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's probably true. 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?"
Consort Shu was not ashamed at all that the other protagonist was her grandson.
“You should also discuss with the Princess Consort about finding a suitable marriage for the young master,” Lian Zhu advised from the side. “Now that Prince Yu has an heir, who knows if the Emperor might change his mind again.”
Consort Shu felt equally anxious.
Lian Zhu's words struck a chord with her. Rong Zhen was gentle by nature, and as the Crown Prince, he had neither made any significant contributions nor committed any major offenses. Yet, someone who bore a striking resemblance to Tang Wan had become his principal wife…
The older people get, the more easily they become nostalgic. Consort Shu recalled that since Mingwei married into the royal family, Rong Duo had been visiting Qionghua Palace more often. It felt like a thorn had been planted in her heart.
She had a hard time getting to where she is now, and it was only with great difficulty that her son finally had a chance to ascend the throne!
Consort Shu slowly lowered her eyelids.
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Chapter 147
An Ran took the handkerchief thoughtfully and left. Liu Niang personally saw her off at the courtyard gate.
"Sixth Sister, please wait a moment." An Ran said goodbye to Sixth Sister with a smile.
She went to Ningxue Courtyard to find Third Sister, while Sixth Sister watched her departing figure, smiled gently, and then returned to her room to concentrate on embroidering her dowry.
I don't know how things are going on with Seven Sister, but in any case, it has nothing to do with me anymore.
******
Lu Mingxiu sensed something was wrong when he heard the servant's somewhat evasive look when he offered to lead the way.
He suddenly recalled the time he came to the Marquis of Nan'an's mansion with Chu Tianze to propose marriage. Someone had led him to a secluded courtyard, and suddenly another person appeared, deliberately spouting cryptic nonsense to slander Jiu Niang. Was that person An Ran's sixth sister?
Just now, he had intended to ask An Ran a question. Although he wasn't very familiar with the roads around the Marquis of Nan'an's residence, he had a vague impression of them. Did she really think that after all the winding paths, he had lost his sense of direction?
However, Lu Mingxiu did not expose him. He wanted to see what others were plotting after An Ran had already gotten married.
Therefore, before leaving, he gave Songyan a word of advice and then left with the servant.