Seeing that he was angry, Mrs. Wang quickly said seriously: "I'm just joking." She paused and said, "This fact is ridiculous. That prince is famous for self-denial and restoration of etiquette. He also studied under the great Confucian Chen Ping and received his true biography. He is a How could a person who has etiquette engraved into his bones do such a thing?"
Cui Wenjing said unhappily: "You mean Yuanniang seduced the prince because she was unruly?"
Wang waved her hand, "Don't talk nonsense. Yuanniang has always been smart, and she has such a relationship with Prince Qing. How could she risk her own life to offend the prince?"
Cui Wenjing shut up and said nothing.
The more Wang thought about it, the more incredible she found it. She said to herself: "It's really strange. Two people who are so incompatible with each other actually got together. If my parents knew about it, they would be scared to death."
Cui Wenjing fidgeted and said, "I'm just worried. I don't know how to talk to them."
Wang frowned, "It's not a problem for Dalang to hide it. Now that it has been spread, they will know it sooner or later. It's better to open up and make it clear so that we can come up with an idea."
Cui Wenjing was silent.
Wang advised: "Now that the two elders are in the house, Dalang will go to discuss this matter with them after dinner. Should we call Yuanniang back to ask clearly? We have to make a decision."
Cui Wenjing sighed heavily and complained: "I don't know what happened to the Cui family this year. Everything is not going well."
Mrs. Wang reassured: "Maybe next year it will be smooth."
So under her persuasion, the couple had dinner and stayed a little later before going to Jin's Ruyi Hall.
Cui Pingying was also there at that time, and the couple were chatting about their family affairs. Suddenly, the maid came to report that Wang had come to discuss something.
Jin was quite surprised, looked at Cui Pingying and said, "What are we discussing this late at night?"
Cui Pingying: "You'll know when you meet me."
After a while, Cui Wenjing and his wife came into the side room to greet them. Seeing their solemn expressions, Jin frowned and said, "What's wrong with you two, being so serious?"
The couple looked at each other, Cui Wenjing dismissed the rest and said seriously: "I have something I want to tell you."
Seeing his seriousness, Cui Pingying frowned and said, "What's the matter?"
Cui Wenjing sat on the stool, hesitated for a long time, and then explained the rumors about Cui Wenxi and the prince in detail. Hearing this, Jin couldn't sit still, and felt the blood soaring from the soles of his feet to his forehead, and blurted out: "Impossible! Yuan Yuan How could my mother do such a thing?!"
Mrs. Wang quickly comforted her and said, "Don't be upset, mom. This is just a rumor."
Jin said with an excited expression: "It concerns the crown prince and the heir apparent of a country. How can it be groundless?"
Wang kept silent.
Cui Pingying's face didn't look good either. He tried hard to restrain his panic and asked calmly: "Where did you hear that?"
Cui Wenjing replied: "What my colleagues say is correct."
Cui Pingying twitched the corner of her mouth and was completely confused.
Jin said anxiously: "Yuan Niang has kept her own rules and has been prudent since she was a child. How could she do such a reckless thing?"
Mrs. Wang also said: "There must be something hidden in this, and we can't come up with an idea, so we came here to consult with my parents. We have to find out clearly before we can feel at ease."
Cui Pingying kept a dark face, wondering what his mood was.
Cui Wenjing said with a headache: "My son thinks that if this matter is true, and how dad plans to deal with it, Yuan Niang cannot be left alone."
Cui Pingying gritted her teeth and said, "I don't believe it." He added, "I think little of her, but the prince is the nephew of Prince Qing. Although she has reconciled with Prince Qing, she is still her former aunt. How could this aunt be with her nephew?" Are you getting involved?"
Cui Wenjing shut up and said nothing.
Cui Pingying couldn't believe it, and said to herself: "I don't believe it. Yuan Niang has always behaved prudently. She is recognized as a prudent person among the noble families in the capital. She would never do such a scandal that would disgrace her family."
Jin also said: "Yes, it is not good to provoke anyone, but it is the prince. How could she dare to have a relationship with the prince? Isn't this self-destructive?"
Wang suddenly thought, "What if the prince goes to provoke her?"
As soon as these words came out, everyone looked at her with expressions of hell.
Cui Wenjing immediately denied: "How is this possible? The prince studied under Chen Ping, knew etiquette, and never did anything out of the ordinary. No one in the civil and military circles in the dynasty knew that he was of noble character and kept himself clean. He didn't even have a concubine in the East Palace, let alone There has never been any rumor of romantic deeds, how could someone with such a gentlemanly character be obsessed with his royal aunt?"
Cui Pingying also said: "This is true. The prince has never done anything extraordinary. This behavior is not like his behavior."
Wang asked her soul: "How did those two people get together?"
Everyone: "..."
Jin said irritably: "I don't believe that Yuanniang would take the initiative to provoke the prince. She shouldn't be so stupid. If she hasn't left the cabinet, she still has a future by clinging to the prince. The Cui family has a family background, and she herself Not bad. But now that she has become a second wife and has no children, and her relationship with the prince was once an aunt and nephew, what is the use of using her wealth to provoke the prince? "
Cui Pingying agreed: "This is exactly the reason. Among the children, I can't trust anyone, but I can trust Yuan Niang's actions. She has been smart and clear-headed since she was a child. Since she was ruthless enough to reconcile with Prince Qing, , naturally you should know what the East Palace means."
Wang said: "Father is right, the most urgent task is to find Yuanniang and question her." He added, "If this matter is known to the palace, I don't know how big a fight will be caused."
This statement made everyone worried because it was indeed ridiculous.
Jin's eyelids were twitching wildly and he said, "I'll bring Yuanniang back tomorrow and ask what's going on."
Cui Wenjing said seriously: "Dad, have you ever thought about how this matter will end?"
Cui Pingying: "..."
He really didn't know how to end it.
Cui Wenjing continued: "If Prince Qing knew about it, he would probably come to his door. That would be embarrassing."
Cui Pingying: "..."
Wang said unhappily: "What qualifications does Prince Qing have to make trouble? It was he who wanted to reconcile for the sake of his wife. Now he has nothing to do with Yuanniang, so why should he make trouble with his ex-wife?"
Cui Wenjing: "Having said that, he must be unhappy because the prince has such a relationship with him."
Jin said coldly: "Is it possible that Yuanniang deliberately retaliated against him and embarrassed him with the prince?"
Everyone: "..."
Don't dare to think about it.
Cui Pingying said upset: "Stop guessing, we'll find her back tomorrow."
Since Cui Wenjing had to have a court meeting tomorrow and needed to get up early, the two parties dispersed as soon as it got dark.
After they left, Jin sighed: "Yuan Niang's life is miserable. I don't know when she will be the best."
Cui Pingying: "Stop talking about it and think about how to keep her. If the palace is angry, she will probably suffer. Not only will King Qing find trouble, but the saint will also interfere. After all, this matter is outrageous."
Hearing what he said, Jin became anxious, "But if it was the prince who provoked him, wouldn't Yuanniang be unjustly accused?"
Cui Pingying said helplessly: "Are you going back as you live? This world has always been harsh on girls. Even if she does nothing, rumors will always slander her, and no one dares to criticize the prince. We can only do our best." Keep her, understand?”
Mrs. Jin showed a heart-warming expression, "Thankfully, as a father, you take her into your heart."
Cui Pingying frowned and said, "What are you talking about? I've been partial to her since she was a child, and I don't want to see her suffer any injustice. If I can't even protect my own daughter, then I, as the prince of the country, don't do it."
Jin hurriedly said: "Don't worry, I will ask Yuan Niang in person when she comes back tomorrow before making any plans. It's useless to say anything now."
Cui Pingying came up with an idea: "Be tactful when you talk to her. Don't offend her or make her stubborn." He added, "I can't come forward in this matter. It's best for you women to test her. She shouldn't be able to do it." Hide and tuck."
Jin responded: "I know."
After finally surviving the night, the Jin family sent someone to Changlingfang early the next morning.
Cui Wenxi was not surprised at all when he learned that his mother was going to see someone. After sending away the Cui family's servants, he tilted his head and looked at the gloomy sky and said, "Here he comes."
Fang Ling asked cautiously: "Are you afraid, madam?"
Cui Wenxi glanced at her sideways, "Do you think I'm afraid? I've caused such a big disaster. Once the palace gets angry, I'll definitely be doomed."
Fang Ling felt a little uneasy, "Madam, I still can't put all my bets on the prince. If he can't control the empress in the palace, wouldn't you be wronged?"
Cui Wenxi: "Take care of things for me, and then go back to your parents' house to be miserable."
Fang Ling didn't know whether to laugh or cry, "My lady is still interested in joking."
Cui Wenxi frowned, "Even if we fight, we have to fight with a smile. How can I, Mrs. Cui, kneel down and beg and fight while crying?"
Fangling: "..."
Cui Wenxi straightened his back and said: "Prince Qing didn't ask me to bend my back, but the prince still couldn't." He paused for a moment and said, "I can climb out of King Qing's pit of fire, but the pit of the prince still can't bury me."
Seeing how calm she was, Fang Ling felt a little relieved, and couldn't help but admire her. It seemed that she would not be shaken even if the sky fell. She didn't have the recklessness and panic of ordinary women at all, and she was always fearless. Quiet.
This calmness can be seen from when he first learned that King Qing had brought his wife back to the capital but still thought about getting his nails done.
After returning to the wing and changing into decent clothes, Fang Ling took the fox fur and put it on.
It is now approaching the end of the New Year, the weather is extremely cold, and there is a slight tendency of snow.
Cui Wenxi held the heater and wore a fox fur cloak. He was helped by Fang Ling into the carriage and drove slowly towards the Duke's Mansion.
Mrs. Jin ordered the small kitchen to prepare the dishes that her daughter loved to eat. At a quarter past noon, Cui Wenxi arrived at the Duke's Mansion. The servants came forward to welcome the master and servants into the Ruyi Hall.
Seeing her coming, Jin suppressed her sorrow and said happily: "Yuan Niang hasn't come back to see me for many days."
Cui Wenxi saluted and said, "How is my mother-in-law these days?"
Jin responded: "Everything is going well at home these days."
Fang Ling waited on Cui Wenxi to take off her fox fur cloak. A charcoal basin was lit in the side room. It was very warm. Cui Wenxi took off her outer robe. Jin took her hand and said, "Today, we have prepared your favorite wine-stuffed duck."
Cui Wenxi smiled and said: "I still feel sorry for my daughter."
Jin waved to her maid, "Go and invite Yu Niang to join us."
The maid answered yes and went to invite Mrs. Wang.
After a while, Mrs. Wang came over, and the three of them chatted for a while, but no one mentioned the prince.
Cui Wenxi was in a good mood today and ordered Huiquan Spring Wine.
The three of them sat together to warm wine and eat vegetables. Cui Wenxi liked wine-stuffed duck, so he ate two pieces and tasted half a bowl of tofu soup.
Jin didn't know where to start and looked at Wang from time to time.
Wang was also a little embarrassed.
When the two of them were worried about how to find a topic to talk about, Cui Wenxi, who had already seen through their thoughts, silently took a sip of wine and said with a smile: "Do you and my sister-in-law have something to say?"
The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law looked at each other, and finally Wang finally spoke and asked tentatively: "I wonder if Yuan Niang has heard anything in recent days?"
Cui Wenxi said softly "Oh" and said indifferently: "Is it rumored that I have an affair with the prince?"
Seeing that her attitude was neither itchy nor painful, Jin showed a strange expression, "They said that the prince stayed at Cui's house overnight, but I don't believe it."
Cui Wenxi put down his chopsticks, gently wiped the corners of his mouth with a handkerchief, looked at his mother and said, "That's what happened."
As soon as these words came out, Jin's expression froze. Although she had known it for a long time, she still couldn't bear to hear her daughter confirm it with her own ears.
Jin tried her best to stay calm and said, "Yuan Niang, don't try to fool me."
Cui Wenxi was silent for a while, then asked: "Are you willing to trust your daughter?"
Jin quickly responded: "Of course I believe you." He added, "You have been smart and clear-headed since you were a child. You have never done anything stupid. Naturally, you should be aware of the disadvantages of provoking the prince."
These words made Cui Wenxi very happy, "There is no better daughter than a mother."
Wang was confused and asked: "What is going on between you and the prince?"
Cui Wenxi thought about the words, gently rubbed the wine glass with his thumb, and said seriously: "The prince has the power of life and death. The Cui family's future is in his hands. No one dares to compete with him. Is this the truth?"
Wang frowned and looked at Jin.
Jin's heart suddenly tightened, and she said with some annoyance: "The prince is using force to force you?"
Cui Wenxi took a sip and said, "My mother-in-law underestimated him. That kid is a charlatan. Our Cui family has a deep foundation in Beijing. Once trouble breaks out, although the future will be lost, the face of the East Palace will be ruined."
Kim: "???"
Cui Wenxi said slowly: "He didn't use force, he used coaxing, half threatening and half coaxing."
Mrs. Wang couldn't look straight and blurted out: "You are his former aunt. This is against ethics. Isn't it treason?"
Cui Wenxi shook his head, "Sister-in-law is short-sighted. It's true that he is Chen Ping's student, but he was also educated by Emperor Wu. What can an arrogant and unruly person like Emperor Wu teach
"Don't you forget, who did the East Palace turn around in the first place? If there was no scheming, how could Emperor Wu be coaxed to pave the way for him, and even kill two of his sons, so that even King Qing would shy away from him. Like this Character, wouldn’t it be a joke if you always use ethical guidelines to restrain him?”
Jin's heart went crazy when she heard that. She naturally knew that during that bloody period, everyone in the capital was at war. Especially the nobles from aristocratic families like them were sleeping on the edge of a knife. They had no peace every day, for fear that they would fall to the ground if they were not careful. The abyss of eternal destruction.
After all, when Emperor Wu massacred King Qin and King Jing, the surrounding nobles suffered numerous casualties. The Cui family's survival depended on Duke Zhen's dealings.
Now when Cui Wenxi mentioned it, I still felt uncomfortable all over. I couldn't help but sigh: "Yes, to be able to beg for food from the mouth of a murderous person like Emperor Wu, the prince's mind is indeed different from ordinary people."
Cui Wenxi said seriously: "Now that Aniang understands this truth, she should know why my daughter is hanging out with him."
Jin's expression was sad, "You have no choice but to do so." He added, "The Cui family was powerless and couldn't protect you."
Cui Wenxi laughed, "Why do you have to be like this?"
Mrs. Wang was puzzled: "You have caused such a big disaster, how can Yuanniang still laugh?"
Cui Wenxi: "Of course I have to laugh. It's better to laugh more while I can laugh now." He paused for a moment and said, "At first, I thought that boy was just greedy for novelty. When he got tired of it, he would naturally let go. I never thought that he would be jealous. Zhen'er, the two of them were just wasting their time like this. Who would have thought that Yuan Wulang's trouble would be climbed up the wall in the middle of the night and sneaked to the prince's head. He couldn't bear it and broke his hamstring on the spot. I was afraid that the future of the Yuan family would also come to an end. ”
Jin said worriedly: "Now that there are rumors outside, what should you do? After all, you are his former aunt, and your behavior is indeed inappropriate."
Cui Wenxi comforted him: "Mom, please be at ease. The prince told me that I don't have to worry about anything. He will handle it in the palace and it will not affect the Cui family."
Jin was dubious, "Did he really say that?"
Cui Wenxi nodded, "Speaking of it, he has never done anything to hurt me, but you can't trust him completely. You have to make up your own mind."
Jin said worriedly: "That is the Tian family after all, what can you think of?"
Cui Wenxi had some calculations in her heart and said: "It doesn't matter, my daughter has her own way to save her life. She just needs to avoid the limelight." He paused for a moment and said, "I am telling you this so that you can have peace of mind. Don't let the war be chaotic. Understand?"
Jin sighed heavily, "What an injustice. After such a commotion, no one in the capital will dare to marry you in the future. I'm afraid your future will be completely ruined."
Cui Wenxi was tired of hearing these words. Ever since she reconciled with Prince Qing, the thing she heard the most about was her future.
"If Aniang is really so optimistic about the future, I will simply go to the East Palace and ask for a concubine position. If the prince takes over the throne in the future, won't I be able to overpower King Qing and earn face for you?"
“…”
How dare you think.
Jin laughed angrily and spat: "Don't be ridiculous."
Cui Wenxi curled his lips.
Jin said seriously: "Your father told me last night that no matter what, the Cui family will find a way to protect you."
Cui Wenxi said happily: "That's how dad is. He has never let his daughter down."
Wang reminded her, "If Prince Qing finds out about this, he will not let it go. Yuanniang must think of a way to deal with it."
Jin: "And in the middle palace, if Queen Ma summons you, you won't be able to avoid it. Have you thought about how to deal with it?"
Cui Wenxi said calmly: "The Central Palace will not summon me so soon, but Pingyang and Yongning will definitely come to me to ask questions. I have to work hard on them to protect myself."
Jin: "We can't sit still and wait for death."
Cui Wenxi nodded, "Don't worry, Mom, there is always a way to suppress this matter."
Afterwards, the three of them analyzed and discussed the matter carefully.
The mother's family has the backing and must not mess up the situation, so Cui Wenxi made a smart choice to let them figure out that the root cause of this matter is the prince. Even if something goes wrong with the prince, they will find a way to protect themselves in advance, instead of just waiting for death, let alone waiting. People give alms.
In other words, Cui Wenxi had long been mentally prepared to deal with this unexpected incident, but when Prince Qing came to question her, she still couldn't help but slap him.
The fact that the prince stayed at Cui's house overnight spread throughout the city.
No, Yan Lan from Prince Qing's Mansion was shocked when he learned about this from Mrs. Liu and said, "Don't try to bluff me. This matter is related to the reputation of the prince. How can you spread rumors?"
Mrs. Liu waved her hands repeatedly, "This matter cannot be false!"