"That Princess Qianling was merely a scapegoat I released; now that she's dead, she conveniently makes way for others."
Wei Dalang listened, utterly bewildered. How could such a good marriage prospect be described by his father as her making way for someone else?
"Father means?"
"Just watch. When Yunli returns, the decree for your marriage will naturally be issued. Then you'll understand my plans."
His father's air of confidence impressed Wei Dalang.
His father always calculated everything and everyone so precisely. Without him, the Wei family would likely not have reached this point.
Thinking of his own capabilities, he felt a pang of regret. How could he not even be half as capable as his father? He pondered this intensely.
Seemingly sensing his thoughts, Duke Wei sighed. This son was somewhat incompetent, but what could be done? He was his only heir. No matter how lacking in ability, he had to look after him for life.
Fortunately, his grandson was promising. At a young age, he had left to travel the world with an accomplished master.
Counting the days, he should be back by the end of the year.
Thinking of him, Duke Wei's expression finally showed a hint of relief. Then, the Wei family would truly be a place of hidden talents.
May 12th.
It was a divinely auspicious day. The city of Jinling was bustling with activity.
Many families were celebrating weddings, but the most lively and grand were those of the Chi and Zhu families.
The fifth branch of the Chi family and the main courtyard of the Zhu family were adorned with large red lanterns. Inside and out, smiling faces were everywhere.
At the auspicious hour, Zhu Xiaoxian set off from the Zhu residence with gongs and drums, paraded through the main streets of Jinling three times, and then proceeded to the Chi family.
A servant specifically followed behind, scattering wedding candies and money, so many children trailed along, making a commotion.
This was a custom in Jinling. The louder the children's noise, the more wedding candies and money the hosts gave, indicating their wealth and prosperity.
The Zhu family was a prominent figure in Jinling, so they naturally had to make a grand display.
This not only saved their own face but also gave ample backing to the Chi family's fifth branch in marrying off their daughter.
Therefore, when Zhu Xiaoxian rode a tall horse, followed by hundreds of children, everyone remarked on how excellent this marriage was.
Master Chi, the fifth of the Chi family, was beaming today. Hearing the congratulatory words from everyone around him, his heart felt as sweet as honey.
He joyfully welcomed the Zhu family's son-in-law into the house, and soon after, he happily sent the newlyweds into the bridal sedan chair.
With music and fanfare, they headed back to the Zhu family.
The inn where Feng Jinyao and her companions were staying was concealed by a restaurant. Their private room on the third floor had been prepared long in advance.
The group stood at a vantage point, watching the flourishing Zhu Xiaoxian. Su Cheng was the first to express his displeasure.
"The Zhu family certainly knows how to arrange things. Clearly, only their family is getting married today, yet to cover up the fact that they've prepared so many banquets, they've deliberately arranged for people to have a fake wedding. They're truly being overly cautious."
Su Cheng had always detested people who put on a different face in front of and behind others.
So, he couldn't help but say a few more words. Feng Jinyao, however, remained silent, seemingly deep in thought.
She was aware of Prince Ding's request for Feng Jinlin to contact Chi Zimo.
When many things were connected, their true nature became clear.
For instance, when her second brother had rushed out to find medicine for Yunli, he claimed to be looking for Su Cheng, but in reality, he had approached Prince Ding.
Otherwise, how would the Su family have such a valuable pill?
It was obvious that Shou Bo must have left it at Prince Ding's mansion.
And Su Cheng, who pretended to be a dissolute young master every day, was definitely someone from Prince Ding's household, though she didn't know his exact title.
Therefore, both her second brother and Brother Su Cheng were used by Prince Ding, and her current visit also had an inextricable link to Prince Ding.
For a moment, she felt her own methods were insufficient in front of him. He could command such a variety of people; he was truly formidable.
"Ayao, what are you thinking about?"
"I'm thinking, why does Your Highness want you to contact the head of the Chi family?"
Feng Jinlin remained silent. He understood the intention in this regard, but he didn't quite grasp the underlying meaning.
"Ahem, why think so much? His Highness must have his reasons for doing this. Just do as you're told, and you'll understand the meaning later!"
Su Cheng, having been a subordinate of Prince Ding for a long time, was accustomed to following orders.
Even if he didn't understand some things at the time, he would later connect them with other events and realize their significance.
But Feng Jinyao was different. She habitually planned everything before acting. If an unexpected situation arose, her capabilities might not be enough to handle everything.
Feng Jinlin couldn't fathom Prince Ding's intentions after pondering for a while, but Feng Jinyao was beginning to get a hint.
"I guess His Highness wants to do business with the head of the Chi family. For example, if the Zhu family is destroyed, it would be feasible for the Chi family to take over their associated powers."
This statement surprised both Feng Jinlin and Su Cheng.
The downfall of the Zhu family was a matter of time, or rather, everyone involved in the corruption of the漕运司 (Imperial Grain Transport Office) would pay for their greed.
However, they assumed that all these powers would eventually be reclaimed by His Majesty, who would then appoint new officials to cleanse the corrupt current.
But if the Chi family were to take them over, wouldn't that greatly increase their power?
Wouldn't that be like lifting a rock only to drop it on one's own feet?
How could His Highness do such a foolish thing?
On the other hand, as Feng Jinyao gradually pieced things together, she felt that Prince Ding's idea might align with her own.
Both aimed to shift the conflict between officials and the populace to a conflict between merchants and the populace.
One must remember that water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it.
No matter how majestic, lofty, and iron-fisted imperial power might be, if the common people revolt, it will eventually come to an end, becoming a bygone era of the past.
The same principle applies to a wealthy family like the Chi family. If they wish for their family's prosperity to endure, they must genuinely give back the profits they gain to the people. Otherwise, they will face an unfortunate end!
It must be said that after listening to Feng Jinyao's explanation, both Feng Er and Su Cheng were so shocked they were speechless.
Regardless of why His Highness had such an idea, the fact that Feng Jinyao could deduce so much from such a statement made Su Cheng increasingly convinced that she was the perfect candidate for the position of Princess Consort!
He patted Feng Er on the shoulder and said, "Your sister is no ordinary person."
He didn't elaborate, but Feng Jinlin seemed to understand his meaning. Although he felt a bit unconvinced, compared to others, the idea of his brother-in-law being Prince Ding didn't seem so bad.
It was just that his health was too poor, requiring him to travel all the way to Jiangnan for treatment.
This point was truly problematic, very problematic!
It would be better to find a healthy husband who could accompany her for a lifetime!
Qiao Shanwei, standing by, after hearing the entire matter, could only draw a few conclusions.
First, this cousin from the Feng family was not to be trifled with. Her meticulousness was simply appalling!