Rong Zhen's gaze towards Ming Wei was full of tenderness and affection. This was not an act; he had clearly fallen in love with Ming Wei!
Furthermore, the first time Bizhu was reprimanded by Rong Zhen a few days ago was because of her disrespect towards Mingwei, so it's understandable that Bizhu harbored resentment. Biyun understands Bizhu; she certainly had no intention of harming Rong Zhen, but she did hate Mingwei. Mingwei is jealous, and Biyun would definitely believe that this would only damage Mingwei's reputation, not Rong Zhen's.
"Your Majesty, you can't just frame someone like that!" Bizhu was anxious. She knew that Mingwei was now Rong Zhen's most cherished person, and if things escalated, Rong Zhen would side with Mingwei. "This servant has served in the Eastern Palace since childhood and has received the favor of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. How could I do anything detrimental to the Eastern Palace?"
"Oh?" Mingwei lifted her eyelids, her faint smile carrying a profound meaning. "You think that spreading rumors of my jealousy will at most tarnish my reputation and damage the reputation of the Marquis of Chengping's mansion, while Your Highness will be completely unaffected?"
Bizhu remained silent, her neck stiff, clearly indicating that Mingwei had voiced her thoughts. She even felt she was helping Rong Zhen, who had been biding his time, and now Mingwei's sudden marriage to the Crown Prince was of unclear intentions. She didn't know what kind of person Mingwei was; what if she used Rong Zhen's favor to ruin his plans? Wouldn't she regret it then?
"Do you know that since I married the Crown Prince, we are bound together by fate, for better or for worse?" Mingwei's gaze was calm, yet exceptionally serious. "My marriage was bestowed by the Emperor, so it naturally represents his judgment. Now that a reputation for jealousy has spread, are you trying to pin the blame for misjudging people on the Emperor?"
"You who have served in the Eastern Palace for so long know better than I what the Crown Prince's situation is! If we really make a scene before the Emperor, will the Crown Prince gain any respect? Will the Emperor value him even a little more?"
Her voice was soft, but every word struck their hearts.
"I will not punish you for now; you'd better watch yourself."
Before Bizhu and Biyun could even breathe a sigh of relief, footsteps were heard, and a moment later the ginger-yellow brocade curtain on the door was lifted, revealing a handsome face.
Rong Zhen, dressed in a bright yellow court robe, stood at the door with an icy expression.
******
Qingliang Hall.
After leaving the council hall, Rong Zhen was immediately led to a side hall of the Qingliang Palace.
Rong Hao and the others who were traveling with him were secretly gloating. They all had their own ways of finding out what Rong Duo wanted to ask Rong Zhen.
"Grandson greets His Majesty the Emperor!"
Rong Zhen knelt down and bowed swiftly, his expression calm and his voice clear. The bright yellow imperial robes embroidered with dragons did not make him appear imposing at all; instead, they made him look even more gentle and elegant.
However, Rong Duo, sitting high on the dragon throne, looked at his sixteen-year-old grandson with a complicated expression.
After a long silence, Rong Duo slowly spoke, "Do you know why I summoned you here today?"
Rong Zhen already knew what was going on. Rong Duo didn't tell him to get up, so he remained in the bowing posture and respectfully replied, "Grandson knows. It's because someone has been spreading rumors recently that the Crown Princess Ming is jealous."
"It's good that you know." Rong Duo's attitude was slightly cold, and he said with a hint of reproach in his tone, "Such rumors are really damaging to the reputation of the royal family."
Rong Zhen's attitude became increasingly docile, and he hurriedly replied, "It is your unfilial grandson who has troubled His Majesty with such a trivial matter. Your grandson will certainly resolve this matter as soon as possible!"
Looking at Rong Zhen, whose gentle nature bordered on weakness, Rong Duo's eyes flickered slightly. He sighed almost imperceptibly and said calmly, "Tell me the truth, what do you think of the Crown Prince Consort I chose for you?"
"The Crown Prince's wife is virtuous, gentle, and chaste. It is my good fortune to marry Ming Shi." Unable to fathom Rong Duo's thoughts, Rong Zhen could only give a proper and conventional answer.
Rong Duo remained silent and did not speak.
For a moment, Rong Zhen felt uneasy, wondering which of his words had been inappropriate.
Rong Duo's gaze fell upon a pair of plum blossom vases in the corner of Qingliang Hall. The carefully stored vases were elegant and pristine, untouched by dust. He seemed to see again that delicate figure in pale yellow, a woman of unparalleled beauty, her silvery laughter still echoing in his ears, her phoenix eyes filled with longing and adoration for him—
But in an instant, her tearful eyes returned, and her soft lips uttered words of resolute determination, one word at a time—
“Grandfather—” Rong Zhen quietly looked up at Rong Duo, only to find that Rong Duo was unusually absent-minded.
After a short while, Rong Duo regained his dignified and solemn expression. He seemed somewhat tired and did not say anything more.
"Step down."
Rong Zhen had no choice but to get up, bow again, and quietly leave Qingliang Palace.
Just now, he saw Rong Duo's lips slightly parted as he was lost in thought, as if he were murmuring a name.
Did he see it wrong?
Chapter 110
"My private businesses, the one in the west of the city, have run into some problems." Rong Zhen's tone was indifferent, but Ming Wei could easily discern the subtle annoyance in it.
Even if Rong Zhen is mature for his age, he is only sixteen years old and is still a child.
Mingwei's heart softened immediately, and she asked softly, "Is it that silk shop? The one that's famous for its Shu brocade, it's one of the best in the capital."
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Before she could finish speaking, Rong Zhen's expression revealed a hint of surprise and delight. Ming Wei remembered so clearly—did this mean she truly cared about him? Did he hold a place in her heart as well?
Upon realizing this, Rong Zhen's previous displeasure vanished instantly. He said cheerfully, "Exactly."
Mingwei had no idea about Rong Zhen's complicated thoughts. However, she was somewhat relieved to hear that although his voice was not loud, it had returned to its usual clear and bright tone.
“The reason why the Shu brocade from the silk shop is somewhat famous is because they have someone in Shu Prefecture who is in charge of purchasing it. They select the best regardless of cost, yet the price is not high.” Rong Zhen’s eyes flickered slightly as he spoke softly. “In Shu Prefecture… they also do some other businesses on the side.”
These two seemingly disjointed sentences immediately put Mingwei on alert.
Buying Shu brocade at a high price but selling it at a low price might be understandable for a newly opened silk shop trying to build its reputation. However, in the long run, it would be a losing proposition. As far as Mingwei knew, the silk shop in the west of the city had been open for over three years and couldn't possibly still be operating at a loss.
Rong Zhen just mentioned that there are other deals...
Mingwei racked her brains trying to recall the local products of Shuzhou, trying to figure out which ones were valuable and worth doing business with. Suddenly, an idea flashed into her mind.
"Your Highness, is the salt they're dealing in smuggled salt?" Mingwei stared intently at Rong Zhen, her eyes wide.
Rong Zhen was stunned.