Chapter 399: Chen Yueyao is Driven Out
Chapter 399: Chen Yueyao is Driven Out
At first, Suixui merely watched her daddy practicing swordsmanship, but as she observed, her curiosity grew, and she asked her daddy if she could learn too.
Prince Xing was delighted to hear that his youngest daughter wanted to learn.
"Of course!" he exclaimed.
Initially, he was concerned about Suixui's safety and had arranged for many people to protect her. But if Suixui became proficient in martial arts, her safety would be further enhanced.
Prince Xing was not known for his patience when teaching others. Perhaps due to his own natural talent, he couldn't understand why others struggled to learn something that seemed so simple to him. However, when it came to teaching Suixui, he was incredibly patient.
Even when the little girl didn't understand certain parts, he would patiently explain them over and over again without showing any signs of annoyance. If Suixui still didn't grasp it, he would demonstrate the moves himself.
In every way possible and to the best of his ability, he ensured Suixui understood the postures and techniques.
Initially, Suixui was merely curious, wanting to see her daddy's impressive swordplay. But as she began practicing herself, she found it incredibly fascinating.
It was as if she had a natural talent for it.
Prince Xing's sword was a bit heavy for Suixui to wield, and he would have loved to forge a sword for her on the spot if circumstances allowed. However, he couldn't do that. It was a skill he lacked.
Prince Xing began to think about taking up blacksmithing if he ever retired from the battlefield. The Ministry of Works... they should accept skilled blacksmiths, right? No, that would be the Ministry of War, as they were in charge of weaponry.
As Prince Xing pondered, he swiftly crafted a wooden sword for Suixui using his own sword. The wooden sword was lightweight and easy to handle, perfect for a beginner.
Suixui didn't complain, as her daddy's sword was indeed too heavy. This wooden one was just right.
She happily started practicing with it.
Duke Ling had just finished dealing with Jin Yangzi and remembered to inform Duchess Ling about it.
Duchess Ling wasn't particularly busy recently, but she didn't have much free time either. Any spare moment she had was spent with Suixui.
In July, there were social engagements that required careful preparation of gifts. Moreover, Consort Meng's birthday was also in July.
The manor wouldn't hold a grand celebration, but the family would gather for a meal.
Given their harmonious relationship, Duchess Ling was willing to give them face and make them feel more at ease.
July wasn't too busy, but Suixui's return to the capital was one of the matters to be addressed.
After discussions, they decided to follow the usual procedure and allow Suixui to return to Prince Xing's Manor.
Prince Xing had mentioned that if he had to go to battle, it wouldn't be feasible to take Suixui along. The border regions were harsh, and the battlefield was unpredictable.
It was best to leave the child in the capital.
As Prince Xing's Manor lacked a female head, they would be responsible for taking care of the child when the time came.
Duke Ling listened with satisfaction, feeling that his initial honesty was not wrong. Without any guilt or anxiety, he could enjoy the task of caring for the child, which made him feel content.
Currently, Prince Xing was focused on spending time with Suixui and wasn't concerned about other matters.
Thus, the issue of Suixui's return to the manor wasn't urgent.
August...
August was a busy month.
On the 9th of August, Princess Shunyang, Feng Youtan, would celebrate her birthday. The children were close, so preparing a gift was a must.
When Suixui's identity was revealed during her coming-of-age banquet, both the He family and Concubine He had given them enough face. Although this might have been due to Concubine He's rivalry with the Empress.
Nevertheless, the gifts were genuine.
Therefore, for Princess Shunyang's birthday, they would prepare gifts sincerely and generously.
Princess Qi had been working on a project for the past few days, and if all else failed, she planned to find a skilled artist to design a few options, or even have artisans craft them. With time being of the essence, she believed they could still make the necessary preparations.
Princess Qi was in the midst of her busy schedule when Duke Ling informed her that Jin Yangzi had come to take someone away.
Upon hearing this, Princess Qi furrowed her brows, "They certainly have their sources."
Just a couple of days ago, they had driven Chen Dalang and his family out, and now, within such a short time, they had tracked them down to demand someone back.
At this moment, Princess Qi was immensely relieved that SuiSui had found her true father and wouldn't be dragged back to the devouring den of Jin Yangzi Manor! Even if SuiSui was indeed from Jin Yangzi Manor, they would, at most, shed some blood, but the child would undoubtedly be protected.
Princess Qi thought to herself that she wouldn't let SuiSui leave her side. This was her precious child; how could she possibly let her go?
After muttering to herself, Princess Qi asked in a soft voice, "Has Chen Dalang's family been arrested?"
Duke Ling nodded, "Rest assured, the Emperor himself has tasked the Ministry of Justice with this matter. With sufficient evidence, they went straight to arrest them. By now, Chen Dalang's family should be reunited in prison."
Princess Qi was somewhat satisfied after hearing this, but she refrained from saying anything further due to the presence of the Duke.
Only after the Duke went to see SuiSui did Princess Qi call for Aunt Qiu, whispering, "Go and find out if Chen Dalang's family has been sent to the Celestial Prison of the Ministry of Justice. If so, let them know to keep them alive, but there's no need to hold back otherwise."
Aunt Qiu responded softly with an affirmative and then made the necessary arrangements.
In truth, Duke Ling had already given instructions regarding this matter, ensuring that Chen Dalang's family would be comfortable in prison.
In reality, the current plight of Chen Dalang's family was such that anyone who witnessed it would sigh in sympathy.
Chen Yueyao had no idea how her identity had been exposed.
She was still in shock, only knowing that not long after her parents had caused a scene, Auntie Liu from Madam Xu's side had come with people, declaring that she wasn't a daughter of Jin Yangzi Manor and should return to wherever she came from.
Out of consideration for her relatively well-behaved conduct while at the manor, Jin Yangzi Manor chose not to pursue her deception.
Upon hearing this, Chen Yueyao felt as if she had fallen into an ice cellar.
She couldn't comprehend where things had gone wrong.
She wanted to find an opportunity to visit Madam Xu, pleading with her not to decide her fate so hastily.
She believed she could do better than SuiSui; she could form alliances and help Jin Yangzi Manor regain its former glory.
She was certain she could!
If SuiSui could do it, why couldn't she, Chen Yueyao?
Unfortunately, Jin Yangzi Manor paid her no heed.
The former gatekeeper, who had treated her kindly as a young lady of the manor, now only gave her cold stares after Madam Xu denied her identity. Although he didn't say anything hurtful, his expression spoke volumes.
However, Chen Yueyao wasn't ready to give up on the wealth and prestige, so she desperately knocked on the door, only to be dragged away.
Early that morning, as Chen Dalang's family huddled in a small inn in the capital, officials from the Ministry of Justice arrived, accusing them of plotting to harm the Princess of Prince Xing's Manor!
Chen Yueyao was perplexed; where did Prince Xing's Manor get a princess?
She recalled that Prince Xing's Manor didn't have any children, and Duke Ling had previously acknowledged a young princess.
These were all events from her previous life, and Chen Yueyao had grown accustomed to them as long as they didn't affect her.
But now, why had a princess suddenly appeared in Prince Xing's Manor? Recalling Madam Xu's unusual behavior, Chen Yueyao trembled with fear, contemplating a terrifying possibility. She turned to Tian Cuihua, her face streaked with tears and blood, and asked, "Did you really get rid of Shui Shui?"
Second Watch
(End of Chapter)
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