Chapter 71

Ever since Ji Yanming invited her to play the zither on the battlefield, Tao Sheng began to think about it.

It would be quite embarrassing to play the zither alone while the army was marching out. 

However, background music could be added when sending troops to war. In the past, there were orchestras playing during military parades. Since there is this requirement, it might be good to make it a big deal.

In the following period, Tao Sheng raced against time. While helping Xu Jijiu organize the teaching materials, she also worked with the Taiyue Bureau and the Jiaofang Bureau to rehearse the farewell music ceremony. 

The soldiers found the farewell ceremony very impressive. The emperor was very satisfied, and several generals said that after listening to the music composed and played by Tao Sheng, they felt empowered. Perhaps they could be like General Fu and show their great skills soon.

It can be said to be a very successful performance.

In the past, Shen Ruojin was very interested in the major events happening in the capital and liked to inquire about them. Recently, however, she had developed a problem: she would get a terrible headache whenever she heard Tao Sheng’s name, and her mind felt out of control. Biqin had just started talking to her today when Shen Ruojin complained of a terrible headache, scaring Biqin into silence.

When she was at Duke Ling’s Mansion, there was a constant supply of bird’s nests at home. But now that she has left the mansion, she no longer enjoys such good treatment. Today, Shen Ruojin’s dessert has become simple red date, wolfberry, and white fungus soup.

Guan Muyun came home early today. Seeing the stew pot in Shen Ruojin’s hand, he smiled and said, “This is great for nourishing your blood. You are weak right now, so it’s best to eat something now.”

Shen Ruojin had no appetite at all. She only ate two bites and put the stew pot down. She asked Guan Muyun, “Is there any other news from Mr. Zhang?”

Guan Muyun’s expression froze.

“I was just about to tell you this.”

Shen Ruojin immediately became nervous: “What?”

“Xu Xiang escaped.”

Recently, Xu Xiang has become a famous figure in Beijing, often mentioned by gentlemen when telling stories.

Zhang Yuanwai has made a lot of money in recent years and enjoys doing charity. After hearing about Xu Xiang’s difficult life, he expressed his willingness to spend a large sum of money to redeem him. He negotiated with Guan Muyun several times but was repeatedly rejected.

Guan Muyun knew that Xu Xiang’s current identity was too important. It would be fine if he fell into his own hands, but if he fell into the hands of others, he could become a weapon against himself and Shen Ruojin.

In particular, Mr. Zhang was good friends with Tao Sheng. There had always been rumors in Beijing that the two had done business together, and Mr. Zhang had helped Tao Sheng earn a lot of money.

Guan Muyun would not allow Xu Xiang to escape from his control, nor would he let Zhang Yuanwai take him away.

After the incident was over, Fang probably felt that Xu Xiang was no longer useful, so she surprisingly handed him over to Guan Muyun.

After Guan Muyun brought Xu Xiang back, he felt that this person was quite troublesome.

First of all, Xu Xiang must be kept alive for a while; he cannot be killed quickly, or it would confirm that they wanted to silence him. But if they keep such a person nearby and watch him every day, it is inevitable that they will feel very uneasy.

Guan Muyun was sent to a farm outside the capital by Xu Xiang. This was to keep him out of sight, but his movements were strictly controlled. Guards took turns watching him day and night, sealing the doors and windows.

However, even with these strict precautions, Xu Xiang managed to drug the guards late one night, break the door lock, and escape.

Guan Muyun knew Xu Xiang well and realized that without help, Xu Xiang wouldn’t have escaped successfully. He couldn’t say who helped him, though.

Shen Ruojin felt extremely guilty after hearing this. She had a grudge against Xu Xiang, and now he was helped to escape. She worried about what trouble might arise in the future.

Guan Muyun disagreed, saying, “He’s just a naughty servant; he can’t cause any trouble. I’ve already made dinner plans with my aunt tonight. Prepare some gifts, and we’ll take them together.”

Princess Rui had the best relationship with Guan Muyun when she lived at home and loved her nephew the most. She felt that Shen Ruojin was the reason Guan Muyun lost his position as Crown Prince and was separated from the Lingguo Mansion, which made her dissatisfied with Shen Ruojin.

Later, Prince Rui consoled her, saying that if it weren’t for the separation from Lingguo Mansion, Guan Muyun wouldn’t have come to seek refuge and might have even supported the Crown Prince. Everything was God’s will.

Prince Rui believed that women were key to success. If it weren’t for Shen Ruojin’s incident, Guan Muyun’s support could have been for the Crown Prince.

Since the Guan family was trying to bet on both sides, if they proved competitive enough, Guan Muyun’s support might turn into the support of the Lingguo Mansion in the future.

Even if the Guan family had ulterior motives, seeking to take advantage of the situation, Prince Rui was now in a strong position and had too few people to use, so it was better to accept their surrender first.

Because of Prince Rui’s advice, Princess Rui began to try to accept Shen Ruojin, and the two families started visiting each other frequently.

_  

Early that morning, Tao Sheng received an invitation from the Princess of Chu, saying that the summer clothes she measured were ready and asking her to come try them on.

After Tao Sheng agreed, the messenger nanny mentioned that the princess had some things to do that day and might be home late. So, Miss Luo only needed to come over after finishing work in the yamen and didn’t need to rush.

Tao Sheng left work on time and arrived at Prince Chu’s Mansion. When she learned from the nanny that the princess had not yet returned, she stayed in the main courtyard and waited.

In the past, when Tao Sheng visited, the King of Chu would greet her first, but today he was nowhere to be seen.

Men with careers are different; the King of Chu, who once spent his days on leisure activities like cockfighting and enjoying himself, now worked late like a typical employee.