Tao Wanniang naturally needed to discuss her plan with Xiao Yi, but since they were newlyweds, it was impossible for him to come to the restaurant immediately, regardless of whether it was true or not. Tao Wanniang also had many affairs at the restaurant, so she naturally put the matter aside for the time being.
About five days later, Hongzhu came to the restaurant alone and went directly to find Tao Wanniang.
"Sister Tao, Brother Yi said that if I feel troubled, I can come to you." Hongzhu's expression was indifferent, but there was some worry in her eyes.
Tao Wanniang wasn't sure if Hongzhu knew she was the one who suggested Xiao Yi set up the scheme, so she tried her best to appear as a listener. "Miss Hongzhu, no, Princess Consort, what's wrong?"
"Sister Tao, do you know what I originally wanted? I wanted to snatch back the husband I had my eye on and take him to our Lixiang Island. But now, I'm the one stuck in the capital." Hongzhu smiled bitterly. When she agreed to do this charade, she had been quite patient with herself.
Before getting married, Princess Rui had introduced her to many ladies from prominent families, so she wasn't afraid of them. But after getting married, she was pressured to have children!
They weren't really husband and wife, and Hongzhu felt a little annoyed by the eager gaze of Princess Rui.
“Sister Tao, you and I both come from humble backgrounds. Can you imagine what it feels like? Everyone is staring at me, staring at my belly,” Hongzhu said irritably. “Besides, the young master and I…” Hongzhu paused, “Sister Tao, let me just tell you directly, Xiao Yi and I are just working together. We're acting together. Now look what’s happened. The mastermind behind this hasn’t been found, and I’ve become the one being watched.”
Tao Wanniang looked at Hongzhu and realized she trusted her a lot!
“Hongzhu, I actually know about your affair with Xiao Yi. I have a suspect in Xiao Yi’s whereabouts and I want to talk to him about it,” Tao Wanniang said directly, no longer pretending.
Hongzhu was taken aback and stared blankly at Tao Wanniang, but then she smiled calmly.
"Sister Tao, no wonder Xiao Yi said I would come to you if I was feeling down. Who is it? I'm feeling uneasy right now and want to find someone to vent my anger on."
"It's just suspicion. This person holds a high position and wields great power, and ordinary people can't get close to him. I'm a little apprehensive. As for whether to find someone to vent my anger on, I think we should wait for Xiao Yi to arrive and discuss it together."
“Then we’ll have to wait a few more days.” Hongzhu sighed with curiosity. “We’ve only been married for two days, and Xiao Yi has already been summoned to the palace by the Emperor. Apparently, something happened in the East Sea, and there’s been no news from the Grand General Lingyunzhou whom we sent there before.”
Tao Wanniang was startled. Had something happened in Lingyunzhou?
"After Xiao Yi was summoned to the palace, he hurriedly returned home and went to the East China Sea with the others," Hongzhu said. "Sister Tao, I have a feeling that Xiao Yi was deliberately taken away."
Tao Wanniang felt the same way. Xiao Yi was the heir apparent, but he didn't have an actual official position. His previous title of inspector was also personally bestowed by the emperor. It wasn't like Xiao Yi was absolutely required to go this time. In the eyes of outsiders, Xiao Yi had just gotten married!
But she could also imagine that the Emperor must have given Xiao Yi a reason for having to go. Sigh, once suspicion arose, she felt that the Emperor had ill intentions.
“Xiao Yi and Ling Yunzhou are good friends. He was the imperial inspector appointed by the emperor and helped the emperor handle many things, so…” Tao Wanniang said, “Hongzhu, I think even if Princess Rui is in a hurry to hold the child, it is impossible for you to be able to do so in just a couple of days…” Tao Wanniang teased deliberately.
“Yeah, even if we were real, it’s impossible for her to get pregnant in just two days, we’re still a fake!” Hongzhu said helplessly. “I couldn’t stand it anymore, so I came here!”
As Tao Wanniang listened to Hongzhu's words, she was also thinking to herself, "This time, I won't let Xiao Yi be cursed with being a wife-killer?"
But Xiao Yi isn't here, what if something happens to Hongzhu...
"Hongzhu, you came out alone?" Tao Wanniang couldn't help but ask, wondering if Xiao Yi hadn't thought of this at all.
“There are two of us outside. I didn’t let anyone in. I’m just feeling really down and wanted to talk to someone about this. Xiao Yi also said he had something to discuss with you, so naturally I didn’t want anyone to come with me,” Hongzhu said. “I really want to go somewhere and challenge someone, to have a friendly spar with them.”
Tao Wanniang chuckled and said to Hongzhu, "I suggest you speak frankly with Princess Rui about this. As for your desire to exercise, the guards in the Prince's mansion should be able to grant your request. The capital is a dangerous place; if you provoke others, you could easily get into trouble."
"If something happens to you... well, Xiao Yi will definitely be considered a jinx to his wives!"
Tao Wanniang's words made Hongzhu think for a moment, and she carefully asked, "Sister Tao, Princess Rui is too gentle. Do you think my words might frighten her?"
"Then you underestimate Princess Rui. Hongzhu, they know your identity. However, Hongzhu, my advice is that you should not mention your fake marriage with Xiao Yi."
“I’m not stupid. Xiao Yi isn’t here. If I tell him, wouldn’t it make my life in the manor even more difficult?” Hongzhu replied. “Sister Tao, thank you. I’ll go back now and tell the Princess.”
Seeing Hongzhu's enlightened expression, Tao Wanniang felt that although she appreciated Hongzhu, she didn't have a deep relationship with her. She decided to wait for Xiao Yi to return before discussing some matters.
After seeing Hongzhu off, Tao Wanniang thought to herself, "Something happened in Lingyunzhou?"
The arrival of the eldest princess the next day resulted in Tao Wanniang being scolded again for no reason.
“Tao, something happened to Lingyunzhou when he was attacking the island. If anything happens to him, I will not let you off the hook.”
Tao Wanniang was truly caught in the crossfire for no reason, and she patiently asked, "Your Highness, what does this have to do with me?"
"You heartless woman! You've given him two children, don't you care about his safety at all?" the princess said angrily.
Tao Wanniang looked at the princess glaring at her. This woman must be love-struck. Ling Yunzhou has already distanced himself from her and they've divorced. To put it bluntly, whether Ling Yunzhou lives or dies has nothing to do with them.
“Your Highness, I heard that Prince Rui’s son and others have been sent by His Majesty to rescue him. Why are you so worried?” Tao Wanniang said. “Besides, to be frank, there’s no use in worrying about it!”
"Ha, he doesn't really intend to send him." The princess first murmured sarcastically, then immediately glared angrily at Tao Wanniang.
"Tao, do you know how anxious I was every time he went to war over the past ten years? Everything he has is the result of his illustrious military achievements. He has worked so hard and endured so much hardship along the way. He should be enjoying wealth and honor with me in this capital. It is because of you, your appearance, that he remembered everything. If he hadn't remembered, he would have been my consort long ago and wouldn't have to do these risky things anymore."
"So, it's all your fault. Because of you, he's going to get into trouble. I'll make your whole family pay the price!"
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