When the concubines in the harem received the news that the emperor had been assassinated, they were all extremely shocked. They could not believe that there would be such audacious bandits who would commit such a crime right under the emperor's nose!
They're still after the emperor!
The Emperor ordered a thorough investigation into the matter, and the banquet prepared for the Emperor that evening turned into a shock-relieving banquet.
The ministers at the table dared not speak, and when they had to, they said only flattering things.
For example, “The Emperor suffered in Huangjue Temple for the sake of the people of Dachen”, and “The Emperor cares deeply for the people. If it weren’t for the Emperor’s devout prayers, the disaster in Yunzhou would not have been quelled so quickly.”
But the emperor's expression did not soften because of their flattery. He was now filled with anger and felt that someone behind the scenes was deliberately provoking him. Otherwise, they would not have chosen to carry out the assassination outside the capital in front of so many people.
Furthermore, the other side had no intention of fighting at all; they merely disrupted their procession back to the palace! Their purpose was simply to embarrass themselves!
Seeing the emperor's gloomy face, the court officials tried their best to minimize their presence, fearing that they would become the pitiful scapegoat.
Seeing the atmosphere of the banquet turn out this way, the Emperor impatiently waved his hand, dismissing everyone.
Song Wenyue stepped forward at the opportune moment and said, "Your Majesty has been away from the palace for a long time and has not seen the little prince. I brought him here today so that Your Majesty can have a look at him."
Yuwen Wuji was initially quite annoyed, but the thought of his son cheered him up, so he had someone bring the son over and play with him for a while.
"I heard that your sister came to the palace to keep you company. Why don't I see her?" When Yuwen Wuji mentioned Song Yaozhu, Song Wenyue's smile did not change. She smiled and said, "My sister is suffering from severe morning sickness. She vomited a lot today and didn't have the strength to get up."
Upon hearing this, Yuwen Wuji said with great regret, "Then forget it."
Song Wenyue secretly twisted her handkerchief, thinking to herself, "You're really not even pretending anymore."
"Once my sister is feeling better, I will have her come to pay her respects to you."
Hearing her say that, Yuwen Wuji didn't say it was no trouble.
Not only Song Wenyue, but also several other concubines who saw through the deception secretly despised her.
However, they despised Song Wenyue even more, believing she was trying to sell out her sister for personal gain. But if they had a sister like that, they would probably be willing too.
After the palace banquet ended, Song Wenyue returned to Gyeongbokgung Palace, exhausted.
She had initially thought Lu Yinghong would take the opportunity to harm her, but nothing happened, which puzzled her greatly. Lu Yinghong wasn't a soft-hearted person; why would she let her off so easily?
Just as she was wondering what was going on, the maid returned with a grim expression.
"Your Majesty, some rumors are circulating outside that are detrimental to you and the young prince!"
Hearing this, Song Wenyue felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from her chest.
"Speak, what is it?" she said calmly, seemingly unconcerned about the rumors circulating outside.
The palace maid cautiously observed her expression, and timidly spoke, saying, "It's said outside that the young prince is not the emperor's bloodline!"
Song Wenyue's expression changed drastically, and she immediately flew into a rage.
"Where did the news come from?!"
The palace maid shook her head: "This servant doesn't know. This servant came back immediately to tell Your Highness after hearing the news!"
Song Wenyue thought this maid was incredibly stupid, but since she was one of her own, she could only put up with it.
"Hurry up and go find out!"
The maidservant hurriedly left, leaving Song Wenyue filled with anxiety.
Could it be that someone found out about something? Or did the woman next door say something she shouldn't have?
No, that's impossible. That woman wants to live more than anyone else; she would never tell anyone about this.
Where did this news come from?
The palace maids went out to gather information, but the news spread like wildfire throughout the palace overnight, as if it were nothing.
Song Wenyue was filled with anxiety and didn't sleep a wink all night. The next day, Song Yaozhu came into the room to see her, saying with great concern, "Fourth Sister, I've heard those rumors..."
"Shut up!" Song Wenyue was terrified, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. Then, realizing her reaction was excessive and made her seem even more suspicious, she tried to cover it up: "Third Sister, you actually believe those things you say that you can't stand to see me do well?"
Song Yaozhu's face was full of worry, as if the two sisters had a very deep bond.
"Fourth Sister, rumors can spread like wildfire, which shows how powerful they can be. I naturally don't believe them, but what about those people outside? Most importantly, there's the Emperor! If the Emperor doesn't believe them, then you'll completely lose favor!"
Song Wenyue was naturally aware of these implications, and she hadn't slept all night because she was worried about this.
If I lose the Emperor's favor, what will my life be like in the harem?
Even a slightly favored servant dares to step on her!
She didn't want to live that kind of life!
But in front of Song Yaozhu, she didn't want to show weakness, so she forced herself to say, "Let them say what they want. They're just jealous that I have a prince!"
Song Yaozhu held her hand, her eyes filled with deep worry. The moment their eyes met, Song Wenyue truly felt the warmth of being cared for by her elder sister.
"Third Sister, one wrong step leads to another," Song Yaozhu said earnestly. "We must take the initiative and dispel these rumors to protect the young prince and you!"
Hearing her say this, Song Wenyue was moved, perhaps because she was too anxious or something else. She asked, "Then what should I do?"
Song Yaozhu slowly smiled, "Do you still remember the gift your older sister gave you?"
Song Wenyue felt a chill run down her spine when she thought of the Jade Bone Regenerating Ointment.
"You knew all along what was going on with that filthy thing!" Song Wenyue exclaimed, agitated. Song Yaozhu had known what it was all along, yet she still gave it to her! What was she planning?
Song Yaozhu pressed her down and sighed, "Doesn't my sister realize that it was I who told you the secret to this thing?"
Song Wenyue was stunned.
"Fourth sister, as I said, I do care about you, but I'm still angry that Mother always favors you. After learning about the unusual nature of this item, I immediately told you. The last time I gave you that thing was also to remind you. It's a pity you don't know how to use it."
Song Wenyue was bewildered, but then she understood.
"You gave me that thing because you wanted to use me to bring down Lu Yinghong?"
Song Yaozhu nodded and said earnestly, "Only if you, Fourth Sister, take a high position can my situation outside be better! We sisters must work together."
Song Wenyue was filled with panic, while Song Yaozhu, though outside the palace, had such a deep understanding of the inner palace.
Her entry into the palace this time was also to bring down Lu Yinghong. She was merely a pawn in Lu's game, yet Lu had become the one wielding the pawn!
When did she become so amazing?
A chill crept up her back, and she swallowed hard.
"Are you really Song Yaozhu?"
Song Yaozhu looked at her with a smile.
"I am Song Yaozhu."
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