Chapter 48: Shrewd, Cunning, Sinister, and Scheming

Chapter 48: Chapter 48: Shrewd, Cunning, Sinister, and Scheming

The maid Si Qi, serving beside Feng Qing, quickly whispered the identities of some people sitting in front when she realized that her Princess Consort could not recognize them.

For example, those seated around Rong Ling and Feng Qing were members of the Imperial Family. Opposite Feng Qing sat a tall and thin woman, the Princess Qin. Prince Qin and the late Emperor were cousins, but Prince Qin passed away early. The Prince Qin Mansion has an elder, who is the Imperial Family’s highest-ranking member, even the Empress Dowager calls him Uncle.

After Prince Qin’s death, the Princely Heir Rong Jia inherited the title. People in the Imperial City call him Prince Qin, but he is a good-for-nothing fellow.

Not far from the Princess Qin, the chubby white woman is the Princess Consort Zhao. The husband of the Princess Consort Zhao was also a cousin of the late Emperor. Prince Zhao now manages the Imperial Clan Court. The Princess Consort Zhao has a son, the Heir of Prince Zhao, Rong Yifeng. The Heir of Prince Zhao serves in the military, known for his difficult temperament.

As Si Qi softly recounted the royal family around her, Feng Qing became more acquainted with these members of the Imperial Family.

Seeing that the Emperor, Empress, and others hadn’t arrived, Si Qi proceeded to inform Feng Qing about the courtiers and noble women present in the hall.

Feng Qing listened with great interest, while next to her, Rong Ling slightly closed his eyes but did not stop her.

After a little while, an eunuch approached Rong Ling’s side and whispered something. Rong Ling immediately stood up and led some people outside.

Once he left, Feng Qing felt at ease, often observing the courtiers and noble women present in the hall.

However, Rong Ling soon returned, his expression not looking well. Feng Qing glanced at him and couldn’t help but ask, "Prince, what happened?"

After speaking, she regretted being nosy. This prince disliked her meddling.

Unexpectedly, she heard the man beside her reply coldly, "The Emperor summoned me out, saying he had clarified the matter of the bridal sedan chair."

Feng Qing pondered, wondering whether the Feng Family would be sacrificed or if another scapegoat had been found.

"Who is being scapegoated? Madam Lin from the Lin Family?"

It’s unlikely that the Feng Family or Old Madam Feng would be implicated. The most likely scapegoat is Madam Lin, especially since the dowry she provided to Feng Qing is undeniable evidence.

Rong Ling turned to look at Feng Qing, his long, phoenix-like eyes deep and ink-black, revealing nothing yet dangerously captivating.

Feng Qing dared not look further and quietly scolded herself for speaking up, vowing to remember not to speak in front of this man again.

Rong Ling still watched Feng Qing with his eerie gaze. When he first saw her, the scar on her face was truly unpleasant.

However, apart from initial disgust, he later ignored her appearance in every encounter, for beyond her face, her inner nature was so shrewd, cunning, and treacherous.

Feng Qing did not know this was how she appeared in this man’s eyes. Should she find out, she would be furious.

As Rong Ling stared at Feng Qing, suddenly outside the hall, the high-pitched voice of an eunuch echoed.

"The Emperor has arrived, the Empress Dowager has arrived, the Empress has arrived."

Everyone in the hall stood up together to welcome the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and the Empress.

After leading them to their seats up high, the Emperor invited everyone in the hall to sit down.

Once everyone was seated, the Emperor began to speak from above.

"I host today’s banquet because, during my grand wedding, there was a mistake with the bridal sedan chair. The sedan chair meant for the palace entered the Regent Prince Mansion, and the one meant for the Regent Prince Mansion entered the palace instead."