Chapter 1216 - 892: Sowing Discord
From the second day onwards, Bai Fu Hall was adorned with colorful lights and decorations. As Tushere and Chang Wan passed by, they could see the palace attendants busily moving up and down.
And the one orchestrating everything was Lady Lou Chanyue, Crown Prince Consort.
Such a situation wasn’t unheard of in the past. Shang Ruyi had heard in her childhood that the first son of Emperor Wen, who was replaced by Chu Yang, excessively favored his concubine, neglecting the Crown Princess Consort appointed by Emperor Wen and Empress Du for him, which caused dissatisfaction from the two sovereigns. Coupled with other reasons, he was eventually deposed from the position of Crown Prince.
Now, the Imperial Family’s New Year’s Eve banquet was surprisingly handed over to Lady Lou Chanyue, arousing silent recollections of past events among some inside and outside the palace.
However, the affection of Emperor Wen’s Crown Prince for his concubine was sincere, even to the point of disregarding the reproach from Emperor Wen and Empress Du, ignoring his own future. As for Yu Wenqian—though difficult to see through, even until his grand wedding, Shang Ruyi realized the depth of his scheming and feared his calculations towards herself and Yu Wenye, certain things are hard to conceal in most people.
Like sneezing, like poverty.
Like love.
A few brief interactions allowed Shang Ruyi to clearly understand that Yu Wenqian lacked enthusiasm not only for the Crown Princess Consort but also for Lady Lou Chanyue. His demeanor seemed cultured and graceful, yet under that calm and approachable attitude was an almost incomprehensible, fathomless abyss.
Nevertheless, regardless of the Crown Prince’s feelings, Lou Liangdi took the opportunity to shine within the palace and beyond. Every day before 5 AM, she entered the palace, showing more diligence than the ministers attending court. In Bai Fu Hall, she commanded with authority, and afterward personally came to Qianqiu Palace, inquiring about Shang Ruyi’s dining preferences with great amiability, showing no sign of the fierce feud between King Qin and the Crown Prince.
Shang Ruyi understood her intentions.
No matter how the surface battle looked, Yu Wenquan wanted to taste familial warmth in a cold environment with this family feast, considering his age. Naturally, neither side would display unseemly conduct to please him.
Thus, Shang Ruyi warmly pulled her over for a chat, praising her meticulousness while pitying her hard work.
Finally, she told her she didn’t eat much lamb, but King Qin had no such aversion.
After hearing this, Lou Chanyue took her leave, as Shang Ruyi knew she was going to discuss the New Year’s Eve banquet menu with the Food Bureau. Indeed, in the following days, there was a flurry of busy activity, though on her side it was bustling, it was uncertain how the other side simmered with anger.
In the blink of an eye, several days passed.
It was rare to have a clear day, and with better weather, Shang Ruyi let the nursemaid and Tushere bring Yuanyuan, accompanying her for a stroll in the Inner Court. Though frigid, with the flowers and plants all withered, there wasn’t much to expect, so the three adults walked along the Thousand-step Corridor with the excitedly babbling little Yuanyuan bouncing in the nursemaid’s arms. Seeing it was about time, they left the Inner Court to head back.
Just through Suzhang Gate, they saw a familiar figure pass ahead.
From a distance, Shang Ruyi called out, "Crown Princess Consort."
The person stopped and slowly turned her head, revealing a beautiful but slightly angry face despite restrained expressions, it was indeed Crown Princess Consort Yu Mingyue.
With a smile, Shang Ruyi approached and gracefully greeted, "Long time no see."
Unexpectedly, Yu Mingyue displayed a wary demeanor, coldly staring at Shang Ruyi, "Princess Qin, long time no see."
"I wonder why the Crown Princess Consort came to the palace today—"
"Father-emperor is concerned about my father’s injury and specifically summoned me to inquire."
Mentioning this, her eyes revealed a bit of uncontrollable anger, as Yu Dingxing’s injury was due to Yu Wenye, though it was a minor issue. She loathed that scoundrel who abandoned his wife and daughter, but more hateful was that due to his injury, Yu Wenquan wanted her to return home more to care for her father’s health as a filial daughter, thereby entrusting the important task of the New Year’s Eve banquet to Lady Lou Chanyue.
It was simply a grand joke!
Even if one isn’t fixated on traditional hierarchy, it was evident, even to her, that such a family gathering should either be organized by the female head, and since Yu Wenquan hadn’t appointed an Empress, it was logical for the task to fall to the eldest daughter-in-law, meaning herself the Crown Princess Consort.
Due to Yu Dingxing’s injury, Lou Chanyue claimed this authority, more annoying was her father Lou Yingxiong jointly investigated the assassination attempt at Hot Spring Palace with the Ministry of Justice. Though the perpetrators hadn’t been caught yet, the case was nearly clear. Once concluded, Lou Family’s father and daughter would have their merits recorded, and by then she couldn’t manage family matters nor interfere in state affairs, wouldn’t she completely lose the limelight to her!
Yu Mingyue seethed with anger, yet more infuriating was that the next moment, before her stood Princess Qin smilingly saying, "Oh, I thought the Crown Princess Consort was here to see how the New Year’s Eve banquet was being organized."
Yu Mingyue’s face darkened, yet maintaining composure, she smiled faintly, "Since things are entrusted to Lady Lou Chanyue, she surely can handle it well."
Shang Ruyi laughed, "That’s how it goes, but she is only the Crown Prince Consort."
Yu Mingyue shot her a cold glance, "Have you finished speaking?"
"Not yet,"
Disregarding the disgust and hatred in her eyes, Shang Ruyi stepped closer, smiling as she said, "You should know, father and daughter this time have vastly impressed Father-Emperor. Organizing the New Year’s Eve banquet, is a minor issue. If her father solves the case, it’s a great merit, with this merit, Lou Family would be more confident. By then—"
Yu Mingyue’s expression gradually darkened.
Taking advantage, Shang Ruyi lowered her voice softly, "I can tolerate Jinyu Garden, as it has lost its backing, even if it births a son, Father-Emperor would be wary, but Lady Lou Chanyue is different."
"..."
"Crown Princess Consort, you must be mindful."
The more she spoke, the more Yu Mingyue lowered her head, appearing genuinely plunged into fearful contemplation.
After a long while, she slowly raised her head.
"Princess Qin,"
Yu Mingyue suddenly revealed a peculiar expression, half-smiling as she looked at Shang Ruyi, "You don’t truly think I would meddle in the investigation of Hot Spring Palace’s assassins for this reason, do you?"
"..."
"Do I look like such a fool to you?"