Chapter 94
The only thing Emperor Changde accomplished today was having Cao Lan'er taken away and imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice's dungeon. Because he succeeded, it made him restless, itching to deal with the others as well.
However, when he saw the amused smile on Yue Heng's face, Emperor Changde's heart trembled. Whether out of genuine fear or feigned weakness, he covered his mouth and began coughing violently, so severely it was frightening.
Gan Yongfu hurried forward to support the emperor, patting his back to soothe him and urging him to return and rest. The court officials, sensing that this matter was truly over, once again requested to take their leave.
Emperor Changde granted permission and, supported by Gan Yongfu, descended the steps. As he passed Yue Heng, Yue Heng casually reached out to steady him. "Your son will escort you back."
The emperor instinctively tried to shake off Yue Heng's hand, but he gave him no chance, giving a warning tap on his arm. Forced him to accept this filial gesture, Emperor Changde had no choice but to endure his sixth son's "kindness."
Only after watching the emperor and his entourage leave did the court officials file out of the Hall of Governance.
Jiang Lin, pushing Wei Yunzhao in his wheelchair and accompanied by Su Qiao and the others, walked last. Aside from Yin Ji waiting outside for them, the other high-ranking officials had already left. On the surface, they wouldn't associate themselves with the Wei family. Even if they had spoken in Wei Yunzhao's defense today, it could be dismissed as deference to the sixth prince.
Being friendly with the Wei family and showing face to the sixth prince carried entirely different implications.
Still, the Wei family now owed them a favor, one they would have to find a way to repay in the future.
As for Yin Ji, who had waited for them, his face was long with displeasure. He said nothing, merely glaring at Jiang Lin and Wei Yunzhao as they walked, making them increasingly uneasy.
Only after exiting the palace gates did Jiang Lin offer an ingratiating smile. "Many thanks to Lord Yin today. Your great kindness is etched in our hearts. If there's ever anything we can do for you in the future, just say the word, we'll make sure it's done properly."
Yin Ji snorted heavily. "I dare not trouble the two of you. Who knows if the entire Yin family would be enough to fill the debt of such a 'great kindness'?"
Wei Yunzhao cupped his hands in salute. "Lord Yin, we were at fault this time. We should have informed you beforehand. Please accompany us to our residence for tea so we may offer our apologies."
Yin Ji sneered. "I wouldn’t dare step foot in the Wei mansion. I have only one demand: my daughter’s betrothal to the Crown Prince remains, and the wedding date approaches. If you can find a way to annul it, then the matter of you scheming against me today will be settled. As for the future… we’ll see."
Yin Ji’s involvement had indeed been part of their plan. They knew that, upon seeing Emperor Changde dispatch the Imperial Guards to arrest them, Yin Ji wouldn’t stand idly by, he would rally other officials to intervene. With their prior arrangements, the ministers’ entry into the palace had gone smoothly, and today’s events proceeded without a hitch. But they had undeniably incurred a significant debt to Yin Ji.
"Lord Yin, rest assured. Miss Yin is a dear friend of our younger sister. For that reason alone, we would never allow her to marry the Crown Prince."
Despite his lingering anger, Yin Ji stiffly offered his thanks before striding away.
Next was arranging accommodations for the families of the soldiers. Xun Qi was waiting outside the palace, so Jiang Lin tasked him with leading them to temporary lodgings. Meanwhile, he, Wei Yunzhao, and Su Qiao headed to the Sixth Prince’s residence to retrieve someone.
To retrieve the Wei family members who had been sent there in advance.
They had anticipated Emperor Changde’s actions upon his recovery and had preemptively relocated the Wei family to Yue Heng’s estate. Since their association with him was kept private, even if their plans had gone awry or the emperor had discovered the Wei family’s absence and launched a search, it would have taken time before anyone thought to look in the Sixth Prince’s residence.
Moreover, a prince’s estate wasn’t so easily searched. The delay would have given them ample time to hide.
Fortunately, everything had gone smoothly.
The carriage halted before the gates of the Wei mansion. The aunts from the second, third, and fourth branches stepped down together. Second Aunt gazed at the grand entrance and sighed. "I thought we might never return."
Before sending the family to Yue Heng’s residence, Jiang Lin and Wei Yunzhao had explained the truth behind Wei Su’s death and their plans to seek justice. Forcing the emperor to admit his wrongdoing was no small feat, anyone with sense knew the risks.
While the younger girls had agreed immediately, the others had hesitated. But they soon came around, realizing that the peace they now enjoyed was owed to Wei Yunzhao’s efforts. They had no right to stop him, nor could they.
The sole dissenter was Wei Yunzhao’s mother. Too afraid to confront her son directly, she had privately approached Wei Yunzhao’s younger siblings, Wei Yunxia and Wei Yunqi, urging them to persuade him to abandon his plans and settle for their current peaceful life.
Wei Yunqi, though young, was sharp-witted and argued against his mother’s stance. Wei Yunxia, however, had immediately reported the matter to Wei Yunzhao and openly berated their father for his past blindness.
Wei Yunzhao had been angered by his mother’s reaction. Of all people, she had the least right to oppose their mission. Worse still, she had manipulated the children instead of speaking her mind directly - a despicable act.
After a private conversation with her, Wei Yunzhao had left her bedridden. She had been carried into the Sixth Prince’s residence in poor health and had yet to recover.
As the gates swung open, Jiang Lin tapped Wei Yunzhao’s shoulder. "Let’s go in. At this point, we have nothing left to fear."
Wei Yunzhao stood and nodded. "Alright." Then, gripping Jiang Lin’s hand tightly, he said, "I’ll walk with you home, my wife."
Fingers intertwined, they stepped forward side by side, crossing the threshold of the Wei mansion.
Gasps rose behind them - shock, disbelief, then overwhelming joy.
Wei Yunzhao turned, still holding Jiang Lin’s hand, and raised the imperial decree written by Emperor Changde himself. "My legs are healed. And today, we’ve also secured justice for Father."
He stated it as fact.
The Wei family erupted into tears and laughter.
Wei Yunzhao turned his head, gazing tenderly at Jiang Lin. "My wife… thank you."
There were too many things to thank him for, yet when the moment came, a thousand words condensed into four simple ones.
Jiang Lin swung their clasped hands playfully. "Mm, repay me in bed."
Wei Yunzhao chuckled softly. "Alright."
It was time to begin preparations for their wedding.
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