novelraw Chapter 773: Investigate Her Origins!
Chapter 773: Investigate Her Origins!
It’s no wonder Nianxi suspects their relationship; it’s simply too close, even more so than with Princess Consort Jing.
Though the Emperor may have a favorite, isn’t he being too partial?
The child in Princess Consort Jing’s womb, isn’t it yours? Why do you only care about Lady Ming Fei’s child? Is Princess Consort Jing’s child without a father’s affection?
This doubt, at first slight, grew more perplexing over time, like a collection of feathers sinking a boat, and finally one day, it erupted!
Nianxi feels there’s something significant between them!
She rises, joined by several key intelligence heads of Da Liang Palace.
"That Lady Ming Fei, investigate her, find out her true background?"
"Yes!"
The shadows flickered and vanished in the Imperial Palace, searching for Wei Yunyan’s origin.
These people were outstanding, so within two days, they unearthed many details, even visiting the Wei Mansion for inquiries.
Wei Yundai hated Long Yue immensely, thus cooperated fully and proactively engaged in conversation with the old Madam, Mrs. Gao, and Wei Yan, gathering together to recall all questionable aspects of Wei Yunyan.
Today, the old Madam and Wei Yundai came to the Imperial Palace to discuss Wei Yunyan with Nianxi in detail.
"Empress, Yan’er truly is Yan’er, earlier I specially sent my trusted servant to observe. Though only from a distance, my maid has keen eyesight and wouldn’t mistake it, that face is undeniably hers!"
The old Madam spoke without exaggeration, openly sharing what she saw and knew, neither hiding nor embellishing.
"Humph, Wei Yunyan is indeed Wei Yunyan, yet how can a village girl be so cultured, knowing so much, and skilled in harem tactics, completely entrancing the Emperor— this truly raises questions!"
Wei Yan sneered, saying.
These were his previous doubts, now brought before the Empress, he disclosed them all.
Nianxi squinted slightly, and some of her uncertainties began to unravel.
This Wei Yunyan is definitely not of humble origins, so who exactly is she?
Could she be a secret agent from another nation?
This...might be possible, but is it Da Rong or Dazhou?
Yet if she truly is a secret agent, with Li Qingmu’s wisdom, how could he not discern it? Moreover, he favors her greatly, meaning Wei Yunyan’s true identity might be known to His Majesty!
This has become troublesome.
If the Emperor knows her true identity, then even if I expose her, would His Majesty act? He’d probably cover it up, perhaps even punish me instead.
That man is capable of anything!
When he intends to protect someone, no one can stop him!
Nianxi thought it over; it’s best to discuss this with Rong Si. Now only Rong Si can help her.
"Duke Wei, you must transcribe today’s conversation into a document and sign it; is this feasible? I need to present this document to the Princess. Currently, only the Princess can make decisions!"
"Alright, all will follow Empress’s orders!"
The adage goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend; Nianxi and the Wei family share a common adversary, "Wei Yunyan," hence they’ve allied without scruples.
The document was quickly prepared, signed, and sealed. Wei Yundai eagerly wanted to see Long Yue’s downfall, thus asked: "Empress, when do you plan to present this document to the Princess?"
Nianxi replied blandly, "It’s still early, in a few days, it will be the Princess’s birthday feast, then I’ll directly bring it out to catch her off guard!"
Publicly revealing Long Yue’s mysterious origins at the Princess’s birthday feast seems indeed a clever strategy.
Thus, this matter remained under wraps, waiting for the Princess’s birthday feast.
In the calm before the storm, everything appears peaceful; these days Long Yue’s life is exceptionally pleasant, with no one troubling her. Last time, because Princess Consort De argued with her, once Li Qingmu knew, he severely punished her with house arrest.
The Emperor favors her so much, who dares to give her any trouble?
Amidst such tranquility, Long Yue spent her days embroidering, admiring flowers, enjoying the moon, occasionally discussing childcare tips with Princess Consort Jing.
Such days are truly wonderful.
And so, Long Yue peacefully awaited the day of the Princess’s birthday feast.
The Princess is a real power in Da Liang Palace; for her birthday feast, no one dared to be absent, the Imperial Palace was bustling, kings and scholars merrily together, concubines and concubines performing dances.
A scene of prosperity.
Once the initial performances ended, ministers and palace concubines presented gifts to Rong Si. None were ordinary; pearls, gemstones, precious plants, and someone even brought a stone inscribed naturally with the character "longevity."
"Princess, truly a miraculous stone, found by the Heavenly River. Doesn’t this signify that Princess shall have eternal life?"
An official promptly stepped forward and said respectfully, although this flattery was unoriginal, Rong Si liked hearing it, as the feeling of being flattered was indeed euphoric.
"Congratulations, Princess, felicitation, Princess!"
After he spoke, others followed suit, Rong Si listened joyfully and bestowed rewards generously.
Once the ministers’ gifts were presented, the palace concubines took their turn. Since concubines don’t venture out, they usually offer splendid jewelry, mostly brought from their maiden homes.
There’s no choice; since His Majesty isn’t interested in other women, resulting in only Lady Ming Fei and Princess Consort Jing receiving rewards. They can offer the Emperor’s gifts, but other concubines cannot.
Thus, when Princess Consort Jing brought out a tribute from the Western Regions as a birthday gift, the concubines were filled with envy, jealousy, and resentment, green with jealousy.
Of course, these were mere side rewards. When it came to Long Yue’s turn, Long Yue brought forth a painting.
Seeing this, the concubines chuckled softly: "Oh, Lady Ming Fei is favored by the Emperor; she should indeed present a masterpiece from a renowned artist, don’t you think? Wondering what it would be?"
"It should at least be a piece from two or three dynasties ago; otherwise, it would be shameful!"
"Indeed, or it would look stingy!"
The palace concubines conveyed that, although usually unable to confront her, they could subtly undermine her, causing discomfort.
Now, ridiculing you before the Princess, doesn’t that make you uncomfortable?
Long Yue naturally understood their intentions, but would she care?
Not at all!
They aren’t even on the same level; she’s too lazy to mind them.
Long Yue walked steadily, approached Rong Si, and respectfully said: "Princess, it’s said sincerity brings mindfulness. I have made a painting with my own hair; I hope you like it!"