The evening sky outside darkened, and lanterns were lit at the gates of the Tang residence. Cao Dejiang stood by the entrance, speaking in a low voice to Xiao Yan about the Lu family case. "Regarding Lu Zhao’s incident, does Director Xiao have any leads?"
Xiao Yan replied calmly, "With the account book in hand, leads or no leads, he won’t escape."
"I understand that," Cao Dejiang nodded. "But Lu Chongyuan’s recent quietness feels unusual. He’s not the type to surrender easily. Director Xiao, you’ve dealt with the Lu family for years. You should know they’ve accumulated influence for generations. They won’t crumble so easily over a single account book."
"Lu Zhao may not be as crucial to the Lu family as we think. Director Xiao would do well to remain vigilant."
Xiao Yan caught the goodwill in his tone and softened his expression. "I understand. Thank you for the reminder, Lord Cao."
"There’s something else..." Cao Dejiang hesitated for a moment. "I heard the Grand Empress Dowager has been sent to recuperate at the imperial villa on the outskirts of the city?"
This news, although kept discreet within the palace, wasn’t entirely hidden. Xiao Yan wasn’t surprised that someone like Cao Dejiang had caught wind of it. Maintaining his composure, he explained, "The palace is a noisy place, and people often bring up past events. Recently, the Empress and Fourth Prince have been frequently visiting the Grand Empress Dowager’s chambers for reasons unknown. Each visit seems to trigger her hysteria, and a few days ago, she even fell gravely ill."
"The Imperial Medical Bureau assessed that her body could no longer endure the strain. Staying in her current quarters, constantly reminded of past memories, would only worsen her condition. His Majesty ordered me to temporarily relocate her to the imperial villa for rest. Qin Nianzi happens to be stationed nearby, making it convenient for her to oversee care."
Cao Dejiang frowned. "The Empress and Fourth Prince have been regularly visiting her?"
Xiao Yan confirmed with a brief "Mm," adding, "They claim it’s to care for her during her illness."
Cao Dejiang’s expression darkened, barely suppressing a snort. Everyone knew His Majesty’s filial piety toward the Grand Empress Dowager was merely superficial. Since the late emperor’s passing, she had been confined to Shou’an Palace. No one in the palace, whether master or servant, truly regarded her with respect.
The Empress, hailing from the Lu family, had been particularly neglectful toward the Grand Empress Dowager. The idea of her "caring for" the Grand Empress Dowager was laughable. If anyone could have done such a thing, it might have been the late Crown Prince’s consort, but the Lu Empress and Fourth Prince? Utter nonsense.
Cao Dejiang silently pondered why the Empress and her son were suddenly "hovering" around the Grand Empress Dowager. The Lu family was known for never acting without self-interest, especially after Lu Zhao’s incident.
Suppressing his doubts, he asked, "How is the Grand Empress Dowager’s health?"
"With her hysteria and bouts of madness, how good could it be? She often drifts in and out of consciousness and rarely recognizes people when awake," Xiao Yan replied.
Cao Dejiang pressed his lips together for a long moment before speaking softly, "I owe a great debt to the late Emperor Taizong. In my youth, the Grand Empress Dowager arranged my marriage, which brought me the blessings of children and grandchildren. Now, the people who once surrounded Emperor Taizong are few and far between. The Grand Empress Dowager, who should command the utmost respect, is in such a state..."
He looked at Xiao Yan with a solemn expression. "His Majesty’s decision to send the Grand Empress Dowager out of the palace for rest is an act of filial piety. But the palace is a place where the weak are trampled upon, and deceit is rampant. Many might take advantage of her frailty and inability to recognize people, neglecting her under the guise of care. I hope Director Xiao can ensure she is well protected, so she isn’t mistreated."
Xiao Yan nodded. "I will ensure she is carefully tended to."
"Not just carefully, but thoroughly," Cao Dejiang emphasized. "I know that with just a word from Director Xiao, no one would dare disobey."
Xiao Yan raised his gaze slightly, meeting Cao Dejiang’s eyes. The latter continued, "If you face any obstacles with the Lu family, you can send someone to find me. I will assist you personally."
Xiao Yan was visibly surprised.
Cao Dejiang had always stayed out of Xiao Yan’s confrontations with the aristocratic families. No matter how intense the disputes were, he would remain on the sidelines, leading the scholarly faction and watching the "dogs bite each other," ready to reap the benefits.
During the Grand Canal grain case, Cao Dejiang took advantage of Xiao Yan’s suppression of the aristocracy to wrest a few key positions back for the scholarly faction. Later, when the aristocrats destroyed evidence to suppress Xiao Yan, Cao Dejiang secretly threw stones into the mix, attempting to eliminate the "treacherous eunuch" while grabbing more benefits.
When Xiao Yan clashed fiercely with the aristocrats, Cao Dejiang muddied the waters. Once he realized neither side could claim victory, he quickly withdrew, leaving no evidence behind and remaining untouchable.
Cunning and calculating, Cao Dejiang was the epitome of pragmatism, never allowing himself to be drawn in. Xiao Yan hadn’t expected him to offer a favor, let alone assistance against the Lu family, all for the Grand Empress Dowager.
Xiao Yan mused, "Why does Lord Cao care so much for the Grand Empress Dowager?"
"As I said, Emperor Taizong showed me great kindness," Cao Dejiang replied.
Seeing Xiao Yan’s skeptical expression, he didn’t elaborate further. "Director Xiao only needs to decide whether to accept this favor or not."
Xiao Yan chuckled. "Naturally, I’ll accept. Since Lord Cao has offered, how could I refuse? Rest assured, I’ll personally ensure the Grand Empress Dowager is well cared for."
Hearing this, Cao Dejiang sighed in relief. "Thank you, Director Xiao. It’s getting late, and I should be on my way. Please take care."
Turning to Tang Ning, who had followed, he said, "County Princess, if you encounter difficulties with the academy, feel free to visit me at the Cao residence. As for Shi Chang’an, I’ll notify you as soon as he arrives in the capital."
Tang Ning curtsied. "Thank you, Lord Cao."
Cao Dejiang boarded his carriage, followed by Fu Laiqing, who trudged behind like a wilted plant. As he climbed onto the vehicle, he couldn’t help but glance back at Tang Ning, his pitiful expression resembling a drenched puppy.
Tang Ning said kindly, "Safe travels, Young Master Fu."
Seeing her unshaken demeanor, Fu Laiqing’s face fell. Forcing a smile that looked closer to tears, he drew the curtain and curled up in a corner of the carriage, sulking.
"What are you doing?" Cao Dejiang asked gruffly, his thoughts still on the Grand Empress Dowager.
Seeing Fu Laiqing huddled like a ball, he grew annoyed.
Fu Laiqing buried his head. "Uncle, am I unlikeable?"
Cao Dejiang didn’t mince words. "You’re certainly annoying."
Fu Laiqing: "..." He buried his head deeper.
Noticing the usually cheerful boy unusually subdued, Cao Dejiang pinched the back of his neck. When Fu Laiqing finally looked up, his eyes were red.
The old man froze. "What’s this now?"
Fu Laiqing sniffled, his voice muffled, "The County Princess wished me a speedy marriage to a beautiful wife and said she’d send her congratulations when the time comes."
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You can read ahead to chapterr 234 (100+ extra chapters) here
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