Chapter 642 - 635 - 1
In the Capital City, Ceng Lu’s behavior was truly unfathomable; outrageously wild to the extreme. Although many feared the power of the Ceng Family and Empress Ceng and dared not voice their dissatisfaction openly, only whispering in private, the roots of a family like the Cengs were not all that deep; they relied solely on the favor of the Emperor. True major households and aristocratic families were not afraid of them. And since Empress Ceng and the Ceng Family were merely pawns the Emperor used to counter the aristocratic families and balance the Imperial harem, a multitude took the opportunity to trample and criticize Ceng Lu once he slipped up.
Furthermore, not everyone on the Court was a spineless flatterer who only dared to simmer in silent anger; there were also upright officials courageous enough to speak their minds. After news of Ceng Lu’s conduct spread, quite a few officials filed reports against him. The Emperor, however, reacted in a way that puzzled many. After reading the petitions, he was visibly enraged, which led everyone to think he would lash out at Empress Ceng and the Ceng Household. Some even thought he would punish Ceng Lu. But afterwards, there was no action as if the event never occurred. Even as more and more petitions reached him, the Emperor dismissed them, leaving them unanswered, and the issue remained indefinitely on hold.
For the Ceng Family, the Emperor’s lack of outburst was a relief, but the absence of a clear outcome or stance left them feeling extremely anxious, fearing a severe punishment might be imposed at any moment. Even Empress Ceng, who had always been haughty within the palace walls, was now significantly more subdued. As time passed, the impact of the incident seemed to slowly fade away.
After Zheng Qin sent a message to the Ceng Family, they dispatched someone to reprimand Ceng Lu. This time, however, it wasn’t just any household servant but a member of the immediate family, someone who was twice Ceng Lu’s senior and bore the commands of the head of the household. This person not only scolded Ceng Lu but also sold off many of the servants he had brought along, blaming them for failing in their duty to advise their master. Only Ceng Lu’s butler and tutor escaped this fate, thanks to the earnest pleas of Zheng Qin, thus avoiding being sold or executed. Nevertheless, they were still severely reprimanded and beaten with wooden planks, though their lives were spared, and with proper care, they would recover and be able to continue serving Ceng Lu.
"Uncle, I’ve learned my lesson this time. I will fulfill my duties and ensure there are no further mistakes. Please reassure Grandfather, my Great-Uncles, and Father," Ceng Lu said cautiously, while handing a silver note worth a thousand taels to Ceng Hai from within his sleeve.
Ceng Hai took the silver note with a still unhappy look on his face, but his tone softened somewhat, thinking to himself that this youngster knew how to act appropriately, handing over as much as a thousand taels at once; he must have taken a tidy sum while in office.
"Hmph, this time I spared these two troublesome servants for your sake, letting them off with just a beating. If it had been father or your eldest brother, they would not have been so fortunate. Don’t make me any worthless promises; just consider the consequences if there is another incident. If it weren’t for the fact that the Court appointed you and our family dare not interfere, I would have taken you back with me this time instead of allowing you to cause trouble out here. Grandfather has declared that if even the slightest bit of bad news comes from your side again, you’ll no longer be his descendant, and our ties will be severed," Ceng Hai said sternly.
"Yes, yes, I remember," Ceng Lu hurriedly assured him, cursing inwardly, but not daring to show the slightest dissatisfaction on his face.
Seeing that Ceng Lu was sensible, Ceng Hai stayed in Xin’an City for one more night, filling his belly and collecting enough benefits before returning to the Capital City to report back.