It is said that Prince Yu was overjoyed and lavishly rewarded all the servants in his household. Everyone beamed with happiness, as if it were a festival. Consort Chen quickly reciprocated by bestowing gifts upon the serving matrons, as well as countless medicinal herbs, fine silks and satins, and rare antiques. The Emperor also unusually bestowed many gifts upon them.
The Prince Yu's residence was naturally filled with a joyous atmosphere. However, while some were happy, others were sad. For instance, in Consort Shu's palace, the atmosphere was gloomy and somewhat oppressive.
"The third young lady of the Marquis's mansion just had an accident, and now she's been diagnosed with pregnancy." Consort Shu said with displeasure, "Isn't that a bit too much of a coincidence! Is it really true?"
She kept only her trusted head maid, Lianzhu, by her side. Lianzhu said, "It can't be wrong. It was Physician Xue who went to Prince Yu's residence to take the princess's pulse. As you know, Physician Xue is an old man who is stubborn and unyielding. What he said should be correct."
"Could it be that Princess Consort Yu is trying to cover for her sister?" Consort Shu still felt the timing was too coincidental. "Does she think that if news of her pregnancy and her sister's impropriety spread, the rumors won't get out of the capital?"
Consort Shu was not ashamed at all that the other protagonist was her grandson.
“You should also discuss with the Princess Consort about finding a suitable marriage for the young master,” Lian Zhu advised from the side. “Now that Prince Yu has an heir, who knows if the Emperor might change his mind again.”
Consort Shu felt equally anxious.
Lian Zhu's words struck a chord with her. Rong Zhen was gentle by nature, and as the Crown Prince, he had neither made any significant contributions nor committed any major offenses. Yet, someone who bore a striking resemblance to Tang Wan had become his principal wife…
The older people get, the more easily they become nostalgic. Consort Shu recalled that since Mingwei married into the royal family, Rong Duo had been visiting Qionghua Palace more often. It felt like a thorn had been planted in her heart.
She had a hard time getting to where she is now, and it was only with great difficulty that her son finally had a chance to ascend the throne!
Consort Shu slowly lowered her eyelids.
Anti-theft seal
Chapter 158
The Third Miss...Prince Cheng's Heir...Is there something shady going on with her? (Anti-theft chapter)
Mingwei's heart skipped a beat, and she felt extremely depressed and uneasy.
How did Mingrong and Ronghao end up together? And Mingrong should be at the Marquis of Chengping's residence, so why is she visiting the Duke of Ying's residence?
The second wife is now "resting quietly" on her country estate. Out of consideration for her being the biological mother of Mingjue and his brother, she won't be mistreated, but she will no longer have the prestige of being the second wife of the Marquis of Chengping. However, the second wife is no longer of any use to the Duke of Ying's mansion. Would the first wife of the Duke of Ying's mansion still show special favor to the second wife's illegitimate daughter?
This is so strange!
Mingwei's brows furrowed tightly, and her expression was rather unpleasant.
It was the old lady who came to her senses first. She calmly stopped Mingwei and Rongzhen and said softly to Mingwei, "Your Highness, there is no need to see me off any further. After I get home, I will send someone to assure Your Highness of your safety."
The old lady's meaning was very clear; she made it obvious that she didn't want Mingwei involved.
"Grandmother!" Mingwei's face showed anxiety. Rong Hao was known for using underhanded methods, and Ming Rong was capable of anything to climb the social ladder...
Perhaps due to the exertion of half a day, Mingwei was already feeling unwell. In addition, the matter had occurred in a hurry, and Mingwei felt her temples throbbing, felt dizzy, and her stomach was churning with acid.
"Laixi, take some men and escort the old lady back." Seeing Mingwei's bad expression, Rong Zhen decisively said, "Take my token and go to the Prince's mansion to mobilize the guards."
"Your Highness, please don't worry." The old lady, having weathered many storms, was greatly comforted by Rong Zhen's consideration for Mingwei. She reassured Mingwei, "With the guards of the Prince's residence here, what do you have to worry about?"
The first wife and Mingxi, who were standing nearby, also reassured Mingwei.
Mingwei hesitated for a moment, but finally had no choice but to reluctantly agree. This was the best option available. The guards of the Prince's mansion only recognized Rong Zhen; if anything happened, they would only obey Rong Zhen. If anyone from the Marquis's mansion tried to cause trouble, this would serve as a deterrent.
Now that Rong Zhen has assigned Lai Xi to Ming Wei, Lai Xi will definitely favor Ming Wei. Even if a truly shameful scandal were to occur, it would be easier for Lai happy to report it upon his return.
Mingwei understood the crux of the matter and couldn't help but be moved by Rongzhen's thoughtfulness and attentiveness.
Lai Xi responded and took Rong Zhen's token to mobilize the people.
Even as the old lady boarded the carriage, Mingwei still frowned.
"Ah Wan, don't worry, everything will be alright." On the covered walkway, Rong Zhen accompanied Ming Wei as they strolled slowly. He softened his voice to comfort her, "Once Lai Xi escorts Grandmother back to the manor, we'll have definite news. Rumors spread like wildfire, and the more they're told, the more outrageous they become."
Mingwei nodded gently.
"Your Highness, why is Prince Cheng's son not here today?" Mingwei suddenly remembered that Prince Cheng, Prince Ning, and Prince Kang had all come in person today, so why was Rong Hao the only one not here?
A hint of coldness crept onto Rong Zhen's handsome face.
"Uncle Prince Cheng only said that Rong Hao caught a cold and was sick. At first, I just thought that Rong Hao felt ashamed and deliberately didn't come." His eyes darkened, and he said in a deep voice, "So there was another scheme behind it all!"
Upon hearing his words, Mingwei suddenly realized what he meant.
Yes, on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Rong Hao almost lost face because of Rong Zhen's ruthlessness. Although Rong Hao was the one who insisted on courting death, if he had such self-awareness, he wouldn't have used such despicable means all day long!
Therefore, his absence would not arouse their suspicion; they would simply assume that Rong Hao was angry about what happened that day.
So was Rong Hao's provocation that day unintentional, or was he planning this all along?
Thinking of this, Mingwei felt a chill run down her spine.
"But why Mingrong of all people?" Mingwei muttered to herself in confusion, feeling disgusted at the thought that Rong Hao had once set his sights on Su Xuan and herself.
If Prince Cheng were to ascend the throne and make Rong Hao the crown prince... there is nothing more disgusting than that.
No, what she should be thinking about now is why Rong Hao and Ming Rong are involved! Ming Wei quickly regained her composure, her mind racing.
The First Lady of the Duke of England's mansion and Prince Cheng were related by marriage... In a flash, Mingwei suddenly remembered that Princess Deguang had tested her in the palace! Rong Hao and Ming Rong's relationship was somewhat ambiguous, which not only disgraced the Chengping Marquis's mansion but also Mingwei and Rong Zhen!
Back when she was still the Crown Prince's wife, Consort Shu had instigated Consort Han to provoke her. Even earlier, they had plotted to have Rong Hao ruin her reputation! Once at the flower-viewing banquet, and again in the outskirts of the capital. They truly spared no effort.
In her past life, Consort Shu had always been at odds with her, though she appeared outwardly very obedient. This life, however, is quite different; she's now united with her daughter, son, and daughter-in-law to deal with her!
"Your Highness, it must be a vicious scheme they devised." A layer of cold ice had formed in Mingwei's eyes, and her voice became solemn: "Consort Shu is definitely unwilling to accept defeat and wants to get revenge here! But Mingrong is just a concubine's daughter of the Marquis of Chengping's family. Grandmother will no longer promote her. Will marrying Mingrong win over the Marquis's family?"
Rong Zhen was slightly taken aback.