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

Zong Xian changed into a dark blue casual dress with subtle patterns, strode in, and then stopped in front of Ming Yi.

His gaze seemed to sweep over her feet only briefly.

Mingyi was stunned by the aura of the newcomer, her whole body stiffened, her mind went blank, and she was slow to react for a long time before she suddenly stood up.

"S-Sir..."

Although they hadn't had a chance to meet during the six months they lived at the Zong residence, Mingyi had seen him six years ago.

However, by then he was already a high-ranking military governor, and he rode away amidst the welcoming crowds of the city's inhabitants.

She was just an orphan girl, adrift and helpless in the chaos of war, squeezed at the back of a crowded throng.

Insignificant and humble, not even a speck of dust on the sole of his boot.

Later, I heard many more stories about him and realized that he was a very remarkable person, which matched the description of him in the book.

In short, Mingyi held Zongxian in high regard, after all, without him, she might have already died under the rebels' blades.

So when we met, I felt a little awkward and didn't dare to look him in the eye.

Laurel behind him was completely stunned.

When Zong Xian heard Mingyi address him as "Sir," he assumed she was the young lady from the Shen family.

Seeing that she had her eyes lowered, Zong Xian raised his hand, pinched her small chin, lifted her face, and looked at her with a hint of scrutiny.

The man's fingertips were rough and slightly cool. Mingyi was taken aback by his reckless and frivolous behavior, and her expression froze.

By the time she reacted, Zong Xian had already released her hand and instead pressed on her shoulder, gesturing for her to sit down.

Mingyi could only sit back down following his pull, and asked in confusion, "What's wrong, sir?"

Zong Xian spoke his first words: "How old are you?" in a tone as if he were interrogating a criminal.

Mingyi instinctively answered honestly, "I'm seventeen this year."

Zong Xian understood. At his age, it was no wonder he behaved so frivolously and unrestrainedly; it was probably because he was spoiled too much at home.

It's no wonder the Shen family has gone downhill since they started raising their children this way.

With just one glance, Zong Xian judged that the woman before him was not suitable to be the mistress of the house.

But being a concubine would be just fine.

Zong Xian then asked his second question: "Is it delicious?"

Mingyi was stunned for a moment before realizing that he was asking about the pastries on the table.

"Of course it's delicious." After all, she had already eaten half a plate, so how could she say it wasn't delicious?

Zong Xian didn't ask any further questions, seemingly uninterested in learning more about her.

He still had to go to the palace, and coming here to take a look was already giving face to Madam Liu and the old lady, so he said no more and took his leave.

Mingyi watched the hem of the garment disappear outside the door, feeling somewhat puzzled, but she didn't dwell on it much.

-

lobby.

Madam Shen and Madam Zong were chatting and laughing, exchanging polite greetings.

At this moment, a maid from the Shen family entered with her head down, walked behind Madam Shen, and whispered a few words to the head maid.

The head maid's expression changed, and she bent down to whisper a few words to Madam Shen.

Madam Shen's smile froze instantly, and she almost fainted!

Shen Mingzhu actually ran away!

That's so rude!

Madam Shen knew she had to bring the girl back before Old Madam Zong found out, so she quickly gave her eldest son a wink.

When Young Master Shen saw that Madam Shen's expression was not good, he immediately realized that something was wrong. Without a doubt, it must be related to his ignorant younger sister!

So he found an excuse to leave the table, and only after he got outside did he learn from the servants that Shen Mingzhu had run away.

Young Master Shen was furious, his face turning ashen. "This is utter nonsense! Quickly send two swift servants to chase after her and tell her that if she doesn't come back, she can forget about acknowledging me as her elder brother!"

Before the banquet began, Shen Mingzhu finally returned, her eyes slightly red and swollen, looking aggrieved and unwilling.

Madam Shen was furious with her, her expression clearly showing it. What were the people of the Zong family going to think?

Madam Zong didn't say anything; she already knew what Shen Mingzhu had done.

After all, it was right under her nose, how could it possibly be hidden from her? It's just that Old Madam Zong is a person of dignity, and she doesn't want to make a fuss because she thinks that young girl is ignorant.

Her second son is so outstanding that he even married a princess. Her Shen family has long since declined, so what is she? How dare she be picky about her second son?

Let's not talk about this marriage anymore!

Madam Zong was angry and couldn't laugh. Before the banquet started, she made an excuse that she was feeling unwell and had her servants help her back to rest.

Liu stayed behind to entertain the guests.

When Madam Shen saw the old lady's sudden change in attitude, she understood everything and felt extremely resentful towards Shen Mingzhu.

Now things are really messed up. Not only can we not be in-laws, but we've also offended Old Madam Zong. It's truly a terrible situation!

Madam Shen was too ashamed to stay any longer. She didn't even eat. After apologizing profusely, she took her children and slunk away from the Zong residence.

Who knew?

Upon reaching the gate, a man who appeared to be in charge suddenly told them to stop.

The person who came was a servant of Zong Xian, and the people in the mansion called him "Manager Chang".

Manager Chang had a smile on his face as he carried two bulging brown paper bags in his hands, from which a faint aroma of pastries wafted.

Young Master Shen asked in confusion, "What is this?"

Chang Yu smiled and said, "Second Master saw that Miss Shen liked the pastries in the manor, so he specially instructed the kitchen to make more. They are all fresh out of the oven and still warm."

Shen Mingzhu had already crawled into the carriage, sulking.

Madam Shen and her eldest son exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes.

I never expected that Mingzhu, who was so rude, could still win that person's favor. There is still hope!

...

Madam Zong had originally given up on considering the Shen family, but then she heard from a servant that Zong Xian had specially ordered someone to send pastries to Miss Shen.

Then her resolve wavered again.

No one knows a son better than his mother. She knew Zong Xian too well. This man usually only had official duties and politics in his eyes and was not interested in women at all. This behavior was very abnormal.

Well, it's rare to find someone who suits Erlang's tastes. Even if she has some dissatisfaction with that girl, she can tolerate it. At worst, she can teach her herself.

Zong Xian returned from the palace in the evening. Madam Zong called him over and wanted to get his opinion.

She tentatively asked, "Did you see Shen Mingzhu during the day?"

Zong Xian sat down beside the pearwood tree, knowing what the old lady wanted to ask, and replied, "I have met her, and I think she is quite good."

The phrase "not bad" is already a very high compliment for him.

Upon hearing this, Old Madam Zong's expression became somewhat subtle.

Although she had accepted Shen Mingzhu as her daughter-in-law, the old lady genuinely believed that Shen Mingzhu was unworthy to be Zong Xian's legal wife because the other woman had left a very bad impression on her during the day.

As for the Shen family, the Marquis's mansion had long since declined, but it was still maintaining its appearance by relying on its old title. In the past, the old lady of the clan would have looked down on the Shen family at all.

Seeing that the old lady didn't seem very satisfied, Zong Xian asked, "Does Mother not like her?"

"It's not that I don't like her..." Old Madam Zong came back to her senses and said tactfully, "It's just that she doesn't seem very composed, lacking the poise and demeanor that a matriarch of a prominent family should have, and she seems a bit petty."

Zong Xian understood and said calmly, "Mother is absolutely right. I never intended to marry her as my principal wife."

Madam Zong was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, but then she understood what the other party meant and looked surprised.

"Do you intend to take her as a concubine? How could that be! She is the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Zhongyong's family; the Shen family would never agree to that!"

Although Madam Zong said that the Shen family would not agree, rather than that she felt it was inappropriate, her words already implied that she agreed to it.

"Mother, just talk to the Shen family. If they refuse, then let it go."

After Zong Xian finished speaking, he left, and Madam Zong fell into deep thought.