C19 The Golden Nest That I Cannot Afford to Offend

Last time the Old Marquis visited the palace, Wen Ruoxuan mentioned the Wai Duke, and surprisingly, he acted quickly.

Wen Ruoxuan sat up straight, composed. "Has Consort Xian ever attended Consort De's Thousand-autumn Banquet in previous years?"

"Your Grace, Consort Xian has never received an invitation from Consort De. In past years, she always had the Wai Duke deliver her gifts on her behalf. After all, aside from the Crown Prince, most of the princes attend the banquet to offer their birthday wishes," Qiuqing replied.

Wen Ruoxuan pondered for a moment, her expression relaxing. "I won't attend Consort De's Thousand-autumn Banquet. Instead, have Wan deliver the gift for me, and you accompany her."

Qiuqing was taken aback.

"Wan will represent me, so she won't be sitting with those high-born ladies, feeling like she's being picked apart like beans," Wen Ruoxuan continued, glancing at Qiuqing. "Arrange for Wan to sit with the Wai Duke."

"Is this because..."

"If she's to marry into the royal family, she should marry the one who pleases her most."

Since Father favors Xiao Chen, Xiao Chen must have exceptional qualities!

...

In the Great Zhou Royal City.

At the end of a lane in the West Market, in a modest home.

Yuanhe, dressed in simple cotton clothing, sat at a square table made of elm wood.

Three years ago, he became an advisor to the Third Prince, Xiao Yao, and during that time, he had schemed and strategized numerous times, shielding Xiao Yao from disasters and difficulties.

Two months ago, he seized the opportunity to help the Third Prince earn recognition in front of the Emperor, finally pushing Xiao Yao into the Throne's Challenge and gaining an early advantage.

The door opened, and a servant respectfully entered. "Scholar, the Third Prince hasn't left the palace tonight."

Yuanhe's gaze remained fixed on the parchment; this answer was expected.

"Scholar, I'm afraid the Third Prince won't be able to persuade Consort De. If she truly hosts the Thousand-autumn Banquet, won't all our previous efforts be in vain?"

Yuanhe stayed silent, slowly rolling the string of prayer beads in his hand.

"With the Third Prince's temperament, he surely can't sway Consort De."

Yuanhe's voice was deep, his eyes as profound as the sea. "I merely wanted the Third Prince to go through the motions. Whether good or bad, I want Consort De to experience it for herself."

"For three years, you've poured your heart into supporting the Third Prince, but several times Consort De has..."

Seeing Yuanhe's hand pause, the young servant, Little Wu, dared not continue. At thirteen, Little Wu was short and thin, once a beggar before Yuanhe saved him. His loyalty to Yuanhe was unwavering.

"Consort De may be reckless, but if the Thousand-autumn Banquet is held, it won't be without its benefits." Yuanhe's thick eyebrows furrowed slightly, exuding authority. "A single banquet can reveal the myriad facets of human nature."

"The reason I go along with Consort De's actions is twofold: first, there are ways to remedy things afterward, and second, I hope the Third Prince can learn from this... In the end, the path is his alone to walk."

Upon hearing this, Yuanhe glanced at him, "Look into the Second Miss of the South Control Marquis Mansion, Wen Xian."

"Why investigate her?" Xiao Wu asked suspiciously.

To facilitate the marriage between the Third Prince and the Eldest Miss of the South Control Marquis Mansion, he needed a mediator.

...

Mid-month, the fifteenth.

On the first and fifteenth of each month, the temples in the royal city become especially lively, with the most bustling being the Country Protecting Temple and the Celestial Mercy Nunnery.

Yesterday, Wen Wan gave Yindieh a banknote worth five hundred taels, instructing her to donate incense money at the Celestial Mercy Nunnery today.

Yindieh, being diligent, left the mansion at dawn, hailed a carriage on Vermilion Bird Street, and headed out of the city.

Wen Wan also hired a carriage, following at a measured distance.

When they arrived at the Celestial Mercy Nunnery, Yindieh went inside.

Wen Wan didn't need Yindieh, but she wanted to know who was behind her.

In her past life, Yindieh had poisoned her with a paralyzing drug, setting off a tragic chain of events. Later, Wen Xian, along with her servants, stormed in and broke her limbs. At that moment, she clearly saw Yindieh standing right behind Wen Xian.