Chapter 3
Chapter 3 — Reincarnated in the Marquis Palace
This is the first time in my life I have seen my mother so angry. My father was so angry that he almost vomited blood. I originally intended to test it out, but I didn't expect that, even though I was a married woman, I would still be punished by kneeling in front of the door.
“Dear ancestors from above, please show Lang Nhu Nguyet a bright path.” I sincerely knelt before the ancestral spirit and bowed my head in supplication.
Unexpectedly, Paralyzed Patriarch actually responded.
“What's going on?”
That sound... I seemed to have heard it somewhere before, but I still instinctively blurted out:
“I want peace.”
The street was as quiet as paper. When I thought that the ancestors would not send any more omens, the voice continued:
"Half a month later, the prince of Tho Ti country will enter the capital to pay tribute. He will bring a nine-link jade chain to make things difficult for the court. Go forward and break it. If you can solve that lock, you can ask the Crown Prince for a favor."
How could such a meticulous and complete plan be revealed to us by our ancestors? I stood up in surprise and ran behind the altar, but the back was completely empty. I quickly rushed out of the street, but was stopped by Am Nhi.
“Miss, quickly go back, if the old lady finds out, I'm afraid you will be punished more severely.”
I looked around and asked in a low voice:
“Did anyone come in or out just now?”
"No, this slave has been guarding the door from the beginning until now..." Am Nhi replied in confusion.
A cold wind blew past, the window from the street shook, emitting a harsh "creaking" sound. I frowned and said:
“Help me ask who is coming to the palace today.”
Am Nhi asked the servant guarding the gate to investigate, and soon collected a complete list of people entering and leaving. I carefully eliminated each person, and in the end, I could only cast doubt on that bold and bold Tran An Vuong. This makes our thinking even more confused. Tong Lan Trieu is the Crown Prince's man, and the only person who can threaten the Crown Prince's position is Tran An Vuong. Even though Tran An Vuong has been fighting outside for many years, not caring about court politics, after all, my status is that of Mrs. Hau, it's best not to get involved with him. Therefore, even though we have doubts, we have no intention of doing anything further. I stayed motionless, but while resting in the hospital, I met Tong Lan Trieu, who had not been seen for a long time. The table was full of folk tales. He casually flipped through a few books, his face becoming more and more gloomy.
“Why is it all about reconciliation?” Tong Lan Trieu's voice was cold, her peach eyes narrowed dangerously.
I pretended to be indifferent and replied leisurely:
"I had nothing to do so I took a look, it's just a coincidence."
He squeezed my chin and whispered each word:
“At best it's a coincidence.”
VII. Tong Lan Trieu was not a martial artist, but from a young age he was used to hunting. His hand strength was not small, and his chin immediately showed red marks.
“I wonder why Marquis is looking for me?” I endured the pain and asked softly.
He stared at me for a long moment, then let go, his tone softer:
"Nhu Nguyet, I was negligent with you before. When things with the Crown Prince are over, I will take you on a trip to relieve your sadness, don't think about it anymore."
I gently rubbed my chin, not showing any attitude, just saying "um". Tong Lan Trieu said:
"This time I came to find you because there's something important. Recently the court has been unstable, the Crown Prince, She told her father-in-law to stop hanging out with Tran An Vuong."
My heart sank. In a previous life, when His Majesty was critically ill, Tran An Vuong, in order to avoid suspicion, took the initiative to leave the capital and guard the border, vowing that without a decree he would not return to the capital. Thanks to that, the Crown Prince smoothly ascended the throne and became the new emperor. So why did the court have upheaval this time? Seeming to have guessed my question, Tong Lan Trieu continued:
“Eighty thousand troops of Tran An Vuong have camped right outside the capital, their ambitions are too clear.”
I frowned:
"But I heard that Tran An Vuong has never interfered in court politics, has guarded the border for many years, and has a good reputation among the people, unlike someone who has the ambition to become king..."
“Miss, be careful what you say.” Tong Lan Trieu interrupted me.
That's right, he is the Crown Prince's man. If my word gets out, I'm afraid it will make the Crown Prince suspicious. Thinking for a while, I decided to send Am Nhi back to the palace and secretly inform my father, so that he could consider for himself the relationship between the Crown Prince and Tran An Vuong. Unexpectedly, when Am Nhi returned, she said:
“Miss, the old man said that he cannot control this matter. I don't know when, since the beginning of spring this year, Tran An Vuong returned to the capital often, sometimes for no big reason, just bringing a few strange items from the border as gifts for the old man and his wife. Gradually, the relationship between the two became close, like soulmates regardless of age.
“…”
In my previous life, I had never heard that Tran An Vuong had such a deep relationship with my father. But thinking back, it's interesting - that year, when I was married, Tran An Vuong was still leading the army to conquer the border, and it was said that he had just pacified another small country that dared to rebel. The day he triumphantly returned to the capital was also the day I got married. If my wedding date had been postponed for a few days, I would have mixed in with the crowd on the street and seen him riding his horse back to the capital with great dignity. It is said that on that day, Tran An Vuong wore a mysterious battle robe and rode like the wind, making many women in the capital fascinated and lost.
“It's okay, just leave it like that. I think Tran An Vuong certainly has no intention of rebelling. If he had ambitions, why would he wait until today?" I mumbled to myself.
Even though the Emperor was seriously ill, the Tho Ti country envoy still brought tribute to the capital, of course welcomed by the Crown Prince. Looking at myself with gorgeous makeup in the bronze mirror, I suddenly froze. Indeed, Tran An Vuong was right, is this my chance?
“Madam, are you done yet? The banquet is about to start, come with me to the palace."
Tong Lan Trieu pushed the door in, looked at me in the mirror, the corners of his lips curled slightly.
“The lady is so beautiful.”
He grabbed my hand, but suddenly discovered that my hand was as cold as ice. He gently rubbed it, then thoughtfully put on a sheepskin coat for me. It's just a pity that I didn't pay attention to this concern long ago. During the banquet, I followed Tong Lan Trieu to sit down, quietly glanced around, and immediately saw Tran An Vuong sitting alone in the lowest position, no one around dared to come close. I don't know why, after knowing he was there, my tension eased somewhat. Not long after, the prince of Tho Ti country entered the palace. As soon as he reached the door, he saw Tran An Vuong. He immediately bowed down and bowed respectfully. But Tran An Vuong just waved his hand dismissively Like I don't want to pay attention. On the throne, the Crown Prince's face darkened, but he could only suppress his anger. VIII. The banquet continued, and after a few dances, Prince Tho Ti took advantage of his drunken state and suddenly took out a nine-string chain.
"This is a treasure protecting the country of Tho Ti, worth many cities. Today, if anyone can solve it, I am willing to offer the treasure. From now on, the country of Tho Ti will pay tribute every year, not daring to be negligent."
As soon as these words ended, the Crown Prince immediately showed joy. If he can make the Earth Kingdom permanently submit, it will certainly be a glorious victory for him. Therefore, he smiled contemptuously:
“But it's just a child's toy, Great Maester, you solve it for me.”
But soon, the Grand Maester's face turned red and he shook his head and retreated. This Great Maester was the best strategist under the Crown Prince, yet he was also powerless, causing the Crown Prince to clench his fists under the table. If we can't solve it, wouldn't it be a joke to the world? Furthermore, this banquet took place right before he was about to ascend the throne. If you are forced into a corner by a small country of Tho Ti, how can you convince the officials and maintain the throne?
“Whoever can solve it, come out quickly!” The Crown Prince urged in a low voice.
But at this time, everyone is not a fool. The great maester is still at a loss, who dares to bring dishonor on himself? Under my sleeve, my fingertips tightened until they turned white, constantly repeating in my heart: This is my chance... But I still couldn't help myself, looking towards the corner of the room, where Tran An Vuong sat alone. He suddenly nodded slightly at me. Suddenly, as if courage flooded my veins, I stood up. Tong Lan Trieu was startled and shouted in a low voice:
“Madam, sit down quickly, don't be rude!”
I pretended not to hear, stepped out of my seat, slowly walked in front of Prince Tho Ti, and bowed respectfully:
"Prince Van An, I don't know this treasure, can I borrow it to see?"