After much persuasion, Aunt Li finally managed to get Seventh Sister to leave, and then hurriedly began to wash and dress herself.
These days, she should make sure the Marquis stays in her room more often; she needs to solidify this good marriage for Seventh Sister.
******
Anran had been living in the village in the countryside for more than half a month.
No news of betrothal for the Sixth or Seventh Miss had yet come from the Marquis's residence, but An Ran was not in a hurry. In her spare time, she looked at the account books, compared them with the storeroom register and the feng shui map to figure out how to arrange the Pingyuan Marquis's residence. She was also surrounded by several lively and lovely children, and life couldn't be more pleasant.
Now, not only does Yu Sili come to visit An Mu from time to time, but even Nian Ge'er, who appeared that day, comes to play with An Mu and Yu Sili every few days.
These past few times, he was no longer afraid when he saw An Ran. He would show a shy smile and look up at her, calling her "sister."
Anran's heart had already softened, and she offered him some snacks and dried fruit.
On this day, Anxi was playing with several children in the courtyard when two carriages, one in front and one behind, arrived at the gate.
The first car to arrive was from the Prince Yi's residence, and the maid was quite respectable. As soon as she entered, she didn't even bother to greet Anran; she immediately told her the good news that the Princess Consort was pregnant.
An Ran was stunned at first upon hearing the news, but then she was overjoyed.
However, the person who came from the Nan'an Marquis's residence was from the Grand Madam's side, and the person's expression was very solemn.
"Rumors are already circulating in the capital that the Marquis of Pingyuan's illegitimate son has been brought back." (Just Love Network)
Chapter 92
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The short candles in the palace lanterns in the corner burned quietly, occasionally flashing a few sparks, and the bedroom was completely silent.
The flickering candlelight grew louder, and the servants were all dismissed. Mingwei stopped what she was doing, took the silver scissors, and began to trim the wicks of the lamp herself.
Rong Zhen's gaze followed Ming Wei's movements. The warm orange light shone on Ming Wei's profile, making her already fair face appear even more radiant. Her movements were elegant and graceful, like a pleasing painting, instantly captivating to the eye.
Noticing Rong Zhen's gaze, Mingwei did not lower her head shyly, but instead smiled slightly, revealing a charming demeanor.
"Thump, thump," Rong Zhen seemed to hear his own heartbeat in that instant.
Rong Zhen savored that smile, pondered for a long time, and then slowly spoke. "Something has happened outside." He carefully chose his words to explain, "Prince Cheng's doubts about me have not been completely dispelled."
Something really happened!
Mingwei's heart tightened; she had a bad feeling. But her expression remained calm and composed. She put down the silver scissors in her hand and gracefully sat down in the rosewood armchair next to Rong Zhen. She turned her head slightly, looking at Rong Zhen with gentle eyes, appearing to be listening attentively.
“My private businesses, the one in the west of the city, have run into some problems.” Rong Zhen’s tone was indifferent, but Ming Wei could easily discern the subtle annoyance in it.
Even if Rong Zhen is mature for his age, he is only sixteen years old and is still a child.
Mingwei's heart softened immediately, and she asked softly, "Is it that silk shop? The one that's famous for its Shu brocade, it's one of the best in the capital."
Before she could finish speaking, Rong Zhen's expression revealed a hint of surprise and delight. Ming Wei remembered so clearly—did this mean she truly cared about him? Did he hold a place in her heart as well?
Upon realizing this, Rong Zhen's previous displeasure vanished instantly. He said cheerfully, "Exactly."
Mingwei had no idea about Rong Zhen's complicated thoughts. However, she was somewhat relieved to hear that although his voice was not loud, it had returned to its usual clear and bright tone.
“The reason why the Shu brocade from the silk shop is somewhat famous is because they have someone in Shu Prefecture who is in charge of purchasing it. They select the best regardless of cost, yet the price is not high.” Rong Zhen’s eyes flickered slightly as he spoke softly. “In Shu Prefecture… they also do some other businesses on the side.”
These two seemingly disjointed sentences immediately put Mingwei on alert.
Buying Shu brocade at a high price but selling it at a low price might be understandable for a newly opened silk shop trying to build its reputation. However, in the long run, it would be a losing proposition. As far as Mingwei knew, the silk shop in the west of the city had been open for over three years and couldn't possibly still be operating at a loss.
Rong Zhen just mentioned that there are other deals...
Mingwei racked her brains trying to recall the local products of Shuzhou, trying to figure out which ones were valuable and worth doing business with. Suddenly, an idea flashed into her mind.
"Your Highness, is the salt they're dealing in smuggled salt?" Mingwei stared intently at Rong Zhen, her eyes wide.
Rong Zhen was stunned.
He knew Mingwei was intelligent, but he didn't expect her to grasp the key points so quickly and keenly.
“That’s right.” Rong Zhen didn’t know whether to be happy or worried. His eyes were filled with complex emotions. He said softly, “This is the main source of profit for the silk shop.”
That makes sense, Mingwei nodded to herself. Since ancient times, the profits from smuggled salt have been enormous, and salt is a necessity for everyone from farmers to wealthy families. Getting involved in this trade is a sure-fire way to make money. However, the risks are also extremely high; being discovered is no laughing matter.
Wait a minute—Mingwei's heart skipped a beat, and she had a bad feeling.
Rong Zhen just mentioned some business problems. Could it be that Prince Cheng and the others found out about his smuggling of salt? Rong Zhen's position as heir has long been coveted by the three princes. It wouldn't have been a problem if Rong Zhen had some private businesses, but illegal transactions, once discovered by Prince Cheng and the others, would be dealt with severely!
The most terrifying thing is that if it's not handled properly, their investigation could lead to the exposure of all of Rong Zhen's private businesses!
"Your Highness, has Prince Cheng discovered something?" Mingwei asked anxiously.
Rong Zhen gave a wry smile. "Originally, Prince Cheng discovered that my people were in charge of the silk shop, and a few days ago a lawsuit broke out. I'm afraid that Prince Cheng will use this as an excuse to make trouble in front of my grandfather. If my grandfather gets involved, I'm afraid the smuggling of salt will be exposed."
Mingwei felt her heart sinking inch by inch.
Rong Zhen's concerns were not unfounded. He had always been patient and discreet, and Prince Cheng and the others were just looking for an excuse to trip him up. How could Prince Cheng let go of this opportunity that had been presented to him?
However, Mingwei believed she had some understanding of Rong Duo's character. Ruthless and inherently suspicious, Mingwei sadly realized at this moment that her final perception of Rong Duo had to be completely overturned by her initial impression of him as perfect. But this was not the time to reminisce about the past!
She kept reminding herself that the most urgent matter was Rong Zhen's matter.
Thirty-six years ago, Rong Duo's deep cunning had already alarmed Mingwei. Having served as emperor for thirty-six years, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to describe Rong Duo as unfathomable. No matter how intelligent or precocious Rong Zhen may be, he has absolutely no chance against Rong Duo.