321 Visit
“It’s going to be Madam Beining’s birthday in a few days?” Lu Ze lowered his head and flexed his wrist before looking up at Zhou Hengchang, who was standing in front of him.
Zhou Hengchang didn’t know why Lu Ze would ask this, but he still replied very honestly, “Yes, the invitation was sent home before the new year.”
Moreover, because of some in-law relationships, my family will probably help in advance.”
The four great families in the north had always had a close relationship. At first, it was because their ancestors had trusted each other and faced the enemy together. Later on, because of their deeply intertwined relationship, they became even closer and it was difficult for them to be separated.
This might be able to connect the four families and make their positions more stable and safe, but this wasn’t a good thing for the Imperial Court.
There were naturally people in the family who had already seen the potential danger, such as Zhou Hengchang and the son of Marquis Beining, Song Minghui.
However, most of them still rode on the coattails of their ancestors’ contributions and were unwilling to face their families’ decline. They still dreamed of using their power to turn the tables again.
However, this was just their delusion!
“Yes.” Lu Ze nodded and turned to look at Zhou Hengchang. “What do you plan to do with the Zhou family?”
“The Zhou family is already thoroughly corrupt.” Zhou Hengchang lowered his eyes slightly and thought about the situation at home. Then, he explained to Lu Ze calmly, “Back then, when the Zhou family followed Emperor Taizu, we still had a humble status.
At first, our neighbors avoided us like the plague. However, later on, the Zhou family’s military merits were conferred and for some reason, more and more people appeared in the family.
You probably know a little about my family background.
My parents and brothers are dissatisfied with everything I have now, so in order to snatch the Zhou family’s army from me, they’re recruiting help from the clan.
Those elders who were not family to begin with have become more and more unreasonable over the years.”
“Do as you see fit.” Lu Ze patted Zhou Hengchang’s shoulder gently. “I’ll have to trouble you to look over Duke Huai Yang’s ministry for a few more days. Things will probably be over soon.”
Although Zhou Hengchang didn’t know what Lu Ze wanted to do, his intuition told him that it was best not to ask too much.
Therefore, he replied respectfully. Then, he watched as Lu Ze quickly left with the cavalry.
Since it was Madam Beining’s birthday, it was definitely inconvenient for Zhou Ningqian to continue to stay in Lin Suisui’s house to recuperate. However, with Song Minghui’s instructions, even though the old lady’s birthday was in five days, Zhou Ningqian still stayed in the back residence without leaving.
Zhou Ningqian knew what was going on, so she remained calm. However, the others in Marquis Beining’s ministry, such as Madam Beining, couldn’t stand it anymore. Under pressure from all sides, she couldn’t help but enter General Wei Bei’s residence.
Compared to the previous time, Madam Beining, who had been taught a lesson, was much more low-key and well-behaved this time. Moreover, unlike last time, she didn’t bring her concubine’s sister-in-law along to help. She only brought Mrs. Wang, who was closest to her, and even handed over a visitation card a day in advance. After receiving approval, she came again early the next morning with a large cart of gifts.
Because of the visitation card, Lin Suisui agreed to see the low-spirited Madam Beining.
“Madam, I came this time to apologize for disturbing you last time. I failed to discipline my family properly!
Secondly, I want to thank you for taking care of Ningqian for so many days. I heard from Minghui that if not for your help, Ningqian would have been in danger.
Logically speaking, I should come to thank you.”
When Madam Beining saw Lin Suisui, although her tone was still cautious, her attitude was appropriate.
She glanced at Lin Suisui’s expression. Seeing that Lin Suisui was calm and didn’t seem angry, she heaved a sigh of relief and continued, “The main reason I came this time is to bring Ningqian back to the residence.
Madam also knew that Old Madam Beining’s birthday was only a few days away. Zhou Ningqia was the eldest son’s wife, so it would be unreasonable if she didn’t go back and kowtow to Old Madam Beining.
Therefore…”
“Madam, you also said just now that it wasn’t easy to keep Ningqian’s child. Then, have you thought about how to help Ningqian when you guys go back?”
Lin Suisui put down the teacup in her hand calmly and looked up as she interrupted Madam Beining.
“Of course. When Ningqian goes back, I’ll definitely take care of her myself. Nothing will go wrong.” Madam Beining laughed wryly. Although she knew that at her current age, it was a little embarrassing to act so humble in front of a girl younger than her daughter-in-law, she had no choice.
She was young, but she had married a big shot!
General Wei Bei’s wife…
Her husband was capable, so she…
Her greatest advantage was that she knew how to be flexible. She was at a disadvantage in the current situation, so she could only compromise. Just like when she faced the wife of the general who stabilized the north, didn’t she also compromise and admit defeat?
“Then how do you plan to take care of her?” Lin Suisui didn’t intend to let Madam Beining brush things over so vaguely. She said bluntly, “Now, all of Marquis Beining’s affairs are handled by Yu Niang.”
Madam, you can’t even protect yourself, so how can you protect Ningqian?
Moreover, the previous dispute hasn’t been resolved yet. Yu Niang and the others are waiting for you to bring Ningqian back so that they can use her to force Mr. Pei to release the women from the Imperial City.
How can I be at ease with leaving Ningqian to you?
I promised Mr. Pei that I would protect Ningqian’s child. Madam, you can’t fool me with your performance.”
“But isn’t this what I should do?” Marquis Beining’s wife gripped her handkerchief. After a while, she looked at Lin Suisui and explained, “Minghui is the heir, and she’s the wife of the heir. She’s the wife of the future Marquis Beining. This is also for the sake of our family and to show filial piety. How can she be so narrow-minded?”