No one had expected that the attempt by the group of aristocratic officials to enter the palace and impeach Xiao Yan would end with the downfall of the Lu family.
Lu Zhao was imprisoned, and Lu Chongyuan was confined to his residence.
The backbone of the Lu family was almost completely broken.
Lu Chongyuan had not anticipated that Emperor An would issue such a decree. His face turned deathly pale as he raised his voice toward the hall, exclaiming, "When has the Lu family ever colluded with southern officials? My son has never embezzled funds! How can His Majesty listen to the slander of that villain Xiao Yan and falsely accuse the Lu family? I am a minister personally appointed by the late emperor to assist in governance, loyal and devoted to His Majesty. I demand an audience with His Majesty..."
Unable to care about decorum, Lu Chongyuan rose from his kneeling position and strode toward the hall. However, he had barely reached the steps before Eunuch Feng blocked his path.
"Chancellor Lu, His Majesty has decreed that you are to return to your residence."
Eunuch Feng held his arm out in front of Lu Chongyuan, with palace guards stationed behind him, firmly blocking his way.
Lu Chongyuan’s composure vanished entirely. No matter how he tried to steady himself, his mind was shaken. "Eunuch Feng, His Majesty is listening to the words of a scoundrel and wronging a loyal family. The canal grain issue was settled long ago, and Xiao Yan has a personal vendetta against the Lu family, framing us with deliberate actions and words. Even if His Majesty intends to punish the Lu family, he should at least give us a chance to defend ourselves. How can he base such actions solely on the words of that eunuch...?"
Hearing him repeatedly call Xiao Yan a “eunuch,” Eunuch Feng’s expression turned cold. "Chancellor Lu, you misunderstand. It was not Director Xiao who reported the Lu family."
Lu Chongyuan was momentarily stunned.
Grand Preceptor Liang frowned. "It wasn't Xiao Yan?"
"No, it was the former registrar, Lord Song."
Song Jinxiu?
An expression of shock appeared on Grand Preceptor Liang's face, and Eunuch Feng continued, "Lord Song personally presented the canal grain account book before His Majesty, accusing Young Master Lu of colluding with southern officials to embezzle relief funds, ambushing members of the Privy Council who were sent to retrieve evidence in Jiangnan, and for many years in court eliminating dissidents by framing and harming other ministers."
"Although His Majesty has relied on the Lu family, he was reluctant to believe such accusations. However, after he ordered Director Xiao and Minister Qian to search the Lu residence today, some unexpected items were found, which enraged him. Were it not for His Majesty’s respect for Chancellor Lu’s years of service, the punishment would not have been limited to Young Master Lu alone."
Seeing the blood drain from Lu Chongyuan's face, Eunuch Feng advised kindly, "His Majesty is in a rage at the moment. Chancellor Lu should return to his residence and avoid adding a charge of defying the imperial decree."
Lu Chongyuan swayed on his feet, his face as white as a sheet. The other aristocratic officials, equally shocked, showed varying expressions of unease and disbelief.
Canal grain account book?
How could such a thing exist!
Hadn’t the Lu family assured them that everything had been destroyed and all loose ends in the south tied up? How could a canal grain account book suddenly appear?!
Most of the aristocratic families had some involvement in these "business dealings" in the southern regions, with nearly all the other families participating in grain speculation to some extent. Although the Lu family was primarily responsible, the others were not innocent. When the matter was first exposed, they had sacrificed considerable interests in the south to sever ties and protect themselves. Lu Chongyuan had personally assured them that no problems would resurface, that Xiao Yan would not uncover anything incriminating, and that their families would remain unaffected.
But now?!
The officials looked at Lu Chongyuan with barely concealed anger. Even Grand Preceptor Liang was frowning deeply, feeling increasingly uneasy.
"Eunuch Feng, is it true that Lord Song provided the account book?" Grand Preceptor Liang asked in a low voice.
Eunuch Feng replied, "How could it be otherwise? It’s said that Lord Song obtained it from the hands of the Lu family’s third son. The Song and Lu families have been close, with Lord Song often frequenting the Lu residence. He even heard evidence of Chancellor Lu’s framing of court ministers directly from Young Master Lu’s mouth."
"Although Lord Song’s father was guilty of collusion with a rebel’s daughter, Lord Song has redeemed himself by bringing this evidence to light. His Majesty has already restored his position, and he will assist Minister Qian and Director Xiao in thoroughly investigating the canal grain case."
Grand Preceptor Liang felt a weight in his heart. The Duke Song household had lost all prospects for reinstatement. Emperor An intended to use them as an example to warn the ministers inclined toward the aristocracy. Even if Song Hong was spared his life, he was never going to be allowed back in court. Not only the Lu family but even the rest of them had refrained from offering any assistance when the Song family fell.
Who could have expected that, despite Song Hong’s disgrace, Song Jinxiu would rise again on the back of the Lu family’s downfall?
"Elder Lu, His Majesty's decree has been issued. Please do not make this difficult for me."
Several palace guards stepped forward, subtly encircling Lu Chongyuan. Eunuch Feng gestured to them, saying, "Escort Chancellor Lu back to his residence."
He then turned to the officials still kneeling on the steps and asked, "Do you gentlemen still wish to wait for His Majesty's summons?"
The others exchanged glances before looking to Grand Preceptor Liang.
Grand Preceptor Liang’s face was grim as he watched Lu Chongyuan, who was nearly escorted away by the palace guards, and without hesitation, he rose to his feet. "There’s no need. Since His Majesty is occupied with important discussions with Minister Qian, I won’t disturb him. I’ll seek an audience when His Majesty is available."
Seeing the Grand Preceptor withdraw, the already anxious officials quickly followed suit.
"I just remembered I have matters at the office; I’ll take my leave."
"So do I."
After echoing these sentiments, they turned and left in quick succession. In just a moment, the crowd of officials who had previously been kneeling had scattered completely.
After everyone had left, the young eunuch accompanying Eunuch Feng couldn’t help but whisper, "Those people left quickly! I thought they’d keep pressing…”
"Press for what?"
Eunuch Feng let out a disdainful chuckle, his previously amiable expression tinged with scorn.
The aristocratic families have always been like this. They rely on numbers to pressure His Majesty, but in reality, they’re a pile of loose sand. As long as you seize the leader among them, the rest will quickly back down once they see their own interests threatened. Lu Chongyuan thought he could use these people to go against Xiao Yan—how laughable.
Remembering how Lu Chongyuan had repeatedly referred to Xiao Yan as a “eunuch,” Eunuch Feng's gaze grew frosty.
Though he wasn’t particularly fond of Xiao Yan, always feeling that the man was dangerous, he despised Lu Chongyuan even more. "When you send men to the Lu family, keep an eye out. Make sure Lu Zhao is brought to the imperial prison as soon as possible. If anyone resists the decree, don’t bother with courtesy."
The young eunuch understood immediately. "Rest assured, sir, I understand."
News of events within the palace quickly spread beyond its walls.
Xiao Yan’s earlier intrusion into the Lu family residence had already stirred an uproar, and when the aristocratic officials entered the palace, Marquess Wenxin and others held their breath, certain Xiao Yan would be in serious trouble today. Yet, in less than an hour, Lu Chongyuan was “escorted” back to his residence by the palace guards, Lu Zhao was promptly imprisoned, and over ten members of the Lu family were tied up and taken away after clashing with the Imperial Guards.
The sight was so startling that even Marquess Wenxin, Cao Dejiang, and the officials who hadn’t entered the palace, like Cui Lin, were left shocked.
When Feng Qiuli met Cui Lin, he spoke before the latter could open his mouth. "Lord Cui, did you supply Xiao Yan with that evidence against the Lu family?"
Cui Lin hesitated. "I only intended to make Lu Chongyuan suffer a little... I had no idea they had the account book in their hands..."
He had dared to secretly pass on hints only because he thought the southern records were destroyed long ago. He had hoped Xiao Yan would pressure Lu Chongyuan, thus enabling the person he supported to surpass the Fourth Prince. But who would have guessed Xiao Yan would actually uncover the canal grain account book?
"You truly are..."
Feng Qiuli was so frustrated that even his tone was sharper. "I warned you before—Xiao Yan is not someone to be trusted. He has long harbored the intent to crush the aristocracy. He was never going to be easy to manipulate! Your grudge with Lu Chongyuan is our internal matter within the aristocracy. How could you hand Xiao Yan something he could use against the Lu family?!"
Cui Lin, being older than Feng Qiuli, would usually have taken offense at such words. But now, feeling guilty, he simply replied, "I never expected Lu Chongyuan’s actions to be so unscrupulous."
Feng Qiuli’s face was taut with frustration. "So, what do we do now?"
"There’s no telling what else is in that account book. The Lu family probably won’t be able to escape this time. Once Lu Zhao is imprisoned, Xiao Yan will surely find a way to make him talk. If he reveals anything, we could all be implicated alongside the Lu family. Even if Lu Zhao keeps silent and takes the blame alone, if Lu Chongyuan learns that you secretly passed information to Xiao Yan, he won’t spare you."
"We’re already risking enough by secretly supporting the Second Prince. If this matter comes to light, the other families won’t tolerate us either..."
The more Feng Qiuli spoke, the more anxious he became. His face turned pale as he paced, clearly distressed by the situation he described, while Cui Lin’s expression also grew more solemn.
Power struggles and intrigue were common among the aristocratic families, but betraying the Lu family broke the long-standing "unspoken unity" they shared in presenting a united front. If this were discovered, not only would the Lu family turn against him, but the other families might also sever ties, making it impossible for the Cui family to maintain their influence.
With a deep frown, Cui Lin spoke in a low voice, "Then we’ll have to make sure the Lu family doesn’t get a chance to cause us any trouble!"
Feng Qiuli looked up, shocked. "Lord Cui, you mean..."
Cui Lin met his gaze. "What, are you afraid?"
Feng Qiuli’s face turned ashen.
Cui Lin said, "You’ve already pointed out that Lu Chongyuan is not one to forgive. If he learns what I’ve done, he won’t let us go."
"My initial plan was merely to curb the Lu family’s influence so we could gather more support from the aristocracy for the Second Prince. But things have gone off course. Now that it’s come to this, we might as well seize the opportunity to replace the Lu family. Not only will this strengthen the Second Prince’s position, but it’ll also eliminate the risk of being dragged down by the canal grain scandal."
Seeing the hesitation on Feng Qiuli’s face fade and a spark of ambition appear in his eyes, Cui Lin continued, "Do you really want to sit back and let Lu Chongyuan walk free, only for him to turn on us later? Besides, the Lu family became the leading family by stepping over the bones of the He family back then. If Lu Chongyuan could crush the He family, why can’t we do the same to him?"
If the Lu family could do it, so could they.
If they divided up the Lu family’s assets, the Cui family would undoubtedly become even more powerful. Without Lu Chongyuan overshadowing them, Cui Lin could more easily bring the other families under his influence.
Feng Qiuli, clearly swayed by Cui Lin’s words, lost his hesitation, his eyes now showing a hint of ruthlessness. "So, Lord Cui, what do you suggest we do now?"
Cui Lin motioned for him to come closer, then leaned in to whisper a few words.
Feng Qiuli looked up in surprise. "Will that really work?"
Cui Lin said in a steady tone, "It will. I’ll have people handle this matter to ensure the Lu family can’t speak out again. All you need to do is lend me a hand at the critical moment."
Feng Qiuli nodded. "Alright."
Seeing him agree, a hint of satisfaction appeared on Cui Lin’s face. "Don’t worry. Once Lu Chongyuan is dealt with, we’ll be the ones leading the aristocracy. The Feng family will be as prominent as the Lu family is today."
Hearing Cui Lin’s promise, Feng Qiuli couldn’t help but show a look of anticipation, his face lighting up with excitement as he imagined the Feng family rising to take the Lu family’s place. However, as Cui Lin turned to summon a trusted confidant and discussed in detail their plans for taking down the Lu family, Feng Qiuli lowered his gaze, masking a hint of coldness in his eyes.
Xiao Yan had been right after all.
The aristocratic families truly were as cold and ruthless as he had said. Lu Chongyuan was one, and Cui Lin was no different. All it took was to stir their ambition, to make them crave power, and with just a bit of manipulation, even the closest allies would turn on each other, making each other stepping stones for their own rise.
Xiao Yan had accurately predicted every thought these people harbored.
Feng Qiuli suddenly felt a bit relieved—thankfully, that man was not his enemy.
Meanwhile, after Xiao Yan and Qian Baokun had "appeased" Emperor An and left the palace, Qian Baokun had already come to view Xiao Yan as a close friend, despite once intensely disliking him. Now, he spoke warmly to Xiao Yan, even advising him on how not to be overly upright and to learn when to be selfish.
Xiao Yan pressed his lips lightly. "I simply didn't want to cause trouble for Minister Qian."
"That's why I say you've wrongly earned your reputation as a cunning villain!" Qian Baokun said with a frown. "Just now, you could have deflected a few things to protect yourself, but no—you were practically rushing to take the blame, as if you were afraid His Majesty wouldn't punish you. You're far too straightforward, too rigid. You want to shoulder everything yourself, and that's why you've ended up with such a notorious reputation."
He spoke with a tone of fatherly concern. "People out there just follow whatever others say. You’re a just person, yet they talk about you like you’re ruthless and cold-hearted. Moving forward, you should act with a bit more subtlety, and learn to be selfish when necessary. Stop charging headlong into everything."
Looking at Xiao Yan’s stern yet "warm-hearted" demeanor, Qian Baokun couldn't help but worry for him.
"I know you don’t care about your reputation, but in this world, it’s important to leave a good legacy. One doesn’t have to be remembered forever, but shouldn’t leave a bad name either."
After a brief silence, Xiao Yan finally replied, "I understand. Thank you, Minister Qian."
Qian Baokun smiled. "Alright, with today’s matter settled, I’ll head back to my residence. Later, I’ll find you to discuss that account book matter." He glanced at Song Jinxiu standing not far away. "That one—be cautious with him too."
The silent ones are often the most dangerous. This young master from the Song family seemed to be well-behaved before, but now he’d nearly bitten the Lu family in half in one move.
Xiao Yan smiled gently. "Understood."
After Qian Baokun left with his three sons, he couldn’t resist glancing back at the youth not far away, elegant and refined—a sight that was truly pleasing. Turning to his sons, he said, "Xiao Yan is a righteous man, indeed misunderstood by rumors. You three should learn from him in the future."
Qian Qingran hesitated. "…"
Something felt off.
"Father, Xiao Yan, he…"
"Enough with ‘Xiao Yan.’ He’s older than you all and is close with me—address him as Uncle Xiao from now on."
Qian Qingran: "…"
Qian’s second and third sons: "…"
Their father must have lost it!
After the Qian family left, Xiao Yan’s gentle expression faded, and the coldness he had suppressed earlier reappeared in his sharp gaze.
Following closely behind him, Song Jinxiu couldn’t help but remark, "Director Xiao, impressive tactics."
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You can read ahead to chapterr 300 here
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