Chapter 402: The Zhou Family Sparks Rumors in Imperial State
When Zhou Zhili got up with his sick body to receive the imperial edict, he felt even worse when he learned that Zhou Yuxiu had entered the palace on his own, turned down the position of crown prince, and decided to become a monk in Xuan Emperor Temple.
Ye Lanxin didn't expect him to go to this extent, and almost cursed in front of the eunuch who delivered the imperial edict.
Fortunately, Zhou Zhili fainted again at this time, and the Zhou family was in chaos, which made her shut up.
The eunuchs did not feel pity for them, as these were the consequences of their actions in the first place.
Zhou Qinzhu was dumbfounded. Her elder brother had just left the Zhou family so irresponsibly and would have nothing to do with the family from now on?
The key point is that he actually went to Xuan Di Temple. They all knew who was there.
Zhou Qinzhu felt a mixture of emotions, bewildered by her eldest brother's decision and worried about the family's future. She looked at her mother, Ye Lanxin, and saw her face was livid, her eyes flashing with anger and resentment. However, she could only suppress her emotions. After all, the greater good was paramount, and they couldn't afford to fall down at this moment.
Zhou Yuzhi sighed silently on the side. He didn't understand his elder brother's choice. Why did he do it at this time? This was really a fatal blow to the Zhou family.
He no longer had the energy to comfort Zhou Qinzhu, nor was he in the mood to care about his mother's emotions. Instead, he numbly gave acupuncture to his unconscious father.
As expected, Zhou Zhili's condition worsened.
I'm afraid that this time his crooked mouth and squinting eyes will accompany him for the rest of his life.
When Zhang Songming arrived, he was not surprised to see Zhou Zhili's miserable condition.
He had said before that Zhou Zhili must not be provoked again.
As a result, this time the Zhou family's eldest son came with a big wave, which was extremely explosive.
The Zhou family's affairs spread quickly and shocked the entire Dizhou.
Not only the powerful and wealthy circles, but even ordinary people on the streets are talking about it.
This incident is different from all the previous ones. It is no longer just a little secret or scandal of a family, but it has directly triggered a deep discussion on the word filial piety.
"This Prince Zhou has finally come to his senses. The person who murdered his mother back then actually had the nerve to let him call her mother. His father was also heartless, treating his first wife this way. Now this is retribution."
"That's right. The Ye family's treatment of Ye Hesheng back then was infuriating. The old marquis of the Ye family must be regretting it now, right? None of the women he kept by his side were successful, even if they married women from the royal family. Of his four grandsons, only one is a businessman, and his only granddaughter was divorced. Who will want her in the future?"
"But isn't it also unfilial for Prince Zhou to treat his biological father like this? Regardless, Lord Zhou has raised this son well."
Some people held different opinions. They did not support Zhou Zhili, but simply felt that Zhou Yuxiu's approach was too radical.
"No, doesn't Prince Zhou have a younger brother? I heard he's never repented, so doesn't that make him the perfect fit to be the prince? He's in cahoots with Zhou Zhili and that Ye Lanxin, and it's disgusting."
"That's right, Prince Zhou is being pushed into a corner. Haven't you seen how he's been holding back for so many years? Now, if he explodes, it will naturally be as powerful as thunder and unstoppable."
"Indeed, Lord Zhou was too ruthless back then, and now he's reaping the consequences. The same thing happened to the old Lord of the Ye family. If he had been nicer to Ye Hesheng, there wouldn't be such a situation now. He should have protected his first wife's daughter, no matter what. How could he repeatedly let his second wife's children ride roughshod over Ye Hesheng?"
"Alas, in the final analysis, it's all about power. If it were an ordinary family, how could there be so much intrigue and struggle for power and profit?"
"That's right. In this world, who among the powerful isn't scheming and ruthless? We ordinary people should just live our lives in peace and stability."
These discussions were just the tip of the iceberg, and even more turbulent waves were stirred up among the wealthy and powerful families.
Especially those families with second wives, those second wives are nervous, and the masters who married second wives are even more self-reflective.
This incident naturally alarmed Concubine Rong in the palace. After all, she was also a member of the Zhou family.
"My dear, your cousin is quite capable..."
After experiencing the previous incident, Rongpin is now much calmer.
Lu Enrui said, "I can only say that he wants to make amends, but my uncle's condition has worsened. I have already consulted Imperial Physician Zhang. My uncle originally suffered a stroke, and now the sequelae cannot be cured. I am afraid that he has nothing to do with the court. My eldest cousin is really willful this time."
Rongpin sighed: "After all, it was the Zhou family who was wrong in this matter back then..."
Lu Enrui said, "Since ancient times, the victors have been kings and the losers have been bandits. This applies to both power and men. Ye Hesheng lost to Ye Lanxin. This is fate. Who made Ye Hesheng have no one to help her? Her father, husband, and son all helped Ye Lanxin back then. She should reflect on her own problems."
Rongpin shook her head slightly, a complex emotion flickering in her eyes. "Enrui, while your words are true, family disputes are far from simple. Ye Hesheng...she's also suffered a hard time. It's just that the cycle of cause and effect in this world can't be explained in a few words. She helped so many people back then, including me, but I stood by and watched, even plotting against Gu Ruanci. I'm afraid there will be retribution in the future."
Lu Enrui was silent for a moment, as if thinking about Rongpin's words.
Then he slowly spoke, "Mother, there's no need to worry. What happened before was a lesson. Now that my uncle is in this state, and my eldest cousin is so impulsive, I'm truly worried about the future of our family. Mother, you must speak carefully in front of our father."
Rongpin understood that her son was even more ruthless than her.
She didn't know whether this was a good thing or a bad thing, so she just said calmly, "Your father won't come here, and what you're worried about won't happen. Now that you're the captain of the city defense camp, you should stick to your duties and don't come into the palace without permission. I'm fine here." Lu Enrui nodded, his expression firm, "I'm just worried that the Zhou family's affairs will affect mother..."
Rongpin couldn't laugh anymore, so she could only say, "Mother is powerless now. The Zhou family's current situation is their own fault. If the imperial physician can't help your uncle's condition, then I can't either. As for your two cousins, you don't have to worry about them. What mother is most worried about now is your engagement with Zhou Qinzhu... The Zhou family is in such a state of decline now. If Zhou Qinzhu enters the palace as your concubine in the future, I'm afraid she won't be of any help at all, but will be a burden instead."
Lu Enrui said seriously, "This is what I want to say when I enter the palace this time. Please ask my mother to ask my father to cancel this engagement. I don't want to marry Ye Lanxin's daughter. She is not worthy of entering the royal family..."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
