"If I were to become the驸马, the court would be like the moon in the sky for me in a short time – visible but unreachable. Without the foundation of the Wen family's assets, how many days do you think I could survive in that wolf's den of a princess's mansion?" The greatest strength of the Eldest Princess Changlin was her control over the royal family's economic lifeline. If he wanted to gain her favor, he would have to start from there, otherwise his path ahead would be difficult.
Thinking of his future bright prospects, which were merely external assets, Wen Jingsong could still let go. "Alright. What is your third condition?"
Wen Xinglu was straightforward, and Wen Jingsong was not one to dawdle.
In this regard, he was more like Wen Jingsong's son than Wen Mengsheng, both decisive and swift.
"Third, I wish to meet the Duke, alone."
The word "alone" was spoken very clearly, almost through gritted teeth.
After this ordeal, he understood thoroughly that the Wen family was now nothing in the eyes of the powerful. But he was different. He wanted to let the Duke of Wei know his capabilities, his talent, his ambitions, and his unwavering resolve. Only then could the Duke of Wei fulfill his promise after the Ninth Prince's imperial ambitions were realized.
This point was more crucial than anything else.
He wasn't unwilling to submit, but surely there had to be enough benefit to make him willingly pay the price, wasn't there?
Wen Jingsong understood his intentions and felt, for the first time, that this decision might have been wrong.
His nephew had now severed ties with him. Even if he were to rise again, he would never be on the same boat with him. But now, if he refused, did he have any other options? No.
Therefore, he said quite seriously, "I can only help you get an introduction, but whether the Duke is willing, I cannot give you an accurate answer."
"Just tell him that I have a way to make the Eldest Princess serve the Ninth Prince, and then I will naturally be able to see him."
His confident expression made even Wen Jingsong doubt. The Eldest Princess was so cunning and shrewd, having grown up in the royal family and mingled in merchant circles, thriving in both treacherous environments. Yet, he, a mere youngster, dared to boast. Would the Duke believe him?
He did not know.
However, on the evening of the second day, the Duke did indeed meet Wen Xinglu in secret at his mansion. What they discussed was unknown to outsiders, but it was known that after that meeting, the Duke of Wei looked at Wen Jingsong with a more complex gaze. Before entering the princess's mansion, Wen Xinglu came to see Wen Yuwei for the last time. Like an elder, he repeatedly cautioned her to be patient, not to be willful or rash, and to stay away from the Wen family father and son. As relatives, they had completely fallen out.
On the surface, they all shared the surname Wen, but in reality, the siblings would rather die than have such a heartless uncle.
Becoming the 驸马, though spoken of grandly, was not celebrated with fanfare.
Wen Xinglu, on a swift horse, with a bundle and two chests, entered the princess's mansion alone.
At first, the young servants at the entrance didn't even recognize him as the future 驸马. If he hadn't announced his name, he probably wouldn't have been able to enter the princess's mansion at all.
The contemptuous gazes of the servants and the jealous looks of the male companions in the back courtyard were all remembered by Wen Xinglu. He vowed to retaliate for such profound humiliation.
Having gained the 驸马, the Eldest Princess Changlin was somewhat impressed when she heard that Wen Xinglu had entered the mansion.
"Came alone?"
"Yes, this servant saw that he didn't even bring much luggage."
"Oh? That's strange. I thought the Wen family would make a fuss for quite some time before sending him over, but it happened so quickly."
Hua Qing and Hua Yu helped the Eldest Princess Changlin remove the pearl hairpins from her head and shed her ornate robes, changing into a casual soft silk gauze skirt. Her makeup was also removed. Although she wasn't as radiant as a woman in her prime, she possessed a more mature allure.
"Please invite this 驸马 in."
"Yes."
Upon receiving the order, Hua Qing lifted the curtain and saw Wen Xinglu standing respectfully in the courtyard. He was wearing a sky-blue brocade robe with a squirrel fur coat over it. His complexion was quite fair. Although he was less gentle than on the night of the Lantern Festival, he still looked as handsome as ever.
"驸马, the Princess requests your presence."
"Yes."
Upon entering the room, Wen Xinglu was very proper. He first performed the kowtow ceremony before speaking, "Princess, how have you been since we parted on the night of the Lantern Festival?"
"Oh? Is this 驸马 willingly willing to join me in marriage?"
"Naturally. This humble subject is fortunate to have earned the Princess's favor, how could I be ungrateful? Princess, rest assured, since I am here, I am truly willing." She carefully examined his face. He appeared quite sincere. However, on that day, he had been reluctant to even speak a few more words with her. How had his attitude changed so drastically after only a day or two?
Under the Eldest Princess Changlin's scrutinizing gaze, Wen Xinglu was very open.
His demeanor made the Eldest Princess Changlin more curious. Before she could speak, Wen Xinglu explained first, "Princess, are you wondering why my attitude has reversed so suddenly?"
"You are quite clever. Then tell me, what did Minister Wen use to threaten you?"
"My future."
"Oh? I have heard of your talents. But if you enter the princess's mansion and become the 驸马, you can no longer serve in the imperial court. Won't your future be lost?"
"Princess, you have only spoken half the truth. I used to believe that my ambitions could only be realized in the imperial court. But now I have also realized the principle that understanding one thing leads to understanding everything. There is no place for me in the imperial court, but that does not mean there is no place elsewhere. I believe that since the Princess has stood out among the many royal relatives and gained such favor from His Majesty, it must be the result of finding an alternative path. Since that is the case, upon entering the princess's mansion, I am naturally a person of the princess's mansion and will follow your lead."
The Eldest Princess Changlin had lived for over thirty years, and it was truly rare to encounter someone who expressed their thoughts so directly. Everyone else would try to hide their intentions, which she disdained.
Her interest in Wen Xinglu surpassed her doubt. She beckoned him closer with her slender fingers, her eyes twinkling as she said, "Come closer, let this Princess have a good look at this 驸马."
He took a few steps forward and directly lifted the Princess into his arms. The masculine scent entered her nostrils, making the Eldest Princess Changlin feel a bit flustered.
The male companions in the back courtyard, though willing, were ultimately fearful of her power and always tried to flatter her. Over time, she had grown tired of it. She hadn't expected this newly appointed 驸马 to be so alluring.
"驸马, have you thought it through?"
Wen Xinglu did not answer her. Instead, his fingers brushed through her soft hair, his eyes fixed on the Princess's face, his meaning very clear.
He had been intimate before, but this person before him stirred in him a desire to conquer.
Hua Qing and Hua Yu were accustomed to serving the Eldest Princess and naturally understood what was about to happen. They quietly left the inner room, and soon, a ripple of intimacy ensued.