Situ Yan was accustomed to battles, and the rapid travel of several days posed no great hindrance to him. Well-fed and well-rested, he was as good as new. Ouyang Wen, on the other hand, was thoroughly exhausted this time. After meeting Emperor Changwu, he returned to his mansion and slept until broad daylight the next day.
Just as he woke up, a servant reported, "Young Master, Cheng Bei Qian, an official from the Ministry of Personnel, requests an audience."
"Who? Since when can a mere official from the Ministry of Personnel see me so casually?"
The servant, feeling the weight of the bribe he'd just received, not daring to be greedy because the giver had been too generous, explained awkwardly, "His father is Secretary Cheng of the Ministry of Personnel. He says it's a matter of utmost urgency, so I dared to report it."
Mentioning Secretary Cheng, Ouyang Wen finally recalled. Wasn't that Cheng Bei Yu's father? Could Cheng Bei Qian be here to inquire about his brother? Due to Cheng Bei Zheng, he'd never had much affection for the Cheng family in the capital, but Cheng Bei Yu was a decent person. Fine, he'd grant him this favor.
Ouyang Wen, however, overestimated Cheng Bei Qian. The man was there for his father.
After listening for a while, Ouyang Wen rubbed his ears and said, "So, the Emperor suspects your brother of colluding with the enemy and causing the death of Prince Rui, and has imprisoned your father?"
Cheng Bei Qian nodded repeatedly, "A few days ago, Young Master submitted a memorial, clearing my brother's name. However, the Emperor has been hesitant to release him. I, your humble servant, implore Young Master to visit the Emperor again and explain the situation, so that my father may return home."
As he spoke, he respectfully placed a wooden box on the table. "A small token of my regard, nothing worthy of note."
Cheng Jing Hao had been taken away by the Imperial Guards. Without the Emperor's command, no one could secure his release.
Yet, the Emperor seemed to have forgotten the matter, and no one in the court dared to mention it. After all, who would willingly displease the Emperor for someone else's sake?
Thinking of this, Cheng Bei Qian was quite displeased with Prince Ning.
His father had supported Prince Ning, yet when trouble arose, the Prince wouldn't even speak a word in his defense. It was shameless to accept his money.
If this money had been spent elsewhere, his father might have been released long ago.
Ouyang Wen narrowed his eyes and peered into the box. Wow, it was all banknotes of a thousand taels each. By his estimation, there were no less than ten of them. Truly, a merchant's descendant, deeply understanding the power of wealth. He smiled, "The Emperor is incredibly busy, how could he remember such trivial matters? However, Secretary Cheng is a court official, I shall speak a few words for him."
"Many thanks, Young Master."
"You are most welcome." Ah Yan's safe return meant Cheng Bei Yu had made a significant contribution this time, and he would undoubtedly receive rewards upon his return to the capital. Cheng Jing Hao, who had been imprisoned for being implicated in Prince Bei Yu's alleged crime of harming a prince, would surely be released sooner or later. This money was well-earned.
Hmm, it could be added to Jiao Jiao's dowry.
Cheng Bei Qian dared not ask when he would enter the palace, but this money was indeed more practical than spending it on Situ Jue. That very afternoon, Cheng Jing Hao was carried back to the Cheng mansion. Two imperial physicians accompanied him, ostensibly to treat his injuries.
When the news of Situ Yan's uncertain fate reached the capital, Emperor Changwu was furious. Although Cheng Jing Hao had decisively distanced himself from Cheng Bei Yu, Emperor Changwu still ordered him to be tortured.
Now that his name had been cleared, some comfort was necessary.
Thus, the Cheng mansion received numerous gifts, and Cheng Bei Qian was promoted one rank, from an Assistant Director of the Fifth Grade to a Director of the Fifth Grade.
Upon hearing the news, Situ Jue sneered, "Director? Hah, it seems my father indeed disfavors him."
He was glad he hadn't intervened, otherwise, it would have been a net loss.
Situ Yan ignored these outside trivialities. He was currently standing by the window with a chair, conversing with Lu Nian Fu through the curtain.
Lu Nian Fu's voice was filled with joy, "Rumor has it that the incident in Shanxi was quite significant, with many subsequent matters. I thought it would be at least two months before you returned, Your Highness. I never expected to see you this soon."
"The bandits who needed to be quelled have been quelled, and the corrupt officials who needed to be removed have been removed. If I were to handle all these lingering matters personally, what would be the purpose of new officials taking office? I only just learned that you had a difficult labor. It was my fault for making you worry while I was away."
Mentioning this, a wave of fear washed over Lu Nian Fu. After a moment of silence, she said, "Ah Yan, I know you have great foresight and will not be content to live a quiet life confined to the capital's small world. But when you are on assignment, you must be extra cautious, think of me and Yao'er."
Situ Yan said solemnly, "Don't worry, it won't happen again. My dear wife, is Granny Xu not here at the moment?"
"Are you looking for her for something?"
"No, I just want to hold you." As soon as he finished speaking, the door was pushed open. Lu Nian Fu looked at the tall figure and longed to throw herself into his arms. But she could not. "Don't be silly. Men do not enter the confinement room. This is the rule."
"Where do so many rules come from? Look at ordinary people, if they only have one room, don't they live in it?"
"You also know they are ordinary people. You are a general who goes to war."
Lu Nian Fu firmly pushed him out.
Compared to momentary comfort, his safety was naturally more important. Although this thought was a bit ethereal, it was best not to tempt fate.
Situ Yan wailed, "It's still half a month until you leave the confinement period!"