"A lot of disaster victims have arrived, carrying tree branches and bricks. It looks terrifying," Xiu'er said breathlessly. "Song Jingyang is outside with people blocking them. Do you think you should hide?"
Tang Zhuyun looked completely bewildered. "Why should I hide?"
What are the disaster victims causing trouble for? She didn't offend them!
"Who cares why? They've already come to our doorstep, it's always better to hide." Xiu'er looked around for a place to hide. "Before the prince left, did he tell you if there were any secret passages or hidden rooms in the palace?"
Tang Zhuyun: "... No."
Xiu'er stomped her foot in anger. "What was the prince busy with all night?"
Tang Zhuyun said, "How would she know?"
But considering the box of pearls, she felt obligated to speak up for the Prince of Jin, saying, "Look, he gave me a box of pearls, take a look."
Xiu'er didn't even look, just rolled her eyes. "Your Highness really doesn't treat himself like a living person."
"What's the meaning?"
"Haven't you heard that widows can't sleep, so they count beans in the middle of the night? They count beans, but you're counting pearls?"
Tang Zhuyun: "Don't say that, this job is pretty good."
The main appeal of this prop is its delightful effect.
"In your eyes, the prince is less valuable than a pearl! The man from Zheng bought a calf and returned the pearl; you've taken the pearl and returned it to the prince."
"Wow, you've read quite a lot, Xiu'er."
"My father was a scholar, otherwise would I be called Xiu'er?"
Becoming Xiu'er is indeed not easy...
Listening to the two of them talking back and forth without any sign of tension, Linlin sighed and said, "Auntie, I'll go out and take a look."
"No need." Tang Zhuyun wasn't nervous at all, and waved her hand, saying, "I'll go take a look."
She has contributed money and effort to the disaster victims, and has a clear conscience. What is there to be nervous about?
Just as she finished tidying her clothes and was about to leave, Song Jingyang rushed in and said, "Your Highness, she can't hold it in any longer! Please come out and take a look..."
Xiu'er retorted angrily, "You grown men can't control her, so you expect the Princess Consort to do it?"
"No, no, the disaster victims didn't come to cause trouble, but to seek Zhang Zheng for Your Majesty."
Tang Zhuyun:???
"Didn't we hear that some people surrounded the Prince's mansion yesterday, wanting to enter and do whatever they wanted? Those disaster victims who received favors from the Princess Consort have all come."
Xiu'er was delighted upon hearing this. "That's great! We should just surround the Zong Residence! Let's go tell them!"
Tang Zhuyun said, "No, how come they're so well-informed? Is someone stirring things up, trying to take this opportunity to do something?"
Although she's not very good at scheming and plotting, she still needs to think things through more.
After all, it happened just last night, and the disaster victims heard about it this morning and even organized themselves. She didn't believe that no one was involved in organizing it.
She was afraid of being used, and she was also afraid that the disaster victims would be manipulated and exploited.
"Song Jingyang, quickly send the Golden Scale Guard to investigate. I'll go and appease them."
"Yes!" Song Jingyang left in a hurry.
Xiu'er muttered softly, "What are you saying, Your Majesty? I don't understand."
It would be much better to let the disaster victims gang up on Zong Heng; after all, the law doesn't punish the masses.
Tang Zhuyun replied, "There are so many people; we can't use them. Be careful not to backfire."
Moreover, she didn't intend to exploit the disaster victims when she first started helping them.
Even if the army were to organize, it would still take time. It was impossible for these timid and humble disaster victims to suddenly become so agitated overnight, without anyone fanning the Tang Zhuyun.
Linlin added, "Auntie is right. If they really gather the refugees to attack the Zong Residence, the nature of this matter will change. We mustn't let ourselves be used."
Tang Zhuyun nodded.
If one wants revenge, there's plenty of time; it's Prince of Jin to handle these matters. But if one gets blinded by greed and thinks that doing something is enough to claim credit, or to incite and exploit others, then that's foolish.
After Tang Zhuyun appeared, the disaster victims became even more excited, and those standing in front shouted to protect the royal palace and the princess.
Tang Zhuyun raised her hand to signal everyone to be quiet, bowed and thanked them, and calmly said, "Thank you all for your kindness. The Prince's residence is fine, and so am I. What happened last night was a misunderstanding. Lord Zong thought the Prince's residence had been attacked by assassins, so he brought people to protect it, to preserve his past friendship with the Prince. Please don't misunderstand."
She was standing on the steps, so she could see more clearly.
When her gaze fell on Qin Sang's face, it lingered briefly before quickly looking away.
Qin Sang, dressed in men's clothing, mingled in the crowd, looking excited. Several of her girlfriends were with her, and Tang Zhuyun recognized them all.
This has really caused a huge uproar...
Tang Zhuyun was about to continue speaking when she suddenly heard Chang Zhi's loud voice, "Make way, everyone make way for Lord Tang!"
Tang Zhuyun looked closely and indeed saw her elderly father hurrying towards them, escorted by Chang Zhi.
"Father, what brings you here?" Tang Zhuyun stepped forward to support him.
Tang Mingfan said, "I just finished court and came here after hearing about the incident. A-Yun, come in and talk to me first."
"Good."
The father and daughter were talking behind the gate.
Tang Mingfan lowered his voice and said, "A-Yun, I've heard about what happened last night. I originally wanted to come last night, but I heard that Zong Heng had left and a curfew was about to be imposed, so I didn't come. But this morning I've already joined forces with several senior officials to help submit a petition... even those officials like Lord Xu and Lord Zuo who come to freeload every day."
Tang Zhuyun: The uncles and elders are very kind and helpful. They didn't eat for nothing. Let's have more dishes tomorrow!
"Zong Heng also admitted his mistake. I don't know if he had apologized privately before going to court, but in any case, the Emperor ordered him to be given twenty strokes of the cane..."
"I don't know how the disaster victims gathered here, but you must never encourage them to avenge you. If this goes to the Emperor, even if he forgives you for inciting the disaster victims to cause trouble, he will still be unhappy, which will not be good for you or Yanran in the future."
"Good child, I know you're upset. I'll help you get revenge later, but please don't act impulsively now."
Tang Zhuyun looked at his slightly hunched body from long hours of working at his desk, and at the sweat beading on his forehead and nose from his haste to arrive. Deeply moved, she took a handkerchief and wiped his sweat, smiling, "Father, don't worry. Who said the disaster victims came to cause trouble? I heard they're planning to return home in the spring, and I'm giving each of them one tael of silver for travel expenses."
There must have been over a thousand people who came, and the cost was one or two thousand taels of silver, which the Prince's Mansion could afford.
Tang Mingfan breathed a sigh of relief, feeling greatly gratified.
As expected of his daughter, she is clear-headed and quick-witted.
Tang Zhuyun clarified the situation, then had someone count out the cash and went to distribute it at the back of the Prince's mansion.
Upon hearing that there was silver, the disaster victims' initial excitement quickly turned into gratitude. After kowtowing to Tang Zhuyun, they happily lined up to receive their silver.
A potential riot was averted.