Chapter 10

Chapter 10

The Emperor summoned Lu Suian for an audience, and only him. The Marquis’s household dared not delay, immediately preparing a carriage to rush to the palace.

Just before the carriage departed, Marquis Lu Jingrong, uneasy about Lu Suian’s first solo audience with the Emperor, joined him at the last minute. Along the way to the palace, he couldn’t help but repeatedly caution and advise: “This time, the Emperor is sending you south. On the surface, it appears to be a routine investigation, but it is actually of immense significance. Today, He’s summoning you alone—it likely relates to that person from before…”

At this point, Lu Jingrong immediately fell silent, as if touching upon something taboo and not daring to mention it. After a pause, he continued: “Jiangnan is prosperous and the lifeblood of the court. However, the south was controlled by that person for many years and served as their power base. After years of entrenchment, local forces have become as solid as rock. Even though His Majesty has ascended the throne, it will be difficult to truly subdue them in a short time. This dispatch south may seem like a case review, but in reality, you are likely being sent to test the waters. This journey south may bring both opportunity and danger. As your father, I do not wish for you to take risks, yet I also hope you achieve something…”

Lu Jingrong’s face showed a torn expression.

This matter was particularly delicate. To explain it thoroughly, one must start with the current court situation, and to discuss the court situation, one must go back to the turmoil sixteen years ago. That major event sixteen years ago dragged both the Shen and Lu families into it, resulting in one family destroyed and the other, though managing to preserve the clan, suffering the cold shoulder from the entire capital for over ten years. It was the most difficult and bitter period for the Lu family in a century, nearly leading them to the same ruin as the Shen family—complete destruction and a point of no return.

Sixteen years ago, the previous Emperor’s illness worsened. Noble Consort Huo, supported by her elder brother Huo Guang, captured the Crown Prince under the charge of rebellion and attempted coup. Just as they were about to execute the Crown Prince, Chief Grand Secretary Shen Zhong stepped forward and took all the blame, claiming that he himself had harbored evil intentions and could not stand the Huo family’s disruption of the court. He stated that he had forced the Crown Prince to rebel, and the young and impulsive Crown Prince, out of concern for his father, had inadvertently committed this unforgivable crime.

After taking full responsibility, Shen Zhong committed suicide in front of the Meridian Gate to atone for his crimes. The entire court, urged by old ministers including the Lu family, fasted to plead for the Crown Prince’s life. Fearing intense opposition from the officials and public outrage, Noble Consort Huo, on Huo Guang’s suggestion, stripped the Crown Prince of his title and confined him to the imperial mausoleum for fifteen years.

All close ministers of the Crown Prince involved in this “rebellion,” including Chief Grand Secretary Shen Zhong, had their families executed and properties confiscated, with three generations of their families wiped out. All men of the Shen family were beheaded at the market, and all women and maids were forced into prostitution in the borderlands. Shen Zhong’s elderly wife and daughter-in-law, unable to bear the humiliation, fell ill or committed suicide on the way to exile. Only the last surviving bloodline, hidden by the housekeeper, remained—the present-day Shen Anning.

Afterward, Huo Guang was appointed Regent. He had a volatile temperament, was underhanded and merciless in methods, and ruled with an iron fist. The officials suffered greatly under him, yet he possessed remarkable cunning, firmly supporting Noble Consort Huo in controlling the court for fifteen years.

Until a year ago, when Huo Guang suddenly died. Noble Consort Huo, losing her support, was finally ousted by the officials. The Crown Prince was brought back from the imperial mausoleum and, with the support of the court, smoothly ascended the throne. The court, chaotic for fifteen years, finally returned to the Xie family.

The world finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Over these fifteen years, the Lu family was regarded as a thorn in the side by the Huo faction, repeatedly nearly eradicated by Noble Consort Huo. Surviving until the Crown Prince’s ascension was fraught with hardships beyond imagination.

Now, after the storm had passed and the clouds cleared, the Lu family had long developed habits of walking on eggshells and playing it safe.

Navigating the court was like walking on the edge of a knife—the slightest misstep could lead to utter destruction, leaving no room for carelessness.

Lu Jingrong wished he could spell out the risks and repeatedly hammer it into his eldest son’s ears. But when he looked up, he saw his son slightly closing his eyes to rest, appearing completely calm and composed, without any trace of nervousness or unease about the audience.

Lu Jingrong’s expression suddenly fell.

He had forgotten—though he himself was mediocre, not as successful as his second brother, his eldest son was exceptionally talented and outstanding, somewhat reminiscent of the late Marquis. When the late Marquis was alive, he had once praised, “This child has great insight and potential. I only hope he grows quickly to lead our Lu family out of the quagmire and over the obstacles ahead.”

His second brother, proud and ambitious, resented the late Marquis for passing the title to his mediocre elder brother. Only Lu Jingrong knew that the title was ostensibly passed to him but was actually reserved for his eldest son!

In the end, the one nervous about the audience was himself.

Seeing his son so composed, Lu Jingrong’s anxious heart relaxed slightly. After a moment, he even found time to think ahead: “The Dali Temple is full of talented individuals. For His Majesty to entrust such an important matter to you, whom he has never met, must mean he trusts you. Choosing you likely also has to do with your father-in-law’s family, doesn’t it?”

Lu Jingrong suddenly reflected this way.

Lu Suian, who had been resting with his eyes closed, slowly opened them upon hearing his father mention his wife’s family. Lu Jingrong continued: “His Majesty still remembers the mentorship. Grand Secretary Shen back then… what a pity. Grand Secretary Shen’s integrity was even praised by the late Marquis when he was alive, who said the court had lost a pillar and he had lost a close friend.”

At this, a look of reminiscence appeared on Lu Jingrong’s face.

He had witnessed that disaster firsthand, and even after more than ten years, it remained vivid.

He murmured with emotion: “His Majesty’s regard for our Lu family likely has much to do with our daughter-in-law.”

After all, our daughter-in-law Shen is the only descendant of the Shen family, whom His Majesty occasionally remembers.

It seems this marriage does have its benefits.

Mentioning the Shen family, Lu Jingrong suddenly recalled an earlier matter and abruptly turned to his eldest son: “By the way, I heard that Lady Shen was punished with kneeling today. Tell me, what exactly happened?”

Thinking of this, Lu Jingrong immediately grew alarmed.

He had been having breakfast in the garden today and had just discussed his eldest son’s southward journey with his wife when he overheard maids whispering outside. Calling them in for questioning, he learned that Lady Shen had been punished with kneeling in the garden, and now word had spread through most of the household.

Kneeling punishment?

Lu Jingrong frowned, displeased. The Lu family had always had strict rules and never physically punished women. But thinking of the one in the garden, he felt a headache coming on. As it was a matter for the women’s quarters, he usually left it to his wife to handle. He had only told her: “Ask about it later. She’s just arrived; don’t let her be wronged.”

Then he brushed it off.

Now, with the Emperor summoning them, it was inevitable that He would ask about the newlyweds’ relationship. Lu Jingrong hadn’t expected the eldest branch to receive such imperial favor today. Though the Lu family had recently attracted attention at court, it was mostly the second branch stealing the show.

Today, good fortune had finally come to the eldest branch—

If His Majesty were to hear that the Lu family was mistreating Lady Shen, it would be disastrous.

After all, she was the only remaining bloodline of His Majesty’s teacher.

Lu Jingrong broke out in a cold sweat.

Lu Suian saw no need to conceal anything about his mother and laid out everything that happened that morning.

As soon as he finished, Lu Jingrong slammed his hand down, overturning the teacup on the table.

“Fool!”

“That foolish woman!”

“Absolutely irredeemable!”

Lu Jingrong’s usually refined face was filled with rage.

He knew Fang Shi was foolish, but he never imagined she could be this foolish.

To cause trouble for a marriage bestowed by the Emperor!

Did she think the Lu family had lived too well and too long these past ten-plus years?

Remarrying the eldest son? A secondary wife?

Lu Jingrong nearly choked on his anger.

How did that foolish woman’s brain work?

Did she want to tell His Majesty, or announce to the world, that the Lu family was dissatisfied with the marriage bestowed by the Emperor, dissatisfied with the wife He bestowed?

Lu Jingrong was so angry he wished he could jump off the carriage immediately, rush back to the Marquis’s household, and crack that foolish woman’s head open to see what was inside!

After the anger, his face flushed red.

The term “secondary wife” was a joke and humiliation Lu Jingrong could never escape in his life.

He could hardly face his eldest son.

Yet, compared to his father’s embarrassment and anger, Lu Suian remained calm and indifferent, as if neither his father, mother, nor wife had much to do with him.

It seemed nothing in this world could stir much emotion in him.

Seeing his eldest son like this, Lu Jingrong's heart ached even more, and he said, "I know this marriage has wronged you, but what's done is done. Nothing in this world is perfect. Although the Shen girl is rather mediocre in talent, she has a good heart. Hopefully, with your mother’s guidance over the next few years, she can make some progress."

Lu Jingrong also believed that Shen-shi was not a worthy match for his eldest son. However, the Lu family had struggled for too many years, and this imperial marriage, bestowed by His Majesty, would clearly bring immense benefits to the entire Lu family. They could only sacrifice their eldest son.

"It has already been half a year since the wedding. The second branch is now rising fast, and we must not let them get ahead in the matter of heirs. You must pay more attention to the issue of descendants. Once a son is born, if you wish to take a few concubines you fancy, I will not restrict you—"

Lu Jingrong seldom discussed such trivial matters of the inner household with his eldest son. Today, the conversation had naturally led to this point. To prevent his son from feeling wronged, he felt compelled to offer some comfort.

He was also urging him to make progress regarding heirs.

Lu Suian did not enjoy discussing any personal matters related to himself, but his good upbringing did not allow him to interrupt his elder. He patiently listened to everything and finally responded indifferently, "I understand."

It was unclear whether he was referring to the matter of heirs or the topic of taking concubines in the future.

The carriage soon arrived at the outer perimeter of the palace. Lu Jingrong and his son alighted one after the other. Lu Suian, with his solitary figure, was led by the eunuch step by step into the towering walls of the palace.

Lu Jingrong, meanwhile, put away all his emotions, straightened his face, and turned back the way he came, hurrying back to the Marquis' residence.

It was not until noon that Lu Suian emerged from the palace. Instead of returning home, he went straight to the Dali Temple and did not return to the Marquis' residence until nightfall.

Perhaps influenced by his father’s admonitions during the day, or perhaps because he was about to leave the capital for the south, that night Lu Suian unexpectedly went to the rear courtyard of Chuanze Residence.

From what he had seen in the morning, Lady Shen had already recovered from her illness.

He rarely visited, but on this day, Shen did not rush to greet him eagerly as usual. As soon as he stepped into the main room, a maidservant in purple, dressed flamboyantly, came forward and said, "Young Master, the Lady has gone for a night stroll by the water pavilion. She specifically asked... asked this servant to serve your meal."

Lu Suian: "..."