The Prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture had the privilege of directly meeting the Emperor without attending the morning court. Therefore, after finishing his memorial, he rode to the palace without delay and presented it in the Imperial Study.
After reading the memorial, Emperor Chongwen's expression changed.
"Foolish woman."
"You should first hasten to investigate and present the evidence. As for how to deal with it, I will ponder," Emperor Chongwen said patiently.
Upon receiving confirmation, the Prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture breathed a sigh of relief. It was good that he wasn't the one to decide the punishment. If His Majesty handled it personally, he wouldn't be implicated.
After the Prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture departed, Emperor Chongwen ordered his attendants to summon Gu Sinian to the palace.
"The Prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture visited earlier. You were present when the trouble occurred at the Hundred Herbs Hall. Tell me, what happened?" Emperor Chongwen said, rubbing his forehead.
"Lord Du has always been upright and forthright. He would have detailed everything in the memorial," Gu Sinian replied.
"It says she was refused medical treatment and became angry. Is that right?" Emperor Chongwen asked in surprise. "Luo Wanqing isn't usually like that."
Even the low-ranking eunuchs in the palace had received her kindness and gifted medicine. The Hundred Herbs Hall had an excellent reputation among the populace, often organizing free medical consultations and dispensing medicine. Why would they refuse treatment to the Qin County Prince's estate?
Gu Sinian explained to Emperor Chongwen, "The wife of the Qin County Prince's heir perhaps feels her status is quite high and her attitude was not very friendly."
"Her status is high? What status does she have? Is it higher than the Crown Princess? Besides, her husband hasn't inherited the princely title yet, and it's uncertain if he ever will. With such a foolish wife, even if he inherits, he might ruin it all," Emperor Chongwen said angrily. "She seems like a shrewd person, so why is she so stupid? Luo Wanqing not knowing her place is a minor issue. Now that she's revealed her identity, it could easily escalate into an issue between two nations. Lu Heng is fiercely protective and cannot stand to see his Crown Princess wronged. Tell me, tell me!"
Emperor Chongwen sighed deeply. He already had enough vexing matters lately, why did these people refuse to be quiet?
"Whether he inherits is up to you," Gu Sinian said calmly.
"Let him be content with just the title of a county prince," Emperor Chongwen said impatiently. "I will summon them later to reprimand them and tell the Qin County Prince to control her. If she doesn't correct herself, then he cannot blame me. The Crown Prince of Nanchang Kingdom needs an explanation, and I must provide one. You are good friends with Lu Heng, so if anything happens, you must stand on my side and not let that boy make me lose face too much."
"Yes, Uncle-in-law," Gu Sinian said with a smile.
"It's good that you know we are family," Emperor Chongwen said with a smile in his eyes. "How is my niece-in-law? She must be quite far along in her pregnancy now. Don't focus solely on your work; take good care of her."
"She is doing well. Luo Wanqing examined her and said it's a little girl," Gu Sinian replied.
"What? You don't like little girls?" Emperor Chongwen raised an eyebrow.
"She's my daughter, how could I not like her?" Gu Sinian glared at Emperor Chongwen. "I'm just informing you."
"Little girls are so good, so delicate and soft," Emperor Chongwen said with a smile. "I still remember when Jin Rong was born. She was like a tiny kitten, so small. I was afraid to even hold her, constantly worried if such a tiny thing could be raised. But she grew so quickly, it wasn't an exaggeration to say she changed every day. Does that girl intend to stay with you and not return to the palace?"