Chapter Four, The Crown Prince Zhenren
What Miss Lan said is indeed true. Just yesterday, there was a matter circulating in my residence, stating that Miss Yue, for some unknown reason, took people to the bustling Wangchun Tower on West Street and set it ablaze. Moreover, she ordered that no one be allowed to exit the building, which resulted in hundreds of people inside Wangchun Tower suffering; some died, while others were injured. This incident has caused quite a stir, and it is said that many officials have submitted memorials today to hold Miss Yue accountable! The woman in green also struggled to divert her gaze from His Highness the Crown Prince, looking at Li Yun with a hint of schadenfreude.
Princess Qingwan seemed to be less anxious upon hearing the Crown Prince's words, and her gaze towards Li Yun contained a hint of disdain. She said to the Empress: "What the Crown Prince has said is indeed correct; it is merely the playful antics of a young lady in her boudoir. In this Heavenly Holy Dynasty, who does not know that Miss Yue from the Yun Wangfu is not one to bully others? Who would dare to truly bully her?"
Li Yun listened to the two women speaking seriously and subtly furrowed her brows, secretly lamenting that she had unexpectedly encountered such a serious crime upon her arrival. She had previously thought that the owner of this body merely had a bad temper, but she did not expect the arrogance to reach such a level. ... Assault and arson, it is simply ... . ... Committing every possible evil. She had previously thought that the owner of this body merely had a bad temper, but she did not expect the arrogance to reach such a level. ... Assault and arson, it is simply ... . ... Committing every possible evil.
Li Yun cast a focused glance at the two women, recalling what her maid had mentioned earlier about the Second Miss of the Rong Wangfu and the Princess of the Xiaoqin Wangfu teaming up to bully Princess Qingwan. It seemed that she would soon be able to match each name to its corresponding face.
"Is it really true?" The queen appeared exceptionally surprised as she looked towards Li Yun
The Crown Prince's deep phoenix eyes shot towards the Fourth Prince, the pitch-black pupils resembling ice blades, and he did not respond.
Upon the conclusion of the Fourth Prince's words, he deliberately added: "Mother, you are also aware that Sister Yue's heart is entirely devoted to the Crown Prince. How could she possibly endure the thought of her brother going to such a place? Naturally, she would burn down Wangchun Tower to vent her anger. This is not unreasonable. How could the Crown Prince be enchanted by those seductive women of Wangchun Tower?"
"Indeed, Yue Mei Mei, with the Empress making decisions for you, just tell us who has bullied you. With the Empress here, what is there to fear? Even if you have been bullied severely, the Empress will help you punish those ignorant individuals." The Fourth Prince beside her immediately echoed the Empress's words, casting a displeased glance at the several women.
Upon hearing this, the queen turned her head to glance at the prince sitting upright beside her. She could not discern any emotion from his face, so she shifted her gaze to the fourth prince, whose smiling countenance also revealed no underlying feelings. She let out a quiet sigh and directed her attention back to Li Yun, beckoning her with a smile: "Oh? Who has bullied you, Yue'er, that you dare not come to this scenic garden? Come, quickly come to your aunt's side, tell me the name of the one who has bullied you, and let your aunt see just who has the audacity to bully you in this palace."
The son minister learned that today the Emperor did not hold the morning court and instead went to the residence of the Prince of Yun. The maternal grandfather is seriously ill... The Crown Prince seemed to be weighing his words, casting a meaningful glance at Li Yun. Seeing that she did not argue, standing quietly, and being attacked verbally by many, her face did not show the slightest hint of grievance or anger as it usually would. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes, and after a pause, he said: "The head physician of the Imperial Medical Institute, Old Physician Zhang, went to diagnose my maternal grandfather. It is said that he is suffering from a deficiency of qi and blood affecting the heart. He prescribed a remedy and stated that he must not stir up his liver fire and should take good care of himself for a while. It is likely that he will not be able to get out of bed for at least ten days to half a month." After a pause, he continued: "The head physician of the Imperial Medical Institute, Old Physician Zhang, went to diagnose my maternal grandfather. It is said that he is suffering from a deficiency of qi and blood affecting the heart. He prescribed a remedy and stated that he must not stir up his liver fire and should take good care of himself for a while. It is likely that he will not be able to get out of bed for at least ten days to half a month."
It is indeed the case that this matter has spread throughout the entire capital, and it is likely that by now, it is known by everyone in the Tian Sheng court. The Empress Dowager has been busy these past few days preparing for the poetry appreciation event, and has simply not heard of it yet. I believe that no matter how much the Emperor tries to protect Sister Yue, he cannot silence the accusations from the court officials or the whispers of the people. This time, Sister Yue's incident has caused quite a stir. It is said that the old Lord Yun has fallen ill in a fit of anger. Princess Qingwan spoke with a tone of schadenfreude. I believe that no matter how much the Emperor tries to protect Sister Yue, he cannot silence the accusations from the court officials or the whispers of the people. This time, Sister Yue's incident has caused quite a stir. It is said that the old Lord Yun has fallen ill in a fit of anger.
Li Yun was at a loss for words, as she had just arrived and was completely unaware of what had happened the previous day. She could only hang her head in silence
Li Yun did not expect the Empress to speak so confidently, taking it for granted that she had been bullied and needed help. For a moment, she stood still, contemplating whether the Empress truly favored this body or had ulterior motives. After all, the entire imperial capital is not that large, and those who can attend this poetry appreciation event are all children of nobility from the court, each representing various factions. She stood out too much, making it strange if she did not attract jealousy and resentment. Although everyone feared her openly, there must have been many instances of her suffering in secret. Take today’s incident as an example; otherwise, how could the original owner of this body have died inexplicably, and how could she have appeared here without reason!
The Fourth Prince seemed oblivious, turning to Li Yun beside him, "Although I was not present yesterday, I have heard about the specifics of the events, is that correct? Sister Yue?"
These words are powerful and resolute, as if one has made up their mind to truly take charge for Li Yun
With years of training and experience in discerning people, Li Yun could tell at a glance that this Crown Prince was indeed not to be underestimated. Perhaps due to their brotherly connection, the Crown Prince bore a resemblance to the Fourth Prince, yet he possessed an additional air of dignity that surpassed the Fourth Prince's handsomeness. Years of indulging in power and his high status had deepened the contours of his features, and he wore the bright yellow color with an intensity that seemed to penetrate the very fabric, as if no one could be more suited to this color than he.
Have you visited the Cloud Prince's residence to see the old Prince Yun? Is it serious? The Empress, upon hearing that the old Prince has fallen ill due to anger, has a grim expression.
The several young ladies were overjoyed to see His Highness the Crown Prince speaking on their behalf, and their beautiful eyes were fixated on him, unable to look away. In particular, the two ladies in pink and green dresses beside Princess Qingwan seemed to have eyes that could not tolerate anyone else.
Li Yun slightly pursed her lips, contemplating whether or not to speak. Where is this place? This is the imperial palace, which is said to be so well-guarded that not even a fly can enter unnoticed. How could the Empress, the master of the harem, not be aware of what just happened to her when she was bullied? Throughout this journey, she felt as though countless pairs of eyes were secretly watching her every move.
The queen finally let out a sigh of relief and nodded slightly. She turned her gaze towards Li Yun, her expression hardened, and her beautiful eyes were tinged with a hint of anger as she exclaimed: "Yue'er, it is one thing to beat someone in the street, but how could you set fire to Wangchun Tower? This is simply outrageous!"
As the Fourth Prince finished speaking, there was a moment of silence in the Viewing Garden, as if it were completely deserted with dozens of people present.
The queen, upon seeing Li Yun's expression of grievance and unwillingness to complain yet feeling there was no one to turn to, immediately believed the Fourth Prince's words. Everyone knew that as long as it involved the Crown Prince, her niece was capable of doing anything reckless. No wonder she burned down that Wangchun Building. With this thought, she frowned and looked at the Crown Prince with evident disapproval, angrily saying: "Nonsense! As a dignified Crown Prince, how can you go to such a place? Aren't you afraid of tarnishing your status?"
Indeed, Miss Qianyue is not only the cherished jewel of the Yun Wangfu but also the heart's delight of Her Majesty the Empress. With our utmost courage, we would not dare to bully her; it would be fortunate if she does not bully us. A few days ago, a cousin from my maternal side inadvertently offended her on the street, and she ordered someone to give him a severe beating right away. Now, that cousin is still lying in bed at home, unable to get up! I believe Her Majesty has heard about this matter as well. The woman in pink, regaining her composure, struggled to divert her gaze from His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and immediately took over the conversation.
The Crown Prince remained expressionless, casting a faint glance at Li Yun, his voice devoid of emotion. "Indeed, such an incident has occurred, but His Majesty did not attend court today, and the memorials for impeachment have been sent to the Imperial Study. I do not know how His Majesty intends to handle this matter! However, it is true that my maternal grandfather, Lord Yun, has indeed fallen ill due to anger."
As soon as the Queen finished speaking, Li Yun noticed that several women instantly turned pale.
"Is Father really that serious?" The Queen was taken aback
Especially at this moment, his handsome face bore no expression, and the golden crown radiated an unparalleled brilliance, enveloping him in light, exuding an incomparable nobility and majesty
It is just a trivial matter, let it go! Your Majesty, it would be best not to pursue this any further, " Li Yun said, feigning indifference.
The Crown Prince was taken aback
The Crown Prince nodded, and on his emotionless face, a look of helplessness finally appeared. He comforted the Empress, saying: "Mother need not worry, with Old Doctor Zhang here, and Father has also sent many good medicines to the Yun Wangfu. Grandfather will surely be fine."
The several women who had just breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that Li Yun would not pursue today's matter turned pale once again
"Your Majesty, you only know part of the story and not the whole. I, your son, am aware of the situation, and it is indeed unfair to blame Sister Yue. The Fourth Prince, who had been silent for a while, then spoke: 'As far as I know, Sister Yue was incited by someone with ulterior motives to believe that the Crown Prince had gone to Wangchun Tower, which is why she went there with others. However, the people at Wangchun Tower are truly despicable; they refused to give a proper explanation and even attempted to report Sister Yue to the authorities. In her anger, Sister Yue ended up burning down Wangchun Tower.'"
"Is there still this act?" The queen frowned and turned to the prince beside her
Li Yunyuan's peripheral vision caught sight of several elegantly dressed women present, their gazes fixated on the Crown Prince with an infatuation. She couldn't help but sneer inwardly; no wonder they had drawn the soul of this body to them. The people around her spoke incessantly of the Crown Prince, and this man, even without doing anything, possessed the capital to drive others to madness.
In the midst of their conversation, Li Yun was given ample time to contemplate. Upon hearing their words, she glanced at the Fourth Prince, her gaze swiftly shifting to the Empress, and finally resting on the Crown Prince. Her previously expressionless face was suddenly filled with a sense of grievance and unwillingness, tears welling in her eyes, as if they were about to overflow. Yet, she stubbornly held back, refusing to let them fall. With just a glance, she lowered her head again. Without uttering a single word, her expression undoubtedly conveyed more power than a thousand words.
The queen looked for a while but did not hear Li Yun speak; from her expression, it was also impossible to discern her thoughts. She was surprised that her niece seemed so composed today. She suppressed her astonishment and turned her gaze to the crown prince beside her
Li Yun thought that since she referred to the Empress as "Aunt," then the old prince must be the Empress's father. She lowered her head, contemplating how unfortunate she was to encounter such a situation right after her arrival, fearing that it could not be easily resolved.
"Oh? It seems that you are truly angry. Today, even my aunt is not calling me 'Your Majesty.'" The Empress was taken aback, seemingly not expecting Li Yun to let the matter go today. She cast a glance at several women, including Princess Lian Qingwan, whose faces were pale, and with a chuckle, her voice turned a few degrees heavier, "Just speak up, do not be afraid. With my aunt to support you, I would like to see which bold person dares to bully my niece."
Just as he was hesitating, the Crown Prince, who had been silent, slowly said: "Mother is making a mountain out of a molehill. It's merely a few young ladies playing and joking around. To say they are being bullied is an exaggeration. Sister Yue is not like the others; she even dares to confront Father Emperor. Who could possibly bully her?"