newbobooks Chapter 246
Chapter 246
Rong Hengyu's phoenix eyes gradually turned deep and dark, gleaming with an eerie light. His fair and jade-like face was unfathomable, completely unlike his usual noble appearance. Pei Yunche's unease grew stronger, and he pursed his lips, staring intently at him.
"Young Master Pei, in what capacity do you speak to me like this?"
"Is he the prince's betrothed, or..."
He paused slightly, his gaze shifting as he looked at Pei Yunche with a hint of sarcasm.
"Is this a mistress that the prince keeps casually outside, without proper status or legitimacy?"
Pei Yunche was stunned. He released his grip on Rong Hengyu, his face full of disbelief. He seemed to have never imagined that Rong Hengyu, who had always presented herself as noble, dignified, kind and gentle, would say such harsh words.
It was like a spark falling into his heart, then spreading rapidly like wildfire, so hot it almost brought tears to his eyes.
This was the root of his long-standing inner conflict, and Rong Hengyu so easily saw through it all.
For so long, rumors have been circulating in the capital that he has been relentlessly pursuing Nalan Jingwen like a leech, showing no restraint whatsoever as a man. Yet Nalan Jingwen seems to have no interest in him, and everyone is just watching the spectacle. Some have even made bets on whether Nalan Jingwen will turn around and look at him, or whether he will marry him.
Upon hearing the servants' account of this, he flew into a rage, overturned the table, grabbed his sword, and stormed out, determined to find the person who had made the bet and vent his anger!
Everyone had heard of his reputation, and because he was the son of a general, no one dared to oppose him openly. So, after the gambling was broken up, it was restarted in private.
Pei Yunche had already acted willfully once, and after being discovered by General Pei, he was ordered not to leave the house for a month. But the rumors seemed to have legs and kept creeping into his ears. All the servants in the mansion were talking about it, but he could do nothing and could not tell Nalan Jing about these things. He could only swallow his grievances alone.
She longed for Nalan Jingwen's safe return every day, hoping he would fulfill his promise.
He didn't know if Nalan Jingwen would really keep his promise, so he could only gamble.
In fact, he didn't care about what the outside world said. Even though his reputation was already ruined, he didn't care. The only person he cared about was Nalan Jingwen.
That day, when he tried to sneak out to deliver the letter he had written to the Prince's mansion, he overheard people talking about him. He intended to pretend he hadn't heard anything and just pass by, but one sentence from that person froze him in place, unable to take another step.
"If you ask me, if Your Highness truly cared about that young master Pei, how could you let these rumors spread throughout the entire capital? Now that young master Pei's reputation is ruined, it will be difficult for him to marry someone else."
As the man spoke, he clicked his tongue and shook his head, while those around him nodded in agreement, deeply agreeing.
"It seems that the Prince really has no interest in that young master of the Pei family. Otherwise, he would have announced it to the world with drums and gongs long ago. Wasn't that the case when he went to the Red Chamber and took a fancy to the courtesan? He spent a fortune for an actor and couldn't wait for the whole world to know that he was the one he had his eye on. How absurd!"
The way these people looked like they knew the truth made Pei Yunche feel utterly disgusted.
Unfortunately, he couldn't utter a single word in his defense.
Yes, how absurd! For an actress, people are willing to do this, yet he, a man from an honest family, has had his reputation ruined and has endured gossip and slander for her sake, while she has never uttered a single word.
Even just one sentence?
If Nalan Jingwen truly loved him, she wouldn't have let him suffer such injustice, with rumors flying everywhere.
If Nalan Jingwen really doesn't marry him, what should he do?
To be honest, he hadn't really thought about the consequences. He had come this far with sheer courage and had no intention of turning back. He would rather let her die than let her marry Nalan Jingwen! It would be better than spending his remaining years with someone he didn't love.
He insisted on marrying her, so she should endure whatever injustice she suffers.
He was just a little sad.
The summer sun was blazing, and the cicadas were chirping incessantly, making people restless. Pei Yunche, however, felt a chill run through his body. He stared blankly ahead at the road leading to the Prince's Mansion. It wasn't far, but it felt like he had been walking for a very long time.
A gentle breeze brushed past, making his face feel a little itchy. He raised his hand to touch it, only to find it damp.
Now that Rong Hengyu had reopened this wound, he staggered back a few steps, shaking his head.
No, he wasn't Nalan Jingwen's mistress, no...
What else could he be but a mistress? Does he have any other identity?
The smile on Rong Hengyu's face had long since vanished. Without hesitation, he turned and left, leaving Pei Yunche standing there, lost and dejected.
He stood there for an unknown amount of time before raising his eyes to look in the direction Rong Hengyu had left. His gaze gradually hardened as he departed the palace.
He would not allow anyone to harm Nalan Jingwen, not even Rong Hengyu!
……
the other side.
The streets were deserted, and the wind howled at the city gate. A line of carriages slowly drove out, the sound of their wheels rolling over the pebbles on the ground particularly clear in the cold wind.
Inside the carriage, however, was a different scene altogether, warm and inviting. Nalan Jingwen casually handed the brewed tea to the woman beside her, who glanced at her, accepted it, and thanked her, displaying neither servility nor arrogance.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Liu Qingxu was very thin, with sunken cheeks, but her eyes were surprisingly bright. She gently brought the cup to her lips, took a sip, and dispelled the boundless chill in her heart.
Nalan Jingwen didn't say anything, just nodded, everything was understood without words.
"Your Highness, General Pei requests an audience."
The voice of a servant came from outside the carriage. Nalan Jingwen lifted the curtain and stepped out slowly. When Pei Yundai saw her come out, he walked up to her and stared at her intently, as if he was looking her up and down. Nalan Jingwen did not say anything and just let her look at her.
Then, Pei Yundai raised his hand in a respectful bow, his voice solemn and his expression dignified.
"Your subject thanks Your Highness."
The emperor had long been wary of the Pei family and was harsh on them in many matters, trying every means to weaken their power. The reason he wanted Pei Yunche to enter the palace was not only because Pei Yunche was suitable. Outsiders said that if Pei Yunche entered the palace and became the empress, no one in the Pei family would dare to touch her. The Pei family would be the only powerful clan in the capital, which would be such an honor.
Is that really the case?
How could Nalan Fengxing allow this to happen and threaten her position?
Pei Yunche's entry into the palace is another kind of threat.
By sending General Pei's most beloved son to the palace as a hostage, he holds General Pei's life in his hands. If there is any unusual activity in the Pei family, Pei Yunche will be the best breakthrough point.
Therefore, over the years, the Pei family has been extremely cautious, fearing that making too much noise would arouse the emperor's suspicion. They have been quietly lying low here, and with just a light poke, they have broken through the barrier.
Now that Nalan Jingwen has requested permission to take Pei Yundai with her to provide disaster relief, keeping Pei Yundai away from the capital, reducing the emperor's suspicions, and preventing him from becoming too powerful, Nalan Fengxing couldn't be more satisfied. Moreover, it has greatly resolved the crisis of the Pei clan. How could Pei Yundai not be grateful to her?
Nalan Jingwen did not help her up. His calm gaze fell on her, and he said indifferently, "Fengtian is not only the Fengtian of the Nalan clan. If the Pei clan is loyal to Fengtian, the imperial sister will not do anything to the Pei clan."
Do you know what to do?
The Pei family cannot have any disloyalty and can only be loyal to Fengtian. However, the Nalan family still controls Fengtian, so no matter what they think, they cannot say it. The safest way now is to take the initiative to hand over what the emperor fears.
A flicker of pain crossed Pei Yundai's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.
"Your subject understands."