Chapter 575 The secret of the Ye Mansion!

Listening to Ye Kui’s narration, Ye Mingsheng was a little confused. According to what Ye Kui said, if the backer behind this Zhao Sheng was the Zhao family, then today when he captured Youyan, Zhao Sheng, who had no backer, should have stopped his movements and behaved cautiously. How could he be so rampant as to coerce and bribe Chen Qingshu...
Just when Ye Mingsheng was confused, Ye Kui continued to introduce:
"After successfully connecting with Zhao Xiwen, Zhao Sheng got to know some other big shots, including Gu Shoude, the eldest son of the current Governor Gu. There are rumors that Gu Shoude is addicted to gambling and owed a lot of gambling debts a few years ago. Zhao Sheng helped him pay them off, so the two have a very close relationship. Zhao Sheng also has a lot of industries in Yuyang, and Gu Shoude also has shares in those industries!"

"And in return, when Governor Gu was still the deputy censor, many of Zhao Sheng's cases were also dropped!"

Hearing that Gu Zhongshi was involved, Ye Mingsheng raised his eyebrows and said directly:
"Ye Kui, do you mean that the Gu family was behind Zhao Sheng's plan to take over the Chen Family Teahouse?"

Facing Ye Mingsheng's question, Ye Kui's face became hesitant. After pondering for a few seconds, he said very carefully:

"Your Excellency, it is possible. However, Zhao Sheng has very complicated social connections. He specializes in helping some big shots do things that are not allowed to be seen in public. So although he is deeply involved with the Gu family, it does not necessarily mean that the occupation of the Chen family teahouse was instructed by the Gu family behind the scenes!"

"I found out that Zhao Sheng had been coveting Chen's Teahouse's business a few years ago, but because Chen Qingshu was Feng Zhengshan's disciple, he was afraid of the Feng family's strength, so he didn't take action!"

“In addition, I also found out some other things…”

Seeing Ye Kui's hesitation, Ye Mingsheng became more and more interested in Zhao Sheng. He originally thought that Zhao Sheng was just an ordinary rogue with a few backers at most. But now it seems that he has underestimated Zhao Sheng. He immediately ordered Ye Kui:
"No matter who is involved, tell me everything you find out!"

Seeing that Ye Mingsheng was serious after saying this, Ye Kui did not dare to hesitate any longer and said:
"In addition to the Gu family, we also found out that Zhao Sheng has been very close to Cheng Ran from the Third Division recently, and they have a lot of contact!"

Hearing the name "Cheng Ran" in the Third Division, Ye Mingsheng fell into thought. He always felt that he had seen this name somewhere, but he couldn't remember it for a while. Seeing Ye Mingsheng thinking, Ye Kui carefully reminded him:

"Reporting to the commander, this Cheng Ran was once General Guo Zhiping's personal soldier, and is now temporarily taking over the position of commander of the Third Division!"

After hearing Ye Kui's reminder, Ye Mingsheng suddenly realized and remembered where he had seen this name. Two days ago, Guo Zhiping handed him a list of meritorious soldiers who had participated in the battle with Luo Bi. Cheng Ran was among them, and he was at the top of the list, having made significant contributions!

When the Luobi attacked the border before, Guo Zhiping's Third Division fought fiercely with the Luobi people for a long time around Yuyang, killing many of them but also suffering heavy casualties at the same time.

One of the leaders under Guo Zhiping was shot in the vitals by the Luobi people. Although he was rescued, his body was broken and he could not continue to fight in the front line. Because the war was urgent at that time, Guo Zhiping temporarily promoted Cheng Ran, who was the sentry chief at the time, to be the leader...

And Cheng Ran did not disappoint Guo Zhiping's cultivation. During the period when he served as the temporary commander, he annihilated hundreds of Luobei people and made many contributions. Therefore, Guo Zhiping asked Ye Mingsheng for credit for him and suggested that Cheng Ran officially take up the position of commander!
"Is there any problem with this Cheng Ran?" Looking at Ye Kui, Ye Mingsheng said in a deep voice:
Facing Ye Mingsheng's gaze, Ye Kui said honestly:

"Cheng Ran is from Yuyang, he is 27 years old this year. Seven years ago, he left his hometown and came to Yijing to make a living. He joined Zhao Sheng's gang and became Zhao Sheng's thug!
"Because of his handsome appearance, Cheng Ran had an affair with a married woman in Yijing five years ago and was hunted by her husband. He had no choice but to flee to Liaoyang. By chance, he became a bandit with General Guo Zhiping and followed General Guo Zhiping to join our Fengwu Army. Because he was brave and resourceful in battle, he was deeply trusted by General Guo!"

"Just three months ago, with the help of General Guo, Cheng Ran was going to marry Qinglian, the granddaughter of his fifth uncle's family. The wedding was originally going to take place, but was delayed because of the invasion of the Luobei people. However, since Cheng Ran did not have much family background, his fifth uncle's family was not very satisfied with Cheng Ran as a son-in-law. It was only because of General Guo's face, and Qinglian was so fascinated by Cheng Ran that she would not marry anyone else, that they finally agreed reluctantly."

"In order to get money and make Fifth Uncle think highly of him, Cheng Ran reconnected with Zhao Sheng. The news I got was that Cheng Ran and Zhao Sheng became sworn brothers, and Zhao Sheng promised Cheng Ran to be the second owner of Chen's Teahouse..."

After listening to Ye Kui's words, Ye Mingsheng roughly understood the whole context of the matter. He felt quite speechless. He didn't expect that the melon would end up being eaten by his own family.

He also knew the fifth uncle that Ye Kui mentioned. He was a respected elder of the Ye family. When he started his army in his hometown Fengshan County, he also visited this old man and got his support. The old man mobilized many members of the Ye family to follow him.

Because of this blood relationship, Ye Mingsheng would send someone to visit his fifth uncle to express his condolences during every festival.

Ye Mingsheng pondered for a while and suddenly asked Ye Kui:

"Did Guo Zhiping participate in this matter?"

Ye Kui shook his head and said:
"Although Cheng Ran is General Guo's trusted and beloved general, according to my investigation, General Guo was not aware of this matter."

Ye Kui paused for a moment, observed Ye Mingsheng's expression, and then said:
"Sir, the reason why Zhao Sheng has been able to run Yijing for so long is closely related to his habit of making friends. As long as he thinks you have potential, he will put a lot of effort into you. So I think it is very likely that Zhao Sheng values ​​the potential in Cheng Ran!"

After hearing what Ye Kui said, Ye Mingsheng did not say anything, but he agreed with Zhao Sheng in his heart. Cheng Ran was only 27 years old this year and had already become the commander. Even in the Fengwu Army where the generals were generally young, they were all very young...

What's more, Cheng Ran is deeply trusted by Guo Zhiping and is about to marry the daughter of the Ye family. So no matter how you look at it, Cheng Ran's future development prospects in the Fengwu Army are very bright. At this rate of development, it is very possible for him to become a general of the Fengwu Army in the next few years. So it is logically normal for Zhao Sheng to want to win him over in advance!
After thinking for a while, Ye Mingsheng instructed Ye Kui:

"I understand this matter. You must keep it confidential and don't mention it to anyone!"

Ye Kui nodded and said:

"Yes, I understand!"

After letting Ye Kui leave, Ye Mingsheng pondered for a while, then called Ye Cheng in and ordered: "Send a message to the General Staff to ask them to cross out Cheng Ran's name from the list of meritorious soldiers of the Third Division!"

"Yes!"

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While Ye Mingsheng was dealing with things, in the back garden of the Governor's Mansion, Bai Yuanyuan and An Miaoyi were sitting in the pavilion basking in the sun.

"Madam, have you been feeling better recently?" Bai Yuanyuan asked An Miaoyi with great concern:
Although An Miaoyi did not want to publicize the fact that she fell ill after giving birth, because she drank medicine every day and there were many women in the backyard who were interested in her, the matter could not be concealed.

Observing the genuine concern on Bai Yuanyuan's face, An Miaoyi smiled and nodded, saying:

"I'm still a little weak, but I'm much better now! Thank you, Sister Bai, for your concern!"

"Madam, it's great that you are getting better. It must be the blessing of the Bodhisattva!" Bai Yuanyuan said sincerely;
"My eldest brother sent me some ten-year-old ginseng a few days ago. They are all good tonics. Madam, I will ask the maid to bring them to you later. The affairs in our mansion are still waiting for you to take charge. You must get better soon!"

In response to Bai Yuanyuan's kindness, An Miaoyi said modestly:

"This is a gift from your brother to you, Sister Bai. How can I accept it? You should keep it for yourself, Sister Bai!"

"Madam, you are too polite. The old lady was able to accept me thanks to your intercession. My brother is also very grateful for your kindness. If these old ginsengs can help you, I believe my brother will be very happy!" Bai Yuanyuan said gratefully:
Seeing Bai Yuanyuan say this, An Miaoyi said a few more polite words before accepting Bai Yuanyuan's kindness. Then the two of them enthusiastically discussed some women's topics in the pavilion, such as which store has exquisite jewelry, which store has more delicate rouge, etc.·················

Although An Miaoyi doesn't particularly like extravagance, she is from a powerful family and has been exposed to these romantic things, gold, silver and jewelry since she was a child, so she is also interested in this aspect.

Although there were quite a few women in Ye Mingsheng's harem, some of them were born in official families. However, women like Shen Yutong ended up in the opera world because of her family's decline, and the Su sisters, because they were born out of wedlock, did not have a good life at home. They did not have much money to buy jewelry, rouge and other things.

Although Bai Yuanyuan's Bai family is insignificant compared to Kunshan Hou's family, she is the eldest daughter of the family and her father and two brothers love her very much. Therefore, she has always lived a very wealthy life. She is also quite knowledgeable about various jewelry, rouge and other things, and she knows a lot about them.

Therefore, they have common interests and hobbies, and with Bai Yuanyuan's deliberate flattery and An Miaoyi's deliberate win-over, the relationship between the two of them is rapidly heating up, and they are like good sisters.

"I heard that the craftsmen of the Second Manufacturing Bureau have developed a new kind of fabric with brighter colors. I wonder how it will turn out when used to make clothes!" Bai Yuanyuan said with great anticipation:
An Miaoyi smiled and said:

"Director Sun of the Second Manufacturing Bureau is a thoughtful person. After the new fabric was successfully developed, he personally sent dozens of pieces over. The color is indeed much brighter than the previous fabrics, and the styles are also very novel. Sister Bai, if you like it, you may as well go to the warehouse and choose two pieces!"

At this point, An Miaoyi lowered her voice and teased Bai Yuanyuan:

“With this new fabric, I believe the cheongsams made by Sister Bai will be even more beautiful and charming…”

Hearing An Miaoyi's words, Bai Yuanyuan couldn't help but blush, but she didn't deny it. Instead, she said with some self-pity:

"After all, I am a few years older than my husband, and I am not as young and pretty as you, Madam. I can only pay more attention to my clothes and jewelry!"

In response to Bai Yuanyuan's answer, An Miaoyi comforted her:
"Sister Bai, don't underestimate yourself. My husband once said that no one in this world can stay young forever, but there are always young people. After experiencing the baptism of time like Sister Bai, she has a more mature charm and a variety of styles!"

An Miaoyi, who was born into a powerful family and had been accustomed to the fights between women since childhood, knew very well that a man like Ye Mingsheng was not something she could possess alone. She had never had such unrealistic ideas. She only wanted to ensure her status in Ye Mingsheng's mind.

A woman like Bai Yuanyuan would never pose any threat to her status and position. Ye Mingsheng also regarded her as a tool. In addition, Bai Yuanyuan deliberately flattered her, so An Miaoyi was happy to help Bai Yuanyuan...

What's more, due to physical reasons, she has temporarily withdrawn from the competition for favor. Therefore, if Bai Yuanyuan can share some of Ye Mingsheng's energy from Pei Zhixiu, it will be a good result for An Miaoyi!

Listening to An Miaoyi's words, Bai Yuanyuan's heart was also moved. Being older than Ye Mingsheng has always been a hidden wound in her heart. She didn't know how many times she had been sad and self-pitying in the middle of the night. Now, An Miaoyi's words undoubtedly comforted her a lot!
Just as An Miaoyi and Bai Yuanyuan were about to continue talking about what kind of jewelry would look better with a cheongsam, a faint, clear laughter like a silver bell came from not far away.

Hearing this laughter, Bai Yuanyuan seemed to know who the other party was. Her originally excited face suddenly became gloomy, and she whispered:

"Shameless slut!"

An Miaoyi didn’t know who the other person was at first, but after hearing Bai Yuanyuan say that, she realized who the other person was and smiled without saying a word.

(End of this chapter)