The weather turned warmer day by day, and soon spring returned to the earth, with flowers beginning to sprout in the garden.
The atmosphere in the capital was like this weather, with winter finally giving way to spring, and the pleasure quarters resuming their song and dance. With Lingyan Pavilion becoming busy again, Feng Xinyao was once again immersed in music and revelry.
Lu Fei, fed by Aunt Cui in various ways, had gained a considerable amount of weight by the time he returned to the Imperial Academy. Madam Li was reluctant to leave the place of wealth and comfort, but could not withstand Lu Fei’s constant entreaties and returned to the small house she had bought. Alas, if only she had known that Lu Nianfu would have such a fortunate destiny, she would have done anything to treat her as if she were her own mother back then.
But alas, who can foresee the future?
Lu Nianfu had no time to concern herself with the petty thoughts of others; the ledgers alone were enough to keep her busy, not to mention writing replies to Situ Yan.
Yes, replies.
Situ Yan, while dodging assassins and engaging in guerrilla warfare in Shanxi, and occasionally collecting evidence of officials’ crimes, still managed to find time to write home to Lu Nianfu. Of course, he only reported good news and concealed the bad, filling his letters with pleasantries, making Lu Nianfu believe he would return triumphant to the imperial court in no time.
The Changwu Emperor, having received this news, was furious. He had gone to great lengths to send troops to help him, yet this ungrateful wretch only had eyes for his wife. He had already written two letters home, and yet not a single word of his safety had reached his father, the Emperor.
He was so angry that he considered disowning this unfilial son.
Fortunately, Ke Cheng was a sensible man and knew to submit secret memorials to report the situation.
Before the Changwu Emperor could finish his outburst, another concern gripped his heart. Little Seven was being hunted by the entire officialdom of Shanxi; how dangerous that must be. He knew his son was prone to causing trouble, but he hadn’t expected him to be so reckless, daring to engage with five thousand men before anything was ready. Yet, seeing the cleared bandit lairs on the secret memorial, he felt immense pride. This was how his son should be, and in comparison, the Crown Prince seemed increasingly displeasing.
The Crown Prince’s faction found themselves in a precarious position at court.
Qi Ying Hou Jian Huaiming quickly sensed this change.
With the Crown Prince out of favor and Prince Rui far away in Shanxi, it was a prime time for Prince Ning to expand his influence. He had intended to discuss matters with Situ Jue, but was stopped by Jian Shizhao: “Father, Prince Ning is plotting in secret, intending to marry Chen Susu as his second wife.”
“The daughter of the Minister of Revenue?”
“His sister.”
“What’s the difference?” Jian Huaiming’s eyes showed a hint of anger: “Is he planning to find a new patron? Does your aunt know about this?”
“Your son hasn’t seen his aunt recently.”
“I will go to the palace.”
Jian Shizhao stopped him: “Let Mother go instead, and bring Third Sister and Fourth Sister along to gauge the girls’ attitudes.”
Their household was not lacking in daughters. His father had lived a life of dissipation, fathering only him and his elder brother, but a long line of daughters. His youngest sister, ranked eighth, was only three years old.
Third Sister and Fourth Sister were of marriageable age and good-looking, but alas, they were born of concubines.
The capital placed great importance on legitimate and illegitimate offspring. A daughter born of a concubine could not possibly marry Prince Ning as his principal wife; she wouldn’t even be qualified as a secondary consort, only a concubine.
But what they wanted was the attitude of Jian Guifei and Situ Jue. Jian Huaiming had no intention of marrying his daughter into Prince Ning’s household. Although Yu Zi was dead, her son had already been established as Prince Ning’s heir. This was the deepest bond between Prince Ning and the Marquis of Qi Ying’s household.
As long as Situ Jue was obedient, he would do his utmost to help him ascend the throne.
If he were to disobey, he could find an opportunity to kill him after he ascended the throne and support his own nephew as emperor. Situ Jue could marry any noble lady for political alliance, but secretly seeking another path without their knowledge was absolutely unacceptable.
Father and son quickly reached a consensus on this matter. Finally, Jian Shizhao added: “Father, Prince Ning seems to be secretly seeking doctors skilled in witchcraft. Do you know why?”
Jian Huaiming: “Oh? Is there such a thing?”
“He is doing this very discreetly, and the spy I planted in Prince Ning’s mansion could not find out.”
“Continue to keep an eye on it. Speaking of witchcraft, the Imperial Hospital has recently produced a prodigy. The method he promoted for treating headaches has been very effective. It’s a pity we found out too late.” Otherwise, if that young man surnamed Ji had been dealt with earlier, the Emperor would not still be so full of vigor.
Jian Shizhao asked curiously: “Since the Imperial Hospital has such a person, why would Prince Ning go so far afield?”
“Who knows? Imperial Physician Ji is an ally of Prince Rui, perhaps he wants to find someone similar to compete with Prince Rui.”
“Prince Rui’s rise has been too rapid; he may become a hidden danger for us in the future. Why don’t we…” He made a throat-slitting gesture.
Jian Huaiming, however, shook his head: “Let’s keep him for now. If all obstacles are removed, Prince Ning will need us even less.”