The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 143 - The Prime Minister's Plan

"Really?"

"When have I ever lied to you?"

Hearing this, the Second Prince hesitated for a moment, then said shyly, "I want the doll in Xiao Luzi's hands."

The doll that Xiao Luzi held was a replica of Lin Wanyi, made at the order of Yi Fei. Seeing this, Lin Wanyi suddenly understood: children naturally love such things. However, it appeared that Yi Fei hadn't made dolls for the other princes and princesses, which could be a problem.

After thinking for a moment, she asked the Emperor, "I wonder if the craftsman who made these dolls is still available? If so, this concubine would like to request one for the Second Prince."

It was not appropriate for the Second Prince to make this request himself, so Lin Wanyi handling it was more suitable. Conveniently, this would give her a reason to visit Yi Fei, as there were many things she wanted to inquire about.

The Emperor, without thinking much of it, replied, "I'll send someone to ask Yi Fei about it. If the craftsman is still around, I'll have dolls made for all the princes and princesses so everyone can be happy."

In this matter, the Emperor was indeed fair. Hearing this, the Second Prince didn't dwell on it. In the past, he might have felt left out, but with Lin Wanyi and Du Momo's guidance, his mind had broadened considerably. He no longer worried over trivial matters, and his improved mindset naturally helped ease his illness. Everything was moving in a positive direction.

However, in the Prime Minister's residence, Princess Rongkang was furious when she learned that Lin Guifei hadn't presided over the Qiqiao Palace Banquet, smashing a teacup in anger.

"Lin Wanyi! I underestimated that wretched girl. She's grown so powerful, spinning tales before the Emperor to trap Zhou'er into a prison cell!"

Liu Momo, who had served her for many years, gently patted her back and comforted her. "Don't worry, Madam. As long as the Prime Minister and our Prince Zhan's household are here, the Guifei's position cannot be shaken. She may be facing setbacks now, but with a bit of strategy, she'll manage to escape."

Princess Rongkang was certainly not as foolish as Second Madam Wang. After venting her anger, she immediately began thinking about how to deal with the situation. It seemed the First Branch had indeed become stubborn. Did they truly believe they could act without restraint just because they had split from the main family? To try to trample on them and flaunt their power—what a foolish dream!

"Now isn't the best time to deal with the First Branch, but send someone to keep a close watch on the Dong family. Report any suspicious movement immediately. The accounts of merchant families are notoriously muddled; if we catch them colluding with anyone, I'll see to it that the Dong family meets a bitter end!"

"Rest assured, Madam. I've already given instructions regarding this," Liu Momo replied smoothly.

"Good."

Liu Momo, seasoned in handling matters, was naturally more reliable than most. At this time, the Princess also had another concern—her grandson Lin Guangzhi, who was currently studying at the National Academy.

With two family members already down, there could be no room for anything happening to him!

"Send two more young attendants to Guangzhi, and make sure they have some martial skills to prevent any unforeseen incidents."

"Yes, Madam. I'll arrange it immediately!" Liu Momo replied and left to make the necessary arrangements.

Only after Liu Momo left did Princess Rongkang manage to calm her emotions, reflecting on everything that had happened recently. When exactly had the First Branch slipped out of their control and begun harboring thoughts of defiance? After over twenty years of quiet submission, now they had suddenly become assertive, time and time again.

She recalled the eldest son of the First Branch, who served as a personal guard to the Fourth Prince (the emperor's uncle) in the Imperial Guard. Could it be that he had leaked some inside information, giving the First Branch the impression they were now in a secure position? The more she thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed.

She then called out to the outside, "Guyu."

"I am here," answered her main maid, who entered the room promptly and respectfully.

"Go, instruct them to prepare the carriage. I need to return to Prince Zhan's mansion. Say that I'm visiting Princess Zhan, as she's feeling unwell."

"Yes."

As Princess Rongkang's carriage departed from the Prime Minister's residence, Prime Minister Lin sat quietly in his study, listening to a report from Steward Lin. Another man stood in the study as well. He had a frail figure and appeared young, though his face was etched with many lines, and his eyes held a deep, inscrutable gaze.

After hearing the news of Princess Rongkang's departure for Prince Zhan's mansion, the Prime Minister's expression remained as calm as ever.

"Hmm, noted. You may go," he said.

"Yes," replied Steward Lin, who understood the boundaries. The Prime Minister would let him know what he needed to, and anything beyond that would only lead to trouble. After decades of service, he knew his place well. As he left the study, he caught the sound of leaves falling from the trees outside.

Inside the study, the man in the shadows stepped forward. Prime Minister Lin glanced at him and asked, "What do you make of this?"

"Princess Rongkang's visit to Prince Zhan's mansion is likely for two reasons: one, to discuss how to deal with the First Branch, and two, out of suspicion that the Imperial Guard is somehow involved, so she's rushing to inform Prince Zhan."

Prime Minister Lin stroked his beard, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. Indeed, the current situation was all part of a larger scheme—one of his and the Emperor's continuous back-and-forth.

Lin Wanyi, Lin Wanzhou, the First Branch, the Second Branch, even Prince Zhan's mansion and Princess Rongkang—they were all pawns in his game. By reporting everything in detail to the Emperor, he had a simple objective: to make the Emperor shield Lin Wanyi and, in turn, protect the First Branch.

This maneuver achieved two things. First, it dispelled the Emperor's suspicions toward the Prime Minister's household, especially considering he was well aware that the Second Prince was recuperating in Lin Wanyi's courtyard. As the Emperor's longtime mentor and political counterpart, he had easily guessed the Emperor's intentions.

Second, it was a strategy of sacrifice. Both Lin Guifei and Lin Wanyi were his granddaughters, so any shift in their fates wouldn't significantly impact the Prime Minister's household. However, for Prince Zhan's mansion, the stakes were different. With Lin Guifei in power, Prince Zhan's influence would continue to rise. But if Lin Wanyi ascended, it would mean a substantial loss of power for Prince Zhan's household, creating a powerful adversary.

Under such circumstances, Prince Zhan's household would not stand idly by. Their anger would prompt a reaction, and in their counterattack, they were bound to expose vulnerabilities. If he could seize this opportunity, he would have a convenient way to rid himself of the burdensome Prince Zhan's mansion once and for all.