Chapter 319:
However, Zhao Rui was able to enter the Ministry of War and hold real power despite not being from the direct lineage.
It was not an exaggeration to say he had received special favor from the Son of Heaven.
The name “Zhao Rui” was mentioned among them for the first time.
Lu Ziyan was stunned for a moment, then instantly thought of Zhao Rui’s identity.
Speaking of which, Princess Duanyang was his blood-related aunt.
And Pei Yuxuan should be his cousin, a proper Commandery Princess with imperial blood.
For a couple to divorce would also bring no glory to the imperial family’s face.
But clearly, Lu Ziyan had no intention of meddling in such matters.
At this moment, thinking that she was still concerned about that old man’s younger sister, his gaze darkened even more.
“Not bad,” he said indifferently: “Zhao Rui has some ability, and he’s quick-witted and personable, never making mistakes in his duties. I do indeed plan to re-employ him more.”
Xie Wanning was speechless.
She turned her head, slightly raising her eyes to look at the person beside her, hesitating for a few breaths before probing: “You… you’re not deliberately striking back in revenge, are you?”
…………
The hall fell quiet for a moment, followed by Lu Ziyan’s amused to anger voice.
He pulled her into his arms, gritting his teeth with a smile, “Say that again.”
“…”
Xie Wanning fell silent for a moment, also a bit unhappy, “You don’t lack available military generals under you, so no matter how much you promote someone, it shouldn’t be him—a man who breaches faith, fawns on the high and tramples the low, fears being implicated, and can even abandon the bonds of marriage. And you still want to re-employ him!”
“What breach of faith is this? In my view, the Zhao family is wisely preserving themselves and recognizing the times,” Lu Ziyan gripped the back of her neck, lowering his gaze to look into her eyes, “They’re showing loyalty to me—shouldn’t I re-employ them?”
He smiled, “What? Are you feeling indignant for Princess Pingning?”
Actually, what he wanted to ask more was, why so much attention to the Pei family?
Even that old man’s sister’s unhappy marriage warranted her giving him the cold shoulder.
He loved her, so if she was upset, he was willing to be her punching bag.
But that didn’t mean he could tolerate her taking it out on him because of that old man’s relationship.
“Wanwan…” Lu Ziyan lowered his head to kiss her eyes, gently instructing, “Husband and wife are one—you should consider things from my standpoint.”
From his standpoint, the Zhao family had done nothing wrong.
He truly dreaded and harbored hostility toward the Pei family; even without wielding the butcher knife, he absolutely would not treat them leniently.
What was wrong with the Zhao family guessing the superior’s intentions?
Drawing a clear line from the Pei family and showing loyalty—that was even more unobjectionable.
She thought the Zhao family breached faith because she was standing on the Pei family’s side.
She even… still thought of herself as the Young Madam of Duke Pei’s Mansion.
This thought flashed through, making Lu Ziyan’s brow twitch violently; the barely maintained gentleness vanished completely, and his gaze darkened.
Xie Wanning was completely oblivious to his mood, only hearing his words “recognizing the times,” which immediately stirred a surge of annoyance from somewhere.
“Recognizing the times!”
“You think abandoning marital affection is recognizing the times? It seems you quite admire Zhao Rui’s character?”
She abruptly stood up, pulling away from his arms, and said sarcastically: “How did I not realize you’re such a person?”
“Xie Wanning!” Lu Ziyan’s face turned ashen, as he forcibly suppressed his anger: “Don’t give me the cold shoulder for the Pei family people’s sake—this time it’s fine…”
“Who mentioned the Pei family? Let’s discuss the matter on its own terms,” Xie Wanning sneered, saying: “You think Zhao Rui’s divorce was to show loyalty to you as wise self-preservation, and you greatly admire his ‘recognizing the times,’ right?”
