"They're doing this on purpose to prevent Xu Yuehuai from marrying me. But think about it, what would our Cui family do without the support of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion?"
Cui Zige doesn't seem to be too stupid. He even knows how to stir up trouble for the Empress. But who can't see that when he says that?
However, to be fair, Cui Zige originally had no interest in Xu Yuehuai and even thought he was a bad person. But now that he had failed to get her three times, he was naturally unhappy. Since that was the case, he was determined to get her before he would be satisfied.
The Empress also despised Cui Zige's behavior, but unfortunately, Cui Zige was the only respectable member of her family.
If Cui Zique weren't disabled, she would have dealt with him herself long ago; how could he possibly be the one to annoy her?
The Empress thought that since Cui Zige was now angry with Xu Yuehuai, it would be better to keep him in the palace, which would also annoy Xu Yuehuai.
"Cui Zige, don't say your aunt won't help you..." As soon as the Empress spoke, he stopped crying and making a fuss. He knew that his Empress aunt would definitely help him.
“Aunt, please speak.” Cui Zige immediately put on a playful smile again. “You are the Empress. As long as you give the order, are you afraid that the Duke of Zhenguo’s mansion will not hand over their daughter?”
"You want Princess Heyue, and now that she lives in the palace, I allow you to live there too. The rest is up to your fate." The Empress couldn't say it outright, telling him to go and harm Xu Yuehuai, but she could hint at it indirectly, so that even if something unexpected happened, no one could blame her.
After all, given Cui Zige's idiot nature, if things were to come to light later, he would definitely be the first to sell her out.
The Empress couldn't help but feel a headache at the thought of this; how could the Cui family have produced such a scoundrel?
"Alright, then thank you very much, Auntie." Cui Zige immediately beamed with joy.
He wasn't stupid; of course, he understood what the Empress meant.
He couldn't help but start having erotic dreams again. Xu Yuehuai was indeed different from other women. He wondered if she would be different in bed. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but reveal a lewd smile.
...
On the other side, Xu Yuehuai had just returned to Qiyunxuan when she began to research some pastry designs to distribute to the various palace ladies.
Firstly, she'd be obliged to those who feed her, which would help her build good relationships. Secondly, by making more connections, she could gather clues, as resolving Consort Jia's matter would surely bring many things to light.
She was engrossed in her research and completely failed to notice the silver pot behind her that seemed to be saying something but was actually standing there.
Yin Hu heard about what happened at Anfu Palace today and was afraid that Xu Yuehuai would be angry and stop supporting Consort Jia.
After all, for the Duchess of Zhenguo, the only family she could still rely on was Consort Jia. Otherwise, when the Duchess of Zhenguo grew old and lost her beauty, the Duke of Zhenguo would surely marry a new woman.
Therefore, she quickly stepped forward to probe: "Princess, please don't take today's events to heart. Consort Jia was probably frightened, which is why she's so paranoid. After all, she is your aunt..."
“I understand.” Xu Yuehuai immediately interrupted Yin Hu. “I don’t mind what happened today, and I believe that Consort Jia will get better.”
She was naturally Consort Xinjia.
She knew that Yin Hu's sudden question was for the sake of the Duke of Zhenguo's wife, so she naturally didn't mind.
As Xu Yuehuai was speaking, an idea came to her mind, and she immediately asked Yinhu to fetch paper and pen: "Yinhu, quickly go and prepare some paper and pen for me, I have an idea."
Yin Hu was very puzzled: "Princess, what are you planning to do?"
"I was thinking of making some new cake designs and sending them to the palaces so I could gather some information," Xu Yuehuai explained. "Once we understand the details of the miscarriage, Consort Jia's worries will be resolved, and we won't have to worry about her being so paranoid in the future."
Yin Hu was deeply moved upon hearing this, never expecting that Princess He Yue would be so devoted.
However, she felt that this matter was inappropriate.
She pondered for a moment, then said, "Princess, I think this is inappropriate. There's nothing wrong with you sending these pastries to the various palaces, but it might make people think we have ulterior motives. If word gets out, it will be a case of good intentions gone wrong."
As Yin Hu spoke, she also fell into deep thought. She had entered the palace to help Xu Yuehuai, so naturally she was to help him solve his problems.
After listening to Yin Hu's words, Xu Yuehuai felt that they made some sense, but now she was confused and didn't know what to do.
Yin Hu suddenly had an idea and continued to suggest, "Princess, if we want to gather information, we can start with the palace maids."
"A palace maid?" Xu Yuehuai didn't understand her meaning for a moment.
“Those masters might not openly reveal the inside story of what happened back then, so it’s better to start with those palace maids. That way, there’s an advantage: we can get them to talk,” Yin Hu continued to explain.
Xu Yuehuai thought that Yinhu made sense.
Just then, her first batch of pastries came out of the oven. After thinking for a moment, she decided to start with Qi Qi, who was by the Empress's side.
If there really is a problem, then Qiqi naturally knows the whole story. Moreover, Qiqi is, after all, someone close to the Empress, and may even know some inside information that others don't. The only question is how to get her to speak.
After careful consideration, she made up her mind.
Xu Yuehuai still packed the finished pastries into boxes and brought them over to the Empress.
The moment the Empress saw Xu Yuehuai, a smile appeared on her face.
She was worried that Xu Yuehuai was always going back and forth between Qiyunxuan and Anfudian, so Cui Zige couldn't seize the opportunity. But now, the opportunity has come.
"Princess Heyue, you've finally arrived! I haven't been able to eat or sleep well these past few days, but seeing you has brought me some relief," the Empress said as soon as she saw Xu Yuehuai.
Xu Yuehua frowned, naturally understanding the Empress's intentions. She clearly wanted to keep her here and prevent her from getting close to Consort Jia, since she was still hoping for a marriage alliance between the Cui family and the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.
"Your Majesty is too kind to me. I only brought a few pastries. How could they compare to the elixir of immortality from Laozi? What will you do if I leave after you finish eating?" Xu Yuehuai teased with a smile, but made no mention of staying by the Empress's side.
"What else can I do? I'll just forcibly tie you up and keep you here with me." The Empress covered her mouth and chuckled, but her words were as cold as iron. "I am the Empress, after all. Don't I have that right?"
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