Chapter 806: Sowing Discord
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“Later, the Wangfei received the roster brought by Princess Consort Cui,” Zheng Momo glanced at Yuwen Chu, cautiously saying, “She complained to me that Wei Wenlin, Li Xing, and a few others were difficult to distinguish, they are double-dealers who eat inside and outside, too much. She was helpless; otherwise, she would have killed them to vent her anger for His Highness and Master Fu, so that those who eat inside and outside would understand the consequences of their actions.”
Yuwen Chu’s eyebrow twitched. Zheng Momo, seemingly afraid to meet his gaze, lowered her eyes and said softly, “A few days ago, Qiu Jijiu wrote that memorial and had a conflict with the Fu family’s younger generation. His Highness severely punished the Fu family members because of it. Fu Zhan’s younger brother even broke his leg as a result. When the Wangfei learned about this, she was very angry and said, ‘Why doesn’t Qiu Jijiu just die? Such a troublesome pedant is only causing chaos.’ The Second Master is not that kind of person, but they insist on portraying him as a villain. As the Regent Wangfei, she feels she cannot stand up for the Second Master and is ashamed to face him.”
Yuwen Chu’s lips tightened, his expression becoming colder.
Zheng Momo took a few breaths, then continued intermittently, “I just wanted to do something to ease Wangfei’s worries, while also hoping to gain merit and reward. So, I used the affair between Su Lan and Fu Zhan to make Fu Zhan do these things. Now that it’s come to this, I know I’ve made a big mistake. Your Highness, whether you kill or punish me, it’s up to you. I just hope you won’t blame Wangfei.”
Yuwen Chu stood up and walked out.
Zhou Shuyi instructed someone to keep an eye on Zheng Momo, then followed him out, saying, “Your Highness, Zheng Momo’s words and actions are contradictory. Subordinates believe that we should investigate thoroughly.”
Although Zheng Momo pushed all the blame onto herself, the suspicion of incitement was also evident. As a Momo with such a solid status and understanding of etiquette and survival skills, she wouldn’t dare to do such a big thing without the master’s hint and orders. In this way, although Wangfei, who had been reluctant to admit this matter, would be seen as unreasonable and lacking responsibility. A wife who always lags behind and stirs up trouble, few husbands would genuinely love her from the bottom of their hearts.
This is the highest level of framing—without a single bad word, everything said seems good, but every statement is a trap upon deeper reflection. The most terrifying and fatal part is the remark, “After the Wangfei received the roster from Princess Consort Cui, she complained to the old servant, saying that people like Wei Wenlin and Li Xinghe never seemed to belong to any faction.” This is meant to completely ruin the Wangfei’s credibility in front of His Highness. Such a confidential matter was casually divulged to a maid, making it utterly unforgivable.
Yuwen Chu said, “It’s too late. Fu Mingcheng has already arrived outside.”
Indeed, a report came from outside, “Marquis Huaiyin requests an audience.”
Fu Lin said gloomily, “He must be investigating Fu Zhan and has traced it to me. Uncle, you don’t need to worry, I will handle it myself.”
Yuwen Chu, in a foul mood, sneered, “Are you an idiot?”
Fu Lin was puzzled, so Zhou Shuyi explained, “Although Fu Zhan was summoned by your father, there is no evidence proving he arrived at the mansion or met his end there. Unless your father himself reveals this, but in my opinion, he wouldn’t do such a thing.”
Fu Lin said, “Indeed, he wouldn’t.” Then he understood. Since Fu Mingda wouldn’t disclose Fu Zhan’s matter, and Marquis Huaiyin couldn’t storm into the Prime Minister’s mansion to search, he was naturally safe. So, the Marquis must have come for someone else.
Yuwen Chu said, “Kill Zheng Momo. As for Su Lan, you should handle it this way…”
Zhou Shuyi hesitated, “Your Highness?” Zheng Momo’s death was insignificant, and the Wangfei would understand the reasoning, but did Su Lan really deserve to die? Strictly speaking, Su Lan didn’t know about Fu Zhan’s actions. To kill her just because she was involved with him would be unbearable for the Wangfei. Although in recent years, Su Lan didn’t seem as prominent as Zheng Momo, everyone knew Su Lan was the one the Wangfei truly trusted. Otherwise, why would she entrust her children to her care? It’s possible that the issue with Su Lan is also part of the scheme to drive a wedge between His Highness and the Wangfei.
Yuwen Chu said coldly, “Do you have any questions?”
Zhou Shuyi bowed and stepped back, “Understood.”
Yuwen Chu strode forward, but not to Yinghui Hall or the main gate. Despite Fu Mingcheng’s aggressive approach, he wasn’t important enough to warrant a personal greeting at the door. Instead, Yuwen Chu headed to Tingxue Pavilion, intending to receive Fu Mingcheng there and give him a taste of his power.
Mr. Meng, having learned the details, couldn’t help but praise, “Your Highness is truly wise and decisive. I was worried that out of compassion for the Wangfei, you might spare Su Lan. Since Fu Zhan’s matter involves Su Lan, she cannot escape accountability. Whether she’s interrogated publicly or privately, it will inevitably implicate the Wangfei and you…”
Yuwen Chu glared at him, “Get out!”
Mr. Meng, taken aback, stubbornly said, “Your Highness, what did I say wrong?”
Yuwen Chu casually threw an inkstone at him. Ye Xiu, quick on his feet, pulled Mr. Meng aside and whispered, “His Highness is in a bad mood, sir. Please refrain from saying such things.”
Mr. Meng was indignant. What did he say wrong? His Highness was upset, likely worried about how to explain things to the Wangfei later. But wasn’t Wangfei at fault too? Losing so many capable people under her charge, wasn’t she to blame? She should take this opportunity to reflect. “Your Highness is worried about Wangfei? She made a mistake and caused you such trouble. If she doesn’t reflect and instead gets upset with you, she’s the one being unreasonable!”
Seeing Yuwen Chu’s dark, cold gaze, he changed his tone, “Your Highness, now is not the time for arguing. Fu Mingcheng must have come prepared. We need to plan how to deal with him and put him in his place!”
Yuwen Chu ignored him because Fu Mingcheng had already entered.
After the formalities, Fu Mingcheng got straight to the point, “Your Highness, you know I was ordered by the Emperor to thoroughly investigate the murders of several officials. I’m truly anxious and dare not slack off, hoping to find the true culprit soon and give an explanation to the Emperor, the Great Empress Dowager, you, and the court. Heaven has favored my efforts, and I’ve traced the clues to Fu Zhan…”
Yuwen Chu, expressionless, said, “Get to the point. I’m very busy and have no time for your nonsense.”
Was he embarrassed and angry? Fu Mingcheng secretly reveled, “Fu Zhan escaped. Based on the evidence from various sources, your housemaids, Zheng Momo and Su Ju and Su Lan, are all connected to him. I boldly request Your Highness to hand over these three to assist in the investigation.”
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