pdf-ebookys Chapter 267 Consort Fucha
Chapter 267 Consort Fucha
As soon as the news of Hongshi's adoption spread,
Meanwhile, Hongli, who was under house arrest in the Fourth Prince's residence, was hiding in his study, secretly laughing to himself.
His laughter echoed in the quiet study, finally releasing his long-suppressed emotions.
Hongli laughed heartily.
A smug glint flashed in Hongli's eyes.
Hongshi was adopted out, and from then on, he was no longer the Emperor's son, nor a prince.
Hongli always harbored jealousy towards Hongshi.
As the emperor's eldest son, Hongshi received much attention from a young age.
From a young age, he had his mother planning for him, and his father, the Emperor, also paid close attention to him.
In contrast, although Hongli was also a prince, he was consistently overlooked.
He was completely forgotten by his father, the Emperor, in the Yuanmingyuan Garden when he was a child.
Even after returning to the palace, the situation remained the same.
The Emperor rarely thought of having a son like him.
These things always bothered Hongli.
He harbored resentment towards Hongshi and the others who had always been favored.
This time, Hongshi moved out of the palace and was even granted the title of Beile, while Hongli wasn't even a Beizi.
This fueled his jealousy even more.
Haha, now that Hongshi has been adopted out, he has lost his status as a prince.
For Hongli, this was truly a wonderful surprise.
He imagined Hongshi's future days, without the aura of a prince.
No longer able to enjoy the riches and glory of the palace, a surge of pleasure welled up in my heart.
This is just the beginning. If Hongchang and Hongzhou could also be adopted out like Hongshi...
That would be even better.
At that time, Father Emperor will only have Hongli as his son.
Then the throne would surely belong to him.
Unfortunately, Hongchang and Hongzhou were not so easily outmaneuvered.
Hongli knew that if they were to be adopted out as well, he would have to wait for the right time and opportunity.
However, he believed that with his intelligence, he would always find a way.
Hongshi rushed back to his residence, and upon seeing his wife, Lady Dong'e,
He couldn't wait to tell her everything that had happened in the palace.
When Lady Dong'e heard that her husband had been adopted by her twelfth uncle...
As if struck by lightning, my body swayed violently, and I almost fainted.
Seeing this, Hongshi quickly reached out to support her, comforting her with a worried expression:
"Princess Consort, don't worry. Although this matter came somewhat suddenly, it may not necessarily be a bad thing."
My father arranged it this way so that I could stay away from the court intrigues and have some peace and quiet.
Dong Eshi regained her senses slightly, but her face remained as pale as paper.
She gripped Hongshi's sleeve tightly and said in a trembling voice:
"But...but if that happens, Your Highness, you will no longer be a prince!"
Hongshi sighed softly and comforted him:
"My lady, I know you're worried about me."
But this might not be such a bad thing after being adopted by his twelfth uncle.
Although I am no longer a prince, at least I can live a peaceful life.
There's no need to get involved in those treacherous palace intrigues anymore.
"It's just that you'll have to suffer, my lady. You're no longer the prince's wife, so there will always be people gossiping."
After calming down slightly, Lady Dong'e composed herself, shook her head, and said:
"My lord, I am not afraid."
I married you, so I am your wife. No matter how your status changes, I will share your joys and sorrows.
As long as my family is safe and sound, I will be content.
Hongshi was deeply moved by Dong Eshi's words.
He grasped Dong Eshi's hand tightly and said solemnly:
"Don't worry, my wife. Although I have been adopted, I will never give up on myself because of it."
I will continue to strive for excellence and live up to Father Emperor's expectations of me.
From now on, I will cherish my wife even more and never let you suffer the slightest grievance.
Lady Dong'e gazed at Hongshi, a resolute look flashing in her eyes.
She nodded and said softly, "I believe in you, my lord."
Hongshi gazed into Dong Eshi's firm yet gentle eyes.
It's as if you can feel endless warmth and strength from it.
He secretly sighed to himself that having such a virtuous and kind wife by his side was truly a great blessing in life.
"With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for!" Hongshi exclaimed.
He took a deep breath, calmed himself down a bit, and then slowly said:
"It was indeed my lack of caution this time that led me to fall into the trap set by those villains."
My father ordered me to find out who was behind this, and I will get to the bottom of it!
Lady Dong'e frowned slightly, her face showing worry, and said:
"My lord, I must say a few words to you."
Why didn't you tell me about the eunuchs' gossip?
The two eunuchs were clearly speaking to the master on purpose.
If I had known about this earlier, I could have found those two eunuchs in time.
Perhaps this disaster could have been avoided.
Upon hearing Dong E's words, Hongshi felt even more remorseful. He lowered his head and blamed himself, saying:
"It was all my oversight. I never expected that someone would scheme against me so meticulously."
Lady Dong'e quickly comforted him, "Master, don't blame yourself. This can't be entirely your fault."
It is because I failed to properly discipline and manage the inner quarters that those wicked people were able to take advantage of the situation.
"I will immediately send someone to investigate the whereabouts of those two eunuchs."
Hongshi nodded and continued:
"Father Emperor even specially sent Eunuch Su, who was by his side, to assist us in investigating this matter."
A hint of joy flashed in Dong'e's eyes, and she said:
"Since Father Emperor sent Eunuch Su to help the young master..."
That means Father Emperor still cares about you, which is a good omen.
As long as Father Emperor still remembers you, your future days will not be difficult.
Upon hearing Dong E's words, Hongshi felt a warm current slowly flowing through his heart.
My initial low spirits gradually subsided, and I gained more confidence and courage.
He nodded slightly, indicating his agreement with Dong E's viewpoint, and then calmly said:
"What the Princess Consort says is absolutely right. Although Father Emperor has decided to have me adopted out..."
But that doesn’t mean he has completely abandoned me.
After all, blood is thicker than water; how can the bond between father and son be easily severed?
He paused briefly, then continued:
"Moreover, Father Emperor specifically sent Eunuch Su to assist me, which undoubtedly gave me an opportunity."
An opportunity to find out the truth and clear my name.
Lady Dong'e gently took Hongshi's hand.
As if to transfer her power to him, she said softly:
"My lord, although you are no longer a prince, it does not mean that you have lost everything."
Life's journey is long, and we are bound to encounter some bumps and setbacks.
But as long as you don't lose heart or get discouraged, and persevere in your efforts,
"One day I will find what you want to achieve."
She gazed into Hongshi's eyes and earnestly advised him:
"We must find out who is plotting against you behind your back. We must not let these treacherous villains succeed in their schemes."
Only in this way can you truly get out of your predicament and regain the Emperor's trust and favor.
Mother is still waiting for you in the palace.
Hongshi felt Dong E's care and encouragement, and his gaze became even more determined.
He nodded solemnly and replied:
"I will do my best and never let my mother and you down."
I am determined to get to the bottom of this and uncover the truth.
Let those with ulterior motives have nowhere to hide, and give me justice!
Just then, Su Peisheng walked in.
Seeing that Hongshi and Dong'e were talking,
He stopped in his tracks, bowed respectfully to the couple, and said:
"Your Highness, the Emperor has sent me to investigate this matter. Please feel free to give any instructions you may have."
Hongshi said, "Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch Su."
Lady Dong'e also stood up gracefully, smiled, and gave Su Peisheng a half-bow.
She said softly, "Eunuch Su, you've really gone to a lot of trouble this time."
Su Peisheng quickly stepped aside; this master was giving his servant face, and a servant couldn't afford to take advantage of it.
Su Peisheng bowed and said:
"You're too kind, Madam. This is just my duty."
At this moment, the maidservant beside Lady Dong'e, seeing this, quickly took out a delicate purse from her bosom.
He handed it to Su Peisheng politely and said:
"Eunuch Su, this is a small token of our Princess's appreciation. Please accept it as a token of our appreciation for tea."
Su Peisheng declined slightly, but ultimately couldn't resist the nanny's enthusiasm.
He readily accepted the purse and thanked her repeatedly.
Seeing this, Hongshi quickly said:
"Eunuch Su, please."
Then he led Su Peisheng out of the room and into the courtyard.
At this moment, all the servants of the Prince's mansion had gathered in the courtyard, a dark mass of people, completely silent.
Seeing that everyone had arrived, Dong E's personal maid stepped forward and reported to Hongshi, Dong E, and Su Peisheng:
"Your Highness, Your Highness's Wife, Eunuch Su,"
The eunuchs and palace maids who visited the garden that day have all been brought here; they are just waiting for the master and the princess to question them.
Hongshi nodded, his gaze slowly sweeping over the people in the courtyard.
Everyone could feel his serious expression, as if it could penetrate their hearts.
This was a rare moment of seriousness from their Prince.
Hongshi cleared his throat slightly and said in a deep, powerful voice:
"I summoned you here today because of an urgent matter. I was taking a walk in the garden a few days ago..."
"I lost something very important."
Everyone held their breath, waiting for Hongshi to continue.
Hongshi paused for a moment, then continued, "That day, when you were taking a walk in the garden, you accidentally lost a jade pendant."
This jade pendant was a gift from the Emperor, and its significance is extraordinary; its importance is self-evident.
His words echoed in the courtyard, and everyone's faces turned solemn as they realized the seriousness of the situation.
Hongshi looked around and continued:
"Therefore, today I hope you will tell the truth."
When did you go to the garden that day?
What did you do, say, and see in the garden?
And when did you leave the garden?
Every word and action must be clearly explained.
Although his tone was calm, the pressure it conveyed made everyone feel extremely uneasy.
They all looked nervous and began to whisper among themselves.
This made everyone realize that no matter how gentle Prince Beile was on ordinary days, he was still a royal prince, a member of the imperial family.
Hongshi's sharp gaze swept over everyone.
This made the atmosphere in the courtyard even more heavy and oppressive, almost suffocating.
Su Peisheng didn't say much, but quietly observed the reactions of everyone in the courtyard.
Seeing this, Lady Dong'e smiled slightly and said softly:
"Everyone, there's no need to panic. The Prince simply wants to find out the truth."
As long as you answer the questions truthfully, the Prince will absolutely not make things difficult for you.
Moreover, if anyone can provide useful clues, the Prince will surely reward them handsomely.
Her voice was gentle yet firm, inspiring trust in everyone.
After hearing her words, the crowd's panicked emotions calmed down a little.
Just then, a young eunuch suddenly stepped forward, trembling with fear.
His body trembled slightly, clearly terrified by the scene before him.
"Your Highness, Your Highness, Your Highness, this servant... this servant has something to say."
The young eunuch's voice was somewhat stuttering.
Hongshi immediately turned his gaze to him and encouraged him, "Tell me whatever you've discovered."
The young eunuch took a deep breath, composed himself, and then said:
"That day, I saw two unfamiliar eunuchs acting suspiciously near the garden,"
They were whispering something like, "That's the way to do it, it'll definitely work."
Hongshi's eyes suddenly lit up, and he asked, "Then could you see what they looked like?"
The young eunuch hesitated for a moment, then finally shook his head.
"It was a bit dark, and I couldn't see their faces clearly."
Hongshi frowned slightly, but he did not blame the young eunuch. Instead, he continued to ask:
"Has anyone made any other discoveries?"
Just then, a palace maid in the crowd suddenly appeared somewhat trembling.
She hesitated for a moment, but finally mustered up the courage to step forward.
Then he respectfully bowed to Hongshi and his wife, and said softly:
"Your Highness, Your Highness, I have something to say."
Hongshi and Dong'e exchanged a glance, both showing a hint of surprise.
Hongshi nodded, signaling the palace maid to continue.
The palace maid composed herself and continued:
"That day, while I was sweeping near the garden, I overheard people talking in hushed tones."
They seemed to be plotting something, but I was too far away to hear the details.
I only vaguely heard them mention 'Prince'.
There was also the phrase, "We'll talk when you get here," and "Be careful not to let anyone hear us."
Upon hearing this, both Hongshi and Dong'e's expressions turned serious.
They thought to themselves, "These two eunuchs really did say these things on purpose for Hongshi to hear."
If someone else heard this, they might have doubts.
But Hongshi immediately took these words to heart and fell into their trap.
Thinking of this, Hongshi's mood grew heavier, and he couldn't help but feel annoyed that he had fallen for the trap so easily.
Seeing this, Lady Dong'e quickly patted Hongshi's hand and comforted him:
"Don't blame yourself too much, sir. Our most urgent task now is to find those two eunuchs."
Find out exactly what happened.
As she spoke, Dong E turned to look at the palace maid and asked:
"Can you make out the faces of those two eunuchs or what their distinguishing features are?"
The palace maid shook her head and replied with some helplessness:
"I was so focused on cleaning that I didn't pay attention to their appearance."
I only remember that one of the eunuchs was slightly overweight, while the other was rather thin.
After listening, Lady Dong'e frowned slightly, and after thinking for a moment,
She then turned her gaze to the eunuchs and said sternly:
"Whoever was talking near the garden that day, you'd better step forward!"