The irreconcilable conflict between the aristocratic families and the sage stemmed from their interests.
These scrolls were the foundation of the Cui family's standing. For the court to casually ask to borrow them was audacious, bordering on outright theft.
"Thank you for the reminder, second brother. I will write to Father, asking him to prepare for this sooner," Madam Cui said, her expression remarkably controlled, betraying no hint of emotion.
"You are too kind, sister-in-law. We are family, no need for such formality," Second Master Yu replied politely.
He didn't concern himself with much else, but he remembered his late father's dying words: obey the eldest brother.
As long as the main branch prospered, their second branch would also benefit.
After Second Master Yu left, Madam Cui, enraged, smashed a teacup. "This is simply too much! Empress Wang has only just passed away, and already their hands are reaching for the Cui family."
"I fear the Sage never truly expected the Yao family to borrow the books," Yu Mingyue speculated.
The Yao family was the primary suspect in Empress Wang's death, yet the Sage deliberately delayed the investigation. The aristocratic families detested the Yao family.
Even if the Cui family agreed to lend the books to the court, they would never allow the Yao family to claim credit for it.
"Of course, they won't get them. Does the Yao family even deserve such an honor?" Madam Cui sneered.
"Daughter suspects the Sage doesn't actually want Noble Consort to become Empress, and is deliberately over-praising the Yao family to their detriment..." Yu Mingyue paused.
Madam Cui understood immediately. The Sage was truly a master strategist, every step meticulously planned.
Great Wei needed a Crown Prince to stabilize the dynasty, not a new Empress.
Noble Consort Yao believed that by causing Empress Wang's death, she would be next in line. She was likely a pawn from beginning to end.
Upon returning to her courtyard, Yu Mingyue summoned Li Fu. Ever since Empress Wang's incident, Yu Mingyue had tasked Li Fu with monitoring the Wang family's movements.
Wang Ningqing's personal arrival in the capital indicated that the Wang family had long been plotting, determined to succeed. Now that their sister had met a tragic end, they would never let it go. The calmer things appeared, the more dangerous the situation.
...
Gu Youyou loved lively occasions the most. This summer retreat was planned to be a prolonged stay at the estate, and she wished she could invite all her close friends to make it truly fun.
Yu Mingyue decided to bring the young ladies from her household along. They were of similar ages and could easily get along.
The happiest among them was Yu Miaoyan. Since her engagement a few days prior, Madam Zhao had confined her to her courtyard, not even allowing her to step outside. She was busy embroidering her wedding dress with the seamstresses, learning etiquette, and even stopped attending the clan school.
After recovering her health, Madam Cui began to engage in social activities. The male ministers had their circles, and the women of the inner chambers had theirs. Holding the power of life and death within the household, none of them were ordinary individuals.
With the second branch no longer causing trouble, Madam Cui was willing to take the eligible young ladies of the household out. Yu Miaoyan, being the eldest daughter of the Duke's mansion and having passed her fourteenth birthday, was indeed of marriageable age.
Madam Cui had her eye on the Meng family of Pingnan Earl's mansion. The heir of Pingnan Earl, Meng Zijin, was also instantly smitten with Yu Miaoyan.
Yu Miaoyan's appearance resembled the Old Madam's, making her exceptionally beautiful. Her delicate, fair-flower-like demeanor exuded a natural charm that evoked pity.
The Pingnan Earl's mansion was not of the highest status, but not low either. Crucially, the family had a good reputation.
The Old Pingnan Earl had fought alongside the late Emperor. After his death, the current Pingnan Earl inherited the title. He was not ambitious and held a leisurely position in the yamen, sharing similar interests with Second Master Yu.
However, the inner court of the Pingnan Earl's mansion was remarkably well-behaved. Although there were two concubines and several illegitimate children, the two concubines were very proper and deeply respected the Pingnan Countess.
The illegitimate children were also very obedient. The heir of Pingnan Earl, being the eldest legitimate son, was destined to inherit the title.
Initially, the Pingnan Countess had some reservations. After all, the heir's wife would eventually be the matriarch and manage the household, requiring even greater prudence than other daughters-in-law.
The Pingnan Countess felt Yu Miaoyan was somewhat frail and worried she might not be able to shoulder the responsibilities later.
Most importantly, the Pingnan Earl's mansion had always sought to remain detached from worldly affairs, desiring only a peaceful life. Those rumors, though perhaps untrue, could lead to severe consequences, even decapitation, if the Sage were to become displeased.
Therefore, the Pingnan Countess also considered other young ladies.