freenovelworld Chapter 905 The Emperor's Thoughts!
Chapter 905 The Emperor's Thoughts!
The Empress Dowager originally did not want to get involved in these trivial matters anymore, but there were just some people who couldn't stand seeing her in peace.
The Empress Dowager was frustrated, but deep down she didn't want to believe that Lady Lu was indeed so vicious.
After all, if they really started fighting, it could result in the deaths of both mother and child.
If she were dealing with concubines, that would be one thing—they were just lowly people, and their deaths were no big deal. But now she's targeting the Heir Apparent's wife of the Prince Su's mansion!
How could Madam Lu have such audacity?
Before the Empress Dowager could issue an imperial decree to reprimand them, news came that the Duke of Dingguo's mansion was already in chaos.
The old lady had fallen ill because of this incident, and it is said that later, for some unknown reason, she fainted again in the front yard.
After the Empress Dowager ordered people to investigate the truth, she simply shook her head and summoned Mu Xin Nuan to handle the matter.
After all, she was a duke's wife, and He Shi was also a duke's wife. Although her husband had died, the title and honors she held were genuine.
Now, the Duke of Dingguo's mansion was in complete chaos.
Mu Xin Nuan also had a headache.
She is the Empress, a role model for all women, but she can't always be helping her ministers with their domestic affairs, can she? But the Crown Prince's wife is a member of the royal family, so it would be inappropriate to ignore her.
If this matter is not handled properly, it is feared that the Prince Su's Mansion and the Duke of Dingguo's original in-laws may become enemies.
Whether Mu Xin Nuan was willing or not, she had to take on this matter. After all, she was the Empress. Could she ignore the Empress Dowager's words?
After much deliberation, Mu Xin Nuan summoned both Princess Su and Madam Lu to the palace. She had to get to the bottom of things. At the very least, she wanted to make things difficult for Madam Lu and prevent her from uttering any excuses.
"Your Majesty, the Duke of Dingguo's mansion is, after all, related to our Prince Su's mansion by marriage. I know this matter has put Your Majesty in a difficult position."
"How could it be considered difficult? Although the Crown Princess is from the Lu family, she is still a member of the Prince Su's mansion, and a member of our Duanmu family. To dare to make a move on her would be to make an enemy of our royal family!"
"Yes, ma'am."
Lady Lu and Princess Su explained the whole story clearly, and this time when they entered the palace, they also reported some minor matters that were later discovered during the investigation.
It turned out that the reason why Madam Lu had gained weight was because her maid had been bribed to eat more, making her heavier and the baby in her belly larger. As a result, the chances of a difficult childbirth were greatly increased.
"This vicious woman is truly wicked. As for the servants, let Aunt Wang and the Crown Princess deal with them. As for the Duke of Dingguo's mansion, I will take care of it for you."
"Thank you, ma'am."
In theory, Princess Su could handle this kind of thing herself.
The problem is, if this gets out, it will damage the reputation of the Lu family. After all, the Crown Princess's mother is still a member of the Lu family.
In addition, there is an old lady in the household. If the situation is handled too harshly and the old lady dies, it will likely damage the reputation of the Crown Princess.
If, in the end, that despicable Madam Lu were to fabricate some great act of filial impiety, that would truly be disgusting.
"Your Majesty, what do you think should be done about this?" Mu Xin Nuan asked somewhat dejectedly as she helped Duanmu Chu Ze take down his cloak.
"What's wrong? My Ah Nuan is always so shrewd, yet this little thing has troubled you?"
"It's not exactly a difficult situation, but it's truly outrageous that the Crown Princess's own aunt would do something like this."
"That's right. In the end, it's because the Duke of Dingguo is incompetent. I will help you with this matter, so don't worry."
Mu Xin Nuan's eyes lit up. "You'll help me? How will you help me?"
"At the morning court tomorrow, I will issue an edict to demote the Duke of Dingguo to the rank of Marquis. As you know, the current Duke of Dingguo has never accomplished anything. Anyway, I have quite a few things at my disposal, so demoting his rank is not a big deal."
"That's true."
"As for that Madam Lu, let her die of illness."
Mu Xin Nuan's heart skipped a beat. Although she didn't like killing, there were some evil people who, if she couldn't bring herself to be ruthless, would find ways to harm others.
Isn't Princess Consort Lu the best example?
If he hadn't happened to see it, the Crown Prince's wife would surely have died from the ordeal.
Mu Xin Nuan felt a chill run down her spine whenever she thought about these things.
As women ourselves, why make things difficult for other women for some trivial benefits?
Can those so-called riches and honors really make people lose their minds?
Thinking about everything the Song family had done in her previous life, Mu Xin Nuan couldn't help but feel a little emotional.
"Alright, stop thinking about it. If you keep going like this, I might have to consider taking you to live outside the palace for a while."
Mu Xin Nuan rolled her eyes at him, annoyed. "You're talking nonsense again. As an emperor, why are you always thinking about these trivial matters?"
"I just can't bear to see you unhappy. Alright, I have important things to discuss with you. Stop looking so sullen."
"Yes, Your Majesty, please speak." Mu Xin Nuan curtsied playfully, looking at him with amusement.
“Ah Xuan and Ah Xing are now married, and their relationship is quite good. Although our Great Yong is currently stable and prosperous, we cannot let our guard down when it comes to military generals.”
Mu Xin Nuan had a slightly bad feeling. "What do you want to say?"
“Ah Nuan, Ah Xuan spoke with me privately. He wants to pursue a career as a military officer. Of course, if I insist on not doing so, there's nothing he can do. After all, even if he does nothing, he'll still be the heir of the Marquis's mansion.”
"What do you mean?"
"Give him his wish!"
Mu Xin Nuan's heart clenched suddenly. "A Ze, him?"
"Don't worry, the training they received in the army before was definitely not for nothing. This time, let him go to the border with Xing'er. They've only been married a short time, so I won't send them off right now. I'll issue the decree next spring. What do you think?"
"How long will he be gone?"
"It depends. It will take at least two years."
"Will there be any danger?"
These words left Duanmu Chuze somewhat at a loss for words.
The border is relatively stable now, but it can't be said to be absolutely safe. After all, some small, uncivilized tribes still occasionally cause trouble.
"The danger won't be too great. Don't worry, I will issue an order for your eldest uncle to also go to the border. With him leading the way, you should feel more at ease, right?"
Mu Xin Nuan nodded slightly. Her uncle was always calm and had many years of battlefield experience, so she felt quite at ease following him.
But the thought that Mu Qingxuan was her own younger brother made her heart clench with anxiety.