Reborn as a Merchant Girl, the General's Beloved

On the third day after Ma's death, a funeral ceremony was held at the main gate of the Earl's Mansion. Earl Anyuan personally petitioned the Emperor, offering his title of Earl Anyuan as a guarantee, and asking the Sixth Prince to release his second brother Hong Shixian to return home to mourn his first wife.

For a while, everyone in the court praised this Anyuan Earl for his deep sense of justice and his deep affection, but Hongze became the focus. He and Jin Liu were always together, but he never pleaded for his two uncles, which led to the destruction of his second uncle's family.

Outside the court, the women in the capital also began to spread the word that Ma, worried about her husband, had caused a scene in Mingxiangju, but was verbally abused and driven out by Anan. The official's wife was so humiliated that she was so angry and ashamed that she fell from her high place.

Although it was not stated explicitly in the words, every word accused Anan and Hongze of being murderers.

Mingqi came to Mingxiangju and saw her leisurely feeding the fish in front of the fish tank, so he sighed: "Although Anyuan Bo is not good at marching and fighting, he is an expert at killing people and destroying their hearts. Are you just going to sit there and wait for death?"

"Let them talk, let them spread it." Anyway, she didn't intend to mix with that group of rich ladies, so out of sight, out of mind.

Ming Qi was helpless and smiled, "You can turn a deaf ear to what's happening outside, but have you ever thought about your son-in-law? He is an official in the court, and everyone is already angry about the Sixth Prince's investigation of corruption among officials. If this continues, someone will definitely take advantage of the situation. They don't dare to target the prince, so they will naturally target him!"

"The discord between father and son has long been known to everyone. People have already complained about my son-in-law, saying that he is disrespectful to his elders, unfilial to his father, rebellious and cruel. Now he is accused of indirectly killing my second aunt. I'm afraid..." Mingqi paused.

Anan smiled calmly and said, "There's no point in being afraid. We still have to face it eventually. From the moment my mother-in-law passed away, they were destined to become enemies."

"I'll find someone to suppress the gossip." Mingqi looked at her, not knowing what she was planning.

Ah Nan smiled and said, "No need. On the contrary, I hope that this rumor will get bigger and bigger. It would be best if someone really went to the Holy Palace to report it to him."

"Do you want to go back to Yongning Guard?" Mingqi was helpless and a little amused.

"I do miss the days in Yongningwei, but I won't go back this way." Anan put the fish food in his hand into the tank, watched the fish scramble to open their mouths and come out of the water, and smiled, "Don't worry, Qi Ge'er, comfort my mother for me, I know what to do."

Ma's funeral lasted for three days. The Earl's mansion was crowded with people, and people came to pay their respects every day. There were some upright people who dared to speak out and remonstrate in the court, saying that Hongze had poor personal morals and was not suitable to be in charge of an important position in the capital. Others said that Hongze enforced the law impartially and treated everyone equally, and was a role model among officials.

After hearing this, the emperor said nothing.

There was endless debate in the court and the meeting ended in bad terms.

After the court session, the emperor issued an edict allowing Hong Shixian to return home to attend the funeral.

After breakfast, Nanny Su said that her mother was extremely worried and asked her to go home to stay for a few days. However, Anan ordered Bai Shao to find some plain clothes to change into and said with a smile, "Nanny, go back and give the hairpins on my desk to my mother and aunts. Tell them not to worry, I know what's going on."

Seeing Anan putting on his cloak and hood and preparing to go out, Nanny Su did not dare to stop him. She could only sigh and say, "It would be great if the son-in-law came back..."

Anan only took Bai Shao and Jiang Li with him, took a carriage and went straight to the Earl's Mansion.

The mourning hall was set up in the inner hall where Ma usually lived. The female family members were chatting inside, and when they saw Anan come in, they all pointed and talked.

Anan ignored him, walked through the crowd, and kowtowed in front of the coffin.

Kneeling beside the coffin were Hong Mian's wife Yang and his concubine's daughter Hong Bei, who had already married off. Both of them had tears on their faces and responded to the greetings somewhat numbly. After three days of funeral ceremonies, they were already exhausted.

After delivering the silk and money, Bai Shao returned to Anan and walked out.

"You murderer, how dare you come here!" I don't know which woman shouted, and a snack flew over and fell just under Anan's skirt.

Just one stone caused a thousand ripples, and people started throwing things at this side. In addition to snacks and fruits, there were even copper plates for fruits and bowls for tea.

Anan stood there, motionless.