Chapter 29: The Self-Centered Second House

Above the imperial steps are the pillars of the nation.

The functioning of the Great Qi rests upon these individuals.

Master Wen still somewhat admired Fu Minglang, and seeing him reminded him of Shui Mingxi.

Shui Mingxi could have showcased great talents but was left with the mind of a child.

Master Wen said nothing more and continued to walk slowly forward.

Fu Minglang did not care much about this momentary relationship; after bowing and paying his respects, he continued discussing matters with other colleagues.

The imperial edict arrived at the Duke of Xiang’s residence in the afternoon, appointing Yan Ziqi as the Sixth-Rank Colonel and to assist General Tong.

Additionally, there was a verbal order to expedite Yan Ziqi’s journey to the frontier, ensuring that Tong Linian would follow his advice.

In other words, although Yan Ziqi held a lower official rank, Tong Linian would have to heed his guidance.

Li Ning’an left the palace in a carriage only after the imperial edict was issued and headed straight to the Duke of Xiang’s residence.

Yan Ziqi was about to set out, and the housekeeper and Qingyan hurriedly packed his belongings.

Food supplies could not be prepared in time, so more silver notes were needed.

Since there were post stations along the way, they did not have to worry about horses.

However, they still needed to prepare several sets of clothing and shoes because it was very cold in the northwest.

The housekeeper, who would not be accompanying them to the frontier, instructed the accompanying Qingyan:

“Although Young Master has finally received an official position, it’s not a matter of real military power. Be careful in your actions.”

“Do not let him go to places like brothels. Being an official is not like before; there will be censors to scrutinize his actions.”

The housekeeper had a sense of worry akin to a mother concerned about her child traveling a thousand miles.

Since the master and mistress had passed away, he had indeed taken on the roles of both father and mother.

He was afraid that the young master might bring back unsavory characters for marriage or that he might show no interest in women, thus failing to continue the family line.

He was not as passionate as Qingyan, who wanted to fight for a high general position and restore the Iron Cavalry to the Yan family.

He simply hoped the young master would marry and have children, enjoying a peaceful life.

However, the housekeeper knew that the young master was not content with a simple life.

The Yan family was indeed dedicated to defending the country.

Li Ning’an stood before Yan Ziqi’s study, watching as he packed several military books.

This was truly like sharpening a knife before battle; not fast but still effective.

The room was still dusty. Li Ning’an leaned against the door, while Yan Ziqi patted the books and stuffed them into his bag.

Inside were his appointment letter and personal seal, packed carelessly, showing no fear of theft.

Li Ning’an said, “I bet on you with the fourth princess, so you must do well.”

Yan Ziqi did not look back, continuing to pack, “Don’t use my name to do anything.”

Qingyan was going with him. He was genuinely worried that Li Ning’an might do something shocking while he was away.

Li Ning’an pretended not to hear, “Be careful with Tong Linian.”

As long as she pretended not to hear, it was as if he had not said anything.

Although his official rank was not high, being in charge of Tong Linian meant he would need to be cautious, as Tong Linian might be petty and scheming.

He might even do something annoying behind the scenes.

Especially since Yan Ziqi’s departure might lead to conflicts with the Tong family over the Iron Cavalry.

When there’s a piece of cake for two people, one must give way.

Li Ning’an hoped it wouldn’t be Yan Ziqi.

Even though her father was dissatisfied with the Tong family, he hadn’t really punished them.

Sending Yan Ziqi there was more of a slap in the Tong family’s face rather than a true punishment.

Compared to confiscating property or capital punishment, it was quite light.

Li Ning’an had nothing much to tell Yan Ziqi; she only wished him a smooth journey and safe return.

Yan Ziqi left the Duke of Xiang’s residence on horseback after taking Li Ning’an’s carriage to the Ministry of War.

Li Ning’an sent him off to the Seven-Mile Pavilion outside the capital and then headed back.

Hong Xiu handed her a cup of tea, “Princess, would you like to go for a stroll?”

Li Ning’an was preoccupied with resolving the matter of Yan Ziqi going to the frontier.

Though it was similar to her previous life, the Iron Cavalry had suffered less loss this time.

Soon it was the Mid-Autumn Festival. The palace banquet was held at noon, and all families had prepared early. It was time to get on the carriage and head to the palace gate.

Familiar ladies greeted her, and their children came to pay their respects.

The Fu family, specifically Fu Minglang’s grandfather, had once been prominent but fell from grace after offending the powerful, returning in disgrace.

While the son failed to achieve much, the grandson brought glory, as Fu Minglang topped the examinations, leading the main house to move to the capital ahead.

It was unfortunate that Fu Minglang’s father passed away five years ago. He was supposed to observe a three-year mourning period, but since his grandfather was still alive, he was pressured to make a name for himself and lead the Fu family.

The late Mr. Fu’s wishes were also in line with this.

Thus, Fu Minglang only observed a year of mourning before resuming his studies.

The court was not short of talent. Even though Emperor Mingde had valued Fu Minglang, he wouldn’t be entrusted with important duties so quickly.

You claim to be smart and capable; you must prove it with real achievements.

Moreover, because Li Ning’an favored him, Emperor Mingde was reluctant to promote him too quickly.

Although it was not forbidden for the son-in-law to hold an official position, my daughter is the best in the world.

There had to be some restraint on the son-in-law’s brilliance.

However, now Li Ning’an was entirely focused on Yan Ziqi.

She hadn’t been seen at the Ministry of Revenue for a long time.

Moreover, with Fu Erlang being personally sent by her, everyone began to think that Princess Ning’an might have really shifted her affections.

Yan Ziqi’s departure to the frontier raised concerns about whether they would have a chance to benefit.

Previously, when Princess Ning’an advocated for Yan Ziqi, despite the twists and turns, Yan Ziqi still ended up going to the frontier.

In the end, Emperor Mingde’s favorite was still Princess Ning’an.

If they made an effort, perhaps even the position of Prime Minister could be within their grasp.

A carriage stopped at the palace gate, and Mrs. Fu disembarked with Ming Ying and her niece.

The noble ladies were chatting amongst themselves, paying little attention to them.

Since Princess Ning’an had changed her affections, who would still pay attention to the Fu family?

Mrs. Fu’s smile nearly faltered. She had endured grievances from her in-laws at home and had to bring the two families to the banquet.

Everyone thought she was enriching herself, favoring her son, and neglecting the main family.

If she truly were like that, she would have already driven everyone out.

Her father-in-law had offended people in his youth and was sent back. For most of his life, he had developed a hobby of painting birds.

There were ten or so birds in the main house, all of which she had painstakingly procured, though she was still dissatisfied.

Her mother-in-law made things difficult for her, criticizing her constantly.

She even wanted her to find a marquis for her niece. Why should she worry about her niece when Ming Ying was still unmarried?

At this moment, Mrs. Fu had no intention of revitalizing the family.

She quietly instructed Ming Ying to keep an eye on the two younger cousins, reminding them not to look around or speak too much and to avoid causing trouble.

Ming Ying nodded, “Mother, don’t worry. Ming Zhi and Ming Die are the most obedient.”

She wore a pale pink dress, while her two younger cousins wore light pink, making them look slightly less dignified and more youthful.

But the color showed they were from the same family.

They all wore jewelry that Li Ning’an used to wear.

Ming Ying wore a pair of sapphire-studded gold hairpins, Ming Zhi had a single hairpin with a dangling ornament, and Ming Die wore a pair of bunny-shaped tassels.

They looked at the majestic palace walls with admiration and curiosity.

Having learned the rules over the past period, they believed they were no different from the capital’s young ladies.

Ming Zhi did not think her elder brother had done anything wrong. Instead, she felt it was their elder cousin’s fault for not taking care of him properly and their aunt’s negligence.

When Princess Ning’an provided the contract, why didn’t their aunt give their brother any work?

That was why he ended up in such a difficult situation.

In the capital, where land was precious, buying a residence was not easy.

Fu Minglang had helped manage things and had invited his siblings to stay at the Fu residence, but they refused, and he could not force them.

The second branch married into a wealthy merchant’s family, paying out of their own pockets to buy a residence for their children.

They feared that their children would suffer by depending on others.

Mrs. Fu from the second branch still hoped that her son, relying on his big nephew, would eventually earn back a residence.

Unexpectedly, he ended up suffering and was severely beaten.

The residence was even taken by her mother-in-law.

Mrs. Fu said, “We are not dead yet, so there will be no division of the family. Take this deed as a gesture of filial piety to your parents.”

Mrs. Fu from the second branch resented the main house even more and loathed Princess Ning’an.

She liked Minglang; why was she not more lenient with Mingqi?

Influenced by her mother, Ming Zhi also found Princess Ning’an detestable.

She had dressed up carefully today and was sure she could outshine Princess Ning’an.