Shen Ji squinted his eyes, but his face didn’t show much anger. He nodded calmly and asked, "Then how did Fourth Sister-in-law end up there?" The mansion’s carriage was clearly found in the outskirts, and the three maidservants were drugged. Fourth Sister-in-law wasn’t inside; clearly, she was taken away. How did she end up at Prince Rong’s Manor, and how did Fourth Master Xiao know about it?
Prince Rong glanced at Fourth Master Xiao and Shen Ji and said, "Manager Rong confessed that when those old won blindfolded Fourth Madam and brought her down from the carriage, Fourth Madam called out Manager Rong’s na!"
No matter how many thoughts he had at this mont, Shen Ji was taken aback on hearing this, surprised as he looked at Prince Rong and asked, "How could she possibly know it was Manager Rong..." He then glanced at Fourth Master Xiao, seeing he wasn’t displeased, and asked again, "She shouldn’t have t Manager Rong, right?" Soone like Manager Rong, appearing on errands wouldn’t reveal his true face, even his voice would be disguised, besides Fourth Madam living in the inner residence, couldn’t possibly have t Manager Rong.
Prince Rong was also secretly astonished but shook his head and said, "This, I don’t know." Saying so, he also turned to Fourth Master Xiao, seeing that Fourth Master Xiao didn’t intend to clear up the confusion for him, he had to skip over the topic and said, "Manager Rong should still report the matter to from beginning to end back at the manor."
He recalled what Manager Rong said at the manor in the afternoon: "When Fourth Madam called my na, my heart jumped, and I had murderous intent, but Fourth Madam seed to read my mind and said if she really died or got kidnapped, not only would my life be forfeited, but even the Prince Manor would be implicated. At that ti, I didn’t believe it, thinking if done in secret, when investigated, regardless of the outco, even if the relationship between Xuanning Marquis and the Shen Family breaks, that would be our desired outco." Manager Rong paused and continued, "But Fourth Madam said, if others don’t kill , once you know, you wouldn’t spare either. When I heard this, I was stunned and suddenly understood her aning. Now, Prince is drawing closer to the Xuanning Marquis Mansion. If sothing truly happened to Fourth Madam at this critical mont, with Grand Commander Xiao’s nature, he wouldn’t rest until he turned the Capital upside down. Besides, he knows your matters. He swore not to take concubines for her, showing deep affection. If in a fit of anger, he reported your matters to the Emperor, even if the Prince Manor survived, the Emperor would be suspicious of us."
"When I thought of this, cold sweat broke out on my back. Receiving the Commandery Princess’s letter, my heart ached over her experiences at Xuanning Marquis Mansion. Thinking I could ruin the relationship between the Shen Family and Xuanning Marquis Mansion, I felt the plan made sense but didn’t anticipate the impact and consequences it would have. Still, I was concerned for the Commandery Princess’s safety. If I let Fourth Madam go, it would be akin to pushing the Commandery Princess out. She originally... I watched her grow up. I truly care for her."
"But Fourth Madam said, Second Madam was destined to be abandoned by the Empress Dowager and you from the beginning. She suggested I think it over and report back to you first, ask your idea on handling it. If you also agree to kill her, then she deserves such misfortune and wouldn’t utter another word!"
When he heard this, he was instantly infuriated. Fourth Madam speculated correctly; he couldn’t agree to Manager Rong killing Fourth Madam. Not only that, but he also needed to personally escort her back, preserving her reputation. What kind of person is Fourth Master Xiao? How could such small tricks deceive his eyes? If he really did this, it would be like thrusting the Xuanning Marquis Mansion in front of the Shen Family, then he truly would be unable to manage both sides simultaneously, where would he find strength for other matters?
Although one day they might fall out with Xuanning Marquis or Shen Mansion, before that day arrives, he couldn’t allow any deviation in their relationship.
Fortunately, things hadn’t escalated to an irreparable stage.
Thinking of this, Prince Rong said, "The Princess Consort personally went to bring Fourth Madam back to the manor, and I, per Fourth Madam’s words, sent the i Bottle in the central hall to Chengning in the original wooden box."
Shen Ji looked at Prince Rong, coldly smiling internally, hearing Prince Rong continue, "All these foolish acts were privately agreed upon by Chengning and Manager Rong. Now I deeply apologize to you both; it’s my poor managent and guidance that led to this!" He sighed profoundly, "Even the Marquis...
He saw Shen Ji’s face calm but eyes filled with anger and said, "Tomorrow, I’ll send Manager Rong to the Marquis Mansion, how to handle him is up to you both! As for Chengning..." He looked at Fourth Master Xiao, "The Marquis’s injury cannot be hidden, I’m afraid... If you both are still unsatisfied, feel free to state your demands."
It was to shut Shen Ji’s mouth; he apologized humbly. This event was indeed due to Princess Chengning writing to Manager Rong, and the box had reached the Marquis Mansion. On the surface, it seed unrelated to Prince Rong. He washed his hands clean and now pushed Manager Rong forward. As for Princess Chengning, the Emperor naturally could not be deceived; punishnt rested with him. Prince Rong executed it thoroughly and impeccably, leaving Shen Ji speechless.
"Your words are too heavy, Commandery Prince." Shen Ji sighed, "Now that the matter’s ins and outs are clear, misunderstandings between us resolved, and Commandery Prince is helplessly implicated, how could I bla Commandery Prince further?" Shen Ji imdiately clarified his stance and position.
Prince Rong appeared infinitely grateful yet guilt-ridden, said to Shen Ji, "It’s the noble Shen Ji’s magnanimity and tolerance, I hope you convey my apologies to the Grand Dowager, for she was startled."
Shen Ji waved it off, unconcerned, "Mother was also worried about Fourth Madam’s safety. Now that she’s unhard, we won’t pursue the matter further."
Prince Rong sighed in relief.
The two then turned to the silent Fourth Master Xiao. He put down the tea cup, looked at Prince Rong, and replied, "As Shen Ji said, the matter is clear. Commandery Prince was inadvertently involved and shouldn’t bla himself!" Speaking, he paused again, "As for Manager Rong and the others involved, Commandery Prince is free to decide!"
Free to decide, naturally ant none could stay.
Prince Rong understood and imdiately nodded in agreent, "Naturally!"
Fourth Master Xiao said no more, Prince Rong smiled and said, "No matter what, this matter is my mistake; in three days, I’ll host a banquet at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion to apologize, you both must attend."
Regardless of what each of the three was thinking at this mont, the scene appeared harmonious and genuine as past grievances faded.
Xiqiu entered the bedroom, the Grand Dowager still sitting by the bed, Mrs. standing aside attending, Xiqiu went over to support the Grand Dowager: "Mother, the Imperial Physician said it’s fine, don’t be too sad, take care of your health!"
The Grand Dowager glanced at her and nodded, stood up with Xiqiu’s support, and the three sat at the table in the center of the room. The Grand Dowager asked Xiqiu, "What exactly happened today? How did you end up with Prince Rong, and how did Fourth find you?"
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