The Dramatic Crown Princess Wants to Poison Me!

Chapter 530: Princess Consort Zhuang

Yan Nan was taken aback; this aura was deep and somber, like the sense of one reaching twilight years, which should not appear on the Princely Heir.

No matter how serious the prior injury was, no matter how dire the situation in Wangshan Town was, the Princely Heir had never been like this; he grew stronger against challenges, the difficulties never knocked him down. But now, has he been struck?

Yan Nan recalled what he had overheard before, his eyes rolled slightly. Could it be that the Princely Heir had been rejected? No, it’s already at that stage, how could the Princely Heir be rejected?

Could it be that the Princely Heir has a problem in that area? Is that why he is so despairing?

This is a major event; should he report this matter to the Prince and Princess?

Yan Nan felt he was in a difficult position.

He couldn’t even bring himself to report it genuinely, and besides, it was merely a conjecture. What if it’s not true?

Yan Nan wrestled with this dilemma; what if it is true?

He was torn with conflicting thoughts when Huangfu Jingchen turned around: "Did you complete what I asked you to do earlier?"

Yan Nan was startled, quickly nodding: "It’s already done; Prince Zhuang will soon be preoccupied. The young master’s prediction was accurate; we just need to make some small movements, and naturally, there will be someone looking to deal with him!"

Huangfu Jingchen nodded; he was forced to heal here. Though the mountain is now healed, his parents temporarily cannot appear explicitly in the Capital City, so he must continue "recuperating."

Wenjin...

He whispered this name in his heart, his eyes then flashed with a resolute expression. If he appears now, too many would want him dead, and being too close to Wenjin would only bring trouble to Wenjin.

He would certainly handle all matters well, not allowing his identity to jeopardize Wenjin, nor would he distance himself from Wenjin because of it.

After announcing the rites at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, the decree of the deposed Crown Prince was proclaimed to the world. The Third Prince remained on the throne for less than two years before slinking off the stage.

Virtuousness does not match the position, these four words are like a heavy mountain, pressing upon him, impossible to overturn.

However, Prince Zhuang’s heart had little worry; he was still in the Capital City, and the Emperor had not appointed a new Crown Prince. The Eastern Palace seat was vacant, implying he had a chance to rise again; house arrest was of little consequence, it would be lifted sooner or later.

Huangfu Chi was beaten, Huangfu Wei went missing, the Crown Prince Mansion was burned, and his position as Crown Prince was stripped. Despite all these, the Emperor still harbored some compassion and did not send him back to the Vassal Land; as long as he remained in the Capital City, there was hope!

Besides, didn’t Mr. Gongyang say? This was his minor tribulation. Once past, it would be a clear path; Mr. Gongyang was performing rituals to dispel misfortune for him. Soon he would be alright!

His only concern was Huangfu Wei, who disappeared that day and hasn’t been heard from since.

But the Emperor sent Hidden Guards to find Huangfu Wei. With the palace Hidden Guards in action, they would surely find Wei’er soon.

Prince Zhuang assessed the situation; now that the decree of the deposed Crown Prince had spread across the world, it was too late to say anything—especially at this critical moment, better to keep a low profile.

Thus he obediently remained under house arrest in the mansion, though secretly, his people continuously moved and never ceased operations.

Shortly, troubling incidents occurred; each mission his people undertook ended in failure, their plans thwarted by someone with remarkable, craftily executed methods—acting as if they were worms in his belly.

Prince Zhuang was furious, wishing he knew who was behind the sabotage, so he could capture them and grind their bones to dust.

Just after a late dinner, while handling affairs in the study, another servant came to report another failed mission; Prince Zhuang smashed his tea cup intensely on the ground, shattering it, cursing furiously: "Useless, all of you are useless! Get out!"

The servant was so frightened by his anger that they scrambled out in a panic.

Prince Zhuang was incensed, his breath coming hard as he sat alone stewing in his anger.

Soon, footsteps were heard outside; Prince Zhuang shouted angrily: "Didn’t I say no need to serve? Get out all of you!"

The people outside did not leave; they came in, and not just one person, but two.

Prince Zhuang was about to unleash his wrath when he looked up and saw the visitors, then restrained his anger and said, "Why have you come?"

A woman in her thirties, dressed in brocade clothes, dignified and graceful, her every movement exuded good breeding and an indescribable noble demeanor, accompanied by a maid carrying a tray with a steaming stew pot atop it.

This was Princess Consort Zhuang, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of England Mansion, and the elder sister of the Duke’s young lord.

Currently, the Duke Mansion’s young lord served as a Vice Marshal in the Eastern Border Army.

Princess Consort Zhuang was born noble, and her brother held a military rank, so Prince Zhuang treated her very well, and they respectfully regarded each other as husband and wife. Even though Prince Zhuang’s rear courtyard had many concubines, none could unsettle Princess Consort Zhuang’s position.

Consort Xian also favored this knowledgeable and reasonable daughter-in-law of hers, whose maternal family was strong.

However, Princess Consort Zhuang’s health was not very good, she couldn’t bear any shocks, so although Prince Zhuang valued her, he did not let her know about his grand ambitions, his private undertakings, and even matters regarding Huangfu Wei!

Hearing the anger in Prince Zhuang’s voice, Princess Consort Zhuang spoke gently: "It is late, I see you haven’t rested yet, worried you might be hungry, I cooked a bowl of lotus seed and white fungus soup as a midnight snack for you!"

Prince Zhuang smiled, saying: "Leave these tasks to the servants, you are a princess, no need to labor over such things!"

Princess Consort Zhuang smiled softly, gazing at Prince Zhuang with affection: "The servant’s cooking lacks a measure of heart; you’ve been distressed these days, and I can’t help with much, so this is all I can do!"

The decree of the deposed Crown Prince had been proclaimed to the world, this matter Princess Consort Zhuang knew.

When news reached Princess Consort Zhuang, she hurried over, but Prince Zhuang displayed great composure and fortitude, unaffected by the setback, spirited and confident, saying it was merely slander by petty people and once the Emperor learns the truth, his position would be restored.

But even so, Princess Consort Zhuang could sense his underlying distress.

The maid behind promptly placed the tray down and withdrew bowing.

Prince Zhuang approached to support Princess Consort Zhuang and said: "No, you have done enough for me, it is because of you, everything I do holds meaning!"

Princess Consort Zhuang cautiously reminded: "The Prince should take care not to refer to himself as ’this palace’ temporarily."

Prince Zhuang slapped his forehead saying: "Look at my memory, just slipped my tongue. Thankfully, it’s in front of you; I will keep it in mind in the future!"

In truth, he hadn’t forgotten or misspoken; he still believed himself the true Crown Prince, irreplaceable!

Princess Consort Zhuang suddenly said: "Prince, Wei’er has been out for some days now, do you know when he might return?"