Chapter 543 Asking Consort Li for Help
Zhou Ruiyuan and Hai Qingyang stayed in the dilapidated temple for three or four days. Before that, he had asked someone to send Xiao Qing'er to Xuzhou and to pass on a message to Aunt Zhou and the others not to worry and to stay there and not move.
Du Wanchun, Yi'er, and Yu'er only brought food over on the first day. In order to avoid being discovered by those spies, they stayed in the mansion and pretended to be anxious.
Even little Feifei cooperated very well, crying out from time to time.
To outsiders, Zhou Ruiyuan of the Zhou family was kidnapped, the mansion was in chaos, and Manager Du was holding the child and wiping away tears day and night.
After the news spread, those in the court actually believed it.
The emperor had been unable to eat or drink for the past few days, and he even went out of his way to see Consort Li.
"Among all the women in my harem, you are the only one who is quiet and sensible. In the next few days, visit the Zhou residence more often and make sure to comfort Du Wanchun and her son."
Consort Li was quite surprised to see the Emperor showing such kindness. She stood up and bowed, saying, "Yes, Your Majesty."
She had long wanted to visit the Zhou family, but before she was hindered by the Emperor's spies. Now that she could go openly, that was perfect.
The next morning, Consort Li loaded a cart full of things and arrived at the Zhou family's residence.
Du Wanchun was feeding Xiao Feifei porridge when she heard the noise outside the door. She quickly wiped her hands and got up.
Xiao Mianmian, Yi'er, and Yu'er were reading in the school when they heard that guests had arrived, so they all came to the front hall.
Du Wanchun welcomed Consort Li into the house and bowed deeply, saying, "May I ask what brings Consort Li to our residence?"
Consort Li had the palace maids and eunuchs bring all the things from the carriage in, and said with a smile, "His Majesty was worried that you were too preoccupied with your worries while you were alone at home, so he sent me to keep you company."
As she spoke, she turned and pointed to several large boxes that had been unloaded from the carriage, saying, "Here are many things that the Emperor usually bestows upon us, as well as some trinkets that children like."
Du Wanchun looked up, bowed, and thanked her, saying, "Your Highness, Consort Li, have gone to great lengths."
"No need to thank me, we're all family." Consort Li smiled and walked inside, looking at the soft little Fei Fei with great joy.
She reached out and gently touched his little face, looking at him in a daze.
After a long while, he looked away and said, "This child looks like his father."
Du Wanchun looked at the little Feifei in her arms and said, "She does look like her father."
At this moment, Yi'er, Yu'er, and Xiao Mianmian bowed to Consort Li together, saying, "May Consort Li be well."
This was the first time that Consort Li had met Du Wanchun and Zhou Ruiyuan's other two sons.
Yi'er and Yu'er were well protected by them, and even the Emperor has never seen them.
Although the two children were young, they were taller than average children and looked very similar to Zhou Ruiyuan, while their eyebrows and eyes also resembled those of Du Wanchun.
At first glance, his demeanor was unlike that of a typical young master from a wealthy family.
Consort Li was momentarily stunned. It seemed that Zhou Ruiyuan had made ample preparations long ago, and had even groomed the future crown prince.
She suddenly realized that her worries over the years had been somewhat unnecessary. The Empress and the Crown Prince were even more cunning than she had imagined, and at the same time, she felt relieved.
It's highly likely that Zhou Ruiyuan's kidnapping this time was a close call, but he'll escape unharmed. How could someone as meticulous as him be kidnapped on the street? Consort Li gradually felt relieved.
Du Wanchun and she exchanged glances, neither of them saying anything, but they understood each other perfectly, and walked into the house together.
"Your Highness, our residence is simple, please don't find it offensive." Du Wanchun personally poured her a cup of tea.
Consort Li picked up her teacup and took a sip. "The tea is sweet. It's not simple at all. Manager Du must have given me the finest Tieguanyin."
Du Wanchun sat down beside her and replied, "It's just some old tea. I'm glad Consort Li likes it."
After drinking her tea, Consort Li looked around and remarked, "It seems there are far fewer maids and servants in the mansion."
Du Wanchun replied, "Now that something has happened at home, I have dismissed some of the maids and servants from the mansion."
Hearing her say this, Consort Li assumed she was leaving the capital and became quite nervous. "You're leaving?"
Du Wanchun paused for a moment, then shook her head. "Our home is here. Where else can we go?"
Consort Li breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing that no one was around, she tightly grasped Du Wanchun's hand and said, "The Empress has been kind to me. If you need anything, just tell me. I will help you no matter what."
Her voice was gentle, yet it carried a hint of determination.
Du Wanchun looked at Consort Li, who was dressed in magnificent clothes yet appeared extremely humble, and felt a slight sense of emotion.
It's truly rare to find someone as loyal and devoted as Consort Li.
"Your Majesty, could you do us a favor?" Du Wanchun asked directly.
Consort Li nodded: "Wanchun, you speak."
Du Wanchun slowly said, "A few days ago, we found a strange man in black outside the mansion. This is something he left behind. Please, Consort Li, give this to His Majesty."
After she finished speaking, she took out a sword tassel from her bosom.
Consort Li took it and stared at it for a long time. "Okay, I will definitely deliver it for you."
Du Wanchun smiled and poured her another cup of tea.
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