The news of the morning court quickly spread to the Lu family, and the hall of the Lu residence was filled with people from various noble families coming to inquire.
After Lu Qin had finally sent everyone away and returned to Lu Chongyuan, he was seething with rage. "Xiao Yan that eunuch clearly slandered us! When has our family ever had dealings with King Cheng?!"
Lu Chongyuan remained calm and said, "But Hou Rui is indeed an undercover pawn of the Lu family."
Upon hearing this, Lu Qin became even angrier. "When Father secretly supported Hou Rui back then, it was to place someone in the Six Ministries who was out of the public's eye. Who would have thought that he would betray the Lu family?"
"If it weren’t for Father, he would still be a minor official in charge of the Treasury! That ingrate dared to use the Lu family’s influence to collude with King Cheng and now he’s trying to frame us!!"
However, Lu Chongyuan was not as enraged as Lu Qin. Although he didn’t understand why Hou Rui would collude with King Cheng, even risking his life to facilitate his connection with the Military Supplies Department and help stockpile military equipment, he had a nagging feeling that something was amiss.
Back when he had assisted Hou Rui, he had naturally investigated his background thoroughly.
Not to mention the years of support, Hou Rui had followed the Lu family’s path and was destined for great things. Within three to five years, he could have reached the position of Minister of the Ministry of War. Why would he abandon the Lu family and turn to a half-disgraced prince like King Cheng? Was it really just for a bit of profit, enough to take such a huge risk?
What troubled Lu Chongyuan even more was Xiao Yan.
After interacting with Xiao Yan numerous times, Lu Chongyuan knew that the eunuch would never take action without certainty. Since he dared to report this matter to the Emperor, he must have solid evidence.
In other words, this situation likely involved more than just King Cheng and Hou Rui; there must be someone from the Lu family involved.
But who could it be?
At that moment, someone outside reported that someone from the palace had arrived.
When Lu Chongyuan and Lu Qin saw Jin Zhi, Lu Qin couldn’t help but recall the last time Empress Lu had sent someone to the family and sneered, "Oh, how well-informed the Empress is, sending you here to kick us when we’re down?"
Jin Zhi quickly explained, "Second Master, you misunderstand. The Empress has indeed heard of the events from this morning’s court session, but she absolutely doesn’t believe that Lord Lu would secretly collaborate with King Cheng. The Empress says the Lu family already has the Fourth Prince, and it’s impossible for them to abandon him and rely on a prince with no prospects. There must be some rogue doing mischief behind the scenes."
She then bowed to Lu Chongyuan, "The Empress is concerned about Lord Lu’s health, so she specially sent me to check on you."
Lu Qin snorted, clearly unconvinced by Jin Zhi’s words.
However, Lu Chongyuan’s expression softened.
He knew that the Empress’s visit might not be just to check on his health—most likely, she was trying to inquire about the Lu family’s involvement with King Cheng. But at least she had shown trust in the Lu family, refraining from undermining them during this difficult time. That was already enough for the Lu family.
Lu Chongyuan shot Lu Qin a glance, signaling him to hold his tongue, then said to Jin Zhi, "The Lu family is indeed unaware of any dealings with King Cheng, and we don’t know why he would target us. But please reassure Her Majesty that whether it’s due to some rogue mischief or someone within the family secretly conspiring with others, I will get to the bottom of this matter as soon as possible."
"I heard Her Majesty was unwell recently. Is she well in the palace?"
Jin Zhi smiled bitterly. "Lord, you know the Emperor’s temperament. Since the eldest master was imprisoned, Her Majesty sought to intercede on his behalf and was reprimanded by the Emperor. Since then, His Majesty has been displeased with her."
"New faces have been entering the palace constantly, and Her Majesty’s situation is awkward. If not for the serious difficulties, she would not have feigned illness to remain in the palace, in order to protect the dignity of the Empress's position."
She didn’t hide the fact that the Empress was pretending to be ill. "The Empress is also worried about the safety of the family and hopes that the eldest master will soon be freed from prison. She wants Lord Lu to return to the court as soon as possible. She and His Highness still rely on the Lu family. If anything happens to the family, as the Empress, she..."
She seemed to have difficulty continuing, and her eyes were filled with bitterness as she lowered her gaze.
Lu Chongyuan, seeing her expression, said, "Tell Her Majesty not to worry. The Lu family won’t easily fall."
Jin Zhi spoke a few more words to show the Empress’s concern before apologizing for needing to leave the palace soon and taking her leave.
After Jin Zhi left, Lu Qin couldn’t help but mock, "Now she remembers us. Didn’t she watch as the Lu family fell apart and never care before?"
Lu Chongyuan looked outside, "The Empress was once part of the Lu family. Even though the Emperor dislikes noble families, he won’t treat her well either. She must be in a difficult position, but it’s only natural she would think of the family. If she can see through her situation and unite with the family, it would be a good thing."
The changes in the Lu family had been too rapid. The woman sent to the Fourth Prince’s residence had not yet reported any news of a pregnancy. If the Empress truly turned back to the family’s side and worked together, the pressure on the Lu family would be much less. Moreover, unless absolutely necessary, he didn’t want to abandon the Fourth Prince.
Lu Qin snorted again.
Lu Chongyuan didn’t bring up the Empress again. His expression darkened as he said, "Xiao Yan would never act without a solid reason. There must be a problem inside the Lu family. Go investigate the people within the family, especially those involved in the grain transportation. If anyone is unclean, deal with them immediately."
...
Before leaving the Lu family, Jin Zhi visited Guoshi, the eldest wife of the Lu family. Since her son had gone missing and her husband had been imprisoned, Guoshi had lost weight dramatically in a short time, her face pale, and her entire demeanor was frail and sickly.
When Jin Zhi arrived, Guoshi hurriedly welcomed her. "Aunt Jin Zhi, what brings you here?"
"Madam, how have you become so thin?" Jin Zhi exclaimed in shock, then quickly became concerned, "The Empress has been worried about you since you interceded for the eldest master, which angered His Majesty. She has been unable to call you into the palace, but she has been thinking about you. Today, she specially sent me to check on you and bring you some things."
"She is worried about you being troubled by others in the family and concerned for your health. If she saw you like this, she would surely be heartbroken."
Upon hearing this, tears filled Guoshi’s eyes.
Since the Lu family’s troubles began, the First House had become the target of everyone’s ire, with many of the family members blaming everything on Lu Zhi Nian. If he hadn’t almost killed Song Tang Ning, Xiao Yan would never have used that opportunity to take control of the Lu family. And if he hadn’t repeatedly made mistakes, the situation would never have spiraled so out of control.
The Lu family had once been a prestigious family, but now they had fallen into this dire state. Before Lu Zhao was imprisoned, the First House still had some standing, and no one dared to openly confront them.
But since Lu Zhao’s arrest due to the grain transport ledgers, and with Patriarch Lu Chongyuan under house arrest, the First House had become the punching bag for all the family’s frustrations.
Lu Chongyuan was preoccupied with family matters and had no time to pay attention to anything else. Guoshi, who was not strong-willed, had suffered a great deal during this time, protecting her young son while enduring the cold shoulder from the family. She hadn’t expected the Empress to still remember her.
Through her tears, Guoshi said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for remembering me."
"You and the Empress are close relatives, and she has always been concerned about you," Jin Zhi said, taking her hand to comfort her. "The Empress wanted to visit you earlier, but it was inconvenient for her to leave the palace. She was also blamed by the others for the previous events, so she couldn’t interfere with family matters. But today, she specifically had me bring you something."
Jin Zhi took out a jade bracelet. "This is something the Empress had blessed by a master when she was still in the palace. It’s said to bring peace and good fortune. The Empress wore it for years and has kept it by her side."
"With everything happening in the house, with the third master and the eldest master both being framed by scheming people, the Empress wanted to send this to you, hoping it can protect you and your young son."
Guoshi looked at the exquisite jade bracelet and quickly shook her head. "This... This is the Empress's personal item. I cannot accept it..."
"Please, take it." Jin Zhi insisted as she placed the bracelet on Guoshi’s wrist. "This is the Empress’s heartfelt gesture and her wish for you to be well."
"The Empress says that noble families are often indifferent to familial bonds, and that personal interests take precedence. Since the eldest master has fallen into trouble, you must have suffered unfair treatment. While the Empress cannot directly interfere with the family’s affairs, if you face difficulties in the future, you and your young son can come to the palace. Even if the Empress cannot help in everything, she will protect you both."
Guoshi, feeling the warmth from the bracelet on her wrist, listened to Jin Zhi’s words, and tears flowed even more. She clutched the bracelet and whispered, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Jin Zhi softly reminded her, "I cannot stay for too long, I need to return to the palace. Please keep the bracelet a secret. If the second wife or others find out it was only given to you, they may resent the Empress."
Guoshi nodded quickly, "I understand. I won’t cause any trouble."
Jin Zhi said, "Rest assured, the Empress will be doing everything she can for the eldest master. Don’t worry, Madam."
Guoshi nodded repeatedly.
As Jin Zhi left, she couldn’t help but glance back at Guoshi, who was filled with gratitude while holding the bracelet. Her heart twinged with guilt. Guoshi had always been kind and treated the servants well. Seeing her situation now, Jin Zhi couldn’t help but feel regret. But remembering the Empress, she steeled herself and left.
Guoshi wiped her tears and clutched the items brought from the palace before returning to her room. Her young son, not yet eight, rushed forward when he saw her crying.
"Mother, why are you crying? Who bullied you?"
Guoshi hugged her son and choked, "No one is bullying me. I just feel that the Lu family is not without kind-hearted people. Xuan'er, remember the Empress’s kindness. When you grow up, make sure to repay her."
The child, still young, didn’t understand but nodded obediently. "I understand, Mother."
"Remember that the Empress is a good person."
...
After leaving the Lu family, Jin Zhi returned to the palace by carriage. By the stone walls outside, a vendor wiped the cloth pouch at his waist.
"Go back and report to the Governor. The fish has bitten the hook."
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T/N: I kind of feel bad for Guoshi
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You can read ahead to chapterr 370 (100+ extra chapters) here
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