Liu Jinghong nodded and smiled reassuringly to his father. “Your son knows what he’s doing.”
Unlike most sons of noble families, who begin coasting on the merits of their ancestors by the second generation, Liu Jinghong had carved out his own place among the aristocracy.
The Liu family were not only a noble clan but also imperial in-laws. Because Noble Consort Xiao Liu was so deeply favored, the Liu family’s status had steadily risen with her.
Normally, titles granted through imperial favor would carry the characters “Cheng’en” (承恩, meaning “granted through favor”), like “Marquis Cheng’en” title in Empress Feng’s family.
But the Liu family was titled Duke Chu, a rank far beyond what such favor typically warranted.
While much of this owed to Liu Wangfei’s favored position, part of it was also because of Liu Jinghong himself. He was a man of considerable talent—he knew how to make gunpowder. Back in Fujian, he had grown up frequently visiting the royal household and had called Min Wang—now Emperor Yongchang—“brother-in-law” since childhood.
It could be said that Liu Jinghong held both personal affection from the emperor and genuine competence.
As a result, he now held the title of Left Commander-in-Chief within the Office of the Commander of the Five Armies, overseeing troop deployments in the northwest—truly a position of power.
If he promised something, it would certainly be done.
Seeing his son nod, the old Lord Liu relaxed completely.
Still, he frowned slightly and said, “It’s just a young girl. No need to use a butcher’s knife to kill a chicken. Have your wife handle her with some inner-court tricks.”
Wasn’t it overkill to send others against such a girl?
Liu Jinghong thought of Han Yue’e and narrowed his eyes with a smile, agreeing readily.
Once their conversation ended, he said to the old duke, “I’ll find time to visit Her Highness. In truth, this isn’t anything serious.”
A demotion in title—after a while, His Majesty’s anger would pass.
With Liu Wangfei and Princess Baorong and Princess Mingcheng in the palace, and the Liu family’s full backing outside, Qi Wang’s imperial position was rock-solid. There was no need to panic.
The old Lord Liu felt a headache coming on. Although that imperial grandson was his blood relative, his status was so lofty that even interacting with him required careful restraint.
He said no more and waved Liu Jinghong away.
Liu Jinghong returned to the main residence to change.
Madam Liu was speaking with their daughter at the time. Seeing him enter, she nodded toward the girls, signaling them to leave.
As soon as Liu Mingzhu saw her father, she beamed and rushed over. “Father!”
She threw her arms around Liu Jinghong’s neck and refused to let go.
Madam Liu’s expression immediately soured, and she scolded sharply, “Mingzhu! What sort of behavior is this?!”
But Liu Jinghong, still smiling, gently pried her off and tapped her nose fondly. “Such a little rascal—see, you’ve upset your mother again.”
Liu Mingzhu pouted. “So what if I love my father?”
Madam Liu couldn’t help but feel stifled and shot her daughter a glare. “A girl must keep a respectful distance from her father. You’re already fifteen—an adult woman. Stop clinging and grabbing like a child.”
Liu Mingzhu huffed, “It’s because you’re so old-fashioned that Father doesn’t like you!”
Madam Liu had been strict but not truly angry—until she heard this. Fury flared in her chest. “Insolence! What have you even learned from your studies?!”
Her words were sharp and angry. Clearly, she had truly lost her temper. Liu Mingzhu rose reluctantly, lowering her head in silence, but her heart was full of resentment.
Seeing this, Madam Liu barked, “You are not to attend the Zhou Wang’s polo meet!”
Liu Mingzhu immediately panicked. “Why not?! I’ve been preparing for over half a year—I must go!”
Every winter in the capital, aside from the various flower festivals, the most anticipated event was the annual polo match at Zhou Wang’s estate.
This dynasty valued martial prowess. Back when Emperor Yongchang was still a prince, he had loved polo. Once he ascended the throne, the princes followed suit, and polo became immensely popular among the nobility.
Among noble ladies and gentlemen, standing out at Zhou Wang’s annual polo match was a mark of pride.
Liu Mingzhu had been learning to ride since she was twelve and had diligently practiced polo.
In past years, she was too young and could only circle around the edges as a substitute. But now that she had come of age and was recognized as a top player among noble girls—how could she miss it?
Just as Madam Liu was about to retort again, Liu Jinghong interjected calmly, “She enjoys it, and it’s not a big deal. Let her go.”
Liu Mingzhu cheered and skipped away with joy.
Madam Liu’s face darkened. After Liu Mingzhu left, she slammed down her teacup. “If Shizi keeps acting like this, how can I discipline her?”
Every time she tried to teach their daughter, Liu Jinghong would swoop in and play the good guy, indulging her. It made her, the mother, seem cruel and harsh by comparison.
Liu Jinghong took her hand and said, “My dear, Mingzhu is our pearl—our precious jewel. That’s why we named her Mingzhu. She’s the daughter of a Duke, born to a life of riches and ease.”
Madam Liu sighed, “That may be, but she’s still a girl—she’ll marry one day. Look at her temper!”
Liu Mingzhu had been spoiled too much. She demanded the best of everything, always had to be first, and couldn’t tolerate being overshadowed by others.
Only in front of princesses did she show some restraint. Among other noble girls, she acted as if everyone else was beneath her.
Her nature was also extreme. If she couldn’t have something, she’d rather destroy it than let someone else enjoy it.
Madam Liu hadn’t realized how far it had gone until Liu Mingzhu was already eleven—by then, the whole household had spoiled her beyond control.
Even Noble Consort Liu favored this niece and often sent extravagant gifts.
Money had only made Liu Mingzhu more arrogant.
Liu Jinghong’s expression carried a touch of pride. “She’s my daughter. Why should she ever bow to others? If she’s bold and unrestrained, that’s how she should be.”
…
There was no reasoning with Liu Jinghong.
Madam Liu could only give up. “But at Zhou Wang’s polo match, I heard that Commandery Princess Luochuan and Commandery Princess Xianning of Wu Wang will both play this year. If she…”
Liu Mingzhu’s fiery temper wouldn’t allow her to hold back!
Wouldn’t that offend someone?
Liu Jinghong chuckled softly. “Don’t worry—she’ll be on the same team as the princesses. But there is someone else—my dear, see if you can have Zhou Wangfei send her an invitation.”
Zhou Wangfei was Madam Liu’s cousin, and the two were close.
Madam Liu looked puzzled. “Who is it, that the shizi himself must request this?”
Liu Jinghong gave a cold, slight smile. “The Yongping Marquis’s daughter—Qi Yuan.”
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