At that time, Fan Zehao, in the Fang residence, was completely unaware that he had been banished to the north.
Still enthusiastically chatting with his godfather, in the study, Fan Zehao voiced his curious question: "Godfather, you asked me to promote Fang Mingjiang?"
Fang Jingchen's expression flickered, then he shook his head after a moment: "It's not about promotion, but rather that your godfather entrusted him to you. If, one day, something happens to him in the imperial court, I would ask you to put in a good word for him out of respect for your godfather."
"This is not a big problem, Godfather can rest assured." He immediately agreed.
This was not a big issue; it was merely a few words from him, not difficult at all.
The two chatted for a long time until nightfall, when Fan Zehao finally led his wife back to their residence.
On the way, she brought up the matter of Ran Ye wanting to adopt a son. Fan Zehao shrugged upon hearing this, a hint of disdain on his face.
"Ran Ye desperately wanted her second son, Fang Zhiwei, to be adopted by Godfather. But Godfather values his illegitimate son, Fang Mingjiang. Ran Ye, as the legitimate mother, didn't want Godfather's entire fortune to fall into the hands of an illegitimate son. This led to a stalemate. So, Godfather's final decision was that neither would inherit; his estate would be confiscated by the state upon his death."
How dramatic! Ran Ye had managed to lose everything this time!
No matter how bad Fang Mingjiang was, or how he was an illegitimate son, he was still an official of the court, holding the position of Vice Minister of Personnel at such a young age.
He was much younger than Jiang Song, the Left Vice Minister of Personnel, and with time, vying for the position of Minister of Personnel was not out of the question.
If Ran Ye were smart, why would she still bother the illegitimate son and insist that her legitimate son always be superior to the illegitimate one? She didn't consider which was more important: business or official career. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
Fan Zehao held her small hand and whispered earnestly, "When a man has many wives and concubines, there are many troubles. Fortunately, in our home, you are the only one, and that is enough."
Zhao Jiaqi pursed her lips and smiled sweetly. The two dimples on her cheeks were very noticeable, captivating him so much that he almost lost control and acted right there.
As soon as they stepped through the door, they saw Wang Zhanlin drinking tea in the residence. The tea in his cup had become clear broth, indicating he had arrived quite early.
"By imperial decree, the Prince and Princess Consort, receive the decree!" Wang Zhanlin quickly put down his teacup and loudly announced.
"This subject, this subject's wife, receives the decree!"
The two knelt on the ground simultaneously. The servants in the main hall also knelt, quietly listening to the Grand Eunuch Wang read the imperial edict.
"By the grace of Heaven, We decree: Henceforth, Prince Zhen, Fan Zehao... Respect this!"
"We thank Your Majesty for your grace. Long live the Emperor, long live, long live, long live!"
Fan Zehao respectfully accepted the imperial edict and handed it over to the steward. Only then did Wang Zhanlin bend down and say a few personal words to him.
"Your Highness, the Emperor originally did not wish for you to leave the capital for your fiefdom. However, Prince Jin argued that ancestral customs are like this and should not be treated lightly. And now, Prince Xiaoyao, Huangfu Xu, and Prince Xian, Huangfu Xian, will also be leaving the capital for their fiefdoms after the New Year, along with Your Highness."
"The Emperor pities Your Highness and knows that you miss your home, so he has bestowed upon you the five prefectures and six counties in the north as your fiefdom. This way, you can often return to visit your old home," Wang Zhanlin said, not daring to breathe loudly. His ability to lie with a straight face was remarkable, his eyes not even blinking.
Only outsiders would believe this. Fan Zehao and Zhao Jiaqi didn't believe it at all.
However, this suited the couple perfectly. They themselves admitted they weren't clever enough for the intrigue of the capital and preferred not to be involved.
Furthermore, the Emperor was old. Even with a crown prince, the struggles for succession throughout history had been numerous. Leaving the capital now would help them avoid being embroiled in the war for the throne.
It would be better to return to their own territory and focus wholeheartedly on building their careers.
Fan Zehao smiled genuinely. He had no lingering attachment to the capital. "The Emperor truly treats this humble subject well, always considering my needs. Eunuch Wang, please return and inform His Majesty that this humble subject will come to the palace tomorrow to express his gratitude."
Wang Zhanlin nodded profusely, not daring to linger for a moment. He even refused the silver notes that Zhao Jiaqi gave him as a reward and left the prince's residence almost without his feet touching the ground.
Seeing this, the couple smiled broadly and returned to the rear courtyard together.
As the New Year approached, Xu Dong's whip wounds had slightly improved. He eagerly sought out his elder brother, wearing a look of misery: "Brother, I want to marry Pingting. Give me some advice on what I should do."
Fan Zehao merely glanced at him: "It's your own marriage; you decide. What do you need me for? It's not like I'm marrying her!"
"Don't say that, Brother. I'm already this old. Can you stand by and watch me remain a bachelor? After the New Year, I'll be returning to the fiefdom with you. If I don't settle this now, it'll be too late."
"I'm returning to my fiefdom, and you're going to the border—it's not the same thing!"
Fan Xudong froze, his mind spinning rapidly. He quickly retorted, "It's the same. The border is within the jurisdiction of your fiefdom. As long as your manor is located in the prefectural city of the border, it'll be fine!"
It had to be said, in this regard, Fan Xudong's subtle machinations were quite appropriate.
Just last night, the couple had discussed and decided that the prince's residence would be located in a prefecture near the border, and today he had used this to his advantage.
However, he had heard from his wife that the Imperial Noble Consort, Yao Jingyun, was strongly opposed to Pingting and Xu Dong's matter.
Marrying a princess would likely be extremely difficult!
"You go back first. I'll go to the palace later to explain this matter to the Emperor and see his reaction before making a decision."
He felt as if he had been given a shot of confidence and immediately thanked him. He obsequiously served him tea, talking a great deal, but only received a white look from Fan Zehao.
"Flattering me is useless. Think about how to get your sister-in-law to forgive you. Otherwise, with your meager salary and the emperor's gifts, do you think you can propose marriage?"
His words struck him to the core, like a thunderbolt.
He walked on the path to find his elder sister-in-law, pulling out a few strands of his hair.
He wondered why his elder brother had married so easily, while his own marriage was fraught with difficulty at every step.
In the palace, Qixia Palace.
The Emperor sat on a soft couch, the Imperial Noble Consort beside him, her face full of grievance. She looked at Huangfu Jintao with teary eyes.
She bit her lips and said pitifully, "Your Majesty, I have only one daughter. I raised her so tenderly by my side, naturally, I want to find a match of equal standing. Although Fan Xudong is brave and resourceful, and has achieved many military merits, he is, after all, a mere military man. Perhaps... what will happen to Pingting then!"
"Your Majesty~~" She shook Huangfu Jintao's arm, her tears falling like broken strings of pearls.
The Emperor was in a dilemma. On one hand, he had his beloved consort, and Princess Pingting, whom he had doted on since childhood. On the other hand, he had the newly enfeoffed prince.
Although Fan Xudong lacked the astuteness of his cousin Fan Zehao, he was also skilled in warfare.
A second-rank general was indeed not good enough for Pingting, especially considering she was from a farming family, not only lacking in wealth but also potentially unable to endure hardship.
Clenching his fists hidden in his robes, he hesitated: "My dear minister, please return for now. Allow me to consider this carefully."
Fan Zehao lowered his gaze. He did not press further for his brother, as he had noticed a flicker of disdain in the Emperor's eyes.
Moreover, the Imperial Noble Consort repeatedly spoke of unequal standing and disdained military men. Rather than desperately groveling, it was better to let fate take its course.
"This humble subject takes his leave!" He bowed and retreated from the hall.