Chapter 49 "If you want to comfort someone, it's better to do it yourself..."
Chapter 49: Jealousy ==
Eunuch Zhou and the others stood outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation like statues. When the door of the Hall of Mental Cultivation was opened, they stared intently at Prince Cheng's expression. Prince Cheng's face was calm, and it was impossible to tell whether he was happy or displeased. However, if one looked closely, one could see a layer of frost deep in his eyes, which clearly indicated that he was not very happy.
Having served the Emperor for many years, Eunuch Zhou knew him quite well. Yesterday, the Emperor already knew that the Seventh Prince's death was due to the Crown Prince, but in order to have someone to keep Prince Cheng in check, the Emperor decided to give the Crown Prince another chance. The Emperor's decision was irreversible, and naturally, he wouldn't change his mind just because of the conclusive evidence and the conversation with Miss Bai Shuang today. Eunuch Zhou sighed inwardly and said politely, "Your Highness Prince Cheng, please take care."
After seeing Prince Cheng off, Eunuch Zhou entered the hall with the Emperor's permission. The Emperor's expression was grim, and he said slowly and deliberately, "Issue my decree: The Crown Prince has acted improperly, condoning the misdeeds of those in the Eastern Palace, which is unbecoming of a Crown Prince. He is hereby ordered to remain in his residence for six months to reflect on his actions."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
This punishment is neither too severe nor too lenient, because the Emperor has always heavily relied on the Crown Prince, and the Emperor has always glossed over the Crown Prince's past misdeeds, even having others take the blame for him. It is extremely rare for the Emperor to punish the Crown Prince in this way. However, given the Crown Prince's actions, this punishment is far too lenient. He murdered his younger brother to secure his position as Crown Prince, and then used his own bloodline to frame his siblings for personal gain. All of this is enough to directly strip the Crown Prince of his position. A mere confinement to his residence for reflection is far too lenient.
"Send all the pearls from the East Sea to Chengqian Palace. Also, select some good items from my treasury and send them to Prince Cheng's residence. Princess Cheng was frightened this time. I remember that Bai Shuang is Master Jinghui's disciple." The Emperor frowned deeply, still disliking this kind of woman who came from the Jianghu and had no manners.
"Yes, Miss Bai Shuang is the only disciple under Abbess Jing Hui."
The Emperor then instructed Eunuch Zhou to visit Bai Shuang's residence later and ask if she would be willing to seek a position in the Imperial Hospital. The Seventh Prince was already dead, and the Emperor's lavish treatment of the woman the Seventh Prince loved during his lifetime was also for the benefit of the living.
As for those who helped investigate the truth behind the Seventh Prince's death, the Emperor bestowed upon them generous rewards and land. The official promoted by the Crown Prince not only lost his position but also faced imprisonment.
"Since Xie Cheng has returned to the capital, let's put the marriage between the Duke of Xie's mansion and the General of Dingguo's mansion on the agenda."
Throughout history, marriage between civil officials and military generals has always been unacceptable to emperors. Your Majesty's willingness to take a step back is based on considerations from all sides.
Eunuch Zhou: "Yes."
===
At that time, in the flower-filled Princess Huiyang’s mansion, Princess Huiyang was lazily leaning back in a recliner, holding a large, round peach in her hand. Two maids were massaging her legs, while two other maids were holding folding fans on her left and right, fanning her with them.
Listening to the interesting stories in the capital, she said with a smile, "It seems that the capital is quite lively while I'm away."
"Who can argue with that? The Crown Princess and the Princess Consort of Cheng are both of noble status, and they are also involved with His Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness the Prince of Cheng, so naturally there are many disputes."
"I already know what kind of people the Crown Prince and Crown Princess are. But I'm very curious about what kind of person this Princess Cheng is." Princess Huiyang smiled lightly, her eyes sparkling.
"I've heard that Princess Consort Cheng is extremely beautiful and can be considered both talented and beautiful. Every three days after she married into the Cheng Prince's mansion, she dealt with the old woman who had been bullying the prince. That old woman used to be a servant of the Imperial Concubine. The princess also knows that our Prince Cheng has always been indifferent to women. Previously, the Imperial Concubine had been trying to matchmake Miss Qin from the Marquis of Yiyong's mansion with Prince Cheng, but Prince Cheng did not agree. However, after Princess Consort Cheng married into the mansion, she and Prince Cheng were a loving and harmonious couple. Now, Princess Zhaoning also likes Prince Cheng. The Empress has invited Princess Consort Cheng to the palace several times to discuss this matter, but Princess Consort Cheng has politely declined each time."
This was definitely not because Princess Cheng was jealous and didn't want Princess Zhaoning to become the Prince's concubine, but because Princess Zhaoning was the Crown Princess's younger sister, which meant she was a member of the Eastern Palace. If Princess Zhaoning entered the Prince's residence, the Prince's residence would truly never have a peaceful day again. Princess Cheng's actions also solved a lot of trouble for the Prince.
It is said that one should marry a virtuous wife. King Cheng married Princess Nanqiong Weiyang because of the friendship between the two countries, but this princess did indeed help His Highness King Cheng a lot.
Princess Huiyang put her hand to her forehead and said, "What you've said makes me realize that I absolutely must meet this Princess Cheng."
Princess Huiyang liked intelligent people, but the only truly interesting girl in the royal family was the Seventh Princess. However, the Seventh Princess was innocent and romantic, and Princess Huiyang always felt like she was bullying a child whenever she teased her.
The round-faced maid smiled, about to suggest inviting Princess Cheng to the princess's residence, when a rustling sound arose in the treetops, and several leaves fell with a soft rustle. Princess Huiyang squinted and saw a handsome man in a scarlet robe, with a refined and elegant appearance, descending with a fan. He possessed striking good looks, fair skin, and exceptional features, with sharply defined sideburns. The newcomer was none other than the Right Chancellor, Yan Chenzhou. He walked step by step to Princess Huiyang and asked, "Whom does Huiyang wish to see?"
The young maidservant quickly curtsied and said, "This servant greets Your Excellency."
"What are you doing here?" Princess Huiyang asked, rolling her eyes at his face, her expression unfriendly.
Yan Chenzhou walked around to the back of Princess Huiyang. The two maids gave him their seats, and Yan Chenzhou naturally took their place. "Princess, you've been staying in this secluded corner all day. I was worried about you, so I came to see you."
Princess Huiyang gave a light snort, as if to say, "You're so kind."
"You've always disliked interacting with people, and Princess Cheng is just a young girl. What do you want to see her for?" Yan Chenzhou asked with a smile, completely unconcerned about her attitude.
“Isn’t she my niece-in-law? What’s wrong with me wanting to see her?” Princess Huiyang glanced at him.
After so many years of love-hate relationship, they actually understand each other the most. Yan Chenzhou put his hand on her shoulder and asked, "What are your thoughts?"
"The dignified Right Chancellor actually dares to ask me." Princess Huiyang retorted sarcastically. Yan Chenzhou picked up a grape with his long fingers and fed it to her. "In terms of ability, temperament, and character, His Highness Prince Cheng is far superior to His Highness the Crown Prince."
The crown prince used to be brainless, but now he is ruthless and cruel, not even sparing his own brothers and children. If such a person becomes emperor, the country will be doomed sooner or later.
The Emperor's punishment was to have the Crown Prince reflect on his actions in his residence for half a year. However, the Crown Prince's behavior was already known to all. If he made another mistake, he would certainly lose his position as Crown Prince. But given the Crown Prince's character, it was inevitable that he would make another mistake.
"So you support Prince Cheng's ascension to the throne?" Princess Huiyang asked with a half-smile, her breath sweet as orchids.
“Your Majesty and I are husband and wife. Since Your Majesty is considering taking sides, Your Majesty will do your best to analyze the situation for you.”
Everyone knows that Princess Huiyang has kept a low profile since her marriage because of her discord with the Right Chancellor. In reality, it's just that Princess Huiyang doesn't want to get involved in the intricacies of court politics. To be precise, the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng are vying for power, and Princess Huiyang doesn't want to take sides. But clearly, the time has come for her to choose sides.
A storm is brewing.
Princess Huiyang sat up from the recliner and shoved the peach in her hand into his palm. "Then let him become king."
Immediately afterwards, Princess Huiyang went to the inner cabinet like a gust of wind, and Yan Chenzhou smiled and followed her.
When the Crown Prince learned that he would have to spend half a year in seclusion in the Eastern Palace to reflect on his mistakes, he was so angry that he smashed everything he could in the inner palace.
What does Father mean by this? Yesterday he said that if he made another mistake, he would be deposed as crown prince. Today he has made him reflect on his mistakes in the palace for half a year. Is Father going to depose him as crown prince next?
Xiao Ruofei was furious, his teeth clenched as he asked, "Weren't those martial arts figures from the Yan Gui Sect recruited by the imperial court? Why are they now pledging allegiance to Xiao Yu?"
"I don't know either. I only know that the people of the Yan Gui Sect initially refused to submit no matter what. But after their sect leader was captured, Lord Nan of the Embroidered Uniform Guard intervened, and the rest of them all surrendered to the court."
Xiao Ruofei frowned and gritted his teeth. "Xiao Yu has won over Nan Shao. When it comes to winning people's hearts, who can compare to him?"
Everyone says he's cunning and corrupt, forming cliques and engaging in self-serving activities. But Xiao Yu is no match for him. He doesn't know how to form cliques or win people's hearts, and he can arrest local officials whenever he wants. His father never criticizes him. But when it comes to him, his father refuses to forgive him no matter what.
The subordinate shook his head. "Lord Nan is probably not one of Prince Cheng's men, but the deputy head of the Yangxin Hall is definitely one of Prince Cheng's men."
Xiao Ruofei's hand holding the teacup was trembling. He had calculated every step carefully, but in the end, it all came to nothing. That was bad enough, but he was outmaneuvered by Xiao Yu. And that was bad enough, he was also confined by his father for half a year. In the history of dynasties, when had a prince at the height of his power been confined for half a year? Was his father planning to depose him as crown prince? And Xiao Yu was so good at winning people's hearts. After half a year, who knew how many ministers Xiao Yu had won over? Would he still have any standing as crown prince then?
The Crown Prince grew increasingly angry, grabbed a jade cup and smashed it down, nearly breaking his subordinate's head. The subordinate knew this matter couldn't be easily resolved, so he offered Xiao Ruofei a suggestion: "Your Highness, I heard that the Seventh Prince's sweetheart in the Hall of Mental Cultivation spoke with great conviction today, determined to get His Majesty to punish you. I think that if she hadn't been stirring up trouble, His Majesty wouldn't have given you such a severe punishment."
In truth, everyone knew that the punishment given by His Majesty was already lenient enough, but His Highness the Crown Prince was in a fit of anger, so everyone could only say what His Highness wanted to hear.
As expected, Xiao Ruofei's mood improved significantly as soon as his subordinate finished speaking. "So it was this bitch who was spreading rumors in front of Father Emperor. Not only did Xiao Yi block my way, but a commoner woman with such an ordinary background also dared to block my way. It's utterly absurd."
Why are these people always haunting us?
"I heard that His Majesty intends to have Miss Bai Shuang join the Imperial Hospital," the subordinate added.
Xiao Ruofei's eyes were filled with undisguised contempt. How could a commoner woman from an ordinary background be worthy of entering the Imperial Hospital?
"Go and invite the strategist over."
He couldn't deal with Xiao Yu, so he couldn't deal with a commoner woman with such an ordinary background. No matter if she wanted to go to the Imperial Hospital or somewhere else, he would take her life.
At this moment, Xiao Ruofei had no idea that he would obtain a tremendous secret from this ordinary woman, but that's another story.
===
"This servant greets Your Highness." At noon, the carriage stopped at the entrance of Prince Cheng's residence, and Xiao Yu slowly walked into the Zixia Palace.
Su Wanyue was flipping through this month's account book when she saw him come in, and she looked up.
Only then did Su Wanyue notice that he was carrying something in his hand, which smelled of osmanthus.
"Why did Your Highness buy osmanthus cake?"
Xiao Yu glanced at his wife; Qin Jue's words from that day still echoed in his ears.
"Both my uncle and aunt are gentle people, and Wanwan likes the kind of gentle and refined people. Lu Er is very gentle and elegant when he is with Wanwan. Of course, in addition to his gentle nature, Lu Er is also very patient with Wanwan. When Wanwan was young and served as a princess's companion, Lu Er would bring her snacks and candies that he bought on the road every day, and he did this for several years without fail."
Xiao Yu pushed the pastries in front of her, gently touching her cheek with his fingertip, "See if you like them."
Su Wanyue: "But I have already had lunch, so let's eat later."
Xiao Yu hummed in agreement and then took out a brocade box from his sleeve. Su Wanyue took the box, opened it, and found a small crystal stand inside that was beautiful and shimmering with light.
"This was sent over along with Lord Zhou's testimony," Xiao Yu explained gently.
What he didn't say was that the person who delivered the brocade box was giving it to him to admire. Xiao Yu could see through Lord Zhou's intentions at a glance; he wanted to use Lord Zhou's name to send the item to his wife.
The moment Lord Zhou saw his wife in Bei Li, he made no attempt to conceal his thoughts, and Xiao Yu's gaze darkened.
If he had met his wife when he was a child, he would have arranged their marriage as soon as possible to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
“Lord Zhou must have sent this gift out of respect for His Highness.” Su Wanyue noticed that his mood was a little off and said softly, “His Majesty already knows that His Highness the Crown Prince was behind the Seventh Prince’s affair. Has His Highness imposed any punishment?”
The origin of "Drunken Beauty" and the information about that official were actually provided by Jing Feng. However, in the eyes of the world, the sect leader of Yan Gui Sect was already dead, so the deputy leader came forward instead.
"How many mistakes has His Highness the Crown Prince already made? Surely His Majesty won't continue to protect him?" Su Wanyue frowned.
If this had happened in Nanqiong, and the Crown Prince dared to act like this, he would certainly have lost his position as heir apparent.
"Father has punished him by making him stand facing the wall in the Eastern Palace for half a year to reflect on his mistakes." Xiao Yu's lips curled into a mocking smile.
Although she had suspected it beforehand, Su Wanyue still felt it was unfair. She gently tugged at Xiao Yu's sleeve. Xiao Yu looked down at his wife's shimmering eyes and said in a languid voice, "If the Princess Consort wants to comfort someone, why not give me a kiss?"
At this moment, the guard knocked on the door three times. "Your Highness, Your Highness, Miss Bai Shuang has arrived. She says she wants to see Your Highness."
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