CHAPTER 205: CHAPTER 205: BOTH COMPETE

He was away from home, so if there was trouble at home, he couldn’t offer much help.

That’s why they naturally needed to keep things from him.

But now, he couldn’t leave, which left him in a difficult position.

Just then, Dong Yuzhong happened to walk in from outside the courtyard.

Lin Xingzhi wanted to go forward and ask about his sister Qianqian but didn’t know how to start.

Dong Yuzhong, being someone who had served at the imperial court, was adept at observing people with precision.

Moreover, upon his arrival, he saw Lin Guifei, and observing Lin Xingzhi’s expression, he knew that nothing good had been said.

After some thought, he decided to approach and offer a word.

He said to Lin Xingzhi.

"Lin Guard, do not panic. Serving at the imperial court requires a calm mind; only then can one detect any improprieties. Outside disturbances are merely fleeting. Rest assured."

The words did not mention the Lin Family, but each word was a hint.

If Lin Xingzhi didn’t understand these words, it would be a waste of all his years.

Suddenly, a lot of clarity appeared in his mind.

Evidently, Lin Guifei’s visit was to unsettle his thoughts.

Serving at the imperial court—one careless act and it can lead to trouble that not only ruins a person but involves one’s own family.

Her intentions were as malicious as ever.

However, seeing Dong Yuzhong’s determined eyes, Lin Xingzhi felt somewhat reassured.

Among the servants in the palace, he had the final say, and serving daily before the Emperor made him naturally well-informed.

Grateful for Dong Yuzhong’s advice, Lin Xingzhi expressed his thanks.

"Thank you, Eunuch. I will certainly guard diligently and not let my mind wander."

Dong Yuzhong smiled and then quietly entered the room.

The Emperor’s nap usually wouldn’t be long, so he decided to wait inside.

Who knew when the Emperor might wake up?

Sure enough, after a short while, the Emperor was ready to rise.

The first thing he did was to issue an order.

"Let’s set off. We’ve been delayed by two days, and the wonders of Taishan wait for no one!"

"Yes, your servant obeys."

Thus, after a two-day pause, the Emperor and his entourage set out towards Taishan within the hour.

Leading the group were the Fourth Prince and Prince Zhan.

Both rarely rode high steeds.

However, the Fourth Prince, being naturally tall and strong and accustomed to years of military life, was already used to it.

But Prince Zhan forced himself not to show weakness in front of the Fourth Prince, enduring for most of the day.

When resting in the evening, he discovered that his legs and feet had been chafed raw.

He flew into a rage.

The next day, only the Fourth Prince rode ahead to protect the Emperor.

Prince Zhan hid in the wagon behind, keeping a vigilant watch on the Fourth Prince’s back, feeling indignant.

Emotionally charged, one can easily overlook details.

In his ignorance, about seven or eight members of the Imperial Armor Army remained.

They took a shortcut directly towards Dengzhou.

At this moment, Prince Zhan was unaware of the storms ahead, thinking only of not showing weakness before the Fourth Prince.

Otherwise, wouldn’t his title of Assistant Minister be even more humiliating?

It must be said, after all, a family shares similar traits.

While Prince Zhan was competing with the Fourth Prince on the road, in Shengjing City, Princess Rongkang and the Fourth Prince Consort were also at odds.

It all began when the Fourth Prince Consort set up an autumn crab feast at home.

By rights, only the official wife should enter the mansion to participate.

Yet over the years in Prince Zhan Mansion, it was Consort Wei who held the reins, which is why she attended today.

Attending she did, and together with Princess Rongkang, the two were quite the sinister pair.

Every time she saw them, the Fourth Prince Consort’s anger would rise.

On the one hand, she wished to speak up for her friend and, on the other, she couldn’t bear the airs of Prince Zhan Mansion.

Especially Princess Rongkang, repeatedly using the consort’s influence in the palace and her own remaining power to oppress Princess Consort Zhan.

Today’s uproar caused by the Fourth Prince Consort was all because Princess Consort Zhan was bullied.

Speaking of Princess Consort Zhan, she was originally a kind and gentle person.

Before marrying, she was close as sisters with the Fourth Prince Consort, and she was once a radiant personality.

Unfortunately, due to family constraints, she married into Prince Zhan Mansion and was suppressed by a concubine for many years.

Fortunately, she was broad-minded and did not bother with grudges, but if the Fourth Prince Consort had married into Prince Zhan Mansion, it would certainly have caused an uproar!

"People say marrying a wife should be for virtue and taking a concubine should be for beauty, but Prince Zhan Mansion indeed has skill; the one managing the household and serving the Prince is the same person. Consort Wei truly has exquisite means, making us rightful wives feel ashamed."

The Fourth Prince Consort spoke harshly, leaving no room for Consort Wei.

In Shengjing City, those who didn’t know the Wei Family had produced an excellent daughter who gained power overnight, bringing prosperity to the whole clan.

Naturally, there were those who envied, and those who hated.

This was a grand feast, attended by all the reputable madams.

Which one of them didn’t suppress their mansion’s concubines tightly?

Towards Consort Wei coming to the feast, of course, there were many who looked down on her.

But due to their status, it wasn’t appropriate to say anything.

Yet in this world, besides those in the palace, it’s the Fourth Prince Consort who is most esteemed.

When she speaks, even though Consort Wei resented deeply, she dared not confront her directly.

She could only awkwardly smile and respond.

"The Fourth Prince Consort praises too highly. In front of you, what excellence is there to speak of? It’s only because Princess Consort is unwell that I was sent to attend. If I’ve displeased the Fourth Price Consort, then I’m accountable."

Her submissive and humble manner was evident.

Originally a maid, she was accustomed to such treatment.

Though she now held authority in Prince Zhan Mansion, she never left room for gossip that she wielded her position extravagantly.

Yet Princess Rongkang was dissatisfied.

The Fourth Prince Mansion and Prince Zhan Mansion were already secretly competing, this appearing in the eyes of many as Prince Zhan Mansion’s weakness.

She was from Prince Zhan Mansion, so how could she not support them?

Thus, she spoke up to defend.

"This Commandery Princess sees the Fourth Prince Consort has such confidence; I wonder if that military spirit of the Fourth Prince has been brought home, making the consort stern and tough."

As a young lady in the house, she never let go when holding the right.

Back then, Old Prince Zhan was present, having saved the late Emperor’s life, Prince Zhan Mansion’s prestige was unrivaled.

She was, naturally, the most noticed.

Unfortunately, from then on, she didn’t get along well with the Fourth Prince Consort.

Affected were all those around her who didn’t approve.

Speaking of which, Princess Consort Zhan was truly unfortunate.

Due to family reasons, because of friends, both matters clashing, naturally wouldn’t win Princess Rongkang’s favor.

Adding that Consort Wei was adept at soft words and conveniently bore children abundantly.