Five years later…
There was an endless stream of guests entering the Prime Minister's Residence.
An official presented a gift with both hands and said, "Prime Minister Yu, this birthday gift is for you."
One by one, the other guests presented their gifts.
Yu Zhongcheng stood while he received the guests. After a while, he glanced at the birthday gifts and told a servant to take them away. He held a lot of power in court now so he did not care for such small gifts.
At this moment, a voice rang from outside the door.
"His Royal Highnesses the Crown Prince and the Prince Regent are here."
Upon hearing this, a smile instantly appeared on Yu Zhongcheng's face, which was expressionless just a moment ago. The wrinkles near his eyes became even more prominent when he smiled. He quickly tidied up his clothes and brought Madam Chen with him to welcome the two guests.
Meanwhile, the others were shocked when they returned to their senses. They began to discuss furtively among themselves.
"Prime Minister Yu is really amazing! Even His Royal Highnesses the Crown Prince and the Prince Regent came. Let alone the officials, even the nobles never received such a treatment before."
"That's right. Do you still remember that incident from five years ago?"
"Of course! Back then, the Prince Regent was poisoned by the Princess Consort so he was carried into the Imperial Mausoleum. Everyone thought he was dead at that time. Who knew he would come back to life overnight?"
"That matter is too mysterious. At that time, we thought he would look for the Yu family to settle scores. After all, the Princess Consort was from the Yu family. Unexpectedly, not only did he not blame the Yu family, but he even pleaded for mercy for Prime Minister Yu from the Emperor. During these five years, Prime Minister Yu's career soared to great heights with his help."
A small official from out of town could not help but ask, "Why is the Prince Regent so good to him? Didn't the Princess Consort poison him?"
Someone clicked his tongue and replied, "You don't know about it? It's because of the legitimate daughter of the Yu family. I heard that the Prince Regent was saved by the Young Miss of the Yu family."
The people were still not done talking, but they quickly shut up when they saw two figures appear.
Feng Weizhou was dressed in a brocade robe, and he held a folding fan in his hand. His expression was gentle as usual, and when he appeared, many women blushed.
On the other hand, Feng Yili was dressed in a black robe with a python embroidered on it. His eyes were dark, and his gaze was icy. No one could read his thoughts, and his aura was so imposing that it made people unable to meet his gaze. As for the women, they were slightly afraid of him, but they also could not help but admire him.
Although many people did not dare to speak, most of them thought about what they had heard about Feng Yili. After the incident five years ago, they heard that Feng Yili became even more aloof and dangerous. After meeting him today, it seemed like the rumors were true.
At this moment, Yu Zhongcheng took the lead and bowed. "This lowly official greets His Royal Highnesses the Crown Prince and the Prince Regent."
Everyone followed suit and kneeled on the ground.
Feng Weizhou folded his fan and said with a smile, "Prime Minister Yu, there's no need to be so polite. I came to congratulate you on your birthday today after all. Someone, bring over the gifts that Imperial Father and I prepared."
Soon after, a blood coral and a luminous night pearl were brought over.
"This blood coral was prepared by Imperial Father for Prime Minister Yu, and this luminous night pearl is from me. I wonder if Prime Minister Yu like it," Feng Weizhou asked with a smile.
Meanwhile, everyone's eyes were shone with greed, jealousy, and envy when they saw the blood coral and the luminous night pearl. They were both priceless treasures.
Based on the blood coral, it could be seen that the Emperor really trusted Yu Zhongcheng.
As for Feng Weizhou, it had long been said that he was in love with Yu Zhongcheng's daughter and intended to marry her. Perhaps, this gift was to show his intention.
Yu Zhongcheng coughed lightly. He feigned a flattered expression on his face and said, "I naturally like it. I thank the Emperor and the Crown Prince for their generosity and love."
At this time, Feng Yili finally said, "Jiang Ying, bring the gift over."
Everyone's attention was instantly drawn over. They watched as Jiang Ying and a few guards carried a huge box over. When the box was opened, a dazzling light appeared. It was actually a box filled with luminous night pearls. However, unlike Feng Weizhou's luminous night pearl, these night pearls were much bigger.
Everyone exchanged a look. In comparison to Feng Yili's gift, Feng Weizhou's gift, which they had been marveling over just a moment ago, seemed shabby. At the same time, they wondered if Feng Yili had done this intentionally or if it was just a coincidence. In the end, they concluded that Feng Yili had done this on purpose. After all, Feng Yili's relationship with Feng Weizhou had never been good.
Yu Zhongcheng was also stunned. However, he quickly regained his senses and thanked Feng Yili politely. "Thank you, Prince Regent."
"There's no need to thank me, Prime Minister Yu. We're a family, after all," Feng Yili said in a deep voice.
'We're a family?'
Upon hearing these words, everyone's mind began to spin with thoughts again. When they heard these words, they did not think about the Princess Consort, who was not only dead but also a sinner. If it was not the Princess Consort, then it had to be…
The people began to whisper among themselves again.
"Did you hear? In fact, the Prince Regent also liked the Yu family's legitimate daughter. He also had the intention of asking the Emperor for marriage with her."
"No way…"
"Why not? She was the Prince Regent's savior. She's beautiful and talented. The Empress even praised her as the most beautiful woman in the capital. It's only normal for the Prince Regent to want to marry her."
At this time, a woman with a graceful figure slowly walked over.
Yu Wanrong curtsied and said in a delicate voice, "Wanrong greets His Royal Highnesses the Crown Prince, the Prince Regent, and Father."
A gust of wind blew over and gently lifted the veil on Yu Wanrong's face, revealing her small red lips.
Many people stared at Yu Wanrong in awe.
Although Yu Wanrong's appearance was not fully revealed, it was enough to capture everyone's attention. As expected of the most beautiful woman in the capital.
"Wanrong." Feng Weizhou nodded and smiled at Yu Wanrong. When he looked at her, his eyes were extremely tender.
The noble ladies in the surroundings only gritted their teeth silently. Based on how gentle Feng Weizhou was to Yu Wanrong, it was likely that the position of the Crown Princess would go to her.
At this time, Madam Chen coughed and reminded, "Wanrong, hurry up and bring His Royal Highnesses the Crown Prince and the Prince Regent to their seats."
"Crown Prince, Prince Regent, this way please."
There were seats on both sides. Feng Weizhou sat on the left while Feng Yili sat on the right.
With this, many people wondered where Yu Wanrong would sit. They looked at her curiously, wondering if she would choose the Crown Prince or the Prince Regent.
Yu Wanrong lowered her head shyly and pretended to look like she was in a dilemma as she said, "Your Royal Highness, the Prince Regent rarely visits the Prime Minister's Residence. In order to fulfill my duty as the host, I should sit on his side."
Feng Weizhou nodded calmly. "Indeed, Ninth Imperial Uncle rarely takes part in such activities so he might not be used to it. Wanrong, you're really thoughtful."
With that, Yu Wanrong quickly took a seat on the right side. Although there were two seats between her and Feng Yili, she was the only woman sitting on the right side.
With this, everyone wondered again if the person Yu Wanrong liked was Feng Yili.
Now that someone took a seat next to him, Feng Yili's eyes darkened briefly. After a moment, he picked up a teacup and took a sip. No emotions could be seen on his face at all.
Soon after, everyone was seated.
The performers began to sing and play instruments while the dancers danced.
Everyone was in a merry mood.
Suddenly, a clear female voice rang from the entrance.
"The Prime Minister's Residence is so lively today. I wonder if Prime Minister Yu remembers what day it is today?"
Following that, a woman appeared before everyone's eyes. When they saw her face, many people dropped their glasses to the ground.