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墨書 Inktalez
Yun Qingyu knew that things would not unfold as Consort Duan wished. She spoke lightly, "The Prime Minister is understandably concerned for his son and may not have considered the matter of an apology. After all, punishing Lu Mingzhan is just adding insult to injury. Given the circumstances, it is only natural for the Prime Minister to stay home to care for his son."
Yun Qingyu was aware that Chu Tianyin and the Lu Family were no longer a threat. She held enough evidence in her hands and could raid their household at any time. However, both the Empress and Consort Duan were waiting to see her actions, eager for her to take advantage of the situation and push the Third Prince deeper into despair.
But if she were to crush the Lu Family now, the ministers in court would be forced to take sides. With her presence, most would likely seek to curry favor with Consort Duan, effectively making her a pawn in Consort Duan's game.
Yun Qingyu leisurely enjoyed her royal meal, contemplating that she had yet to place her people within the core of the court. For now, she needed to keep the Lu Family alive, allowing them to hold their breath and serve as a counterbalance against Consort Duan and the Ling Family.
The Empress was a clever woman; her second son, Chu Tiankuo, was the legitimate heir and had the best chance of success.
Currently, she did nothing but watch coldly as the Ling Family and the Lu Family fought like two tigers. When the princes exhausted themselves in their struggle, she would reap the benefits. It was no wonder that despite Consort Duan's years of favor, she had never managed to replace the Empress.
The Empress operated with meticulous care, rarely making mistakes or giving anyone leverage against her. Even the Emperor could not simply depose her without cause.
Lost in thought, Yun Qingyu was brought back by a gentle voice calling her name.
Looking up at Consort Duan, she heard her say, "Qingyu, you are still a young lady. Among the noble families in the capital, do you have someone you fancy? Your cousin, Ling Jing, has just arrived in town; you’ve met twice already—there seems to be some fate between you!"
As Yun Qingyu casually dabbed at her mouth, the Emperor interjected first: "With Qingyu's temperament, that boy from the Ling Family will likely find it hard to handle her. He should keep his distance from Qingyu; otherwise, if conflict arises, he will only suffer. The sons of noble families are meant to marry and carry on their lineage; how can Qingyu just take whoever she likes?"
What the Emperor most feared was seeing Yun Qingyu become too close with any prince—even with his own Fifth Prince from Consort Duan. He wanted Yun Qingyu to remain independent and uninvolved with noble families so he could grant her more power without worry.
Consort Duan dared to pave a path for Ling Jing right in front of him—another reckless move on her part.
Consort Duan's smile was almost impossible to maintain. Taking a deep breath, she said softly, "Your Majesty, rest assured, since Qingyu does not like me, I will no longer bring it up."
The Emperor responded with a brief "Hmm," and said, "That's best. I do not wish to see Qingyu and the Ling Family cause any more unpleasantness."
Consort Duan's smile stiffened; she knew this tactic had failed. At that moment, Yun Qingyu turned and smiled faintly, saying, "Father, do not worry. On that day when we went to the outskirts, I already looked over the legitimate sons of the noble families. There were hardly any who caught my eye. If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave."
The Emperor's smile also faltered, surprised at the thought: Are the young masters of Western Chu really that unappealing? Glancing outside at the sky, he nodded and said, "You should return early."
As the palace gates were about to close, Yun Qingyu had only lingered for a short while, as if her visit was merely to have a meal with the Emperor and Consort Duan before completing her task. Just as she was about to step out of the palace, she was stopped by a eunuch—Feng Ping, the chief eunuch beside the Empress Dowager.
Feng Ping bowed respectfully and said, "Princess Consort, the Empress Dowager requests your presence."
Yun Qingyu glanced at him indifferently and replied, "This Palace wishes to return home to rest."
Feng Ping remained exceptionally respectful and insisted, "The Empress Dowager has something very important to discuss with you, Princess Consort. You will not regret listening."
Having dealt with Consort Duan, Yun Qingyu was ready to head back but was halted by the eunuch from the Empress Dowager's palace who claimed there was a monumental secret to share—one she would regret missing.
Yun Qingyu looked at him coolly and asked, "What is it?"
Feng Ping responded with utmost respect, "Princess Consort, forgive me. I do not know the specifics; only the Empress Dowager is aware of them."
Yun Qingyu pondered for a moment and said, "This Palace has limited time and cannot afford to delay."
Feng Ping reassured, "Your Highness, don't worry, it will only take a moment."
Yun Qingyu nodded coldly and followed him toward Renshou Palace.
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