Chapter 110: I'm Coming to the Capital

The secret of the Fang Family, which is also the secret of the imperial decree's origin, is the very secret behind the rise of the Fang Family.

Although there are various versions circulating outside, each person firmly believing their own account, the truth of the matter is unknown even to the Fang Family members—only Old Lady Fang knows.

"The reason for this agreement about the secret back then must have been because this secret cannot be exposed," Fang Chengyu said. "Grandmother, a secret that cannot be revealed is surely not a good secret. To some people, only the dead won't speak and can safeguard secrets most effectively."

Old Lady Fang's expression darkened as she lowered her gaze.

"Grandmother, you are the most important person in our family." Fang Chengyu knelt halfway before her, holding her hand, and said, "The most important people in our family were never men like me. Even without me, there would be you, Mother, and my sisters. The so-called inheritance doesn't depend on me as a man but on the bloodline of the Fang name—on our persistence."

Old Lady Fang raised her eyes to look at him, her expression complex, tinged with both anguish and solace.

"But being a man does have one advantage; I can endure the roughness of a journey," Fang Chengyu said, his face lighting up with a mischievous grin.

Fang Yuxiu coughed lightly at the side.

"Second Sister, I'm well now. You don't need to keep coughing," Fang Chengyu turned and playfully scolded her.

The people in the room couldn't help but burst into laughter.

The atmosphere grew lighter and more cheerful.

"Besides, others might not know how formidable the women of the Fang Family are, but seeing that I'm a man, they'll assume I'm the most important person in the family. This way, my visit to the capital to meet the emperor will also respect the emperor and show our sincerity and gratitude as a family," Fang Chengyu continued.

Old Lady Fang sighed lightly and helped Fang Chengyu to his feet.

"You've grown up," she said. "We are assured with you going to the capital."

This was her agreement.

Lady Fang shook her head but said nothing further.

Fang Chengyu joyfully bowed to Old Lady Fang.

"Grandmother, rest assured," he said, then turned to bow to Lady Fang, "Mother, rest assured."

He then bowed to Fang Yunxiao and Fang Yuxiu.

"Sisters, rest assured."

The people in the room laughed again.

"Well then, the imperial decree should be arriving soon," Old Lady Fang stood up and said. "Let's go welcome the decree."

Lady Fang responded by helping Old Lady Fang out, while Concubine Yuan, standing in the courtyard, instantly understood and began instructing the maidservants.

Soon, deafening firecrackers sounded outside, followed by the pounding of drums and gongs, bringing the entire Yangcheng to life.

Old Lady Fang led everyone outside, but Fang Chengyu remained standing in the courtyard.

"You've said all this," Fang Yuxiu remarked with an amused smirk beside him, "but if it weren't for Zhenzhen, you wouldn't bother going to the capital, would you?"

"That's right," Fang Chengyu replied with a playful grin. "But that doesn't conflict with not letting Grandmother go, does it?"

Fang Yuxiu pursed her lips.

"Big Master Fang, Big Man Fang, go fetch the imperial decree. Stop hiding at home like us girls," she teased.

Fang Chengyu reached up and pressed his forehead.

"I can't do it. I'm feeling a bit dizzy. My health is poor; I think I need to lie down," he said.

Several young servant girls giggled and rushed to support him.

Fang Chengyu staggered and let them help him walk.

"Is the carriage prepared?"

"The gifts need to be packed in a separate carriage."

"Bring Cook Huang along; gongzhu loves her cooking."

He gave spirited instructions as he walked.

The maidservants and the maidservant girls responded promptly, saying yes.

Suddenly, Fang Chengyu shook his head.

"That's too much trouble, too slow. Better leave everything behind and set off for the capital immediately," he said, throwing off the support of the servant girls and rushing forward in quick strides.

"I'm off to the capital!"

The servant girls chased after him like fluttering butterflies, their playful reprimands echoing.

Fang Yuxiu and Fang Yunxiao both laughed.

"To be so cheerful even knowing the road ahead will be fraught with difficulty," Fang Yuxiu remarked, "is quite fascinating."

Fang Yunxiao let out a soft chuckle.

"Because even through countless hardships and dangers, there will always be something or someone that brings joy at the thought of seeing them. Just having a little happiness is enough to brighten life," she said. "That's why people choose to be human. 'A good death is no match for living on with whatever comes.'"

............….

As Fang Chengyu left Yangcheng for the capital, the people in the capital began their preparations.

"Should Chengyu's residence be here or should we purchase a new manor over at De Sheng Chang?" Seventh Chen came running to ask.

"Here," Miss Jun replied, not lifting her head.

Seventh Chen acknowledged her answer and hurried out.

Miss Jun continued flipping through the letters in her hand.

Some were updates on Fang Chengyu's journey, others from Miss Xiao. For days, Lu Yunqi hadn't appeared to pester her, and life seemed peaceful.

Of course, this peace was relative, as preparations for Fang Chengyu's arrival continued, while Eunuch Yuan Bao's movements were still closely watched. Just yesterday, there was new information.

In the palace, when eunuchs came to exchange silver banknotes, Eunuch Yuan Bao's name was mentioned.

"Who knows where he failed to make a living and managed to latch onto His Majesty?"

"His Majesty is the most benevolent and sentimental, so he kept him."

"Look at how pleased he is now; even Lord Lu has to step back."

These were the idle complaints overheard by a waiter serving tea as a few eunuchs conversed while waiting.

"From this alone, it's clear that this person has remained in the imperial palace," Manager Liu said.

Miss Jun paused in her letter reading. Yes, the emperor was planning to act against De Sheng Chang, so Yuan Bao no longer needed to sneak around in secrecy.

From the bits and pieces overheard, one thing was certain—the secret of De Sheng Chang was connected to the emperor, dating back to the time of the secret mansion, and even Lu Yunqi wasn't aware of it. So much so that in the emperor's presence, Lu Yunqi had to step aside for Yuan Bao.

Back then, what unspeakable acts could Prince Qi have committed?

It's hard to say. Now reflecting upon it, Prince Qi and his mother's schemes clearly weren't formed overnight.

Miss Jun sighed, then lowered her head to continue reading the letters.

Fang Chengyu's journey was swift and uneventful, and ten days later, he arrived at the capital.

Standing on the roadside restaurant at the outskirts of the capital, Prince Xian watched as Miss Jun's party hurried forward to greet Fang Chengyu, unable to wait. Turning back, he glanced at Zhu Zan, who was still seated at their table, drinking.

"As a brother-in-law, shouldn't you go greet your little brother-in-law?" he joked, chuckling, "Lest the young man doesn't like you and starts causing trouble for you, especially since it's been said he's very important to her."

Zhu Zan scoffed.

"Thanks for him causing more trouble," he retorted.

"Have you met this little brother-in-law yet?" Prince Xian asked curiously. "What's he like?"

What's he like? It seemed so long ago that Zhu Zan could barely recall.

Zhu Zan thought about the frail, cunning little boy from back then.

"Not a proper person," he replied, tossing his wine cup onto the table.

Prince Xian let out a curious sound.

"Quite a spirited young man," he remarked, his voice full of admiration as he waved eagerly, "Zhu Er, come quickly. Look, isn't that him?"

Spirited?

Is there anyone more spirited than me?

Zhu Zan snorted twice, reluctantly getting up and walking to the window. Below, on the main road, a crowd had gathered around one person.

In the sunlight, he felt himself momentarily blinded.

Was this looting a gold vault or a jewelry shop?

A golden crown and luxurious attire adorned with silver and jade.

Zhu Zan squinted and focused his gaze to make out the person's face.

Though chubbier and taller, the face hadn't changed—it was now beaming with joy, a smile that carried both delight and a hint of grievance.

"Sister!" the person called out, jumping down and rushing toward the approaching woman.

Zhu Zan clicked his tongue twice.

"Look at that improper behavior," he muttered, "utterly unsightly."