ebookland Chapter 337: Mo Yu Yun Tian (41)
Chapter 337: Mo Yu Yun Tian (41)
Chapter 337: Ink Rain and Clouds (41)
The emperor nearly choked on his saliva when he heard this. This girl, how dare she say that! The Yaohuang peony was his favorite variety, so precious that he wouldn't even let anyone touch it. And that Western chef, whom he had finally found from the Western Regions to make roast lamb legs just for him, was actually coveted by this girl!
"Why, my royal brother, you're reluctant to let me go?" Su Luo pouted deliberately, revealing a look of grievance. "I've devoted myself to Dayan and my royal brother, risking my life. Can't I even have a few pots of flowers and a cook?"
"You little girl!" The emperor was at a loss for words, pointing at Su Luo, unable to find the words to blame. He knew Su Luo was teasing him on purpose, but he couldn't do anything about it. After all, this girl was his most beloved sister.
"Forget it," the emperor waved his hands, his expression giving the impression of "I admit defeat." "I'll give you the Yao Huang and the cook too! I really owe you something in my past life!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!" Su Luo immediately beamed and bowed deeply, "Your Majesty, you are the best to me!"
The ministers around couldn't help but laugh softly when they saw this scene. This eldest princess is really favored! However, they all knew that the eldest princess was indeed qualified to be favored. They all knew how much the eldest princess had done secretly for Dayan over the years.
Xiao Minghan and his wife also laughed, and they were even more grateful to Su Luo. They knew that Princess Zhaoyang was using her own way to gain more glory and protection for them.
For a moment, the atmosphere in the hall was harmonious, and the emperor and his ministers were happy together.
As Xiao Minghan and his wife's carriage stopped in front of the Duke of Su's mansion, a deafening roar of firecrackers erupted, nearly scaring the horses pulling the carriage back. A crowd of servants, all kneeling at the gate, looked as joyful as if it were New Year's Eve.
"Welcome back to the mansion, Duke and Madam!" The butler, Uncle Fu, shouted at the top of his voice. His voice was loud and full of energy, and he was obviously very excited.
Xiao Minghan got off the carriage, held out his hand to support his wife, and they walked side by side into the mansion. The mansion was decorated with colorful lights and red silks fluttering in the wind. Servants bowed and saluted as they passed, their mouths full of auspicious words.
"Oh, this scene is even more lively than my triumphant return back then!" Xiao Minghan couldn't help but teasing his wife in a low voice.
Madam Huguo covered her mouth and chuckled softly: "My husband was the Duke of Suguo back then, and now he is the Duke of Zhenguo, so he is naturally better."
The two of them walked all the way to the main hall, only to see the old man of the Xiao family sitting upright on the armchair, looking energetic and with a rosy face.
"Son/daughter-in-law, greetings to grandfather!" Xiao Minghan and his wife stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"Good! Good! Good!" Old Master Xiao said "good" three times in a row, his voice trembling. "Minghan, you have brought honor to our Xiao family! You have made great contributions to Dayan! Well done!"
"Grandfather, you're too kind. This is what a son should do." Xiao Minghan said humbly.
"Hahaha, you kid, you're still being modest!" Old Master Xiao pointed at Xiao Minghan and scolded him with a smile, "Come here, bring the wine! Today, I want to drink three hundred cups with my proud son!"
"Grandfather, I can't drink much. I'm afraid I'll pass out after three hundred cups." Xiao Minghan said hurriedly.
"It's better if you're drunk! If you're drunk, let your daughter-in-law take care of you!" Old Master Xiao winked, causing everyone to burst into laughter. Mrs. Huguo also blushed.
Xiao Heng smiled and tried to smooth things over: "Grandfather, Father and Mother must be tired after traveling all the way. Why don't we let them rest for a while and then have a banquet to celebrate later?"
"Right, right, right. Look at me, this old fool. I'm only too happy." Old Master Xiao slapped his forehead, "Minghan, you guys go and have a rest first. We'll have a good family gathering tonight!"
"Yes, father." Xiao Minghan and his wife responded, and then returned to their own courtyard under the guidance of the maid.
The news spread like wildfire throughout Kyoto. For a time, the story of "one family, two dukes, one lady who protected the country" became a hot topic among the common people.
"This Xiao family is really a family with a lot of money!"
"Who says it's not? We have a Duke of Su, a Duke of Zhenguo, and a Lady Protector of the Country. It's really enviable!"
"I heard that the Lady Protector of the Nation is also a formidable figure. She fought alongside the Duke in battle, a woman who is as brave as any man!"
The night is low and the stars are shining.
In the Princess's Mansion, the study was brightly lit.
Wenchang bowed before the desk, his expression solemn. "Princess, I have discovered that the Seventh Prince has been in frequent contact with Shen Yurong recently."
Su Luo was practicing calligraphy. Upon hearing this, the tip of his pen paused slightly, leaving a drop of ink on the snow-white rice paper.
She raised her eyes and asked calmly, "Shen Yurong? What's so special about him that makes the Seventh Prince so worried?"
Wenchang shook his head. "Although Shen Yurong possesses some talent, she is far from worthy enough for the Seventh Prince to risk his life in winning her over. I believe there must be something fishy going on here."
"Princess, I will continue to investigate and get to the bottom of their purpose." Wenchang said in a firm tone.
Su Luo put down the pen in his hand and rubbed his eyebrows.
She had no interest in Shen Yurong at first, and didn't want to recruit him as her husband.
As the night deepens, a cool breeze blows.
Xiao Heng suddenly appeared in Su Luo's bedroom with a mysterious smile on his face.
"Sister Wan Ning, I'll take you somewhere." He said in a low voice.
Su Luo looked at him puzzledly: "Where are you going? It's so late, and you still want to go out?"
Xiao Heng blinked and pretended to be mysterious: "You'll know when you go there. I guarantee you'll be surprised."
Having said that, he took Su Luo's hand without saying anything and walked out.
Instead of riding in a carriage, the two men used their lightness skills to silently jump onto the roof of a moving carriage.
Su Luo was confused by Xiao Heng's sudden action. She was about to ask, but was stopped by Xiao Heng with a look.
"Shh, don't talk, be patient and wait." Xiao Heng pointed at the carriage, signaling her to listen.
Su Luo had no choice but to suppress his curiosity and wait quietly.
Xiao Heng took off his cloak and gently draped it over Su Luo to protect her from the cold night wind.
Su Luo felt warm in his heart, feeling Xiao Heng's care and consideration.
Faint voices could be heard from inside the carriage.
Su Luo listened attentively, but his expression gradually became solemn.
Because she recognized one of the voices, it was Shen Yurong!
Although the other voice sounded unfamiliar, Su Luo recognized it as a woman's.
"...Fangfei, believe me, everything I do is for you." There was a hint of eagerness and flattery in Shen Yurong's voice.
"Now you're in Kyoto, your reputation is ruined, and the rumors are endless, which will only make you more and more miserable. Why don't we leave here together, find a place where no one knows us, hide our identities, and start anew, okay?"
When Su Luo heard this, his heart sank.
She felt her mind was in chaos, and countless questions flooded her mind.