Chapter 172: Sun Banxia - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter
Chapter 172: Sun Banxia
Duke Wei's confidence stemmed from having everything meticulously arranged. The grain warehouses in Dongdu City were overflowing, so provisions were not a significant problem. They could be prepared in the coming days.
More importantly, while the Crown Prince's faction was entertaining the visiting envoys with music and dance, the Ninth Prince was preparing to defend the nation. The contrast was clear for all to see.
This situation would suppress the Crown Prince's faction while earning more favor from the emperor for the Ninth Prince. This battle seemed like a gift from the heavens for them.
Duke Wei smiled coldly and unfeelingly, "We should keep this news under wraps for a few more days, until General Xiao Ji can no longer hold out and Liangzhou City is on the verge of falling. Then, Your Highness can appear as a savior. That will truly win the people's hearts."
To them, the lives of border soldiers and the peaceful living of common people were minor concerns. The primary goal was to use this battle to gain the greatest rewards.
"Grandfather, this is an excellent strategy. Military achievements overshadow any diplomatic reception successes. If my elder brother knew that all his efforts were paving the way for me, he might faint from anger."
Both men had eyes filled with a desire for immense power, devoid of any compassion.
Mr. Du quickly reminded them, "Duke Wei, Your Highness, don't forget that General Xiao Ji's beloved second son is still in the capital. If he gets involved, he will undoubtedly mobilize the army to rescue Liangzhou."
"Don't worry, I have plans for him. I will ruin both his reputation and his spirit."
Duke Wei's seasoned eyes were full of mockery. Humans shouldn't have weaknesses; otherwise, they could be manipulated like puppets.
"Duke Wei's thorough consideration is admirable."
"No need for such flattery, Mr. Du. I called you here for another matter."
"Please instruct me, Duke Wei. I will not hesitate to give my life!"
"The ancient saying goes, 'Troops arrive after provisions.' Although the capital has enough food to support the northwest war, there are losses and the risk of enemy raids during transport..."
Before he could finish, Mr. Du understood Duke Wei's intentions and immediately bowed, "Rest assured, Duke Wei. My nephew is a steward in the army and has never made an error in the grain accounts. Any losses will naturally find their place. With Your Highness's hard work and dedication, we will fully support you."
A smart man indeed.
This year, due to the unexpected death of Cao Sidu, the tribute from the river transport department was greatly inconvenient. Instead of focusing on that closely monitored profit, it was more reliable to exploit the war to legally cover some losses and replenish their own resources.
After discussing the military arrangements for a while, the Ninth Prince left with Mr. Du, looking spirited.
Duke Wei coughed twice, and a middle-aged man entered the room.
"Have you found him?"
"Not yet. The attackers were ruthless, killing all the brothers escorting Lord Sun. By the time reinforcements arrived, the clues were wiped clean. However, I've heard that Lord Sun was captured and likely escaped."
"Hmph, it's been so long, and you still haven't found him. What use are you?" Duke Wei's angry rebuke was as frightening as a death sentence, causing the man to kneel in fear.
"The item he holds is crucial. With Feng Hai recuperating from an assassination attempt, we can't frame him for a while. Therefore, we must retrieve that item to put my mind at ease. As for that fool Sun Banxia, it doesn't matter whether he lives or dies."
Thinking about the massive fire in Xuzhou infuriated Duke Wei. Someone dared to target his official ship—it was outrageous. The worst part was not knowing who did it. Living in the dark while the enemy was in the shadows was something he hadn't experienced in a long time.
Suppressing his anger, he continued, "One censor escaped; there are twelve more. Make sure they keep their mouths shut. We'll decide our next steps once Liang Quanbin takes office."
"Rest assured, Duke Wei. Their lives are in your hands. Each delivery to the capital is handled discreetly. No one will discover any discrepancies."
Looking at the loyal black-clad man who had followed him for years, Duke Wei spoke after a moment, "I remember your son is in his twenties and trained in martial arts?"
The black-clad man instantly tensed, terrified, but responded firmly, "Yes."
"Then assign him as a personal guard to His Highness. He will gain a strong backing in the future. When His Highness succeeds, your Cheng family will share in the glory."
The man gritted his teeth, hesitant to respond. To outsiders, this was a great opportunity, but to him, it meant sending his son to be a pawn. He had no choice but to accept with gratitude.
Seeing his attitude, Duke Wei softened and resumed his amiable demeanor.
"Alright, get up. Arrange that matter within a few days. I want this scandal known throughout the capital!"
"Yes!"
After the man left, the Duke Wei's mansion returned to its usual calm. With less than ten days before Wei Lanxuan's grand wedding, a scandal erupted in Wei Lanxuan's courtyard.
Yue Jian, who had served her for many years, was secretly pregnant with the steward's son's child, now two months along.
Wei Lanxuan looked at the kneeling pair with disappointment. One was trembling, begging for mercy, while the other seemed resigned to their fate.
"Yue Jian, do you realize that consorting with this man without permission has tarnished the Wei family's reputation? If I were to have you beaten to death, no one would question it."
Hearing the word 'beaten,' Yue Jian shivered in fear but remained resolute, tears in her eyes as she looked at Wei Lanxuan. "Miss, I know I did wrong. I have no excuse. I've failed you and the Wei family. If you wish to punish me, I will accept it without complaint."
With that, she kowtowed repeatedly, her firm stance highlighting the other kneeling man's lack of resolve.
"And you? Seducing my first maid, have you thought about the consequences?"
"It wasn't intentional. I was drunk... Please show mercy, Miss. We have genuine feelings for each other but never intended to bring disgrace before your marriage. Please, show mercy."
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