Chapter 179 Xi Zhong's Visit
Xi Zhong rode at full speed and arrived in the capital in early June. However, before he had time to visit the palace, he received the news that the deposed crown prince had been reinstated as Prince Zhao and that Prince Zhao had requested a title for his concubine.
After thinking for a moment, Xi Zhong decided to visit the prince's mansion directly. He carried with him two letters written by his master himself, so he had a reason to do so. He thought he should be able to meet the princess.
Thinking of the purpose of his return, Xi Zhong, who was nearly forty years old, felt a sinking feeling in his heart. He didn't know whether what was said in the letter was true or false. Did the two ladies really exchange identities?
Will Madam really agree to such a risky plan?
He was dressed simply, with a hood on his head that covered his face tightly. He rode his horse at full speed to the vicinity of the palace, dismounted and introduced himself. Soon, the palace guards led Xi Zhong in, and a little maid passed the message to the main courtyard where Qingwu was and reported it to Yuzhu.
"Princess, Uncle Xi Zhong from the Lord's side has arrived and wants to see you, Princess."
Xiao Ji went out early this morning. Since the female master had not arrived yet, Yuzhu and Zhuzhu were still serving Qingwu for the time being.
Qing Wu, who was organizing the property given to him by others into a book recently, stopped writing with the bamboo pen in his hand when he heard this, and a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes.
Xi Zhong is his father's confidant. Why did he return to Beijing at this time?
"Did he tell us why he came?" Qingwu asked, looking up.
Yuzhu quickly replied, "He said he brought a handwritten letter from the Lord and wanted to hand it to the Princess personally."
This made Qingwu feel uneasy. His father's confidant came to deliver the letter in person, and his attitude was so cautious. It must be something important.
It had only been a few days since she was crowned the Queen. Her father was far away, so he certainly wouldn't know. So what else was there that warranted his careful consideration? Only that one thing...
Almost in an instant, Qingwu had a guess - his father should know.
She put down her pen and her mood sank. Although she believed that her father would stand on her side given his character, at this moment, Qingwu still couldn't suppress her fear, afraid that something would be beyond her expectations.
After all, the emperor loved Liu Lang very much in the past, but didn’t he change later?
True love often exists between people, but it is hard to maintain. This sentence not only applies to love, but also to friendship and family affection. Qingwu is afraid that his father has also changed.
However, these are all hidden worries in my heart. The current issues still need to be resolved, and maybe it is not a matter of exchange?
Qing Wu took a deep breath, gathered his spirits, and said, "In that case, Yuzhu, have someone ask Steward Xi to wait in the central hall. Baozhu, Mammy, you two come and help me dress up. I'll dress according to Xi Qingtong's preferences."
…
Xi Zhong was pacing back and forth in the central hall when he heard footsteps and quickly turned around. He saw a woman in gorgeous crimson clothing approaching. Her makeup and hair were gorgeous, and she walked gracefully with lotus steps. She was followed by two unfamiliar maids. No matter how you looked at her, she was still the famous lady of the Xi family in the capital.
"Xi Zhong greets the Princess." Xi Zhong quickly bowed, breathing a sigh of relief while observing the Princess before him. This matter was of great importance, and he needed to confirm who was in front of him.
Qing Wu noticed Xi Zhong's somewhat attentive gaze, and his heart sank again, but he pretended not to notice. He simply extended his hand and said, "Uncle Zhong, there's no need to be so polite. Please take a seat."
Xi Zhong was about to decline when he suddenly froze. No, this isn't Madam Tong! This looks like Madam Qingwu.
Although he had followed Xi Jianan for many years and was called Uncle Zhong by the young masters in the family, he knew very well that few of the young masters really respected him.
Especially Madam Tong, who, deep down, still regarded him as a servant of the Xi family. In his memory, when he went to see Madam Tong, she never let him sit down. Every time they met, he would answer while standing.
But now, how could this sentence and this gesture be made by Madam Tong?
However, Xi Zhong still chose to take another cautious look to see who the princess in front of him was, which would determine which letter he would hand over.
He sat down with a nervous ache, observing Qingwu's expression. If it was Madam Tong, she would definitely show some displeasure, but Qingwu, who was playing dumb and trying hard to control his emotions, how could he show displeasure?
Qing Wu raised her hand and asked the attendant maid to pour tea for Xi Zhong. "Uncle Zhong has come a long way. Moisten your throat before speaking."
Qingwu had been very cautious and spoke very little. She thought these actions were just normal ways of entertaining guests and there was nothing unusual about it. However, she didn't know that this step made Xizhong even more certain of his guess.
Although Madam Tong never criticized him, she was just being polite on the surface. How could she be so considerate?
The person before me is indeed Madam Qingwu! The letter that Madam San handed to the master is true. Madam really allowed Madam Tong to do such a thing that deceives the emperor, violates human ethics, and disregards family affection!
Xi Zhong took the tea handed to him by the maid and forced himself to calm his panicked mind while drinking the tea.
Although this was done by the Xi family, all his family members depended on the Xi family. If the Xi family fell, he would be in trouble.
After finishing his tea, Qing Wu greeted him in the most normal way, "Father, how is your health lately?"
"My Lord is doing well, but I often miss the Princess."
This answer was flawless. Qingwu didn't know whether her disguise could fool Xizhong. But if Xizhong didn't say it, she would not take the initiative to reveal her identity. This matter had to wait until her father returned to Beijing to discuss it in person.
To minimize contact, Qingwu put down his teacup and decided to get straight to the point: "I heard that Uncle Zhong brought my father's letter and that he saw me this time. Can you trust me with it?"
This sentence completely confirmed the true identity of the princess in front of him. When Tong Niang was first the prince's concubine, she called herself "I" to distinguish herself. If it were her, she would now call herself "this princess".
He stood up, took a deep breath, and said, "This matter is of great importance. Please ask Your Majesty to dismiss the servants. Zhong also brought the Lord's message."
Hearing this, Qingwu's heart started pounding. She wanted to convince herself that maybe there was something else going on, but looking at Xi Zhong's attitude, what else could it be?
If her father knew about this, what would he say to her? Would he help her, or would he ask her to endure the humiliation and make peace?
Qingwu's hand holding the teacup trembled slightly. She paused before saying, "Feihong, Cuilv, you two go down and let Sister Zhuer guard the door."
Although Crimson and Emerald were given to people by Xiao Ji, they were just used and still need to be tested for a period of time.
After the two maids filed out and Baozhu and Yuzhu's sleeves appeared beside the main hall door, Qingwu nodded to Xizhong.
As expected, Xi Zhong pulled out a letter from his bosom and presented it to her with both hands, saying, "Are you Madam Qingwu?"
Qing Wu was silent for a moment. "Since Uncle Zhong has already seen it, why bother asking?" She reached out and took the letter. "How did father know?"
Looking at the girl in front of him, even though she was dressed gorgeously and in bright clothes, she still had an undeniable calm temperament, Xi Zhong sighed deeply, and then said, "It was the Third Lady who wrote the letter to the Lord."
Qingwu's expression froze for a moment, and he looked at Xi Zhong in surprise.
"Qingmian?" Qingwu was stunned for a long time, and couldn't help muttering: "Didn't I tell her that I was doing well and asked her to pretend not to know? Why did she..."
She was still working for Madam Zheng. If she were to find out, who knew what she would do? The mistress of a prominent family had many secret ways to torture a concubine's daughter.
Qingwu's fingers unconsciously clenched the letter and he forgot to read it for a moment.
"...dare to take such a risk for me..." Qingwu's voice trembled slightly, and his eyes instantly became moist.
You see, there is still true sisterly love in this world. The younger sister who always insisted on sleeping with her will now stand up for her and write a letter to inform her father.
Qingwu could almost guess what the little girl was thinking. She must have thought that he was coaxing her and lying to her that she was living well in the palace.
Thinking of the risks the little girl took, tears couldn't be held back and flowed out.
"You're so brave, you don't even know how to protect yourself..."
Qingwu wiped her tears and scolded in a low voice, then put the image of the little girl deep in her heart, and secretly vowed that if she had a good life in the future, Qingmian would not be missing.
But it was also because of Qingmian's presence that Qingwu felt it was even more ironic. This half-sister helped her and loved her, but another sister with the same father and mother pushed her into a deep valley for the sake of fame and fortune.
How ironic?
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