Zeng Weiyang was once very keen on attending various banquets, striving to gain recognition among the wives of prominent families, hoping to be chosen and married into a good household. No matter what, her suitor would be better than the spineless husband she dreamt of.
However, after a few attempts, she realized that the wives of these influential families didn't just choose a bride based on knowing her. They considered various aspects, with family background being the primary criterion, while appearance, talent, and character were secondary considerations.
For powerful families to join forces, one needed the backing of an established lineage to establish a foothold in official circles.
And Zeng Weiyang's weakest point was precisely her family background.
No matter how much those prominent wives liked her demure and sensible nature, once they learned she was a daughter of the Pingning Marquisate, they would generally give up.
What leverage could a poorly skilled imperial physician, even with a noble title, offer in the court? She had no brothers. If Lu Nianfu hadn't been recognized and hadn't suddenly become the Princess of Rui, the Pingning Marquisate would have long been categorized as "fallen gentry" by the Kyoto literati.
Zeng Weiyang was an intelligent woman and quickly understood the situation. In her disappointment, she even entertained the idea of seducing her brother-in-law.
After all, Situ Yan was the only high-ranking noble she could access.
As long as she could escape the predicament of her dreams, what was stealing her sister's man? Besides, she was modest; being a concubine would be enough? Unfortunately, Situ Yan was a devoted lover, his eyes only for Lu Nianfu. Recently, she had gradually despaired of marriage, especially after the spineless man from her dreams appeared in the manor.
Unexpectedly, when she least expected it, her efforts bore no fruit, while unintended actions yielded success.
She actually had a chance encounter with Prince Ning outside the gates of Prince Rui's manor.
Oh no, it was a romantic encounter.
In a restaurant, Zeng Weiyang and her romantic encounter had a very pleasant conversation.
Meanwhile, Lu Nianfu sat at a dining table, stoically listening to Situ Yan's lecture: "You agreed to her invitation? The nunnery has a complicated staff. What if someone disrespectful bumps into you?"
"Under the emperor's watchful eye, how can there be so much trouble? Besides, it's not far from our residence. If it's too crowded, we can simply turn back." Popping a meatball into her mouth, Lu Nianfu couldn't help but grumble, "Our current dynasty emphasizes filial piety. I haven't visited the Pingning Marquisate to tend to my father's illness for a long time. If I'm unwilling to even fetch a peace charm for my father, wouldn't the censors impeach me for filial impiety? No, they wouldn't impeach me for filial impiety; they'd impeach you for failing to properly guide your wife."
"You have too many reasons."
"If Ah Yan thinks it's reasonable, then agree. It's just a trip out. Besides, I'm getting moldy from staying cooped up at home every day."
Qingya chimed in from the side, "Yes, Master. This servant thinks it's good to go out for a walk. Most people going for incense are women, and with this servant and the hidden guards, there will definitely be no problem."
Situ Yan thought for a moment. "Why don't I accompany you?"
"Don't you have to go to work?"
"It's not a big deal to miss work occasionally."
Fine, he was the head of the Dali Temple; wherever he went was naturally his decision.
It was for her father's blessings, so having an extra person wouldn't matter. Lu Nianfu readily agreed. However, fate intervened. Just after the morning court, Eunuch Li arrived with a summons from the Emperor.
Situ Yan was frustrated and had to send someone to the manor to inform Lu Nianfu to go ahead by herself, and he would rush over for the vegetarian meal after he finished.
Thus, Lu Nianfu set off with her entourage.
Imperial Study
Emperor Changwu asked, "What are your thoughts on the Ministry of Justice?"
The Minister of Justice had helped Situ Jue by making Situ Lang take a huge scapegoat. Although the Emperor didn't show it on the surface, he had already made a mental note. Situ Jue was his son, and he was reluctant to act against him, but what was the Minister of Justice? The heat surrounding the matter had long passed, and the hidden guards had gathered enough evidence. Emperor Changwu no longer held back, pinning all the discovered crimes on him and launching his attack during the morning court. The Minister of Justice, caught completely off guard, was left with nothing but to kneel and beg for mercy.
He was then stripped of his official hat, removed from his robes, and directly pushed out of the palace gates into a prisoner's cart.
He was beheaded at noon at the vegetable market, without even being sent to prison.
As for his family.
After confiscating their property, the entire family was exiled to Lingnan.
This matter was handled entirely by the shadow guards under Emperor Changwu. Situ Yan, the Minister of Dali Temple, had not heard even the slightest whisper of it beforehand. He originally thought this matter had nothing to do with him, but to his surprise, the Emperor's first question upon closing the doors was this.
He was quite candid, "As one who holds a position, one must govern. Your son, in the Dali Temple, knows nothing of the Ministry of Justice, let alone having any opinions."
Emperor Changwu: ......
Every time he conversed with his younger son, he had to prepare medicine for his heart ailment in advance.
He choked for a long while and then said irritably, "Then think about it now."