Qian Baokun was initially furious with Xiao Yan for using him and the Qian family, and he secretly resented being dragged into the murky waters of the aristocratic clans. However, upon hearing Xiao Yan's words, his anger suddenly dissipated, and he hesitated in the face of Xiao Yan's genuine sincerity.
"But trespassing into the Chancellor's residence—if you're held accountable, you won't be able to bear the consequences..."
"Minister Qian, you must be joking. I'm merely carrying out duties on behalf of His Majesty, aiming to purify the court. The case of the embezzled grain taxes concerns the livelihood of the people. Someone has to stand up for the innocent victims who perished in the recent floods. As long as the corrupt officials remain, those wronged souls cannot rest in peace."
Xiao Yan had always been remarkably handsome, usually exuding a menacing aura that struck fear into people's hearts. But now, with his coldness gone, his eyes were like warm sunlight reflecting on a mountain stream, revealing an indescribable depth and gentleness.
"Though I am a eunuch, I have received the grace of the people. My dedication as an official is the same as yours, Minister Qian."
"I won't pretend with you; speaking of loyalty to the emperor and serving the country might make people laugh at me for boasting. But if I can bring clarity to the court, provide more opportunities for the common people to rise, and bring harmony to the populace, then even if I have to use unscrupulous means and bear a bad reputation, I am willing."
"The Lu family is a cancer in the court and must be removed sooner or later. If His Majesty decides to hold someone accountable under pressure this time, I will accept it. Minister Qian, you need not worry."
Qian Baokun opened his mouth. "But..."
"There's no need to persuade me; my mind is made up."
Xiao Yan suddenly called for the carriage to stop and turned to Qian Baokun. "The palace gates are just ahead. It's best if we part ways here, Minister Qian. You should take your three sons to see His Majesty first. When you meet the Emperor, just say that I deceived your sons and instigated them to act as pawns."
"After you've seen His Majesty, I'll go to him as well. This way, His Majesty won't suspect us of collusion, which could hinder your prospects."
Xiao Yan's thoughtfulness left Qian Baokun somewhat at a loss.
He had originally thought that Xiao Yan was merely using him and the Qian family to deal with the aristocratic clans. But now, seeing that Xiao Yan was willing to bear the guilt himself—even allowing him to exonerate himself before the Emperor as he pleased, and handing over the account books of the embezzled grain taxes to put him at ease—Qian Baokun's previous anger completely dissipated, replaced by a sense of guilt.
"Governor Xiao, perhaps I should go with you to explain to His Majesty. With these account books, I don't think the Emperor will blame us..."
"No need. If you don't distance yourself from me, the aristocratic families won't let you off, and His Majesty might become suspicious as well."
Seeing that Qian Baokun still wanted to speak, Xiao Yan waved his hand to interrupt him. "No need to say more. I understand your intentions, Minister Qian. But given my bad reputation, associating with me could affect your future. Lu Chongyuan is not someone easy to deal with either. You'd better hurry into the palace so that the Lu family doesn't get there before you and slander you before His Majesty."
Qian Baokun was "ushered" out of the carriage by Xiao Yan; Xiao Yan didn't take back the account books in his hand. Watching Xiao Yan lead the Black Armored Guards toward the Privy Council without any concern that he might be slandered before the Emperor, Qian Baokun couldn't help but press his lips tightly, his face full of emotion.
"Father, why did they leave?" The three Qian brothers were walking behind, completely unaware of what had happened. Seeing Xiao Yan leave without looking back, the eldest brother became anxious.
"Didn't Xiao Yan say he would enter the palace with us? They've caused such a big mess. Do they intend to burn the bridge after crossing it, using us and then leaving us behind to take the blame?"
"Don't talk nonsense!" Qian Baokun turned and scolded, "Governor Xiao is not the kind of person you think."
Qian Qingran looked at his father in confusion. "What's wrong with you?"
Earlier, after leaving the Lu residence, Qian Baokun had been cursing Xiao Yan as despicable and shameless, extremely hateful. The Qian family had always avoided associating with others in the court, and previously, whenever he mentioned Xiao Yan, it was with disdain.
Holding the account books, Qian Baokun's face was complex. "I wrongly blamed Xiao Yan. I used to think eunuchs were ruthless and acted unscrupulously, but now I realize that Governor Xiao is a man of great ambition. Though he is physically incomplete, his character far surpasses others in the court..."
"???" Qian Qingran was baffled.
"Father, have you gone mad? What kind of ambition does that Xiao Yan have—killing people?" the second brother exclaimed. "He cripples people at the slightest provocation and nearly chopped off Lu Qin's manhood. You're praising his character? Have you lost your mind?"
Hearing this, Qian Baokun glared at his second son. "Don't just parrot others. Think carefully; the people Xiao Yan has punished all deserved it. Those who fell into his hands were not good people."
The second brother was speechless.
He watched as his father went from furious to suddenly changing his attitude—not only not blaming Xiao Yan for using them but even praising him as if he'd found a kindred spirit. Unable to hold back, he muttered to Qian Qingran beside him, "Brother, did Father take the wrong medicine?"
This earned him a sharp glare from Qian Baokun. "What did you say?"
The second brother quickly shrank back and kept quiet.
Unaware of what had transpired in the carriage to cause such a drastic change in his father's attitude, Qian Qingran focused on the pressing matter at hand—the situation with the Lu family. He frowned and asked, "Father, regardless of Xiao Yan, the Lu family will definitely not let this go. What should we do next? Do we still enter the palace?"
"Yes!" Qian Baokun replied firmly.
"Then should we proceed as planned earlier..."
"No need."
Qian Baokun's eyes narrowed slightly. He had originally intended to retaliate against Xiao Yan for scheming against him and the Qian family—even if they were on the same boat, he wanted to bite back to show that he was not to be trifled with. But now...
Since Xiao Yan was willing to take a step back to ensure the safety of the Qian family, naturally, Qian Baokun wouldn't let him bear the burden of dealing with the Lu family alone.
In a deep voice, Qian Baokun said, "After we enter the palace later, I will go to see His Majesty. The three of you need not speak. If His Majesty summons you individually, then say this..."
He whispered a few words to his three sons.
After hearing him out, the three Qian brothers couldn't help but look up in surprise.
Qian Qingran frowned and said, "Father, are you really deciding to do this? If it causes His Majesty to suspect that our family is colluding with Xiao Yan..."
"You don't need to worry about that. Since I'm asking you to say this, I naturally have confidence that His Majesty won't be suspicious," said Qian Baokun. "Just do as I say."
Although Qian Qingran was hesitant, seeing his father's firm expression, he finally nodded in agreement.
"Very well, I will listen to you, Father."
The Qian family's carriage headed straight toward the palace. Not far away, around a corner, Xiao Yan and his men, who were supposed to have already left, were still waiting. After seeing that Qian Baokun and his sons had entered the palace, Canglang said into the carriage, "Governor, the Qian father and sons have entered the palace."
Jinyun couldn't help but frown and said, "Governor, isn't this too risky? That account book is crucial evidence we obtained with great difficulty from Cai Qi concerning the grain embezzlement case. You're just handing it over to Qian Baokun?"
"The Qian family is also an aristocratic family from Lingnan. Qian Baokun might empathize with their plight. If he fears the power of the Lu family and hides it, or uses it to reconcile with the Lu family, wouldn't that ruin your grand plan?"
"He won't," Xiao Yan said calmly, rubbing the ring on his finger.
Although the Qian family is also an aristocratic family, their conduct is entirely different from those long-established families in the capital. When he was young, he once met the head of the Qian family, a compassionate and generous man. There were hardly any rumors of debauchery among the Qian clan. The Qian family of Lingnan was famous for their charitable deeds.
They often took care of the local people. Whenever disasters struck, they would generously donate without any selfish motives. Because of this, the Qian family was highly respected in the Lingnan region.
Qian Baokun's character is very similar to his elder brother, the head of the Qian family. When he was an official in Lingnan, he cared deeply about the people's livelihood. After entering the capital and holding an important position in the Ministry of Revenue, he never embezzled a penny. Earlier, when the southern regions suffered from floods, and the court was in financial difficulty due to corruption among aristocratic officials, everyone was troubled about disaster relief. Only Qian Baokun secretly provided support, doing his utmost to raise funds in the Ministry of Revenue.
Later, when the grain embezzlement case broke out and he went to the south to investigate but faced many obstacles, the Qian family secretly assisted him. He didn't believe that this was without Qian Baokun's help.
Xiao Yan said warmly, "Qian Baokun may seem timid and unambitious, but he has a strong character. If I keep arguing with him, he will naturally resent being used by me. But if I take a step back now, he will reciprocate with goodwill. In other matters, he might not help me, but in the grain embezzlement case, he won't stand by and do nothing."
"Moreover..."
He chuckled softly.
"This Minister of Revenue truly loves his daughter."
After having three sons, the Qian family finally had a daughter. When Qian Qiyue was young, she was frail. The Qian family cherished her like a pearl, not allowing anyone to say a bad word about her, let alone that she was frightened and injured by Lu Zhinian.
If the Qian family hadn't caused a scene today for Qian Qiyue, that would be one thing. But since they used the young girl as an excuse, and it involved her reputation and honor, even if he knew he was being used, Qian Baokun would grit his teeth and swallow this matter.
Xiao Yan had thoroughly grasped Qian Baokun's thoughts.
Hearing this, Jinyun finally felt slightly relieved but couldn't help asking, "But what if something goes wrong on Qian Baokun's side..."
"If something really happens, I naturally have other ways to handle it. Besides, who told you that there's only one copy of the account book?"
Jinyun was puzzled. "What?"
Jinyun was shocked. "There isn't just one copy?... Wait."
He was stunned. "Governor, the one you gave to Qian Baokun is a duplicate?"
Xiao Yan smiled. "It's only natural to be cautious."
Jinyun was speechless.
Canglang, squatting by the edge of the carriage, saw Jinyun's shocked expression and burst into laughter. "I've told you not to worry unnecessarily. Our Governor always outsmarts others. When have you ever seen anyone take advantage of him?"
"Didn't you see how bewildered Qian Baokun looked when he got off the carriage?"
Jinyun fell silent. Suddenly, he felt a bit sorry for Minister Qian, who earlier seemed full of regret for misunderstanding their Governor.
Seeing Canglang laughing heartily, Xiao Yan tossed a piece of silver out of the carriage, hitting the back of Canglang's head directly. "Enough, let's return to the Tang Residence." He was somewhat worried about his little Haitang at home.
Canglang caught the silver and stuffed it into his clothes with a grin. "Alright, thank you for the reward, Governor!"
============
Ever since Xiao Yan left the residence, Song Tangning had been feeling uneasy. She sat in Song Ru's room, looking at the young girl who had taken medicine and fallen asleep, and tucked her in.
Song Ru's face was still pale, and her lips were bloodless.
Madam Qin was tidying up the silver needles used for pain relief by the window. Seeing Song Tangning's worried expression, she comforted her, "Don't worry. Her injuries are not severe. The intense pain earlier was mostly because she had her first menstruation and happened to hurt her abdomen, making it hard to bear for a while."
"I've already given her acupuncture to relieve the pain and administered herbal medicine. She can sleep peacefully for now. However, her body is weak and cold. When I checked her pulse just now, I found she's severely depleted. If she doesn't take good care of herself, not only will she have difficulties with childbirth in the future, but she'll also suffer from chronic illnesses."
Earlier, Qin Niangzi had heard that Song Tangning's younger sister was not valued in the Duke Song's mansion and lived a difficult life. At first, seeing how thin and small she was, Qin Niangzi merely thought she was malnourished. But after carefully checking her pulse, she realized that it wasn't just neglect. Even girls from poor peasant families weren't this frail; her arms were skin and bones, practically starved to such a state.
Song Tangning pursed her lips. "If she recuperates properly, can Aru's health recover?"
Qin Niangzi replied, "Of course. The young lady is still very young; it's not too late to nurse her back to health. However, it would be best to postpone her marriage plans. Getting pregnant too early could make childbirth difficult. If she can wait until after twenty to have children, she will be no different from other ordinary women."
Song Ru was not yet fourteen this year. If she took five or six years to recuperate before marrying, her health could be restored. By then, having children wouldn't be as risky as passing through the gates of death.
Hearing this, Song Tangning nodded. "I understand. I'll remind Aru."
"Won't you tell Princess Cheng about today's events?" Qin Niangzi asked.
Song Tangning said softly, "I'll talk to Aunt later."
Qin Niangzi hesitated. "Princess Cheng's child...," she couldn't help but glance at Song Tangning. "The months are progressing. If she wants to keep the child, she needs to start taking good care of herself. If not... she should decide soon; delaying further will harm her body."
Qin Niangzi couldn't quite understand Princess Cheng. During this period, she often visited the mansion to check her pulse, and each time she felt that Princess Cheng wasn't particularly eager about the child in her womb.
This pregnancy wasn't going well; the child's heart was inherently weak. Even with proper care, the child might be born frail. Yet, if Princess Cheng didn't want the child, she was diligently following medical advice, carefully taking her medicine, never delaying.
Qin Niangzi couldn't help but ask, "Does Princess Cheng plan to return to Prince Cheng's residence?"
Song Tangning replied softly, "Aunt probably wants to go back."
"But Prince Cheng..."
"It's not for Prince Cheng; it's for Xie Yin." Even though Song Tangning was unwilling, she knew that her aunt couldn't easily let go of Xie Yin.
Hearing this, Qin Niangzi was silent for a moment. Although she had never had children, she understood that the bond between mother and child was hard to sever. She didn't ask further, just sighed softly.
"Indeed, marriage and such matters are most troublesome. It's better to practice medicine—no attachments, no need to wrong oneself."
The two chatted about other topics for a while. Song Tangning was still concerned about Xiao Yan, who had gone to the Lu family. From time to time, she glanced out the window. After a long while, the sound of servants greeting came from outside.
"Governor."
Brother is back?
Song Tangning's eyes lit up. She quickly stood up and looked outside, seeing Xiao Yan stopping at the courtyard entrance, seemingly asking the servants something.
She hurriedly called out, "Brother!" and then walked out quickly. The closer she got to the door, the faster her steps became, and eventually she was almost running.
When she reached Xiao Yan and stopped abruptly, he reached out to steady her slightly. "Don't run so fast; I'm here."
You can read ahead to chapterr 300 here
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