The Duchess of Zhenguo had someone carefully escort her to her boudoir before she could finally relax.
However, since the Duke of Zhenguo was a man, he couldn't go in. He could only ponder Xu Yuehuai's matter from the side, and slowly he frowned.
Today's events were far too sudden and strange. If something major wasn't about to happen, His Majesty would never have suddenly sent someone out of the palace.
Before he could even get a clue, the Duchess of Zhenguo came out.
As soon as she saw the Duke of Zhenguo, she immediately spoke up: "My lord, what kind of situation is this? Why was our daughter sent out of the palace for no reason? If any gossip spreads in the future, how will our A-Yue face the world?"
“Something must have happened in the palace.” After saying that, the Duke of Zhenguo looked at her and gestured for her not to worry. “Madam, relax and don’t be so nervous. After all, we still have to take care of A-Yue. If it were really something bad, the news would have already spread from the palace. It’s definitely not what you and I think. Don’t worry.”
"That's true, but how can I put my mind at ease?" The Duchess of Zhenguo sighed, glancing at Xu Yuehuai's room, worried that their commotion might disturb Xu Yuehuai.
Seeing no response, she sighed heavily, "Why does A-Yue look so haggard, and what about her and the Regent..."
"It's either a conflict or some arrangements in the palace." Before she could finish speaking, the Duke of Zhenguo interrupted her.
The Duke of Zhenguo understood this clearly.
Now that his wife, A-Yue, has become a princess, she can no longer marry as casually as before. Since she will become a sacrifice for the royal family sooner or later, it's better to let the couple choose carefully.
He patted his wife on the shoulder: "It's alright. Since A-Yue wants to find a husband, then we'll make proper arrangements for her. Does it mean that without the Regent, our A-Yue can't find a good husband?"
The Duke of Zhenguo still remembers the aggrieved look in Xu Yuehuai's eyes when she spoke, which showed that she had truly fallen for Qi Guze.
It's not easy to understand; he needs to think it over carefully.
"Yes, then I'll also send someone to the palace to inquire about it." The Duchess of Zhenguo nodded.
Since the couple were outsiders, it was ultimately up to someone in the palace who knew the situation to handle it.
Although the Duchess of Zhenguo had no biological sisters, she did have a cousin in the palace.
She immediately found a maid named Qiqi.
This maid was originally kept to facilitate communication between the two, but unexpectedly, she came in handy so soon.
Qi Qi quickly curtsied and said, "Madam."
"Go to the palace first thing tomorrow morning and ask Consort Jia what happened to A-Yue in the palace." Her face was full of worry.
"yes."
Qiqi agreed and immediately withdrew.
...
That said, Amber failed to invite Xu Yuehuai over, and could only awkwardly return to Fengyi Palace.
"Your Majesty, Xu Yuehuai said she has a headache and can't get up, and now His Majesty has directly ordered her to leave the palace." Amber's face showed a mixture of helplessness and panic.
As expected, the Empress was immediately displeased upon hearing this, and she began to vent her anger and tantrums on Amber: "Fine, I think it's because you've been incompetent, and now you're trying to shirk responsibility. How could His Majesty possibly interfere in the affairs of the inner palace? Amber, are you now planning to go against me too?"
"This servant did not." Amber immediately knelt on the ground, utterly terrified.
The Queen took a deep breath and said nothing more.
She felt terrible and didn't know how things had come to this.
Nowadays, there are few people in her maternal family who can be relied upon, and their status cannot even compare with that of Consort Min's maternal family. Moreover, she has lost her own son, so her position as Empress has long become a mere formality.
She originally thought that since both her family and the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion were helpless, if they could unite, it would surely bring benefits to both.
Amber felt uneasy seeing this.
After all, she had grown up with the Empress since childhood, so their bond was naturally different from others.
After a moment's thought, she quickly said, "Your Majesty, we can arrange a marriage between the Cui family and Xu Yuehuai. Wouldn't that strengthen family ties even further?"
After Amber finished speaking, the Empress immediately fell into thought. Yes, if the goal was to win over Xu Yuehuai, then marriage was the safest way.
Thinking about this, she stopped being angry and just became puzzled.
"That's true, but where in the Cui family can we find anyone of any use?" The Empress couldn't help but sigh.
Among her nephews and nieces, very few were capable of handling important matters. If they were not competent, the Duke of Zhenguo would never have agreed to such a marriage.
Amber immediately laughed and said, "Your Majesty is confused. The second young master of the Third Master's family is in this imperial examination. The Third Master has already secretly inquired about him. With our second young master's abilities, he will definitely pass the imperial examination. This status is more than enough to match the goddaughter of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion."
Upon hearing this, the Empress immediately nodded with satisfaction.
Since Xu Yuehuai is still seriously ill, let's send her some tonics first to ease the tension.
"Hmm, go to the storehouse and find some tonics to send to her." The Empress said, then arranged for someone to visit and deliver the gifts. She didn't forget to curl a smug smile at the corner of her mouth. "Amber, remember to greet her often. These girls are easily swayed. If you say enough, they will naturally start to appreciate the gift."
"Yes, Your Majesty." After saying that, Amber led a group of palace maids to select tonics.
...
The next morning, Amber immediately brought the tonics to the door.
Unexpectedly, as soon as they entered, they saw three or four doctors shaking their heads and leaving. The maid who led the way quickly said, "Miss Amber, please don't be offended. My young lady's health has been getting worse since she returned from the palace, so we invited several doctors to come and see her."
"It's alright, but I wonder what's wrong with the princess's health?" Amber quickly asked.
She always felt that there was something wrong with Xu Yuehuai. How could a perfectly healthy person suddenly fall ill?
The maid shook her head and remained silent.
She led Amber into the house. Amber originally thought she wouldn't notice anything unusual, but she didn't expect Xu Yuehuai's face to be so pale, with no color in her eyes, and even her eyes were bloodshot.
Amber quickly said, "Greetings, Princess Heyue."
"This servant is here on behalf of Her Majesty the Empress to deliver tonics to the Princess." As she spoke, she clapped her hands, and the palace maids outside all came in.
"Then I'll trouble you, Sister Amber. Please convey my gratitude to Her Majesty the Empress when you return." Xu Yuehuai naturally knew that this person hadn't come for nothing.
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