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.
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." 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, and she smiled weakly, "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 Zhenshen instructed calmly. "Help the Princess change her clothes."
The three of them hurriedly responded and went about their business.
Rong Zhen looked at Mingwei, who was still anxious and unwilling on the bed, and sighed deeply. He held Mingwei's hand and sat down on the edge of the bed. "Awan, do you know that in my heart, nothing is more important than you and the child?"
Despite the calm tone, Mingwei could clearly hear a hint of heartache in his voice.
“Your Highness…” Mingwei was at a loss for words, her lips slightly parted as she said, “I understand your intentions, but at this moment…”
"You won't have a moment's peace until the news of your pregnancy is announced." Mingwei hadn't been feeling well for days, and today she pretended to be perfectly fine, forcing herself to finish receiving everyone... Rong Zhen felt as if an invisible hand was tearing at his heart, making him extremely uncomfortable.
"It's going to have to be said sooner or later, so why not say it now? You can have some peace and quiet then." Rong Zhen's tone was firm and unwavering. If this was the reason, Ming Wei wouldn't have to go out for social engagements for a long time. Nor would she have to endure the schemes and difficulties devised by those princesses.
Mingwei wanted to say something to stop him, but she swallowed the words back. She knew better than anyone that Rong Zhen cared for and cherished her in every way.
"I will do as Your Highness wishes." Mingwei finally nodded obediently.
As soon as the two finished speaking, Dongyue and the other two came in, each carrying a tray. Tangli and Yuelin helped Mingwei change into some casual clothes, loosened her high bun, and removed her heavy hairpins, leaving only a loose bun. After Dongyue brought hot water to help her wash her face, Tangli had already brought out the medicinal tea.
"Your Highness, Your Highness, Eunuch Lai Xi has returned." Seeing that she couldn't interfere with what was happening inside, Bi Xi waited outside. Upon receiving the news, she immediately came to report.
Rong Zhen's slightly deep voice came from inside the room. "Let him in and give his answer."
When Laixi entered, Bixi led him to the inner room where the prince and princess lived. In the princess's bedroom, there was an eight-panel screen carved with landscapes and figures made of sandalwood, and the figures behind the screen could be vaguely seen.
"This servant greets Your Highness and Your Highness." Before he could think further, Lai Xi knelt down to pay his respects and said to the two of them, "The Old Madam, the First Madam, and the Eldest Miss have all returned to the manor safely. Please rest assured, Your Highness and Your Highness."
"Get up." Rong Zhen's voice was indifferent, revealing no emotion. "Have you inquired carefully about what exactly happened at the Duke of Ying's residence?"
Lai Xi respectfully replied, "Your Highness, it is true that something improper happened between the Prince Cheng's heir and the third young lady of the Marquis's mansion..."