Bizhu remained silent, her neck stiff, clearly indicating that Mingwei had voiced her thoughts. She even felt she was helping Rong Zhen, who had been biding his time, and now Mingwei's sudden marriage to the Crown Prince was of unclear intentions. She didn't know what kind of person Mingwei was; what if she used Rong Zhen's favor to ruin his plans? Wouldn't she regret it then?
"Do you know that since I married the Crown Prince, we are bound together by fate, for better or for worse?" Mingwei's gaze was calm, yet exceptionally serious. "My marriage was bestowed by the Emperor, so it naturally represents his judgment. Now that a reputation for jealousy has spread, are you trying to pin the blame for misjudging people on the Emperor?"
"You who have served in the Eastern Palace for so long know better than I what the Crown Prince's situation is! If we really make a scene before the Emperor, will the Crown Prince gain any respect? Will the Emperor value him even a little more?"
Her voice was soft, but every word struck their hearts.
"I will not punish you for now; you'd better watch yourself."
Before Bizhu and Biyun could even breathe a sigh of relief, footsteps were heard, and a moment later the ginger-yellow brocade curtain on the door was lifted, revealing a handsome face.
Rong Zhen, dressed in a bright yellow court robe, stood at the door with an icy expression.
******
Qingliang Hall.
After leaving the council hall, Rong Zhen was immediately led to a side hall of the Qingliang Palace.
Rong Hao and the others who were traveling with him were secretly gloating. They all had their own ways of finding out what Rong Duo wanted to ask Rong Zhen.
"Grandson greets His Majesty the Emperor!"
Rong Zhen knelt down and bowed swiftly, his expression calm and his voice clear. The bright yellow imperial robes embroidered with dragons did not make him appear imposing at all; instead, they made him look even more gentle and elegant.
However, Rong Duo, sitting high on the dragon throne, looked at his sixteen-year-old grandson with a complicated expression.
After a long silence, Rong Duo slowly spoke, "Do you know why I summoned you here today?"
Rong Zhen already knew what was going on. Rong Duo didn't tell him to get up, so he remained in the bowing posture and respectfully replied, "Grandson knows. It's because someone has been spreading rumors recently that the Crown Princess Ming is jealous."
"It's good that you know." Rong Duo's attitude was slightly cold, and he said with a hint of reproach in his tone, "Such rumors are really damaging to the reputation of the royal family."
Rong Zhen's attitude became increasingly docile, and he hurriedly replied, "It is your unfilial grandson who has troubled His Majesty with such a trivial matter. Your grandson will certainly resolve this matter as soon as possible!"
Looking at Rong Zhen, whose gentle nature bordered on weakness, Rong Duo's eyes flickered slightly. He sighed almost imperceptibly and said calmly, "Tell me the truth, what do you think of the Crown Prince Consort I chose for you?"
"The Crown Prince's wife is virtuous, gentle, and chaste. It is my good fortune to marry Ming Shi." Unable to fathom Rong Duo's thoughts, Rong Zhen could only give a proper and conventional answer.
Rong Duo remained silent and did not speak.
Chapter 94
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The short candles in the palace lanterns in the corner burned quietly, occasionally flashing a few sparks, and the bedroom was completely silent.
The flickering candlelight grew louder, and the servants were all dismissed. Mingwei stopped what she was doing, took the silver scissors, and began to trim the wicks of the lamp herself.
Rong Zhen's gaze followed Ming Wei's movements. The warm orange light shone on Ming Wei's profile, making her already fair face appear even more radiant. Her movements were elegant and graceful, like a pleasing painting, instantly captivating to the eye.
Noticing Rong Zhen's gaze, Mingwei did not lower her head shyly, but instead smiled slightly, revealing a charming demeanor.
"Thump, thump," Rong Zhen seemed to hear his own heartbeat in that instant.
Rong Zhen savored that smile, pondered for a long time, and then slowly spoke. "Something has happened outside." He carefully chose his words to explain, "Prince Cheng's doubts about me have not been completely dispelled."
Something really happened!
Mingwei's heart tightened; she had a bad feeling. But her expression remained calm and composed. She put down the silver scissors in her hand and gracefully sat down in the rosewood armchair next to Rong Zhen. She turned her head slightly, looking at Rong Zhen with gentle eyes, appearing to be listening attentively.
“My private businesses, the one in the west of the city, have run into some problems.” Rong Zhen’s tone was indifferent, but Ming Wei could easily discern the subtle annoyance in it.
Even if Rong Zhen is mature for his age, he is only sixteen years old and is still a child.
Mingwei's heart softened immediately, and she asked softly, "Is it that silk shop? The one that's famous for its Shu brocade, it's one of the best in the capital."
Before she could finish speaking, Rong Zhen's expression revealed a hint of surprise and delight. Ming Wei remembered so clearly—did this mean she truly cared about him? Did he hold a place in her heart as well?
Upon realizing this, Rong Zhen's previous displeasure vanished instantly. He said cheerfully, "Exactly."
Mingwei had no idea about Rong Zhen's complicated thoughts. However, she was somewhat relieved to hear that although his voice was not loud, it had returned to its usual clear and bright tone.
“The reason why the Shu brocade from the silk shop is somewhat famous is because they have someone in Shu Prefecture who is in charge of purchasing it. They select the best regardless of cost, yet the price is not high.” Rong Zhen’s eyes flickered slightly as he spoke softly. “In Shu Prefecture… they also do some other businesses on the side.”
These two seemingly disjointed sentences immediately put Mingwei on alert.
Buying Shu brocade at a high price but selling it at a low price might be understandable for a newly opened silk shop trying to build its reputation. However, in the long run, it would be a losing proposition. As far as Mingwei knew, the silk shop in the west of the city had been open for over three years and couldn't possibly still be operating at a loss.
Rong Zhen just mentioned that there are other deals...
Mingwei racked her brains trying to recall the local products of Shuzhou, trying to figure out which ones were valuable and worth doing business with. Suddenly, an idea flashed into her mind.
"Your Highness, is the salt they're dealing in smuggled salt?" Mingwei stared intently at Rong Zhen, her eyes wide.
Rong Zhen was stunned.
He knew Mingwei was intelligent, but he didn't expect her to grasp the key points so quickly and keenly.
“That’s right.” Rong Zhen didn’t know whether to be happy or worried. His eyes were complicated as he said softly, “This is the main source of profit for the silk shop.”
That makes sense, Mingwei nodded to herself. Since ancient times, the profits from smuggled salt have been enormous, and salt is a necessity for everyone from farmers to wealthy families. Getting involved in this trade is a sure-fire way to make money. However, the risks are also extremely high; being discovered is no laughing matter.
Wait a minute—Mingwei's heart skipped a beat, and she had a bad feeling.
Rong Zhen just mentioned some business problems. Could it be that Prince Cheng and the others found out about his smuggling of salt? Rong Zhen's position as heir has long been coveted by the three princes. While it wouldn't have been a problem for Rong Zhen to have some private businesses, illegal transactions, once discovered by Prince Cheng and the others, would be dealt with severely!