Chapter 243: Chapter 227: Yanqing’s Origins—As Long as He Lives (Part 2)
Song Wei could tell Wanwan was worried about him, and his tone carried a bit more reassurance, "This time with the Jinyi Guard there, nothing major is likely to happen."
Wen Wan snorted lightly, "Last time when I was pregnant with Jinbao, I couldn’t accompany you to the Capital, and in the end, your exam was full of twists and turns, with fevers and fainting. Even if I didn’t witness it with my own eyes, just thinking about it makes my heart race in fear.
This time, it’s not an exam; it’s going to investigate a case. You heard at the Hanlin Academy before that the case is related to Lu Yanqing.
Who is Lu Yanqing? The only son of the Princess Mansion, Empress Dowager’s own grandson, the Emperor’s nephew. With so many layers of identity, how do you know that they are letting you investigate not to use you as a scapegoat?
Even if Lu Yanqing is a wastrel, he is still a member of the Imperial Family. If it’s truly found that he has caused a monstrous crime, it will be the Imperial Family’s reputation at stake.
Such a big case, the reason they let a newbie like you who has just entered officialdom handle it is definitely because they think your abilities are limited and won’t uncover the truth. When the time comes, they can blame you for inefficiency and sweep the case under the rug. If you really find the truth, the Jinyi Guard could just as easily remove you on the way, and no one would care whether a trivial Hanlin Official lives or dies."
Finally, Wen Wan concluded, "So, my husband, do you still think that having the Jinyi Guard accompany you means you’re safe?"
After speaking, she actively encircled Song Wei’s waist and looked up at him, her clear eyes unblinking, as if waiting for an answer.
Even without speaking, the tone of coquetry was excessively obvious.
...
If Emperor Guangxi were present, hearing Wen Wan’s words would undoubtedly make him fume on the spot.
...
Song Wei’s eyes showed a hint of a smile, his right hand still holding the imperial edict, so he could only gently embrace her with his left hand, his voice remained charmingly captivating, "Can Hongwen Academy grant a long leave?"
Upon hearing there was hope, Wen Wan became even more demure, "Whether I can get leave depends on whether my husband nods his head and lets me accompany him."
Song Wei asked again, "If you go, what about Jinbao?"
"Without me, there are many who can take care of Jinbao, but only I am there to take care of you, from beginning to end."
Song Wei’s smile broadened, and the arm holding her slightly tightened, pulling her into his embrace, "When did you also learn to sweet-talk?"
"There’s still a lot more!" Wen Wan pressed her cheek against his chest, through the crimson official robe Song Wei had yet to change out of, hearing the strong and powerful heartbeat inside, her face blushing, "If you like, let me come along, and I can tell you all the way."
If these words came from his mouth at such an age, they might seem too frivolous, but on her, in her early twenties, they felt just right, just enough to move him.
"Investigating a case is very hard work," Song Wei deliberately reminded, "Summer is approaching, and Ningzhou’s sun is scorching and easy to get tanned."
Wen Wan raised her head from his embrace and smiled with her mouth pursed, "Then we’ll be a pair of a black couple."
It seemed she truly pleased him, as Wen Wan noticed her husband’s smile today was lighter and softer than usual, with a distinct sweetness to it.
Realizing he hadn’t put the imperial edict away yet and was entangled by her, Wen Wan felt a bit embarrassed, slowly loosening her hold, and as she went out, she didn’t forget to say, "Then I’ll go back to the room to pack my things!"
Song Wei watched her leave, the warmth in his eyes lingering indefinitely.
——
After handling her wound at Shou’an Palace, the Eldest Princess returned to the mansion with an additional circle of white gauze on her forehead.
The Jinyi Guard, who had surrounded the Princess Mansion earlier, had already withdrawn completely once Lu Yanqing was taken away.
Lu Xingzhou had been waiting at the front gate all along, and after finally seeing someone coming, he realized something was wrong.
Seeing her walking unsteadily as if not knowing what she stepped on, Lu Xingzhou hurried forward to support her, "Ah Yin, are you hurt?"
Hearing the man’s voice, the Eldest Princess seemed to snap back to reality, and she looked up at him blankly for a moment before forcing a smile, "I’m fine, I worried you."
Lu Xingzhou’s voice was full of heartache, "It’s obvious you’re in pain, why put on a strong front and smile?"
With that, not caring about the servants around, he carried the Eldest Princess horizontally and quickly headed back to the room.
After placing her on the couch, Lu Xingzhou was about to order someone to call for the household doctor, but her slightly cool fingers held his wrist.
Lu Xingzhou turned back, seeing she had already sat up leaning against the headboard, the gauze on her forehead faintly showing bloodstains underneath.
The injury on such a spot could only have been caused by repeatedly knocking against something heavy.
An indescribable complexity overwhelmed him, Lu Xingzhou pursed his lips and sat down, his large palm clasping her weak hand, "Your condition isn’t good; get some sleep first, don’t worry about the outside matters, I will think of something."
In moments of vulnerability, hearing such words not only warmed the heart but easily fostered dependence.
The Eldest Princess’s gaze fell on the hand he held lightly, and after a long while, she spoke, "Elder brother appointed Song Wei as the Imperial Envoy. He’s about to set out for Ningzhou to investigate the case. I’ll change into new clothes and then leave."
Upon hearing this, Lu Xingzhou was somewhat surprised. "Song Wei has only just entered the Hanlin Academy, how could the task of investigation fall on him?"
"A few words cannot explain it fully, but as long as the Third Son is involved, it means Yanqing has a chance to survive."
Lu Xingzhou understood her intention and swallowed back the words he was about to say—asking for someone to come in to help the Eldest Princess change clothes, "You’re in this state, let me go instead! I’m his father-in-law, and also a man. Some things are easier to discuss between us."
The Eldest Princess lifted her eyelids, looking at Lu Xingzhou with gratitude in her eyes. She nodded, choking up, "Alright."
Perhaps her mindset had indeed changed, as Lu Xingzhou found her exceptionally compliant today.
Even though she said nothing else, that one word "Alright" already indicated she’s starting to rely on him.
And reliance often means supreme trust.
Watching her fall asleep, only then did he stand up and go out, ordering a carriage to head straight to the Song Mansion.
——
During the day, Wen Wan requested leave and returned with Song Wei. Tonight’s dinner didn’t need to wait for anyone else, so she helped her mother-in-law prepare it and directly served it in the main room, ready to start the meal.
Just then, Mrs. Jin suddenly came in to report that the Prince Consort seeks an audience.
Upon hearing her mention the Prince Consort, Wen Wan couldn’t help but recall the first time they met in the alley courtyard, where she discovered the Prince Consort constantly staring at her.
Back then, she thought he found her fascinating as a mute who couldn’t speak. Now that "the truth is revealed," she realized her misunderstanding—he was looking at her because she resembled the Eldest Princess.
Thinking of this, Wen Wan suddenly found it amusing.
When Song Wei came out, he happened to see this scene and asked her what foolishness made her laugh. Wen Wan quickly shook her head, saying it was nothing. Then how could she conceal her embarrassed thoughts from a man’s eyes?
Song Wei didn’t expose her but instead told her to go in and eat while he went to receive the Prince Consort.
Wen Wan suddenly asked playfully, "Don’t you want me to make an appearance?"
Song Wei laughed, "Your face is not suitable to make an appearance."
Wen Wan knew he would say that, and wasn’t angry, "Then I’m going in for dinner!"
Song Wei hummed, and after Wen Wan entered the house, he slowly walked towards the outer courtyard.
Lu Xingzhou was already invited to the front hall by Mrs. Cao and was being served tea.
Song Wei didn’t need to ask, just hearing that the Prince Consort was here, he could roughly guess his intention.
After sending the two matrons away, Song Wei looked at Lu Xingzhou, "Since my father-in-law personally made the trip, it must be concerning Lu Yanqing?"
Lu Xingzhou was momentarily caught off guard by this term of address.
Song Wei continued, "The case has landed on me, which is a stroke of fate. Father-in-law and mother-in-law, please state how you wish me to proceed. As long as it’s within a reasonable scope, I will do my utmost to mitigate the situation."
Hearing these words, Lu Xingzhou felt an indescribable comfort in his heart. After a moment of silence, he spoke, "Third Son, I know you are a good official. Asking you to forgive a murderer amidst eighty lives lost is indeed difficult for you, but Yanqing cannot die. He is not only the sole child of the Princess Mansion but also... your Uncle Wen’s biological son."
This statement was undoubtedly like a clap of thunder, successfully shocking Song Wei.
No matter how clever he was, he could never have imagined that the child raised in the Wen Family was actually the Lu Family’s child, and the one brought up by Prince Consort Lu was the Wen Family’s child.
"So, Wanwan and Lu Yanqing are half-siblings with different fathers?"
"When you were studying at the Imperial College, I took your mother-in-law to Ningzhou, where we met with Second Brother Wen. We talked in full detail. He agreed never to appear before Yanqing, nor to reclaim him, and I agreed that Wanwan would remain his daughter and that moving forward we would treat Yanqing as our biological son.
I’m telling you this in the name of your Uncle Wen to ask you—if it’s proven that Yanqing was involved in the Ningzhou coal mine case—when the final judgment comes, spare his life. As for how severe the punishment is, your mother-in-law and I have no objections."
Song Wei fell silent.
Although the case didn’t stir much due to suppression from above, among the hundred miners, one was Lu Yanqing’s biological father.
If Uncle Wen had run a bit slower then, it would have equated to Yanqing burying his own father alive.
This inhumane and heinous person deserves a thousand cuts and more.
Seeing Song Wei hesitate, Lu Xingzhou added, "I just heard that the Su Family and Cheng Family are suspected of involvement too. If you can use this chance to save Yanqing’s life, regardless of what conditions you propose, I will agree."
Song Wei said, "Father-in-law misunderstood. I was just thinking that this case has already stirred the court and the entire Capital. With the Three Judicial Departments overseeing it, even if Yanqing can escape the death penalty, it’s likely that the punishment will be unimaginably severe."
Lu Xingzhou had prepared himself mentally before coming, "I understand, but I just want him to live."