"Lord, everything started because of my troublemaking granddaughter. That Tan Weizhi harbored delusional ideas of marriage, and when denied, took such a madman's action. Thankfully, the young Marquis is blessed by fortune; otherwise, my granddaughter could never escape blame even in death." The Prime Minister, increasingly remorseful, turned angrily to Ji Liruo and shouted, "Why haven't you knelt down yet? It's all the trouble you caused!"
Upon hearing this, Ji Liruo, full of guilt, knelt down immediately and sobbed, "Lord, it's all my fault. If not for me, the young Marquis would not have faced such a dangerous affair."
The Duke, looking at Ji Liruo kneeling with her frail figure, couldn't help but feel compassion. Strictly speaking, this matter had nothing to do with Ji Liruo; she was implicated. Being liked and pursuing the unattainable is not her fault.
"Rise, this incident isn't entirely your fault either," the Duke sighed, his demeanor softening as he spoke to Ji Liruo.
Ji Liruo remained motionless, still kneeling in place.
The Prime Minister guiltily urged, "Thank goodness for the Lord's leniency and magnanimity. Liruo, quickly thank the Lord." Seeing the Duke's softened attitude, Chancellor Ji finally felt relieved. This marriage proposal was something he had painstakingly sought. If it were ruined because of someone like Tan Weizhi, he would be consumed with anger.
Ji Liruo finally rose, but dared not sit down, cautiously standing beside the Prime Minister. Seeing her petite, slender figure, the Duke felt another wave of compassion.
"Sit down," the Duke spoke, "Bring the tea."
Chancellor Ji felt even more relieved.
Ji Liruo also quietly sat down with her head lowered.
"About Tan Weizhi's matter..." the Duke began, but Chancellor Ji quickly interrupted.
"Tan Weizhi cannot be easily let go. If the Lord trusts me, leave it to me to handle. I will also properly deal with the Tan Family," Chancellor Ji's eyes flashed coldly. Just a little more, really just a bit more, and the situation would have been irreparable. This fool Tan Weizhi, if he wanted to die, he could go ahead, yet he almost dragged the Prime Minister's Mansion into it.
The Duke nodded in agreement. Why was he so comfortable letting Chancellor Ji handle it? Because he was well aware of Chancellor Ji's methods. This person started from nothing, excelled in the imperial exams, and climbed steadily through cunning and unscrupulous means to reach this current position.
In terms of ruthlessness, few can match him. Since he wishes to curry favor with the Duke Mansion, he will undoubtedly personally escort Tan Weizhi to the Ministry of Justice, and thoroughly denounce him. As for the Tan Family, there would likely be bloodless but deadly means employed. This is what would truly please the Duke Mansion.
In the end, Chancellor Ji, in high spirits, took Ji Liruo and left the Duke Mansion to return home and prepare to handle the matter. As soon as Chancellor Ji departed, Tan Weizhi was escorted to the Prime Minister's Mansion. It was already uncovered that Tan Weizhi, unhappy about his cousin's proposal to Xiao Anning, attempted to harm the young Marquis.
The Duke shared the outcome of his talk with Chancellor Ji with his old companion, Anning's grandmother. She said little, but after a long silence, she murmured, "Ning'er is marrying such a well-known woman; whether it is a blessing or a curse, who knows?"
Originally, it was the Prime Minister's Mansion that arranged this marriage proposal, which the Duke Mansion was not very inclined towards. It was under the Empress's matchmaking that they accepted it. Later on, hoping they'd ultimately become one family, they considered the girl's reputation and claimed the marriage proposal originated from the Duke Mansion. Now reflecting on it, whether it's good or bad remains uncertain.
The Duke frowned, "If unsuitable, we can withdraw. Ning'er needs someone gentle and companionable, not someone overly extraordinary."
"That's true," the grandmother nodded.