Chapter 47: Volume 1 Chapter 47 Consort Ming Schemes Your Marriage

Regarding the seal matter, Rong Luoge grew very suspicious of Di Yue Nu; after pondering, she decided she must personally investigate her background.

She rode back to Xi Cheng, deliberately prepared a set of night travel clothes, and after dinner, when a few maids went to rest, she quietly slipped out into the backyard.

From Rong Ling Shan she learned where Di Yue Nu currently resides, and she planned to go herself to see if she could find any clues.

But as soon as she stepped out, she looked up and met a pair of familiar eyes.

Rong Luoge: …

Han Xinglan had not expected to meet Rong Luoge here; seeing her attire, it was clear she was about to go out to do something.

He looked at her slowly and said, "The city's guard is tight tonight; going out on the streets is extremely risky."

Rong Luoge forced an uneasy smile, "I'm just stepping out for a casual stroll."

Han Xinglan's eyes swept over her clothing, and Rong Luoge suddenly didn't know how to explain herself.

What terrible luck—she rarely sees anyone, yet when she's about to do something, he suddenly appears.

"You'd better not go out. Lately many Qiongchuan caravans have arrived in Xi Cheng, and the authorities have tightened security. If you run into a patrol, you won't be able to explain yourself," Han Xinglan advised Rong Luoge.

Rong Luoge was a bit surprised that the curfew tightening was linked to the Qiongchuan caravans; after a pause she said, "I understand, thank you, Your Highness."

Rong Luoge was about to scale the wall back, but heard Han Xinglan add, "If Liu Yuniang's matter comes to you via Ming Yuhua, you'd better not get involved."

"Your Highness truly is all‑knowing, even this small matter," Rong Luoge said, looking at Han Xinglan, "Is the Crown Prince really this idle?"

"It's not a trivial matter; some details I can't share, but the danger is real," Han Xinglan said, noting Rong Luoge's guarded demeanor. He mentioned they had done a few transactions before, yet she remained highly cautious of him.

Rong Luoge hadn't expected the Crown Prince to speak that way; after a pause she said, "Thank you for informing me, Luoge is deeply grateful. In that case, I won't go out."

Han Xinglan's jet‑black eyes, veiled by the dense night, softened. He chuckled softly, "Miss Rong, you've helped me several times; this bit of news is nothing." Then, looking at Rong Luoge, he added, "Consort Ming is now selecting a consort for Prince Qi; perhaps a new Princess Consort Qi will be chosen soon."

Rong Luoge recalled the seal incident and instinctively said, "Impossible."

The moment the words left her mouth, she realized she had been reckless.

Rong Luoge met Han Xinglan's astonished gaze and, uncomfortably, explained, "I was thinking that Consort Ming's scheming about Prince Qi's marriage is so deep that she wouldn't easily let him choose another consort; most likely the news was deliberately leaked by Consort Ming herself."

"There's some truth to that," Han Xinglan said, a slight curl at his mouth, "However, there's something I must tell you: although you are already divorced from Prince Qi, Consort Ming still cares greatly about your marriage."

Rong Luoge's face darkened as she replied, "What does my marriage have to do with her?"

"After all, you are the Former Consort of the Qi Prince. The worse your next marriage is, the happier Consort Ming will be," Han Xinglan sighed lightly. "It seems that in the next few days the Protector Duke will be selecting a husband for you; I've heard the candidates are mostly widowers or aimless illegitimate sons. You'd better watch out."

Rong Luoge sneered, "Then let him try."

"I know you may not care about reputation, but confronting a true petty person like the Protector Duke will only lead to mutual ruin, which is not a sound strategy."

Listening to Han Xinglan, Rong Luoge fell silent, then looked up at him and said, "It's just that they use my parents' command and filial duty to pressure me. I'm not without means to control him. Thank you for the information, Your Highness. It's getting late; you should return to rest early. Luoge takes her leave."

Rong Luoge swiftly scaled the wall and went back; Han Xinglan watched her silhouette disappear behind the fence, his smile‑tinged eyes gradually turning cold.

"Your Highness, Miss Rong is extremely cautious," Shi An's figure emerged from the darkness, whispering, "She didn't ask you for help; what shall we do now?"

Initially, after obtaining this news, they thought of presenting it favorably to Miss Rong. Though she is capable in some respects, she is, after all, a divorced woman, and such matters would likely be troublesome for her.

If she were to seek your help, it would mean she owes you a favor, making future dealings easier.

But this Miss Rong acts unconventionally and didn't ask for help, which makes things a bit tricky.

Han Xinglan didn't get angry; instead, a hint of delight showed in his expression. Such a woman is refreshing, whereas those who, when faced with difficulty, simply know to ask others for help are mundane—there's no fun in that.

Han Xinglan strode away, genuinely curious about how Rong Luoge would resolve this predicament.

After returning, Rong Luoge quietly changed clothes and lay down; she tossed and turned in the tent, unable to decide for a while.

Han Xinglan was right; if she were to confront the Protector Duke head‑on, she, as a daughter, would be the one to suffer the loss.

Whether it's the seal matter or Di Yue Nu's origins, now is not the time for the Protector Duke to learn of them; consequently, there are few means left to restrain him.

Rong Luoge barely slept soundly all night; after much thought, she decided she must join forces with Chu Ke, the most optimal way to achieve a bloodless victory.

Rong Luoge felt no drowsiness; at daybreak she rose, ate a simple breakfast, took Chun Yu, and left the house.

She rode a carriage straight to a street outside the Protector Duke's residence, where she sent Chun Yu to the back door to ask the head cook Liu Pozi to deliver a message.

It was a bit too early; only the kitchen staff would rise at such an hour.

Chun Yu returned quickly, "I have spoken with Liu Pozi; she told me to wait for news."

Rong Luoge nodded, "Then wait there; come back when you have news."

Chun Yu turned and waited in the narrow alley behind the Protector Duke's back gate, lingering for the length of an incense stick before anyone appeared.

After hearing Liu Pozi's message, Chun Yu slipped a two‑tael silver coin to her and hurried away.

Liu Pozi was pleased, patting the money in her hand; a single message could earn her two taels, so the run was worth it.

"Miss, Liu Pozi says to meet at Ming Yi Residence in an hour," Chun Yu called out as she boarded the carriage.

Rong Luoge knew Chu Ke would certainly meet her; she looked at Chun Yu and said, "First have something to eat, then we'll go to Ming Yi Residence."

Chun Yu agreed, followed the lady for breakfast, and the master and servant hurried to Ming Yi Residence.

Ming Yi Residence is quite famous in the capital, often fully booked; Rong Luoge arrived early and reserved a side room on the third floor.

Just as the appointed time approached, Chu Ke pushed the door open and entered.