"Prince Jing has already turned twenty-two years old and has not yet taken an Official Wife; the Empress Dowager is showing her concern for Prince Jing," Sister Jin explained with a smile.
With a raised eyebrow, Yang Mengchen made it clear she didn’t believe it.
Knowing that the princess was intelligent, Sister Jin no longer kept secrets: "The Marquis Yingchuan is upright and cautious, and a loyal supporter of the imperial family. Ms. Su is graceful and virtuous. With the advice of Marquis Yingchuan and Ms. Su, it’s likely that Prince Jing will keep to his own lane. As for The Junior Minister of Glorious Monastery and The Officer of the Ministry of Rites, they have always been mediocre and unable to shoulder great responsibilities."
Having served the Empress Dowager for nearly twenty years, she understood the Empress Dowager’s character well; this matter was most likely the Emperor’s intention.
Yang Mengchen scoffed inwardly.
Which prince did not desire that supreme position? And Prince Jing, scheming and extremely proud by nature, would give up his ambitions for the throne just based on the Marquis Yingchuan and Ms. Su’s advice—that would be as unlikely as the sky raining red, simply impossible!
Besides, which of those officials did not wish for ultimate wealth and honor? It all depended on whether they had the opportunity. Otherwise, from which came so many traitorous officials throughout history?
It was rather a pity for Ms. Su. If her character were not bad, she could be given appropriate care and attention.
Understanding that the princess had deep thoughts, Sister Jin did not say any more.
Hai Tang then said, "There are also two jokes; does the princess want to hear them?"
Putting down the writing brush and taking the handkerchief from Shao Yao to wipe her hands, then picking up and sipping a mouthful of the tea brewed from Bai He flowers, Yang Mengchen finally turned to look at Hai Tang.
Seeing this, Hai Tang said with a smiling face, "A few days ago, Prince Consort Shang (the husband of Long Fengying) was visiting the Duke of Jinguo and was caught on the spot in a, hmm, compromising situation with Du Yueshan, the legitimate daughter of Duke Jin. Given that the Duke Jin Mansion is a noble aristocratic family, Prince Consort Shang decided to take Du Yueshan as his concubine;
Princess Fengying was furious, but the deed was done and she could only accept it. So, she thought of ways to torment Du Yueshan, but Prince Consort Shang protected her at every turn, leaving Princess Fengying powerless against her. She took her anger out on her servants, reportedly beating several maids to death and even having some corpses discarded at Indiscriminate Burial Ground at night;
Moreover, our people have discovered that Princess Fengying and Eldest Young Master Ma are involved. These past few days, Princess Fengying has been going to a civilian residence to meet with Eldest Young Master Ma;
Princess, should we..." spread the scandal of Long Fengying?
Yang Mengchen shook her head, "You can’t wrap fire in paper; this matter will eventually come to light, but we should not get involved."
After all, Long Fengying was the Emperor’s daughter, while she was merely a daughter-in-law. There was a difference in their positions. If the Emperor found out that she had leaked this matter, damaging the royal family’s reputation, even if he did not punish her out of consideration for Wende, in his heart, he would certainly blame her.
"But was it Princess Fengying’s initiative, or was it Eldest Young Master Ma?" asked Yang Mengchen.
Hai Tang answered, "The Prince’s Wife of Marquis Fenyang is on good terms with Princess Fengying and is related to Eldest Young Master Ma through marriage. Eldest Young Master Ma had the Prince’s Wife invite Princess Fengying to visit his mansion. Then he secretly drugged her, and after that incident, since Princess Fengying was already upset about Prince Consort Shang and Du Yueshan, she not only didn’t get angry but became infatuated and started meeting with Eldest Young Master Ma regularly."
"It seems that Eldest Young Master Ma already knows the truth behind the reception at Ma Mansion," Yang Mengchen said, with the corners of her lips curling into a profound smile.
The others looked at Yang Mengchen with puzzlement.
Slowly swirling the tea in her cup, Yang Mengchen’s expression was serene, and a deep, unspoken brilliance flashed in her dark eyes.
"Eldest Young Master Ma must be aware that Long Fengying and Madam Zhang conspired against me. Not only did they fail, but they also exposed the Ma family’s scandal to everyone, destroying the Ma family’s reputation. Eldest Young Master Ma’s wife deserted him, his future prospects were shattered, so he approached Long Fengying in this manner to get his revenge on her."
"Once this is exposed, the Emperor will certainly have Princess Fengying executed," Hai Tang added.
"Eldest Young Master Ma won’t let Long Fengying die." Seeing the doubtful glances from everyone, Yang Mengchen’s face held a smile with a subtle depth of meaning: "Eldest Young Master Ma is the progeny of Old Marquis and Madam Xu, nominally the eldest legitimate son and future heir of the Hou Mansion. But now, his prospects of wealth and honor have been shattered, and he carries the infamy of having illegitimate children. His entire life is ruined."
Realization dawned on the others, and Mo Mei affirmed, "Only by subjecting Long Fengying to a fate worse than death will Eldest Young Master Ma quell the hatred in his heart!"
Yang Mengchen said nothing, picked up the teacup, and took a sip, her eyes and eyebrows holding a hint of indifferent chill, which quickly turned into a smile as she looked at the six maids (Wu Tong and Mu Jin were not there) and Mo Mei: "You are all no longer young. Do you have someone in mind? Speak up, and I’ll decide for you."
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