"Granddaughter greets grandfather, grandmother," Wei Lanxuan turned to salute Wei Dalang, "Father."
After Liang Pan paid his respects to each of them, Duke Wei finally spoke.
"Yes, you may rise."
"Thank you, grandfather." Liang Pan helped Wei Lanxuan up. The couple looked very much in love at the moment. Seeing his granddaughter's genuine smile, Duke Wei's anger subsided considerably. He asked Wei Lanxuan, "Are you well at the Liang family's residence?"
"Grandfather, please rest assured, everyone in the Liang family treats your granddaughter very well."
Duke Wei nodded and said to Madam Wei beside him, "Madam, please take Lan'er to prepare a meal. We will have a family reunion dinner later."
"Yes, my lord."
Wei Lanxuan wanted to say a few more words, but Wei Dalang gave her a look, making it clear that Duke Wei wanted to speak with Liang Pan alone, and it was not appropriate for her to stay.
Liang Pan's palms were sweating, but he could only brace himself to face the situation alone.
"Now that you are married to Lan'er, what are your plans for the future? My Wei family's daughters cannot marry useless men!"
Liang Pan bowed respectfully, then calmed his mind and said, "Grandfather, please rest assured. Your grandson-in-law has already spoken with his maternal grandfather. In two days, I will report to the Capital Garrison."
"Capital Garrison?" Duke Wei's expression did not relax much; it even grew colder.
He looked at Liang Pan for a while, seemingly pondering who had come up with this idea.
From his understanding of the Earl of Changyi, he would not be unaware of the current situation. Although Lin Wang of the Capital Garrison had just been punished by the Emperor and his salary reduced, his position was not fundamentally shaken. Moreover, given the conflict between the Wei and Bai families, Liang Pan going to work under him at this time would surely lead to no advancement.
Such a foolish path could not possibly have been conceived by the Earl of Changyi.
He then asked, "Where did your maternal grandfather initially intend for you to go?"
Liang Pan was surprised. Duke Wei was indeed sharp; he knew his maternal grandfather had other plans without even asking.
"He said I would be a supervisor in the Ministry of Personnel."
Only then did Duke Wei nod. This plan was the correct one. Although the Ministry of Rites was leisurely, promotions were easier there. After reaching a rank of fourth or fifth grade, one could transfer to another department, which would be both respectable and less tiring, offering more prospects than the Capital Garrison.
The Liang father and son were truly beyond help.
No wonder the Earl of Changyi would rather offend the Emperor and relinquish power than help his son-in-law and grandson.
"Follow your maternal grandfather's original plan. The Capital Garrison is too dangerous; it's not suitable for you."
Duke Wei's words dismissed his plan. Liang Pan was displeased but dared not refuse. He could only try another approach, "But your grandson-in-law has already spoken with his maternal grandfather. If I go back now, it might..."
He looked at Duke Wei, whose expression grew increasingly stern, and he dared not press further.
"I will make the arrangements for you. Report to the Ministry of Rites in three days. As for your father, tell him that the Emperor's transfer decree will soon reach the Liang family. Pack your belongings and prepare to go to Jinling in the next two days."
He had originally thought his father's matter would be more troublesome, but he hadn't expected Duke Wei to have it all arranged.
After his father took up his new post, he would be the son of a second-rank official, on par with Wen Meng, and his father's position would be far more powerful. Thinking of this, he felt that going to the Ministry of Rites was not so unbearable after all. It was merely a temporary plan. Once his father was established, he might be able to secure a minor position in the navy, which would be more comfortable than staying in Dongdu City.
"Yes, your grandson-in-law thanks grandfather on behalf of his father."
Duke Wei remained silent. He had nothing to say to this simple-minded grandson-in-law. After a brief chat, they heard Wei Lanxuan invite them, saying the meal was ready.
The family had a proper reunion dinner. After returning to her former courtyard before marriage to collect some belongings, the couple left Duke Wei's mansion. Before leaving, they also took Yue Jian and A Li's deeds of servitude.
Yue Jian, who followed her young lady back to the Liang residence, was more diligent and attentive than usual.
If she hadn't been pregnant, she might have even stayed up to keep watch for Wei Lanxuan.
Liang Pan informed Liang Quanbin of the transfer order during dinner. The excitement in his eyes was unmistakable.
He looked at Wei Lanxuan with great satisfaction. This new bride was truly worth it. Although her reputation was somewhat tarnished, the actual benefits were substantial. In this way, his Liang family was destined for prosperity.
"However, grandfather's intention is for me to serve in the Ministry of Personnel."
"Why is that?"
"Grandfather did not say."
Liang Pan frowned and thought for a moment. In his opinion, was Duke Wei perhaps worried that the Lin family would retaliate on behalf of the Xu family due to the broken engagement and make things difficult for them?
He was unaware of the complex grievances between the Bai and Wei families.
"Since that is the case, then follow the Duke's arrangements. He must have his reasons for doing so."
"Yes. Son understands."
He patted Liang Pan's shoulder, feeling gratified.
"Rest assured, once I am established in Jinling, no one will dare to mistreat you in the Ministry of Rites."
After all, he had not achieved his position through the imperial examinations, and he would be working in the Ministry of Rites, a place that valued rules above all else. He would inevitably face slights, but out of deference to his and the Wei family's influence, people would not dare to say them to his face.
He would have to endure them.
Liang Pan was also worried, but there was nothing he could do. After dinner, he visited the Earl of Changyi's mansion and did not return until late at night.
Wei Lanxuan waited for him, and when he finally returned, she saw he looked dejected.
"Panlang, what happened?"
"Maternal grandfather said I am crooked from the start, that I don't focus on the imperial examinations but instead quickly resort to connections."
He had originally hoped his maternal grandfather would speak to Minister Zheng on his behalf. After all, he would be working under him, and having someone look out for him from above would make things more comfortable.
However, he was severely reprimanded by his maternal grandfather and made to reflect in isolation until now.
The scolding words still echoed in his ears, and Liang Pan felt both sad and ashamed.
Wei Lanxuan comforted him, saying, "We are husband and wife, and if we can share fortune, we should also share adversity. Although grandfather's support is due to me, the path ahead must be forged by yourself. If a few words from your maternal grandfather can upset you this much, what will you do when you face rivalry from colleagues in the officialdom? Will you also be disheartened?"
Her words struck Liang Pan's heart, stirring ripples within him.
He had always been soft-natured since childhood. His marriage to Wei Lanxuan was perhaps the most decisive action of his life. Hearing his maternal grandfather speak to him in such a manner felt like the sky had fallen. Now, with the encouragement of his beloved wife, he slowly regained his senses.
He took Wei Lanxuan's hand and vowed, "Lan'er is right. A man standing between heaven and earth cannot overcome such a small setback; wouldn't that make me cowardly? Rest assured, I will strive for honor for myself, for you, and for the Liang family."