Chapter 263: A Desperate Gamble - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 263: A Desperate Gamble

To the eunuch Wang at his side, Emperor Qi said, “Send the jade dragon-shaped screen from my bedchamber to Yong Cong, and tell him it’s my gift for my grandson’s hundred-day celebration. Have the Kexin Prince’s residence prepare the feast properly. I intend to attend.”

“Yes.”

Eunuch Wang answered respectfully, though he was not surprised by Emperor Qi’s actions.

In the palace, Eunuch Wang might be second only to Emperor Qi in understanding him, and even the Emperor himself might not grasp his intentions as well as Wang Gonggong did.

It seemed Emperor Qi was starting to feel wary of the Ninth Prince.

Eunuch Wang knew he needed to stay alert, for any misstep might make tomorrow’s sun less favorable.

He instructed his clever and quick-witted assistant, Dongzi, to deliver the screen to the Kexin Prince’s residence.

When the prince and princess saw the gift, they were astonished. They hadn’t expected Emperor Qi to show such favor to his legitimate grandson.

The dragon shape on the screen was of extraordinary significance.

After all, even Prince Kexin was only depicted as a four-clawed coiling dragon, while this jade screen featured a five-clawed dragon.

The meaning was profound.

Thus, the entire Kexin residence expressed their immense gratitude and promised not to disappoint the Emperor’s goodwill.

Originally, the hundred-day feast was still some days away, but it was rushed to be held on the third day.

Preparations were made with great splendor.

Invitations were sent to the prominent families, and the news spread throughout the Eastern Capital. Everyone eagerly awaited to see how this prestigious royal grandson’s feast would be celebrated!

In a side room by the Ming Pool.

Wen Xinglu and his sister Wen Yuwei had been staying here for several days.

Aside from the doctor’s care, no one from the princess’s residence had come to visit.

Both siblings understood the implication—if his leg didn’t heal, then this son-in-law would be nothing more than a decorative figure.

Thus, Wen Xinglu worried daily about his leg injury, hoping for a fast recovery.

Meanwhile, Wen Jingsong had visited with his son Wen Mengsheng, bringing supplements and offering many kind words.

He lamented, “Our family has no women at home, and we can’t attend the Grand Princess’s events. If Yuwei can represent us, that would be excellent.”

Seeing that Wen Xinglu was losing the favor of Princess Changlin, Wen Jingsong quickly shifted his focus to Wen Yuwei.

She was of the right age and appearance now.

He began making plans with his eyes fixed on Wen Yuwei.

The siblings had not yet fully severed ties with the Wen family, so Wen Yuwei only dodged his words.

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This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com

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Wen Xinglu’s leg injury was still being treated. Though it wasn’t as crippled as feared, it hadn’t fully recovered.

He calmly replied, “I can’t manage without anyone to take care of me. Uncle should find someone else.”

He didn’t want his sister to enter the fray again, not knowing what might happen at the hundred-day feast!

Refusing seemed to be the best option!

However, Wen Mengsheng thought Wen Xinglu was being ungrateful and spoke bluntly.

“Cousin, I’ve heard the doctor say that you might still limp when walking in the future. If you don’t mind, I could find someone to make a good care for you. It would be quite dignified.”

Wen Yuwei felt a pang of resentment and quickly spoke up to defend her brother.

“No, the doctor said as long as my brother doesn’t take large steps, it will be fine and others won’t notice.”

Her comforting words didn’t ease Wen Xinglu’s mood but felt like a knife to his heart.

He could have been uncrippled!

Why must his dignity be trampled and even his health taken away?

He still couldn’t understand who he had offended to end up in such a situation!

He glanced at Wen Mengsheng, who seemed to relish his misfortune, and a vengeful scheme quickly formed in his mind.

Laugh now, laugh while you can. When the truth is revealed, let’s see if you’ll still be so merry on the execution block!

With this thought, Wen Xinglu suppressed his agitation and said to Wen Jingsong.

“Since Uncle mentioned it, Yuwei will represent the Wen family. Remember to dress up nicely.”

His words surprised not just Wen Jingsong and his son, but even Wen Yuwei herself, not understanding why her brother would say that.

She wanted to ask but was again silenced by him.

Wen Jingsong, having received his consent, took out the invitation and placed it on the table.

He said slowly, “It’s good you both can understand. This trip will only bring benefits to Yuwei, not harm.”

Wen Xinglu smiled. At this point, if he still believed Wen Jingsong’s words, he was truly destined to be a lifelong scapegoat. It was clear that the Prince of Yu would be present at the feast.

If the Prince of Yu were caught 'inappropriately close' to Yuwei, it would be impossible to avoid attending.

Wen Jingsong’s plan was shrewd. This way, he neither violated his promise nor failed to support the Prince of Yu. It was a win-win situation.

Wen Jingsong wasn’t worried about Wen Xinglu seeing through his scheme, knowing that in desperate times, people would clutch at anything to save themselves.

Wen Yuwei entering the Prince of Yu’s residence was that lifeline.

It was only natural that he would act in this way.

After dismissing the Wen family father and son, Wen Xinglu spoke in a serious and low voice to Wen Yuwei.

“Yuwei, I know you don’t want to go, but for now, it’s the only option!”

“Brother, why?”

With eyes full of anger and a desire to destroy everything, Wen Xinglu wanted to vent his rage but knew this was not the time.

“Princess Changlin’s support is unreliable. We need to find another way. The Ninth Prince is backed by the Wei family, and the Wen family has aligned with them. I once thought of replacing them, but now it seems laughable. With the Wei family’s shrewdness, how could they give up the Ministry of Personnel’s Wen Jingsong for me, an ineffective son-in-law? We should instead align with the First Prince! When you visit his residence tomorrow, find an opportunity to inform his consort of everything. I don’t believe the First Prince will let go of such a significant advantage!”

This move was indeed extremely risky. Without evidence, convincing the Kexin Prince to believe their claims was a major challenge.

But it had to be done.

Otherwise, the siblings might end up being abandoned again, used by the powerful.

He didn’t want his sister to face the same fate.

So he had no choice but to take a desperate gamble!

His gaze was resolute, and his expression fierce, making Wen Yuwei feel a pang of sorrow.

After thinking for a while, she made her decision.

Instead of being passive, she would take the initiative.

So she nodded firmly and said to Wen Xinglu.