"What else can I say? She just made some excuses!" Princess Cheng said calmly, her eyes turning cold as she spoke of the events of that day. "I thought she really couldn't make a decision, but who would have thought she would turn around and meet with the sixth son's wife? The sixth son's wife came out all smiles, so it seems she has won over the Hu family."
Actually, their pursuit of the Hu family wasn't solely due to their wealth, but also because of Hu Mingmei himself. The Empress Dowager owed Yu Ru a favor and showed great affection for Hu Mingmei—this was evident from the monthly gifts bestowed upon him. Although the Empress Dowager wasn't the one who decided on the Crown Prince, the Emperor would always consult her before making a decision, taking everything into consideration. Therefore, they wanted to win over Hu Mingmei, creating an image of caring for him and gaining favor with the Empress Dowager.
Who knew that Hu Mingmei would look down on them!
He was just a lowly merchant. So what if his ancestors and the royal family were from the same mother? So many years have passed, that bloodline has long been washed away.
Princess Cheng's face was very unpleasant, not only because she was looked down upon by a lowly person, but also because she had messed up her work for Prince Cheng, which made her feel a sense of frustration.
"Princess, don't worry!" Prince Cheng was not as conflicted as his wife. "I don't think so. When Prince Duan's men went to the Hu family, they were turned away. I heard that all the affairs of the Hu family are now being managed by a steward named Lu Ying. I'm afraid Hu Mingmei is really sick."
"No way...no..." Princess Cheng wanted to say something more, but Prince Cheng stopped her, "Princess!"
So Princess Cheng didn't say it.
On the other side, Prince Duan and Princess Duan were also very puzzled. Prince Duan had extended an olive branch and given generous gifts, but Hu Mingmei had not responded for a long time. Could it be that he had really agreed to Prince Cheng's request?
Prince Cheng has already won over many people in the court, and now he also has the wealthy Zheng family. If he can also win over Hu Mingmei, then they really won't be a match for Prince Cheng.
The relationship with Prince Cheng was so strained. If Prince Cheng were to become the crown prince... Prince Duan stopped himself in time. Even if he couldn't become the crown prince, he couldn't let Prince Cheng ascend the throne.
Prince Duan's face was clouded with rage, and he looked extremely ferocious. "Your Highness, tell me everything about Madam Hu's reaction!"
Although Princess Duan was always overshadowed by Princess Cheng, she was also a person with her own thoughts and ideas. However, when facing Prince Duan, she dared not show off in front of him and quickly told him about Bai Nuo's reaction at the time.
Upon hearing this, Prince Duan couldn't help but sneer, "Now I finally understand why Hu Mingmei remained unmoved despite my numerous attempts to win her over. It turns out she looks down on me. In that case, the Hu family has no reason to exist. Alas, I feel I have let down the Princess. But what can I do? Her descendants are so disappointing."
**
Hu Mingmei ignored the turmoil outside, staying at home reading and writing with Bai Nuo by his side. He lived a very leisurely life. One day, Lu Ying, who had been handling matters outside, rushed in. Upon seeing them, he said with a heavy expression, "Second Master, I'm afraid you have to go out for a while."
"What happened?" Bai Nuo looked up at Lu Ying, while Hu Mingmei put down his pen. "How much more territory has our family lost?"
Since they stopped going out, the Hu family's businesses in other parts of the Great Zhou Dynasty have gradually been swallowed up by the Zheng family. Almost every day, Lu Ying would come to tell him where they had lost business.
"No!" What is this? This is completely within Hu Mingmei's tolerance. What they threw away were things they wanted to throw away. This is nothing at all. "Someone from the palace has come. His Majesty specifically asked to see you. The sedan chair is waiting outside. Eunuch Qian came in person. His Majesty said that even if your body is carried into the palace, you must enter the palace!"
Upon hearing this, Bai Nuo gave a wry smile and exchanged a glance with Hu Mingmei. It seemed that His Majesty had figured something out and was preparing to question Hu Mingmei.
"Sigh!" Hu Mingmei sighed softly, "It seems there's no escaping it, Madam. I'm sorry I haven't given you a few days of peace."
Bai Nuo shook her head.
She already knew about the complicated Hu family situation when she married Hu Mingmei, and she had long been prepared for it, so she didn't have much of a desire for a peaceful life.
Just block whatever comes your way.
Hu Mingmei tidied herself up and then got into the palace sedan chair, following Eunuch Qian into the palace. It was already late when Eunuch Qian arrived, and after a bumpy ride of more than an hour, it was already dark when they arrived at the palace.
After entering the palace, Hu Mingmei was placed in a side hall and told that His Majesty was having dinner and she would have to wait.
So Hu Mingmei waited.
After waiting for more than an hour, when Hu Mingmei was starving, he finally heard the voice outside the door saying "His Majesty has arrived." He immediately perked up and his expression brightened.
Emperor Jingkang, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, strode in. As soon as he entered, he dismissed his attendants, leaving only Eunuch Qian. Hu Mingmei had already knelt down when Emperor Jingkang entered, and as if he had eyes in his head, he shouted "Long live the Emperor!" three times after Emperor Jingkang reached the head of the table.
Emperor Jingkang looked at Hu Mingmei and sneered, "My people are suffering, what use is this title of Emperor?"
Hu Mingmei did not answer; he was just a businessman, and this was not a question he should answer.
Emperor Jingkang only wanted to embarrass Hu Mingmei, and didn't expect him to answer, nor did he ask him to get up. "Is your illness any better?"
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