Chapter 212: Appointment - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

Chapter 212: Appointment

"Granddaughter greets grandfather and grandmother." Wei Lanxuan then turned to Wei Dalang and bowed. "Greetings, father."

Liang Gongzi followed her in greeting each elder before Duke Wei spoke.

"Mm, rise."

"Thank you, grandfather." Liang Gongzi helped Wei Lanxuan to stand. At this moment, they appeared very loving and sweet. Seeing his granddaughter's genuine smile, Duke Wei’s anger dissipated. He asked Wei Lanxuan, "How are things at the Liang family?"

"Grandfather, rest assured, everyone at the Liang family treats me very well."

Duke Wei nodded and said to the Duchess beside him, "Take Lan'er to prepare the meal. We'll have a family reunion dinner later."

"Yes, my lord."

Wei Lanxuan wanted to say more, but Wei Dalang signaled her with his eyes. It was clear that Duke Wei wanted to speak privately with Liang Gongzi, and it wasn’t appropriate for her to stay.

Liang Gongzi's palms were sweaty, but he had no choice but to face this alone.

"Now that you are married to Lan'er, what are your plans? A daughter of the Wei family cannot marry a useless man!"

Liang Gongzi bowed respectfully, then steadied himself and said, "Grandfather, rest assured. I’ve already spoken with my maternal grandfather. In two days, I’ll report to the Capital Guards."

"The Capital Guards?" Duke Wei's expression didn’t soften and even turned colder.

He studied Liang Gongzi for a while, seemingly considering whose idea this was.

From his understanding of the Marquis of Changyi, he knew the current situation. Although Lin Wang from the Capital Guards had been recently reprimanded by the Emperor and had his salary docked, his position remained secure. Besides, given the conflict between the Wei and Bai families, sending Liang Gongzi to work under Lin Wang now would lead nowhere.

Such a foolish idea couldn’t have come from the Marquis of Changyi.

He asked, "Where did your maternal grandfather originally intend to place you?"

Liang Gongzi was surprised by Duke Wei’s insight, which seemed to require no explanation.

"He intended for me to take a position at the Ministry of Rites."

Duke Wei nodded. This plan made more sense. Though the Ministry of Rites was less demanding, it offered easier promotions. Once Liang Gongzi reached a higher rank, transferring to another department would be both respectable and less exhausting, a far better option than the Capital Guards.

The Liang family truly lacked capable individuals.

No wonder the Marquis of Changyi preferred to relinquish power rather than help his son-in-law and grandson.

"Follow your maternal grandfather's original plan. The waters of the Capital Guards are too deep for you."

Duke Wei dismissed Liang Gongzi’s plan with a single sentence. Liang Gongzi was displeased but didn’t dare refuse. He tried another approach. "But I’ve already told my maternal grandfather. If I go back on my word now…"

He looked at Duke Wei, whose face grew even darker, making him afraid to continue.

"I will arrange it for you. Report to the Ministry of Rites in three days. As for your father, tell him to prepare. The Emperor’s decree transferring him to Jinling will arrive soon."

Liang Gongzi had thought his father's situation would be tricky, but it had been arranged smoothly by Duke Wei.

Once his father took up the new post, Liang Gongzi would be the son of a second-rank official, equal to Wen Mengsheng, but with more powerful backing. This made his transfer to the Ministry of Rites more palatable. It was just a temporary plan. Once his father settled in, he might even secure a position in the Navy, which would be more comfortable than staying in the capital.

"Yes, grandson-in-law thanks grandfather on behalf of my father."

Duke Wei said nothing further. He had little to say to this brainless grandson-in-law. After a few more pleasantries, Wei Lanxuan came to invite them to dinner.

The family had a proper reunion meal. Afterward, the couple returned to Wei Lanxuan’s old courtyard to gather some belongings and then left the Duke’s mansion, taking Yue Jian and Ah Li's ownership documents with them.

Back at the Liang mansion, Yue Jian served even more diligently than usual.
Had she not been pregnant, she might have even stood guard overnight for Wei Lanxuan.

That evening, Liang Gongzi informed Liang Quanbin about his new appointment during dinner, his excitement palpable.

Liang Quanbin looked at Wei Lanxuan with satisfaction. Marrying this new wife was indeed worthwhile. Though her reputation was tarnished, the practical benefits were significant. The Liang family’s prosperity was assured.

"However, grandfather intends for me to take a position at the Ministry of Rites."

"Why is that?"

"Grandfather didn’t say."

Liang Gongzi frowned, thinking that perhaps Duke Wei was worried that Lin Wang might cause trouble for them because of the broken engagement.

He was unaware of the deeper enmity between the Wei and Bai families.

"If that’s the case, we should follow the Duke’s arrangement. He must have his reasons."

"Yes, father. I understand."

Liang Quanbin patted Liang Gongzi's shoulder, comforting him.

"Don’t worry. Once I establish myself in Jinling, no one at the Ministry of Rites will dare to trouble you."

Since Liang Gongzi hadn’t come up through the imperial examinations and was in the Ministry of Rites, known for its strict protocols, he was bound to face some difficulties. However, the Wei family’s influence would protect him from overt mistreatment.

Liang Gongzi was concerned but had no choice. After dinner, he visited the Marquis of Changyi’s residence, returning late at night.

Wei Lanxuan waited anxiously and finally saw him return, looking disheartened.

"What happened?"

"Grandfather scolded me, saying I’m leading others astray, relying on connections instead of focusing on the imperial exams."

Liang Gongzi had hoped his maternal grandfather would speak to Minister Zheng on his behalf, ensuring he had someone to rely on at work.

Instead, he was harshly reprimanded and made to reflect on his actions before being released.

The rebuke still echoed in his mind, leaving him feeling both sad and ashamed.

Wei Lanxuan comforted him. "We are a team, sharing both fortune and hardship. Grandfather supports you because of me, but how smooth your future path will be depends on you. If a few words from grandfather upset you, what will you do when colleagues in the officialdom push you around? Will you also be troubled then?"

Her words struck a chord with Liang Gongzi, causing a significant stir within him.

Having always been mild-mannered, marrying Wei Lanxuan was the most decisive thing he had ever done. Grandfather’s harsh words had crushed him, but his wife’s encouragement brought him back to his senses.

He held Wei Lanxuan's hand and promised, "Lan'er, you’re right. A true man stands tall in the world. If I can’t overcome these small setbacks, I am indeed weak. Rest assured, I will strive for myself, for you, and for the Liang family."