Chapter 48 The Pledge of Allegiance

Nian Gengyao spent a full three months recuperating before he was able to get out of bed.

According to reports from Nian's spies, Nian Gengyao was clearly unable to accept this situation and became increasingly depressed, indulging in alcohol and drinking, ignoring all the beatings and scoldings from Nian Xiyao.

Prince Dun, who was entrusted with the important task of the emperor and had "infiltrated" Nian Gengyao's side, was once again dispatched by Yongzheng to investigate Nian Gengyao's situation.

"Such a petty person, always so suspicious of each other." Yun couldn't help but complain. Did he think he couldn't see what the fourth brother meant? Under the guise of concern, he was just worried that Nian Gengyao was faking it.

It was truly... Yun was speechless, but he also realized that this was an excellent opportunity to win over Nian Gengyao. So, seemingly reluctant but actually happy, he agreed to the fourth prince's request and went to the Nian residence.

Meanwhile, Nian Gengyao was hiding in his room, rubbing his arm that his elder brother had whipped, grimacing, "Brother, you really went for the kill, didn't you...?"

They clearly agreed it was just acting, why are they taking it for real? Are they using this as an excuse to teach him a lesson? Haven't they had enough yet?

After receiving Nian Shilan's letter, Nian Xiyao was so enraged that his first act was to call Nian Gengyao back and, together with his father Nian Xialing, give him a good beating.

Nian Xialing had already retired from officialdom, while Nian Xiyao had always disliked officialdom and preferred miscellaneous studies. Therefore, although Nian Gengyao held the highest official position in the family, it did not mean that he had the highest social status.

At least when Nian Xialing and his older brother Nian Xiyao get serious, they can beat him up however they want.

After the beating was finished, Nian Gengyao was shown Nian Shilan's secret letter. He immediately exploded, shouting and uttering some treasonous words, and was then beaten again.

After being beaten twice and unable to get up, Nian Gengyao finally listened obediently to Nian Xiyao's plans.

They had originally planned to proceed slowly, gradually withdrawing without arousing the Emperor's suspicion. However, upon learning that during their time at the Prince's residence, Shilan's child had been aborted on the Emperor's orders, they realized just how deep the Emperor's fear of the Nian family truly was.

No matter how much dissatisfaction he harbored, he couldn't show it at this moment. But he still accelerated the pace of the plan, cutting through the mess quickly, exchanging Nian Gengyao's serious injury for a sliver of hope.

This injury was genuine; it could be said that Nian Gengyao risked his life to save the Nian family. Fortunately, he was prepared and survived. Although he could no longer resort to violence, Nian Gengyao knew that he was largely responsible for the current crisis facing the Nian family, so he never regretted it.

As for Consort Hua's situation, it was all an act. Upon suddenly learning that the Emperor was wary of the Nian family, and that he was wary of not only Huan Yi Xiang but also of their own children, Nian Shilan could no longer face Yongzheng's face, so she chose to feign illness.

During this process, the imperial physicians under the Fourth Prince Hongli also provided a great deal of assistance.

Therefore, Nian Gengyao fully agreed with his elder brother Nian and sister's ideas and supported the Fourth Prince to ascend to the throne.

However, Nian Gengyao was too embarrassed to admit it, because he had been so arrogant before, and he had even offended the Fourth Prince!

Afraid of being beaten by his elder brother again, Nian Gengyao hid in his room, rubbing his arm and thinking of a solution. "Hiss—I can't lead troops into battle anymore, so what should I do to apologize and offer my loyalty?"

"Knock knock"

"Second Master, Prince Dun has arrived."

"Hmm?" Nian Gengyao squinted and thought for a moment, seemingly lost in thought.

Everyone knows that Prince Dun belongs to the Eighth Prince's faction, but his association with Prince Dun is not because he deliberately sided with the Eighth Prince's faction. He is arrogant but not stupid. The Emperor has already ascended the throne, and the overall situation is settled. How could he possibly hedge his bets?

He's just plain arrogant! He simply thinks Prince Dun is of a good background and deserves to associate with him.

Regardless of Prince Dun's motives for approaching him, now...

"Hiss—" Nian Gengyao was slightly excited, but when he pressed harder, he hurt his arm again and couldn't help but gasp.

But that's not important! What's important is that the pledge of loyalty is here! If he can win over Prince Dun to the Fourth Prince's side, he'll kill two birds with one stone!

This proves that he did not harbor any disloyal intentions towards the Eighth Prince's faction, and it also demonstrates his remorse and loyalty!

Very well, it's decided then. He'll definitely win over Prince Dun!

"Please have a seat in the main hall, Your Highness. I'll be there shortly!"

When it came to winning over Prince Dun, Nian Gengyao didn't hesitate at all. If Nian Xiyao were home at that moment, he would definitely advise Nian Gengyao to take it slow and be more tactful.

But Nian Gengyao was different. Although he could no longer use force and had been beaten so many times, he was still a brute. His personality, formed over so many years, was difficult to change overnight.

Fortunately, Yun is also reckless. Two reckless men who thought they spoke tactfully and meaningfully got together and started talking in plain language, and surprisingly, they ended up talking to each other in a very strange way.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Yun felt he had laid the groundwork long enough, so he asked, "Brother Liang, what are your plans for the future?"

Nian Gengyao took it as a casual question, but suddenly realized that this was a good opportunity. So he sighed and pretended to be sad, "With my body like this, what can I do in the future? I can only stay at home idle. I don't care about anything else. I'm only worried about Consort Hua in the palace."

"Her Majesty fell ill, but I was unable to visit her in the palace. Fortunately, the Fourth Prince is kind-hearted and often visits her. No wonder Her Majesty likes the Fourth Prince."

Okay! Okay!

Hearing this, Yun's eyes lit up. Good thing Nian Gengyao was down on his luck! Even better that Consort Hua liked her nephew!

This is a golden opportunity! If he can't win over Nian Gengyao now, he must be out of his mind! Let's see how he subtly takes him down!

"I often visit the palace and have heard of the Fourth Prince's reputation. He is filial, talented, and gentle with his subordinates. With the Fourth Prince taking care of Consort Hua in the future, you don't need to worry."

Yunyue became more and more pleased with himself. He was getting better and better at talking. He was using Consort Hua's future to hint at Nian Gengyao's future. He should be able to understand, right?

Nian Gengyao understood, but what he understood was that Prince Dun also thought the Fourth Prince was good. What did "gentle towards his subordinates" mean? Wasn't this just lamenting that the current emperor was not gentle towards him? What a great opportunity to win him over!

So Nian Gengyao nodded seriously and continued, "That's right. I've also heard that the Fourth Prince treats the Third and Fifth Princes well. The three brothers have a good relationship and take care of each other. Their future will surely be bright."

Using brotherly affection to imply an uncle-nephew relationship—he's a genius! Nian Gengyao was secretly pleased. Seeing the surprised smile on Prince Dun's face, he thought the other party must have understood the hint.

"You're on the right track!" Yun patted Nian Gengyao on the shoulder in surprise. He hadn't expected that when he used Consort Hua to hint at Nian Gengyao's future, Nian Gengyao would respond with the three brothers, Hongli.

Isn't this just telling him that as long as Consort Hua is well, he's well; if Consort Hua is happy, he's happy?

Good heavens! Is he really that good at winning people over? He's already won over Nian Gengyao? No, I need to double-check.

"Brother Liang is right, I think so too,"

Nian Gengyao was taken aback. Prince Dun had been subdued so easily? He must have been suppressed too severely by the Emperor. He quickly stood up and patted Prince Dun on the shoulder with a smile.

"Your Highness is truly a kindred spirit. We share the same ideals and aspirations, so why not share a drink?"

"good!"

Prince Dun laughed heartily, and Nian Gengyao also let out a hearty laugh. Excellent! It's confirmed! He has won them over!