Chapter 138: Chapter 138

In fact, the Ming Tai Emperor, who was currently being nagged by the system, was staring gloomily at the few remaining incense boxes in front of him.

Especially when a palace attendant reported that no matter how the subordinates tried, they couldn’t reproduce that special effect with this incense.

Not even seventy percent effectiveness—these useless people couldn’t even reach thirty percent.

After several days of excellent sleep, feeling refreshed, he suddenly had to go back to square one overnight. If it weren’t for the former emperor sending a peace request early on, the current emperor would have thought his own father’s unprecedented gift was actually a covert trap.

He ordered someone to light the last little bit of incense in the box before slowly putting down the memorial tablet and speaking:

“What about that Commandery Princess Zhaohui?”

“Your Majesty, the princess remains the same as before. She does not favor mingling with those in the palace. Previously, Consort De even tried to use the Lin family marriage connection to approach her, but she received no response whatsoever…”

“Her news sure comes quickly…”

The attendant lowered his head hastily beside him.

To Chief Steward Zhang, this newly appointed Commandery Princess Consort, though capable and fierce, was definitely not tactful or worldly-wise. Not to mention anything else, just look at how many gifts His Majesty had given her over the past months. If it were someone else, they would at least be trembling with gratitude or sending something good in return.

But this person, not only did he wait on the edge of his old bones, even His Majesty… this one was utterly unmoved…

“Right!” As if recalling something, Chief Steward Zhang’s tone faltered for a moment, then cautiously raised his head:

“The former emperor has been watching very closely these days. Those people Your Majesty previously ordered arranged have still not been able to get close to Commandery Princess Zhaohui…”

As expected, the Ming Tai Emperor’s tone showed little displeasure as he ordered the memorials to be put away.

“Recall everyone for now!”

His father had finally quieted down recently. Not wanting to cause him trouble, as a son, he couldn’t keep poking at his father’s sensitive spot. But as for this Commandery Princess Zhaohui…

Thinking of how the former emperor had been increasingly spirited these past two days, compared to his own growing fatigue, the Ming Tai Emperor briefly fell silent before speaking again:

“Double the rewards for Commandery Princess Zhaohui!”

Chief Steward Zhang hurriedly responded with a yes.

Unaware of the many layers of scheming in the palace, An Ning’s mood was unusually good on the day she left the palace, especially when seeing the orderly and well-regulated manor before her.

Normally, a commandery princess of this dynasty did not have a private residence. Or rather, in this era, women could barely hold onto any private property. But exceptions existed, didn’t they? The saint himself had personally granted it, so no one dared to argue.

Accompanied by her little maid, she toured the entire commandery princess mansion for several hours before returning to the study. Only then did An Ning pick up her brush to briefly explain the situation to her master and elder sister far away in Jiangnan, also reporting that she was safe.

Thinking back on these days, with Eldest Ya’s personality, even with the Lin family’s various attempts to mediate, she was probably very frightened.

Indeed, at the Lin family mansion in Jiangnan, with the wedding date approaching, Chen Daya showed no trace of joy as a new bride. It had already been several months since her younger sister left, and not a single message had come through.

Knowing her younger sister’s intelligence, this was impossible before—unless something terrible had happened. Thinking this, Daya could no longer sit still:

“Commissioner Lin, please at least tell me, where exactly has my sister… my sister gone?”

Sharing the same reaction were the Lin siblings, Daiyu and Jing. Recalling their father’s recently anxious gaze, after Daya left, the two exchanged a glance before Lin Jing stepped forward first:

“Father, Chen sister was taken away, right?”

Though posed as a question, Young Master Lin’s tone was especially certain.

His sister was just a commoner maid, with a clear and unblemished background and no other ties. So how could someone take such an interest in her and leave their father so helpless…

Recalling the news he had overheard days ago, Lin Jing’s expression suddenly darkened:

“Father, a few days ago, I went out with some classmates and unintentionally heard that the former emperor had been seriously ill recently, feared to be incurable…”

“Jing’er!” Before he finished, Lin Ruhai interrupted: “Regarding the saint’s health, such grave matters, how can one trust wild rumors outside!”

As a loyal subject, one cannot recklessly spread rumors.

Looking at his children before him, Lin Ruhai’s gaze was unusually sharp and harsh. After a moment, facing their knowing glances, he reluctantly nodded:

“You two guessed correctly. But for now, no news is the best news…”

At least no bad news had come from Daming Palace, so it seemed more likely that Miss Chen was safe…

As for the rest, understanding the coldness of the imperial household, even Lin Ruhai dared not entertain any reckless hopes.

Seeing his father’s expression, Lin Jing couldn’t help but clench his fist beneath the wide sleeves.

Harboring these thoughts, no one was prepared when a clearly court-attired person respectfully knocked on the Liang family’s door. Everyone was stunned:

“What? The Commandery Princess Consort…”

Not to mention the already stunned Xu Yuan, Chen Daya, who had hurried over after receiving the news, was also unable to come to terms with it for a long while.

His younger sister, a commandery princess?

Even if ignorant, Daya understood the meaning of those two words well, especially since she had been educated by the officials these past few years…

After days of worry, suddenly hearing such news, if not for the little maid firmly supporting her from behind, Chen Daya would have almost fainted on the spot.

Also stunned were the Huang family members who came to discuss the marriage. Because the wedding date had been postponed repeatedly, to be honest, they were quite displeased with this fiancée even before arriving.

If not for the Lin family’s reputation behind her, Lady Huang might have long since given up.

Though the Huang family were merchants, in Yangzhou City they still had some standing, far better than those useless doctors. But now…

Displeasure, trouble? None of that existed. Overwhelmed with enormous joy, Master Huang even trembled uncontrollably.

Heaven above, what kind of luck was this for the Huang family?

This was no fiancée—they were a family ancestor! At this moment, Master Huang only wished the wedding could be moved up to make the union absolutely certain.

Speaking of which, he had seen that young Miss Chen before and had thought her extraordinary, no ordinary girl. Now, it was obvious!

As for whether these people were fake, Master Huang snorted softly—how could that be?

Though he didn’t know how Miss Chen had gone from a commoner maid to commandery princess consort overnight, no one would dare impersonate someone from the imperial court. Judging by their appearance, there was no chance of fakery.

Until the little yellow-robed eunuch who delivered the message left, the group still couldn’t fully process the news. It was Master Huang who first reacted, hurriedly pulling out a thick stack of silver notes from his pocket, smiling broadly as he tried to hand them to the eunuchs.

Seeing their obvious refusal, Master Huang’s smile grew even wider. Those in power were often the most mercenary.

Though outsiders, this Commandery Princess Consort’s status was clearly no joke!

Sigh, he would have to discuss with his wife later—this bride price would have to be increased. Even though Zhou was the second son, the marriage couldn’t be cheap, right?