That being said, most of the people dining at Tianxiang Restaurant these days are unaware of the relationships between these individuals. Upon hearing Xu Jingui's words, they naturally assume that Zhou Wan is at fault.
It's unclear who slammed down their chopsticks first, then snorted coldly: "Everyone says the owner of Tianxiang Restaurant is the best owner, but now he's nothing more than a petty bully who takes advantage of his power."
"Even though he's so pitiful, you still won't let him see his wife and daughter. Your Tianxiang Tower is far too domineering."
Immediately afterwards, the diners took turns saying things, each word and phrase aimed at exonerating Xu Jingui.
Finally, they even overturned the table.
"Let's go, let's not eat here anymore. Let's not eat here again. You're so heartless."
In no time, all the remaining diners left.
When Zhou Wan saw this, she panicked even more and was at a loss. She had clearly done nothing wrong, and this Xu Jingui was no good.
When Xu Jingui saw the diners leaving one after another, there was a barely perceptible hint of smugness in his eyes, but he still pretended to be aggrieved on the surface.
He misled her again: "Miss Zhou Wan, I don't ask for anything else, I just hope to see Rou'er and A Yue. Please, just let me see them."
Zhou Wan realized that this person wouldn't give up until he was completely cornered.
Xu Yuehua entrusted Tianxianglou to me, so I absolutely cannot let her down.
Seeing that Xu Jingui was about to pounce, Tie Xiong immediately shielded her even more tightly and said, "Neither of them are at Tianxiang Tower."
"How is that possible?!" Xu Jingui's words were clearly tinged with excitement.
If he doesn't see the two of them, then his trip today will have been in vain.
Upon hearing this, Zhou Wan quickly spoke up, "Don't you know that Aunt Cui is deaf in her left ear?"
“She’s currently recuperating at the Duke of Zhenguo’s mansion, so you can go and find her. Also, Manager Xu is currently staying at the palace, so if you’re looking for someone, don’t come to Tianxiang Tower anymore.” After saying this, Tie Xiong immediately threw the man out and then closed the doors to all other customers.
Once the others entered, Zhou Wan became anxious and complained, "Tie Xiong, how could you tell them where A Yue and Aunt Cui are? This will definitely cause trouble for Xu Jingui, and it will only make things worse for A Yue."
"My wife, don't worry," Tie Xiong quickly reassured her.
“If you don’t tell them and let them keep causing trouble at Tianxiang Tower, that will only make things worse. You need to know that the Duke of Zhenguo’s mansion is not to be trifled with. How could they let them bully people? Besides, the palace is heavily guarded. If they want to enter the palace again because of the Consort, Xu Mingzhi’s official position will be in jeopardy.” He quickly explained, “Don’t worry.”
Hearing this, Zhou Wan nodded in relief.
...
Xu Jingui, who had been thrown onto the street, cried a few times. Seeing that no one was really paying attention to him, he simply stood up and went straight home.
Unexpectedly, before even entering the door, they saw Xu Mingzhi with an expectant look on his face.
"Father, how did it go? Did you get the money?" Xu Mingzhi asked repeatedly.
Xu Jingui shook his head, then slapped the man on the back of the head and cursed, "It's all your fault for having such a bad hand. So much silver just vanished like that. Look at me when I used to gamble; I always managed to bring back some silver."
He didn't think it was his problem at all.
Xu Mingzhi was speechless after being rebuked, and could only ask, "Then what do we do next? The day after tomorrow is the day of the official appointment. If I don't have money to buy a house, I will definitely be looked down upon. Father, you have to think of a way quickly."
"What can I do!" Xu Jingui said angrily.
After a long pause, he sighed, "Right now, we can only try our luck at the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion."
...
Meanwhile, inside the palace, Qi Guze had already entered the Imperial Study.
Upon seeing the room full of people, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow: "Your Majesty."
"Your Majesty the Regent has come at the right time. I have encountered a difficult matter today." As he spoke, the Emperor pointed at the Empress and others, "Today, Cui Zige attempted to take advantage of Princess Heyue. In order to protect herself, Princess Heyue almost killed Cui Zige. Now, it seems that Cui Zige will have difficulty having children. Tell me, how should I judge this case?"
If Qi Guze was initially curious, he is now burning with rage.
He subconsciously looked at Cui Zige, his eyes filled with anger, but he still tried his best to control his anger.
However, before he could speak, Cui Zige spoke first: "Your Majesty, we cannot let him make the decision!"
“Everyone knows that his relationship with Princess Heyue is extraordinary. If he were to make the decision, wouldn’t I have no chance of winning at all? I think that’s unfair!”
He roared loudly.
The emperor was already feeling agitated, and hearing these words only made his head spin even more.
If he was still unsure of what to do, he would have preferred to side with Xu Yuehuai, who hadn't caused any trouble yet.
Although Qi Guze wished he could tear Cui Zige to pieces, he knew that the current situation was not appropriate, so he had no choice but to say, "Your Majesty, my brother and Princess Heyue do have close ties, which may cause controversy. Please make the decision. I have already brought Princess Yinshan safely to your side, so I will not stay any longer."
As he spoke, he cupped his hands in a respectful gesture and immediately left the Imperial Study.
Xu Yuehuai watched his departing figure, a hint of loneliness in her eyes. Even though she knew that Qi Guze couldn't openly speak up for her, she still hoped that he could.
However, since she couldn't rely on others, Xu Yuehuai naturally had to rely on herself.
“Your Majesty,” she said, drawing everyone’s attention from the moment she spoke, “My actions towards Master Cui were all for self-preservation. If I am to be punished for this, wouldn’t that be telling all women in the world that they can only endure and not resist? Wouldn’t that embolden men? How could the people live in peace and prosperity then?”
The emperor was stunned.
He had to admit that Xu Yuehuai was right. If he really punished Xu Yuehuai, such inappropriate behavior would only become more rampant in the future.
"Alright, since Cui Zige started this whole thing, he has no choice but to accept it. Besides, the imperial physician only told him to take care of his health, not that he really can't have children. Do you really want someone to sacrifice their reputation?" The Emperor made his decision.
The Empress was completely stunned when she heard this.
If the Cui family were to lose its heir, then it would truly be finished: "Your Majesty—"
"Furthermore, Cui Zige, being an outsider, should not associate with the inner palace. Today, considering the injustice he suffered, I will not hold it against him. Now, leave the palace immediately." After saying this, the Emperor waved his hand impatiently.
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