RPAGF Chapter 170 Acting
Chapter 170 Acting
Inside the General's mansion, Murong Xuewei stood by the window, watching the angry crowd outside, her heart aching. Recalling her past life, she couldn't help but smile bitterly: "I was reborn for revenge. I never imagined I'd end up like this."
Just then, Su Anuan rushed over. She hugged Murong Xuewei tightly, her eyes filled with heartache: "Xuewei, are you alright?"
Murong Xuewei forced a smile: "I'm fine, just a little tired."
Su Anuan grasped Murong Xuewei's hand and said firmly, "Don't be afraid, I believe you. My father also said there's something fishy about this. He's investigating it secretly."
Before long, Murong Xueyao and Murong Yuxuan also arrived.
As soon as Murong Xueyao saw Murong Xuewei, she rushed to her, crying, "Sister, you've suffered so much! How could those people treat you like this!"
Murong Yuxuan's face was grim, a cold glint flashing in his eyes: "Xuewei, don't worry. I've already sent people to investigate, and they will definitely find out who's behind this."
Seeing the concern of her family, Murong Xuewei felt a little relieved.
Murong Xuewei took a deep breath and forced herself to stay alert: "Thank you. But right now, the most important thing is to find a way to quell public anger and clear my name."
Gu Ye nodded: "I have already submitted a memorial to the Emperor, requesting a thorough investigation into this matter. However..." He hesitated, then stopped.
Murong Xuewei understood his concerns: "Are you worried that the Emperor will use this opportunity to deal with you?"
Gu Ye gave a wry smile: "That's true. This whole thing is suspicious; there's probably someone pulling the strings behind the scenes."
Just then, Uncle Lin rushed over: "General, there's new information."
Everyone immediately looked at Uncle Lin, who said with a solemn expression, "Someone is secretly spreading rumors that Lady Murong is not only a spy for Nanzhao, but also colluding with the sixth prince of Qu, Nangong Yifeng, intending to provoke a war between the three kingdoms."
Upon hearing this, everyone in the room paled.
Murong Xuewei sneered, "What a clever scheme. First, they sowed discord between me and Nangong Yifeng, then they accused me of being a spy for Nanzhao, and now they're saying I'm colluding with the Qu Kingdom. They're really trying to put me in the spotlight."
A ruthless glint flashed in Gu Ye's eyes: "No matter who's behind this, I will find them and make them pay!"
Nangong Yifeng also said in a deep voice, "I'm afraid I'm also involved in this matter. I must quickly send someone back to Qu Kingdom to ask my father to send an envoy to clarify the situation."
Murong Yuxuan said thoughtfully, "The most crucial thing now is to quell public resentment. Xuewei, do you have any ideas?"
Murong Xuewei pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Since they're going to put on an act, then we'll play along and put on a good one."
Everyone looked at her with suspicion, but a resolute glint flashed in Murong Xuewei's eyes: "I intend to risk my life and take the initiative to clarify this matter."
"No!" Gu Ye immediately objected. "Public discontent is boiling over right now; it's too dangerous for you to go out rashly."
Murong Xuewei shook her head: "It's precisely because it's dangerous that we must go. Only by facing the masses head-on can we truly quell this storm."
She turned to Nangong Yifeng: "Yifeng, would you be willing to cooperate with me in a play?"
Nangong Yifeng nodded without hesitation: "Speak freely."
Murong Xuewei gave a bitter smile: "Let's do as they say, stage a 'faithless man' and 'abandoned woman' drama. You publicly break off relations with me, saying I seduced you first and then abandoned you. That way, at least I can clear myself of suspicion as a spy."
Upon hearing this, Nangong Yifeng's expression changed slightly: "This...won't this ruin your reputation?" Nangong Yifeng secretly glanced at Gu Ye, worried that this charade would affect the relationship between Murong Xuewei and her husband.
Gu Ye noticed Nangong Yifeng's gaze and understood.
Gu Ye stood up, walked to Murong Xuewei's side, and took her hand: "I believe in Xuewei. The most important thing right now is to clear her of the spies' suspicions. As for her reputation... as long as she's safe and sound, nothing else matters."
Murong Xuewei looked at Gu Ye with emotion, a warm feeling welling up in her heart.
Murong Xuewei gently squeezed Gu Ye's hand, silently conveying her gratitude.
Seeing this, Su Anuan also stood up: "Xuewei, I'll help you. I can secretly spread some rumors that are favorable to you, increasing the credibility of your performance."
Murong Yuxuan and Murong Xueyao also expressed their willingness to help.
Murong Yuxuan pondered for a moment and said, "I think this scene would be best performed in a crowded and conspicuous place. That way, more people will see it, and it will spread faster."
"How about Zuixianlou?" Murong Xueyao suggested. "It's the largest restaurant in the capital, always bustling with people; it'd be perfect."
After hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.
Over the next few days, they meticulously planned every detail of the play.
From dialogue to facial expressions, from actions to tone of voice, everything was meticulously crafted. Murong Xuewei and Nangong Yifeng even rehearsed countless times in private, striving for authenticity and naturalness.
Finally, the agreed day arrived.
Murong Xuewei took Liuli out and strolled around the street as if nothing had happened.
As they reached the foot of Zuixianlou Restaurant, Liuli deliberately brought it up, "Madam, I heard Zuixianlou has some new dishes recently, let's go try them!"
Murong Xuewei looked at Liuli and nodded knowingly, "Then let's go try it!"
Murong Xuewei and Liuli entered Zuixianlou and followed the servant up to the second floor.
They had previously observed the layout of the entire Zuixianlou restaurant, and this second floor was the most suitable place for acting.
It's visible as soon as you enter, and the sound is loud enough for everyone to hear.
Murong Xuewei and Liuli had just stepped onto the second floor when Nangong Yifeng's voice came over.
"Xuewei!" Nangong Yifeng's voice came from the other side, tinged with drunkenness and sorrow.
Murong Xuewei looked over and saw Nangong Yifeng leaning against the second-floor railing, holding a wine pot in his hand, looking completely lost and dejected.
"Yifeng?" Murong Xuewei feigned surprise. "What are you doing here?"
Nangong Yifeng sneered, "What? Are you surprised to see me? Did you think I should have already died at the border?"
Murong Xuewei frowned: "What are you saying? I don't understand what you mean."
Nangong Yifeng staggered down the stairs and stood before Murong Xuewei. His eyes were filled with pain and anger: "Don't understand? Ha! Murong Xuewei, you're quite the actor! Who was it that told me that as long as I earned enough money, I would definitely marry you?"
Murong Xuewei's expression changed: "Yifeng, you're drunk. Let's find somewhere to talk things out."
"Talk? What's there to talk about!" Nangong Yifeng shouted, attracting the attention of those around him. "I went to great lengths to hide my identity and make money for you, but what did you do? You married Gu Ye!"
Those around, upon hearing this, immediately began to murmur amongst themselves. Some exclaimed, "I never knew there was such a thing!" "I never knew Madam Murong was so greedy!" "That Murong Xuewei is truly a femme fatale!"
Murong Xuewei suppressed her discomfort and continued her act: "Yifeng, you've misunderstood. I've never made any promises to you. We're just ordinary friends."