Chapter 338: 338: The Fish Takes the Bait!

Words : 1523 Updated : Oct 11th, 2025

Chapter 338: Chapter 338: The Fish Takes the Bait! Liu Xi and Xiao Tao followed behind; as the three of them entered the main house, Zhan Lan entered the room, dressed in splendid attire. The Wang family members were all astonished; Zhan Lan’s demeanor was akin to that of an empress—extraordinary and dignified, imposing yet elegant, commanding respect that one dared not violate. Gone was the little maid who used to live in the back courtyard. The three of them were simultaneously overwhelmed by Zhan Lan’s aura and stood up together. Zhan Lan looked at the three, smiling slightly, “Grandmother, Second Uncle, Second Aunt, there’s no need for formalities, please sit down!” Only then did the three embarrassingly realize that they had been intimidated by Zhan Lan’s presence, having behaved in a way unbecoming of their status as elders. Mrs. Wang was the first to speak, feigning composure, “Lan’er, Grandma came to check on you. You don’t know how happy Grandma was to learn that you are the biological daughter of Beicang!” Mrs. Zhang echoed as well, “Yes, yes, your Second Aunt is also very happy for you.” Zhan Xincheng took on the posture of the Second Uncle and said, “Lan’er, your Second Uncle was not wrong about you. You have the blood of the Zhan Family flowing in your veins; you are our family’s pride!” Being showered with flattery by the three, Zhan Lan looked at their hypocritical faces and said with a slight smile, “What brings Grandmother, Second Uncle, and Second Aunt here today? Is there something you need?” Mrs. Wang smiled affectionately and looked at Zhan Lan, “Lan’er, now that you no longer have military power, although our Zhan Family still has your father’s military power in the court, to solidify the Zhan Family’s position in court, Grandma thinks that it’s necessary for your Second Uncle to return to officialdom. It is said that when brothers unite as one, they can cut through metal. Your Second Uncle could also assist your father, couldn’t he?” Zhan Lan smiled and nodded, “Grandmother’s words are indeed correct; naturally, that would be good.” Zhan Xincheng looked at Zhan Lan with relief. After all, they were related by blood, and from what he could see, this niece Lan’er was not bad. Mrs. Wang was reassured upon hearing Zhan Lan’s response. She smilingly said, “Lan’er, could you help your Second Uncle secure a position in court through the Regent King? In this way, it would be easier for him to coordinate with your father.” Mrs. Zhang also followed with a smile, trying to ingratiate herself to Zhan Lan. Zhan Lan’s lips curled up slightly, “Regarding this matter, I will discuss it with Mu Yan once he returns and see if there is a suitable position for Second Uncle. However, the affairs of the imperial court are not decided by my husband alone; a court session is required.” “Second Uncle understands!” Zhan Xincheng’s face showed a rare smile. Ever since his son Zhan Feng was accused of treason, no one wanted to associate with their second branch anymore. He had tried to side with the Crown Prince and Si Jun in the contest for the heir apparent but was rejected. If only he still had military power in his hands, none of this would have happened. Now, hitting walls everywhere, he had no choice but to turn to Zhan Lan, hoping for a chance to return to his career. Zhan Lan looked at Zhan Xincheng and remarked, “Second Uncle, I see that you have recovered quite well.” Zhan Xincheng laughed embarrassingly, “Thanks to Lan’er, although I can no longer practice martial arts, serving as a civil official should pose no problem.” Zhan Lan pondered thoughtfully and said to Zhan Xincheng, “Second Uncle, I will do my best with this matter, but if it’s successful, I hope Second Uncle can promise me one thing.” Zhan Xincheng and Mrs. Wang exchanged glances before both turned their attention to Zhan Lan. Zhan Lan smiled slightly, “Even if we maneuver for Second Uncle to return to officialdom, an ordinary position would be too modest for Second Uncle. If the rank is third-grade or above, Second Uncle has to agree to one thing for me.” The moment Zhan Xincheng heard it was a third-grade or higher official, he became somewhat excited and asked eagerly, “What is it?” Zhan Lan said with some difficulty, “My father is a top first-grade official, I am Prince Zhenbei, and also the Regent Princess Consort. Our Zhan Family’s influence has already aroused concern in some quarters. If Second Uncle were to become a third-grade official, I’m afraid the Imperial Censorate would again claim that our Zhan Family holds dominant positions and covers the sky with one hand.” Zhan Xincheng nodded gravely; his entry into the court would certainly be opposed, with accusations that their Zhan Family harbors ulterior motives. Mrs. Wang looked at Zhan Lan with some concern, hoping she would speak the following words. Mrs. Zhang was also listening attentively, thinking that if her husband could still become a third-rank senior official, perhaps she might even become an Imperial Decree Lady in the future. “Lan’er, do you have any solutions?” Zhan Xincheng always felt that there was more to what Zhan Lan was saying and that she might have a solution. Zhan Lan continued, “There is a way, but it might require you and my father to put on an act.” Zhan Xincheng nodded, “That’s fine, tell me.” “Second Uncle, before you take up an official post at court, you must deliberately have a falling out with my father, and then break off ties, splitting the family!” Mrs. Wang’s brows knitted together, “Lan’er, isn’t this too improper? Your second uncle and your father have always had a good relationship, others wouldn’t believe it!” Zhan Lan shook her head, “Everything is man-made; just don’t let father know and you can maneuver as you wish. To gain something, something must be given up. There must be sacrifice to have gain; otherwise, no matter how capable your nephew-in-law is, he can’t stop the endless chatter of others.” “Second Uncle, rest assured, we will find an appropriate reason to smoothly return you to the official path.” Mrs. Zhang frowned, “But, we need time to move out and sell off our other residence!” Zhan Lan said indifferently, “I will buy your mansion for 300,000 silver taels. You can find another place, and if in a few years you wish to return, your niece will sell it back to you at the original price.” Upon hearing the price Zhan Lan offered, all three knew it was quite generous, as the most they could get from selling it themselves would be 250,000 silver taels. Mrs. Wang looked thoughtful, Zhan Xincheng was eager, and Mrs. Zhang was very conflicted. All three’s ulterior motives were clear on their faces, and Zhan Lan threw out the last straw that broke the camel’s back. “If the Second Uncle wants to become an official of the third rank or above, he must be prepared to make sacrifices. If it’s too difficult for Second Uncle, then let’s forget it. I will think of another solution and seek a County Magistrate position for Second Uncle, a post that my little bit of influence can still secure. How does that sound?” Zhan Lan earnestly said, staring at the three. One option is to pay a price for a high-ranking position, and the other is to be a mere County Magistrate. The significance of the two choices was clear to all three. Zhan Lan played with her fingers, waiting for the fish to bite. Seeing the three struggle, she fanned the flames a bit more, “Actually, there is some difficulty to this operation. After the Prince returns, I also have to speak with him. Maybe we should just forget it, Second Uncle, and another day I will help you seek a position as a County Magistrate...” Before Zhan Lan could finish speaking, Zhan Xincheng stood up and bowed deeply, “Lan’er, the future of Second Uncle’s career is in your and the Regent King’s hands!” Zhan Lan offered a warm smile, “We’re all family here, your niece will definitely do her utmost!” Zhan Xincheng nodded in gratitude. If it weren’t for Zhan Lan finding the Divine Doctor to cure his illness, he would not have believed her words today. But Zhan Lan must have already known that he was her close second uncle, which is why she did this. Zhan Xincheng was willing to bet on Zhan Lan being trustworthy this time. Seeing that her son’s mind was made up, Mrs. Wang could only agree. It was merely moving out of the Zhan Family; after this storm passed, they could “reconcile” with Zhan Beicang and return. If the land titles and house deeds were with Zhan Lan, she was not afraid! After all, Zhan Lan feared her grandfather, Zhan Xinzhang.

Chapter 338: 338: The Fish Takes the Bait!

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