Yi Ning asked Zhenzhu to help her up: "What's the point of adding icing on the cake? She will still try to kill me if she gets the chance."
But she changed her mind after some thought. Luo Chengzhang was now at Aunt Qiao's, and if she didn't send him the gift, she'd probably get some criticism from Aunt Qiao. Yi Ning asked Zhenzhu to fetch a jade Buddha's hand of exceptional quality from her storehouse and sent it to Aunt Qiao's courtyard.
*
Luo Shenyuan came out of Huangji Hall with Xu Wei and others. Xu Wei was so angry that his face turned cold and he said nothing.
Just now in the palace, regarding the Guiyang incident, Wang Yuan submitted a memorial citing eighteen pieces of evidence against Zhou Shuqun, stating that he was unforgivable and deserved death. In the end, the emperor even declared, "If he doesn't dare to commit suicide out of fear of his crimes, I will make him live a life worse than death!"
Zhou Shuqun was an upright official who worked tirelessly as a local official. However, Wang Yuan's men stole his credit and ruined his achievements. When things got bad, he was the one who was punished.
Xu Wei was so angry that he almost had a fit on the spot.
Xu Wei held back until he turned the corner, then turned to his two favorite students and said, "We can't go on like this."
His expression was serious. He scanned the faces of his two disciples, finally stopping his gaze on Yang Ling. "Youming, you should not get involved in this matter. Tomorrow I will ask the Emperor for permission to appoint you as the Director of the Imperial College. From now on, you should have less contact with us."
Yang Ling was stunned after hearing this, not understanding what the teacher meant.
"Teacher, you... you want me to transfer?" He was indeed the lowest-ranking official among the few people, so it was normal for the teacher not to want him to participate. Although he knew this, Yang Ling was a little disappointed.
Xu Wei said, "Don't ask any more questions. Shen Yuan and I will handle it ourselves."
He waved his hand, asking Luo Shenyuan to follow him. Yang Ling watched the two men's backs and sighed slightly. Even if he didn't envy Luo Shenyuan, he sometimes lamented their different fates. As a Jinshi from the same imperial examination, Luo Shenyuan's status was far beyond his reach.
Luo Shenyuan lowered his head and smiled. "The Director of the Imperial College?" Xu Wei was really putting too much effort into it. Yang Ling didn't understand. This position sounded insignificant, but after a few years, he would have students all over the court, and everything he did would be a breeze.
"Shen Yuan." Xu Wei stopped, gazing at the floating palace lanterns in the distance. "I want to start with Wang Yuan's son. His son isn't as cautious as this old fox. I have some evidence against him, but it's far from enough. Are you willing to help me?"
Xu Wei wanted to keep Yang Ling alive, and he had layers of protection. Therefore, he needed to face danger head-on, requiring immense wit and resilience. Of course, this also honed his aptitude for dealing with crises. Luo Shenyuan said, "I'll give it a try first. I'll let you know if it doesn't work."
He walked straight past the door and the carriage stopped outside Zhongzhimen.
Luo Shenyuan sat in the carriage, closed his eyes, and staggered to his feet. The attendant followed the carriage and said, "Lord Luo, the master sent someone to tell us that Commander Lu sent Madam Cao today, intending to take our sixth daughter as a concubine. The master will wait for you to go back and discuss it."
Did Lu Jiaxue send someone here today?
Luo Shenyuan opened his eyes.
Just before he left, he went to see if Yi Ning was sleeping well. She wasn't sleeping peacefully, as if she were having a nightmare. Seeing that Yi Ning was restless, he carried her from the chaise longue to the Luohan bed. Looking at Yi Ning, his heart softened again. He touched her lips lightly for a moment.
Luo Shenyuan let her go and straightened her bedding. He heard Yi Ning mumbling something. He leaned in closer and heard the word "lu" repeated over and over. He stood there listening for a long time.
Luo Shenyuan couldn't help but care. If he hadn't been unable to do anything to Lu Jiaxue, he would have wanted to kill him long ago. Unfortunately, Lu Jiaxue's position, which had been consolidated for over a decade, was far beyond his reach.
After hearing what his followers said, he finally understood that the Lu that Luo Yining was referring to was Lu Jiaxue.
Luo Shenyuan was in a terrible mood today. He leaned against the carriage wall to rest his mind. He couldn't possibly question Yi Ning about this. Luo Shenyuan was good at controlling his emotions. After all, he was a politician, and he couldn't let himself get out of control.
The Luo family had arrived. Luo Shenyuan got off the carriage and went to Luo Chengzhang to discuss Lu Jiaxue's matter with him.
His attitude has changed. As long as Lu Jiaxue is truly willing to marry Luo Yilian, he will not stop her. Not only that, he will also give Luo Yilian a dowry and try to get her to Lu Jiaxue as soon as possible. The sooner she is sent into the Lu family, the better. If it is not true, he will be on guard.
Luo Chengzhang was delighted. He had always cared more for his sister, and now that she had married such a distinguished man, not only would she be able to live comfortably for the rest of her life, with someone to protect her, but she would also be able to help the Luo family. With a girl to whisper in his ear, there was no need to worry about the governor not taking care of the Luo family. Although she was only a concubine, Lu Jiaxue had never taken a concubine before.
He had even sent someone to inform Lin Hairu that Lian Jie'er's marriage was being carefully planned. Lu Jiaxue was only marrying a concubine, and the six rituals weren't even considered. But Luo Chengzhang wanted his daughter to marry with the same pomp and ceremony as a wife's. The banquet, the dowry, the wedding ceremony—everything was essential.
Luo Shenyuan talked with him late into the night. Despite his father's enthusiastic expectations, he remained calm. He decided to take a step forward and not act rashly.
When he returned, Yining was waiting for him.
She was nestled in her quilt, reading a book with the candle still burning. Seeing him come back, she turned sideways and said, "...By the way, I still want to tell you about Luo Yilian."
Luo Shenyuan asked, "What are you going to say? Lu Jiaxue wants to take her as a concubine?"
"If Lu Jiaxue really wanted to take a concubine, why would he go to such great lengths?" Luo Yining continued, "He sent a maid and came in person. I just don't think it's right. He's so powerful now, and his behavior is so erratic. He doesn't want anything..."
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
