Chapter 16

The Grand Tutor’s tone did not change in the slightest.

As soon as he finished speaking, guards came forward and dragged Ping’er away.

Terrified, Ping’er screamed, “Fourth Madam… Third Miss! Miss, save me! Save Ping’er!”

Shang Yunxiang had not expected the Grand Tutor to say such words and was so frightened that her face turned pale.

She hurriedly pleaded, “Grand Tutor, Ping’er has done wrong, but she does not deserve to die!”

Wei Lenghou cast her a deep glance and said, “Harming the imperial body is a crime that implicates nine generations of a family. If she does not die, do you intend to bear this monstrous crime yourself? Go back to your courtyard and reflect behind closed doors. As for that servant, do not mention her again.”

With those words, Shang Yunxiang was left standing there, face ashen.

Meanwhile, Grand Tutor Wei departed swiftly like the wind.

Eunuch Ruan followed behind, pondering why the Grand Tutor was so furious.

Could it be that the newlywed had bullied Consort Yun, and the Grand Tutor, after all, still could not forget his past affection?

Before he could make sense of it, the Grand Tutor spoke again, tossing out another command: “Eunuch Ruan, since Consort Yun has the leisure to keep cats, it shows that the palace is well-supplied with food and goods. The court is currently short on funds, and the common folk are struggling. Naturally, it is best to practice some frugality. From now on, reduce her palace allowances.”

Eunuch Ruan immediately acknowledged the order, understanding that hard days had arrived for Consort Yun! The Grand Tutor’s thoughts were truly puzzling.

The Shang sisters had each received ‘fifty floggings’, and a beauty had been severely punished—was it really just to vent the Emperor’s anger?

At that thought, even he found it laughable.

How could that be?

That night, more than half of Consort Yun’s palace furnishings were removed.

She also changed out of the red dress her former lover had once praised and sat sorrowfully in a plain white gown, watching as the eunuchs carried things away.

She could only assume that her sister had whispered slander into Wei Lenghou’s ear, leading to such treatment.

Indeed, one only hears the laughter of the new, never the weeping of the old!

Wei Lenghou, to think that you would persecute me for the sake of a new love.

From now on, there is no love between us—only hatred remains!

Yet, despite her firm resolve, the tears on her cheeks would not stop flowing…

After that day, the tale of Grand Tutor Wei’s righteous judgment against his own kin quickly spread throughout the streets.

The scandal of his drunken intrusion into the imperial palace finally began to fade, much to the satisfaction of Grand Secretary Wu, who had been ordered to reflect at home.

Even the few strands of his goatee that had curled up in worry now relaxed slightly.

But one man found himself restless—Assistant Minister of War, Shang Ningxuan.

Initially, he had thought that sending his legitimate sister to the palace would help him draw closer to the Grand Tutor.

He never expected that his sister’s little tricks would be utterly useless.

And that Consort Yun—just like her short-sighted concubine mother—was utterly foolish!

The two sisters had schemed against each other, only to both end up ruined, dragging the Grand Tutor’s reputation down with them.

Worst of all, they had made his own career path perilous.

Damn them!

Shang Ningxuan did not sleep a wink that night, instead contemplating his next move.

A few days later, the skies were clear.

It was a day off from court duties, and he was set to accompany the Grand Tutor to inspect a newly forged batch of weapons at the Bureau of Armaments.

He intended to use this opportunity to probe the Grand Tutor’s true sentiments.

The batch of swords and spears had been cast using a new forging method.

The formula for the pig iron had been provided by the Grand Tutor, producing weapons with an eerie chill, exceptionally durable and razor-sharp.

The strange formula was clearly not from the traditional ironworking methods of the Central Plains.

Who knew where the resourceful Grand Tutor had obtained it?

Wei Lenghou swung a crescent-shaped horse-tripping lance and asked, “Has this been tested? Does the blade nick after cutting a horse’s leg?”

The overseer below quickly responded, saying that weapons forged with this new method were highly durable—they had been used to cut the legs of over a dozen horses without sustaining any damage.

Wei Lenghou nodded in satisfaction and instructed the Bureau of Armaments to accelerate production, ensuring that the required quantity was completed within five days.

He then picked up a small bow from the tray held by the overseer beside him.

This small bow had been specially ordered by the Grand Tutor a few days prior.

It was exquisitely crafted, with a fine birch wood frame that was highly elastic yet not too heavy.

The bow’s body was adorned with intricate carvings and inlaid with a circle of bright gemstones—luxurious without adding much weight.

The grip had already been wrapped in premium calfskin.

Grand Tutor Wei pulled at the bowstring, pondered for a moment, and said, “It’s too tight. Loosen the tension a little. Also, the leather is somewhat stiff and rough on the hands—wrap it with some silk velvet.”

The overseer quickly acknowledged the order, fully aware that there was no young master in the Grand Tutor’s household.

Besides, why would a boy’s bow be made with such delicate craftsmanship?

It had to be a custom-made plaything for a beloved concubine.

But just what kind of unparalleled beauty could make the Grand Tutor personally supervise the production and have the finest bowmaker craft this toy-like small bow?

Shang Ningxuan was not as foolish as his two sisters and had no interest in pondering the Grand Tutor’s romantic affairs.

What truly unsettled him was that, as the Assistant Minister of War, he oversaw the Bureau of Armaments.

All weapon manufacturing had to go through him.

Yet, ever since the Grand Tutor ordered him to secretly oversee the forging of this batch of weapons, he had never made it clear what they were meant for.

He had only stated that it was to test a newly acquired pig iron formula, and if the resulting weapons proved satisfactory, they would be used to upgrade the Imperial Guards’ armaments.

At first, the quantity of these weapons was small.

But every few days, the order was renewed, and only now did Shang Ningxuan suddenly realize that the cumulative total had become staggering!

It was enough to equip not just ten Imperial Guards but an entire army for a large-scale war.

What was the Grand Tutor planning?

Even more terrifying was the fact that, as the Assistant Minister of War, why had the Grand Tutor refused to reveal his intentions to him?

Carrying this unease, Shang Ningxuan invited the Grand Tutor to Dingbo Tower for a drink after their inspection.

That day, he had reserved the entire largest restaurant in the capital.

Though he could have simply summoned the chefs to his residence to prepare the banquet, Dingbo Tower offered a scenic view—an ideal spot to admire the snow and the scent of plum blossoms.

On ordinary days, the place would be bustling with distinguished guests, but today, the restaurant had been cleared in advance, leaving it solemn and quiet—perfect for casual conversation and for strengthening the bond between a brother-in-law and his sister’s husband.

However, just as they arrived at the entrance, they were met with a loud and unreasonable commotion.

“Who the hell is holding a funeral here? Reserving such a massive restaurant? Even a prince like me is turned away? You lowly dogs look down on people too much! I’d say you don’t want to do business anymore!”

As Grand Tutor Wei and his guards rode up to the restaurant’s entrance, the fat man standing atop a carriage, whip in hand, finally ceased his shouting.

His face instantly twisted in terror.

“Oh dear! Grand Tutor! What a coincidence to run into you here… This… this restaurant isn’t reserved by you, is it?”

As he spoke, sweat beads suddenly burst from his greasy, plump face.

The one making a scene was a prince of the imperial Nie family.

His ancestors had been the elder brothers of the founding emperor and had fought alongside him to establish the dynasty, securing generations of wealth and honor.

Unfortunately, that legacy had now produced this idle and useless Prince Anrong.

Nie Sheng, Prince Anrong, had been cursing with enthusiasm, but upon realizing that the restaurant had been reserved for the Grand Tutor, he immediately regretted his words, wishing he could swallow his own tongue.

Perhaps it was because the weather was exceptionally pleasant that day, but the Grand Tutor surprisingly did not show any anger.

Instead, he amiably extended an invitation, “Since we’re here for drinks, let’s set aside courtly etiquette for the moment. The more, the merrier.”

Nie Sheng, being a man with no sense of decorum, had initially feared being punished.

But upon hearing the Grand Tutor’s invitation, he saw it as a golden opportunity to get closer to the most powerful figure in the court.

Overjoyed, he accepted without hesitation.

Trailing behind, Shang Ningxuan clenched his fists in frustration, wishing he could sever that fat pig of a prince’s head and kick it to the farthest reaches of the sky.

Then, just as Prince Anrong descended from his carriage, another figure stepped out—a delicate and beautiful youth, slender in stature and dressed in pink, his low-cut collar revealing a hint of his collarbone.

His brows were finely painted, and his face bore an unmistakable air of debauchery.

It seemed that Prince Anrong had now advanced to another level of indulgence—playing with young men.

The Grand Tutor said nothing, but Shang Ningxuan had to speak up, stepping forward to block the way.

“Prince Anrong, accompanying the Grand Tutor for drinks is one thing, but there’s no need to bring along unrelated individuals, is there?”

Prince Anrong cursed himself inwardly for being foolish.

Just as he was about to order the youth to leave, the Grand Tutor unexpectedly interjected, “Tonight is for relaxation. Let’s set aside the formalities of the court. A lively banquet is best.”

Prince Anrong burst into hearty laughter.

Shang Ningxuan, too, cursed himself for being a fool and hurriedly instructed the guards behind him to head to the music halls and summon a few outstanding musicians and songstresses to liven up the gathering.

Just like that, the heavily made-up young man followed them upstairs.

Once they were seated by the window, the dishes were served one after another.

The melodious sound of the qin began to play, accompanied by the soft, delicate singing of the songstresses, filling the banquet with an atmosphere of warmth and indulgence.

After Prince Anrong and Shang Ningxuan toasted the Grand Tutor, the Grand Tutor suddenly asked, “Prince Anrong, I have heard that your youngest daughter is soon to be married. May I ask which young gentleman she is betrothed to?”

Prince Anrong’s plump face stiffened slightly before he forced a smile and said, “Since childhood, my daughter has been engaged to Wang Mao, the commandant of Pingxi.”

The Grand Tutor smiled.

“Wang Mao? He is indeed a promising young man. If I remember correctly, he is also the nephew of Prince Anxi, is he not? A fine match, strengthening ties between noble families.”

Prince Anrong knew well that the Grand Tutor and Prince Anxi did not get along.

He was worried the Grand Tutor might take issue with the matter, but the remark was made so lightly that he felt a wave of relief.

“After all, we are all of the imperial family. Marrying my daughter into his household ensures she will be well taken care of. But if you, Grand Tutor, were to consider taking a proper wife, I would cancel any engagement in an instant and marry my daughter into your household instead! You are the finest young talent in all of Great Wei, after all! Hahaha…”

Prince Anrong laughed heartily, his fat trembling with amusement.

Meanwhile, Shang Ningxuan was so furious he nearly ground his teeth to dust.

His own younger sister was already a concubine in the Grand Tutor’s household, yet this useless prince had the audacity to dream of becoming the Grand Tutor’s father-in-law!

What an oblivious, incompetent fool!

Yet, he had to admit he admired the Grand Tutor.

This so-called “Cold-Faced Yama” had not earned his name for nothing.

How was it that today, of all days, he was tolerating such cold humor from Prince Anrong and even laughing along?

“Your Highness, you flatter me,” the Grand Tutor said with a faint smile.

“But you must know that Prince Anxi has long held some misunderstandings about me. The imperial treasury is strained, and we still need his cooperation. Maintaining such hostility between us serves no good purpose. Rather than letting things remain as they are, it would be better to extend some goodwill. I have recently come into possession of a fine treasure—an exquisite bed made entirely of the highest-quality jade. Such a large piece of flawless jade is rare indeed. In the summer, lying on it provides excellent relief from the heat. Since summers are long and scorching in Pingxi, I thought this humble gift might be well received by Prince Anxi.”

Prince Anrong’s eyes widened in shock.

He had seen that jade bed before—pure, translucent green jade! Even the smallest fragment chipped from it was worth a fortune.

With masterful craftsmanship, it had been carved into a bed of unparalleled elegance. So it was in the Grand Tutor’s possession all along!

Hearing the Grand Tutor’s words, Prince Anrong quickly beamed and said, “Prince Anxi adores collecting rare treasures! My daughter’s wedding procession departs the day after tomorrow. Grand Tutor, simply have your people send this treasure to my residence, and I will ensure it reaches him!”

The Grand Tutor waved a hand with a smile.

“Transporting the jade bed requires disassembling its mechanisms, which is a laborious task. I have ordered it to be carefully packed, and I will send several dozen skilled jade craftsmen along with your daughter’s wedding convoy to ensure its proper reassembly. It would be a shame if such a gift arrived in pieces.”

Prince Anrong had originally intended to enjoy the jade bed himself first—what a delight it would be to lounge upon it with a fair-skinned beauty! But unfortunately, the Grand Tutor was not giving him that chance.

Still, the prospect of mending ties between the Grand Tutor and Prince Anxi was beneficial to him as well.

With this thought, he burst into laughter and readily agreed.

Then, he wrapped an arm around the beautiful young man beside him and downed another cup of wine.

The young man had a frail physique, his eyes full of seductive charm.

As he leaned softly into the prince’s embrace, his entire demeanor exuded an unmistakable air of decadence.

At that moment, Prince Anrong suddenly noticed the Grand Tutor’s eyes fixated intently on the youth in his arms.

In an instant, he understood why the Grand Tutor had allowed the boy to join the banquet.

So the Grand Tutor had a taste for this as well!

No wonder he had never taken a proper wife!