Crowned by the Treacherous Big Shot
Chapter 507 - 443: Reclaiming Destiny

Chapter 507: Chapter 443: Reclaiming Destiny

Rose Garden.

Dou Qingyi was in shock for a long time after hearing that the Crown Prince had brought back a woman.

Did His Highness not enter the Imperial Palace today?

How could he have brought back a woman?

If, at this moment, the imperial edict for the betrothal has yet to arrive at the Crown Prince Mansion, then it is likely it will not come at all.

This would also explain why Eunuch Zhen had fled earlier as though in a panic—surely there had been some mishap regarding the betrothal edict.

Dou Qingyi clenched her fists and said to her personal maid, "Hui Zhi, go find Steward Jia and have him figure out what exactly happened."

"Yes."

The personal maid Hui Zhi left to carry out her orders.

Steward Jia had only recently been punished with a beating a few days ago, and now he was resting in his room to recover.

When Hui Zhi found him and informed him about the Crown Prince bringing back a woman, as well as the disruption in the betrothal proceedings, he was even more astonished than Dou Qingyi.

"Another one?"

Compared to the stalled betrothal, Steward Jia thought the fact that the Crown Prince had brought back a second woman was even more outrageous.

He had served the Crown Prince for many years and had never realized the Crown Prince was so... amorous.

"Alright, I’ll go ask around."

Dragging his still-aching rear, Steward Jia went to gather information.

As the steward, he had his ways of getting the news from all corners of the mansion, and he even had a network within the ranks of the Imperial Guards.

Half an hour later, he hobbled his way to the Rose Garden.

"This servant greets Madam," he said, cupping his hands in salute.

His days of resting and doing nothing but eating had made him a bit rounder.

Dou Qingyi glanced at him and spoke warmly, "Steward Jia, there’s no need for excessive formality. Someone, bring him a seat."

Steward Jia smiled wryly, "Thank you, Madam, but this servant... shall remain standing."

Remembering the beating he’d received not long ago, Dou Qingyi sighed, "That was my oversight."

Steward Jia chuckled, "Madam has been diligently managing matters for His Highness and the Commandery Prince. Your responsibilities are many; how could this servant dare trouble you?"

Dou Qingyi said, "Steward Jia, let’s skip the pleasantries. What have you learned about the woman His Highness brought back? From which family is she, or is she a lady granted by one of the Imperial concubines?"

This was the only plausible explanation Dou Qingyi could think of.

Someone within the palace must have set their sights on the position of Crown Princess and fed poison into His Majesty’s ear.

"This..."

Steward Jia hesitated greatly.

Dou Qingyi said, "Just say whatever it is, no need to hold back."

This time, it was Steward Jia’s turn to sigh. "To be honest, this servant could not uncover much about that Madam’s background. What is certain is that she wasn’t bestowed by any Imperial concubine, nor does she have any ties to the Imperial Palace. However..."

Dou Qingyi knitted her brows, "However, what?"

Steward Jia said, "However, there does seem to be some connection to Young Master Linyuan. Apparently... she is Young Master Lu Linyuan’s mother."

Dou Qingyi clutched her handkerchief tightly. "His Highness’s old acquaintance?"

Steward Jia smiled awkwardly. "That, this servant does not know."

After all, he was a steward, not a scout; how could he dig up someone’s entire history so quickly?

He observed Dou Qingyi’s expression and cautiously added, "In addition, there is one other matter..."

Dou Qingyi said, "Speak!"

Steward Jia detected the anger in her voice. As a man, he could hardly understand why Madam was so enraged.

For a man to have multiple wives and concubines—wasn’t this common? Besides, the master in question was the Crown Prince; how could the residence possibly have only one woman in it forever?

"Madam, please don’t be upset."

Because what would upset her even more was yet to come.

"His Majesty has rescinded the command."

"Which command?"

"The decree to appoint the Crown Princess Consort."

More precisely, the decree to appoint Dou Qingyi as the Crown Princess Consort.

Whether another woman might be appointed in the future was not yet clear.

In one thing, Dou Qingyi had guessed correctly.

The ladies in the Imperial Palace were indeed envious of the position of Crown Princess, each one eager to marry someone from their own family into the Crown Prince Mansion.

Dou Qingyi’s face turned as pale as a sheet. "Why?"

Steward Jia said, "This servant does not know."

Dou Qingyi felt as though all the strength had been drained from her body.

She had waited so long for the position of Crown Princess. The imperial edict had already been issued, only awaiting its formal announcement, yet His Majesty had withdrawn it at the last moment.

Why?

Why on earth?

Could it be that the Crown Prince had begged His Majesty on behalf of that woman?

Or had that illegitimate brat Lu Linyuan whispered slander into His Majesty’s ear?

Why was it, every time, she came so close to the position of Crown Princess, only to fail at the last moment?

Suppressing her fury as best she could, Dou Qingyi forced a strained smile. "The first time, it was Lu Linyuan. This time, it’s because of Lu Linyuan’s mother. I am very curious—just who is this woman to His Highness?"

Seeing her chilling smile, Steward Jia felt a chill run down his spine.

A jealous woman was truly terrifying!

-

The hunting eagle’s latest news had earned it three pieces of dried meat.

Three whole pieces!

The gossip spread by men only earned it two pieces even when it nearly cost the eagle its life!