Chapter 326: Chapter 278: Is He Hiding Something From Me?
After returning to the Pei Mansion, Liang Chen stayed to discuss some matters with Fu Zhen before leaving. In the morning, Pei Zhan went to the military camp as usual, but no sooner had he left than the guard who followed him came to inform Fu Zhen that there were suspicious figures coming and going in the alley outside the Pei Mansion.
Fu Zhen lay on the top of the wall to take a look and indeed saw several sneaky people mingling with the bustling citizens, spying on those going in and out of the Pei Mansion.
Last night when Xu Yin barged in to question Zhe Yu, Fu Zhen and the others didn’t get too close. Xu was too shrewd, and Pei Zhan’s actions had already been exposed; now, if there were any slip-ups, all previous efforts would be wasted.
Given Xu Yin’s character, since he knew that Pei Zhan was secretly helping Zhe Yu, it would be strange if he didn’t keep an eye on the Pei family.
However, they only knew about Pei Zhan; how could they know that Liang Chen was also involved?
Fu Zhen got down from the wall, and the guard stationed by Zhe Yu returned.
"Young Madam, Princess Rong has sent someone to the Zhe Family to prepare the way, saying that Princess Rong will soon visit the Zhe Family!"
"Are you certain it’s someone from Princess Rong?"
"I’m sure, I recognize her, she’s the one who often stays by Princess Rong’s side."
"Good," Fu Zhen nodded, and then asked, "Is anyone keeping an eye on Mrs. Zhang?"
"Yes, Mr. Guo personally brought people to watch her!"
Fu Zhen sent him away: "Keep an eye on them, and report back if there’s any news!"
...
Bringing back a Zhe Yu doesn’t cost Princess Rong much. After breakfast, she went to the Zhe Family; naturally, no one dared to stop her, so she very smoothly went straight to Zhe Yu’s bedside and sat down.
"You haven’t sent any messages these days, are you still angry with me over last time’s affairs?"
Zhe Yu lowered his head and looked at the ground: "Aunt’s kindness to her nephew is as deep as a mountain. I dare not hold a grudge even in death. I haven’t sent anyone to pay respects to Aunt these past days truly because I was incredibly muddled last time, and afterwards, was overwhelmed with remorse, so I felt too ashamed to ask Aunt for forgiveness."
Princess Rong glanced at him: "So you realize you were wrong?"
Zhe Yu shifted his body and kneeled on the bed: "Zhe Yu has done wrong, please punish me, Aunt."
Princess Rong sneered lightly: "So now you understand your own worth?"
Zhe Yu knocked his head against the bedside: "I owe everything to Aunt for what I have today. Without Aunt, I am nothing!"
"Good that you know." Princess Rong’s expression finally softened, "Consider this a lesson for you. Given that your severe injuries haven’t healed yet, I’ll note this punishment for now; if you repeat the mistake in the future, just wait and see!"
"Zhe Yu thanks Aunt for her mercy!"
Princess Rong stood up, looking down at him on the bed: "Pack up, I’ll have someone take you to Prince Rong’s Mansion to recuperate!"
Zhe Yu lifted his head abruptly: "For what reason?"
Princess Rong sighed: "Our Zhe Family relies on you for future support. Even though I am strict with you, it’s only because I’m disappointed with your lack of progress. When have I ever truly abandoned you?
"Although I haven’t personally come these days, I know your situation well. When you were injured initially, I wanted you to move to the Prince’s Manor to recuperate, but unfortunately, the Imperial Physician said your injuries were too severe to be moved.
"Now that you’ve mostly recovered, I asked the Imperial Physician, and he said there’s no problem in moving to the Prince’s Manor, so naturally, it’s time to bring you back for proper recuperation!"
Zhe Yu looked at her for a while, then bowed his head: "Zhe Yu thanks Aunt for her kindness."
"Rise. Stop dawdling, I’ve already had the sedan prepared outside the door."
Princess Rong said as she glanced around the room: "I don’t see anything worth packing up, call in a couple of people to attend you, and let’s head out."
"As you command!"
Zhe Yu raised his head and looked at her elegant figure, his throat moved, and he looked towards the steward Lao Wu at the door.
...
When the news that Zhe Yu had entered Prince Rong’s Mansion along with Lao Wu reached Fu Zhen, she immediately ordered someone to call Guo Song.
Since Xu Yin found Princess Rong to get the fan, Princess Rong was likely the only one who knew how to acquire it, and only through Princess Rong could the fan appear, allowing Zhe Yu to succeed.
Princess Rong knew that the fan could be used to control Xu Yin. Even if it was found, she might not bring it out in haste.
How could she not hurry?
The reason Xu Yin persuaded Princess Rong after Zhe Yu’s remarks, and why Princess Rong would be persuaded by Xu Yin to bring Zhe Yu into the mansion, were all driven by interests. None of them acted out of true intentions; therefore, Zhe Yu’s entry into the Prince’s Manor also had its dangers, necessitating swift action from them.
Upon Guo Song’s arrival, he immediately reported the findings of the past two days: "Zhang Shicheng’s illness has improved, and he has gone to perform his cumbersome duties. Recently, the Zhang Family has been busy ensuring his affairs in the camp, still planning to find an opportunity to promote him. Mrs. Zhang has also been thinking of ways to socialize with relevant officials’ wives these days."