Chapter 196: This Is Not Good News

In the court, everyone's attention is mostly on the war with Qingxuan Kingdom; the censors stare intently at Xiao Shen, waiting for him to slip up so they can drive him straight into the mud.

The stir in the inner palace is not on the radar of these court heavyweights; although Consort Rong is pregnant, it is unknown whether it is a prince or a princess, and it is uncertain if she can give birth safely, so there is no need to worry about it now.

In the Qi Wang Fu, Yun Shizhuang and Rong Dai sparred; although the victor was usually the former, there were still moments of loss. At that moment a letter arrived from the Su family. She did not know why the Su family suddenly sent her a letter now, but she sensed something subtle.

On the other hand, Rong Dai is focused on matters of the Protector Duke's residence; after all, she herself arranged Rong Ling Shan's marriage. Since Chu Ke and his mother have defected to side with Rong Luoge, she should not be blamed for being ruthless.

Only by marrying Rong Ling Shan to Lin Gao Xuan, holding her in the palm of his hand, will Chu Ke obey and serve her.

If her mother and older brother were still alive, she wouldn't need to trouble herself so much, but now they are gone, leaving only her to endure grievances here; she can only muster all her strength to find ways to secure her own interests.

Even though her father loves her, he wavers at critical moments. She has no choice; with Lin Gao Xuan now on her side and the Marquis Ning Yuan courting her, he finally resolved to oppose Rong Luoge.

To be honest, she is quite irritable now; ever since Prince Qi returned from the imperial tomb, he has become rather listless, barely smiling even when he sees her. Moreover, during the mourning period, she dares not do anything excessive; the fact that they can share an embrace when alone is already a good thing.

Rong Dai has known Prince Qi for many years and can claim to understand him to some extent; when he returned to the capital and learned that Rong Luoge was pregnant, he fainted, making her so angry she almost fainted herself, but what could she do?

If she quarrels with Prince Qi, she fears Yun Shizhuang will seize the chance to intervene, leaving her with nothing left.

Rong Dai cannot even get angry; she must delicately placate Prince Qi, for only as long as he remains on her side can she use his influence to suppress Yun Shizhuang. Thinking of all this makes Rong Dai feel utterly stifled, and she especially misses her mother and brother now.

"Side Concubine." Si Xi entered briskly, bowed before the side concubine and whispered, "Your servant saw members of the Su family come to see Princess Consort Qi."

Members of the Su family?

Rong Dai was startled at first, then recalled which Su family this was; her expression shifted slightly as she looked at Si Xi and asked, "Did you see clearly?"

"There can be no mistake; the maid who delivered letters during the Duchess of the State's banquet in the residence has gone with Su Madam before," Si Xi hurriedly replied.

"What business do the Su family have meeting Yun Shizhuang?" Rong Dai furrowed her brows; she had never heard of any connection between Yun Shizhuang and the Su family.

Ren Dong, having listened, suddenly spoke, "Side Concubine, you forgot that the Su family sent Su Ying into the palace."

"What does Su Ying's entry into the inner palace have to do with Yun Shizhuang?" Rong Dai asked suspiciously, "Can Yun Shizhuang still reach into the inner palace? It's a joke!"

His Majesty today is not easily fooled; the eyes of Prince Qi's household in the palace have been removed, and even the Empress Dowager now keeps a low profile!

When this was said, Si Xi and Ren Dong also found it odd; the side concubine was right, but the Su family would not correspond with the Princess Consort without cause—there must be something.

"Shall I go inquire then?" Ren Dong asked.

Rong Dai gave a slight nod, "Be careful, don't let those people catch you with leverage."

Ren Dong quickly nodded; Princess Consort Qi is not easily fooled, and those who have suffered at her hands will naturally be extra cautious.

Rong Dai pondered and felt uneasy; whether Yun Shizhuang or Su Ying, both are proper ladies of noble families, and such people always look down on someone of her background. Though Rong Dai keeps telling herself not to care, even when Rong Luoge's legitimate lineage was once trampled underfoot.

However, she knows that was in the past; her heart burns slightly. She cannot now probe Prince Qi's side—since he returned from the imperial tomb his mind seems off, and she must always be cautious around him, certainly not letting him know what she is doing.

After much thought, she decides only Si Xi can go find her father to ask about the Su family's recent moves; the fact that Su Ying can contact Yun Shizhuang must be linked to Rong Luoge, and as long as it brings misfortune to Rong Luoge, she is willing to help.

Si Xi returned to the Protector Duke's residence; although she didn't see the Duke himself, she was mocked by those around the Duchess of the State, which annoyed her, and she learned that Second Miss's marriage had changed. Her expression shifted, and she hurried back to Prince Qi's mansion.

Although Lin Gao Xuan's actions toward Rong Yan were not widely publicized thanks to Rong Dai's help, the Lin family had originally admitted fault to Chu Ke. Now Chu Ke spreads the matter everywhere, drags Rong Ling Shan's marriage to Lin Gao Xuan into it, and even turns against the Protector Duke and his wife, breaking ties...

Rong Dai did not expect matters to reach this point; Chu Ke actually dared to do this—doesn't she fear her father might, in a fit of anger, divorce his wife?

Having received this news, Rong Dai cannot attend to the Su family and Yun Shizhuang matter; the most urgent thing now is that this marriage must not encounter any mishap.

If this information spreads, the marriage will likely be jeopardized, but there is a way: have Lin Gao Xuan step forward to admit his fault, then express his deep affection for Rong Ling Shan, claiming it was all a misunderstanding; a prodigal son returning cannot be bought with gold. As long as Lin Gao Xuan is willing to humble himself, even if Chu Ke is relentless, others will only say Chu Ke is petty and narrow‑minded...

Rong Dai contemplated how to get a meeting with Lin Gao Xuan; after all, Lin Gao Xuan still harbors some intent toward her. If she shows a hint of grievance and explains her current dilemma, he will surely be willing to help her out.

As for whether Lady Lin consents, that is none of her business; it is a matter between him and his mother.

Rong Dai kept pondering how to meet Lin Gao Xuan, while on the other side news spread of Xiao Shen's latest defeat of a Qingxuan Kingdom general; the populace erupted in cheers, rushing through the streets to spread the news, and the common folk were filled with jubilation.

In contrast, the group of senior ministers wore solemn expressions, especially those from the Ministry of War who had taken a batch of veteran craftsmen from the Imperial Works Bureau; the paper armor they now forged in a new workshop was so disorienting.

This equipment costs less than iron armor and is produced faster; batches of paper armor are sent to the front lines, and the Ministry of War also manufactures Fire Thunder and various crossbows. They may not be divine weapons, but they certainly boost combat power.

Moreover, the Minister of War now swears loyalty to His Majesty; after several inquiries, the old schemer Kang Jinsi has vanished without a trace, refusing to mention these matters, which is truly infuriating.

Now Xiao Shen's latest victory undoubtedly raises His Majesty's prestige a notch, while the senior ministers' standing beneath the throne diminishes a bit—this is not good news.

The Ministry of War cannot intervene, but the Imperial Works Bureau certainly can!