Chapter 62: Palace Intrigues and Romantic Tangles

Chapter 62: Palace Intrigues and Romantic Tangles

Silence reigned in the room for an extended moment, as the revelation was truly shattering. Even Princess Ning and Meng Die, who were hearing it for the second time, still found it hard to believe.

"Old Marquis, the physician has been summoned."

Marquis Yongyi said, "Have the physician attend to your injuries first. Then, you all should go and rest. We will take care of the matter."

"Thank you, Elder Marquis," said Xiao Lan's husband as he supported his wife to step back.

Lady Marquis found it hard to believe. "Is this truly real?"

The heir scowled. "Gaoling is really going too far."

The Marquis wore a grim expression. "This girl brought this upon herself. She insisted on being in league with that beast."

Meng Die pondered for a moment. "Grandfather, this granddaughter has overstepped. With such a major incident occurring, you should still pay a visit to Duke Cheng'en's residence. For one thing, there are still many loyal servants there, not to mention the unpredictable fate of Nurse Zhang and Xiao Lan."

The atmosphere in the room froze once more.

For a long while, Marquis Yongyi turned to Meng Die and asked, "Have you truly let go of that matter?"

Meng Die replied, "I've long since stopped caring. Anyway, he's the one who'll suffer. Back then, even if he didn't get burned from the hot water I threw at him, it was still a torment for him."

Lady Hou beamed with delight. "You threw hot water at him? Well done!"

Marquis Yongyi sighed deeply. "I must have committed some sin in my past life. I'll send a message this morning and pay a visit tomorrow."

Meng Die pondered for a moment. "Grandfather, you should go there today instead. Send the message now, and then proceed in half an hour. Make sure to present a grand spectacle with a full entourage."

Marquis Yongyi paused. "What do you mean?"

Meng Die replied, "With Uncle State Minister daring to act this way, who knows what he'll do next? If he were to throw mud at Fourth Aunt, how would our Li family's girls face the entire capital in the future?"

Marquis Yongyi declared, "He wouldn't dare!"

Lady Marquis's face was as calm as still water. "After beating someone and then imprisoning them, he's already acting like a law unto himself. What wouldn't he dare to do? Butterfly is right. Today, you should go to Duke Cheng'en's residence and demand an explanation, making a grand show of it."

Marquis Yongyi nodded repeatedly.

Meng Die: "Grandfather, I've also heard that Duke Cheng'en's wife went to Sanqing Temple last year and hasn't returned yet. The heir's wife went back to her natal home last year as well and didn't come back for the Spring Festival."

The other four people in the room exchanged surprised glances. They had heard about Duke Cheng'en's wife being at Sanqing Temple, but they were truly unaware of the heir's wife returning to her family.

Marquis Yongyi was the first to recover his composure. "Since there isn't a proper lady of the house over there right now, I'll go alone today."

"Absolutely not," the Marquis' wife scoffed. "On the contrary, this is precisely why I must go. With no proper lady of the house, even if I were to barge into Fourth Miss's courtyard, they wouldn't be able to do anything to me."

Meng Die: "Grandmother, I suspect that Duke Cheng'en might be favoring his concubine over his wife. If you were to go there, what would happen if that concubine were to offend you in any way?"

The mere thought of a servant girl attending to the Marquis's wife made everyone in the room even more uneasy.

Instead, Lady Yongyi chuckled. "If they know their place, then it's fine. But if they dare to let that concubine show her face without regard for propriety, wouldn't it be a waste of my title as an honored wife if I don't teach her a lesson?"

Marquis Yongyi agreed. "Indeed, you should have a few strong and capable matrons by your side."

" Hmm." Lady Yongyi's smile faded. "If all this is true, how should we handle it?"

The room fell silent. If this had been any other daughter of the Li family, Marquis Yongyi would undoubtedly have taken her back and fought a legal battle before the emperor for a divorce. But with Li Hui, his heart was too cold towards her; he didn't wish to bring her back.

Madam Ning glanced at Meng Die and said, "If all of this is true, then we can do without such an alliance. Bring her back home."

Marquis Yongyi let out a heavy sigh.

Meng Die continued, "Grandfather, if it comes to that, we must insist that Duke Cheng'en's household favors his concubine over his wife."

Marquis Yongyi was taken aback. "What do you mean?"

Meng Die replied, "No matter how outrageous the Prince Consort's actions may be, it ultimately occurred within the family's quarters. Duke Cheng'en will inevitably bear the blame for failing to discipline his household, and his wife will also be held accountable for her negligence. It might even implicate others." Meng Die pointed upwards, indicating the heavens.

Marquis Yongyi paused, aware of the situation. A mother's tainted reputation could indeed impact her own daughter. Duke Cheng'en's wife bore the Empress. Should Duke Cheng'en favor his concubine over his wife, the Duchess would become the victim, thus sparing the Empress from any scandal.

Madam Marquis understood as well. "In that case, I'll make it my mission to obtain solid evidence of this favoritism and wife-neglect tomorrow."

Meng Die chuckled. "I suspect someone in Duke Cheng'en's household has already advised the Duchess on this matter. Otherwise, why would she be in seclusion without even the presence of the Heir's wife?"

It seemed that someone was already planning to implicate Duke Cheng'en with this accusation. The Marquis' actions were merely fueling the fire.

With their plans set, Marquis Yongyi promptly instructed his servants to prepare a letter of visitation and wait by Duke Cheng'en's residence early the next day. As soon as the Duke's residence opened its gates, the letter was to be delivered immediately.

As the sky began to lighten, the servants of Duke Cheng'en's residence rubbed their eyes and opened the grand gates. To their surprise, two sturdy male servants were already standing at the entrance, fully alert. The young servant asked, perplexed, "What brings you here?"

"We are from Marquis Yongyi's residence. This is our Lord Marquis's visitation card," one of them replied.

Taking the card with both hands, the young servant responded, "Very well, I'll deliver it immediately. Please come in."

"No need, we'll return promptly with an answer."

Watching the two servants depart, the young man yawned and carried the visitation card to the head steward, Liu Zhong. Liu Zhong had spent the previous night with a courtesan and, after such revelry, had no energy for anything in the early morning. He barely managed to rise, listened drowsily to a few reports, and then dozed off again. The visitation card was long forgotten at the back of his mind.

The procession of Marquis Yongyi and his lady swept into the street where Duke Cheng'en's residence stood, prompting servants to hasten to report the news. Duke Cheng'en, who had only recently risen from his morning repose, was utterly bewildered—what could this mean?

After Liu Zhong dozed off for a brief nap, his mind gradually cleared. Recalling the letter of visitation, he promptly instructed his servants to retrieve it and present it to Duke Cheng'en.

Duke Cheng'en unfolded the letter and, disregarding the formalities, found a single message: Marquis Yongyi, along with his wife, would pay a visit in two hours' time.

As Duke Cheng'en instructed his servants to open the gates in welcome, he scolded, "Why didn't you deliver the tribute letter immediately?"

Liu Zhong's face was contorted with distress. "My lord, I truly didn't anticipate this. Which family sends a visiting card in the morning and pays a visit on the same day? Under normal circumstances, the soonest they would come is the following day."

"Enough, enough, go fetch your Seventh Lord immediately." The reason for Marquis Yongyi and his wife's visit could only be related to their children. Recalling the humiliation he had suffered at the hands of Marquis Yongyi last time, Duke Cheng'en's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Go inform your lady to prepare herself to entertain Lady Marquis Yongyi."

Gaoling arrived with dark circles under his eyes. Knowing that trouble was brewing ever since Xiao Cui and her husband ran away last night, he had grilled those concubines all night, trying to find out what they had told Xiao Cui. Despite his efforts, they still refused to speak, leaving him in a foul mood. Upon hearing that his own father was looking for him, Gaoling reluctantly changed his clothes and suppressed his anger before heading over.

By now, Marquis Yongyi's procession was less than half a mile from the Gao residence, and the sound of copper gongs echoed clearly in Duke Cheng'en's manor.

Seeing his son, Duke Cheng'en immediately scolded, "You wicked creature! What has happened between you and your wife? Why would Marquis Yongyi come over so early in the morning?"

"Dad," Gaoling promptly knelt down. "It's all my fault. One of my concubines is pregnant, and as I have no children despite my age, I've been rather indulgent towards her lately. Li Shi couldn't tolerate this and punished the concubine. Concerned for the child, I argued with Li Shi. When she struck the concubine, I panicked and pushed her. Dad, it's all my fault. I'll kneel down and apologize to the Marquis later."

Duke Cheng'en's stern expression softened slightly. "Why did you have to make a scene?"

Gaoling's face was full of obedience. "Yes, Father, I realize my mistake."

"Get up," Duke Cheng'en's countenance improved further. As he walked towards the entrance, the sound of the bronze gongs grew louder, and his mood darkened once more.

In the capital, when inviting someone for a meal, three days' notice was considered a request, two days was an invitation, and the same day was a last-minute summons. The same applied to visits; presenting a letter of visitation on the same day it was sent was a blatant slap in the face.

Today, Marquis Yongyi had come on horseback and dismounted at the gate.

Duke Cheng'en's face immediately twisted into an uneasy smile. "Why has my son-in-law come so early in the morning? This rascal just admitted to making a mistake."

Gaoling bowed respectfully. "I pay my respects to my father-in-law. It was my fault; I should not have lost my composure in a moment of panic."

"Oh? Your fault, what did you do wrong?" Marquis Yongyi held a hidden suspicion. He no longer fully trusted Li Hui and was worried that this could be a ploy orchestrated by her. Although the likelihood was slim, he remained cautious.

Duke Cheng'en suggested, "Let's go inside first, we can discuss it there."

Marquis Yongyi remained still. "What exactly did you do?"

Duke Cheng'en's smile vanished instantly, his dissatisfaction with Marquis Yongyi reaching its peak. He had shown mercy for the marquis's jealous daughter, but the latter had no shame. Duke Cheng'en decided against further persuasion: "Damn disobedient wretch, just confess what you've done."

Gaoling paused, not expecting this reaction from Marquis Yongyi. He had no choice but to recycle the same false story he had told Duke Cheng'en.

Duke Cheng'en said, "My dear in-law, it's all my fault for not disciplining my son properly. Today, feel free to punish him however you wish; I won't intervene."

After hearing Gaoling's explanation, Marquis Yongyi was relieved that Meng Die had seen through the scheme. They had actually succeeded in framing Miss Li! So, my daughter is jealous, huh? Marquis Yongyi sneered. "Does Lord Duke think I'm incapable of distinguishing right from wrong? For my daughter to attack a pregnant concubine is lawlessness at its worst. Fetch her for me. Today, I'll teach her a lesson and remind her that jealousy is one of the seven grounds for divorce."

Gaoling was dumbfounded. This... This wasn't how Mother had described the situation. Wasn't he supposed to be scolded for his haste, given a fake reprimand, and then let off the hook? Why was he being asked to summon someone when she was still unconscious?!

Duke Cheng'en was equally taken aback. Was this... Was Marquis Yongyi really that hot-tempered?

Marquis Yongyi: "What are you still standing there for? Hurry up and call for someone!"

Gaoling fell to his knees. "Father-in-law, please calm your anger. This is all my fault. It's because I've been overly indulgent with that concubine these days that my wife has become upset. All the mistakes lie with me."

Duke Cheng'en stroked his beard. "In-laws, there's no need to be too angry. They're both young and full of passion; it's normal for them to have a heated exchange every now and then."

Marquis Yongyi: "My wife and I have never argued before."

Ah! Duke Cheng'en nearly choked to death.

The Marquis Yongyi's gaze once again fell upon Gaoling: "Overindulging in a concubine? Is the Imperial Uncle admitting to favoring a concubine over his wife?"

Duke Cheng'en's face instantly flushed with anger. "Marquis Yongyi, what is the true motive behind your words? You leap to her defense merely over a minor squabble between spouses. Is this how the Li family teaches their daughters?"

Marquis Yongyi was undaunted. "My lord, it's broad daylight now. Are you trying to twist the truth and accuse me? I merely asked for his presence so I could teach my daughter a lesson, but he was the one who admitted to being overly indulgent with his concubine. All these people, both inside and outside the estate, heard him clearly."

Isn't that just polite talk to save face for your family? Duke Cheng'en also lost his temper. "Why are you still kneeling? Hurry up and send for someone."

Gaoling remained kneeling without moving: "Father-in-law, father, please calm your anger. No matter what the fault, it is all mine. Any punishment or scolding I receive is well-deserved."

Marquis Yongyi finally confirmed at this moment that today's incident was not orchestrated by Li Hui. Gaoling was too apprehensive, it seemed that all that Xiaocui had said was true. With a solid foundation in his heart, Marquis Yongyi spoke with increasing firmness and increasing impolite: "Uncle of the nation, you have repeatedly obstructed me from seeing my daughter. Could it be that you have done something and are now feeling guilty, afraid to let her come to see me?"

Duke Cheng'en roared with indignation, "Marquis Yongyi! I've tolerated your disrespectful remarks time and again, considering our connection as in-laws. Don't push your luck!"

Marquis Yongyi retorted in an even louder voice, "I'm being unreasonable? Asking to see my own daughter is considered excessive? Which law or decree of our Great Yi Dynasty states that a father seeking to meet his daughter is overstepping his bounds?"

Duke Cheng'en trembled with rage, "When have I ever forbidden you from seeing him?"

Marquis Yongyi inquired, "Then what is the meaning of your hesitation and objections? Why haven't you sent for someone?"

Gaoling remained kneeling, unmovable. Duke Cheng'en turned to Liu Zhong, who stood by his side, and instructed, "Fetch Madam Qi from your household."

Gaoling: "Father, my wife's health has been fragile, and she's recently fallen ill. It truly isn't appropriate for her to meet others."

Marquis Yongyi scoffed, "Not presentable? Does that mean I'm an outsider? If she's unwell, they can find a cushioned couch or a stretcher for her. Today, she'll be carried out before me, whether alive or dead."

As Duke Cheng'en began to speak, Marquis Yongyi interjected with a sinister tone, "Is Your Excellency determined to bar me from seeing my daughter today?"

Duke Cheng'en clamped his lips shut. No matter how much he protested, it was only natural for a father to want to see his daughter. His obstruction would genuinely make their Duke Cheng'en Mansion appear guilty.

Gaoling cast a glance at Duke Cheng'en, who shot him a sharp look in response. "Why haven't you gone to fetch her?"

Reluctantly, Gaoling got up and went to the inner quarters to summon her.

Duke Cheng'en discreetly observed Marquis Yongyi, who maintained a stoic expression without uttering a word. Standing motionless at the entrance, he resembled an intimidating door guardian with his darkened face.

Lowering his voice, Duke Cheng'en whispered to Liu Zhong by his side, "What exactly is going on between those two?"

Liu Zhong: "Lord, those are matters of the inner chambers, and this lowly one is not well-informed about them."

In no time, Gaoling emerged from the inner chambers, followed by several rough-handed maidservants. They carried a portable bed, its surface covered with brocade blankets. The shape of the bedding clearly indicated that someone was lying beneath it.

Gaoling: "Father, Father-in-law, my lady's health is indeed fragile. Recently, she has been suffering from persistent headaches, making it difficult for her to rise from bed."

"Greetings, Father, I..."

Marquis Yongyi strode forward, lifted the cotton quilt in two steps, seized the person on the soft couch by their collar, and effortlessly pulled them upright. The entire movement was as smooth as flowing clouds and water, executed flawlessly without any superfluous gestures.

Stunned, everyone inside and outside the gates stood frozen.

"Gaoling!" bellowed Marquis Yongyi, stomping forward.

"Ahh!" Gaoling, who had been guarding the canopy bed, was knocked to the ground by the marquis's kick.

"Who is this lowly wench? Daring to impersonate my daughter! Speak, what have you done to my daughter?" Marquis Yongyi violently hurled the woman he held in his grasp toward Gaoling.

Just as Gaoling attempted to rise, the impact struck again, eliciting another piercing scream.

Marquis Yongyi spun around and fiercely grabbed Duke Cheng'en's collar. "You, Duke Cheng'en, you and your household, what have you done to my daughter? Did you kill her? Is that it? Where is she?"

Duke Cheng'en was genuinely stunned. "T-This, is there some misunderstanding? Huh? T-T-This..."

Marquis Yongyi: "Misunderstanding? What misunderstanding? Presenting a lowly servant as my daughter, what kind of misunderstanding could there be? What have you done to my innocent daughter in your Duke Cheng'en residence! If you don't give me an explanation today, we will be irreconcilable enemies."

Duke Cheng'en's mind was a blank slate. He instinctively shouted at Gaoling, "Where is she? What was the meaning of bringing a servant girl here? Go and call her over right now!"

Gaoling trembled, unable to utter a single word.

Suddenly, an elderly servant rushed out from the second gate: "Duke, Duke, save us! Marquisess Yongyi is about to beat our lady to death!"

Huh?

Marquis Yongyi released Duke Cheng'en's collar. The latter was still dizzy with confusion. "What's going on?"

The servant threw herself to her knees. "Save us, Duke! The Marquisess claims that our lady has offended her and is now attacking her relentlessly."

Without a word, Marquis Yongyi hurried towards the back, his figure tense but his steps small. As expected, Duke Cheng'en caught up with him in two strides, surpassing his pace to get ahead of him.

Marquis Yongyi gave a subtle signal to his attendant, and the sturdy servant promptly seized the woman impersonating Li Hui as everyone else rushed into the inner residence. With a firm grip on her mouth, he bound her and silenced her before tossing her into the Marquis's entourage.

Just as Duke Cheng'en and Marquis Yongyi reached the inner gate, they were met with cries of agony.

Duke Cheng'en hastened his pace, and Marquis Yongyi followed closely, with the other butlers and attendants in tow.

A woman, dressed in silk and brocade with a seven-pronged phoenix hairpin adorning her head, was kneeling on the ground, held down by two matrons. Before her stood another robust matron, vigorously slapping her cheeks with open arms.

Upon recognizing that familiar figure, Duke Cheng'en paled, and he opened his mouth, about to speak.

"Marquis," the Marquise took the initiative, calling out loudly to gather everyone's attention before swiftly making her way to Marquis Yongyi's side. "My dear Marquis, Duke Cheng'en's Manor has gone too far in their insults, showing not the slightest respect for our household. Today, they have crossed the line by affronting us directly—it is better then to sever this marital tie; our humble family cannot aspire to be matched with such imperial relatives."

Marquis Yongyi asked, "My lady, what's the matter? Has something happened?"

Lady Marquis: "Duke Cheng'en actually sends a lowly maid to entertain me, and this wench even has the audacity to address me as an in-law. My in-laws are the birth mother of Her Majesty the Empress, a lady with an imperial decree of honor. What right does this trifle have to claim a connection with me?" Lady Marquis turned to Duke Cheng'en. "Your noble house seems to have quite the grand air. Are you looking down on our Marquis Yongyi's estate or my status as a lady from the esteemed Duke Rongguo's family? Today, I must seek justice before the Empress Dowager."

Duke Cheng'en looked around the main hall blankly. The doors were wide open, offering a clear view of the interior. The only item on the table was a set for serving tea, with not a soul in sight. "Where is your lady?"

Liu Zhong proved to be fairly reliable: "Madam went to the Sanqing Temple for meditation last year and has yet to return."

Duke Cheng'en: "I'm asking about your son's wife. Where is she?"

Liu Zhong: "The Lady of the Heir Apparent returned to her natal family before the New Year. The Heir Apparent has gone to ask for her return several times, but was unable to see her."

Duke Cheng'en was momentarily lost in thought. Yes, that did happen. He even scolded the Heir Apparent, who only knelt there without a word.

"DUKE YONGYI!" he roared. "My daughter's fate remains unknown, and now you dare to insult my wife. If I were to let this matter slide today, would I not be failing as a husband and a father?"

Seizing Duke Cheng'en's arm, Marquis Yongyi declared, "Come, let us present our case before the Emperor."

Duke Cheng'en hastily interjected, trying to retreat: "Misunderstanding, misunderstanding, it's all a mi..."

"Lord Duke, Lord Duke, it's terrible, it's terrible!" A servant rushed in, stumbling and crawling.

"What happened?" Duke Cheng'en was unexpectedly delighted. The Marquis Yongyi couple paused, and as long as he could keep them from leaving, any mishap at this moment would be considered good news to him.

The servant fell to his knees with a thud: "Lord Duke, you've been impeached by the Censorate."

Ah! It was like a basin of icy water had been poured over his head. Duke Cheng'en's face showed a fleeting look of confusion: "What did you say?"

"Duke Cheng'en, you've been impeached. The Imperial Censors from the Board of Supervisors accuse you of seizing fertile lands, forcibly abducting innocent maidens, and allowing your servants to commit heinous acts with impunity. His Majesty has commanded you to defend yourself in the Diligent Governance Hall. The imperial messenger is arriving momentarily to deliver the edict," the servant announced solemnly.

Duke Cheng'en felt as if the world was spinning around him. Liu Zhong, standing by his side, promptly supported him, saying, "My Lord, take care of your health."

Marquis Yongyi exchanged a glance with his wife. She discreetly signaled to the matrons, and the three women swiftly bound the concubine, stuffing a handkerchief into her mouth to silence her.

The imperial messenger conveying the royal decree was none other than Lin Chu, the Chief Eunuch in attendance to the emperor. Arriving on horseback, Lin Chu was momentarily taken aback upon seeing Marquis Yongyi's retinue parked outside Duke Cheng'en's residence. With the urgency of the imperial command, he had no time to ponder the situation and quickly entered Duke Cheng'en's estate.

Upon encountering Duke Cheng'en, Lin Chu bowed respectfully. "Greetings, My Lord. His Majesty's decree requests that you immediately proceed to the Diligent Governance Hall to defend yourself." By emphasizing 'immediately,' Lin Chu indicated the urgency, implying that Duke Cheng'en need not change into formal court attire. As long as he was not in undergarments, he could present himself before the emperor.

Duke Cheng'en: "Your servant obeys the command and shall set out immediately."

Having conveyed the imperial edict, Lin Chu bowed to Marquis Yongyi and his wife, "Greetings, Lord Marquis, Lady."

Marquis Yongyi: "Director Lin, it's fortunate you're here. I have a favor to ask of you. My daughter married into Duke Cheng'en's residence, but now she's neither seen alive nor found dead. It wouldn't be proper for me to barge in forcefully. I kindly request Director Lin to accompany my wife to search the inner quarters and see if our daughter is still alive, or where she might be."

Even someone as knowledgeable and experienced as Lin Chu was taken aback. What was this all about?

Lady Hou: "Director Lin, if you please, I would be grateful if you could accompany me to the inner chambers to serve as a witness."

Lin Chu: "I have the Emperor's command to return to the palace with Duke Cheng'en immediately. Would it be acceptable for two of my eunuchs to accompany Lady to the inner residence?"

"Many thanks, Chief Eunuch Lin."

Lin Chu promptly selected two eunuchs.

Marquis Yongyi and his Lady exchanged a glance, deciding to split up. Marquis Yongyi would accompany Duke Cheng'en to the palace to meet the Emperor, while Lady would go to the rear residence to assess the situation and gather evidence herself before entering the palace for an audience.