Chapter 676 - 669_1
"Master Ceng, there is no need to be so agitated; can we not discuss matters calmly? Lady Lin might just be a commoner without any title, but her husband is serving the Emperor and has established no small amount of merit. That is why the Emperor has specially sent this old servant to bestow a reward upon Lady Lin. Should anyone dare to bully his family while Zhao is away on the Emperor’s business, the Emperor will certainly not let it pass," Eunuch Li said, his tone becoming heavier toward the end. He hoped that Ceng Lu would understand the hint; otherwise, he would have no choice but to openly side with Lady Lin. Offending someone as insignificant as Ceng Lu was better than losing the Emperor’s favor.
As expected, Ceng Lu was someone who lacked insight. Because he didn’t take Eunuch Li seriously, feeling he was just a eunuch, he was furious that Li was interfering with his affairs. His hesitation was only due to the Emperor. His face turned extremely ugly, showing no sign of compromise.
Quan An was not as short-sighted as the steward who only knew his own interests and instigated Ceng Lu. He knew that if Ceng Lu antagonized Eunuch Li, there would be no good outcome. Not to mention Eunuch Li’s established position within the Palace, but the fact that Li was representing the Emperor this time held different weight. Challenging Lin Yue in front of Eunuch Li might have consequences even more severe than what Li had hinted.
"Master, what Eunuch Li says makes sense. Although Lady Lin was disrespectful, offending you, let’s look at the bigger picture. Considering her husband serves the Emperor, it might be best to let this matter slide. After all, she is just an uninformed woman, not worth the trouble," Eunuch Li said, knowing it might offend Lin Yue but also understanding Ceng Lu’s temper. If he didn’t phrase it this way, Ceng Lu might do something rash.
"Well then, since Quan An has spoken, I won’t bother myself with a petty woman," Ceng Lu eventually conceded. The advice from Quan An resonated somewhat with him, and he dared not provoke the Emperor’s ire. His family had already warned him, and he knew he would be expelled from the family should he cause any trouble. He also thought that there would be other opportunities to act against Lin Yue later; there was no need to confront Eunuch Li head-on now.
Having reconsidered, Ceng Lu promptly left with his entourage. Quan An wanted to say more, but, sensing his intention, the steward warned him sternly, "Quan An, the Master values you, so you should think of his interests as well. If you encourage the Master to stir up trouble for your own benefit, be mindful of the consequences. Don’t think you can escape if something happens to the Master. He is not of common birth, and if the household learns about it, they certainly won’t spare you either. Your status and position, let alone your official rank, will be the least of your worries."
This warning from the steward was not merely a threat; it carried a measure of truth. If Quan An dared to do anything that would drag down the Master, the household would never let it go lightly.