After the old woman in the dark green dress finished speaking, the two old women quickly went to see Ouyang Yue. Ouyang Yue was reading in her room. When she saw the two women coming over, she pointed and said, "Sit down."
Two small stools were placed in front of them. The two bowed respectfully and sat down. Ouyang Yue flipped through a book and said, "What did you find out?"
“Your Highness, even Meiju can’t be certain about the Prince’s situation. She only said that she would stall him for a while, and never mentioned killing him. So she can’t be sure whether the Prince is alive or dead.” Ouyang Yue nodded in agreement, showing no surprise. The old woman in dark green continued, “However, the person behind her is planning something earth-shattering…”
As Ouyang Yue listened, she slowly closed the book, her face calm and composed, lost in thought. Even after the two old women had finished explaining, she remained silent. The old woman in dark green then said, "Your Highness, do you think we should report this to the higher-ups…?"
Ouyang Yue placed the book on the low table beside her, looked thoughtfully at the incense burner in front of the foot table, and finally slowly curled her lips: "Why do I say this? My Prince Chen's Mansion has never owed anyone anything or any favors. It's a pity that some people want to harm us. I would not harm anyone on my own initiative, but how did they do it? I have to get some interest back for the Prince. Besides, these people won't stop until they see me and Su'er die. Why should I do anything more?"
The two old women fell silent upon hearing this. Ouyang Yue said calmly, "Keep guarding. I need to ensure the absolute truth of this matter. You understand, right?"
"Yes, Your Highness, I have confirmed this matter." After saying that, she got up and went to the woodshed where Meiju was to continue the interrogation and confirm the truth.
At this moment, Chuncao and Dongxue approached. Chuncao carefully poured fragrant tea into Ouyang Yue's teacup. Smoke instantly rose. Ouyang Yue picked up the teacup, looked at the rising steam in front of him, and the tea was yellow and clear. He slowly said, "I have no intention of harming anyone, but the times are difficult."
Dongxue asked, "Your Highness, what are your plans next?"
Ouyang Yue sneered: "What are we going to do? This matter doesn't really concern us. What am I supposed to do?"
Dongxue paused for a moment, then reacted, a glint in her eyes. Chuncao had been rather gloomy these past few days, and now she couldn't help but say sarcastically, "This servant also agrees with the Princess's actions. There are so many things in the world, and the Princess is just an ordinary person. Can she possibly manage so many things? Taking the money from the Beauty Pavilion and the Beauty Pavilion only brings her a little reputation. Before, those people even framed the young prince, but now that they see the people are grateful to the Princess after this incident, they've all changed their tune. It's disgusting."
Ouyang Yue's donation of so much money wasn't for fame, but simply out of her own goodwill. She didn't care, but others might. Chuncao, Dongxue, and the others remembered that when the Chen Prince's Mansion was in its most difficult time, who thought to help them? Apart from the Princess's Mansion, and the General's Mansion and the Minister of War's Mansion, who offered some words of comfort, everyone else was already being kind enough not to kick them while they were down. At that time, Ouyang Yue, a woman, not only had to endure the blow of Baili Chen's disappearance, possibly even death, but Baili Su was also rumored to be a cursed star, with many officials submitting memorials to have him killed or sent away to become a monk. If Emperor Mingxian hadn't insisted on not giving in on this matter, even if Ouyang Yue had resolved it, Baili Su would never have been brought back. And that wasn't all; Ouyang Yue donated so much money and supplies, yet she was still subjected to sarcastic remarks. If she hadn't been truly generous enough to donate such a huge sum, the matter wouldn't have been so easily resolved, and everyone in the Chen Prince's Mansion was very unhappy about it.
Ouyang Yue remained silent, but a glint flashed in her eyes. As if thinking of something, a faint yet meaningful smile appeared on her lips: "When the prince returns, there will surely be a good show for him. I don't think he will disappoint me."
As Ouyang Yue stroked the jade bracelet on her wrist, she couldn't help but recall their first meeting. The Baili Chen she knew was not a reckless person; when it came to cunning, he was absolutely unparalleled. News of his death had already spread, and everyone should have heard rumors by now, yet he hadn't returned. She had a vague idea of what was going on.
When he returns, it will be time to close the net. However, before that, Ouyang Yue has some things to do. Being attacked from behind is not in her nature. She didn't move before because she hadn't waited for the right opportunity. But now, the opportunity has appeared.
The next day, the bodies of the fake Baili Chen and Leng Sha were transported back to the capital and sent directly to the Chen Prince's residence. Subsequently, the Empress issued an edict summoning Ouyang Yue to the palace. Ouyang Yue sat in front of her dressing table and had Chuncao apply a heavy layer of white powder to her face, obscuring her skin tone. She then applied a light layer of makeup on top and, dressed in a simple silver-trimmed outer robe, went to the palace. Along the way, many people pointed and whispered when they saw the Chen Prince's carriage, some shaking their heads and sighing, others gloating. These comments became even more pronounced once they reached the palace.
Ouyang Yue kept her eyes straight ahead the whole way, quiet and composed, with her back ramrod straight, exuding an air of noble pride. Although she was quiet, her extraordinary and refined temperament still managed to scare away some of the whispering and pointing. Ouyang Yue accompanied the Empress all the way to Anle Palace, where the Empress was already seated. Ouyang Yue politely bowed and said, "Daughter-in-law greets Mother Empress."
The Empress looked at the top of Ouyang Yue's head, a mixture of pleasure and hatred flashing in her eyes before quickly disappearing. With a bitter expression, she said, "Get up quickly, my poor child. I never imagined that the seventh prince would be so unfortunate, leaving you and Su'er behind. Whenever I think of you, I feel heartbroken and in pain. Alas."
Ouyang Yue straightened up, looked at the Empress's pained expression, and said calmly, "Your Majesty is concerned." She said no more.
The Empress paused, suddenly unsure of what to say. After a moment of hesitation, she said, "Sit down quickly. You look terrible. The passing of the Seventh Prince is painful for anyone, but you can't keep ruining your health like this. Listen to your mother, you still have Su'er. You must think of him."
Ouyang Yue nodded without saying much, feeling quite sullen. The Empress paused again, a strange emotion flashing in her eyes, and said, "I heard that you are not planning to hold a funeral for the Seventh Prince. I know you are too heartbroken and reluctant to let him go, but you must think of him. Although you are sad, if his body gradually decomposes, he will not be able to enter the underworld, and it will be difficult for him to be reincarnated. You cannot let him die with his eyes open." The Empress shook her head and sighed, her face full of pain, "I also know that with the Seventh Prince gone, the Chen Prince's Mansion will be without a pillar of support. But don't worry, I watched the Seventh Prince grow up and I have feelings for him. I will absolutely not watch the Chen Prince's Mansion decline like this. I have already written the request for imperial decree, and I will ask the Emperor to issue the decree soon. Although the Seventh Prince is gone, the Chen Prince's Mansion still needs a man to support it. Su'er was made the heir apparent a long time ago, and he is the rightful heir."
Ouyang Yue sneered for a moment, a cold glint flashing in her eyes. The Empress seemed to be doing everything for the sake of the Chen Prince's Mansion, but if she really succeeded in getting the decree, the real disaster for the Chen Prince's Mansion would come after Emperor Mingxian issued the decree. No wonder the Empress hadn't made any moves before; she had been waiting for this moment.
A chill ran through Ouyang Yue's heart. But have you ever thought about who will emerge victorious next?
---Aside---
Thank you, dear Xiaxia2238692, for sending one flower.
I recommend the novel "The Chief Agent Princess of X Department" by Zhu Yunzhi.
Night, the world's top ace agent of the X Group, codenamed 007, a super strongman ranked number one on the list of top agents, has never been defeated, is low-key and mysterious, with superb martial arts and wisdom, the most brilliant A-level new star in the assassin world!
Feng Qiye, the seventh young lady of the renowned Feng family of the Great Xia Dynasty, is the Great Xia Dynasty's number one纨绔 (wán kù, a spoiled brat) and good-for-nothing, the biggest joke in the Great Xia Dynasty. She is arrogant, conceited, low-class, and a complete waste! The wheel of fate turns, and when Qiye becomes Feng Qiye, the path to becoming a strong person begins!
Qi Ye's destiny is forever in her own hands. Reborn once again, she will still stand at the pinnacle of this world, destined to shine brightly! She will use her glory to wash away all humiliation and look down upon the world!
☆、279、Who will emerge victorious!
If Baili Chen really dies, then the Chen Prince's Mansion will be in trouble without its leader. Generally, a prince's child can only inherit the throne when he is fifteen or eighteen years old. Before that, if a crown prince is appointed, he can only be named crown prince. If not, he will be specially named crown prince, but that's all. A prince's title is not something to be thought of before adulthood. This prince is already short-lived. If he is granted another title and then dies in the middle, wouldn't that be troublesome?
From this perspective, Baili Su only has the title of heir apparent but no real power, which is undoubtedly a blow to the Chen Prince's Mansion.
The Empress's intention to directly bestow the title of Prince upon Baili Su, succeeding Baili Chen, seems appealing, but such a practice is extremely rare. This would undoubtedly place Baili Su in the spotlight once again, making him the center of attention and a target of public criticism, putting him in great danger. The Empress's greatest benefit in doing this likely lies in the very issue of the title of Prince.
It's impossible for there to be two princes in this palace unless Baili Chen ascends the throne. Now, Baili Chen is publicly known to be dead, but Ouyang Yue doesn't believe it. The Empress, whom she suspects is the mastermind behind the scenes, probably knows better than her that Baili Chen was originally a strong contender for the throne. If the news of his false death spreads now, and Baili Su is directly promoted to Prince Chen, then when Baili Chen returns in the future, there will be no reason to grant him another princely title. At that time, Baili Chen will have the title of prince but not the power of a prince, and will have lost his eligibility to compete.
As for Baili Su, although he held the title of prince, he lacked the real power. He was merely a junior, and a grandson of Emperor Mingxian, who had four other princes. Baili Su had no chance of bypassing his uncles to inherit the throne, especially with his biological father, Baili Chen, present. Therefore, this action completely eliminated any possibility of the Chen Prince's Mansion vying for the throne and even incurred their hatred. Precisely because of Baili Su's unprecedented special status, he would be envied, resented, and hated by many. Still so young, the Empress might ultimately want to use him as a tool to kill Baili Su, thus ensuring a truly worry-free future. If the pursuit of Baili Chen continued, the Chen Prince's Mansion would truly be swept away by the tides of history, never to rise again.
Ouyang Yue smiled slightly and said, "How can this be? Su'er is still so young. How can he be worthy of the title of Prince Chen? This is really against the rules."
The Empress smiled gently and meaningfully, "Don't underestimate yourself. I find Su'er quite lovable. He's clever and quick-witted, and he's certainly capable of being a prince. I can't just watch the Chen Prince's Mansion decline like this. This is also my wish as his mother. Or do you think that my kind act is actually harming you, Seventh Prince's wife?!"
The Empress looked displeased, and the palace servants behind her also looked indignant at Ouyang Yue. With such a show of force, anyone else would probably be affected and feel the pressure. Ouyang Yue was naturally not among them, but she nodded obediently and said, "Your Majesty is so kind to the Prince Chen's mansion, how could I possibly refuse? I just feel that if Your Majesty submits a memorial in this way, it will break the rules and be bad for Your Majesty, so I have this concern."
The Empress smiled, a glint of light flashing in her eyes: "You are quite sensible. It's alright, it's only right that I take extra care of my own child."
Ouyang Yue sighed deeply, "It's just that the prince has only just sent him back, and he's already planning to bestow titles upon Su'er. It's really disheartening to hear about this. I'm afraid this will bring Su'er a lot of bad reputation."
"Oh, and what's your opinion?"
“I think we should wait ten days. By then, the mourning hall in the manor will already be set up. Let Su’er keep vigil for the next few days; that will comfort the Prince’s spirit in heaven. Then we can hold the investiture and funeral together.” As she said this, a hint of sadness flashed in Ouyang Yue’s eyes, her tone filled with helplessness and sorrow. Looking at the Empress, she felt extremely pleased. “Alright, that’s what you say. I will submit a memorial later. You don’t need to worry about the rest. Go and set up the mourning hall. It’s too much of you to leave the body empty for the next few days.”
Ouyang Yue lowered her head, said a few words, and then turned and left.
The Empress watched Ouyang Yue leave, a cold smile appearing on her face. She frowned at the old nanny beside her and said, "Has the person been found?"
Granny An immediately replied, "Your Majesty, I heard that we found a clue, but just as we were about to make the arrest, Prince Chen escaped again. However, he and his subordinate were both seriously injured. Even if they didn't die at our hands, they certainly won't live much longer. We received several reports from below about the places where they disappeared. Following these directions, the two most likely possibilities are that one of them escaped into the woods and hid in some cave, and the other that they fell off a cliff. But no matter which one it is, their chances of survival are zero. We have already started a full-scale search. Rest assured, Your Majesty, they will definitely come back with two heads to report."
The Empress sneered, "As long as we drag this out long enough, even when Baili Chen returns, he will be powerless to reverse the situation. He is just a prince with no power and no right to compete. I have plenty of ways to make him wish he were dead. I will not let that little bastard Baili Su and Ouyang Yue get away with it."
The Empress suddenly felt a tightness in her chest and had difficulty breathing. After being tormented by Baili Su last time, she felt that something was wrong with her body and she had some aftereffects. Whenever she got slightly angry, she felt a sharp pain in her heart and couldn't breathe. She had consulted the imperial physician, who only said that it was due to her depression and that she would feel better if she let go of her anger. However, what the Empress hated most now was when Baili Su and Ouyang Yue would die. It was like a nightmare for her. How could she let go of her anger before that happened? So even if it was for her own sake, this plan had to be carried out. As long as the Chen Prince's Mansion was defeated and destroyed, she would naturally recover without any medicine.
The Empress's eyes flashed, revealing a sinister smile.
After returning to the Prince Chen's residence, Ouyang Yue first went around to the woodshed. The two strong men and the old woman inside bowed respectfully. Ouyang Yue turned around and sat down on a chair, looking at Meiju who was lying on the bed. She said to one of the old women, "Has everything been explained clearly?"
"Your Highness, what she said before should be true. But what's strange is that she's willing to say anything, but when asked about who was behind her, she stubbornly refuses to say anything. I've tried everything to be cool and collected, but it's completely useless."
Ouyang Yue looked at Meiju, who was huddled up with her back to her, and said calmly, "There's no need to ask anymore. Someone will naturally fall into the trap in ten days."
Meiju, who was facing away, suddenly stiffened. She turned around abruptly, her face showing a mixture of fear and complexity: "You... no..." Her words were laced with ambiguity, yet they clearly revealed her meaning.
Ouyang Yue looked at her slowly and said, "Miss Meiju, do you know how happy you are? Although your father is dead, he was wise enough to help you. If you had just lowered your stance a little, you would still be a rich young lady and could still marry into a good family. You are much happier than those who were forced to sell themselves into prostitution. But you chose to take revenge in this way. In the end, you will harm everyone around you."
"What do you mean!" Meiju suddenly exclaimed in surprise.
Ouyang Yue looked at her calmly: "Your arrest will be discovered sooner or later. Do you think your family and the person behind it will stay by then?"
Meiju looked bewildered: "I...I joined voluntarily, there was no reason, they had no reason, my family didn't know, they knew nothing."
Back then, Meiju's father only had her as his daughter. The mansion was still there, her mother was still there, and her ancestral and maternal grandparents' families were still there. If what Ouyang Yue said was true, then none of these people could be saved. Looking at Meiju's expression at this moment, Ouyang Yue sighed: "I can see that you are not a bad person by nature. It's a pity that one wrong step leads to another. Are you willing to tell me the real culprit now? Maybe I will help you then."
Mei Ju sneered, "Ouyang Yue, you don't need to use these tricks to deceive me anymore. I won't fall for it. If I told you, the first person you'd kill would be me. Do you think I'm that stupid!"
Ouyang Yue shook her head: "If you don't believe me, there's nothing I can do."
After saying this, she turned and left. The news that Ouyang Yue was going to set up a mourning hall in the mansion spread in an instant, and many people came to mourn. However, strangely, Ouyang Yue did not set up a memorial tablet. Everyone could only kneel and bow to the disfigured male corpse in a large coffin. However, it was obvious that compared with the first birthday banquet held in the Chen Prince's mansion for Baili Su, there were far fewer people attending this funeral. Some people just went through the motions and had their servants bring some funeral gifts, and that was it. They did not even come to see her in person. Ouyang Yue's expression was indifferent. She simply asked Chuncao and Dongxue to write down the names of the people who attended this time and make a list by comparing it with the list of the first birthday banquet last time. She would never show her face for the people on this list in the future, no matter what the matter was in the mansion.
Of course, among these people, there were also those who came to mock and ridicule Ouyang Yue, such as Jiang Xuan and Ning Xishan.
Ouyang Yue, dressed in a plain white robe with faint silver floral embroidery on the collar and cuffs, without any hair ornaments, sat there, yet she was as stunning as a pure white begonia, overshadowing everyone else. Jiang Xuan and Ning Xishan approached one after the other and saw this scene. A dark and ruthless glint flashed in Jiang Xuan's eyes as she stepped forward and said with a light smile, "Please accept our condolences, Prince Chen's Mansion. Now that Prince Chen has passed away, you still need to think about the young prince. If you were to grieve too much and follow him, wouldn't the young prince be even more pitiful? It's uncertain whether he will be able to grow up peacefully."
Which eye of hers saw that Ouyang Yue was too heartbroken? Her imagination was incredibly vivid. Anyone with a brain could tell that Jiang Xuan's words clearly implied a curse that Ouyang Yue and Baili Su would also die young, just like Baili Chen.
Ouyang Yue glanced at Jiang Xuan indifferently: "So it's Princess Jiang Xuan. It seems that Princess Jiang Xuan is harboring resentment. There's nothing we can do about it. The imperial decrees from both countries have been issued. Once the Emperor has spoken, he cannot be changed. Your marriage to the Second Young Master Sun will take place on the third day of the funeral. I think there shouldn't be any problems. Princess Jiang Xuan doesn't need to worry about being unhappy after entering the Sun family. The Second Young Master Sun is not that kind of person."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuan's face stiffened, and she said angrily, "What do you mean by that? How dare you curse this princess?"
Ouyang Yue said calmly, "What is Princess Jiang Xuan saying? I don't understand at all. I am just stating the facts. Where did this curse come from? Princess Jiang Xuan has misunderstood. What I meant was that I was worried. However, with Princess Jiang Xuan's talent and beauty, even if she has some impure flaws, Young Master Sun wouldn't care. Princess Jiang Xuan doesn't need to worry!"
"You deserve to die!" Upon hearing what happened at the inn, Jiang Xuan felt as if her tail had been stepped on. The humiliation of being violated by a thug and the way people pointed at her, mocked and cursed her kept replaying in her mind. She was filled with hatred and reached out to strike Ouyang Yue.
"Slap!" Ouyang Yue frowned and slapped Jiang Xuan's hand away. "Princess Jiang Xuan, if you are sincere in coming to pay your respects, I welcome you. But if anyone dares to cause trouble here, don't blame me for being impolite. Now I have nothing to fear. At worst, you die and I die too. Do you dare to compete with me for the first spot to die?"
"Bang!" With that, Ouyang Yue grabbed the teacup on the ground and slammed it hard against Jiang Xuan's legs.
"Ah!" Jiang Xuan felt a sharp pain in her foot. Ouyang Yue actually dared to hit her foot in front of everyone!
Jiang Xuan was filled with resentment, yet she felt the gazes around her burning. Those who had come to the Chen Prince's residence today were not directly involved in any conflict with the Chen Prince's family, some even having a good relationship with them. They were all displeased with Jiang Xuan's actions of adding fuel to the fire, their eyes filled with disapproval and a hint of anger. Jiang Xuan's anger flared instantly. She gritted her teeth and glared at Ouyang Yue, sneering, "I understand the Chen Prince's wife's pain at losing her husband, but you don't need to be so radical. I only meant well, but you've taken my kindness for granted. It's truly hurtful. However, considering your recent grief, I won't hold it against you. But if you disrespect me again, don't blame me for being impolite."
As Jiang Xuan spoke, she clicked her tongue and looked at Bai Ling in the mourning hall. Her expression made it very clear that there was no male master in the palace anymore. As for Ouyang Yue, a woman, she wanted to fight against a princess of a country. In the end, she would only lose.
Ouyang Yue's lips curled into a faint smile, a smile that was both ambiguous and chilling: "Then Princess Jiang Xuan is too kind. I don't know if I'm normal or not right now. I might do something that defies common sense at any time. I don't even know myself. I hope Princess Jiang Xuan will be magnanimous and not hold it against me then."
Jiang Xuan sneered and turned to sit down. The funeral continued. It was originally scheduled for three days, but Ouyang Yue extended it to ten days. The funeral would end after Baili Su was granted the title of king in ten days, allowing Baili Chen to be laid to rest. However, Ouyang Yue and Baili Su would no longer need to guard the funeral after seven days, which would also be the time to prepare for Baili Su's appointment as Prince Chen.
On the tenth day, Ouyang Yue, dressed in a simple white embroidered dress with subtle floral patterns, walked through the palace hand in hand with Baili Su, who wore a white dress with silver embroidery and a white jade crown. Behind them were a group of servants from the Chen Prince's mansion. Not far behind Ouyang Yue, a woman in light-colored, alluring clothing followed closely behind. Many people were familiar with Ouyang Yue and Baili Su, but they were very curious about this woman. Who was she?
The Emperor Mingxian had only announced the bestowal of the title of Prince Chen upon Baili Su five days prior. After today, he would officially be known as Prince Chen, the youngest prince in history. Prior to this, all major bestowals, especially those presided over by the Emperor and Empress, required a banquet in which officials knelt and paid their respects. Today was no exception; a banquet was held before the official conferment. Because this was a special-rank prince conferment, unlike the previous instances where Emperor Mingxian directly promoted all his sons to princely rank without a banquet, this time not only was a banquet held, but it was also a grand affair. All sons of officials with seven or more members residing in the capital or neighboring cities were required to attend and pay their respects, demonstrating the Emperor Mingxian's high regard for Baili Su.
Many people know that Emperor Mingxian doted on Baili Su, but many also know that Emperor Mingxian couldn't simply elevate Baili Su to the throne in the face of reason, law, and rules. Doing so would not only provoke a backlash from all the princes, but the court officials would also be unwilling to entrust the Great Zhou Dynasty to such a young child. By bestowing the throne upon Baili Su, Emperor Mingxian would have no chance of becoming emperor. In this sense, Emperor Mingxian's high-profile banquet for him could be considered compensation, which didn't cause any dissatisfaction among others. This is what is meant by having advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, whether this child could even grow up smoothly was a question, so why bother with a dying man?
After hearing of Baili Chen's death, the Empress Dowager became bedridden and would not attend the enthronement banquet. The Emperor and Empress arrived last, so the banquet had not yet begun when everyone arrived. They simply gathered in twos and threes to chat, and when they saw Ouyang Yue, they bowed and smiled, but most of them stood at a distance and watched without saying a word.
"What a cold and heartless world! At the last banquet, they all scrambled to get close to me. They're such despicable people," Li Rushuang said angrily, somewhat displeased.
This is reality. Seeing that the Chen Prince's Mansion is about to fall, these people are all trying to maintain their relationship with it. After all, the Chen Prince's Mansion used to be so glorious, and they have offended countless people in the process. These people have all chosen to protect themselves.
"There's nothing we can do about it; it's human nature. But it's really unsettling to see. The Li family's lady and young lady used to visit the General's mansion often. I found them to be remarkably insightful people. But now, when we meet, they just smile and don't exchange any other words," Liu said with a sigh.
These people were afraid of being implicated with the Prince Chen's mansion, so even those who were on good terms with the Prince Chen's mansion had less contact with them, and they were all resented by others. Not only the General's mansion, but also the Minister of War's mansion was in the same situation.
Ouyang Yue was quite frank about it: "You should thank them. It's a good thing that they let you see their true nature at this time. It's better than them stabbing you in the back in the future and you only then realize that sincerity and falsehood are not the same."
Liu sneered: "That's right, we should naturally have less contact with people like that."
"How is my sister-in-law?" A soft voice rang out. Ouyang Yue turned her head and saw that it was Baili Nan walking towards her. Baili Nan was dressed rather simply today. Her light blue long robe made her look quiet and noble. However, there was a hint of worry in her eyes when she looked at Ouyang Yue, which she quickly concealed.
"It's nothing, thank you for your concern, Princess Nan."
Baili Nan stared at Ouyang Yue for a moment, noticing her composure, and felt a pang of anxiety. Why did she feel that Ouyang Yue wasn't sad at all? Did her cousin's death not matter to her? Baili Nan felt a little unhappy, but looked down at Baili Su, who was staring at her with big, bright eyes: "Su'er, you must be good in the future and grow up quickly to support the Chen Prince's Mansion."
Baili Su blinked, nodding as if somewhat bewildered. Baili Nan glanced at Ouyang Yue again, his eyes narrowing. "You'd better watch yourself." He turned and left, his tone tinged with displeasure.
Li Rushuang asked in confusion, "What's wrong with Princess Nan? She took the initiative to talk to you, but then she stormed off in a huff."
Ouyang Yue smiled faintly: "She is indeed a person of strong character."
Li Rushuang frowned, while Liu looked thoughtfully at Ouyang Yue and Baili Nan. Her heart skipped a beat at the conjecture in her mind. Only if it were true would she be at ease.
Because there was no precedent in the history of the Great Zhou Dynasty for a child as young as Baili Su, who was only two or three years old, to be granted the title of king, the bestowal of the title was held in a very grand manner in order to save face for Baili Su. Everything was done according to the standards of a banquet held in the imperial palace. After everyone entered the banquet hall, the first thing they did was not to receive the title, but to watch the performances, in order to liven up the atmosphere.
Ouyang Yue and Baili Su sat in the seats of honor, with Princess Shuangxia sitting next to them. Princess Shuangxia usually avoided palace banquets if she could, but today she had to be there. She and Ouyang Yue sat on the left and right, with Baili Su sitting in the middle, giving the impression of protecting her. Baili Su sat there quietly and calmly watching the program.
"Was what you said before true?" Princess Shuangxia couldn't help but ask.
As Ouyang Yue watched the musical performance, the beautiful sounds of bamboo pipes and strings intertwining brought a sense of peace, but a slight smile played on her lips: "There are just too many suspicious points in this matter. I'd rather trust my intuition."
Princess Shuangxia's temples were already turning white, but her face was still very healthy: "If that's the case, then the matter of Baiyun Temple has been lost without a trace because of Chen'er's disappearance." The Empress Dowager had been in close contact with Baiyun Temple for many years, but the clues were cut off when Baili Chen left. Since Master Lingyun had come out of seclusion, the supply of elixirs could be replenished, and Emperor Mingxian could not send anyone to investigate. Otherwise, wouldn't it be an open invitation to others that he suspected the Empress Dowager? This would be an extremely unfilial act.