Chapter 59: Your Majesty, Too Fond of Married Women?

Yuan Shang ultimately adopted Guo Jia’s strategy.

Although Shen Pei suspected potential flaws with this plan, he couldn’t pinpoint any specific issues and thus did not oppose it.

After all, if Yuan Xi truly married Zhen Mi and forged an alliance with the Zhen family through marriage, it would be unfavorable for their cause.

They had to prevent it at all costs.

Under Yuan Shang and Shen Pei’s orchestration, rumors began circulating in Yecheng about Yuan Xi’s impending engagement to Zhen Mi and the proposed alliance with the Zhen family.

Simultaneously, whispers of Zhen Mi’s prophesied destiny as an empress also spread.

Such matters were always popular topics among the common folk.

With minimal effort needed to fuel the gossip, within days, the news permeated throughout Yecheng, sparking widespread discussions among its residents.

“Hey, have you heard? The Yuan clan is planning to form a marital alliance with the Zhen family!”

“I think they’re marrying the youngest daughter from the Zhen family? What was her name again?”

“I know, it’s Zhen Mi!”

“Zhen Mi? Isn’t she that renowned beauty from the Zhen family? I heard she’s also a prodigy and just turned fourteen.”

“The Zhen family has certainly climbed high by marrying into the Yuan clan.”

“Not really; they’re one of Jizhou’s prominent aristocratic families, immensely wealthy with vast assets!”

“But still no match for the Yuan clan, who boast three generations of officials serving four dynasties.”

“You’ve got a point there.”

“I remember hearing a fortune-teller once examined the face of the Zhen family’s youngest daughter. They said she possessed the destiny of a phoenix, destined to become Empress someday. So why is she marrying into the Yuan family now? Could it be…”

“Tsk tsk, thought Yuan Shao was different from Yuan Shu, but seems like they’re cut from the same cloth.”

“Hush! Keep quiet! Don’t say such reckless things!”

“Why not? If Zhen Mi truly has the phoenix destiny, the Yuan family marrying her clearly shows their imperial ambitions, right?”

“I’m outta here, my wife’s about to give birth.”

As discussions escalated, even Liu Xie caught wind of them.

At the entrance to the imperial palace, Liu Xie munched on rice cakes while listening to gossip from outside, relayed by Zhang He and Gao Lan.

”…It’s spreading now; people say Yuan Shao also harbors rebellious intentions, given that he arranged for his son to marry a woman destined for royalty,” Gao Lan whispered cautiously, glancing around before lowering his voice further. “Although physiognomy can be mysterious, I heard the renowned fortune-teller who examined Zhen Mi predicted she would become Empress. Chances are, it will indeed come true.”

“Therefore, this humble servant believes that eventually, Lady Zhen will undoubtedly become Your Majesty’s Empress.”

Just as Gao Lan finished speaking, Zhang He slapped him across the forehead and scolded, “What nonsense is this?! His Majesty already has an Empress, albeit currently in Xu County!”

“Daring to spread rumors about His Majesty? Are you tired of living?”

Gao Lan held his head, seething internally but too afraid to retort.

Liu Xie intervened, pulling Zhang He aside. “Hey, hey, hey, no need for violence. It’s just a chat; why so serious? Come, come, have some rice cakes instead.” He handed one to each of them.

The three enjoyed their time basking in the sun, chatting casually, and savoring the rice cakes—a delightful moment.

“Is Your Majesty truly not tempted? I’ve heard that this Zhen woman is exceptionally beautiful. Even if she doesn’t become Empress, wouldn’t it be good to have her as a concubine?” Gao Lan asked curiously while munching on his rice cake.

Liu Xie pursed his lips. Who could resist the allure of the Goddess of the Luo River? However, he was merely a pretender posing as the Emperor; what use was temptation to him? Still, stubbornly, he replied, “We prefer women who are slightly older.”

Gao Lan seemed to grasp something from this and suggested, “Could it be, Your Majesty, that you favor married women? Hmm… indeed, married women often possess a more enticing charm.”

As soon as these words left his mouth, Zhang He delivered another slap to Gao Lan’s head.

Before Gao Lan could turn around and retaliate, Zhang He kicked him away, grumpily saying, “Go patrol!”

“Fine, Zhang Junyi, you’re asking for trouble.” Gao Lan shot Zhang He a resentful glare before storming off, muttering curses under his breath.

Liu Xie watched with amusement, leaning back against his folding stool and stretching lazily. His eyes squinted towards the clear sky, but his thoughts were elsewhere.

In recent days, Guo Jia hadn’t visited the imperial palace. Liu Xie suspected that Guo Jia might have instigated the rumors about Zhen Mi—such a cunning fellow he was. Curiosity piqued, he wondered just how far this situation would escalate.

At the Yuan Manor’s grand hall.

Still recovering from his illness, Yuan Shao, with Madam Liu supporting him, erupted in fury and thundered, “Who?! Who exactly started these rumors!”

Upon hearing about the whispers from his subordinates earlier today, he nearly spat blood in anger!

In the grand hall, advisors such as Ju Shou, Shen Pei, and Guo Tu were present alongside Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang, the two brothers.

Faced with Yuan Shao’s wrath, no one dared to speak.

Yuan Xi’s expression was particularly sour, like he had just tasted something vile.

Originally, arranging a marriage alliance with the Zhen family seemed straightforward. However, the rumors escalated wildly, suggesting that the House of Yuan, akin to Yuan Shu, coveted the imperial throne due to Zhen Mi’s prophesied destiny as Empress!

Suppressing his own anger, Yuan Xi glanced at Yuan Shang beside him and solemnly addressed Yuan Shao, “Father, someone must be orchestrating this behind the scenes; otherwise, why would anyone link our intended marriage with those baseless prophecies?”

“I suggest conducting a thorough investigation!”

Just as Yuan Xi finished speaking, Yuan Shang interjected gravely, “Father, I have already dispatched men to investigate thoroughly. Additionally, patrols within the city have been intensified, and anyone daring to discuss these matters is being arrested without exception!”

“Our family’s reputation must not be sullied by such scoundrels!”

However, upon hearing this, Yuan Shao frowned and forcefully struck his cane on the floor, rebuking them, “Ridiculous! Who authorized arrests?

“By detaining people, we only appear guiltier, giving credence to those rumors. Release all those you’ve imprisoned immediately!”

Yuan Shang, visibly flustered, hastily bowed low. “I was indeed imprudent; I acknowledge my fault! Please, Father, punish me as you see fit!” His face reflected deep remorse and self-blame.

Seeing his contrition, Yuan Shao, despite intending to continue reprimanding him, found himself unable to do so. With a long sigh, he finally sat down in a nearby armchair.

“Dear, please calm yourself,” Madam Liu said soothingly, offering him a cup of tea.

Yuan Shao accepted it, took a sip, and then addressed Yuan Shang, “It’s alright; your intentions were good, but your actions were too impulsive.”

He then turned to look at the group of advisors gathered in the hall.

“Our immediate priority is to quell these rumors.

“Let each of you share your thoughts.”

If left unaddressed, the spreading rumors would deal another significant blow to his already tarnished reputation - consequences he could ill-afford.