PFC Chapter 83 Lin Qianqian learns about the concubine arrangement
Chapter 83 Lin Qianqian learns about the concubine arrangement
Murong Yi's heart was churning with emotion, and her steps were hurried. She did not go straight back to her residence to discuss the matter with Lin Qianqian, but instead, with a solemn expression, she stepped directly into the palace and took the initiative to request an audience with the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. Inside the palace, the atmosphere was solemn and dignified. Murong Yi took a deep breath, lifted her robe, knelt down, and began to explain in detail her intention to take Su Wan'er as a concubine.
The Empress Dowager's originally dignified and peaceful face instantly changed color. Her phoenix eyes widened, and she roared, "We've only been married for a short time, and you already want to take another concubine? And it's that Su Wan'er! I disliked that woman the moment I saw her. Her eyes and brows exude a pretentious and affected charm. How can she be allowed into my royal palace? As a prince, how can you act so recklessly, completely disregarding the dignity of the royal family and the rules of the palace!"
The Emperor sat to one side, his brows slightly furrowed, and nodded gently in agreement with the Empress Dowager, saying, "Mother is quite right. Ninth Brother, you have only been married a short time, and it is inappropriate, both morally and logically, to bring up the matter of taking a concubine at this time. I have also heard of Su Wan'er; her actions and status may indeed bring much trouble to the Prince's residence and even the royal family. I know you may have your own considerations, but you must consider the overall situation and not ruin the court and family rules due to a moment of impulsiveness. You should return to your residence first, think it over carefully, and not mention this matter again." Although the Emperor's words were gentle and tactful, they revealed an unquestionable royal authority.
Murong Yi raised his head high, his expression earnest, and said in a firm voice, "Mother, Emperor, in my heart, I only love Su Wan'er. Since I met her, her every smile and frown has been deeply engraved in my heart, and I can no longer accept anyone else. I am willing to treat her with sincerity, and in this life, I will never leave her, without the slightest bit of pretense."
The Empress Dowager's eyes widened in fury, her face contorted with rage like a raging storm about to engulf everything. She abruptly stood up, waving her long sleeves and shouting, "Outrageous! You, a member of the royal family, have been blinded by romantic love, completely disregarding ancestral rules and the dignity of the royal family. I will never tolerate such absurdity!"
Seeing the Empress Dowager's fury, the Emperor quickly rose and gently supported her, saying softly, "Mother, please calm down. Don't upset yourself. Ninth Brother is young and impetuous; perhaps he's been blinded by his emotions." Then, turning to Murong Yi, the Emperor's expression was serious yet earnest, "Ninth Brother, listen to me. You bear the honor and responsibility of the Prince's Mansion and even the Imperial Family. Marriage is not merely a matter of personal love. If Su Wan'er enters the manor as a concubine, many aspects will be difficult to manage, which is detrimental to both you and the Imperial Family. I advise you to abandon this idea as soon as possible, lest this affection disrupt the overall situation."
Murong Feng, hidden by the doorway, overheard the heated exchange. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes, and his brow furrowed slightly. A moment later, he turned quietly and hurried away.
Inside the Ninth Prince's mansion, Lin Qianqian stood at the entrance, her beautiful eyes gazing at the winding bluestone path ahead, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, lost in thought. A gentle breeze stirred, and a few strands of hair danced beside her cheeks, adding to her charming and delicate beauty.
Xiaodie looked concerned and gently advised, "Miss, it's chilly and the dew is heavy. Let's go inside first and avoid catching a cold."
Afu nodded in agreement, "Yes, Your Highness. The Prince is gone, and we don't know when he will return. It wouldn't hurt for us to go in and wait."
Lin Qianqian turned her head slightly, her gaze sweeping over the two faces. After a moment's thought, she pursed her lips, nodded slightly, and took a step towards the house. Her helpless figure looked somewhat lonely in the afterglow of the setting sun.
Just then, the sound of rapid hoofbeats shattered the tranquility in front of the mansion. Murong Feng, like a whirlwind, galloped over in a great hurry. Before the horse had even come to a complete stop, he leaped down and rushed towards Lin Qianqian.
"Ninth Sister-in-law!" Murong Feng's voice was slightly out of breath. Everyone bowed in greeting. Lin Qianqian also gave a slight bow, then looked up and asked softly, "What happened, Your Highness?"
Murong Feng calmed himself down, then frowned and said urgently, "Ninth Sister-in-law, I just rushed here from the palace and heard some shocking news. Ninth Brother... he actually asked Mother and Brother to take Su Wan'er as a concubine, his words were firm and his attitude resolute, completely disregarding the fact that they have only been married for a short time. Mother was furious, and Brother tried his best to dissuade him, but Ninth Brother is still trying his best to defend himself, claiming that he only loves Su Wan'er. Ninth Sister-in-law, what should we do about this?"
Lin Qianqian's body stiffened abruptly, her eyes widening instantly. Her once gentle eyes were now filled with shock and disbelief, as if she had heard something out of a fantasy. Her lips trembled slightly, but she couldn't utter a word for a long time.
Xiaodie was also shocked and covered her mouth. "How could this be?" Her eyes revealed her indignation on behalf of her young lady.
Afu exclaimed "Ah!" with his mouth wide open, his honest face filled with astonishment. His already round eyes almost bulged out of their sockets. He stood there stunned for a while before stammering, "This... how is this possible?"
Murong Feng continued, beaming, "Ninth Sister-in-law, please don't worry. When the Empress Dowager heard what Ninth Brother said, she flew into a rage and said there was absolutely no way she would agree to it. The Emperor also sided with the Empress Dowager and kindly advised Ninth Brother not to act impulsively. But Ninth Brother seemed to be possessed and insisted on arguing with the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. Both sides stuck to their own opinions and refused to give in. Right now, the palace is in complete chaos, just like a pot of boiling porridge, utterly disorderly."
Lin Qianqian frowned, her brows furrowing into a deep frown, a resolute glint in her eyes. She bit her lower lip slightly and said softly, "I cannot stand idly by in this matter; I must go to the palace to see what's going on."