Chapter 219: Holding Steady - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 219: Holding Steady

The letter was sent, but whether it would reach its destination was unknown. Both Madam Feng and Feng Jinyao were deeply worried.

Equally troubled was General Xiao Ji, who was stationed in Liangzhou, Northwest.

For more than half a month, the Northern Di army had been surrounding Liangzhou City, yet they had not launched an attack.

In the past, he would have suspected that the enemy was trying to force their surrender by laying siege until the city fell. But the situation now was different. The Northern Di were naturally warlike, and with such a large force gathered, if they didn’t attack soon, internal conflicts might arise. Furthermore, their supplies and provisions were insufficient, and as spring approached, while men could still fight, horses needed to breed. Hence, swift action should be their strategy.

But now, they were holding back, which puzzled him.

“He Qiu, have the scouts we sent gathered any news?”

“Not yet, General. What could these Northern Di be thinking? Are they deliberately demoralizing us, waiting until we are exhausted before launching an assault?”

The two stood on the city wall, looking at the Northern Di banners in the distance while discussing.

“It’s hard to say. I have a feeling that the Northern Di’s actions this time are quite different from their usual approach. Perhaps someone is advising them behind the scenes. Inform the defending soldiers to rotate in shifts and rest accordingly. As long as they don’t attack, we must remain vigilant.”

“Understood!”

With a sword hanging over their heads, no one could sleep well.

Yet, some people saw the life-threatening sword as a weapon to clear the path ahead and used it with great ease.

This was precisely the case with the Liang family.

When the decree of their reassignment arrived, the Liang family was grateful for the emperor’s favor and pledged their loyalty to Duke Wei Mansion or the Ninth Prince.

The Liang father and son went to thank Duke Wei Mansion that afternoon. Duke Wei did not refuse, but spoke with Liang Quanbin alone for quite some time. Liang Gongzi, who had been waiting, grew tired, until his father finally emerged, looking fatigued.

“Father.”

Liang Pan quickly approached and supported his somewhat unsteady father, asking worriedly, “What happened to you? Why are you in such a state after just talking with Grandfather?”

“It’s nothing. My legs are just numb from standing for too long. Let’s head back early.”

“Alright.” Liang Gongzi helped Liang Quanbin out, feeling somewhat displeased that Duke Wei had made his father stand for so long.

He had already reported to the Ministry of Rites and found himself as a minor official.

Not to mention Minister Zheng, even his direct superior was unfamiliar with him. Most of his interactions were with other minor officials and attendants who didn’t think highly of Liang Gongzi’s status, so there was no flattery.

Moreover, with the imperial exams approaching in March, everyone was busy, so no one bothered him.

He managed a few tasks satisfactorily, establishing himself somewhat in the Ministry of Rites.

Unfortunately, he was indifferent to this. His father was right; the path of a civil official was uncertain and slow. Dealing with documents and rituals every day was tiresome.

In the carriage, Liang Gongzi wanted to discuss his recent experiences in the Ministry of Rites with his father, but noticed his father’s eyes were closed, and his temples were visibly throbbing, clearly deep in thought. He couldn’t help but ask, “Father, what did Grandfather say to make you so uneasy?”

Liang Quanbin, still processing the conversation with Duke Wei, replied, “Since you’re going to Jinling City, there are things you need to know.”

He then handed over a document to Liang Gongzi, who opened it and was increasingly astonished. The document detailed the amount of official grain tribute the two Zhejiang provinces were required to provide to the Wei family.

Just flipping through a few pages revealed hundreds of thousands of stones of grain, and the thick document likely contained millions of stones.

Cold sweat broke out as Liang Quanbin asked Duke Wei, “What does the Duke mean?”

“Since we are relatives by marriage, we naturally need to support each other. With you overseeing Jinling City, I trust the grain tribute won’t be less than what the previous Commissioner Cao managed. Don’t you agree, Lord Liang?”


Duke Wei spoke as if it were a routine matter, but Liang Quanbin had no choice but to agree, even if he was reluctant.

“Rest assured, Duke. As long as I am here, I will ensure that the tribute is fully met.”

“Good. With Lord Liang’s word, I am relieved. I hope you will be attentive in your new role, as many are envious. We wouldn’t want any issues.”

“Understood.”

Seeing Liang Quanbin’s demeanor, Dukel Wei avoided further trouble. He made a favor in return.

“I’ve heard that the Consort is quite fond of Miss Liang from your household. When the Ninth Prince returns victorious, I will petition the Emperor to make Miss Liang a concubine and grant her control over the inner court.”

This guarantee nearly promised to give up the position of the Duchess, but the Duke felt Liang Quanbin’s position was not high enough to support the Ninth Prince, so he only promised a concubine position.

The Liang family’s son and daughter were both in the Wei family’s grasp—whether they lived or died was up to them. It seemed like supreme honor, but in reality, it was a way to control him.

Thinking of this, Liang Quanbin couldn’t help but break into a cold sweat.

“There was nothing more, just some instructions about Jinling City. Pan’er, remember to be thorough in your work at the Ministry of Rites. Even if your progress is slow, don’t stand out too much. We can’t afford to be the ‘bird that stands out’—the Liang family can’t handle that.”

“Father, don’t worry. I will be cautious and not act rashly.”

Seeing his son’s prompt and firm response, Liang Quanbin felt somewhat relieved.

In this situation, there was no turning back from the Wei family’s path; they could only move further along it.

As Duke Wei said, things in this world are achieved through struggle. If one desires wealth and power, risks are inevitable.

Thinking of his future and the limitless prospects ahead, Liang Quanbin steeled himself. The position of the Commissioner of the Grain Transport Division was hard-earned. Though currently a second-rank official, future prospects included first-rank and even higher positions.

If the Ninth Prince indeed ascends, with his connections to the Wei family and the tasks to be handled in Jinling City, high-ranking positions and power were certain.

Imagining his bright future and the rise of the Liang family in the court, Liang Quanbin cast aside his worries, not realizing that this journey would mark the beginning of his irreversible path.