Chapter 418 - 410: The Solution
Mrs. Zhou Sr. was furious, and everyone in the Zhou Mansion was present.
"Our family must step forward in this matter. Dingyuan Marquis’s anger is natural, but we can’t just let it go like this. I think it’s best if Mother brings some gifts to visit the mansion tomorrow," Mr. Zhou suggested.
Mrs. Zhou Sr. nodded, "Apart from this approach, there isn’t much else we can do. But this time, we’ve thoroughly offended Dingyuan Marquis. Her Highness’s temper has grown increasingly volatile, and her demeanor more imposing. Even my advice now yields no results. It’s no surprise the Eldest Prince acts so recklessly; you should counsel him more. Though the Holy Emperor is aging, he’s not confused. Despite his favor for Her Highness and the Eldest Prince, he still hasn’t mentioned deposing the Crown Prince. You must remain vigilant."
Mr. Zhou nodded, "I’m aware of this matter, Mother, don’t worry. But as for the Eldest Prince and Dingyuan Marquis, their relationship may be beyond repair. A few days ago, the Eldest Prince wounded one of Dingyuan Marquis’s servants at the manor. After I learned of the incident, I did reprimand the Eldest Prince, but he clearly didn’t pay it any mind. Dingyuan Marquis is a trusted confidant of the Holy Emperor. Even if Dingyuan Marquis says nothing to the Holy Emperor, merely not praising the Eldest Prince would make the Emperor understand there’s more to it."
Upon hearing her son’s words, Mrs. Zhou Sr. widened her eyes, "Is what you said true? Did the Eldest Prince actually do this?"
Seeing her son’s heavy expression as he nodded, Mrs. Zhou Sr. struck the tea table with her hand, "Foolish, the Eldest Prince is truly foolish. If you can’t win over someone like Dingyuan Marquis, you certainly shouldn’t offend him so blatantly. Why would he do such a thing? And then there’s the matter of Prince Shou, which I’ve already said should be dropped if there’s no result. I fear it’s a trap, merely a trial from the Holy Emperor for the Eldest Prince. I’ve advised you not to cling to this matter, yet you persisted. Now, having offended Dingyuan Marquis, the Emperor is likely already watching your actions closely."
Mr. Zhou remained silent. As the Holy Emperor’s health declined, despite no intention to depose the Crown Prince, even Mr. Zhou himself found it hard to hold his composure amid it all.
Now, with such opportunities presenting themselves, even if they are false, they had to be tested.
"As for future matters concerning Yuanhua, she should be kept away from household affairs. Her Highness returned to the mansion today, and so much has occurred. Mother, you saw what happened. Allowing Yuanhua to continue causing trouble could lead to unforeseen disasters. For an insignificant man, she has obstructed the Eldest Prince’s path. You must consider carefully which matters are truly important."
"I’ve already sensed today’s incident was amiss. You needn’t say more; I know how to handle this," Mrs. Zhou Sr. was indeed more discerning than her son.
The Zhou Mansion conferred on handling matters and dispersed early. Over at East Mansion, Mrs. Gu Sr. had received word, and after hearing Sister Ning was distressed, she hurried to East Mansion.
After the old doctor checked the pulse and prescribed the fetus-preserving medicine, Mrs. Gu Sr. waited for Sister Ning to sleep before summoning Shanmoi and Hailan for questioning. Upon hearing the details, Mrs. Gu Sr. was so angered that she slapped the tea table.
"This is truly outrageous! Is there such a thing as bullying people like this? Tomorrow, I must enter the palace and ask the Holy Emperor to uphold justice. Such treatment of loyal subjects’ descendants by the Royal Family is unacceptable!" Mrs. Gu Sr.’s words hit the mark.
Why was Sister Ning bearing such responsibilities alone? Because her family perished on the battlefield long ago.
For the descendant of such loyal subjects to be humiliated by Consort Zhou, labeled cunning and seductive, with even the noble families’ madams present. Though they knew Consort Zhou was being unreasonable, none spoke up.
"I was cautious of their tricks when at the Zhou Mansion, but I hadn’t expected to fall for their trap," Mrs. Liu Sr. spoke with a displeased expression.
"You can’t be blamed. Who could have foreseen they’d resort to such tactics? It’s a laughing matter now. Even if we say nothing, the Zhou Mansion’s conduct today ensures they’ll earn no good reputation in the Capital," Mrs. Gu Sr. shook her head.
Inside, there was regret. The Zhou Mansion was once famous; however, because of a daughter entering the palace, the years of building alliances led to the decline of its renown.
Speaking of this, Mrs. Liu Sr. recalled something heard in the Zhou Mansion, uncertain if she should mention it.
After considering, she decided it was best not to involve herself in the Gu Mansion’s affairs. Sister Ning’s health was poor, and when Mrs. Dong in the Zhou Mansion intervened, despite speaking truthfully, she sided against the Gu Mansion.
Knowing Mrs. Gu Sr.’s temperament, Mrs. Liu Sr. knew the matter wouldn’t be let go. Thus, she chose to remain silent about what she had heard.
Gu Yifeng had just received Chancellor Liu and his son. After hearing of Sister Ning’s troubles at the Zhou Mansion, they came directly from the government office.
After listening to what happened, Chancellor Liu, unlike Mrs. Liu Sr., was not angry. "This incident was timely. The Holy Emperor will certainly notice everything. Should the Eldest Prince and others cause more trouble, I suspect the Emperor won’t remain silent."
Gu Yifeng nodded. He also felt the Emperor was waiting for the Eldest Prince to make his own mistakes. As for when the Eldest Prince might fall, it depended on how much trouble he could cause.
Although Sister Ning suffered injustice, fortunately, her health was not at risk. After taking some medicine, she rested. But Gu Yifeng couldn’t let her grievance slide.
He couldn’t reason with Mrs. Dong, seeing her beyond remedy, yet a conversation with Princess Yuanhua and Gu Er was unavoidable.
Though Mrs. Liu Sr. remained silent, Mrs. Dong already knew. She couldn’t believe her ears as she looked at Jingfu, "Did you say it was Sister Jian seducing Side?"
Mrs. Dong was sure she misheard. With Sister Jian’s timid nature, how could she possibly do such a thing?