"The heavens are so busy, they won't have time to bother with us," Hua Liuli chuckled.
"But who made you so beautiful? People who are beautiful will receive a little more attention from the heavens," the Crown Prince held Hua Liuli's hand and gently squeezed it, "Just pretend to appease me, alright?"
"I really can't do anything with Your Royal Highness," Hua Liuli spat on the ground three times and clasped her hands together, "Heavens, please don't take the words I spoke thoughtlessly to heart."
The two of them sweetly enjoyed each other's company for a while. When the carriage stopped at the entrance of the Hua Family Estate, Hua Liuli shook her clothes and said to the Crown Prince, "There may be some rumors circulating in the capital in the coming days. I apologize for any inconvenience caused to you."
"I am not inconvenienced, I'm just worried about you..."
"Your Royal Highness, have you forgotten?" Hua Liuli interrupted the Crown Prince with a smile, "As a member of the Hua family, our priority has always been the well-being of the people and the nation. My reputation is insignificant as long as the country prospers and the people live peacefully. Besides, with Your Royal Highness standing behind me, what do I have to fear?"
The Crown Prince was stunned. Yes, in their daily interactions, he often forgot about the loyalty and righteousness ingrained in the Hua family.
"I only have you," the Crown Prince opened his arms and embraced her, "But don't forget, once this matter is resolved, we should proceed with our grand wedding."
Hua Liuli pushed the Crown Prince away, "Then, in the next few days, Your Royal Highness will have to bear with me."
She got off the carriage and leaned on her maidservant, appearing drunk. She noticed other carriages passing by and burst into tears, crying out, "Your Royal Highness, this humble maiden bids farewell."
The passing carriage suspiciously slowed down, but after Hua Liuli entered the Hua Family Estate's gates, the carriage sped up again.
The next day, news spread that the Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu had a disagreement. It was said to be quite a big deal. The usually abstinent Fushou Junzhu, in her attempt to drown her sorrows with alcohol, had a relapse of her old illness that same night, shocking the entire Hua family, who immediately sought the imperial physician for treatment.
Others had witnessed Hua Yingting visiting the palace in the morning, meeting with the Emperor and the Crown Prince. No one knew what the Crown Prince said, but Hua Yingting's expression turned extremely grim before leaving. Shortly after, he claimed that his old injury had relapsed and he could no longer serve as the commander of the Imperial Guards, submitting a letter of resignation.
Emperor Changlong refuted Hua Yingting's request and did not grant his resignation.
When everyone thought the Hua family would be suspected by the Emperor for a long time, nothing happened. On the contrary, just as they began to believe that the imperial family had complete trust in the Hua family, conflicts arose due to the Crown Prince's impending marriage to Fushou Junzhu.
On one side was the Crown Prince, held in the Emperor's favor; on the other side was the cherished daughter held dearly by the Hua family. They were only a month or two away from their wedding, but unexpectedly, such a big incident occurred.
Those who had a good relationship with the Hua family, after visiting the seriously ill Fushou Junzhu and returning, shook their heads and sighed, saying, "Fushou Junzhu's illness this time is not to be taken lightly. Even the usually resilient General Wei had tears in his eyes. It seems like a bad situation."
If Fushou Junzhu was truly angered to death by the Crown Prince, wouldn't the Hua family hold a grudge against the imperial family? Some people felt uneasy, there were even those who gathered the courage to persuade the Crown Prince to visit the ailing Fushou Junzhu at the Hua Family Estate.
"As a man, how can Gu bow down to a woman?" the Crown Prince coldly rebuffed the people who came to advise him, "You don't need to persuade Gu; Gu will not agree."
The people trying to persuade the Crown Prince fell silent.
It was you, the Ji family, who actively sought marriage with Fushou Junzhu. And now, conflicts have arisen, and you don't even care about her critical condition. Truly heartless.
People were at a loss; some of them remembered that the Fifth Prince had recently become close to the Crown Prince. So they turned to the Fifth Prince and asked him to persuade the Crown Prince.
However, when the Fifth Prince went to the Eastern Palace, he was also turned away by the Crown Prince. It seemed that it didn't matter who went to persuade him; it had no effect.
In the Lincui palace, after hearing the Empress Dowager and the Emperor bestowed many gifts to the Hua family, Consort Xian also sent several precious medicinal herbs.
"I knew it. The Crown Prince's temperament wouldn't improve," Consort Xian, who used to find Fushou Junzhu somewhat annoying, now only felt sympathy for her, "She was fine just a few days ago. How did it escalate to this so quickly?"
Ying Wang furrowed his brows, his expression turning grim.
Consort Xian noticed his expression, "You mustn't go to the Hua family. If you do, the conflict between the Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu will only escalate."
"Mother, rest assured, your son understands this much," Ying Wang vaguely spoke a few words to Consort Xian, then left the Lincui Palace.
As he passed by the Hua Family Estate's gates on his horse, he stopped outside the gate for a moment, his face dark, before galloping away. Along the way, he encountered the Third Prince of the Daimao Kingdom, He Yuanting, who invited him to a tavern for a drink. With a troubled mind, Ying Wang agreed to join him.
With good wine and food, Ying Wang had several cups of wine without any change in his expression or clarity in his eyes.
"Your Highness has a strong tolerance for alcohol. A few days ago, Fushou Junzhu came here to drink, but she got drunk after just one cup," He Yuanting expressed his guilt, "If Benwang had known, Benwang wouldn't have agreed to Fushou Junzhu's proposal to drink."
Ying Wang set down his cup and glanced at him, pouring another cup of wine.
Feeling troubled, he had no interest in entertaining He Yuanting's chatter. After having his fill of food and drink, he stood up, patted his bottom, and left.
Watching Ying Wang's departing figure, He Yuanting frowned. As the eldest son of the Emperor, Ying Wang undoubtedly had ambitions for the throne. But despite all the suggestive words he had said just now, Ying Wang showed no reaction at all.
Could it be that he was hiding his true intentions? Were all his impulsive actions over the years just an act?
After leaving the tavern, Ying Wang turned to the eunuch beside him and said, "That Third Prince of the Daimao Kingdom was so noisy, always blabbering and talking nonstop."
The eunuch dared not speak. Ever since Fusheng was found to have problems, none of the eunuchs serving Ying Wang dared to speak out or give any random advice to Ying Wang.
"Benwang can't stand people who talk too much. From now on, if you see him, remind Benwang to stay away from him," Ying Wang didn't care much about the incident and returned to the palace, still smelling of alcohol.
The next day, the condition of Fushou Junzhu worsened. General Hua, who loved his daughter dearly, once again went to the palace to seek an audience with the Crown Prince but he was turned away.
News from the palace spread. The lights in the Chengyang Palace burned throughout the night. No one knew what the Emperor said to the Crown Prince, but finally, the Crown Prince was willing to visit the seriously ill Fushou Junzhu at the Hua Family Estate.
Hearing that the Crown Prince was finally willing to visit Fushou Junzhu, some curious onlookers squatted outside the Hua Family Estate's gate on the main street. However, to their surprise, within half an hour, quarreling voices came from inside the gate. The Crown Prince and the attendants from the Eastern Palace hurriedly walked out of the gate, while Wei Mingyue stood at the entrance with a frosty face, saying, "This humble general bids farewell to the Crown Prince. This humble general is unworthy of Your Royal Highness's presence. Your Royal Highness need not come again."
Upon seeing the Crown Prince covering his cheek with his sleeve, the onlookers were shocked. Did Wei Mingyue actually hit the Crown Prince?
When Wei Mingyue was young, she had a bad temper, and it seemed that even after so many years, her temper hadn't improved. She dared to strike even the Crown Prince. This incident was bound to cause a major disturbance.
The families who had a good relationship with the Hua family couldn't sleep well that night. Early in the morning, before dawn, they sent people to gather information and find out whether the Emperor intended to punish the Hua family.
However, nothing happened that day. During the morning court assembly, when the Emperor noticed that Hua Yingting and Wei Mingyue were absent, he compassionately inquired about them as if he had no knowledge of the Crown Prince's injury.
Rumors quickly spread that the Emperor was actually dissatisfied with the Hua family. However, as the Hua family held military power, the imperial family didn't dare to act against them at the moment.
But under the heavens, is there any land that doesn't belong to the monarch? The Emperor was benevolent and loved his people. Even though the Hua family held military power, it couldn't shake the Emperor's position, especially considering the opinions of people across the land.
Unable to bear the thought of the Hua family facing such a calamity, Cao Jinbo, who had a close relationship with the Hua family, and considering the lifesaving favor the Hua siblings had done for his good friend Lin Huizhi, braved the potential disapproval of the Emperor and the Crown Prince to visit the Hua family.
Entering the Hua Family Estate, he noticed that the servants wore worried expressions, and a young maid was secretly wiping away tears. His heart sank. Could it be that Fushou Junzhu's condition had truly worsened?
Upon entering the reception hall, while exchanging pleasantries with Hua Yingting, Cao Jinbo noticed the wrinkles on Hua Yingting's robe and his exhausted appearance. It seemed like he hadn't rested all night.
Seeing Hua Yingting in such a state, Cao Jinbo sighed inwardly. How pitiful are the hearts of parents? With Fushou Junzhu's current illness, it was no wonder General Wei...
Recalling Wei Mingyue's temperament when she was young, he felt a bit fearful. He couldn't help but look around, then said, "I received some new tea a few days ago and brought it for the General to taste," his words sounded somewhat awkward. He didn't have much interaction with Hua Yingting, and it wouldn't be appropriate to visit empty-handed. He could only use the excuse of bringing tea to pay a visit, "Why isn't General Wei here?"
"My wife is taking care of our daughter," Hua Yingting forced a smile, "Our daughter is currently seriously ill, and she can't bear to leave her side, so she has been staying by her."
Hearing this, Cao Jinbo was at a loss for words. The Wei Mingyue of the past, how captivating and graceful she was. Now, for the sake of her beloved daughter, she couldn't bear to even step out of the door.
Although he didn't know what conflict had occurred between the Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu, allowing things to escalate to this point would be detrimental to the country and its people.
"Cao Daren, I know why you came today," Hua Yingting sighed, "Rest assured, the Hua family is wholeheartedly loyal to Great Jin and will never do anything that undermines the interests of Great Jin."
"General..." Cao Jinbo's heart trembled slightly, sensing a tinge of sadness in Hua Yingting's words, "Please take good care of yourselves, both of you. Your children are still young and need you to support them."
Hua Yingting forced a smile, but the smile seemed like tears, "But what can a father like me do to support them?"
After offering a few words of comfort, Cao Jinbo noticed Hua Yingting's weary spirit and took the initiative to bid farewell.
Hua Changkong, who was resting at home, escorted him to the gate, "Minister Cao, take care."
"Please wait," Cao Jinbo looked at the lingering worry on Hua Changkong's face and patted his shoulder, "Fushou Junzhu has her own fate. She will be fine."
"Thank you for your auspicious words, Minister Cao," Hua Changkong bid farewell to Cao Jinbo once he got into the carriage, bowing to express his gratitude.
"Hua Daren," He Yuanting stepped down from the carriage, holding something in his hand, followed by several Daimao envoys carrying boxes. It was evident that they had come deliberately.
"Third Prince," Hua Changkong bowed upon seeing He Yuanting.
"Benwang heard that Junzhu is seriously ill. Benwang has come to visit and apologize," He Yuanting returned the gesture, "Benwang is to be blamed for not stopping Junzhu from drinking that day. After she got drunk, she mistook Benwang for the Crown Prince and said some heartbreaking things. She even had a couple more cups."
"What did my sister say?" Hua Changkong's expression slightly changed as he made a gesture of invitation, "Please come inside and have a cup of light tea, Your Highness."
"In that case, Benwang will be presumptuous," He Yuanting's lips curled slightly as he elegantly followed Hua Changkong, entering the gate of the Hua family.
After taking a few steps inside, the heavy gate closed with a resounding sound. He Yuanting paused and glanced at the closed gate.
"Your Highness, this way, please."
"Thank you," He Yuanting nodded slightly and continued walking inside with Hua Changkong.
Krish728
Author's Note:
Hua Changkong: Little brother, you're here?
"The heavens are so busy, they won't have time to bother with us," Hua Liuli chuckled.
"But who made you so beautiful? People who are beautiful will receive a little more attention from the heavens," the Crown Prince held Hua Liuli's hand and gently squeezed it, "Just pretend to appease me, alright?"
"I really can't do anything with Your Royal Highness," Hua Liuli spat on the ground three times and clasped her hands together, "Heavens, please don't take the words I spoke thoughtlessly to heart."
The two of them sweetly enjoyed each other's company for a while. When the carriage stopped at the entrance of the Hua Family Estate, Hua Liuli shook her clothes and said to the Crown Prince, "There may be some rumors circulating in the capital in the coming days. I apologize for any inconvenience caused to you."
"I am not inconvenienced, I'm just worried about you..."
"Your Royal Highness, have you forgotten?" Hua Liuli interrupted the Crown Prince with a smile, "As a member of the Hua family, our priority has always been the well-being of the people and the nation. My reputation is insignificant as long as the country prospers and the people live peacefully. Besides, with Your Royal Highness standing behind me, what do I have to fear?"
The Crown Prince was stunned. Yes, in their daily interactions, he often forgot about the loyalty and righteousness ingrained in the Hua family.
"I only have you," the Crown Prince opened his arms and embraced her, "But don't forget, once this matter is resolved, we should proceed with our grand wedding."
Hua Liuli pushed the Crown Prince away, "Then, in the next few days, Your Royal Highness will have to bear with me."
She got off the carriage and leaned on her maidservant, appearing drunk. She noticed other carriages passing by and burst into tears, crying out, "Your Royal Highness, this humble maiden bids farewell."
The passing carriage suspiciously slowed down, but after Hua Liuli entered the Hua Family Estate's gates, the carriage sped up again.
The next day, news spread that the Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu had a disagreement. It was said to be quite a big deal. The usually abstinent Fushou Junzhu, in her attempt to drown her sorrows with alcohol, had a relapse of her old illness that same night, shocking the entire Hua family, who immediately sought the imperial physician for treatment.
Others had witnessed Hua Yingting visiting the palace in the morning, meeting with the Emperor and the Crown Prince. No one knew what the Crown Prince said, but Hua Yingting's expression turned extremely grim before leaving. Shortly after, he claimed that his old injury had relapsed and he could no longer serve as the commander of the Imperial Guards, submitting a letter of resignation.
Emperor Changlong refuted Hua Yingting's request and did not grant his resignation.
When everyone thought the Hua family would be suspected by the Emperor for a long time, nothing happened. On the contrary, just as they began to believe that the imperial family had complete trust in the Hua family, conflicts arose due to the Crown Prince's impending marriage to Fushou Junzhu.
On one side was the Crown Prince, held in the Emperor's favor; on the other side was the cherished daughter held dearly by the Hua family. They were only a month or two away from their wedding, but unexpectedly, such a big incident occurred.
Those who had a good relationship with the Hua family, after visiting the seriously ill Fushou Junzhu and returning, shook their heads and sighed, saying, "Fushou Junzhu's illness this time is not to be taken lightly. Even the usually resilient General Wei had tears in his eyes. It seems like a bad situation."
If Fushou Junzhu was truly angered to death by the Crown Prince, wouldn't the Hua family hold a grudge against the imperial family? Some people felt uneasy, there were even those who gathered the courage to persuade the Crown Prince to visit the ailing Fushou Junzhu at the Hua Family Estate.
"As a man, how can Gu bow down to a woman?" the Crown Prince coldly rebuffed the people who came to advise him, "You don't need to persuade Gu; Gu will not agree."
The people trying to persuade the Crown Prince fell silent.
It was you, the Ji family, who actively sought marriage with Fushou Junzhu. And now, conflicts have arisen, and you don't even care about her critical condition. Truly heartless.
People were at a loss; some of them remembered that the Fifth Prince had recently become close to the Crown Prince. So they turned to the Fifth Prince and asked him to persuade the Crown Prince.
However, when the Fifth Prince went to the Eastern Palace, he was also turned away by the Crown Prince. It seemed that it didn't matter who went to persuade him; it had no effect.
In the Lincui palace, after hearing the Empress Dowager and the Emperor bestowed many gifts to the Hua family, Consort Xian also sent several precious medicinal herbs.
"I knew it. The Crown Prince's temperament wouldn't improve," Consort Xian, who used to find Fushou Junzhu somewhat annoying, now only felt sympathy for her, "She was fine just a few days ago. How did it escalate to this so quickly?"
Ying Wang furrowed his brows, his expression turning grim.
Consort Xian noticed his expression, "You mustn't go to the Hua family. If you do, the conflict between the Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu will only escalate."
"Mother, rest assured, your son understands this much," Ying Wang vaguely spoke a few words to Consort Xian, then left the Lincui Palace.
As he passed by the Hua Family Estate's gates on his horse, he stopped outside the gate for a moment, his face dark, before galloping away. Along the way, he encountered the Third Prince of the Daimao Kingdom, He Yuanting, who invited him to a tavern for a drink. With a troubled mind, Ying Wang agreed to join him.
With good wine and food, Ying Wang had several cups of wine without any change in his expression or clarity in his eyes.
"Your Highness has a strong tolerance for alcohol. A few days ago, Fushou Junzhu came here to drink, but she got drunk after just one cup," He Yuanting expressed his guilt, "If Benwang had known, Benwang wouldn't have agreed to Fushou Junzhu's proposal to drink."
Ying Wang set down his cup and glanced at him, pouring another cup of wine.
Feeling troubled, he had no interest in entertaining He Yuanting's chatter. After having his fill of food and drink, he stood up, patted his bottom, and left.
Watching Ying Wang's departing figure, He Yuanting frowned. As the eldest son of the Emperor, Ying Wang undoubtedly had ambitions for the throne. But despite all the suggestive words he had said just now, Ying Wang showed no reaction at all.
Could it be that he was hiding his true intentions? Were all his impulsive actions over the years just an act?
After leaving the tavern, Ying Wang turned to the eunuch beside him and said, "That Third Prince of the Daimao Kingdom was so noisy, always blabbering and talking nonstop."
The eunuch dared not speak. Ever since Fusheng was found to have problems, none of the eunuchs serving Ying Wang dared to speak out or give any random advice to Ying Wang.
"Benwang can't stand people who talk too much. From now on, if you see him, remind Benwang to stay away from him," Ying Wang didn't care much about the incident and returned to the palace, still smelling of alcohol.
The next day, the condition of Fushou Junzhu worsened. General Hua, who loved his daughter dearly, once again went to the palace to seek an audience with the Crown Prince but he was turned away.
News from the palace spread. The lights in the Chengyang Palace burned throughout the night. No one knew what the Emperor said to the Crown Prince, but finally, the Crown Prince was willing to visit the seriously ill Fushou Junzhu at the Hua Family Estate.
Hearing that the Crown Prince was finally willing to visit Fushou Junzhu, some curious onlookers squatted outside the Hua Family Estate's gate on the main street. However, to their surprise, within half an hour, quarreling voices came from inside the gate. The Crown Prince and the attendants from the Eastern Palace hurriedly walked out of the gate, while Wei Mingyue stood at the entrance with a frosty face, saying, "This humble general bids farewell to the Crown Prince. This humble general is unworthy of Your Royal Highness's presence. Your Royal Highness need not come again."
Upon seeing the Crown Prince covering his cheek with his sleeve, the onlookers were shocked. Did Wei Mingyue actually hit the Crown Prince?
When Wei Mingyue was young, she had a bad temper, and it seemed that even after so many years, her temper hadn't improved. She dared to strike even the Crown Prince. This incident was bound to cause a major disturbance.
The families who had a good relationship with the Hua family couldn't sleep well that night. Early in the morning, before dawn, they sent people to gather information and find out whether the Emperor intended to punish the Hua family.
However, nothing happened that day. During the morning court assembly, when the Emperor noticed that Hua Yingting and Wei Mingyue were absent, he compassionately inquired about them as if he had no knowledge of the Crown Prince's injury.
Rumors quickly spread that the Emperor was actually dissatisfied with the Hua family. However, as the Hua family held military power, the imperial family didn't dare to act against them at the moment.
But under the heavens, is there any land that doesn't belong to the monarch? The Emperor was benevolent and loved his people. Even though the Hua family held military power, it couldn't shake the Emperor's position, especially considering the opinions of people across the land.
Unable to bear the thought of the Hua family facing such a calamity, Cao Jinbo, who had a close relationship with the Hua family, and considering the lifesaving favor the Hua siblings had done for his good friend Lin Huizhi, braved the potential disapproval of the Emperor and the Crown Prince to visit the Hua family.
Entering the Hua Family Estate, he noticed that the servants wore worried expressions, and a young maid was secretly wiping away tears. His heart sank. Could it be that Fushou Junzhu's condition had truly worsened?
Upon entering the reception hall, while exchanging pleasantries with Hua Yingting, Cao Jinbo noticed the wrinkles on Hua Yingting's robe and his exhausted appearance. It seemed like he hadn't rested all night.
Seeing Hua Yingting in such a state, Cao Jinbo sighed inwardly. How pitiful are the hearts of parents? With Fushou Junzhu's current illness, it was no wonder General Wei...
Recalling Wei Mingyue's temperament when she was young, he felt a bit fearful. He couldn't help but look around, then said, "I received some new tea a few days ago and brought it for the General to taste," his words sounded somewhat awkward. He didn't have much interaction with Hua Yingting, and it wouldn't be appropriate to visit empty-handed. He could only use the excuse of bringing tea to pay a visit, "Why isn't General Wei here?"
"My wife is taking care of our daughter," Hua Yingting forced a smile, "Our daughter is currently seriously ill, and she can't bear to leave her side, so she has been staying by her."
Hearing this, Cao Jinbo was at a loss for words. The Wei Mingyue of the past, how captivating and graceful she was. Now, for the sake of her beloved daughter, she couldn't bear to even step out of the door.
Although he didn't know what conflict had occurred between the Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu, allowing things to escalate to this point would be detrimental to the country and its people.
"Cao Daren, I know why you came today," Hua Yingting sighed, "Rest assured, the Hua family is wholeheartedly loyal to Great Jin and will never do anything that undermines the interests of Great Jin."
"General..." Cao Jinbo's heart trembled slightly, sensing a tinge of sadness in Hua Yingting's words, "Please take good care of yourselves, both of you. Your children are still young and need you to support them."
Hua Yingting forced a smile, but the smile seemed like tears, "But what can a father like me do to support them?"
After offering a few words of comfort, Cao Jinbo noticed Hua Yingting's weary spirit and took the initiative to bid farewell.
Hua Changkong, who was resting at home, escorted him to the gate, "Minister Cao, take care."
"Please wait," Cao Jinbo looked at the lingering worry on Hua Changkong's face and patted his shoulder, "Fushou Junzhu has her own fate. She will be fine."
"Thank you for your auspicious words, Minister Cao," Hua Changkong bid farewell to Cao Jinbo once he got into the carriage, bowing to express his gratitude.
"Hua Daren," He Yuanting stepped down from the carriage, holding something in his hand, followed by several Daimao envoys carrying boxes. It was evident that they had come deliberately.
"Third Prince," Hua Changkong bowed upon seeing He Yuanting.
"Benwang heard that Junzhu is seriously ill. Benwang has come to visit and apologize," He Yuanting returned the gesture, "Benwang is to be blamed for not stopping Junzhu from drinking that day. After she got drunk, she mistook Benwang for the Crown Prince and said some heartbreaking things. She even had a couple more cups."
"What did my sister say?" Hua Changkong's expression slightly changed as he made a gesture of invitation, "Please come inside and have a cup of light tea, Your Highness."
"In that case, Benwang will be presumptuous," He Yuanting's lips curled slightly as he elegantly followed Hua Changkong, entering the gate of the Hua family.
After taking a few steps inside, the heavy gate closed with a resounding sound. He Yuanting paused and glanced at the closed gate.
"Your Highness, this way, please."
"Thank you," He Yuanting nodded slightly and continued walking inside with Hua Changkong.
Krish728
Author's Note:
Hua Changkong: Little brother, you're here?
