“You don’t need to hold back, just speak your mind.” Mingwei’s voice came through the screen, faintly revealing a hint of weariness. “Don’t say anything that tries to gloss over the truth, I want to hear the real thing.”
"This servant wouldn't dare." Lai Xi had been hesitant about how to say it, but now that the Princess Consort had given him directions, he felt reassured. "According to the people from the Duke of Ying's mansion, the Prince Cheng's heir drank too much and went for a stroll in the Duke's garden when he sobered up. Feeling drowsy from the cold wind, he casually found a room to rest in."
"Who knew that the third young lady of the Marquis's mansion happened to be there at the time..." Despite having Mingwei's permission, Laixi hesitated as she continued, "The young master only treated her as a maidservant, and seemed to have said some frivolous things to her..."
frivolous words?
Mingwei sneered inwardly, thinking that things were probably not that simple!
"Later, several young masters came looking for the Prince Cheng's heir, and the First Madam of the Duke of Ying's mansion came with her people looking for the Third Miss." Lai Xi, afraid of angering Ming Wei, said cautiously, "It just so happened that people from both sides bumped into each other..."
"The Prince Cheng's son has had too much to drink. Could it be that my third sister is also drunk?" Mingwei couldn't help but feel angry. Her voice was full of sarcasm as she said, "Wandering around the Duke of Ying's mansion by herself? Where are the maids with her? Is this how the Duke of Ying's mansion treats its guests?"
Even though she knew in her heart that this was a disgusting drama that was based on mutual consent, Mingwei was still furious.
Before she was even married, Mingrong repeatedly tried to harm her, spreading rumors about her and attempting to ruin her reputation so she couldn't find a good match. However, Mingrong's attempt to steal her away that time backfired, and she ended up getting herself into trouble. So Mingwei decided to let bygones be bygones. Even if she made a scene, it wouldn't do any good for the reputation of the Marquis of Chengping's mansion.
Who would have thought that Mingrong would go even further now, acting as if she had gone mad!
By doing this, she was essentially dragging the entire Chengping Marquis's mansion into the mess, leaving the other young ladies and gentlemen of the mansion wondering how they would find husbands!
Sensing Mingwei's fury, Laixi dared not respond and stood there helplessly.
"How did my third sister leave the Marquis's mansion?" Mingwei quickly composed herself. She took a deep breath, gave Rong Zhen a reassuring look, and slowly said, "I remember that my third sister was closely followed by someone."
Ever since the old lady learned that Mingrong had impure thoughts, she sold out the people around Mingrong and picked new people for her, not only to serve her but also to monitor her.
"Your Highness, the First Madam, the Second Young Lady, and the Old Madam left early this morning, and then the First Madam of the Duke of Ying's Mansion arrived." Lai Xi dared not conceal anything and told the whole story. "She said she wanted to see the young ladies of the Second Branch, and specifically requested to visit the Third Young Lady on behalf of the Second Madam of the Marquis's Mansion."
Mingwei could imagine the true colors of the First Lady of the Duke of England's mansion.
Even when the Second Madam was still in the Marquis's mansion, the First Madam looked down on her. Furthermore, the Second Madam had always disliked illegitimate daughters, and had almost never taken any of her illegitimate daughters to the Duke of Ying's mansion. In Mingwei's memory, she had barely seen the First Madam more than a few times. And the First Madam was a mean and difficult person; would she really have such good intentions?
All the masters in charge of the Marquis's mansion had gone out, and the Third Miss was engaged to the third branch of the Duke of Ying's mansion. It would not look good if things got tense, so the servants had no choice but to invite the Third Miss over.
The First Madam didn't stay long before leaving. Mingrong's servants initially thought she was upset and didn't want to see anyone. After a while, they realized something was wrong; the Third Miss was gone. It turned out she had disguised herself as a maid and secretly followed the First Madam into the carriage.
This is how the disaster came about.
"I understand." Mingwei rubbed her temples wearily, her voice tinged with exhaustion. "What did Grandmother say?"
"The old lady asked me to convey her message that you should rest well, and that the affairs of the Marquis's residence will naturally be handled by the First Madam." Lai Xi said respectfully, "I will definitely let you know when I have definite news."
Mingwei nodded silently through the screen.
"Alright, you may leave now." Seeing that Mingwei had nothing more to ask, Rong Zhen dismissed Lai Xi.
Mingwei was lost in her own thoughts.
Mingwei knew that Mingrong was proud and arrogant, and Mingrong naturally couldn't tolerate that Mingwei, who was originally inferior to her in every way, first gained the favor of the old lady, then was recognized as the eldest daughter of the main branch, and was even granted the title of Princess Changning County, married the Crown Prince, and became the Crown Prince's wife. Now, although she had become the Princess Consort of Prince Yu, it was still a height that Mingrong could never reach in her entire life.
Moreover, she clearly intended to frame Mingwei that time, but ended up harming herself instead, getting a marriage she was not satisfied with.
Should she marry the son of the third branch of the Duke's mansion as his principal wife, or become a concubine by the side of the Prince Cheng's heir? If these two choices were presented to Mingrong, she would definitely choose the latter without hesitation.
Even if she had no other choice, she would still desperately try to squeeze in.
Furthermore, since Consort Shu and others already had guilty consciences, Ming Rong was easily swayed by their encouragement. Therefore, even though she followed Rong Hao in such a dishonorable way, she felt happier than following the cowardly Liu Ren!
After all, Prince Cheng is the eldest and most capable of the three princes. If he were to inherit the throne one day, Rong Hao would be the crown prince. Perhaps Ming Rong is confident that she can climb the ranks step by step within Rong Hao's inner circle.
"Awan, don't be angry." Rong Zhen saw Mingwei's expression change repeatedly and was afraid that she would get sick from being angry, so he pulled her into his arms and comforted her, "Since Grandmother and Mother are taking care of things, there will naturally be no problem."
Mingwei leaned obediently against Rong Zhen's chest, her expression calming down. "I know. But Third Sister is just too selfish and reckless. I initially thought she had some schemes!" Suddenly, she remembered how Mingrong thought the Second Madam had arranged a marriage for her with Liu Jun, and tried to steal the opportunity, only to end up getting herself into trouble instead. Rong Hao was also a master of this kind of thing; from Su Xuan to Mingwei, he used despicable and underhanded methods one after another.
She couldn't help but say sarcastically, "These two are a match made in heaven!"
"It would be better if it weren't for that, but I'm afraid my second sister and the others will be implicated in this!" Mingwei murmured to herself, "Although it was Consort Shu and the others' scheme involved, my third sister was also willing. The reputation of the Marquis's daughters has also been damaged, but my second and fourth sisters haven't been engaged yet..."
Rong Zhen breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that she was willing to tell him these things. "The family traditions of the Marquis of Chengping are well-known, and anyone with discerning eyes can see that something is amiss. This matter is truly strange; everything is too coincidental!"
“That’s right.” Mingwei nodded, then her eyes lit up and she said with a mischievous grin, “Consort Shu also went to great lengths. Where will the face of the third branch of the Duke of Ying’s mansion be? Mingrong and Liu Ren are engaged. This is going to hurt people. Not to mention the third branch, the entire Duke of Ying’s mansion will lose face.”
“We can also use them to sow discord!” Mingwei became happy again and said triumphantly, “Why should it be them who sow discord and cause trouble? I don’t believe that the old lady of the Duke of Ying’s mansion is satisfied with the first wife’s actions! There will always be some conflicts between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.”
Rong Zhen was both amused and annoyed. He shook his head helplessly and said, "You!"
"Your Highness, Your Highness, Imperial Physician Xue is already waiting outside!" Just as the two were discussing Rong Hao and Ming Rong's matter, Lai Fu came to report from outside the door.
Mingwei's smile froze. She glanced pitifully at Rong Zhen, only to find a faint smile on his lips.
"Let him in."
******
Princess Yu is pregnant!
The news was reported to the palace at top speed, and then spread to the residences of various princes and noble families.
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 Miss 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?"