The young maidservant who knelt beside Lin Wan trembled all over. When she heard the Crown Prince's command to "get lost", her whole body convulsed with fear.
The Crown Prince was never a man who cherished beauties. He paid no attention to the pitiful appearance of Lin Wan and her servant. He descended from the sedan chair and hurriedly entered the Shoukang Palace.
Lin Wan heard her own teeth making chattering sounds. It made her both annoyed and afraid. She feared that others would hear her fearful voice. She didn't even know what to do after this incident.
She didn't even understand why she had said those things to Hua Liuli. Was it jealousy, inferiority, or hatred?
People occasionally passed by in front of her: palace maids, eunuchs, and imperial physicians from the Imperial Medical Bureau. Everyone hurriedly came and went, not sparing her a second glance, but she knew that these people had already scrutinized her from head to toe in their hearts. She dared not imagine the disappointed look her father would give her when he found out about this. Her mother would surely wear a face full of bitterness and helplessness, narrating her father's hardships, the family's difficulties, and the hardships she and her father endured in their childhood, as well as the efforts her father had made to get to where he was now.
Over and over again, repeatedly.
She stared blankly at the bluestone path. Everything in the palace was meticulously designed, even the carvings on the stone slabs depicted auspicious patterns. She stared at these patterns, countless thoughts surging in her mind, yet she felt as though she hadn't thought of anything at all.
At this point, she didn't know who could help her or be her support.
The floor was truly cold and her knees were really hurting from kneeling.
"What are you doing kneeling here?" a pair of shoes embroidered with four-clawed dragons stopped in front of her. Lin Wan raised her head blankly and saw the face of Ying Wang.
"Imperial Grandmother doesn't like to punish people. The imperial physician has already gone to diagnose Fushou Junzhu's pulse," Ying Wang sighed, "You can get up and go rest at Consort Lin's palace."
"Your Highness..." Lin Wan was helped up by several palace maids and eunuchs beside Ying Wang. She looked at the indifferent Ying Wang and didn't expect that it would be him, who disliked her, to take notice of her kneeling at the palace gate.
"Mother has a straightforward personality. It's not appropriate for you to return to the Lincui Palace at the moment," Ying Wang no longer looked at Lin Wan with a frown, "Consort Lin is your aunt. You haven't seen each other for many years, I'm sure you have a lot to talk about. Xiao Chen, escort Young Lady Lin to Consort Lin's palace."
Lin Wan's lips moved. She wanted to ask Ying Wang if she would be punished, but she didn't dare to speak out loud.
"In the future, take care of yourself," Ying Wang looked into her eyes, "Benwang is a crude person, Young Lady Lin may not be suitable to be my Wangfei."
"Your Highness, are you despising me?" Lin Wan heard a voice roaring and shouting in her mind, but her expression remained unusually calm, except for her trembling lips, "Your Highness, have you ever considered my feelings when you say such things?"
"Young Lady Lin is forgetting that you are speaking to Ying Wang, the eldest of the Emperor," Ying Wang looked at Lin Wan strangely, "Why should Benwang consider other's feelings?"
Lin Wan's body staggered.
"Young Lady Lin, this is how the capital is, how the imperial family is," Ying Wang placed his hands behind his back, "No one would sacrifice their own interests to uphold someone else's dignity."
After saying that, he walked quickly into Shoukang Palace.
"Young Lady Lin," Xiao Chen, Ying Wang's eunuch attendant, smiled and approached, bowing, "This servant will escort you to Consort Lin's sleeping quarters."
Seeing the eunuch in front of her smile at her, Lin Wan's anger surged, and she pushed him away, "Get lost! I am an official's daughter. Even if I made a mistake, it's not your place, a dog slave, to mock me!"
"Young Lady Lin speaks the truth," Xiao Chen's face still carried a smile, "Young Lady Lin is a respected and capable official's daughter. I am just a castrated slave. How dare I show disrespect to Young Lady Lin?"
Lin Wan suddenly froze, countless emotions surging from everywhere.
What should she do now?
What can she do?
When Ying Wang arrived in the inner hall, the imperial physician had already finished examining Fushou Junzhu's pulse. Hua Liuli leaned against a chair with her palm-sized cheeks still pale.
Seeing Hua Liuli preparing to get up and salute, Ying Wang quickly stopped her and turned to bow to the Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince, "Imperial Grandmother, this grandson has come to apologize to you and Fushou Junzhu."
"She is your betrothed, not your Wangfei. There's no need for you to apologize," the Empress Dowager's anger had not subsided. She didn't even spare a glance at Consort Xian sitting beside her, "Besides, whether she can become Ying Wangfei is still uncertain."
Consort Xian's expression changed slightly, but she didn't dare say anything.
"Imperial Grandmother, this grandson came today to discuss this matter as well," Ying Wang disregarded the imperial physician and others still present in the hall and spoke up, "Young Lady Lin and I are incompatible, we are not destined to be husband and wife. This grandson asks Imperial Grandmother to judge this matter."
"Son, what are you saying?!" Consort Xian couldn't help but speak up, "This is a marriage arranged by the Emperor, how can it be changed just like that?"
"Consort Xian, when the two of us are talking, you shouldn't interrupt," the Empress Dowager glanced at Consort Xian, "If your son's wife always interrupts when he talks, would you be happy?"
Consort Xian begrudgingly thought, if you two keep talking like this, I won't even have a daughter-in-law, let alone a daughter-in-law who interrupts. Moreover, am I your daughter-in-law? I am only your son's concubine. The only one who dared to call herself your daughter-in-law has had her grave covered with grass many times over.
Consort Xian felt dissatisfied in her heart, but she was afraid and didn't dare to say it. She glanced at the Crown Prince, hoping that he, who usually liked to stir up trouble, would say a few words. However, the Crown Prince didn't seem to know what was happening today. Since he entered, he hadn't spoken more than ten words in total, and his face was surprisingly unsightly.
"Minghao, what exactly do you want to say?" the Empress Dowager asked Ying Wang.
"Imperial Grandmother, this grandson wants to void this betrothal," Ying Wang paused for a moment, "Young Lady Lin should find a more suitable husband."
"You should also know that if you break off this betrothal at this moment, it will not only be bad for the Lin family but also have an impact on you," the Empress Dowager said, "Lin Zhou holds considerable prestige among the civil officials and has the support of the people. If this marriage is called off, there will undoubtedly be rumors and gossip. Will you regret it?"
"The common people may gossip over tea, but they will forget after a while. As for the other civil officials, this grandson's marriage has nothing to do with them. If they can't stand it, they can let their own sons marry the daughter of the Lin family. This grandson won't mind," Ying Wang replied.
"Nonsense," the Empress Dowager was both angry and amused, "This Grieving One will discuss this matter with the Emperor."
"Thank you, Imperial Grandmother," Ying Wang bowed deeply to the Empress Dowager and turned to look at Hua Liuli, "Junzhu, are you feeling better now?"
"I'm fine, Your Highness," she hesitated for a moment and said to Ying Wang, "Marriage is a serious matter. If the small conflicts between me and Young Lady Lin affect your marriage with her, I will bear the blame. Please reconsider, Your Highness..."
"This matter has nothing to do with Junzhu," Ying Wang said. "Benwang is just not well-suited to Young Lady Lin. Benwang wanted to break off this marriage even before this incident. Junzhu, please don't worry about it."
Hua Liuli had witnessed the interaction between Ying Wang and Lin Wan, so she knew it was true that their relationship was not harmonious. As a betrothed couple, their relationship was not as pleasant as her relationship with the Crown Prince. Moreover, what relationship did she have with Ying Wang for him to call off the marriage for her sake?
Looking at the Crown Prince sitting silently in the chair, Hua Liuli felt a bit worried. His mood seemed to be unpleasant today. Could something have happened?
Consort Xian, who was opposed by her son in front of outsiders, was somewhat unhappy. She stood up and said to the Empress Dowager, "Since Junzhu is no longer in danger, Bengong should take leave."
The Empress Dowager nodded, "You may leave."
Seeing Consort Xian hastily leaving, Ying Wang found an excuse and followed her.
After the outsiders left, the Empress Dowager sighed and said, "When this Grieving One brought you into the palace, this Grieving One wanted you to have a good time. This Grieving One didn't expect such a thing to happen."
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty. I won't take those idle talk to heart," Hua Liuli stood up and sat beside the Empress Dowager, "Is Your Majesty trying to drive me out of the palace with your words?"
"How could this Grieving One bear to? This Grieving One could bear to drive the Crown Prince away, but couldn't bear to let you go," the Empress Dowager said, "You should stay here with this Grieving One at ease. If anyone dares to gossip, this Grieving One will take revenge for you."
The Crown Prince, who was sitting beside them, remained silent.
The Empress Dowager was getting old and her body couldn't withstand such commotion. Hua Liuli persuaded her for a while before she finally settled down and went back to her resting palace.
When Hua Liuli returned, the Crown Prince was still there. She had already developed a casual and comfortable relationship with the Crown Prince, such as boating on the lake and enjoying delicious food.
She walked up to the Crown Prince and waved her hand in front of him, "Your Royal Highness, what are you thinking?"
"Benwang is thinking about how to avenge you," the Crown Prince reached out and held Hua Liuli's wrist to stop her from shaking it, then quickly let go, "Benwang invited you into the palace, and if someone bullies you, it's like slapping Benwang in the face. Benwang can't lose face."
"Your Royal Highness, the disputes between us young girls should be handled by ourselves. If Your Royal Highness intervenes, it will be very detrimental to Your Royal Highness when the word gets out," Hua Liuli knew that the Crown Prince considered her as his own person and wanted to help her seek justice. However, if this matter were to be known by certain imperial censors, they would definitely criticize the Crown Prince.
"Benwang has been a troublemaker since Benwang was young. If Benwang can change just because someone says a few words, what kind of Crown Prince would Benwang be?" the Crown Prince chuckled lightly, "A person must take responsibility for what they say. Otherwise, others will think that our imperial family acknowledges Lin Wan's words."
Hua Liu Li suddenly understood that the Crown Prince was subtly telling her about the imperial family's stance and attitude. She picked up the teacup from the table and presented it to the Crown Prince with both hands, "It is precisely because I trust Your Royal Highness that I don't want Your Royal Highness to get involved in this matter. I can handle it myself. How can I let Your Royal Highness be entangled? It's not worth it, it's not beneficial, and it's unnecessary. What kind of person is Your Royal Highness? Why should Your Royal Highness's reputation be affected by some small-minded people?"
"But if you go and do it, won't it also affect your reputation?" the Crown Prince took a sip of tea.
"Because I am also a petty person who holds grudges and seeks revenge. As for reputation, I don't care," Hua Liuli chuckled in response to the Crown Prince's words. She placed the teacup in the Crown Prince's hand, "I am not marrying their sons. No matter what they say, it has nothing to do with me."
"So, are you planning to marry their daughters instead?" the Crown Prince joked.
"Your Royal Highness, I am only interested in men," Hua Liuli laughed at the Crown Prince's words, "Please rest assured, I have been picky since childhood. There are many things that I don't like and don't want to compromise on."
"Like Junzhu, Benwang doesn't only dislike seeing myself being taken advantage of, but Benwang also doesn't want people closest to me to suffer," the Crown Prince put down the teacup and gently grabbed a strand of Hua Liuli's hair, pulling it out, "Go rest first, Benwang knows what to do."
After speaking, he stood up and walked briskly towards the exit.
Hua Liuli tidied up the strand of hair and turned to look at the Crown Prince's departing figure.
People closest to him?
Was she one of them?
The Crown Prince is quite loyal.
In the Imperial Study of Chengyang Palace, the Emperor was reviewing a pile of memorials. When he saw the Crown Prince enter, he didn't even bother to raise his head, "If you're short of money, go find Zhao Sancai and take what you need from Zhen's private treasury. Zhen is busy."
"Father Emperor," the Crown Prince approached and bowed, then found Lin Zhou's transfer order among the pile of memorials, "Erchen is not here for money, but to lodge a complaint."
"Who dares to insult you?!" Emperor Changlong put down his brush and furrowed his brows displeased. He glanced at the transfer order in the Crown Prince's hand, "Lin Zhou?"
"No one dares to insult Erchen. Father Emperor misunderstood," the Crown Prince placed the transfer order in front of Emperor Changlong, "Erchen wants to make things difficult for the Lin family. Can Father Emperor help Erchen with that?"
"What's going on?" Emperor Changlong understood his son. If someone spoke ill of him on ordinary days, he might complain a bit at most. Unless the official had truly committed a crime, he wouldn't utter such words.
"Lin Zhou has raised a good daughter," the Crown Prince explained to Emperor Changlong the incidents involving Lin Wan and Hua Liuli, "Erchen has been thinking about this; how does Lin Wan, that young lady, know about important matters in the court? If it weren't for something Lin Zhou said at home, how would she dare to say such things to Junzhu?"
"In the eyes of these people, is Zhen the kind of person who can't tolerate capable generals and forgets their loyalty?!" Emperor Changlong, after hearing the sequence of events, got angry and tossed aside Lin Zhou's transfer order, "Yingting almost died on the battlefield defending against foreign enemies, yet these people don't appreciate his merits. Instead, they spend their days speculating about how Zhen despises the Hua family!"
Emperor Changlong was both angry at those who made baseless speculations and heartbroken for the Hua family. The Hua family had guarded the borders of the Great Jin for generations, many had even died on the battlefield. Even now, Hua Yingting's two sons were still stationed in the bitterly cold Qinghan Prefecture, just so that the people of Great Jin could live in peace.
To what extent must people's hearts be corrupted to utter such words?
"In Zhen's view, certain people are jealous of the numerous achievements of the Hua family and can't stand to see them doing well," Emperor Changlong grew angrier the more he thought about it. He had been close to Hua Yingting since childhood and the Hua family had made countless sacrifices to prevent the late Emperor from deposing him as the Crown Prince. He never spoke of these favors, but he had always kept them in his heart.
And now, these people were hoping he would deal with the Hua family?
How audacious!
Emperor Changlong was very angry, and when he got angry, he also wanted to cause trouble for others. Although he was a reasonable emperor, he had his own temper. That's why he suppressed Lin Zhou's transfer order.
He rummaged through the treasures in his private treasury, packed several large boxes, and had the chief eunuch Zhao Sancai personally deliver them to the Hua family.
If anyone insults the Hua family, the Hua family would be rewarded with valuable items.
He didn't believe that these people would still think he wanted to be at odds with the Hua family.
However, human hearts were always unpredictable. On the night when Emperor Changlong rewarded the Hua family, many officials got wind of the news.
"Just when the Hua family has gained popular support, there are people who, right in front of the Hua family, openly say that their glory won't last long. It's truly... sigh, how could Lin Zhou raise such a brainless daughter?"
"No wonder His Majesty rewarded the Hua family with so many things to appease them. The third son of the Hua family has just passed the imperial examination and will soon attend the Hundred Nations Banquet. If foreign envoys were to learn that such a great contributor like the Hua family received insults right after returning to the capital, entire Great Jin would lose face."
"It seems unlikely that the Lin family's daughter will be able to maintain her position as the future Ying Wangfei."
The next day, after the morning court session, Emperor Changlong summoned the Crown Prince to his Imperial Study and had him review memorials together. He was the emperor, and his son would become the future emperor. He couldn't suffer and toil alone.
The father and son got along harmoniously. Although Emperor Changlong couldn't help but scold the Crown Prince when he saw him slacking off, the Crown Prince always managed to defuse his anger with just a few words.
"Your Majesty, Consort Lin requests an audience."
Emperor Changlong remembered that Consort Lin was always engrossed in literature and rarely came to the Imperial Study. It was truly a rare occasion today.
"Send her in."
Consort Lin had fair skin and was a delicate and graceful woman. After entering, she respectfully performed a curtsey to Emperor Changlong, "Chenqie pays respects to Your Majesty."
Emperor Changlong raised his hand slightly, signaling her to rise, "Consort Lin, why have you come at this time? Is there something you need?"
Consort Lin bit her lower lip and glanced at the Crown Prince, looking somewhat hesitant.
The Crown Prince raised an eyebrow. He was someone who treats everyone fairly and equally. If he didn't avoid the presence of Consort Xian, he would be equally indifferent to the presence of Consort Lin.
It's best to prevent Consort Xian from complaining about him favoring some and neglecting others, affecting the harmony among them.
"Chenqie is here to apologize to Your Majesty," Consort Lin curtsied again, "Chenqie failed to discipline my niece properly. Chenqie asks for Your Majesty's forgiveness."
Not long after Lin Zhou became the top scholar, he went to another prefecture for his new appointment. Consort Lin and her niece, Lin Wan, hadn't spent much time together in private. But given the circumstances, as an aunt, she couldn't avoid taking responsibility for the incident.
Moreover, she had no other relatives from her maternal family, only Lin Zhou as her brother. Out of consideration for her Eldest Brother, she couldn't bear to see Lin Wan face excessive blame for this matter.
"You have had no involvement in the upbringing of the young lady of the Lin family, so Zhen won't blame you for it," Emperor Changlong reassured her, "You don't need to worry about this matter. Go back and rest well; Zhen understands."
"Your Majesty, Chenqie's eldest brother and Chenqie lost our parents at a young age and have relied on each other since childhood. Over these years, Chenqie's eldest brother has only one son and one daughter. Please, considering Chenqie's eldest brother's integrity as an official, be lenient with Lin Wan in Your Majesty's judgment."
"The young girl spoke impulsively. Why would there be a need for severe judgment?" Emperor Changlong said with a calm tone, "Let Lin Zhou take her back and educate her well. Let her understand what words should be said and what should not. Our soldiers sacrifice their lives and shed blood on the battlefield. We must not let ignorant children speak thoughtlessly and chill their hearts."
"Yes, Chenqie understands," Seeing Emperor Changlong's calm demeanor, Consort Lin felt a sense of fear in her heart.
"The Crown Prince and Zhen have other matters to attend to. You may withdraw for now," Emperor Changlong looked at Consort Lin and added, "By the way, when you return, inform Madam Lin that the marriage between Ying Wang and Young Lady Lin is not suitable. Zhen believes it's best to cancel the betrothal."
The most worrisome thing had happened.
Consort Lin's face turned pale, and with teary eyes, she said, "Your Majesty, Lin Wan is still a child. She has already realized her mistake. Please give her another chance..."
"If she is still a child, it means she is not suitable for marriage," Emperor Changlong's tone grew colder, "A child cannot become Ying Wangfei."
Consort Lin knew that Emperor Changlong was irritated. This matter not only made him displeased with her brother's family, but it seemed like she was also implicated.
"Your Majesty..." She knelt before Emperor Changlong, her voice trembling as she sobbed softly.
"Rise," Emperor Changlong sighed, "Don't think too much. The Fourth Prince is almost at the age to be conferred a title. If you cry like this, what will you look like?"
Confer a title?
Upon hearing that Emperor Changlong was going to confer a title on her son, Consort Lin felt relieved. It seemed that Emperor Changlong didn't direct his anger toward her and her son for this incident.
"Chenqie couldn't control myself for a moment and made Your Majesty see a joke," Consort Lin wiped the corners of her eyes and stood up with the assistance of a palace maid, "Chenqie will convey Your Majesty's intentions to Chenqie's sister-in-law."
The Crown Prince watched Consort Lin's tearful smile and couldn't help but think that Liuli looked better when she had a tearful expression; she always looked good no matter what expression she had.
Madam Lin entered the palace to bring Lin Wan back. Looking at her silent daughter, Madam Lin couldn't help but sigh, "Your father is not in a good mood today. When you go back, apologize to him sincerely and don't upset him again."
Lin Wan remained silent.
"If I had known that you would cause so much trouble by going to the palace, I wouldn't have allowed you there," Madam Lin blamed herself when she saw her daughter's silence, "It's all my fault. I should have warned you to stay away from that Fushou Junzhu. Children raised in such households are naturally delicate. If you clash with her, you'll be the one at a disadvantage."
"Such households?" Lin Wan's emotions suddenly became agitated, "If she is from such a household, then what am I? Father was originally the Prefect of Yongzhou, I am no worse than anyone else. Why am I always inferior in every aspect compared to others?!"
Madam Lin was taken aback by her daughter's outburst. After a moment of astonishment, she wiped her tears and said, "What are you saying? Your father and I have worked hard to raise you. I never expected you would think this way."
Hearing her mother's crying, Lin Wan fell silent once again.
Madam Lin cried all the way until the carriage stopped at the gate of the Lin family's estate. She wiped her tears and turned to continue advising Lin Wan not to make her father angry again.
With her head lowered, Lin Wan followed behind Madam Lin. Upon entering the house, she noticed that it was extremely quiet. The servants stood trembling in the corners, while her father sat in the main hall with a serious expression.
She hesitated for a moment before cautiously approaching.
However, Lin Zhou only glanced at her, disappointment evident in his eyes, and stood up to leave without uttering a word of reproach.
Lin Wan watched her mother chase after her father. She walked over and sat down on the cold chair.
"Are you hungry?" After who knows how long, her brother, Lin Sen, walked over, holding a plate of pastries in his hand.
Lin Wan shook her head, "I have no appetite."
"There's no harm in eating a little," Lin Sen hesitated for a moment, "There was news this morning that Father's transfer order has been held back in the Imperial Study. We don't know when it will be issued."
"Father is in a bad mood now. Don't worry about it."
Lin Wan coldly chuckled but remained silent.
"Ah." In the Lincui Palace, Consort Xian sighed repeatedly, touching her temples, unable to help but complain to Ying Wang, "I'll have gray hair sooner or later because of you."
"If Mother had agreed to let Fushou Junzhu be Ying Wangfei, your son wouldn't be unmarried now," Ying Wang murmured softly, "But I can't be blamed for that..."
"You also agreed with me that the Fushou Junzhu shouldn't become your Wangfei then," Consort Xian said, "Who could have predicted that Lin Zhou would raise such a daughter?"
Even if the Emperor has suspicions about the Hua family, one shouldn't say such things at this time. Isn't this slapping the Emperor's face?
"My son, I thought it was difficult for poor commoners to marry a wife, but I didn't expect it to be so difficult even for, an imperial prince, to marry a good wife."
The mother and son sighed in unison.
One sighed for a daughter-in-law.
One sighed for why he didn't agree to marry Hua Liuli back then.
The young maidservant who knelt beside Lin Wan trembled all over. When she heard the Crown Prince's command to "get lost", her whole body convulsed with fear.
The Crown Prince was never a man who cherished beauties. He paid no attention to the pitiful appearance of Lin Wan and her servant. He descended from the sedan chair and hurriedly entered the Shoukang Palace.
Lin Wan heard her own teeth making chattering sounds. It made her both annoyed and afraid. She feared that others would hear her fearful voice. She didn't even know what to do after this incident.
She didn't even understand why she had said those things to Hua Liuli. Was it jealousy, inferiority, or hatred?
People occasionally passed by in front of her: palace maids, eunuchs, and imperial physicians from the Imperial Medical Bureau. Everyone hurriedly came and went, not sparing her a second glance, but she knew that these people had already scrutinized her from head to toe in their hearts. She dared not imagine the disappointed look her father would give her when he found out about this. Her mother would surely wear a face full of bitterness and helplessness, narrating her father's hardships, the family's difficulties, and the hardships she and her father endured in their childhood, as well as the efforts her father had made to get to where he was now.
Over and over again, repeatedly.
She stared blankly at the bluestone path. Everything in the palace was meticulously designed, even the carvings on the stone slabs depicted auspicious patterns. She stared at these patterns, countless thoughts surging in her mind, yet she felt as though she hadn't thought of anything at all.
At this point, she didn't know who could help her or be her support.
The floor was truly cold and her knees were really hurting from kneeling.
"What are you doing kneeling here?" a pair of shoes embroidered with four-clawed dragons stopped in front of her. Lin Wan raised her head blankly and saw the face of Ying Wang.
"Imperial Grandmother doesn't like to punish people. The imperial physician has already gone to diagnose Fushou Junzhu's pulse," Ying Wang sighed, "You can get up and go rest at Consort Lin's palace."
"Your Highness..." Lin Wan was helped up by several palace maids and eunuchs beside Ying Wang. She looked at the indifferent Ying Wang and didn't expect that it would be him, who disliked her, to take notice of her kneeling at the palace gate.
"Mother has a straightforward personality. It's not appropriate for you to return to the Lincui Palace at the moment," Ying Wang no longer looked at Lin Wan with a frown, "Consort Lin is your aunt. You haven't seen each other for many years, I'm sure you have a lot to talk about. Xiao Chen, escort Young Lady Lin to Consort Lin's palace."
Lin Wan's lips moved. She wanted to ask Ying Wang if she would be punished, but she didn't dare to speak out loud.
"In the future, take care of yourself," Ying Wang looked into her eyes, "Benwang is a crude person, Young Lady Lin may not be suitable to be my Wangfei."
"Your Highness, are you despising me?" Lin Wan heard a voice roaring and shouting in her mind, but her expression remained unusually calm, except for her trembling lips, "Your Highness, have you ever considered my feelings when you say such things?"
"Young Lady Lin is forgetting that you are speaking to Ying Wang, the eldest of the Emperor," Ying Wang looked at Lin Wan strangely, "Why should Benwang consider other's feelings?"
Lin Wan's body staggered.
"Young Lady Lin, this is how the capital is, how the imperial family is," Ying Wang placed his hands behind his back, "No one would sacrifice their own interests to uphold someone else's dignity."
After saying that, he walked quickly into Shoukang Palace.
"Young Lady Lin," Xiao Chen, Ying Wang's eunuch attendant, smiled and approached, bowing, "This servant will escort you to Consort Lin's sleeping quarters."
Seeing the eunuch in front of her smile at her, Lin Wan's anger surged, and she pushed him away, "Get lost! I am an official's daughter. Even if I made a mistake, it's not your place, a dog slave, to mock me!"
"Young Lady Lin speaks the truth," Xiao Chen's face still carried a smile, "Young Lady Lin is a respected and capable official's daughter. I am just a castrated slave. How dare I show disrespect to Young Lady Lin?"
Lin Wan suddenly froze, countless emotions surging from everywhere.
What should she do now?
What can she do?
When Ying Wang arrived in the inner hall, the imperial physician had already finished examining Fushou Junzhu's pulse. Hua Liuli leaned against a chair with her palm-sized cheeks still pale.
Seeing Hua Liuli preparing to get up and salute, Ying Wang quickly stopped her and turned to bow to the Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince, "Imperial Grandmother, this grandson has come to apologize to you and Fushou Junzhu."
"She is your betrothed, not your Wangfei. There's no need for you to apologize," the Empress Dowager's anger had not subsided. She didn't even spare a glance at Consort Xian sitting beside her, "Besides, whether she can become Ying Wangfei is still uncertain."
Consort Xian's expression changed slightly, but she didn't dare say anything.
"Imperial Grandmother, this grandson came today to discuss this matter as well," Ying Wang disregarded the imperial physician and others still present in the hall and spoke up, "Young Lady Lin and I are incompatible, we are not destined to be husband and wife. This grandson asks Imperial Grandmother to judge this matter."
"Son, what are you saying?!" Consort Xian couldn't help but speak up, "This is a marriage arranged by the Emperor, how can it be changed just like that?"
"Consort Xian, when the two of us are talking, you shouldn't interrupt," the Empress Dowager glanced at Consort Xian, "If your son's wife always interrupts when he talks, would you be happy?"
Consort Xian begrudgingly thought, if you two keep talking like this, I won't even have a daughter-in-law, let alone a daughter-in-law who interrupts. Moreover, am I your daughter-in-law? I am only your son's concubine. The only one who dared to call herself your daughter-in-law has had her grave covered with grass many times over.
Consort Xian felt dissatisfied in her heart, but she was afraid and didn't dare to say it. She glanced at the Crown Prince, hoping that he, who usually liked to stir up trouble, would say a few words. However, the Crown Prince didn't seem to know what was happening today. Since he entered, he hadn't spoken more than ten words in total, and his face was surprisingly unsightly.
"Minghao, what exactly do you want to say?" the Empress Dowager asked Ying Wang.
"Imperial Grandmother, this grandson wants to void this betrothal," Ying Wang paused for a moment, "Young Lady Lin should find a more suitable husband."
"You should also know that if you break off this betrothal at this moment, it will not only be bad for the Lin family but also have an impact on you," the Empress Dowager said, "Lin Zhou holds considerable prestige among the civil officials and has the support of the people. If this marriage is called off, there will undoubtedly be rumors and gossip. Will you regret it?"
"The common people may gossip over tea, but they will forget after a while. As for the other civil officials, this grandson's marriage has nothing to do with them. If they can't stand it, they can let their own sons marry the daughter of the Lin family. This grandson won't mind," Ying Wang replied.
"Nonsense," the Empress Dowager was both angry and amused, "This Grieving One will discuss this matter with the Emperor."
"Thank you, Imperial Grandmother," Ying Wang bowed deeply to the Empress Dowager and turned to look at Hua Liuli, "Junzhu, are you feeling better now?"
"I'm fine, Your Highness," she hesitated for a moment and said to Ying Wang, "Marriage is a serious matter. If the small conflicts between me and Young Lady Lin affect your marriage with her, I will bear the blame. Please reconsider, Your Highness..."
"This matter has nothing to do with Junzhu," Ying Wang said. "Benwang is just not well-suited to Young Lady Lin. Benwang wanted to break off this marriage even before this incident. Junzhu, please don't worry about it."
Hua Liuli had witnessed the interaction between Ying Wang and Lin Wan, so she knew it was true that their relationship was not harmonious. As a betrothed couple, their relationship was not as pleasant as her relationship with the Crown Prince. Moreover, what relationship did she have with Ying Wang for him to call off the marriage for her sake?
Looking at the Crown Prince sitting silently in the chair, Hua Liuli felt a bit worried. His mood seemed to be unpleasant today. Could something have happened?
Consort Xian, who was opposed by her son in front of outsiders, was somewhat unhappy. She stood up and said to the Empress Dowager, "Since Junzhu is no longer in danger, Bengong should take leave."
The Empress Dowager nodded, "You may leave."
Seeing Consort Xian hastily leaving, Ying Wang found an excuse and followed her.
After the outsiders left, the Empress Dowager sighed and said, "When this Grieving One brought you into the palace, this Grieving One wanted you to have a good time. This Grieving One didn't expect such a thing to happen."
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty. I won't take those idle talk to heart," Hua Liuli stood up and sat beside the Empress Dowager, "Is Your Majesty trying to drive me out of the palace with your words?"
"How could this Grieving One bear to? This Grieving One could bear to drive the Crown Prince away, but couldn't bear to let you go," the Empress Dowager said, "You should stay here with this Grieving One at ease. If anyone dares to gossip, this Grieving One will take revenge for you."
The Crown Prince, who was sitting beside them, remained silent.
The Empress Dowager was getting old and her body couldn't withstand such commotion. Hua Liuli persuaded her for a while before she finally settled down and went back to her resting palace.
When Hua Liuli returned, the Crown Prince was still there. She had already developed a casual and comfortable relationship with the Crown Prince, such as boating on the lake and enjoying delicious food.
She walked up to the Crown Prince and waved her hand in front of him, "Your Royal Highness, what are you thinking?"
"Benwang is thinking about how to avenge you," the Crown Prince reached out and held Hua Liuli's wrist to stop her from shaking it, then quickly let go, "Benwang invited you into the palace, and if someone bullies you, it's like slapping Benwang in the face. Benwang can't lose face."
"Your Royal Highness, the disputes between us young girls should be handled by ourselves. If Your Royal Highness intervenes, it will be very detrimental to Your Royal Highness when the word gets out," Hua Liuli knew that the Crown Prince considered her as his own person and wanted to help her seek justice. However, if this matter were to be known by certain imperial censors, they would definitely criticize the Crown Prince.
"Benwang has been a troublemaker since Benwang was young. If Benwang can change just because someone says a few words, what kind of Crown Prince would Benwang be?" the Crown Prince chuckled lightly, "A person must take responsibility for what they say. Otherwise, others will think that our imperial family acknowledges Lin Wan's words."
Hua Liu Li suddenly understood that the Crown Prince was subtly telling her about the imperial family's stance and attitude. She picked up the teacup from the table and presented it to the Crown Prince with both hands, "It is precisely because I trust Your Royal Highness that I don't want Your Royal Highness to get involved in this matter. I can handle it myself. How can I let Your Royal Highness be entangled? It's not worth it, it's not beneficial, and it's unnecessary. What kind of person is Your Royal Highness? Why should Your Royal Highness's reputation be affected by some small-minded people?"
"But if you go and do it, won't it also affect your reputation?" the Crown Prince took a sip of tea.
"Because I am also a petty person who holds grudges and seeks revenge. As for reputation, I don't care," Hua Liuli chuckled in response to the Crown Prince's words. She placed the teacup in the Crown Prince's hand, "I am not marrying their sons. No matter what they say, it has nothing to do with me."
"So, are you planning to marry their daughters instead?" the Crown Prince joked.
"Your Royal Highness, I am only interested in men," Hua Liuli laughed at the Crown Prince's words, "Please rest assured, I have been picky since childhood. There are many things that I don't like and don't want to compromise on."
"Like Junzhu, Benwang doesn't only dislike seeing myself being taken advantage of, but Benwang also doesn't want people closest to me to suffer," the Crown Prince put down the teacup and gently grabbed a strand of Hua Liuli's hair, pulling it out, "Go rest first, Benwang knows what to do."
After speaking, he stood up and walked briskly towards the exit.
Hua Liuli tidied up the strand of hair and turned to look at the Crown Prince's departing figure.
People closest to him?
Was she one of them?
The Crown Prince is quite loyal.
In the Imperial Study of Chengyang Palace, the Emperor was reviewing a pile of memorials. When he saw the Crown Prince enter, he didn't even bother to raise his head, "If you're short of money, go find Zhao Sancai and take what you need from Zhen's private treasury. Zhen is busy."
"Father Emperor," the Crown Prince approached and bowed, then found Lin Zhou's transfer order among the pile of memorials, "Erchen is not here for money, but to lodge a complaint."
"Who dares to insult you?!" Emperor Changlong put down his brush and furrowed his brows displeased. He glanced at the transfer order in the Crown Prince's hand, "Lin Zhou?"
"No one dares to insult Erchen. Father Emperor misunderstood," the Crown Prince placed the transfer order in front of Emperor Changlong, "Erchen wants to make things difficult for the Lin family. Can Father Emperor help Erchen with that?"
"What's going on?" Emperor Changlong understood his son. If someone spoke ill of him on ordinary days, he might complain a bit at most. Unless the official had truly committed a crime, he wouldn't utter such words.
"Lin Zhou has raised a good daughter," the Crown Prince explained to Emperor Changlong the incidents involving Lin Wan and Hua Liuli, "Erchen has been thinking about this; how does Lin Wan, that young lady, know about important matters in the court? If it weren't for something Lin Zhou said at home, how would she dare to say such things to Junzhu?"
"In the eyes of these people, is Zhen the kind of person who can't tolerate capable generals and forgets their loyalty?!" Emperor Changlong, after hearing the sequence of events, got angry and tossed aside Lin Zhou's transfer order, "Yingting almost died on the battlefield defending against foreign enemies, yet these people don't appreciate his merits. Instead, they spend their days speculating about how Zhen despises the Hua family!"
Emperor Changlong was both angry at those who made baseless speculations and heartbroken for the Hua family. The Hua family had guarded the borders of the Great Jin for generations, many had even died on the battlefield. Even now, Hua Yingting's two sons were still stationed in the bitterly cold Qinghan Prefecture, just so that the people of Great Jin could live in peace.
To what extent must people's hearts be corrupted to utter such words?
"In Zhen's view, certain people are jealous of the numerous achievements of the Hua family and can't stand to see them doing well," Emperor Changlong grew angrier the more he thought about it. He had been close to Hua Yingting since childhood and the Hua family had made countless sacrifices to prevent the late Emperor from deposing him as the Crown Prince. He never spoke of these favors, but he had always kept them in his heart.
And now, these people were hoping he would deal with the Hua family?
How audacious!
Emperor Changlong was very angry, and when he got angry, he also wanted to cause trouble for others. Although he was a reasonable emperor, he had his own temper. That's why he suppressed Lin Zhou's transfer order.
He rummaged through the treasures in his private treasury, packed several large boxes, and had the chief eunuch Zhao Sancai personally deliver them to the Hua family.
If anyone insults the Hua family, the Hua family would be rewarded with valuable items.
He didn't believe that these people would still think he wanted to be at odds with the Hua family.
However, human hearts were always unpredictable. On the night when Emperor Changlong rewarded the Hua family, many officials got wind of the news.
"Just when the Hua family has gained popular support, there are people who, right in front of the Hua family, openly say that their glory won't last long. It's truly... sigh, how could Lin Zhou raise such a brainless daughter?"
"No wonder His Majesty rewarded the Hua family with so many things to appease them. The third son of the Hua family has just passed the imperial examination and will soon attend the Hundred Nations Banquet. If foreign envoys were to learn that such a great contributor like the Hua family received insults right after returning to the capital, entire Great Jin would lose face."
"It seems unlikely that the Lin family's daughter will be able to maintain her position as the future Ying Wangfei."
The next day, after the morning court session, Emperor Changlong summoned the Crown Prince to his Imperial Study and had him review memorials together. He was the emperor, and his son would become the future emperor. He couldn't suffer and toil alone.
The father and son got along harmoniously. Although Emperor Changlong couldn't help but scold the Crown Prince when he saw him slacking off, the Crown Prince always managed to defuse his anger with just a few words.
"Your Majesty, Consort Lin requests an audience."
Emperor Changlong remembered that Consort Lin was always engrossed in literature and rarely came to the Imperial Study. It was truly a rare occasion today.
"Send her in."
Consort Lin had fair skin and was a delicate and graceful woman. After entering, she respectfully performed a curtsey to Emperor Changlong, "Chenqie pays respects to Your Majesty."
Emperor Changlong raised his hand slightly, signaling her to rise, "Consort Lin, why have you come at this time? Is there something you need?"
Consort Lin bit her lower lip and glanced at the Crown Prince, looking somewhat hesitant.
The Crown Prince raised an eyebrow. He was someone who treats everyone fairly and equally. If he didn't avoid the presence of Consort Xian, he would be equally indifferent to the presence of Consort Lin.
It's best to prevent Consort Xian from complaining about him favoring some and neglecting others, affecting the harmony among them.
"Chenqie is here to apologize to Your Majesty," Consort Lin curtsied again, "Chenqie failed to discipline my niece properly. Chenqie asks for Your Majesty's forgiveness."
Not long after Lin Zhou became the top scholar, he went to another prefecture for his new appointment. Consort Lin and her niece, Lin Wan, hadn't spent much time together in private. But given the circumstances, as an aunt, she couldn't avoid taking responsibility for the incident.
Moreover, she had no other relatives from her maternal family, only Lin Zhou as her brother. Out of consideration for her Eldest Brother, she couldn't bear to see Lin Wan face excessive blame for this matter.
"You have had no involvement in the upbringing of the young lady of the Lin family, so Zhen won't blame you for it," Emperor Changlong reassured her, "You don't need to worry about this matter. Go back and rest well; Zhen understands."
"Your Majesty, Chenqie's eldest brother and Chenqie lost our parents at a young age and have relied on each other since childhood. Over these years, Chenqie's eldest brother has only one son and one daughter. Please, considering Chenqie's eldest brother's integrity as an official, be lenient with Lin Wan in Your Majesty's judgment."
"The young girl spoke impulsively. Why would there be a need for severe judgment?" Emperor Changlong said with a calm tone, "Let Lin Zhou take her back and educate her well. Let her understand what words should be said and what should not. Our soldiers sacrifice their lives and shed blood on the battlefield. We must not let ignorant children speak thoughtlessly and chill their hearts."
"Yes, Chenqie understands," Seeing Emperor Changlong's calm demeanor, Consort Lin felt a sense of fear in her heart.
"The Crown Prince and Zhen have other matters to attend to. You may withdraw for now," Emperor Changlong looked at Consort Lin and added, "By the way, when you return, inform Madam Lin that the marriage between Ying Wang and Young Lady Lin is not suitable. Zhen believes it's best to cancel the betrothal."
The most worrisome thing had happened.
Consort Lin's face turned pale, and with teary eyes, she said, "Your Majesty, Lin Wan is still a child. She has already realized her mistake. Please give her another chance..."
"If she is still a child, it means she is not suitable for marriage," Emperor Changlong's tone grew colder, "A child cannot become Ying Wangfei."
Consort Lin knew that Emperor Changlong was irritated. This matter not only made him displeased with her brother's family, but it seemed like she was also implicated.
"Your Majesty..." She knelt before Emperor Changlong, her voice trembling as she sobbed softly.
"Rise," Emperor Changlong sighed, "Don't think too much. The Fourth Prince is almost at the age to be conferred a title. If you cry like this, what will you look like?"
Confer a title?
Upon hearing that Emperor Changlong was going to confer a title on her son, Consort Lin felt relieved. It seemed that Emperor Changlong didn't direct his anger toward her and her son for this incident.
"Chenqie couldn't control myself for a moment and made Your Majesty see a joke," Consort Lin wiped the corners of her eyes and stood up with the assistance of a palace maid, "Chenqie will convey Your Majesty's intentions to Chenqie's sister-in-law."
The Crown Prince watched Consort Lin's tearful smile and couldn't help but think that Liuli looked better when she had a tearful expression; she always looked good no matter what expression she had.
Madam Lin entered the palace to bring Lin Wan back. Looking at her silent daughter, Madam Lin couldn't help but sigh, "Your father is not in a good mood today. When you go back, apologize to him sincerely and don't upset him again."
Lin Wan remained silent.
"If I had known that you would cause so much trouble by going to the palace, I wouldn't have allowed you there," Madam Lin blamed herself when she saw her daughter's silence, "It's all my fault. I should have warned you to stay away from that Fushou Junzhu. Children raised in such households are naturally delicate. If you clash with her, you'll be the one at a disadvantage."
"Such households?" Lin Wan's emotions suddenly became agitated, "If she is from such a household, then what am I? Father was originally the Prefect of Yongzhou, I am no worse than anyone else. Why am I always inferior in every aspect compared to others?!"
Madam Lin was taken aback by her daughter's outburst. After a moment of astonishment, she wiped her tears and said, "What are you saying? Your father and I have worked hard to raise you. I never expected you would think this way."
Hearing her mother's crying, Lin Wan fell silent once again.
Madam Lin cried all the way until the carriage stopped at the gate of the Lin family's estate. She wiped her tears and turned to continue advising Lin Wan not to make her father angry again.
With her head lowered, Lin Wan followed behind Madam Lin. Upon entering the house, she noticed that it was extremely quiet. The servants stood trembling in the corners, while her father sat in the main hall with a serious expression.
She hesitated for a moment before cautiously approaching.
However, Lin Zhou only glanced at her, disappointment evident in his eyes, and stood up to leave without uttering a word of reproach.
Lin Wan watched her mother chase after her father. She walked over and sat down on the cold chair.
"Are you hungry?" After who knows how long, her brother, Lin Sen, walked over, holding a plate of pastries in his hand.
Lin Wan shook her head, "I have no appetite."
"There's no harm in eating a little," Lin Sen hesitated for a moment, "There was news this morning that Father's transfer order has been held back in the Imperial Study. We don't know when it will be issued."
"Father is in a bad mood now. Don't worry about it."
Lin Wan coldly chuckled but remained silent.
"Ah." In the Lincui Palace, Consort Xian sighed repeatedly, touching her temples, unable to help but complain to Ying Wang, "I'll have gray hair sooner or later because of you."
"If Mother had agreed to let Fushou Junzhu be Ying Wangfei, your son wouldn't be unmarried now," Ying Wang murmured softly, "But I can't be blamed for that..."
"You also agreed with me that the Fushou Junzhu shouldn't become your Wangfei then," Consort Xian said, "Who could have predicted that Lin Zhou would raise such a daughter?"
Even if the Emperor has suspicions about the Hua family, one shouldn't say such things at this time. Isn't this slapping the Emperor's face?
"My son, I thought it was difficult for poor commoners to marry a wife, but I didn't expect it to be so difficult even for, an imperial prince, to marry a good wife."
The mother and son sighed in unison.
One sighed for a daughter-in-law.
One sighed for why he didn't agree to marry Hua Liuli back then.
