The Emperor had not expected that a small incident today would trigger a chain reaction, but it was good, very good.
Consort Yao's complexion was grim. Although the punishment was not severe, she had lost face. This Madam Luo was truly out of her mind.
Fortunately, the Sage had promoted her second brother to Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi, which meant he was half a step away from the position of Prime Minister.
Otherwise, how would the Yao family become a help to Che'er in the future?
Seeing the Consort's displeased expression, the Sage quickly asked with concern, "Are you feeling unwell?"
"Perhaps the wind by the river was strong, I have a slight headache," Consort Yao rubbed her temples.
"If the Consort is unwell, let the carriage return to the palace."
"Your humble consort thanks Your Majesty for your concern."
Consort Yao had no mood to admire the scenery anymore; her good mood had been ruined.
After Consort Yao left, many officials' families also departed one after another.
"Just half a year of confinement, she got off too lightly," Chi Dan said indignantly as she got into the carriage.
Yu Mingyue's expression was also somewhat cold, but not to the point of anger: "For now, Madam Luo cannot be dealt with."
Let alone that it was Zhu Yu who was beaten today, even if it were her, the Sage would not punish Madam Luo too harshly.
Today, she took a step back, and the Sage also chose to lighten the punishment to smooth things over on the surface.
In fact, she was not the only one feeling wronged. She could see that the Sage's gaze towards Madam Luo was filled with disgust.
Even the Sage could not do as he pleased, let alone her.
After all, Youzhou could not be touched for the time being.
Upon hearing about this matter, the Duke of Dingguo crushed the cup in his hand, and blood immediately flowed from his palm: "The Yao family has gone too far."
"If shouting loudly were useful, a donkey would be sitting on the dragon throne. What's the use of hurting yourself?" Madam Cui said irritably.
Yu Mingyue was amused by her mother, but she could also tell that her mother was extremely angry.
"It is my fault, for not protecting my sister well," Yu Mingjing blamed himself.
Because those scholars mostly came from aristocratic families, the Sage had specifically asked him to accompany them, which allowed Madam Luo to succeed.
"It is not your fault. The Yao family has been targeting Yue'er for more than a day. It is good that things have escalated now. After all, open spears are easier to dodge than hidden arrows," Madam Cui took gauze and calmly treated Yu Zeyan's wound.
"My daughter heard today that Princess Huayang will be bringing Madam Luo to the capital," Yu Mingyue had personally heard Madam Luo say this to Consort Yao in the pavilion today.
"What is the Luo family planning? Do they intend to form an alliance with someone?" Yu Zeyan frowned.
Who would dare to marry a daughter from a family that raised such a shrew as Madam Luo?
What Yu Zeyan said reminded Madam Cui. She quickly understood and asked her daughter, "Did you deliberately provoke Madam Luo today?"
"That is not the case. Madam Luo loves to find trouble, as Mother knows. However, after today's incident, Madam Luo will definitely do her best to sabotage my arranged marriage with the Seventh Prince," Yu Mingyue said with great anticipation.
Yu Zeyan was shocked: "The Luo family intends to marry their daughter to the Seventh Prince?"
The family of three looked at Yu Zeyan in unison. Was this not obvious? Besides the royal family, who else could the Luo family set their sights on?
Today, when Madam Luo mentioned the Duke of Huguo's mansion, she suddenly remembered. In the storybooks, the Luo family did rebel, but Princess Huayang did not bring her daughter to the capital. After her husband rebelled, Princess Huayang committed suicide on the battlefield.
One cannot sleep soundly with a tiger lying beside their bed. The Sage's desire to reclaim Youzhou's military power was not a recent thought.
But the Luo family would not sit idly by and willingly relinquish power. It was just that the time was not ripe yet. The Sage did not want to force the Luo family to rebel too early, and the Luo family also felt that the time was not right.
Princess Huayang was in Youzhou, and the court and Youzhou's situation would be clearer to them than to her. Her trip to the capital this time must have a purpose.
Today, the Yao family lost face and suffered a loss. They would definitely strongly support this matter, and in this way, her breaking off the engagement would be secured.
She was still young and did not want to delay the Seventh Prince. She begged the Seventh Prince to find another virtuous and noble lady as his wife.