The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1628 - 1623: Lady Gao’s Plan

Wang Yongzhu’s footsteps paused, and she turned to look at Lady Gao.

"What did Madam say?"

After shouting those words, Lady Gao struggled to compose herself and repeated word by word, "Don’t you and Chongjin want to know why the Qi Family was raided back then?"

Wang Yongzhu took a deep breath. Of course, she and Song Chongjin wanted to know why the Qi Family was raided back then. Why did Qi Huan die thousands of miles away in Jing County? What exactly was the Small Golden Seal that she swallowed? Did Qi Huan’s death happen because she knew she wouldn’t live long and committed suicide by swallowing gold? Or was there another reason that forced her to die?

All of these mysteries have been investigated for so long, yet remain shrouded in fog.

The true reason why the Qi Family was raided remains unknown.

The only useful information is knowing that there may still be a member of the Qi Family alive, but Qi Le’s whereabouts are currently unknown.

Previously, Wang Yongzhu had thoughts of approaching the two Sisters by County Monarch Rongyi’s side, thinking that their time in the palace might mean they know some bits of information.

Therefore, she instructed Shadow Seven to investigate the backgrounds and family connections of those two Sisters, pondering how to make them speak.

Unexpectedly, it was Lady Gao who spoke today.

Even though she doesn’t know the truthfulness of Lady Gao’s words, as long as there is a possibility, it cannot be ignored.

However, Wang Yongzhu knows she cannot appear too eager.

Lady Gao kept this secret for so many years; if she reveals it today, her demands must be significant.

Thus, after pondering for a moment, Wang Yongzhu decisively turned back and sat down.

Looking at Lady Gao, she said, "What does Madam want? If your demands are too great and are beyond my capacity, I apologize! After all, although the truth behind the Qi Family’s raid is important, those living now are more important. I will not give up everything I have now for the so-called pursuit of the truth behind the Qi Family’s downfall or to overturn their case."

"So, Madam should think carefully before speaking!"

Lady Gao was stunned; she didn’t expect such a reaction from Wang Yongzhu.

But she quickly regained composure, and suddenly smiled, "You’re right! Those who are alive are more important!" 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Bow her head in thought for a moment before raising it to speak, "Then I’ll be frank. In my current situation, I cannot hold onto the things I possess. It’s only because the Song Family still needs me—the head of the household—that I’m still standing here. If one day the Song Family no longer needs me and finds me a hindrance, I’m afraid I’ll fall ill and die."

"If I die, it doesn’t matter; what bothers me is my possessions being handed cheaply to Song Hong or the Gao Family, which I won’t accept! And those who follow me, the old servants left by my mother. If I pass away, they won’t survive either!"

"Therefore, I have one request: I’d rather give everything under my name to you and your husband as atonement for my past misdeeds! You only need to protect those who follow me and the elders my mother left behind, allowing them to enjoy their retirement!"

Fearing Wang Yongzhu wouldn’t agree, she hurriedly added, "Rest assured, besides the servants around me, I will give you the deed contracts of others and instruct them to regard you and your husband as their masters. Among those I and my mother left, while not all are competent and astute, some are capable."

"To be frank, if you and your husband truly wish to bring down Song Hong and let him taste defeat, lacking manpower will make it impossible—"

Upon hearing this, Wang Yongzhu instantly understood.

Lady Gao has a dual-purpose plan.

She is currently unable to take revenge on Song Hong but won’t resign herself to defeat.

If she holds onto her possessions, they will eventually benefit either Song Hong or the Gao Family.

Both outcomes are unacceptable to her.

So she’d rather give everything up to Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin both to find a way out for her subordinates.

Secondly, she wants to use Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin’s hands to take revenge on Song Hong and alleviate her hatred.

If this is the case, Wang Yongzhu feels more at ease; if Lady Gao said she’d give everything without making any demands, Wang wouldn’t dare consider it.

But since Lady Gao stated her intentions, it’s worthy of consideration.

After pondering, Wang Yongzhu decided to be upfront with her response: "Madam’s requests are not impossible to fulfill—"

Upon hearing Wang Yongzhu’s words, Lady Gao couldn’t help but show a hint of joy.

But what followed caused her joy to dissipate.

"However, I must be blunt. Madam’s requests involve arranging for your followers and hoping to use my and the Master Heir-Apparent’s hands to exact revenge on the Lord Duke. Neither of these demands can be met by Madam’s ability. Since you are seeking us out, you must ensure the information about the Qi Family you reveal is worth us taking this risk!"

Lady Gao wasn’t disappointed; instead, a light flashed in her eyes, realizing Wang Yongzhu’s words indicated she was intrigued.

She was earnestly negotiating rather than trying to deceive her.

If they verbally agreed to everything and took over her possessions, then refused any action, she’d be left with nothing and could only accept her fate.

Thus her breath became rapid, "I can’t claim to know all of the Qi Family’s downfall’s truth, but I am aware of some palace secrets unknown to outsiders, even if you tried, would be hard to uncover. There aren’t many left who know the truth, besides the current Emperor and the Empress Dowager, perhaps it’s just me!"

"If you find the information I provide unworthy, I have only one request—to protect my followers and let them have a peaceful old age!"

Wang Yongzhu didn’t expect Lady Gao, brought to this state, would rather give up her hatred to protect her people, giving her a new regard for Lady Gao.

But after reconsidering, it’s a win-win deal for Lady Gao as long as the first condition is met.

Afterward, whether or not she and Song Chongjin want to deal with Song Hong, they would do it regardless of her asking.

If they don’t wish to tackle Song Hong, even if she forfeits all her wealth, it’s ineffectual.

Indeed, everything is carefully calculated.

Fixing her gaze on Lady Gao for a while, Wang Yongzhu finally spoke, "Then, Madam, please reveal the truth behind the Qi Family’s downfall back then."

A peculiar expression appeared on Lady Gao’s face; after taking a deep breath, she poured herself a cup of tea, slowly drinking it, seeming slightly calmer.

"Besides Chongjin’s mother Qi Huan, the Qi Family had another daughter, named Qi Le! You should be aware of that by now?"

Wang Yongzhu nodded, but inside she was shocked. Qi Le?

"This matter starts with Qi Le—"