Four Harmonies and Good Fortune

Chapter 315 Different
Wang Yan changed into his official robes and entered the palace to meet the emperor along with Xu En and others.

The emperor sat upright and waited for all the officials to pay their respects before immediately telling them to rise.

"The investigation in Daming Prefecture has been extremely difficult, and all of you have worked hard."

The Emperor's words pleased everyone, but they all knew he was speaking to Wang Yan. They had only been ordered to go to Daming Prefecture after Wang Yan's secret report to the capital, mainly to assist him in arresting people. If the credit were to be divided now, seven or eight parts would belong to Wang Yan and He Tan.

The Emperor looked at Wang Yan and said, "I heard that you were besieged in the mountains. I was so shocked that I couldn't sleep for two days. First, I was furious when I heard about the actions of Liu Heng and others. I was also worried that you would be harmed by those traitors. Second, I was afraid that the chaos of war would not be suppressed and would bring disaster to the people."

The Emperor was telling the truth; his personal attendants all knew that the Emperor's bedchamber had been kept lit for two consecutive nights.

The Emperor continued, "Only after receiving your letter and learning that Daming Prefecture is safe and you are all out of danger can I truly put my mind at ease."

At this point, the Emperor thought of Liu Heng. He had originally thought that there was a bond of loyalty between the two, but now it seemed that many things were not as peaceful as he had imagined.

Seeing the slight sadness on the emperor's face, everyone knew that he was grieving again.

The Emperor is a benevolent ruler who has never executed any ministers who submit memorials since ascending the throne. This has allowed for a wide range of opinions in the court. However, because of this, he often hesitates to do so, and many things are abandoned halfway.

If the case in Daming Prefecture hadn't caused a military uprising, the Emperor would never have had the will to thoroughly investigate it, and Liu Heng might have even used the excuse of insufficient military funds to brush it off.

Regardless of what methods Wang Yan used this time, he ultimately forced Liu Heng into a corner, and also forced the Emperor to make this ruthless decision.

Now that his goal has been achieved, Wang Yan only needs to wait for the Emperor's reward.

Wang Bingchen glanced at his son standing to the side, and his expression darkened.

As expected, Wang Yan stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the case in Daming Prefecture has not yet been investigated."

In the main hall, everyone was taken aback and turned to look at Wang Yan.

One of the officials stepped forward and said, "Without investigating the case, why is Wang Shitian returning to the capital?"

If Wang Yan cannot explain clearly, he may be accused of deceiving the emperor, since it was Wang Yan who wrote the memorial stating that the case had been sorted out.

Wang Yan said calmly, "Today we arrested a group of officials from Daming Prefecture, but if the root of the problem is not removed, no matter who takes over Daming Prefecture in the future, they will inevitably repeat the same mistakes."

"Does Lord Wang mean that the disaster in Daming Prefecture is not due to Liu Heng but to the imperial court?"

That's an exaggeration.

"Making wild guesses without any evidence."

"Your Majesty, Wang Yan should be punished."

Although the emperor on the throne did not frown, his expression darkened.

“Your Majesty,” Wang Yan continued, “if the military’s business activities are not stopped, there will be a second and a third Daming Prefecture in Daliang. The court’s inability to provide sufficient military funds gives them an excuse to disregard the law and act recklessly.”

"If you know where the problem is, it's useless to cut off more heads if you don't change it."

The implication was that, in addition to the case in Daming Prefecture, the investigation should continue.

The court immediately erupted in discussion once again.

Several officials looked at each other, then considered stepping forward again to impeach Wang Yan.

However, the Emperor suddenly raised his hand, his slightly tired eyes fixed on Wang Yan: "Minister Wang, you have had a long journey. Take a rest. Tomorrow I will summon you to the palace to give a detailed report."

Wang Yan bowed respectfully and said, "Your subject obeys the decree."

The Emperor ordered the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review to continue the trial and gave Wang Yan, He Tan, and others a reward. However, he did not ultimately decide on any promotion for Wang Yan. The officials looked at each other and felt that Wang Yan's words had offended the Emperor and ruined their path to promotion.

The emperor left the main hall, and the officials also walked outside.

After leaving the palace, Wang Bingchen looked at his son, the old prime minister, who remained calm: "Take He Tan with you back. Your mother is still waiting at home." Wang Yan responded.

Some things need to be said later; there's no need to rush.

After Wang Bingchen's sedan chair left, Wang Yan and others waited for He Tan. Just as the two were about to mount their horses, they saw the Prince of Huai hurriedly walk out.

“He Tan, He Chun”.

The Prince of Huai still wore a smile and seemed quite friendly towards them, but Wang Yan felt a growing sense of estrangement and distance, especially when he thought about the person he wanted to marry was Xie Wenjing…

He Tan stepped forward to greet him.

Wang Yan responded calmly, "Your Highness."

Prince Huai took a few steps forward before saying in a low voice, "I didn't expect you to not even return to the capital for the New Year. Fortunately, the business is now finished and everything will be settled in a couple of days. I'll invite you over for a drink."

As he spoke, his eyes gleamed: "I have a house now, so I don't need to worry about the rules of the Prince's Mansion anymore."

Now that the marriage is arranged, it is natural to prepare a residence.

He Tan smiled and said, "This is a good thing."

Wang Yan suddenly remembered that Xie Yuyan was buying a courtyard house in the capital, and wondered if he would reserve a room for him. Before meeting her, he had always felt that it didn't matter where he lived, but now, after hearing what the Prince of Huai said, he especially wanted to have his own courtyard house, and of course, she must be in it.

Wang Yan said, "Congratulations, Your Highness."

“No need for your congratulations,” said Prince Huai. “As long as you are willing to come when the time comes, that’s fine. When I was going to arrange a marriage between my family and the Xie family, we held a banquet at home. When we sent out the invitation, we said you were sick at home. It turns out you went out of the capital on business.”

"You can't hide this time."

Seeing the smile on the face of the Prince of Huai, Wang Yan knew that no one could argue that he had finally gotten what he wanted.

“Okay.” He Tan readily agreed, and Wang Yan nodded in agreement. If the Prince of Huai was to marry Xie Wenjing tomorrow, he would probably go with him to fetch the bride.

Wang Yan and He Tan mounted their horses and left.

Prince Huai watched their retreating figures. Wang Yan seemed no different from usual, but upon closer inspection, something seemed different. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but it was just a feeling that Wang Hechun was deliberately hiding something.

……

Wang family.

Madam Lin had been waiting at the gate of the mansion for a long time, hoping that her son would return soon.

The steward ran home to deliver the message.

"We've entered the capital."

"He went to the palace."

"Back, back."

Madam Lin was extremely anxious, as her son was not at home and she couldn't even enjoy the Lunar New Year properly. Later, she heard that he was besieged by rebels, and she almost fell seriously ill from worry.

Now, we've finally got them back.

“We must not let him leave the capital again,” Madam Lin said as she walked. “If he has any more assignments, I will go with him.”

The head housekeeper smiled and said, "What will the master do if you leave?"

Madam Lin couldn't help but sigh again. The master is the same; when he gets busy, he doesn't even have time to eat. Neither of these two, father and son, can give her any peace of mind. If only she could marry a daughter-in-law, at least she could help manage the household. Wouldn't the family be more stable and peaceful then?