In Love With My Fierce Farming Wife!
Chapter 558 - 557: Who is Making Mischief Behind the Scenes! - 1

Chapter 558: Chapter 557: Who is Making Mischief Behind the Scenes! - 1

"Speaking of ornamental plants, we have grown a lot of Xiangfei Bamboo in the backyard of our Warm Room."

Walking hand in hand, Jun Ruoxue and Su Pan’er made small talk: "My mother loves bamboo for its loftiness! Later, my brother had Taihu stones shipped to our house. He built an artificial mountain, about two zhang high, next to the Xiangfei Bamboo and then employed skilled craftsmen to direct water from the pond to cascade down from the artificial mountain, creating a scene of towering mountains and flowing streams. It truly embodies the sounds of nature."

According to legend, the Emperor Shun had two concubines, E Huang and Nv Ying. They travelled thousands of miles in search of him. Arriving at Cangwu mountain, they heard of Emperor Shun’s death and his interment at the foot of the Nine Peaks Mountain. Both women hugged the bamboo plants and wept until their tears turned red, creating specks on the bamboo. Thus, this bamboo came to be known as ’Xiaoxiang Bamboo’, also referred to as ’Xiangfei Bamboo’.

"Your mother has indeed exquisite taste."

A woman who loves bamboo deserves such praise.

Jun Ruoxue smiled discretely without giving words to agree or deny: "Seeing how well the Xiangfei bamboo was growing, my father personally wrote ’Nine Peaks’ on that Taihu stone, creating a splendid view together."

"Your father is truly thoughtful."

Overwhelmed with the spirit, Su Pan’er commented, "Today, among the distinguished Four Gentlemen (Plum, Orchid, Chrysanthemum, and Bamboo), we have seen the Plum, Orchid, and Chrysanthemum, only the bamboo remains unseen."

"Given that Mrs. Zhang has the Plum, Orchid, and Chrysanthemum in her residence, she almost certainly has bamboo too, but they must be outside the Warm Room."

Jun Ruoxue spoke, and the two followed a path leading to the junction where they saw a half-wall obstructing their view. There was a lattice window on the wall, through which one could see a variety of unusual flowers and plants grown in the warm room. The scenery was exceedingly beautiful.

Jun Ruoxue looked around but couldn’t find the Yulan magnolia: "Could it possibly have been moved elsewhere...?"

As they made their way to a corner, Su Pan’er was about to turn around when she heard a faint murmuring in her ear, the sound of voices held low as if discussing some secret.

Upon turning the corner, they found another path where a Yulan magnolia tree in full bloom was visible.

"Look, I remember there being such a tree here, I thought I got it wrong..." Jun Ruoxue was ecstatic.

"Hush!"

Su Pan’er hushed:"Listen, someone seems to be talking over there!"

Jun Ruoxue gave her a puzzled look, instantly hushed and listened intently and sure enough, she heard the subdued whisperings coming through the wall.

First, they heard a man’s voice, somewhat quiet, as though he was speaking through cupped hands: "This matter was originally well arranged, how did problems arise midway?"

"It’s not the negligence of subordinates that is to be blamed. It is the meddling of Princess Anping who rushed in uninvited. And the timing of her visit was impeccable! How wonderful for her!" A resonant male voice chided.

"Help her?"

A shrill female voice responded: "She is helped indeed, but who’s to help me and my poor Ru’er... This can’t stand! Whatever happens, today’s affair should not end just like this!"

"Hold on, what are you shouting for? Do you want to gather a crowd or something?"

The resonant male voice suddenly raised in volume, chiding her fiercely.

The other two voices fell silent. After a while, sobbing could be heard from the woman.

Eventually, the shrill female voice was heard again:

"I don’t care, I only have my Ru’er. If she must get married, let your eldest son do the honor, isn’t he busy with political affairs anyway? This way, he will benefit from having a strong maternal family. Besides, no one really saw her face!"

The words brought a change of color to Su Pan’er’s face!

"Nonsense!"

The resonant man’s voice reprimanded: "Who in the capital doesn’t know that Hong’er was grievously injured on his way to Shengjing and is recuperating at home, he never left. If you wish to scapegoat him for this issue, at least find a believable excuse!"

Ru’er? The eldest son? Hong’er?

Could it be that...

Those hiding on the other side of the wall are Prince Xuan and his wife? And the other man is... who?

"Looking for a reason? That’s easy..."

The shrill female voice echoed again, but the latter half of the sentence was indistinct.

"Both of you, say less."

The quiet-spoken man spoke out suddenly: "This matter is significant. We are on the verge of rebellion and we cannot afford even the slightest lapse at this important juncture. Otherwise, the precedents set by the former crown prince and King Wu will be in vain. Everyone should first thoroughly investigate who is making mischief behind our backs!"

Su Pan’er gave Jun Ruoxue a meaningful look, brought her fingers to her lips and made a hushing motion.

On seeing Jun Ruoxue and the maids silently nodding in understanding, she carefully approached the lattice window, hoping to identify the man on the other side.

"Regardless of who’s causing trouble, in any case, my Ru’er will definitely not marry that wife killer woman!"

Although the shrill female voice statement came softer, her conviction was remarkably clear.

"It’s not up to you! Are you throwing a tantrum and have forgotten what I’ve told you before? I asked you to watch over him, you agreed readily in my presence but once you turn around, you openly oppose me. Now you see you can’t wriggle your way out and start fussing again, I suggest you quit!"

The voice, sounding much like Prince Xuan, chided her once again.

With the help of a cluster of lush bamboo beside her, Su Pan’er gingerly peeked through the lattice window. Due to her position, she could only see Prince Xuan who was directly opposite the window. As for the other man and woman, she could only see tops of their noggins—their faces couldn’t be seen clearly.

While she was attempting to get a good look, the other man began to speak again.

"Enough said, let’s talk after we leave."

Immediately, shuffled footsteps followed.

Damn!

If the trio came out from this side, they would definitely see them all!

Unfortunately, the path in the middle of the warm room was not wide. A few people were standing in the middle, there’s was no place to hide!

For a moment, Su Pan’er was slightly panicked, brows deeply furrowed, struggling to find a solution to lift suspicions off them!

"This matter awaits resolution sooner than later! We must solve it as soon as possible! Otherwise, if others seize the initiative, we will lose everything. If anything goes awry, none of us will get off scot-free!" The muffled man was speaking again.

With the footsteps of the three people drawing nearer, Su Pan’er started sweating profusely!

In her panic, she turned towards Jun Ruoxue and several serving girls, pointed at the path where they came from.

Jun Ruoxue got the hint instantly, leading all the serving girls, they snuck back the other way. Su Pan’er followed stealthily, but due to a shortage of time and a surplus of people, their departure took longer than anticipated!

The three people were moments away from turning the corner of the wall, they would come face to face with them anytime now.

Su Pan’er had beads of cold sweat forming on her forehead.