The Crown Prince Chases His Wife
Chapter 133 Started
In the Old Madam’s courtyard at the Prime Minister Qin Mansion in the capital.
After the imperial doctor examined Old Madam Qin, he left a prescription, gave a few instructions, and then, with his medicine box in hand, bade farewell to the Prime Minister.
Qin Wenzheng thanked the doctor, handed him a silver pouch, and instructed the butler, Zhang Quan, to see the doctor out of the residence.
Meanwhile, Old Madam Qin lay on the bed, groaning in distress, calling out “Oh” in a hoarse voice.
After calling out twice, she moved her lips as if she wanted to say something, but before she could speak, drool began to dribble down from the corner of her mouth, a sight that made the people in the room uncomfortable.
The old lady felt both ashamed and enraged. She tried to close her mouth, but the swollen half of her face, injured in the earlier altercation, prevented her from doing so. She simply turned her face away, continuing to moan in agony.
At this moment, a maid who had just raised a handkerchief to wipe the old madam’s drool froze in place. She turned her head and, looking somewhat distressed, glanced at Qin Wenzheng, who stood in the room.
Qin Wenzheng frowned and waved his hand at the maid. The maid lowered her gaze and stepped aside, putting the handkerchief back into her sleeve.
At this time, the people from the Empress Dowager’s palace, bringing supplements, arrived to visit the old madam of the Prime Minister Qin Mansion.
Song Mei asked one of the palace maids of Chengqian Palace, “What exactly happened today? The old madam was fine when she entered the palace, so how did she come back in such a state?”
Song Mei had already learned the full details of the events, and now, bringing it up again was her way of adding fuel to the fire in front of Qin Wenzheng.
The palace maid glanced at Imperial Concubine Shu, then at the Prime Minister, and began recounting the events that had taken place outside the Shenwu Gate earlier that day. She explained how the old madam had encountered Shen Shiying and Qin Yan, and how the people from the Northern Liang Emperor’s side had knocked her to the ground.
However, the palace maid conveniently omitted any mention of the shameful words the old madam had directed at Shen Shiying, which had triggered the altercation.
Upon hearing this, Qin Wenzheng’s anger flared up immediately.
This was the Great Xia, not Northern Liang! That rascal Xiao Qian was behaving far too arrogantly!
But whether Qin Wenzheng’s rage was truly because the Northern Liang Emperor had attacked his mother, or if it was something else entirely, only he knew deep down.
Song Mei, undeterred by the presence of others, spoke up without hesitation, “Prime Minister, the Northern Liang Emperor doesn’t even know the old lady. This must have something to do with Shen Shiying, don’t you think?”
“Could it be… that Shen Shiying spoke ill of the old madam in front of the Northern Liang Emperor? Perhaps she said something unflattering, which would explain why the Northern Liang Emperor would…”
“Of course, this is just my guess. After all, at Xiyuan that day, Shen Shiying did already have a history of laying hands on the old madam.”
“I was thinking, since Shen Shiying and the old madam are, after all, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, for the sake of the Prime Minister’s reputation, they should at least be able to get along. If they can’t, so be it, but there was no need for such a ruthless hand to be laid upon her.”
After speaking, Song Mei cast a sorrowful glance at the old madam lying on the bed, then slowly withdrew a silk handkerchief from her sleeve, raising it to dab at the corner of her eye, as though trying to hold back the tears that were about to spill.
Qin Wenzheng’s face remained grim, his expression a deep shade of blue, clearly showing that his anger was building, waiting to explode.
At this point, the palace maid was still standing in the room, having overheard Song Mei’s comments about Shen Shiying. It was not appropriate for the palace maid to be present, but she had no choice but to listen.
After all, the person being discussed, Shen Shiying, was now the Princess of Huayang and was soon to become the Empress of Northern Liang. If such words were to be overheard by someone with ill intentions, they could easily be used against the speaker.
The palace maid quickly excused herself, and Song Mei personally saw her out. As they reached the door, the housekeeper, Zhang Quan, hurried toward them with an urgent expression.
“Prime Minister, a decree has arrived from the palace. It specifically orders the old madam to go and listen to the imperial edict.”
Everyone in the room was taken aback.
A decree? For the old madam?
The maidservant quickly helped the confused and weary Old Madam Qin up, and the group made their way to the front courtyard.
————
Qin Wenzheng was even more puzzled when he saw that the person delivering the imperial edict was none other than Li Fuquan, the Chief Eunuch of the Qianqing Palace. What could the decree be about? Could it be related to today’s events?
The people of the Prime Minister Qin Mansion knelt down to receive the decree.
Li Fuquan unfurled the bright yellow scroll embroidered with the imperial dragon pattern and loudly proclaimed, “The old madam of the Prime Minister Qin Mansion insulted Princess of Huayang outside the Shenwu Gate in the imperial capital, tarnishing the dignity of the imperial family and harming the diplomatic relations between the Great Xia and Northern Liang.”
“By the Emperor’s command, the title and rank of the First-Grade Lady of Qin are hereby revoked, and the official seal is to be withdrawn as a punishment.”
“Old Madam Qin, receive the decree.”
Everyone in the Prime Minister Qin Mansion was shocked.
The old madam insulted the Princess of Huayang? Her title was revoked?
Old Madam Qin opened her mouth to argue, but due to the injuries she sustained earlier at Shenwu Gate, she had lost several teeth, and the remaining ones were loose, making her voice sound shaky and weak. Her words were difficult to make out, and her voice had an almost hollow sound as she tried to explain, “When I said those things, Shen Shiying wasn’t even a princess yet. How could it tarnish the imperial dignity…”
“Mother!” Qin Wenzheng’s expression darkened, and he sternly cut off his mother’s words with a loud, commanding tone.
Qin Wenzheng’s heart burned with anger. In front of the imperial edict, it was as though the Emperor himself had personally arrived, he could only bow his head and obey, with no room to question!
His mother had truly become more and more reckless with age!
“Take Old Madam back.” Qin Wenzheng gave the order to his servants, then turned to the butler, Zhang Quan, and instructed, “Zhang Quan, go to Old Madam’s courtyard and bring back the decree.”
Song Mei and the maidservants helped the frail Old Madam Qin to her feet and slowly made their way toward the inner courtyard, while the palace maids from the Empress Dowager’s palace, with complex expression, took her leave and quickly departed.
———
Not long after, Zhang Quan returned with the old madam’s imperial decree. Qin Wenzheng handed both the decree and a heavy purse of silver to Li Fuquan, the Chief Eunuch, before asking with a serious expression, “Li Gonggong, why has this matter become so serious? What exactly did the old madam say to warrant the revocation of her decree?”
Qin Wenzheng knew his mother well. She had always been careful with her words, gracious in demeanor, and prudent in her actions. There was no way she would have insulted Shen Shiying.
Li Fuquan sighed lightly before recounting the conversation that had been reported by the Imperial Guard at Shenwu Gate, repeating the old madam’s words word for word.
After listening, Qin Wenzheng’s expression changed several times, shock, embarrassment, and an overwhelming sense of shame.
Li Fuquan spoke again, his tone tinged with a hint of caution, “Prime Minister, the Prime Minister Qin Mansion has always been known for its etiquette, propriety, and scholarly traditions. For the old madam to speak in such a manner today, it was truly beyond measure, especially in front of the Northern Liang Emperor.”
“The Princess of Huayang is about to marry into Northern Liang, and if this matter is not handled properly, the Emperor will find it difficult to explain to the Northern Liang Emperor.”
“Prime Minister, forgive this old servant for speaking too much, but a discordant household only leads to instability, which in turn harms one’s career. What do you think, Prime Minister?”
———
After Li Fuquan left, Qin Wenzheng sat alone in his study, remaining silent for a long time.
The words of the Chief Eunuch echoed in his mind. His mother had actually said such vile things, and in such a setting, right outside the palace gates, no less!
Qin Wenzheng’s thoughts then turned to a conversation he had had at Princess Zhaoren Mansion not long ago, where Qin Yan had warned him, “If the old madam can’t watch her words or handle matters properly, I advise you, Prime Minister, to send her back to Yangzhou as soon as possible. There are plenty of people in the capital who have lost their heads over a single careless remark…”
Qin Wenzheng’s face turned a deep shade of crimson, both embarrassed and filled with regret. He had been so consumed by his political duties that he had failed to keep track of matters at home, never imagining that his mother’s words would be so reckless, or that they would provoke the Emperor’s wrath.
“A useless, discarded old shoe…”
His mother’s harsh words toward Shen Shiying explained, to some extent, why the Northern Liang Emperor’s people had resorted to violence against her.
Qin Wenzheng felt a sharp pain in his head. He lifted his hand to press against his temple, his brow furrowing in frustration.
But when had his mother become like this?
He thought back to that day at Xiyuan. Although his attention had been fully consumed by Shen Shiying, amidst the chaos, he vaguely remembered hearing his mother speak rather harshly toward Shen Shiying as well.
If that incident had been a one-off, today’s events made it seem anything but.
He couldn’t help but wonder when Shen Shiying had just married him all those years ago, and he had been away from home on political matters, had his mother spoken to Shen Shiying in such a manner before?
Back then, both his mother and his eldest sister, Imperial Concubine Shu, often complained to him that Shen Shiying had carried herself with the airs of a noblewoman, showing no respect for her mother-in-law, nor for Imperial Concubine Shu, the eldest sister.
As a man, Qin Wenzheng had always been somewhat inclined to sympathize with Shen Shiying, thinking that his mother was perhaps too harsh. So, whenever his mother had ordered Shen Shiying to kneel before the ancestral tablet, Qin Wenzheng would always intervene, gently persuading Shen Shiying with kind words, trying to calm his mother down and ease the tension.
During those years, Shen Shiying rarely argued or ever brought up matters regarding the inner courtyard, always remaining silent.
But, as time passed, their relationship as husband and wife had slowly grown distant and until now, it seemed they were practically strangers.
Qin Wenzheng buried his face in his hands, his throat tight with emotion, feeling as if the weight of everything was pressing down on him.
Had he misunderstood Shen Shiying all along?
Their relationship should never have reached such a point…
————-
At the Jiaoyuan Mansion in the capital, the residence Qin Yan had arranged for Shen Shiying.
After Qin Wenzheng sat alone in his study for a long while, he skipped dinner, instructing the housekeeper, Zhang Quan, to prepare a carriage. He left the house and came to this place, but stopped the carriage just outside the main gate of Jiaoyuan. He had no intention of getting down.
Qin Wenzheng wasn’t sure what face he had left to face Shen Shiying. Given how things had reached such an impasse, what could he even say to her at this point?
As night fell, the distant sound of horse-drawn carriages grew louder.
Qin Wenzheng snapped back to his senses, lifting the side curtain of the carriage and looking up.
Ahead, a well-disciplined escort of guards was leading the way, and a low-profile yet luxurious carriage came to a stop just outside the gate of Jiaoyuan.
The man who stepped out of the carriage next exuded an air of immense power, his entire presence reeking of noble elegance, it was him.
The Northern Liang Emperor, Xiao Qian!
Xiao Qian took a step forward toward the Jiaoyuan Mansion but suddenly halted. In an instant, he spun around, his sharp gaze piercing through the carriage where Qin Wenzheng had been watching him.
Qin Wenzheng quickly steadied his emotions, giving a slight nod to the Northern Liang Emperor in acknowledgment. Then, he lowered the carriage curtain and instructed the coachman to drive away.
Inside the swaying carriage, Qin Wenzheng’s heart ached with regret.
How fortunate he had been to marry Shen Shiying. But how had he let himself be so blinded, pushing her away with his own hands?
It was too late. There was no going back.
————-
Xiao Qian withdrew his gaze and continued into the mansion, though his eyes remained cold and filled with disdain.
Prime Minister Qin Wenzheng, Shen Shiying’s ex-husband.
And that Emperor Hui from the banquet earlier, the one whose expression had shifted from one moment to the next.
If his guess was correct, that man was also after Shen Shiying.
Shen Shiying could only be his—Xiao Qian’s—empress.
Meanwhile, the Northern Liang envoy remained at the post station arranged for them by the Great Xia at Duting Post, still waiting for their next move.
The Northern Liang Emperor, Xiao Qian, was accompanied by his personal guards and intended to stay at Shen Shiying’s Jiaoyuan Mansion.
Shen Shiying, with her hand resting against the chest of the darkly scowling man who had carried her in his arms the moment he entered, lazily spoke, “Isn’t it against the rules for you to stay here?”
Xiao Qian’s deep gaze fixed on her stunningly beautiful face as he growled in response, “Not through the front door? Shen Shiying, do you want me to climb over the wall?”
Shen Shiying ……
Fine, forget I said anything.
———–
Only Empress Dowager Xiao and the Empress were in attendance at the polo match held at Shanglin Garden today.
It wasn’t until after the scene at Shenwu Gate between Old Madam Qin and Shen Shiying that Imperial Concubine Shu learned of the Northern Liang Emperor’s visit to the Great Xia to request Shen Shiying’s hand in marriage, making her the Empress of Northern Liang.
To say that Imperial Concubine Shu wasn’t feeling a pang of jealousy would be a lie.
Shen Shiying—Princess of Huayang, Empress of Northern Liang.
Old Madam Qin had lost her title because of a few careless words outside the palace gate.
Imperial Concubine Shu’s heart was filled with even more hatred. The Emperor was still so protective of Shen Shiying.
As if suddenly thinking of something, Imperial Concubine Shu threw her head back and laughed loudly.
Her laughter was so wild, it looked almost crazy, causing the palace maids who were attending her to feel a chill down their spines.
Empress Shu laughed so hard she lost her breath. She quickly drank a cup of tea to calm herself down a little.
Princess Huayang…
Heh, the Emperor wants so much for Shen Shiying to become his woman, and now she has turned into his adopted sister.
Isn’t it laughable?
———-
The Imperial City, Shou’an Palace.
Today, Empress Dowager Xiao had been frustrated several times at the polo field in Shanglin Garden. Afterward, she didn’t attend the banquet at the Hanxiang Hall but instead left early and returned to the palace.
As a result, she didn’t know that the Emperor of Northern Liang had proposed to marry Shen Shiying during the banquet.
Shen Shiying had actually become Princess Huayang, the future Empress of Northern Liang!
Because the old madam of Prime Minister Qin Mansion had spoken disrespectfully of Shen Shiying, the Emperor had issued an edict stripping her of her first-rank title!
The Empress Dowager Xiao’s fatigue instantly disappeared, and her expression became somewhat serious.
From what Shen Shiying had just said to her when she arrived at Shou’an Palace, it seemed she was certain that the incident of Shen Shiying and Qin Yan falling off the cliff many years ago had something to do with her.
Considering Shen Shiying’s temperament, the current Emperor, the Taizi’s protection of Shen Shiying, and the support from Northern Liang behind her…
Shen Shiying might very well seek to settle scores over that incident from years ago.
Empress Dowager Xiao paused in her motion of petting the cat, then instructed Xia Ying, “Send a message to Wang Yizhou.”
It was precisely because of the banner of the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet, which invited envoys from various countries to attend the Grand Xia’s feast, that the guards at Shou’an Palace had become somewhat lax.
Xia Ying accepted the order and left.
———
The next day, Wangfei of Yizhou, Song Yin, once again went out to leisurely stroll the streets as usual. When she reached the Wen Silk Store, she casually stepped inside.
Wen Luo, who had been speaking with the shopkeeper, raised his eyes and saw the visitor. He immediately quieted down and walked over to greet her.
“What would the noble lady like to choose?”
Wangfei of Yizhou, Song Yin, glanced at the satin fabrics laid out in front of her and lifted her lips as she asked, “Has the Luan Zhang brocade I requested arrived?”
Wen Luo’s brows twitched. Luan Zhang brocade?
She had never mentioned the Luan Zhang brocade before, and their silk store didn’t carry such a fabric.
However, he had seen the Taizifei wear a brocade robe that seemed to be…
So, this lady must be referring to that…
Wen Luo answered, “Your Excellency, the brocade is still on its way. It will require some more time to arrive.”
“Mm.” Song Yin nodded, then turned and walked out.
Make her wait?
So, that meant the person had agreed to meet her.
————
When Song Yin returned to the mansion, Wang Yizhou, Ye Qinghe, was about to head out to the palace.
Upon seeing the maids following Song Yin back and bringing in large and small bundles, Ye Qinghe frowned slightly.
He knew that Song Yin harbored some resentment over his affair with A Yan, and he understood that Song Yin was venting her dissatisfaction by spending money on shopping. However, he didn’t mind it too much. It was better than her causing a scene and involving his father-in-law, General Song, who held military power.
Wang Yizhou stopped Song Yin, who was about to return to her room to rest, “Pick out two decent gifts and personally deliver them to the Taizifei Mansion and the Princess Huayang Mansion.”
Song Yin frowned and looked at Ye Qinghe, seeming somewhat puzzled.
Ye Qinghe explained, “Taizifei Qin Yan’s mother has been granted the title of Princess Huayang and is about to be married off to Northern Liang. The Taizi and Taizifei will also be married tomorrow.”
“Since this morning, all the noble families in the capital have been sending gifts to the mother and daughter. If we, the Yizhou family, don’t send anything, it will look out of place. Although we have no ties with the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion or the Taizifei, it’s still better to follow the crowd and avoid unnecessary trouble.”
Song Yin seemed to disagree somewhat, “Ye Qinghe, don’t you know the temperament of that Taizifei? She’s a killing god. I, Song Yin, am no good with words. If I send a gift, I might offend her instead. If you want to win her favor, why don’t you go instead?”
Ye Qinghe’s tone was also filled with impatience, “All the major families are sending gifts through their wives. How would it be appropriate for me to go?”
“Song Yin, you are the Wangfei of Yizhou. Remember your responsibilities.”
Song Yin looked at Ye Qinghe with a mocking expression, “Ye Qinghe, so now you remember that I am the Wangfei of Yizhou?”
Ye Qinghe didn’t want to argue any further with the woman in front of him. He turned and left without another word.
Song Yin let out a long sigh of relief.
There’s an old saying when you’re ready to fall asleep, the pillow is right there.
As for what exactly Song Yin, the reluctant Wangfei of Yizhou, talked about when she went to deliver gifts to the Taizifei, that would be a story for another time.
——–
The main gate of Princess Zhaoren Mansion in the Xishan was today formally changed to a new golden plaque, personally written by the Taizi, titled “Fengyu Palace.”
From now on, the name “Princess Zhaoren Mansion” will no longer be used. “Fengyu Palace,” as the private property of Taizifei Qin Yan, would remain.
Young Lady Qin Lin of the Ministry of Works had come alone to Fengyu Palace in the Xishan today. She wandered around the palace for a bit before heading to the library, as she usually did. However, today, Young Lady Lin seemed a bit absent-minded, asking one of the palace maids for directions along the way.
Tomorrow was the Taizifei’s wedding, and the entire Fengyu Palace was bustling in an orderly manner. No one paid much attention to the small and subtle oddities in Young Lady Lin’s behavior.
Qin Lin stayed in the library for a while before coming out and stretching lazily. She then asked a passing maid for directions to the kitchen.
The head cook in the kitchen, having become familiar with Young Lady Lin, smiled and asked, “Young Lady Lin, would you like to have a meal? Should I send it to the library or to the room Master reserved for you?”
Qin Lin smiled gently at the cook, “There’s no need for such trouble. I’ll just see if there’s anything ready to eat. I just need something to fill my stomach.”
The cook returned a smile and gestured toward the food table for Young Lady Lin to help herself.
Young Lady Lin had always had a pleasant temperament, never using her status to be difficult or bossy, so she was well-liked by everyone in the household.
However,… Miss Lin’s voice today seemed a bit hoarse.
The cook didn’t pay too much attention to it and turned back to her work.
At the other end of the kitchen, a cook carefully checked the soup bowl in the tray and carefully handed it to the maid standing in front of her, giving instructions, “Take this bowl of bird’s nest soup to Master’s study.”
“Understood.” The maid took the tray and left the kitchen.
Qin Lin casually picked up a white steamed bun from the plate.
“This will do.”
The cook who had just spoken to Qin Lin turned around and only saw a white skirt hem disappearing through the kitchen door.
The cook muttered to herself, “Why is Young Lady Lin so careless today? So hurried, it’s almost like she’s acting like Young Lady Xi.”
Meanwhile, the maid carrying the bird’s nest soup tray had just rounded a corner when she bumped into Qin Lin coming from another direction. The lid of the soup bowl was knocked slightly ajar, and the bird’s nest inside shifted, but luckily, it didn’t spill.
“Good thing, good thing,” the maid breathed a sigh of relief. When she looked up, she only saw Young Lady Lin’s back as she hurriedly apologized and left.
The maid shook her head. “Miss Lin must be in a hurry to get to the library. She really loves her books.”
———–
The Wenhua Hall in Taizi Mansion at Xishan.
The Taizi, Feng Zhan, sat at the head of the hall, holding a memorial from Princess Xinyue, which detailed her opinions on the border disputes between the Grand Xia and Southern Xinjiang countries. He quickly skimmed through it.
At this moment, a personal guard from the Taizifei Mansion seemed to have something to report, so Song Zhi stepped out to attend to it.
“Your Highness Taizi.” Princess Xinyue, who sat below him, spoke up, addressing Feng Zhan.
Feng Zhan lifted his gaze, but as he looked into Princess Xinyue’s eyes, he felt as if he were being drawn into them. For a moment, he was lost in thought, but after a brief pause, his mind quickly cleared.
Feng Zhan’s pupils constricted, and a trace of killing intent flashed in his eyes.
What was that just now…?
Just then, Song Zhi swiftly entered, coming to the Taizi’s side and whispering, “Your Highness something has happened on the side the Taizifei.”
Upon hearing this, Feng Zhan suddenly stood up and strode out.
“Song Zhi, see the guest out.”
Feng Zhan gave the cold command without looking back, and within a few quick steps, he had already exited the hall.
Princess Xinyue watched Feng Zhan’s retreating figure and her eyes tinged with regret.
To think that the Taizi could resist the effects of soul-binding magic so easily… it seemed his willpower was incredibly strong.
But… did the plan succeed over there?