"That's good."
Although young, his tone was more watertight than many older people.
This was something Chi Zimò had experienced in their dealings over the past period.
Some people are truly gifted. Even if they don't understand much at first, with enough time and guidance, they will eventually achieve remarkable results.
Qiao Shanwei was such a person.
Chi Zimò had already gathered a good understanding of his situation.
Chaos breeds heroes, and to a certain extent, Qiao Shanwei fit this description perfectly.
Without the flood in the southwest, it would have been difficult for Qiao Shanwei to stand out.
But the current outcome had made him famous, and with the backing of the Bai family, his future prospects were limitless.
Being on good terms with him now was partly an acknowledgment of his abilities and partly a hope that the Chi family's business in Dongdu City would receive favorable treatment.
Although both were still in their nascent stages, there was no rush; time would always bring them pleasant surprises.
In Dongdu City, within the Prince Li's mansion.
The Ninth Prince had been recuperating in his residence since being caned.
He was now like a cat with its tail stepped on, ready to attack anyone at any moment.
Long Guang was missing, his mother concubine was demoted and moved to another palace, he himself had been reprimanded and caned, and after the corruption case in the漕运司, the Wei family had also become extremely discreet. Therefore, he was currently consumed by unbearable frustration.
The Princess Consort had visited him twice, but he had driven her away with barbed words.
Compared to his furious outburst, Princess Consort Li remained remarkably calm.
It was merely a temporary setback. If he couldn't endure this much, how could he scheme beside His Majesty in the future?
Only those who can bend and stretch are true men.
He was nothing more than a paper tiger, all roar and no bite.
After spending time together during this period, this conclusion became increasingly clear in her mind.
Currently, the most capable person to help them out of this predicament was the Duke of Wei.
Therefore, she did not fear gossip and rumors.
She went directly to the Wei family and found the Duke of Wei to discuss matters.
The Duke of Wei was at home, planning other affairs, when a servant reported that Princess Consort Li was seeking an audience.
"What does she want?"
Wei Dalang was puzzled. At this time, shouldn't she be staying in the mansion, diligently attending to the Ninth Prince?
What was she doing here?
Causing trouble?
Wei Dalang had always looked down on women in politics. Whenever they tried to speak, he would show great disdain.
Unfortunately, with his intellect and capabilities, he was no match for Princess Consort Li.
But if Wei Dalang was foolish, it did not mean the Duke of Wei was also foolish.
So, after some thought, he still allowed Princess Consort Li to enter.
Upon entering, Princess Consort Li saw Wei Dalang, who was not particularly polite to her. His temper and disposition were truly comparable to Liang Luo, who had been exiled.
He had a bad temper but lacked intelligence, always giving the impression of a brute.
In contrast, the Duke of Wei, whom she had only met a few times, always gave an impression of being impeccable and unfathomable.
While she observed the Duke of Wei, he was also observing her.
Both were deep-thinking individuals and naturally understood that the other was not to be trifled with.
Therefore, Princess Consort Li got straight to the point.
"Your Grace, please forgive me. Hua Ran has come on this trip hoping you would visit the Prince. He is currently in distress, which is not good for his injuries."
"Distress? That's easy to say. I'm afraid he's become so violent that he's frightening, otherwise, why would you, the Princess Consort, come here to say these words?"
The Duke of Wei knew the Ninth Prince's temperament all too well.
Having been pampered since childhood, sudden and repeated blows would naturally lead to unhappiness.
Coupled with his violence, which the Duke of Wei had also witnessed.
Therefore, he understood the reason for Princess Consort Li's visit today.
Princess Consort Li had thought she was being direct enough, but she didn't expect the Duke of Wei to be even more explicit.
Since that was the case, she decided not to hold back. She glanced at Wei Dalang, her meaning quite clear.
"I have important matters to discuss with Your Grace. I hope Lord Wei will excuse us for now."
"What? I'm in my own home..."
Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by the Duke of Wei.
"Dalang, withdraw."
"Father..." Wei Dalang wanted to argue, but he was intimidated by the look in the Duke of Wei's eyes.
So, he could only leave with resentment, casting a fierce glare at Princess Consort Li before departing.
Unfortunately, Princess Consort Li paid him no mind.
After the man left, Princess Consort Li also told the maids behind her to withdraw.
Thus, only the two of them remained in the study, the atmosphere eerily calm.
"What does the Princess Consort wish to discuss with this old man in private?"
"Hua Ran is pregnant."
"How long has it been!"
"Almost a month."
Upon hearing this, the Duke of Wei pursed his lips, as if calculating or contemplating.
After a moment, he said to Princess Consort Li.
"This is great news, but it should not be widely publicized. Your Highness, are you here hoping this old man will protect this child? If that is the reason, you can rest assured. This old man will naturally ensure its safe birth!"
"That is only part of it. Hua Ran believes that the Prince is tyrannical and extreme in his temperament. Even if he ascends the throne in the future, he may not be a wise ruler. More importantly, he is very difficult to control, isn't he?"
"What exactly do you want to say?"
"Hua Ran means that compared to an adult man who is prone to mood swings, an infant is easier to control, isn't it?"
The Duke of Wei frowned. How could she be so sure that the child would be a boy?
As if sensing the Duke of Wei's confusion, Hua Ran smiled.
"Whether it's a son or not is not important. The most important thing is that he is the Prince's child and the Emperor's legitimate grandson."
At her words, the Duke of Wei was somewhat surprised.
How had he not noticed before that this Princess Consort Li was so capable?
Listening to her tone, was she planning to eliminate the father and keep the child?
Not only that, but she had also meticulously arranged for his future prospects.
If Prince Li's mansion lost its support, she, the Princess Consort, and the safety of the posthumous child would become the most important matters in Emperor Qi's mind.
Consort Wei had gone mad and was abandoned. As long as she successfully gave birth, everything would be within her grasp.
The Duke of Wei saw through this and could not help but admire the woman, who was only in her teens, before him.
At such a young age, she saw things so clearly.
Especially regarding emotional attachments that held no hope, she was never indecisive.
Collaborating with such a person would be a powerful alliance, but he was already old. If he couldn't hold on until then...
Wouldn't all his efforts be in vain, benefiting Hua Ran?
Hua Ran was not foolish either. Since she dared to come, she naturally had a plan.
"Your Grace, please rest assured. As long as I am here, the position of Empress will always come from the Wei family."
Hearing this, the Duke of Wei felt slightly relieved, though his expression remained unchanged.