Chapter 35: Contrary to Expectations
Chapter 35: Chapter 35: Contrary to Expectations
His aged eyes were not cloudy. On the contrary, they were sharp and perceptive, seeming to see through everything.
Liang Wan was unafraid, meeting his gaze directly. "It is only right for Your Excellency to have such doubts. After all, everyone in Jinye City knows of the relationship between my Liang Mansion and the Sikong Mansion. But people have their own ambitions. My uncle’s actions do not represent my stance. I will never be a tool for him to curry favor with Wang Su."
Based on her memories, they had only just begun investigating Wang Su’s private minting of currency. For her to not only know about an affair that should have been conducted in absolute secrecy, but to also show up at their door with key evidence... it was hard not to arouse suspicion. Such a coincidence could only mean she had ulterior motives!
Chancellor Cao did not believe her.
With this in mind, Liang Wan continued, "Actually, Wang Su’s insistence that I join his household isn’t because he truly values me, but because of some entanglements from years ago.
Your Excellency also knows that Wang Su was my Awen’s student. But ever since Awen passed away, Wang Su has seemingly been trying to find something important in the Liang Mansion. He’s had no success, but for some reason, he suspects Awen gave that thing to me. I originally intended to find out what it was, but I didn’t expect to accidentally discover his private coin minting operation.
The stakes are incredibly high. Most people are unwilling to offend Wang Su and would never dare to risk investigating. In my distress and indecision, I thought of Your Excellency, a man my Awen greatly admired. That is why I took this bold chance."
Chancellor Cao looked at her reddened eyes and slightly trembling hands, pondering for a moment as if weighing the credibility of her words.
Liang Wan didn’t know how much he would believe, but the thought of Wang Tingyue’s perilous situation made her anxious. "Wang Su is a cunning man. I can’t predict what measures he will take once he discovers the secret seal has been stolen. I implore Your Excellency to seize this opportunity, strike first, and win a swift victory."
Chancellor Cao remained silent, but Cao Jun spoke up, puzzled. "So, according to what you’re saying, Third Lady, you and Wang Su have an old grudge?"
Liang Wan didn’t hide it. "If my suspicions about my Father’s cause of death and my refusal to enter the Sikong Mansion count as an old grudge, then I don’t deny it."
At this point, being forthright was more believable than being evasive.
Hearing this, the long-silent Chancellor Cao let the corner of his mouth lift into a small smile. His gaze softened slightly. "You are quite a bold young lady."
"Father—"
Cao Jun was about to speak but was cut off by a wave of Chancellor Cao’s hand. "I am aware of this matter and will make my own decision. Send the young lady back."
After speaking, Chancellor Cao closed his eyes to rest, looking at them no longer. He seemed utterly exhausted. Liang Wan stood there stiffly. This lukewarm reaction was far from what she had expected.
’So, will he take action or not? I can wait, but Wang Tingyue can’t—’
Liang Wan looked as if she wanted to say more but held her tongue. Cao Jun waited at the side, gesturing for her to leave.
She glanced at Chancellor Cao again. For some reason, the bright lamplight on the desk could not illuminate the gloom on his brow. It turned out the vigorous Prime Minister was, after all, just a weary old man.
No matter how unwilling Liang Wan was, there was nothing she could do.
She turned to leave with Cao Jun. Each of her few steps felt heavy. Just as she was about to cross the threshold, she gritted her teeth and turned back.
Chancellor Cao opened his eyes. His gaze was gentle. "Is there something else, young lady?"
Liang Wan spoke bluntly, "People always believe that an upright official who denounces wickedness and champions integrity does so by nature. But in truth, even a forthright and loyal minister is just an ordinary man—a father, a grandfather. In the end, they are only flesh and blood, and they too have constraints and difficulties."
"Third Lady, what is the meaning of this?" Cao Jun took two steps forward, his brow furrowed and his tone displeased.
Chancellor Cao, however, showed no anger. His expression was kind. "Let her speak."
Liang Wan said only, "In coming here today, I was arrogant and ignorant, and I admit I have my own selfish motives. I have also heard of Your Excellency’s situation in the imperial court. It’s hard to believe that others are completely unaware of Wang Su’s coin minting. I fear they are merely pretending not to know, afraid to offend him while he enjoys the Emperor’s favor. And now, by bringing this secret seal to you, I have undoubtedly handed Your Excellency a hot potato.
I also know that if you report this to the sovereign, even if Wang Su is dealt with, you will be seen as a thorn in the side by those who form cliques for personal gain. Therefore, it is only right for Your Excellency to have reservations at this moment."
’In her past life, his investigation had been so arduous. Simply because the secret seal was a forgery, Wang Su had accused him of malicious slander and eliminating a rival. In the entire court, besides Zhou Yun, no one spoke up for him. Wasn’t that also a result of his consistently upright conduct?’
"Are you suggesting I’m afraid?" Chancellor Cao stroked his small mustache and couldn’t help but chuckle.
Liang Wan quickly shook her head. "I wouldn’t dare. I merely have a suggestion."
Chancellor Cao raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement on his lips. "Young lady, feel free to speak your mind."
"What is too rigid will break. If Your Excellency handles this matter with your usual heavy-handed methods, I fear you will face much resistance. A compromise might be better."
Chancellor Cao’s expression turned serious. "What kind of compromise?"
"The principal offender must, of course, be severely punished. However, the accomplices could be treated with leniency, depending on how they atone for their crimes with meritorious service. The confiscated counterfeit coins could be stamped with an official mark, turning them from waste into treasure and adding them to the national treasury in place of newly planned currency. As for the artisans who minted the coins, they can be screened. Those with excellent skills who are willing to mend their ways could be recruited as official minters. This way, not only is everything put to good use, but it also demonstrates Your Excellency’s magnanimity."
By the time she finished, Cao Jun’s expression had already changed, and Chancellor Cao was frowning deeply, staring at her intently.
"You are unbelievably audacious! As a woman, to dare and presume to discuss matters of state—it’s simply treasonous!"
His sharp glare made Liang Wan shrink back, feeling a bit dejected. She knew she shouldn’t have said those things, but she felt she had to in order to reduce his reservations and compel him to act against Wang Su as soon as possible—
’Perhaps I shouldn’t have been so hasty...’
She was halfway through a bow when she suddenly lifted her head, her eyes clear and bright. "Your Excellency, if those words had come from the mouth of a man, would you still consider them treasonous?"
Cao Jun’s face was cold. "But you are a woman! How can you say such things so casually?"
Liang Wan straightened up completely and tilted her head to look at him. "Then why don’t you mention that Nuwa, who created humanity, was also a woman?"
"That’s just sophistry," Cao Jun was rendered speechless.
Liang Wan didn’t waste her breath arguing with him. She just said, "Your Excellency, shouldn’t you first consider whether the method is viable, rather than who proposed it?"
Chancellor Cao had already stood up. He waved a hand. "Show her out!"
"Third Lady, if you please!"
Cao Jun blocked Liang Wan’s path, a blatant order for her to leave.
"Your Excellency—" Thinking of Wang Tingyue, whose fate was unknown, she could no longer care about whether she was being discourteous.
Chancellor Cao’s expression was impatient as he walked into the inner room. Seeing that she still intended to pester him, Cao Jun called over two maids to forcibly drag her out of the room.
Outside in the courtyard, Liang Wan violently shook off the maids and glared at Cao Jun.
"I can walk on my own!"
She said this, but her eyes still darted toward the doorway. Unfortunately, no miracle occurred.
Liang Wan withdrew her gaze, deflated.
Thinking of how this seemingly frail lady was so timid on the outside yet so brave within, Cao Jun’s attitude softened. "Third Lady, you should still—"
"They say the Great General holds Princess Shaoyang in deep affection. I suppose that’s just an empty rumor!"