Zheng Nianru had just woken up, feeling sowhat disinclined to move. The fatigue and weakness from the night before made her all the more dependent on the embrace she was in.
Prince Duan grew impatient. Was she moving so slowly because she was uncomfortable?
Qi Ling imdiately jumped over and grabbed Prince Duan.
"Prince—," Qi Ling first bowed, successfully using his height advantage to block Prince Duan’s view, "The physician said that the Commandery Princess’s condition isn’t very good. She needs to rest well these next few days. The physician will co again in the afternoon. The prescription has been fetched as ordered by the Crown Prince, and it will be delivered to the Prince’s Mansion shortly," Qi Ling continued, taking another step forward.
"Prince—," Prince Duan frowned. His mind was preoccupied with Nian Ru; he had no interest in listening to Qi Ling.
Moreover, what was Zheng Congyuan thinking? He had trusted the people from Zheng Congyuan to escort Nian Ru safely, so why did they leave halfway? Had he known, he would have brought Nian Ru back himself.
"Prince, the Crown Prince said that, even if this matter is Heir Zong’s fault, the Prince should first restrain his anger. After all, the status of the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family is there..." Qi Ling spoke, and sure enough, he saw Prince Duan frown, his anger rising from his belly in a flash to his chest. It didn’t reach his throat only because he was one of the Crown Prince’s n.
"This matter will be handled appropriately by this Prince," Prince Duan huffed coldly. Did he really have to guess what Zheng Congyuan was implying? He really thought his daughter would cling to such a family? What of the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family? If it hadn’t been for him, the Duke of Qing, personally going to their door, he wouldn’t have even considered it...
"Yes, Prince," seeing that he had achieved his objective, Qi Ling watched as the curtains of the carriage were slowly opened. Zheng Nianru, supported by Xing Yu, slowly got out of the carriage. Fu Dong followed, while Nanny Yun didn’t dare to move away, fearing that Prince Duan might notice sothing amiss.
"I’ve made Father worry," Zheng Nianru said obediently to Zheng Boding as she approached the doorway. Upon hearing this, Zheng Boding’s nose tingled with emotion. His daughter was so sensible and well-behaved; how could she have crossed paths with soone like Zong Yunqian?
"Co inside quickly. Fu Dong, Nian Xia, help the Commandery Princess rest properly inside. Don’t let the wind chill her," Zheng Boding instructed as he patted his daughter’s shoulder.
"Commandery Princess, please go—," Nanny Yun wished she could make her own Commandery Princess disappear right at the entrance, so that the entourage of the Crown Prince would quickly leave. The longer they stayed, the greater the risk of exposure.
...
Early that morning, the entire Zheng Capital was quietly abuzz with so news. Besides, the ruckus from yesterday was not minor; the guards who were mobilized did not avoid any factions and were a formidable presence.
However, despite being inquired by the Aristocratic Gentry Clans for half a day, no news was forthcoming.
Nobles who were originally planning to return to their fiefs today quietly lowered their flags and planned to pause and stay put for now.
And in the imperial court, because the Crown Prince did not attend the morning court session today, there was trendous astonishnt.
Ju Nanyi hid among a group of officials, not mingling with the others in conversation. He kept silent even when other officials tried to draw him into discussions or trap him with words.
"Lord Ju, didn’t you visit the Crown Prince’s Mansion yesterday? Haven’t you heard even a whisper of news?" an official who got along better with Ju Nanyi couldn’t hold back his curiosity. Knowing that Ju Nanyi kept things close to his chest, it was normally impossible to get any information out of him. However, sothing so bizarre was happening without a hint of news, and today, there was no movent at all.
"Lord Chen, the official did indeed go to the Crown Prince’s Mansion yesterday, but I turned back right at the gate. I didn’t even step foot inside, so I really don’t know what happened."
The business with Ghost Shadow? Unlikely. If it had been related to Ghost Shadow, with him in charge of the Fire Order Squad, the Crown Prince should have called on him first.
Dealing with the Aristocratic Families? Also not possible. If they had really dealt with an Aristocratic Family in secret, they would be seeking a ’kill the chicken to warn the monkeys’ effect, so there wouldn’t be silence for half a day without any action.
Hence, after much consideration, Ju Nanyi could not align any event with the Crown Prince’s actions from the night before.
"Lord Ju, I’ve heard that there might have been so trouble in the Northwest Border, that a part of the border defense was breached. General Xia wrote three letters requesting reinforcents from the imperial court. Are you aware of this?" Lord Chen moved closer, whispering to Ju Nanyi.
How about it? I’ve told you all that I know, so you should also share what you know. That’s the proper way of dealing reciprocally.
Ju Nanyi was aware of this issue. However, the Crown Prince’s intention was to stand firm, seemingly with a plan to catch everyone in one fell swoop.
But these days, the Crown Prince was indeed paying a lot of attention to the Northwest Border, and Ju Nanyi even noticed that, aside from his Fire Order Squad, the Crown Prince had other arrangents in place for handling the situation at the Northwest Border.
Of course, these were just Ju Nanyi’s speculations.
"Lord Chen, as you know, the official is just an Honest Official who rose from the lower ranks. How could I have access to so many channels for such news? But, thank you for informing ," said Ju Nanyi calmly, like an impervious stone.
"That’s true, that’s true. As am I, Lord Ju. Sa here," Lord Chen chuckled, planning to turn and exchange news with others, only to realize that apart from Ju Nanyi, there seed to be no other person who had any information.
And the conversations among the Aristocratic Gentry Clans were even more rife. Two of the Family Heads had already quietly visited the Crown Prince’s Mansion. Apart from expressing their loyalty, they were also visibly fearful and anxious as they confessed certain matters. All of this was done in secret, while the surface maintained an air of peace and prosperity.
Xia Zhiqian had been kneeling in front of the Crown Prince’s Mansion since early morning, holding two personally-written letters from her elder brother.
"Miss Xia, please go back. The Crown Prince really isn’t here," Qi Geng dared not let her in, because the Crown Prince truly wasn’t present, and especially at this ti, he had no idea what the situation on the other side was like.
"Sir, the situation is urgent. I really had no other choice. Could you please report this on my behalf? I must see the Crown Prince personally," Xia Zhiqian stated firmly. Her brother’s letters were very clear about the gravity of the situation; she could not allow her concerns as a young lady to prevail. Also, ever since her last eting with the Crown Prince, his image had lingered in her mind.
Reviews
All reviews (0)