The Return of the King: A Generation of Prodigies

"What a pair of bastards! Bastards are still bastards after all. They are not worthy of being on the stage no matter what."

"If I had known that you and your son would be so unpromising today, I would have let Wu Jingyuan die outside, so as to avoid having to implicate my clan and bury them with your stupidity.

Wu Shide's eyes were red at this time, and he looked like he was possessed by a demon, which was very scary.

Ruan Yuhu obviously didn't expect things to turn out like this.

She must take action to stop it now, otherwise if Wu Shide is angry to death, then her and Shen Tianjiao's plan will fail.

"Duke Wu, calm down. It's not worth getting angry over something like this."

"Jiuruo, help Duke Wu sit down and give him one of the life-saving pills sent by the Imperial Hospital."

"Yes."

Ju Ruo did not dare to slack off. She hurried forward, helped Wu Shide to sit down, and took out a life-saving pill from the box held by the palace servant behind her.

She handed the life-saving pill to Wu Shide and whispered, "Duke Wu, please don't get angry. The Empress knows your loyalty to the Duke Wu's Mansion."

"Take this life-saving pill, calm down, and wait and see what the Empress will say."

Wu Shide, who was almost angry to death, slowly calmed down after hearing Kikuruo's words.

He knew that Ju Ruo was the most trusted person around Ruan Yuhu and would not lie to him at this time.

Warrior De calmed down, put the weapon-saving pill in his hand into his mouth, and swallowed it with the water handed to him by the palace servant.

Seeing that Wu Shide had stabilized, Ruan Yuhu was truly relieved.

If this old man died of anger in this palace today because of his unfilial children and grandchildren, it would not only delay her plan but would also bring about a disaster.

"Duke Wu, you are really too angry. You should listen to what I have to say."

"These two useless guys in your family, are you getting so angry over them? Is it worth it?"

Ruan Yuhu looked at Wu Shide and said, "Wu Jingyuan and Wu Long participated in the rebellion with Li Zhaohui, but you, Duke Wu, and the rest of the people in the Duke Wu's Mansion did not participate."

"The Empress is a person who clearly distinguishes rewards and punishments, and she is not an unreasonable tyrant. How could she ignore everything and punish the people of your Wuguo Mansion and the Wu family?"

"If that were the case, I'm afraid that all the noble families in Shangjing City would have been wiped out long ago."

Ruan Yuhu's words not only comforted Wu Shide, but also comforted everyone present.

Those people thought that since the Queen would not make things difficult for the Duke of Wu's Mansion, she would probably not make things difficult for them either.

Thinking of this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

After Wu Shide finished taking the medicine and rested for a while, he regained consciousness and looked at Ruan Yuhu and asked, "Mrs. Ruan, what did you mean by that?"

"Is the Empress really willing to give my Wu family a chance to live?"

If Wu Shide had not heard what Ruan Yuhu had just said, he would never have believed that the Queen would not bother with him and would be willing to let his Wu family go just because there was someone plotting treason in his family.

After all, there has never been such a precedent in previous dynasties.

As the best ruler of imperial power, what he hated most was treason. If a treasonist appeared in a family, the family would be separated from the political center.

The emperor would also take the most severe revenge on this family, thinking that he would rather kill a thousand people by mistake than let one go.

This will make it so that this family will never have the chance to return again.

But now Ruan Yuhu said in person that the Queen was willing to ignore the fact that there was a traitor in the Wuguo Mansion and was willing to let the Wu family go. How could Wu Shide not be excited?

He was afraid that he had heard it wrongly and misunderstood it, and was happy for nothing.

"What I just said was clear enough, Duke Wu, you heard it correctly."

"The Queen Mother said that whoever made the mistake will bear the consequences, and the family members will not be punished."

Ruan Yuhu turned to look at Wu Jingyuan and his son and said, "As for the two of them, how to deal with them is up to Duke Wu."

"It's just that I have a few words to say to Duke Wu."

After confirming that what he had just heard was correct and true, Wu Shide was no longer willing to listen to Ruan Yuhu's words, let alone kowtow to him in front of everyone.

"Mrs. Ruan, if you have any instructions, I will do it."

Ruan Yuhu smiled. Sure enough, Wu Shide was the same as before, not changed at all. He was still the man who knew how to adapt to the times.

"It's not a big deal, but seeing the scene today, I couldn't help but feel a little emotional."

"Duke Wu, you are already an old man now, and you are no longer able to do things as you wish."

"I'm afraid it's time for the Wu family's position as patriarch to be passed down to someone more capable."

"If it weren't for your inability to manage your children and grandchildren, how could something like this happen today?"

"The Empress doesn't care about this matter. This is a favor to the Wuguo Mansion."

"But if the Duke of Wu's Mansion is not punished because of this incident, and there is no one in your family who can step forward to control the younger generations of your family."

"Will it make these young, inexperienced people think that they were not punished because of the prestige of the Duke of Wu's Mansion?"

"If that's the case, then the children of the Duke of Wu's mansion will probably be difficult to discipline in the future, and they might even cause some horrific disaster."

"The Empress can show mercy to the Duke of Wu's Mansion once, but she cannot disregard the law and show mercy to the Duke of Wu every time."

"So, shouldn't Duke Wu consider the next family head?"

Wu Shide is also a smart man. After listening to Ruan Yuhu's words, doesn't he know what it means?

Ruan Yuhu wanted to take this opportunity to select someone from the Wuguo Mansion who was obedient, could be of the same mind as the Queen, and could be used by the Queen.

Wu Shide had also considered the matter of the next head of the family. The person most qualified to succeed him as the head of the family was naturally his eldest son Wu Jinglin.

However, although Wu Jinglin is very capable and qualified for this task, his health is not very good. If he overworks himself, his body may not be able to bear it.

As for Wu Shide's other sons, although they were not mediocre, they lacked the ability to take on the responsibility of managing the Wu family.

Because there was no suitable candidate who was both capable and could convince the public, Wu Shide had no choice but to continue to worry about and work hard for the Wu family as the head of the family even at his old age.

But today, it is obvious that Wu Shide must quickly select the next head of the family no matter what.

However, the matter of selecting a family head is no joke, because once he is selected as the family head, he cannot be deposed unless he commits a serious crime that harms the clan.

So this is not a simple matter. All aspects, character, and ability must be taken into consideration. For a moment, Wu Shide was at a loss.

He did have two candidates in mind, but because they were too young, even with his support, it would be difficult for them to convince the public if they became the head of the Wu family.

Managing a home is not easy, let alone managing a large family?

To be the head of a family, one must not only have outstanding abilities, but also have prestige, be able to lead the people of the family well, and make them obey safely.

Wu Shide was in a state of confusion at the moment and couldn't make up his mind.

But the current situation does not allow him to delay any longer. After all, Ruan Yuhu is still waiting, and so many people are watching.

Thinking of Ruan Yuhu, Wu Shide suddenly had an idea, and his mind became clear and he immediately came up with an idea.

Since Ruan Yuhu has to choose someone from the Wu family who is obedient, can stand on the same front with the queen, and help the queen.

So does this mean that Ruan Yuhu actually already has a candidate in mind and is just waiting for me to speak up and agree?

Thinking of this, Wu Shide's heart pressure disappeared and he felt relaxed all of a sudden.

No matter who Ruan Yuhu has in mind, the candidate must be someone who can not only shoulder the responsibilities of the head of the Wu family, but also fulfill his important task of assisting the queen.

Wu Shide, who had figured it out, immediately turned to Ruan Yuhu and said, "Mrs. Ruan, do you have a suitable candidate?"

When Wu Shide said this, everyone present except Ruan Yuhu was shocked.

Choosing a family head is the Wu family's own family affair. Why would they let Ruan Yuhu make the decision for them? Could this old man really be confused?

However, he was also very clear-headed. He had seen the clues from Wu Shide's actions and had already started to think about his family's affairs.

Ruan Yuhu pretended to think for a while, then said, "I heard that Jinglin's eldest son, Wu Chengjun, was sent to Huzhou to serve as an official at a young age."

"He's done a very good job as an official in Huzhou, with remarkable achievements. He will surely have a bright future."

"The Minister of Revenue has been ill and has been at home recuperating. His position has been vacant for over half a year."

"I don't think he'll be able to recover in a short time, but someone has to do this job. I'll make a decision on behalf of the Queen and let this child come back to take over the position of Minister of Revenue."

"I just don't know, Duke Wu, what do you think?"

Wu Shide’s mouth was so wide open that an egg could be stuffed in it. How could such a good thing happen in this world?

The Queen did not hold the Duke of Wu accountable for his disappointing son and his grandson involved in treason and rebellion. Instead of punishing him, she is now promoting his eldest grandson and bringing him back from Huzhou to serve as the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue?

Wu Shide now doubted himself, wondering if he was dreaming. This was not a pie falling from the sky, it was clearly a huge pie hitting him directly in the face.

Ruan Yuhu said that he just wanted his grandson to come back and replace the position of Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, but everyone knew that it was just an excuse.

Wu Chengjun will be the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue in the future. Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, this is a position that many people dream of.

With Wu Chengjun's current position and qualifications, it would take at least ten years for him to become the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. Now it is like reaching the sky in one step.

A twenty-three-year-old assistant minister of the Ministry of Revenue, this was something Yun had never had since he left the country.

Wu Shide swallowed his saliva, so excited that he didn't know what to do. It was not because he was inexperienced, but because the grace the queen gave him this time was too great.

The Wu family was saved, and his grandson had a place in the court. In this way, the Wuguo Mansion could not say whether it could restore its former glory.

But at least in the short term, it will not decline and be replaced by others.

Wu Shide immediately made an important decision: from now on, the Wuguo Mansion would belong to the Queen completely.

No matter what happens in the future, they must support the Queen's decision and do their best to ensure that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince can ascend the throne smoothly. In this way, wouldn't they also be heroes who support the new emperor?

As the emperor's confidants, will they receive less protection in the future?

Today, Wu Shide finally truly witnessed the Queen's methods and abilities. He realized that the world should indeed belong to the Queen and her son.

He suppressed his joy, knelt down quickly and said, "Old minister, thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."

"Please rest assured, Queen, what happened today will never happen again in the Duke of Wu's mansion."

"From now on, all members of the Wu clan will be absolutely loyal to the Emperor and His Royal Highness. Anyone who shows any dissent will be punished by the annihilation of their entire clan."

The oath that Wu Shide swore was extremely poisonous. He even used the lives of his own clansmen as a guarantee.

But this also shows the determination of his Wuguo Mansion to be loyal, and this is exactly the result that Ruan Yuhu wanted to see and get by making such a big move today.

"Duke Wu, please get up quickly." Ruan Yuhu signaled to Ju Ruo beside him, and quickly went over to help Wu Shide up.

"The Emperor and the Empress have never doubted the loyalty of the Duke of Wu's Mansion."

"Otherwise, why would Her Majesty not care about the rebellion of Wu Jingyuan and Wu Long?"

"Duke Wu, you must be well. Remember what you said today and do your utmost to assist His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

"After all, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is our Yunli, the rightful heir to the throne. His position cannot be replaced by anyone else."

Ruan Yuhu reiterated the legitimacy of Prince Li Muyang's identity at this time, both to remind Wu Shide to remember the oath he had just made and to tell others not to have any evil thoughts.

Since I can let them go today, if they dare to continue their bad deeds tomorrow and go against Shen Tianjiao, the Queen who is in charge of the country, I can still kill them.

"I, your Majesty, will never forget the oath I made today."

"Please rest assured, Empress. No matter who becomes the head of the Wu clan in the future, we will remember the oath I made today and will never go back on our word."

Wu Shide actually knew very well in his heart that only by following the queen could their Wu family survive and have a way out.