Tuoba Yaoheng’s face suddenly turned cold, but Chen Fang smiled and said to him, “Third Prince, why don’t you take a look at tonight’s news first?”
Tuoba Yaoheng stared at him intently, then suddenly smiled and said, “As expected of Miss Liu’s people, just like her in temperament.”
Chen Fang smiled and said nothing. What’s the use of empty words! Show some real skills and make them shut up.
Seeing Chen Fang’s indifferent attitude, Tuoba Yaoheng lost interest. He opened the folded papers in his hand and began to read slowly. After a while, he finished reading and almost spit blood in anger.
What kind of monster is Liu Fang? Why can she always guess their plans and quietly lure them into the trap?
Where did things go wrong?!
When Chen Fang saw that he had finished reading, he smiled and said, “Third Prince, the news has been delivered. I shall take my leave now.”
Tuoba Yaoheng watched him leave, his gaze darkening. The uneasiness in his heart grew stronger: Is there really no problem with their plans going forward?
…………
Early the next morning, the Prefect of the Capital received a report. Three people had been poisoned to death at the refugee settlement in the northern outskirts of the city last night.
The Prefect of the Capital also attended the palace banquet last night, and Emperor Yanqing had already decided to take a day off from court today.
After all, the palace banquet had lasted until midnight, and asking them to attend court the next day would have been too harsh.
Therefore, today, most of the officials who attended the palace banquet were sleeping in. By the time they woke up, it was already nearly time for lunch.
The Prefect of the Capital had just gotten up, finished washing up, and was about to have his meal when he received this case. One can imagine his mood.
But there was nothing he could do. After all, the capital was hosting envoys from five different countries, as well the heroine, Princess Rongning. They are all here. He couldn’t let the envoys laugh at them or allow the world to see the chaos in the Dayan kingdom.
So, the Prefect of the Capital went to see the scene with the constables on an empty stomach.
When they arrived, the scene was relatively intact. It was obvious that the three people had been poisoned and all of the victims were young.
The Prefect of the Capital suspected it was probably a case of revenge or something similar. He instructed his men to follow the usual procedures and question the surrounding refugees to see if there were any clues.
After the questioning, the Prefect of the Capital looked at the testimonies and blinked in surprise: (⊙o⊙)? ?
Oh my god! It actually involves Princess Rongning.
He immediately broke into a cold sweat: Why is he so unlucky!
However, he knew he had to get to the bottom of this. Otherwise, it wouldn’t just be the Princess’s problem. It would make the whole Dayan Kingdom become a laughing stock in front of the world.
Thinking of this, the Prefect of the Capital hurriedly went to the Princess Mansion to inquire about the matter in person.
However, when he arrived, he was informed that the princess was not there.
The Prefect of the Capital immediately looked troubled. Cheng Huo, who received him, smiled and said, “My lord, please don’t worry. Why don’t you return to the government office and take the time to examine the bodies? When the princess returns, I will report the matter to her right away. This humble official won’t let you be put in a difficult position.”
The Prefect of the Capital held the third rank, while Cheng Huo was only the deputy general of Liucheng in the Western Border, holding the fifth rank. Therefore, he was of a lower official rank than the Prefect and had to refer to himself as “this humble official“.
[下官” (xià guān) is a humble way for an official in ancient China to refer to themselves. It’s used to show respect to someone of higher rank, reflecting the hierarchical nature of the time]
However, the Prefect of the Capital did not dare to act arrogantly and replied politely, “Lord Cheng is too polite. I will go back and conduct the autopsy first, and will come back later to request an audience with the Princess.”
Cheng Huo bowed and said, “Thank you for your trouble, my lord.”
The Prefect of the Capital returned courtesy and said, “I dare not, I dare not. Lord Cheng is too polite.”
As the two of them exchanged polite greetings, they made their way outside the mansion.
Cheng Huo courteously saw the Prefect off, standing at the door as he watched the Prefect’s carriage disappear into the distance. In his heart, he silently muttered: It’ll be a few more days of trouble for him. I’ll have Hong Cang prepare some things later, and once this matter is settled, we can send them to the Prefect to help ease his nerves.
So, where did Liu Fang actually go?
Naturally, she went to the palace to see the emperor.
After all, just last night, Crown Prince Murong Zhuo had spoken arrogantly and “angered” her. She had to finish playing her part!
So, early in the morning, Emperor Yanqing was woken up from his newly favored concubine’s bedchamber. With a dark expression, he learned that Liu Fang had come to the palace to see him, and his anger grew even more.
——After the palace banquet yesterday, he learned that Liu Fang had casually compared him to the previous dynasty’s Emperor Wei Hong during her meal at the mansion.
What does this mean? Is she implying that he is also a foolish ruler? Is she suggesting that he would kill her, a loyal and capable minister?
After hearing this, Emperor Yanqing was furious and went to his new favorite to vent his anger. But to his surprise, early this morning, she had come again!
She’s not done yet?!
Emperor Yanqing went to the imperial study with a cold face to meet Liu Fang. After listening to her “furious” complaint, he was momentarily speechless. At the same time, he really wanted to head to the Eastern Palace and drag Crown Prince Murong Zhuo over to give him a good beating: What is this nonsense? Why is he causing trouble for me at a time like this?!
Emperor Yanqing did not doubt the truth of this matter. After all, Murong Zhuo’s actions over the years had always been reckless and outrageous.
If it weren’t for the strong influence of his maternal family and his considerable support among the people, Emperor Yanqing would have long ago deposed this Crown Prince.
——He didn’t like having such a young and capable heir beneath him, constantly reminding him that one day he would grow old, and that this empire would eventually have to be handed over to someone else.
Moreover, although Murong Zhuo was reckless and extravagant, he hadn’t actually done anything that would cause the people to lose faith in him or harm the stability of the nation. Therefore, even as the emperor, he could not act arbitrarily and depose Murong Zhuo as the crown prince.
Therefore, after listening to Liu Fang’s words, Emperor Yanqing first had her sit down and ordered tea to be brought. Then he said: “Rongning, the envoys from five countries are currently in the capital. It would not be wise to make this matter public. It would bring no benefit to you or to the Dayan. The Crown Prince is reckless, I know. I will be sure to reprimand him properly and ensure he doesn’t act out again. Once the envoys from the five countries have left, I will punish him severely. You need not worry. ”
Liu Fang bowed respectfully and said, “Your Majesty, I naturally believe in Your Majesty. However, last night, upon hearing the Crown Prince’s words, I was unable to contain my anger and ended up driving him out of the Princess’s Mansion. I hope Your Majesty will forgive my rashness.”
In other words, even if this matter didn’t escalate, it would still spread throughout the capital. It was impossible to keep it hidden.
When Emperor Yanqing heard this, his expression darkened considerably. He fixed his gaze at Liu Fang, but she sat calmly, her head lowered, unbothered by his cold stare.
After a while, Emperor Yanqing finally softened his expression and said, “Fine. Since it’s come to this, I will issue an imperial decree to reprimand the Crown Prince and have him come to you to offer an apology.”
Liu Fang bowed again and said, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for upholding justice for your subject.”
Emperor Yanqing suppressed frustration in his heart, forced a smile as he said to Liu Fang: “I’ve heard that your nephew is still young and is with you in the Western Border. Now, your brothers and sisters-in-law have died for the country, and with several young nephews to care for. I imagine you, Rongning, are too busy with military affairs to have time to look after them. How about bringing them to the capital and having them sent to the palace, where the Empress can personally take care of them? What do you think?”
Liu Fang lowered her gaze and said, “Your Majesty, my nephews are still young and inexperienced. They have grown up in the Western Border and are wild and difficult to tame. I dare not trouble Her Majesty the Empress with their care. Moreover, my brother and sister-in-law have only just passed away, and my nephews are still in mourning, required to observe the period of filial piety. It would not be appropriate for them to enter the palace at this time. I hope Your Majesty can understand.”
Emperor Yanqing gazed at the respectful Liu Fang with a profound look and said, “What if I insist on issuing an imperial decree?”
Liu Fang raised her eyes to meet his gaze and said calmly: “Your Majesty, I believe you would not do that.”
Emperor Yanqing remained silent, his expression cold and indifferent.
Liu Fang gazed at him calmly, remaining silent as well.
The two sat in silence, facing each other. On the low table by the couch, an incense burner emitted swirling smoke, and the delicate fragrance filled the entire Imperial Study.
The palace attendants standing nearby were as quiet as chickens, and the only sound was the soft whoosh of the cold winter wind blowing through the window.
After a while, Emperor Yanqing finally smiled slightly and said to Liu Fang: “Rongning is indeed a young genius!”
Liu Fang bowed respectfully and replied, “Your Majesty’s praise is too much.”
Emperor Yanqing smiled and said, “Very well. I only hope you can continue to guard the Western Border and never allow the barbarians to trespass on our land”
Liu Fang replied calmly, “Of course, your majesty, you need not worry. As long as I am here, Liucheng will stand, and the Western Border will remain secure. If one day Western Border falls, it will be the day I die for my country.”
Upon hearing this, Emperor Yanqing smiled and nodded: “Good!”
Liu Fang smiled faintly and said, “If there is nothing else, then I shall take my leave, Your Majesty.”
Emperor Yanqing gave a slight nod and replied, “Mm.”
Liu Fang respectfully bowed, got up from the couch, turned, and left.
Emperor Yanqing watched her leave the Imperial Study with a solemn expression. The smile on his face faded almost entirely, and his gaze turned cold. After a moment, he swung his hand, knocking the jade incense burner to the floor. With a sharp crack, the incense burner shattered, and the palace attendants standing nearby flinched slightly.
“Come here, issue an imperial decree!”
Emperor Yanqing said in a cold voice. This was the second time!
He was once again forced by Liu Fang to issue an imperial decree!
How infuriating!
…………
As soon as Liu Fang exited the palace gate, she ran into the Crown Princess’ carriage.
“Greetings, Princess Rongning.”
The Crown Princess got out of the carriage, smiled respectfully, and bowed to Liu Fang.
Liu Fang returned the greeting, “Greetings, Crown Princess.”
“Princess, have you just come out of the palace?”
“Indeed.”
“It’s getting late now, and it’s almost time for lunch. I wonder if I might have the honor of inviting Princess Rongning to a meal?”
The Crown Princess smiled at Liu Fang. Liu Fang looked at her for a moment, then smiled faintly and said, “In that case, I thank the Crown Princess.”
“You’re welcome, Princess.”
The two of them nodded slightly to each other. One got into the carriage, while the other mounted her horse. With their respective attendants, they set off together towards the restaurant.
Upon arriving at the largest restaurant in the capital, Hewei Pavilion, the owner had already been waiting with his staff. When he saw the Crown Princess and Liu Fang, he immediately performed a deep bow and said, “This humble servant, Zhang He, the owner of Hewei Pavilion, greets Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess and Her Royal Highness Princess Rongning.”
When the people in the hall heard that Liu Fang had arrived, they immediately stood up and walked to the entrance. Seeing Liu Fang standing with the Crown Princess, they all knelt down and bowed: “This humble servant greets Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess, Her Royal Highness Princess Rongning!”
The Crown Princess and Liu Fang both smiled slightly. The Crown Princess raised her hand and said, “Everyone, please rise. There is no need for such formalities. Today, I have the honor of inviting Princess Rongning to a meal, and I simply wish to enjoy a good meal.Please, everyone, feel free to make yourselves comfortable.”
“Yes, Your Royal Highness.”
Everyone stood up, including Zhang He, the owner of Hewei Pavilion. They all looked at Liu Fang with great excitement.
Seeing this, Liu Fang cupped her hands in a salute and said, “Everyone, you are too polite.”
Everyone hurriedly returned the salute, “Princess Rongning is too kind.”
Liu Fang smiled and said, “Please everyone, continue with your meal, or the food will get cold.”
A middle-aged man said excitedly: “It’s fine, we can just order more food if it gets cold. It’s rare to meet Princess Rongning and I’m truly very excited.”
The others immediately chimed in: “Exactly, exactly. It’s a rare occasion to meet Princess Rongning, what’s the food compared to that”
Hewei Pavilion was the most famous restaurant in the capital, known for its excellent cuisine, though the prices were also quite high. Those who dined here were usually from wealthy families, including many eunuchs and nobles. For them, the cost of a meal was indeed nothing significant.
Liu Fang’s name was like that of a warrior god among the common people of the capital, so it was entirely understandable that they were extremely excited to encounter her in the restaurant.
The Crown Princess smiled as she watched Liu Fang greet the common people. Once the conversation was over, the two of them entered the only private room on the fifth floor.
