Farm Tough Girl
Chapter 547 - 547 548 Something is Off_1

Chapter 547: Chapter 548 Something is Off_1 Chapter 547: Chapter 548 Something is Off_1 But now, even Muniang could see that they could not back down any further. Not to mention Nangong Qian had his eye on them, retreating further would only lead the Emperor to believe they could be easily bullied and manipulated.

The Emperor thought that Yu Ze only refrained from acting rashly due to the awe of his imperial majesty and stayed put in this small city; however, that was merely his own self-delusion. If Yu Ze truly wanted this world, what would it have to do with him!

The throne was almost unstable now, and yet the person concerned still treasured that venomous beauty as if she were a precious jewel, turning instead to confront his own loyal ministers.

Muniang couldn’t help but shake her head and sigh at the sheer ineptitude.

Knowing that she could no longer converse with Muniang, the Empress kept her mouth shut along the way and did not say anything more.

Upon arriving at Rong Mansion, Old Mr. Rong had already been standing outside to welcome them. To avoid attention from others, it wasn’t appropriate to kneel in public, but Old Mr. Rong was so frightened that his legs trembled thrice.

Once the Emperor dismounted the carriage and saw Old Mr. Rong, he greeted him amiably for the sake of Lady Rong, and Old Mr. Rong indeed could not take such honor. Hurrying, he said he did not dare to accept it, and not even Lady Rong dared to look up at him.

The Emperor laughed heartily, seemingly very pleased with the terror that his imperial majesty had instilled in Old Mr. Rong and walked in with a brisk stride.

The Empress and the four concubines also alighted and went inside. The current construction of Rong Mansion could be said to be the finest in Qinghua City, built completely in the style of a little imperial palace, possessing a different kind of elegance from the grand imperial palace itself, earning continuous praise from the Emperor.

It wasn’t until they entered the drawing room that the Emperor naturally took the seat of honor with the Empress next to him. Lady Rong and the four concubines also took their seats in turn, and then the members of the Rong Family finally knelt with a “thump” and cried out long live the Emperor.

The Emperor was greatly delighted and said with a smile, “Rise to your feet. I have traveled a great distance this time merely to understand the sentiments of the common people. You need not adhere too strictly to formality.”

Old Mr. Rong managed to stand up, somewhat shakily, and the Emperor then said to Lady Rong, “My love, you must also miss your family. It wouldn’t be convenient for you to talk about old times while I am here, so let my love reunite with your family.”

Lady Rong hastened to express her gratitude, deeply moved, and bowed, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s immense grace.”

After speaking, she went to personally help Madame up, her eyes already brimming with tears. Although her face was half-covered by a veil and her features were unclear, the fragile and pitiable image she presented was truly moving.

Madame was genuinely fearful and said, “Thank you, my Lady.”

Lady Rong, supporting Madame, exited the room. The rest of the concubines and the servants each went to their respective quarters that had been arranged for them, leaving the room much quieter.

Old Mr. Rong’s gaze fell upon Yu Ze and Muniang, and he felt a chill down his spine, “May I know what brings Old Mr. Yu and Lady Yu here…?”

When he saw Yu Ze personally escorting the imperial carriage at the gate earlier, he had a bad premonition but forcibly suppressed it, and it was only now that he finally asked.

The Emperor replied with a smile, “Yu Ze, the God of War General of our Daqian Dynasty. Old Mr. Rong, you’ve seen countless people in your lifetime, and yet you haven’t recognized him this time.”

Old Mr. Rong staggered with fright, nearly falling, and quickly clasped his hands together saying, “I did not recognize Mount Tai before my eyes. It turns out to be Prince An and Princess An. It’s just that Prince An never revealed his identity, and I’ve been unaware all along. It truly is an oversight of mine, and I hope Prince An will not hold it against me.”

This response was clearly just a formality. Who would really blame someone for such a thing? But Old Mr. Rong’s words were meant to mask his inner turmoil. The real reason for his panic was, obviously, something else.

The Emperor chuckled, “Prince An isn’t so petty. Rest assured. Rong Fugui, you really can’t take a scare. At this rate, my identity would be revealed by you within a matter of days.”

Old Mr. Rong said with an awkward laugh, “Dare I? Your Majesty is placing trust in the Rong Family by staying here, and naturally, I should keep Your Majesty’s identity confidential.”

“Enough, you may leave now, as I have important matters to discuss with General Yu.”

Old Mr. Rong hastily retreated, and naturally, Muniang could no longer stay either, so she wisely curtsied and excused herself.

The Emperor naturally wouldn’t openly provoke Yu Ze at this time; after all, Yu Ze hadn’t made the slightest mistake, and even if the Emperor wished to punish him, he couldn’t do so without proper cause.

Therefore, Muniang felt at ease.

The reason the Emperor kept Yu Ze behind to talk was most likely because of the matter concerning the Guard.

As long as Yu Ze was not in danger, Muniang was able to breathe a sigh of relief. The little maidservant was originally preparing to clean up a side room for her to rest for a while, but considering how many important people there were at Rong Mansion at the moment, Muniang guessed they wouldn’t have the time to bother with her. She didn’t want to overstay her welcome, so she simply took her leave from the Empress and excused herself, claiming her children at home couldn’t be left alone.

Yu Ze didn’t return very late that day. Having discussed the matter of the Guard with the Emperor for just over an hour, he didn’t stay for dinner but went straight home. The Emperor even jokingly chided him for treasuring his wife so dearly.

Muniang was naturally waiting at home, and upon seeing Yu Ze’s return, she had the servants serve the meal.

Yu Ze was amazed, “How did you know I hadn’t eaten? You even waited specifically for me.”

Muniang laughed softly, “I didn’t know; I just felt like waiting. If you hadn’t come, I would’ve eaten by myself.”

Yu Ze laughed helplessly, “You always…”

Once the meal was served, Muniang then asked, “By the way, the Emperor didn’t give you a hard time, did he? I was really worried.”

“There were difficulties, of course, but fortunately, I had prepared for it well, so it wasn’t too bad. Rest assured, your husband isn’t so unreliable.”

Only then did Muniang’s mind settle, and she served Yu Ze a chicken leg.

Suddenly, as if recalling something, she said, “By the way, did you find the people of Rong Family a bit… odd today?”

Yu Ze frowned and said, “I haven’t had much contact with them before, so I can’t discern much, but I too sensed something abnormal.”

“I can’t put my finger on what’s wrong, but there’s this strange feeling that made me feel quite uncomfortable. Today’s Rong Family seemed very off.”

“It’s probably because they suddenly found out about my connection with Prince He’an. Now that they’ve colluded with Qilian Kingdom, they would naturally wish I’d take a detour around them.”

Muniang nodded thoughtfully and sighed, “It’s a pity we don’t have concrete evidence. Reporting blindly to the Emperor is out of the question; he would certainly think I’m disrespecting his imperial authority, truly a dilemma.”

“So, when do you plan to ‘present’ that person you’ve prepared to the Emperor?”

Muniang curled her lips and said, “Of course, I have a plan. It can’t be simply presented; the Emperor has to ‘accidentally discover’ her.”

Yu Ze laughed, “I trust your abilities. Today, His Majesty even mentioned your Embroidery House and opera troupe. He said the embroidery work you did for Lady Rong was very pretty and he would like you to make one for him too. Now that you have some free time, why don’t you visit tomorrow? I’ll accompany you.”