CHAPTER 82: CHAPTER 82: THE LEGITIMATE GRANDSON OF THE LIU FAMILY

It was because the sons and grandsons of the family were all in the Northwest Army, all serving as commanders or generals.

Everyone lived with their heads tied to their belts, living for today and not expecting to see tomorrow.

Therefore, when this first grandson was born, the Marchioness Guan insisted on not taking him to the battlefield, saying that the Liu family must be left with an heir.

As a result, Liu Kan was raised at the lap of the Marchioness from the moment he was born.

He was pampered and indulged every day.

The land and waters of Shengjing City were more nurturing, unlike the whistling winds and flying sands of the Northwest.

Therefore, this youngest grandson of the Liu family became a boy with red lips and white teeth.

Now he is seventeen or eighteen years old, with no desire to make achievements, to earn fame, to bring glory to his family, or to fight for his future.

Instead, he ended up in a scandal of forcibly seizing a common woman, forcing a good girl into prostitution.

The old parents of the deceased girl, seeing their daughter’s tragic death, went to the Liu Mansion, beating gongs and drums all the way.

Wearing mourning clothes, holding a memorial tablet of their daughter in their hands.

Both of them committed suicide by ramming into a pillar.

Before their deaths, they publicly revealed everything at the gates of the Liu family.

So the public became enraged, eager to drag out the Third Young Master Liu to apologize with his life!

The Emperor, looking at the memorial, had a face as dark as a brewing storm.

"This time? It’s considered serious now that it resulted in three deaths? Geng Caiyou, it seems you’ve had enough of your position as the Commander of the Classical Examination Department, to speak such words brazenly!"

The Emperor, being furious, naturally implicated Geng Caiyou.

Under the iron mask, his expression was unclear, but his posture was even more prostrated against the ground.

"Please calm your anger, Your Majesty, this humble servant misspoke."

The Emperor took a deep breath, also knowing that the Liu family was at fault, unrelated to him.

Hence, he spoke again after composing himself.

"Go, have someone organize this matter into a written complaint, deliver it to Yingtian Prefecture, and tell the Prefect if this matter is not thoroughly investigated and explained to the people, he won’t be in that position for long."

"Yes."

Geng Caiyou rose and slowly retreated.

After he left, Dong Yuzhong quickly picked up the memorial and placed it before the Imperial table.

"Calm down, Your Majesty, getting angry in this hot weather may harm your health, which would be troublesome."

The Emperor paced back and forth, finding the memorial extremely vexing.

In the end, the Liu family was supported by the Marquis of Northwest.

Otherwise, with the way they’ve been violating principles for so many years, they would have been dealt with a long time ago.

Back then, among the four Assistant Ministers, it was primarily led by Duke Xu.

Unfortunately, the Eldest Prince, Duke Xu, and Empress Xu passed away one after another.

The Xu family’s descendants lacked prospects, so to ensure the family’s peace for a generation, the Emperor agreed to their decision to move back to their old home in Dengzhou.

Since then, the Xu family has essentially withdrawn from the court.

The original four major assistant ministers formed a tripartite confrontation.

Prime Minister Lin is related by marriage to the Prince Zhan Mansion, which has been opposing the Marquis of Northwest for years.

Thus, in the previous dynasty, there was a vaguely two-against-one situation.

The Liu family had all its men serving in the Northwest Army, leaving only this worthless one at home.

Part of it was due to the excessive indulgence by the Marchioness, but there was also a hand behind it maneuvering from the Prince Zhan Mansion.

After all, the Prince Zhan Mansion had long coveted the Liu family’s military power.

If the Liu family were to collapse, the Emperor would face the situation of Prime Minister Lin and the Prince Zhan Mansion becoming too powerful.

With his current capabilities, it was too soon to contend against them.

So even if he was unwilling, he needed to carefully weigh the pros and cons.

After pondering for some time, he finally took a seat.

He then instructed Dong Yuzhong.

"In these recent days, has there been any activity from Princess Consort Yi?"

"Reporting to the Emperor, Princess Consort Yi has been frequently sailing and admiring flowers around Lotus Lake with Bai Pin and Lady He."

It seems the news hasn’t reached Princess Consort Yi’s ears.

The Emperor steadied his mind and continued.

"Bring both the Second Prince and the Third Prince to Zeping State, announcing that I will personally educate them."

"Yes."

To be personally taught by the Emperor was the highest honor.

In the palace, there were only two princes, and sharp-eyed individuals could see the frail and sickly Second Prince stood no chance against the robust and clever Third Prince.

But with the issuance of this decree, everyone was puzzled.

However, puzzlement was futile; deliveries had to be made.

At Yi Fei’s side, she gave countless instructions to the Third Prince.

"When you reach Zeping State, be cautious in everything, and in front of your father, don’t just focus on showcasing yourself; you must take care of your Imperial Brother. Understood?"

"Rest assured, Mother Consort, I know what needs to be done."

Yi Fei nodded with satisfaction; she had always been proud of the son she had nurtured and cared for.

If it were according to her temperament before entering the palace, the Second Prince, who was in the way, would have been kicked aside long ago.

But now, the Second Prince served a purpose rather than being expelled.

After all, without comparison, how could the abilities of the Third Prince be highlighted?

A scene of motherly love and filial piety made Bai Pin and Lady He sitting aside quite envious.

After the Third Prince was taken away, Bai Pin sighed.

"Your Ladyship is fortunate indeed, with such an accomplished son as the Third Prince, your future is destined to be blessed and prosperous."

These words, Yi Fei had heard for many years.

Yet, every time she heard it, she felt extremely delighted.

So she happily looked at Bai Pin and said in a good mood.

"Now that both Lan Fei and Noble Princess Consort Ying are expecting, I reckon Little Sister Bai is also blessed; it might not be long."

"Ah, this servant hopes so too, but since entering the traveling palace, speaking for myself and for the concubines of the Six Palaces, who has been summoned by the Emperor?"

Talking about this, the previously subdued atmosphere suddenly turned sharp again.

"Hmph, it’s all that Lin Changzai’s fault. Even if she’s useless, it’s unjust that it led to the Emperor being plagued by celestial phenomena, having no choice but to move to Zeping State."

She was already displeased with Lin Wanyi, and now she placed the blame entirely on her.

Yi Fei listened with disdain, but did not show it on her face.

She simply picked up her nearby tea and took a sip.

The taste was sweet and lingering.

Lady He, known in her family for her ability to read people’s faces, saw the situation now, fearing Bai Pin might inadvertently annoy Yi Fei again, which would be troublesome.

So she quickly changed the subject.

"Being here with your Ladyship is comfortable, the trees in my small courtyard stand no chance against the sun, let alone mention there’s barely any breeze, much less ice to cool down."

She wasn’t one who suffered during summer, just that enduring the heat long enough naturally made it uncomfortable.

With Yi Fei being the most distinguished among the concubines, Lady He hadn’t even reached the rank of daying, hence no comparison could be made.

"Clearly, Imperial Consort must be busy finding the culprit, hence having no time for you, sister. Before leaving, instruct the servants to take some ice back. In such sweltering weather, without ice to cool down, how can one sleep peacefully?"

"You’re right, thank you for your kindness, Your Ladyship."

Bai Pin glanced at Lady He, thinking she really was a merchant’s daughter, unable to stand out.