“Is Lord Wang joking?” exclaimed Luo Longwen, shaking his head in disbelief, thinking Wang Shizhong’s words were utterly absurd.
Though he wholeheartedly agreed with not promoting Zhu Pingan or granting him a title, the Emperor wouldn’t allow it.
The Emperor had explicitly ordered a reward plan for Zhu Pingan within ten days. Wasn’t this defying imperial command?
Defying the Emperor might work if it achieved something, but this wouldn’t.
After defying the imperial order and facing punishment, the Emperor would simply assign others to draft the reward plan. Zhu Pingan would still get his due, perhaps even more. Wasn’t this indirectly helping him?
“You couldn’t wait a moment to tell Brother Donglou. I thought you’d come up with some brilliant scheme,” Luo Longwen muttered, disappointed.
This was it?
What a letdown!
How did you even become a Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel? Luo Longwen’s gaze toward Wang Shizhong carried a hint of disappointment.
“Longwen, don’t jump to conclusions. Let Lord Wang continue,” Yan Shifan interjected, waving at Luo Longwen to calm down and not interrupt, allowing Wang Shizhong to proceed.
“Young Master, Lord Luo, here’s my thought: Zhu Pingan’s contributions are so great that a mere promotion or title wouldn’t sufficiently reflect the Emperor’s boundless grace. Why not bestow Princess Ning’an upon him, making Zhu Pingan a prince consort?” Wang Shizhong said with a faint smile, outlining his reward plan simply.
“What the—!” Luo Longwen blurted out.
“A prince consort? Brilliant, Lord Wang! This move is too cunning, too brilliant! I was too shallow!” Luo Longwen couldn’t help but slap the table, applauding enthusiastically and showering Wang Shizhong with praise.
“Not bad, not bad. Lord Wang, you’ve done splendidly!” Yan Shifan’s eyes lit up as he clapped and cheered for Wang Shizhong.
“You flatter me, Young Master. It’s just an immature idea, still needing your refinement,” Wang Shizhong said humbly. Hearing Yan Shifan’s applause, his heart felt as sweet as honey. The sleepless nights and relentless travel of the past days were worth it for Yan Shifan’s words alone.
“Lord Luo, don’t talk nonsense. How is my reward plan cunning? It’s entirely out of public-mindedness. I believe this reward matches Zhu Pingan’s great contributions and truly showcases the Emperor’s boundless grace,” Wang Shizhong said, feigning indignation. As he spoke, a smug smile crept onto his lips.
“Yes, yes, I was shallow again. Lord Wang’s plan is purely public-spirited, meant to reward Zhu Pingan’s merits. I support it a million times over. Make him a prince consort, absolutely make Zhu Pingan a prince consort. Only this befits his achievements and reflects the Emperor’s grace,” Luo Longwen hurriedly played along, admitting his error. Like Wang Shizhong, he couldn’t help but let out a sly grin.
Soon, both burst into laughter together.
“Lord Wang, this plan is truly excellent, breaking from convention and forging a new path. Make Zhu Pingan a prince consort! Even if he’s achieved monumental feats, granting him a princess is more than enough!” Yan Shifan praised Wang Shizhong again.
“Lord Wang’s move is sheer genius! Making Zhu Pingan a prince consort seems like an act of boundless imperial favour, envied by all, but in reality, it pushes him into a pit of fire! By Ming law, a prince consort is barred from political affairs. Once Zhu Pingan becomes a prince consort, he’ll have to settle for being a glorified captain of the guard. Beyond tending to imperial tombs, performing temple rites, or handling clan affairs, he can’t hold any other office or wield power. Not even a county magistrate’s post! His current position will be stripped, and he’ll never stand in court again. He’s like an eagle, forced to live as a caged canary!” Luo Longwen laughed heartily, chiming in.
“Exactly. The imperial family is a deep abyss, and the role of prince consort is a fiery ordeal. Once Zhu Pingan becomes one, he’ll live in a world of torment. His ambitions and influence will be irrelevant. He’ll no longer be a threat!” Yan Shifan nodded in satisfaction.
“Hahaha, and that’s not all—he won’t even be allowed concubines! I’ve heard a prince consort can’t even meet the princess freely. To see her, he has to apply through some old matron. Is that right?” Luo Longwen roared with laughter, recalling rumours and asking Yan Shifan and Wang Shizhong.
“It’s more than applying. He’d need to bribe the matron with gifts and silver. Seeing the princess once costs more than a visit to a brothel!” Yan Shifan chuckled.
“Heh, then he’s in for a miserable time! Hahaha,” Luo Longwen laughed so hard he could barely breathe.
“It’s the Emperor’s boundless grace,” Wang Shizhong corrected, joining in the hearty laughter.
But mid-laugh, Luo Longwen froze, his smile stiffening. Something was off. He remembered—Zhu Pingan was already married! To a minor branch daughter of a marquis family, wasn’t it? And when his wife left the capital, she was already visibly pregnant.
By now, she might have even given birth!
Making Zhu Pingan a prince consort now—wouldn’t that be too late? Surely they couldn’t make a princess his concubine?
Realising this, Luo Longwen quickly spoke up, “Wait, wait, Brother Donglou, Lord Wang, something’s wrong. Zhu Pingan’s already married! His wife’s about to give birth. Isn’t it too late to make him a consort now?”
“I know. That’s exactly why it’s even better,” Yan Shifan said with a cryptic smile.
“What?” Luo Longwen was momentarily stumped, like a monk puzzled by riddles. How could Zhu Pingan being married make it better?
“Princess Ning’an is of marriageable age, and the Emperor is currently preoccupied with her betrothal. He’s tasked the Ministry of Rites with selecting candidates for her consort, but several batches have been reviewed, and the Emperor’s been dissatisfied with them all—either their looks or their talents fall short. He’s pressed the Ministry multiple times, and they’re at their wits’ end. Zhu Pingan may be average-looking, but he’s a top scholar. If we recommend him as a consort, the Emperor will surely be pleased!”
“As for Zhu Pingan being married, that’s simple enough. He can just divorce her!” Yan Shifan explained briefly.
“But why is it better?” Luo Longwen pressed.
“Why better? Heh, if Zhu Pingan accepts the betrothal, he’ll have to divorce his wife. Then we spread word that he’s a modern-day Chen Shimei, abandoning his family! If he refuses the betrothal, he’s defying an imperial edict—giving us the perfect chance to ruin him!” Yan Shifan said, stroking his chin with a smile.
“I see now. It really is better this way!” Luo Longwen grinned even wider, fully understanding.
