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?"
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 159
</script> Anti-theft chapter: Third Miss...Prince Cheng's heir...Is there something shady going on?
Mingwei's heart skipped a beat, and she felt extremely depressed and uneasy.
How did Mingrong and Ronghao end up together? And Mingrong should be at the Marquis of Chengping's residence, so why is she visiting the Duke of Ying's residence?
The second wife is now "resting quietly" on her country estate. Out of consideration for her being the biological mother of Mingjue and his brother, she won't be mistreated, but she will no longer have the prestige of being the second wife of the Marquis of Chengping. However, the second wife is no longer of any use to the Duke of Ying's mansion. Would the first wife of the Duke of Ying's mansion still show special favor to the second wife's illegitimate daughter?
This is so strange!
Mingwei's brows furrowed tightly, and her expression was rather unpleasant.