Although the five families were led by the Wang family, their situation had declined in recent years, and the other families harbored their own ambitions. It was best not to create any rifts at this time.
"Father is right, I was impulsive," Wang Fan said, though he didn't agree with his father, he dared not openly defy him.
Wang Ningqing nodded and dropped the subject, deeming their departure the most urgent matter.
Before the boat could leave the dock, the sound of approaching horses was heard. The sound indicated military horses, and a considerable number of riders.
It seemed they were not going anywhere.
"Father, there are pursuers," Wang Fan said, a hint of panic in his voice.
He had just escaped one peril; he couldn't be captured again.
His father might not know, but he had personally witnessed the massacre of tens of thousands of Hanzhong troops.
If they were caught, they would face a terrible fate.
Wang Ningqing, however, remained remarkably calm, looking at Wang Fan with mild dissatisfaction. "What are you panicking about?"
"My father is right, I lost my composure," Wang Fan said, forcing himself to calm down.
"Your father has his own way of dealing with this, do not lose your nerve," Wang Ningqing said, flicking his sleeve. Just then, his official robes were brought out from the cabin.
Indeed, as the head of the Wang family, his demeanor was extraordinary. To be forced to endure this humble boat was a great indignity.
Wang Ningqing looked at the young man on horseback. Such bearing could not be cultivated by an ordinary family. If he guessed correctly, this was Yu Mingjing, the maternal grandson of the Cui family.
"Mingjing pays his respects to his uncle," Yu Mingjing dismounted swiftly and cupped his hands in greeting to Wang Ningqing.
Wang Ningqing chuckled, remaining composed. "Nephew, is this grand display in the middle of the night merely to pay your respects?"
"Uncle misunderstands, Mingjing is under orders to invite Uncle to stay in the capital for a few more days," Yu Mingjing replied respectfully.
The relationship between the Sage and the Wang family was inscrutable. While the Sage was truly ruthless towards the Wang family and Empress Wang, he was also genuinely forgiving.
The Sage was likely aware of the affairs Wang Ningqing had stirred up in the capital, yet he had not pursued them.
Before his departure, His Highness had specifically instructed that the Wang father and son should not be treated with neglect, indicating their special status in the Sage's heart.
Therefore, he had no choice but to invite Wang Ningqing back to the capital.
Wang Ningqing raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. "This Wang is already a dead man, fortunate to be saved by a loyal servant, merely returning to his hometown to prolong his life. Must the Seventh Prince be so relentless?"
"Uncle is mistaken, His Highness has no such intention..."
"That is good," Wang Ningqing interrupted Yu Mingjing. "If that is the case, then Uncle is not needed, and I shall return to Liancheng on my own."
"Uncle, please wait," Yu Mingjing called out, using his youth to his advantage. "Your nephew would not dare to stop Uncle from returning to Liancheng, but your son must remain. I presume Young Master Wang has not had the chance to tell Uncle about the events of the past few days?"
Wang Fan had been with the Hanzhong army these past few days, and more than one person had seen him. It would not be difficult for Wang Ningqing to clear his name, but it would be much harder for Wang Fan.
Wang Fan's eyes darkened. He had clearly intended to threaten his father. This Yu Mingjing was truly detestable.
Wang Ningqing's eyebrows rose. "There are indeed some misunderstandings."
Yu Mingjing appeared sincere. "Uncle is right, it is best to clarify misunderstandings early."
He then made a gesture of invitation. Wang Ningqing could not abandon his son, so it seemed a trip to the capital was unavoidable.
He suspected that this was a trap set from the moment he saved Fan'er tonight. If that were the case, then Prince Han's plan should have also failed.
Wang Ningqing glanced at his son. Father and son exchanged a look, and Wang Ningqing was the first to disembark.
...
On the seventeenth day of the sixth month in the eighteenth year of Yong'an, the Seventh Prince returned to the capital with his troops. The people lined the streets to welcome him, and even the Sage personally came to the palace gates to greet him. Luoyang was even more bustling than during the Lantern Festival.