Chapter 892 Sowing Discord
From the second day onwards, the Baifu Palace was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers. Whenever Tushe'er and Changwan passed by, they could see the palace servants busily climbing up and down.
The one in charge of everything was Lou Chanyue, the Crown Prince's concubine.
This situation has occurred before. When Shang Ruyi was young, she heard that the eldest son of Emperor Wen of the previous dynasty, who was replaced by Chu Yang, had excessively favored his concubine and neglected the crown princess that Emperor Wen and Empress Du had arranged for him. As a result, he incurred the displeasure of the two emperors, and due to other reasons, he was eventually deposed from the position of crown prince.
Now that the royal family's New Year's Eve banquet has been handed over to the Crown Prince's concubine, some people inside and outside the palace are secretly recalling events from decades ago.
However, the Crown Prince's affection for his concubine was genuine, even to the point of disregarding the accusations from Emperor Wen and Empress Du, and his own future. As for Yuwen Qian—although he was difficult to see through, and it wasn't until after his wedding that Shang Ruyi understood the depth of his scheming and was even more afraid of his plots against her and Yuwen Ye—there are some things that are hard to hide in most people.
For example, a sneeze; for example, poverty.
For example, love.
These few short interactions made Shang Ruyi realize that Yuwen Qian didn't show much enthusiasm for either the Crown Princess or the Crown Prince's concubine. He appeared gentle and refined, but beneath that peaceful and approachable demeanor lay an almost bottomless abyss.
Regardless of the Crown Prince's intentions, Consort Lou seized this opportunity to make a great appearance both inside and outside the palace. She entered the palace at dawn every day, working even harder than the ministers attending court. She was domineering in the Hundred Blessings Hall, and afterwards, she personally came to the Thousand Autumns Hall to inquire about Shang Ruyi and the others' dietary preferences. Her attitude was very kind, showing no sign that the struggle between the Prince of Qin and the Crown Prince had reached a point of irreconcilable conflict.
Shang Ruyi understood what she meant.
Regardless of the outward displays of affection, Yuwen Yuan hosted this family banquet because he wanted to experience the warmth of family amidst the cold atmosphere; after all, he was getting old. And to please him, neither side would naturally reveal any unpleasant behavior.
So, Shang Ruyi warmly pulled her to sit down and chatted for half a day, praising her for her meticulousness and expressing sympathy for her hard work.
Finally, he told her that he didn't eat mutton much, but the King of Qin didn't seem to have any reservations about it.
After hearing this, Lou Chanyue took her leave. Shang Ruyi knew that she was going to discuss the menu for the New Year's Eve banquet with the Imperial Food Bureau. Sure enough, the next few days were filled with a flurry of activity. However, while she was busy, she was also furious on the other side.
Several days passed in the blink of an eye.
On this rare sunny day, Shang Ruyi had her nanny and Tushe'er take Yuanzi with her to stroll around the inner court. Actually, it was freezing cold, and all the flowers and plants in the inner court had withered, so there wasn't much to do. The three adults, along with little Yuanzi who was excitedly bouncing and babbling in her nanny's arms, walked along the Thousand-Step Corridor for a while. When they felt it was about time, they left the inner court and headed back.
Just as I passed through the Suzhang Gate, I saw a familiar figure walking past.
Shang Ruyi called out from afar, "Crown Princess."
The person stopped and slowly turned around, revealing a beautiful face that was bright and charming. Although she tried her best to control her emotions and expressions, a hint of anger still showed in her eyes. It was none other than Crown Princess Yu Mingyue.
Shang Ruyi smiled and stepped forward, bowing gracefully: "It's been a long time."
Probably not expecting Shang Ruyi to greet her, Yu Mingyue immediately became wary and looked at Shang Ruyi coldly, saying, "Princess Consort Qin, it's been a long time."
"I wonder what brings the Crown Princess to the palace today—"
"My father was concerned about my father's injuries and summoned me to the palace to inquire about them."
Mentioning this, her eyes revealed a hint of barely suppressed anger. After all, Yu Dingxing's eye was injured because of Yuwen Ye, but that was a minor matter. She also loathed that scumbag who abandoned his wife and daughter. What was even more hateful was that, because of his injury, Yuwen Yuan actually told her to go home more often to care for her father's health and be a filial daughter, while entrusting the important task of organizing the New Year's Eve banquet to the Crown Prince's concubine, Lou Chanyue.
That's an absolute joke!
Even if she weren't a person from ancient times who valued rules and hierarchy, she would understand that such a family gathering should either be left to the lady of the house, or, since Yuwen Yuan hadn't officially appointed an empress, it should rightfully be left to her, the eldest son and daughter-in-law, who was also the Crown Princess.
Because of Yu Dingxing's injury, Lou Chanyue stole this power. What's even more hateful is that her father, Lou Yingxiong, is also working with the Ministry of Justice to investigate the assassin case at Tangquan Palace. Although the person hasn't been caught yet, the matter is almost clear. Once the case is settled, the great achievements of the Lou family father and daughter will be recorded. At that time, I, as the Crown Princess, will be unable to manage family affairs or interfere in national affairs. Won't I be completely overshadowed by her?
Yu Mingyue was seething with hatred. What angered her even more was that the next moment, the Princess Qin in front of her actually smiled and said, "I see. I thought the Crown Princess had come to the palace to see how the New Year's Eve banquet was going."
Yu Mingyue's face was gloomy, but she still maintained her composure and said with a faint smile, "Since the matter has been handed over to Lou Liangdi, she can naturally handle it well."
Shang Ruyi smiled and said, "That's true, but she is, after all, only the Crown Prince's concubine."
Yu Mingyue gave her a cold glare: "Have you finished speaking?"
"not yet,"
Shang Ruyi was completely unfazed by the disgust and hatred in her eyes. She even took another step forward, leaned closer to her, and said with a smile, "You know, this father and daughter really made a name for themselves in front of the Emperor this time. Her hosting of the New Year's Eve banquet is just a small matter. If her father really manages to solve the case, that will be a great achievement. With this great achievement, the Lou family will have even more confidence. At that time—"
Yu Mingyue's expression gradually darkened.
Shang Ruyi took the opportunity to lower her voice and said softly, "The reason I can tolerate Jin Yuyuan is because she has no one to rely on. Even if she gives birth to a son, the Emperor will still be wary. But Lou Liangdi is different."
"..."
"Your Highness, you must be careful."
The more she spoke, the lower Yu Mingyue's head sank, as if she were truly lost in terrifying contemplation.
After a long while, she slowly raised her head.
"Princess Consort of Qin,"
Yu Mingyue suddenly revealed a strange expression, looking at Shang Ruyi with a half-smile: "You don't think I would cause trouble for the trial of the Tangquan Palace assassins because of this, do you?"
"..."
Do I look like such a stupid person to you?
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