In the main room, Yang Zhao and Xu Lin were reporting the day's events to Prince Ding.
"Your subordinate has arranged for people to be at the Zhu family's banquet venue. As soon as Your Highness gives the order, they can apprehend the culprits."
Xiao Tingyi remained silent, his demeanor returning to that of a cold and composed superior.
Yang Zhao glanced at Su Cheng, as if asking, "What's going on?" He wondered why the Prince, having followed Miss Feng San, was still so cold. Shouldn't he be softened by love?
Su Cheng gave a "you ask me, who do I ask?" expression.
Yang Zhao cursed him internally as useless. If he were with the Prince, he would surely have succeeded in bringing them together.
Xiao Tingyi noticed their subtle thoughts and let out a cold snort.
"The Zhu family's matter is settled. What about the Chi family?"
Yang Zhao fell silent. Was the Chi family something he could simply move against?
"Reporting to Your Highness, we have gathered much information about the five branches of the Chi family, but we know very little about the main lineage. Our people cannot infiltrate them."
The so-called main lineage of the Chi family referred to Chi Zimò's family.
Upon hearing Yang Zhao's reply, everyone felt the air around them solidify. Even in May, one could break out in a cold sweat.
Xu Lin kept his eyes on his nose and his nose on his heart. Lin Huaijin maintained an air of detachment, as if it were none of his business. Su Cheng, having just arrived, could also afford to relax. Thus, all the pressure fell on Yang Zhao.
"Next time I hear similar words, you'll be sent back to the Southwest to be a mess cook."
Yang Zhao silently shed tears but could only grit his teeth and agree, "Yes."
"Su Cheng."
"Your subordinate is here."
"Remind Feng Jinlin to find a way to approach the Chi family head at tomorrow's wedding banquet."
"Yes!"
Although Feng Jinlin was only a seventh-rank county magistrate, the Zhu family had sent out invitations widely. They had only just arrived at the inn when the invitation was delivered. This showed how vigilant the Zhu family's arrangements were. The more this was the case, the more difficult it was for them to investigate certain matters. Instead of trying to infiltrate them, it would be better to confront them directly. The Chi family, having achieved their current status, must have a capable head. Dealing with intelligent people, a direct approach might be more suitable. While the Zhu family was at the lower end among the four great families, their overall influence was not to be underestimated. If the Zhu family were used as bait, the Chi family head might indeed be interested.
In Jinling City, everyone was scheming. At the same time, in Dongdu City, everyone was also calculating.
In the imperial palace, Emperor Qi lavished rewards upon the Western Expeditionary Army, which was already on its return journey, and ordered the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of War to prepare for a victory banquet.
Upon learning of this, Consort Wei became even more uncontrollably proud. However, her ostentatious nature and behavior were gradually reported to Emperor Qi. With great military achievements, plans for a marriage alliance with Princess Qianling of Zhongzhou, the support of the Consort within the palace, and the backing of the Duke's mansion outside, it seemed her son had a high possibility of usurping the throne. The more he had doted on him in the past, the more wary he was of him now.
Therefore, just as Consort Wei was making her plans, news suddenly arrived from Princess Qianling's side that she was gravely ill. The specific illness could not be determined immediately. Emperor Qi immediately dispatched imperial physicians with secret palace medicines and precious medicinal herbs to treat her. However, halfway to their destination, they heard that Princess Qianling had already passed away.
Suddenly, Zhongzhou was leaderless. Emperor Qi, as if prepared, sent troops to surround the officials of Zhongzhou. The subordinates who had been loyal to Prince Yi were all slaughtered, with accusations that they had poisoned Princess Qianling, leading to her death!
When Consort Wei heard this news, she almost fainted from anger. Why were the Ninth Prince's marriage prospects so fraught with difficulty? The first chosen, Wei Lanxuan, had become the wife of the Liang family halfway through. The second chosen, Princess Qianling, had passed away before the imperial decree of betrothal was even issued. If rumors spread that he was a jinx to his wives or destined to be a widower, he would never find a suitable match in his lifetime.
After days of headache, she confined herself to Hanzhang Palace, completely abandoning her previous arrogance. Meanwhile, the Empress in Changle Palace showed a relaxed and contented smile. She playfully dangled a rattle for her grandson, whose gaze followed its every movement, and he giggled with delight. This made the Empress even happier.
"Consort Wei has suffered a great setback this time. Look how proud she was just a few days ago, with all the madams in the capital fearing that the Ninth Prince would marry Princess Qianling. Now that she is gone, the Emperor's brother's marriage is truly difficult."
"Who says not? Now many madams are avoiding Hanzhang Palace, fearing that Consort Wei might set her sights on their daughters and want to take them as the principal consort."
Consort Shu sat by her side. She was now closely aligned with the First Prince's faction and often upheld the Empress's dignity in the harem. Moreover, when she first arrived, Consort Wei and the Wei family had severely humiliated her, so the Empress had accepted her overtures. However, there were some things she was unwilling to reveal to her. Therefore, after Consort Ke spoke, the Empress glanced at her, a clear reminder.
Realizing her slip of the tongue, Consort Ke immediately fell silent. The Empress merely said faintly, "Young Yunli is also unlucky. Perhaps his karma is too heavy, and those with insufficient destiny cannot bear it."
In a few words, the Ninth Prince, who was merely facing marital difficulties, was made to seem as if he were destined for misfortune.
Consort Shu raised an eyebrow, her eyes filled with allure, but at this moment, it was a deadly charm.
"Your Highness speaks the truth. There are probably few people in Dongdu City with a strong enough destiny. It seems Consort Wei will have limited choices."
The Empress listened and smiled faintly, not responding. The Imperial Grandson in her arms waved his little hands, happily reaching for the rattle, drawing everyone's attention away as if the previous conversation had never happened.
In the following days, various rumors began to spread about the Ninth Prince. Whispers of him being a jinx, having a strong destiny, carrying a malevolent aura, and even his existence shaking the foundation of the Great Jin dynasty. The common folk, with nothing better to do, enjoyed gossiping. Thus, the rumors intensified. When the news reached Duke Wei, he flew into a great rage.
"Father, what should we do now? Princess Qianling and Zhongzhou are useless. When the Ninth Prince returns to court, he will surely be arranged for marriage. But now, with the rampant rumors outside, I fear..."
"Fear what?"
"I fear that those old foxes in the capital will all distance themselves. If it delays the Ninth Prince's future, it will be troublesome."
Compared to the anxious Wei Dalang, Duke Wei was not worried at all. Mere rumors. It was obvious they were spread by the First Prince's faction, with the intention of bringing them down and ruining the Ninth Prince's reputation.