The Imperial Palace. Imperial Study
Emperor Changwu shed two tears as he held Situ Yan's memorial for his well-being, quickly wiping them dry behind Li Furui's back. "You wretched boy, you truly have a great fate."
Li Furui only knew the memorial was from Shanxi. Only upon hearing the Emperor's words did he realize, "Your Majesty, could this memorial be from His Highness Prince Rui?"
"Indeed. That boy is lucky. He was rescued after falling into the water and even met a doctor who cured his poison."
"Amitabha, Heaven has opened its eyes. This servant congratulates Your Majesty, rejoices with Your Majesty."
"Haha, you are a sweet-talking servant." Emperor Changwu, in his delight, rewarded him with ten taels of gold. The messenger was, of course, not forgotten.
A few days later, the news of Prince Rui's safe escape finally spread throughout the capital.
While some rejoiced, others were filled with sorrow. The Empress and Consort Jian's palaces saw a change of porcelain. Prince Ning was busy taking concubines, and his attention was diverted by the Jian family, so he was not greatly affected. The Crown Prince, however, was in a predicament. The task of suppressing bandits in Shanxi and retrieving the lost copper had been his initial undertaking, but the results were reversed.
The lost copper was recovered, but it was through soliciting donations from mine owners.
How could it compare to Situ Yan's swift and decisive actions, eradicating the long-standing bandit dens with such speed? Furthermore, it exposed a major case of collusion between officials and bandits, and arms trafficking.
In comparison, he was almost made to look like an incompetent fool.
It would have been fine if Situ Yan had died in Shanxi, but he actually returned alive. With such achievements, the Emperor didn't know how he would be rewarded. More importantly, how would those ministers view him?
No, Situ Yan must not be allowed to return to the capital alive.
The Eastern Palace. Study
Fu Lingyun stroked his beard. "Your Highness, you are too hasty."
"Grandfather, how can I not be anxious? Do you know what people outside are saying about him? A virtuous prince, a virtuous prince! Once this title is solidified, no matter how humble his origins, he will be qualified to contend for the throne with me."
The criteria for selecting a Crown Prince are: lineage, seniority, and virtue.
These three are not ranked in order.
The eldest prince had died young. He held the titles of lineage and seniority, but in terms of military achievements and popular support, he was clearly far behind Situ Yan.
What was even more terrifying was that Situ Yan had only officially entered court for a little over a year.
In such a short time, he had the strength to contend for the throne with him. If this continued, where would he, the Crown Prince, be placed?
"Regardless, Prince Rui is currently in the spotlight. To contend with him at this time would surely be disadvantageous to Your Highness. This matter should be planned slowly."
"No, I cannot wait any longer."
Fu Lingyun frowned. "What does the Crown Prince mean?"
"Before he returns to the capital." The Crown Prince made a throat-slitting gesture. "The achievements in Shanxi must not fall to him." Otherwise, every time others mention this matter, they will also mention him, the Crown Prince, who handled the task poorly, and his prestige among the people would be completely ruined.
"Your Highness, Prince Rui led five thousand troops, and later the Young Duke brought another five thousand Imperial Guards. With over ten thousand elite soldiers protecting him, do you think an assassination can succeed?"
The Crown Prince said, "Isn't that why I've asked Grandfather to discuss it?"
Fu Lingyun flatly refused. "This old man has no way. Your Highness, this matter cannot be rushed."
The Crown Prince was very disappointed and lost the inclination to listen to his teachings, finding an excuse to send Fu Lingyun away listlessly.
Compared to the gloomy atmosphere in the Eastern Palace, Prince Rui's mansion was filled with joyous celebration.
The young heir had been born, and Prince Rui had returned safely. The Princess Consort generously rewarded them with three months' salary, making them dream of smiles.
Madam Ban was also quite happy. She had originally worried that her daughter would become a widow, but unexpectedly, fate had finally shown her kindness.
Her elder daughter was worry-free, but Zeng Weiyang still made her fret endlessly. She had spoken to Zeng Weiyang several times, but no matter what she said, Zeng Weiyang would not listen, determined to enter Prince Ning's mansion as a concubine.
Furthermore, the steward of Prince Ning's mansion soon arrived to set a date, the day Zeng Weiyang would be welcomed into the mansion. A mere concubine, not even a side consort, would naturally not have the formal rites. A red sedan chair would be carried in through the back door.
With the matter settled, Madam Ban had no choice but to prepare her dowry.
The Pingning Marquis's mansion had no remaining assets. Fortunately, their expenses as a widowed mother and children were not too great, and the income from the land was sufficient. Now that Zeng Weiyang was getting married, she selected everything that caught her eye from the storeroom and gave her a considerable amount of "dowry silver."
Qiangwei was displeased. "Madam, no matter how good you are to her, she won't appreciate it."
"What appreciation do I seek from her? It's just that the master only had Xi Xi and her. These things should have been for the two sisters. Now that Xi Xi is living well and, given her nature, wouldn't want anything from the mansion, it's better to let her take them to the Prince's mansion. Even as a concubine, she will at least have some foundation."
"If she takes everything, what will you do?"
"Weiyang is getting married. Those servants in the mansion should be dismissed."
Living behind closed doors, the remaining money would be enough.
She was happy, but Zeng Weiyang, who was preparing for her wedding, tore up a piece of fine red silk, and even the joy of marrying into Prince Ning's mansion seemed to dim slightly.
Seeing that Lu Nianfu was widowed and destined to live a miserable life for the rest of her days, who would have thought that Prince Rui would return?
Could it be that she was destined to be trampled under Lu Nianfu's feet her entire life?