Everything starts from Menghualu

Chapter 411: The Heat Rising and the Lantern Festival

"What are you talking about, Xue Ning? What happened to you? Lian'er said that you have been locking yourself in your room since you came back. Did that brat Yan Lin bully you?"

"Tell Dad, I'll help you vent your anger." Jiang Boyou said directly

"Oh, father, that's not true. Don't listen to their nonsense. I'm just a little tired and want to rest alone." Jiang Xue Ning said hurriedly.

"Hmm? Really? Xue Ning, don't hide it from me. If Yan Lin really bullies you, you must tell him. Even though he is the son of a marquis, you don't have to be afraid of him." Jiang Boyou said

"It's true, father. I really just want to take a break. Really." Jiang Xuening said

"Well, since you are tired, go back and rest. Dad is leaving first." Jiang Boyou said

Jiang Xuening looked at her father's departing back. She felt relieved and moved at the same time. She secretly vowed to herself that she must change her future destiny.

At the same time, Xie Wei was listening to Dao Qin talking about what he had found out.

"Sir, that's all we have to say about Cao Cheng, but his background is still unclear."

"Those who knew about it back then were all dealt with by Xue Yuan. The only ones who know about it now are probably Xue Yuan and the Queen Mother. I'm afraid the others are..." Dao Qin clasped his fists and said
"Well, it's okay. Since we can't find out now, let's not investigate. After all, the Xingwu Guards are not for show. It would be bad if they were discovered."

"Your Majesty told me a few days ago that he wanted us to have the Imperial Academy give lectures to the princess and her companions. I think the palace will be very lively by then."

"You should inform the spies in the palace in advance and tell them to be careful." Xie Wei said
After Dao Qin heard this, he went out to do his work. At this time, Lu Xian came in and handed him the account book as soon as he came in, saying, "Then, all the account transactions are here."

Xie Wei did not speak after hearing this, but nodded, then he started to look at it, and after a while he said, "Your account is wrong, there is a difference of 2,218 taels."

"Xie Wei, you are really something. Sometimes I wonder, what on earth is the structure of your brain? How can you calculate so quickly? Well, well, well, here you go, I'm really scared of you." Lu Xian said
"Keep a low profile recently. Cao Cheng is back, and the Xue family will definitely take some action. The previous balance has been broken, and the capital will soon be in chaos." Xie Wei said
"I understand. I will be careful. Don't worry. By the way, what are you going to do in Jiangnan? You should know the prince's purpose." Lu Xian said
"Don't worry about that. I have my own plans. Just go and do your own thing." Xie Wei said
After hearing this, Lu Xian didn't say anything else, but turned around and left. Xie Wei stared at his departing back, his face changing constantly, and no one knew what he was thinking.

At this time, the Xue family they were talking about was indeed planning how to deal with the Yan family.

"Cheng'er, you have been on the job for a few days now. How well do you know about the situation in the camp?" Xue Yuandao
"Foster father, I have learned from these days that the camp outside the capital is indeed following the orders of the Yan family. I can't do anything about it." Cao Cheng shook his head.
"Well, Cheng'er, you don't have to be discouraged. You have already done a very good job in taking control of Dayue Border in just a few years."

"As for the Yan family, they have waited for so many years. There is still a long way to go. There is no need to rush at this moment. The key now is to confirm the wedding date."

"There are no more obstacles in the palace. Your father has urged the Ministry of Rites for you, but as for the princess, it's up to you." Xue Yuan said
"Don't worry, foster father. There won't be any problems with the princess. I will take care of it." Cao Cheng said
Xue Yuan nodded after hearing this, and then Cao Cheng left the study and returned to his own yard.

Sitting on the chair, Cao Cheng began to recall his memories. At this time, Jiang Xuening should have come back, right? I wonder if she is scared by me now.

Then there is Zhang Cheng. This piece of toilet stone should also soon come to the fore.

When Cao Cheng thought of this, he stopped sitting and got up to prepare his things. He wanted to go to the palace to see his future wife.

When Shen Zhiyi heard that Cao Cheng was coming, she became extremely nervous. She didn't know what was wrong with her. It was just that he was coming. What was there to be nervous about?
She was angry with herself for a long time, then she got up and went out of the room, and saw the man who made her uneasy in the pavilion.

"Why did you suddenly come here today? Is there something wrong?" Shen Zhiyi asked

"Nothing, I just came to take a look. By the way, this is for you. It is my trophy, a personal item of King Dayue. I give it to you for self-defense." Cao Cheng said
"You, I'm a princess. Do you think I need a dagger to defend myself? You're so stupid. Can't you bring me something else?" Shen Zhiyi said helplessly.
"Oh, how could I forget this? I was just thinking about giving you my best gift, but I forgot. It seems you can't use this."

"How about this, I'll take this back first and I'll change it for you." Cao Cheng said directly
"You, no, how can you be like this? You gave it to someone else and you still want to take it back? I tell you, it's mine now, don't even think about taking it back." Shen Zhiyi said directly

"No, Princess, that's not what I meant. Oh, oh, oh." Cao Cheng said nervously.

"Okay, I'm just kidding. Actually, I like your gift very much. This is the first time I've received such a gift. Besides, my brother may not even have this. It's so nice. I like it very much."

"Also, we're getting married soon, so don't always call me princess. When there's no one else around, you can call me Zhiyi." Shen Zhiyi said with a smile.

"Oh, okay, okay, as long as you like it, as long as you like it, Princess, oh no, Zhiyi, I heard that you are going to study in a few days, right?" Cao Cheng said
"Yes, I specifically told my brother about it, and he agreed. He also asked Master Xie to teach me. What do you think? Am I awesome?" Shen Zhiyi said with a smile.

"Yes, yes, amazing, amazing, our Zhiyi is the best." Cao Cheng quickly agreed.
"Who are you? Your Zhiyi. Don't talk nonsense. Okay, I'm going back. You should go back soon too. By the way, this is for you. I'm leaving first." Shen Zhiyi threw a purse over and left.

Cao Cheng looked at Zhiyi's departing back with a smile on his face, and when he looked at the purse in his hand, the smile on his face widened a little more.

There is no other reason, it's just that the purse is too ugly, and the mandarin ducks playing in the water have turned into a pair of fat ducks.

However, Cao Cheng didn't care at all. He hung the purse on his waist and left the palace. As soon as he returned to the mansion, he heard Xue Shu's voice. "Hey, brother, where did you get this purse? It's too ugly, isn't it?" Xue Shu said, "Shut up. I tell you, this is made by your sister-in-law. I think it looks pretty. Is it ugly? I don't think so. I believe you don't think so either, right?" Cao Cheng said
"Ah, yes, yes, brother, you are absolutely right. Well, I'll be leaving first." Xue Shu said
"Wait, why are you in such a hurry? I want to tell you that the selection for your sister-in-law's study partner is about to begin. Have you been to your aunt's place to see you?" Cao Cheng asked

"I understand, big brother. I've been to my aunt's place a long time ago, and I've also been to my eldest sister-in-law's place, princess. Oh no, I've been there too. There won't be any accidents this time." Xue Shu said
"That's good, that's good, okay, then you can go." Cao Cheng nodded.
"Okay, big brother. By the way, don't say I didn't remind you. My sister-in-law doesn't plan to come to our house during the Lantern Festival. You have to be prepared, okay?" Xue Shu said and left.

Cao Cheng was left with a lot of doubts. Why didn't he come? How could it be? This is impossible? Is inertia really that strong?
However, no matter how confused he was, no one could answer him. Time passed slowly, and the recommendation lists from the ministers' families appeared in front of the princess and the queen mother.

At this time, the mother and daughter were discussing who to choose.

"Mother, I probably just want these few. As for the rest, you can decide. If there are any temporary people I want, I can add them myself." Shen Zhiyi said

"Okay, let's just leave it like this for now. I will also help you take a look at it." said the Queen Mother
In the blink of an eye, it was the Lantern Festival. Cao Cheng followed his adoptive father to greet and see off guests at the door. When everyone was present, there was no sign of the princess, and even her sister was missing.

"Godfather, um, you see, almost everyone is here, so I'm leaving first." Cao Cheng naturally wouldn't wait here any longer, so he left right away.

"Wait, Cheng'er, you can't go. Your sister can go, but you can't. Your sister has already represented our Xue family, and the princess represents the royal family."

"What will happen if you go there now? Don't worry, I've already told Shu'er, nothing will go wrong." Xue Yuan said
"But godfather, I, okay, I understand." Cao Cheng didn't go in the end.

After all, if I think about it carefully, what my adoptive father said makes sense. My current identity is indeed not suitable for the past, after all, apart from my identity as the adopted son of the Duke.

He was still a marquis, and it was really undignified for him to rush over without even receiving an invitation, so he could only continue to attend his own banquet.

In order to make up for his unhappiness at the unit, he naturally had to create some trouble, so he went straight to Yan Lin and Lin Zi Wang who wanted to leave.

"Prince Yan, don't be in such a hurry to leave. Is there anything wrong with our hospitality? If so, you can tell us. It's okay." Cao Cheng said politely.

"No, Lord Cao is too polite. How could that be? I just suddenly remembered that I have something to deal with." Yan Lin smiled.
"Haha, really? I don't know, is there anything I can do to help? If so, please don't be polite to me, Prince."

"We are colleagues after all, so we should help each other, right?" Cao Cheng continued.
After Yan Lin heard this, he didn't know what to say for a moment. At this time, King Linzi took over and said, "Lord Cao, it's not Yan Lin's business. It's my business."

"What? It's actually your business, Your Highness? Then you shouldn't be polite to me. After all, you're going to be my uncle soon. How can I just stand by and watch you do something?"

"If Zhiyi knew about this, I would be in trouble. So, my lord, if you need any help, please don't hesitate to ask me. Tell me, what is it?" Cao Cheng said seriously.
After hearing this, King Linzi didn't know what to say. He glanced at Yan Lin, and Yan Lin gave him a hapless look in return.

With no other choice, the two of them could only stay. Cao Cheng naturally still asked about their well-being and was eager to help, which made the two of them feel very uneasy.

Meanwhile, on the other side, at the Qingyuan Marquis' Mansion, Jiang Xuening was still being bullied. Everyone teamed up to plot against her, leaving her with no choice but to put on makeup for Shen Zhiyi.

Shen Zhiyi looked at herself in the mirror and didn't say anything for a while, because no one had ever put makeup on her like this before.

She didn't know that her scar could be so beautiful. She was a little excited for a moment, then stood up and said, "You did a good job, Jiang Xuening, right? I will remember you."

"Shu'er, let's go to your house." After Shen Zhiyi finished speaking, she went straight back. Xue Shu naturally followed closely behind her. After all, she came here today just to accompany the princess.

When they got on the carriage, Xue Shu was surprised to find that the princess was a little nervous. With her intelligence, she quickly thought of a possibility and then continued to remain silent.

The carriage was moving very fast and soon arrived at the Duke Dingguo's Mansion. When Cao Cheng learned that Zhiyi had arrived, he suddenly lost interest in entertaining her and just got up and left.

"Huh, he finally left. I was so upset just now. How could this happen? Forget it, now that he's gone, let's go too, or we won't be able to see Ningning anymore." Yan Lin said hurriedly.
"Well, I'm not going. You go by yourself. Didn't you see my sister is here? If I go with you now, you won't be able to leave." Linzi Wangdao

"Yes, yes, yes, how could I forget this? Yes, it is true. Then you stay here now. I'm leaving first." Yan Lin said and left.

At this time, Shen Zhiyi had already seen Cao Cheng, and walked up to him without hesitation and said, "How about me, am I pretty today? How do I compare to usual?"

"Haha, of course my Zhiyi is beautiful. She is very beautiful at all times." Cao Cheng said
"You, you are teasing me, tell me quickly, is it okay or not?" Shen Zhiyi said dissatisfiedly

"Okay, how can it be bad? As long as you like it, it's good." Cao Cheng said with a smile

"Hmph, you just know how to make me happy. Come on, let's go somewhere else to talk. Let me tell you, I met a very interesting person today. She is really very nice, you know?" Shen Zhiyi pulled Cao Cheng away.

(End of this chapter)