SFS Chapter 289 Savior?
Chapter 289 Savior?
The matter concerning the Song family is basically settled!
Mu Xin Nuan now fully understood why her grandfather hadn't immediately killed Song Shi! For someone like her, living such a painful and humble life was, in fact, a deadly torment!
He wanted Song to watch helplessly as her beloved second son and daughter-in-law treated her, a now utterly useless old woman. As the saying goes, "Even the most filial sons grow weary of caring for a chronically ill parent," this was meant to make Song suffer worse than death!
Most importantly, Mu Xin Nuan could now fully understand her grandfather's intentions. At least Song Shi was still alive, so her father and second uncle would naturally no longer have any mourning period. And she herself was now fourteen years old, and in two more years she would be of marriageable age and ready to get married.
The old master's intention was to keep Song Shi alive like this, even if she was on her last breath, she had to be kept alive with ginseng so that she could see for herself how well the eldest branch of the family would live!
Royal Palace, Kunning Palace.
"Nephew greets Aunt." Prince Yu, the heir of the Duke of Lu's mansion, bowed slightly, his figure somewhat frail.
The Empress quickly offered a gesture of support, saying, "We're all family, no need for such formalities. Please sit down."
"Thank you, Auntie."
The Empress looked at Prince Ziyu, whose body was somewhat thin but whose breathing was still steady and calm, and felt happy. "I heard that last time Ziyu was rescued by a benefactor, which saved his life?"
Lady Lu nodded with lingering fear, “Your Majesty, that is indeed the case. That day, he only took one servant with him to Qiyun Temple. His illness had not flared up for a long time, but who would have thought that he would suddenly have an attack on the back mountain that day? Fortunately, a young lady came to his rescue, otherwise…”
The Duchess of Lu did not continue speaking, and the Empress naturally understood her meaning.
"Sister-in-law, don't worry. Ziyu is a blessed person, he'll be alright."
"It's strange, really. Since taking the medicine that young lady gave us last time, Ziyu's condition has improved a lot. It's just a pity that we didn't find out which family she was from at the time, so we could have gone to her house to express our gratitude and ask for some more medicine."
"What's so difficult about that? All you have to do is have someone post the imperial edict," the Empress said nonchalantly.
"Aunt, you mustn't!" Wang Ziyu hurriedly stopped her. "I understand that you care about me, Aunt. But I heard from the servant that the young lady has a maidservant with her, so she must be from an official family. If we go looking for her rashly, we might tarnish her reputation."
Wang Ziyu spoke, her cheeks still slightly flushed.
The Empress thought it made sense. If they went to find the family in a grand and public manner, it might backfire. The main problem was that they didn't know what kind of family they were. If they were a good match, then becoming in-laws wouldn't be a problem. But the issue was that they were completely clueless about the situation!
"Alright, then let's arrange for people to search slowly. Since she went to Qiyun Temple to listen to the abbot's sermon, she must be a noble lady from some family in the capital. No rush."
"Yes, aunt."
The Empress sighed softly and waved to Prince Yu.
Wang Ziyu understood and stepped forward quietly, standing in front of the Empress. The Empress never saw such a quiet and gentle nature in any of her sons.
"Ziyu, you are the heir of the Duke of Lu's mansion, and you are also my youngest nephew. Your father won this title on horseback. Your eldest uncle was also granted the title of Duke of Yingguo by saving the emperor in a battle against the Turks. It's just a pity that my elder brother's old illness has been lingering. Since he passed away a few years ago, all the affairs of the Duke of Yingguo's mansion have been handed over to Zishu. Now, he has settled down and has children to enjoy his company, so I am at ease. Only you make my heart ache."
Wang Ziyu smiled faintly, "Aunt, you don't need to worry about your nephew. Your nephew is much better now, and after taking the tonics you sent over a few days ago, you feel much more energetic. Although you can't practice martial arts now, you can still jog."
"Good child! I know you are a sensible person. I remember you and Chuze are the same age, aren't you?"
"Yes, Aunt."
The Empress smiled and looked at the Duchess of Lu, "Has my brother said when he will hold the coming-of-age ceremony for Ziyu?"
"Your Majesty, my husband said we should talk about it a month after the coming-of-age ceremony of Prince Chang Le."
The Empress nodded. "Very well! Ziyu, tell your aunt, is there anything you particularly want? Or is there any special wish you have? Let's see if your aunt can help you fulfill it?"
Wang Ziyu shook his head, "As long as the elders are all well, that's fine." After thinking for a moment, he seemed a little embarrassed to speak, but after seeing the Empress's encouraging look, he whispered, "If possible, I hope that the Prince of Changle can bestow a crown upon me."
Upon hearing this, the Empress smiled, but her expression also revealed a hint of heartache.
This nephew of mine loved wielding swords and spears since he was a child, but unfortunately, his health was poor. He was born with a deficiency, which we later learned was asthma. Let alone wielding swords and spears, even running a few steps would leave him breathless. How could someone with such a body possibly inherit his father's profession?
However, the Queen was also a smart woman. The fact that the royal family was now showing her too much favor might not necessarily be a good thing.
Now that both he and the Emperor are present, the Wang family is naturally not in any great danger. After all, they are brothers who grew up with the Emperor, and the later passing of his elder brother from his maternal family has made the Emperor feel even more guilty towards the Wang family.
But all of this is only temporary!
In the future, if the crown prince ascends the throne, who knows if he will feel that the Wang family's power is too great and bring disaster upon the Wang family?
Currently, the Duke of Lu's family only has one legitimate son, Prince Yu, so naturally, he will be the only one to inherit the title. Surely, the future emperor would feel more at ease with such a sickly son?
"Very well! I agree. I will summon Chuze here in a moment. Speaking of which, among your cousins, you and he are the closest. You can talk to him yourself. Why should I do it?"
“Of course they are different. If I told him that, he would definitely think I was joking with him, how could he take it seriously?”
Wang Ziyu accompanied his mother back to the Duke of Lu's mansion, escorted her back to the inner courtyard, and then turned to leave.
"Your Highness, I have found out about the young lady you asked me to inquire about."
"Oh? Tell me quickly! Which family's young lady is she?"
"Your Highness, it is Mu Chang'an, who was just granted the title of Earl of Loyalty and Valor by the Emperor. She is the young lady of Lord Mu's family."