Chapter 191 The situation is reversed
Chapter 191 The situation is reversed
Yu Qingli tightly grasped the Chinese medicine book in her hand. She made a new decision. Since Yu Zhengsha didn't allow her to disturb his life in the capital, she insisted on living in the Prime Minister's Mansion. Not only that, she also wanted to marry into the palace as the eldest daughter of the Yu family!
Father, just wait for your punishment!
Yu Zhengsha, who was far away in the Imperial Capital, suddenly felt a chill running through his body, causing him to shiver uncontrollably. The eldest lady beside him hurriedly asked with concern, "What's wrong, Master? Isn't it cold in this weather? I've caught a cold, haven't I?"
Yu Zhengsha didn't say anything, his brows furrowed like a small mountain. He had a vague bad premonition that the peaceful days might be broken soon.
Things in Luoyang City soon came to an end. Liu Ming took the initiative to come to Yu Qingli and proposed to cooperate with her on her terms, and Yu Qingli introduced him to his uncle Li Mo.
In just three days, the business situation in the entire Luoyang city changed again, which meant that everything in the court was also changing.
Murong Feng left Luoyang quickly. Before leaving, he promised Yu Qingli that he would prepare the wedding well and give Yu Qingli a grand wedding.
Yu Qingli just smiled and said nothing. They didn't mention the Beauty House again, as if that incident had never existed.
After Murong Feng left, Yu Qingli quickly packed her luggage. This time, she was going back to the Yu Mansion and, as the eldest daughter of the Yu Mansion, take back what belonged to her with dignity.
In the Golden Throne Hall, Murong Shiling looked coldly at the eldest prince Murong Feng, who was kneeling before the hall. "Feng'er, did you gain anything from this trip to Luoyang?"
Murong Feng bowed respectfully, "Reporting to His Majesty, Father, this time when I went to Luoyang, I discovered that because of Liu Ming's hoarding, the people of Luoyang are suffering and complaining. Some even criticize the court. This is truly distressing to me."
Murong Shiling frowned, "Have you investigated this matter thoroughly? Who is behind this?"
"This..." Murong Feng's face showed a bit of embarrassment, but his eyes fell on Murong Cheng, who had a cold expression in the hall. The meaning was self-evident.
Murong Shiling's expression turned even uglier. He shouted coldly, "Prince, you speak!"
Murong Cheng stepped forward and respectfully saluted Murong Shiling. "Father, this Luoyang incident has been somewhat exaggerated. In reality, it was just a simple business competition."
"Oh, is that so? Why is the information I found when I went to Luoyang this time not like this?!" Murong Feng asked back, with a hint of pride in his words. This time, he is sure to win!
Murong Shiling's gaze lingered on Murong Feng's face for a moment before he asked, "Then, Great Prince, please tell us the results of your investigation."
Murong Feng nodded slightly and took out the evidence he had prepared long ago from his sleeve and presented it to Murong Shiling. After reading it, Murong Shiling's face changed drastically.
"Who exactly is this Liu Ming?"
As soon as Murong Shileng said this, Murong Cheng's expression suddenly changed. These subtle changes did not escape Murong Shileng's eyes. It seems that this person is indeed related to the prince?
Murong Feng's smile deepened, "Father, do you still remember Jinghong Music Hall?"
Murong Shiling's expression was cold. This Jinghong Music House was a sore spot for him. The woman who had inexplicably appeared and disappeared was from Jinghong Music House. How could he not remember her? "Why did the eldest prince suddenly mention Jinghong Music House?"
"Your Majesty, please be patient. I will explain it to you slowly..." Murong Feng looked around and continued, "The owner of Jinghong Music House is Liu Jinghong, and this Liu Ming is Liu Jinghong's cousin!"
"Oh, there is such a thing?!"
"Not only that, Your Majesty, Father, may not know that the arrival of Jinghong Music House in the palace was also facilitated by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince! In fact, the Crown Prince and Liu Jinghong..."
"Big Brother!"
Murong Cheng's face was as cold as ice. He really didn't expect that Murong Feng would be such a villain. He had promised not to tell his father about this matter, but now he not only told it, but also said it in front of so many court officials.
"Your Highness, please do not be angry. Although I promised to keep your Highness's secret, this matter is of great importance. I am afraid I will have to report it to my father."
Murong Feng looked like he had no choice, which made Murong Cheng furious.
"you……"
"Prince, shut up!" Murong Shiling shouted, then turned to Murong Feng and said, "Let the eldest prince continue!"
Murong Feng received the order, his eyes and eyebrows full of pride, even looking at Murong Cheng with a hint of sarcasm, "Your Highness the Crown Prince and Liu Jinghong have known each other for a long time. It was also arranged by His Highness the Crown Prince that he performed in the palace. They even secretly promised to spend their lives together!"
Murong Shiling's expression was extremely grim. "How could such a thing happen?! Murong Cheng?! How do you explain it?!"
Murong Cheng's face turned pale, but he just pursed his lips and said nothing. Just when the situation was getting out of control, Yu Zhengsha unexpectedly stood up and said, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is young and full of vigor. It's not a big mistake for him to be seduced by one or two women. Besides, today's main purpose is to discuss the Luoyang incident. Isn't the Crown Prince going a little off topic?"
After hearing what Yu Zhengsha said, Murong Shiling's expression looked better. He knew his own son well. Moreover, he was born in the royal family and was used to seeing these dignified and beautiful ladies. It was natural for him to be attracted to a completely different woman when he occasionally met one. What Prime Minister Yu said was not right.
Thinking of this, Murong Shiling waved his hand and said, "Forget it, let's not talk about this matter for now. The Crown Prince should just break up with that woman. First Prince, even if the Crown Prince has a relationship with that woman, it doesn't have any direct connection with the Luoyang hoarding case, right?"
Murong Feng lowered his eyes. From the tone of his father's voice, was he going to favor Murong Cheng?
He won't give up so easily!
"Father, on the surface, these two things seem unrelated. However, Liu Ming's hoarding and attempt to monopolize the Jiangnan market are intriguing. Most importantly, the Crown Prince is clearly aware of this."
Murong Feng directly pointed the finger at Murong Cheng. Since they had already fallen out, he didn't care about tearing the relationship apart openly.
Moreover, the nature of this matter has completely changed. Jiangnan has always been the economic lifeline of the court. If it is monopolized by someone, the silver that is paid into the national treasury every year will be lost a lot, which is equivalent to cutting off the emperor's hands and feet in disguise.
In this case, this matter is far more than a simple hoarding. Even if Murong Feng does not say the secret, the always suspicious Murong Shiling will think that Murong Cheng is going to rebel.
Sure enough, after Murong Feng's words, Murong Shiling's eyes flashed with murderous intent. If he could appoint a crown prince, he could also dethrone him! If anyone dared to covet the throne now, he wouldn't mind getting rid of this son!
For the sake of his kingdom, he doesn't care about killing his own relatives for the sake of justice!
"Murong Cheng, do you admit your guilt?!"
Murong Cheng couldn't help but feel frightened when he saw the murderous intent in the emperor's eyes. Serving the emperor is like serving a tiger. Even though he is his father, he is first and foremost an emperor!
Fortunately, this time, the young uncle came to his aid.
Murong Cheng lowered his brows and pulled out an exquisite sandalwood box from his sleeve. He said respectfully, "Father, please calm down. I don't want to explain any further. Before you convict me, could you please take a look at these things? If you still want to convict me, I have nothing to say!"
The sandalwood box was quickly handed to Murong Shileng, who ordered the eunuch beside him to open it. After looking at the thing, Murong Shileng's expression eased slightly.
"I see. It seems I misunderstood the prince."
Murong Feng was stunned. What was going on? What on earth did Murong Cheng show his father? Why couldn't he even succeed in proving such a solid accusation?
Murong Feng was completely puzzled, yet unwilling to accept the situation. He stepped forward and said, "Father, this matter..."
Murong Shiling waved his hand and said, "Alright, I will make the decision myself! This matter has nothing to do with the Crown Prince, so there's no need for you to hold on to it, First Prince."
Murong Feng clenched his fists, feeling extremely unwilling! What on earth had Murong Cheng shown his father?!
"Alright, if there's nothing else, let's leave the court today!" Murong Shiling was clearly a little impatient. "Prince, please come to the Imperial Study later. I want to discuss the wedding with you."
After Murong Shiling left, the court officials also left the Golden Throne Hall. Murong Cheng walked past Murong Feng with a cold expression and said, "Those who do evil will eventually perish. Big Brother, take care of yourself!"
Murong Feng looked at the tall figure with hatred. Why on earth did this happen?!
The autumn wind was bleak, and people's emotions became impetuous. Passing through the imperial garden that was still full of flowers, Murong Feng came to the imperial study.
A shrill voice announced Murong Feng's arrival, and then Murong Shiling's deep voice was heard, "Come in."
Murong Feng walked in, his usually gentle face now filled with loss and confusion.
Murong Shiling was practicing calligraphy. On the fine rice paper, he wrote a powerful word: "Endure!"
"Feng'er, come here!"
Murong Shiling put down his brush, looked up and greeted Murong Feng. His tone was quite friendly, which made Murong Feng feel a little flattered.
"Father..."
"sit!"
Murong Shi Leng's gesture terrified Murong Feng. Could it be Murong Cheng that had caused his father's strange behavior today? Just as Murong Shi Leng knew him well, Murong Feng also knew his father well. They were the same type of people, gentle on the surface but ruthless in secret. This was probably genetic!
The similar personality forced Murong Feng to be on guard. Even though he was his father, Murong Feng could not guarantee that his heart would definitely lean towards him.
"Your son will just stand here..." Murong Feng lowered his brows and tried to be respectful as much as possible.
Murong Shiling sighed, "Feng'er, do you know why I asked you to come here alone?"
Murong Feng shook his head. He really didn't know, but he vaguely felt that Murong Cheng was involved.
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