He said to Eunuch Wang beside him, "Take the green jade dragon screen carving from my sleeping quarters and send it to Yong Cong. Say it's my congratulatory gift for his hundredth day. Let the Ke Prince's mansion handle the celebration properly, as I intend to be present."
"Yes."
Eunuch Wang replied respectfully, not surprised by Emperor Qi's actions.
In this palace, Eunuch Wang would confidently claim to understand Emperor Qi better than anyone else, and no one would dare dispute it. Even Emperor Qi himself might not understand himself as well as Eunuch Wang did.
This action suggested that Emperor Qi was beginning to feel wary of the Ninth Prince.
He would have to stand firm, for if he wavered even slightly, he might not see the sun rise tomorrow.
He entrusted this task to his disciple, Xiao Dong Zi. The young eunuch, quick-witted and nimble, immediately arranged for the screen carving to be sent to the Ke Prince's mansion.
The Prince and Princess, upon seeing the gift, were astonished. They had not expected Emperor Qi to show such favor to this eldest legitimate grandson.
If nothing else, the dragon motif itself was an unparalleled mark of imperial favor.
After all, even Prince Ke was only permitted a four-clawed dragon, while this screen carving depicted a five-clawed azure dragon.
The implications were extraordinary.
Consequently, the entire mansion was filled with gratitude, and they declared they would not fail to live up to the Emperor's benevolent intentions.
The hundredth-day banquet, originally scheduled for a later date, was moved up to the third day.
Preparations were made with utmost grandeur.
Invitations were sent to various noble families, and the news spread throughout the Eastern Capital. Everyone was eager to witness how splendidly this esteemed royal eldest grandson's hundredth-day feast would be celebrated!
In the chambers beside Ming Pond.
Siblings Wen Xing Lu and Wen Yu Wei had been staying there for several days.
Aside from the care of the imperial physicians, no one from the Princess's mansion had inquired about them.
Both siblings understood the implication of this indifferent attitude: if his leg did not heal, he would ultimately be nothing more than a decorative figure as the驸马 (imperial son-in-law).
Therefore, Wen Xing Lu worried daily about his leg injury, wishing for a speedy recovery.
Only Wen Jing Song, accompanied by his son Wen Meng Sheng, visited them once, bringing some tonics and a stream of kind words.
He even lamented, "The household is currently without any female presence. If the invitation from the Grand Princess's mansion is accepted, there will be no one to attend. It would be quite suitable if Yu Wei could represent us."
Seeing that Wen Xing Lu was no longer favored by Grand Princess Chang Lin, he immediately set his sights on Wen Yu Wei.
At her current age and with her beauty, she was perfectly suited.
His eyes fixed on Wen Yu Wei, he began to make his plans.
The siblings had not yet completely severed ties with the Wen family, so Wen Yu Wei could only evade his words.
Wen Xing Lu's leg injury was still under treatment. Although he was not as crippled as he had feared, he had not fully recovered.
Thus, he said with a hint of weariness, "I cannot manage without someone to attend to me. Uncle, you should find someone else."
He did not want his sister to walk into a tiger's den again. Who knew what might happen if she attended this hundredth-day banquet!
It was better to refuse outright!
Unexpectedly, Wen Meng Sheng beside him felt that Wen Xing Lu was ungrateful and spoke pointedly, trying to hurt him.
"Cousin, I heard the imperial physician say that you might still have a slight limp when you walk in the future. If you don't mind, I can find someone to make you a fine pair of crutches. They would look quite imposing."
Upon hearing his words, Wen Yu Wei's heart seethed with anger, and she quickly spoke in defense, "No, that's not true. The imperial physician said that as long as my brother doesn't take excessively large steps in the future, there will be no problem. Others won't be able to tell."
Her sister's comforting words did not improve Wen Xing Lu's mood; instead, they pierced his heart like knives.
He could have avoided this limp!
Why, after trampling on his dignity, must they also take away his last vestige of physical completeness!
Even now, he could not comprehend who he had offended to suffer such a fate!
Looking at the gloating Wen Meng Sheng beside him, a malicious plan quickly formed in his mind.
Laugh, laugh now while you still can. You can only laugh because the disaster has not yet unfolded. When everything is revealed to the world, let's see if you can still laugh so happily on the executioner's block!
With this thought, he calmed the somewhat agitated Wen Yu Wei and said to Wen Jing Song, "Since Uncle has mentioned it, Yu Wei will go on behalf of the Wen family. Remember to dress her up beautifully."
His words surprised not only the Wen father and son but also Wen Yu Wei herself. Why would her brother speak like this?
She wanted to ask but was pressed down by him again.
Wen Jing Song, having secured Wen Xing Lu's consent, immediately produced the invitation.
He placed it on the table and said slowly, "It's good that you siblings have come to your senses. This trip will only bring benefits and no harm to Yu Wei."
Wen Xing Lu smiled. At this point, he would still believe Wen Jing Song's words only if he were foolish enough to be a scapegoat his entire life. Without a doubt, the Prince of Yu would be at the banquet.
If Prince Yu were caught in a compromising situation with Yu Wei, then it would be impossible for her not to go, even if she wanted to.
His uncle's calculations were precise. This way, his oath would not be violated, and he could still curry favor with Prince Yu. Why not?
Wen Jing Song was not afraid that Wen Xing Lu had seen through his scheme. After all, when a person is drowning, they will grasp at anything to save themselves.
Wen Yu Wei entering Prince Yu's mansion was that lifeline.
He would not be blamed in the future.
After dismissing the Wen father and son with a few words, Wen Xing Lu's tone became serious as he lowered his voice to speak with Wen Yu Wei.
"Yu Wei, I know you don't want to go, but this is the only way for you to make this trip!"
"Brother, why?"
With scarlet eyes, filled with a desire to destroy everything, Wen Xing Lu wished he could vent his anger, but this was not the right time.
"We can no longer rely on Grand Princess Chang Lin. We must find another way. The Ninth Prince is backed by Duke Wei. The Wen family has pledged allegiance to them. I once thought of replacing them, but now I find it laughable. With Duke Wei's shrewdness, why would he abandon Wen Jing Song, the Minister of Personnel, to choose me, a驸马 with no real power? We might as well go all the way. Let's defect to the First Prince! Tomorrow, when you visit his mansion, find an opportunity to inform the First Prince's Consort of this matter. I refuse to believe the First Prince will give up such leverage!"
Wen Xing Lu's plan was extremely risky. They had no evidence; how could they make Prince Ke believe their words based solely on hearsay? This was no small challenge.
But no matter how difficult, it had to be done.
Otherwise, the fate awaiting them, brother and sister, would likely be to be used and abandoned by power once again.
In his current state, he did not want his sister to suffer the same fate in the future.
Therefore, he had to take a gamble!
The determination in his eyes and the ferocity on his face caused Wen Yu Wei immense heartache.
After much thought, she made her decision.
Rather than be slaughtered like a lamb, it was better to take the initiative.
She nodded heavily and said to Wen Xing Lu.