Concubine Liu frowned and said unhappily, "Then the emperor isn't worried that Sheng Yunrong and Prince Jing are having an affair?"
The emperor smiled slightly and shook his head: "Your Highness has misunderstood. Sheng Yunrong has no affair with Prince Jing. It was just Prince Jing's misunderstanding. He thought Sheng Yunrong was pestering him, so he taught her a lesson."
Concubine Liu widened her eyes and said in surprise, "So it turned out that Sheng Yunrong was injured by Prince Jing? Then how dare she cry in front of the emperor?"
The emperor sighed: "Sheng Yunrong is a smart woman. She knew I was investigating this matter, so she deliberately cried in front of me, hoping that I would sympathize with her. However, her plan did not succeed."
Concubine Liu's eyes flashed with joy, and she smiled and said, "Your Majesty is wise. How is Sheng Yunrong now?"
The emperor said, "I have sent someone to send her back to the Qin residence so that she can reflect on her mistakes. As for Qin Wenyuan and Qin Fengyun, I will also send someone to keep a close watch on them to prevent them from causing any more trouble."
Concubine Liu nodded and said, "Your Majesty, do you think Sheng Yunrong will feel at ease in the Qin Mansion after returning this time?"
The emperor pondered for a moment and said, "Sheng Yunrong is a smart woman. She should know how to weigh the pros and cons. As long as she behaves herself in the Qin Mansion, I will not pursue the matter any further."
Concubine Liu's eyes flashed with cunning, and she said, "Your Majesty, if Sheng Yunrong is restless, what should we do?"
The emperor looked at Concubine Liu and said with a smile, "What do you think, Concubine?"
Concubine Liu approached the emperor and whispered, "Why don't we secretly send someone to monitor Sheng Yunrong? If she makes any unusual moves, we will immediately inform the emperor and make it impossible for her to turn over."
The emperor's eyes flashed with approval, and he nodded and said, "Your Highness, this is a great idea. I will arrange for secret guards to monitor Sheng Yunrong and make sure she doesn't cause any more trouble."
The emperor thought for a moment, called Eunuch Ying to come forward, and said in a deep voice: "Eunuch Ying, please quickly invite Madam Qin's wife Sheng Yunrong to come over. I have something to say to her."
Eunuch Ying was stunned for a moment, then he accepted the order and left in a hurry. After a while, he led Sheng Yunrong to the emperor.
Sheng Yunrong walked into the hall, glanced at the emperor, and bowed slightly: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you." Her voice was soft but firm and powerful.
The emperor looked at Sheng Yunrong with a guilty look in his eyes. He said softly, "Madam Qin, it was my fault before. I misunderstood you deeply. I specially invited you here today to apologize to you."
Sheng Yunrong was slightly stunned. She didn't expect the emperor to apologize so directly. She couldn't help but feel deeply moved. She bowed her head and said, "Your Majesty, your words are too serious. I can't bear it. Your Majesty can understand my painstaking efforts. I am grateful to you."
The emperor looked at Sheng Yunrong and felt more guilty. He knew that although Sheng Yunrong's business was small, the revenue it brought to the treasury of the Western Wei Dynasty could not be underestimated. He did not want to disappoint such a loyal minister.
"Madam Qin, although your business is small, it has made great contributions to the country. I apologize to you today, and I hope you can forgive my previous unreasonable behavior." The emperor said sincerely.
Sheng Yunrong raised her head and looked at the emperor, a trace of gratitude flashing in her eyes. She said softly: "Your Majesty, I understand. There is no need for you to blame yourself so much."
The emperor saw Sheng Yunrong's pale face and looked more worried. He turned to Eunuch Ying and said, "Eunuch Ying, go and get ready. I want to go to the Qin Mansion to visit Madam Qin in person."
Eunuch Ying was stunned for a moment, then he accepted the order. He was secretly worried that Sheng Yunrong's physical condition did not seem optimistic.
Sheng Yunrong walked very fast when she left, and Eunuch Ying could hardly keep up. He couldn't help but sigh in his heart that this lady was indeed a tough person. However, he was also worried about Sheng Yunrong's health, so he didn't dare to urge her and could only let her go at her own will.
When Sheng Yunrong turned back, her face became paler. Eunuch Ying looked at her, and became more and more worried.
The emperor looked at Sheng Yunrong's departing figure, and his heart became more and more uneasy. He quickened his pace, came to Sheng Yunrong's side, and asked with concern: "Madam Qin, are you okay?"
Sheng Yunrong stopped and smiled: "Your Majesty, I am fine. I am just a little tired and want to rest."
The emperor looked at Sheng Yunrong's smile and felt more and more guilty.
…
Sheng Yunrong left the palace and got on the carriage back to the Qin Mansion.
Looking at the scenery outside the window that was rapidly receding, the turmoil in her heart had not yet subsided. She recalled the news that she had accidentally learned about the identity of Prince Jing Pei Jinxiao in the temple, and that Concubine Liu secretly supported Prince Jing in usurping the throne, and she could not help but feel a chill. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down.
The carriage slowly drove into the Qin Mansion, and the servants in the mansion saluted one after another, but Sheng Yunrong went straight into the inner room. As soon as she sat down, the maid Xiang Zhu hurried in.
"Madam, you're back! How is it? Are things going well in the palace?" Xiang Zhu asked with concern.
Sheng Yunrong shook her head slightly, a trace of worry flashed in her eyes: "Xiang Zhu, this time when I entered the palace, I learned a shocking news. Jing Wang Pei Jinxiao is actually in that temple, and Concubine Liu is secretly supporting him to seize the throne."
Xiang Zhu's face changed, and he covered his mouth in surprise: "How is this possible? Madam, are you sure you didn't hear it wrong?"
Sheng Yunrong sighed: "I heard it with my own ears, and there is no doubt about it. This matter is of great importance, and I must make a decision as soon as possible."
At this time, Qin Moyuan walked in. He looked at Sheng Yunrong with worry in his eyes: "Mother, you don't look well, what happened?"
Sheng Yunrong told Qin Moyuan what happened. He was silent for a moment, then said, "Mother, since things have come to this, we can only stay away from Prince Jing to avoid being involved in this dispute."
Sheng Yunrong nodded in agreement. She looked at Qin Moyuan with a firm look in her eyes: "Moyuan, I have something to ask of you. You must agree to it."
Qin Moyuan said solemnly: "Mother, just give me your orders."
"After I leave, the Qin Mansion will inevitably become more chaotic. I want you to protect everyone in the Qin Mansion, especially Xiang Zhu. I believe you can do it." Sheng Yunrong said in a serious tone.
Qin Moyuan solemnly promised: "Don't worry, mother. I will do my best to protect the Qin family."
Old Madam Qin was filled with resentment and originally wanted to find her grandson Qin Fengyun and granddaughter Qin Huaiyu to calm down during this quiet afternoon.
However, when she opened the door, she found the room empty.
She suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of loss and anger, and immediately sent people to find Qin Fengyun and Qin Huaiyu. At the same time, she decided to find Qin Moyuan to vent her anger.
When Qin Moyuan was brought before Old Madam Qin, there was no fear on his face, only a hint of stubbornness.
Old Madam Qin looked at him, her eyes full of reproach and dissatisfaction.
"Qin Moyuan, do you admit your guilt?" Old Madam Qin asked coldly.
Qin Moyuan raised his head, looked at Madam Qin, and said firmly: "Madam, I don't know what crime I have committed."
After hearing this, Madam Qin's face became even uglier. She glared at Qin Moyuan and said sternly, "You act like a young master in the Qin family and bully Feng Yun and Huai Yu. What else have you done?"
Qin Moyuan's eyes flashed with surprise after hearing this, and then he said calmly: "Madam, I have never bullied Feng Yun and Huai Yu. They are my family members whom I regard as my relatives."