Situ Jue had been in a state of utter distress lately, so much so that even the death of Situ Yan couldn't lift his spirits.
He had discovered that compared to the Crown Prince and Situ Yan, his maternal family – the Jian family – was the biggest obstacle in his path to the throne.
He had always assumed the Jian family, as his maternal kin, would naturally and unconditionally support his bid for power. However, he only learned recently that their support came with conditions. Behind their backing lay naked ambition. They desired to hold high office, be the emperor's in-laws for generations, and dominate the court. Ideally, at least half of those who sat on the throne should have Jian blood flowing through their veins.
If his imperial concubine hadn't borne him only one son, he suspected they would have abandoned him long ago.
No, it wasn't suspicion; it was certainty.
Just like his royal consorts.
After Jian Yuzi came Jian Yan, and after Jian Yan, there were still Jian Ling, Jian Mei, and even Jian San and Jian Si.
He, a dignified prince, when did his marriage become the Jian family's prerogative? They even had his mother warn him. What was more detestable was that he had to compromise. He realized now that without the Jian family, he stood no chance against the Crown Prince.
To appease the Jian family, the planned marriage alliance with the Minister of Revenue's family had to be called off.
He would have to find an excuse to reject this engagement, likely offending Minister Chen.
Situ Jue was furious. He looked at the blushing woman before him, a sudden idea sparking in his mind. He lifted Zeng Weiyang's chin, his peach blossom eyes brimming with enchanting affection. "It's been a while, Weiyang. You seem even more beautiful."
Zeng Weiyang's heart pounded twice as fast, filled with excitement.
Prince Ning still remembered her.
Lost in thought, her lips suddenly felt a warmth as the man kissed her. Zeng Weiyang's hands moved, not to push him away, but to embrace his waist.
If she could become Prince Ning's woman, who would dare look down on her in the future?
Before the welcoming ceremony for the heir at Prince Rui's manor had even concluded, the scandalous affair between Situ Jue and Zeng Weiyang had already spread.
After all, it was in someone's back garden, during a banquet, how could their public embrace go unnoticed?
Qiangwei did not avoid Lu Nianfu when reporting to Madam Ban. Madam Ban paused for a moment, then hastily stood up, "Where is she?"
"She left with Prince Ning's carriage."
Madam Ban was furious. "She's an unmarried girl, has she completely thrown away her reputation? No, I must go find her."
Qiangwei supported her. "Madam, the second young lady will not listen to you. In other words, isn't this what she has always pursued? Now she has her wish."
"Prince Ning holds high position and power, how could he truly care for her? With her status, Prince Ning will certainly not marry her."
"Even as a concubine, the second young lady would likely be willing."
Madam Ban suddenly deflated, sinking back into the chair with exhaustion. That afternoon, when the guests dispersed, Madam Ban also left. Lu Nianfu was eating pig's trotter noodles, in a rare mood to inquire about trivial matters. "Qingya, has Zeng Weiyang really gotten involved with Situ Jue?"
"Isn't it obvious? They were embracing in the garden, not showing any discretion at all." Qingya pouted. Such a lady of breeding, the Pingning Marquis's manor had truly fallen on hard times.
Lu Nianfu glanced at her. "Don't show that expression to my mother."
After all, she had raised her for a while. Madam Ban left in a hurry after finishing the pig's trotter noodles, clearly concerning Zeng Weiyang's matter.
She never expected Situ Jue, who was now impotent, to still have the energy to flirt with young girls. What was he even trying to achieve by such foolish flirtations?
Qingya scratched the back of her head. "Your Highness, this matter is quite strange. Prince Ning was just recently discussing marriage with the Minister of Revenue's family, and we've never heard of him being lustful before. Why would he do something like this right in the middle of marriage negotiations?"
"How do you know he was discussing marriage with the Chen family? Did Miss Chen come today? Didn't she make a scene on the spot?"
"The marriage discussion between the two families hasn't been made public yet. This is just hearsay. However, Miss Chen's expression was indeed not good. Her smile was almost unconvincing when she left. Your Highness, do you think Prince Ning has gone mad?"
Lu Nianfu naturally couldn't figure it out either.
But soon, Feng Xinyao delivered the answer.
"Situ Jue wanted to win over Minister Chen, and the Qi Ying Marquis's manor objected. He's using this scandalous affair to make the Chen family back down. Anyway, it was only a preliminary discussion between the two families. With this incident happening now, as long as Minister Chen still has any self-respect, the marriage can only be called off." Feng Xinyao said, "Sister Lu, this matter shouldn't have been brought to your ears at this time, but after all, Zeng Weiyang is your sister. Situ Jue, who is unable to perform, is using her as a pawn. If she really enters Prince Ning's manor, her future days will likely be difficult. Do you think you should remind her?"
"It's unnecessary. She's seeking to marry into a prominent family. Even if she knows about Situ Jue's condition, she won't give up this opportunity." Lu Nianfu stroked her face. "Besides, only you know about Situ Jue's condition now. If it leaks from me, what if he suspects you?"
She wasn't crazy enough to put Xinyao in danger for Zeng Weiyang.