Ning Jia is a good and sensible child, diligent in his studies, and it’s rare to see such talent. Although he no longer has the status of an official household’s son, Fu Zhen will never let this promising young man go to waste.
However, since he is still young, the matters of passing the imperial examinations and becoming an official are for later. For now, the priority is to find a way for him to qualify to enter the Imperial College.
Speaking of Ning Jia, Mrs. Ning’s tone softened, "When we go there, we can’t go empty-handed, right? Have Jin Zhu take you to the storeroom to pick a few appropriate gifts, and bring them over tomorrow.
"Oh, and since General Liang and his wife are also present, don’t forget to prepare a gift for them as well."
Fu Zhen rose with a smile, "Alright! Since mother trusts , your daughter certainly won’t let you lose face!"
...
Early in the morning, Liang Chen stood in the courtyard, taking deep breaths at the empty entrance.
Inside, Su Xing Er was dressing Liang Xuan while calling out to him, "What are you standing there for? I promised the Cheng family we’d go over early, so hurry up and get ready!"
Liang Chen turned back into the house, "I’m watching that lad, the second brother; he left early again!
"Do you know where he’s been rushing off to these past few days?"
"Where has he been going?" Su Xing Er glanced at him as she finished braiding Liang Xuan’s hair.
Liang Chen pointed outside, "The guard said he went to see Miss Fu! Ever since he ca back late from eting her, he’s been going there every day!"
"Oh, let him go! The boy’s unmarried, and the girl’s unmarried. Even the emperor doesn’t interfere in such matters, and the empress also advocates for fewer blind marriages among n and won. What’s wrong with eting soone?"
Liang Chen was taken aback, "So you actually knew?"
With just a few quick strokes, Su Xing Er finished braiding Liang Xuan’s hair, "Did you forget I’m the head mistress? And that I’ve been in charge of everything both inside and outside the house for the past six years?
"And how long have you been back? What do you think could possibly happen without knowing?"
Liang Chen chuckled foolishly, "Yes, you’re the master, and I’m the deputy. But judging by the master’s words, you approve of this marriage?"
"Marriage or not, it’s too early to say. Although the Ning Family is a rchant household, Mrs. Ning’s decisiveness in dealing with her scoundrel of a husband is truly admirable.
"And that Miss Fu, not caring about her engagent to Du Mingcheng nor whether she’s from an official family or a rchant family, how could we assu she is befriending the second brother just to marry into the Liang family?"
Liang Chen was not very convinced, "Our second brother is a fine young hero. If it weren’t for mutual affection, why would Miss Fu always agree to et him?"
"Elder brother and sister-in-law!"
Just then, Liang Zhi’s voice rang out from outside.
When Liang Chen went to greet him, Liang Zhi was already at the door, holding several large paper packages, "Sister-in-law, here are so top-quality bird’s nests and fish maws; please take them!"
Su Xing Er curiously accepted them, "Why did you suddenly buy these?"
"I didn’t buy them, Miss Fu gave them to !"
Upon hearing this, the couple exchanged a glance. Su Xing Er asked, "Why did Miss Fu suddenly send these?"
"Because," Liang Zhi cleared his throat, "Elder brother and the fifth brother still have a case to work on, which is also related to the Ning family’s Xi Xi. Miss Fu is eager for the case to be resolved quickly."
Of course, this excuse was made up on the spot. There was no choice; Fu Zhen had entrusted him with this matter, and he dared not make any mistakes. This explanation seed reasonable enough.
However, upon hearing this, Liang Chen beca even more restless. "Did she even tell you about that?!"
They had been so cautious when searching for the dagger, sternly instructing each other to keep it confidential, so much so that he hadn’t even told Xing Er.
But Fu Zhen, who had only known Liang Zhi for a few days, had already told him everything?
"Yes, she told !" Liang Zhi nodded, then said, "I still have to go see my aunt, so I’ll be off!"
Liang Chen stared at his departing back for a long while before turning to the equally bewildered Su Xing Er, "You have a big task ahead! I can’t quite figure out this Miss Fu, so you’ll need to engage with her more closely."
He was determined to uncover what on earth was going on with Liang Zhi and Fu Zhen.
...
Fu Zhen had discussed so things with Liang Zhi early, then went back inside to freshen up and set off with Mrs. Ning and Ning Jia.
For Fu Zhen, this was rely a social visit, but for Mrs. Ning and her son, visiting such a prestigious household’s doorstep was a first in their lives.
Ning Jia didn’t speak the entire journey, his hands placed on his knees clenched tightly into fists.
As they neared the Cheng family, Fu Zhen patted his head, "Once we enter, General Liang’s younger general, Liang Zhi, who is already my friend, will guide you. You need not fear anything, just listen to him. If anything happens, he’s the one to look for.
"Everyone is kind and easy to get along with, so relax and just respond confidently.
"Besides, isn’t Li Huai by your side? He also knows a lot."
Ning Jia’s tightly clenched fists finally relaxed.
When they arrived at the Cheng family’s gate, it turned out Cheng Chili’s plan of having clean water splashed on the ground wasn’t just empty talk; the main gate was indeed opened...
This was a bit too much.
Even if they were barely considered benefactors, there was no need for such a grand reception!
It must have been Cheng Chili’s idea.
Luckily Fu Zhen was prepared, so as not to lose decorum.
After getting off the carriage, specifically waiting there to welco them were Cheng Chiren and his wife, along with Cheng Chili.
After the initial greetings, Mrs. Ning proposed that they first go to the main courtyard to visit Mrs. Cheng.
Mrs. He, Cheng Chiren’s wife, laughed and said, "Perfect timing, the General’s wife arrived not long ago and is also having tea in mother’s room. Let’s go sit there first."
Walking behind Mrs. Ning, Fu Zhen noticed Cheng Chili constantly staring at her, so she paused and said, "Why do you keep looking at , General Chili? Is there sothing on my face?"
Cheng Chili shook his head vigorously, "You’re even prettier than a flower!"
Fu Zhen smiled, "You have good taste, General, I think so too."
She was indeed very satisfied with this face.
Upon hearing her response, Cheng Chili imdiately straightened up and looked at her again!
"What’s the matter, General Chili?"
"Could I... could I touch your face?"
Fu Zhen raised an eyebrow, "Why?"
"I want to know if... if you’re wearing a mask!"
Cheng Chili blurted out this bold suspicion!
It was too similar!
Especially the way she spoke; it was just too similar!
He needed only to touch to find out if it was his elder brother playing a trick on him, wearing a mask!
"Alright!" Fu Zhen leaned her face towards him, "Go ahead and touch."
Cheng Chili reached out his right hand, moving it towards this face that was both familiar and unfamiliar.
Before he could touch her, a calm voice ca from the door behind him, "What are you doing?"
Startled, Cheng Chili turned around to see Pei Zhan, dressed in a royal blue brocade robe, with a simple hairdo that was slicked back today adorned with a sparkling golden crown, standing five steps away, staring straight at him...
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