The end of the Gong Family came quickly, personally ordered by the Emperor. Their status as Imperial Merchants was revoked, and their distillery was directly shut down. Xiao Jin was reprimanded, but fortunately, he wasnāt imprisoned, nor was his Phoenix Seal revoked.
This could be considered a stroke of luck amidst misfortune.
Though the Gong Family felt aggrieved, believing they were wronged, there was nothing they could do. Some even felt that Yun Xiu was too ruthless; after all, they served him. However, Yun Xiu looked at them coldly: "Since you know you rely on the Prince, then why didnāt you listen to him? Who told you to misguidedly provoke Yang Ruxin?"
Gong Zhi swallowed his words, unsure of what to say.
"We only thought she was stealing our business, so..." Gong Yuan tried to defend himself, but under Yun Xiuās icy, death-like gaze, eventually fell silent.
Too bored to argue, Yun Xiu continued: "Madam also asked me to pass on a message: if you donāt want to become abandoned pawns, then you must remember to always obey. Donāt act on your own accord, otherwise, no one will be able to save you."
"I understand." Gong Zhi nodded. "So what should we do next?"
"Live discreetly and slowly wait for your chance."
"Yes." Gong Zhi nodded, understanding that this is the only path for the Gong Family. As long as the Prince doesnāt abandon them, thereās certainly a chance for the family to rise again.
Although Gong Yuan was resentful, he dared not say more.
July passed quickly, and the weather began to cool down.
The Yuan Country captive Hei Shu was finally executed, and their envoy had no excuse to remain, preparing to return.
Meanwhile, the items lost by Jiu E were still never found.
Emperor Xuanjing finally reclaimed the military authority of Gu Qinghengās embroidery blade guards and granted them a vacation.
Yang Ruxin felt incredibly joyful at the prospect of finally returning.
"Having been in Beijing for several months, Iāve yet to visit Dahuguo Temple for incense." Yang Ruxin discussed with Gu Qingheng, "Now that Iām about to leave, I must bow to Buddha."
"Iāll accompany you."
"No need." Yang Ruxin shook her head. "You still have many things to hand over. Iāll go with Du Juan; at most, weāll stay one night and be back tomorrow."
"Alright, be safe." Gu Qingheng didnāt insist, especially being rather busy these days.
"Donāt worry." Yang Ruxin nodded, then glanced at Hong Yi and Lun Yi. "You two will stay home. If the General works late, make sure to serve tea and snacks well."
Hong Yi and Lun Yi quickly agreed.
"Madam, are you not afraid the General will really be schemed against by those two?" As they passed through the city gates, Du Juan restlessly muttered, "What if..."
"There is no āwhat if.ā" Yang Ruxin couldnāt help but laugh, glancing at Du Juan. "Youāve repeated it over ten times. Do you truly distrust your General so much? Does that mean my judgment is poor?"
"Itās not the General I donāt trust, itās those two little demons." Du Juan glared at Yang Ruxin, "If you ask me, just beat each one up and kick them out. But you insist...Forget it, if something happens, you can just cry..."
"As you wish, should something happen, Iāll certainly cry for you." Yang Ruxin chuckled, then kicked the horseās backside and dashed forward.
"Madam, slow down..." Du Juan hurried after her.