The Empress Dowager was chatting with Yanshu. Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's words, Yanshu's curiosity was immediately piqued, and she asked, "Judging by this lady's demeanor, she doesn't seem to have come from a brothel background."
The Empress Dowager continued, "She was originally from an official's family, but because her grandfather committed a crime, she was forced to become a government courtesan."
Yanshu was stunned. A girl from an official's family forced to become a government courtesan?
Goodness, this story sounded even more intricate and dramatic! Her mind was instantly flooded with at least 300,000 words worth of love, hatred, and emotional turmoil. She couldn't help but ask further, "Could it be that General Wu An already knew this lady from before? Is that why he went against public opinion to redeem her after she fell on hard times? But logically speaking, aren't government courtesans not allowed to be redeemed at will? How did Madam Shao end up in the General's household?"
This barrage of questions made the Empress Dowager raise an eyebrow, but she patiently explained, "All I know is that these two met in Liangzhou. At that time, General Wu An had led his troops to a great victory against the Xiongrong. The court originally wanted to reward him, but he didn't ask for gold or silver, only for this woman. Later, with the court's approval, General Wu An brought this woman back to the capital. However, because of her background, General Wu An couldn't marry her as his wife. His family elders also strongly opposed it, so in the end, he could only give her the status of a concubine."
"I see," Yanshu nodded, unable to help but exclaim, "So General Wu An chose a beauty over gold and silver. He must be quite a romantic! Did the General ever marry after that?"
The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "If he had married, how could she come to me for help now? Firstly, their affair was known to everyone in the capital at that time. Under such circumstances, which noble lady would dare to marry him as his wife? Secondly, it seems that General Wu An had no intention of marrying anyone else, so there has never been a formal wife in his household."
Yanshu nodded, already picturing the image of a devoted and passionate tough guy in her mind.
From what she had seen earlier, although Madam Shao was of that age, one could still see that her features were delicate. She must have been quite a beauty in her youth. A beauty and a general - this story naturally carried a tone of deep, passionate romance.
However, the real world always has its limitations. She thought for a moment and asked, "Has Madam Shao borne any children? If General Wu An has no other concubines, wouldn't all his children be considered illegitimate?"
The Empress Dowager nodded, "That's right. They have a son and a daughter, who can only have the status of illegitimate children. It's precisely because of this that Madam Shao is so insecure and rarely comes out to meet people. However, it must be said that she has done a good job of educating her children. Her son, Han Xingcheng, passed the military examination on his own merit. He's now serving in the Liangzhou military camp, following in his father's footsteps at a young age, not afraid of hardship. It's just that their daughter's marriage prospects are somewhat difficult. She seems to be sixteen or seventeen now, and they haven't found a good family for her yet."
Yanshu nodded, feeling sympathy in her heart.
After all, not only was the General's daughter illegitimate, but her mother also had such a background. Naturally, those high-ranking families in the capital would have reservations.
She could only say, "But these things can't be rushed. If a family is concerned about these matters, even if the girl marries into such a household, they probably wouldn't treat her well. It's better to be patient and find someone who truly cares for her, regardless of family background, as long as they have good character."
The Empress Dowager nodded, "Who wouldn't agree? Let's hope General Wu An can pull through this time. Otherwise, not only will the girl have to observe three years of mourning, but when her cousin takes over the household and her brother is away, I'm afraid the mother and daughter will suffer."
Huh?
Yanshu was startled and quickly asked, "Why would the cousin take over the household?"
Although General Wu An didn't have a legitimate son, he did have an illegitimate son. Shouldn't the illegitimate son inherit the family business if something happened to him?
The Empress Dowager sighed and said, "Because General Wu An has always... never had a proper wife, and his only concubine has that kind of background. Years ago, he adopted his nephew as his heir. So in the future, it will be his nephew who inherits the family business."
What???
Yanshu was stunned, almost thinking her ears had deceived her.
General Wu An, despite having his own son, actually adopted his nephew as his heir???
What kind of situation was this?
Could it be that he also cared about Madam Shao's background?
Of course, it wasn't appropriate to ask the Empress Dowager such detailed questions, and besides, the Empress Dowager might not know the specifics.
So at this crucial moment, it was up to the system to provide answers.
Upon hearing this, the system immediately said, [The situation is like this: Back then, General Wu An Han Gaochu and Madam Shao were deeply in love, and he had no desire to marry a proper wife. However, the old lady of the General's household, that is, General Wu An's mother, Madam Xing, looked down on Madam Shao's background. She believed that since Madam Shao had been a government courtesan, any children she bore would be base-born. So she forced General Wu An to adopt his nephew, Han Xing'an, as his heir.]
Yanshu was speechless.
So it was his mother who forced him?
But she still didn't understand, [But doesn't General Wu An love Madam Shao very much? Didn't he think about resisting? After all, it's his own heir we're talking about.]
The system replied, [In this era, filial piety is considered above all else. Besides, you don't know how difficult some old ladies can be when they set their minds to something. Back then, General Wu An's mother, Madam Xing, threatened to starve herself to death to force her son to comply. Madam Shao didn't want the General to let his mother starve to death for her sake and be forever tainted by such infamy, so she also persuaded General Wu An from the side. The General was caught between a rock and a hard place and finally had to agree. However, it was precisely because of this that his own son, Han Xingcheng, knowing he couldn't rely on the family in the future, became exceptionally hardworking from a young age. He even topped the military examination, leaving outsiders with nothing to criticize.]
Yanshu was at a loss for words.
It's one thing for someone else's son to be capable, but this old lady was truly exasperating. It seemed like she might have originally favored her grandson Han Xing'an and wanted him to take advantage of his uncle's position.
The system continued, [That's about right. Speaking of which, this Han Xing'an, who became his uncle's heir, is indeed quite incompetent. He's never shown any real ability from childhood to adulthood. Moreover, the reason Madam Shao personally came to the palace to seek the Empress Dowager's help this time is also related to him.]
Yanshu immediately exclaimed, [How so?]
The system explained, [General Wu An has, after all, rendered great service to the court. Requesting an imperial physician to come to the palace isn't overstepping any boundaries. So why has it been delayed until now? It's because Han Xing'an has been interfering. Logically, given Madam Shao's humble origins and the fact that their own son is in Liangzhou, it should have been his responsibility as the adopted heir to request an imperial physician from the emperor. He agreed to do so on the surface but never actually approached the emperor. Instead, he told the family that the emperor had refused. This caused his uncle's illness to worsen significantly. If Madam Shao hadn't been so worried about her husband and made up her mind to enter the palace to seek the Empress Dowager's help this time, the Wu An General's mansion would still be waiting for an imperial physician.]
Yanshu was shocked, [Why would he do that? The emperor doesn't eat people. Is it such a difficult task to ask the emperor for an imperial physician?]
The system replied, [Can you guess why he did this?]
Yanshu thought to herself, [...]
This system, was it afraid she would become stupid if she didn't use her brain, always asking her to guess?!
The system added, [Well, that's indeed a consideration, given that you're not particularly intelligent to begin with, and pregnancy can make one even more foolish for three years.]
Yanshu was indignant, [...]
How dare it say such things about her!
Hmph, fine, she'd guess. What's so difficult about it?
[He doesn't want to get an imperial physician for his uncle, which means he hopes his uncle's illness will get worse and he'll die soon. That way, he can inherit his uncle's estate?]
The system confirmed, [That's right, and besides this, he has other plans as well.]
Yanshu became very alert, [What other plans does he have?]
The system revealed, [Once General Wu An dies, he plans to collaborate with the Han family to force Madam Shao to commit suicide, officially removing this "family disgrace." After all, everyone knows the old couple are deeply in love. They'll announce to the public that Madam Shao willingly died for love of General Wu An, and no one outside will suspect anything.]
What?!
Upon hearing this, Yanshu almost jumped up, [This scoundrel isn't content with dragging his own uncle to his death, he even wants to kill Madam Shao?!]
This is the grandson that old Madam Xing favored? Not only is he a bloodsucker, but he's also a bastard who wants to actively harm people to death!
Therefore, facing such a situation back then, retreating was useless. General Wu An and Madam Xing retreated to this day, and the result is that they now have to wait for death!
This news was truly infuriating, but after Yanshu calmed down a bit and thought about it, she felt that this matter wasn't actually difficult to handle.
After all, General Wu An had done great services for the Great Liang dynasty. Although his beloved was of humble status, once his current plight became known, the outside world surely would not tolerate it.
Moreover, since this madam was able to come seek the Empress Dowager, she must have been acquainted with her before. Indeed, from the Empress Dowager's words earlier, one could hear a hint of pity.
So she said to the Empress Dowager, "General Wu An has been ill for so long, yet his family only now came to seek an imperial physician. Why didn't his adopted son go to petition the Emperor earlier? Why suffer until now, forcing Madam Shao to come beg you? Seeing how self-deprecating she was in her words earlier, it truly makes one's heart ache."
The Empress Dowager furrowed her brow and nodded, "I also find it strange. Judging from the situation earlier, it seems General Wu An's illness is quite serious. He is after all a meritorious official of a generation - it would be terrible if anything happened to him."
Yanshu quickly nodded and said, "Could there be some inside story to this matter? I will go back and inquire with His Majesty first. If there's any new information, I'll come report to you again, Your Highness."
She saw the Empress Dowager's eyes immediately light up, thinking to herself, [That would be wonderful, this girl really understands me.]
But outwardly she said restrainedly, "His Majesty is busy with state affairs, don't trouble him unnecessarily. You be careful too, and take care of your health."
Yanshu hurriedly agreed, then took her leave and exited the Palace of Benevolent Peace.
Along the way, she carefully went over the news again with the system. When she returned to Ganlu Palace, she began writing her story.
Who knew that once she started writing, she would continue until nightfall.
Seeing that lamps had already been lit in the palace, and that she hadn't even properly eaten dinner, Rendong couldn't bear it anymore and advised by the desk, "My lady, please rest for a while. You've been sitting for so long again, you mustn't tire yourself out."
Yanshu's pen didn't stop, she just made a sound of acknowledgment and said, "I'll be finished very soon, don't worry."
Just as she finished speaking, the Emperor entered the palace.
Yuwen Lan had just heard the conversation between the mistress and servant, and at this moment didn't bother to have anyone pay respects, only asking, "What's going on? You didn't even eat dinner properly?"
Yanshu hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, I heard of an extremely outrageous matter today, and I must expose it, otherwise my conscience won't be at ease."
What?
At these words, not just Yuwen Lan, but everyone in the palace became curious.
Especially Fu Hai, who anxiously thought to himself, [What happened now? Your Highness, please don't keep us in suspense, quickly tell us.]
Yanshu had been wanting everyone to hear this, so she directly said to the Emperor, "General Wu An is gravely ill. For over a month he's seen all the doctors outside the palace with no improvement. His family wanted to come to the palace to request an imperial physician to take a look, but his adopted son Han Xing'an obstructed them in every way, even lying to the family that he had already petitioned Your Majesty, but Your Majesty had not approved. In my view, this person is just waiting for General Wu An to pass away quickly so he can inherit his property. To slander Your Majesty's care for your officials in this way is truly intolerable."
What?
As her words fell, everyone in the palace was stunned.
Yuwen Lan had already furrowed his brow, saying, "Is this really true?"
Yanshu nodded vigorously, "It must be true. Today at the Empress Dowager's, I personally saw General Wu An's concubine Madam Shao come before the Empress Dowager, saying General Wu An's illness was very serious, and having no other recourse, she came to beg the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager was concerned about General Wu An's meritorious service and immediately sent Doctor Jiang. If not for this, would that nephew really have petitioned you?"
Yuwen Lan immediately denied it, "Of course not. If he had, how could I not have approved?"
As he finished speaking, Fu Hai couldn't help but say, "How could this young master Han do such a thing? Back then, for the sake of the family, General Wu An made him his adopted son. His own son is still in Liangzhou guarding the frontier!"
Hearing this, Yuwen Lan also became angry, and immediately ordered, "Fu Hai, summon the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard along with the Minister of War to go to General Wu An's residence, investigate the true circumstances of this matter, and have Doctor Jiang do his utmost in diagnosis and treatment. General Wu An has rendered countless meritorious services to the country, we cannot let those who serve the country wholeheartedly become disillusioned."
Fu Hai immediately agreed and hurried out to relay the orders.
Seeing this, Yanshu also felt somewhat relieved.
However, her story wasn't finished yet, so she said a word to Yuwen Lan and sat back down at the desk to pick up her brush.
Seeing this, Yuwen Lan advised from the side, "I've already sent them to investigate, you should rest for a bit."
But he heard her say, "Your Majesty sending people to investigate is one thing, but this Han Xing'an has done something unconscionable and must face the condemnation of all under heaven. I will finish writing this story and release it, so that by tomorrow morning the common people can also see his true face."
Ahem, mainly because her number one fan was still waiting for her, she needed to quickly take it to share with the Empress Dowager.
Yuwen Lan: "..."
He knew it was for the Empress Dowager again.
Tsk, with her being so filial to the Empress Dowager, he could feel more at ease.
Just as he was thinking this, he saw Rendong bring a bowl of porridge to the desk and say, "My lady, this is moistening lily bulb and longan porridge, freshly cooked. Please at least eat a bowl. You ate so little at dinner, it wouldn't be good to get hungry in the middle of the night."
But Yanshu had already picked up her brush and started writing. Hearing this, she didn't even lift her eyes, only saying, "Then you feed it to me."
Rendong agreed and stood by to feed her the porridge.
Yuwen Lan watched this, then suddenly came forward and gestured for Rendong to stand up. He then took the bowl of porridge and sat beside her to personally feed her.
Surprisingly, Yanshu ate mouthful by mouthful. Not only did she eat with relish, she didn't even stop writing.
However, as she was eating, she suddenly said, "Scoop less, it's hot."
Yuwen Lan made a sound of acknowledgment and scooped less.
After feeding it into her mouth, he saw her chew a couple times and swallow, not forgetting to praise, "Very good, you can be taught."
Yuwen Lan: "..."
This was probably the first person to ever speak to him like this.
On the side, Rendong didn't dare speak, lowering her head hard and pretending not to hear.
Yuwen Lan continued feeding the porridge, finally managing to finish the whole bowl.
But just as he put down the bowl and chopsticks, he saw Yanshu purse her lips again.
Hm?
What did this mean?
He couldn't help but think to himself, could it be she wanted... a kiss?
Come to think of it, this was the first time she had taken the initiative to seek his favor.
Yuwen Lan's heart stirred, he coughed lightly to himself, about to lean forward.
But then he heard her frown and say, "Why haven't you wiped my mouth yet? My mouth feels all sticky and uncomfortable."
Yuwen Lan: "???"
It was actually to wipe her mouth?
Beside him, Rendong quickly handed over a handkerchief.
Yuwen Lan: "..."
He had no choice but to take it and start wiping her mouth.
After wiping, he waved his hand, and Rendong saw this and quickly retreated knowingly.
For a moment, only the two of them were left in the palace.
Not long after, Yanshu said again, "Tea."
-- She had just drunk sweet porridge, and her mouth felt a bit greasy.
Yuwen Lan hurriedly fed her a sip of tea.
Thus, after about another half hour, he finally saw her put down her brush and sigh with relief, "It's finished!"
Yuwen Lan also breathed a sigh of relief, saying, "It's finally finished."
As he finished speaking, he saw her look at him with a surprised expression, saying, "Your Majesty, why are you here? Wasn't Rendong standing beside me earlier?"
Yuwen Lan: "???"
So after serving her for half the day, she didn't even know who he was?
...
Early the next morning, the Carefree Master's new work was once again released to the world.
This unexpected surprise naturally made readers rush to buy and read it again.
After reading it, everyone discovered that this time's story was different from before, actually telling of a soul-stirring romance between a man and woman.
-- The story began by describing an unfortunate young lady from an official's family who, because her elders committed a crime, fell from grace in one morning to become a courtesan, and was exiled to the frontier.
Just as she was about to fall into the mire, a young general descended from the heavens, using his military achievements to exchange for her freedom.
The two developed sincere feelings for each other through their daily interactions, but were hindered by propriety and social customs, unable to become an official husband and wife.
With no other choice, the young lady could only remain by the general's side as a concubine.
-- Reading to this point, readers thought the lovers had finally become a couple and could live happily ever after.
But who knew that her brush would take a sharp turn, writing --
Even so, the General Wu An's family elders still could not tolerate it. With no other choice, the General and the young woman had to compromise again. They appointed his nephew as the heir, and afterwards the General went to the battlefield three more times, achieving numerous merits for the country. Despite being covered in scars, he did all this just to be with his beloved and reduce the malicious slander from the outside world.
Who would have thought that in their twilight years, the couple would be threatened by the very nephew who had been made heir? In order to enjoy the General's family fortune as soon as possible, this nephew refused to let the General see a doctor, attempting to let him die of neglect. He even planned to force the female protagonist to her death after the General passed away, to eliminate the "family shame" and cover up his own crimes.
...
Upon reading this, everyone was furious and eagerly inquired about the identity of this vicious nephew.
Of course, the affair between General Wu An and Madam Shao had caused quite a stir in the capital at the time, so it didn't take much effort for people to guess who this person might be.
If it weren't for the respect due to the General's household, the enraged readers would likely have re-enacted the scene from the other day when rotten vegetables were thrown at the Eight Sides Bookstore.
At this very moment, the monarch in the palace also received a report from the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard and the Minister of War.
"Your Majesty, after our investigation, we can confirm that General Wu An has indeed been ill for over a month. It started as a cold, but it affected an old injury in his lungs, so ordinary medicines were ineffective. He has been feverish for many days. The General's concubine, Madam Shao, and his daughter by a concubine have repeatedly begged his heir Han Xing'an to enter the palace and request an imperial physician, but Han Xing'an has always used Your Majesty's refusal as an excuse to brush off the matter."
"It wasn't until yesterday that Madam Shao could no longer bear it and personally went to the palace to seek the Empress Dowager's decree. Only then did Doctor Jiang arrive at the General's mansion. Doctor Jiang has been attending to the General for a day and a night now. Currently, General Wu An's fever has subsided, and according to Doctor Jiang, his condition is improving."
As the words fell, the monarch's face turned ashen with anger, and he roared, "Outrageous!"
"How dare he disregard an elder's life so callously and even slander me! Arrest this Han Xing'an immediately!"
Hmph, how could such a person deserve to enjoy the preferential treatment he gives to military officers?
Once General Wu An recovers, he should be made to appoint a new heir.
