CHAPTER 1586: CHAPTER 1586 RESULT

The capital has been quite lively recently. The effect of Zhou Shuren causing a stir in the grand hall has expedited the case handling significantly. The calculations behind the scenes are evident, and the investigation is progressing swiftly.

Zhulan is following the progress of the case, and the children at home are also concerned. Ming Teng has had nothing to do lately, and Ming Rui is at home. Several grandsons have been discussing the case frequently, and they all went on the day of the trial.

Zhulan did not go out, staying at home to wait for news. Shuren did not intervene or push the matter forward at all, making it clear that the emperor would be in charge. The less he interfered, the harsher the emperor’s actions would be.

At the teahouse, Ming Teng sat in an upstairs private room. The room faced the street, allowing him to see the distant crowd from the window.

Ming Rui squinted his eyes. "I didn’t think the young master of the Wen family would come. Look who I see, the sixth young master of the Wen family."

Hearing this, Ming Teng stood up and went to the window. He immediately saw the man getting off the carriage, his expression turned cold. "The one who gained attention by stepping over Ming Hui?"

"Yes, this one is quite calculating, lying low under his legitimate mother for years without revealing himself. Once he seized the opportunity, he didn’t let go. Since gaining attention over Ming Hui, he has also passed the scholar examination this year, and his status in the market has risen considerably."

Ming Teng let out a scoff. "This sixth young master does have some skills. The Wen family has many illegitimate sons, and not just anyone can come to keep an eye on him."

This signifies trust and importance.

Ming Rui played with the Jade Pendant in his hand. "I haven’t had the chance to interact with him."

"You won’t have the opportunity to."

Ming Rui smiled. Indeed, the division between legitimate and illegitimate children is so stark. The circles of legitimate children do not see the illegitimate ones, and the same goes vice versa. Even in household marriages, when an illegitimate son marries, the family matron never personally handles the ceremony, sending the illegitimate daughters-in-law instead.

There are no illegitimate sons in the Hou Residence, so they have never partaken in such ceremonies, nor does anyone dare send such invitations to the Hou Residence.

In the capital, it’s hard for illegitimate sons to stand out unless there are no legitimate sons in the family. When there are legitimate sons, well, let’s just say women don’t make it hard for women, but women are mothers too, and they will do anything for their sons.

As they spoke, a young servant knocked on the door and entered. "Princely Heir, Young Master Ning Ming is outside."

Ming Teng said, "Please invite him in quickly."

Ning Ming walked in. "I saw the Hou Residence carriage outside, and a waiter knew you were upstairs, so I thickened my skin to come up because there was no space downstairs."

Ming Teng smiled, "If I had noticed you earlier, I would have personally invited you. Please sit."

Ning Ming greeted Ming Rui and then sat down. "Why are there only the two of you? Where are Ming Hui and the others?"

Ming Rui explained, "They thought this place was too far and went ahead."

Ning Ming chuckled, "Uncle Chang Xhong must have taken them."

Ming Teng shook his head. "You guessed wrong. Uncle didn’t go with Ming Hui. He is with the Fourth Prince."

Ning Ming was surprised, "I heard the Fourth Prince and Uncle Chang Xhong were close. It seems it’s not just a rumor."

Ming Rui poured himself a cup of tea. "Hmm, they can hang out together."

The meaning being that they are just playmates.

Ning Ming smiled, then his thoughts drifted back to himself. While his great-grandfather was alive, he was the young son of the Duke Residence. After the family division, his father was left with nothing, and now his own reputation has been tarnished. With many troubling matters, his expression turned somewhat gloomy.

Ming Teng and Ming Rui exchanged a glance. Both knew that Ning Ming did not have it easy; his father couldn’t take charge, and he was entangled by the Du family, affecting his marriage prospects.

Ming Teng thought of this and said, "Grandmother is considering matches for you."

Ning Ming knew and thanked him, "I must trouble the elder lady."

Time passed slowly. Many people awaited the outcome, and the evidence was irrefutable. The writ was indeed genuine. Elder Wen did not protect his people, and the Wen clan members, holding a fifth-rank official position, were stripped of their rank, with their properties confiscated and them banished.

This information spread quickly. The case was resolved smoothly because the Wen family took the initiative to confess. What was initially quite passive had become more proactive with their confession.

The next morning, during the early court session, Elder Wen’s expression remained unchanged. Because they cut losses in time, the impact wasn’t significant. Moreover, the emperor did not intend to investigate deeply; many threads that could be pulled were not pursued, and the Wen clan was not hit at its core.

Elder Wen stood at the palace gate, scanning the ministers waiting to enter. He then withdrew his gaze. He had not been idle these past few days.

Today’s early court session saw the emperor strip the Third Prince’s maternal family’s official positions. The Du family had never accomplished much, holding positions only due to the Third Prince’s face. Now, none of them held any responsibility.

Zhou Shuren was surprised. The Third Prince was insignificant, yet it was time for the Third Prince to be engaged, such a humiliation. How could the marriage proceed well?

Subsequently, the emperor demoted the Second Prince’s uncle’s rank. This wasn’t the end, as Consort Hui’s second brother also faced a demotion.

Zhou Shuren inwardly chuckled. The emperor acted on his behalf, using the opportunity to admonish several princes’ maternal families. Who exactly plotted against him no longer mattered as his objectives were achieved. The Liu family did not suffer much, while the Wang clan bore the brunt. Second Master Wang was demoted, and he no longer managed the pharmacy.

Many ministers on the court discreetly glanced at the Crown Prince. Even with the empress recuperating, it did not affect the Crown Prince.

Zhou Shuren caught a glimpse of Elder Wen. There, no one gained any benefits from this situation. Ahem, of course, because of him, the involvement was extensive.

After the court session, Wong Ju softly commented, "The matter is settled."

"Yes, it is settled."

Wong Ju remarked with a sigh, "You’ve offended quite a few people."

Zhou Shuren scoffed, "Before the emperor took the throne, I had already offended many, including Prince Qi and Prince Chu. Back then, I wasn’t even Marquis Zhou. Do you think I care?"

Wong Ju laughed, "I worried for nothing."

Zhou Shuren lightly snorted, "Rest assured, they won’t hold grudges against me."

In fact, they would be more eager to win him over, as he clearly demonstrated the emperor’s regard for him to everyone.

After leaving the palace, Wong Ju saw Elder Liu and Zhou Shuren in conversation. Elder Liu left with a smile, and then Master Wang approached, clearly harboring no resentment, with his words expressing a desire for goodwill.

Once Wong Ju and others had departed, Wong Ju remarked, "The Third Prince’s maternal family was really unfortunate."

Zhou Shuren replied, "You mean the Third Prince was unfortunate, right?"

His mother had no favor in the palace, and he was an insignificant prince. His maternal family was initially reliant but now became a burden.

Wong Ju touched his nose, "Heh."

Zhou Shuren indicated he would take his leave first, and after boarding the carriage from the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren’s smile held a deep meaning. He didn’t believe the Third Prince’s maternal family was innocent. If they were, the emperor wouldn’t have acted so harshly, indicating they were involved.

However, the Third Prince’s maternal family also served as scapegoats, shouldering a significant portion of the responsibility.

That evening, upon hearing the news, Zhulan remarked, "The Third Prince’s marriage prospects have dimmed."

"He is still a prince. Unless overridden by the emperor’s decree, no one can refuse."

Zhulan thought for a moment, "Presumably, the emperor hopes the Third Prince will remain docile."

Zhou Shuren nodded, "Hmm."

The following morning, after the court session concluded, Zhou Shuren remained in the palace. He wasn’t the only one. In the study, discussions of bridge construction continued, and Zhou Shuren alone remained until noon.