Chapter 104◇
◎Beating Mother-in-Law◎
Without further ado, Fang Yuan and Huang Que left first, escorted by...
"Are these General Chen's men?"
Feng Ran was somewhat surprised. How did they manage to connect Huang Que and General Chen?
After everyone left, Duan Jingchuan explained the situation to Feng Ran.
It turned out that General Chen had the good fortune to meet the Fifth Prince in the capital two years ago. But children grow up quickly, and at first, he didn't realize that Huang Que and the Fifth Prince had any connection. It wasn't until Duan Jingchuan pointed it out to him that he suddenly understood.
So he accepted the bait that Duan Jingchuan had thrown at him.
Feng Ran didn't understand political intrigue or coups, but she knew that things weren't like that. "Isn't it said that General Chen and Father have a very close personal relationship? Wouldn't it be detrimental to the Marquis of Dingbei's mansion to get Huang Que involved with General Chen?"
Duan Jingchuan chuckled, "It will be disadvantageous."
"Then why are you helping him? Is it for my sake? Quickly call them back. We'll just hide Huang Que for the rest of our lives!" Feng Ran was anxious and was about to chase after Huang Que and the others.
Duan Jingchuan shook his head slightly, "It's not as bad as you think."
At first, the emperor might have become suspicious, but things were just too coincidental, so coincidental that it was flawless.
Even the old Marquis Duan had never met the Fifth Prince, let alone had any interaction with him.
Feng Ran's rescue of Huang Que was purely accidental, so everything happened logically and coincidentally.
At first glance, the Marquis of Dingbei's residence did seem very deliberate, but the suspiciousness was so obvious that it was not taken seriously.
Duan Jingchuan was playing psychological warfare. Everyone understood that if the Marquis of Dingbei's family really had ulterior motives, they would have cleared themselves of all suspicions. But no matter how you looked at it, the Marquis of Dingbei's family was involved, which truly cleared them of suspicion and made the Marquis of Dingbei's family appear more open and honest.
Furthermore, who can prove that the couple knew Huang Que's true identity? Even he was just bluffing.
As for how Feng Ran knew, he really couldn't guess.
Feng Ran was confused and didn't understand Duan Jingchuan's psychological warfare tactics at all, but she naturally trusted Duan Jingchuan's words completely.
Feng Ran's doubts were resolved, but Duan Jingchuan's remained: "Madam, how did you know that?"
Hearing this, Feng Ran perked up and put on a look that looked like she wanted praise. "Do you remember? You told me that the Fifth Prince died a violent death and his body was never found."
Duan Jingchuan nodded. He had indeed mentioned this matter to Feng Ran unintentionally, but what did it matter? Did he think every child he saw on the street was the Fifth Prince?
Feng Ran explained a concept to Duan Jingchuan.
"People are of different importance to this world, but the vast majority of people are just ordinary people in this world, and only a handful can truly shine. I didn't save those children because I foresaw the danger that day, but because I sensed that someone extraordinary was crying for help. In this world, those who can be considered extraordinary are either of the bloodline of a true dragon or people with extremely strong fortune. Huang Que was still a child, so the only possibility is that the deceased Fifth Prince was him."
As for why I kept him, it was simply because I felt sorry for the child and took him in on a whim. I never thought that much about it.
If Duan Jingchuan hadn't also guessed Huang Que's identity, it might have really brought trouble to their Dingbei Marquis's mansion in the future.
Feng Ran couldn't help but reflect on her recklessness.
Duan Jingchuan comforted her, saying, "Madam means well and is not wrong. Even if it brings any trouble, the Dingbei Marquis's mansion can handle it."
Feng Ran looked worriedly in the direction Huang Que had left, and whispered, "Does my husband want to help him seize the throne?"
She understood that many men aspired to achieve great things and rise above others, hoping to gain favor with the emperor and become second only to him. If Huang Que could truly ascend to a high position, then Duan Jingchuan's status would naturally be second to none.
Duan Jingchuan simply shook his head. "His future path is entirely up to him. I won't help him, nor can I help him."
The crown prince's position is secure, while the emperor is already old and frail. It is said that his health has been deteriorating in recent days. If he were to blindly vie for the throne at this time, he would either be doing the crown prince a favor or be beheaded.
Even the Second Prince wouldn't dare to act rashly, let alone the Fifth Prince who was still a child.
The matter was dropped. Duan Jingchuan and Feng Ran tacitly understood that this topic would probably never be brought up again in their lives.
They traveled at breakneck speed on the return journey, arriving back in the capital in just over ten days.
Due to the long journey, Feng Ran's face had become thinner, and no matter how much Duan Jingchuan fed her, it was to no avail. He could only look forward to returning to Jinghua Courtyard soon, where it was cool and he could give her a good nourishing meal.
If Shi Fusheng were here, he would have some idea of what was going on, but Shi Fusheng had secretly escorted Huang Que and could not show his face for the time being.
After returning to the Marquis's residence, the old Marquis Duan did not disturb them, but let the young couple get enough sleep before summoning them the next day.
Old Master Duan stared at Duan Jingchuan for a long time without speaking, his expression complex, a mixture of relief, regret, and bewilderment, but above all, a sense of relief.
The silence had lasted so long that Feng Ran wondered if her father was angry that the two of them had taken too long to come back.
Lord Duan then spoke slowly, his voice ethereal, "I heard that you donated four-fifths of your property to the national treasury and also submitted a petition."
Duan Jingchuan nodded, "Father, these are all my own savings, and have nothing to do with the Marquis's estate."
"Are you so eager to leave this place?" Just like the clear distinction between Jinghua Courtyard and the other residences of the Marquis's Mansion, he could only watch helplessly as Duan Jingchuan walked further and further away.
Duan Jingchuan lowered his head and remained silent.
Lord Duan had something else he didn't understand, so he sighed softly, "Alright, you all go and make preparations. The imperial edict will arrive this afternoon."
Back at Jinghua Courtyard, Feng Ran discreetly observed Duan Jingchuan's expression, finding nothing amiss, before cautiously asking, "What does Father mean by that? Is this imperial edict directed at you?"
Duan Jingchuan couldn't guess whether what was written in the imperial edict was what he had asked for.
His demands were not high; he simply wanted a respectable but leisurely official position so that he could use his abilities to help the court earn money, alleviate disasters, and do good deeds. This was his idea of a way to have both power and a good life.
She wouldn't have to attend court every day and face the infighting and deceit among the officials, and she could hold her head high in front of all the ladies and young women, without being looked down upon.
"Don't worry, it's a good thing." Unsure of what it was, Duan Jingchuan could only comfort Feng Ran in this way.
Feng Ran muttered, "Last time the imperial decree was to grant you a marriage, is this time it going to be to give you a concubine?"
Duan Jingchuan used force, almost pulling the hairpin off Feng Ran's head, and then gently flicked her forehead with a sigh, "What nonsense are you talking about?"
The emperor isn't just sitting around doing nothing, only watching the private lives of his ministers. He's not the emperor's own son, so how could he possibly keep bringing him beautiful wives and concubines one after another?
"Are you still regretting it?" Feng Ran narrowed her eyes, her face threatening.
"If you could slice it, I might feel a little regretful," Duan Jingchuan joked.
The process of receiving the imperial edict was filled with sanctity and solemnity. One had to bathe and change clothes beforehand. Feng Ran obediently knelt in the second row, side by side with Lady Qin, the wife of the Marquis.
The imperial edict was concise yet literary, and Feng Ran didn't understand a single word. She only knew that it praised Duan Jingchuan for his profound sense of righteousness and dedication to the country and its people, and that he was granted the title of Marquis of Le'an.
Before Feng Ran could even feel happy, she heard Qin Shi gasp beside her, her fingertips digging into her flesh, the smell of blood filling her nostrils, her lowered eyes filled with anger and resentment.
Feng Ran's pleasant mood was suddenly dampened. She secretly pondered how to shut up Duan Jingchuan's foul mouth after the eunuch who delivered the imperial decree left, so as not to spoil his fun.
Unfortunately, she wasn't very bright in this regard, and after her father-in-law left, she still couldn't figure it out.
Seeing Qin Shi point her bloodshot finger at Duan Jingchuan, she was about to utter some unpleasant words through gritted teeth.
Feng Ran shouted, "Ah! A cockroach!"
With a sharp crack, a chop to the back of Qin's neck struck her. Qin's eyes rolled back, and she passed out without uttering a sound.
Lord Duan's lips twitched. He wanted to say something, but seeing Feng Ran's innocent face, he reluctantly shut his mouth, afraid that if he said another word, he would also get a cockroach stuck on his shoulder.
He waved for the maid to take Qin Shi away, leaving only the three of them in the front hall, where the atmosphere became much more harmonious.
Feng Ran followed obediently behind Duan Jingchuan, her head bowed and eyes lowered, showing none of the fierceness she had displayed when catching the cockroach.
After the maids and servants left, Lord Duan still couldn't help but want to teach Feng Ran a lesson.
Before he could speak, Duan Jingchuan said first, "Mother is usually terrified of cockroaches. It was thanks to Madam's help that she was not so frightened that she fainted."
Well, it really is a case of the wife following the husband's lead, the husband being kind and the wife being filial. What could Lord Duan possibly say? His son had become a marquis, on equal footing with him. What did he have to be dissatisfied with?
Giving up on the topic, Old Marquis Duan seemed a little tired and waved his hand, saying, "You may all leave. I'm tired."
It should have been a joyous occasion for two members of the same family to be marquises, but Old Marquis Duan was genuinely not happy.
What he saw was the impact of Duan Jingchuan's ennoblement.
Marquis Le'an cannot hold two marquis titles, which means that he will eventually break away from the Marquis of Dingbei's mansion and establish his own household.
The Marquis of Dingbei was defeated by him.
Since Duan Jingchuan has already become the Marquis of Le'an, how could he be the heir apparent of the Marquis of Dingbei? He obtained this position of heir apparent through his own efforts, and it is impossible for him to be replaced. After he passes away, will the Duan family of the Marquis of Dingbei cease to exist?
Two hot tears streamed down his weathered face, which he casually wiped away with his hand. "This is all retribution."
Duan Jingchuan held the imperial edict in one hand and Feng Ran's wrist in the other, dragging her into the room. He slammed the door shut, pulled Feng Ran into his arms, rested his head on her neck, and choked out, "I don't owe them anything anymore."
Feng Ran's eyes welled up with tears. She gently patted Duan Jingchuan's back and said softly, "Duan Jingchuan, you have never owed them anything. Whether as a son or a husband, you are a very good person."
The news of two marquises from one family shocked the entire capital.
But after hearing that Duan Jingchuan had contributed a huge amount of wealth, they were no longer envious.
To be honest, even ordinary merchants could exchange their entire fortune for an honorary official position. Moreover, the title of Marquis of Le'an is not hereditary and has only one generation, so people are not really envious. At most, they might say a few sour things behind his back.
It is said that Duan Jingchuan gave up the position of heir to the Marquis of Dingbei and instead chose to become the Marquis of Le'an, thus ruining the future wealth of his descendants. He truly lacked foresight.
For the Marquis of Dingbei's mansion, it was another huge uproar, with Duan Yuze being the most affected.
He truly considered the position of heir apparent to be his for the taking. After Duan Jingchuan rose to prominence step by step, he was jealous and tried to trip him up, but Jinghua Courtyard was tightly guarded, and the heir apparent's wife was unyielding, so he couldn't make a move.
Unexpectedly, Duan Jingchuan voluntarily gave up the position of heir, which left him somewhat bewildered.
If he seizes the position of heir apparent, that is his skill; but if he picks it up by chance, how is that any different from receiving charity?
Moreover, this imperial edict did not specify how the position of the heir of the Marquis of Bei should be inherited. It was certainly not that the emperor forgot, but that the emperor deliberately ignored it. It is likely that the Marquis of Dingbei will be demoted.
Aunt Xu's expression was also not good. "Yu Ze, what does Jinghua Courtyard mean by this? Does he intend to keep both titles in his hands?"
For the sake of becoming the heir apparent, she endured humiliation and hardship for many years, humbling herself before Madam Qin, hoping that the woman in Jinghua Courtyard would take her own life so that her son could rightfully step into the limelight.
A note from the author:
I remember a lovely reader asking if my female lead would slap her mother-in-law. I'm telling you seriously, she will.
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