Capítulo 1634: Chapter 1609: Resolution (Part 2)

“There are times when even the mouth and tongue clash. With the Wang family’s vast wealth and influence, how could everyone be united?” she said. “Moreover, the Wang family is not confined to just our Taiyuan branch. Are any of the branches in Langya Commandery, Donghai Commandery, and Zhongshan Commandery easy to deal with?”

Madam Tang didn’t feel that what they had done was wrong. She said, “In the first place, His Majesty handled this matter in a disgraceful manner. He wanted to place the Longxi Li Clan at the top, but there was no need to suppress our families. Besides, the Longxi Li Clan is just a second or third-rate family when you’re counting up hierarchy.”

Lord Tang: “…Right now, my family isn’t even second or third-rate.”

“There’s nothing to be done about it. I’m drawn to you.”

The couple’s conversation began to veer off course, finally, Lord Tang steered the discussion back, “I’ve been observing the struggles recently. Ultimately, some people simply can’t stand the Crown Prince enjoying smooth sailing. Has the Wang family decided on a candidate?”

Madam Tang, irritated, said, “Don’t try to probe me about this. You know my father is no longer an official, and although he’s the patriarch, he can’t control everyone. I’m not interested in what Uncle Ji thinks. I only know one thing, which is to follow wherever I’m destined. So, I’ll ask you, do you have a favored candidate in mind?”

“I don’t,” County Magistrate Tang denied immediately. “I’m a servant of His Majesty and only His Majesty.”

He chuckled, holding Madam Tang’s hand, and said, “Have you not noticed that although Zhangbo serves in Chongwen Pavilion, he is also a servant of His Majesty?”

Madam Tang sneered, “I trust you and him, but others may not. You’d better stay home and socialize less these days.”

Lord Tang agreed immediately, then carefully supported Madam Tang back to the rear courtyard.

Even at the brink of life and death, there are often contradicting views and actions within a family, let alone among noble families.

While they currently stand united due to the Crown Prince, they can become opposed when personal interests are involved.

Wang Ji is a third-grade official, and advancing further would put him in Lord Tang’s position. Many eyes are on him, thus leading to two fellow noble families filing memos to impeach Wang Ji.

The memos arrived before the Emperor, who was very pleased and joked with Gu Zhong, “Do you think they are targeting the issue and not the person, or are they simply driven by their interests?”

Gu Zhong dared not speak, only lowered his head with a smile.

This matter is open to interpretation. Perhaps those filing the memos simply disapprove of Wang Ji’s poor treatment of his elder brother and nephew.

The Emperor did not respond to these two memos. He set them aside, deciding to wait for Wang family to handle the matter first.

The patriarch Wang entered Guangde Courtyard at Wang Residence at sunset, and went straight to check on Wang Rong.

Mrs. Wang was clearly surprised by the patriarch’s swift arrival, hurriedly bringing Wang Da out to greet him. The patriarch sighed, “Sister-in-law, how is Rong’er?”

Mrs. Wang’s eyes were slightly reddened as she led the patriarch to see Wang Rong.

Unfortunately, Wang Rong had just woken up, drank a bowl of medicine, and fell asleep again. The doctors all say it’s better for him to be asleep than awake at this time.

Manbao and several others did not bandage his wounds, firstly because they were too extensive, making bandaging difficult; secondly, because the hot weather made ventilation after applying medicine more critical.

Therefore, stricter requirements were placed on those entering and exiting the room. Light, breathable white canvas was placed gently over the wounds to shield from dust.

The patriarch lifted the canvas to glimpse the wound and was shocked. Even though a considerable amount of flesh was removed in the morning and promptly medicated, it still looked ghastly.

The patriarch’s brow twitched. Ordinary punishments wouldn’t cause such injuries; even if they struck hard, it would mainly bruise and bleed. Such extensive bleeding could only result from great court-staff beatings.

The patriarch gently replaced the canvas, gazing at Wang Rong for a while, then turned to Mrs. Wang with a nod and headed out.

Once outside, he had the chance to examine the courtyard and noticed some canvas hanging in a corner. It seemed to be half-hung or half-removed, arousing his curiosity, “This is…”

Tears streamed down Mrs. Wang’s face, and she choked back sobs, “Last night, the doctor said that Rong’er was in a critical state, so I asked his brother to make some preparations. In case… we wouldn’t let him pass away without comfort.”

The patriarch’s expression darkened, ready to speak just as Wang Ji and his wife hastily arrived from next door, evidently receiving news of the patriarch’s visit.

The patriarch swallowed his words, casting a stern gaze upon Wang Ji.

Wang Ji quickly stepped forward to bow, lowered deeply. “Brother, why didn’t you notify in advance so I could have gone out to greet you properly?”

Madam Wang also came forward to bow, then grasped Mrs. Wang’s hand. Seeing her eyes red, Madam Wang couldn’t help but redden her own eyes, pressing a handkerchief against the corners. “Sister-in-law, how is Rong’er now? Imperial Doctor Chen is still in our courtyard. Would you like him to take a look?”

Mrs. Wang withdrew her hand, expressionless, and said, “Thank you, sister-in-law. Let him tend to you. Weren’t you incapacitated yesterday? As for Rong’er, Imperial Doctor Zhou from the Imperial Hospital has already examined him. Currently, doctors from Baohe Medical Center and Jishi Hall are attending him. I am at ease.”

Madam Wang looked somewhat embarrassed.

The patriarch’s gaze fell upon her face, and he mildly said, “So, sister-in-law is also ill. Why come here? It’s better to return to recover. Be cautious to prevent worsening your condition.”

Madam Wang hurriedly lowered her head, “My condition has much improved. It’s an old ailment, fluctuating on and off…”

The patriarch lightly snorted, directly asked Wang Ji, “How many times did you come here from the day before yesterday until today?”

Mrs. Wang showed a mocking expression. Wang Ji opened his mouth but couldn’t speak, merely lowered his head.

The patriarch turned and said, “Follow me.”

Wang Ji gave Madam Wang a look, quickly following the patriarch.

Their ages were virtually the same, but in front of the patriarch, Wang Ji had to stand, especially when the other was angry.

Once in the front hall, it was just the two of them. Even Wang Da, who escorted them to the doorway, had to wait outside, let alone the other servants.

With only the two of them present, the patriarch spoke more directly, “Why carry out corporal punishment?”

Wang Ji protested immediately, “Brother, you know me. Am I one to be so ruthless? I suggested punishing him, yet did not expect the servants to employ court-staff. Rong’er, that child, is stubborn, silent even. Otherwise, I would have definitely stopped it.”

The patriarch narrowed his eyes at him, “Wang Rong will soon awaken. You must think carefully. Were you present when he was punished? He should know that, right?”

He may silence the servants, but can he silence Wang Rong?

Wang Ji opened his mouth, lowered his head, and remained silent.

Seeing this, the patriarch angrily struck the table, eventually saying in a low voice, “Fetch Aunt back.”

Neither were children anymore. Their son was nearing marriage. Continued reprimands would just embarrass each other, leaving it better to directly resolve issues.