It was the old lady who came to her senses first. She stopped Mingwei and Rongzhen with a calm expression 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 that Mingwei's expression was not good, Rong Zhen immediately 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 looked enlightened.
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.
Mingwei's words make sense. He needs to investigate who was behind it all and what their intentions were.
"We can only wait and see for now." Rong Zhen sighed softly, his expression unreadable.
For a moment, the two fell silent, each speculating about the possibilities.
As the two walked side by side to the corridor of the main courtyard, Mingwei suddenly swayed and almost fell.
"Ah Wan!" Seeing Mingwei nearly trip over the low steps, Rong Zhen completely forgot all his schemes and plots; he was terrified. Rong Zhen pulled Mingwei into his arms, asking with suspicion, "Are you feeling unwell?"
For him, nothing in this world was more important than Mingwei.
"I wasn't watching where I was going..." Mingwei's face immediately turned pale. She smiled weakly and said, "I just felt a little nauseous, but I'm not feeling unwell!"
Seeing that her legs were weak, Rong Zhen simply picked up Mingwei and strode into the house.
Upon seeing this, the maids serving at the door quickly lifted the curtain, and Biyun repeatedly ordered the preparation of hot water and medicinal tea.
"Go and fetch the imperial physician!" Rong Zhen said decisively as he gently placed Mingwei on the canopy bed, "Just say that the princess has a stomachache!"
"Your Highness!" Mingwei hurriedly grabbed Rong Zhen's sleeve, saying anxiously, "Just have Doctor Zhang examine me, I'm fine!" Seeing that Rong Zhen showed no sign of changing his mind, she became so anxious that she stammered, "I'm just a little tired today, I'll rest for a couple of days and I'll be fine!"
The situation is currently unclear, so it's better to avoid trouble.
"Can't you hear me? Go now!" To everyone's surprise, Rong Zhen remained unmoved. He coldly surveyed the inner room and said to Biyun, "Have Laifu take the Prince's token to the Imperial Hospital!"
Biyun and the others couldn't help but show expressions of astonishment.
In the past, the prince respected the princess the most, and most of the time, as long as the princess insisted, the prince would go along with her wishes. But today, he ignored the princess's earnest advice and insisted on going his own way?
Doctor Zhang's medical skills were evident to all, and he was more than capable of taking good care of the little prince in the princess's womb.
"This servant will go right away!" Biyun was the first of the four to react. She calmly bowed, turned around and went out the door.
"Your Highness!" Mingwei saw that Rong Zhen was ignoring her advice and was about to struggle to get out of bed.
Seeing the awkward atmosphere between the prince and princess, the remaining three dared not offer any advice. They stood silently to the side, their voices trembling with fear.
"Go and bring the Princess some herbal tea," Rong Zhen instructed calmly. "Help the Princess change her clothes."