Chapter 204

204 Until Yuze returns

“The Royal Father called all of us in the early morning for tea,” Tianjie said and looked in the direction of Qiu Zedong.

“What is the important matter that His Majesty wants to discuss with all of us?” Zhu Liling asked. Qiu Zedong looked at Li Hua, who had kept her head down.

“It is about the wife of Prince Lóng Wei, Princess Consort Li Hua,” Qiu Zedong finally said. Everyone was perplexed to hear him and looked at Li Hua.

“Two months ago, an unfortunate incident occurred with the Xu family. It was known to everyone that everyone from that family was dead. However, two survived that night. One is Li Hua, the daughter of Xu Guang Li, and the other is Xu Zifan, the eldest son of the Xu family.”

The revelation of the truth shocked everyone present in the hall.

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“Li Hua is the daughter of Xu Guang Li!” Noble Consort Xiuying exclaimed in shock. “Why did you lie to all of us and pretend that you aren’t from a noble class?” She was unable to understand why Li Hua lied about it and entered the palace.

“So, even Sister-in-law knows how to betray people. Royal Father, she should be given punishment for lying about her identity,” Qiu Mu said, and then gazed at Lóng Wei.

Xiaoming was shocked to hear the truth about Li Hua. She was a noble family young mistress. Lóng Wei knew about her and that’s why he was adamant about marrying her. He had many questions in his head. Since Lóng Wei had asked him to support him, he decided to shut down Qiu Mu.

“The Xu family’s sudden death was indeed unfortunate. I don’t think that Princess Consort Li Hua hid her identity because she wanted to. Since she had lost her family, there was no use in telling people about it.” Xiaoming concluded and looked at his father. The King agreed with the words of his eldest son.

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“I would like to say something here,” Lóng Wei said, and he glanced at his father. The King permitted him, which made Lóng Wei continue, “Li Hua saved me from getting drowned five months ago. I fell in love with her and I decided to marry her the moment my punishment was over.”

It shocked everyone present in the hall except the King and Mingquan, who were already aware of the truth.

“Brother Lóng Wei knows how to swim,” Zhang Xi said. He was unable to believe his words.

Qiu Zedong recalled Lóng Wei’s words and said, “Because I punished him so much and he got bad treatment from us.”

Everyone in the hall turned quiet. The Queen and the Consorts looked at each other. Tianjie and Zhang Xi looked at Qiu Mu, who had turned silent.

“You saw me differently that day. You were worried about me. I could not help but fall for you, Li Hua. It will not happen ever again. I won’t think that way anymore,” Lóng Wei assured her, and again looked at his father.

“Royal Father, I want you to punish Shui Xiaoqing and Shui Feng Lao, who were behind this attack. If possible, let me handle it. I will kill them with my own hands,” Lóng Wei suddenly appealed before the King. Last night, Li Hua informed him that the King did not want the matter to be brought to court.

“Isn’t Shui Xiaoqing the Governor of Xinshui?” Qiu Mu was curious to know.

“He is, Brother Mu. His entire family was present in the Xu residence when the murder of the Xu family happened. Commander Huang Xi and I confirmed it too,” Mingquan explained to Qiu Mu, who nodded.

“Indeed, they will be punished for the wrong they did,” Qiu Mu said, looking at his father. “I think killing a third-rank official holds a big reason behind it. The Royal Father must ask for a strict investigation.”

Xiaoming wondered why Qiu Mu was suddenly siding with Lóng Wei. Mingquan thought the same and glanced at Lóng Wei.

He was puzzled by Qiu Mu’s sudden suggestion to the King. But he didn’t pay much heed to it. His focus was on who panicked the most among the King’s wives upon finding out Li Hua’s identity. The diary and the message that he had recovered clearly mentioned the involvement of a person from the palace.

Only the Queen and the Consorts had problems with him after the prophecy. One of them knew about Li Hua, and that’s why she wanted to kill Li Hua.

‘Who could be among them?’ Lóng Wei pondered. ‘Until Yuze returns, I will not be able to find the culprit among them. Though I think that the Queen may have knowledge about it I cannot rule out the possibility that Consort Xiuying and Ruoxi might be involved. After the Queen, those two are powerful after the Queen.’

An investigation will be held after a message is sent to Shui Xiaoqing. Let’s see what he has to say,” Qiu Zedong said with a menacing look.

Lóng Wei thanked everyone for understanding him and, most importantly, Li Hua.

“It would have been good if Li Hua had told us earlier. We understand that she wanted a living to earn, but hiding her identity isn’t good either,” Virtuous Consort Ruoxi complained.

“Then, why would someone have let her work in the palace? The palace maid recruiters would not have believed Princess Consort Li Hua either. None of us would have because we knew nothing about Xu Guang Li’s family,” Xiaoming stated. Ruoxi glanced at Zhu Liling, who didn’t say anything.

Li Hua stood up and walked up to the center of the hall. She bowed and said, “Forgive me for lying to everyone. However, it was not what I had ever intended to do. After that night, I knew I had to start a new life, so my old identity had no meaning left. Until the Sixth Prince recognizes me. He even saved my first brother from dying in Xinshui. Please forgive my mistakes,” Li Hua said.

“Li Hua, I have already forgiven you. So, you do not need to apologize anymore,” Qiu Zedong said. He asked his Queen and others not to mistreat her in any way.

Everyone agreed with the King. Li Hua expressed her gratitude towards the King and everyone in the family before returning to her seat.