Chapter 9 — The Crown Prince criticized me for not being worthy of the Eastern Palace, but the Martial General held my hand and wouldn't let go

The court argued for three days, and in the end, because they could not find evidence, they had to ignore it. After that, Wen Nhuoc Huyen spread news among the ladies that Ngu Hoai Uyen was arrogant and arrogant, looked down on her husband, and after getting married, still lived separately from Huo Van Tranh. That rumor just spread. Even sharper than a blade. Everyone said that the daughter of Ngu Palace was indeed from a wealthy family, criticized the generals for being rough, and even after getting married, she refused to share a room. A Quy was so angry that she threw a bucket of water onto the field.

"Wen Nhuoc Huyen is really a talkative thing! What does the matter of the wife and the General have to do with her!"

"Keep your voice down."

I turned a page of the book.

"But ma'am, how difficult it would be for this rumor to spread out..."

"What she wants to say is her business. We just live our lives."

The person who is more impatient than me is Huo Chieu Chieu. That day, as soon as she returned from outside, she stormed into my study room.

"Sister-in-law, someone out there is talking bad about you!"

"Say something bad?"

"They said you criticized brother! Said you looked down on our family! I had a fight with them!"

Looking at her red little face, my heart suddenly softened.

"Chieu Chieu."

"Do you think my sister-in-law will criticize your brother?"

She immediately shook her head vigorously.

"Every day my sister-in-law prepares tea for her brother, and also tells the kitchen to learn to cook the dishes he likes to eat. My sister-in-law doesn't criticize her brother."

"That's okay then."

"I can't control other people's tongues. What's going on between me and your older brother, we understand enough."

She pouted, sadly lying down on the table. After a while, she suddenly raised her head and said:

"Little sister-in-law, actually... your older brother is very good."

"It's just that he's not good at speaking."

"Um, I know too."

"Every day when he comes back to the palace, he asks A Quy what you did today."

The pen in my hand stopped.

"... Is that true?"

"It's true. He thought I didn't know, but I heard everything."

I don't answer. The sunlight shines in from the window, extremely warm. The turning point in everything happened ten days later. The Crown Prince held a palace banquet, on the surface to congratulate the great victory in the Western Conquest, but in reality it had another purpose. This time it's an official invitation. The card also has the great seal of the Eastern palace stamped on it. Huo Van Tranh was forced to attend. Of course we have to go too. During the banquet, the Crown Prince's attitude was unusually gentle. He continuously raised his glass to Hoo Van Tranh, his words were all praise.

"General Huo's Northwest Battle has turned the tide. I'm truly extremely happy."

Huo Van Tranh raised his glass of wine, his expression still polite.

"That is just the duty of the last generation."

"The general is too humble."

The Crown Prince smiled.

"I have a gift to give to the general."

He patted his hands lightly. A servant brought up a brocade box. Inside is a sword. The blade of the knife shone with cold light, and the scabbard was encrusted with gems. At first glance, one knew it was an extremely valuable object.

"The sword is only worthy of a hero. I hope the general does not refuse."

Huo Van Tranh received it. Then the Crown Prince turned to look at me.

"Lady Huo had a hard time during the general's expedition. She took care of the palace alone and took care of everything. She also prepared a small ceremony."

Another box Another brocade is brought up. Inside is a pure gold phoenix brooch. Phoenix brooch. The whole main hall suddenly became quiet for a moment. Here, everyone understands. Phoenix brooch. It's not something that can be given away casually. On Nhuoc Huyen sat next to the Crown Prince, the smile on his lips stopped for a moment. Hoac Van Tranh tightened his grip on the wine cup in his hand. I looked at that phoenix brooch, then looked up at the Crown Prince. His eyes were calm, carrying a natural and reasonable look. It's like saying... This thing was supposed to belong to her. I stood up.

"My father does not dare to accept this thing."

"Madam, why do you have to refuse..."

"The day His Highness gave the wedding, it was clearly written in the will that 'talent and virtue are not worthy of the Eastern Palace'."

My voice is not loud, but every word is clear.

"If you are not worthy, then where will you get the phoenix brooch?"

The whole hall was in an uproar. The Crown Prince's face changed. On Nhuoc Huyen tightened the towel in his hand. Hoac Van Tranh put down the wine cup and slowly stood up. He did not look at the Crown Prince. Just look at me. Then he reached out his hand towards me.

"Let's go, go home."

After that palace banquet, the Crown Prince completely tore off his mask. He began to mobilize his hidden lines, continuously causing difficulties for Hoac Van Tranh at court.