The words spoken were as if they hadn't been spoken at all, without naming names, there was still a sliver of hope.
"Heh, the eunuch speaks wisely."
"Very well, this servant will take her leave. We shall return to ask for a cup of celebratory wine on the day of the princess's wedding to your esteemed young master."
"Certainly, certainly. May the eunuch have a pleasant journey."
After the eunuch departed, Wen Jingsong stumbled a few steps. Wen Mengsheng, standing beside him, steadied his trembling frame and said with concern.
"Father, save me! If I truly become the consort of the Grand Princess Changlin, my future will be ruined! Furthermore, the princess's age is such that in a few more years, she could be my mother. To have me enter the mansion as that so-called consort, I would rather die."
Mentioning death, Wen Jingsong's pupils trembled. He grabbed Wen Mengsheng's hand and scolded him furiously.
"You impudent child, you speak of death and life over such a small matter! How will you ever shoulder the responsibility of the Wen family in the future?"
Wen Xinglu remained silent, his gaze towards Wen Jingsong filled with supplication. Unlike Wen Yuwei, this nephew was someone he had truly cared for. In terms of ability and talent, he was even more outstanding than his own son. He was expected to be among the top three in the upcoming imperial examinations, but now...
"You two, do not fret. Since the princess has not yet specified who the groom is, there is still room for negotiation. I will first discuss this with the Duke and then make plans."
"Father, I will go with you!" Wen Mengsheng said anxiously.
This Grand Princess Changlin, a veritable plague god, he should have stayed home that Lantern Festival night. Why did he have to show his face in front of her? It was truly like drawing water with a bamboo basket, a futile effort, digging his own grave.
"No need. You and Xinglu should rest at home. We will discuss it when I return."
With that, he handed the scorching imperial edict to the butler, instructing him to place it properly, and went alone to the Duke of Wei's mansion.
Only now did Wen Mengsheng truly understand the meaning of the Grand Princess Changlin's words last night. Even before anything had happened, his cousinly relationship with Wen Xinglu was already precarious. The two looked at each other, their eyes filled with wariness.
Duke of Wei's Mansion.
When Wen Jingsong was led to the study by a servant, he happened to encounter Lord Liang, who was there to finalize the details of the engagement with the Wei family. At this moment, Wen Jingsong, disregarding his dignity, knelt before the Duke of Wei in front of the eldest son of the Wei family and Lord Liang, pleading with tears streaming down his face, "Duke, save me." The eldest son of the Wei family and Lord Liang were somewhat shocked, not knowing what had happened. Only the Duke of Wei calmly picked up the teacup beside him and stirred the tea leaves within, bit by bit.
"Lord Wen, what is the meaning of this? How can my father save you?"
"Lord Wei, you may not know, but His Majesty has decreed a marriage between my son and the Grand Princess Changlin. If this truly happens, will his future not be ruined?"
It was an ironclad law that a consort could not hold office in the imperial court. Wen Jingsong's concern was understandable. He had only one son. If his hope of entering the court was extinguished, there would truly be no way out for him.
"Father, this..." The eldest son of the Wei family, who generally had a good relationship with Wen Jingsong, could not stand by and watch his friend in distress and intended to intercede on his behalf. However, he was interrupted by the Duke of Wei.
"Lord Wen, His Majesty's decree did not state that the marriage was to your own son. Do you not have a nephew in the household? The solution is right before you, why must you beg me?"
Wen Jingsong had a cunning plan, not wanting to sacrifice his own son, yet wanting to save his nephew. Alas, in this world, there were no such easy gains, and even if there were, they might not fall to the Wen family.
Hearing the Duke of Wei's words, Wen Jingsong's heart grew cold. "This method is truly... my nephew has not yet been introduced to you, Duke. He is indeed a rare talent..." He still wanted to find another path for him, but was interrupted again by the Duke of Wei.
"You are merely afraid that he will resent you for this, hold a grudge, and retaliate. But Lord Wen, who in the imperial court does not have a few rivals? If I can bear it, can you not?"
"Duke, please do not be angry. It is truly... a pity for my nephew's talent and ability."
"You are indeed soft-hearted. Alas, the path in the imperial court is difficult. Sometimes, being too soft-hearted will only lead to others stepping on you. The decree of marriage is a great fortune for the Wen family. The Ninth Prince is already worried about not having an opportunity to approach the Grand Princess Changlin. If you can persuade your nephew to be a good consort, and over time, whisper in her ear, allowing the Grand Princess to join forces with the Ninth Prince, I guarantee that as long as the Ninth Prince ascends the throne, he will make an exception and allow him to serve in the court. He will not have to start from a small position but will directly enter the Grand Secretariat!"
The Duke of Wei did not try to dissuade him, knowing that the decree of marriage was inevitable. Compared to Wen Mengsheng, Wen Xinglu, who was eager to forge a path for himself, might be better suited to accomplish this task. Leaping over the dragon gate, future riches, all within a single thought.
After hearing this, Wen Jingsong collapsed onto the ground, contemplating the possibility of this matter. Lord Liang, listening from the side, broke out in a cold sweat. The Duke of Wei's maneuvering was truly formidable. The next move, and then dozens more. What was originally a tragedy now seemed like a great piece of good news. He was truly impressed.
Before the tea in the cup had been finished, Wen Jingsong had figured it out. After respectfully kowtowing and thanking the Duke of Wei, he rose and returned to his own home.
"Where were we just now?"
"Ah, we were discussing..."
In the study, the three continued their previous conversation, as if Wen Jingsong had never been there. But within the Wen family, turbulent waves were rising.
Wen Jingsong relayed the Duke of Wei's words to Wen Xinglu, word for word. Wen Xinglu staggered a few steps, then threw his head back and laughed, his laughter mingled with tears of despair. He should have known long ago that his uncle would not give up such a great future for him. His sister was like this, and so was he.
Wen Mengsheng, beside him, now that he had found a way out, naturally stood with his father. He "kindly" advised, "Cousin, this method is excellent. If you become the consort, it is merely a strategy of biding your time. With your abilities, you will surely make the princess devoted to you. What can you not obtain then? Moreover, the Duke of Wei has promised that after the Ninth Prince's great undertaking is successful, you can still serve the country, can't you!"
"Oh? Then why don't you go?"
"You! The Duke specifically named you, so it must be you. Cousin, you should accept your fate."
Wen Mengsheng had heard too many rumors about the Grand Princess Changlin's romantic affairs. The thought of the male favorites and paramours in her inner court made him nauseous. How could he possibly wrong himself? If he were not to wrong himself, he had to wrong someone else, even if that person was his cousin.
With such a heartless disposition, Wen Xinglu shed two lines of tears, looking at Wen Jingsong with only a sliver of hope left in his eyes. "Uncle, do you also think like them?"