Courtyard and live there?"

Shen Zhiyan picked up a piece of white jade cake and stuffed it into her mouth. "Anyway, my brother has already given orders that Qinghui Courtyard will be kept for you forever."

Jiang Li's eyebrows were curved as she chewed the white jade cake. She felt that the cake was sweet from her mouth to her heart.

"I haven't congratulated Sister Shen on her big day yet!"

Xue Ling smiled and raised the teacup in her hand, drinking tea instead of wine.

"Prince Xiao is a man of great elegance and talent. He and my sister are a perfect match. Congratulations to my sister for finding a good husband."

"Thank you, Sister Xue. Remember to come with your mother to your house and have a drink at the wedding."

"I will definitely go."

Xue Ling nodded obediently.

As they were chatting and laughing, someone from the concierge suddenly came to reply, "Miss, the master is back."

Jiang Li stood up suddenly and asked anxiously, "When did you come back? Where are you now?"

"Just walked in a short while ago."

The servant added, "The young master who came back with him has already gone to the master's courtyard."

How could Shen Zhiyan not see Jiang Li's mood at the moment, so she said,

"It's getting late, so let's go back first. Ah Li, go see your uncle."

Xue Ling responded, and the two of them said goodbye together.

After seeing them off, Jiang Li quickened her pace and went to her father's room.

Jiang Chengzheng was seen carefully helping his father lie down on the couch.

When she walked up to him and saw her father's current appearance, her heart couldn't help but tighten.

My father's body, which had been quite strong before, had now become so thin that it looked unrecognizable, and his hair and beard were as messy as weeds.

This prison is obviously not a place for human beings.

It's really heartbreaking to see a healthy person become like this in just over ten days after he went in there.

Jiang Li's eyes couldn't help but become moist.

The people that Shen Beiqi sent to Liangzhou to investigate the Zou family have already sent the letter back to Jiangdu City.

Jiang Li then realized that Zou was a widow whose husband died early.

The Zou family’s reputation in Liangzhou was extremely bad.

Jiang Li didn't believe that her father had not heard anything about it.

At this moment, seeing her father like this, she suddenly understood why her father was so indulgent towards Zou.

A place like Liangzhou is probably even worse than the Ministry of Justice prison.

Although he is said to be free, he is actually just a prisoner without handcuffs and shackles.

There, they had to do hard labor in the quarry every day. If they were not careful, they would be beaten and scolded. They lived without dignity.

In such a difficult environment, there was a gentle and considerate woman willing to stay with her father.

She washed clothes and cooked for him, and was willing to give birth to children for him.

How could my father not care about Zou?

Even if he didn't like Zou, he must be grateful to her in his heart.

This feeling of gratitude was enough to make him extremely indulgent towards Zou.

Even if you know the truth, you will choose to turn a blind eye.

"Father……"

She called out softly, moved forward, and tried to take the outer robe her father had taken off from Jiang Cheng's hands, but Jiang Cheng dodged sideways.

He walked directly behind the screen and hung up his outer garment.

Then, she brought over two embroidered stools and motioned for Jiang Li to sit down and talk.

Jiang Minzhi leaned on a silk pillow, his cheeks sunken and his eye sockets dark.

In that prison, one must be unable to eat or sleep well.

"Ari, you have suffered a lot..." Jiang Minzhi's voice was very hoarse.

On the way back, Jiang Cheng had already told him about Jiang Li beating the drum for him to get the news, and also told him about Zou's buying and selling of manuscripts.

After going through the hardships of imprisonment, Jiang Minzhi really felt a little tired.

Now he just wants to return to Changzhou and live his free life as before.

I am tired of this career as an official, which seems prosperous but is actually full of fog.

"Zou Shi...how is she?"

He couldn't help but ask after all.

Jiang Li stared at him for a moment and replied softly, "She was beaten with a stick and can't get out of bed yet, but don't worry, father. I have already hired a doctor for her, and someone is taking care of her daily life."

"She... doesn't have any bad intentions. She is just used to being frugal in Liangzhou. She suddenly came to this prosperous Jiangdu City and was easily bewitched..."

Jiang Min is like a thorn in the throat.

In front of the two children, he struggled to speak well of Zou.

While saying this to them, aren't you also persuading yourself?

"Now, I don't plan to make her my principal wife anymore. Let her stay in the Jiang family and be a concubine."

"And..." Jiang Minzhi looked at Jiang Cheng.

His son is much better than him.

He has been calm and composed since childhood, not fond of showing off, and extremely intelligent.

If he had not been implicated and exiled to Liangzhou, he would have become a successful young man and held a high position.

He sighed, "In two days the results will be announced. If you can pass the exam, father will resign and take Zou back to Changzhou."

Jiang Cheng was silent.

In fact, this was his original plan.

After my father returned from Liangzhou, he walked on thin ice every day, fearing that if he was not careful, he would repeat the mistake he made eight years ago.

He dared not offend Emperor Hongyang, nor did he dare to disobey the Crown Prince, and he dared not openly disobey the Second Prince.

In the muddy water of Jiangdu City, one must either keep oneself clean and be a loyal subject, serving only the emperor.

Or choose a path and stick to it.

How is it possible for someone like my father to have the best of both worlds without offending either side?

"Since my father has made up his mind, I naturally shouldn't say much."

Jiang Cheng said, "Let's talk about everything after the results are announced."

Jiang Cheng was not without confidence about this scientific expedition.

Even if I can't get into the top three, at least I shouldn't fail.

After all, during the eight years in Liangzhou, he worked during the day and studied by lamplight at night, and never slacked off for a single day.

Just to be able to pass the imperial examination one day and make the Jiang family rise again.

Coming out of Jiang Minzhi's room, the brother and sister walked side by side, and Jiang Li was in a gloomy mood.

"what happened?"

Jiang Cheng asked, "Father is back now, why are you still so worried?"

Jiang Li looked at him, thought for a moment, and decided to conceal the matter between Zou and Lian Lao Er for the time being.

if...

Zou was able to cut off contact with Lian Lao Er, return to Changzhou with her father, and serve her father at ease...

Jiang Li was very conflicted.

Even the second brother has already started borrowing money from Xinzi, and he will be unable to repay it in a few days.

All preparations were ready, but she didn't know what to do.

Even though my father was in such a weak health, he still spoke well of Zou.

If he knew that Zou had done such a shameful thing, he would definitely suffer a heavy blow.

"It's okay. I just feel a little sad because my father has suffered." Jiang Li said perfunctorily.

Jiang Cheng patted her shoulder gently, "Okay, don't think too much. Excessive worrying hurts your mind and body. I still prefer the carefree and reckless you when you were a child."

Jiang Li smiled faintly and didn't respond.