Chapter 79 Negotiation (First published on Jinjiang Literature City)
Zhou Xiaoyan was not intimidated by his attitude at all, and still smiled: "Fourth brother, are you confused? I don't understand anything you're saying. But today, fourth brother saved Miss Xia, so your future is set. Father will surely make a decision for you. It's just a pity for sixth brother. He had a good fiancée, but he's gone just like that."
His tone was somewhat chilly as he said this, and the Fourth Prince's gaze grew even more gloomy.
"You don't need to say such sarcastic things to me. I know exactly what you're up to. I'll explain everything to Sixth Brother. Don't even think about trying to sow discord between us."
Zhou Xiaoyan smiled and said, "What are you talking about, Fourth Prince? How could I possibly sow discord between you and Sixth Brother? I was just saying it casually. If Fourth Prince has nothing else to say, then I'll be leaving now." After saying that, he gave a perfunctory bow and turned to leave without waiting for the Fourth Prince to speak.
Seeing this, Fu Mingzi didn't dare say a word and hurriedly followed.
Watching the two figures leave, the Fourth Prince's eyes grew increasingly gloomy.
He was no longer certain about his previous guess. Was Zhou Xiaoyan's actions today for Miss Xia's sake, or to sow discord between him and the Sixth Prince?
The Fourth Prince went through the whole story from beginning to end, but he couldn't find anything wrong with it. There was no reason for Zhou Xiaoyan to offer him any help, and he couldn't help but feel suspicious.
However, he quickly suppressed his doubts. In any case, the Xia family's help was the most important thing to him. As for the sixth brother...
A cold glint appeared in the Fourth Prince's eyes. He could easily fool such a fool, and besides, he didn't necessarily like Miss Xia that much; he just didn't like her on the surface. He could win her back by being humble and subservient in the future.
However, the thought that he would have to bow down to the Sixth Prince in the future made the Fourth Prince's eyes darken even more. He would definitely take back every bit of the humiliation he had suffered now when he finally gained the rightful position.
Zhou Xiaoyan and Fu Mingzi quickly left the Imperial Garden and headed towards Shou Kang Palace. Although they wanted to leave the palace and return to their residence, they had not yet bid farewell to the Empress Dowager, which was indeed inappropriate.
As they walked, Fu Mingzi couldn't help but laugh and say, "I'm afraid even if the Fourth Prince racks his brains, he still won't be able to figure out our real purpose today."
Zhou Xiaoyan raised an eyebrow: "After all, he himself didn't know that the emperor had already prepared a daughter from the Mu family for him."
Fu Mingzi sighed upon hearing this: "The concubines have all been chosen as daughters of the Duke of Qian. I wonder what kind of principal wife the Emperor wants to marry him."
Although Mu Xueqing was just a concubine's daughter, she represented something different. The fact that the emperor went to such lengths to get her into his son's hands shows his true intentions.
A cold glint flashed in Zhou Xiaoyan's eyes: "I heard that Zhao Guodong has a granddaughter who will be of marriageable age in a few days and will miss this imperial concubine selection. I suppose only someone with this kind of status can satisfy the emperor."
"Grand Secretary Zhao's granddaughter?" Fu Mingzi was shocked. He didn't think this was just a casual remark from Zhou Xiaoyan. He was afraid that in Zhou Xiaoyan's dream, the Fourth Prince really did marry Zhao Guodong's granddaughter, otherwise his tone wouldn't be so certain.
“Grand Secretary Zhao is a high-ranking official, and his granddaughter is indeed unattainable.” Fu Mingzi pondered for a moment, then surprisingly revealed a smile: “However, this time the Fourth Prince has offended the Xia family’s daughter, I’m afraid that old fox Zhao Guodong will never let his daughter enter the Chu Prince’s mansion.”
Zhou Xiaoyan nodded: "I think so too. After all, Zhao Guodong doesn't need to sell his daughter for personal gain. Fourth Brother has caused such a shameful incident this time, I'm afraid his reputation will be damaged as well."
As they talked, they walked to Shou Kang Palace. Before they even entered, they could hear a great commotion inside. The Crown Prince was angrily reprimanding several palace maids and eunuchs who had returned early. Judging from his voice, he was quite furious.
Zhou Xiaoyan paused for a moment, but finally went inside.
"...You bunch of dog slaves! You can still cause such a big mess while following me around. If something really happens, how many heads do you have to pay for it!" The Crown Prince's voice sounded somewhat distorted.
However, as soon as he saw Zhou Xiaoyan enter, the Crown Prince immediately fell silent, and his tone softened slightly: "Fifth brother is back. Are you alright?" Although his voice was full of concern, it also carried a lingering anger.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am fine." In front of the Empress Dowager, Zhou Xiaoyan did not dare to address the Crown Prince as casually as he usually did.
The Crown Prince nodded casually: "You rest first, I'll take some men to check on my fourth brother." With that, he waved his hand and led several eunuchs towards the Imperial Garden.
The Empress Dowager was leaning against the daybed, having a palace maid soothe her. The Empress and several imperial concubines surrounded her, all looking concerned.
"What a mess this is! How can I explain this to the Emperor?" the Empress Dowager sighed.
Consort Xia, standing to the side, looked rather unpleasant, but managed a weak smile: "That girl was just unlucky, how can you blame yourself?"
This was her favorite niece. She had originally thought that her niece would become her daughter-in-law, but now it seemed that the Fourth Prince had gotten the better deal. Moreover, after so many years in the palace, Consort Xia did not believe that this was an accident. Perhaps the Fourth Prince had done this to tie the Xia family to his side.
Thinking of this, Consort Xia's eyes darkened.
The Empress Dowager sighed and patted Consort Xia's hand: "I'm sorry you had to go through all this."
Consort Xia immediately put on a smiling face: "What are you saying? There's nothing to feel wronged about. The fact that the girl can be saved is already a great blessing."
The Empress Dowager remained silent, turning to the Empress and Consort Luo: "I am no longer involved in affairs of state and am unaware of what is happening in the palace. Now that Miss Xia has caused such a commotion, I have no face to see her. I will trouble you two to find the best imperial physician to treat her, and make sure nothing goes wrong."
The Empress and the Imperial Concubine both bowed and accepted the order, then went to the side hall with their maids.
Consort Wan, who was already feeling incredibly envious, couldn't help but say, "Speaking of which, the Fourth Prince is really lucky. Even though our Fifth Prince was also present, the Fourth Prince got there first."
Upon hearing this, Consort Xia's face darkened further, and the Empress Dowager glared at her, angrily saying, "What nonsense are you spouting! This is utter rubbish!"
Some things are common knowledge, but smart people never say them. Only a simpleton like Consort Wan dares to say anything.
Upon hearing this, Zhou Xiaoyan felt a chill run down his spine and hurriedly stood up to apologize: "Grandmother, my mother's words and actions were inappropriate, please forgive her."
Upon hearing Zhou Xiaoyan speak, the Empress Dowager's expression softened, and she sighed, "You've really suffered, child."
Zhou Xiaoyan looked somewhat embarrassed by these words and hurriedly said that he dared not.
Consort Wan blushed deeply, feeling utterly ashamed and indignant.
The Empress Dowager then turned to look at Consort Wan: "You should stay in your palace for the next few days and not go out."
This was a disguised form of confinement, but Consort Wan was resentful yet dared not disobey the Empress Dowager, so she could only silently comply.
Zhou Xiaoyan glanced at Consort Wan, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.
Speaking of her mother, in her previous life, when her father was wrongly accused of treason, she had pleaded bitterly in front of the Taiji Hall, kneeling for a whole day and night, before finally fainting and being dragged back.
Later, because of his resentment, he was banished to the cold palace by his father, the emperor, and died not long after, even before his father.
So in this life, although he thought Consort Wan was stupid, she was the only person besides Fu Mingzi who was wholeheartedly devoted to him in both his past and present lives, even though her behavior was ridiculous and even though it would only backfire.
But he was determined to protect this person.
Seeing that everything was alright, the Empress Dowager finally waved her hand and said, "You may all leave. There's nothing else here."
Everyone rose, bowed, and then withdrew one by one.
After leaving Shou Kang Palace, Zhou Xiaoyan and Fu Mingzi did not rush to leave, but stood at the entrance to wait.
Consort Shu was the first to come out. She paid no attention to Zhou Xiaoyan and the other two, but hurriedly went to the side hall to see her niece. Consort Xian smiled at the two of them, excused herself from the formalities, and followed Consort Shu. Consort Wan was the last to come out. When she came out, her face was still a little pale.
"Mother Consort," Zhou Xiaoyan called out, his brows furrowed.
Consort Wan then looked over, her face filled with shame and indignation: "Do you also think that I, your mother, am a disgrace? That I'm always holding you back?"
Zhou Xiaoyan sighed: "What are you talking about, Mother? I never thought of it that way."
Upon hearing this, Consort Wan almost burst into tears. Fortunately, a maidservant beside her quickly offered her a handkerchief.
Consort Wan took the handkerchief, wiped her eyes, and said in a low voice, "You're too honest. Even such a good thing was snatched away by the fourth prince. Who will you choose as your princess consort in the future? This time, there weren't any people with good family backgrounds to begin with, and now..."
“Mother Consort,” Zhou Xiaoyan interrupted Consort Wan, “This matter is for Father Emperor to decide. Didn’t you listen to Grandmother’s reprimand just now?” Zhou Xiaoyan was also speechless. His mother was truly not suited for the harem. If the Emperor didn’t still have a use for her, she would probably have been buried in this deep palace long ago.
Upon hearing this, a hint of fear flashed across Consort Wan's face. Although the Empress Dowager seemed to be a devout Buddhist and easy to talk to, Consort Wan was still somewhat afraid of her.
"I will certainly remember the Empress Dowager's words." She muttered to herself, still somewhat resentful: "It's just that this time the fourth prince beat me to it, and I'm still upset..."
She had always been superior to Consort Wu and looked down on Consort Wu's child. Now, however, this child was going to outdo her son in marriage, so Consort Wan was naturally dissatisfied.
Zhou Xiaoyan was increasingly speechless. He glanced at Fu Mingzi and said in a low voice, "Don't even think about it. Father has his own plans."
Consort Wan felt uncomfortable with these words and wanted to say more, but when she glanced at Fu Mingzi, she suddenly had an idea and looked at Fu Mingzi with a big smile: "This must be Young Master Fu. I've finally met you in person."
Fu Mingzi sensed something was amiss, but still smiled politely and said, "It is indeed your humble servant, greetings to Consort Wan."
“Young Master Fu, there’s no need for such formalities.” Consort Wan hurriedly waved her hand. “I heard that Young Master Fu also has two nieces entering the palace this time. I just saw them, and they are indeed beautiful and virtuous. No wonder they come from the Duke of Qian’s mansion.”
The meaning was so obvious that Fu Mingzi understood Wanfei's meaning almost immediately. She couldn't help but feel that it was absurd, and she couldn't even hide the surprise on her face.
Zhou Xiaoyan looked extremely embarrassed and hurriedly said, "What nonsense are you talking about, Mother? The daughters of the Mu family have never been betrothed. Have you forgotten, Mother?"
Consort Wan's expression stiffened, then she sighed with some disappointment, but she was still defiant and muttered in a low voice, "I was just asking casually, what were you thinking?"
Zhou Xiaoyan was really losing his grip on his mother at this moment, and hurriedly said, "Mother, the Empress Dowager has now placed you under house arrest. You should stay in the palace for the next few days. Once things have calmed down, I will ask the Empress Dowager to plead for you. Don't worry about anything else."
Consort Wan wanted to say something more, but the palace maid beside her said softly, "Your Highness has forgotten that the little fish you raised need to be fed. If you don't go back now, it will be too late."
Upon hearing this, Consort Wan immediately forgot about what had happened before and hurriedly said, "I almost forgot about that. Let's go back quickly." After saying that, she ignored Zhou Xiaoyan and turned to leave in a hurry.
Watching Consort Wan's departing figure, Zhou Xiaoyan sighed deeply.
Fu Mingzi, standing to the side, couldn't help but chuckle softly: "Your Highness has really had a hard time."
Zhou Xiaoyan glanced at Fu Mingzi with a hint of resentment and couldn't help but say, "You're still making sarcastic remarks."
Fu Mingzi hurriedly made a gesture of surrender: "It's my fault, I won't say any more, but Consort Wan's idea is really a bit..." Fu Mingzi couldn't help but laugh out loud again.
Zhou Xiaoyan glared at him, wanting to say something, but in the end he laughed and sighed, "I only hope that Mother Consort can truly live a more peaceful life in the future and stop worrying about these trivial matters."
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