The Forbidden Revenge
Chapter 13: Prime Minister, You're Not Fair!

Xiao Lv escorted Lu Yuan to the gate of the Cinning Palace. After conversing and persuading the Empress Dowager to subtly reject his offer, Lu Yuan was a little exhausted.

He could have accepted the offer and stayed in the palace, then devised a plan slowly. But, the palace was a place that was not simple. There were too many pairs of eyes watching and making his movements not free.

Moreover, if suddenly the Third Miss of the Prime Minister stayed in the palace, even though the reason was to accompany the Empress Dowager, the people would not accept it.

“The Queen will be very happy if Miss wants to stay. But, even though Miss is unwilling, the Cinning Palace will always welcome your arrival. Third Miss, be careful on the road,” Xiao Lv said respectfully. Lu Yuan replied with a nod of his head and turned away.

At his place, Xiao Lv was shocked. Why does his head look familiar?

Unfortunately, Lu Yuan was unaware of Xiao Lv's shock and continued walking. Unintentionally, he passed through Consort Dowager Chu's residence as well as the venue for the banquet.

Lu Yuan immediately turned the direction, yet a voice then made him have to stop.

“Wife! You here?”

Why is there Gong Zichen everywhere? Lu Yuan clenched his hands and closed his eyes as a few palace servants looked at him.

He wanted to stuff Gong Zichen's mouth with a dirty handkerchief and paralyze his tongue. Can't he stop calling her wife?

“Master Marquis, you are also here,” Lu Yuan was forced to turn around and pretend to be gentle. Gong Zichen chuckled. He knew Third Miss was having a show.

“Oh, I just got back from court. I heard the Grand Empress Dowager was having a banquet, so I came to take a look. Third Miss, have you also come to see the crowd?”

“I came to see the Empress Dowager. If you want to see the crowd, then I won't bother you.

When Lu Yuan turned around again, Gong Zichen suddenly withdrew his hand, “Because it is already here, then you should enter.”

“Gong Zichen, release me!”

“Aiya, wife, it's the first time you've called my name!”

“Let go of my hand,” Lu Yuan hissing. But, Gong Zichen's hand checks were quite strong.

“Call me one more time and I will release you.”

“You!”

A malicious sneer and a rancid look were on his lips. Lu Yuan was provoked with emotion, then desperately held him back. He exhaled a rough breath.

Never mind, because it is already a responsibility, better to face it. It's just a banquet. At most Lu Yuan had to think of a way to avoid people.

In the garden of Grand Empress Dowager Chu's residence, people had already gathered. Several young girls seemed to be chatting in several corners, while their parents were gossiping with fun.

Some of the ministers present only had casual conversations while occasionally toast with colleagues. Someone recognized Marquis Yongping and immediately greeted him with a loud voice.

“It is an honor to be able to look back at Marquis Yongping after so many years. Sir, I didn't expect you to come to a banquet like this.”

Lu Yuan recognized his voice. It was the voice of Luo Gui, the Minister of Revenue who entered the blacklist of corrupt ministers.

His voice was still the same, with the usual brazen words being heard. If it had been a month ago, Lu Yuan would have already thrown him into prison and confiscated all of his assets.

“Dutch Concubine invites nobles and officials. So, there is no reason for me not to come,” Gong Zichen responded lightly. But, the irritable Luo Gui instantly changed his expression and did not speak anymore.

Marquis Yongping in the eyes of the ministers was a thorn. His attitude was rather brash at the coronation in the hall earlier. Marquis Yongping did respect the Emperor, but his expression was ugly and rancid as if he was underestimating the court.

They were difficult to criticize him because Marquis Yongping was a military officer, his position was as high and his services were great that even the Emperor did not dare to carelessly criticize.

Since the Shenwu Army was under his command, these ministers did not dare to crack down further without careful planning. If one steps, the consequences can be fatal.

Moreover, the Emperor who had just ascended the throne was extremely grumpy and cunning, it could have been that they were pushed into the pit of hell if it was rash. So, the ministers were temporarily silent and pretended to be obedient.

Who would have thought that his words were also insolent here. Though, Luo Gui was only trying to greet him kindly, but Gong Zichen turned it into a statement pointing out that he did not like to socialize and the border person did not seem to be worthy of attending a sumptuous banquet.

“Of course there is no reason. Mr. Marquis, please sit.”

From the front, a middle-aged woman who was two years younger than the Empress Dowager smiled excitedly. She – Dowager Consort Chu is the host of the banquet and it is not good for her to let the guests get into a dispute just out of offence.

His son had informed him that Marquis Yongping, who returned to the capital two months ago, had come to court. The Dowager Concubine was quite surprised the person was present at the banquet.

“Thank you, Widow Consort.”

The Dowager Concubine caught a single tiny figure standing behind Gong Zichen's body, as if it was taking refuge and avoiding everyone. The figure was well-dressed, likely a noble girl. But, the noble girl in this capital, the Dowager Concubine knows about it.

“Marquis Yongping is really romantic. You brought your lover to the banquet. I feel ashamed for not knowing,” said Widow Consort.

Lu Yuan flinched. Hiding is futile. Consort Chu's observant eyes still managed to catch him.

He pulled Gong Zichen's robe, asking the man to speak for him. Gong Zichen smiled, his smile making the girls who were looking at him instantly stunned and hit by the arrow of romance.

Marquis Yongping, who was known to be cold and ruthless, just smiled!

“Ah, I forgot, she's not my lover. She is my future wife,” said Gong Zichen. Lu Yuan turned away in disbelief.

The Grand Consort's widow was also shocked. He watched Lu Yuan for longer and judged his appearance. Her face was beautiful like jade. If there were no scratches on her cheeks, her beauty was complete.

This face seemed to be similar to someone. The Consort Widow piled her curiosity in heart.

“Calon wife?”

“Yes. This woman is the Third Miss of the Prime Minister's residence.”

Everyone was shocked and widened their eyes wide. Third Miss of the Prime Minister's residence?

That is to say, the weak and useless Third Miss, who has recently become a warm talk in the capital?

The girls and ministers present began to talk about her, but they were also curious as to why Marquois Yongping referred to her as a future wife.

Zhao Yun and Cao Wenyu who had not noticed were shocked and turned their bodies around. Their eyes similarly widened, seeing that Third Miss was behind Marquis Yongping.

Zhao Lin, who was talking to some noble girl friends, was distracted, staring in dislike at Lu Yuan.

“Third Miss, Zhao Yue?” ask the Grand Dowager Concubine.

“True,” replied Gong Zichen.

“Why did he come with you?”

Gong Zichen quietly displayed a sly smile. His eyes glanced at the place where Zhao Yun and Cao Wenyu were. Cao Wenyu was aware of the danger sign and his premonition was bad.

He had never met Marquis Yongping before, and he knew nothing about him. He only knew that the cold and cruel Marquis Yongping and his entire life guarding the border was a person who was not easily offended.

“This should have been asked of the Prime Minister,” Gong Zichen directed his attack directly at Zhao Yun.

“Mr Prime Minister, why did you just take Second Miss with you and leave Third Miss? As I recall, the Dowager Concubine's invitation stated that all girls of noble descent and officials are allowed to come.”

Zhao Yun's face slowly paled. He forgot he had one more daughter. After sending out the items, Zhao Yun forgot to tell the Concubine Dowager's banquet.

That mistake, it turned out to make Marquis Yongping ask and he had trouble answering. Moreover, the words of Marquis Yongping hid the blade and attacked him directly and indirectly.

“Third Mona can only look for me and ask for my help. So, that's the reason why she came with me.”

Lu Yuan glared, he whispered, “Who is looking and asking for your help?”

“Sstttt.. wife, let your husband handle it for you.”

Lu Yuan regretted not dismissing Gong Zichen's hand that brought him here. Gong Zichen was a big, unreasonable liar.

In the presence of the Dowager Concubine and everyone, she dared to tell a lie in order to reprimand Zhao Yun. Lu Yuan became a bit dizzy.

“Prime Minister, isn't Third Miss your rightful daughter?” The Consort Dowager asked with a frown.

He was most concerned with reputation and honor. Even if miss is useless, the Consort Dowager will not let anyone look at her picky guests.

“True, Dowager Concubine,” Zhao Yun's voice choked.

“Then why did you leave him? Didn't I say all girls of noble descent and officials are allowed to attend?”

Before Zhao Yun and Cao Wenyu replied, Gong Zichen first interjected, “Perhaps because Third Miss is a bit late and the residence is far away, so they forgot. But, Mr. Prime Minister, your attitude of only bringing Second Miss to the banquet and forgetting this Third Miss is not good. Prime Minister, you are unfair.”

“What makes you guys talk about justice here?” a voice interrupted the banquet. Hearing that voice, everyone was shocked and turned to the direction the voice came from.

Cao Wenyu and Zhao Yun's facial expressions were not good.