FID – Chapter 801

Chapter 801: The Emperor is a Short-Lived Fool

The King of Nanling went to the border to have a pre-war negotiation with the Emperor of Dongyue – such news couldn’t be suppressed.

In just a short time, the news had spread throughout the streets and alleys of the capital.

The most talked about topic was still his Princess Consort.

It was said that the reason the Prince had gone to the border was because his Princess Consort had saved a rebellious traitor from Dongyue, which made the Emperor of Dongyue furious and ordered the invasion of Nanling.

The event continued to ferment, causing a huge uproar.

Liu Yusheng was immediately thrust into the eye of the storm.

“Princess, the rumors outside are getting worse and worse! It’s really too much! It’s not like that at all, but somehow, the talk has turned into a war between two countries being all your fault!” Chenxiang, who had just returned from outside, was livid with anger.

“Let them say what they want. It’s impossible to stop all the gossip. Besides, this time, I do bear some responsibility.” Liu Yusheng smiled, then comforted Chenxiang.

The two personal maids by her side had names she had given them, both derived from medicinal herbs. One was Chenxiang (Sandalwood), and the other was Zisu (Perilla).

Chenxiang’s personality was more lively, and her expressions often showed on her face.

Zisu, on the other hand, was more calm and composed, always carrying a gentle smile on her face.

“You’re lucky the Princess is so kind, otherwise with your noisy nature, you’d definitely be punished by the master. Don’t worry about those things outside. They’ll say whatever they want. When the Prince returns, we won’t have to do anything; their mouths will be shut by then.”

“I’m not trying to upset the Princess, I’m just so angry! They start talking, and before long, they turn the Princess into a disastrous femme fatale. What harm has she done to them? They’re all shameless!”

“You’re still talking,” Zisu gave her a glare, forcing her words to quiet down. Then, she looked at the Princess Consort. Her expression was gentle and calm, showing no signs of being affected by the gossip.

Only then did the two of them feel reassured.

The Prince always kept the Princess Consort close to his heart. When he returned and found out she had been upset all this time, who knows what he might do.

Feng Mohan was standing at the entrance of the flower hall, overhearing the entire conversation.

When the voices finally died down, he walked in.

“Aunt, are you preparing a prescription again?” As soon as he entered the flower hall, he was greeted by the strong scent of medicinal herbs. He walked up to Liu Yusheng and looked at her as she carefully sorted the herbs on the table.

Liu Yusheng raised her gaze, “Your uncle isn’t here, and you run out every day. Didn’t you just finish the morning court session?”

It wasn’t yet noon, and there was still an hour before lunch.

She didn’t need to guess—he must have rushed over here right after court.

Feng Mohan sat down across from her, resting his chin on his hands, “It’s because Uncle isn’t here that I’m coming more often. Before he left, he repeatedly told me to take good care of you, Aunt. I have to come; what else can I do?”

“Taking care of me doesn’t mean keeping an eye on me all the time. You’ve got so many excuses—are you not going to handle state affairs anymore?”

“With the cabinet and the Imperial Hanlin Academy around, just leave it to them. If I were to handle everything myself, I’d be dead from exhaustion sooner or later.” Most emperors in every dynasty die young—why? Because they’re overworked!

He was determined not to repeat that mistake.

A wise ruler knows to employ capable people and trust them. Only then can he free up more energy to govern the country.

After he said this, Chenxiang and Zisu stopped talking and quietly served tea while waiting.

After the prince left, the emperor came to the manor every day, sometimes two or three times a day.

He practically followed the prince’s every word as if it were sacred law.

Hearing his convoluted reasoning, Liu Yusheng smiled lightly and let him be. After all, even if she didn’t listen to him, she couldn’t stop him from coming.

“Chenxiang, Zisu, tell the kitchen to prepare the meal.”

“Right away, Your Highness.”

“Don’t forget to make a stew.” Feng Mohan casually instructed, then rested his chin on the table, looking at Liu Yusheng. “Aunt, you see, I’m always running around. Though the distance isn’t far, traveling back and forth so many times gets tiring. How about you just move into the palace? When Uncle returns, you can come back to the mansion, and I’ll be nearby to keep an eye on you. The palace is full of our own people now, so it’s safe and secure.”

“The King’s Manor is also filled with our own people, and the guards are just as good as those in the palace.”

“The King’s Manor is far from me.”

“How far can it be? Besides, I’m not a three-year-old child who needs someone to keep an eye on me all the time to be considered ‘taken care of’.” The woman continued to sort herbs without even looking up.

Feng Mohan pouted. His aunt was as stubborn as his uncle. After so many attempts to persuade her, she still wouldn’t relent.

He rolled his eyes and thought for a moment. “Since you don’t want to live in the palace, how about I move into the King’s Manor? I can bring the state affairs with me, and we won’t delay anything.”

She slapped a bundle of herbs onto his head. “Stay calm. Don’t come up with ideas on a whim. Which emperor has ever lived in a minister’s house? Are you not worried about causing a stir among the officials?”

“Things were different in the past. But I’m the emperor now. Do I need to ask for anyone’s approval to live where I want? Besides, I won’t be staying long. I’ll leave as soon as Uncle comes back.”

“No, this matter is non-negotiable. If you keep insisting, I’ll send you back to the palace right now!”

Liu Yusheng’s face darkened. She was already at the center of public gossip. If Feng Mohan really moved into the manor, she would be completely drowned in public criticism.

Although they were aunt and nephew, with Feng Qingbai absent and Xiao Feng now grown up, it was best to avoid any appearance of impropriety.

Seeing the woman’s expression turn cold, Feng Mohan wilted.

He didn’t dare bring it up again.

His aunt wasn’t one to get angry often, but when she did, it was more intimidating than his uncle.

Lunch was served, and the two moved to the dining table.

There wasn’t much food, just enough for the two of them.

“Aunt, eat more of the meat dishes. This osmanthus fish is good, and this chicken dish, look, your favorite chicken wings,” he said, immediately picking up the food as if following his uncle’s old habits, constantly serving her.

“You eat yours. You don’t need to serve me; I can help myself.”

“If I let you do it yourself, you’ll only eat vegetables. It’s only been a few days since Uncle left, and you’ve already become so thin. When Uncle comes back, he’ll blame me. Eat more,” he said as he picked up another piece of fish and pushed it toward her.

The osmanthus fish had a mild flavor, with the fish being fresh and fragrant. It was a dish Liu Yusheng usually liked. However, today, as she smelled the dish, an inexplicable sense of nausea surged within her, and she felt the urge to vomit.

It was hard to control, and her chest felt extremely tight.

She covered her mouth and rushed outside.

“Aunt!” Feng Mohan threw down his chopsticks and hurried after her, with Chenxiang and Zisu also looking alarmed.

Squatting by the flowerbed next to the flower hall, she breathed in the scent of the plants. The dry heaving sensation finally subsided a little, but her chest still felt constricted. She crouched down, holding her forehead and taking deep breaths.

“Aunt, what’s wrong?” Feng Mohan had already caught up, and upon seeing her pale face from the side, his heart sank, a storm was coming. “Someone! Get the cook here right now!”

“Don’t…” Liu Yusheng raised her hand to stop him. “I’m fine. It’s just my stomach’s a little upset. I’ll be alright after a while.”