Cold-faced Empress

Even Rong Chen in the academy heard a lot of gossip.

"I'm so angry!" Rong Chen paced back and forth, extremely anxious. "They actually said that you, eldest sister, ruined the perfect marriage between Miss Xia and Prince Mu! What does this have to do with you, eldest sister? It was clearly a marriage decreed by the Emperor!"

Fu Siying was quite satisfied with the current spread of rumors and said dismissively, "Do you expect them to openly say that the Emperor ruined such a wonderful marriage?"

Rong Chen was speechless for a moment: "Then they can't say anything about you!"

"Just say it. It'll be fine after this. It's not like I'll lose a piece of my flesh."

Seeing her so relaxed, Li, who was also worried, didn't know whether to be anxious or relieved.

"The marriage was arranged so long ago, but it's only now that it's suddenly become common knowledge. Does the Xia family have something on their mind?"

As an elder with many years of experience, Li immediately suspected that the Xia family might be behind this.

Fu Siying didn't try to cover it up, muttering, "Who knows?"

Suddenly, Yunzhi's hurried footsteps came from outside: "Sister, sister, something bad has happened!"

As soon as she burst into the room, Yunzhi gasped, "Miss Xia has committed suicide!"

"what?!"

Li and Rong Chen jumped up in shock. Seeing this, Fu Siying could only feign a stunned expression: "Suicide?"

"Hmm!" Yunzhi, who had gone out to travel with friends, rushed back to the manor to tell her family as soon as she heard the news. "She hanged herself. Fortunately, the maid found her in time and saved her. But I heard that Miss Xia is still determined to die."

Li was full of suspicion: "Why? Are you frightened by the recent rumors?"

Yunzhi shook her head: "No! I heard it's because of Prince Mu. Miss Xia has been in love with him for many years. When she saw my sister and Prince Mu being intimate at the Qixi Festival banquet, she knew there was no future for her, so she couldn't bear it and wanted to commit suicide!"

Li exclaimed in shock: "What a lovesick fool!"

The story of a beautiful woman committing suicide for love is a shocking and scandalous tale, regardless of the dynasty or place. Moreover, this woman was exceptionally talented and beautiful, with an extraordinary background, and the man she committed suicide for was a figure of unparalleled dignity.

To outsiders, this might just be an amusing anecdote to tell friends for years, but for the Fu family, it carries a different kind of weight.

When Prime Minister Fu heard about this after court, he frowned and remained silent for a long time.

Li Shi and Yunzhi Rongchen were both frowning, seemingly lost in thought, while Fu Siying alone continued eating and drinking as usual, completely unconcerned.

After a long pause, Prime Minister Fu spoke gravely: "Siying, you should stay home quietly and not go out of the manor unnecessarily. With Xia's daughter causing such a scene, others will surely have something to say about you."

Fu Siying responded lazily, saying nothing more. Although she felt it was truly unfair—what did this have to do with her? Did she actively seek the imperial marriage, or did she use every means to fight for Prince Mu? Why should she be blamed?

Li said worriedly, "Should we go and visit the Xia family?"

"No, our family's position is already awkward, so it's best if Madam doesn't get involved!" Prime Minister Fu sighed deeply. "This matter will surely reach the ears of the Emperor and Prince Mu. Let's see what the Emperor and Prince Mu decide."