Chapter 256 She actually cares about him a lot
Seeing the tense atmosphere, Madam Fan forced a smile and tried to smooth things over, "Your Highness, your uncle was only speaking rudely because he was worried about you. Don't blame him. Forget it, even if we have to break off the engagement, we need to think it over carefully. At least we have to satisfy the Sheng family!"
Duke Wen seemed to be compromising, saying, "That makes sense."
Seeing that Pei Siyan's expression softened, Madam Fan seized the opportunity to say, "According to the imperial decree, Sheng Xiyue should have moved into the East Palace long ago. Your Highness, please let her stay there temporarily. If everyone disobeys Emperor Muzong's decree, then Dou Wenyi cannot be considered the Crown Princess. After all, you are not married yet, so she should be sent back to the Dou family."
"If you break off the engagement now, the court officials will definitely use this as an opportunity to attack your marriage with the Crown Princess. Wouldn't that be a loss for you?"
Duke Wen's eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but admire his wife's intelligence, which had hit the nail on the head. "Your Highness, if you want to ascend the throne, you need to have a legitimate reason for it. You can allow her to live in the Eastern Palace for now. After you ascend the throne, if Sheng Xiyue becomes arrogant and domineering, what to do will be up to you..."
Yesterday, the Ministry of Rites was embroiled in a heated debate over this matter. Some officials felt that the wedding should take place before the enthronement, while others felt that the enthronement ceremony should be held first, followed by the wedding.
The reason these court officials held differing opinions was simply that some still harbored illusions about Emperor Muzong and were trying their best to delay his ascension to the throne. These days, Duke Wen was making every effort to win over those wavering officials.
Therefore, the Sheng family's choice is extremely important.
A hint of anger flickered across Pei Siyan's sinister face. How could they come up with such an absurd excuse!
However, he certainly couldn't give those people in the court any excuse to attack their marriage.
Seeing that the time was right, Madam Fan said, "It's getting late, and I'm getting a little hungry. Where is the Crown Princess? I'd like to see her. Hasn't she returned yet?"
Pei Siyan's voice was cold and hard, "Someone, bring the meal."
Madam Fan then said, "Xiyue, come in, let's have our meal together..."
Sheng Xiyue, who had been waiting outside the hall for a long time, lowered her eyes and brows upon hearing the summons, and stepped lightly into the hall.
——
Physician Hu squatted in front of the table and began to examine all the food, incense burner, and even the paper, ink, brush, and inkstone used by the Crown Prince. For the time being, he could not find the source of the aphrodisiac at all...
Just when everyone was at a loss, Eunuch Anxi took out an exquisite round fan from under the table. "Your Highness, we don't know whose this fan is... Physician Hu, please take a look and see if there is anything unusual."
Physician Hu took the fan, sniffed it carefully, and had a guess in his mind. "The surface of this fan should have been soaked in a strong aphrodisiac. This person is vicious and has evil intentions. Your Highness should be more careful and investigate thoroughly to find out who is harboring evil intentions."
Pei Siyan glanced at the round fan. The fan was embroidered with pink lotus flowers inlaid with gold thread, which was fresh and elegant. It was a style that young women would like. However, this round fan was originally held in the hand of his aunt.
If the poisoning was caused by smell, how did the Fan family prevent the Duke of Wen from being poisoned?
Could it be that they took the antidote beforehand?
Pei Siyan's dark eyes were as cold as a deep pool, churning with malice. It was because he was too kind and always treated the Wen family as his own that Sheng Xiyue had the opportunity to take advantage of him!
If you don't court death, you won't die!
This method is really despicable. If you can give him an aphrodisiac today, can you give him arsenic next time?
Does the Wen family want to completely destroy any remaining affection between them?
Pei Siyan closed his eyes briefly. "No need to investigate."
Physician Hu glanced at the Crown Prince with a complicated expression. This round fan was exquisitely crafted and should not have been used by a palace maid. He wondered which noble lady had tried to climb into his bed...
Pei Siyan's low, husky voice rang out again, "Where is the Crown Princess? It's so late, hasn't she had her dinner yet?"
Eunuch Anxi suddenly realized, "I had already left a message for Wutong Courtyard, saying that His Highness would be dining with the Crown Princess. At this time, Wutong Courtyard should have sent someone to invite him long ago. It shouldn't have..."
When His Highness the Crown Prince was entertaining Duke Wen, he didn't touch his chopsticks at all, wanting to dine with Dou Wenyi.
Even if the Crown Princess ate her meal early, she would at least inform His Highness the Crown Prince.
Unless, she had already been here, and happened to catch Consort Sheng inside when she arrived...
This misunderstanding has become a huge problem!
Eunuch Anxi hurriedly ran out of the main hall and, after a few inquiries, confirmed that the Crown Princess had indeed been there.
He glanced at Pei Siyan furtively; the gloom between his brows had deepened.
Eunuch Anxi hesitated, but seeing that the Crown Prince did not intend to stop him, he whispered, "Your Highness, why don't you ask the Crown Princess to come over? Physician Hu happens to be here. Even if there is any misunderstanding, it's best to clear it up as soon as possible."
Pei Siyan paused slightly, pondering Anxi's words. Dou Wenyi had indeed come, but what did she hear? Did she misunderstand him?
She was still so angry that she refused to have dinner with him.
Does that mean she's actually jealous?
She actually cares about him a lot too?
Seeing that he remained silent, Eunuch Anxi hesitated for a while before cautiously saying, "Your Highness, the Crown Princess must have misunderstood... Shall I go and invite her over?"
These words struck a chord with Pei Siyan. "Mm."
A short while later, Dou Wenyi entered the hall.
"Doctor Hu, the aphrodisiac's poison has not yet dissipated. What should we do?"
A familiar, cool voice came through, its tone containing a restrained anger.
Dou Wenyi was startled and looked in the direction of the sound. She saw Pei Siyan sitting casually on a soft couch behind the screen, his collar slightly open and his wide outer robe trailing on the ground. The black robe was embroidered with python patterns, making him both majestic and dashing.
For a fleeting moment, Dou Wenyi seemed to see the Crown Prince from her past life, high above, looking down upon all living beings.
After a moment's hesitation, Physician Hu replied, "Your Highness, the pills you used can indeed suppress and alleviate the effects of this medicine. However, such matters should be guided rather than suppressed. It is best to have sexual intercourse to completely eliminate the effects of the medicine and avoid harming your health."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
