"Uh," Hai Ling raised an eyebrow in surprise. That woman's face was ruined, which was actually a happy thing. How could she still arrogantly laugh at her in the future? If her face was ruined, she would be no better than her in the future. She was just fat, but she still had a pretty face and a good figure. Her face was gone. But this was really strange. Who would want to mess with her? Hai Ling was full of confusion. She reached out and took the handkerchief from Yan Zhi's hand to wipe her sweat and walked towards the main house.
Although Hai Ling was puzzled by Jiang Feiyu's disfigured face, she didn't dwell on it too much. After having breakfast, she led Yan Zhi, A Gu, and the others into the Banana Garden Book House.
She spent the day in the bookstore, peaceful and quiet. No one dared to cause her any trouble, and no one dared to stir up any more problems.
Because now everyone knows that this woman is not so easy to bully. Not only is she highly talented, but she is also very intelligent. If you try to bully her, you will likely suffer the consequences. Just look at Jiang Feixue and Ye Xiuying. Both of them barked like dogs. How awful that reputation is! It can never be erased, no matter what.
In the evening, Hailing returned home in a carriage from the General's Mansion.
As soon as she entered the general's mansion, she saw the steward Han Liang pacing back and forth in front of the gate. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw her return, led his men over, first paid his respects, and then respectfully reported the matter.
"Third Miss, General Ji from Beilu has come to visit. The Second Young Master and Fourth Madam are currently with him."
Hai Ling nodded and instructed A Gu and the others to return to Qin Fang Courtyard. She then led Yan Zhi to the main hall of the General's Mansion.
Unexpectedly, Ji Shaocheng came to visit his mother in such a hurry.
Since his mother said she didn't know him, then he has seen him and won't bother them anymore, which is good.
On the way, Hailing remembered Jiang Feiyu's disfigured face and asked with concern, "Is Second Sister alright?"
When Butler Han heard her ask, he looked around and then whispered, “It’s ruined. The doctor said he doesn’t know who poisoned her, and it won’t be fatal, but her face is ruined. I heard that the second young lady tried to kill herself several times, but she was stopped each time, and she has calmed down now.”
"oh."
The group chatted as they walked, and soon arrived at the main hall of the general's mansion.
Two handsome and upright subordinates stood in front of the door; they appeared to be Ji Shaocheng's men.
Upon seeing Hailing, the two greeted her, "Greetings, Crown Princess."
Hailing nodded and led Yanzhi inside.
This was Hai Ling's second time entering the Jiang family's main hall. It was extremely luxurious. The first time was when she received the imperial decree. This time, it was to entertain guests. In fact, she would rather stay in Qin Fang Courtyard and was too lazy to come into contact with the Jiang family.
The head seat was empty. Jiang Wenhao, the second son of the Jiang family, sat in the seat of honor on the left, while Ji Shaocheng, dressed in a magnificent brocade robe, sat in the seat of honor on the right.
Although the room was filled with luxury and wealth, it could not conceal his brilliance. All the splendor seemed to serve to highlight his dazzling radiance. He sat there calmly, yet his outstanding talent was undeniable. A bright and clear light shone in his dark pupils. When he saw Hai Ling walk in, he stood up and clasped his hands in greeting.
"I apologize for disturbing Your Highness, the Crown Princess. I hope Your Highness will forgive me."
Hai Ling pursed her lips. Since they were already here, why bother with all this nonsense? She waved casually, gesturing for him to sit down.
"General Ji, you are too kind. Your presence as a distinguished guest has brought great honor to the General's residence. There is no disturbance whatsoever."
As she spoke, she walked to the seat at the head of the table and sat down, completely ignoring Jiang Wenhao's dark face below her.
In fact, Hai Ling knew why his face was dark. It was because apart from Jiang Batian, the patriarch of the Jiang family, no one else dared to sit in that position. Even the eldest and second young masters, who held considerable military power, did not dare to sit there casually. However, Hai Ling ignored this and sat down, which made Jiang Wenhao resentful, but he could not vent his anger for the time being.
Because Hai Ling is the Crown Princess, not to mention sitting in the seat of honor, even the patriarch of the Jiang family has to treat her with deference. So what right does Jiang Wenhao have to point fingers? Recently, many people in the General's Mansion have suffered in silence because of this woman. Jiang Wenhao is not stupid, so he has kept quiet.
Ji Shaocheng watched as Hai Ling sat down, and then he sat down as well.
Jiang Wenhao, who was stationed in the northwest, harbored a deep dislike for the people of Beilu Kingdom. However, due to the current situation, he patiently stayed with Ji Shaocheng. Upon seeing Hailing appear, he stood up and clasped his hands in greeting: "Since General Ji has something to discuss with my little sister, then I must take my leave."
“Fine,” Ji Shaocheng nodded, completely ignoring Jiang Wenhao. This dismissive attitude truly enraged Jiang Wenhao. After leaving the Jiang family hall, he vigorously chopped down a tree in the courtyard to vent his anger. He only left after he calmed down.
My elder brother left the capital a few days ago to guard the border, while he has not yet left the capital. My father has repeatedly warned him to be patient in everything he does. Right now, the people in the royal family see them as a thorn in their side, so they are worried about not being able to find any fault with them. Therefore, he must be careful in everything he does.
Once the old emperor passes away, the Jiang family will no longer be so repressed. Currently, many of the old officials in the court have followed the emperor for many years and naturally have a relationship with him. However, when the new emperor ascends the throne, given his youth and arrogance, he will likely take action against many old officials, which will be the weakest point for the royal family.
Although the Jiang family never aspired to be emperors, they still dreamed of a life where they could control the emperor and command the other lords, and be second only to the emperor.
Inside the lobby.
Hai Ling ordered the servants to leave, leaving only Rouge and her mother Du Caiyue in the hall, and then looked at Ji Shaocheng.
"This is my mother, Du Caiyue. Do you think she is the person you are looking for?"
Ji Shaocheng's eyes darkened, and disappointment filled his face. However, he quickly regained his composure, clasped his hands in a respectful gesture, and said, "I have waited for you. I hope Your Highness the Crown Princess will forgive me."
"It's nothing, it's nothing. But who are you looking for? Is it related to that set of rare chess pieces?"
Hailin pressed on with her questions out of curiosity, even though she knew curiosity could kill a cat.
Upon hearing her question, Ji Shaocheng slowly stood up. His restrained aura revealed his extraordinary abilities, indicating that this man was not to be underestimated.
It is said that because of the loyalty and goodness of the Ji family father and son for generations, the Northern Dynasty has never been destroyed, but has instead become increasingly prosperous.
"The people I'm looking for are my stepmother and my sister. That Zhenlong chess set belongs to my stepmother. I thought that no one else in the world could break this chess set except her, but I never expected this?"
Ji Shaocheng chuckled softly, spun around, and his embroidered robe drew a graceful arc, fluttering freely.
In the main hall, Hai Ling smiled, her eyes warm: "There are always people more capable than you, and there's always something beyond your understanding."
"Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness."
Ji Shaocheng clasped his hands in a fist salute, his gaze towards Hai Ling deep and complex, then slowly brightened, and he raised an eyebrow slightly: "I've disturbed the Crown Princess, I should take my leave now."
"good."
Hai Ling nodded, stood up from her seat, and ordered towards the door, "Steward Han, immediately escort General Ji out of the mansion."
Han Liang was waiting outside the door. As soon as he heard Hai Ling's instructions, he led his men in and politely saw the general from the Northern Dynasty out. Now he was a distinguished guest of the Great Zhou Dynasty. It was said that the Great Zhou Dynasty intended to form an alliance with the Northern Dynasty. Although they had fought to the death before, they had become friends in the blink of an eye. So, life is unpredictable.
"Until we meet again."
Ji Shaocheng followed Han Liang away. Before leaving, his dark pupils became even more profound, revealing a hint of regret.