Chapter 339: Chapter 339: Even Beasts Would Call You Senior After Hearing This
Rumors outside the palace persist despite the court’s intention to suppress them.
Beyond Shengjing City, disturbances begin everywhere. Like a soft but forceful drizzle, they spread across every corner of Da Qi.
Emperor He, wise beyond his years, hesitates. Could he really eradicate everyone discussing the matter?
Can it be done?
Because of this, the Emperor is furious.
The situation becomes tense, and Minister of the Ministry of Justice, Zou Wei, is commanded to handle the matter and quell the uproar.
But truly settling it is easier said than done.
With furrowed brows, Zou Wei leaves the palace and upon returning home, finds that Crown Prince Ji Zhui has already been waiting for a long time.
Zou Wei hurriedly steps forward to pay respects: "Your Highness."
"Uncle, no need for such formalities." Ji Zhui helps him up.
His face looks troubled, and he quickly states his purpose.
"I am here today to discuss an important matter with uncle."
His features are overly soft and gentle. Unlike Ji Huo who looks gentle regardless of gender, Ji Zhui’s face, at first glance, seems filled with gloomy scheming.
"This matter likely targets the Eastern Palace. First, the Crown Princess Consort had a miscarriage, now the Fifth Princess has yet to leave home but suffers such a great disaster and humiliation. After much contemplation, the person behind these elaborate plans is likely him, beyond a doubt."
A gleam flickers in Zou Wei’s eyes.
"Is it... the Fourth Prince?"
"Who else could it be?"
Ji Zhui speaks coldly, "Duke Wei, Commander Yan, all are my people. Marrying between our families is only beneficial to me."
"Now, with things turning into this situation, even my Father harbors suspicions."
He gave a good beating in private. The look in his eyes became even more displeasing. It was indeed a disaster without fault.
Similarly, does Emperor He not suspect Ji Wang?
This Emperor, indeed trusts no one.
Even the most loyal officials have to scheme, what are princes in the eyes of Emperor He?
Ji Zhui still remembers to this day, back then, he overheard a few words from Emperor He.
—"The Cui family has grown too powerful, fearing they might become the second Prince Huai’an. I truly feel unsettled, the only choice is to eliminate them."
—"A city in exchange for peace of mind, it’s worth it."
Even then, Ji Zhui, though young, understood clearly, Prince Huai’an would not rebel, nor would the Cui family’s teacher.
"Ji Wang’s followers would probably be pleased with this."
Ji Zhui, weary: "After Old Master Jing’s passing, those from Jing Mansion who entered the court as officials all followed in mourning, I originally thought Ji Wang would suffer a setback from this."
But what actually happened?
He was cursed, and everything went badly."
"If the Eastern Palace faces further slander, I fear—"
Ji Shimin is his own dear sister! In recent days, consumed by tears, she hasn’t even left the palace, let alone the palace gates. How could a young girl suffer such torment!
This grievance has struck at home, it is truly unbearable.
Zou Wei’s expression grows increasingly solemn. Over the years, the Zou Family has risen to this position largely thanks to Empress Zou and the Crown Prince.
In a large family, one’s prosperity brings prosperity to all; one’s loss affects all.
Only if the Crown Prince thrives can their Zou Family have lasting longevity.
Moreover, he has long held reservations about the Fourth Prince.
"The matter of the Second Prince’s foolishness years ago was never blamed on Your Highness, but Princess Consort Jing, relying on Holy Favour, keeps dredging it up as if the Eastern Palace owes much."
"Your Highness and Her Highness have repeatedly endured, only to face her increasing arrogance."
"We have awaited offspring for the Eastern Palace for many years, yet all have been destroyed by the Fourth Prince’s hands; yet the official family intentionally shows bias. Such a hidden danger, how can it be left untended?"
Zou Wei paces back and forth: "Cui Yun is a tough bone to chew, Your Highness has sought him numerous times over the years, yet he does not wish to follow. Fortunately, he hasn’t been too close to the other side."
He suggests, "Your Highness might consider meeting Xie Xun."
The official has yet to grant him a position, simply intending to delay. If Xie Xun is unwilling to become the Prince Consort, it suffices that he serves Your Highness."
The reputation of the Fifth Princess is tarnished, and if we push her further, we might end up making an enemy of Duke.
Once an enemy is made, there’s no telling if Xie Xun might turn to Ji Wang.
This is the last scenario the Eastern Palace wants to see.
His words, naturally, were heeded by Ji Zhui.
Ji Zhui: "I understand."
The bigger plan matters more; naturally, he wouldn’t risk losing a good general for Ji Shimin.
"Is there another matter that requires uncle’s intervention?"
"Please speak, Your Highness."
"I’ve heard that Father has assigned the Imperial Guard to uncle’s command."
"Indeed."
"Since the Imperial Guard belongs to Father, uncle might as well use this opportunity to investigate Ji Wang."
"Since he dares to provoke, I naturally must respond. Even if the rumors have nothing to do with him, other unrelated matters might be unearthed. No matter how clean his hands are, over the years, he has engaged in numerous dirty dealings."
Using this opportunity to shake out a few things and present them directly to Emperor He might just be enough for Ji Wang to have a hard time.
Ji Zhui is truly anxious.
Ji Wang repeatedly targets him so blatantly. Does he really think him so docile?
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Shen Hua rarely left the house these days, until a maid from Wei Yingying hastily came looking for her.
"Our madam visited the Governor Mansion today, but collided with Lady Yan attempting to hang herself. Although she has been saved, madam is completely distraught and urgently sent me to find you."
Her expression darkened, sensing something amiss.
Although Yan Mi is gentle, she is certainly not the type to seek death.
She turned her head and instructed Yicui to prepare the carriage.
The stone lions at the entrance of the Governor Mansion, usually majestic, now bore a withered demeanour.
Yan Mi’s room was now crowded with people.
"A few words from me and you want to argue? If you truly aspire to die, you’d be better off dying cleanly somewhere else! Then I wouldn’t have to handle your corpse!"
"Governor’s wife." Wei Yingying interrupted.
"Such words are rather unpleasant."
Those aware of the situation would know she spoke out of frustration and did not choose her words carefully, while those unaware might think she’s a crude peasant woman.
"Regardless of right or wrong, Sister Yan is in such a state now, you shouldn’t say those things to tarnish her image."
The Governor’s wife stood high and mighty, wishing to vent all her frustrations on Yan Mi who lay on the bed, pale with a conspicuous ligature mark around her neck.
"I am disciplining my daughter, it’s best Miss Wei does not interfere."
"It is because she has met you women that she dares to defy me!"
The Governor’s wife’s face darkened, leaving Wei Yingying quite intimidated.
At this moment, she hoped Shen Hua could fly over.
The Governor’s wife coldly said: "Over the years, have I shorted you of food or clothing? Yet you listen to the slanderers and doubt whether I’m your mother?
"Parents command, matchmakers’ words, instructing you to marry – could it be wrong? Not to mention it’s Mr. Wei; as long as it benefits the Yan family, I am even willing to see you as a concubine! Go out and listen, what kinds of vulgar rumors are spreading! I’m already at wits’ end, and you still bring me discontent?"
Yan Mi closed her eyes, unwilling to speak another word with her.
Sounds of clapping came from outside the door.
Shen Hua generously clapped her hands for her.
She slowly walked inside. With an impolite gaze as if sizing up a mad woman, she looked at the Governor’s wife.
"I did not know becoming a concubine was a matter of pride."
She laughed: "Such words, I fear even animals would call you ’elder’ upon hearing them."