Chapter 76: Home Invasion

Chapter 76: Home Invasion

As soon as Xia Fu left the east wing and reached her daughter's side, she unconsciously dropped the playful expression she hadn't noticed and naturally showed gentleness.

"An An."

Cheng Yian saw that her mother looked relaxed and glanced curiously towards the east wing. "Mother, how did you get away from Father's questioning?"

Just thinking about it, she could already guess the level of awkwardness inside the room.

Xia Fu smiled with her lips. "I scared your father using a snake."

Cheng Yian's smile froze on her face as she looked at her mother and suddenly stepped back, horrified. "Mother, did you bring the snake bracelet?"

Xia Fu quickly shook her head. "No, I wouldn't bring something that I know scares you."

Cheng Yian patted her chest. "That's good, that's good..."

Mother's being mischievous too!

Xia Fu let go of her smile. "You go rest in the back courtyard. I'm going to meet your mother-in-law."

Cheng Yian was a little worried about her mother. "Don't you want me to come with you?"

Xia Fu feigned anger. "You're pregnant now, so you should be resting. I'll be back shortly."

Xia Fu had learned that this Wang Shi was quite difficult to get along with and had initially thought little of her daughter. Naturally, Xia Fu wanted to meet her.

Cheng Yian had no choice but to give up when she saw her mother's determination. She signaled Ming Saozi to go with her. Her mother had a soft temperament, and she was worried her mother might be at a disadvantage. Ming Saozi was very capable and could keep an eye on things if needed.

Ming Saozi then joined the people from the King's residence in escorting Xia Fu to the main hall.

After they left, Cheng Mingyu also came out, drawing his gaze back from Xia Fu, and approached his daughter with a gentle voice. "The beads your mother gave you—where are they?"

Cheng Yian took the beads off her left wrist. "Here they are."

Cheng Mingyu extended his hand. "Give them to Father."

Cheng Yian hesitated. "Father, these beads are meant for me to remember Mother by. Do you really want to take them back?"

"Just give them to Father first." Xia Fu had worn these beads for seventeen years, and Cheng Mingyu wanted to return them to her.

Cheng Yian had no choice but to place them in his palm.

Cheng Mingyu took the beads and told Cheng Yian to take good care of her health before leaving.

After they left, Cheng Yian went back to Ningji Hall to lie down.

Wang Shi had been sitting in the main hall for a while when she finally heard the announcement, "The Yunnan King's consort is here." She immediately stood up to welcome her and saw a refined and elegant woman enter from the corridor.

Wang Shi was visibly stunned when she saw the face.

This face bore an uncanny resemblance to Cheng Yian's.

So, could this Yunnan King's consort be Cheng Yian's birth mother?

Recalling Cheng Mingyou's behavior that day, Wang Shi thought it was highly possible. As the person stepped over the threshold, Wang Shi suppressed her tumultuous emotions and curtsied. "Greetings, Lady Lu."

Xia Fu gave her a steady look and bowed slightly. "Lady Lu, hello."

The two then took their seats as host and guest, according to their status, with Xia Fu sitting on the seat on the eastern side and Wang Shi on the seat on the western side.

Just as Wang Shi’s nurse, Nurse Wang, was about to instruct someone to serve tea, Ming Saozi spoke first. Nurse Wang fell silent after glancing at Ming Saozi.

Ming Saozi, who was currently in charge of the Lu family’s treasury, was the most influential house steward.

In another household, Nurse Wang, as a respected senior maid by the mistress’s side, would have been the most esteemed nanny. However, since Cheng Yian was the head of the household in the Cheng family, the second mistress couldn’t intervene, and Nurse Wang was left idle.

By this time, Wang Shi had already observed Xia Fu. Known for her beauty and intelligence, Wang Shi had once been renowned in Qingzhou. Yet, this Yunnan King’s consort was even more stunning, delicate, and graceful. Such a woman always attracted men’s affection, and Wang Shi felt a bit of disdain for Xia Fu in her heart.

"The Empress Dowager summoned me today, so I returned later than expected. It’s embarrassing to have disturbed the Consort."

Xia Fu replied gently, "As soon as I heard that An An fainted, I, as her mother, was startled and immediately rushed over. I had just discussed a remedy with the imperial doctor, which made you wait long, Madam."

Wang Shi knew that Cheng Mingyu was inside. If Xia Fu was Cheng Yian’s birth mother, then she and Cheng Mingyu were old acquaintances. No wonder the Cheng family had stopped her earlier. "Consort, you flatter me. May I ask if the imperial doctor has confirmed that our Xu'er is going to be a father?"

Someone had just come out of the study to say that Cheng Yian had a pregnancy pulse, and Wang Shi was naturally pleased, having long awaited Lu Xusheng having offspring.

Seeing Wang Shi’s joyful expression, Xia Fu smiled faintly. A mother-in-law was still a mother-in-law, only thinking about her son becoming a father and not concerned about her daughter-in-law’s well-being.

"The doctors have confirmed it is a pregnancy pulse. Let me congratulate you, Madam. You are going to be a grandmother. However—"

Wang Shi also felt a bit fearful, "My daughter-in-law is young, and the people around her are not very sensible. If her menstruation was delayed, she should have realized earlier. Thankfully, heaven protected her, and there was no major issue. If something had happened to her, the consequences would have been endless."

This was a veiled criticism of Cheng Yian for being careless and fainting while pregnant.

The so-called endless consequences also reflected Wang Shi’s concern that Cheng Yian might miscarry, affecting her son’s offspring.

Xia Fu’s smile faded. "An An is not yet eighteen this year, and it’s not surprising that she, being young and inexperienced, failed to notice in time. These past few days, with the interference of the Prince of Nan'an, her heart has been unsettled and she couldn’t take care of herself, which is understandable. At this time, it is the mother-in-law’s responsibility to care for and guide her daughter-in-law. If I remember correctly, you have given birth to four children, so you have ample experience. If you are willing to put in the effort to teach her, An An would not have fainted today."

Wang Shi’s smile became strained.

It turned out that this consort, who appeared gentle and beautiful, actually had thorns.

"You are right to scold me, Consort. I have been negligent."

She blamed herself first, then added, "But my daughter-in-law has never been close to me. Even if I want to guide her, it’s futile."

Implying that Cheng Yian was not filial to her mother-in-law.

Xia Fu smiled. "Hearts are made of flesh. If a mother-in-law truly treats her daughter-in-law like a daughter and the daughter-in-law does not become close to her, then she is a fool."

Wang Shi realized that Xia Fu had come to support her daughter. Arguing further would only make both sides look bad and cause her son trouble.

Moreover, Cheng Yian’s pregnancy was a joyous occasion, and she needed to be magnanimous.

Wang Shi forced a smile. "What you say makes sense, Consort. This pregnancy is a great joy. From now on, as her mother-in-law, I will take better care of her. By the way, since this is your first visit to the Lu residence, if you do not mind, would you like to stay for dinner?"

Xia Fu put down her teacup. "I will stay for dinner, and not only that, since Xusheng is away, I plan to stay and accompany An An to take care of her."

Upon hearing that Xia Fu intended to stay, Wang Shi’s expression stiffened.

She barely managed to control her expression.

"Is that so?" she said with a stiff smile. "That must be tiring for you, Consort."

With Xia Fu staying, it was like keeping a Buddha in the house. Not only would she need to be entertained, but as her in-law, she would also have to check in from time to time. Oh dear heavens.

Wang Shi had a terrible headache.

She had always been lazy and careless by nature, and even when her husband was alive, she had never been willing to serve her mother-in-law. Lu Chang had always spoiled and protected her. After Lu Chang’s death, wearing the label of a widow meant she no longer needed to socialize. But now, her in-laws were coming to stay in the estate...

Wang Shi massaged her temples.

Xia Fu noticed her reluctance and smiled.

Wang Shi’s displeasure was none of her concern; she only cared about her daughter’s happiness.

"Does it seem like the in-laws are not welcome?" Xia Fu asked her.

"No, no, how could that be?" Wang Shi forced a smile that was worse than a cry, "With you here, I am relieved about the daughter-in-law’s side."

Xia Fu then instructed the matron beside her, "Dispatch someone back to the prince’s mansion to inform the prince and pack some belongings to bring over."

"As you wish." The old matron bowed and withdrew.

Seeing this, Wang Shi immediately asked Ming Saozi politely, "Has the residence for the princess been arranged?"

Ming Saozi replied, "In response to the mistress, Second Mistress has ordered that the pavilion by the water to the west of Ningji Hall be prepared for the princess to stay in. The two sides are close by, making it convenient for the princess to come and go."

Wang Shi nodded.

Xia Fu bid farewell to Wang Shi and was led to Ningji Hall by Ming Saozi. Cheng Yian, following the doctor’s orders, was lying on the kang bed in the eastern wing, unable to wait to stretch out her hand, "Mother, did my mother-in-law say anything unpleasant or inappropriate?"

Xia Fu wouldn’t add to her daughter’s troubles and smiled, "It’s all good."

Cheng Yian glanced at Ming Saozi by the curtain. Ming Saozi nodded at her, indicating that her mother hadn’t been wronged.

Cheng Yian moved aside, allowing Xia Fu to sit on the bed. Xia Fu’s eyes suddenly fell on her wrist and she exclaimed in surprise, "Where is your bracelet?"

She had clearly seen it on her wrist just a moment ago, but now it was gone.

Cheng Yian noticed how much her mother cared about the beads and said softly, "Father asked for it back."

An inexplicable pain welled up in Xia Fu’s heart.

She could bear giving it to her daughter, but she couldn’t bear it when Cheng Mingyu asked for it back.

As the saying goes, "The bystander sees clearer than the player." Cheng Yian, seeing that her mother still had lingering feelings for her father, gave a knowing look to dismiss the servants and gently held her mother, asking,

"If you are unwilling to part with it, why did you give it to me?"

Xia Fu turned her gaze to her daughter, her eyes slightly red,

"An An, you know, it’s impossible for me to return to the Cheng family, nor do I want to. So, it’s impossible for your father and me."

Cheng Yian understood. Not everyone could live with over a hundred snakes like her mother, nor could everyone be the wife of the Cheng family’s clan chief.

Lu Xusheng spoke correctly in saying the Cheng family was not suitable for her mother.

But not returning to the Cheng family didn’t mean she couldn’t live her life. Just as she was thinking this, her mother said,

"It’s fine. If he wants it, let him have it. Consider it a closure."

Cheng Yian didn’t quite agree, "I figure Father is either unhappy that you gave the beads to me or wanted to keep them as a reminder of himself."

"Let's not talk about this anymore, dear. Let me write down a meal plan for you."

Xia Fu had once prepared meal plans for some pregnant women in Yunnan. They were effective in preventing morning sickness and reducing discomfort. She wanted to try it with her daughter.

By late afternoon, Cheng Mingyu had also returned to the Cheng family.

The retired imperial physician had returned earlier and had already congratulated the matriarch. Cheng Yiqiao and her siblings knew that Cheng Yian was pregnant.

The whole family gathered in the matriarch's main room, discussing whether to visit Cheng Yian.

"Hold on. She's just pregnant; the pregnancy isn't stable yet. Don't disturb her," said the matriarch.

Cheng Yiqiao said, "That doesn't mean we shouldn't do something. How about Yian and I go?"

Cheng Yixin agreed, "We should at least send some gifts. I've given birth before and can share some experience with her."

Cheng Mingyu, who had been silent until then, spoke up.

"Not yet. Xia Fu is there taking care of her these days."

The mention of Xia Fu made Cheng Yiqiao shudder at the thought of the snake. "Then I'm not going."

Cheng Yixin, being more perceptive, sensed something was off. An An's closeness with Xia Fu was unusual. Cheng Yixin had some suspicions but didn't dare to think too deeply.

Upon hearing that Xia Fu had gone to the Lu family, the matriarch's eyes widened immediately.

Immediately, she sent the younger generation away and eagerly asked her son,

"Did you see Xia Fu?"

Cheng Mingyu nodded silently.

The matriarch was excited. "Did you talk to her? What does she..."

Cheng Mingyu, understanding his mother's intentions, interrupted her gently,

"She doesn't want to come back to the Cheng family."

The matriarch paused, blinking. "If she leaves the Yunnan King, she could remarry you."

Cheng Mingyu smiled bitterly, "She hasn't married the Yunnan King. They are just a fake couple, and she helps him take care of his son. Her intention is that she won't marry again in this lifetime."

The matriarch, being a sharp person, immediately understood the implication behind these words.

Xia Fu's simple nature meant it would indeed be challenging for her to be the main wife of the Cheng family. "Actually, if she married into our family, I didn't plan for her to manage the household. I just wanted her to keep you company and live a loving life."

"I was hoping she could come and enjoy her life, to make up for the past."

Cheng Mingyu thought the same. He wouldn't let Xia Fu endure any gossip or household chores. Even if Xia Fu didn't want to appear in public, he accepted it. He just wanted a proper title to live a steady life and give An An a home, making up for the years of absence of a father.

He longed to lift her red veil, to make up for the regret of not marrying her nineteen years ago, to hold her hand and grow old together.

"Did you make it clear to her? With both of us protecting her, she would be the most honored lady inside and out, and no one would dare to give her a hard time or ask her to worry about family affairs."

Cheng Mingyu shook his head solemnly, "She doesn't want to."

The matriarch took a deep breath, her face showing helplessness.

Seeing Cheng Mingyu's continued silence, she asked him, "So, are you planning to give up?"

"Impossible." Cheng Mingyu lowered his gaze and adjusted his clothes, his tone resolute.

This was the first time the elder ancestor had seen her son express his feelings so directly, and she couldn't help but chuckle.

"If that's how it is, then so be it. If the mountain won't come to you, you go to the mountain. You're not getting any younger, you know. It's already a pity that you've missed out for so many years. If you keep delaying, your whole life will slip by. Life is never complete. Besides, you're still known as a 'wife-killer.' If she doesn't want to join the Cheng family, then just live your life with her outside. As long as you both want to, nothing else is important."

Cheng Yian, who had just become pregnant, was still a bit drowsy and fell asleep not long after dinner.

Before she went to sleep, Xia Fu sat by her side and fanned her. Cheng Yian closed her eyes, a smile still playing on her lips. "Mother, go rest. I'm not a child anymore. Let the maids take care of me."

Xia Fu couldn't bear to leave her side. "Just sleep. You have no idea how beautiful you look when you sleep. I love watching you."

She could still faintly see the resemblance to her newborn self.

She felt someone brushing her hair. The rough, calloused fingertips caused a slight itchiness. Cheng Yian subconsciously raised her hand to brush it away but bumped into a firm arm, startling herself awake. She opened her eyes to find Lu Xusheng lying beside her, fanning her with a cattail leaf fan.

Cheng Yian blinked. "Xusheng, how did you get back?" She tried to sit up, pushing herself off the bed.

Seeing her move, Lu Xusheng hurriedly supported her arm. "Slowly. You're pregnant. You can't be too careful."

Once she was stable, Lu Xusheng let go and continued fanning her.

He looked at his wife, an eighteen-year-old girl with bright eyes and skin as tender as a spring flower, already carrying his child.

He had forgotten how he felt when Cheng Yian was pregnant in his past life. After two lifetimes, he had finally awaited the arrival of this child. Even the iron-willed Lu Xusheng had softened, not daring to speak too loudly to her.

"I received a pigeon post saying you had fainted, so I rushed back immediately."

Cheng Yian furrowed her brow. "I told Qiu Qing not to inform you." As soon as Lu Xusheng left, something happened to her, and she feared it would unsettle him at the border.

Lu Xusheng said, "He couldn't bear the consequences of not telling me."

Whether Lu Xusheng returned was his decision, but not informing him would be Qiu Qing's fault.

Cheng Yian was actually happy and tugged at his sleeve, coquettishly saying, "The first person I wanted to tell the good news to was you."

"I also felt that at such an important moment, I should be by your side." So he left everything behind and hurried back to the capital.

That one sentence contained too much.

Both fell into silence.

It was past midnight, and the night had grown cool. Lu Xusheng tossed the fan aside and leaned against a bolster, staying by Cheng Yian's side.

Cheng Yian rested her head on his shoulder, and Lu Xusheng draped a thin quilt over her belly, pulling her closer into his arms. Cheng Yian wanted to get closer but felt the position pressed against her belly. Finally, she simply lay flat, resting her head on his chest.

"By the way, you didn't have any children in your previous life either, right?" Cheng Yian asked him.

"No."

"Neither did I."

So this was their first child.

Cheng Yian hoped for a safe and smooth delivery.

As a result, both of them were breathing very lightly and moving cautiously.

The two of them were simultaneously looking at the curtain in front of them, feeling a bit dazed, as though they were in a trance.

"Are you happy, Lu Xusheng?"

"I'm extremely happy."

"I can't tell; you're not smiling."

Cheng Yian started to find fault.

Lu Xusheng chuckled, paused for a moment, and said, "I'm so happy I can barely speak."

This was the first time Cheng Yian had seen him at a loss, and it amused her. Her mind involuntarily started thinking about their child,

"Lu Xusheng, do you want a son or a daughter?"

This was something every expecting couple dreamed about.

However, Lu Xusheng grew serious and frowned,

"Don't speculate or fantasize. Whatever we get is what we get. If we expect a son but end up with a daughter, wouldn't the girl feel wronged? The same goes the other way around."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Yian panicked and immediately removed any thoughts of gender from her mind.

"You're right. When I was in Yizhou, I met a merchant's wife. She had two sons previously and was hoping for a daughter in her third pregnancy. However, the child later miscarried and was born as a fully formed male fetus. Who knows if the child didn't want to come into this world?"

Then Cheng Yian gently rubbed her belly and cooed to her unborn child, "Baby, baby, whether you're a boy or a girl, both your father and I love you so much. You need to come into this world happily and safely, alright?"

Lu Xusheng was amused by her appearance and looked at her flat belly. He reached out, wanting to touch it but worried that his rough palm might hurt the child.

"Is it really there? There's no sign of it at all."

Recalling the image of Cheng Yian's pregnant belly from his previous life, Lu Xusheng felt guilty.

"An An, don't worry about anything from now on. Just focus on staying healthy and having a safe pregnancy. Whether it's matters in the mansion or outside, you don't have to worry about anything. I'll handle everything, understand?"

Cheng Yian rubbed her cheek against his jaw and said with a grievance, "Aren't you going to leave?"

Lu Xusheng gently caressed her cheek and pulled her tightly into his arms, his voice hoarse.

"Give me a few days, and I'll be back."

"Don't you have to deal with the matters at the border?"

"Nothing and no one is more important than you and the child."

This thought resided in his heart. Realizing he was the commander of the border and couldn't abandon his duties, he added, "The Chehan and Northern Qi are in conflict. I'll observe the situation from a distance. All I need to do is go to Silver Mountain and help the fake Prince of Nan'an establish himself. Then I'll return."

"That works out perfectly. Before you come back, my mother will be with me at the Lu mansion."

Lu Xusheng said with relief, "A few moments ago, I ran into your mother. With her here, I feel at ease."

"I'm thirsty."

"I'll pour some water for you."

"I'm hungry."

"Then I'll have someone make a bowl of swallow's nest porridge for you."

Cheng Yian leaned on the bolster, watching as Lu Xusheng was ordered around and couldn't help but laugh.

"Oh my, my child, if not for relying on you, what ability would your mother have to make your father serve me so diligently?"

Lu Xusheng handed her the tea water, a little unhappy.

"Haven't I taken good enough care of you before?"

Cheng Yian twirled a lock of hair around her finger leisurely and said, "Have you ever cooked steamed triangular dumplings? Or searched for chefs to make me varied snacks? Or massaged my shoulders and back?"

See, with my father-in-law and elder brother-in-law being so wonderful, it makes me look dull in comparison.

Lu Xusheng rubbed his temples, resigned, and said,

"From today onwards, your humble husband will serve Her Highness by pouring tea, rubbing shoulders, and anything else you need, alright?"

"Will you still do this after I give birth?"

"Even when we're old and wrinkly!"

"Who knows? Maybe I'll trade you in for a younger model when we're old and wrinkly."

Lu Xusheng: "..."

Gritting his teeth, he sat behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders, "Let me give you a massage?"

Cheng Yian leaned comfortably in his arms, "Go ahead."

Lu Xusheng had never done this kind of task before, and he was quite unskilled. Cheng Yian said with a hint of dissatisfaction,

"Learn from my second brother!"

Lu Xusheng chuckled, "I should indeed get some tips from my brother-in-law."

After massaging for a while, Cheng Yian's bones started to ache.

"Are you trying to serve me or get back at me? Go easier, my shoulder bones are about to be crushed."

Because he was so tall, Lu Xusheng was already quite uncomfortable sitting cross-legged beside her. After her complaint, he didn’t know where to put his hands. As though in a trance, he recalled the times he had "served" Cheng Yian. He placed one hand on her shoulder blade and the other on the back of her neck, kneading up and down.

"How is it?"

"Not bad."

It being summer, Cheng Yian only wore a thin nightgown on her upper body, and his calloused fingers occasionally brushed against her earlobe. After a while, Cheng Yian couldn’t take it anymore and said weakly,

"Let go, I can’t handle this."

Lu Xusheng met her watery eyes and immediately understood. He lowered his head, and a lingering moment of intimacy followed. He sighed helplessly,

"Being a father isn’t an easy task."

Cheng Yian, annoyed, threw a punch at him. Lu Xusheng, flustered, caught her small fist, and hurriedly said,

"Elder, if you want to teach me a lesson, just give the order. I'll come on my own without troubling you."

Lu Xusheng stayed and kept her company as she slept for two hours, then headed back to Xuanfu.

For the next two days, Cheng Yian began to feel like vomiting, but fortunately, Xia Fu was by her side, adjusting her diet from time to time. The symptoms weren’t too obvious, but she wasn’t sleeping well at night.

For reasons unknown to her, she kept dreaming about her child from her previous life, waking up repeatedly at night.

Seeing how concerned she was, Xia Fu said worriedly, "How about I go to Xiangshan Temple on your behalf, my lady, and ask the master there to get a protection charm for you?"

Cheng Yian had been thinking the same. "Then I'll have to trouble you, my lady. But is Xiangshan Temple... too far away?" The temple was on the outskirts of the city.

Xia Fu replied, "The Buddha at Xiangshan Temple is very effective."

She had survived a fall from a high cliff; it must have been the Buddha's blessing.

She was sure that by asking for a protection charm for her grandchild, the child would be born safely.

Cheng Yian was speechless.

Seeing how anxious Cheng Yian was, Xia Fu knew that if she didn’t go, Cheng Yian wouldn’t be able to sleep that night. After breakfast, Xia Fu set out for Xiangshan Temple with her entourage.

The sun was still up when they left, but dark clouds soon obscured it after they exited the city. Xia Fu, worried about the changing weather, lifted the curtain and instructed the guards,

"Go to the King's palace and deliver a message, asking the King to come to Xiangshan Temple to fetch me after his court duties."

The Yunnan King had just arrived in the capital, and various government departments needed to coordinate official matters with his palace, such as assessing population taxes and improving laws and procedures. Thus, officials from various departments had to meet with him frequently, and the Yunnan King had to report to the official district daily.

While guards from other households found it difficult to enter the official district, the Yunnan King's palace was an exception. The emperor, aware that the Yunnan King was unfamiliar with the capital and had limited manpower and connections, made things easier for him. After presenting a name card at Zhengyang Gate, the guards were granted entry to the official district. Upon learning that the King was at the Ministry of Rites, they made their way there.

Everyone was present, including Chief Censor Cheng Mingyu, Minister of Rites Kong Yunjie, Minister of Revenue Zheng Shanghe, and Minister of Personnel Chen Huairen. The Yunnan King's palace also had various offices, such as the Personnel Office and the Rites Office, mirroring the structure of the six ministries and nine high-ranking officials in the official district. The Censorate was responsible for inspections and case management, overseeing judicial procedures and hierarchical reporting in Yunnan, and addressing past injustices and lawlessness in the region.

Minister of Revenue Zheng Shanghe conferred with the Yunnan King. "Yunnan has many mountains and is rich in mineral resources. How about we send some people from the court to help with mining and mountain development?"

The Yunnan King waved his hand to refuse. "The people of Yunnan worship mountain gods, and those mountains should not be disturbed lightly. As for the population, it does need to be thoroughly checked, and I will cooperate fully."

In reality, how much would be checked, and to what extent, was ultimately up to the Yunnan King.

Zheng Shanghe returned somewhat defeated.

Then Minister of Rites Kong Yunjie spoke up. "Your Highness, last time the emperor inquired about the prince's marriage and was very concerned. The emperor has chosen several noble ladies from the clan for the prince. I will bring the portraits for the King to look at; all are ladies of excellent character and beauty. Please choose one for the prince."

The Yunnan King sighed deeply upon hearing this. "Minister Kong, I am very willing to arrange a marriage with the imperial court, but my late wife left a final wish, to marry her niece to the prince. She passed away early, and this was her only wish; how could I not fulfill it?"

Kong Yunjie immediately had a headache. "Then choose two to be concubines, and when the prince inherits the title, elevate one to be a side consort."

The Yunnan King smiled bitterly. "I would like to, but the two children grew up together as childhood sweethearts and are deeply in love; they cannot tolerate others. Moreover, that girl is very strong-willed and does not allow my son to take concubines."

All in all, he did not want the imperial court to insert people into the Yunnan King's palace.

At this point, Cheng Mingyu spoke up. "Since the prince's marriage is settled, let's settle the second young master's marriage."

Hearing this, the Yunnan King gave Cheng Mingyu a deep look. Cheng Mingyu's move was deeply intentional.

Once the second young master marries a noble lady from the capital, the imperial court will surely offer full support, and may even help the younger son compete for the inheritance with the elder son. Internal conflicts will arise within the Yunnan King's household, and the imperial court can sit back and watch the chaos unfold. This move is both ruthless and precise. Moreover, once the second young master has backing in the capital, Xia Fu will no longer be a concern. As long as Xia Fu is willing, Cheng Mingyu can remove her from the Yunnan King's household at any time.

That sly old fox.

The Yunnan King realized the implications and furrowed his brow.

Cheng Mingyu anticipated that the Yunnan King would refuse the heir's marriage proposal but would find it hard to refuse the second young master's marriage proposal. Therefore, he privately advised the emperor, who praised it as a clever plan. The emperor immediately drafted an imperial decree, granting a marriage to the second young master. Cheng Mingyu slowly retrieved the decree from his sleeve and handed it to the Yunnan King.

"His Majesty has chosen Lady Chen of Marquis Chen's family as the second young master's wife. You should be grateful for the emperor's grace."

Marquis Chen was the brother of the reigning empress. To secure the loyalty of the Yunnan King's household, the emperor betrothed an eight-year-old young lady from Marquis Chen's family to the second young master, Mu Xun.

The Yunnan King was both amused and angered. "Cheng, well-played."

Cheng Mingyu smiled and handed him the decree. "I believe that with Marquis Chen as the second young master's in-laws, you should be pleased, King of Yunnan. As parents who love their child, they plan for the long-term. With Marquis Chen and you as in-laws, what else do you have to worry about?"

The Yunnan King had to consider his younger son's safety. If his son became Empress Chen's nephew-in-law, he could rest easy in Yunnan. Even though he knew the imperial court had ulterior motives, he couldn't truly refuse this marriage.

So, he stood up and received the decree, turning to Minister of Personnel Chen Huairen. Chen Huairen set down his teacup and bowed in return.

"In the future, please take good care of my son, Marquis Chen."

"And please take good care of my daughter in the future, King of Yunnan."

It was nearly noon when a eunuch arrived, saying that the Yunnan King's guards had something to report. The Yunnan King excused himself and stepped outside, where a guard bowed to him at the steps.

"Your Highness, the consort went to Xiangshan Temple to pray today. The weather doesn't look good. She said that if you have time, please go and fetch her this afternoon."

The Yunnan King looked at the darkening sky and nodded.

"Wait outside the city gate. I will come to fetch the consort after I finish my business."

The Yunnan King's voice was loud enough that everyone inside the hall heard it clearly. Finding the hall stuffy, Cheng Mingyu stepped out for some fresh air.

The Yunnan King noticed him and approached to speak at the corner of the corridor.

"Cheng Mingyu, good tactics. Are you trying to force Ah Fu to leave me?"

Cheng Mingyu looked at him coldly. "Fake husband and wife only. Is it considered forcing? Don't kid yourself, King of Yunnan!"

The Yunnan King's eyes darkened, realizing that Cheng Mingyu had already discovered the truth. No wonder he dared to play the qin in the hall so boldly.

"So what? She is my consort now."

Cheng Mingyu replied irritably, "She is only repaying the old consort's kindness. If you are a real man, don't use kindness for repayment. Remove her title of Yunnan King's consort as soon as possible and give her freedom."

The Yunnan King glared. "What kindness for repayment? I am just taking advantage of proximity. Ah Fu really didn't want to marry me, but she doesn't mind spending her life with me. She just doesn't want to be bound by a marriage certificate. As long as I don't care about the title, she is willing to spend her life with me."

Not caring about the title and spending a life together...

These words kept echoing in Cheng Mingyu's mind, and his face gradually turned pale.

The Yunnan King, seeing him finally change color, felt a sense of relief and laughed heartily. "Cheng Mingyu, she is my consort and lives freely. It's much more comfortable than being a mere clan wife in your Cheng family. Do you think playing a broken qin would help? Hey, I'm going to drink some wine now. You all better finalize the personnel list quickly. I'm going to fetch the consort outside the city this afternoon."

Cheng Mingyu watched the departing Yunnan King, his emotions fading away. After a moment of silence, he turned and entered the meeting hall, calling Zheng Shanghe aside.

"The tax records and population registries of the Yunnan King's household have always been unclear, and the archives of the various branch offices are also incomplete. Don't be fooled by him. Lu Xusheng has already set an example in Jiangnan. It is imperative for the imperial court to re-measure the population. If he stalls, use the timber issue to silence him."

The main source of tax revenue in Yunnan was timber. Once the imperial court shut down his timber business, the people under his command would struggle to make ends meet.

"I need you to get this sorted by the end of today, and the Ministry of Revenue must dispatch at least five officials along with the military provisions to Yunnan."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Shanghe immediately complained bitterly, "Sort it out today? Is there such a need? He isn't leaving for another two days."

"Getting it sorted earlier means we can send this troublesome person on his way earlier, don't you think?" Cheng Mingyu shot back coldly. "If you can't manage it, I'll impeach you for slacking off first thing tomorrow morning."

Cheng Mingyu didn't impeach people lightly, but when he did, they became everyone's target.

Infuriated, Zheng Shanghe yanked up his robe and pointed at him, cursing, "Cheng Mingyu, you scoundrel, I am the father of the Princess of Ning. Where does that leave my daughter, the Princess of Ning's, honor?"

Seeing Zheng Shanghe dare point at Cheng Mingyu and scold him, Minister of Punishments Chao Ke hurriedly pulled him aside,

"Minister Zheng, have you forgotten the fate of the last official who dared to point at Lord Cheng and scold him?"

Unconcerned, Zheng Shanghe said, "What's to fear? Let me tell you, the Princess Minglan no longer has feelings for him."

Chao Ke smiled wryly, "Even if the Princess Minglan no longer has feelings for him, you still can't afford to offend Lord Cheng. It is said that His Majesty intends to dissolve the Eight Ministries and establish the Grand Council. It's certain that Lord Cheng will be named Chief Councilor. For the sake of Prince Ning, you can't afford to offend the future Chief Councilor."

In the entire court, in terms of reputation, ability, means, and vision, who could surpass Cheng Mingyu?

The position of Chief Councilor was non-negotiable; it had to be Cheng Mingyu.

Zheng Shanghe immediately fell silent, his old face tense, and he bellowed at everyone, "Don't rest! Hurry up and pull out the archives. We're keeping the Yunnan King here today. We're not leaving until we've settled on the plan!"

Seeing this, Cheng Mingyu lightly dusted off his robe and, with his hands behind his back, headed towards the rear passage.

Zheng Shanghe immediately called out to him, "Hey, where are you going?"

Without turning back, Cheng Mingyu threw over two words, "Business."