Yan Zheng raised an eyebrow as Meng Yang cleared his throat and said, "Scholar Xie said he thanks the Chief Minister for turning his misfortune into a blessing, allowing him to win the beauty's heart."
"Oh?" Yan Zheng tilted his gaze. "He didn’t curse me for using him as bait and leaving him to die?"
Meng Yang wiped away a nervous sweat.
Their young master was truly perceptive—Scholar Xie’s first words had indeed been: Though the Chief Minister used me as bait and left me to die…
Chu Ruoyan burst into laughter. "Alright, alright, it was a twist of fate, but the outcome is good. By the way, what are your plans regarding the Feng family? Cousin Tingfeng came by yesterday and said Old Lady Feng’s funeral arrangements have been settled..."
This was a subtle hint—it was time to act.
Yan Zheng lowered his head, idly flipping through the ledger in his hands. "Let’s wait a little longer. After the New Year celebrations, we might even resolve Yan Zhao’s matter through the Feng family."
---
Northern Garrison General’s Estate
Upon learning that their assassins had failed and Xie Zhizhou had returned to the capital alive with the ledger, Feng Ping collapsed onto the floor.
Feng Shuo helped him up. "Father, we can’t hesitate any longer! Once the New Year passes, the Emperor will surely demand justice. Even with the Iron Certificate of Immunity, it may not save our family. You must make a decision!"
Feng Ping took a deep breath. "Fine. We’ll proceed as you suggested—we strike during the royal hunt in half a month!"
Outside the room, Feng Ying’s legs nearly gave way.
What were her grandfather and uncle planning—rebellion?!
This was a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations! No, she couldn’t let herself be dragged down with them.
"Father, I want to accompany you to the palace for the New Year’s banquet in three days!" Feng Ying pleaded with her father.
Feng Huan hesitated. "But the imperial decree only lifted my house arrest..."
"Father!" Feng Ying dropped to her knees, tears welling in her eyes. "My reputation is already ruined. Where in the capital can I find a good match now? Prince Qin is my only hope. Please, help me this once!"
Feng Huan had always doted on her like a precious jewel. Seeing her tears, he immediately relented. "Fine, fine, I’ll take you. At worst, I’ll face the Emperor’s reprimand. But you mustn’t cause any trouble, understand?"
Feng Ying lowered her head in agreement, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes.
This was indeed her last chance—only by marrying Prince Qin and leaving the Feng family could she escape the doom her deluded grandfather was bringing upon them.
---
Two Days Before the New Year’s Banquet
Chu Ruoyan visited the Yan family’s second branch to fetch someone.
Due to Yan Zheng’s influence, the second branch treated her with excessive courtesy. Even though Grandma Yan was reluctant, Yan Lin coaxed her into the carriage.
Lady Xue even eagerly grasped her hand. "You shouldn’t have troubled yourself to come in person! Next time, just send word, and we’ll deliver her straight to you. We’d never dare delay the Chief Minister’s affairs!"
Chu Ruoyan subtly withdrew her hand, but Lady Xue pressed on. "By the way, dear niece, your uncle has been in the Ministry of Justice for so long. Could the Chief Minister… adjust his position? Perhaps to the Ministry of Personnel? He could even assist your father, the Duke of Chu. With family working together, things would be much smoother."
Chu Ruoyan nearly laughed. "And what position does Uncle desire?"
Lady Xue brightened. "The Ministry of Personnel! It’d be perfect—close to your father’s influence. Family should help family, after all."
Chu Ruoyan neither agreed nor refused. "I’ll relay your request to him."
"Thank you, dear niece! Thank you!"
---
That evening, back at the Yan residence, Chu Ruoyan recounted the conversation verbatim. Yan Zheng scoffed. "The Ministry of Personnel? He’s barely managing in the Ministry of Justice. If not for Dou Sicheng’s consideration of me, he’d have begged Father-in-law to transfer him long ago."
As Chu Ruoyan removed her hairpins, she said, "Shall I reply tomorrow that Minister Dou intends to mentor him further, suggesting he gain more experience in the Ministry of Justice first?"
Before Yan Zheng could respond, Meng Yang, who was pouring hot water, exclaimed, "Brilliant, Madam! This way, Second Master Yan might even think the Chief Minister intervened on his behalf. He’ll work harder than ever—perhaps even keep his position!"
Chu Ruoyan smiled without comment. Yan Zheng took the jade comb from her hand. "Let me."
His slender fingers trailed through her hair as he suddenly leaned close to her ear. "Ah-Yan, how fortunate I am to have married such a wise partner."
Chu Ruoyan’s ears warmed. "If you truly mean that, you’ll stop exhausting me at night—"
Before she could finish, hurried footsteps approached. Steward Fang rushed in. "Young Master, Madam! Trouble—Grandma Yan is causing another scene in Shou’an Hall!"
A flicker of irritation crossed Yan Zheng’s brow, but Chu Ruoyan pressed his hand. "Let me handle it."
"We’ll go together—"
"I’ll manage." She winked at him. "Didn’t you just call me your wise partner? Leave the household affairs to me."
Yan Zheng relented, only urging her to return soon.
Once outside, her smile vanished. "What is Grandma Yan demanding this time?"
She hadn’t wanted Yan Zheng to come—she refused to let his heart be wounded again.
These so-called family of his? She saw through every one of them.
Steward Fang whispered, "It’s about the Sixth Young Master… She’s threatening to starve herself..."
Chu Ruoyan suppressed a sigh. Not even a day since his return, and already chaos.
Entering Shou’an Hall, she found Grandma Yan seated on the floor amidst shattered porcelain, with Yan Zhao—his face concealed behind a silver mask—trying to calm her.
Hearing footsteps, Yan Zhao stiffened. "Sister-in-law…"
Grandma Yan looked up sharply. "Where is Yan Zheng? Why hasn’t he come?"
Chu Ruoyan replied coolly, "My husband is occupied with official duties and has retired for the night. Grandmother may relay your concerns to me."
"This doesn’t concern you! Fetch Yan Zheng!"
Yan Zhao interjected desperately, "Grandmother, please! I’m fine—"
"Silence!" Grandma Yan shoved him aside, glaring at Chu Ruoyan, who merely said, "If Grandmother won’t speak of it, it must not be urgent. I’ll take my leave."
As she turned, Grandma Yan wailed, "Ungrateful wretches! You schemed to bring me back, and now you neglect me? Heartless, all of you!"
Chu Ruoyan watched impassively, even seating herself as if observing a play.
When Grandma Yan realized her dramatics were futile, she finally spat out, "Tell the Chief Minister to petition the Emperor during the New Year’s banquet—to pardon Zhao’er! He’s his only brother! Must he wear that mask forever, living like a fugitive?"
Chu Ruoyan’s expression frosted over. "Pardon? Grandmother, do you not know what crime Sixth Brother committed?"
Assassinating the Emperor—a deed warranting the extermination of nine clans!
And she wanted Yan Zheng to plead for mercy?
Was she trying to get him killed?
Grandma Yan fell silent. Yan Zhao clenched his fists. "I was a fool, manipulated by others. This punishment… I deserve it."
"What are you saying! You're still so young—do you mean to never marry or start a family?" Grandma Yan pleaded, gazing at her desperately. "County Princess Changle, this old woman knows Yan Zheng listens to you in all things. Now that he stands as the Chief Minister, second only to the Emperor, His Majesty will surely grant him some face. I beg you, help Zhao'er, won't you?"
Chu Ruoyan replied coldly, "This matter is beyond my help. I advise you to abandon such thoughts and refrain from causing trouble at the New Year's banquet. If you care so little for Yan Zhao's life—or if you wish for the entire Yan family to accompany him to the grave—then by all means, plead with the Emperor yourself!"
With that, she strode out of the room and ordered sharply, "Steward Fang, go to the Bai Xiao Pavilion and fetch Old Divine Doctor Qin. Find a medicine to render her voiceless—and make sure she takes it!"
She couldn’t even bring herself to call her "Grandmother" anymore. The sheer disgust was unbearable.
Ordinary families might show favoritism, but this was beyond reason—how dare she expect Yan Zheng to risk the lives of the entire household just to beg mercy for that sixth son?
Even after the truth of the past had come to light, Grandma Yan had shown not a shred of remorse toward him. Were these truly kin?
Two days later, at the New Year's banquet.
Before the hour of You, the guests had already gathered at the palace gates, the men in formal robes and the women adorned with powder and rouge.
Chu Ruoyan stepped down from the carriage with Yan Zheng’s assistance when a bright voice called out, "Eldest Sister! Eldest Brother-in-law! You’ve finally arrived!"
Turning, she saw Chu Ruolan in a pink embroidered dress, rushing toward them in a flurry. Behind her stood the rest of the Chu family, even the youngest of the second branch, Chu Ruoxi.
But there was no sign of Second Sister...
Just as Chu Ruoyan was about to ask, a deep voice spoke first: "County Princess Changle, Third Miss Chu—might your sister be attending the palace banquet tonight?"
