Taking her into his tent, he incurred the wrath of a powerful and mad minister, from which he could

Zong Xian was ordered to go to Jiangnan half a year ago to thoroughly investigate the salt tax case.

This case involves a wide range of issues, and is even more related to the national treasury and the lifeline of the court. The fact that His Majesty entrusted this important task to Zong Xian alone shows the depth of His Majesty's favor and reliance on him.

His return this time is to report to the Emperor, and if nothing unexpected happens, Zong Xian's position in the court will be further elevated.

Zong Xian remained calm and composed, unperturbed by praise or criticism: "Everything is fine."

Looking at her son, whose demeanor was becoming increasingly distinguished, Madam Zong's eyes were filled with pride, and she nodded repeatedly: "That's good, that's good."

At the opportune moment, Madam Liu spoke up, "Mother, Second Master must be tired from his journey. Let him go downstairs to change and rest first. We can talk about anything after lunch."

Madam Zong then came to her senses and said with a smile, "It was I who was confused. I haven't seen Erlang for so long, and I couldn't help but ask him questions. I forgot that you've had a long and tiring journey. Go back and rest."

Zong Xian nodded slightly, turned and walked towards the east courtyard, his attendants following closely behind.

After he left, Old Madam Zong composed herself and then looked at Madam Liu, asking, "How did it go when I asked you to deliver the invitation to the Shen family a few days ago?"

The Shen family of the capital is the Marquis of Zhongyong, a title bestowed by the late emperor. When the old marquis was alive, he was very prestigious, but each generation after that was less so.

Although the Marquis's family has declined, it is still a legitimate noble family, and there is a Consort Shen in the palace who is currently favored by the emperor. The family's status and background are there, and it is a good match for the Imperial Clan.

Lady Liu replied softly, "The Lady of the Marquis is very keen to marry her daughter to the Second Master. I have also carefully examined the girl. She has a dignified appearance and a charming and gentle nature, which may complement the Second Master's personality."

The Zong family is dwindling in number. The old patriarch of the Zong family passed away a few years ago, and the old patriarch of the Zong family had two sons and a daughter.

The eldest son, named Zongheng, was Liu's husband. He was a brave and skilled general who was ordered by the court three years ago to go to the border to guard the frontier and has not returned since.

The youngest daughter, Zongying, also got married half a year ago.

Erlang, now in his thirties, is still all alone, without a wife or wife.

Over the years, the old lady had urged him countless times, but he always avoided her with the excuse of being busy with official duties. He was also extremely picky, looking down on all the noble ladies in the capital, even rejecting the princess.

The old lady often sighed in private, not understanding why he wanted a fairy from heaven.

As her son grew older, the old lady could no longer make decisions for him, and now she no longer insisted that he marry a wife. She only hoped that he would have someone caring for him, someone to relieve his worries and provide some entertainment during his busy schedule.

To prevent her from being bewitched by a vixen or a male prostitute while socializing and traveling in the future, which would be absolutely intolerable and unacceptable to the old lady.

Madam Liu said, "The Shen siblings will arrive shortly. Mother will see them in person and then make her own judgment."

Having suffered so many setbacks, Old Madam Zong held little hope this time, and could only sigh helplessly:

"Even if I think it's perfect and I'm satisfied, what can I do? In the end, it all comes down to his own wishes. If he doesn't agree, no one can force him..."

She paused slightly, then suddenly had an idea, turned her head and whispered to Madam Liu:

"Here's what you'll do: once they're inside the manor, quietly arrange for them to meet in a secluded garden. Without elders around to restrain them, perhaps they might just find a spark."

Liu readily agreed and immediately began making arrangements.

-

Mingyi had been busy in the kitchen all morning, sweating profusely. After finishing his work, he took Yuegui and slipped away to another place.

She deliberately avoided the bustling main hall and went instead to a quiet little garden with a lotus pond.

The water ripples gently, and a breeze carries the cool, refreshing scent of lotus blossoms.

When Mingyi saw the clear, bright pool water, he longed to plunge in and enjoy himself, but he could only dream about it.

Servants usually roam around this area, but today there wasn't a single one in sight. Mingyi didn't think much of it and simply sent the servants to the front hall to attend to them.

Looking at the pool of clear water, Mingyi felt an even stronger urge to get out.

After looking around to make sure no one was around, he turned to Yuegui and said something, then carefully went around to the back of the rockery and squatted down by the pond.

She took off her shoes and socks, and then slowly dipped her slender feet into the pool water.

A cool sensation traveled from her toes to her entire body, making her sigh with relief. It had been a long time since she had felt so relaxed.

The maid did not stop her, which shows that this was not the first time Mingyi had done this.

But this wasn't the Xie residence, and as she stood guard to the side, her expression inevitably tense.

After all, if the servants or stewards of the manor were to witness such unconventional behavior from the young lady, she would certainly be labeled as frivolous and dissolute.

Mingyi was having a great time playing with the fish when suddenly he vaguely sensed a prying gaze.

The hair on the back of my neck inexplicably stood up!

Mingyi immediately looked up and glanced around warily, but apart from Yuegui beside her, she did not see anyone else.

Yuegui didn't warn her, and Mingyi just assumed that she was being paranoid, but she didn't dare to be presumptuous anymore. She got up and neatly put on her shoes and socks.

Afterwards, the master and servant walked around the artificial hill and were about to leave when Yuegui suddenly became nervous.

"Girl, it seems someone's coming!"

Mingyi caught a glimpse of several figures out of the corner of his eye and guessed that they must be guests who had come to the mansion.

She didn't want to see any outsiders at all, but if she went out from here, they would definitely see her.

At this moment, Mingyi noticed a hidden waterside pavilion not far behind them, so he secretly pulled Yuegui and slipped inside.

If she could still run into those people even after that, she would accept it.

Over here, the old nanny grabbed her young mistress's arm and pleaded, "Miss, you can't leave! If you leave like this, I won't be able to explain to the madam and the eldest young master."

"What's there to explain? If I had known why my brother brought me here, I would never have come! I think you're all trying to harm me!"

"How can this be considered harming you?"

The old nanny said urgently, "Madam and the eldest son have good intentions, hoping you will marry a good man. That Lord Zong is top-notch in every aspect, and he is currently favored by the Emperor. He may very well become the Prime Minister, second only to the Emperor. Marrying him is a blessing that countless women would rather die than have!"

"Grandma, I'm begging you, please at least see her once!"

Shen Mingzhu wouldn't listen at all: "I've already said I don't like him, yet you still forced me to come. Has anyone considered my feelings?"

"Besides, Xu is my stepmother. How could she possibly be genuinely looking out for me? You and my brother have all been deceived by her! Get out of here!"

After saying that, he suddenly flung the old woman's hand away and turned to throw her off.

Seeing this, the nanny quickly shouted to the maid, "What are you standing there for? Go and bring the young lady back!"

Being far away, Mingyi couldn't hear the commotion on the other side, but she saw a group of people who seemed to be coming this way, but then hurriedly left.

I couldn't see who it was.

Mingyi completely relaxed.

Turning around, I saw fresh fruits and pastries on the table. I hadn't eaten all morning and was quite hungry, so I sat down to eat and shared a piece with Yuegui.

The master and servant were enjoying a moment of leisure.

The wind suddenly stopped.

Suddenly, a series of footsteps sounded outside, and a shadow was cast on the window, getting closer and closer!

Before Mingyi could react, the man had already stood with his hands behind his back at the door, his tall figure blocking out some of the light.