The attendees were all astute individuals who could sense Madam Liu’s sincerity. However, the excuse she offered was too outlandish to be believed and would not quell public gossip. The Prime Minister's wife felt that as a mere woman, she could not possibly orchestrate such a scheme. Though she believed Liu, she still had Liu bound and taken away. If the true culprit could not be found, someone had to take the blame.
Throughout the entire ordeal, Xu Minghui remained silent. Madam Mu and Mu Fei were somewhat disappointed. While they felt a sense of injustice, given the circumstances, they could only proceed with the marriage to the Xu family. However, Xu Minghui’s demeanor suggested he had no intention of marrying their daughter. He had even declared his affection for their daughter in front of many people not long ago; it turned out to be all false. They realized then that men’s words were not to be trusted.
As for Xu Minghui, he felt a disgust akin to swallowing a fly, unable to spit it out, yet finding it unbearable to swallow. He did not know how to explain this to his father, mother, and aunt.
The Prime Minister's wife sighed, looking at the pair. She regretted getting involved in this messy affair and sent the mother and daughter away, her goodwill towards the Mu family completely extinguished.
The Prime Minister's son, his face pale, apologized to Xu Minghui. Xu Minghui magnanimously stated it was not his fault, but inwardly, suspicion began to stir against him. After all, only people within the Prime Minister’s mansion knew what had happened in the guest room. To be schemed against here meant the mastermind behind it was no simple figure. He could no longer be sure who was manipulating everything; everyone was a suspect in his eyes, with the Mu mother and daughter being the most likely culprits.
With such a major incident occurring, Madam Mu dared not conceal it. Upon returning to the Mu family, she immediately informed Master Mu. Hearing the news, Master Mu fell into deep contemplation. This development had completely dashed his hopes. However, given the current political climate, he found it difficult to discern the situation. It seemed the Crown Prince’s position was precarious. If that were the case, his daughter marrying into the Xu family might not be such a bad choice. Although the Empress had also been reprimanded, and the Xu family's status in court appeared modest, it was actually quite stable.
However, Xu Minghui’s lack of a clear stance in front of the Prime Minister's wife was troublesome. After some thought, he decided to take the initiative.
When the Prime Minister learned of Master Mu’s visit, he was not surprised at all. In his eyes, this Master Mu was cunning, adept at navigating all situations, and ambitious. He had long anticipated this visit and immediately had him ushered in. Such a person could not be offended. If he were to rise to power one day, his vindictiveness would be sharp as a needle, and he would surely seek revenge.
Upon meeting, the Prime Minister engaged in trivial conversation. Master Mu cursed him internally as an old fox and decided to state his purpose directly.
“Alas, how can I put this? I heard about it from my wife, but it ultimately depends on the Xu family’s decision. Master Xu is very low-key. Regardless, he is the Emperor’s father-in-law, and the Empress’s approval must be sought. It’s not something I can control.” The Prime Minister’s words hinted at seeking sympathy, but they were also factual. If this incident had not occurred in his own residence, he truly would not have intervened. This was a hot potato, involving people not to be trifled with.
“I understand it puts you in a difficult position, but since things have happened, we must find a way to resolve them. Today, I owe you, Prime Minister, a favor, and I will repay it with utmost devotion in the future.” This was the bargain Master Mu had prepared on his way, knowing that without showing sincerity today, the matter could not be resolved. He could only endure the heartache and negotiate.
“This… this, alas. By rights, I, an outsider, should not interfere. But since Master Mu has spoken so, it is clear there are no other options. I can only reluctantly try. If it succeeds, all the better. If it fails, I hope Master Mu will not bear any resentment.” The Prime Minister feigned a difficult expression, but inwardly, he was overjoyed. He outwardly appeared a loyal supporter of the Crown, but in court, one emperor meant one set of officials. The princes had grown, and the situation was unclear. He wanted to subtly plan for the future of his own family, and naturally, he welcomed more allies.
“Of course. Thank you, sir.” Mu Fei held a significant place in Master Mu’s heart. Although his actions today were somewhat risky, he believed that with his daughter’s intelligence, she would surely win over young Master Xu after marrying into the Xu family. Moreover, he was merely a third-rank official, while the Prime Minister held a position second only to the Emperor. What use could he possibly be? Even if there were, it would not be a significant problem.
He never dreamed that the Prime Minister was planning to switch allegiances. If he had known, he would never have made such a promise. To jeopardize the Mu family for a daughter was too unfavorable a deal.
To win over the Mu family, the Prime Minister, along with his wife, personally visited the Xu family to apologize to Master and Madam Xu. Although the couple understood their sister’s status in the Emperor’s heart and were generally laid-back, they could not refuse the Prime Minister’s courtesy.
Was it just a woman? If their son liked her, she could be the young madam of the Xu family. If their son no longer liked her, she could be sidelined, or even made to disappear from the Xu family.
They only feared it would affect the Empress’s image in the Emperor’s eyes. How long had it been since the situation changed again? They feared the Emperor’s displeasure.
The Prime Minister also understood their concerns and took it upon himself to handle the matter. The couple exchanged glances and reluctantly nodded.
Seeing the Prime Minister sincerely admitting fault, the Emperor was somewhat speechless. He considered the Mu family’s daughter a troublemaker and quickly summoned the Empress to seek her opinion.
The Empress was also greatly surprised upon hearing about this. She knew of the Crown Prince’s entanglement with Miss Mu and was unexpected that they would now try to cling to her nephew. They were indeed clever. Was it just one woman? There were plenty of ways to deal with her.
Although she felt indignant on behalf of her nephew, given the circumstances, he had no choice but to marry her. Otherwise, people would say the Xu family was too arrogant, which would affect their reputation.
However, this time, the Emperor would not bestow the marriage decree himself, wishing to express his displeasure.
When Madam Xu, accompanied by a matchmaker, personally came to propose, Madam Mu’s heavy heart finally found relief, and she greeted them warmly.
Throughout the entire process, Madam Xu’s demeanor was not particularly enthusiastic, and the betrothal gifts she brought were also ordinary. There was no sign of particular regard for Mu Fei.
Even so, Madam Mu politely saw them out. Returning to her courtyard, she couldn’t help but shed tears. She never imagined that after her daughter had been so discerning, she would still end up marrying into the Xu family. Moreover, this time, she had essentially offended everyone. She felt her daughter’s life was truly unfortunate.
Wu Caiwei sat by the table, listening to the news brought back by Yan’er. Knowing that the porcelain in Mu Fei’s room had been replaced batch after batch recently, she felt a secret joy.
If the original owner’s death had nothing to do with her, Wu Caiwei wouldn’t believe it. She didn’t want to marry in the first place, yet she insisted on making Xu Minghui misunderstand that the original owner had snatched away his betrothal, causing him to resent her.
That was enough. The original owner was living well in that small courtyard, so why was she suddenly sent out? It was likely related to her. Furthermore, Xu Minghui did not abuse her from the very beginning.