The Cao family, ever since obtaining the position of Dusililang, had been diligent in their duties.
They were "utterly loyal" to Liang Quanbin, not only reporting external news daily but also offering daily tributes.
Jinling City was, at this moment, unaware of the events unfolding in the southwest and that an imperial envoy was already en route.
Therefore, everything proceeded as usual.
Liang Quanbin held numerous secret contacts with the Wei family, all intended to help digest the official grain.
Thus, the Cao family, acting with discretion, delivered the official grain to the designated recipients, a point on which Liang Quanbin was quite satisfied.
"Master Cao, rest assured, I will speak highly of you to Duke Wei in the future."
Upon hearing this, the Cao family head's mouth stretched to his back molars. .oΓg
The line to Duke Wei was one the Cao family had initially sought to establish but failed. Although they were in the same boat when Cao Sidu was in charge, gaining access to the Wei family was extremely difficult.
Now, Liang Quanbin was in a more advantageous position than their former associate, Cao Sidu. Not to mention, the marital ties between their two families could not be ignored.
He therefore became even more obsequious, saying, "Thank you, sir, for your consideration. From now on, you are the backbone of the Cao family. If you tell us to go east, we will never go west!"
His attitude was so good, like a well-trained and obedient dog, which greatly pleased Liang Quanbin.
While they were still reveling in their得意, Feng Jinlin was receiving news from the capital from Su Cheng.
The secret guards of the Prince Ding's mansion delivered it personally, ensuring it was both fast and accurate.
"Excellent, my maternal uncle is coming. Let's see how much longer Liang Quanbin can hop around!"
Feng Jinlin had finally received this news, and a great deal of his pent-up anger was released.
Severely injuring Liang Quanbin and supporting the Cao family to rise were all arrangements made by Prince Ding before he left for the southwest, with the aim of collecting more evidence.
The ledgers in Sun Banxia's hands and the evidence unearthed by the Zhu family could only incriminate the deceased Cao Sidu and the thirteen other departments. However, Liang Quanbin remained untouchable.
His untouchability meant that the blow to the Wei family would be minimal, which was not Prince Ding's original intention.
Therefore, he patiently extended the net further, using the Cao family as bait.
Dealing with the Cao family was far simpler than dealing with the secret agents planted by Duke Wei.
Over the past month, they had gathered almost all the necessary information, awaiting only Prince Ding's command to cast the net.
Liang Quanbin, the Cao family, and Duke Wei behind them would not escape this net!
Su Cheng, like Feng Jinlin, felt that the ordeal was finally coming to an end. Heaven knew how displeased he was secretly watching the Cao family enrich themselves and engage in illicit dealings with Liang Quanbin.
If it weren't for the greater good, he would have immediately descended and executed them.
"Liang Quanbin probably never dreamed he would fall in Jinling City. Look how much fatter he's gotten in the few months he's been here!"
Su Cheng remarked.
The two scoffed, waiting for Liang Quanbin to reap what he had sown.
Those who knew the inside story were already calculating, while those who didn't were still living in innocent bliss.
For example, the soon-to-be-married Miss Liang, Liang Luo.
Ever since Wei Lanxuan discovered she was pregnant, she had essentially canceled all social engagements and was resting at home.
On the other hand, Liang Luo was flaunting herself everywhere. Her status as a side consort was already settled, Wei Guifei's favoritism was well-known, and the harmonious relationship between her brother and sister-in-law meant another layer of alliance between the Liang and Wei families. From any perspective, she was a sought-after figure in the capital.
Naturally, she received much attention, and it was fierce, surpassing even the attention Wei Lanxuan had received in the past.
The Ninth Prince's mansion was upgraded to the Prince Li's mansion. Under Wei Guifei's instruction, a grand banquet was held, and invitations were sent to all the noble families in the capital.
The Liang family naturally received one as well.
Liang Luo attended in her finest attire, overshadowing Princess Hua Ran, who was also present to offer congratulations.
"Luo'er, come to this palace."
Wei Guifei's words conveyed a closeness even greater than before.
Valued by Wei Guifei, Liang Luo became even more arrogant, strutting like a peacock. She walked over and bowed to Wei Guifei.
Some people wished to see Princess Hua Ran embarrassed, but they found that her mind was not on such matters; she was quietly staring at the feast before her, lost in thought.
"Liang Luo pays her respects to the Noble Consort. May the Noble Consort be joyful and healthy."
"In a few days, you will be able to call me Mother Consort. I am so happy thinking about it. You must live well with Yunli and give this consort a royal grandchild soon."
Liang Luo's face turned red upon hearing this, but she still nodded patiently.
Wei Guifei inwardly disdained her demeanor. If it weren't for the Emperor continuing to believe she looked down upon the Prince Yu's mansion, she would not have been willing to put on this act here.
Just as she was about to say something, a loud voice announced from outside, "Prince Li arrives!"
Everyone present immediately tidied their attire. Except for Wei Guifei, all others bowed.
"Your son greets Mother Consort."
"Good, good, rise."
Wei Guifei's gaze towards the Ninth Prince was far more sincere than her gaze towards Liang Luo.
At this moment, she was not the Wei Guifei who was favored by the harem, but simply a mother who cherished her child.
"Today marks the opening of the mansion, and I fear there will be many matters. If you lack manpower, just tell this consort, and I will send more capable individuals from Hanzhang Hall to assist you."
"Mother Consort need not worry, your son is well taken care of."
Wei Guifei nodded with a smile, increasingly satisfied with Xiao Yunli.
She had forgotten Liang Luo beside her.
However, Liang Luo did not mind, as she had finally seen the Ninth Prince she had longed for.
The last time she saw the Ninth Prince at such close proximity was at the Wei family's banquet. At that time, she thought he was going to be engaged to her sister-in-law. She never expected the twist of fate that would lead her to become his side consort.
Fate was truly wondrous.
She then put on what she considered her most dignified smile and bowed to Xiao Yunli, saying,
"The legitimate daughter of the Liang family, Liang Luo, pays her respects to Prince Li."
The Ninth Prince scrutinized Liang Luo, who had suddenly spoken, and asked directly,
"Are you the side consort Mother Consort chose for me?"
"Replying to Your Highness, it is this humble woman."
Liang Luo spoke with some nervousness, but her excitement was barely concealed.
In her eyes, the Ninth Prince was looking only at her at this moment. What if Princess Hua Ran had received the Emperor's decree as the main consort? She still couldn't capture the attention of Wei Guifei and the Ninth Prince.
Therefore, she was very pleased with herself.
Little did she know that this demeanor made the Ninth Prince see her as merely a beautiful but inwardly weak woman.
He lost interest in an instant.
He then said to Wei Guifei,
"This is a women's banquet. It is inconvenient for me to stay long. Please forgive me, Mother Consort."
"Go, go. Many guests have arrived at the front banquet. Hurry and attend to them. This place will be managed by this consort, so you need not worry."
"Your son obeys!"
Watching the Ninth Prince's hurried arrival and departure, Liang Luo had many words left unspoken, and she wanted to chase after him.