Chapter 280 - 279: Pit of Fire
Lan Ci was brought into the top-floor box, where there was only Young General Wei.
He cupped his hands, "Young General, do you have something important to discuss with me?"
His attitude was humble, yet the composed demeanor made Young General Wei very displeased.
Could such a person truly not harbor secret thoughts, biting him in the back?
Under the suspicious gaze of Young General Wei, Lan Ci took a seat opposite him.
Immediately, a waiter brought in a few plates of snacks.
"Ruyi Residence is owned by my sister-in-law, and these specialty snacks are quite popular. Since it’s rare for you to come by, it’s only right for me to host and let you taste Ruyi Residence’s tea snacks."
The man opposite did not respond, merely savoring the cup of tea in his hand.
Lan Ci was in no hurry, simply waiting quietly for the other to speak.
Endurance was Young General Wei’s weak point.
Before even half a cup of tea’s time passed, he couldn’t help but ask, "Has Miss Xie agreed to this marriage?"
Lan Ci showed a troubled expression, "At today’s banquet there were many elegant young noblemen, and Mrs. Ji seemed more enthusiastic towards two of them."
Young General Wei, already lacking patience, grew more anxious hearing this.
If Xie Yun Ling married a noble family son, even if he divorced Zhao Yuqing in the future, marrying Xie Yun Ling would be impossible.
Three years down the line, who could say for certain.
Perhaps by then, he might change his mind and no longer wish to marry Xie Yun Ling.
But he wanted to keep an option open for himself.
So, the one Xie Yun Ling must marry was Lan Ci.
This person had no footing in the capital, and even with the support of the Xie Family, rising to power within a few years was impossible.
With this thought, Young General Wei felt somewhat relieved.
No matter what schemes he might have, they were useless against true power.
Inconspicuously, he let out a sigh.
"I’ve long heard of Mr. Lan’s wisdom and courage, which earned Miss Xie’s favor. Such a small matter, surely you can handle it?"
Lan Ci didn’t understand why the Wei Family insisted on matching him with Miss Xie.
He speculated whether this Young General Wei wanted to follow Xu Zhou’s path.
Intentionally marrying the Xie family’s children to those without power, thereby weakening the Xie family.
But seeing Young General Wei’s expression, he felt something was off.
His concern for Miss Xie was extraordinary.
He rubbed his finger against the pattern on the cup, "Miss Xie is the legitimate daughter of Duke Mansion, destined to marry into a noble family. My methods... may not be of use."
Young General Wei’s face darkened.
He cursed internally: ’Useless!’
Sarcastically, he said, "Are you still pinning for that child bride?"
Lan Ci showed humiliation, "My sister-in-law and I are innocent, Young General, please speak carefully."
With that, his expression turned regretful and uneasy.
He stared intently into Lan Ci’s eyes.
Young General Wei wondered, is this man truly a coward, or is he just acting to let down his guard?
"Don’t beat around the bush with me. I have only one requirement, no matter what means you use, this marriage must be arranged!"
Lan Ci sighed, "To have the Lord’s approval is already my great fortune; I dare not hope for more."
He drank the tea in his cup in one gulp, Young General Wei said, "When necessary, I will help you."
Lan Ci lowered his gaze, staring at the pattern on the cup, staying silent for a long time.
When Young General Wei grew impatient, Lan Ci slowly said, "My sister-in-law often says, ’The sky won’t drop pies,’ I’m truly curious, why would you help me?"
"Don’t ask what shouldn’t be asked."
If the Xie Family discovered his intentions, they would surely not allow Xie Yun Ling to marry Lan Ci.
They might even use the opportunity of the imperial consort selection to send Xie Yun Ling into the palace, crushing his hopes.
With the Emperor’s and Xie Yun Zhen’s friendship, Xie Yun Ling entering the palace could surely attain a consort’s position.
If favored by the Emperor, she could be elevated to an Imperial Concubine, maybe even the chief Imperial Concubine.
This was not the outcome Young General Wei wanted to see.
Firstly, he wanted to marry Xie Yun Ling. If she entered the palace, there’d be no chance at all.
Secondly, Xie Yun Ling, with her innocent charm, was the type many men favored. If she became favored, it would threaten his sister’s position.
Thirdly, Princess An He’s lineage from the Prince Mansion, combined with Duke Mansion under Xie Yun Zhen’s rule and the external family’s might, had roots even deeper than the Wei Family.
If Xie Yun Ling entered the palace and gained favor, her network would fully support her.
By then, which son would ascend to the throne would be uncertain.
Both publicly and privately, he had to ensure the matter between Xie Yun Ling and Lan Ci was settled.
The less Young General Wei said, the deeper Lan Ci’s suspicions grew.
Miss Xie was a powerless young lady; it was unnecessary to target her so early for the Wei Family’s interests.
His eyes shifted slightly, and a plan formed in his mind.
Lan Ci raised his cup, "Then I thank Young General for your support."
Young General Wei snorted coldly, "Remember your identity, and don’t get any ideas you shouldn’t."
Since the dust hasn’t settled, he couldn’t reveal his whole plan.
It had to be taken step by step.
Otherwise, if Lan Ci turned around and betrayed him, he’d be deeply entangled.
Fortunately, after the Lantern Festival, Xie Yun Zhen would be leaving the capital. Without this deity, things would go much smoother.
In less than two ke (a quarter of an hour), Young General Wei left Ruyi Residence.
Liu Xu was in the neighboring box calculating accounts, seated by the window. Standing up, she saw Young General Wei’s carriage.
The Wei family had previously threatened her, making it hard for her to do business in the capital.
They also told her to be sensible, not to cause trouble that would affect Lan Ci and Miss Xie’s marriage.
Liu Xu had dealt with many people, from rural farmers, traders, to high-ranking officials in the capital.
This was her first time encountering someone operating like Young General Wei.
Liu Xu’s imagination began to work.
Could he be unable to cancel his engagement, so he deliberately found a weak husband for Miss Xie, planning to take her back later?
After all, Young General Wei had once proposed to Miss Xie in Jinluan Hall. Although the news was suppressed, those interested could still find out.
Young General Wei was now engaged and bound by the Emperor’s command.
Yet he harbored feelings for Miss Xie.
Seeing the Duke Mansion preparing a match for Xie Yun Ling, he had to find a suitable person to occupy her husband’s position.
And Lan Ci was that "lucky one."
After all, he appeared powerless, seemingly easy to intimidate.
The more Liu Xu thought about it, the more she felt she had uncovered the truth.
Though it was bizarre, humans themselves can be inexplicably strange.
She clicked her tongue, "If that’s the case, this man is quite shameless."
Rumor had it the Lord saved him on the battlefield, and he quickly schemed against the Lord’s sister.
What’s the difference between this and a thankless ingrate?
Luckily, Lan Ci isn’t a shameless opportunist, or else this Miss Xie would be falling into a pit of fire.
In three to five years, if Young General Wei lost interest, pretending nothing happened, Miss Xie’s life would be ruined.
She wouldn’t even have a place to appeal.
Liu Xu, having traversed over, was aware her values didn’t align with ancient people, so she never thought about starting a family.
Lan Ci, ten years her junior, provided her a place, so she treated him like a younger brother.
Now Lan Ci had come of age, no longer the child needing her care.
She could finally focus wholeheartedly on earning silver and enjoying single life.
As for raising a child for old age, she hadn’t thought much about it. Leaving her estate to Lan Ci’s children would do.
Gold and silver, you can’t take them with you in life or death.
As long as she fully enjoyed this life, she wouldn’t have regrets.
Currently, with Young General Wei threatening her, he became her enemy.
Against enemies, she wouldn’t hold back.
Liu Xu instructed the waiter at the door, "Ask Lan Ci to come, I have matters to discuss."