Chapter 1234: War Clouds Gather
tatus higher than yours"Feng Lingxi's words made Feng Yu Xi very angry. This Feng Lingxi was really clueless, she cooperated with her because she looked up to her. If it weren't for the poison she had..."The Crown Prince is disregarding all the ministers, only caring about his princess and Miss Wan!"
King Yu held his wine glass and walked over, having always noticed Duke Duguo's demeanor. This return to the capital, King Chen's changes had truly opened his eyes. This was not the Duke Duguo he used to know.
"The King of Glory is laughing."
Dugu Cheng held up his wine cup and toasted, pulling Wan'er up. "Wan'er, quickly meet the esteemed King Wang."
"Wan'er has met Your Royal Highness, Prince Yu."
Waner opened her mouth softly, a pair of shiny black eyes looking at King Yu. She was still eating pastries in her mouth, and that cute appearance made King Yu very fond of her.
"You've grown a lot, and you can talk now."
The King gazed at the wounds on Wan'er's face, "You must listen to me."
Waner nodded and obediently ate the pastries in her hands. The King of Yu looked at her wound and took out a bottle of medicine from his bosom, "This is the best ointment, apply it to her wound and it won't leave a scar."
"Thank you, Your Majesty, but Wan'er's master has already applied ointment to her wound, so it won't leave a scar."
Wan'er took the ointment and gave it back to Wang Yu, which surprised Wang Yu.
"My brother has understood the King's intentions. Anier's medicine has already been prepared. Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern."
Upon hearing this, the King of Honor tightened his grip on the ointment in his hand.
"That's right, this king almost forgot, the Crown Princess of Chen has superb medical skills and can naturally cure Wan Junzhu's injury. Since that's the case, take good care of yourself, and this king won't disturb you."
Feng Lingxi nodded, watching Yuwang leave, then looking at Wan'er.
"Let's not say too many farewells, lest we draw attention."
Wan'er quickly returned to Dugu City's embrace, nodding her head obediently. She was very well-behaved, only eating and saying nothing else.
Right now, how many eyes are watching them Every move they make is under their scrutiny. The Emperor said he wanted them to reminisce with the Empress Dowager, who knows what other motives he has.
After finally dealing with the throngs of officials and seeing the birthday banquet come to an end, Empress Shutai finally had some time to herself.
"Prince Chen, Princess Chen, the Empress Dowager requests your presence."
As the banquet reached its halfway point, Grand Chamberlain Zhao came over and invited Dugu City and Feng Lingxi to join him at the pavilion. Of course, Emperor Yuan Zhao was also there.
"I (Subject) have seen the Emperor, and I have seen the Empress Dowager."
"Prince Chen, you needn't be so formal. Please sit down and talk."
Emperor Yuan Zhao spoke, Dugu Cheng and Feng Ling Xi took their seats. Wan'er sat beside Dugu Cheng, very well-behaved. It was just that the injury on her face made people feel distressed when they saw it. Emperor Yuan Zhao saw the wound and didn't know how to bring up the matter of military power.
"Lord Chen, I summoned Lord Zhao to bring you and Lady Chen here. Today is Your Empress Dowager's birthday. It has been a long time since the two of you have seen each other, and there must be many things to say. It's a rare occasion for you to return and spend some quality time with Her Majesty."
"I obey your command."
Dugu City's attitude remained respectful, and his gaze towards Empress Shu wasn't filled with the same concern as before. This left Empress Shu feeling deeply uncomfortable.
"You and your son have a good chat, I'll attend to some matters, and be back in a while."
"Your Majesty, fare thee well."
Emperor Yuan Zhao wisely withdrew. Here, Du Gu Cheng was reserved, just like the princess consort yesterday. Don't even mention military affairs; he probably wouldn't dare speak two words to his mother empress.
After seeing the Emperor walk away, Empress Shu looked at Feng Ling Xi with worry in her eyes.
"Xier, how are your wounds This empress sees that your complexion is pale. Could it be that you lost too much blood yesterday and have yet to recover"
"Thank you, Empress Dowager, for your concern. My wound has been treated and is not serious. I just need to rest for a while."
"I'm sorry I made you feel wronged."
When Empress Shu heard Feng Lingxi's words, she felt even more guilty in her heart.
"Yesterday, this empress truly shouldn't have... I didn't expect you to meet Empress Yan in the Imperial Garden. This empress should have had your grandmother send you out of the palace."
"Your Majesty, yesterday's events have nothing to do with you. It was my incompetence."
Feng Lingxi still treated the Empress Dowager with respect, even going so far as to answer her with polite but evasive replies. Her eyes never met Shu Taishi's gaze, and such an action couldn't help but make Shu Taishi's heart ache.
"Your Majesty, it has already happened. You have no need to blame yourself."
Dugu Cheng looked at Shu Taishi, at the remorse and guilt in her eyes. His fists clenched under his sleeves. He knew his mother had many things she wanted to say to him, but he read it all in her eyes.
She wanted to say it, but couldn't.
He knew that Emperor Yuan Zhao had allowed his mother to enter the palace. When she first entered, her memory may not have fully returned. But now, looking into her eyes, he feared it had fully recovered. She must be filled with guilt over what had happened before.
"This time, your entry into the capital was initiated by this Empress and the Emperor. If I had known it would turn out like this, I would have never suggested you come to the capital, only adding so much danger to your lives."
Dugu Cheng raised his eyes to look at the Empress Dowager, his Adam's apple rolling. He straightened his posture and said, "Empress Dowager, take good care of yourself in the palace. Don't worry about me. I will take care of myself."
"I know."
The Dowager Empress's voice trembled slightly. As long as the Crown Prince understood her intentions, she would endure any hardship. She would pave his path and protect them both here.
Dugu Cheng hummed in response, and the atmosphere fell silent.
The Empress Shu's eyes welled up with tears. She really wanted to tell them everything in her heart, but she couldn't. She couldn't let Chenger know about her situation here; she had to smile.
"Come, have dinner with me."
獨孤城 took chopsticks, looked at the dishes on the table, and nodded.
"Wantou, come eat a piece of meat."
Empress Shu hurriedly put meat in Wan'er's bowl, forcing a smile. After this meal, they didn't know if they would ever have another chance to eat together again.
Emperor Yuan Zhao gazed at their joyful scene from afar, his eyes narrowed, a cold expression etched upon his handsome face.
"This Dugu City is truly capable of holding his ground. It seems this time, I am truly unable to regain the military power from him."
Master Zhao offered a suggestion, "Your Majesty, why not just speak up directly"
"The Crown Princess is injured like this, and even Wan Junzhu still has wounds on her face. Today, the entire court is discussing yesterday's events. You want me to publicly retract my military power How will the people view me then Foolish!"
Zhao Gong quickly bowed, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. It's better to consider this in the long term and allow them some more time. Let the Crown Princess of Chen and Miss Wan recover from their injuries. When the time comes, we can collectively bring this matter up to you again. I believe there will be a turn for the better."
Emperor Yuan Zhao nodded, "Now there is only this way."
This emperor's life is truly miserable. With Dugu City holding the reins of power, he's being stifled. He can't directly reclaim his military authority, and if this attempt fails, he'll have to start working against Dugu City himself.
"Your Majesty, I have an urgent matter to report."
The Grand Preceptor stepped forward, glanced in the direction of Dugu City, and lowered his voice. "My humble self just received news that Crown Prince Chen's return to the capital this time involved close dealings with the owner of Yipinxiang. Today, the owner of Yipinxiang even infiltrated Chen Wangfu."
Emperor Yuan Zhao looked at the Grand Minister, his eyes narrowed.
"Father-in-law, is this really true"
The Grand Minister nodded. "It's absolutely true. My men saw it with their own eyes, there's no way it could be false. This incense shop owner is quite influential."surveyed the two of them, her gaze making Dugu Cheng frown."This matter can be discussed later. Right now, this king still needs to investigate one thing first."獨孤城 looked at Luoli, "The whereabouts o...