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"The Third Prince should be trapped on the river by now. He won’t be back for at least ten days to half a month.”
His people would make sure Xiao Zhonghua was properly 'taken care of'.
Old Madam Wei didn’t say things like ‘How dare you plot against a prince, such outrageous treason.’
After all, their Wei family had once been too honest and loyal, and what was the result they got?
If it weren’t for the seventh child staying in the capital to take the imperial exam instead of going to the battlefield, then he likely would’ve ended up becoming a corpse.
"What about the three children?" Old Madam Wei asked.
Wei Ting replied, “Dahu, Erhu, and Xiaohu are in a safe place. I’ll bring them back after a while. For now, it’s best not to draw attention.”
“Dahu, Erhu, Xiaohu?” Old Madam Wei frowned. "You came up with those nicknames?”
Wei Ting’s expression remained unchanged. "Mm…"
Old Madam Wei wanted to see the three children, but considering the current situation in the capital, she decided it wouldn’t hurt to wait a little longer.
After all, she had already waited two or three years, what difference would a few more days make?
Then, Old Madam Wei added, "Your fifth sister-in-law told me that you took advantage of a girl?”
Wei Ting smiled, “That’s not true. Fifth sister-in-law misunderstood.”
“It better be a misunderstanding! Don’t you go messing around with improper women before you’re even married!”
“Grandmother, do I look like that kind of person?”
“You don’t look like it,” said Old Madam Wei, “You are.”
Wei Ting: ……This family’s sharp tongue is hereditary. No wonder I’m like this.
Old Madam Wei didn’t dwell on the topic for long. “Your cousin’s family brought up the engagement again. They’re asking when you’ll leave monastic life.”
Wei Ting said, “His Majesty hasn’t issued an imperial decree…”
“Do you really care about that decree?” Old Madam Wei knew this grandson of hers too well.
The Emperor had only been momentarily cornered by him and left with no way to back down, but if Wei Ting truly wanted to return to secular life, he had plenty of ways to make it happen.
"Princess Lingxi has already obtained an imperial decree from the Grand Empress Dowager. With just your nod of approval, Her Majesty would immediately release you from your monastic vows. What? You are unwilling?”
Wei Ting withdrew the hint of carefreeness and defiance from his expression and replied seriously, “Grandmother, I cannot marry her.”
Old Madam Wei's voice turned sharp. "This betrothal was arranged before either of you were born. Do you think you can simply discard it at will? Princess Hui'an has set her sights on you for her consort. Of course you cannot marry her, even if you were willing, I would never allow it.”
In the Great Zhou Dynasty, a consort prince was not allowed to hold an official post at court. That meant Wei Ting would have to resign from his position as a general and hand over his military power.
“You’ve caught Princess Hui’an’s eye. What noble family would dare marry their daughter to you? Doing so would be challenging an imperial princess for snatching her consort. Aside from Princess Lingxi, you won't find another soul in the capital willing to offend Princess Hui'an.”
Wei Ting responded coolly, “I wasn’t the one engaged to Princess Lingxi originally.”
Old Madam Wei said coldly, “Yes, it was your Sixth Brother! But he’s gone! And now, as the only remaining man of the Wei family, you, Wei Ting, must take on this marriage!”
Wei Ting fell silent.
After a long pause, Wei Ting looked into Old Madam Wei’s eyes and shamelessly said, “Grandmother, I’m impotent.”
Old Madam Wei: “???”
Outside the room, Mrs. Jiang, Mrs. Lan and Mrs. Chen were sneakily crouched at the door, either pressing their ears against the door crack or trying to peek in through it.
"What are you all doing?”
A stern voice suddenly sounded behind them. The three of them jumped in fright, scrambling to their feet as they turned around awkwardly to greet the newcomers.
"Eldest sister-in-law, second sister-in-law.”
The one who had spoken was Mrs. Chu, the eldest sister-in-law.
Beside her stood Mrs. Li, the second sister-in-law.
Mrs. Chu was a serious woman who rarely smiled. Within the household, aside from Old Madam Wei, she commanded the most authority.
She asked, “Xiao Qi is back?”
Mrs. Jiang whispered, “He’s inside talking with Grandmother.”