Chaos of Ming 1628

Wang Zaijin just said a lot, but Sun Chengzong wasn't afraid at all.

As long as the person is present, no matter how many charges the other party lists, you will have a way to deal with them one by one.

But when Sun Qing was mentioned, Sun Chengzong's expression changed.

He had heard of this man, but had never met him in person and knew little about him.

Now, the snow disaster in Beizhili is severe, and officials of all ranks in various prefectures and counties are considered parasites by the people. Only one person can be admired.

That was Sun Qing of the Sun family of Gaoyang!

The Sun family originally gained fame because of Sun Chengzong, but one day, the Sun family will also become famous throughout the world because of someone else.

If it were merely a matter of fame, Sun Chengzong wouldn't be so stubborn. The key issue is how Sun Qing achieved his success, which is utterly appalling.

The fact that Sun's descendants are entangled with the eunuch faction has left him with no face.

"Lord Wang!" Sun Chengzong stepped forward, his voice suddenly rising as he glared at Wang Zaijin: "Why would you slander the Sun family like this?"

"Grand Secretary Sun, everything I said is true. How can it be considered slander?" Wang Zaijin retorted, "Could it be that Sun Qing is not a member of the Sun family?"

"If it is not true that Grand Secretary Sun has been misled, then I have wronged him."

Wang Zaijin spoke with great force, never doubting Sun Qing's identity.

Sun Chengzong had his own unspeakable suffering, but he couldn't reveal Sun Qing's background.

What's more, the person who is now pressing him relentlessly is Wang Zaijin.

It should be noted that he and Wang Zaijin had a long-standing feud.

During the Tianqi era, Wang Zaijin advocated for a siege of Shanhaiguan, never considering building any defenses. Sun Chengzong, a civil official, upon arriving in the area, directly petitioned the Tianqi Emperor, rejecting the plan, overturning Wang Zaijin's assimilation into the Han Chinese system, and even causing Wang Zaijin to be dismissed from his post.

At the time, Sun Chengzong viewed Wang Zaijin as an incompetent person and did not feel sorry for him.

At that time, Wang Zaijin lost his official position and harbored resentment. He smeared Sun Chengzong for many years and constantly spread unfavorable remarks about Sun Chengzong.

All of this had already planted seeds of future conflict in Zhu Youjian's mind.

Furthermore, Sun Chengzong's initiative to have Sun Qing escort him to the capital is even more perplexing.

Zhu Youjian was already displeased with the close relationship between Sun Qing and Wei Zhongxian, and with the border in turmoil, he hoped that someone could stabilize the border.

Sun Chengzong is indeed a good person, but Wang Zaijin's words are even more puzzling and suspicious.

Zhu Youjian hesitated.

"Your Majesty," Sun Chengzong bowed again, speaking earnestly, "Sun Qing's actions were entirely his own will and had nothing to do with the Sun family."

"Your Majesty, please do not group us together!"

Sun Chengzong's actions were an attempt to sever ties with Sun Qing.

After all, it was Song Xian who relayed the information about Sun Qing all along, and Sun Chengzong knew nothing about Sun Qing's true situation.

Wang Zaijin frowned.

If you really want to sever ties, then the reasons you just gave are completely invalid.

How could Wang Zaijin give Sun Chengzong this opportunity? Looking at Zhu Youjian, and even at Zhu Youjian's character, he couldn't help but sneer repeatedly.

He didn't refute Sun Chengzong's words, but only sneered: "Grand Secretary Sun is really funny. You came to the capital and tried your best to distance yourself from Sun Qing."

"It's really intriguing. Although Sun Qing colluded with the eunuch faction, he was still quite an extraordinary person."

"Grand Secretary Sun, what exactly are your intentions?"

Zhu Youjian was already suspicious, and his expression changed instantly upon hearing this.

The way he looked at Sun Chengzong also underwent a subtle change.

After a moment of contemplation, his eyes swirling with emotion, he finally sighed, "Grand Secretary Sun must be exhausted from his long and arduous journey."

"I truly cannot bear it, Your Majesty!"

Wang Chengen immediately stepped forward.

Zhu Youjian coldly ordered, "What are you standing there for? Quickly take the Grand Secretary to the warm pavilion to rest."

The matter was not yet decided, yet they were asked to leave. But Wang Zaijin showed no intention of leaving, and Sun Chengzong knew perfectly well what his intentions were.

If Wang Zaijin is allowed to do it again, things will likely become even more complicated.

"Your Majesty!" Sun Chengzong was about to kowtow and express his wishes.

Zhu Youjian offered a helping hand, his voice carrying a hint of firmness: "Your Excellency, there's no need for such formality. Seeing your weathered face truly pains me!"

One sentence shut Sun Chengen up completely; even if he had a thousand words to say, he couldn't explain them at this moment.

He could only bow his back and say, "This old minister takes his leave!"

Outside the Wei residence.

Yang Qingqing personally escorted Sun Qing all the way to the gate of the mansion.

During this time, the two remained silent.

The carriage was waiting outside the door. Yang Qingqing finally spoke, her voice tinged with embarrassment: "What do you think of what Grandfather said just now?"

"Miss Yang," Sun Qing's voice became much more serious, "this question shouldn't be directed at me, but at you, young lady."

Becoming Wei Zhongxian's grandson-in-law meant receiving all of Wei Zhongxian's assets as dowry, which meant Sun Qing gained both wealth and a wife.

As for Wei Zhongxian, he had no other options. The path Sun Qing mentioned was his best choice at the moment.

Entrusting one's life and fortune directly to Sun Qing clearly indicates a lack of trust. However, the situation is different if it involves one's closest relatives.

At least in Wei Zhongxian's eyes, Yang Qingqing was a child he had raised since childhood, and he was absolutely confident that he could control her.

Furthermore, this is merely a dowry, and the final right to use it rests entirely with Yang Qingqing. Even if Sun Qing has ulterior motives, she should think twice.

This was an excellent solution for both Sun Qing and Wei Zhongxian.

The key point is that, under the guise of a wedding, it is reasonable to empty the entire Wei mansion with a ten-mile-long red bridal procession.

Who can cause trouble?!

Tragically, Yang Qingqing was the only victim in the entire plan.

Nobody cared about her feelings.

Yang Qingqing was slightly taken aback.

Clearly, he hadn't expected Sun Qing to ask him such a question.

Honestly, I do have some feelings for the man in front of me.

At least compared to Sun Qing, those around her are simply no match. But if she were to marry him, anyone with eyes could see that it was merely a calculated transaction.

Are you really willing to accept this?

"I...I..." Yang Qingqing hesitated.

She was never one to be so conflicted; she knew what she wanted from a young age.

Only with Sun Qing could my mind be completely disrupted.

"Miss Yang," Sun Qing's voice softened, "you also have the right to choose, and you don't have to sacrifice yourself for everything."

"You're a girl, why put yourself in such shackles?"

"Isn't it better to live a simpler, more relaxed life?"

Yang Qingqing was suddenly touched. Among her mothers, only Sun Qing told her to pay attention to her inner feelings.

The snow outside was heavy, but Yang Qingqing's heart was warm.

She looked up at the handsome man before her, momentarily lost in thought.

When she lowered her eyelids again, her shrewd gaze had returned, and she smiled, "Young master, it is my greatest fortune to have such a wonderful husband as you!"

This was the answer he and Wei Zhongxian wanted to hear.

Hearing Yang Qingqing say it, Sun Qing suddenly felt a pang of heartache.

If it were Qingqing, would someone as proud as her compromise and sacrifice herself for others?

In my mind, I see Qingqing's back as she left the country, without any lingering feelings, decisive and swift.

"Miss Yang," Sun Qing's voice was a little heavy, but he still sighed, "If you are willing, I will definitely treat you well."

"Whom should we treat well?"

A voice suddenly rang in my ears.

Sun Qing shrank back in fright.

Shen Junru appeared behind him without him noticing, and her head popped out, startling Sun Qing.

Yang Qingqing, on the other hand, was much more composed.

He straightened his chest, swayed his slender waist, and walked up to her.

Yang Qingqing was already half a head taller than Shen Junru, and her current posture gave her an even more condescending air towards Shen Junru.

Her smile was captivating, but her words carried the smugness of a victor: "Miss Shen, I have good news for you."

Shen Junru tilted her head, pouted, and showed her dislike.

Yang Qingqing didn't care at all and said happily, "Young Master Sun and I are engaged."

"You absolutely must have a drink at our wedding!"