TRBDM -Chapter 184 The Aura of an Emperor

Lin Juehui was anxious beyond measure. How could A-Rong say it so bluntly?

At the very least, she could have been more tactful.

Or waited for her to whisper a few words into her husband’s ear first, to test his attitude.

How could she be so impatient and lay everything out like that?

Lin Juehui was certain her husband would never agree so easily.

“Give me a reason. Why the Tenth Prince?”

The words of the General of Nanyang made Lin Juehui freeze.

Hm? Her husband didn’t seem opposed.

Why did he want a reason? Under normal circumstances, shouldn’t his reaction be like hers—thinking Consort Wei outrageously bold?

Wei Zhaorong said, “I have many reasons for wanting to support the Tenth Prince. But if General Nanyang only wants one, then I’ll give the most important reason: the Eldest Princess.”

The General of Nanyang’s expression finally changed. “The Eldest Princess has never involved herself in the struggles among the princes. Both the Third Prince and the Crown Prince once exhausted every means to win her over, but neither succeeded.”

The implication was clear—the Tenth Prince could not possibly gain the Eldest Princess’s assistance.

“General, why not consider why the Eldest Princess remained unmoved? Is it truly because she refuses to take part in the struggle? Or is there another reason—for example, that she simply thinks neither of the two princes worthy?”

The General of Nanyang was shaken.

He had never considered that.

Yet what Wei Zhaorong said made perfect sense.

“Madam Hou, aside from the Crown Prince and the Third Prince, there are other princes. Why would the Eldest Princess choose the powerless and influence-less Tenth Prince instead of them?”

The General of Nanyang asked sincerely.

“Because the Tenth Prince possesses the aura of an emperor.”

In her previous life, Wei Zhaorong had personally experienced the oppressive presence of Zhao Jingheng. She could clearly feel that the imperial aura radiated from within him.

The General of Nanyang’s questions ended there. He sat in his chair, silent for a long while.

Every time Lin Juehui heard Wei Zhaorong speak, her body trembled uncontrollably.

If even half a sentence of what the three of them discussed tonight were to leak out, it would mean execution.

“Madam Hou, allow me some time to think.”

“Very well. I shall await General Nanyang’s reply at the Mingde Marquis Manor.”

Wei Zhaorong rose to take her leave.

Lin Juehui escorted her out.

Hand in hand, Wei Zhaorong could feel Lin Juehui’s tension.

She gently patted the back of her hand and said softly, “Rest assured. Don’t be afraid.”

Four simple words, yet they carried Wei Zhaorong’s unwavering resolve.

For a moment, Lin Juehui did not know what to say. She simply stared at the servants, urging them to hurry and load the return gifts into Wei Zhaorong’s carriage.

Wei Zhaorong knew Lin Juehui had been deeply shaken today, so she accepted the gifts without exchanging further pleasantries.

“Xiao Hui, I’m leaving.”

“A-Rong, travel safely.”

The carriage swayed as it made its way back to the Mingde Marquis Manor.

By the time they arrived, it was already the hour of Si (around 9–11 p.m.). Aside from the candles still lit in Lan Courtyard, the other courtyards had all gone to sleep.

Wei Zhaorong went to Lan Courtyard.

Inside the study, Xie Lan and Xie Yu were leaning their heads together, discussing a problem.

Even after finding his birth mother, Xie Yu had not slackened in his studies in the slightest. And Xie Lan appeared even more diligent than before.

Wei Zhaorong often inquired with Teacher Dong about the two children’s academic progress, and every time she received nothing but praise.

Xie Lan had practically become Teacher Dong’s prized student, taking first place every exam.

As for Xie Yu, though young and with a weaker foundation, he was improving rapidly and currently held steady at third place.

Both children were her pride.

“Godmother, it’s so late—why have you come?”

Xie Yu looked up and saw Wei Zhaorong.

“I just returned from the General of Nanyang’s residence and came by to see you on the way.”

Xie Lan set down his brush. “Mother, would you like some tea? I can have the servants prepare it.”

“No need. I’ll be leaving shortly. You two should sleep early—don’t ruin your health by staying up too late.”

The two spoke in unison:

“We’ll listen to Mother.”

Wei Zhaorong looked at each of them in turn, her gaze lingering a little longer on Xie Yu.

If she wished to persuade the Eldest Princess to support Zhao Jingheng, her only leverage was Xie Yu.

She did not want to drag him into the struggle. But now that Xie Yu had entered the Marquis Manor—and carried imperial blood in his veins—he was destined to be unable to escape the storm’s vortex.

The next day, a heavy rain fell, leaving everything damp and slick.

In Ruixiang Courtyard, Dou Shuyao was eating bird’s nest soup.

Xie Chuan rested his chin on his hand as he looked at her. “My lady, weren’t you supposed to go to the tea plantation with Yan Shoutai today?”

She had already purchased the hill in the western suburbs, signing the land deed with the former owner—money and property exchanged in one transaction.

“Don’t go. With such heavy rain, just stay in the manor today.”

Dou Shuyao shook her head regretfully. “Then I’ll have to trouble Mr. Yan to make the trip alone.”

“He has a carriage and a driver. What hardship is that? Just running an errand.”

“My husband is right.”