Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1301: The Attack on Da Rong

Despite hailing from a merchant lineage, Mrs. Tang carried herself with a noblewoman's grace, possessing knowledge of poetry and literature, and refined manners instilled by an old palace maid's tutelage from her youth. She was, moreover, strikingly beautiful.

Upon their first encounter, he was utterly captivated by her beauty and the elegant aura that enveloped her. He harbored deep affection for Mrs. Tang, a feeling of heart-fluttering admiration he would never forget; he invested considerable effort to win her hand in marriage. During their wedding ceremony years ago, he pledged a solemn vow to cherish her exclusively throughout his life, regarding her as a precious treasure.

Yet, tragically, Mrs. Tang passed away.

With her gone, was he expected to mourn her indefinitely? Would he not be the subject of ridicule if he truly did so?

Furthermore, the Dou Family had just achieved the status of Imperial Merchants, facing constant bullying from nobles and high-ranking officials. He recognized the necessity of securing protection for the Dou Family to preserve its assets.

Although the Meng Family had waned in influence by then, it had been a paramount clan twenty years prior when the venerable Old Master Meng was alive. His father's connections had fostered friendships with numerous nobles and esteemed families; marrying a daughter from the Meng Family presented an undeniable lifeline for the Dou Family, which was surrounded by adversaries.

Consequently, when he learned that Mrs. Dou Meng had failed to gain the favor of Prince Heng, he didn't view it as a failure but rather as a golden opportunity. He promptly journeyed to the Meng Family to formally propose marriage.

The Meng Family, at that juncture, was acting with considerable pride, regarding him as a mere lowly merchant with disdain. He secured the marriage by promising an annual private allowance of thirty thousand taels of silver for Mrs. Dou Meng.

To be direct, this sum of thirty thousand taels primarily benefited the Meng Family. Following the demise of Old Master Meng, he gradually reduced this amount; otherwise, the Dou Family would have incurred significantly greater expenses supporting the Meng Family over the years.

"Yunniang, I understand your resentment, but I had my limitations. Had I not endured these hardships, the Dou Family would have been plundered by the officials of the Capital, and how would Brother Ke enjoy such a life of privilege as a young master?" Manager Dou lamented to the empty air. "You must find it in your heart to forgive me; I know I have neglected Brother Ke, allowing Mrs. Dou Meng to harm him multiple times, yet he survived... I have upheld my promise to you, ensuring Brother Ke's safe upbringing."

Manager Dou continued his lamentations within the room for some time, evidently moved by his own pronouncements. However, he deliberately omitted any mention of his vow to Master Tang, sidestepped any discussion of his unwillingness to relinquish power, and avoided addressing the matter of transferring the Tang family's businesses to Young Master Dou.

Nanny Tang frequently recounted the past interactions between Manager Dou and Mrs. Tang to Young Master Dou, often concluding her stories with: "The Old Master truly held deep affection for the young lady, but people can indeed change."

...

At the Ming Residence, Ming Shaoqing remained occupied until the evening before returning home to inquire of Ah Ji: "How did it go?"

His question pertained to the efforts to win over Young Master Dou.

Ah Ji relayed Young Master Dou's precise words to Ming Shaoqing, concluding his report with: "Dou Ke showed a moment of hesitation upon receiving the invitation; he appears cautious."

Upon hearing this, Ming Shaoqing let out a sneer. "Not bad, a discerning individual."

Dou Ke's hesitation suggested he might have perceived Ming Shaoqing's underlying intentions. However, given the current state of Great Chu, a failed campaign against Da Rong would only exacerbate Great Chu's future travails. Was it wrong for him to harbor aspirations?

Among the noble houses, influential magnates, and even other members of the royal family, did they not all harbor ambitions of usurpation?

The housekeeper, frowning, added, "Sir, Dou Ke is indeed astute, and our need for the Dou Family's wealth is urgent. Yet, he shows little regard for his biological father, maintains ties with the Ouyang Family, and moreover, the Dou Ou Bank has provided significant assistance to the Emperor. Within the next five years, there is no apparent threat of anyone seizing control of the Dou Family. We possess no leverage over him, and his innate fearlessness makes him difficult to manage."

The master's meticulously laid plans were of great consequence, and the individuals enlisted must be secured with absolute control.

"Nothing to restrain him?" Ming Shaoqing chuckled, turning the teacup in his hand. "Then find something to restrain him."

The housekeeper immediately understood. "You intend to arrange for him to marry and have children? However, Dou Ke holds himself to high standards, refusing to wed anyone other than a legitimate daughter from a noble family. Though he has had female companions over the years, he strictly forbids them from conceiving. Each time, after their intimacy, he orders them to consume an anti-fertility concoction for five consecutive days, followed by a two-month period of nourishment to ensure no pregnancy, before generously compensating them and sending them away."

Dou Ke's actions served a singular purpose: to marry a reputable noble lady without the encumbrance of concubines, servants, or illegitimate offspring.

Ming Shaoqing declared, "Then arrange a marriage for him with a lady from a noble house; numerous aristocratic families are in decline, and many would surely exchange a daughter for the vast wealth of the Dou Family."

As for the support Dou Ke sought for his family, Mai Cong was fully capable of providing it.

"Yes, I will handle this matter with utmost speed," the head housekeeper replied. Suddenly, he knelt, begging for leniency, "Sir, Miss Yao is with child. I failed in my duties; I beg for your punishment!"

Ming Shaoqing's brow furrowed upon hearing this news, and he uttered a cold sneer, "I initially thought her pleasing, but it turns out she is foolish. Arrange for the child to be aborted, disfigure her, then administer infertility drugs and sell her to Da Rong. All her attendants and those who provided her with the anti-fertility soup must also be dealt with; anything that breaks the rules should not be allowed to remain."

Did he truly believe Mai Cong's offspring could be so easily conceived? A child of Mai Cong's must be born of an exceptional lineage.

Moreover, his official wife hailed from the Imperial Family, the legitimate eldest daughter of a prestigious clan. Her maternal grandfather, father, and uncles were influential figures, and her brothers were capable individuals. In future endeavors, the Ying Family would offer substantial assistance. He could not permit a woman from a brothel to bear his child, thereby tarnishing the esteemed reputation of the Imperial Family.

Yet, that woman was foolish enough to believe she could elevate her status by having a child. Could she truly imagine that a mere courtesan could gain standing, associating with noble ladies like the Ying Family's daughter, simply by relying on a son?

Such an outcome would be an insult to the Imperial Family and the Ying Family; such an event simply could not be countenanced.

"As for you," he continued, addressing the housekeeper, "you shall be sent to the Punishment Room for ten lashes, and your monthly salary will be deducted for a full year."

The housekeeper felt as if he had been granted a great pardon, exclaiming, "Thank you for your magnanimity, Sir!"

Ming Shaoqing did not linger. He proceeded to the backyard to cultivate his relationship with Mrs. Ying, but his visit was cut short as he received a summons to the palace from the Emperor.

...

Within the opulent walls of the palace, Emperor Jingyuan inquired about the assassins associated with the Meng Family.

Ming Shaoqing relayed all the pertinent details.

Emperor Jingyuan erupted in fury, smashing objects and bellowing, "A pack of hypocrites! They dare to train so many assassins under my nose! Ming Shaoqing, I command you to conduct a thorough investigation into the number of assassins and Shadow Guards harbored by each major family. Show absolutely no mercy to any who exceed the established limits!"

Ming Shaoqing's brow furrowed, and he knelt, pleading, "Your Majesty, I implore you to reconsider. With the army poised for war, the stability of the Capital must be maintained. A diligent investigation into the numbers of assassins and Shadow Guards within the major families should be postponed until after the army achieves victory."

Da Rong had always been a persistent irritant to Emperor Jingyuan, and Ming Shaoqing skillfully employed the imminent campaign against Da Rong to swiftly sway the Emperor's decision.

"You are correct. Our priority is the campaign against Da Rong," Emperor Jingyuan declared, his gaze filled with fierce determination as he fixed it upon the map of Da Rong displayed within the grand hall. He cursed aloud, "Rong bandits, this time I shall annihilate you vile beings and avenge the Great Chu Kingdom!"

Avenge the profound humiliation I have endured!

In the ensuing days, the officials of the Capital were plunged into a whirlwind of activity, meticulously preparing provisions, mustering troops, forging weaponry, organizing troop supplies, and conducting sacrificial ceremonies, all in readiness for the expedition against Da Rong.