Peasant Woman's Decreed Life as a Wife

Chapter 1908: Chapter 1905: Picking Up a Bargain

In the court, Minister Qi and Grand Tutor Deng’s factions directly argued with each other.

Chu Heng remained indifferent to everything; even when called upon, he didn’t get involved at all.

Both sides saw that Chu Heng wasn’t helping either of them. Although they were resentful, they understood that neutrality was better than favoritism.

Grand Tutor Deng played the victim by lamenting Consort Jieyu’s miscarriage and the loss of the princely fetus.

Minister Qi rebutted, insisting that this matter had nothing to do with Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi.

The dispute was unresolvable.

Eventually, after the morning court session, there was no definitive outcome from the debate; the unexpected task of welcoming King of Huainan and the Beirong Prince mysteriously fell to Prince Rong, Li Chongjin.

After the morning audience.

Chu Heng, as usual, prepared to leave the palace.

Suddenly, Minister Qi called out to him from behind: “Lord Chu, shall we walk together?”

Chu Heng waited for him to approach, and they walked side by side out of the palace.

Minister Qi walked for a while and, seeing as Chu Heng said nothing, couldn’t hold back and finally spoke.

“Lord Chu, what do you think Deng Family intends, have they allied with the Empress?” Minister Qi’s probing was quite obvious.

However, in this round of contention, Li Chongjin benefited entirely because Emperor Xuanming was fed up, and with Elder Zhong as the Grand Secretary opportunely suggesting Prince Rong’s name.

Thus Prince Rong gained such a boon.

Minister Qi and Grand Tutor Deng’s faces clearly turned green with anger.

Indeed, until today, with the Great Prince and the Second Prince obviously lacking any ability or power to inherit the throne, there were only three standout Princes in the court.

The Fifth Imperial Son, though young, has been personally educated by Consort Jieyu; Deng Family’s plan is simple, the Fifth Imperial Son couldn’t manage these tasks personally, but Deng Family could.

After all, Deng Family didn’t have as strong a foundation as the Qi family; Deng Family rose gradually due to Consort Jieyu’s favor, even so, they had little depth, known as the family of an imperial consort.

On Prince Rong’s side, although the Lin family withdrew from the Imperial Court, ultimately, he is Empress Lin’s child, Prince Rong is still the son of the Previous Empress, from a legitimate vantage, his competitive strength, though weak, wasn’t absent.

This way, the Deng and Qi families’ struggle naturally benefited Prince Rong.

Chu Heng had long anticipated Minister Qi’s impatience.

Upon hearing, he remained unfazed, understanding the hint: “Great Minister Qi, we are not familiar with the affairs of the Imperial Harem, it’s inappropriate to speak of such matters.”

Minister Qi chuckled, seeing Chu Heng clearly understood but was making excuses, unwilling to take a stance, as slippery as ever.

He laughed: “Lord Chu, you’re right, however, why does Elder Zhong favor Prince Rong so much, has Prince Rong done something recently?”

“I’ve heard Prince Rong has been training frequently in the military camp lately.”

“I don’t know either, I’ve been extremely busy lately, and another case has been discovered that needs urgent attention.”

Chu Heng first revealed a hint about his case handling, Minister Qi was slightly startled and couldn’t restrain his curiosity.

“Oh? Lord Chu has been too busy recently, even when I invite you, there’s no time. If you don’t mind, feel free to ask if you need help.”

“There is indeed one matter requiring your assistance.” This time, unexpectedly, Chu Heng didn’t delay.

Minister Qi knew Chu Heng wouldn’t show goodwill without reason, nor engage deeply, his eyelids twitched, full of precaution and speculation.

Yet he smiled on the surface: “Lord Chu, speak freely, if I can assist, naturally I won’t delay.”

“Recently, I’m investigating a disappearance case, and need help checking the victims’ household registries.”