"Where have all the rules I taught you gone? How dare you say such things!" The Empress's chest heaved with anger.
Ren Nuanyun and the Crown Prince had a relationship, but the Crown Prince taking the initiative and Ren Nuanyun taking the initiative are two different things.
If Ren Nuanyun took the initiative, it would be considered a seductive act to seduce the Crown Prince. If the Crown Prince took the initiative, it would mean that he is easily tempted by beautiful women.
For an ordinary man, this would be a trivial matter, but not for the crown prince. He is the heir apparent and must have absolute self-control. If he is easily swayed, how can he be a crown prince?
"Mother, this was my initiative. Please don't blame Nuanyun. Besides, I was already trying to get Father to agree to move my wedding date forward. Now that you've suddenly done this, what am I supposed to do?"
"Mother, the child in Nuanyun's womb is your eldest grandson! How could you be so cruel?"
The Crown Prince stared at the Empress sitting above him with eyes full of disappointment. His mother had always been kind and benevolent, so why would she do such a thing? And even frame Qu Qingxi for it.
Seeing the Crown Prince's expression, the Empress felt a chill run down her spine, and at the same time, she hated Ren Nuanyun even more. If it weren't for Ren Nuanyun, how could she and her son have ended up in this situation?
How could the Crown Prince have become like this? Where did the wise and quick-witted Crown Prince go?
The Empress was also filled with disappointment, but she now understood that her son had always been stubborn, and this matter would likely become a rift between them. If she continued to show that she disliked Ren Nuanyun, this rift would only grow wider.
The Crown Prince was her son, and she would never allow him to devote himself solely to romantic relationships. However, outwardly, she could no longer show her dislike for Ren Nuanyun.
The relationship between her and the Crown Prince must not be affected by someone as insignificant as Ren Nuanyun.
"Your Highness, I made a mistake at the time. I was just thinking that if people found out about this child, how would they view you? I admit that I was impulsive. After Ren Nuanyun miscarried, I regretted it a bit."
But what's done is done, and it's too late for me to regret it.
The Empress turned her head away, revealing a hint of regret at the opportune moment.
Seeing that the Empress's attitude had softened, the Crown Prince truly regretted what he had done. He no longer blamed the Empress, for she was, after all, his mother.
The Crown Prince knew that his mother was doing this for his own good, but she hadn't used the right methods.
"Mother, how did you find out that Nuanyun is pregnant?" The Crown Prince looked up at the Empress. He had kept this a secret very well. How could his mother, who lived in the inner palace, suddenly know about this? Someone must have told his mother.
The Empress lowered her eyes, knowing that this matter could no longer be kept from the Crown Prince. She sighed softly, "It was a maidservant of Ren Nuanyun, I think her name was Chunxin. She came to the palace specifically to tell me about this. Your Highness, please don't punish her. She was only thinking of your reputation."
"Your Majesty, I understand this matter. I hope Your Majesty can understand one thing: my Crown Princess can only be Ren Nuanyun, and I only have feelings for her. From now on, I hope Your Majesty will treat her well."
The Empress felt a pang in her heart, but she still managed a forced smile. "I understand. As for the miscarriage, it was ultimately my fault. Later, I will have someone send her some tonics to help her recover, and I will also bestow some fine gifts upon her to make up for my mistake."
"Your Majesty, I thank you on behalf of Nuanyun. I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now." The Crown Prince bowed to the Empress and then turned to leave.
As the Crown Prince disappeared from sight, the Empress's face suddenly turned cold. "That vixen, that little slut, actually managed to seduce the Crown Prince into coming here to question me. She has no idea how arrogant she is."
Caiqiu, the head palace maid beside the Empress, slowly walked to the Empress's side and served her a fresh cup of tea. "Your Majesty, you don't need to be sad over such a person. It's not worth it."
The Empress sighed deeply, "I know, but seeing the Crown Prince so disappointing really bothers me."
"Your Highness, are you really going to reward Princess Mingxiu with something?"
"Hmph, of course I should reward her. Otherwise, Ren Nuanyun's matter will only affect the relationship between me and the Crown Prince. I will never allow such a thing to happen."
"Then this servant will go and prepare properly later." Caiqiu nodded to indicate that she understood.
"Hmm, try to send over some good things, so the Crown Prince won't say anything again." The Empress rested her right hand on her forehead and closed her eyes.
"By the way, didn't His Majesty say he would arrange a governess for Ren Nuanyun? Caiqiu, go and arrange for Granny Yan to go there and teach Ren Nuanyun proper manners. Remember to make sure she follows the rules in everything, and don't let her be lax just because of her status." The Empress waved her hand.
“Yes, Your Highness. Granny Yan is always very strict about rules, so I’m sure she will give Princess Mingxiu a good ‘training’.” Caiqiu smiled knowingly and turned to leave.
The next morning, after the morning court session, Xu Ding and his son, He Liufeng, and the Crown Prince were kept behind.
The group followed the Emperor to the Imperial Study. Xu Ding and his son didn't think much of it, assuming that the Emperor had something to discuss with them.
After entering the imperial study, the emperor looked at Xu Xingfeng, sized him up, and then slowly asked, "Xu Xingfeng, what have you been busy with these past two days?"
Xu Xingfeng was surprised that the Emperor would suddenly ask him a question. After realizing what was happening, he quickly and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, I have been busy dealing with matters concerning the Ministry of Personnel. There are still some officials in Linghe who need to be reassigned, and I am adjusting them according to their situation."
"Hmm, where were you the night the incident occurred at the Crown Prince's residence?" After the Emperor finished speaking, he stared straight at Xu Xingfeng.
Upon hearing the Emperor's words, Xu Xingfeng was stunned for a moment, a look of panic flashing in his eyes. He looked up at the Emperor abruptly, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Your Majesty, I was at the Xu residence that night."
"Do you know the crime of deceiving the emperor?" The emperor stared at the person in front of him with a majestic gaze, his voice sharp and stern.
"Your Majesty, please forgive me, I dare not." Xu Xingfeng quickly knelt down, and Xu Ding, who was standing next to him, also knelt down. When Xu Ding heard the emperor specifically asking about Xu Xingfeng's whereabouts that night, a hint of confusion flashed in his eyes, but he quickly calmed down.
Why did Your Majesty suddenly ask about what happened that night?
"Feng'er, where were you that night? You should tell the Emperor the truth!" Xu Ding gave his son a reproachful look and quickly winked at Xu Xingfeng.
Since the Emperor asked this question, it's clear he knows that Xu Xingfeng wasn't in the mansion that night.
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