freenovelworld Chapter 380: Killing Two Birds with One Arrow
Chapter 380: Killing Two Birds with One Arrow
That evening, Mu Xin Nuan stayed at the Chang Le Prince's Mansion. Of course, Zhao Qing also stayed.
A few days later, Duanmu Chuze's injuries improved, but a rumor began to circulate in the capital.
The rumors came in several versions, some pleasant and some unpleasant, but the gist was that Mu Xin Nuan hadn't returned home all night to save Prince Chang Le. Even though it was to save someone, she was still a young woman; how could she stay overnight at a man's house?
Of course, another version of the story is that Mu Xin Nuan was invited there by the Empress's people. Without the Empress's permission, she naturally couldn't leave! Besides, she was Duanmu Chu Ze's fiancée; what was wrong with her taking care of Prince Chang Le?
In short, what was being spread outside was naturally quite a stir!
The empress in the palace was not one to pretend; she was naturally well aware of everything happening outside.
Kunning Palace.
"Your Majesty, the rumors you asked us to investigate have been uncovered."
"Speak!" The Empress's voice was cold, clearly showing her displeasure.
"Your Majesty, most of the rumors that are detrimental to Miss Mu came from the Xie family, and a small portion came from the Duke of Anguo's mansion. Those who are helping to protect Miss Mu's family come from the General of the State's mansion and the Mu family, as well as another force protecting Miss Mu from the Duke of Lu's mansion."
"The Duke of Lu's mansion?" The Empress frowned slightly. "So, it's my nephew repaying a debt of gratitude."
"Your Majesty, in addition, I have learned that since that day, Miss Mu has not been to the Chang Le Prince's residence, and it has been Chief Physician Zhao who has been taking care of the Prince's health."
"Yes, I understand. However, Mu Xin Nuan's prescription is indeed quite good! The recovery is better than what those imperial physicians said."
The palace maid raised her head with some worry. "Your Majesty, before I returned to the palace, I heard that Prince Chang Le had also heard these rumors and was furious. I heard from Imperial Physician Zhao that the prince is too hasty and has a bad temper, and his wound has reopened!"
"What?" The Empress's expression grew even more unpleasant, clearly displeased with the rumors attacking Mu Xin Nuan.
"Your Majesty, given the current situation, I'm afraid nothing we say can change the fact that Miss Mu spent the night at the Chang Le Prince's residence. After all, it was you who issued the imperial decree to invite Miss Mu that night. If the Prince finds out, won't he harbor some resentment towards you?"
How could the Empress not know what her ladies-in-waiting were saying? But what can be done now that things have come to this?
"Mother, have you heard? Those people outside are outrageous! Didn't they see that my fourth brother was cured by A-Nuan? They just keep saying that A-Nuan ruined her reputation. I think these people are clearly up to no good!"
Duanmu Jing's angry remark inevitably made the Empress think of the Xie family again! And this time, the Empress directly thought of Xie Yilin!
Two young ladies from the Xie family have fallen ill one after another, and to this day, their conditions show no improvement. On the contrary, Xie Yilin is perfectly fine! Moreover, these rumors that have been uncovered? If you don't say that Xie Yilin did it, she really won't believe it!
"Someone, go and invite the people from the Imperial Observatory and the Ministry of Rites over. I have some questions for them."
"Yes, ma'am."
An hour later, in the Imperial Study.
"Your Majesty, you've seen what happened to Aze. These rumors outside are really bad for that girl Anuan," the Empress said with concern. "To be honest, it was my oversight that caused that girl to be questioned now."
"This isn't your fault. You were just desperate to save your son. Now that Aze has woken up, that's good. As for that girl from the Mu family?" The Emperor began to ponder, realizing it was indeed a difficult situation. He couldn't very well expect the people of the capital to remain silent, could he?
"Your Majesty, since you have already decreed the marriage, why not just use the excuse that Aze needs someone to take care of him and have them get married as soon as possible? It's bound to happen sooner or later anyway. Mu Xin Nuan is a skilled physician, and with her by Aze's side, I'll feel more at ease. Otherwise, I've heard that Yan is a harsh and cold place. What if Aze's injuries don't heal properly and he develops health problems later?"
The Emperor seemed somewhat tempted, after all, this was his own son. He hadn't even married yet, and he'd already been stabbed. If he didn't recover properly, things would truly take a turn for the worse! Besides, this Duanmu Chuze was one of his most promising military generals; his talent was absolutely on par with any of the famous generals of the court!
The Duanmu family has always valued both civil and military affairs. However, in the generation of his sons, the only one he truly trusted in leading troops into battle was Duanmu Chuze. The future border defenses of the Great Yong Dynasty would ultimately depend on him.
"Very well, then I will have the Imperial Astronomical Bureau select a date."
"Your Majesty, I have already inquired, and there are two auspicious days next month. I just don't know if Your Majesty agrees?"
"Next month?" The Emperor frowned. "Isn't that a bit too fast? Is there enough time to prepare?"
"Your Majesty, please rest assured. Aze is still injured. The sooner he marries, the sooner someone will take care of him. Then it will be a legitimate marriage, and who can say anything then?"
The Emperor thought about it and agreed. In any case, they would become husband and wife sooner or later, so whether it was a year earlier or a month earlier, it didn't seem to make much difference.
"Very well, let's do as the Empress says."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Mu Xin Nuan was reading a book in Yue Xuan when Granny Yu hurriedly summoned her to the front hall to receive the imperial decree.
Mu Xin Nuan's lips curved into a smile. It seemed that her plan had indeed worked! To put it bluntly, it was nothing more than taking advantage of the Empress's favor towards Duanmu Chu Ze! As for the rumors that followed, Mu Xin Nuan had not anticipated them at all!
She had originally planned that several ladies from prominent families would bring up the matter so that the Empress would think it over carefully. She never expected it to escalate to this extent! Moreover, it had inexplicably made the Empress dislike Xie Yilin! It seems their move truly killed two birds with one stone!
Upon arriving at the front hall and receiving the imperial decree, it was indeed decreed that the marriage would take place, with the wedding date set for October 16th. All in all, it would only take a little over ten days.
Mu Xin Nuan was having a bit of a headache. She did want to get married as soon as possible, but wasn't the wedding date set too close to the start? She hadn't prepared anything yet! Wasn't this going to keep her busy to death?
Unexpectedly, just as the eunuch who delivered the imperial decree left the palace, another female official arrived and said directly that Her Majesty the Empress had decreed that the Imperial Workshop would take over the production of some embroidery items, including Mu Xin Nuan's wedding dress.
Furthermore, all the jewelry and other necessities were prepared by the palace. All Mu Xin Nuan had to do was quietly wait for the wedding day to arrive!