He blinked hard, and suddenly a remarkably bright smile bloomed.
"The Bai family, I am not returning."
His expression firm, his tone resolute, he stood before Si Fengwu. "As the Minister of War's subordinate, Lian Yu, I have decided to abandon the Bai surname, remain in the new dynasty, and will never return to the Central Plains of Da Qin. I await the Prince's instructions."
Si Fengwu desired nothing less than his affirmation. Upon hearing it, he stated without hesitation, "You have always been my right-hand man. The great cause I am building should have a share of your contribution.
Now, I entrust you with an even greater task. Are you willing?"
Si Fengwu was naturally easygoing. Outside of formal occasions, he rarely spoke so seriously to those around him.
Lian Yu, though unable to hide his surprise, still answered earnestly, "Your Highness, please command."
"It is not a command, but a request."
Si Fengwu was extremely serious and sincere, which startled everyone.
Lian Yu repeated blankly, "A request?"
"Yes, a request."
Si Fengwu patiently explained, "Since you have abandoned the Bai surname, I request that you adopt the Lu surname and become sworn siblings with the Princess Consort."
Everyone present was utterly shocked. Si Fengwu, unhurried, continued, "The Princess Consort and I have no close relatives. It is better for me; after ascending the throne, there will be plenty of my supporters.
At worst, I still have elder siblings, their spouses, and nephews.
But the Princess Consort is truly alone.
I have already decided to establish a ceremonial six palaces but keep only the Princess Consort by my side.
At that time, those ministers who dare not openly oppose me will target the Princess Consort.
If I am no longer here in the future, it will be difficult for the Princess Consort to endure being bullied alone in this world.
I want you to be the Princess Consort's elder brother, to provide her with a formidable maternal family.
Whether I am alive or not, no one will dare to bully the Princess Consort in the slightest."
These few words made everyone understand Si Fengwu's plan.
Lian Yu exclaimed, "So, when you told the Princess Consort that the spoils of war confiscated from Sansheng Tower and Hanxiao Hall were less than the national treasury and belonged to her, you intended to use these assets as the capital for establishing the Lu family?"
Lu Qingwan was alone; how difficult it would be to establish a family of significant influence in the court!
Even if Sansheng Tower and Hanxiao Hall were renowned, long-standing organizations, after using their confiscated spoils to build Lu Qingwan's residence, there would likely be little left.
Yet, Si Fengwu did not seem to find any issue with such a decision.
He nodded with utmost naturalness, "Precisely.
However, I now need someone to be the first head of the Lu family. Are you willing?"
Realizing that he was genuinely discussing this matter with him, Lian Yu immediately adopted a serious demeanor.
"To gain the title of maternal uncle for free, your subordinate is naturally overjoyed.
However, will the surname Lu at the beginning of my name sound a bit strange?"
This statement clearly indicated his agreement to Si Fengwu's request.
Si Fengwu was instantly delighted, "It is only necessary to acknowledge you as the head of the Lu family publicly; you do not need to truly change your name.
If you are willing in the future, let one of your children inherit the Lu surname and support the Princess Consort.
After the Princess Consort's passing, if you and your children wish to revert to the Bai surname, I will not object."
Si Fengwu also knew that changing one's surname was no trivial matter.
It was only because Lian Yu had grown up with him and had a complicated relationship with the Bai family that he was willing to accept such an unreasonable request.
Therefore, the conditions he offered were relatively lenient.
But Lian Yu himself would not stand for it, "Since the surname is to be changed, it should be the Lu surname for generations.
What is the point of changing it back and forth?
How about this: I will speak to the Princess Consort about this matter myself. However, Your Highness must grant me the surname Lu after ascending the throne.
This way, the Lu residence will be established legitimately, and your subordinate, as the maternal uncle, will be recognized by the court and the public."
A surname bestowed by the emperor was far more esteemed than a family surname.
Especially for someone like Lian Yu, who was an orphan in the eyes of the world, to be able to share the Empress's surname was an immense fortune.
Si Fengwu was already looking for a patron for Lu Qingwan. He had initially worried that a forced alliance would not be fruitful, but now that Lian Yu was so amenable, what more could he be dissatisfied with?
He readily agreed to all of Lian Yu's suggestions.
Thus, as Lu Qingwan finished dealing with various trivial matters and happily prepared to try on the phoenix robe, ready to ascend to the position of Empress, an uninvited guest arrived at the Kunning Palace.
"Lian Yu?
With the enthronement ceremony imminent, why isn't he inspecting the defenses and instead comes to see me?"
She muttered aloud but then instructed Li Su, "Never mind, let him in.
If it's something important, we mustn't delay."
Li Su bowed and left. Thinking of the expression Lu Qingwan might have after hearing Lian Yu's words, she couldn't help but curl her lips.
Indeed, upon hearing Lian Yu's intentions, Lu Qingwan's eyes widened in astonishment. "No, say that again, what do you want to do?"
Lian Yu felt helpless but could only repeat as instructed, "The Princess Consort has not misheard. Your subordinate indeed wishes to form a sworn sibling bond with the Princess Consort.
From this day forward, I will bear the surname Lu, reside in the Lu residence, and address each other as siblings.
The Princess Consort will not find me, this uninvited elder brother, bothersome, will she?"
"How could I?"
Lu Qingwan was sharp. Although Lian Yu's arrival was sudden, upon careful consideration, she could deduce whose idea it was.
"The strategist has a boundless future. It is kind of you not to mind my troublesome nature and acknowledge me as your sister. I am naturally overjoyed.
However, the strategist is not truly alone. Before making this decision, did you ask Master Bai?"
Lian Yu chuckled softly, "I have already asked. He is very pleased that your subordinate can enter the same family as the Princess Consort."
"That is good."
Lu Qingwan descended from the phoenix throne and bowed deeply, "Elder brother, please accept this humble sister's bow."
Lian Yu, amused and exasperated by her sudden formal gesture, returned the bow. "Princess Consort, please do not.
How can our sworn sibling bond be so casual?
Your subordinate came to the palace today specifically to seek the Princess Consort's consent. Since the Princess Consort is willing, your subordinate will naturally invite witnesses to formalize the ceremony.
Would such haste not make this elder brother seem incompetent?"
Lu Qingwan laughed, "You are right; I was too hasty.
However, since we are inviting witnesses, why not invite Prime Minister Wen, Minister Chi, and Master Bai to bear witness?
It happens to be the fifteenth day after tomorrow. We can all go to Xiangguo Temple to see Master Bai.
Since you are my elder brother, Master Bai is also my adoptive father. As a daughter, I should pay my respects to my elders."
Their sworn sibling bond, ostensibly to establish the Lu residence and support Lu Qingwan, was also a shrewd move.
Lian Yu, initially a solitary individual, was now to become the maternal uncle of the throne, and through this sworn bond, his relationship with Si Fengwu would further deepen.
Therefore, this sworn sibling bond was undoubtedly a win-win situation.
From the moment Si Fengwu proposed it, Lian Yu felt he had gained, not lost. Now that Lu Qingwan showed such respect for his only relative, he was even more pleased.
He immediately agreed, "As the Princess Consort arranges."
Lu Qingwan was thus content.