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Cuiting Pavilion.

Wei Qingwan, who had just started to cheer up a bit these past few days, was left speechless by the sudden news.

The Qi Family… was raided?

What? The influential Qi Family fell from grace just like that?

“Where’s the Prince? What happened to him?” a concerned Wei Qingwan asked.

“This servant isn’t sure either. But people say the Prince is still in the residence, he hasn’t gone anywhere… There are lots of soldiers from the Armed Forces Department outside. No one seems to be able to leave the place…” Cuihe replied, her information limited.

“Then… what about Master Qi the Third? Where is he?” Wei Qingwan continued questioning.

“This servant doesn’t know either, but he’s probably been arrested too. I heard everyone in the Qi Family is in prison.”

Wei Qingwan slumped into the chair, unsure of what to do.

She’d regained hope only a few days ago, feeling that as long as she remained near King Yu, there was still hope.

But today, reality slapped her hard!

If the Qi Family really did fall, wouldn’t that signify that King Yu would lose his chance of becoming the Crown Prince?

“No, that can’t be! Absolutely not!” Wei Qingwan hastily shook her head, refusing to accept this reality.

###

Lu Family.

Old Master Lu met with Lu Yuhong, who was practicing martial arts in the training room after recovering, and relayed the news about the Qi Family’s predicament.

Lu Yuhong had been recuperating at home most of the time due to his injuries. Even when he did go out, he was accompanied by Lu Family guards, hence he hadn’t been in contact with King Jing Chu Lan and was unaware of what was happening.

“Grandfather, you know I have never involved myself in court politics. I’m friends with Chu Lan because he’s Chu Lan. I may help him with insignificant matters, but I don’t participate in the Crown Prince struggle,” Lu Yuhong stated.

“That was the situation previously, and I too had no intention of getting involved. But times are changing which is why I wanted to explain things to you. You should brace yourself.”

“What’s the difference? Grandfather, have you chosen a candidate for Crown Prince you want to support?” Lu Yuhong asked.

“You owe Queen Rui two lives,” Old Master Lu said.

“I’m aware of that, grandfather. I will repay her. If in the future she needs help, I am ready to risk my life for her!”

“How will you go through fire and water for her? This favor is not simply yours to repay, but also our Lu Family’s responsibility,” said Old Master Lu gravely.

“But Grandfather, as I understand, you did not want to interfere in court politics, and King Rui’s health really doesn’t allow him to participate in the Crown Prince struggle.”

“I’m not saying I want to meddle in court politics, but if a dispute really breaks out, our Lu Family must do everything we can to protect King Rui’s Residence. Do you understand?” Old Master Lu clarified.

“I get it,” said Lu Yuhong, nodding.

“So… if King Jing wants to act against King Rui, do you understand which side we need to stand on?” Old Master Lu asked.

“Grandfather, Chu Lan won’t act against King Rui. He doesn’t hold a grudge against him!”

“Oh, you! Can’t you be a bit more mindful! Is this a question of whether there’s a grudge or not? King Rui is the son of Empress Xu and the only legitimate prince. His health may currently be poor, but what if his health improves? Chu Lan is a prince aiming for the throne. His heart must be tough, or else he can’t sit on that throne!”

“But, Grandfather… I still believe Chu Lan wouldn’t do it.”

“Let me put it this way: what if Chu Lan decides to act?”

“Then… then I shall protect King Rui’s Residence. I will repay my debt of gratitude,” concluded Lu Yuhong.

“As long as you understand that. Men of our Lu Family must know our priorities; prioritizing the family, state, and citizens, then morality, and conducting ourselves honourably. Our own lives come last. Understood?” Old Master Lu instructed.

“Your grandson understands!”

###

For the next few days, soldiers clad in armor could be seen shuttling through the streets.

Several families closely associated with the Qi family were arrested.

The Wei Family waited several days for Wei Yichen to return, but there was no sight of him. They didn’t know whether he was intentionally avoiding the Wei Family or if he was detained by court issues- he had been staying out for several days and hadn’t returned home.

Instead, the news that was brought home was that Wei Yichen had been promoted to become the Imperial Scholar of the Hanlin Academy.

After the Emperor fired Qi Yansong and the original inner court members, there was an urgent need for fresh blood to fill the gaps.

As usual, the inner court members were selected from the Hanlin Academy. Consequently, a group of former officials in the Academy were promoted to Grand Scholars of Hanlin Academy and entered the inner court.

Accordingly, some of the officials in Hanlin Academy were also promoted.

Wei Yichen was among them, being the one who got promoted the fastest.

The Imperial Scholar of Hanlin Academy was a sixth-rank position. Prior to this, Wei Yichen held the role of Xiu Zheng, a subordinate sixth-rank position. In just half a year, Wei Yichen had risen a step, this could not be described as anything other than lucky.

Apart from catching the situation where Qi Yansong was punished, Wei Yichen’s own ability was a significant factor.

It was said that Wei Yichen had performed well in his duties over the past half a year, not forming cliques for personal gain, and had thus won the Emperor’s approval.

After hearing the news from a servant, the expressions on Wei Minghong and Wei Mingyong were simply awful.

Old Madam Wei looked at her eldest son Wei Minghong and second son Wei Mingyong, both with ashen expressions, and said, “It seems that Yichen didn’t make any mistakes with his actions. Breaking off relations with you two has preserved the Third Branch. The only one making contributions to the Wei Family now is someone from the third branch.”

Hearing Old Madam Wei’s words, everyone realized for the first time her agreement to Wei Yichen’s unreasonable demands was rooted in these considerations.

“Mother, if Yichen knew in advance that the Qi Family would run into trouble, why didn’t he tell us earlier? Why did he use such a roundabout way? This is clearly him only looking out for himself, ignoring our life and death!” Wei Mingyong complained.

“Yes, Mother, you can’t be so partial. The Third Branch is safe, but what about us in the First and Second Branch?” Wei Minghong added.

Although Wei Minghong didn’t get along with Wei Mingyong, on this issue, their viewpoints were aligned.

“Madam, did you know about this all along?” Old Master Wei looked at his wife beside him, surprised.

“I had only guessed Yichen’s plan, but wasn’t completely sure. Yichen is an intelligent child, who always handles his affairs calmly. At that time, I felt that there must be a reason behind his actions that wasn’t just impulse, that’s why I had this thought,” Madam Wei explained.

“I see. No wonder you agreed back then,” Old Master Wei finally understood. At the time, he had accused his wife, but now it seemed that she had a foresight far beyond his own.

“But Mother, what can we do now?” Wei Mingyong asked urgently.

“Yes, Mother, you can’t be so partial. The Third Branch is safe, what about us in the First and Second Branch?” echoed Wei Minghong.