Struggle for power and profit
Meanwhile, in Chang'an, late autumn was bleak, with the locust tree leaves on the streets turning yellow and long bean pods hanging from the branches.
Princess Chaoyang's pregnancy was progressing, and she rarely appeared in court. After court, the emperor's tutor would often relay her messages.
"Why hasn't Ah Xu returned yet?" Chaoyang lay on the couch, with her husband, Chu Shize, attending to her attentively.
Fu Mingguang was unsurprised by this and said coldly, "I don't know, even Sui He doesn't worry about this much."
"Oh, how do you know the head of the Sui family doesn't care? Did you go and ask him?"
Chaoyang's eyes were full of mockery, but Fu Mingguang's gaze was cold, and he wasn't buying it. "Can't you understand good and bad words? I'm clearly saying you're overstepping your bounds. No wonder you're considered stupid for three years after pregnancy."
Chu Shize kindly advised, "Both the princess and the imperial tutor are concerned about Lady Sui. Why don't I go and ask Prime Minister Cong, so that they won't worry?"
Fu Mingguang snorted coldly, "No need. I don't care about her at all."
“This…” He turned around and looked at Chaoyang questioningly. Chaoyang waved for him to leave, and he silently retreated.
"What's wrong with you now? Why are you taking your temper out on my husband?" Chaoyang raised an eyebrow at her.
"It's nothing. As you know in the court, His Majesty has ordered the Imperial Household Department to arrange marriages for various families one after another. However, the Prince of Xun and the Prince of Wei's heir are quite resentful."
"The Lu family has fallen. His Majesty, mindful of the deep bond of blood, did not punish Xun Wang and arranged for the wife of the Minister of Ceremonies to marry him. He has no allies in the court and is no longer a threat. However, the heir of the Prince of Wei is arrogant and domineering, causing many troubles in Chang'an. The Prince of Wei has not made a statement, which has caused much discussion in the court and among the people."
"The Prince of Wei is stationed in the northern part of Youzhou, and his military power is very significant. You mean..."
Chaoyang became cautious, but Fu Mingguang shook his head. "It's hard to say. Prince Wei has been peaceful for many years and even sent his heir to the capital. Now the court is more inclined to believe other versions of the story. However, Conglan has received other information. Prince Xuanping is currently in a Miao village in the mountains of Qianzhou."
“He actually left Chang’an without permission! No wonder I haven’t heard of him attending poetry gatherings recently.” Chaoyang stood up slightly and said, supporting his waist with one hand.
Sima Xian has always been very self-aware, and in recent years he has never directly interfered in matters concerning himself.
"Your Majesty's thoughts are beyond my comprehension."
A few days ago, the court was filled with noise and commotion, with everyone thinking that the Emperor was going to take his nephew's concubine. However, the Emperor then bestowed the title of County Princess upon Xi Yuzhen, and the marriage was called off.
"However, the actress's appearance is somewhat similar to that of Empress Wenzhao."
"The Imperial Concubine?" Chaoyang murmured.
"Father visited the palace maid Tao Ning a while ago, and she died suddenly not long after. Could it be that Father suspects... No, the age of the opera singer doesn't match. Speaking of which, I haven't seen what the opera singer looks like yet. I was too busy with those little rascals, Awan, at the birthday banquet. I'll take a good look at her another day."
Fu Mingguang glanced at her belly. "Don't rush, wait a few more months. Xi Niangzi used to frequent the Xuanping Prince's mansion, and it was even the Xuanping Prince who took them in when Xi Yushao first came to the capital for the imperial examination. So many people are eyeing your belly. You can't dodge open attacks or guard against hidden arrows, so you should be more careful."
"Xi Yushao?"
Fu Mingguang shook his head. The news from the court was that Xi Yuzhen's whereabouts were unknown. Xi Yuzhen had cried and made a scene, and the emperor used this as an excuse to bestow upon her the title of county princess. After all, Xi Yushao was ostensibly there to rescue Jingzhou from the great calamity, and Xi Yuzhen, as his sister, was his only relative. The honor after her death should be bestowed upon her.
Compared to Xi Yuzhen, Fu Mingguang had heard another rumor circulating: Xi Yuzhen looked remarkably like Lu Kou, Sima Xian's niece, especially if you counted the dates. A dark glint flashed in Fu Mingguang's eyes, his gaze becoming inscrutable.
"I need to discuss something with Cong Lan. You should focus on your pregnancy and be careful around the people in the palace. Perhaps you should take some rest..."
Chaoyang's eyes flickered. She was in charge of the imperial seals for the harem, and aside from the fact that the few remaining concubines in the harem were as detached as chrysanthemums and rarely left their rooms, Chaoyang's interactions with them were limited to public matters. Naturally, she couldn't entrust them with the task; the only remaining option was the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager was wise and resourceful, and being her own grandmother, she would naturally not harm her. The Imperial Tutor truly excluded all potential husbands.
Chaoyang chuckled, "I'll think about it carefully."
The Chu family is loyal and devoted, and she and Chu Shize have been married for many years. He doesn't have the guts; it wouldn't do him any good. Someone as smart as him should know how to calculate things.
However, as Fu Mingguang's teacher, she would take his words to heart. Since he had finally said something so gentle, she had to listen to it.
Fu Mingguang bid farewell to Chaoyang, and coincidentally encountered Cui Wan and Chu Shiguan, who were paying their respects to Chaoyang, bickering outside the Chaoyang Palace gate.
"Greetings, Imperial Tutor."
"No need for formalities."
Lost in thought, Cui Wan unconsciously fiddled with her handkerchief. Seeing Fu Mingguang about to leave, she quickly called out, "Imperial Tutor! Please wait a moment."
Fu Mingguang stopped and turned to look at her. "Is there something you need?"
Cui Wan's throat bobbed. Fu Mingguang had held a high position for many years, exuding a strong sense of oppression. In addition, her tall stature made her look down at Cui Wan very intimidating.
"I..." Cui Wan gripped Chu Shiguan tightly and said, "This humble woman would like to ask the Imperial Tutor if he has any news about the young master?"
"Xi Yushao? You like him?" Fu Mingguang remembered that she was the wife by Sui Zhixu's side. Seeing her blushing face, he kindly advised, "He is not dead, but it is uncertain after a while. Their positions are different. Young lady, you should put your mind at ease. The Cui family cannot afford to take on this responsibility."
After Fu Mingguang finished speaking, he left. Chu Shiguan finally shouted, "Cui Wan, why are you pinching me instead of yourself? Are you crazy?! Oh my god, it really hurts. Look where you're pinching me. Why are you pinching my kidney? It's definitely going to turn red."
Chu Shiguan occasionally let out painful gasps, rubbing his lower back as he said, "Grandmother saw that you were so stubborn that she even cast a divination, and it was an ominous sign! A very ominous sign! But you just wouldn't listen. I don't know what kind of bewitching potion he used on you."
"Shut up, you just saw that Ah Xu couldn't walk the right path."
"Can I be like you? My wife is brave and resourceful, and she treats us kindly. She solved the whole Jingzhou matter. Anyway, I didn't see Xi Yushao doing anything. My sweetheart is not even in the same league as you."
"Stop spouting nonsense, or I'll skin you alive."
"Hehehe~"
Cui Wan was hesitant because it was outside Chaoyang Palace; otherwise, she definitely wouldn't have kicked Chu Shiguan outside the moat!
She felt an itch to try, but before she knew it, Pei Qinglian appeared behind her and grabbed her by the collar. "Outside the princess's palace, you must not be so presumptuous."
"Ah Lian, why did you come without saying a word? Why did you sneak over here?"
Seeing her looking around and peeking, Pei Qinglian snorted, "I don't want you to spend your days riding around the Imperial Street in a carefree manner, doing whatever I'm told to do. This time, I'm here on the Empress Dowager's orders to deliver some tonics to the princess."
Cui Wan glanced at the few palace maids beside her, pouted, and followed Pei Qinglian into the hall, occasionally whispering in her ear.
“I heard from Ayan that someone in the palace fell into the water a while ago and was framed against you.”
Pei Qinglian said indifferently, "It's a trivial matter. The Yeting Palace will handle it in less than two days. Only Pei Qingzhuo is so talkative and keeps nagging. By the time you find out, it will be too late."
"What? They're clearly just concerned about you. Being a palace lady isn't easy, and I'm worried something might happen to you. Besides, Sanlang only talks to Ayan a few words. He's usually a quiet guy. Why are you belittling your brother like that?"
"Yes, thank you for your concern. I'll be very grateful if you take good care of yourself."
As for Pei Qingzhuo, Pei Qinglian raised an eyebrow, "The Court of Imperial Sacrifices is busy with the Northern Suburbs Sacrifice for the Beginning of Winter, yet he still has time to go and see Ayan. I think he's still not busy enough."
Cui Wan smiled awkwardly. Pei Qingzhu rushed over to see Ning Yan, chatted for an hour, and then rushed back. He was indeed very busy.
Lady Xie, the wife of the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, will soon be looking for the Princess Consort. Her father said that the Emperor intends to transfer the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices to another position. With the transfer of positions in the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Pei Qingzhuo is also preparing for a promotion. How busy is he?
These siblings, one in the palace and the other in the imperial court, are both incredibly dedicated.
As Fu Mingguang walked out of the palace gate, a thought flashed through her mind. She then rubbed her forehead, realizing she had really lost her mind. She should be mobilizing people to investigate Empress Wenzhao and keeping an eye on the restless officials in the court, instead of getting carried away and meddling in the affairs of the Suihe family.
Who Xu's lover is has nothing to do with her, and whether he has a relationship with Prince Xuanping or not is none of Sui He and Cong Lan's business.
She should return to the residence to handle official business.
Fu Mingguang stormed past the Prime Minister's residence, lifted the carriage curtain and glanced at the empty gate. Only two stone pillars stood facing her.
"Go! Let's go now!"
The coachman responded, cracked his whip, and the carriage drove further and further away.
Someone was wailing in the Prime Minister's residence, and Xun Wang desperately clung to Cong Lan's leg.
Cong Lan's lips twitched as he tugged at his trouser leg. He had never seen a prince like this before. Back then, when various families vied for power, each one was exceptionally talented, and countless bloody battles had taken place.
As brothers, why does the youngest act like this? Could it be because of the Lu family's纨绔 (spoiled brat) nature? I heard that Xun Wang is also quite unruly in Xuzhou.
“Please get up first…” Cong Lan grabbed Xun Wang’s hand tightly, stopping him from pulling him any further.
"No, Prime Minister, you must stand up for me! I can't marry a tigress! I just wanted Zhenniang to be my concubine, how did she become a county princess? Prime Minister, I know you are the Emperor's favorite, please put in a good word for me."
Cong Lan's head was about to explode. "It's not that I don't want to help, but Lady Xi is the Princess of Jiacheng, personally appointed by His Majesty. She really can no longer be your concubine."
The principal wife is the daughter of a third-rank official, so how can a concubine be a county princess? Even if she is a county princess from a different clan, the imperial family would not agree, and the emperor would certainly not agree. He had just conferred the title of county princess, and now his long-lost brother was crying and begging her to become a concubine. Isn't this a slap in the face to the emperor?
Cong Lan's smile was about to burst out; how did she end up looking for him?
"Instead of seeking the king, you should go directly to the palace to see His Majesty. No matter how much His Majesty favors the Prime Minister, he cannot interfere in the affairs of the royal family." Sui He appeared before them, raising his eyes to glance indifferently at Cong Lan.
"Indeed! This is a matter of the royal family, and I dare not overstep my bounds."
Taking advantage of Xun Wang's momentary daze, Cong Lan ripped the robe out of his hand and hid behind Sui He.
He whispered, "My wife, you've finally arrived."
"How can we let the king fall to the ground? Someone come here right now!" Sui He treated him gently, but never took a step forward.
The servants quickly helped Xun Wang up. Xun Wang stood up shakily, but before he could speak, he heard a very familiar voice outside. His legs went weak, and he didn't care about Cong Lan and Sui He. He reached the window and jumped to escape.
"Why did you invite Madam Xie over?"
Sui He sat down in the chair with a smile, "Madam Xie is a guest at the Pei family's residence. I only sent someone to deliver a message."
Cong Lan slumped in his chair. The Emperor had single-handedly messed up the situation, and all sorts of monsters and demons had come out. It was all nonsense to believe that those people could get married peacefully; they were all making small moves behind the scenes.
Sui He sat down at the desk. The inkstone on the desk was a birthday gift that Xu gave to Cong Lan this year. Cong Lan had been growing up in the streets and no one remembered his birthday. After they got married, he took the day of their wedding as his birthday.
This inkstone was something she had painstakingly found; it was worth a fortune on the market, and it had cost her a hefty sum from her savings. Thinking of this, a gentle smile appeared on Sui He's face, and Cong Lan walked behind her.
"Everything will be alright, Ah Xu knows that."
"Um."
As Sui Zhixu lay in bed, she heard a noise beside her. She opened her eyes and was surprised to see who it was. "Wen Ke?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com